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Coffee was a relaxed affair and it felt good being able to talk normally with Dil again. I was still angry at him for hiding that Louis and Glen had hurt him and have been hurting him (Though that did explain why he occasionally showed up with bruises saying he slipped...). Yeah I was going to get those bastards but I just need to be subtle about it.

"So you were with Howie? I'm surprised he yelled at you. I didn't even think he was capable of getting mad." I asked him curiously, a pissed of Howie was something I'd never thought I'd hear about. Dil just nodded and sipped at his frappuchino. "I agree with him though, it was stupid of you to hide them from me and who on earth protects their bullies?"

"I already told you," Dil stated annoyed "I was afraid of what YOU would have done to them! I know how extreme you can be, especially over me!" I just rolled my eyes. I wasn't that bad but I still thought they both deserved to be fried preferably by my own paw and it would serve them right I thought. But I kept that to myself, no need for Dil freaking out even more.

'Well, you are kinda proving him right, not that I disagree with you but you don't have the best track record on minding your temper.' Suzaku said as he floated around me while sipping a frappuchino identical to mine. Just where the hell did he get those things? 'Hammerspace of course!' Suzaku stated cheerfully as he continued to drink his coffee. 'Yum... this is sooo good! You got excellent taste Ben!' Suzaku hummed out in enjoyment.

'Thank you...?' I thought to him confused before returning my focus back on Dil. "So what you wanna do after we finish? We still got a few hours until curfew, plus it's the weekend! I was thinking of getting more training in with Hope honestly so I can get stronger, that up you alley?"

"Sounds like a good idea I've been in far less fights than you after all and I need all the experience I can get" He said calmly. "Plus I wanna get some archery practice in so might as well get it in along with combat training!" Nodding we both swiftly drank the last of our coffees in large gulps before we threw them away and headed out with me texting Hope.

'Hey, you there? Wanna train So does Dil You up to it?'

Almost immediately I got a text back which said she certainly was and to meet up with her in Central Park. With that in mind we quickly went on our way. Fairbanks itself was in Harlem and the Starbucks we were sitting in was on 2195 Frederick Douglas Blvd so we were right on top of it basically.

Swiftly we ran towards the park. It took us about five or so minutes and both of us were completely out of breath. I sent another text about where she wanted to meet up and she replied North Woods would be so we both started on our way. I remembered when we were first allowed off-campus time when we started highschool, back in Fairbanks Middle School nobody was allowed off campus without adult supervision which made sense with a bunch of 12-14 year olds it was probably too dangerous to allow them out.

Even in 10th Grade we were only allowed off campus on weekends and only for two hours. It wasn't until our Junior year were we allowed to freely leave the campus after school and even then there was a 10:00 curfew and if you were caught out you lost that privilege for a month.

Finally though we managed to reach the North Woods, even after living here since 7th Grade I was still amazed at how huge Central Park was. We found Hope sitting on one of the rocks filing her claws. She looked absolutely bored out of her mind before she noticed us walking up.

"About time! Yeash! Where were you two?"

"We were at the Starbucks on 2195 Frederick Douglas Blv" Dil answered in a helpful fashion. "We got some coffee and hung out, what have you been up to?"

"Sightseeing actually!" Hope exclaimed flashing a camera. "I've been on missions in NYC but I never got the chance to see the city really so I was taking advantage of my free time! The Statue of Liberty was amazing and I was actually in Strawberry Fields when I got your text!" She stated excitingly. "John Lennon really was something wasn't he?"

"Of course he was!" I exclaimed. "Lennon was one of the best musicians of all time, my Grandpa always had The Beetles playing when I was little!" I said remembering those days. I missed that house...grandpa had sold it after grandma died and he thought it better to move in with us than live alone. I shook my head, trying to stop myself from going down that road, thankfully Dil and Hope were both oblivious to me.

"So any idea what we are going to train on?" He asked the cloaked raccoon. Hope shrugged wrapping her arms around her chest in concentration.

"I think building up your weak points would be best, you still have trouble with long range attacks Ben and though I've never seen you fight Dil, given that you use a bow makes me think you have the opposite problem. You do best at a distance but up close you would be a sitting duck if you can't do any close quarters fighting." She said. "Now get changed, we only got a few more hours so best to get things started right?" Both of us nodded and shifted into our Spirit forms and readied our weapons.

Training was surprisingly hard, we were both forced to face each other in a sparring match and I felt like a pincushion...things were going well when we started and I managed to keep Dil close, most he could dodge and an occasional weak hit but things went to hell when he managed to get away from me and started spamming those damn arrows at me.

I sent up a barrier of course but that was swiftly shattered when he figured of a new ability (The name was French so I had no clue what it was called) that immediately broke my shields leaving me wide open. This went on for nearly 20 minutes before Hope finally took pity.

"That's enough!" She shouted out before looking towards Dil. "You didn't focus on close range attacks Dil." She noted calmly before turning my way. "And you! You were rendered completely helpless without your Shields! It's obvious you rely on them far too much and if your entire defense falls apart you can't use them!" She stated in a stern voice.

"You have to figure out ways to defend yourself without them, so in a case they fail you aren't a sitting duck." Once she was done with me she turned towards Dil. "And you couldn't do anything except dodge up close. I admit you did good on managing to get your distance but you rely on your speed just as much as Ben does on his shield." With that she just let out a sigh before shaking her head. "But other than that Dil definitely faired better, you let him get out of your reach too easily. If this was a serious fight you would have probably been dead.

"Probably, but I guess it's instinct to set up my shields it's almost a reflex now." I admitted before looking at my watch. "We should start heading back so we can hopefully grab a quick bite. There is a McDonald's on 3rd Avenue so we can head there before we get back to the school." I stated. "We can also get a cab after we eat so we can get there on time." Neither of them argued that and soon enough we went our way. Once we reached McDonald's we all ordered our things and sat down to eat. It was definitely more comfortable than yesterday with Howie, all three of us were laughing amongst each other before Dil saw something from the corner of his eye.

"Hey what's that!?" He inquired while pointing behind me. Turning around I saw a pudgy figure wrapped in a trench coat carrying what looked like a black briefcase tiptoeing in the building next to the restaurant.

"Who knows? New York is full of weirdos like that he isn't unusual..." I muttered dismissively, no point in getting weirded out. You'd think he would have learned to ignore the weirdness of their city by now! Dil however shook his head in agitation.

"No! That guy is fishy! We need to see what's going on! I've got a bad feeling!" He stated before getting up and following where the man went. Cursing I quickly followed him, for a genius Dil seriously lacked common sense sometimes! Hope shadowed me and once we reached the building I noticed that Dil had somehow gotten on the roof, presumably levitated there since he was in spirit form. Looking around I ducked into an alley and transformed before quickly flying up towards Dil.

"What are you doing!?" I whispered at him harshly prompting him to shush me.

"Quiet! They are talking and I'm trying to listen in!" He whispered back before replacing his ear on the glass. Looking down I saw about eight men, each wearing the same trench coats. I couldn't see their faces but I did manage to catch their voices.

"Were any of you followed?" One voice asked, judging from his posture he seemed to be the leader of this gathering. When everyone quickly hummed a no he nodded and continued to speak. "Now my Brothers! I received contact from our 'Friend' he said he would arrive shortly. It is possible he brings us news. If he cannot fight off the Reapers we are doomed to fail!"

The other figures in the room whispered in hushed tones but they were still heard among the lines of "Reapers!? He knows about Reapers? How?"

"Do you think it is truly wise for us to allow ourselves an alliance with the Soulless Abomination. If you have forgotten Shadows almost always target us Mediums..." One man said but before the leader could speak out an objection a cold mirthless laugh emerged from nowhere and a dark portal opened up, leaving a red cloaked figure who swiftly took off his hood revealing a young snow leopard. He looked normal except his eyes were pitch black and empty.

"I am hurt George," the man said as multiple snow leopard Shadows sprang from his own portal and continued on speaking "I have no interest in eating your soul...would probably have no...flavor if you will. But in either case do you have any ideas for your next move?" He asked calmly.

"We were thinking about planting bombs throughout the city so we can fulfill our end. Nice souls for you to devour and we get power, that sound fair Casper?"

"I don't need help finding souls to devour and a bombing would be to obvious no, you need vision!" The leopard stated calmly. "They would quickly find out who it was and track All of you down and thus this 'Spirit Mafia' will come to a very abrupt...end." Looking around he seemed dissatisfied. "You are truly saying none of you have found out nothing else? Really? Do I have to do everything? Simple though, you can focus on causing as much mayhem as possible, just try not to do anything foolish."

"So what call do you propose Casper?" One of the men asked.

"I propose that you continue doing what you are doing now, let the public fear you than strike!" My thoughts were broken when Hope let out a loud gasp.

"A Rinato? Not good..." She whispered looking scared

"Rinato? That means Reborn in Italian I think....What is a Rinato though? Why are his eyes funny?" Dil inquired.

"The most powerful of Shadows. They can regain their mortal form and are very dangerous" She answered him calmly. "If this group is working with a Rinato this can't be good." She spoke softly. "Casper though..."

"I never knew Shadows could regain their mortal forms..." I admitted as I looked at the leopard again, he was a handsome feline who looked around my age actually. His fur was a very clean white dabbled in countless black spots, his hair was also inky black and styled neatly upon his head. His face was emotionless almost and he just regarded the men in front of him with what looked like distaste. I could even sense his power from here...and it frankly made me sweat.

"Rinato are thankfully rare but how did these guys find one? What is he doing in the Mortal World at all? Rinato have almost never left the Dark Realm from all that I've read and that one actually is disconcerting." Hope stated, her voice sounding almost shaky not that I couldn't blame her. Dil himself regarded the feline with curiosity.

"Ice...I think his powers are ice based. Remember those Snow Leopard shadows? The annoying ones with the covered faces? I think he might be their master."

"You think so?" Hope asked him, Dil just nodded his affirmation before continuing on with his observation.

"Definitely, plus his power has a chilly edge to it...I just wonder what he's doing in New York City..." Hope quickly shushed him, just as one of the men started speaking towards the shadow.

"So what do you propose Casper? We are lucky to stay under the Reapers radar as is. If we do escalate our plots we run the risk of them coming crashing down on us and there's no way can we fight off a group of Reapers." Casper just chuckled before speaking, his voice making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

"You'll never get power if you aren't willing to take risks. If the Reapers try and interfere my comrades I will intervene...you do not have to worry about Reapers! Any more questions from any of you?" He asked coldly but everyone shook their heads. "Good, just follow my directions and you will get the power and success you have always dreamed of! But now I must go, we will continue this again soon." As he said this his eyes locked straight into mine before he winked and disappeared in the portal.

"So should we follow his advice Jeremy? I don't trust him do you?" One of the other men just shook their head and shrugged.

"I can't fully say but we have no real choice! Soon our group will be making the big time! Then we will be rolling in dough! But now it's time to break up we will meet again soon! I will send out word for the next meeting, dismissed!" With that everyone dispersed leaving us alone on the roof.

"What are they aiming for? And how do they know about Reapers?" Dil asked in a confused tone. "They must be Mediums though, I doubt a normal Fur would be able to directly interact with ghosts let alone Shadows!" Both me and Hope shrugged before i checked the time on my phone.

"Shit! We better get back fast! It's getting late!" I shouted out. So quickly all of us rushed back to the school until we were standing in the dorm plaza. Looking at Hope I asked her if she was going to tell Boss, she said of course she would and so we split up, her going towards the Girls Dorm Building and us in the Boys, neither of us spoke until we entered our room. Dil just sighed as he plopped down on the bed in exhaustion.

"What a day...I wonder just who those guys were? I have a feeling this won't be the last time we see them, especially if a Rinato is working with them. I just hope no one gets hurt because I have a seriously bad feeling about those weirdos."

"I actually agree, something seemed...off about those guys. I don't know why but they give me the creeps but all we have to do is wait for Boss's orders then we can go on doing what he says." I stated calmly. It was much easier following orders rather than figuring out everything by ourselves. Especially when that person had as much information available to him as boss did. Dil only nodded, seemingly satisfied with my assessment as he laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling.

"That does make sense...but I've been thinking, what will happen to us after school? Sure we can hang out in college but what about after that? We can't be roommates forever and both of us will eventually find someone. So will we remain friends or will we just drift apart?" He actually looked bothered, I could tell he had probably thought about this a lot.

"We'll always be friends, even if we find others we will never be truly alone you can trust me on that!" I told him firmly. "Odds are we'll both be staying in NYC, I mean why go somewhere else? So we can always be within the city and we can talk on our phones. So you don't have anything to worry about okay Dil?" The panther gave a quirt nod, still seemingly in introspective mode. "So stop worrying about the future! We can deal with that as it comes." Dil just sighed and nodded once again.

"You're right but the prospect of us drifting apart still scares me. You've been there for me since the beginning and I sometimes worry if you will ever grow tired of me." He admitted. His face looked painful and his ears drooped. "I don't know if I would be the man I am today without you...Hell, I'd probably be one of those shut-in's you hear about on TV the ones who just cannot deal with people." He admitted.

"I'd never grow tired of you though!" I stated in indignation. "I don't know what I'd do without you either you know." His ears twitched at that info and his head turned towards me in surprise, his eyes in shock.

"Really? What do I do for you? You protect me but I feel like I burden you sometimes, that's why I didn't want to tell you about those two beating me up. I didn't want to bother you with my problems especially since you have so much on your plate as is." I just growled at him in frustration, how could someone so smart be so damn stupid? Burden me? Yeah right, like he would ever do that!

"You are not and never have been a burden Dil! Any burden you would bring I agreed to handle when we became friends. I swore to your father and probably God himself since your dad's a preacher. That I would protect you and help you in any way necessary. Don't you ever think you are a burden that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" I barked out. Dil just looked down in an embarrassed manner until I let out a massive yawn. God I was tired but at least tomorrow was Sunday so we could sleep in! Even Dil yawned.

"It's late, I'm gonna grab a shower and head to bed! So night Ben!" Dil stated before grabbing his pajamas before exiting towards the bathroom.

'Well, you seem to be making progress! Are you ever going to call him out on the fact he has feelings for you? Surely you aren't that oblivious! He kissed you after all.' Yeah I remembered that...his kiss was what pretty much woke me up... it felt nice...my face went on fire because of that and my pants went tight. Dil was certainly a good kisser and I just had to wonder what all he could do with that raspy cat tongue... 'You seriously aren't fantasizing about him giving you a blow job are you?'

'It's not about that!' I shouted out in my head. 'I have heard he gave great head though...Raymond let that slip one time when we got drunk at a party... Dil was furious of course but they made up shortly after.'

'Oh I know, I can access your memories at will but you need to give him an answer. If you aren't going to woo him let him have that closure it's only fair.' I just sighed once again, how did I get myself into these situations? I didn't want to reject him because I would be lying if I said I didn't want him but at the same time I didn't want to risk our friendship over a stupid breakup...

'I'm screwed either way aren't I?' I thought to myself as I laid back onto my bed while staring at the ceiling. 'Either I reject Dil and break his heart or I date him and we have a nasty breakup...I really hate catch-22 so damn much!' I thought in frustration. 'Bah, I need more time to think...maybe then i can figure things out' I said as I waited for Dil too finish.

~~Casper~~

The return to the palace went as expected, I found myself in a massive empty hall which was done in gray and white. It wasn't the brightest most colorful place in the world but it was home! Looking out I saw the city, a sea of gray in the endless darkness. Thousands of Rinato had converged here, the city was where they could be civilized and get away from the savagery of the outer world. I missed those days sometimes. I loved fighting, especially if the enemy was any good and it was simply no fun devouring weaklings! Seeing my reflection just made me angry though! Every time I saw it I remembered that weakling! If he hadn't frozen to death and wouldn't have lost his soul I wouldn't be in this mess!

"How did the mission go Casper?" A voice stated behind me. Turning around I saw a cold looking jackal.

"It went well Elwyn, but what does the magnanimous second in command demand of my presence?" I teased causing him to glare. The guy really had no sense of humor so it was fun to mess with him. "The idiots are falling for it hook line and sinker, it's actually disgusting what mortals would do for a tiny bit of power. Also we were snooped on, that wolf and his feline friend. They must've been filed off somehow.

"Benedict Zideke correct? The Master is most interested in him for whatever reason and the fact he came into his powers on his own is also interesting and your servants have done little to stop him from growing stronger." Elwyn said formally. "He will make a potent Shadow that is for sure. But the panther might be a problem, Lumiere are a dangerous bunch and their light hurts us." I just sniffed, I still wasn't impressed by that wolf I had no idea why everyone was so interested in him anyway.

"Whatever you say Elwyn, I'm heading for my chambers see you later!" I stated as I headed towards my room. Despite the absolute lack of natural light the building was well lit. Every building in the city had lights, you could see it from anywhere in the realm it was so bright. But outside it was pitch. Finally though I found my champers and entered them. I found myself in my sitting room. To the right was my bedroom, occasionally I would summon a lesser Rinato into my chambers for sex. To the right was a bathroom and at the front stood a balcony that overlooked the courtyard.

"What a day!" I said as I removed my cloak. "Stupid power hungry Mortals they could die and be devoured but do they even care? Selling your soul pisses me off! I would give anything to have mine back! All of us would. They were so weak also. It would be boring if I devoured them. But that Benedict looked particularly tasty soul wise and so did the other feline.

"I hope they do get stronger" I purred to myself. "It just wouldn't be fun if I won too easily. I enjoy my prey fighting back, at least then I have a chance of being freed from this accursed half-life I'm stuck in!" How i hated being a Shadow! Existing but not, feeling emotions but not entirely and the burning emptiness in my chest continuously reminding me I was nothing but an empty shell. A mere shadow of my former self who gave into despair.

Sighing I undressed myself out of my cloak. It was late, not that you could tell outside because it was always the same dank empty darkness but we had figured out a time system. Slowly I entered my bathroom and stripped off my underclothes leaving myself naked as I started the massive bath. Once it was filled I stepped in and basked in the feeling. Ice might have been my element but I hated the cold, reminded me far to much of my death. Bored I waved my paw and summoned one of my servants.

"You, undress and come pleasure me!" I ordered the artificial Shadow. Like all servant class it was merely an offshoot of myself with no identity of it's own, a puppet if you will, all the antics of the day made me horny and I didn't feel like sending for an actual lover so a blank puppet would have to do. The Servant silently undressed itself and dipped into the steaming bath, all that was left on it was it's blindfold. My penis had already left it's sheath and my long barbed member throbbed in the water making me moan.

"What are you waiting for!? Suck servant!" I ordered grabbing it's head and dragged it towards my member. The creature didn't resist at all it just sucked and licked as I forced myself into it's mouth. Dealing with a being with no free-will had it's perks and this Servant was doing a great job on my member. I let this continue for several more moments until I started to feel my balls churn. Not wanting to cum right yet I forcefully jerked the servants mouth away from me. Once again there was no reaction from the servant and it stood completely still. "Stand up and turn around! Show me your ass!" I ordered calmly.

The servant obliged immediately of course and I saw it's own penis was hard before it bent over exposing it's hole. Slowly I stood up from the steaming waters and placed myself behind the servant before shoving myself in without mercy. No reaction once again even as I brutally forced myself inside it, not even a cry. I myself just growled and reveled in the warmth of the body as it surrounded my cock. As I continued to plow harder and harder I gradually allowed my claws to tear into the servant drawing blood in the process. It just wouldn't react! It was completely silent not making a single sound, not even as I was pounding it's prostate or cutting deeper and deeper into it's flesh.

This lasted for another ten or so minutes, my claws were already down into the servants bones as I pounded that ass into oblivion. My paws were covered in the servants blood and more and more of it was spilling into the water.

With a great cry I gave into the feeling of my balls and unloaded into the ass right as I tore out the servants throat out with my other paw and finally letting out a cry of agony it faded into nothingness. But before the souls could fully disappear I swiftly inhaled them back into myself. Panting I laid back into the bloody water and sighed. That wasn't remotely satisfying, not on any mental or emotional level. The servant was mindless, just a blank puppet easily replaced. Other Rinato's could at least react to the pain and pleasure!

"What a state I'm in...fucking a puppet because I couldn't be arsed to go find a fuck buddy!" I murmured to myself as I got out of the water. My fur was stained by the blood, guess I would just have to use the shower...after the shower I redressed myself and called in another servant and ordered it to clean my mess which it did so immediately. Eventually I found myself on my bed staring up towards the sky. What was the point of this existence?

What was life without a soul? Ever since I became a Rinato I've asked these questions. How could something be sentient without the very basis sentience itself? How could something without a soul even exist if the soul was the source of existence? All these questions and no answers...that's why I loved fighting! It made me feel fully alive! Made me forget I was an empty shell and off the morbid thought of what happened when we died. Where did we go? Did we go anywhere? Or do we just vanish into nothing leaving nothing behind?

"One day, maybe one day I will find these answers. But now I'm left with them... maybe eating that wolf's soul will help?" There was power there inside him! I could feel it! I NEEDED that power! Maybe it could make me whole again? That would be fantastic. Slowly I gradually drifted off to sleep letting my body relax...one perk of being a shadow. We never had nightmares or dreams at all...I missed the dreams, I had pretty good ones! The nightmares...not near as much.

Turning over on my side I saw a mirror. I didn't look any different to be honest, we Shadow's were ageless but sometimes I really did hate my face...especially since it reminded me of just how I lost everything. My home, my life and my soul...Yes, I would make that wolf suffer just as much as I had suffered! Let him be broken and all but begging to be put out of his misery...that should be fun. With that I let myself fully fall into slumber embracing the peaceful oblivion of sleep.

~~Ben~~

Sunday opened on a peaceful note, I had actually remembered to shut off the alarm clock for once so we wouldn't wake up early. Me and Dil had been having a blast with Skyrim and it was nearly 2 in the morning before we went to sleep. Waking up I noticed Dil had already left though he had a note sitting on his bed as an explanation.

'Dear Ben Sorry for leaving you, I got myself a date today. I'll probably be out most of the day so no worries, if you need me for some shadow killing just send me an email since I'll be checking them every so often. But anyway have a good day! See you later tonight!' Sincerely, Dil'

Rolling my eyes I briefly grumbled, of course he had a date! I was hoping that we could have played some more Skyrim but oh well guess that wasn't in the cards... 'So what am I going to do now?' I asked myself in a bored manner. Gaming was no fun by myself and Dil absolutely refused to let anyone touch our gaming consoles without his permission. We had gotten our homework done as well so that was out and I didn't really feel like playing basketball. Looking at my phone I realized just how pathetic my social life was. I had Dil's number, as well as Hope's and Howie's and a few guys from the team but that's it.

'There is always Hope, you two will be working together for a long time, maybe you can learn more about her?' Suzaku inqured.

'Don't remind me...' I mumbled yet truth be told I actually did like Hope. Sure she took a bit of getting used to but she was nice enough when she wasn't being annoying and she did promise to keep my feelings for Dil secret. 'Huh, guess I really am a hypocrite, railing on Dil for keeping secrets but keeping plenty myself...but I just can't risk a relationship and having it fail...maybe this date will be the one?' With that I got up and found some street clothes before heading to the bathroom.

The shower itself was quick and after I dried and dressed myself I sent a text to Hope, asking her if she wished to see the zoo in central park. Her reply was immediate and excited. Smiling to myself I told her to meet me in the courtyard and we would grab a taxi. With that settled I gathered my things and headed out to meet her. True to form she was standing right outside the Dorm Courtyard a little outside the girls dorm.

She was wearing a light purple jacket, blue jeans and a cap. Her tail was twitching behind her and when she noticed me she immediately ran towards me and wound up tripping on her own tail again. Though I thankfully was able to catch her before she went splat.

"You still aren't used to having a tail aren't you?" I asked her cheerfully. Hope nodded her head, clearly embarrassed which made me smile. "You'll get used to it just give it time! I could only imagine how clumsy I would be WITHOUT my tail. Probably as clumsy as Dil even!"

"Speaking of Dil...where is he? He not with you?" I just gave her a shrug before calling a taxi.

"Dil said he had a date so he'll probably be busy doing whatever." I told her before talking to the guy on the phone. "Hey, can I get a taxi...? Yes, Fairbanks Academy, you know where that is? Yes yes, Northeast Harlem! Okay, 5 minutes? Good, we'll see you then!" Hanging up I turned towards her with a smile. "We'll be getting the taxi in a bit." I told her as I walked towards the gate. "Anyway, so how do you like everything so far? Must be weird, being stuck in the mortal plain?"

"It isn't so bad, having to go back to school sucks but other than that things are okay. It's actually nice feeling the warmth from an actual sun. The Suncryst is nice but it doesn't beat the same thing and it's impossible to get a tan because for one, the Suncrysts rays are completely controlled." I just nodded, I hadn't gotten to really see the Suncryst lit since it was 'night' when Hope took me and Dil there. I was still surprised at how huge the Reaper City was.

"So, do Reaper's have schools? Like we have here?" I asked, I was actually curious about how everything worked there. Despite being technically dead Hope told me that Reaper's could still reproduce which was interesting.

"Yes, young children have a sort of elementary school but far more fight based." She explained. "We age a lot slower than mortals after all but we almost never get to go to this world. Our city covers the entirety of North America so I've gotten to see a lot of things but we are almost always told not to interfere with Mortals, unless they are attacked by Shadows of course!"

"Speaking of Shadows...just what are they? How can something exist without a soul? Casper seemed almost normal himself. Are all high level Shadow's like that?"

"Rinato are the closest to mortals yes, even if they lack souls. Nobody really knows where they came from. Most believe they were the darkness that sprang from humanity before our god destroyed them. But it doesn't matter where they came from they are dangerous. Rinato aren't scary because they are powerful, they are scary because they are smart. Having survived the dark realm they set their own rules." I just nodded along and waved when I saw the taxi. Getting in we both slipped on our seat belts and got whisked away to our destination.

~~Dil~~

"I'm surprised you actually called me back kitten, didn't think I would see you again!" The hunky coyote said as he groped me hard. We were in his room again but still clothed though I am not exactly sure why I called Jack again. I almost never contacted one-night-stands after the initial fuck.

Hell, I usually deleted their numbers after I left them but Jack was a nice guy from what I gathered and it certainly helped he was a good fuck! We had gotten breakfast before heading out back here. His Roomie had left for the week and wouldn't be back until Thursday so we had no worries about being interrupted.

"I'm surprised too honestly..." I mumbled as I slowly undressed myself. "But you were available and I was horny so..." Jack just laughed, he had already gotten all his clothing off and he seemed almost amused at me gingerly taking my own clothes off and folded them neatly.

"So I was a way to get your rocks off huh? Oh well!" He teased before he pounced on me and forcing our lips together. I moaned into the kiss, greatly enjoying the feeling. Jack was a damn good kisser I had to give him that! He groped all along my chest and even played with my nipples as he did so leaving me a purring, dripping mess and putty in his paws. We broke off the kiss only to breathe for a few moments before diving right back in. It was a mindless kiss, no love or any reason tenderness but I wasn't here for those things.

"You make me so horny kitten, how about you give my dick a kiss? It's happy to see you also!" I barely stopped myself from rolling my eyes at the cheesiness but did as he said and gave the bright red penis a lick causing him to let out a shuddering moan. "Oh yes kitten, lick me! God I love cat-tongues! You felines give the best god damn blowjobs!" I tuned him out at this point, mainly just focusing my attention on his cock. His precum was sweet and very salty at the same time and he oozed copious amounts of the stuff and soon enough I found myself staring down at his emerging knot.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my fellow feline penises myself! They were fantastic and those barbs felt oh so nice scraping against your prostate but there was just something about knots that never failed to catch my attention. He must have been close because he swiftly pushed my head away from his dick.

"I have better places to cum kitten, grab me some lube and condoms and I'll show you a great time!" Remembering where everything was placed I threw him the condom before liberating my hole in preparation for the pounding I would undoubtedly be getting. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy pounding that sexy little ass again! Oh yes I am!" He hummed as he slipped the condom on before settling in between my spread legs.

With a grunt he slipped himself inside me with great care. Once I adjusted properly he began to increase his pace slamming into me with ever increasing force. I for my part held myself close to him, moaning, purring and telling him to fuck me harder in his ear egging him on even more, sadly however things ended far to quickly as he slammed his knot into me tying us together as he filled his condom with cum.

I came shortly after pounding on my own barbed member until I cried out in glorious orgasm. As we came down from our respective highs Jack huddled me closer and breathed heavily into my neck. That was one thing I loved after sex, the cuddling, almost as much as I loved the sex itself. It made me feel safe and protected and unfortunately reminded me far too much of how Raymond used to hold me after we had sex...

"That was fun, I'm glad you called me!" The panting coyote said once he regained his breath.

"I'm glad as well!" I responded feeling very full with his knot shoved up inside me. But it was a nice feeling, it made me feel normal and let me forget if only for a few moments about the chaos that my life had become. "So, how is college?" I asked him "I'm hoping to get into NYU myself but what should I expect?" Jack just let out a light hearted laugh as he rubbed my tummy absentmindedly.

"Eh, alright I suppose, lot of work but also lots of fun! You think those little high school parties are fun? Wait until you see a college one! I have a good buddy in a frat who always invites me to his keggers. Man can those guys take their alcohol. As for what to expect? Lots of hard work, lots of cramming and studying and even more cramming! But you will eventually get used to it and it simply becomes routine. Also everyone is horny so it's never hard to find a willing tail!"

"Sounds fun" I replied as I felt his knot slowly begin to deflate. Gently he pulled out of me and slipped off the condom before throwing it into his wastebasket. "But I care more about my studies."

"Got any major in mind? I myself always loved journalism which was why I majored in it. What about you?" I just shrugged, I hadn't actually considered what my major would be. I know I wanted to do something in the medical field so I could help people but at the same time the thought of being around so many sick people made my stomach turn. I already hated germs so it would probably be impossible to handle.

"I'm not fully sure honestly. I know I don't have to have one immediately but I really don't have a clue on what to choose!" I confessed with mild embarrassment. Jack to his credit just gave me a gentle smile.

"No worries kitten, most kids don't know exactly what they'll major in but you will figure it out I bet! And you'll be great at it! Just trust me!" I smiled back at him and blushed.

"Thanks Jack, that means a lot!" I said as a snuggled up to him.

"No problem kitten, none at all."

~~Ben~~

The zoo itself wasn't particularly busy, unsurprising considering it was January yet still odd but Hope really seemed to be enjoying herself a lot which was nice. She kept ooing and awwing at the ferals as they lumbered around their habitat.

"I've never got it, how can Ferals and Furs coexist when you are both animals?" She asked me, I just gave her a shrug at that. It wasn't my area of expertise and Dil could have definitely explained it better but I might as well try and give it a shot eh?

"I think we branched off from ferals a long time ago, evolution and all, we furs gained sentience anthropomorphic attributes until we became what we are. We can breed outside our species after all. We're essentially one race divided up into numerous sub-species." Hope just nodded and thanked me before I asked her a question.

"So Rinato, they are sentient right? Could you knowingly kill another sentient being?" That must've took Hope by surprise since ear ears flicked and her tail wagged madly in shock.

"Where did that question come from? But as an answer I don't really know much about Rinato class Shadows except they take the form of their past selves. The information on them is incredibly scarce but keep in mind that they almost never leave the Dark Realm and nobody has ever been there and survived. There have been a few altercations whenever they do leave their realm but those are few and far between. All we know is that they are incredibly powerful and dangerous but really, what brought this on?"

"Casper actually, you said Rinato are Shadows who regained their mortal form...It makes me kinda sad. Shadows exist because we cannot get to them before they fall into despair. Every time we kill a Shadow we are basically killing our failures. The weaker ones might not be fully aware but the Rinatos must be fully aware of their emptiness and it's just depressing."

"You get used to it. Shadows exist to eat souls, that's what they do and our job is protecting Souls, you are correct on this but it's needed they shouldn't even exist really, let alone Rinatos because the soul is the embodiment of life. How can something without a soul be alive? Shadows are a living paradox all by themselves.

"Makes sense, but still really sad if you think about it."

"I know" Hope said, her eyes staring at the ground. "But the fact still remains...Shadows exist and we need to stop them. They are a threat to our would." I gave a tired sigh, she was right. We walked around for another hour or two before we both decided to get back to school. I was in my own little world honestly. I actually pitied them to a degree, the Shadows. Eventually we reached the school and split up going our separate ways. Passing through my thoughts I stayed completely silent even as I reached for the door. Once I stepped inside I heard the shower running, automatically knowing that Dil must've gotten back before us.

Lazily I plopped down onto my bed and waited for Dil to finish. It was another five minutes until I heard the shower going off and Dil finally deciding to reveal himself. He was wearing some simple sleeping clothes and he looked almost surprised to see me.

"How was your day?" I inquired which caused him to smile.

"Nothing, just tired...you?" I just gave him a pointed look.

"You have a good date?" I asked.

"Was fun yeah, very fun, what did you do?" He asked as he plopped himself on to his own bed.

"Went to the zoo with Hope but it was fun and we talked about things." I told him truthfully. "Mostly Shadows and the like." Dil just nodded while scratching his belly in comfort.

"That's nice, glad you two are making an effort to get along. So what about the Shadows did you talk about?" I just shrugged.

"About how Shadows are basically proof our own failings. It's hard to explain but I just find it sad that we cannot protect everybody." Dil just sighed from his perch before he spoke.

"You can never save everyone, that is just how it is. The world is cruel and bad things happen to good people. It's just how things are." I just sighed, he was right of course but I still hated the fact that it just wasn't fair.

"So ready for school tomorrow? I'm not!" Dil just laughed his head off before sobering.

"I'm not worried, I just hate gym class is all. I'm just glad we got our homework done and plus it's nice to relax." It really did help we had already gotten everything done.

"So wanna play Skyrim?" He just laughed and said he would like that. So we swiftly settled and played the game until it had gotten to curfew. With all of that managed we both eventually found ourselves asleep in dreamland.

~~Casper~~

The meeting was boring, I just don't understand why it was needed. It wasn't even needed since we already had our Target. I was barely keeping myself awake and I was so bored! The boss kept on about his plan until finally everything ended and we were let go. I was just about to go to my room before Garret called out for me.

"Some meeting huh?" He joked lightly. I just shrugged but the lynx continued his antics. "But hopefully we can finally regain our souls eh?" I just let out a grunt and still kept silent. "But yes it would be nice being whole don't you think?

"Yes it would." I admitted "But do you really think the Boss is telling the truth? What's so special about that wolf? He didn't seem very strong from what I've observed. Why does he want him and how would he bring us back our souls?" Garret just shrugged nonchalantly, he was actually one of the highest ranking members of our little group (Ranked #3 out of 10 with Elwyn as #2) but always seemed so lax and lazy.

"Boss thinks the power inside his soul can possibly return ours. I assume you will continue with the recon and dealing with our Medium friends?" I just nodded, not really enthusiastic about it. Recon was sooo boring! And I hated those stupid idiots, it's a wonder they hadn't been smashed by the Reapers yet. "That's good, just keep a distance from the wolf and try not to maim him too much. We need him alive!" I just rolled my eyes, I might not kill him but I damn well would make him suffer. I still owed him for stepping on my paw.

"Will do, anything else?" I asked him calmly. "Because I've been wanting a good sparring match." Garret just rolled his eyes and shook his head at me, seemingly amused by me. "And what is so funny? You wanna be my target?"

"While that would be fun I have to decline, I've got other duties to attend to. I just find it funny, fighting won't bring you back your soul. And whatever relief it will give you will not last. As empty shells nothing can release us from our torment except death. Even then we just fade."

"Where do we go though? What happens to us when we are killed? I've always wondered that...part of me hopes there is something we leave behind." Garret just patted my back sympathetically.

"You'll figure something out someday. Hopefully one day we won't have to worry about fading. We can be complete and whole. But don't think too much of death Casper, I would rather not die again nor do I want you to. But I best be off, see ya later kid!" With that the lynx vanished leaving me alone. Sighing I just went to the courtyard. There I saw that a few non-Brotherhood Rinato were milling around there. They never really interested me much outside fucking so I rarely paid attention to them. I was caught off-guard however when one of them tried attacking me.

"Death to the Brotherhood!" The pig yelled out brandishing a knife but before he could get near me I had already summoned my scythe and cut his arm off causing him to scream out in agony.

"Tut, tut, attacking a Brotherhood member, I'm aghast!" I stated cooly. "You know the price for that, any last words my friend?" He didn't say anything, instead he spat at me out of spite causing me to growl. "Guess not then!" I snarled before slinging my scythe and completely decapitating the assailant. His entire body vanished into shadow before his head reached the ground and I quickly absorbed the released souls before they could vanish.

Turning towards the others I gave them a sadistic grin. "Anyone else want a go? We the Brotherhood are your leaders! You will respect us or face the consequences! Do I make myself clear!?" All of the Rinatos swiftly bowed to me before they ran, obviously not wanting to share the fallen man's fate. 'Hmm...anti-brotherhood rebels I guess they do exist. No matter, might as well enjoy myself!' I thought to myself as I walked into the city itself.

People were everywhere, hawking their wares and foodstuffs. For whatever reason Rinato required actual food to fuel ourselves. Despite the lack of light, we had figured out how to cultivate crops. As I walked through the cobblestone streets I was given a wide berth which made walking around easy. The city was dank and colorless. The citizens themselves mostly kept to themselves. Being empty shells made it hard to be attached to others, most lived in their own little world. Walking through the city almost reminded me of my old village, the one I grew up in before I died, which was similar but with far fewer people.

Memories were something all Rinato cherished, sometimes I would lay down for hours just thinking about my old life. But others they just made me angry and today was one of them. I continued my walk for several more blocks until I headed back towards home. After all, I did have babysitting later and I honestly wondered how those twerps would handle what's coming for them? I couldn't wait to play with them soon.

~~Ben~~

I really hated mornings...have I ever mentioned that? It always came far too fast for my tastes. Once I was dressed me and Dil headed towards the cafeteria. Dil was himself again thankfully but I just couldn't settle, just what were those guys planning? Did they really want to bomb the city? And what did that leopard, Casper want from them? And just who were those comrades he brought up? All those unanswered questions drove me nuts. Hopefully it would get better in time.

We finally reached our destination and once again Dil split up from me to sit with the cheerleader trio. I still didn't understand why he remained their friends but that was Dil for you, he'd do anything for his friends. And I guess they weren't awful, even if they were creepily obsessed with me. Sighing I grabbed my tray and sat down next to Hope who looked oddly grumpy. Guess she didn't have a good night last night. Not really asking anything I just ate, trying to figure out just what everything meant. Hopefully we would find it soon...because for whatever reason I really had a bad feeling about the future.