Crimson Warden?

The symbol in the Johny Lightfoot picture being a defender symbol, my favourite archetype in CoH?

Rico as a warden being just as, if not more magic proof then Crimmy?

I sense somebody's been using the +4 pencil of coincidence!

=P

Also, I shall say "Neat" And then watch this thread with intrest, as theres not much to say here really, and I can't be bummed pondering riddles...

Ah the one canon character that I've said had the possibility of being a "Warden". Yeah Johnny Lightfoot shares too many similarities with Russell Underwood, Rico's father, for me to ignore it. Like I've said before, in the fleetway universe a War Warden does exist, and its Johnny L.

~Rico

This is all getting verra interesting =

Do indeed carry on. I don't have anything more to say, because I just got up and my Brian isn't in gear yet =P

PROLOGUE

Two hundred and fifty years ago half of what could only be likened to the holy trinity of the religion of Kyzarie, the Wardens, vanished. Dead at the hands of each other's blindness and hatred. Some time later another of these six people refered to as "The Circle" died at the hands of the remaining two. These two remaining members of what religious texts describe as a circle of mortal gods were so overcome with what they'd done, what they'd been involved in, and what they'd lost. That they went their seperate ways.

It is said that one vanished into the depths of the galaxy and was never heard from again. While the other, The Storm Warden, wandered the galaxy. Rumors said he never stayed anywhere long, tales spread of the people he'd killed with a mere flick of his hand, the vengeful nature of this dangerous man, and destructive possibility of his abilities when provoked.

These rumors compiled, escalated, and snowballed for over two centuries. Now more than anything they are simply a story for children, something seen in movie's or comic books. A massive half fox, half wolf, able to destroy cities with storms, move at the speed of light, and whom bullet bounce off of harmlessly.

Of course a bedtime story is all it is. In the era of advanced phased energy or "beam" weapons, a sword, even one capable of deflecting energy would be useless as the energy expelled from modern firearms travels much faster than any conventional weapon did in the era that "The Warden" was said to exist.

Yet some people still insist that a man of god-like power and wisdom walks among the people today just as he has for 300 years. They insist that a man that - for his species - should barely be able to walk due to age, still retains the abilities of a young man. Of course these people are dismissed as lunatics, ramblers, and cultists.

The Remembrance of Kenji Pendragon III

Chapter 352, Verse 2, Line 28

I saw another gray hair this morning, my fur is starting too look like a old man's. Then again how many years? Anymore I swear my mind is going that that number has reached the peak it has. 352. The Kydane average life span is 300 years, triple a Terran's. 300 years since I started this, how much longer than that have I been living? The Art in all its power must be at the root of this, or at least thats what I've been telling myself for the last century.

Chapter 352, Verse 3, Line 1

I had the dream again last night. Kevin was a little kid again, but it wasn't him. Or at least not his life. I saw two people that seemed kind taking care of him, I saw myself there as well. Suddenly the kind people weren't kind anymore, they threw Kevin onto the street. I saw myself trying to cheer him up. But none of this ever happened. Is this some trick of The Art?

Chapter 352, Verse 2, Line 2

I remember Kenji and even Kane on occasion would write completely in prose. Elegance isn't my thing, I don't even know why I continue this Remembrance anyway. The last two have only been used to feed religious bigotry and hatred, costing thousands of innocent lives. I wonder if when I'm gone that last entry will be used as an excuse to throw children into the streets. I wonder if there is anyway to write something that will be worshipped without people using it to harm others.

Chapter 352, Verse 2, Line 3

Another dream. I haven't dreamed in a century, why now? And of Tobias. It doesn't make any sense. He was being picked on by other kids, Kevin and I stopped it and protected him. He was afraid and scared. Crying that he didn't want to be alone. Why? That never happened. Tobias was one of the most popular kids when he was on the streets on Kyzarie. He was never alone, I wouldn't allow it. Why am I having these dreams?

PAST TIMELINE

The massive metropolitan that is Kyzarie City sweeps across nearly 50 miles of the surface of Kyzarie. The planet is temperate, like most heavily inhabited worlds. This city is the largest on the planet. These simply facts give way to a demand for modernization on this once backwater world. Buildings with massive deserts of heat tempered concrete dot the planet like dull gray freckles. These buildings are capable of housing and launching both intra and interplanetary vessel of all shapes and sizes. As this planet continues to grow, its origins and history fade. The two bloody wars the religion that nearly destroyed it twice all but forgotten by the known universe.

A modern street with asphalt covering the dirt, people and cars covered the asphalt; both of every type imaginable. Humanoids of every type bustled around a large airport looking structure. Anthropomorphic creatures, Humans, even strange creatures of odd shapes and sizes hurried this way and that only the sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and marked entryways into the building. Cars crept along on the packed streets, some hovering and some inching their rubbery tires forward as if every millimeter toward their destination was a momentous goal.

The modern metal and glass building looked like a massive arch in the sky, planes and ships of all sorts taking off and landing every minute without exception. Thousands of cars, people, and ships of all sorts are streaming through in a never-ending flow of life. This building is the pinnacle of travel for the entire planet and the solar system as well. It is Kyzarie Station One, KySO to business and leisure travelers alike. There is no faster moving or more modern area anywhere in known space.

Sitting on a bench sits the opposite of this place is a man, one of the anthropomorphic animals races of this world who have been non-affectionately dubbed furries by the masses. He is canine in appearance though his build is to vague to define a species. He is not thin but no fat, not muscular but not weak, not handsome but not ugly. He is generic, he does not stand out, he is not noticed. This man watches the world fly by him at lightning pace as he has for hundreds of years. His clothes are in rags, though he doesn't seem poor. He looks content at the world around him, as if this hectic place of chaos and confusion is somehow peaceful to him. As if the millions of people scurrying to jobs, family, vacation, school, and many other everyday events somehow makes him happy in and of itself.

This man has gray fur; its not the kind that is distinguishable as from old age or simply coloring. He does not appear old though, simply gray. His appearance looks to be one of a man before the middle of his life. After his maturing years and before his true adult years. But his eyes look much older. They are experienced and tired, yet not sad. They are kind eyes, good eyes.

Six o'clock, it was time to go. The days were slipping by faster and faster anymore. The man watched the sidewalks and entrances slowly become a trickle of what they'd once been. The sky slowly starting to turn red as the masses headed for home, to their family or friends. A smile appeared on the man's face again, his soft green eyes looking aimlessly into the distance.

"Ey, Mister, you getting in or just sightseeing." The voice came from a human of western origin leaning out of the window of a yellow vehicle, a cab. "Of course, sometimes the sunset makes me forget time." The man's voice was slow and calming, as someone speaking to a hurt child. He sat down in the vehicle and closed the door effortlessly.

"No'ffense but how you gonna pay for this pal?" The driver said looking over his fare's tattered clothing. The man smiled and produced a wallet, and out of that a card; which he placed against the glass between him and the cabbie. It was a card, used on Kyzarie like money, all a person's personal funds were linked to the card, which in turn had the person's name and likeness fashioned on it. As well as other more sensitive information encoded on it for security reasons. At the sight of the card the cabbie straightened up, "Sry about that Mister Underwood, can't be to careful though." The man, now known as Underwood, waved it off, "No harm done. The Rez shelter if you would."

Again the cabbie looked back oddly, pulling away from the curb and heading down the still fairly busy streets away from the modern looking buildings around Kyzarie Station One. After a moment the cab driver spoke up again, "Not that's its any of my business but, you don't look like someone that would carry a bankcard. And heading too the Rez?" He was correct, of course. The Rez was an area of Kyzarie City that consisted of run down apartments, halfway houses, and homeless shelters. It's name was short for "The Residential", a joke in itself as Kyzarie City had no Residential area, only commercial and industrial. Not many of its inhabitations had reason to carry a bankcard, as they had no currency to put into the bank.

Underwood smiled, "I've always thought that if I'm to pay 300 credits a month for an apartment I'd do society more of a service to put that money into a shelter and live there. Of course, it would be foolish to walk around my home with new clothes on." Underwood was correct as well, the Rez was a haven for crime of all kinds. If it existed and wasn't legally obtainable, it could be found on the streets of the Rez. From hitmen to underage hookers, drugs to guns, it was all available for a price.

"Ah, a eccentric, I a'ways admired ya guys. Content ta live with the rest of us an help out the bottom half. Always reminds me of dat Warden religion back before tha wars, too bad not everyone thinks like that, ay?" Underwood nodded at the man's words. He could tell the cabbie was around the Rez a lot; his accent spoke to it. "Indeed it does, but even the warden religion had its problems. Pull over a moment if you would." The cabbie nodded, "Less than this place though, whats the occasion?" He looked ahead and saw a young human standing on the side of the street in bike shorts, his short blond hair only furthering the look of youth. "Ah dam, I told that kid to stop that. Gonna get himself hurt or worse." Underwood sighed, "A prostitute? Unless I don't know humans he doesn't look that old." The driver grunted, "Tha little snot should be with his mother, she so sick in the shelter he's out making money off the perverts from the downtown."

Just as he spoke a car pulled up and a Kydane man got out in a business suit, then followed the boy into the nearby apartment building. The cabbie started to get out but Underwood stopped him. "I'll return shortly." The cab driver sat and watched the man enter the building. "Goin ta be trouble. Poor old guy probably gonna get shot or sumti-" He started hearing the sound of smashing glass. His mouth opened and his eyes followed the image of the business man's form four floor down to the ground, he winced has the thud of flesh unto concrete hit his ears. "Ferget this, I ain't gonna stick around for a police report." He started the car and was about to take off when another more heart stopping sight froze his hand on the gear shift. The gray furred Kydane leapt out of the same window and landed crouched by the man.

He stared down, tears still falling from his eyes. The boy ran out of the building and into the dusk wordlessly. Underwood walked back to the stunned cabbie and got in, "We should probably hurry on to the shelter." Fear started to overtake the cab driver but he managed to pull away and keep the cab on the road toward the shelter.

"He's dead, if you're interested. Tell the police what you wish." Underwood said finally. Awkward silence and the sound of the vehicle's wheels on the asphalt accompanied the two men looking at each other via the rearview mirror of the vehicle. The cab driver watched Underwood's soft eyes silently releasing tears for some time, "If I told dem I saw a man jump four stories, I'd spend da night in tha drunk tank. Who are ya anyway?" Underwood looked out the window nonchalantly, "Kenji. I'm just some homeless eccentric you picked up that calls himself Kenji."

By this time they had reached the shelter. It was small for a place designed to hold the citys homeless. The outside had the look of an aging generic apartment building with cracked brickwork and broken windows littering its exterior surface. This was one of a handful in Kyzarie City and even those were packed and under funded. They ran on small stipends and the hearts of many volunteer workers. These volunteers did everything from soup kitchens to daycare to schooling for the youth. This was Kenjis home and it had been for years.

The cab driver was not about to question this man why the name he just gave and the one on his bankcard didn't match. Instead Kenji silently ran his card through the meter to pay for his fare and got out, walking into the shelter as the still wide eyed cabbie watched in awe for a few moments before regaining himself and blinking. What had he just seen? Had that calm and composed aging furry just killed someone in cold blood? How did he manage a fall from four stories up, and land on his feet no less. He did all this on the thought that something might happen to a kid that is probably doing the same thing again anyway. Why? Why would anyone risk freedom and injury for a stranger that didnt even want to be helped? The cabbie slowly drove away from the shelter, looking back a final time at its generic battered doors, What kind of a lunatic wannabe hero was that guy anyway?

Evalc's words of encouragement.

Keep it up, very interesting.

Thanks, working on the next chapter. Finally getting to our new heroes. :p

~Rico

The cab continued on its way, the driver continuing on with his life. Passing an ordinary looking alleyway on his way back to a nicer section of town. This alleyway was ideal place for the scenario unfolding in its two toned interior. It marked the unofficial end beginning of The Rez, and included about a block of middle class apartment complexes. This small area of Kyzarie City was the only remnant of a real residential area the city had left. Barely a few hundred people managed to afford to live in this area, most of which had been Kydane royalty at one time. They were typically those rich enough to stay away from the slums yet too poor to move off the planet. The alleys in this area were ripe with Rez residents looking to make a quick buck off those stupid enough to wander into them alone. Although that danger these alleys presented didnt seem to bother one young man, the same one in this alleyway. The same effeminate youth staring down several larger humans without a hint of hesitation.

Come on ya furry little freak, just hand over what ya got and well pretend we didnt see ya girly boy. A rather bulky looking Caucasian uttered. Maybe we wont tell his boyfriend either, aaay. The term ay was a part of the Rez Speak and generally denoted a joke or satire. The youth in front of them was a native Kydane, he looked to be of some rodent denomination. A long tail and large ears made his species nearly impossible to tell. His bland beige coloration was in stalk contrast to the very strange, almost purple pigmentation of his eyes and obviously dyed deep maroon fur on his head that was barely visible under a black cap some kind.

Another of the accosters, a human of Asian origin smirked, Nice leather jacket fuzzball, I think Ill take it. With that he lunged at the smaller Kydane, grabbing nothing but air. His two associates blinked in surprise, to slow to help as the human felt something run down his back. It felt cool for a moment as if hed be hit with water, then a burning sensation rapidly welled up to unbearable levels making him out. The other two humans stood watching in shock as the Kydane launched himself off his attacker and back to the alleyways entrance. Leaving one human to cry out in pain while the other two stared at the pair of claw marks leaking blood down his back soaking into the shredded shirt.

The NAME is Jet ya stupid hairless apes, go back where ya came from!! The kydane youth yelped out threatening the humans and darting off down the street. The largest of the humans charged after him brandishing a handgun. The other stayed behind to help his injured partner. Get back here you psychopathic little furry! You attacked a HUMAN! He yelled loudly to make sure anyone nearby heard him. Bystanders heads began to raise and ears began to perk. The hell? Damn furballs are causing trouble again, A burly cabdriver said revving his engine and turning his vehicle around and heading for Jet. Another man sneered hearing the commotion and charged down the street. Within a few minutes Jet had a small mob close on his heels as well as random laser shots flying over his head. The rodent grumbled outloud, Damn humans, always looking for an excuse.

He charged down the street into the Rez, hoping most of his pursuers would give up faced with the dangerous slums. After a few more blocks he was starting to get tired and looking back only revealed about half of the mob had given up. Ahead of him he saw it, safety, the crowded halls of the shelter and large Kydane population would stop this crap. He sucked in a breath and sped up, hitting the doors at full speed and nearly breaking them. Jet darted around drunk, old, and young Kydane with almost acrobatic ease; finally cutting a short corner into a recreational TV room. Being as late as it was it was nearly empty save for a rather complacent looking wolf watching TV.

Little bastard went through here. You go that way, Ill check this room. The voice outside was the same human that had first tried to mug him earlier. Jet sneered and jumped behind the car the wolf was sitting in hissing out, Hey, old man, you get rid of that damn dirty ape and Ill buy ya a bottle. The wolf continued to stare at the TV causing Jet to curse under his breath, Just my luck I get a senile one.

The door to the room clattered open and the human tromped in with a teenage fox behind him. The human spun around and jabbed the laser pistol at the fox, Back off you furry pile of trash. Dont make me frag you too. The fox backed up ears lowered in anger. The human laughed, Hey gramps, you see a little brat run in here? He carved up one of my friends for no reason. The wolf continued to watch the TV wordlessly. The human sneered in irritation, Hey you senile old bastard Im TALKING to you. He fired a shot, destroying the TV set. Get up! The wolf sighed and did as he was told. Now, you seen a little fairy looking furry come in here? Got a fruity look face and a black jacket on. And if I dont like your answer Ill plug ya for buggin me.

Leave him alone bastard! Jet snarled jumping out from behind the chair and in front of the wolf. The human laughed again, Nice, little @#%$s chivalrous too. Well that should make it easier to pick you off! He lowered the weapons sight to Jet. No way @#%$! The young fox slammed into the human from behind sending his shot flying through the window. Suddenly Jet felt himself being grabbed and carried, he struggled and finally caught sight of the wolf carrying him. Hey old man, put me down, I can run His eyes caught sight of their movement speed, the old man wasnt much slower than him. Old geezer must work out or something Jet said watching a few doors fly by before they turned and he felt the wolfs grip vanish. He yelped and landed in a squatted position in a very strangely decorated room. Artifacts and old weapons littered the walls and desk. The bed was neatly made over it was a ancient Kydane sword, which looked very much like a Japanese sword. The wolf walked over to the bed and pulled down the sword, putting it into his belt. Jet raised an eyebrow, Are you crazy ya old man? That guy has a laser, you cant use that old pigsticker. Would you please shut up for a second. The wolf finally blurted out. The voice didnt sound old at all. In fact the voice didnt sound much different than his.

Teach him! Teach him! several humans chanted as they kicked the fox until he no longer fought back. Outside the same was happening, however the Kydane homelesses sheer number soon began turning the tide of the now full scale riot. Several volunteers made to the top offices to call the police, they watched in horror as the Kydane began to fight back. After the humans had beaten the fox nearly to death in the hall the other Kydane jumped them and started hauling all of the humans outside to return the beating. The ringleader was still hot on the tail of Jet. Hed made it to the same hallway and was going door by door kicking them down to find his quarry.

Come on old man, lets get outta here. Theres a window right here, we can make it. Dammit old man you cant fight him with a sword, hes going to kill you. Jet yelped out pleading with the wolf. Who let out a breath, Did you attack them first? Jet furrowed his brow, What?! No way, those damn monkeys jumped me on the way to my girlfriends house. Freaks tried to mug me! Whos side are you on anyway?! The wolf nodded, Yours. Is she cute? Jet froze, a pouting look appearing on his rapidly reddening face, WHATS THAT GOT TO DO WITH ANYTHING?! We gotta go! NOW! The wolf tilted his head and smirked, I take that as a yes. Whats her name? Jet looked around flabbergasted, You perverted old man, whats that got to do with anything. The wolf blinked, Just tell me. Jet gritted his teeth for a moment and finally let out a massive sigh, Amanda her name is Amanda. Mine is Jet. And both of OUR names are going to be BLOODY PULP if we dont ixnay on the alkietay.

The door came crashing down, Ah HA! You little rat bastard; you cant hide forever. The human yelped pulling his weapon and firing. Jet dove, it was obviously too late though. The sound of metal being draw filled his sensitive ears just before he hit the ground. Jet froze, hoping the shot hadnt been fatal and if he played dead the human would leave. The human blinked, a reflection of light had blinded him for an instant when he fired. He saw the wolfs hand on the hilt of a sword, and laughed, Whats that old man your wolf ancestors blade of revenge or something? Lemme give you a lesson on modern tech Shut up. The human stopped short as the wolf spoke out finally, Im not a wolf. I am Kenji. And this weapon He narrowed his eyes and focused a cutting smirk at the human. Get up, Jet.

Stupid. Jet hissed out loud, knowing the old man had ruined his rouse. He put his hands on the floor and tensed himself for pain, but when he lifted himself to his feet there was none. He looked himself over and could find no injury. The humans eyes widened, NO WAY! I couldnt miss at this range! Kenjis eyes borrowed into him, a sense of panic started to make its way into his brain. No way, theres no way you coulda, I didnt see anything. Kenji continued to glare his hand pulling the sword free of its sheath.

Unlike Kenji, Jet didnt pause for the enemy to panic. Once he knew he wasnt injured the young Kydane leapt into action and tackled the human, throwing his weapon aside and punching him repeatedly in the face. To his surprise the human didnt even defend himself, it was almost as if he was letting him beat him up. His punches slowed and he looked down at the humans swollen and bloodied face. He jumped back, more in confusion than anything, and watched the human run off. Kenji sighed and put the sword away, pulling it free of his belt and putting it back on its hanger over his bed uttering out, You better go, the police are most certainly on their way. Jet blinked, still unsure of the cause of the humans reaction. Hey, old man, did you really block that laser shot with your sword? Kenji got a quirky look on his face, Dont be so nave, you dont block lasers with relics. He was holding the weapon with one hand, his shot went high and you dove, he just missed. And Im NOT old. Jet scratched his head, Whatever, see ya. Jet darted over, jerked the window open, and made his escape.

Kenji walked over to the door and picked up the knife, looked at it carefully. The tape that had been used as a makeshift handle was freshly melted as if it'd been burned in the scuffle between its owner and Jet. Kenji tapped its hilt rhythmically on his palm, thinking to himself. He quietly walked over to teh open window and looked outside at the commotion below. Police transports hauling off human and kydane alike. He felt a sense of hopelessness and fear in his gut.

Jet stopped not far away and watched the same scene from a nearby rooftop. A feeling of anger was what was in his stomach, knotting it up with guilt knowing that they were being punished for trying to help him. But what could he do? Explain what happened? No, there would be questions then, questions about him. Questions he couldnt answer.

Why does everything have to be like this. Why cant I just remember? Why cant I just be normal? The young Kydane sighed and clutched his legs watching the police vans pull away into the sunset. All I remember is being alone. Then she came and I wasnt alone anymore. She even gave me parents, at least for awhile. Why cant anything nice ever last. He sat watching the sunset for a time, thinking about a past he couldnt even remember. What he did remember where his foster parents, the Kabokhans, and his two friends. @#%$, Amanda! He scrambled to his feet suddenly remembering where he was going before all this started and took off for his friends house.

She could feel a strange wind blow past her, moving her dyed pink hair a little. A lonely yet serious looking rabbit-like girl sat on the porch of a middle class home complete with manila siding and white picket fence. She sat holding her gray furred knees yet she wasnt looking forlornly at the ground as one would anticipate. She was looking skyward, as if it was speaking to her. She felt something in that brush of air moving around her, something she hadnt felt before that moment nor could have explained if shed wanted to. But it was there, making her close her eyes and listen as if something was whispering to her through the very air.

Ahem. At the sound of someone clearing their throat she woke from her trance and looked around in some confusion as no one was in sight. After a few moments it came again, ahem this time her senses were functioning and she could pinpoint its origin above her. Upon looking up she smiled, Youre late again, Jet.

Jet shrunk back somewhat and hopped to the ground. In a change of attitude that could only be described as baffling the rebellious teenage attitude vanished as Jet took his hat off and looked down, Sorry Amanda, there was some trouble out in the Rez. She smirked, I know, its all over the news. It was some kind of riot at the shelter, from what theyre saying. Jets eyes started to harden again, More like a buncha humans couldnt stand being here so they tried to take it out, on me. Amanda looked somewhat taken back, but not really surprised. She sighed, Are you ok? Jet grunted, Im fine, some geezer scared the one chasing me off. Hope he managed to hide from those losers.

The rabbit looked worried, What happened though? Jet looked down, Buncha apes tried to mess with me. I made sure theyd think twice about pushing us around again. Then more came and more, ended up running like crazy to get away from them. Hid in the shelter to make em give up. But it didnt work. Found some old guy in there, I thought he was just senile at first. But the more I think about it The more it seems he just didnt care. At least not until that one human cornered us. He looked around as if worried someone else would hear him. I, I cant be sure. But that human had me dead to rights. Point blank with a blaster, it happened so fast. Somehow he missed, so I jumped to disarm him but I was so mad that I started punching. It was like the guy was frozen or something the second the old guy pulled some old sword-thing out, he didnt even put his arms up to protect himself. I stopped and he just ran off. Its all too weird, Amanda.

She furrowed her brow; something seemed off to her too. But she decided not to try to further escalate the situation; it seemed better to try to take his mind off it. She smiled a little and grabbed Jet from behind around the shoulders Hey, you know human coordination is really bad, he probably just missed and got scared of the crazy old man. You worry too much. Jet felt himself blush a little, So, uh, I forgot what I was here for anyway. Been a long day. She smirked, Well other than my company I wanted to take this back to Tech. He left it over here the other day and already called like four times now. She produced a well-read paperback book. Jet snorted, Oh man, him and his dang comics. Seriously, who reads those anyway, super powered heroes who always save the day and junk. Amanda rolled her eyes and shoved the comic into his hands, Kids who need to believe in something other than depressing real life of course. Besides, he doesnt just read the comics; hes always looking up history on where the author got the idea from too. You know that warden stuff has a lotta history to it right? Tech is always telling us about it.

Jet shrugged, I just nod and try not to make eye contact, that just make him babble more. Suddenly he froze, realizing hed said that out loud, then braced himself for the scolding he knew was coming. Amanda snorted and folded her arms, Jet Kabokhan! You know how much he looks up to you. I cant believe you dont even care a little bit. If nothing else you should encourage him to study the realistic side of it more

Jet tuned her out occasionally nodding so shed think he was listening, Great, now I did it, shes going to keep this up till the sun comes up now. And I still have to go give the kid back his comic book. Jet? Jet are you listening to me? He heard he fire off as he finished his thought. Ye,yeah, I was just kidding geez. You know hes my little bro, I gotta tease him SOMETIMES, right? She smiled and shook her head, Yeah, I suppose, just dont go so rough on him. You know hes sensitive. She gave an almost motherish sigh and looked at her watch, You better get going, its really late and you know how his parents are. Jet smirked and did his best hero pose, Faster and a terran spaceship and more powerful than warden magic. She giggled and shoved him down the sidewalk, Okay, okay, hero, get moving or youll be even later. He pushed back playfully for a few moments then smirked and took off repeated the same phase. Amanda shook her head and smiled even more saying quietly, At least he stopped looking so serious. I just hope he stays that way for a while. Poor guy.

Jet ran for a few blocks then stopped and turned around, looking distantly back at her house. He put a foot forward then stopped himself and looked down, uttered a curse word, and took off for Techs house.

I really like how you portrayed Jet and Amanda here Rico. It's basically what I had in mind too. Nothing too "mushy". ^^ Heheh. Other than that. I like the rest of it as well. Very cool so far man. I hope you continue this.
You got me hooked on it. =3

See if you can catch me online, I have some questions before I finish the next chapter.

~Rico

Nicely too the point, this latest part gives the reader a moment or two of rest from the action and information infux of the last two chaptors. I like how it alows for some reflection and personality expantion on one of the characters, while introducing another pilvital protaganest. Can't wait for the next installment ^_^

(woops! double post)

Going out again, foxboy? the words hung in the cool air outside the shelter, dancing between Kenji and a old hare leaning against the building with a cocky look on his face. The old wolf sneered slightly, You really are going to follow me around till I die, arent you. Go drink some prune juice or something old man. The hare smirked, Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. But whatever, I just had to be around for this ya know. After that little stunt back there its only a matter of time before that blood of yours kicks into gear. There was a look of contempt and anger that crossed the canines face for a moment, then faded away before he spoke, The only thing time is going bring is an end to anything that could cause another war. Its over Kinnear, not even the remnants of your people can do anything about that. Kyzarie has peace and Im not about to ruin that.

Peace? Hah, you mustve gone blind in your old age. Not an hour ago the seeds of war were all over this place. Hatred, fear, bigotry, the same things that destroyed us before are threatening to do so again. You know what its going to take to stop it. You know why Im here, Rico. The rabbit said rather seriously this time, the smugness dissipating from his face and voice. Kenji stopped walking and turned around to face him, Why then, you want little Rico to come bouncing in and fight tooth and nail to protect some old lifestyle that died out before most of these people were BORN? You people dont get it, do you? All the races have interbred, Sodalitas society was gone from the moment my father decided it. The old faiths are washed up and useless, even you disciples no longer have a god. It was Kinnears turn to sneer this time, Yes, you saw to that personally didnt you. Not like it matters, these new Kydane live and die in the time it took you and I to finish school. I guess the Sodalitas were right about that mixing of the species thing at least. Guess we have your daddy to thank for that too, huh? Kenji sneered, Is there some specific reason youre here, or did you just miss my smiling face?

The hares smirk returned, Of course there is little bro, in ten minutes a little kid is going to brutally beaten to death about seven blocks north of here in retaliation for tonights events. Kenji snorted, I told you, the wars over. Its not my concern. The rabbit raised an eyebrow, You know the passage about falcon sight seeing through time, I trust. He smirked again, On a related note, I bet you havent been feeling too energetic lately. Kenji had been turning to leave but froze and turned his head slightly to glare at the rabbit, What are you talking about?

The rabbits smirk widened, You didnt think I came here to enlist an old man in a new war? Come on now Rick, you know Im on your side here. You arent anything of interest to us anymore, but you can help prevent something by finding someone that CAN prevent it. He pushed himself away from the wall and walked back inside adding nonchalantly, Oh and by the way, that kid? That one you just met is his surrogate guardian. Wanna guess what starts the new war?

Kenji grunted in frustration and stalked off into the night air. Throughout his life John Kinnear had been sort of his older brother. Despite their differences John had always been the one to push him toward something good, even if it didnt look like it at first. Even with this in mind charging off in the dead of night to some location that the rabbit had mystically known was going to be the location of an event that would spark trouble for the whole planet was a bit too much even for him. It was something hed have done in his youth, with his friends beside him, not alone as an old man. So why were his feet still moving forward? And just what in the hell did the rabbit mean by finding someone to prevent this alleged war he kept hinting towards, he wasnt the one with the magic crystal ball. @#%$ it, religious babbling or not my stomach wouldnt sit right if some kid got thrashed and I let it happen. He cursed to himself and sped up his pace.

Man you really did it this time, didnt ya? A young rather animalistic looking ferret boy muttered to himself, running along the street. He was clad only in a new looking shirt as it was obvious his legs were too animal-like for pants to fit them. It was also obvious that he wasnt from the area. Dangit, what was I thinking. Duh, Jets in trouble at the shelter so Ill just hoof it there and help him. Geez, Tech, you are such an IDIOT. The boy scolded himself frantically looking for a landmark so he could get his bearings. Unfortunately the only landmark was a rather burly looking human and a few of his friends, even more so was the fact they were part of the earlier riot and where still itching for a fight.

Despite his attempts at being inconspicuous Tech found himself being followed, the faster he walked, the faster they walked. Then he heard they snarl out behind him, Hey freak, why dont get some pants on and quit running around half naked. Though those types of comment werent new to him he knew that this people werent going to stop there. The youth lowered himself on all fours and scampered away much faster now, a group of four humans trailing after him. It seemed the faster he ran, the more ground they gained. He sped around a corner into an alley way, pulling off his shirt to reveal strange bird-like wings held tightly to his body. The boy increased his speed toward a fence topped with barbwire, hoping he could lose them over it. He went wind on his face and jumped as high as he could to catch the gust with his wings.

Meanwhile Kenji slowed his pace, coming to stop at the appointed location the rabbit had told him about. He knew there was another purpose to this, John was probably telling the truth about this event stopping a war but considering who the rabbit had joined up with after the death of the second Kenji it was a sure bet what he was doing was just what Raven wanted. Raven was more a spirit than a person, he didnt seem to die and had been alive as long as the aging Kenji had. Kenji had no desire to be part of the twisted humans games but instead did what seemed right. In this case it meant saving a kid from death, something anyone would do.

A cry erupted from the alley in front of him. But not just any cry, it was very high pitched, very youthful cry for help. It was obvious that the Disciples of Raven hadnt lost their ability for future predicting through the years. The canoid darted down the alleyway very quickly coming into few of a fence with a strange little creature at the bottom of it. It was Tech, his leg had clipped the top of the fence and pulled him down, unluckily enough on the wrong side.

Kenji looked this site for a few moments, puzzled by the strange pile of fur and feathers lying on the ground just over the fence. The a small fearful face emerged from that pile, shining blue eyes that sent a wave of dj vu coursing through the canines body. His brain flashed images of all those years ago when he found his toddler of a brother in a back alley on this very planet, those same helpless eyes looking at him. Caution and logic seemed to melt away from him, as the canines eyes became first soft and full of sympathy. Then the humans emerged wielding pipes and guns to him they were just menacing shapes over a victim, a sight hed seen so many times it made him physically sick. For some reason, he didnt keep his cool this time. He didnt stoically stride over and bean them on their heads or kick them out of the alley like hed down to so many other angered people. This time something snapped, maybe it was their victims eyes, maybe it was his old friends involvement, he didnt know and didnt care. Impulse and instinct took hold.

He charged the fence and hit it with all his strength; it buckled but didnt fall. The surprise lunge sent the injured ferret scampering behind a trashcan at one end of the fence. The humans stopped and stared. They watched the Kydane back up and produce a sword, then charge again and strike the fence with enough forced to cut the top support rail, the thin wires that made up the rest of the snapped easily against the sharp weapon. The ferrets attackers readied themselves for the enraged native to push through the fence an attack, but once again he stepped back, still baring his teeth and growling. It was then he broke forward, sword in hand, slammed through the fence and crashed into one of the humans throwing him into the wall so hard he fell unconscious. The remaining attackers regrouped as Kenji turned to face them.

The hell is your problem you old dog. We told the freak kid to put some clothes on and he just mooned us. These kids gotta learn respect. The leader crowed mockingly at him. Still shaking from the ordeal Tech poked his head out and looked at this newcomer that was fighting the humans. His eyes widened, the sword, the jacket, even the stance he was standing in. Hed seen them all before, his excitement made him forget about his stinging leg and he walked back into the open.

Kenji snarled his reply was spoken with a native tongue, broken and archaic, Icxis. Hemayan atak silwan. The humans sneered between themselves, the canines words meaningless to them. Tech, however, perked his ears, he not only had heard some of the words before, he knew what they meant, and they were from his Warden comic book. The Warden always said, Hemayan silwan to an evil person before he killed them. J. Followwill, the author, made the note that it meant he was calling them a walking ghost, or a dead man walking, to indicate he was going to kill them.

Kenji moved his sword to his left hand and produced a pistol in his right, lowering his stance and swing swords blunt edge back against his arm under his gun arm to brace it, the gun leveled straight at the lead human. By this time the fourth human had woken up, seeing a gun trained on his comrade he forced himself up and charged at the Kydanes flank. With sickening accuracy Kenji swung the arm that had be bracing the gun and buried the sword into the humans chest. Without pause he kept his weapon on the leader, forcing him to listen to his friends final gurgling breaths as he slid off the weapon and fell to the ground.

Tech swallowed, he didnt want to see anyone else die, and heard himself croak out, No! Mister Warden, dont! No more please. The shock of hearing that phrase shook Kenji enough to look at the boy. The humans didnt pass up the chance and charged the moment his eyes were off them. However their yelling was more than enough to alert him. The human armed with the gun strained to find a clean shot around his comrades, as Rico deflected the leaders pipe with his handgun he dodged to the side as if to flank his opponents, however his gun was pointed to another target. Just as the human got the shot he so desperately wanted his eyes met with Kenjis barrel, and it was already firing. Shots ran out, Tech dove for cover as both men ran for cover firing at each other. The canine slammed himself against the same metal dumpster as Tech, the sound of bullet ricocheting off their hiding spot becoming muffled in Techs mind as things started to seem like slow motion. He couldnt take his eyes off this man, he didnt look like the fox hero in the comic but the way he dressed, the way he moved, the way he fought was all eerily similar. Reality came crashing back as he heard the canine snarl out, Dont know who you are but that makes things a hell of a lot easier. Rico, you? Tech wasnt sure what was going on, but he figured it was safe to assume the man was telling him name was Rico and asking for his in return. The ferret blinked and stammered out, T, Tech. Kenji put the bloody sword away and looked at his left hand for a moment muttering, Tech, we need to get outta here, screams and shots fired? Enforcers are probably already on their way. Stay here for a second. The canine suddenly jumped up and hoped out for behind the dumpster. Tech saw a flash of light, then was forced to hold his ears from the resulting blast. A gun? A bomb? He didnt have time to ponder, a moment later he felt himself being grabbed by the scruff of his neck and being whisk past the sprawled out humans as the gross stench of burned hair hit his nose.

Come on old man, quit lagging and move it. Enforcers are gonna be here any second and I aint explaining crispy apes and a pervert with a naked kid. Move IT! The voices familiarity made him wake up, it was Jets. Kenji grumbled tossing Tech to a better position on his shoulder and pushing harder to keep up with the fleet footed weasel. Tech held on to the leather collar of the mans jacket as tight as he could, still trying to piece together what had just happened.

Heheh. I really like this story so far Rico. Good job. I hope to read more soon. This is quite a story. ^^

Oh man...

I keep meaning to read through this thread, and I read the first few posts...

...then I get drunk, and forget thread exists for a few months =S

Sorry guys. I mean, I find the whole wardens really interesting, but I just keep forgetinning to get round to reading it!

Ill do it eventually though!

I was a little too lazy to write on this weekend. I'll get one next time... As soon as a remember where I was going. >.>