Pure Life

Rating: Fighting somewhat…

AN: Had a problem. Fixed it now I’ll be updating faster… hopefully. Enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Star was standing when the wolf crashed into the clearing with Mace and Justin. He passed Justin to her and sat Mace on the ground as he shifted back. “Nathan, when did you get back?”

“Just now.”

Zev was right behind her, “What’s going on?”

“Where’s Levana?”

Just then they all turned at the sound of a bullhorn going off. Levana was standing on the stage Daisuke next to her. She said something to him and he nodded. Turning back to the crowd she spoke into the bullhorn. “Those that can’t fight get to safety. That includes pups, injured wolves that can’t fight, and those carrying pups. I find any of you trying to fight I’ll drag you down myself!”

“Zev,” He glanced at Star, “You take care of Akira. Mace and Justin here will follow you.”

He nodded. She sat Justin down on the ground as Mace stared at him. “Come on you two!” Justin grabbed Mace’s shirt and pulled him along.

Akira stood up when Zev ran up to him, “What’s going on?”

“You’re going below.”

“Why?”

“Want me to carry you?”

“Okay I’m going.” He led them up to the meeting hall. Once inside they walked into the main room and then up to an old cloth that was hanging on the wall. “That a little too obvious.”

“Is it?” Turning to the right he counted off ten paces and counted up twenty bricks from the ground. He laid his hand against the brick. Just as the wall shimmered away a few more Weres walked into the hall. “Well in you go.” Justin and Mace walked into the room before Akira even moved. He stood there looking at Zev.

“I won’t know if you’re okay.”

Zev dipped his head and kissed Akira. “Two hours. I’ll come and find you.”

“And if I don’t see you I’m going to coming up to find you.”

“Akira… please.” Those gray eyes narrowed and he sighed. “Fine. Just be careful.” He kissed him again and quickly pulled his shirt off. “Justin will need it.” Akira took the shirt. He felt Zev push him past the opening. As he turned it was gone. Reaching out his hand met solid wall. Taking a breath he fought back the panic and gripped the shirt.

A hand grabbed his hand. Looking down he saw Mace. The boy smiled, “He’ll be b-back.”

“I know Mace.” He tugged the boy along and spotted Justin sitting the top of the steps. His back paw came up to scratch as his ear. “Hey Justin.” Akira held the shirt up, “Got you a shirt so you’re not running around in only a pair of shorts.”

He glanced at Mace and started down the stairs. “What is w-wrong?”

“I’m going to go out on a limb and say he’s embarrassed that you’ve seen his animal form.”

“Why w-would I be?”

He was caught off by the question. “I…really… don’t know?”

“Oh…” Mace took the shirt from Akira and ran down the stairs. He stopped and called back, “Are you co-coming!?”

“Yes.” The brunette followed Mace as he took the stairs three at a time. They passed two landings and on the third landing Akira found Mace looking at Justin. He was still in his animal form. “Justin, just shift and put the shirt on.”

There was a huff and he looked at Mace. Standing he pushed Mace till he had his back to the small wolf. Justin looked at Akira, “Shift. I’m not moving.”

He watched as the boy trotted down the steps. A few minutes later he was walking up the steps as he pulled the shirt on. It fell to his knees. Before he could say anything Mace latched onto him as he grinned. “Why didn’t you t-tell me?”

“You didn’t need to know.”

He let out a whine, “B-but…”

“Come on let’s get inside.” They walked into a room that had other wolves. “There’s not that many.”

“Most don’t want to leave their mate’s side.”

“Le-Levana will bring them down later.”

Akira sighed as he rubbed his head. Looking over he caught the sullen look on Justin’s face. He pushed him forward and Justin bumped into Mace. “Damn it I can’t see!”

“Stop sulking.”

“I can sulk all I want!”

“Not now. Do it on your own time.”

Mace grabbed Justin’s hand pulled him along, “I s-see a spot where we can s-sit!”

“But…”

“T-till we get your gl-glasses. I’ll help!”

He followed the two boys till they made their way to the far wall. There was another doorway next to them. As they sat down Akira pushed the door open to find another hall way. “It leads to Levana’s home.”

“I see.”

Zev sat down next to the unconscious body. His black muzzle nudged the body as he gently clawed at it. The black wolf wagged his tail as there was a silent curse. Dark hazel eyes looked at him. “Zev?”

~“Get up.”~

Sitting up he rubbed his head, “Where’s Mace?”

~“He’s safe. Now get up AJ.”~

The man in front of him had dark brown hair that was short and wavy. He rubbed his ears, “That’s good.” Placing his hands on the ground he grunted, “Up we go now!” AJ watched as Zev pulled a pair of pants out of a brown pouch tied around his waist. “What are you doing?”

The wolf moved out of his sight and a few seconds later he came out in a pair of cargos. There were zippers along the bottom of the legs and the waist. He muttered, “They work till I go to the full form.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. Where are your clothes?”

“Oh, Nathan had them.” The brunette struck a pose. “What I’m not sexy for these shorts?”

Blue eyes gave him a bored look, “I’m not even going to answer that.”

Nathan just then came running up to AJ, “You okay?”

“She had a damn rune weapon.”

“Is it healing?”

AJ looked at the wound on his shoulder. “Yeah I can still move it. But first I want to see Mace!” He snagged the clothes and was about to rush off when he was yanked back. “What?” Dark hazel eyes looked up at Nathan.

He grasped AJ’s head between his hands, “She got you across your face.”

“It’s all right. It’ll heal.” Nathan frowned and grabbed AJ by the nose. “OW!! Injured there! Injured there!!” The sight made Zev sigh and shake his head. If he didn’t know these two so well he’d say they were far from sane. Sad thing is he knew they were sane. When Nathan released AJ’s nose he watched as the grown wolf clutch his face. “What the hell’s your problem man!?”

“Nothing. We need to help chase off those people that are hidden in the trees.”

“What do you mean?”

He looked back at Zev, “They are here for him aren’t they?”

Zev was looking up at the branches. “Zev!” They turned just as Daisuke dropped to the ground. “Where is Akira?” He didn’t even have time to put his wings away when something came flying out of the trees. All three watched as the spear disappeared it a black rift. There was a cry of pain and that grin was on his face. “Akira where is he?”

“Safe…” He pointed at the area the cry came from, “What…”

“Their alive I’m about to find out where the camps at.” He made a motion above him, “The air and the trees. You’ll find most of them around the perimeter. Watch out when you in the open.” Grabbing Zev’s hand he placed something in it. “Go check on Akira.”

“What for?”

“Even if his body was changed to fight off things. There are other things that it can’t fight off because of DNA.” He glanced at the other wolves and then pulled Zev over to the side. “There is one thing that could really put him in danger. It’s only affective for two reasons, Tainteds and Hybrids. Akira is both; I’m worried can you get this to him?”

“Yeah. I’ll go now.”

“Hurry.”

“Zev!” He looked over to find three winged soldiers pointing arrows at them. AJ and Nathan were slowly backing up towards them.

Daisuke looked at Zev, “Get to Akira I’ll take care of this.”

“Okay.”

He moved forward as arrows flew at him. They vanished and hit a tree behind him. He grabbed the other two wolves. “I’m going to need your help.”

“Okay.” Nathan and AJ followed after him. “Will that guy be okay?”

Zev glanced back at Nathan, “What you couldn’t see the resemblance?”

He quickened the pace and Nathan soon was in front of Zev, “Zev, who was that?”

“Akira’s dad.”

“Wait dad!?”

“Yep.”

An arrow flew and nicked Zev’s cheek. He slid to a stop. His eyes looked at the arrow as he swiped at his face. A growl was working its way up when AJ called out, “Zev?”

Two more arrows were shot at him. He caught one as the other slammed into the tree next to his head. Snapping it he took off just as five more followed. AJ grabbed Nathan as more flew at them. Zev passed the vial to AJ when he passed him, “Hold on to that.”

Jumping up, he pulled himself up into a tree as his body shifted. He disappeared behind that tree. Nathan looked at AJ when he asked, “What is he doing?”

“Attack Zev, Zev attack back.” Dark hazel eyes rolled at what Nathan said. “What did you forget? I had to keep you two from trying to kill each other a few years ago.”

There was a scream and they looked back at the tree Zev disappeared behind. Just then Zev dropped down in front of them. He shook his head as the two wolves sighed. “Did you have fun Zev?” He looked at AJ and took the vial from him. AJ blinked, “Dude, your pants are still intact!”

He yelped when Nathan smacked him over the head, “Stupid AJ. Let’s get to Akira.”

Daisuke flicked his dagger to get rid of the dripping blood. He then knelt and wiped it on the shirt of one of the few dying men. “Shit head had to piss me off.”

“I can see that.”

“Oooo yay she came to criticize!” He sheathed the blade and looked at Levana. “What do you want?”

“Did you leave one alive at least?”

“Yeah most of them and there’s one over there tied to the tree. These ones snuck up on me.”

She gave him a disapproving look.

“What?” He spun the other long dagger just as someone dropped behind him. There was choked cry of pain and Levana sighed. The man had just stabbed his dagger backwards into another winged guard. “Like that would kill him. Besides… I’m going to him and he knows it.” The winged guard dropped to his knees on the ground as Daisuke flicked his second dagger, only to sheath it with his first one. He turned to her, “So what are you doing here?”

“Just some advice.”

“Like.” Her advice usually involved insulting him somehow.

“You should smile more. I mean the way you used to smile when Ellen was around.”

“Yeah well I can’t help… what? I smile.”

He caught the way she looked at him, “You should move on Daisuke. I have and you can.”

“Easier said than done.”

“If you can’t do it for yourself then do it for your kids.”

“Kids? I only have one the other die…” He narrowed his eye in suspicion, “You know something?”

She smiled as she turned from him, “I’ll leave you to finish.”

“Wait!!! Kids!? What the hell are you talking about?!” He growled and huffed then looked at the person tied to the tree. They flinched and started to sweat as he stalked over to him. He stared at the person. The fear was clear in the person’s eyes as he gave a whimper.

A loud slam echoed through the campsite. “How fucking hare is it to find one person?”

“Sorry he just vanished. Even Daisuke vanished.”

“Then go find them! We’re running short on time. Tonight is the only time we can strike!”

“Yes sir!” They all vanished and the blond man sighed.

Cyan looked at his charge and nodded. They closed a door behind them as they moved further into the room. “Mother!”

A woman with long golden brown hair tied back looked up from her book. “Davion. What’s going on your father said you were out and about.”

“Like hell! Dad is going to do something stupid to Daisuke!”

She sighed and shook her head, “I know about him being what he is but why else.”

“Daisuke has a kid.”

Her book snapped shut and she stood. Dark green eyes were looking at the two. “Fine lead the way. Cyan, you know how to get there?”

He gave a sharp nod, “Yes ma’am.”


Akira sighed as he sat there. His fingers itched to do some kind of fighting. He knew what was going on just from the whispers alone. It had been an hour so far. One more.

His hands cradled his head as pain blossomed in side his head. “Fuck…”

The two kids looked at each other and at Akira. Once the pain subsided they all jerked to attention when the walls shook. The door to the room slammed open as a kid shouted, “They found us!” People started to panic and Akira felt a tug on his shirt.

They slipped out the door next to them. “Let’s go deeper. We have to in order to get to the stairs that lead up to Levana’s.” Mace nodded as Justin told Akira about the tunnels. “The only reason it was made was because of Levana. She said we might need it in the far future.”

He pushed a door opened and they slipped inside. The stairs led deeper into the ground. Akira shook his head as he felt more old memories surface. A few of them he couldn’t remember ever doing. Was he remembering something from his forgotten past?

They were still moving lower when the foundation shook again. “They found another hidden room.” Mace was clinging to Akira’s hand when he let out a whimper. Justin looked back at Mace and smiled, “We’ll be fine Mace.”

As he said this the ears on Mace’s head twitched back and Justin froze as his jerked up. “J-Ju-Ju-Justin?”

He saw the door and Akira pushed it open. “Come on you two in here.”

They slipped in and Akira closed the door. The orange haired boy quickly latched the door. They moved across the room to another door. Opening it they rushed out. Looking around, Justin finally pointed, “This way!”

It didn’t take long before there was another shaking of the foundation. Mace spotted the crack in the wall. “O-over h-he-here!” He slipped into the crack with easy and Justin followed. Akira had to work his way in and once again cursed himself for being the way he was at the moment. Once he got through he dropped to his knees gasping for air. Justin and Mace were working to push a large cabinet in front of the crack.

Once he was sure everything was fine he looked at the two kids. They backed away and soon all three were in the corner. There was another way out but it was blocked by ruble. Mace clung to Akira as Justin stood watching the area the sounds came from. He couldn’t see well but damn it he could still hear. Once it grew quiet all three visibly relaxed.

Zev gave a loud swear when he saw the meeting hall. He looked at AJ and Nathan. Both weren’t pleased either. “How do we get down there?”

“Levana has one.”

They nodded and slipped past the building. All three slid to a stop when a sound came from their side. Zev yelped as he was plowed into by one of the random guards attacking the place. He snarled and threw them off of himself. One glance was enough to see that Nathan and AJ were busy. AJ of course looked like he was monkey around as he fought. The grown wolf had a playful streak when it came to fighting. A grin was plastered across his face as he flipped over the weapon.

While AJ played Nathan got down to business. Preferring to finish it off then drag it out. So when the guard cried from getting their elbow shattered he smirked. Only to give a sharp blow to the back of the guard’s head, knocking out the guard.

The black wolf sighed and caught the weapon toting hand. He glanced at the guard. They gave a wary laugh and he sighed. He frowned. Then he punched them and let them drop to the ground. “Zev!”

They turned in time to see Marianela running up to them Ransom was behind her in his dog form. The blond was holding onto her metal bat.

“Maria?”

“Hey where’s Akira?”

“Down we’re headed that way. Why?”

She held out Akira’s spear. “I’d rather him have a weapon then none.”

“He doesn’t carry it anymore?” Nathan and AJ looked at each other as they heard the whine from Zev.

“No he told me he’d keep it but he wouldn’t need it. Something along the lines of ‘who is stupid enough to attack a den of wolves.’”

“I see.” He took it from her just as Ransom started growling. His dog form backed up against Marianela. The fur along his back stood on end. “What is it?” The growling grew louder and they looked over to see a good sized group headed their way. “Shit!”

Ransom was pushing Marianela as he backed up. “Ransom…?” He didn’t like these ones. They smelt different. His form shifted to a more humanoid form and he snagged Marianela. “Hey!” Zev watched as dog took off running and he jumped, disappearing behind a pile of crates.

“Holy shit what was that kid!?”

“Not important let’s get out of here.” They hid behind a building as the group ran by. Blue eyes widened as they saw the person in the middle. Chains were shackled to the limbs and around the neck. The eyes were covered but maybe that was a good thing. Ears were pointed and marks were stretched across the cheeks. “What the hell are these people thinking?”

“What do you mean?”

“That right there is not a normal person.”

“What?”

Nathan spoke up, “Their headed for the tunnels.”

When they looked at Zev he was gone, “Zev!” A black wolf appeared around the corner and then took off back around it. They followed.

Mace looked at Justin when he spoke, “Something is wrong.”

“W-wh-what do y-y-you mean?”

“It’s too quiet.”

Akira let his eyes close, “Two hours.”

“What?”

“Zev’s been gone for two hours.” He shook his head. “I’d put up with any pain just to know if he was okay.”

Justin looked around the room. There had to be another way out. “Mace, come help me with these rocks.”

“O-okay.”

The brunette laid his head back against the wall. Was Zev alright? The sharp pain appeared again and he gave a loud swear. Why was his head hurting again? His breath was getting harder to catch. What the hell was going on? He clutched at his chest as he fell onto his side. Was this what they called a panic attack?

No… he wasn’t panicking. It hurt to breath. “Fuck…” The two kids looked over.

“A-Akira!” Mace was about to run over.

“I’m… fine! The door get it… unblocked!”

Justin nodded and started to push the larger rocks away. Soon the pile was slowly growing smaller. Akira gave a weak smile as the door was finally cleared. He could see dots dancing on the edge of his vision. Mace and Justin grabbed the door and pulled on it. It swung open. Running out Justin gave a cheer. “Mace we need to get Akira to Levana’s.”

The boy nodded. Then they stopped. The foundation was shaking again. Justin looked up and then shoved Mace back into the room. Just as the boy crashed to the ground a pile of rocks fell in front of the door. “Th-thanks…” He turned to find Justin not even in the room. “Justin!!” His small hands grabbed at a large rock and pulled. He pushed at it and tugged at it. But it wouldn’t give. “Justin!!”

Justin groaned as he held his head. “Owwwwie!!” He rubbed at his head and hissed at the sharp pain. Pulling his hand way he found blood.

“Justin!!!”

“Mace…” His head hurt. Standing he placed his hand against the rock filled door way. “Mace!” It grew quiet, “I’m going to find some help. Stay with Akira.”

“B-b-but…”

“I’m fine. Stay here Mace!”

“O-ok…” he could tell the boy was trying to catch his breath.

“Breathe Mace, okay?”

“Okay…”

“Everything is alright.” He climbed to the top of the rocks and shifted some. He made a hole big enough to put his arm through. “Mace up here.”

The small boy’s face appeared, “See I’m alright. Stay here with Akira. I’m going to find Zev. Stay quiet.”

That head nodded.

“I’ll be right back.”

“C-co-come b-back… safe.”

“It’s on my list.” Mace watched as Justin slid down the rock pile. He waved at Mace and ran off down the hall.

“Is he… alright.” Looking over at Akira, he nodded and the brunette sighed as he relaxed. His hands rested on his swollen abdomen. “Good…” The younger brunette slid down the rock pile. He walked over to Akira and laid down next to him. He watched as the rise and fall of Akira’s chest slowly quickened.

‘Hurry!’

Zev stumbled only to land face first on the ground. His body hurt from being forced back into his human form. He gave a curse and looked up at the sky. “Shit!!”

“What’s up?”

He pointed up and the other two sighed. Great now they had to avoid getting killed for the rest of the day. “Now we know why they chose today to attack.” The three wolves looked at each other and then ran for Levana’s.

He pushed the door open. Zev walked to the back and opened the door. His hands found the groves. Pushing the wall it slid to the side. They walked into a hidden pantry with odd and ends inside. Nathan moved to one wall as Zev stood at another. They both pulled on an item and watched as the wall parallel to the door turned into an open passage. AJ tossed them two flashlights and they moved into the tunnel. The wall slid back into place blocking off all light. The torches came on and they moved forward.

“So what are we looking for?”

“A place for someone to hide.” Zev looked down at the weapon in his hand. “We need to hurry. Keep an eye out. I don’t want to run into that person from up top.”

A snort came from AJ, “You think we want to run into it. Whatever it was made my skin crawl.” He rubbed his arms as he felt goose bumps on his flesh again.

He looked back at AJ. “Let me tell you, you’ll be lucky to get away without a good deal of damage.” He shook his head as he remembered the pale gray eyes that stared him down that day. Pain laced through his chest and he dropped to the ground.

“Zev!” The two came to a stop. Then AJ called out, “Hey man you okay?”

His chest hurt it felt like something was squeezing his lungs. The pain disappeared as quick as it came and he blinked, “What the hell was that?”

“I don’t know you tell us?” Nathan was standing behind the worrying AJ who was watching Zev. “You just dropped like a bag of hardened cement.”

He blinked again and then sat up. What the hell just happened? Standing up, he took a deep breath. It didn’t hurt anymore. Then he shook his head, think about it later find Akira. He snagged the dropped torch and they quickly walked down the tunnel. Just as Nathan rounded a corner a small form slammed into him. He caught the small form and all lights shined on Justin, “Hey that hurts!”

“Justin?”

“Dad!” Nathan handed the light to AJ as he pushed the dark orange hair to the side. He could see the gash on his forehead.

“What happened?”

“There was a cave in.”

Zev felt his heart stop.

“What about Mace?”

“He’s trapped inside a room with Akira.” AJ glanced at Zev when he let out a soft whine, “We have to hurry when I left Akira was having a hard time catching his breath.”

“Okay. Show us the way.”

“We’ll have to take the long way because the door is blocked but there is another way in.”

“Whatever way gets us there Justin just show us the way.” The man hugged Justin. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”

The boy nodded and then tugged on his father’s hand, “It’s this way.” They followed after the boy as he led them deeper into the tunnels.

Mace looked at Akira as sweat started to form on his brow. “A-Akira?”

Tired gray eyes looked at Mace, “I’m…… fine.” It just kept getting harder to breathe. The pain in his chest was getting worse. The only time it didn’t hurt was when he stopped breathing for a few seconds. He had to keep breathing. His hands gripped at the shirt covering his abdomen. He needed to live. He had a reason to live. An image of his wolf flashed through his mind, ‘Zev…’

The small brunette sat up when he heard a sound coming from the caved in doorway. “Mace…” It was a soft hiss. “Mace…”

“A-Akira, Justin is back!” He climbed up and saw dark green eyes looking back.

“I got help.”

“W-who?”

“Mace?” Justin moved to the side as AJ scrambled up the rocks.

“Da-daddy!” AJ reached through the hole and Mace hug his arm. That hand touched the scar next to his blind eye.

“Stay there Mace we’re coming. Zev is with us.”

“R-really?”

“Yeah.”

“A-Akira is… is… he c-ca-ca…” The tears were flowing down his cheeks as he tried to talk.

Justin growled, “Breath Mace.”

“Easy. Relax.”

The boy sucked in some air and whimpered, “Needs h-he-help.”

“We’re coming to get you.” He pulled his hand back and then passed two items to Mace. “Give this to Akira. He needs to take it now.”

Mace closed his hands over the small vial. “Get it to him.” Then he grabbed the metal rod. “Give them both to Akira.

“Y-yes.” He slid down and rushed over to Akira. “A-Akira!”

The brunette looked at Mace as he ran over to him, “What?”

“H-here.” He helped Akira sit up and then showed him the vial. “You need to t-take it.”

“Who…” His hand fisted in his shirt as he gasped for air. Mace fumbled with the cork top. Once it was off he held it out to Akira.

“Z-Zev said to give it…”

He weakly gripped the vial and then knocked it back. A second didn’t even pass as he clutched his neck. “Burns…” He was wheezing now. The boy whimpered as he watched Akira choke on the air.

There was a sound behind the cabinet and he rushed over. “D-daddy…” Opening the door he peeked through a hole in the back.

Something was moving towards them. Akira let out a choked cry and whatever it was slammed into the cabinet. Mace let out a whimper and took off over to Akira. “Th-there is…” He felt Akira stand. Looking up he watched as color slowly returned to Akira’s face. He ducked behind Akira and gripped at his pant leg.

Akira growled and something slammed into the cabinet again. An inhuman sound came from behind it. The small brunette backed up till he hit the wall. That’s when he felt the rod in his pocket. Reaching for it he pulled on Akira’s shirt. Looking down at Mace he smiled, “What… is it?” His breathing was still shallow.

“H-here…” He held the metal rod out. The brunette looked at it, “Zev.” The smile appeared on his face.

“I’ll have to thank him then.” The back of the cabinet gave and the person came in. They were hunched over. A chain that hung from their neck drug on the ground. “Mace, run for the hole in the wall when you get the chance, stay quiet.”

He nodded and quietly crawled away. Akira slipped to the other side as the person dove for him. His spear smacked them in the head hard dazing them. At least he had his spear. Long reach and everything was good. He stepped back till he was against the wall. Wait. Its head turned as it pulled its self up. He was about to call out when a black hole appeared beneath him just as another one appeared above the person. He caught sight of his father just as he fell.

“Holy…” Mace yelped when Akira dropped onto the ground. “Shit?” He stood and used the spear to hold himself up. “Mace?”

“Y-yeah.” The boy was against the wall looking at him.

Akira was about to say something when he was enveloped in a warm hug. Zev had his face buried against his neck. He turned the brunette and tugged his shirt up as he looked over him. “Zev… Zev I’m okay!”

Blue eyes glanced up at Akira. “But that person… what was it?”

“I don’t know but…” Akira quickly rushed over and pulled Mace against him just as the person flew out of the crack in the wall. It rolled across the floor to only stand back up. Zev was in front of Akira and Mace as AJ moved forward body tensed. Nathan stood back with Justin who was starting to sway.

They all went still as a figure shot out and slammed the other into the wall. Small cracks stretched out from the gap in the wall. Smaller rocks fell and dropped on the figure crouched over. They all watched as that figure reached up and grabbed the top of the hole to pull themselves up. Daisuke was soon standing in the tunnel. “Well I have to give him credit for what he did. Sending a tainted after another one is a risky move. Even if you want them alive.”

“Akira your dad just put a fucking hole in the wall.”

“I can see that Zev.”

Daisuke turned and looked at them. “Hi!”

“And now he says hi… crazy bastard.”

The man frowned, “I’m not crazy!” Both Zev and Akira pointed at the wall. “What!? So I put a little more into the attack.”

AJ slid over to Zev, “Is he safe?”

“Just don’t piss him off.” Zev muttered.

Akira looked at the new person and AJ grinned at him, “Hi the names AJ.”

“So you’re AJ.” Those dark hazel eyes took in Akira’s appearance. A sharp point pushed against his nose and AJ raised his hands up in that air, “Say it and I’ll cut it off.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Once that spear moved he gave a sigh only to grunt as Mace glomped him.

Mace hugged his father and AJ knelt down. “You did good.” He hugged the boy and found that Mace wasn’t going to let go anytime soon. “After this is over let’s get Star to make us some cookies.” The boy’s head nodded against his shoulder.

There was a low growl from the hole in the wall. Then it shot out at Daisuke. He shouted as it knocked him over and then went for Akira. Akira pulled back his spear and swung. The metal connected with the tainted’s head. It cried out and stumbled back. Growling, it ran at Akira again and this time Zev grabbed a hold of the chain around its neck. Twisting his body he swung the person into the wall. They slumped to the ground. He walked over to the tainted and gave a sharp tug on the chain. The person fell to the ground as he slammed his foot against their throat.

You could hear them choking as they clawed at Zev’s leg. He put more pressure down on their throat. Then he gave a low growl and jerked the chain. The tainted’s body went limp. AJ rolled his eyes, “And he says he won’t be a good Alpha.”

He looked at Akira when he growled, “Fucker dented my spear!” The brown wolf gave him a weird look before their attention was pulled back to the other two.

Daisuke knelt down. “He’s scared of Zev. Good work!” He looked up at Zev. “Now you can remove your foot so that I can take him home.”

“Is that…?” He glanced at Akira.

“A tainted. Yeah one that’s been retrained. But there is a catch.”

“Like?”

“This.” He ripped the blindfold off and Akira looked away as Zev quickly jerked his foot from the neck. The eyes were sown shut. You could see where dried blood had collected around the eyelids. “He’s blind. His eyes were removed. I was ready to lose my life no way in hell was I giving my eyes up for a fucked up freedom.”

Zev growled as he pulled Akira to him. “Zev… I’m fine.”

“I know.” He ripped his eyes away from the tainted on the ground. ‘It’s just…’

“Wrong.”

“Yeah.”

AJ watched as Zev held Akira close to him. Mace tightened his hold on his dad and the man chuckled, “Let’s get the hell out of here.” Daisuke picked the body up and slung it over his shoulder.

“I’ll see you later. I’ve got an idiot to kick around.” A black rift appeared, “Akira, don’t push yourself.”

“Kind of hard to do.” He pointed at Zev. Some unknown emotion passed in those black eyes and then it was gone. The older brunette nodded then he stepped back into the rift. “I’m with AJ I want out of here.” They walked around the corner to find Nathan with Justin. “Why is Justin out cold?”

“New moons can be hell on first shifters.” Nathan cradled Justin in his arms as he stood.

“So want to get out of here Nathan?” AJ was grinning at the man.

“All for it. I’ve had enough for the rest of the night.”


The tainted fell onto his desk. Looking up he came face to face with Daisuke. Two sharp spears appeared at his neck. Black eyes glanced at both guards. “Move them or I’ll cut them a new hole.” The two guards looked down to see those daggers not even a hair’s breadth from their stomachs.

He waved his hands and the guards gratefully rushed out of the tent. “Did you kill it?”

Daisuke gave a growl, “Bastard you’re going back on his promise!!” With weapons put away his free hands reached over and pulled him out of his chair. “I put up with the pain all those years ago just to have what I’ve earned! I won’t have you take what family I have left from me!”

“Rules have been broken.”

He let go as he stepped back. His hands were shoved into his pockets. “Fuck rules! Your father must be rolling in his grave for what you’re doing.”

“I don’t care what that old fool did. He wasn’t in his right mind when he died.”

“Me and him made a deal. A deal that according to him was to be held by all the rulers.”

“Rules are to be followed. Your son…” He didn’t finish when that blade stopped at his neck.

Black eyes looked over at the person who had a blade pressed against his neck. He could feel the cool metal of her blade as he took a breath. “Control your anger Daisuke or you’ll lose everything. Drop it!” The blade clattered onto the table as the other one moved away. “I go to my room to finish my book and find you trying to take out one of my men! Have you no shame!!” The golden brown haired woman was now in the blond man’s face. Her brown eyes were snapping with anger.

Stepping back as the two bickered he caught sight of Cyan and Davion. They waved. He waved back. The man gave a curse. “Call them back or I’m going to kick your ass in fount of everyone. Do it now!”

The man made a sound as she gave his ear a sharp tug. “And get this guy on the table to a medic before he dies!!” A couple of guards took the tainted out of the tent.

A few minutes and a couple of threats later they were outside the tent. The woman glanced at Daisuke and sighed. “Look Daisuke I’m sorry about what happened. Please tell me you had some on you.”

“Don’t leave anywhere without a few.”

“That’s good.”

She gave a soft smile, “When I first saw you something told me you were going to cause a hell of a lot of trouble.”

“Father would be so proud.”

The woman snorted as that. “More like try to kick the shit out of you.”

“Lovely. You make me feel so happy Kyria.”

“I give it a week to blow over. Then I want to see your ass back doing your job.”

“Slave driver.”

“I’ll make it less.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Good. Now I need to take care of something.” She glared at the man behind her. “Hopefully everything will quiet down. Akira isn’t the first to slip under the radar and he sure won’t be the last.”

They watched as the last of the items were packed away. “Agh… I can’t take all of this!” He growl and dropped to the ground.

“You’re such a child.”

His head turned to look at her, “Kyria. I’m going to need some time off later… in about six months… maybe sooner.” She nodded.

“Go to wherever the hell you were at. I’m going to try and settle whatever might blow our way later.” Her eyes looked at him. “Get some sleep. You come back sick I’ll have you cleaning the outside and inside of the guard’s quarts.” Kyria caught the flinch and a mumbled ‘slave driver’ before he ended up face first in the mud her foot on his head. “I’ll add the royal quarts to it if you keep it up.”

When that foot left he pushed himself up and glared at her over his shoulder. Her brown eyes watched him, they seemed to dare him. When he gave a sigh and she smirked as he stood. Then she patted his head. “I’m not sick.”

“Sure you are. Now go on and leave… before I decide to drag you back.”

“Yes yes I’m going.” She watched as that black rift appeared. Then he was gone.

“Stupid idiot needs to learn how to walk.”


The wall disappeared as the small group walked out. Levana smiled as they looked at her. “Now who is hungry?”

Akira collapsed gratefully on the bed in the corner as Levana handed him a bowl of stew. “Thanks.”

“You need to get your strength back. We don’t need you having problems now.” Zev was stretched out behind him out cold. “The new moon is always hard on some wolves. I don’t blame him for passing out.”

The white wolf glanced at AJ who froze. His face was almost inside the bowl. He lowered the bowl and gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry your cooking is too good to waste.”

“Hmmm, you have a kid show some manners.”

“That kid is out cold in the corner.” She smacked him over the head. “Owwie!! Nathan she hit me!” Said wolf was hunched over sleeping. An emotion flicked across the wolf’s eyes. One that Akira had seen. He sighed and shook his head. “Never mind. He should sleep.”

The two brunettes glanced at each other and then looked away. Levana shook her head as she left the room. Akira glanced at Zev, and then looked back at AJ, “Was Zev really short?”

AJ couldn’t help as he grinned. “He was the runt of our group. Then he got that growth and him and his brother evened out.” His grin disappeared as quickly as it appeared. He gave Akira a serious look, “Stay with him. When Asta died it was hell. He just appeared in the den in the middle of the night. Looked like death warmed over, it was hell for all of us.” The man stood and then slightly shook Nathan “Hey let’s get you in a bed before you get a crick in your neck.”

He muttered as he glanced at AJ, “Sorry I didn’t fin…” He blinked as he finally woke up, “…huh AJ?” Then he looked around his eyes fell on Akira. “Oh… Nice seeing you again.” AJ was already waking up the two kids. “Night.”

“Night.”

The four left and Akira glanced at Zev. He ran his hand through black hair. “To think it used to be another color.” Turning back to the bowl he grew quiet and then mumbled. “Why would I want to leave?” He sat the bowl down and turned towards Zev. Leaning over he kissed Zev as he went to pull away a hand snagged the back of his head. “So he wakes with a kiss.”

A tired blue eye watched Akira. As he looked at him he could see a slight discoloration around the outer edge of the iris. “Are we leaving?”

“Yeah.” He smirked, “Can you walk or will I have to carry you?”

“Ha! Like hell! I’m getting up.” The black wolf stretched out and yawned just as Akira leaned over to kiss him. His eyes slid closed as his hands dug into Akira’s hair. He was about to flip Akira when there was a cough. Both looked up to see Daisuke looking down at them. “Um… hi!”

“Off my bed.”

“Why?” Gray and black stared at each other. The brunette smirked and tugged at Zev. “Come on Zev we can finish back home.”

Daisuke gave a visible twitch, “I don’t need to know that!”

“How else do you think I became like this?” He motioned to the round lump.

Levana coughed as she said, “As much as I’d love to watch this but I must warn you your wolf is about to keel over from exhaustion.” They looked over to find Zev slumped over against the wall.

Akira snagged Zev’s arm, “Come on its not that far.” They left and Daisuke dropped on to the bed.

She didn’t even get to say anything when he gave a soft snore. “Ellen, how did you manage?” Turning around she picked up a blanket and covered the sleeping man. “I remember the pain you caused all of us with that temper of yours. Just a boy then and look at you now.” She lifted his head and shoved a pillow under it. “She would be proud that your still kicking and pissing people off.”

Her hand brushed his hair from his face, “Running around with a fever like always.” Walking off she came back with a damp cloth. Draping it over his forehead she reached over to turn off the light. “Night.” The last of the light was cut off as she closed a door throwing the room into darkness.
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Sorry for the lateness, again. I’ve lost my little sheet of what to cover in the chapters… I’m not pleased. I can’t find it anywhere. So I’m going by memory. If these last two chapters suck in anyway just say so. I can take it. Reviews welcomed.
Shade:)