Ozul made it past Kane's room to hear Kira and Kane loudly shouting something he couldn't make out. He shooed away the guards and maids lingering around his door. Of course it wasn't their faults. Kira's heat was to blame. She had a very strong, and honestly attractive scent. Kane certainly seemed to adore it.

He continued on his way to the archives under the library. His keys jingled in his pocket as he walked, and he hummed a soft upbeat tune as he went. His attention however, was elsewhere. He was being followed, and he knew it. Maybe it was Kira's lingering scent on his clothing? Hmmm... Either way he would deal with it behind closed and locked doors. Quietly. Secretly.

He unlocked the door, and slipped inside quietly. Whoever was following him was silent as they entered closely after him. To his surprise the person didn't have a scent.

"Color me impressed"  The thought drifted through his mind causing him to smile. He searched through books, and archives. Laid specific ones down onto the dimly lit table in the middle of the room. He heard a shuffle, and a muffled curse come from a far corner. A few scrolls tumbled down off of the shelves. " Ahh.. I think you slipped. "

He heard a light growl, and chuckled. " Playing big bad wolf won't get you anywhere. Fighting with me won't either. " He hummed as he easily glided to the door, and locked it. " Honestly if you don't come over, come down, and talk to me, I'm going to lock you in this room for a while until I get the castle guards. " Ozul said quietly. He was just being honest.

" I.. " the voice sighed softly. " I can't stay in here. I can't be here for long. " The girl said.

" So I'm dealing with a female. Now we're getting somewhere. " Ozul went, and sat at the table. " Well... You'd better give me a good reason you can't. Breaking into the castle wasn't a smart move. " His clawed fingers drummed against the table top.

He heard a slight shuffle, and from the corner of his eye near the door he saw a feminine figure approach the door. Probably to check if she could get out. Surely she wasn't that stupid? " You just watched me lock it. " He said softly.

" Just... Checking. " She panted out softly. " I'm sorry Sir for the mess I caused. I slipped. I can't believe I made a rookie mistake. She was right, I'm so damn clumsy. " She muttered. " But, it's better that's it locked. "

" It's supposed to be every time someone enters or exits. I gave you time to get in. " He gestured to a seat across from him.

Slowly the girl approached him. She couldn't be much older than himself, or even Kira. This was odd. She was dresses as an assassin, but didn't seem the type. Looks could fool though. Then Ozul froze. Black clothing. Tattered. A skinny tail that limply hung by her waist. Almost as if she was struggling.. " Remove your head gear Love. " He semi demanded.

The girl's eyes shot over to him. They were a neon blue. Lighter than Kira's... But resembling them. " Why should I predator?" She spat.

" Remove the head gear, or tell me why you can't stay in this room for long. " He said leaning back in his chair a bit.

" I... I meant in the castle. And this region. I have to find my friend and leave. " She sat down, almost instantly regretting it. Her tired body wanted to give out. Days without sleep, a broken tail, broken rib, and tattered clothes.

" Well, you won't get far like this. " He gestured to all of her.

The girl scoffed. " Just as arrogant as the rest... Barbaric kitsune... "

" Now now, what did we do to you Miss?" He asked hoping to slowly gather Intel.

" Nice try. " She huffed.

" Okay then... Let's play a game. We kitsune like games. We never cheat. We are very fair with them. " He watched her.

She moaned softly letting her aching back relax against the chair. Her breathing was labored, and she had a bag next to her. One she guarded well. " Fine... I'll humor you. " Her eyes darted to him again.

" Breath taking.. " He muttered. She looked away quickly. " Okay then. I'll guess things about you. What's happened ect. If I'm right you'll do one thing I say. If I'm wrong I'll do one thing you say. The only acceptions being, I will not open the door. I will not let you out of the castle. Deal?"

The girl nodded. " Fine. " She tossed her hands up a little frustrated." Guess away. "

" Hmm... You have white hair. " He started.

The girl frowned. She nodded slowly.

Ozul smiled. " Excellent. Take your head gear off. It looks suffocating anyway. "

Slowly she did as she was asked. Her hair cascaded down around her in soft straight lengths. It fell just a touch past her shoulders, and fluffy white ears bound up. " Next... I guess. "

He nodded. " Looking at you I'm guessing you... Hnmmm Your favorite food is fish?"

She kind of smiled at his goofy way of asking. " No. Not in the least. " She thought for a moment. " Tell me your name...?" She asked reluctantly. It was the game after all.

"Ozul. Head advisor and best friend of the King, Kane Levaughn. " He kept his poker face, and looked to be in deep thought. " I'm guessing you have a valuable possession in that bag. Perhaps something similar to what's in this room. On this very desk..." His fingers walked up to the book on its stand, and he closed it softly. Carefully.

Her eyes widened, and she knew she fucked up. " Damn it..." She was far to tired for this shit, and he advanced fairly quickly in his own game. " How did you know?" She asked softly.

" Not important. Hand it over. " He answered softly.

" No. It doesn't belong to you. " She stated harshly. Almost in a hiss. 

His hazel eyes bored into her own harshly. " That would be breaking the rules, and I do not tolerate cheaters. Hand over the book. Have you read it?"

" I haven't..  it's in a language I can't read. Nor can my friend. So don't ask." She pouted.

" I don't see the book yet. " He said softly. Yet his tone was so threatening. " Hand it over before I forcibly take it, And punish you myself. Last warning. "

The girl stilled, and sighed. She cast a glanced down to her tattered bag sorrowfully. " It's my most protected treasure. " She whispered.

" It belongs here. " He countered. " Safe, and locked away. Protected much better. It's one of our last archives, and I need it. " He answered his tone softening a touch.

She leaned down, and took her bag. She held it close to her chest before sadly reaching in. She pulled the leather bound tome out, wrapped securely in a soft velvet cover. " I suppose your right Ozul... "

Something stirred in his mind. The way she said his name.

He shook his head, his short hair bouncing lightly as he did so. His hazel eyes clouded and unclouded in a heart beat. His eyes caught the book, and he wanted nothing more than to slam the book open, translate everything in it then and there. He took it from her gently. " Thank you. " He whispered.

She took note of his demeanor. He was estatic to have the book that matches the rest of their archives. She knew it was of their late king. She just didn't know what was in the book itself. " Your welcome. " She whispered back.

Ozul's attention was cast back to her.
Specifically her curves. How could it not? He had been around Kira for days now while she was in heat. Honestly, most of it he was up close and personal. It was a dazing thing to be around. He didn't know how he was controlling himself. However, his eyes lingers on a stain on her shirt. "You have a wound.  Take your shirt off. " He said hushed.

"What?! No!" She shouted as she shot up.

" One, sit down. Two, shut up. Now. " He barked.

A knock on the door had the girl sitting quickly. " Master Ozul? Are you okay?" A gruff voice asked.

" Go away. I'm fine. " He snapped harshly.

She could have swore she heard a loud gulp from the otherwise. " Y-yes sir. "

" I don't need guards. What the fuck is going to attack me? The scrolls? With papper cuts? Get the fuck out of the library wing! " He huffed. Ozul turned his attention towards a wide eyed, scared looking cat. Of course she was. He already knew. " Take off your shirt now. I'm controlling myself very well. Don't make me mad. I tend to have a worse temper than Kane. " He warned. Most people had heard of the Kings fits. Mostly cause of none other than Ozul himself.

The girl blushed, and hesitantly started to lift her shirt. As painful and embarrassing as it was. While over her eyes Ozul licked his lip out of instinct. He quickly snapped back into himself. It wasn't the time. Not at all.

She hissed as the shirt fell out of her hand. " she leaned back, and then gasped and almost shot forward when Ozul touched her rib under her breast. His other hand found its way firmly to her shoulder, and pushed her back against the chair as he inspected her torso. " Don't move Love. " He muttered. " How has this not punctured your lung..." He asked mainly himself.

" I've been wondering myself..." She wanted softly. The girl purely thought she was in pain. But, the pain was only masking what was about to happen. " It hurts like hell. I haven't been able to mend it. "

" I would say not. It's a puncture wound, and a deep on at that. Did a dragon do this to you?" He asked forgetting the information he'd gotten  was unknown to the poor kitten.

" H-how would you know that?" She asked skeptical about him suddenly. One of her hand unconsciously squeezed the one holding her shoulder back.

" I know a lot. " He mentally cursed himself. " Fuck.... Kane needs to see this one. He's better at finding the right pressure points and places to set bones. . But my experience will have to do." He sighed.

" Why?" She asked softly, almost curiously. The two Neko girls acted so much alike. Ozul glanced up at her. Her chest rose and fell with painful gasps. He grimaced.

" Kane is unavailable at the moment. He is with his consort. " He answered simply.

" So because he's fucking I have to possibly die?" She asked snappily.

Much to his surprise he growled. His hand found her throat on either side. " Love, " he applied pressure. Enough to distract her and get his threat across. " Do not test me. " He pushed hard, and winced as she went to scream. Though he covered her mouth in time to catch most of it. Tears started to fall down her cheeks, and he hissed in pain himself as she bit down on his hand. That was fine. This was his fault. He deserved to have her bite him like this. Any other time, hell no, he would punish her. But resetting her rib, so it was at the very least away from her lung, was important. Painful. Yet nessicary. " I'm sorry Love. You could have bled out. The bleeding should stop now. " He whispered pulling her head against his shoulder suddenly.

She tested on it, and sighed softly. "Ozul..." She finally made out after she'd managed to stop being a crybaby. (In her own opinion anyway. )

" Yes?" He answered petting her soft hair for a moment.

" My tail as well. " She whimpered.

" I know. I'll look at it to. Stand up Love. " He instructed.

" I can't.. it hurts to much. " She gasped.

" What hurts?" He asked quietly.

" My ribs. They hurt. " She muttered out again.

He sighed a bit, " Then lean against me more. " He pulled her gently to his chest again, and slowly reached down to her tail. " I'm just feeling. "

She grabbed ahold of his kimono robe, and braces herself. Might as well get all of the pain out of the way. Right? So why did this feel right but cause her so much anxiety. Well. . the impending pain was the anxiety for sure. But, the rightness? She cried out suddenly, " You dick!" She hit his chest.

Ozul chuckled a little. " Shh... It's okay. It was just dislocated. Your tail should be fine now. " He sighed. This wasn't how he saw his game going, but that was fine. She wasn't in any danger now. He hoped. " We're those the extent of your injuries?"

" I think so .." she nodded softly. " Besides some scrapes or bruising. "

" Good..." He inhaled, and immediately covered his nose. He almost threw her back into the chair across from him. " Fucking hell. "

She gasped a little. " No.. no... I should have been out of here! " She whined. She cling to his robe, and kept her face hidden.

" It's fine... Calm down Devany. Calm down. " He tried to reassure her while figuring out how the hell to get her out of the archives without getting her taken by some random male.

" H-how did you k-know my name?" She asked between near sobs as her heat started to kick into full swing.

" Damn it... Are you on almost the same schedule as Kira?" He asked urgently.

All he got was a simple humm in response.

" I need to get you to a room... " He said trying to stand.

" No! I can't move well. Please don't. It hurts Ozul!" She cried.

Great... So they acted alike, but Devany was a little more of a crybaby? Emotional? Well, it was expected right now. She was hitting her heat... He glanced at the book, and whined himself. " Damn it......" He whined louder. " Fine... Fucking shit. " He gently as he could scooped the girl into his arms. She moaned in pain, and maybe pleasure. He couldn't tell. It was honestly a guessing game. " I'm sorry. I can't leave you in here. We can't stay here. We'll destroy so much history, and you need a bed. A safe place to ride this out..." He grabbed the book, his sketch pad, and his notebooks. He sloppily, but carefully tucked them away with her in his arms.

Devany whined. Her mind was clouded. Yet, as much as she was anticipating a very painful heat it wasn't hurting. Ozul was grabbing things left and right, tucking stuff away. Surprisingly, she didn't mind waiting on the flustered and panicked Kitsune. Other presences she hated. Especially in heat. His was okay. For now. She expected to not want it soon.

Ozul unlocked and burst through the door, and quickly locked it back just as quickly. Then he ran full speed through the corridors. Several people stopped and turned to see what was causing so much ruckus, but he was long gone. Those that did see saw him carrying another cat, and a lot of books. Balancing them to perfection, while being tender with the Neko.

The maids shot daggers to say the least. The butlers and other staff watched with curiosity. Some started to wander after him. However, the cooks stepped out of the kitchen. " Yer, not going after them. Get back to work. Leave the poor guy with her. " While most wanted to challenge the cooks, they didn't dare. They knew better.

Ozul reached his room, and slammed it behind him. Much like Kane, he had a huge room in the castle. It was expected being the second in command to the king. Best friend status didn't hurt at all. He laid the girl in his bed. She didn't move. She didn't even make a noise. For a moment he panicked, checking his chest and clothing for blood. To his relief he found little. Good. So maybe she just fell asleep. He glanced at her to see her indeed asleep. Her first wave must have been very short. Enough to grab attention, but not enough to keep her awake.

She had been through so much already though, she looked as if she needed rest honestly. Her eyes were dark, her lips are dry, her body was thinner than described. He bit his lip in thought. Even as a disheveled mess she looked beautiful. . " Not now Ozul..." He ground his teeth, and adjusted her to rest better. He tucked her in, and wrote a message for Kane.

Ozul found a maid walking by his room, and asked her to deliver the message to Kane. She giddily obliged. " Wow... They just keep getting dumber...." He shook his head as the woman disappeared around the corner. He slipped back into his room, and unloaded his things at his large desk. He sighed, and held his nose again for a moment before stepping outside on his balcony. He needed the fresh air or else he'd lose his control. Devany smelled just as devine as Kira.  " They have to be related...." He held his head for a moment. Though he wasn't expecting a pair of arms to wrap around his torso.

He turned suddenly to a half asleep Devany hugging him. She didn't let go even when he turned. " Devany. Go to bed. " He said harshly. A little more so than he meant.

" I don't want to... It's lonely. " Purred the Kitten.

" Fuck don't purr. Get in bed. " He snapped.

Devany tensed up, and looked up at him with longing eyes. " You... You don't want me?" She asked with a pout. One that could melt him.

" Rest. You need it. Then maybe... Maybe. " He couldn't finish his sentence. Devany sulked her way back inside. She knew he was right, but her body told her otherwise. It hurt, she hurt. Mostly from the heat. She whined, and mewled softly after getting situated again.

" I can go get you water. Or something to drink. " He suggested. Devany didn't respond. " Damnit all..." He muttered quietly as he left the room. He locked his door behind him. Ozul was a cautious man. It this what Kane was going through with Kira? The whines, the mewls, the painful cries for help? He hated this. It was almost unbearable.

Ozul set up the same arrangements as Kira had with the kitchen crew. They also gave him a little hell about the girl. Just like Kane. " I'll slit your throat...." He frowned.

" Now now. She's a pretty one. You shouldn't be away much longer. " One said winking playfully and disregarding Ozul's threat completely.

" I know... " He admitted quietly. Ozul knew very well what had just happened. He saw the connection with Kane and Kira. He would be dumb not to see his connection with her himself. It would seem, much like Kane, he might have found his mate. His beloved. And she was probably just like Kira.

A hybrid.

He made his way back to his room, and sat the water and a few snacks down on his bedside table. After checking on Devany, who was fast asleep, he plopped down tiredly at his desk. " I don't want to do this... But I have to. We have to know before this gets to far..."

Ozul started by setting up his things. While he decided the book Devany gave him, he would also be recording Kane's story. It was important for their region's history. He sat the old velvet covered book on the book stand, and peeled back the little velvet cover. Really, compared to the books in the archive, this one was in pristine condition. He looked at it's cover in awe. The brown leather was perfect. Not a piece peeling or out of place. Just like Kane's new book. " Devine. " He breathed.

Behind him Devany stirred softly moaning. He looked back to see her adjusting, and getting a drink before snuggling back down into his sheets. He smiled softly. " Even more devine. " He breathed. " Better get started..." He turned his attention back to the book, and slowly opened it.

Immediately the name was right in front of him. An invitation to their late king's past, and possibly his heirs. " Vaughnhurst..." He whispered. " Show me what secrets you had old man. Teach me who they are. What they are. " And, Ozul began to pour himself into the book. He wrote elegant nites while reading. Detailing the Kings battles. His victories. Each one making him proud that Vaughnhurst had been his king, and that he had gotten to be a general in his army.

Suddenly, an entry was wrong. Or so he thought. He re-read the last entries over several times. There it was though, plain as day in black ink, Vaughnhurst had lost a war. No one had ever lost a war in their entire history. Nothing recorded. Ever. But, Vaughnhurst had left it for them to find.

" Today was a harsh blow for my kingdom. What would they think of me? We lost a battle because of my decision to spare the life of a little Neko. He belonged to a village near by. I believe it's Tropican Falls? I've heard it's beautiful. My wounds are severe. I fear I may not make it back as I am. I have no choice. I must make my way to the village. Hopefully someone there may take pity on an old fool and whats left of his men. " -xI ∆|O

" No one would have me. No one would see me. It was as if I was a devil asking for their food, and water. Truth be told, I am. I should have expected this. I did really. But, just as I was about to keel over an older woman rushed to my side. She started berating the villagers, telling them they should be ashamed for not taking care of a wounded man. They tried to reason with her. Hell, I might have to if I were able. But, she held strong. Said something like, " He is injured. I don't see how a man who could spare the life of a child, could be evil. " They tried to tell her I had killed many of their men. To which her reply was, " And good riddance! They knew nothing if compassion or family. The men in this village tend to be more concerned with the woman putting out than being together. " She scoffed and continued. " I would much rather help a man who shows compassion than condemn him. Now get yer head out of her arse, and help me!" I had started to fade fast, but I could have swore I saw the most beautiful face before I passed out.

I thought I had died.

I was wrong.

I awoke to the sounds of running water. The same beautiful face appeared above me. She was humming a soft tune, and washing the dried blood away from me. " You are lucky you know. " She giggled. " Mother liked you. She sees something in you. The rest of your men are resting as well now. " She sighed a little. This girl was bold, pretty, and seemed just as crazy to me as the old woman. I just smiled. She blushed a bit, and continued her job. After I was clean she and her mother dragged me to their cottage. I spent several fever filled nights there, fighting infections, fighting death... My only saving grace was that girl.

" She's taken a fancy to you boy. " Her mother chuckled one day. She was tending to my wounds once again. " Never gave up. She finally made her way through the caves. " She said happily.

" Why does this matter?" I asked weakly.

" Ahh! He finally talks!" She rejoiced throwing her hands up as she cackled.
" It matters dear fox, because she's just found the cure for your fever. Once it goes away I give you three days tops. "

" To live?" I asked sounding foolish.

She cackled at me again. " Three days and you'll be all healed up, and good to go.

" Those caves... Aren't they dangerous for a girl?"

She laughed at me like I'd lost my mind. I thought, maybe I had. " Never for her. But yer men went with her just in case. " She winked.

" My men...." My face paled she told me. " My men are dangerous to her...."

" No they aren't. Good boys they are. They've been helping her. Me to. Cooking, learning herbs, foraging, learning to stitch clothing. You name it, we've been teaching and taking care of them. Sweet boys..." She smiled softly.

I rested again, and sighed. " If you say
so.." What possessed me to believe her I will never know. " -xI∆\Q

" I have been traveling to and from Tropican Falls several times now. I've fallen in love. I simply can't help it. I can't bear to be away from her. It drives my mind insane. I'm restless. I want her. Mirian. She's beautiful. I recently found out on my return to my beloved that she's pregnant. I'm the only one her mother has allowed to be near her. The child is mine. I have an heir! I've stayed through a few heats. I still can't believe it. I'm giddy with excitement. This trip she gave birth as well. Two beautiful little kittens. At least I thought. I was only expecting one heir. Instead I have two. It's amazing. Nekos tend to have litters I suppose. They are girls. Two very beautiful, different girls. I cherish them so much.

Unfortunately, due to my lineage we've decided that they should be friends. The best. Instead of sisters. At least for now. They will grow up together. Strong. Safe. Away from politics and judgement. They'll learn to be normal. Live a wonderful life. Have everything they'll need. I've already made it so. Tropican Falls is my territory now. It is protected by a secret law, and funded richly by it to. It will never want, and neither shall my little ones. I refuse to take them to the city. The city will eat them alive. Kitso is no place for hybrid royal children. Not yet. Maybe soon.

Maybe soon. Kira, and Devany will be safe if I can make it so. My beloved children, and my beautiful mate Mirian deserve it. I've married Mirian as well. She is legally, Mirian Vaughnhurst, and the children bear my name as well. " -xI∆\S

The book let off there. Nothing else was written beyond the last entry. But, it was enough. Ozul knew everything now. Everything he needed to know. Kira was the heir to the throne. The rightful one. Though he knew she wouldn't take it. Devany was the next rightful heir, but he had a feeling in his gut that said she would not allow it either. Kane had taken the king's life, and therefore was the true ruler.

It hit him then, Kira and Devany, were half Kitsune. Royal blood. Kira had all the right, and privilege to mate with Kane. And he had the pull and want to mate Devany. It was pulling him now. Just as much as his eyes were drooping. He yawned, and stretched his stuff limbs. He'd been in the same spot for hours. He tiredly crawled out of his chair, stripping clothing as he went towards his bed. Ozul lifted the comforter, keeping the sheets around Devany, and climbed into bed with the technical princess. He had ignored everything, including food.  Scribbled notes like wildfire as he read. Recorded to a tee the record for the late king and Kane as well. He was exhausted, and it seemed the little cat was still tired to. What she'd been through to get here.... He hadn't a clue. It was rough though. Apparantly terribly rough, and bravely fought. " Wake me when you need me. I'll do my best to help you..."

As he cuddled into her warmth he heard a soft reply. His cheeks flushed lightly at being caught. " Okay Ozy..."

" Ozy..? " He smiled a little, and met his eyes droop. " Goodnight Devany Vaughnhurst... direct descendant, daughter of the late king. " He chuckled. " Kane is going to flip. "