Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ten years ago, Bill retired to land where he spent his days as an herbalist making medicine and remedies to the locals of Glory. He lived as husbands with his partner, Legosi and his former crew in their beautiful home near the river. Their son Ash had grown into a handsome young wolf, taking after Legosi in many ways and Bill in others. “Pa, I want to go with Agata to the old ocean tavern!” He said as he came down the stairs. “What for? That place is rough.” Legosi said as he put a pot of water on the fire.

Bill watched him come into the kitchen, his fur darkened over the years, it was nearly matching Legosi’s now. He looked like his little twin which made the proud tiger smile. “He has a match today, I wanna see it! I promise I won’t drink or mess with the girls.” Ash leaned against the doorway to the kitchen making pleading eyes at them. “That’s not what concerns me, some animals go around just looking to start trouble and he can’t have his eyes on you while he fights.” Legosi tells him.

Bill was separating oil infused yarrow into vials. Tensions were growing in the city since the once widely available meat source became scarce. Herbivores mostly lived in peace within the city walls, but carnivores had become more aggressive toward them. It led to fights and confrontations with the authorities. Legosi was understandably wary, Bill however wanted the pup to have fun.

“You can go.” He said. “What?” Both wolves said. “Come on, dear. I know Agata wouldn’t let anything happen to his favorite nephew.” Bill smiled. But Legosi became cross, worry in his face. Bill sighed, he took a sword from the wall and put it over Ash’s head so it hung on his back. “You’re giving me your sword?” Ash asked. “It’s only for emergencies, stay close to Agata.” Bill said. Ash nodded. “Thank you, papa!” He said, tail wagging as he made his way to the door.

“You had better hope nothing happens, or else!” Legosi warned. Bill chuckled. “Or else what!” He sassed. “I don’t know! Or else…Or else no sex for a month!” The wolf threatened. Bill paused, “Good Lord, now I’m scared.” He mumbled as he went back to the vials.

-

Ash found himself at the old ocean, there was a long line of big men looking to sign up and take on the champion. In the back of the tavern was a makeshift ring with rope surrounding them.

Ash observed them with wide eyes, carnivores, large herbivores, and even a couple of hybrids. He looked over to Agata who gave him a wink and ran up to him. “Are you nervous?” He asked the lion. “A bit, but this is the last fight before I get to face the champion. With you here watching me, I’m gonna give it my all.” Agata ruffled his ears making Ash smile brightly.

As soon as the referee called for the first fight, the atmosphere changed. The animals became riled up and began to holler and cheer for the combatants. Ash watched as the first fighter stepped into the ring. The regional champion was an African buffalo named Haku and he made beating him look impossible as one by one his opponents fell. When Agata got into the ring, Haku laughed. “A lion? Riki!” he turned to the booker. “You’re making this too easy for me, brother!” He mocked with a hearty laugh.

When the bell rang, Haku swung and Agata dodged, nailing him in the stomach with a hard blow. Haku reeled back, Agata landed punch after punch, aiming for his face and head. Despite the buffalo’s attempt at blocking, Agata was successful until he started hitting back.

Haku landed a right hook to his face, busting open the lion’s nose. Agata blocked his face so he paid him back for the shot to the gut, making him fall to his knees.

“Oh no!” Ash ran around the crowd to where he could see Agata more clearly. “Let’s go, Agata! You could do it, come on!” he cheered. This caught Haku’s attention, he went over to the young wolf and kicked dirt in his face. Ash started coughing, rubbing at his eyes as boos filled the yard.

Agata jumped to his feet, grabbing Haku by the arm and turning him around before unleashing on him. He hit the buffalo hard enough to make him stagger and kept going until he was unsteady on his feet. One final punch that just about broke Agata’s hands, he laid him out. Cheers erupted as finally, after two years of being champ, Haku was finally dethroned.

After the fight ended, Agata came by and picked up Ash, carrying him over his shoulder as everyone cheered. “You alright, kid?” He asked, rubbing his head fondly. “Yes! You won!” He responded, his voice muffled from being buried in the lion’s mane. “That guy was the worst.” Agata muttered angrily.

When he put the pup down, the booker came and gave Agata some money and told him where to go to get the champ and possibly win the big prize which was a chest of gold and a silver sword made my the royal guard’s bladesmith.

When they left the old ocean, they walked around the square. Ponzu, Su, and Miso were in their usual corner earning coins and cheers from random passersby. “Well hello!” Miso greeted. He noticed Agata’s bloodied nose and bruised face. “You look like you lost a fight!” He teased. “I won, actually.” “He was great!” Ash praised. “I’m glad!” Miso laughed. “We’ll see you later, we’re going and tell my papas so they could fix up Agata.” Ash said. “Then we’ll see you at home, don’t forget practice your lute, you have a nice voice, you could be an entertainer one day!” The leopard reminded.

When they neared the house, Ash heard voices coming from next door. He looked through the kitchen window to see his friend waiting eagerly as his father took some fresh bread out of the oven.

“It needs to cool a bit.” The older tiger told the cub. Then his eye caught the curious pup peaking his head in through the window. “You have a visitor…” He said, nodding toward the window. He turned and Ash tried to hide, now caught. “H-hello, Atari…” He mumbled shyly. “Hello there. Do you want some bread?” the cub asked. He was a handsome white tiger about the same age as Ash. Neither had many friends growing up, Atari for being a white tiger and Ash for his unusual family, so they became close.

“Sure! And…after, do you want to come over?”

“Okay!” After sitting on the edge of the pier enjoying some warm buttered bread. They made their way to the house. Bill and Legosi were busy over the work table, so Ash and Atari wanted to see if they could sneak past then. Slowly, and quietly, they made their way to the stairs and up to Ash’s room.

“Can I ask you a question?” Atari was sitting on the edge of Ash’s bed, swinging his feet back and forth while he waited for an answer.

“Yeah, sure.” said the pup as he took the sword from around him and put it beside his clothes chest which he then opened and took out another shirt. He took his dirtied one, wiping away the rest of the dirt from the buffalo’s mean taunt and put on the clean one as Atari looked on, curiously.

“Have you ever felt different?” The cub asked.

“Me?” Ash looked at him with wide eyes. “Well, I’m not like everyone else, but I’m fine with that.”

“I mean…have you thought you thought you wanted something…but you were afraid that if you got it, that everyone would look at you differently?” Atari looked up at Ash, his blue eyes sparkling in the afternoon sun shining the the window.

Ash blushed, slowly sitting beside him.

-

“Did you eat after your brawl?” Bill asked as he finished cleaning off Agata’s nose and applied an ointment to his bruises and cuts. “No, I wanted to get home and tell you guys. I’m pretty sure Free bet against me…” Agata said. Bill laughed. “Where’s Ash? I made potato soup.” Legosi wondered. “I think I heard him come in…”

“Oh let’s go get him. I want to talk to him about Gon’s class.” Legosi jogged past Bill toward the stairs. The tiger followed. “He knows how to read and write, what else could he be taught?” Bill asked. “A lot, actually.” Legosi said. They stopped as they heard talking. The door was open, Legosi gestured to Bill to hush.

“Do you remember what we did at my birthday last year…in the hedge maze behind the Songbird Mansion?” Atari asked. “Y-Yes. I remember…Do you want to do it again?” Ash squeezed at his pants legs, his red, ears back.

“If you want…” Atari rubbed at his neck nervously. Ash licked his lips. He took Atari’s hand, leaning in they both closed their eyes as their lips pressed together. They were both inexperienced, but Atari chose to try something a little braver. He wrapped his tail around Ash, urging him closer as their kiss became a little more passionate, small moans escaping.

Bill listened on with a big smile on his face. Legosi was flustered, he went to try and open the door m, Bill stopped him. When he tried to protest, Bill clapped a hand around the wolf’s muzzle dragging him back to his stairs as he flailed.

“Stop!” He whispered, giggling as he let Legosi go. “That tiger is a little tramp! They’re too young for all that!” Legosi whispered harshly. “They’re at the age.” Bill said with an amused grin. Legosi’s expression fell, and his ears pinned back to his skull like he wanted to cry. “He’s growing up too fast.” He whispered, voice breaking as a tear fell from his eye. Bill’s expression softened: He kissed the wolf between the ears and held him close. “He’ll always be our baby, my love.” He said. Legosi nodded and let Bill lead him back downstairs.

Chapter Text

“A messenger came today.” Bill said as he sat at the table with his flagon of beer as Legosi looked out the window with a woebegone expression. “Legosi?” The wolf’s ears flicked. “Hm?” He finally turned to Bill. “I said a messenger came today. The king requested an order of our yarrow balm for their hospital. A large order. I boxed most of it up this morning but we’ll need to have it shipped.” The tiger looked up at Legosi who only nodded, hearing but not listening.

Bill sighed. “Are you still worried about the boy?” He asked. “Why aren’t you? It’s his first week of class, all he knows are herbs and sailing. Suppose all the other kids tease him? Not to mention he might be thinking of Atari instead of paying Gon any mind…” Legosi sighed. “We waited too long to send him to school.”

The former captain would have no more of his wolf’s sorrow. He took his hand, “Come…” He nodded his head up at the stairs. “Let me put you at ease.”

Legosi shook his head. “I’m not in the mood.” He said. Bill hummed, turning the wolf’s palm upward and gently grazing his claws over his palm. The tickle gave Legosi goosebumps, he swallowed. He opened out his hand and let Bill continue. “There’s only so much time we get to ourselves. Today, we’re all alone.” The tiger said, voice husky. “Fine…” Legosi got up and let Bill lead him upstairs to the master bedroom. The wolf sat on the bed, rubbing his hands over the luxurious silk sheets. Bill wrapped his arms around him from behind, licking and kissing at his neck. Legosi moaned, leaning his head back. The tiger could tell his mind was heavy and made it a mission to relieve that stress.

He laid Legosi back onto the bed, pulling off his shirt and tossing it to the floor. The wolf bit his lip, Bill may have been trying to distract him but he was only an animal after all. He wasn’t immune to the charms of those muscles and bright, beautiful fur. He took Legosi’s shoes off and pulled off his pants exposing his prize, a fully hard cock and perfect ass hole. He pulled Legosi down to his waist as he sat up on his knees, pushing his pants down to his thighs. He stroked himself as he buried his face between the wolf’s legs, sucking and lapping, drooling and licking, he was practically soaked when Bill dipped his two fingers inside him.

He looked up as Legosi’s back arched, his eyes squeezed shut, and moaning. Bill knew he won him over when he felt him spread his legs a little wider, it was his way of telling him he liked it. The shy wolf always found different ways to communicate his pleasure to Bill. He withdrew his fingers, Legosi’s pink hole puckered with a slight gape. Bill then positioned his cock at the wolf’s hole, pressing into him with a satisfied hiss. Legosi’s furrowed brow softened as Bill began moving his hips. Fast, shallow trusts rocked the wolf whose lips parted in pleasured panting. He knew he had him then. Legosi gasped when Bill folding him nearly in half,Bill held himself in a press above the wolf as he drove his cock down deep into him making his eyes widen in surprise.

“Ahhh, fuck! Harder, please…please, Oh God, please!” Legosi begged, Bill was all too happy to give him what he asked for, shaking him with thunderous thrusts. The delicious flex of those velvety walls bearing down on him had him drooling. All the wolf’s fears seemed to disappear making way for only pleasure and need. Legosi arched into Bill as he came, painting his own face with his release. The sticky strings of over his muzzle were enticing in itself but when that long canine tongue lapped at it, it made Bill’s cock twitch inside him. He leaned in and licked Legosi’s lips which parted in invitation allowing him to suck the taste of the wolf’s cum greedily off his own tongue. “Mmm…” Bill growled as he came buried deep inside Legosi.

“I love you…I promise, you have nothing to fear.” Bill whispered as he slumped on top of his wolf, still inside him, letting him warm his cock. Legosi pet the fur atop his head delicately as they drifted off into a little sleep. Bill woke up, opening his eyes, terror struck him. An unknown lion lay behind Legosi, stroking his with a claw. He looked up at Bill who was about to jump up when he felt the cold steel of a blade against his throat. “Lifestyles of the privileged…” he whispered, with a quiet chuckle. “There’s always some kind of depravity going on behind closed doors.”

Legosi was always a deep sleeper, he was completely unaware of the lion’s unwanted touch. “What do you want? Leave him alone…” Bill snarled. The lion wrapped those claws around Legosi’s throat, the long claw on his index finger grazing right over his pulse. “Please…take what you want. Take everything! Just don’t hurt him.” Bill pleaded. “Slide out of your dog, and both of you get dressed ‘cause you’re coming with us.”

Bill was filled with dread. He knew that going with them could mean death either way. What would become of Ash? How would he feel if they just disappeared? Would he think they abandoned him. He tried to cover himself to pull out of Legosi. The lion laughed. “Too late to hide your shame.” He said, smacking Bill’s hand away. He pulled out, exposing them both. He wasn’t embarrassed, but possessive over Legosi and hated that they saw him. He pulled his pants up, and bent down to pick up Legosi.

“Wake up, wolf.” The lion growled into Legosi’s ears. When the wolf only stirred, he gave him a few gentle smacks to the face, startling him awake.

Legosi looked at the strange lion standing before him with cold eyes, his heart was pounding fast and scared. “Who are you?” The wolf asked groggily. The lion grabbed him and tossed him across the room into Bill’s arms before pointing his weapon at them, “Cover up and follow us…” There was a tense silence as the lion watched the pair. “Do it!” he demanded. Finally, Legosi moved to pull on his pants and followed Bill as they were led downstairs.

-

“I know it’s not as interesting as your games or falling in love or sailing the open sea, but what you learn here could make all the difference in your lives. You’re going to learn math and science, Latin, and how to manage a household, among other things. I promise you it’s going to be very rewarding.” Gon said at the end of the last lecture of the day.

“Uncle Gon…why do we need to know Latin?” Ash went up to him as the other students left. “Well, many important texts and sights were written in Latin. If you ever find yourself lost, it could come in handy.” The tiger smiled, his orange fur peppered with gray made him look wise. If anyone were to raise a generation of intelligent animals, it would be him. “Will you be home for dinner?” The pup asked. “Of course. I only work late on exam days.” They said their goodbyes and Ash made his way to the university foyer where Atari was waiting for him. He looked handsome in his uniform the trousers made him look shapely. “Ash!”

He ran up to the pup and wrapped him in a side hug. “Shall I walk you home?” He asked. Ash blushed. “If you’d like.” He said.

When they got to the house…something didn’t feel right. Ash knew that everyone would be at work still but the door was swinging open. Inside, packed boxes with a letter sat on Bill’s work table. He looked at the kitchen table where there was a dagger sticking out of a note stained in a drop of blood from both parents and demanding a ransom of an impossible amount of gold or something called The Bloodline Atlas. “What’s wrong?” Atari asked as he saw the horror wash over the pup’s face. Ash ran outside, sniffing for any sign of his father’s but the smell of Bill’s stronger herbs made it difficult. He could only faintly make out their scent and the scent of lion.

-

A ways away, hidden in tall grass, tied up and gagged, Legosi and Bill looked on as Ash looked for them, becoming more and more distraught. Legosi was shaking, Bill tried to huddle closer to him in an attempt at comfort. “Sonny and Hugo are ready at the ship.” A lion with a short mane said as he came back up the hill. “Good. We’ll hold them in Blaenau. If we don’t see the money in a week’s time, we’ll kill them and come back for the kid and clear out everything in there until we find that book.”

-

“They took them! They took my fathers!” Ash cried into Atari’s chest. “We need to tell your uncles! The lions! They’ll know what to do.” Atari said. He pulled him toward the door. “Wait! They said someone will be watching us, what if…what if they hurt them if we try to get help?” Ash asked. The tiger paused. Agata and Dope, heard this as he came down the stairs. They had to have gotten home shortly before they did and didn’t see the note on the table.

The teenagers looked at each other and back at them. “Hurt who…?” Dope asked. Ash sobbed, handing him the letter. The lion thought for a moment as Agata read it as well. “They wouldn’t go far if they’re waiting for you to show up with this stuff. We’ll get the others…” “Hold on!” Agata stopped him. “It’s not like how it was when we ran the seas. Free owns a brothel, Ibuki and Gon are old now, and Dolph still has pain from what happened all those years ago. Sheila might help but she’s settled down with her woman.” He said.

“We need a navigator. Dolph and Sheila would have to come with us.” Dope told him. “But we don’t have any of what they’re asking for!” Ash cried. “Then we need a plan…who’s the biggest plotter we know?” Agata asked. “Uncle Melon…” Ash sniffled, wiping away his tears. “Let’s go,” Dope said, heading toward the door. “We don’t have time to waste.”

“I’m going with you!” Atari said.

“Your father would forbid it.” Ash told him.

“I don’t care….I want to be there for you...” Said the cub as held Ash’s hand. “Come on…” Agata said, and they set off to find the others.

Chapter Text

Melon was in the showroom moving displays around. With the steady rise of newcomers to Glory, business has been growing steadily. There were these nobles who requested specific items. A painting of stars in the sky overlooking a sleepy town, another of a female doe cutting off the head of a wicked leader, a telescope, a solid gold tea set, and a time piece with beautiful ornate case.

His eyes kept going back to that one…it would be a perfect gift. He felt a hand on his back and turned around. “There you are, you’re getting better at sneaking up on me!” He said as he reached up to kiss Dolph. They learned sign language to speak to each other since Dolph couldn’t speak without his voice. Late night conversations and romantic discussions were well worth the effort.

“These look expensive. Looks like you’re going to have another successful auction.” Dolph signed. “Yes, well…we’ve been trading such high quality pieces that snobs are crawling out of the woodwork to get theirs. Everything we have is one of a kind, everything. One they’re gone, they’re gone.” The hybrid gave that time piece one last glance before be made his way to the doors, opening them for the guests to start arriving. He saw Dolph smiling at him, and laughed. “What?”

“It’s always amazing seeing how much you’ve grown.” Dolph’s signs were a little slower and more thoughtful. Melon smiled. “If you weren’t there to water the crop, the field would’ve withered and died.” Melon ran his fingers through the lion’s mane. “Come on, we’d better get ready.” He said, as guests began to arrive. When the auction started, guests were lead from the banquet to the auction hall. The first few items went quickly, he had already surpassed his goal for the day. When he got to the time piece, a greedy mare in the front row bid high to start. Her face was one of utter confusion as Melon started to outbid her. He kept going until she finally gave up.

When the auction was over and buyers started collecting their items, Dolph went up to the hybrid with an amused expression. “What was that?” He asked. Melon took the time piece in its beautiful wooden box and opened it. “Animals like us could never truly get married…but I wanted to give you something that every time you looked at it, you knew you belong to someone and that someone belongs to you.” Dolph took it, wanting so badly to kiss him then, but too many prying eyes lingered around the room.

“Thank you.” He signed.

“Uncle Melon!” Ash called out to him. “Shh!” A buyer hushed, making the pup’s ears flatten. “Don’t you dare silence him! Get out!” Melon snapped. The buyer, an older mongoose, quickly made his way out. “What can I do for you?” He asked the young wolf. “Uncle Melon, my papas were taken for ransom. They’re asking for all this money and something called a bloodline atlas.” Ash gave him the note. “They couldn’t have gotten far, we just saw them this afternoon.” Dope said.

“The Bloodline Atlas…I haven’t heard someone talk about that thing in years. I once say pirate stragglers harass my father thinking he knew where it was.” Melon said. “What is it?” Ash asked.

The hybrid sighed. “It’s supposed a book of passwords, maps, and plans for different hidden treasures. Entire fortunes, just lying about for the taking. No one knows where it is, but…if they took Legosi and Bill, they had to think that they would have it or at least know where it is.” He said.

“Then we need to find it! Fifty thousand gold pieces is an impossible ransom, even for the king!” Agata cried. Dolph looked at Melon and then to them and signed something. “Absolutely not!” Melon objected. “What did he say?” Atari asked Ash. “He said he’d go with us.” The pup replied. “We’ll go to the census taker and find out who had the house before them. One of them must know its location.” Melon proposed. Dolph shook his head. “No.” He signed, “We don’t have time to seek them all out, interrogate them, negotiate with them, and if we must find the atlas, still bring it to the abductors before the seven days have passed.”

“If anything happens to you, I’ll…”

Dolph held up the watch to Melon, when he took it out of the box. He looped the chain through the buttonhole of his vest and put it in his breast pocket. “As long as I have this, I know I have someone to come home to, and you have my word that I will.” He said. Melon’s eyes glistened as he looked into Dolph’s. The hybrid began to sign, “I’ve only known love once in my life. Come back to me so I won’t have to forget.”

The lion kissed him, uncaring of who saw and nuzzled his muzzle against Melon’s. The hybrid watched as they left, hopeful that they would be able to get them before it was too late.

-

Sheila and Peach were an unusual couple. Women living together wasn’t uncommon, but it was as though the cheetah had taken on the role of the man. Peach was a home maker while Sheila worked. Peach cooked, and made the beds. While Sheila fished, chewed tobacco and got into fights. But the cheetah was an excellent provider and they planned to adopt in a similar fashion as Bill and Legosi.

For years before Peach met Sheila, she would share what she had with those in need. It was how they met. The cheetah had just been in a fight with a man she rejected, the sheep had found her trying to nurse a ghastly gash across the back. Peach was glad she found her, it had been so lonely after parents died and her only sister went off and got married. They became close as Peach allowed Sheila to stay with her and recover.

Sheila's attitude was what most would consider masculine, but Peach saw it differently. Sheila didn't try to prove her dominance over her. Despite Sheila's tough demeanor, Peach knew that she was a sweet and kind soul, something Sheila tried to hide out of a personal fear of being hurt. But this didn't seem to bother Peach in the slightest.

Sheila sat on the porch peeling potatoes for the stew they were making. Every few days, they would make enough to share with the homeless at the shelter next door.

“Aunt Sheila!” Ash went running up to her, she dropped everything in the basin and got up to catch him as he flew into her arms.

“Hey! Where’s the fire, little one?” She chuckled. When she saw the seriousness in the lions’ faces, she knew that something was off.

-

“The word about the old sailors was mostly that it was kept hidden on a monster infested island somewhere around the other side of White-ridge at the crossroads of Fern and Sutton. You’d always hear ‘em crying ‘It’s so close! If I was a young man, I’d make the journey prepared to fight!’ The youngsters never paid them any mind. Hell, it might not even be real, no one’s ever seen it.”

Agata groaned. “Fern and Sutton are a two day sail in the opposite direction! We would have to leave now!”

“But…what’ll we do if it’s not there? How will we get Ash’s parents back?” Atari asked. Sheila quirked at brow as how tightly this young tiger was holding Ash’s hand. “We go there. Look for it, if we get it, we bring it with us, if not, we go ahead and cut our way through those fuckers and get our boys back!”

Peach came down the stairs with a trunk and wearing a shawl. “Let’s go then, love!” She chirped. “Where do you think you’re goin’, missy? This is a dangerous days-long sail, not a vacation!” Sheila told her. “Yes, well. I’m not staying here while you face the trial alone. I know how to use a sword, and you taught me how fight.” Peach reasoned.

“But-

“No buts! We have no time to waste and all the family you have at home will wonder where you all went and why you’re not there so we must be swift. Where you go, I will shall follow.” Peach insisted. Sheila wanted to argue further but she knew how stubborn this sheep was. She wouldn’t tolerate being told to stay home and wait.

“It’s time to man the sunshine, let’s hurry while it’s still early. We’ll make good time.” Sheila said, Peach smiled as the cheetah picked the trunk up with ease and lead them all to the docks.

Chapter Text

A cold bucket of water was thrown over their faces as they say bound in the dark cell beneath the ship. “Wake up, it’s time to eat. We’re a day out on our journey, and you’d better pray your boy is close behind with that book.” The pale lion dropped two bowls in front of them with apples, dry chicken and bread. “Please…” Legosi sputtered and spat. “We’re not who you think we are! We don’t have your book!” He cried. The lion backhanded him, sending him falling to the floor with a hard thud. Bill, despite his hands being bound, was about to charge at him in a rage, but the lion was quickly and already had the end of his sword pointed at the tiger’s throat.

“The only way you’re getting out of this alive is if that wolf boy has it in him to either give us 50,000 gold coins or the bloodline atlas. There is no further negotiation to be had, so start praying he finds it, otherwise your “son” will be an orphan once more.” The lion left and the clang of the heavy cell door made Legosi flinch. “I’m an animal of my word. Once we get what we came for, you’ll be freed.”

“Are you alright?” Bill asked once the lions were gone, Legosi’s lip was split open, he sat up and trickled down from his top lip to his neck.

“We have to get out of here. Who knows what they’ll do to Ash if he and the others try to come for us.” Legosi said as he looped his arms around himself to get them in front of him. “Let me untie you.” He said. Bill turned around and Legosi used his claws to undo the rope. Once freed, Bill did the same for him. The tiger sighed. “We’ve been at sea for a day, we don’t know where we’re going or in what direction we’re headed. We might have no choice but to stay put until we find an opening.” He said he looked at Legosi who held his knees to his chest.

“Even if we go, we can’t go far. The crew might be coming for us. I hope they let him stay at him. And in school.” Legosi said, he grew quiet. “It’s my fault isn’t it?” He said suddenly. “I bought that house not knowing the history behind it…but I’m not prepared to believe that those dwarf rabbits were treasure hunters.” He mumbled. Bill shook his head. He took Legosi’s chicken and replaced it with his apple and bread. “Eat.” He said, offering the wolf the bowl. Legosi took it.

“It’s not your fault,” He continued. “Young animal in search of his fortune is a dangerous thing. He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain.” He bit into the dry, tasteless chicken as Legosi munched on an apple. “As for Ash, I’m sure they have enough sense to leave him home where he’s safe.” Bill reassure.

-

It had been a very long time since Ash was on a ship. Legosi was fearful of the sea ever since they all had barely survived their journey to Shadowhaven. However, there was something within the young wolf that called him to the water. He would sneak onto the ship after a spat with his fathers, and try his best to make it to Ibuki before he went out for the days catch and ask to go with him. Now as he watched the gangway being pulled up, and realized that for the first time in 15 years he was departing from the port on a days long journey, he was both excited and fearful.

“Are you alright?” Atari asked as he noticed the pup’s ears pinned back and drooping tail. “Y-yeah! I’m fine, I just…when I was little, something bad happened. Sometimes…a few memories come back. Memories that feel like nightmares.” He said as he made his way to the deck, Sheila pat him gently on the shoulder. “If this is too much, you could stay here with Gon, and Tao, Ibuki and all the others. They’ll take care of you.” She told him, he clenched his fists. “No. I can’t just sit back and do nothing! I’ll go mad. Please…I need to help.”

“Come here, then.” Agata said, Ash went over to him and the dark maned lion handed him the line, they released them, positioning the sails. “What can I do?” Atari asked. “You could help them too, while I store these boxes.” Sheila looked at Peach. “I’m guessin’ you wanna help too?” She said flatly. “Yes!” The sheep chirped, hopping on her tippy toes. She took the lightest box she could find and started moving them too.

When Atari went up to Ash, the pup was holding a long rope that connected to a very large said. He held it with one arm as he turned to Atari. “What does this do?” The cub asked. “It turns the sail so the wind could catch it and push it away from the port. Here!” Ash handed Atari the line, “Woah!” Atari cried. The cub went flying across the deck having to use his feet to anchor himself. It turned out that the pup had been hiding an amazing and effortless strength, what felt like a small tug to him was a disarming pull to Atari. “How were you just holding that?” The young tiger was amazed. Agata came over to help him with a chuckle, “He has Legosi’s arm, for sure!” He said.

They cast off from Wyndham port toward White-ridge. When they were well on their way, sails set in the right direction with decent wind and relatively calm waters, the young pup sat in the captain’s quarters with his plate of food. The reality set in that there was no certainty that they would be able to get them back and his heart ached at the thought that there was even the slightest chance that he could lose him. “I know you’re afraid…” He looked up to see Atari standing at the door way. “But you must eat so you could stay strong.” He said.

“So if there comes a time where you have to fight, you’ll be able to.” Atari sat beside Ash who ate the rest of his food quickly and downed the cup of water. “Good boy.” The cub praised, Ash’s tail began to wag. “I’m so glad that you’re here. It’s like you always know what to say to make me feel better.” Ash looked out the door to see that everyone was preoccupied and he caressed Atari’s check and kissed him. “I could fight anything with you here.” He said.

Agata laughed, nudging Dope. “You saw that?” He whispered. “Aye. They say girls look for in a man what they see in their fathers,” Dope peeked behind him to see the pup sneak another kiss. “I suppose it’s true for boys as well.”

-

Ibuki and Gon made it back after they got a drink together at Free’s tavern. He always let them drink for free and they were thankful for his generosity. Gon noticed a pile of boxes with a note on it from Ash. “Went for a trip with Papas, Uncle Agata, Uncle Dope, Aunt Sheila and Aunt Peach, will be back in 7 days. Please have this delivered to King Oguma’s palace in 3 days time. Love, Ash” It read. “That’s strange, she never told me about any trip. What’s more, he’s only just started school. Why would they suddenly take a trip?” Gon wondered. “Something’s wrong, Legosi would never take him out for that long.” Ibuki said. “Perhaps he’s gotten over his fear.” Gon suggested.

“Let’s get these to Melon and then get back for dinner. Tao is making Shepard’s Pie.” Ibuki picked up one box and Gon picked up the other. When they got to Melon, he sat at the desk in his front office, biting nervously at his claws. “Melon! How goes it? We have a couple of shipments to send to the king’s palace as soon as possible.”

“Leave them, I’ll have them shipped tomorrow.” He muttered. When his eyes looked up at who was speaking his nose wrinkled in confusion. “What are you doing here? Why aren’t you with them?” He asked. “What do you mean? With who?” Ibuki asked.

“With Dolph! Bill and Legosi were kidnapped, they came to me for help.” The hybrid explained. Gon and Ibuki looked at each before running back out the door and back to the house.

Chapter Text

“They just left without us?!” Free was beside himself. Melon sat in the living room beside the a small leap of leopards who looked on in worry. His face fixed in a permanent scowl. “We need to charter a ship and find out where they’re heading!” Gon told them as he laid out a map on the kitchen table. “I don’t understand, who would take them? Bill makes medicine, the town needs him.” Tao untied his apron, tossing it on the kitchen counter. “I’m telling you! It was a case of missing identity. One of the owners of this house claimed to know where that book was and those guys thought it was Legosi and Bill.”

“Easy, we find the previous owners and ask them where it is!” Miso suggested. “No! That could take forever.” Free noticed that there was a paper and ink near the work table he went over to pick it up and could just barely make out the imprint of what someone wrote to over it. “What are you doing?” Ibuki asked. “Wait…” He tore the bottom have of it abs held it in the fire before snuffing it out to dirty his fingers with ashes. He then carefully rubbed them over the imprint.

“What’s all that for?” Gon inquired. “It says 40 degrees west Sutton.” Free looked at Gon. “What does that mean?” He asked. “Free! That could be where they went! That was brilliant!” Gon praised. “Thanks, I saw a bear do it to figure out how much his wife makes at the brothel. Sometimes it pays to be sneaky, haha.”

“We’ll need to use a small boat, we have no ship.” Ibuki said, looking over at the map, he marked the location. “There doesn’t seem to be anything over there, but I’m not taking any chances. Arm yourselves.” He told them. “What can I do?” Melon asked. “You don’t need to do a thing. We’ll find them, all of them, and bring them back home.” Gon assured. “Tao, get some money from the safe and go pick up some supplies. We’ll have to ration since we can’t take much with us.” The tiger instructed. Tao, Gon, Ibuki, Free, and Miso were well on their way before the day was out.

Ash was shyly looking over at Atari who was brushing his fur. His papa Bill groomed a lot, too. Papa Legosi always yelled at him for getting fur all over the bed. He prayed that they were alright. They had about a night and half a day before they reached the shore of Sutton, so they got to sleep in the same bed. He didn’t want to think dirty thoughts, but with the way Atari was brushing over his chest and belly, and how the lean muscles showed through his fur.

Outside the door, Agata and Dope pretended to be busy while listening at the door. “You think he’ll pop his cherry?” Agata whispered. “Oh yeah, they’re awful quiet now, though.” Dope nodded. “Who do you think will take the cock?” Agata wondered. “Well, if he’s anything like his wolf father, Ash will definitely spread his ass.” Dope said. “Oh definitely, I wonder if he’ll bawl like him, too?” Just then, both males were smacked in the head. “What the-! Peach?” Agata cried, rubbing the back of his head. “You two get out of here and leave them alone.” She snapped hushed. “What! If Bill were here he’d be handing out cigars with pride.” Agata remarked. “Well he’s not! Shoe!” She drove them off to the cabins.

“Hey, you know…we um…have this room all to ourselves. Do you…” Ash trailed. Atari’s eyes widened. “Oh…I’ve never done it before. Do you know how?” The cub put his brush aside and sat up. “No…let’s just start slow.” Ash got up, and started undressing. Atari did the same until they were both naked. They stood on either side of the bed. “What do you think?” Atari blushed. “You’re even more beautiful like this.” Ash said honestly. “You have a big one.” He pointed out. “You too, yours is longer, mine is wider.” Atari noticed.

“Do you want me to…fuck you or do you want to fuck me?” Ash asked, brazenly. “I always wondered what it would be like…if you fucked me.” Atari flicked his blue eyes up to look into Ash’s green ones. “Sure!” They both crawled into bed, Ash wrapped his arm around Atari kissing him, licking at his lips asking to part them. They were still learning how to kiss with tongue but the wolf liked it a lot. Atari moaned into his sloppy kiss, taking his cock into one hand and stroking Ash with the other. “You have a pretty cock…” Atari complimented. “T-thank you. I don’t want to blow before we get to do it.” He said, holding Atari’s hand still. “Oh! Sorry, how do you want to do it?”

The cub let Ash maneuver him, “Maybe…like this? I saw a lioness at Free’s inn doing it like this behind stall.” He positioned Atari on his hands and knees. “Like this?” He asked. “Mmhm…open your legs a little more.” Ash instructed, Atari obeyed. Ash licked his hand, slicking over his cock in warm saliva. He spread Atari’s hole just a bit with his thumb as he carefully maneuvered himself inside. “Does it hurt?”he asked. Atari spread his legs a little more and shook his head. “No.” The cub mumbled. He started moving his hips, in erratically thrusts, trying to find a way that felt good when he tried to pull it almost all the way out and then push it in all the way, Atari yelped. He slowed down, moving slow and steady until he found a rhythm.

Atari reach back, hook a hand around Ash’s leg. Pulling him closer. “Nnng, faster…” He begged. It was starting to feel good for Ash too. “Ah!” Ash cried out. He felt his balls begin to tighten making him want to chase his release. He wrapped his arms around Atari’s waist, leaning over him, humping roughly with fast, shallow thrusts, Atari buried his face in the pillow as he hiccuped and moaned , squeezing Ash’s leg. His back arched, grinding his ass down onto Ash’s cock as Atari came. Ash gently held the tiger’s tail between his teeth, holding him closed and slamming into him hard until he came as well, warm cum falling from his asshole and leaking down his thighs.

Atari sighed contentedly as Ash lay on top of him. Outside the door, Sheila handed Peach a small back of coins. “Lucky guess.”

Chapter Text

“Land! Get ready!” Agata called out. Ash jolted awake, he went to get up and realized someone had their arm around him. He looked behind him to see Atari’s delicate face he turned around kissing the cubs cheeks and padded nose. Atari curled up into his embrace. He was enjoying the intimate moment when a knock at the door startled him, “Get ready, you’ll need to help us anchor, there’s no port.” Dope told them. “I’ll be right there.” Ash called to him. Atari opened his eyes. “I wish we could hold each other for longer.” He mumbled. “There will be time for that later.” Atari kissed him to seal the promise.

When they finally dressed and went out onto the deck, Ash saw the overwhelming presence of the mountainous island. As they got closer, they could see an opening in the base of the closest mountain, and leading up to it lay a mass of untouched anchored ships. “Ghost ships?” Sheila wondered. “Some much older than others. Keep the boys close.” Agata said. Sheila nodded. They used a rope to climb down from the ship and swim their way to the shore. This place was eerie. They walked toward the invitation of the opening, where someone had build a hall leading up to a very large door. “What could be in here?” Ash asked.

Atari’s whiskers twitched. “Something important, but I don’t trust that there isn’t anything behind it to protect whatever it is.” He said.

“This is a vaulted door,” Dope fiddled with the slots that looked like they were moveable. “The key is a puzzle.”

“How hard could it be?” Agata asked. They looked around at the bones that littered t the hall, and Dope became wary. “There’s a consequence if you get it wrong.” He realized. “The riddle at the top says ‘The more you take, the more you leave behind.’” Peach read. Below it were three symbols, a sun, a heart and a hand.

As the adults stood around trying to figure out the meaning. They heard slide of the tile and the sound of the locks turning. Dust full from the frame as the door became slightly ajar. “What? How did you figure it out?” Agata was stunned as he looked to Ash and Atari. “It was simple, the answer is ‘a day’. The more days that go by, the more we leave behind.” The pup explained.

They looked at each other, stunned. “Alright…let’s go. You three stay behind us.” Dope, Agata, and Sheila drew their swords. The door was heavy and it took the lions’ combined efforts to get it open. Inside was a staircase that lead down a long path. As they walked they bath, they found more bones, it seemed many had tried to reach the summit of this endeavor only to fall to whatever was lurking just ahead. As they came to a room where the walls were lined with beautiful mirrors, Agata stopped and looked at himself. “I must be getting old, there’s gray in my mane.” He muttered. “Not as much as Ibuki. I kind of like it-“ A deep growl interrupted Sheila as a lion menaced towards them.

Its dark fur and patterned spots far similar to Agata’s and it walked on four legs. “What the hell?! Get back!” Dope yelled as the lion pounced. He kicked it off and it responded with a terrifying roar. Dope swung his sword and it was intelligent enough to know to dodge it. That’s when he knew this wasn’t just a mindless monster they happened across. Ash accidentally caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and within a moment, the next thing they heard was an angry snarl. “You’ve got to be fuckin’ kidding me!” Sheila cried. A young gray wolf bared its teeth at them, ready to attack. “Run! Don’t look into the mirrors!” Dope warned.

Ash, Atari, and Peach ran toward the room at the end of the hall of mirrors. It took both Dope and Agata to fight the lion while Sheila held the wolf back to allow the others to run. “Stay back you fucker!” She growled, kicking the wolf in the nose. It yelped and backed away from her, covering its nose as it whimpered. The lion stopped, it licked on its teeth and went over to check on the wolf. Sheila let her guard down as the lion nuzzled the wolf, but he saw the wolf was okay, it swiped at her.

She fell back into one of the mirrors which fell from the wall and shattered. As she got tried to get up, she mistakenly caught her reflection in one of the shards. With a sharp kiss a cheetah charged toward them with lightning speed. They all ran as fast as they and then the wolf and the lion gave chase as well. “Oh no!” Ash cried as he saw that they were about to be killed, outmatched by the viciously of the feral carnivores that resembled them.

Carnivores?

“Peach look in the mirror!” He told her. She did and behind the wolf they heard the bleat of a small sheep. He stopped in his tracks, turned and pounced on the sheep. The others smelled the blood and stopped running as well. Instead, being enticed by the promise of food, they joined the wolf in his feast. “Come on!” Agata told them, they make their way through the doors and used their combined effort to close them. “That was crazy…” Sheila muttered as she caught her breath.

“Look!” Atari pointed toward the three pedestals in the middle of the room, one held a book, the other held a bag of gold, and the third held a beautiful amulet with a pale blue stone that reminded Ash of Atari’s eyes. Dope went to the book and slowly picked it up. The pedestals began to sink and the room filled with water as the big stone door began to close. They had to hurry. Sheila picked Peach up and Ash grabbed Atari’s hand and turned to run. Not before the pup grabbed the amulet before the floor closed up. They sprinted toward the door. Dope and Agata made it, as did Peach and Sheila, the door was almost closed as Atari made it through and with one hard pull, Ash was through the door just in the nick of time.

“Oh shit, we did it! Dope, do you have it?” Sheila asked as she put Peach down. “By the grace of God, I don’t know how we managed, but let’s get out of here.” He said as he held up the book.

-

When Ibuki and the others saw the Sunshine anchored on the shore, they were both happy to see that they made it, but afraid for their fate facing whatever was inside that cave. The boat was on its last leg, sinking just as they arrived onto the shore. They had to abandon it. “I don’t know how the hell we made it on this thing.” Ibuki grumbled as he swam. “Just be grateful it was near land…and not the middle of the sea!” Gon huffed as they made their way onto the beach.

As Ash and the others made their way back around to the ship. They saw the felines disembarking from the sorry excuse for a boat. Ash ran toward them as he recognized the familiar faces as family. “Uncle Ibuki! Uncle Free!” He ran into the old lion’s arms. “You’re alright! Agata, Dope! Why would you bring the boy here when you knew the danger?” Ibuki demanded with a scowl. Dope held the book up. “We found it, it wasn’t easy but now we have a chance to save Legosi and Bill.” He explained.

“I asked you a question.” Ibuki growled.

“Look at them,” Dope gestured to Ash who gently caressed Atari’s cheek before placing the amulet around his neck. “He’s not a boy anymore, he became a man at sea when our backs were turned.” He said.

Ibuki’s eyes widened. “I see, well…we’ll rest for a bit, and then we set sail to deliver the ransom.” He said.

Chapter Text

The ship was docked on a strange island neither Bill not Legosi had ever seen before. Its terrain was rocky and barren of animals with many empty huts along the shore. They were dragged off the ship and a treacherous path that lead to a huge estate. With the remains of battle covering the grounds. The bodies piled one side, their weapons and belongings piled in another with the stench of decay still faint in the air. Bill was thrown into one cell, Legosi in the cell beside him. The tiger hated that the lion had chosen to separate them.

“It’s day 3, your pup has 4 more days.” The pale lion told them. “How do you know such a thing exists?” Legosi asked. “If it doesn’t, then there will be nothing to bring.” Bill added. “I know it does! It’s was in my family for generations, I had it and stragglers from another village were able to steal it and hide it away. When I finally found them, they wouldn’t tell me where it was…even as I slaughtered their cubs in front of them. The treasure was more valuable.” The lion’s words were like a knife that cut deep into the frightened parents.

Legosi’s eyes widened in horror as he looked at Bill. “If that were the case…you seem to share that sentiment.” Bill spat. The lion crouched so that he was eye level with him, “What would you do if something of yours was taken from you? Something so precious that you would kill for it?” His eyes looked to Legosi. “Get him out.” He told the other lions, they opened the cage and dragged him out of the cage. He tried to fight back as the pale lion ripped his pants down while the others held. “Bill!” The wolf cried as Bill could do nothing but reach for him in vain.

“Stop! Stop, damn it! You want something to take your anger out on, do it to me.” The tiger begged. The lion laughed. “Fine.” He said with a smirk. “But I have a lot of it to give.”

-

The lion was on top of Bill whose arms were tied into a binding post securely as he slammed into him roughly from behind. Bill had never taken a cock before and the dry, brutal assault made him bleed as the lion used him until the night.

When the pale lion had his fill, he poured himself wine from a barrel that sat on the stone floor that he had beaten a spout into. “It’s amazing to me the punishment a male animal could take when someone he loves his threatened.” He chortled as he untied Bill and kicked him over onto his back as he drank. “You might think you’ve done something here. I could just as easily still take your wolf.” He said in. Bill groaned in pain. “Please…” he pleaded weakly. The lion grinned, pouring the wine into his mouth as he sputtered. The alcohol hitting his nose and the back of his throat made it feel like he was drowning.

“Fine…I’ll spare your love for now. He crouched, his semi-hard cock hanging next to Bill’s face. “But when your son gets here…he gets everything that was meant for his papa.” He threatened, Bill tried this reach for him and couldn’t find the strength. “Get him out of my sight.” He told the others. The tiger was dragged back to the cell as Legosi looked on, the back of his paint stained red beneath the tail. They tossed him to the cell unceremoniously and closed the door.

Legosi reached through the bars to touch him. “Bill? Bill, are you okay? Please talk to me.” He said as he rubbed what he could of the tiger’s back. He could smell and see the blood and was becoming afraid for Bill. “I’ll be alright…but we have to get out of here…for Ash’s sake.” He muttered weakly and allowed himself to be comforted by Legosi’s touch.

-

“Where are we headed?”

Ash turned around to see Ibuki standing there with a jug and a couple of mugs. “The place is called Blaenau. Gon said it’s where a nobleman once ran the kingdom’s largest winery before the local peasants went and killed the family to rob them. Things like that make me hate history…” The pup sighed.

“Come, we’ve more important things to discuss.” Ibuki said, Ash followed him to sit at a table in the crew’s quarters. Ibuki poured himself a drink, and then Ash. “What is it?” The pup inquired. “Beer.” Ibuki took a decent swig, Ash did the same, trying to match his pace and almost choked when he couldn’t. “So…I heard that you have yourself a companion.” Ibuki said. “I do. You know him, Uncle Ibuki, he’s our neighbor. And he’s very kind.” Ash smiled softly.

“I heard you from a reliable source that you managed to indulge in passion. Is it so?” Ibuki asked, leaning in. “Yes…twice.” The pup blushed. “Good. Since your fathers aren’t here, I thought we’d have this drink as two adults. You’re a man now. If you could have sex, you could make decisions befitting a man. So tell me…what shall we do when we reach that island?” The lions asked. Ash suppressed a hiccup from the alcohol. “I think…maybe we should hide that there’s so many of us. Uncle Miso, Ponzu and Su, could hide one way while you, Shiela and Uncle Free hide in another and then…Me, Agata and Dope will try to give them the book. Hopefully, they’ll just take what they asked for and let my papas go. If not, we’ll fight to take them.”

Ibuki’s eyes lit up in admiration as he toasted Ash. “Sounds like a good plan, Captain.” He praised. Ash smiled, finishing off the mug. He didn’t want to put Gon, Peach or Atari in harm’s way and had a feeling the cub would protest not being part of his plan.

-

At night as Ash held Atari in his arms, the young tiger woke up, but he wasn’t in the ship. He was on the shore of a strange island watching as people he cared for were being put to the sword by angry lions. He saw one lion grab Ibuki as he went to swing his sword, as another stabbed him right through the chest. He fell to the sand, his lifeless eyes pointing towards Atari. Peach was being devoured with Sheila being slice through the gut as she tried to save her. As the other lions were gripped in battle, Atari watched in horror as a pale lion forced him to his knees and exposed his throat. “No…” Atari tried to run to him, but it was too late as the lion cut him with his sword, dousing the pup’s chest in crimson. “No!” Atari cried, waking up with a gasp.

He looked around to find that he was still in the captain’s quarters. His cry startled Ash awake, “Wha-Atari?” He sat up. “What’s wrong?”

“I saw it!” He cried, chest. “I saw everything!” He cried, chest heaving. “What? What did you see?” Ash asked, cradling Atari’s face in his hands.

Atari felt something buzzing on his chest and looked down to see the amulet shaking with a ghostly pale blue glow.

Chapter Text

“Well, it was just a dream, then.” Peach assured. The felines shook their heads. “No, I believe him. After what he saw at Sutton, with the mirrors? It makes sense that the amulet would hold a strange power.” Agata said. “It felt so real, I could feel the warmth of the sand beneath my feet when I tried to run to Ash.” Atari’s nails dug into the sheets, his fur bristling. “But then…what should we do?” The pup asked, rubbing Atari’s back and trying to ease his tension. “I counted seven of them…all lions. And the one with the white mane killed Ash. They did what he said.” His eyes welled up again, that overwhelming helplessness was too much to bear.

“It can’t be helped, one way or another we need to confront them so we could get Bill and Legosi back.” Ibuki looked at Ash, “I trust your plan. Don’t worry, now that we know what we’re up against, we’ll be prepared.” He told him. When everyone left, Ash hugged Atari close. “I won’t let them kill me,” he promised,”I want to have a baby with you and I want papa Legosi to see me finish school.” He said.

“I love you, Ash. I always did, but now it’s like we’re really together. And I don’t want to lose you. My father is at home wondering where I am…I want to live long enough to hear him yell at me again.” Atari leaned into Ash’s chest, the pup kissed him gently. “We’ll get there…” He whispered as they settled down on their bed again. Atari was afraid to fall asleep again, but lulled by the warmth of Ash’s embrace and the rolling sea, he was soon swept away in another vision.

-

“Please stop! Why are you doing this?” Legosi cried, watching helplessly as the pale lion ruthlessly beat Bill down. A kick to the gut, knocked the wind out the bound tiger, and a punch had him laid out on the stone floor. “If he keeps taking your beatings, there’ll only be one of you left to hand over. That poor pup will have a broken home.” The lion picked the former captain up by the fur of his head and tossed him into Legosi’s lap, finally they were together and the wolf immediately tried to do what he could to help Bill. “You should just let him hurt me…” He wiped away at the tears in his eyes, Bill grabbed his hand as he tried to look at his wounds. “Never…” he growled.

“Hino! A ship is approaching, they’re trying to avoid the port.” One of the lions called from the stairs. “I’m coming, Jinma. Get ready.” He replied, leaning in to whisper menacingly, “As I promised, tiger…” He then left as Bill’s face paled in horror. An hour later, they were greeted by three young animals at the entrance of the estate. Dope, Agata, an Ash.

“We’ve been expecting you, and look, you came with lions of your own. We truly are kings, aren’t we?” Hino sauntered toward them, emerging from the cellar but leaving the doors open for Bill and Legosi to hear, evil intentions in mind. “Some of you more than others, where are my fathers? I brought your lousy book.” Ash held up the bloodline atlas. Legosi couldn’t help but smirk at his son’s quip. “That book is the reason my home here was reduced to a graveyard. And why my father, brothers and sisters bones lay at the front door. They found and died for that book, I had to bathe in blood for that book, so don’t you dare insult it you insolent pup!” Hino snarled.

“If all it ever brought you was pain, it worth no more than kindling. You should burn it.” Ash’s eyes were defiant yet innocent as his father’s the lion hated him for it. “Give it here…” Hino approached, Ash and the others drew their swords. “I said show them to me! Or do you lack comprehension?” The pup spat. That schooling was paying off. “Bring them.” Hino said, and two lions went down into the cellar. When they came out, the wolf looked emaciated from lack of food and water and the tiger was a mess of bruises and cuts, his pants stained in blood.

“Let them walk to me and you alone come get your book.” The pup instructed, Hino nodded to the lions and they let go, allowing Bill and Legosi to walk toward Dope and Agata. Hino took the book from Ash and they quickly made their way back through the gates, rushing off toward the ship. “That was surprisingly amicable of you, Hino.” One of the lions remarked. “Oh please, Miguel…they’re not getting off this island.”

-

“I’m sorry we took so long, Papa Bill! We did everything we could to get here as fast as we can, but that book was hard to get. We grabbed it and the room tried to drown us.” Ash held on to Bill as he recounted the story. “That’s incredible…I can’t believe you sailed both journeys! I’m so proud of you.” Bill kissed him gently between the ears. When they got to the beach, they could hear heavy foot falls running toward them, three lions jumped out, tackling them. Ash drew his sword as he regained his footing, cutting one of them down effortlessly but when another slashed across the pup’s back, Bill jumped on him, tearing him away from Ash and taking the pup’s sword, his sword, and impaling the lion’s throat.

More were coming ready to attack as they ran towards the ship, they were about to catch up when Sheila jumped on one, stabbing him in the back and they made almost, they tried to wrestle her off him but she was ready. She kicked back, nailing one in the balls and tossing him into the other. “Go!” She said and they all started running. They were quickly coming up across the beach. When they were blinded by a bright light and the sound of a blaring horn, Hino stood atop a rock beside path they had come down he was blowing into a big white horn, the sound not affecting him but deafening all the others. He jumped down from the rocks, making his way toward them, his eyes fixed on Ash.

Legosi jumped at him, and Hino caught him. He punched the wolf in the stomach making him double over and then stomped his skull into the sand. “Legosi!” Bill cried, still holding his ringing ears. Hino picked Ash up from the sand. “Come here, puppy…I have something for you.” He snarled. “Get your goddamn hands of him!” Ibuki growled, spearing him to the ground. Atari followed closely behind, along with Free, they weren’t near enough to be deafening by the horn and just as he came upon them, his vision began to play out before them. Ibuki raised his sword as another lion snuck up behind him. “Free!” He called, the lion cut at the throat and then jumped away from the lion attacking him, running a flying kicked into the one that was about to grab Ibuki.

Hino scrambled to his feet, the book falling from him. As the others struggled, he turned to Ash. He ran toward them just as in his vision but this time, he knew what to say. “Tugain tine!” He said and Hino was looked up just in time for a ball of blue fire to him in the face. He reared back, screaming as he tried to put out his singed fur. He could feel his skin cracking and the flesh bubbling and tearing around his eyes.

“You fucking monster! Look what you’ve done to my face!” He roared. Atari was undeterred, “Now you have the appearance to match your deeds.” Said the cub and a blue sword appeared in his hand. “The amulet of Tarrin…you think you stand a chance against me? You don’t even know what power you wield.” Hino spat as he picked up his own sword. The ringing in their ears subsided and Legosi and Bill were finally able to behold the sight before them.

“Then show me, lion. I’m no fighter but I’ll fight you for him.” Atari gestured with the sword to Ash, and then held it up to Hino. The lion swung his sword and it clashed against Atari’s, shattering. The cub swung the sword, cutting across his chest and when he fell to the sand, Atari plunged the sword into his chest. The amulet glowed, sucking in the lions soul and all the souls who haunted the island.

The sword disappeared into blue embers and Atari fell into Ash’s arms. “You saved me…” Ash pulled Atari into a passionate kiss. “I didn’t save you, you save yourself when you took the amulet. All because you wanted to give me a pretty stone. I love you.” The cub cried, embracing him. Ash picked up the Atlas. He turned to Legosi who was coming to. “Let’s go home, papa.” He said. “Come on, love.” Bill helped his mate stand up and they were finally able to make their way towards the ship.

-

“I said no, you’ll spoil you dinner.” Atari shook his head as he stirred the pot on the stove. The cub pouted until he saw Legosi and Ash come in from the yard with baskets of dandelion and yarrow. “Grandpa, I want a sweetie but pa said no.” He whined with big eyes. Legosi took cookies from the tray when Atari wasn’t looking and handed them to him. “Have mine, and take one for your brother.” He said with a wink and the cub took them and ran off happily to the living room where he gave his brother a white wolf pup his cooke and they sat happily on the floor munching away.

“You’ll spoil them that way.” Ash laughed. “They’re already spoiled…all those uncles and aunts.” Atari looked back at them.

“What use is a grandpa if not to spoil his grandchildren?” Legosi asked.

“Damn right, where are they?” Bill asked as he came into the house. “Living room.” They both put their baskets down and went over to them while Ash wrapped his arms around Atari, giving him a tender kiss. “Grandpa Bill? Can you tell us the story about the giant?” The cub asked as he crawled into Bill’s lap, followed by the pup.

“Of course! It all started when I met the love of my life…” He began.