FSE

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Jorin slowly caressed the pig's bloated chest and stomach, while softly kissing his cheek. He moved his hands down toward the pig's crotch and his head followed. Jorin stroked the pig's rather shrunken member, trying hard not to gag. He closed his eyes tightly and wrapped his mouth around the now swelling organ. The pig made a pleasured sigh and lay back on the large bed whilst the slim otter gagged on more and more cock. He tasted the pig's pre cum, not surprised it took as long as it did. It wasn't a terrible taste, but he'd tasted better. Jorin winced and took the cock out from his mouth. He figured now was as good a time as any.

Jorin took the pig's throbbing cock in his left hand and stroked wildly. The pig, in a matter of seconds, came all over the half-naked otter. Jorin yelped as he got some hot cum in his eye.

"Fucking jackass..." he said under his breath.

"What was that, honey?" the pig asked, breathing heavily.

"Turn around." Jorin replied, wiping the cum from his eye. "It's my turn."

The pig laughed and turned around onto his chest, his large rump in the air. He turned his head to face Jorin and said, "I'm ready when you are, babe."

Jorin smiled a fake smile and replied, "Prepare yourself, swine, 'cause I'm gonna roast your rump."

It was lame, he knew, but the pig seemed to like that sort of thing. Jorin, on his knees, shifted toward the pig and grabbed a firm hold of his partner's large love handles. He positioned himself and slowly inserted his just barely hard enough rod into the pig's tailhole, wincing while he did it. It slid in smoother than he expected, and feared the reason. Despite that, Jorin seemed to enjoy himself. He slid his cock in and out, each time digging deeper into the pig's hole.

Jorin was panting and sweating heavily because he was doing most the work. The fat pig simply lay there taking it all in, making it more difficult. Contrary to popular belief, the pig didn't sweat at all. The pig enjoyed this immensely, and after a while, Jorin came, filling the pig's bowels with his warm seed. The pig made a pleased noise, as did Jorin. He continued as long as he could, then he remembered why he was there.

Jorin, while massaging the pig's thick neck with his right hand, carefully reached over to his bag, not far from the pair, and pulled out a small knife. The pig was breathing heavily, sounding very pleased. Again with his right hand, Jorin grabbed a fistful of the pig's hair and pulled his head back as far as it could go.

The pig growled, "What are you doing, lover?" The pig choked and continued, "I didn't think you liked it so rough!"

Jorin gripped his fist tighter and pulled back harder. "I don't."

The pig squealed in pain, then Jorin rested the knife against the right side of the pig's neck and began to slice, slowly and smoothly.

"Shh..." he said softly, as if trying to calm a crying baby. "The pain will be over soon... Shh... Don't worry..."

The pig fell slowly from Jorin's grip, most of the blood spraying away from the otter. Jorin took a big gold chain from around the dead pig's neck and smiled.

"Gotcha," he said to the key at the end of the chain. Jorin, smiling a proud and confident smile, slipped into his dark armour and threw on his cloak. He put up his hood and bent over to pick up his bag and knife belt from the bed. He opened the heavy wooden door and took one last look at the pig. He grinned an evil grin and slammed the door behind him.

"So, did you get it?" the white rabbit asked.

"Of course I got it, Sammy." Jorin replied. "Heh. I walked right into his vaults and snatched it! Got a pretty penny for it, too. The pig didn't see it comin'."

From across the pub, about four tables over, the two heard a large fat bear say to another, "Did you hear what happened earlier tonight? They found Lord Swiedle's body in his chambers with his throat slit wide open. There was blood everywhere! And they have to idea who it was, too. Nobody saw the guy come in or out..."

Sam turned to Jorin and just smiled devilishly.

"I'm not sayin' a word!" Jorin said, his hands in the air. "That pig had it comin', anyway. The fat bastard was always struttin' around like he ruled the world. I just figured I could kill two birds with one stone... so to speak."

"So, how much will that stone bring in, anyway? Couple hundred?"

Jorin stuck out his thumb and pointed up.

Sam raised an eyebrow and laughed.

"The drinks are on me, let's just say that." Jorin finally said.

"Can't argue with that logic."

The two raised their glasses and clinked them together, then downed the rest of their ale. They slammed their empty glasses down on the wooden table and sighed.

"So, what now, Jorin?"

"I don't know. I can finally pay my rent. The landlord's been breathing down my neck for days. Says he'll kick me out if I don't pay by the end of the week. But work is never hard to come by for a thief like me."

"'A thief like me?' Getting a bit cocky, eh?"

"Hey, I'm good at what I do. I know it's not quite as honourable as shoe repair, but it's a profitable profession," Jorin said facetiously.

Sam looked at Jorin, unimpressed. "That wasn't the case a couple months ago, buddy. In fact, if I didn't find you so damn sexy, you'd probably be dead on the streets by now."

"Puh! Don't flatter yourself. I was gettin' by just fine. You simply gave me a little boost, that's all." Jorin crossed his arms.

"I guess that's gratitude for ya," Sam said sarcastically. "Anyway, I've gotta get going. Big order's due tomorrow, and I'm not going to get it done. Take it easy, ok?"

Jorin uncrossed his arms and waved to his friend, "Alright. Catch ya later."

Jorin sighed and sat at the table for a moment. He was thinking about the pig. 'Did I really have to kill the fat bastard? I'm a master thief, I could have gotten the opal some other way... damn it! Why can I get him out of my head? He deserved what he got...'

Jorin shut his eyes tightly and growled. He threw a few coins on the table and left the pub quickly. He stumbled into the alley beside the pub, his left paw on the wall to keep himself from falling over. He vomited all over the dusty ground and his feet. A few furs heard his racket in the dark and wandered over. He threw up again and cried out in pain.

"Fuck off!" he shouted to the strangers and continued down the dark alley, stumbling over small boxes and barrels. He decided he needed some rest. Yes... rest. That would help. It always helps. It was a long night. He was exhausted.

At around noon, Jorin finally woke up. His head was pounding and his stomach felt like it had just been stabbed with a jagged, rusty knife. Even his tail hurt. He shut his eyes tightly and groaned. He heard knocking at his door but ignored it. The knocking persisted.

Jorin cursed and forced himself out of bed. He shakily walked over to the door and opened it up. Sam was standing there, looking bright-eyed and cheerful.

Sam looked down then back up to face Jorin, "You know, I remember a time when people would actually clothe themselves before answering the door. What happened to you? You look like shit. You stay up all night drinking and singing old shanty songs again?"

"No. I'm jus' not feelin' myself."

"Well, anyway..." Sam paused.

Jorin looked into Sam's eyes. "What?"

"Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"Oh, for the love of God, Sammy. Just come in."

"Thank you, kind sir." Sam said mockingly.

Jorin rolled his eyes.

Sam took a seat on a wooden chair beside the table. The table was covered in blueprints, maps and notes, and various lock picks and tools. Sam picked up a throwing knife and fiddled around with it. Jorin slipped on a pair of old, torn pants and sat down with Sam.

"So, what do you want? I thought you had a ton of shoes to do today."

"Nah. Got another week. Let's just say Mr. Grizzly Bear still left one satisfied customer." Sam winked at Jorin.

"Uh huh. Well, that's great. So... ?"

"Huh? Oh, right! Before sending the bear on his marry way, he gave me an interesting piece of information."

Jorin raised an eyebrow.

"Lord Reginald Harper, of the Harper Family, is taking a little vacation this weekend. He and the Lady are heading off to some luxury resort spa thing somewhere outside of the City, and only the guards and the servants are being left behind."

"So, their estate is ripe for a-pickin', eh? Don'cha think every other thief and lowlife in the City are plannin' the same thing?"

"Oh, I would imagine so. But, they aren't masters, are they."

"No, they aren't. But they're twice as mean. They'd tear me apart! Besides, the opal will tide me over for at least a week."

"That's never stopped you before."

Jorin sighed. He gripped his stomach and winced.

"You dyin' on me, Jorin?" Sam asked, concerned.

"I'll be fine... why do you want me to rob the Harper's so much, anyway?"

"Well... I've got my eye on something they have on display. Not quite as valuable as some of their other stuff. I just like it, that's all. It's this it's this strange wood-carved mask, of archaic descent. I can pay you double what it's worth!"

"You don't have to pay me," Jorin said, trying to smile. "Just give me all the love and warmth only a cute little bunny such as yourself can give. "

Sam smiled in return. "You don't have to worry about a thing, Jorin. I'll always be here for you... except right now. I've gotta get going. But, hey, the Harper's are leavin' tonight, so maybe you can get a jump on the competition. See ya later. Oh, and take some of that medicine I brought you last week. It works wonders."

"See ya later, Sammy," Jorin said, lifting a paw, gesturing a wave. He shakily got to his feet and hobbled over to a small table and picked up the medicine. He wasn't sure how to take the stuff, so he did what any normal fur would do; he ate it. The medicine was of the thick and pasty sort. It was dark brown with a tinge of pale-green. Something that looked similar to what Jorin had thrown up the previous night. It smelled like shit, too, and tasted twice as bad.

Despite all that, he did feel slightly better. He put on his regular dark clothes and left to see Sable, a saucy black panther who has known Jorin since they were kids. She was the only reliable fence Jorin still knew. He could trust her.

When he arrived, he heard yelling from behind the door. Suddenly a large, grotesque ape came crashing through the door and onto the street. "Don't let me see your ugly face around here again, ape, or I'll rip off your grapes and shove 'em down your throat!"

The ape stupidly clambered onto his feet and staggered down the street, cursing all the while. Jorin looked up and saw Sable standing in the doorway, holding her shirt together with her paw.

He laughed and said, "You've still got it."

Sable turned to Jorin and laughed, "Oh! Hey there, little buddy! That animal didn't have enough cash, so he proposed an 'alternative' form of payment. What a pig. So, what brings you to this end of town?"

"Well, I'm sure you've heard about the Harper's little vacation?"

"Yeah, of course. You want the inside scoop?" Sable asked.

"Nah. Sammy filled me in. I need new lock picks, though. The ones Dirty Joe sold me are shit. I was trying to get into a vault and the end snapped right off."

"Well, come on in. I'll show you what I've got" Sable gestured for Jorin to enter, and the two went inside. She closed the broken door behind her.

"Yeah," she continued, "you don't need a fence like him, Jor. You need a gal like me."

"Uh huh. So, what do you have?"

"Since when can afford anything other that shit?"

"Since the opal spoiled me rotten. Now, what do you have?"

"Opal? You mean the Swiedle Clan Opal? So it was you who killed the pig. Jesus, Jor. I thought you were better than that..."

"I am!" Jorin shouted. His stomach started to churn. He shut his eyes and braced himself on a dark wooden table with his left paw. "Just show me your damn picks."

Sable raised and eyebrow and turned around. She changed her torn shirt and pulled a light-brown cloth from the shelf. She placed in on the table Jorin was leaning on and unfolded it. It contained many different picks, varying in size and function.

"This is the best I've got, Jor. You want 'em?"

"Yeah."

"They aren't cheap."

Jorin took out a fist-sized, blood-red polished rock from his cloak and slammed it down on the table. It had strange dark red specks inside, and it seemed to almost glow.

Sable stared at the rock. "Is that..."

"The opal. Do we have a deal?"

"Yeah. Whatever you say, Jor..."

Jorin, the pain subsided, took the picks with his right paw and pocketed them in his cloak. "It's been a pleasure doin' business with you, doll."

"Any time, bud."

Jorin opened the broken door and before he shut it again, Sable added, "You might wanna watch out for the other scum-bags that litter the City. Believe it or not, Jor, you're one of the good ones, and they don't like you. Not one bit."

"Thanks for the advice. See you on the flip-side, kitty-cat!" Jorin shut the door and walked down the cold, damp streets of the City. The Harper manor was always well-guarded, tonight even more so. Jorin knew he'd have to stay on his toes if he wanted to get out of this alive. He was a master. Darkness was his ally, and there was never a shortage of that in the City.

Later that night, Jorin appeared almost out of nowhere at the Harper manor. He slunk up to the outer wall, avoiding the archers sight. The archers, black cats that have a reputation for seeing their enemies in the dark, were blissfully unaware.

Jorin climbed a think bush of ivy that scaled the walls. Within seconds, he was over the wall and running quickly and quietly across the front lawn. He darted to the left, avoiding possible detection. Jorin quickly approached the east end of the estate. He had a fairly detailed map with him, as half the top floor was open to public viewing. Of course, the public were only allowed in during daylight hours, and only upon special request. Fortunately, Jorin just happened to know one of those special guests.

About ten metres away from the manor, he took note of the guards and their patrol patterns. Most of the bulldogs guarding the flanks held torches. This presented a problem, nay, a challenge to Jorin. Jorin picked up a large rock, then he noticed a certain glare on the bulldogs heads... helmets.

'So much for knocking the bastards out," he thought, dropping the rock.

Suddenly, the dog on the left flank dropped. He saw a quick dark movement which extinguished the torch and vanished against the walls.

"Shit." Jorin said quietly.

The guard taken out, Jorin made his move to the east side. Keeping low, his left paw holding his hood down over his face, he made it to the wall in seconds. Jorin noticed the kitchen window was open. He could smell something sweet. Pie, perhaps. But who would the servants be baking for at this time of night?

Jorin shook his head and climbed through the window, being careful not to be seen. On his toes, Jorin crept through the large, tiled kitchen. He noticed some gold coins sitting on the flour-covered table. He grabbed it almost instinctively. Suddenly, he heard a noise. A familiar noise. Footsteps. Jorin darted behind the door. It swung open, and a servant rushed in. Before the door started to shut, Jorin had dashed out from behind the door and into the next room, making almost no noise as he did. Jorin crept through the large dining hall. There was a large rectangular wooden table in the centre, with unlit candles and empty goblets. The walls were filled with small paintings and artwork, plus two large portraits of the Lord Harper and his darling wife Lady Elizabeth on either side of the fireplace. The room was dark, save the eerie blue moonlight filtering through the window.

Jorin knew where to go now. As he approached the left door, he heard the kitchen servant cry out for a guard. Someone had stolen his money. Jorin grinned and left the room. Across from him was a staircase. It led, of course, to the second floor, but more specifically, to the main exhibits. Jorin heard footsteps and quiet chattering from down the dimly lit hallway, so he darted quietly up the stairwell.

Now at the top, Jorin looked to his left. To his right was the end of the hall, save a gold, jewel-encrusted vase sitting atop a marble pedestal. Jorin bit his lip at the temptation. He focused on the hallway. Trying to imagine the poorly-sketched map in his head, he remembered the large display of masks were at the west end of the mansion. The complete opposite end.

Jorin heard a noise. A bad noise. He quickly darted through the door across from the stairwell. He shut the door quickly and looked up. Jorin suddenly gasped. The room he entered was very brightly lit. He was in the Lord's bedroom. He noticed quickly he was not alone.

A slim figure lifted itself out from under the sheets. "Is that you, Arek?"

Jorin froze. The figure turned around. He was a young lion.

"Y-you're not Arek... g-guards! There's an intru- "

"Shh-shut up!" Jorin barked, still trying to remain quiet. He rushed over to the bed holding his dagger. "You'd better keep your mouth shut, kid, if you know what's good for you."

The young lion, half covered by his red silk sheets, backed off to the corner of the bed, pushing a few pillows off the side. "What do you want?"

"Listen, kid. I ain't gonna hurt you. Not unless you make me. You just keep you mouth shut."

"Are you here to kidnap me?"

Jorin looked over at the young lion, "Why would I want to kidnap a punk like you?"

"Because you think my parents would fork over a load of cash just to see me again."

Suddenly, a knock at the door. "Is everything alright, Master Alexis?"

The young lion, Alexis, looked over at Jorin. He stared into his dark, hooded eyes. "Yes. Yes, everything is fine. Leave me be!"

Jorin continued glaring at Alexis, confused.

Finally, Alexis said, "Go ahead. Take me away. I'll come with you willingly. See how much I'm worth to them. See if they care." Alexis threw off his sheets, revealing his slim, yet muscular, yellowish-brown body. He was wearing a pair of dark red silk pants. He began to crawl toward Jorin.

Jorin, his dagger now sheathed, backed off. "What the hell are you doing? You aren't goin' anywhere!"

Alexis stopped at the edge of his bed, looking up at Jorin.

Jorin started to pace, "Fuck... amateur mistake, Jorin. Real amateur! Fuck!"

Alexis stood up out of his bed and walked over to Jorin. "If you don't want me, then what do you want?"

"I came here to rob you, punk! Nobody was supposed to be here! I didn't even know Lord Harper had a little brat."

"Nobody does. It's 'our little secret.' Says if anyone finds out about me, he'd be ruined. Don't ask me why. I don't care, either. I'm a prisoner, you know. A prisoner in my own damn home..."

"I feel for ya, kid, but the last thing I need is some kid chasin' me around town."

"Fine. Then I'll just call the guards. Unless, of course, you're in the market for a partner..."

"How about this. You keep your big snout shut and I won't kill you." With that, Jorin turned his back to Alexis and walked toward the west-end exit.

Alexis followed behind. Jorin, in one fast, fluid movement, pulled out a knife from his belt and threw it at Alexis. The knife whizzed past Alexis' face, making a small gash on his left cheek.

Stunned, Alexis covered the cut with his left paw. He dropped to his knees, shaking. Tears formed in his eyes. "W-why... why would you do this to me?" Alexis whimpered.

Jorin turned once again and left. Now in the hallway, being extra cautious, he slunk through stealthily. His tiny ears perked, he finally came to the door leading into the main exhibit; The antique masks. Jorin tried the door. 'Damn it. Locked.'

Jorin bent over and pulled out his new lock picks. Examining them closely, he picked out the two that would fit the lock best. He worked the lock slowly. Jorin began to sweat. The lock was state-of-the-art. Brand new, no doubt, purchased just for their vacation. He heard the right number of clicks, then tried the door again. It opened.

Jorin entered the room slowly and silently. He saw it was empty and shut the door behind him. The room was dark. Only an octagonal circle lit the room from the large, impressive skylight above. He could see the dust dancing in the pale moonlight. There were three display cases on each side of the room and one at the very end, each one around three metres long. In the very centre of the room was a large pentagonal pedestal.

Jorin walked closer. He felt a breeze. He looked around, and saw nothing but darkness. He focused again on the pedestal, but there was nothing there. However, the dust showed there was something. He saw a movement out of the corner of his eye. The window was open, and he could see the silk curtains blowing in.

"Damn it!" Jorin shouted. He ran up to the window and looked out. Nothing but the grand, moonlit garden. To his right, he noticed a strange mask. It was wooden, and of archaic nature. He cursed under his breath and smashed open the display case with the hilt of his dagger. He pocketed the mask, and only the mask, then stared back out the window.

Jorin saw something. Someone. At the far end of the garden, he could see a dark hooded figure, swiftly making his way off the property. Jorin sighed deeply and rested on the window sill. He took out the mask and stared at it.

"What do ya want this for, Sammy? Thing gives me the creeps," Jorin said to himself.

Suddenly, two bulldogs burst into the room. "Hey! Stop right there, thief!" The two drew their swords and advanced on Jorin. "Jus' give up right now, an' maybe we'll take it easy on ya!"

"Fuck you," Jorin barked as he swiftly threw a knife.

It drove straight into the right guard's eye. The guard screamed a frighteningly loud scream then keeled over. The other guard looked over at his partner for a second then back at Jorin. Just enough time.

Jorin ran fearlessly toward the guard. The guard braced himself. Jorin jabbed his elbow straight into the bulldog's nose. The bulldog yelped and dropped his sword. Jorin pulled out his dagger and howled a terrifying war-cry. He dug the dagger deep into the guard's neck. Jorin growled and ran the bulldog into the wall. He dug the dagger in deeper and deeper. He felt the guard's warm blood fall over his paws. With a look of pure anger and discontent on his face, he held the dagger in the dead guard's neck, digging it into the wall, letting the blood flow over his arms.

Jorin suddenly let go, staggering away from the carcass. He fell to his knees with nothing but horror on his face. Shaking, he lifted his hands, just staring at the carnage he had wrought upon himself. Jorin began to cry. He cradled his head in his bloody paws and wept.

He felt sick again. He threw up into his paws and all over the floor and his knees. His stomach felt that same pain it had the night before. He began to cough violently, the tears pouring out of his eyes. "What's wrong with me?" Jorin cried.. "What the hell is wrong with me..." Then darkness.

Jorin woke up in a large bed. He looked around himself. His head was pounding a familiar pain. He once again had that feeling of dull knives jabbing into his stomach. He took another painful look around. He was covered in red silk sheets. He noticed his dark bloody clothes and armour piled on the floor at the end of the bed. He quickly realized where he was.

He put his head back down on the soft pillow. He tried to recall last night. It hurt to think. He remembered the guards. Not so much the first one... he had a terrible scream. But the second... yes, he remembered the second one. He remembered the sheer joy he felt as the blood trickled down his cold paws. He remembered the horror he felt as the bulldogs life quickly drifted away. Jorin was confused. It hurt to think.

Someone entered the room. Jorin reached for a knife but got only a handful of fur.

"You're awake." Alexis said as he set a tray down on the bedside table. He had a dark, almost black, scar where he had been cut. "What happened to you last night? Aside from murdering two of my guards..."

"Fuck you, kid. I gotta get outta here."

"It suddenly hit me last night, you know. Don't know what it was. Intuition, I suppose."

"What?"

"You're Jorin, aren't you. The so-called 'master thief.'"

Jorin, now half-covered by the silk sheets, looked at Alexis, "No. You've got the wrong fur. This Jordan character-"

"It's Jorin."

"Whatever. This 'Jorin' character took off with your most prized possession. And as you can see, I was left with only hands full of puke."

"Ha! I'm not as naive as you think. I've heard about you. It's hard to believe the best thief in the City was just passed out on my floor."

Jorin rolled his eyes and lay back down.

Alexis picked up the tray and placed it on the bed beside Jorin. "Here. I made this for you."

"What, you gave your servants the day off?"

"Well, it's the thought that counts, right?"

"Whatever." Jorin grabbed a piece of toast and shoved almost half into his mouth.

"You know, for an otter, you're pretty piggish." Alexis observed.

"Fuck you," Jorin said, spitting crumbs all over the bed. He shoved more food into his mouth. When he finished, most of the pain had surprisingly subsided. He sat up and groaned.

"Need anything else, Jorin?"

Jorin glared at Alexis, "No."

Alexis lifted the tray and placed it back on the table. As he did, Jorin removed the sheets and discovered he was completely naked underneath.

"Hey! What the hell's up with this?"

Alexis smiled. "Furs aren't supposed to sleep in the clothes. And since you had no pyjamas, I put you to bed as is. Besides, they were terribly dirty."

"In case you hadn't noticed, the rest of me is 'terribly dirty,' too."

"Oh well," Alexis replied. "Besides, I couldn't let such a gorgeous figure like yours go to waste like that."

"'Go to waste?' What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Alexis climbed onto the bed with Jorin. He rubbed Jorin's soft chest and said, "I don't get out much, thief. Last night was the most action I had experienced in years. To put in simply, Jorin, I think I'm in love with you..."

Jorin stared deep into Alexis' eyes. Alexis began caressing Jorin's stomach, then he worked his way down.

Jorin became aroused. He shut his eyes and allowed the young lion to touch his body. He became erect. Jorin sat backward and spread his legs.

Alexis stroked Jorin's hardened member, licking the tip every so often. When he did, Jorin would make a pleased moaning sound. Alexis stroked faster. At first he used only a couple fingers, but he switched to all four. He slowed down again, and leaned his head forward.

Alexis wrapped his lips around Jorin's throbbing organ, his paw still stroking the base. With Jorin's cock part way in his mouth, Alexis played with the tip using his powerful tongue. Jorin started to breath heavily.

'Jesus,' Jorin thought, 'this kid's good...' He sensed his climax approaching. It suddenly hit him. He grabbed Alexis' wrists. He held them tightly.

"No... I can't... I can't do this with you... no more..."

"What? Why not? It's been too long since I've had a mate!"

"I can't... Up until last night... I didn't even know you existed. How could you possibly say you love me?"

"Huh? I don't know, Jorin. I can feel it. When I met you, I just knew you were 'the one.'"

"'The one?'" Jorin sat up, "Give me a break."

"I know, it's lame, but I really felt something. I still do."

"Yeah, and I'll tell you what that 'something' is. It's lust, lion. It's not love you feel. How can you? You've been cooped up in here your entire life, and your parents resent you. You'd fuck anything that moves."

Tears formed in Alexis' eyes. "You're wrong, thief. You're wrong! I know what love is! Love is bringing up breakfast in bed. Love is sharing a room with a complete stranger! Love is... love is saving another ones life even if that one hurt you in ways you obviously can't imagine..."

Alexis crawled out of the bed and walked toward the door. He put his paw on the knob and paused. Nothing. He wiped the tears from his eyes with his left arm and walked out the door, slamming it behind him.

Jorin stared at the door. Perhaps what the young Alexis felt truly was love... Jorin shook his head and rushed out of the bed. He slipped on his clothes and armour, ignoring the smell, and rushed to the closest window. The window was on the eastern-most side of the manor, facing north. Jorin opened the window and searched for a way down. The ledge stuck out a good half metre or so. He walked out onto the ledge and inched his way right. Before carefully turning the corner to grab a thick growth of vines he had noticed earlier, he heard the door in Alexis' room open. Jorin paused for a moment. He heard a dish crash onto the floor, then weeping. Jorin sighed and descended the wall.

It had been a long while since Jorin had bathed. He usually didn't get this messy, and the blood had started to dry in his fur. He took a rough wet sponge and scrubbed his arms as best he could. In some instances, he had to cut out pieces of fur.

Again thinking about the guards, Jorin felt sick. He shut his eyes and tried to concentrate on something else. Anything else. He started breathing heavily.

"Shit... get out of my head..." he mumbled to himself. He looked down to see the small shallow tub filled with water. It was incredibly dirty, and had a dark reddish tone. Jorin groaned. Then, a knock at the door.

He dropped the sponge and walked to the door. He opened it up and was greeted by his good friend Sam.

"Hey," Sam said, "you seem to enjoy teasing me, don't you..."

"Huh?" Jorin replied stupidly. He looked down. "Oh. Well, it's nothing you haven't seen before." Jorin opened the door to let Sam in.

"So, I think you know why I'm here," Sam said, taking a seat.

"I didn't get it," Jorin replied, sitting down.

"What? Why not? It wasn't even out of your way!"

"Oh, wait. You mean the mask." Jorin rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I got your stupid mask. It's over there." Jorin pointed to a small shelf beside a pile of dark, smelly clothes.

Sam walked over to the shelf and picked up the mask, taking a close and careful look at it. "So, you didn't get your thing, eh?"

"No. Someone beat me to it."

"Well, that's not like you, Jorin. What happened?"

"Does it really matter what happened, Sammy? The other guy got away with the prize!"

"Okay, okay. I'm just askin'..."

Jorin sighed.

"Look... let me pay you for the mask. I mean, if I hadn't asked you to get it for me- "

"It's not your fault. Something... unexpected happened. I don't want to talk about it."

"Alright. Well, you know I'm always here for you."

"I know," Jorin said, rolling his eyes, smiling.

Sam walked over to Jorin, a warm, sympathetic look on his face, and rubbed his shoulders. "I've gotta get headin' off, lover. But how 'bout this: me, you, and two bar stools. One hour. You know the place."

Jorin pressed his paw gently against Sam's and looked up, "It's a date."

"Great. See you then." Sam patted Jorin on the back and left.

Jorin finished cleaning up and rested for a moment. He raised his head from his pillow some time later, then headed off for the pub.

"You know the great Howell family?" Sam asked as Jorin rushed in, taking a seat beside his friend. The large clock had struck seven just as Sam asked his question.

"Yeah," Jorin nodded, pulling a drink toward him.

"Well," Sam started, turning to face Jorin, "I heard old lady Howell checked out a last week and her fortune of precious artifacts were willed to her eldest son, Percival. Apparently he's had his eye on them since he was a kitten, you know? They arrived in port this afternoon and are being transported to Percy's manor right now!"

"Well, good for Percival," Jorin said unexcited. "Why should I care?" Jorin took a swig of his drink.

"Because, you foolish otter, by the time the artifacts arrive at Howell manor, it'll be dark. And I doubt old Percival is going to stay up all night just staring at them. He's got that huge party tonight for all the nobles in the City. He'll be too busy entertaining them to see you come in, and too tired afterward to see you get out. Ya hear me?"

Jorin placed his right paw over his face and tried to concentrate. "Yeah, I hear ya," Jorin groaned, "I'm so exhausted, Sammy. I haven't gotten any sleep in over a week, especially these last few days. I've felt like shit half the time... I don't know... "

"You know, you'll never have a better opportunity than tonight, eh?"

"Yeah, I know... but I've never even been to the Howell manor. How am I supposed to know where I'm goin'?"

"Hey, you're the master thief, Jorin. You'll figure it out."

"Yeah. I always do, I suppose." Jorin looked into his glass and sighed. "I haven't been feeling right, lately."

"Woah. Where's this comin' from?" Sam replied.

"I've been feeling real sick lately. And it ain't from lack of sleep, or something like that."

"So... what, then?"

"I've got a problem. Don't know when it started, but gets worse every day. I'm scared, Sammy."

Sam put his arm around Jorin to comfort him. "C'mon, Jorin. We can get through it. Don't worry."

"No... it's not like getting a cold or a cough. It's something worse. Much worse. I've become... agitated. Quick to anger."

"Now, I mean this in the nicest way possible... but you're always like that."

"No! I'm not!" Jorin pressed his paws against his head. "I become violent... wickedly violent... so easily... and the thing is... I like it..."

There was a pause. Jorin continued, his voice sounding more malevolent than before, "When they piss me off, I am so quick to kill. But it's never a quick death. I make them pay. I make them suffer. I like the feel of their blood covering my body. Their warm life force, caressing every inch of my body..."

Sam stared at Jorin, horrified. He was speechless. He simply held Jorin close.

"I don't know what's wrong with me..." Jorin said softly. Tears formed in his eyes. "I don't know what to do. I might end up losing control of myself. Hurting people I care about..." Jorin looked up at Sam, "People I love..."

"We'll figure it out, Jorin. We'll figure it out."

The two finished their drinks and sat at the bar, not saying word. Jorin was thinking about the furs he had killed. He didn't understand. He had killed before, but it meant nothing to him. He did it so easily, without hesitation. But for the past week, his executions had become less stealthy and much more bloody. It was as if there was some kind of demon inside him, and it was just coming out. Just now letting itself be known to the world. Jorin was changing. Suddenly, his thoughts went to that of the young lion, Alexis. He thought about how warm his touch felt. How good it made him feel. How much he enjoyed it. He hadn't felt that kind of warmth for a long time.

Finally, Jorin got up. He walked away from the bar, and out the door. Sam followed.

Outside, Sam stopped Jorin and asked, "Where are you going?"

"Where do you think? If I'm going to get those antiques, I've got to get my supplies."

"After what you just told me?! Why don't you take a rest for a while? You're exhausted. You can stay with me."

"No. I'm fine. I just had to let out a bit of steam, that's all."

"I'm worried about you, Jorin. I don't want you to get hurt."

"It's not me you should worry about. It's the bastard who gets in my way." Jorin turned and walked away.

Sam stood in front of the bar, watching his friend disappear into the darkness.

Jorin headed off for the docks. The Howell manor is off the coast of city, on a small private island. At night, you can see the manor in all its glory, with every window lit up, and a large lighthouse on the south end shining out to sea.

The docks were nearly empty when Jorin arrived. Just a few groups of rowdy sailors, kicked out of the pubs or inns for making too big a mess.

Jorin approached a small row boat tied to the dock and put his left leg in before he was stopped by a drunken seal. "Hey, what do you think yur doin' down there?"

Jorin lifted his leg out and said, "I'm commandeering your ship."

"Oi! That ain't a ship, ya ignorant fool. An' it ain't yers, anyway!"

"Hence, I'm commandeering it, you asshole!" With that, Jorin took out his dagger and sliced the rope. He jumped into the boat and pushed it out with is leg, then sheathed his dagger.

"Hey!" the sailor cried. "He - he's takin' our ship, mates!"

A couple of the other sailors laughed drunkenly, and the others didn't take notice. The seal turned back to Jorin, and watched him row boat away, cursing.

When Jorin finally reached the shore of the Howell estate, he heard the city bell tower ring twelve. 'Just on time,' Jorin thought.

He tied the boat and continued up the steep cliff toward the manor. When he reached the top, he could hear a large group of furs. They were all leaving through the front door and gathering at the small peer waiting to get onto the Howell's personal ferry to take them back to the City.

"I'll give them another thirty minutes," Jorin whispered to himself. "Give myself a bit of time to think things through."

He figured the artifacts would be locked up right away. Most nobles in the City don't trust another soul, not even their partners. They keep everything securely locked in their secret vaults. In most cases, the vaults are in the basement. However, the tenants tend to keep the key at the entirely opposite end of the building, typically the top floor. It's usually in the master bedroom or their office or study. Jorin surveyed the estate from where he was, trying to get an idea of what and where things could be. He had gotten a good look at the manor from his boat, but it didn't help much.

The ferry finally arrived and the nobles shuffled on. From the bushes, Jorin put up his dark hood and watched Percival and the Lady Alexandria walk back into the mansion. Then, two bulldogs came out to guard the doors.

'Ha,' Jorin thought, 'you'd have to be stupid to go in through the front door, guards or no guards.'

Jorin swiftly and silently ran up to one of the windows of the manor on the west side and peered through. He saw the Lady ascend an enormous set of stairs, probably up to her room. Percival walked past the stairs, then he was out of sight.

Jorin looked around. He heard loud talking, almost shouting, from the window above his head. The window was open. A way in. He noticed thick vines growing near the window, and started to clamber up. About half way to the window, someone stuck their head out. Jorin pressed himself against the wall, then the window slammed shut.

"Shit!" Jorin shouted quietly. He jumped down and fell over.

'Noise. Too much noise. Damn it!' Jorin saw one of the guards coming to investigate. He climbed to his feet and took off quietly. He turned the corner. He looked up and saw a large balcony.

"I know you're over there, sir! C'mon out. The ferry's taking off in a minute!"

Jorin picked up a rock and waited against the wall... he listened to the guard's footsteps... closer... closer... His stomach started to churn. Just as the guard came around the corner, Jorin smashed the rock into the bulldog's face. Jorin grabbed the guard before he hit the ground and lowered him slowly and quietly.

'Fuck! I've gotta hide this damn body... shit... this isn't my night.' Jorin managed to drag the body behind some bushes, ignoring the pain in his bowels. He took off again.

Now under the balcony, he decided that up would be the best way in. He saw another growth of vines, but it was too far from the balcony. He noticed the ledge of the roof. He slunk up to the vines and progressed upward. When he reached the ledge, dangling nearly ten metres above ground, he inched his way across the ledge and onto the balcony. He peered through the large glass doors. The room was dimly lit... perfect.

Jorin tried the door. Locked. He reached into his pouch and pulled out his lock picks. The manor was old, and so were the locks. Jorin crouched down onto his haunches and worked the lock. In seconds, the door was open and Jorin slipped in. He pocketed his picks and looked around the room. The master bedroom... excellent.

Swiftly scouring the room, Jorin looked for anything that could get him into the vault. More importantly, he was looking for directions. A way to the vaults. Blueprints of the manor. Anything. He dug through drawers and shifted through the closets.

He shut the last of the drawers when he heard a voice, "What are you looking for, thief?"

Jorin turned around and placed his left paw on a throwing knife. He stared into his enemy's glowing eyes. He suddenly realized who it was.

"Lady Alexandria." Jorin said.

"Coming for my husband's artifacts? Well, you won't find them. They're in the vaults. But, you probably already know that."

Jorin, ready to throw, stayed silent.

"I'll tell you this, little otter. You need a key to get in, and only one who has it is Percival. However..." The Lady held out a chain with a large black key on it.

Jorin's eyes widened.

"I hate my husband, otter. He doesn't love me the way he used to. He is obsessed with his artifacts. And now his horrid grandmother is dead and he's got a pile of new treasures."

"Then give me the key. I'll take his artifacts away." Jorin smiled, "You'll never have to look at them again."

The Lady laughed. "I've been hurt too many times by him and his retched hobby. I want a real man, otter. I want you." With that, the Lady took the chain and dropped in down her dress.

Jorin growled and walked toward the Lady, who had moved toward the bed. From behind his hood, he said, in a deep, threatening voice, "I could just kill you." He fought to hide his pain.

The Lady laughed, "Yes, I suppose you could. But then how will you ever find the vaults? Would you search every room in the house?" She laughed again.

"I'm resourceful. I'll bet your guards would tell me with a little persuasion."

"None of them know where the vaults are. My husband would not allow it."

The two stared at each other for a moment. The Lady stood up and began to purr. She put her paws on Jorin's face, "I'm a lonely cat, thief. I want a little excitement in my life, and dear Percival won't let anyone leave the estate. So, if you want your precious artifacts, then do me one thing... one little, tiny thing..."

The Lady pressed her chest against Jorin's and kissed him softly. Jorin didn't move. She put down Jorin's hood and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're so soft, otter. If you took your armour off, perhaps I could get a better feel..."

She stroked Jorin's chest and moved her hand over his crotch. Taken back, she said, "What's the matter, thief? Am I not hot enough for you?" She giggled sultrily.

Jorin looked deep into the Lady's eyes. She stared back, smiling devilishly, and still massaging his balls.

It suddenly struck the Lady. "Oh..." she said, disappointed. She let go of Jorin's crotch and sighed, "I get it. Here, you can have your precious key."

The Lady reached into her furry bosom and pulled out the key. She threw it to Jorin and cried, "Go on. Go get your precious treasure. The vaults are in the basement, east side. And if you run into Percival, tell him to go fuck himself. I've had enough." With that, the Lady spun around and to the glass doors, just staring at the City.

Jorin paused for a moment. He slowly opened the door and peeked out, watching for guards or servants. He looked back at the Lady once more and continued down the hall.

The halls were adorned with old portraits and artwork. The floors were coloured tile with long red carpets stretching from end to end. Jorin stealthily made his way down the torch-lit hallways, not once making his presence known.

Suddenly, Jorin heard a noise. Footsteps. Guards. He quickly darted down another hallway. He could not afford to be caught. Not now. He was too close.

The footsteps stopped and Jorin could hear them move into another room, and the door shut behind them. Good. Keep going.

He crept out from his hiding spot and hurried down the dim hall. He saw the bright light at the end of the corridor. When he approached, he saw he was in the main foyer.

Jorin was at the top of the foyer's large spiraling steps. They were covered in red carpet, and grand chandeliers hung over the enormous landing below. The landing's flanks were adorned with artwork and expensive, jewel-encrusted artifacts. Above the large, mahogany arched doors were three enormous red tapestries, the centre depicting the Howell Family crest, and the others showing their coat-of-arms. The floor was a dazzling white marble, accented with ruby red and elaborate gold. And erected from the floor were six large, white marble pillars, holding up a magnificent dome skylight.

The thousands of tiny dust particles dancing in the pale blue moonlight captivated Jorin. He stood there in awe, completely mesmerized by the theatricality of it all.

Jorin suddenly came to his senses when he saw two guards patrolling the front doors. He ducked behind the metal railings and crept up against the wall. He looked to his left down the east hallway. He sidled against the wall until he was off the foyer balcony. He continued down the hall, assuming it would be much the same as the opposite end. He turned right. At the far end he saw a body. He crept closer, careful not to get himself caught.

Upon closer investigation, he saw the body was that of a bulldog, his head cut open. He noticed chips of white plaster on the guard's clothes and looked up to see a large indent in the wall, filled in with blood.

Jorin quickly looked around him. To the right, nothing. Left... a few bloody footprints. Curious, Jorin started down the stairs. At the bottom, more hallways. Jorin cursed silently. He knew he was in the right area for finding the vaults. He also knew it was hidden.

Looking down the right hallway, he noticed an odd light pouring from a crack in a door. He decided to take a chance on the chesterfield and enter the room.

The knob was warm. 'Strange,' Jorin thought. He noticed the lock on the door had been scratched up. Likely an amateur lock picker. He began to sweat. He slowly opened the door.

The room was much, much different than the others he had seen. It was very warm. It was an arboretum of sort, only smaller. It housed many species of plants, most of which Jorin had never seen before, each one appearing more deadly and more poisonous than the last. None of them were labeled. The strange light was emanating from seven bizarre torches... though, not torches... strange balls of light, floating just below the wooden ceiling. They gave off heat... probably what kept the plants alive.

Jorin, after carefully making his way across the long room, came to a dead-end. He turned around to walk back, but stepped on a rock. He bent over and examined the rock. 'Strange shape... and what's it doing in here? There aren't any other rocks...'

Jorin stood up. He turned to the stone wall. He found a chip in the wall and placed the rock in it. The rock fell to the ground.

"Damn," Jorin said aloud, "I was hoping for a secret entrance." He looked again at the chip in the wall. Jorin rubbed his finger against it. He had an idea.

Jorin stood back a bit and braced himself, putting both paws on the wall. He pushed with all his might. The wall started to slide. He continued to push until there was enough room to squeeze by. 'So, it was a secret entrance...'

Jorin continued down the long, spiral staircase. The staircase was dark, cold, and very dirty. It reminded him of prison.

Finally reaching the bottom, he entered into a large square room. It was bare. Only a few unlit torches, cobwebs, and piles of dirt decorated the room. At the farthest end was the large vault door, and two collapsed guards. Jorin approached slowly. At about half way, Jorin heard a clicking. He froze. Then dead silence.

After a long moment, he continued, ears perked. Jorin reached the door unharmed. He took out the black key. "This was almost too easy." Jorin said to himself. He went to unlock the vault when he noticed the keyhole had been destroyed.

Jorin bent over and looked into the shredded keyhole. There was black dust surrounding the hole. He wiped a bit off and smelled it. "What the hell happened?"

Jorin pulled on the vault door. It was heavy, and with a loud creak, it opened. He walked in slowly. Suddenly, he heard a loud crash. Someone had dropped something.

Jorin immediately pressed up against the wall. He moved in farther to get a better look. The vault was an enormous, three story structure. Each story was lined with 20 or so lockers. It looked more like the massive safety deposit box vaults in the City First Bank and Trust.

Then, a movement. Jorin whipped his head over. He could see a large dark figure against the wall, staring at him. Jorin's heart was pounding. It was time for his revenge. Suddenly, he heard a clinging on the floor. He saw a small glare.

Jorin quickly ran forward, kicking the object away. A blinding flash. He shut his eyes and turned away. Then pain. In his stomach. He was hit. Suddenly, he was against the wall. His head hurt. More pain. His stomach again. And again. And again. Jorin kicked blindly. Contact. He heard his enemy fall over and metal objects bang around.

Jorin's vision returned. His enemy was recovering. Jorin picked up the cloaked fur and punched him hard in the face, then threw him back into the open area. Jorin heard his enemy groan. It sounded familiar.

Jorin lifted up the familiar fur and whipped back his hood. Jorin gasped and dropped the fur.

"Y-you! What the hell are you doing here?" Jorin said, shocked.

Alexis replied, "The same thing you're doing, I'm sure."

"What does a Harper need to steel for?"

"A Harper doesn't. But I'm not a Harper. I'm nothing. I decided to take control of my own life."

"Well, that's great, kid. But if you seriously intend to steal those artifacts, think again."

"What do you plan to do about it, otter?"

Jorin pulled out his dagger and pointed it toward Alexis, "I can be very persuasive."

Alexis charged at Jorin. Jorin swiftly evaded and cut Alexis' arm.

Alexis growled and held his wound. He was breathing heavily. The two just stared at each other.

This time, Jorin charged. He thrust his dagger at Alexis' chest.

Alexis dodged.

Jorin twisted around and attacked again.

Alexis jumped back, then sprinted quickly forward, hitting Jorin in the side of the head with his large fist.

Jorin dropped his dagger and staggered backward.

Alexis kicked with his right foot, hitting Jorin square in the chest.

Jorin flew backward, rolling when he hit the ground. He groaned deeply and held his chest. His stomach began to hurt. It felt like it was burning. Like it was on fire. Jorin cried out in terrible pain.

Alexis approached, worried.

Jorin was on the floor, writhing in pain. He knew. He knew what was coming. He began to sweat profusely.

Alexis kneeled beside Jorin and cried, "I'm sorry, Jorin! I didn't mean to hurt you like that! I was just caught up in the moment. It was an accident!"

Jorin scratched at Alexis' face and growled, "Get away from me... while you still can..."

"J-Jorin?"

Suddenly, Jorin gabbed hold of Alexis' neck. He began to squeeze. His small claws dug into Alexis' neck.

Alexis started to cough, trying madly to pull himself free from Jorin's grip. "What... are you doing... Jorin?" he said, choking.

Alexis managed to pull himself free. He had deep gashes in his neck. He held them tightly.

Jorin stood up. His eyes seemed to be glowing. Jorin held his head, still aching. He felt two lumps, about two inches long. Horns? The searing pain in his stomach intensified. Jorin yelled piercingly loud.

Alexis staggered back, holding his sensitive ears. He looked up to see an almost black-furred otter.

Jorin stepped forward. He looked down at his hands, black as pitch. He had a sudden urge to kill... to tear his enemies apart... he wanted to feel the warmth he felt when he had murdered Alexis' guards... it was happening to him again. He tried to fight it. He took another step forward.

Alexis just stared, horrified at the sight. He cried out to Jorin, "Stop! You have to stop this!"

Jorin took another step forward, now a couple feet away from Alexis. He wanted to stop. He knew what would happen if he didn't. He couldn't. His demon was taking over. Tears poured down his face. He said, in a half-demonic voice, "Al-Alexis... you... have to run! I... I don't want to... hurt you..."

Another voice called out, "Stop right there, petty thieves!"

Both Jorin and Alexis whipped their heads to the vault door.

"I knew someone would try for my precious artifacts. I'm impressed you managed to get in, but now your fun is over." Percival snapped his fingers.

Five armed guards came out from behind Percival. They advanced toward Jorin and Alexis.

Alexis backed off, but Jorin stood his ground. He was breathing heavily now.

"Come with us quietly, an' we might not hafta torture you as much," the middle guard said.

Jorin hissed. He ran up quickly to the middle guard, almost instantly, and punched him in the gut. Jorin, with the bulldog bent forward slightly, quickly grabbed onto the dog's head and smashed in into his knee. The bulldog, his paws over his mouth, keeled over.

The two guards to his right and left hesitated for a moment. Jorin used that time to pull out his throwing knife and thrust it into the right guard's jugular. He pulled out another, and in one fluid, almost graceful, motion, spun around and thrust it into the other's.

Only two guards remained. The closest, behind Jorin, held his sword above his head and ran at Jorin.

Jorin spun around and grabbed onto the guard's unprotected neck and squeezed, harder than with Alexis. His small fingers pierced and crushed the guard's windpipe.

The guard made a choking sound, then a gurgling.

Jorin stood there, the guard nearly dead on his knees, baring his teeth. He then ripped the guard's throat out, howling. He held onto the gore.

The last guard dropped his sword, petrified.

Jorin, still baring his teeth, bolted for the guard, dropping the gore as he did. When he approached the guard, he held out his elbow and shattered the guard's jaw.

The guard fell down backward.

Jorin bent over and punched the guard once again in the face. Then again. Then again. Jorin grabbed the guard's face, now a bloody mush, and lifted it a foot above the stone floor. He paused for a moment, listening to the gurgling and wheezing noises of the mutilated bulldog. Jorin smiled maliciously, then crushed the guard's head between his paw and the stone.

Jorin stood up and started to laugh wickedly. Blood had sprayed all over him, covering most of his torso and legs. Still laughing, a devilish giggle now, Jorin wiped his paws down from his newly-formed horns, over his eyes and to his mouth. He held his left paw shakily over his mouth and continued to giggle demonically.

Percival was frozen in his spot, petrified.

Jorin heard a voice. A whimper. His head snapped to the left. He saw a terrified young lion, watching in horror as his blood-soaked love ripped five armed guards apart with ease. He could hear, Alexis was crying. Horrified.

Jorin looked around. His face, too, went to that of horror. He had butchered five innocent furs. He looked around the room at the amount of bloodshed he alone had caused. He held out his hands and stared into them. He turned to Alexis. "H-help... me..."

Jorin moved slowly and shakily toward Alexis. His face showed incredible sorrow. Tears were pouring down his face. "You... have to help me..."

Jorin fell to his knees and vomited all over the floor and his legs. His vomit was thick and deep crimson - almost black. He began to cough and gag violently, hacking up dark red, chunky pieces of gore. He threw up once again.

Alexis ran to Jorin. He got to his knees and held Jorin up. He looked over at Percival, still shocked and terrified, and yelled, "Go get help! Now!"

Percival left, without hesitation.

Jorin, blood and tears running off his chin, said, "I... I didn't mean to do this... I can't help it... I don't know what to do..."

Alexis wiped the tears from his eyes. He simply held Jorin close.

Somehow, Jorin's pain started to subside. He felt calm. At ease. He felt warm. He liked this warmth. Jorin leaned into Alexis' chest.

Then darkness.

Jorin woke up, covered in red silk sheets. Dazed, he looked around the room. It was familiar. Jorin shut his eyes tightly, and held his paws to his head. He opened his eyes, relieved not to feel any lumps.

He had a headache. He tried to recall the night before, but it hurt to think, and it was hard to remember. Jorin noticed he was naked, and very dirty, save for the bandages wrapped around his chest.

Jorin sat up and shook his head a little. The door to the left opened.

A half-dressed lion walked through, holding a tray. Alexis placed the tray down and crawled onto the bed. "How are you feeling, Jorin?"

Jorin groaned.

Alexis crawled over to Jorin and put his arms around his neck. He looked deep into Jorin's eyes. "You'll be alright. I know you will."

Jorin tried to smile. "What happened to me last night?"

Alexis said, putting his arms down, "You weren't yourself. You... scared me, Jorin."

Jorin looked down. "It was my demon... it took over again..."

Alexis nodded.

The two shared a long embrace. Jorin felt the same warmth he had felt back in the vaults. This lion, he knew, was not only his love, but also his soul mate. Alexis had saved his life twice now. He kept Jorin from destroying himself and many others. He was the one who kept Jorin pure. He was the one who kept Jorin balanced.

He is the one whom Jorin loves.