FSE

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Early one morning in late Autumn...                 A lone figure stood at the edge of a river. Bent down on his knees, he took in a few sips of water. The cold water was refreshing as he swallowed it down his throat. He cupped his paws into the river and brought the water to his face, washing away all the dirt and grime from the fur on his face. As he scrubbed the grime away from his eyes, he noticed his reflection in the water. He stared into the eyes of a Wolf he had seen so many times.               The Wolf never admitted to himself that he was handsome, but on occasion he did acknowledge that there was rather something appealing about his appearance. He was large and well muscled, standing at exactly 7 feet tall. His fur was well groomed, plush to the touch, and as black as night. But his most striking feature were his eyes. They were a rich, deep amber and anyone who looked straight into them felt an overwhelming sense of awe and intimidation. The only thing he wore on that day was a pair of dark brown trousers held up by a belt and nothing else. The only other thing he did carry was a sack to carry the game he hunted and a spear with which to hunt the game. He had no need for a shirt since a Wolf's fur was more than enough to keep them warm during the frigid winter months.                He had been on a lone hunting trip for several days now because he needed to bring back food for his family and his village. Not that he needed to hunt a lot for his family since there was only one other person living with him who needed his support. The Black Wolf's thoughts were quickly interrupted by the sharp pain that hit his muzzle. He growled in agony and touched with his paws where his muzzle was hit, only to discover a small cut that already had begun to bleed.                "Filthy mongrel!" The Wolf immediately saw who had thrown a stone at him. The voice came from a Human with dirty blond hair, disheveled peasant clothing, and dark brown eyes filled with contempt towards the Wolf.                "Why don't you filthy Beasts stay where you belong!" The Black Wolf also noticed this Human was not alone. He was accompanied by four other Human peasants, all who surrounded the wounded Wolf. They all had stones of various sizes in their hands, ready to stone the Wolf at any moment.                 The Wolf stared down the Human, defiantly speaking,"I have just as much right to drink from this river as any of you!"                 The Human was quite displeased to hear this. "Very well Wolf, we'll teach you your place!" The Humans began to pelt the poor Wolf with an endless onslaught of stones. The Wolf tried in vain to reach for his spear to defend himself. All he could do was cover his face with his arms and hope that he could escape when he got the chance. He may have never gotten that chance, since in every direction there was a stone hurled at him. He could feel his body weaken from the stinging pain that came from every open, bleeding cut and bruise left by his stoning assailants. If this kept on going, he was sure to be killed.                 Out of nowhere, a Stranger leaped forth and covered the Wolf with his body, protecting him from further harm. The Stranger roared savagely and the humans backed away immediately for fear of this unknown Beast. The Wolf opened his eyes to see a Cloaked Figure holding him tightly. The Cloaked Stranger let go of the Wolf from his protective embrace, and stood protectively between him and the Humans, arms stretched wide on both sides. The Hooded Figure spoke,"That's enough! I won't let you hurt him!"                 Both the Wolf and the Humans wondered who the mysterious figure was, where he came from, and why he went out of his way to protect a complete stranger. Deep in the forest, a Cloaked Figure was escaping his pursuers...                   The Cloaked Figure leaped from branch to branch, until he reached a tree tall enough to hide among its branches. He climbed to the very top and rested on the sturdiest branch he could find. His chest rose and fell rapidly, panting and gasping for breath. He heard a twig snap and immediately held his breath, not wanting to give away his prescence.                 Two armed Mercenaries with daggers at the ready stumbled into view on the forest floor beneath. They searched around, looking for their target. Soon they grew frustrated when they couldn't find any sign of their quarry. "We better report back to Gerrick! There's nothing we can do now, not like this," said the lead Mercenary.                  "Damn it!" The other Mercenary stabbed a nearby tree in frustration. Checking their surroundings one more time just to be sure they didn't miss anything, they left soon after. The Cloaked Figure let out a sigh of relief, content to have eluded the Merceneries' pursuit for the time being. He continued to rest for a few more minutes before resuming his trek, when his sensitive ears picked up on growling coming from the edge of the forest where a river ran through. Hesitant at first, he ultimately decided to check it out.                   He leapt through the canopy of the forest until he arrived by the river, standing on a branch to have a better view. Before him lay a scene that tore at his heart. A Beast, a large Black Wolf, was surrounded on all sides by Humans, probably from the nearby Edeznian village not too far away from where they were. The Stranger could clearly make out the Wolf was in trouble. He could see the stones in the Humans' hands and the open cut on the Wolf's muzzle. He could smell the unmistakable scent of blood coming from the cut. Before he could register completely the situation at hand, one of the Humans began to argue with the Wolf.                  "Filthy Mongrel! Why don't you Beasts stay where you belong!" This made the Stranger seethe with anger, but the Wolf was the next one to speak.                  "I have just as much right to drink from this river as any of you!" The Stranger couldn't help but feel admiration for the Wolf's bravery. But there was something else about the Wolf's deep voice, it made him feel something that he couldn't explain at that moment. A strange, awkward new feeling that resonated deep within his heart. He clutched his chest, trying to soothe the ache stirred upon by his rapid heartbeat.                  "Very well Wolf, we'll teach you your place!" The Stranger was soon snaped out of his daze when he heard the Human yell. The Humans began to pelt the Wolf with stones endlessly. He tried to reach for his spear but was unable to. All he could do was hold up his arms in defense as he was stoned alive. Unless the stranger did something for the Black Wolf, it was going to be too late. But what could he do? Why did he have to anything. He owed this Beast nothing, and even if he did help him out, he would likely shun him away in disgust just like everyone else he had come across. Worst of all, he'd run the chance of being caught by the Mercenaries. He heard the sickening blows delivered to the Wolf's body and could smell more blood in the air than there was before. The Cloaked Figure looked back behind himself one more time to make sure he wasn't followed.                   "By the Goddess, I better not regret this," he whispered under his breath before he leaped out into the open to protect the Wolf he had a strange connection to. The Humans and the Cloaked Figure were at a stand off...

                   The Cloaked Figure stood in between the Wolf and his assailants. Determined not to budge and let those Humans hurt the Wolf again. The wind began to blow. The wind was so strong that it blew the cloak off the Hooded Figure's body, finally revealing his identity.                    From where the Wolf knealt, all he could see was the Stranger's backside. However the Humans saw more than this and grimaced in digust towards the Figure's appearance. "Rrr.. it's one of those Half-breeds! Listen here you abomination, either you step aside and keep on walking, or the Wolf isn't the only one who's going to wish they didn't cross paths with us!"                    "You're threats mean nothing to me!" The Half-breed spat in the Human's face, unphased by their threats.                    "You asked for it Half-breed!" The Human wiped away the spit and charged at the half-breed with a large stone in hand. Using the tip of his blade's hilt, he delivered a strong blow to the Human's gut. Followed by a punch to the Human's nose, the sound of it breaking sickening to the ear. The Human fell to the ground incapacitated, all the air blown out of him. When he finallly came to, he was stubborn enough to want to continue fighting, "Why you...", he never got the to finish as he was soon met with the end of the Half-breed's blade. All the other Humans could do was stare in shock at the Half-breed's boldness. The point of the blade was dangerously close to the Human's throat. One wrong move, and he would be lying in a pool of his own blood.                    "Listen carefully Human! I do not seek to take away lives, not even yours. However, I will do what is necessary to protect this Wolf's life and I'll do it without giving it a second thought! Now I want you and your fellow Humans to return to your village and forget that we were ever here." The Half-breed grabbed the Human by the collar of his shirt.                    "And if I find out that you continue to mistreat any Beasts, I will come after you and we can resume our little quarrel. Understood!" The Human nodded in fear. "And that goes for all of you! NOW GO!" The Half-breed kicked the crawling Human away and soon they left like a bunch of chickens. He returned his blade to its scabbard and turned to walk towards the Wolf to see what more he could to help.                     The Wolf saw his saviour clearly in view for the first time. He was definately a Half-breed. He had the basic body shape of a Human but had the characteristics of a Dragon. His height was approximately 6 feet tall and his body was slim but muscular. His hair was as black as the Wolf's fur, very straight and with bangs that fell slightly over his eyes. Unlike a pure-blooded Dragon he had a Human nose and mouth where a muzzle would have been. He had two cream colored horns that curved slighlty on the top of his head. His skin looked a bit scaley and had an orange-tannsih hue. Surprisingly, he had a long reptilian tail that went down just above his ankle. His ears reminded the Wolf of an Elf but they weren't as long as an Elf's. He carried his scabbard on his waist and wore light body armor which gleamed silver in the sunlight. Despite all these majestic features, the Dragon/Human Hybrid was no more than a boy, probably in his late teen years.                      The Hybrid came up to Wolf and crouched down in front of him. The Wolf flinched a bit as the Hybrid reached with his hands towards the Wolf's muzzle. "It's okay, I wont hurt you." The Hybrid spoke to him in a gentle voice, which strangely was calming to the Wolf. He relaxed and allowed the Hybrid to examine him.                      "You have several cuts and bruises over your body, but they should be fine. It's this cut on your muzzle that concerns me." The Hybrid cupped the Wolf's muzzle in one hand while the other one pricked over the long but shallow cut. "Ooo... yeah this one looks bad. But nothing a few medicinal herbs can't fix!" The Hybrid searched through his little pouch and brought out a long prickly stem and a small clean cloth. He squeezed out a clear ooze from the plant onto the cloth and dabbed lightly over the wound.                       The Wolf let out a slight growl of pain for the medicine stung. "Oh I'm sorry! I forgot to mention it might sting a little. Here let me blow on it. Phoo... Phoo...", the Hybrid held the Wolf's head tenderly in his hands as he soflty blew on the Wolf's muzzle until he was sure the stinging stopped.                       The Black Wolf stared at him all through out the treatment. Not just because of the Hybrid's strange and surprisingly cute looks, but because of what this complete stranger has done for him. Not only had he stepped in and saved his life, but he went out of his way to make sure that the Wolf was okay. He even was treating his wound. Never had the Wolf seen such kindness from anyone before.                       "Well... that should.... do it......", he stopped talking when his gaze met the Wolf's. He stared into his eyes, his deep amber eyes. To the Hybrid, they were so beautiful, if not the most perfect feature of the Wolf so far. Those tantalizing orbs had a fiery passion, an allure that refused to be diminished by the hardships of this world. Though the Wolf's eyes have normally intimidated, or even frightened most other beings, the hybrid couldn't help but not be afraid. Instead he refused to break his stare, they were just so mezmerising. He saw someone in them, someone who has been through a lot, who didn't want to be alone, but felt like he had no choice but to be alone.                        The Wolf in turn stared at him. He reached for the Hybrid's bangs with his paw and brushed aside the black hair, to reveal a pair of soft, honey colored eyes. The Black Wolf immediately fell for those gleaming jewels. They were full of love, compassion, anf understanding. But he saw something else in them as well, a deep hurt, a heart wrenching sadness that could have brought tears to the Wolf's eyes. There was also a sparkle in his eyes that, despite everything that he has been through, that he wouldn't give up hope so easily.                        "Ehem!" The Hybrid cleared his throat, clearly embarresed by the present situation, since there was a slight blush on his cheeks. The Wolf was also blushing at how cute the Hybrid looked, but was hard to tell underneath all his black fur. But there were other ways to tell he was quite shy about the awkwardness, such as how quickly he was taking in breath.                        "Well..... I better be on my way." Averting his gaze, the Hybrid packed up his belongings and strapped his cloak back around his neck. "The wound should heal properly, so no worries about it scarring. Just to be safe disinfect it when you get back home. And stay out of trouble okay!"                         Just as the Hybrid was on his way, he was immediately stopped by a soft paw on his arm. "Wait!" The touch of the Wolf's paw on his forearm sent pleasant shivers up his arm, tickling at the base of his skull. He refused to turn and look at the Wolf. "Please...... you can't just leave like this. Not after everything you've done for me. You saved my life...... Could you at least tell me your name?"                         The Hybrid remained silent for a few seconds before responding,"No!"                         "Why not?!"                         "I...... I just CAN'T!" The Hybrid withdrew from the Wolf's grasp and jumped across the river rocks and ran immediately for the forest. The Wolf waded through the water, reaching the other bank. He climbed to his feet and ran after the Hybrid who saved him. He ran through the forest, desperate not to lose him. There was something about this Stranger that attracted the Wolf towards him. An unknown connenction that has already been made that they could not simply ignore. He saw why the Hybrid was able to out run the Wolf at his best speed. Way ahead of him he saw how agile the Hybrid was as he glided through the air from branch to branch, until he was out of sight. The Hybrid continued to leap through the forest canopy...

                          He continued to run away until he was sure he had lost the Wolf. He stopped just above a clearing in the forest, marked by a large boulder on the far end. Why did he have to run away? Was he really that much of a coward? No! He had to flee. No one was safe as long as there was a bounty on his head. Besides, what was telling the Wolf his name going to accomplish. He couldn't afford to get close to anyone anymore, not at the risk of them getting hurt. He would rather just cower alone in the shadows than suffer through more needless pain.                           His ear picked up on the wooshing of an arrow cutting through the air, heading towards him. He easily dodged it but made a grave mistake by landing in the middle of the clearing. He was soon surrounded by the Mercenaries that were after him in the first place. Five Humans in total surrounded him, this was going to be tricky. There were two Archers, one Brawler, and the other two with daggers that had chased him earlier.                           "No where to run your royalness," said one of the Mercenaries.                           "Now come with us you Half-breed! Don't make this anymore difficult than it has to be," said the other one.                           "Hmmm?" The Prince put on an amusing thinking pose, holding his chin with one hand and the other laid across his torso. He then gestured with his hands,"Let's see! Either I give up and hand myself over to you..... or....... I beat you humiliatingly and escape with my freedom? Umm.... I choose the second!" He grinned smugly.                           "You smug bastard!" The two Mercenaries with daggers came charging towards the Prince. One swung his dagger at the Prince's face, while the other prepared to slash the back of his legs. He easily outmaneuvered them both. One of the Mercenaries came back, prepared to stab him again. The Prince caught his arm and punched straight to his face, unconscious. He took the dagger and spun it at the other Mercenary. It twirled straight through the air until it lodged square in his chest, killing him instantly. The Archers launched arrows at the Prince at the same time. He jumped into the air, avoiding the arrows, while they each took out the opposite Archer. As soon as he landed on his feet, he was grabed from behind by the Brawler, and caught in a bone crushing bearhug.                            "Ahhh!" He screamed out in pain. He could feel his bones quivering, his muscles straining from the unrelenting pressure. With his fangs, he bit down as hard as he could on the Brawler's arm. Piercing skin and flesh, as the metallic taste of blood entered the Prince's mouth. The Brawler let out a howl of agony before pulling the Prince off his arm by his hair and tossing him to a nearby tree. The Prince's reflexes were quicker. He rotated his body around, making sure the bottom of his metallic boots came in contact with the bark of the tree. Arching his legs as far back as he could, he lunged head forward at the Brawler, headbutting him in the gut. He landed and spun his body around, landing a powerful kick to the head. It sent the Brawler skidding across the clearing until he smacked against the trunk of the tree, sending it toppling over him. The Prince was a bit exhausted and already began to sweat, but he had no time to relax as he heard an amused chuckle and the clapping of hands behind him.                             Emerging from the foliage came yet another Human. He stood at the Prince's same height, was in his mid-twenties, and had on emerald armor with a snake motif. He had flaming, shoulder-length red hair, and souless black eyes. The Prince looked into his eyes and could register no emotion behind them, as if they were dead. He carried two long twin daggers, with curved blades, and a carved snake's head for the hilts. The surviving Mercenary coughed up blood as he stirred back to life. "Forgive me Gerrick, he was too resourceful!"                             The mysterious Human held his fallen comrade's head. "It's alright.....", he snapped his neck and killed him instantly,"......all is forgiven."                             The Prince immediately unclipped his blade from its scabbard and drew the attention of the dangerous Assassin. "How could you kill your own man?!"                             "It's simple really.... you see.... he failed in his duty to capture you and failed miserably so.... what better punishment than death."                             "WHO ARE YOU?!"                             "Me! Hahaha! My boy.... I'm Gerrick Oriance....," he drew his daggers and got into his battle pose,"The Serpent's Fang! And judging by the blade you carry.... I'm willing to bet you are Joseph Tokugawa, the Last Prince of Aurora."                             "Are you the one they hired to capture me?"                             "Well I was the one leading these.... misfits to capture you but...." He started to inch closer to Joseph,"....seeing as how you dispatched them so easily, I'll have to take matters into my own hands."                             Gerrick rushed at Joseph, bringing down his daggers. Klink Joseph blocked the first strike.                            "You have heart!" Klink Klank "Let's see how long you can maintain it. Raaugh!" They continued with their duel. Each not wanting to give the other the advantage. The echoes of metal clashing against metal reveberated throughout the forest. Joseph fought valiantly, going on the defense, as he blocked every strike and lunge Gerrick attempted. Gerrick finally got the better of him as he brought one dagger above Joseph's head, ready to block it again, while he plunged the other dagger into Joseph's abdomen while he was distracted.                            "Augh!" Gerrick withdrew the dagger from where he stabbed Joseph. Joseph continued to protect himself one-handed while his other arm held over the wound. Joseph's defenses began to falter as he was weakened from the loss of blood flowing from his wound. Gerrick knicked Joseph in his upper left arm that held his wound, and slashed him across his right cheek with the other dagger. Joseph fell to the ground, his sight going hazy, his body slowing down on him. He tried to get back up but couldn't. Gerrick picked up his pathetic opponent by the neck and sent him flying towards the boulder. His back smacking hard against the hard, flat surface.                            "Ugh!" Joseph began to cough hoarsely, a slow trickle of blood escaping his bottom lip. "What did you... do to me?"                            "I poisoned you."                            "How?" Joseph's body was already limp at this moment.                            "Easy. Those cuts you recieved were actually where the venom entered your system."                            "Venom?"                            "That's right. You see, there's a reason my Warrior Title is the 'Serpent's Fang'. I dip my daggers' blades in the venom of the Levinian Cobra. It's a very toxic snake. But its venom takes some time before it finishes off its victim. And.... I take a real joy from watching my prey slowly suffer in the cold embrace of death because it make me feel so.... ALIVE!"                            "Why... are you killing me... if your orders.... were to capture me?"                            "My so many questions! But I may as well indulge you since you're pretty much dead anyway." He began to play around with one of his daggers. "At first I had every intention of capturing you. But after I saw how much skill you posessed, I coudn't just turn you in without having a little fun! Then a thought occured to me. Why should I bother bringing back the last heir to the throne of Aurora alive if you'll just likely cause Edeznia that much more trouble in the future? So I took it upon myself to finish what the Edeznian empire started when they conquered your kingdom and wiped out your people. I will kill the last descendant of the Hero of Aurelia. Sure, the Emperor may be mad at first but...... he'll thank me in the end."                             Joseph tried desperately to get up and fight, but all his strength had left him. He was completely paralyzed at this point. His body's systems were beginning to shut down. "I see you still have some fight left in you. I admire that about you, your spirit refuses to be broken. I think I'll miss that about you. No one has ever given me such a thrill like you have. Oh don't worry, your legacy will live on. The legacy of how you helped the Edeznian Empire to move along on its quest to glory one step further with your death! Shhh....... don't talk.... sleep.... I'll make your death quick and painless.... befitting of such a galliant and most honorable warrior!"                            Just as Gerrick Oriance was about to deliver the finishing blow, the Black Wolf from before leaped over the boulder where Joseph's limp body laid, and pounced on Gerrick, dispatching the assassin. He roared ferociously and made Gerrick drop his daggers, using his paws to press firmly into his pressure points so Gerrick couldn't move. He positioned his knees on the assassin's legs so he wouldn't budge, he had nowhere to run. "What did you do to my friend," he demanded.                             "I poisoned him with my venom soaked daggers, what does it look like I did?"                             "Then give me the antidote!"                             "Why should I? How do you even know I carry one?"                             "Because no matter how skilled you are, you're bound to make a mistake, one of them being an accidental cut from your daggers, so I'll say it one more time. GIVE ME THE ANTIDOTE OR ELSE!!!"                             "Very well then..... it's in the pouch attached to my waist......." He motioned with his head to the small container. "..........right there."                             Just when the Black Wolf took the pouch into his paw, Gerrick pushed the Beast off of him and disappeared into the forest, having already retrieved his daggers. His voice echoed all around the clearing, shouting his final warning with his cold voice, devoid of feeling. "You want the Half-breed Prince, very well, he's yours for now. I doubt he can escape his fate forever!" His echoes diminished to the sound of leaves rustling in the Autumn ground.                              The Black Wolf retrieved the vile of antidote from the pouch and walked over to where his fallen saviour laid. He bent down next to Joseph and picked him up in one arm while trying to administer the vile to his lips.                              "No good, your mouth's shut tight and I'm guessing you're a little worn out from your duel heh..." An idea soon came to mind, but in order to give Joseph the antidote, he would have to drink it himself and deliver it to Joseph's mouth with a.... kiss! This made the Wolf blush, but he knew he had to do it if Joseph had any hope of surviving. "I hope you can forgive me, but this the only way to save you. Besides....... I can't lose you now..... not before I know your name." He drank the vile and held it it. He brought his muzzle to Joseph's mouth and planted a deep kiss, delivering the antidote down his throat.                               The kiss took a little bit longer than necessary because he was lost in the moment, enjoying the feeling of Joseph's soft lips against his own. He remained there, kissing Joseph for a few more moments, until the antidote took effect and the Prince opened his eyes to see a large Black Wolf kissing him. He blushed and pushed the Wolf off.                               "What are you doing?!", he screamed frantically.                               "I was saving your life," stated the Wolf calmly, rubbing the lips of his muzzle with the back of his paw to rid it of saliva.                               "What?"                               "You were poisoned. That assassin was about to kill you when I stepped in and saved you from being executed." Joseph stared at him, mouth gaped open in astonishment.                               "I retrieved the antidote from him and..."                               "But why did you kiss me?"                               "As I was saying, I retrieved the antidote, but the only way to give it to you was by drinking it myself and giving it to you muzzle to mouth, since you know, you were knocked out cold and couldn't open your mouth yourself."                               "But you sure took your time!" Jospeh looked at him with a puzzled expression.                               "Well for that I do apologize. I just.... enjoyed how soft your lips felt." The Wolf bashfully rubbed the back of his head, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his muzzle.                               Joseph's cheeks were now blushing red, he couldn't help but feel a whole collision of emotions stir within him. "Well.... thank you for...... you know... saving my life..."                               "No trouble at all! Besides, I owe my life to you, so I guess we can consider ourselves even."                               "Yeah.... I guess so." Joseph tried to get up, but his own legs were still weak so he was about to collapse, before the large Black Wolf came to him and held him steady.                               "Are you alright?"                               "No, my body is still weak. I can hardly stand at all. Pretty pathetic huh?"                               "Not really. You suffered some wounds and poison when you fought that assassin. And you're still recovering from your battle." He pondered for a bit,"I'm staying in a cave nearby. Would you mind if I took you there to recover for tonight? You can leave in the morning if you want.... I just want to make sure you're alright."                                Joseph mulled it over for a second before giving him his answer,"I see no harm in it. Lead the way Wolfie!"                                "Hahahaha!" The Wolf chuckled merrily as he picked up Joseph in his arms and carried him in the direction of the cave. "I have a name you know!"                                "What is it?"                                "First you tell me yours! I still want to know the name of my hero!"                                "Hehe! My name is Joseph Tokugawa! And yours?"                                "You may call me Z'ev Ethelwulf!"                                "Z'ev huh? I like it...." Joseph yawned from exhaustion,"Sounds nice!"                                "Hmm! Thank you!" Joseph soon fell asleep in Z'ev's strong arms. Z'ev couldn't help but smile at Joseph's peaceful face, regardless of the dry blood that stained it. He nuzzled Joseph's cheek with his muzzle, swearing that he had never seen someone so cute as him in his entire life. He carried him off towards the cave, hoping to spend more time with the young Dragon/Human Hybrid. But something still troubled him. Who exactly was Joseph Tokugawa? Why was he being hunted? And why did his blade look so familiar?