Dark Hero and Warm Heart, PART ONE

Author Psykorabbit2000

Scene 1
Apartment, Genus

KINJITE is lying on his back on the floor, looking up through a window. 
He is watching the moon slowly rise in the night sky.

Kinjite
(thinking)
"it's been two months since I was banished. Jenny said I would adapt to 
living off planet. I don't feel like I am getting anywhere."

He continues to lie there. After a little while, he gets up and walks 
to the small kitchen. He quickly prepares some herbal tea and drinks 
it. He returns to the spot on the floor and lies back down.

Kinjite
(thinking)
"I have followed her orders and the Sisterhood is still making life 
hard for me. They managed to make me sound dangerous enough that the 
Council decided against me working for the UAC and to top it off, they 
keep sending Assassin Sisters after me. Hell, even Teresa left me 
shortly after this started."

He slowly stands up and walks over to a small bundle of blankets. He 
unrolls them, revealing a sleeping mat. He quickly covers himself up 
and lays there. After a few seconds his eye closes and he drifts off to 
sleep.

In the Chairman's Office...

FRITZ is leaning back in his chair yawning. He looks at the paperwork 
in front of him and his eyes fall on a sheet of paper.

Fritz
(muttering)
"I wish the budget would give me a break. This war isn't getting any 
better and the number of problems are just increasing."

He picks up the paper and reads it quickly. He signs it and sets it on 
the stack.

Fritz
"Screw it, the rest can wait until morning."

He gets up and grabs his coat. He walks to the door and stops for a 
second. He looks around the office one more time and shakes his head. 
He walks out and shuts the door.

Scene 2
The Next Morning, Genus

Kinjite is walking down the road. He stops at a tavern named The Empty 
Mug and walks in. The OX behind the bar looks up. He smiles as Kinjite 
walks up and sits on a stool, on the corner.

Ox
(gruffly)
"Ready for work today, Kinjite?"

Kinjite
(sighing)
"Yeah, another fun day of throwing drunks out of here. Whoopee."

The Ox sets a beer in front of Kinjite and slaps him on the shoulder.

Ox
(chuckling)
"Don't try to have to much fun with it. Have it gone before we open."

Kinite nods and takes a drink.

In the Council Building...

CAPTIAN BUCKY O"HARE and FIRST MATE JENNY are walking towards the 
chairman's office. Bucky looks like he always does, ready for business. 
Jenny has a distracted look on her face.

Bucky
(looking over)
"You've been quiet for some time, Jenny?"
(sees the look on her face)
"What is it?"

Jenny
(looking up quickly)
"Huh? Oh, nothing important."

Bucky
"Must be important enough to keep bothering you. Wanna talk about it?"

Jenny
(quietly)
"I'm just concern about Kinjite. He is trying so hard to fit in and 
work hard, but nothing seems to work for him."

They stop in front of the door. Bucky looks at Jenny.

Bucky
"Last time you talked with him, he seemed to be holding up."

Jenny
(nodding)
"Yeah, but it has been three weeks since I last talked to him. We use 
to talk once a week. He had just found new work and was worried about 
how long it was going to last. That and he was still dealing with 
Teresa leaving him."

Bucky
(nodding)
"That did hit him hard. That and having to deal with the impact of what 
happened on Aldebaran. Tell you what, let's pay him a visit after this 
meeting."

Jenny nods and they walk into the door..

Scene 3
The Empty Mug, Later

Kinjite is walking among the crowds of mammals. It was the usual 
crowds. Several Baboons sharing battle stories, a few hares sitting in 
the corners with their girlfriends, several Canards surrounded by empty 
mugs, and a few cats talking. Once in awhile, Kinjite would catch one 
of the female cats watching him and nod to her. She would turn and 
blush slightly. After he walked through the crowds, he returned to his 
stool and sat down. A panther waitress walks up and thumps her tray on 
the counter, angrily.

Kinjite
"What is it?"

She looks at him and sighs.

Waitress
(irritated)
"A baboon at table twelve keeps trying to grab at me."

Kinjite nods and slowly stands up. He walks through the crowds and 
approaches a table with three baboons drinking. The baboons look up as 
he approaches.

Baboon #1
(slurred)
"What do you want cat?"

Kinjite
(looking at the whole group, crossing his arms)
"Look guys, we've had this discussion before. Keep you paws off the 
waitresses. Otherwise, they gripe at me, I have to come over here, we 
argue, a fight breaks out, and I have to throw you out. Let's just have 
*one* peaceful night. Alright?"

The baboon sneers at him and takes a swallow of his drink. Kinjite nods 
and turns to walk away. The baboon spits the mouthful onto Kinjite's 
back. The whole group laughs at this. Bucky and Jenny walk through the 
main door, in time to see this. Kinjite stands there and looks at the 
bar. The Ox nods at him. Kinjite turns around and walks back to the 
table. The Baboon set his mug down. Kinjite looks down at the half 
empty mug.

Kinjite
(calmly)
"Looks like your mug is empty. We can't have that, can we?"

Baboon #1
(looking at his mug)
"Huh, its still half...."

Suddenly a shadow tendril shoots out of the mug, wraps around the 
baboon's head and slams his head into the mug. It then launches the 
baboon across the room and out the door. Kinjite looks at the other 
two.

Kinjite
(coldly)
"Don't make me come back over here."

He turns and walks back to his stool. Everyone holds their breath until 
he sits down. When he does, there is a sigh of relief. Bucky and Jenny 
walk up and sit at the bar.

Kinjite
(nodding to them)
"How are things going you two?"

Jenny
(shrugging)
"Alright. How is the job holding up?"

Kinjiet shrugs as he turns to a table, as a couple of voices raise 
slightly. It quickly quiets down.

Kinjite
(sighing)
"It pays enough to take care of bills and get a little food."

Bucky places orders for a couple of drinks and looks over.

Bucky
"So what have you been up to? Haven't heard a word since the battle on 
Aldebaran."

Kinjite
(with a shrug)
"Just trying to make ends meet."

Suddenly there is a shout and two wolves start fighting. Kinjite leaps 
up, but the fight quickly turns into a bar room brawl. The last view 
Bucky or Jenny have of Kinjite is him diving into the heart of the 
fight and tendrils sprouting from his fur.

Later...

The bar is mostly empty and thrashed. Kinjite is sitting on a table. 
The last few patrons pay and quickly leave. Bucky and Jenny stop by the 
table on their way out.

Jenny
(patting Kinjite on the shoulder)
"Keep in touch, alright?"

Kinjite nods and watches them leave. The Ox walks up and leans against 
the table. Kinjite looks at him and sighs.

Ox
(smiling)
"You know, you may be one of those magic wielding cats and all, but 
these are the nights I am glad I hired you."

Kinjite
(ears drooping a little)
"Did any employees get harmed before I could stop the fight?"

Ox
(shrugging)
"A couple of bumps and bruises, but nothing bad. Did a good job 
tonight. Can I get you to use those tendrils you control to help speed 
up cleaning?"

Kinjite
(hopping off the table) 
"Sure."

They walk towards the largest part of the mess and tendrils slide out 
Kinjite's fur again.

Scene 4
Along a street, Genus

A female Aldebaran is walking along with her young daughter in her 
arms. Behind are some shadowy figures following her. She is trying to 
ignore them and quickly hurries down the street.

Female
(to her daughter)
"Don't worry. We head back to Aldebaran in the morning. Then they will 
be dealt with"

The child looks around, sensing her mother's fear and wraps her little 
arms around her mom, as best as she can. The mother looks over her 
shoulder as she hears footsteps pick up in speed.. The Shadowy figures 
are starting to run towards her. She quickly runs down the street.

In front of the Empty Mug...

Kinjite steps out the fromt door and walks down the street. He adjust 
the paper bag he is holding and opens the top.

Kinjite
(to himself)
"I wonder what she cooked this..."

He is suddenly bowled over as the female Aldebaran slams into him. They 
both get knocked down. She quickly clambers to her feet and bolts down 
the street, clutching her child. Kinjite quickly looks around and 
catches sight of her lavender hair and tail as she darts down the road.

Kinjite
(shrugging)
"Must be late for a transport home. Must be nice."

He stoops down and starts picking up the various types of rolls. 
Suddenly, he's knocked to the ground again, as several cloaked figures 
run over him and the paper bag.

Figure #1
(hissing loudly)
"She's getting away!"

The figures quickly follow the female down the road. Kinjite slowly 
picks himself up and looks at the smashed bag. He quickly opens it and 
sees that its contents are smashed. With an angry growl, he springs to 
his feet and gives chase to the figures.

A few seconds later...

The front doors of the Empty Mug open and the female Panther walks out, 
with a small bag.

Panther
(calling)
"Kinjite! I forgot the other bag! Where are you?"

She looks around and sees the ruined bag. She opens it up and sees the 
shape of the contents. Quickly she scoops out the few that aren't as 
badly damage and puts them in the other sack. She looks around worried 
a little.

Panther
(thinking)
"Maybe I should get his address and see if he gets home?"

She walks back into the bar and shuts the door.

Scene 5
An Alley

The Female is running down the alley, clutching her child. She stops, 
to catch her breath. She can hear the sounds of running feet behind 
her. She quickly puts a memory stone to her head and closes her eyes 
for a second. She opens her eyes and kneels on the ground. She gently 
puts her daughter on her feet. Her daughter looks at her concerned.

Female
(quietly and quickly)
"I want you to take this stone and hide. Alright?"

Daughter
(quietly, taking the stone)
"How long, mommy?"

Female
(looking around)
"Until you see someone you think you can trust."

Daughter
(worried)
"How will I know?"

Female
(looking at her daughter and smiling)
"you know you can trust any cat with gems worn like mine, right?"

Daughter
(nodding)
"IF they wear the gems, they are accepted by Sisterhood and will help 
another of our kind?"

Female
(kissing her on the forehead)
"Smart girl. Now hide and I will lead them away!"

The child quickly crawls under a dumpster and curls up in the back, 
where she can see. Her mom nods and starts running down the alley. A 
few seconds later, several cloaked figures run by the dumpster. The 
child watches them round the corner, after her mother. There is silence 
for a second and then a blaster fire is heard, followed by a female 
scream. The child buries her eyes in her arms and starts crying.

A few seconds later...

Kinjite slides around the corner, looking for the cloaked figures. He 
sees no sign and curses in his native language. He turns to leave and 
stops. His ears twitch as they pick the sound of sniffling. He looks 
around and sees nothing. He slowly walks down the alley and stops in 
front of the dumpster. He can hear the sniffling even louder. It 
quickly turns to a whimper and he looks down. His eye focuses on the 
bottom of the dumpster and he kneels down. He tips his head and looks 
under the dumpster. His eye is greeted by a timid squeak and a pair of 
bright emerald green eyes. The child sees the gem on his forehead and 
sighs with relief. She quickly crawls out and Kinjite takes a step 
back. Her tan fur is dirty and muddy as is her lavender hair. She 
quickly grabs a hold of his leg tightly and cries into it. Kinjite just 
stands there shocked He gently pulls her off his leg and kneels down to 
look at her.

Kinjite
(kindly)
"What's wrong, little one?"

Girl
(wiping her eyes)
"My mom is being chased! She told me to hide until I saw someone I 
could trust! She ran around the corner..."
(pointing down the alley)
".being chased by some figures in cloaks!"

Kinjite nods and slowly stands up. He jogs down the alley and looks 
around the corner. He sees several paramedics and police around an 
area. He turns and sees the girl approaching. He walks over to her and 
kneels.

Kinjite
"Do you know who was chasing her?"

Girl
(shaking her head)
"No, I only saw one of their hands. It had scales on it."

Kinjite's eye narrows and he stands up.

Kinjite
(kindly)
"Let's get you cleaned up."

He gently takes the girl's paw and walks down the alley.

Scene 6
Kinjite's Apartment 

The door slowly opens and Kinjite, now carry the little girl walks in. 
He shuts the door and the lights turn on. The girl yawns a little. 
Kinjite walks over and sets her on the couch.

Kinjite
(standing up)
"I'm going to get a bath for you. I will find a large shirt for you to 
wear after you get cleaned up."

The girl rubs her eyes as he walks into the bathroom. There is the 
sound of running water. Kinjite steps out and looks at her.

Kinjite
"Can you tell me why your mother was being chased?"

Girl
(climbing off the couch.)
"I don't know. She put something in this before I hid."

She walks over and hands Kinjite the memory stone. He looks at it and 
nods. He turns and shuts the water off. He steps around her and walks 
over to a set of shelves.

Kinjite
(looking through the shelves)
"What's your name?"

Girl
(yawning)
"Ariel, Who are you?"

Kinjite
(hesitantly)
"My name is Lance. People call me Kinjite."

Ariel
(after trying to say Kinjite)
"Can I call you Lance? It is easier to say."

Kinjite looks at her and smiles. He pulls out a dark forest green shirt 
and walks over to her.

Kinjite
"Sure. Go ahead and get cleaned up and put this on. It should be big 
enough for you to use to sleep in."

Ariel nods and walks into the bathroom. When Kinjite hears her in the 
bath, he walks over to a vid-com and punches in a number. He sits in a 
chair and waits as he buzzes. After a few minutes, a tired and half 
asleep Jenny appears on the screen.

Jenny
(Ywning and rubbing her eyes)
"This better be important."

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Sorry to wake you, Jenny. I have a small problem and I remembered you 
said you would help out with problems if you could."

Jenny
(sleepily)
"I'll try, what is it?"

Kinjite's head turns as he hears some splashing in the bathroom and 
Ariel laugh a little. He turns to the screen. Jenny is looking at him 
confused.

Jenny
"What was that?"

Kinjite
"That was the problem. Can you meet with me tomorrow, say before four 
in the afternoon?"

Jenny
(shaking her head)
"Sorry, but the Valkyrie is being worked on and Bucky wants me there."

Kinjite
(nodding)
"Alright. Come by the tavern after four and I will show you the 
problem."

Jenny raises an eyebrow and shakes her head. She breaks communication. 
Kinjite leans back in his chair and sighs. He hears a little bit of 
whimpering and turns his head. Ariel is standing in the door, with a 
towel draped over her shoulders, rubbing her eyes.

Kinjite
(getting up, worried)
"What's wrong?"

He quickly walks over to her, kneels down, and finishes wrapping the 
towel around her. She looks up and he sees the redness in her eyes.

Ariel
(whimpering)
"I got soap in my eyes."

Kinjite shakes his head and smiles. He gently wipes her eyes off with 
the corner of the towel.

Kinjite
"There, how's that?"

Ariel nods and walks into the bathroom. Kinjite walks over and sits on 
the couch. A few seconds later, she comes out wearing the shirt. It 
hangs down to her ankles. She is holding a brush.

Ariel
(climbing on the couch)
"Can you brush my hair, please?"

Kinjite sighs a little and starts brushing out her hair. He sets the 
brush down when he's done. Ariel lays down and curls up on the couch. 
Kinjite pull the cover off the top of the couch and gently covers her 
up. He walks into the bathroom and stops at what he sees. There are 
bubbles in the empty tub, on the floor and water everywhere.

Kinjite
(sighing)
"And I thought drunks made a mess."

He picks up a towel and starts wiping up the water.

Later that night...

Kinjite is sleeping peacefully on the bed mat. He rolls over and takes 
a deep breath. Suddenly he starts coughing and hacking. He sits up 
quickly and his throat clears out. He looks around and sees Ariel 
curled up by him. He notices there is a small wet spot on her hair. He 
gently touches it and it has a slight slickness to it. She rolls over 
and mumbles something and scoots against him.

Kinjite
(muttering)
"From now until I find out what to do with you, you are going to tie 
your hair back before you go to sleep. Trying to breath hair does not 
work."

He lays back down and falls asleep.

Scene 7
Chairman's office

Fritz is sitting at his desk. Bucky and Jenny are standing across from 
him.

Fritz
(calmly)
"Her name is Samantha. She was attacked last night. We have witnesses 
who saw her attackers and told us that they were regens. She has a 
daughter, but we don't have a description or a name. I want you two to 
do some looking around, since your frigate is docked for repairs. All I 
know is that the Queen said that Samantha had some important 
information for her. The Queen is worried for the child's safety."

Bucky
(nodding)
"If we find the child, are we to bring her here or what?"

Fritz
"Evaluate her present conditions and decide if she is safe wherever she 
is."

Jenny
(worried)
"And do what?"

Fritz
(calmly)
"If she is in a safe spot, you don't do anything. If she is in a place 
that may prove to be dangerous to her health, take her into protective 
custody and watch her. The Queen said she was smart for her age and 
Samantha taught her well. Tell Kinjite to keeps his eye and ears open. 
I know he gets around quick enough. The orders stand the same for him. 
The Queen is trying to take care of a few matters and then she is 
sending some Sisters to help Samantha. Unfortunately, she said it will 
be a couple of weeks before she can."

Bucky and Jenny nod. They salute and leave.

At The Empty Mug...

Kinjite walks through the front door, with Ariel holding onto his 
little finger. The Ox looks up and stops, as does the waitress panther. 
Kinjite leads Ariel over to a stool and picks her up. He gently sets 
her on it and sits by her. The Panther walks over and smiles.

Panther
(sweetly)
"so who is this little cutey?"

Kinjite
(tiredly)
This is Ariel. Ariel this Alissa and.."
(points to the Ox)
"..That is Brahma."

Ariel shyly waves to them each and looks around.

Brahma
(walking over)
"Uh, Kinjite you know our rules about children."

Kinjite
(shrugging)
"What was I suppose to do? Leave her alone in my apartment all day and 
half the night?"

Brahma stops and thinks for a second. He shrugs and looks at Ariel.

Brahma
"Want a drink, squirt?"

Ariel
(timidly)
"Yes, please."

Brahma smiles and pulls a bottle of soda from under the counter. He 
opens it and hands it to her. 

Ariel
(smiling)
"Thank you, Mister Brahma."

She grabs the bottle in both hands. It looks huge in her little hands 
as she drinks from it.

Alissa
(teasing)
"Well, we can tell she got her manners from her mom. What happened to 
you last night, Kinjite? I had another bag for you."

Kinjite looks at Ariel and smiles.

Kinjite
(to Ariel)
"I'll be right back. Brahma can get me if you need me."

Ariel nods and watches as Kinjite walks into the next room with Alissa.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Her mom was being chased last night. I got knocked aside and gave 
chase after the ones chasing her. I found Ariel hiding under a 
dumpster. I looked around the corner, when she said her mom ran that 
way, and saw paramedics and police all over."

Alissa
(looking at the door)
"Poor girl. Did you find out who was chasing her mom?"

Kinjite
(shaking his head)
"No, but from what Ariel told me, it sounded like a cold blood. Maybe a 
regen."

Alissa
"what are you going to do with the child?"

Kinjite
(shrugging)
"Take care of her and find out if her mom is alive still. She has a 
memory stone with some info in it, but I haven't tried to access it."

Alissa
(quietly)
"If her mom was being chased, they might know about her."

Kinjite
(nodding)
"I know, that's why I brought her with me here. I have a friend coming 
to talk with me later and I am hoping she can help me out."

Alissa
"Do you think she will be safe here, though?"

Kinjite
(with a smile)
"Between you, Brahma, and the shadow cat of Aldebaran, she should be 
safe enough."

Alissa
(crossing her arms)
"I thought you were banished from there?"

Kinjite
(ears drooping)
"You had to mention that."

Alissa laughed a little and patted him on the side of the face.

Alissa
(sweetly)
"You look so cute like that."

Later...

Ariel watches as more people come into the tavern. She has a large 
plate of fries and fish strips in front of her. Kinjite is sitting by 
her and watching the room. Luckily it has been a quiet night so far. 
Bucky and Jenny walk through the door. Kinjite waves at them and they 
head over. They both get a shocked look when they see the child 
Aldebaran sitting by him.

Jenny
(stunned)
"Is she what the call was about?"

Kinjite nods and motions to a table. Ariel looks up and smiles at the 
sight of Jenny.

Kinjite
(to Ariel)
"We're going to sit over here."

Ariel hops off the stool and follows the adults to the table. Kinjite 
brings her pop and food over. He sits beside her and looks at the other 
two as they sit.

Jenny
"Kinjite, where did you find her?"

Kinjite quickly relates the story to them and Bucky nods when he is 
done.

Bucky
(looking at Ariel)
"Can you tell us your mother's name?"

Ariel looks scared at him and then to Jenny and Kinjite.

Jenny
(kindly)
"It's alright kitten. Go ahead and answer his question."

Ariel
(quietly)
"Samantha."

Jenny and Bucky both nod. Bucky looks at Kinjite.

Bucky
(quietly)
"Her mom is in the hospital. She was shot, but lived through it. It was 
a group of Regens that attacked her. Fritz was going to have us tell 
you to keep you ears open for her, but you seem to be one step ahead of 
us."

Kinjite
(firmly)
"Regens? Great, I hate dealing with those damn lizards!"

Jenny
(surprised)
"You've dealt with them?"

Kinjite
(nodding)
"Before I got this job, I did some work on shuttles. One attacked a 
passenger. It was a nasty fight, but I saved the passenger. You say a 
group of them?"

Bucky nods and Kinjite's ears droop. He looks at Ariel, who is drinking 
from the bottle.

Kinjite
"What's suppose to happen with her?"

Jenny
"We're suppose to determine if she is safe where she is. If you can 
fight a Regen and win on your own, I guess she is safe with you."

Kinjite nods and looks across the room. He sees several people in 
different clothes. Some of them in cloaks.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"I can protect her, but there are to many eyes around here, but I can't 
stop working either."

Ariel
(defiantly)
"I want to stay with Lance!"

Everyone looks at her in surprise. Jenny looks at Kinjite.

Kinjite
(sheepishly)
"She can't say Kinjite."

Jenny nods and looks at Ariel.

Jenny
(calmly)
"Ariel, it could be dangerous if he keeps bringing you here."

Ariel
(crossing her little arms)
"Brahma said he would protect me and he is bigger than Lance! Alissa 
said she would to!"

Jenny
"I'm sure they would, but the lizards who hurt your mother are really 
mean."

Ariel
(getting louder)
"And Brahma will smash them in the wall!"

A couple of raccoons at the next table look over. A quick glare from 
Kinjite and they turn away.

Bucky
(trying to avoid a problem)
"Alright Ariel. You can stay with Kinjite."
(looks at Kinjite)
"I'll talk with Fritz and see if we can get some deal worked out to 
temporarily reinstate you and help with the money a little."

Kinjite nods and stands up.

Kinjite
"Can I get you two to stay for a few minutes so I can check on a few 
things?"

Jenny nods and Kinjite walks off, into the crowd.

Scene 8
Empty Mug Tavern, Later

Brahma locks the door and turns to the bar. Ariel is sitting on the bar 
looking around. Alissa and Kinjite are wiping down tables.

Brahma
(yawning)
"Well, we locked up and everything seems to have gone peaceful for 
once."

Alissa
(pushing in a chair)
"You know there is some quiet nights around here, Brahma."
(looks at Ariel)
"Are you getting tired, honey?"

Ariel
(yawning)
"No, I'm wide awake."

Alissa hides her smile as the little girl rubs her eyes. Suddenly, 
Kinjite stops and looks around, quickly.

Brahma
(noticing)
"What is it?"

Suddenly, Kinjite spins around and a white tendril shoots from his 
hand, wraps around Ariel and yanks her across the room. Not even a 
second after she was moved, a dagger slams blade first into the bar 
with a thunk. Ariel lands in Kinjite's arms and he sets her on the 
ground. Two tendrils shoot up from behind the bar and smash into the 
ceiling. They yank a lizard down and slam him into the bar. Two others 
dropout of the hole and draw swords.

Kinjite
(growling)
"Regens!"

He unsheathes his claws and stands in front of Ariel. One of the Regens 
steps forward.

Regen #1
(coldly)
"We want the girl. Stand aside!"

Brahma steps up beside Kinjite and snorts. Alissa gently takes Ariel 
into her arms and stands behind the males.

Brahma
(snorting)
"The tavern is closed! Get out!"

Regen #2
(stepping forward)
"You will give us the child!"

Kinjite
(growling still)
"On a cold day in hell we will!"

There is a gasp behind them. Kinjite quickly looks behind him. The 
third Regen had appeared behind Alissa and lunged. She spins and lands 
a solid kick in the lizard's face.

Kinjite
(flames erupting from his body)
"Protect Ariel!"

Then all hell brook loose. Brahma charges the two in front, catching 
them off guard and Kinjite leaps at the one behind them. Alissa leaps 
for the end of the bar, with Ariel in her arms.

Ariel
(crying in fear)
"Who are they?"

Alissa
(ducking behind the counter)
"Regens, honey! They are here after you!
(sets Ariel on the floor gently)
"Stay back here!"

Alissa leaps over the counter. Kinjite and Regen #3 are exchanging 
blows. Brahma smashes the Regens #1 and #2 into the bar, as Alissa 
comes over it. She tackles #2 and leaves #1 to Brahma. Ariel peeks over 
the bar. Her eye widen as she sees Kinjite, covered in white and black 
flames. The fight continues for awhile. Alissa slams into the bar after 
being kicked by the Regen. She slowly rises. The Regen grabs her head 
and smashes it into the bar. He draws a dagger and raises it. Suddenly 
there is a shrill yell and he turns his head in shock. Ariel swings the 
beer bottle she found and smashes it into the side of the Regen's head. 
To Alissa's surprise, the bottle breaks and showers her with beer. The 
Regen stumbles back.

Alissa
(taking the broken bottle neck from Ariel)
"Thanks!"

She leaps forward and stabs the Regen in the face and rips upward. The 
Regen falls over and doesn't get back up. Brahma picks up the one he is 
fighting and brings it smashing down on his knee. There is a sickening 
crunch as the Regen's back is broke. He flops to the ground and lifts 
his head. The last thing he sees is the bottom of Brahma's giant foot 
come crashing down on his skull. The one fighting with Kinjite leaps 
back and sees the other two are fallen. He hisses and glares at the 
flaming black cat before him.

Regen #3
(evilly)
"This isn't over!"

He vanishes in a flash of light Kinjite looks around and the flames on 
his body die down. Ariel runs around the bar and he catches her in his 
arms. He looks at the other two.

Kinjite
(calming down)
"Are you two alright?"

Brahma
(checking a few cuts)
"Yeah, nothing new to me."

Alissa
(wrapping her arm with a towel to cover a cut)
"Nothing a couple of band aids won't fix."
(she looks at Kinjite and sees his wounds)
"Why don't you set Ariel on the ground and check you injuries."

Kinjite nods and sets Ariel on the ground. He starts checking his 
injuries. Alissa comes over and stands by Ariel.

Ariel
(scared)
"Why did they come for me?"

She gently grabs Alissa's leg and hold tightly. Alissa gently puts her 
paw on the child's head to comfort her.

Kinjite
(wiping some blood off his arm)
"I think they were the same ones who were chasing your mom. They knew 
about you and came after you."

Ariel
(still scared)
"Will they come again?"

Kinjite
(looking up at her)
"I'm afraid so."

Brahma walks up behind her and picks her up and sets her on his 
shoulder.

Brahma
(bravely)
"And we'll beat them up again."

Ariel smiles and looks at Kinjite.

Ariel
(quietly)
"Lance, why were you on fire?"

Kinjite looks up and sighs.

Kinjite
"Your mom told you that Aldebarans have magic, right? Well, that is my 
magic."

Brahma
(concerned)
"One of those cold bloods got away. He saw all three of us."
(looks at Alissa)
"I would feel more at ease if you weren't alone tonight."

Alissa frowns at him and opens her mouth to say something.

Ariel
(cuts her off, excitedly)
"She can stay at lance's with us!"

Kinjite and Alissa both look up shocked. Brahma starts laughing and 
sets Ariel on the ground, so she won't fall. Alissa looks at Kinjite, 
slightly embarrassed.

Ariel
(runs up to Kinjite)
"See! She likes the idea! There is enough room on your mat for you two 
to sleep."

Kinjite's jaw drops and Alissa's eye widen and she quickly turns 
embarrassed. Brahma ends up sitting down, laughing.

Alissa
(quickly)
"We should get this mess cleaned up."

She picks up a bar towel and starts wiping up the beer.

Scene 9
Kinjite's Apartment, morning

Kinjite slowly opens his eye. He feels someone sleeping by him and 
looks over. Alissa is curled up beside him and Ariel is curled up by 
her. He smiles at the sight and slowly sits up. He steps over the two 
sleeping and walks into the kitchen. He sits at the table and brews up 
some tea. He is taking a drink, when he hears the buzz of the comm.. He 
picks up his cup and walks over to it and sits down. He activates it as 
he takes a drink. The Queen of Aldebaran appears on it. 

Queen
"I see you are still playing the hero."

Kinjite barely stops himself from spitting the tea out.

Kinjite
(stunned)
"Your highness! Why are you calling me?"

Queen
"Chairman Fritz told me you found the child. Is she alright?"

Kinjite
"Yes, the regens made an attempt on her last night. I and some friends 
were able to kill two of them and the third got away."

Queen
(nodding)
"I see. The mother is still unaware of the fact that you are in charge 
of taking care of her daughter."

Kinjite nods and remains silent.

Queen
"Did Ariel have a memory stone with her?"

Kinjite starts to nod his head and stops.

Kinjite
(thinking)
<Something isn't right here. When Jenny and Bucky left last night, they 
said they were going to be heading home if I needed help. And since 
when did the Queen have my number?>
(out loud)
"I think so, but it was empty when Bucky checked it."

Queen
(shaking her head)
"A shame. That information was vital. I have sent someone to retrieve 
the child and take her to her mother."

Kinjite
(nodding)
"Very well your highness."

The signal stops and the screen goes blank. Kinjite quickly punches 
another number in.


Kinjite
(impatiently as it buzzes)
"Come on! Pick up!"

Jenny appears on the screen, half asleep.

Jenny
(yawning)
"Kinjite, it's barely ..."

Kinjite
(interrupting)
"Did you talk to Fritz last night?!"

Jenny
(stunned)
"No, why?"

Kinjite
(quickly)
"He doesn't know I have Ariel then?"

Jenny
(confused)
"No, Buck and I were going to tell him after we woke up. What's going 
on?"

Kinjite
"The Regens are making another attempt on Ariel's mother and Ariel 
again! Meet me at the hospital!"

He cuts the signal and spins out of his chair. He runs over and quickly 
wakes up Alissa and Ariel.

Alissa
(confused)
"Huh? What's wrong?"

Kinjite
(quickly)
"Get dressed, we need to leave!"

Ariel wakes up and looks around.

Areil
(yawning)
"What is it Lance?"

Kinjite
"Get dressed, we need to go to see you mom!"

Ariel stumbles into the bathroom with Alissa. Kinjite quickly puts on 
his armor and paces as he waits. After a few minutes, Alissa and Ariel 
come out of the bathroom.

Alissa
"Now what is going on?"

Kinjite
(turns towards the door)
"The Regens are coming again..."

Suddenly the door blows inward. A large lizard walks in and looks at 
them.

Lizard
(coldly)
"Wrong, I am already here!"

Kinjite
(growling)
"Frell!"

At the hospital...

Jenny and Bucky are running down the hall. They slam open the door into 
Samantha's room and scare the Squirrel nurse inside.

Nurse
(demanding)
"What is the meaning of this?"

Bucky looks around the room as Jenny approaches the bed.

Jenny
(concerned)
"How is she doing?"

Samantha
(opening her eyes)
"I am doing better, Sister. What's wrong?"

Jenny sighs with relief and looks at Bucky, who nods.

Jenny
(quietly)
"We got a call that said the Regens were going to make an attempt on 
you again."

Nurse
(scoffing)
"In a hospital? How foolish are these Regens?"

VOICE
(from behind the Nurse)
"Not foolish at all, but we are very skilled."

The nurse didn't even get the chance to scream as a blade slices 
through her neck.

At Kinjite's Apartment...

Kinjite slams against the wall and bounces off of it. The Regen looks 
around the room and sees Alissa holding Ariel.

Regen
(coldly)
"Give her to me!"

Alissa slowly steps back against the wall. The Regen takes a step 
forward and a tendril lashes around his neck. He is yanked back and 
Kinjite slams a fist into the side of his head.

Kinjite
(yelling)
"Go frell yourself!"

He lunges at the Regen and they tumble to the ground, kicking and 
clawing each other. The Regen kicks Kinjie into the air and bounces to 
his feet. Kinjite flips over and dives straight down at the lizard, 
pulling a long knife out of his armor, as the Regen pulls a knife. They 
both stab at the same time. With twin thumps, they both fall to the 
ground, the Regen with a knife in his forehead and Kinjite with a knife 
in his stomach. Kinjite slowly stands up and pulls the knife out. There 
is a slight spray of blood and he clutches his stomach. Alissa runs up 
to him.

Kinjite
(with a grunt of pain)
"We need to get to the hospital, now!"

Alissa
(quickly and worried)
"I'll call an air taxi!"

Kinjite grabs her arm and draw her close.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Not fast enough! Both of you close your eyes!"

As Alissa and Ariel shut their eyes, black flames erupt up around them 
and they vanish.

At the hospital...

Bucky ducks under the kick and takes a shot at the Regen. The blast 
goes through his stomach and the hole seals up immediately. The Regen 
laughs as he dodges a strike from Jenny, aimed at his head. He grabs 
Jenny around the neck and lifts her off the ground.

Regen
(arrogantly)
"Stupid witch!"

He starts to tighten his grip. Jenny starts gasping and trying to 
breath. Suddenly a familiar dagger sticks in the Regen's wrist and he 
drops Jenny, gasping to the ground. The Regen spins around and sees 
Kinjite, in armor, holding his stomach.

Kinjite
(coldly)
"Your flunky failed! Back off or I'll kill my third Regen!"

Regen
(seen the blood dripping between Kinjite's fingers)
"Pretty tough talk for a cat who is wounded that badly."

Kinjite
(anger rising)
"I'm not going to warn you again! Back off!"
(the flames erupt around his body)
"Back off now or I will tear you apart!"

The Regen laughs and motions for Kinjite to attack. With a battle 
scream, kinjiet leaps forward so quickly, he becomes a blur and catches 
the Regen off guard with his speed. They collide together and go 
through the wall, into the courtyard outside. Alissa rans into the room 
with Ariel in her arms. Samantha looks up from beside her bed, where 
she fell.

Samantha
(relieved)
"Ariel!"

Alissa sets Ariel near her mom and looks towards the hole and sounds of 
fighting. Jenny runs to the hole and out it, quickly followed by Bucky.

Outside...

Kinjite and the Regen are locked together. The Regen slams his scaled 
forehead into Kinjite's face. As Kinjite staggers back, the Regen lands 
a solid kick into his chest and sends him across the courtyard. He 
slams into a vending machine. The Regen laughs at the sight. Kinjite 
slowly stands up and glares at the laughing lizard. As the Regen throws 
his head back laughing, Kinjite grabs the vending machine and picks it 
up. He hurls it at the Regen, who barely sees it coming. He tries to 
doge it, but gets clipped on the shoulder in the process. The machine 
smashes into the wall, by Bucky and Jenny.

Jenny
(diving aside)
"Frell! He is playing serious with this lizard!"

The regen looks at her and turns back in time to catch a flying kick 
from Kinjite in the face. He flies across the courtyard and is quickly 
followed by Kinjite.

Inside the hospital...

Samantha listens as Ariel quickly tells her what has happened. Alissa 
is standing nearby as well, keeping an eye out.

Samantha
(in disbelief)
"THE FORBIDDEN ONE! He's here?! And you have been staying with him?!"

Ariel
(scared a little at her mom's anger)
"He's been protecting me."
(she pulls out the memory stone)
"He made sure I always had this to keep it safe."

Alissa
(looking at Samantha)
"And right now, he is fighting to save your tail, cat. "

Samantha glares at Alissa and turns to her daughter.

Samantha
(checking her daughter over)
"He didn't hurt you did he?"

Ariel
"No mom! He was guarding me! Lance is a nice cat! He wears a full set 
of gems like you!"

There is a loud crash outside and the wall shakes a little. The sounds 
of the fighting continue. Alissa looks at the wall as cracks appear a 
little.

Alissa
"I hope this fight ends soon."

Outside...

Kinjite pulls his fist out of the wall and spins to face the Regen. 
Kinjite is cut and bleeding all over, but the Regen is unscathed. His 
clothes are torn in ways that suggest cuts and wounds, but there are 
none. Most of the courtyard is destroyed. The Regen pulls out a small 
sword and advances towards Kinjite.

Regen
(wickedly)
"I've enjoyed our little game. Now it ends!"

He lunges forward and stabs Kinjie through the chest. Kinjite just 
dissolves and the Regen stands there, shocked. Suddenly Kinjite appears 
on his back and wraps a white tendril and black tendril around the 
Regens entire head.

Kinjite
(flatly)
"Your right, it ends now!"

He makes a jerking motion with his arms and there is a sickening 
crunch, as the regens skull is crushed in on itself. A second movement 
and the head is torn off. Kinjite drops to the ground, panting. He 
stands up, weakly and runs to the hole.

Inside...

Alissa looks at the hole as Kinjite runs through it, covered in bloods 
and dirt.

Kinjite
(worried)
"Ariel! Alissa! Are you alright?"

He looks around and sees them. Ariel start to run to him and her mom 
grabs her. Samantha glares at Kinjite, with hatred in her eyes.

Samantha
(seething with rage)
"You stay away from my daughter, you monster!"

Kinjite stops and takes a step back. His ears droop a little, but he 
says nothing. Ariel looks at her mom in shock.

Ariel
(stunned)
"Mom, he has a full set of gems. You said that any Aldebaran with a 
full set of gems can be trusted."

Kinjite
(quietly)
"She means any *female* with a full set can be trusted."

Ariel
(looking at Kinjite)
"But anyone with a full set is accepted by the Sisterhood!"
(looks at her mom)
"You told me that!"

Her mother keeps glaring at Kinjite.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Ariel, the Sisterhood will never accept me."

Ariel
(looking at Kinjite)
"Why?!"

Samantha
(with contempt in her voice)
"He is a danger to all Aldebaran! He killed several of our sisters when 
he was to be sealed away!"

Kinjite
(yelling)
"Their attack was unprovoked! Even now, after I followed the Queen's 
orders, saved the throne and damn near died doing it, they still attack 
and try to kill me!"

Ariel looks at her mom and then at Kinjite, her eyes watering. Kinjite 
looks at her and feels his anger cool down.

Kinjite
(softly)
"Ariel, listen to your mother. If you argue it and keep standing 
against it, you will be shunned as well."

Ariel
(crying)
"Why does the Sister Hood hate you?"

Kinjite
(quietly)
"I am Kinjite. I am the Forbidden One. It is best that you forget that 
you met me and learn what the sister hood wants you to learn."

Kinjite turns to the door and walks out it. Everyone in the room, 
except Samantha, watches him go.

Alissa
(angrily)
"So he is a dark spot to your traditions? Yet he rises to save you 
repeatedly? Even though you spit in his face?!"

Samantha
(sternly)
"Don't stick your nose in Aldebaran business!"

Alissa
(growling)
"Guess what, this isn't Aldebaran! I will speak what I want! That cat 
just fought to save your daughter's life, got wounded, and then fought 
to save your life, despite his wound. He got messed up in that fight 
and you spit at him! Frell! I hope your satisfied and feel good! You 
make me sick, you....WITCH!"

Alissa storms out the door. Ariel starts crying and sits on the floor 
by her mom. Jenny and Bucky just stand there, having heard and seen 
everything.

Scene 10
Empty Mug Tavern, that night

Kinjite is sitting in a corner table, bandages all over his body. There 
are several empty mugs on his table. Fritz walks in and sees him. He 
walks over and sits across from him. Kinjite doesn't even respond to 
him.

Fritz
(calmly)
"Made a hell of a mess in the hospital. Good job though."

Kinjite just grunts at him and takes a drink from a half empty mug.

Fritz
(reaching into a pocket)
"I heard what was said. I'm sorry about it."
(sets an envelope in front of Kinjite)
"You earned every simolean on that check."

Again, Kinjite just grunts at him and puts the envelope into his 
pocket. Fritz sees a tear forming in Kinjite's eye.

Fritz
(softly)
"You want to talk about it?"

Kinjite
(looking up at him and quietly)
"There's nothing to discuss. It never goes away. I lost an eye to help 
a female and they hate me. I lost the chance to be with the one I loved 
and they hate me. I lost the right to go to my home planet and they 
hate me. I fought and almost died protecting a child and her mother and 
they still hate me. Why do I even try anymore?"

Fritz
(quietly)
"Because you're a tough cat and a stubborn one."

Kinjite
(wiping away a tear)
"Yeah, tough and stubborn, but that won't make me a family. This 
morning I woke up with Alissa beside me and Ariel beside her. I felt 
whole for once. Then Samantha brought reality back into the picture. 
Now I feel empty."

He picks up his mug and drains it. He motions for another. Brahma walks 
over with two of them and sets them down.

Brahma
(gently)
"You going to be alright, Kinjite? I hope you have enough left on you 
pay to take care of the bills after this drinking binge."

Fritz
(looking at Brahma)
"Send the bill to my office and bring me one as well."

Brahma nods and walks off. Fritz looks over at Kinjite, who is chugging 
down the first mug. He sets it down, empty.

Fritz
(calmly)
"So what are you going to do now? Keep working here?"

Kinjite
(shrugging)
"I don't know. Frell, I can't even sit in my usual place anymore, 
because I think about Ariel."

Brahma walks over and sets down a mug in front of Fritz.

Fritz
(taking a drink)
"That little child made a big impact on you?"

Kinjite nods as he takes another drink. Alissa walks in and up to the 
counter. She starts talking to Brahma, who points over to Kinjite.

Fritz
(seeing her approach)
"Well, maybe this is some good news."

Kinjite looks up as Alissa arrives at the table. She quickly counts the 
mugs and sits down.

Alissa
(concerned)
"How are you doing?"

Kinjite just shrugs and takes a drink. Alissa looks at Fritz.

Alissa
"The Queen was able to get a couple of Sisters here to help Samantha. 
They leave in two hours. There is just one question no one has an 
answer for."

Fritz
"What is that?"

Alissa
(looking at Kinjite)
"How did he know that the transmission he got wasn't the Queen?"

Kinjite takes a drink and set his mug down. He lifts his head and looks 
at Alissa.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"She said that Fritz told her that I had Ariel. Jenny and Bucky said 
that they were going to tell Fritz in the morning."

Alissa
(nodding)
"Yes, but what confirmed that enough for you to react in time to beat 
the one at your apartment and get to the hospital?"

Kinjite
"I lied to her and she didn't call me on it. I said Bucky accessed the 
memory stone and he can't."

Fritz nodded and took a drink. Alissa nods and looks at the door.

Alissa
(calmly)
"Someone has something they want to say to you."

Kinjite slumps a little in the chair as he hears footsteps approach.

Voice
(quietly)
"Lance?"

Kinjite slowly turns and sees Ariel standing by her mom. She smiles at 
him and steps forward.

Ariel
(smiling)
"We're going home finally. I wanted to come by and say bye to you."

Kinjite smiles at her and pats her on the head.

Kinjite
(warmly)
"You stay out of trouble then."

Ariel puts her arms around him and hugs him.

Ariel
(crying a little)
"I will."

Kinjite wipes her eyes and lifts her chin.

Kinjite
(smiling)
"No crying now. Do you remember what to say to someone who tries to 
cause trouble?"

Ariel
(smiling)
"I tell them to go frell themselves."

Everyone around the table, except Kinjite stare in shock.

Kinjite
(smiling wider)
"That's right."

Ariel steps back by her mom. Samantha looks at Kinjite and nods. They 
turn and walk out the door.

Alissa
(watching them leave)
"With you less than forty-eight hours and you have her swearing like 
that?"

She turns and sees Kinjite wiping tears away from his eye. He gets up.

KInjiet
(quickly)
"I have to be alone for a little while."

He quickly walks out the door. Alissa and Fritz watch him leave.

In a park later...

Kinjite is sitting on a bench, crying in his paws. He lifts his head 
and looks at the moon rising. His eye automatically finds the star he 
knows is the system that Aldebaran is in.

Kinjite
(whispering)
"Why do I even bother? Pain just follows with every choice I make! Why 
couldn't I have died in that fountain on Aldebaran? Why was I picked to 
restore the balance? Why not a Sister, Jenny, or even Bucky for that 
matter?"
(he buries his face in his paws again)
"Why me?!"

He doesn't hear the approaching footsteps. The figure stops right in 
front of him.

Figure
(kindly)
"Because you think with your heart, Lance."

Kinjite looks up and wipes his eye. Standing before him is a female 
cat, that looks like an Aldebaran. Her hair is snow white and her fur 
is crystal blue. Her eyes are pure white, just like Kinjite's eye and 
she doesn't possess a single spell gem on her, anywhere.

Kinjite
(stunned)
"You know my real name?"

Female
(sitting beside him)
"That and more."
(she puts an arm around him and draws him against her, laying his head 
on her shoulder)
"I also know when it is a good time to cry."

Emotions from the last half a year overwhelm Kinjite and he buries his 
face into her shoulder crying. She gently strokes his hair as he cries.

Female
(whispering)
"The path you chose wasn't going to be an easy one, but your life 
wasn't easy either. You won't have to travel it alone anymore. My name 
is Ayami. I will be there when you need counseling, caring, or someone 
to sleep beside at night to truly be able to sleep. Our paths have 
merged. That was the will of the Twin Goddesses. Don't ever worry about 
being alone again, wounded one. It is time to let the wounds of your 
heart heal."

TO BE CONTINUED....