tinton  – 2 1/2 seconds
specton – 2 1/2 minutes
Toton –   2 1/2 hours
minton –  2 1/2 days
daycon –  2 1/2 weeks
quant  –  2 1/2 years
galant –  2 1/2 centuries
Metson  – 2 1/2 inches
heckson – 2 1/2 miles
tetson –  2 1/2 acres
 
Bill Axor (AKA Ambrose) – Lion clan
King Tomco Traxor – Bill’s dead father
King Tobias Traxor – Bill’s dead brother
Queen Niaco Traxor – Tiger clan, Tobias mate, now Bill’s
Twitty Glax – Grey Tabby clan, bill’s body guard and mate
Glenna Nox – Bengal clan, Bill’s body guard and mate
Mikos Glac – Chartreux clan
Commander of star crusier – Wire hair clan
General Roth – Leopard clan
Henna Glac – Chartreux clan, Mikos mate, Xendran Doctor
Theta Panadon – Cheetah clan
Cornelius Glax – one of Bill’s Uncles, Grey Tabby clan  
Conrad Nox – Bill’s other Uncle Bengal clan
Assassin group – Jaguar clan
second assassin group – Ocicat clan
Gregor – Cougar clan
Gwayne – Panther clan
Thomas – Lynx clan
Mileen – Lynx clan Thomas’s mate
 

                                              
Bill had dropped to his knees as he tried to gain more control. Remembering all that he’d done earlier he slowly relaxed, feeling his control slip more into place. Even so Bill was still hard put to stay conscious as the partial cure raced through his veins.

I hope that I was right about the Ocicat clan member Bill thought. I’d really hate to have to be the one that extinguishes their clan. Though knowing Niaco it would happen sooner than later. God only knows the amount of blood shed and civil war that would follow.

Trying to calm more Bill felt the heat start up in his limbs again though no where as badly as what the Doctor had given him. Shaking his head he had to agree with the Doctor the cure was almost as bad as that which it cured. Shaking almost uncontrollably Bill could see that he’d just have to ride it out. Damn it! I just hope this doesn’t take that long, I still have to be crowned in a Toton and a half.

Roth and Bill’s mates along with the Doctor watched as Bill visibly relaxed seeming to get much of the trembling under control. Roth held the Doctor back when she tried to move forward to Bill. “As I have always been told Doctor, looks can and are deceiving. In case you haven’t noticed he is still clenching and unclenching his paws. I fear that if you were to approach him he’d rip you apart, probably wouldn’t remember either.”

Henna looked closer and nodded, “I have to thank you Sir Roth, it appears you have saved my life again.”

Roth shook his head, “as I said I would be remiss if I allowed harm to come to the palace Doctor. Plus I think that he’d have my head one way or another!”

Here Roth laughed as Henna eyes got large and she was staring at Roth as if he were crazy! “Really Sir Roth I am not that important!” Henna said Jokingly.

Roth turned to stare at her incredulously, “You seriously underestimate your importance Doctor.” Sighing Roth then grinned, “perhaps we can have your husband beat it into you? No?”

Henna growled then hissed as she took a swipe at Roth, “Let him try!”

“So you are as much of a hell cat as I was told. That is a good thing. It puts me more at ease knowing that you will kill an enemy as well as heal one.” Roth said with a sly smile.

“I am a clan leader’s daughter, I could demonstrate some time if you wish to disagree again Sir Roth!” Henna said a menacing swish to her tail as she stared at Roth.

Smiling broadly Roth told her, “I think I might enjoy that though I have seen your skill against your husband’s other mate.” Leaning close Roth whispered. “You both may kill him when you three decide to have kits!”

Henna growled again swiping at Roth’s face nearly catching the side of it. His respect for her skill raising another notch or two.

“I have no interest in kits! I am not some soft female that requires kits to make my life complete or meaningful! If you continue like this sir Roth you will get a first hand example of my skill!” Henna hissed at Roth as she got into a more defensive stance.

“I assure you I wasn’t picking a fight, though I will defend my self if I am attacked!” Roth replied going into a more defensive stance his self.

They stopped when they both heard Bill roar out in pain then it was all quiet. Both of the combatants looked at each other then scrambled to look around from their hiding place. Bill was on his back his chest heaving though there was no other movement.

Bill could still feel the antidote moving through his body; at least he thought it has started to lessen. Finally twelve spectons later, Bill felt his temperature and sanity returning to normal. Rising off the ground he looked around no longer feeling or seeing thoughts of killing anyone who might approach him. Sighing he turned toward the palace, might as well prepare for this.

Henna and Roth watched as Bill approached where they were. “Are you feeling stronger sire?” Henna asked when Bill was beside them.

“That remains to be seen, for the moment I am feeling far more like myself than I have in a few days.” Sighing again Bill pointed toward the palace. “Might as well get ready. You know of course I am not looking forward to any of this. Whoever said that this was glamorous, should have been dragged into the street and beaten to death!”

Bill’s head snapped around when he heard all three of his mates giggling. “Though I know you don’t like it sire, it is the way things are done. Well, for now anyway!” Queen Niaco told him with a wide smile on her face. ” Your brother and I went through the same exercises so get used to it! You are the next king after all!”

Nodding his head Bill replied, “Yes I know but all this pomp and glamour really chafes my ass!”

This of course brought about another round of giggling from his mates, even Henna had to smile. Roth of course could only roll his eyes though there was a big grin on his lips also. Shaking his head they all made their way toward the palace, might as well start getting ready Bill thought with a groan.

Letting his mates and Henna enter Bill stopped Roth to talk a moment. “’Til I have a better idea of what to do with her I want the prisoner treated well. Her father entered a plea that I am seriously taking into consideration.”

“I see, so no torture, no starvation.” Sighing Roth nodded. “I will inform the others. I am afraid that Gwayne will be most disappointed. He was looking forward to making her talk.”

“I know old friend ’til we have more a handle on things I wish to keep the Ocicat clan as close to allies as I can. I am finding it somewhat distressing that I am having to resort to subterfuge. Already it is starting to leave a really bad taste in my mouth!” Bill’s face showed disgust as he mentioned this.

Walking in Bill noticed that many Xendrans had already been hard at work decorating the palace for the coming affair. Groaning again Bill shook his head having it hit home that he was actually going to HAVE to be crowned. At the giggling he heard behind him Bill turned and scowled, growling in a low voice. “I know you are used to it Niaco but I am not. As I said I find this all to be unnecessary!”

Queen Niaco nodded with a sympathetic pat on his shoulder. “I know you are well against this sire. Please remember that it is a chance for the pride of our people to show.”

Bill’s eyes went wide as he thought about this. Yes, this was something he hadn’t thought of. It was actually making sense to him for the first time. Then he paused a moment as he looked at the wide grin on Niaco’s face, then again he could be, scratching his whiskers, being manipulated by a clever female.

Bill nodded even more when Niaco quickly looked away after Bill started to stare at her. Heading to his room he stopped when he saw the garb that they wanted him to wear. “I don’t think so!” Bill roared as he stared at the frilly shirt and tight pants. Turning he growled at his mates. “I damn refuse! You can kill me now ending the damn line! I will not, cannot and will never wear those– THINGS!”

Turning Bill started to stride from the room but was stopped by several soft paws of his mates. “Sire you have to look grand and majestic.” Niaco said with a pleading look.

“Grand and Majestic I can do. I will be neither if I subject myself to being in– those!” Bill growled sweeping his paw at the clothes for him there, then suddenly a light came to his eyes. “Roth! Get my armor! They want me to be a damnable easy target, let’s make it hard for them.” Bill held up a paw to quiet Niaco. “My father, King Tomco Traxor was crowned in his royal armor. I intend to do the same.”

“But sire,” Niaco started.

“No!” Bill said as he started off after Roth. “If my father thought it was a good idea who am I to argue with the greatest king of the realm.”

Niaco watched as Bill’s form trailed after Roth heading for the armory. Sighing she looked at Twitty and Glenna, “If we ever have kits with him that in its self I fear will be a grand adventure!”

“I tend to agree,” Glenna said with a nod.

“I honestly find him much more refreshing like this.” Twitty said drawing several incredulous looks from both Niaco and Glenna. “When he was in all human form he took far lees risks. As he is now I find it far more exciting.” Twitty explained.

Niaco put a paw to Twitty’s head feeling for a temperature. “Henna you think it’s possible she is sick?”

Henna was about to lose control as she watched all three of them. Trying her best not to, she finally lost the fight as she started to laugh. Laughing uncontrollably Henna was soon gasping for breath with all three of the females staring at her. Finally getting herself under control Henna replied, “She isn’t sick Queen Niaco. As she said she saw the king elect in a compressed and controlled persona. Frankly I am excited for what he has said he will bring back to the realm!”

Niaco quickly moved to Henna laying her paw on Henna’s head also. “By the great Feline! I think it is catching!” This of course started Henna up laughing again, which finally Twitty, then Glenna joined in. Even though she hated to admit it, even Niaco was starting to see the humor in all of this.

Bill breathed a sigh of relief as he and Roth moved into the armory. Looking around Bill nodded in appreciation at several marvelous suits that were shining brightly in the light. Near the back of the armory Bill found an older suit he placed a paw on it and bowed. Whispering he said, “Father, I am not the King that you were. I will do all I can to bring back the strong and proud realm that you established all those years ago. I will do this so help me even if I have to make the streets red with blood I will!”

Roth was standing behind Bill his head also bowed paying homage to the King that Bill’s father had been. At Bill’s words he grew fiercely proud of all that Bill had spoken. Looking among many suits Bill stopped when he saw a set in a recess behind his father’s armor.

Pulling it out Bill’s eyes went wide when he found a note attached to the back section of it. Opening it with shaking hands Bill immediately recognized his father’s hand writing.

[My son if you are reading this then I am long gone. Not long after your mother passed I had this armor commissioned for you. I felt that you and your brother would serve the realm together. I know though you would not wish to interfere with him. I therefore had this stored for you here. I knew one day you would venture forth finding it.

If you are to rule then always remember my son, to rule our people is an honor and should be treated as such. These last words I leave you I had wished to see you take the throne after I withdrew from it. Alas I see that won’t happen. Trust your men, choose them well as you do your mates. Lastly remember rule fair, rule just, be proud you are to take the leadership of a great and proud people.
                                              Your father
                                              Tomco Traxor]

Bill’s chest swelled with pride his father had somehow known! Shaking his head he knew now how and what he had to do.
“Roth, help me on with this! I have a throne to claim and a kingdom to save!”

Roth smiled as he watched a huge change came over Bill. A change that he knew only Bill’s father was probably able to achieve. Bowing then grasping the armor Roth said, “It would be my honor to help you your majesty!”
           ___________________________________________________________________________

The leader of the Ocicat clan had just sat down in the main clan room when his com. went off.

“I thought you would have him dead by now!” Came the whining and nasal voice of Conrad Nox.

“We are trying my lord.” The Ocicat leader lied. “It appears that he is protected by for knights of the realm.”

“Knights of the realm? Dam it! It has to be General Roth! I will add several hundred tetsons if you kill him also! Now I want him dead! If he ascends the throne then all promises are off. I will start conversion of the land as soon as possible!” Conrad threatened.

The Ocicat leader smiled he knew that the Bengal clan member was only full of bluster now. The lands in question were far closer to the palace than where he knew Conrad was. With a wicked smile the leader thought he might even let it slip through a non clan member just where the lord was. Smiling bigger he thought yes, that should seriously piss the lord off!

When the leader didn’t answer immediately Conrad started to shout through the com. “Did you hear me?! I want that son of a foreign whore dead. Dead before his disgusting ass takes the throne!”

“Of course my lord, I am working on a plan to bring both of us satisfaction. I must go to set it into motion my lord.” The Ocicat leader lied again. He had no desire to have the soon to be king raining vengeance down upon the clan. Plus there was also the promise that the king elect had made. A promise that the leader felt WOULD be fulfilled.

Bill was finally ready as he, Roth, Gwayne, Thomas and Gregor walked toward the throne room. Roth had imparted to Bill that almost all the nobles had come many nearly causing accidents. It appeared that all of them wished to be in Bill’s good graces after the execution of his uncle. This of course made Bill smile then rub his whiskers, perhaps he should execute one of them!

Flanked by his knights followed closely by Bill’s mates, Mikos and Henna Glac and the knights mates. Bill made his way toward the throne and the high and assistant high priests. Stopping in front of the high priest Bill nodded then knelt when the priest motioned for all to.

“I, high priest of the great feline am here to perform a sacred duty. Tonight we crown the king elect as our next great king. Do you Ambrose Billous Axor pledge as leader of the great people of Xendra, to rule with a just and righteous hand? To protect the people and the kingdom, to the point of your death? Do you take the solemn oath of the great feline that you will do all in your power to keep this kingdom safe from all enemies?” The high priest stated.

“I Ambrose Billous Axor promise all, that has been spoken. I of my own volition do hereby pledge myself to the protection of the people and the kingdom so help me by the great feline!” Ambrose replied.

“I place this symbol of the kingdom upon your head. Wear it as well as you rule.” The priest said as he lowered the ornate, bejeweled crown upon Ambrose’s head. “Arise sire and greet your people not as the king elect but the rightful ruler of the realm! I present to you, King Ambrose!”

Ambrose arose among a myriad of cheers. Holding up his paws for quiet he spoke. “As many of you know I have taken Queen Niaco as a mate following one of the oldest traditions of our people.” This generated even more cheers. “I have also taken Twitty Glax and Glenna Nox as mates. I do this as tradition set down many quants ago. Please welcome Queen Twitty and Queen Glenna!” There was a huge amount of cheering as many were chanting long live the King and Queens!

The noise was almost deafening as Ambrose tried to get out the next part. Shaking his head Ambrose looked at his knights as he tried again. Finally he held up his paws again waiting ’til the room was quiet a few spectons later.

“Many of you do not know that I also started what my father did so long ago.” Motioning Roth stepped forward, then Gwayne, Thomas and finally Gregor. “I have started the program again these are the first of the first knights of the realm.” This of course started another thunderous amount of cheering. Shaking his head Ambrose thought we’re going to be here all day if this keeps up.

With all the noise hardly anyone noticed a small figure as it drew a knife. Waiting for the optimum moment the figure struck with blazing speed. Ambrose and Roth had felt that something was off when they felt the figure move. There was a mighty clang as the knife struck the breast plate of the armor. A resounding clang that echoed almost above the cheering.

The figure suddenly had eight swords at its throat. Shrugging the figure threw itself upon Ambrose’s sword. Ambrose cursed as the figure tried to thrust all the way onto the sword to reach him. Yanking the sword as violently as he could the figure screamed then drooped over dead still impaled on the sword!

Withdrawing his sword Ambrose wiped the blade on the body’s clothes as they all looked at the small male that was uncovered. “Sire it is an Ocicat clan member!” Roth hissed looking at the clan colors and markings.

“No it is not. I do not know him. I am afraid that this was an attempt to bring about the end of the Ocicat clan.” A familiar voice said behind all of them. “Your Majesty!” A now familiar figure of an Ocicat male said.

Gwayne and Thomas had their swords at the males’s throat in an instant. “I think that you lie!” Gwayne hissed as Thomas nodded his agreement.

Ambrose put his paws on their swords making them lower them in shock. “He has no reason to lie. I hold his daughter in the dungeon.”

The Ocicat male nodded then bowed again. “Very true your majesty, very true. I believe the one whose name I may not speak has orchestrated this to divert your attention. If the promises you made are as true as I think they are then we have no further problem. Though I am afraid that I cannot reveal the name, as long as the blood oath is in place.”

Ambrose nodded, “I understand sir, the promises I made are true. Even now I am working to free your lands to you.” Ambrose told the male with a smile.

“Then as I said we no longer have a problem with each other. Be well your majesty, we will meet again soon.” With that there was a flash then the male was gone! Well Ambrose thought that was interesting.

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