Chapter 15

          Selena and Doshi headed to their chambers in Selena’s quarters to get themselves cleaned up. When Doshi was finished getting cleaned up he walked over to Selena’s door and let himself in when he heard Selena’s silent “come in” from inside.
          When he walked fully into the chamber Selena was sitting by her dresser brushing out her hair and sat down on the couch that was sitting next to the wall.
          “Love, are you alright?” Doshi asked as he watched her closely.
          “I’m fine now I guess,” she said with a sigh and continued. “I wonder though. What do you think my father thinks about me now after that match?”
          “Selena my koi, you did your best out there considering what happened, and I don’t think that your father would have wanted you to deal with it any other way,” Doshi replied as his eyes softened when he saw the sadness in her eyes when she looked at him through her mirror.
          “But Doshi, you saw what happened. I don’t think my father would want me in his presence after that for what happened.” Selena was about to continue but her mother stopped her.
          “Selena, that’s enough!” She said walking into Selena’s chamber. “You have done all that you could against the power of the sword and controlling your beast at the same time, and in the end, your father was very proud of you when you overcame the dark power of the sword,'x?,.” Kasumi said coming to stand behind her pup.
           Selena sighed and then turned around in her chair to face the both of them as she said, “Thank you both so much. I don’t know where I would be without the two of you here for me.”
          “You’re welcome my sweet. Now why don’t you get cleaned up and ready for your next match, and your mother and I shall go wait for you in the stands.” Doshi said as he and Selena stood from where they were sitting.
          “Alright.” She agreed with a nod.
          “Will you be alright?” Kasumi asked putting an arm around her shoulder.
          “Yes, I will be fine now.” Selena said giving her mother a one armed hug around her waist.
          “Alright, we’ll see you in your final battle.” Kasumi said squeezing her back.
          “Ok.” Selena said as Kasumi and Doshi both turned and headed to the arena where they took their places in the stands. Selena finished getting ready and headed to the arena to wait for her name to be called for the final battle. The trumpets sounded and then the lord stood to the address the crowd, “Ladies and Gentleman we are now ready for our last and final battle, would Lady Selena and Lady Sierra please enter the arena!”
          Selena and Sierra took their cue as they entered the arena, and met in the middle of the arena to await the queen’s headman. They were there but a minute before the queen’s headman walked towards them to eventually stand before both girls and said, “My ladies this is the final match., if you defeat your opponent you will be declared the winner. Are you two ready to begin??”
          “Yes.” Said both of the girls together.
          “Ok then… Ready…” He began as he raised his arm. “Set… Begin…” He finished as he brings his arm down when a gong sounded.
          Wasting no time Selena pulled her sword from its sheath and attacked. She crashed into her sister’s barrier, which threw her back to where she was standing just a few moments ago. She landed about ten feet away from her as she stood up and assessed the situation.
           “Hn, very good.” Selena smirked.
           Sierra then pulled out her new blade that Selena gave to her, and when her barrier pushed Selena back she attacked with her new blade. Sierra was fast or slightly faster than Selena as their swords met in a test of strength. They were both pushing each other to the max as they both pulled away and retreated about five feet away from each other. They started to circle each other looking for any sign of a weakness.
          “That was a good move Sierra, did someone teach you that?” Selena asked with a smirk.
          “No Selena,” She began “I learned it myself.” Sierra replied sarcastically
          “Alright fine then let’s see whatcha got.” Selena said twirling her sword in front of herself getting into her stance.
          “It will be my pleasure.” Sierra said as she sent a powerful blast towards Selena.
          Selena leaped into the air to avoid the attack. She countered with her own attack and sent a wave of her power towards her. Her attack hit, as she watched from above to see if she was weakened in any way.
          Sierra saw her attack coming, but she didn’t have enough time to dodge it. It hit her head on as she cried out in pain. She landed on one knee but she was not out for the count, yet. She gathered her energy as she sent another blast towards Selena. She would not see it coming since there was still a lot of debris flying around the area.
          Selena was watching to see what happened. She then moved quickly out of the way as a blast came from Sierra’s position. She just barely had enough time to avoid the first attack, when she saw another object shoot up towards her at a fast pace. She didn’t have time to react to the second threat as she was hit and she went down hard.
         “How?” Selena asked getting up off the ground and dusting herself off.
         “Awe what’s wrong Selena, can’t you defeat me?” Sierra said with a small giggle
         “Hn… I can and I will.” Selena said growling as she took off towards her sister.
         Sierra saw Selena coming towards her as she raised her sword, and she rushed in as their swords met in midair. The power of both swords crackled in the sky as they both fought for dominance. It seemed that they were both evenly matched, as they pushed away from each other. They landed on the ground, each staring at their opponent, as they circled around each other once more.
         “I will be the victor of this match sister.” Sierra said from her spot.
         “Ha no you won’t.” Selena said smirking.
         “You’ll be sorry Selena.” Sierra replied growling.
         “Just try it. I dare you.” Selena said motioning her with her hands.
          Sierra growled as she drew up her sword and began to charge after Selena. Selena growled in response as she drew up her own sword and managed to block her attack a mere moment before it would have connected. Throwing her strength into the trust, Selena forced Sierra’s sword away only to take another swing.
          Jumping back, she missed the attack as well and Selena wasted no time in moving forward again. Each swing becoming more powerful than the last. Their swords became intertwined and with a swing on both of their parts, each trying to disarm the other, their weapons go flying. Ignoring this, Selena quickly landed a kick to Sierra’s abdomen and sent her flying away from her.
          Acting silly to distract Selena she knelt down on the ground and said, “I knew it I can't do this Selena.”
          “It’s a trick. I know it is.” Selena said to herself as she walked slowly and carefully besides Sierra and said, “You can do it. Now stand up and let me see what you've got.”
          “All right.” Sierra said and very quickly with her powers she made her own sword and raced towards Selena when she jumped back quickly.
          “What?” Selena said as her eyes widened at Sierra creating her own weapon, and then she jumped back to avoid the attacks coming at her very fast.
          Already knowing that it would burn her hand if she did so Sierra caught up to Selena and with her other hand reached out grabbing Selena's other sword from the sheathe on her side, and strikes her with it sending Selena sliding on her back across the arena.
          "Ahhh." Sierra said breathing hard and looked down at her burnt hand.
          “Ugh…” Selena began as she gets up. “Is that all you've got?” Selena finished as she spit blood from her mouth and grabbed her side to stop the bleeding coming from the wound.
          “Nope. Behold the power of my new sword. Yukotuken!” Sierra shouted as her attack flew towards her sister.
          “If that's the way you want to finish this then so be it.” She said as she uses her telekinesis to retrieve the sword Sierra had dropped and shouted, “Ryudokuken!”
          The blast from Selena's sword was too much for the power of Sierra's sword, and it over powered hers and knocks her across the arena.
          Getting back up quickly she eyed Selena and said, “That was good, but not good enough.” She said as she quickly took off towards her sister to attack her.
          When Sierra came closer to her Selena jumped back to avoid her blows and said, “That was a good attack, and I’ve taught you well, but I'm afraid you'll have to die.” Selena stated as she jumped back once more and charges at Sierra.
          Just when she was in range Selena slid to a stop and that caused Sierra to as well.
          “What? Why have you stopped?” Sierra asked a little more than frightened at her sister’s sudden stop.
          “Don’t be afraid Sierra. Attack me!” Selena said as she watched Sierra take off quickly towards herself as she pulled her sword from its sheath, and rushed in as their swords meet in midair.
          The power of both swords crackled in the sky as they both fought for dominance. It seemed that they were both evenly matched, as they pushed away from each other. They landed on the ground, each staring at their opponent.
          Sierra was not about to let her sister win the match, as she started to cast her spells to defeat her sister.
          Selena then felt when her feet were grabbed and she was unable to move to fight against her sister. Her chioki flared around her body trying to break the spell that held her.
She saw Sierra coming towards her as she lashed out with her fire whip. She got Sierra in the chest as she sent her backwards in pain. Selena then put her sword into the ground as she channeled her power into the sword to release her feet.
          Selena succeeded in getting free just in time to avoid another attack from Sierra.
          “Good try in getting free, but it won’t help you win this match.” Sierra said as she watched her sister land on the ground.
          “I will win make no mistake about that.” Selena replied growling.
          “Fine if that's the way you want it no more games.” Sierra said as she starts to power up and transform.
          “Good it’s about time that I’ve brought out your true power.” Selena said as she too starts powering up and transform, and in her hand her sword also changes.
          As Selena finished her transformation Sierra charged at Selena very fast and released an attack towards her, but failed as it hit a barrier that Selena raised to protect herself from her sisters attack just as she was coming out of her transformation.
As soon as that attack hit Sierra released an even more powerful attack that broke through and dissolved the barrier protecting her sister.
          Selena quickly raised her sword and even quicker casts her awareness spell. Sierra made her move, swinging her blade with deadly precision. Selena dodged the blade and moved in to strike her sister. She stopped midway and spun around, her spell alerting her to sisters’ presence at her back. Sierra had reversed direction so quickly that she hadn’t seen her move out of her path. She parried quickly, barely avoiding the attack.
         The power of the blow against her sword vibrated through her. Selena’s shoulder ached from absorbing the impact. She tried desperately to call to mind a useful way to use her powers that would not require all of her attention. The arm holding her sword began to tremble as her sister pushed down on her sword. Slowly, it was moving closer and closer to her body. Knowing her arm would falter, Selena dropped and rolled to the side. She had her sword raised as soon as she stopped to parry another attack from her sister. She swung her legs out and tripped Sierra before jumping back to her feet.
          Sierra struck out at Selena, but she lunged past the strike and Selena tackled her sister from behind just as Sierra turned around to find her sister. As Sierra’s back hit the ground, she sent her aura through her body. Selena howled and was thrown back at the powerful shock. Sierra stood and once again assumed her ready stance as she saw Selena getting back up.
          “Alright Sierra, now it’s time for me to end this.” Selena said as she lunged at her sister, but stopped short and raised her hand she uses her power to lift her up off the ground and slams her to the ground.
          “Selena calm down please.” Sierra said pushing herself off the ground and spitting out the blood that was in her mouth.
          “I won't Sierra. Now die.” She said and took off towards her sister.
          Not one to be out done Sierra took off towards her sister. When Sierra was in range of her own power Selena suddenly stops and raises her hand and with her power stops Sierra in her tracks. She lifts her up, brings Sierra close and slaps her face then she flings her across the arena, she runs to her before she hits the ground and stabs her with the sword and she dies.
          Selena stood out of breath as she puts her sword away, and the crowd cheered.
          “Very, very good Selena, you have now proven yourself to be the universe and Ainashiko’s next queen.” Queen Azume said as the crowd cheered louder.
Selena bows and turns to go revive Sierra. She transforms her sword into her healing dagger and quickly brings it down across her body to heal her.
          “Selena..?” Sierra said quietly as she began to awaken.
           Selena walked over to her and lifted her up and turned towards her mother and the lord when he shushed the crowd and said, “Selena judging by all that you‘ve accomplished here today I must say that you will make a powerful queen one day.” Eien said with a smile.
         “Thank you. Ahhh!” She said as she got a sharp pain in her side, and knelt down on the ground bringing Sierra along with her.
         “Selena, are you ok? What's wrong?” Sierra asked worriedly.
         “My side it hurts.” Selena responded and shows Sierra the blood that was coming from her side.
         “Oh, Selena, I'm sorry.” Sierra said covering her mouth and standing quickly from her sisters side.
         “Don’t worry Sierra. I'll be fine.” Selena said stumbling to her feet.
          Just then Doshi came to her side, and said, “Selena, you shouldn't move. You'll open your wounds more.”
           With a grunt Selena fell to the ground.
          “Selena!” Sierra shouted as she made to help her rise.
          “Sierra stop screaming I'm fine.” Selena said as she tries to stand, but fails and falls to the ground.
          Acting quickly Doshi picked up Selena, brought her to her chambers, and laid her softly on her bed.
          “Here Selena lie here and I will go get someone to help you.” He said as he turns to Sierra sitting on her bed. “Sierra would you keep an eye on her for me?”
          “Sure Doshi she’ll be safe with me.” She replied with a nod and turned her focus back on her sister. “Hn… I wonder what that strange glow is.” She said thinking to herself.
          Doshi looked at his mate once more and went out of her chamber to look for someone to help her. Suddenly he sees his adoptive father coming towards him, probably to see Selena.
           He came to stand in front of his adoptive father and said, “Father, Selena’s hurt really bad, is there something that we can do to help her?”
           “Calm yourself Doshi; I have summoned someone to come help her. He'll be here soon and her mother will also be along soon.” He said as he continued to walk towards his pups’ chambers.
          Without a knock the two males entered Selena’s chambers and looked upon Selena. Atomus looked at Sierra as she looked up at himself and said, “Thank you for staying with Selena, you may go and rest Sierra.”
           “Ok.” Sierra said as she got up from Selena’s side and walked out of her chamber and eventually to her own where she quickly got to relaxing.
           “Ugh….” Selena sounded with pain in her voice as she grips her blanket tighter.
           “Selena... It will be ok. I'm here for you.” Atomus said as he sat down on the bed next to her while Doshi stood on the other side to watch what was going to happen.
           “Father?” Said Selena sleepily.
           “Yes my pup I’m here, and I must say that was a very good fight today Selena, you have made me very proud.” He responds as he takes a cloth and wipes the sweat from her face.
           “Thank you father.” She said taking in a big gasp of breath.
           “Selena may I ask a question?” He asked sighing.
           “Of course you can.” Selena responded and looked up at him awaiting his question.
           “When you were fighting with the Chandrahas in your hands, did you hear it speaking to you?” He asked with a serious face.
           “Yes I heard him about once during each of my battles.” Selena said breathing in deeply.
           “What did it tell you?” Atomus said calmly.
           “Well all the way up until the battle with me and Doshi it only told me to use a crystal to power up my sword, but when I was fighting with Doshi it got to Chloe and told her to use my body as well as a crystal to kill him.” She said with a sigh and asked, “Why?”
           “I’m asking because I wanted to confirm my suspicions as to what happened to you in your battle with Doshi. Also because I know the reason your chioki isn’t helping you to heal that injury you sustained in the battle with Sierra.”
          “You do? What’s wrong?” Selena asked wide-eyed.
           Atomus then lifted his hand and placed it over Selena’s chest and closed his eyes and began his spell. It was a spell to draw out the object that was inside his pup.
          Suddenly Selena began screaming as an object was beginning to show itself in the light between Atomus’s hand and Selena’s chest. There was a quick gleam of light and a black round crystal appeared in Atomus’s clawed hand.
          “This my pup is what was causing you pain, as well as making your beast act on its own accord.” He said revealing the crystal in his palm.
         “What is it?” She asked struggling to breathe.
         “This is what some call the black luster crystal. It’s an evil crystal that Chandrahas uses to take over the body and drain it of its power.
          “That was in her this whole time?” Doshi asked as he looked at the crystal and then his mate.
          “Yes, and if it were in her any longer she could have died.” Atomus said with a small shake of his head.
          “I should have sensed it earlier, but I thank you that you found out about it in time.” Doshi said looking back down at his mate.
          “It’s not your fault. That’s what the crystal does when it enters a body. It will go undetected until just before the being is about to die. As I was watching your battle with her I noticed not only her beast had taken over without her transforming, but she was glowing a dark eerie color. That’s when I knew what Chandrahas had done, but I couldn’t confirm it until Selena said what happened.” Atomus said sighing again and then continued; “Well now my dear daughter, I must leave now. Your mother still doesn’t realize I’m here so I must leave before I’m discovered. I have summoned someone to help you with your wounds, and your mother will be along soon.” He finished rising from his spot.
         “Will I ever see you again?” She asked catching his wrist as he stood from her side.
         “Selena you may come and see me anytime you wish.” Atomus said with a smile.
         “Thank you father… For everything.” Selena said smiling back as he leans over, kisses her forehead, and stood up to his full height once more. “Good bye father.”
         “Good bye my little pup I will see you soon.” Atomus said as he headed for her door, and looked at Doshi as he passes.
         “Thank you father for all that you’ve done for her.” Doshi said with a smile.
          Atomus gave Doshi a quick nod of his head and headed out the door and disappeared down the hall.
                                                                  ~oOo~

          Still in the chamber Doshi watches his adoptive father leave the chamber. With a small shake of his head he turns and walks over to the other side of Selena’s bed and sat next to her. She was sweating slightly so he took a cloth and wiped her forehead and wiped a stray hair from her face.
          He was startled when she reached up and grasped his hand and held it to her cheek and nuzzled her face into the back of his hand.
          “Doshi, thank you for helping me today.” Selena said as she sighed and rubbed her face into his hand once more taking in his wonderful scent.
          “Selena you don’t have to thank me. You are to become my mate, and I will do everything in my power to help and protect you.” Doshi responded as he caressed her cheek lovingly.
          “And I really love and appreciate that Doshi. I really do.” Selena said and then they heard a knock on the door. “Enter.” Selena said shifting a little more to sit higher in the bed, and they both waited for the being to enter the chamber.
         From outside Selena’s wing Kenichi was just entering when Selena’s father was leaving and in passing the king told him which chamber was Selena’s. He was excited to see her once more after so many years of being gone to study healing. So with a smile he headed to the right chamber and knocked on the door and waited to be let in.
         There was a soft “Enter” coming from the chamber, he cleared his throat and let himself in. When he got there he saw Selena in bed, and Doshi was sitting there with her, and wondered what was going on.
         When the being from outside entered the chamber Selena’s eyes grew wide when she saw who it was, it was Kenichi, he’s a silver Inu like her with beautiful platinum hair, with beautiful sea green eyes, and golden markings marrying his face. He was wearing a white hakama and haori with blood red designs on it with a blood red sash around his waist. A sword strapped to his waist and black boots on his feet.
         He walked up to the side of her bed and nodded to her and then looked at Doshi with questions in his eyes.
          “Kenji, it’s good to see you after so long. How were your travels?” Selena asked him.
         “It’s good to see you as well Selena. My travels have been good so far. I’ve been away studying a lot of different healing techniques. Hence why I’m here now. Your father summoned me to help you with a wound you sustained in your battle with Sierra.”
         “That’s good to hear.” She said as she looked at Doshi. “Kenichi you remember Doshi?”
         “Yes, how are you my friend?” Kenichi asked with a smile.
         “I’ve been well thank you.” Doshi replied as he sat back down next to his mate and took her hand in his.
         “Oh ho what’s this?” Kenichi asked with amusement in his voice.
         “Kenji, Doshi and I are going to be mates soon.” Selena responded and then giggled at the look on his face.
         “But how?” He asked wide-eyed.
         “A little while back Selena and I discovered that our father was alive and we went to see him. While we were there he told us both that he and our mother adopted myself when I was a baby, and that we were no longer kin.” Doshi said as he continued. “But I was still able to fight in the competitions like I was one of his pups.” Doshi finished as he looked back down at Selena.
          “Ah, I get it. So since you two found out that you were no longer siblings, you could be free to mate each other if you so choose am I correct.” Kenji said with a nod of his head.
          “That’s exactly right. So now all that’s left is the introductions and the domination competitions, and then we will be free to mate.” Selena said with a smile.
          “Alrighty then let’s get you healed then so you can get to it.” Kenji said smirking at Doshi.
          “Ok so what would you like me to do?” Selena asked.
          “All I need you to do is to just lie there and save your energy.” He said to her and then turned to Doshi. “But you though my friend I need you to step outside for a moment.”
          “Why?” Doshi asked getting up.
          “I need you to step outside because I need to use my energy to help your mate to be, and it might make your beast rise up and want to attack. So for your own safety and Selena’s I need you to wait outside. I promise I won’t try and hurt her too much.” Kenji replied in a calming voice.
          “Alright I’ll leave, but let me know when you’re done.” Doshi said as he walked towards Selena’s door.
         “Thank you my friend, you won’t be disappointed.” Kenichi said smiling as he watched Doshi leaving the chamber. Then he turned back to Selena and said, “Ok Selena, can you lie on your side for me?”
          “Sure.” Selena turned on her right side with her back facing Koichi and waited.
          “This may hurt a bit, are you ready?” Kenichi asked raising his hands up over Selena’s wound.
          “I’m ready whenever you’re ready.” Selena said as she braced herself for the pain she knew would come.
           Kenji took his hands and used his power to shock the wound on Selena‘s side. Selena screamed at the pain she was feeling entering her body to heal the wound on her side, and after about 20 minutes into the session she fell unconscious from the pain she was feeling.
          Suddenly Kenji stopped his work and looked down. The wound was now gone from her side but a small scar remained in its place. He reached down and smoothed his hand over where the wound used to be and found no further damage.
He smiled and nudged Selena gently to awaken her.
          “Wake up Selena, I'm finished.” Kenji said as he watched her opening her eyes and turned over to face himself.
         Coming fully awake Selena looked down at where the wound used to be and only saw a tiny scar. Her eyes went wide as she looked up at Kenichi and said, “What… The wound… It’s gone.”
          “Yep it sure is. I used a special type of shock to not only heal the wound, but it also triggered your own healing powers to kick in and finish the healing.” Kenichi said as he smiled at her.
          “Thank you so much for helping me.” Selena said as she raised herself up on her arms. “Is there anything I can do for you? Just name it and it shall be done.
          “It was no problem at all. I was happy to help.” Kenichi said as he thought about what she could do for him, and then an idea hit him as he sat down next to her on the bed and said, “Now that I think about it. There is something that you can do for me.”
          “Of course what can I do for you Kenichi?” Asked Selena.
          “I was wondering if you would be willing to fully adopt my daughter?” He asked and then bowed his head.
          “Your daughter? I don’t understand?” She asked sitting a little higher.
          “Well her mother died when she was very young, and since I’m a doctor that is still studying the art of healing I have to travel a lot, and sometimes I can’t take her with me as I would like to. So I need someone to look after her for me, and when you offered to do something for me it just clicked. So will you help me by adopting my daughter?” He asked with hope in his eyes.
           “Kenichi with all that you’ve done for me it would be an honor to adopt your daughter, but what about you?” Asked Selena as she saw him sighing.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts about the situation and when he didn’t say anything Selena put a hand on his shoulder and asked, “What’s wrong?”
           “Nothing’s wrong Selena.” He began as he lifted his own hand and put it over Selena’s. “I am very happy that you’ve decided to adopt my daughter, but from this point on she will be your daughter alone. She will come to you with no memories of myself or what has happened so far in her life. The only memories she will have is of you being her mother and the people you have in your own life.
          “I promise you Kenji. I will take very good care of her, and will protect and love her the rest of her life.” She said with a small sigh and then continued, “What’s the pups name, and when will she arrive here?”
          “Her name is Keiko, and she will be arriving sometime tomorrow.” He responded, stood up, and turned towards the door looking back at Selena. “Oh and Selena, get some rest. You’re gonna need it for your competition coming up.” He said smirking at her.
          “I will, and thank you for everything.” Selena said lying back down and covering herself.
          Kenji nodded once more and headed out of her chamber to tell Doshi she was healed and feeling better. He walked up to a pacing Doshi and tapped him on his shoulder.
          “Doshi, you may go in and see Selena now.” Kenichi said as he brought his hand down to his side.
          “Thanks for helping her.” Doshi said with a smile.
          “It was no problem at all my friend, oh and don’t forget her birthday is coming up.” He said with a laugh as he walked away from Doshi to tell her mother about the arrangement.
          Doshi smiled as he watched Kenichi leaving Selena’s wing, turned, and headed in to see his mate. When he entered the chamber he found Selena fast asleep. He smiles warmly at her as he goes by her side to wait until she awakens, and he himself ends up falling asleep next to her.
          About thirty minutes later Selena slowly wakes up to the scent of something very pleasing, and something heavy on her hip. She opens her eyes slowly but keeps her breathing and heart beat low and sees Doshi laying with his head on her hip. She smiles at him as she called out quietly, “Doshi.” Pushing back his hair from around his face.
It was times like this that she thought her mate was truly beautiful as he lay there sleeping. His mask had dropped revealing a warm sensitive male before her.
          “Doshi.” She said again as she cups his cheek lightly, and sees him slowly waking up.
          “Selena you’re awake thank goodness. Are you ok?” He asked as he looked her over.
          “Yes I’m fine now mate, no need to worry.” Selena responded as she smiled up at him.
          “That’s so good to hear.” He said as he leans over to kiss her on her forehead. “Oh and there was something that was brought to my attention.” He said smirking.
          “Oh really, and what was that?” She asked.
          “That your birthday is tomorrow.” He said smirking wider.
          “That’s right it is.” She said as she thought about it. She had forgotten her own birthday. “Hn… well in that case I have something to tell you as well mate.”
          “And what’s that my Koi?” He asked while playing with a string of her hair.
          “I have a new pup, a daughter.” Selena said with a sparkle in her eyes.
          “Really?” Doshi asked as both of his eye brows receded behind his bangs.
          “Yep, she was given to me to take care of. Kenji said her mother died when she was very young, and since he’s a doctor that’s still studying the art of healing he has to travel a lot, and sometimes he can’t take her with him. So he needed someone to adopt her and take care of her.” Selena said as she watched her mate.
          “That will be no problem my koi. I love you and will love her just the same. Does your mother know?”
          “He went to tell her.” Said Selena.
          “So where’s the pup, I’d like to get to know her?” He asked getting excited.
          Selena saw that he was getting excited and she giggled at her mates playful and excepting nature. She knew he was going to be a great mate, as well as a wonderful father to this new pup.
          “Keiko will be arriving sometime tomorrow.” Selena said with a smile.
Just then there was a knock on Selena’s door, and Kasumi walked in followed by Sierra, Shiko, Mica, Ai, and Shay Lyn.
          “Are you ok now Selena? Your father told me what happened.” Kasumi said as she took a seat next to her pup.
          “Yes I’m fine now. How are all of you doing?” She said looking to the others in the chamber.
          “We are all doing fine Selena, but it is you that we came to see.” Shay Lyn said stepping forward.
          “Awe thanks everyone.” Selena said with a small smile.
          “So when will you be able to get back on your feet?” Kasumi asked looking between her pup and Doshi.
          “Kenji said that I will be fine by tomorrow.” Selena said as she settled back down on her bed and covered herself.
          “That’s great sis, I hope you feel better soon.” Sierra replied as she moved to the foot of Selena’s bed.
          “Thank you everyone.” Selena said smiling at each of them.
          “So pup, are you ready for your birthday?” Kasumi asked with a smile.
          “Yeah I guess so.” She said.
          “Wait, when is your birthday Selena?” Shay Lyn asked from her spot.
          “Selena’s birthday is tomorrow.” Kasumi answered as she looked at Shay Lyn.
          “Oh my gosh we totally forgot about your birthday.” Sierra said as she looked around nervous.
          “Its ok guys really. I almost forgot it too, until Doshi reminded me.” Selena said with a sad smile as she looked at Doshi.
          “Hey maybe we can give her a party.” Sierra said as she turned to the others in the chamber.
          “Hey Sierra not so loud.” Mika said covering Sierra's mouth. “Don't spoil the surprise. Remember what your mother said.” Shiko finished.
          “Oh sorry, I almost forgot.” Sierra said with a light blush on her cheeks.
          “It’s ok now hush.” Mika said as they all turned back towards Selena.
          “I’m sorry but we have to be going now Selena. I hope you feel better.” Shay Lyn said as she motioned for Ai to follow her out the chamber.
          “Alright you guys see you.” Selena said with a sigh.
          “See you.” They all said as each of them left the chamber leaving Doshi and Kasumi still in the chamber.
          “You get some rest my pup, and I’ll be in the next chamber if you need me alright.” Kasumi said standing
          “Alright mother, thanks.” Selena said while yawning.
          “You’re welcome pup, sleep well.” Kasumi said as she walks into her chamber, but then she decides to go and have a talk with Azume instead.
          As the group was leaving the chamber Eris walked up to them, and said, “Hey what's going on? Do you think Selena knows about her party?”
          “No I don't think she does.” Sierra answered.
          “Good, now we need to keep Selena busy tomorrow.” Eris said as Doshi peaked his head out of Selena’s chamber.
          “Hey I’ll keep her busy tomorrow. I know just what to do.” Said Doshi as he smiled to Selena’s sisters.
          “Ok… See ya…” Sierra said as she and Eris headed out of Selena’s wing and into theirs for a good long rest.
          Doshi went back into the chamber and stayed with her throughout the rest of the day, and the others went off in different directions to plan for Selena’s party.
          “Selena. You need to be sleeping love. Remember what Kenichi said.” Doshi said sitting beside her on the bed.
          “I know my koi, but I’m having a hard time sleeping. I’m not at all tired.” Selena replied folding her arms.
          “You should at least try my love.” He said pushing a stray hair out of her face and behind her ear.
          “I’m trying, but I’m just not tired.” Selena said with a huff as she blew her bangs away from her face.
          “Want me to help?” He asked rubbing his hand on her cheek lovingly.
          “Sure anything to help me recover my strength.” Selena said rubbing her face into his hand.
          “Alright then. Have a good night love and I’ll see you in the morning.” Doshi said softly as he leaned over and gave her a kiss. When he broke the kiss he moved next to her ear and said a little incantation and soon her breathing evened out signaling she had fallen asleep.
           He stayed with her for a while to make sure she would stay asleep, and after a while he kissed her again and left to chamber so he too could get some rest for the day ahead.

                                                                    ~oOo~

          In another part of the palace, Kasumi was walking along silently until she came upon the queen’s study, knocked on the door, and waited to enter.
          Inside the chamber Azume was still up making final preparations for Selena’s party as well as the introductions and domination competitions to follow. When she sensed someone walking closer to her study doors to eventually stop in front of them and then knocked softly. She looked up from the paper she was reading and said, “Yes who is it?”
          “It’s Kasumi my lady, Selena’s trainer.” She said rolling her eyes and then continued,              “May I come in?”
          “Yes you may come in Kasumi.” The queen said from inside the study.
          Kasumi took this as her cue, opened the door, and walked inside shutting the door behind herself. As the queen watched as she walked in closing the door behind her.
          “Please… Have a seat.” She said motioning to the seat in front of the desk.
          “Thank you.” Kasumi said as she sat down.
          “Now what can I do for you?” She asked signing her name on a document and putting it down in front of her.
          “Well I have come to you to tell you a little about myself and where I stand with your pup.” Kasumi said watching the queen carefully.
          “Alright, proceed.”
          “I’m sure you’re probably aware that I’m an Inu correct?” Kasumi began.
          “Yes, that was the first thing that I noticed about you. You’re a blue/gold Inu correct?” Azume asked.
          “Yes that’s correct, but I’m not just a blue/gold Inu, I am a blue/gold DaiInu.” Kasumi said with pride in her voice.
          “Wow, you’re a DaiInu. I’ve never met one before.” She responded now interested in what this female was talking about, wanting to know more.
          With a smile Kasumi replied, “Actually my lady, you have.”
          “Have I really?” Azume asked as she cocked her head to the side in confusion.
          Kasumi chuckled and said, “Yes you have, remember when Selena first transformed?”
          “Yes I noticed that she transformed differently than me, her father, and her siblings. Other than Doshi that is. He transformed the same as she did. Are you telling me she’s a DaiInu?” She asked wide-eyed.
          “Yes she’s a DaiInu, but what you don’t know is why she’s a DaiInu. Especially when Selena and Doshi are both the pups of two plain Inus.” Kasumi responded with a light nod of her head.
         “Yes that does seem interesting now that you’ve mentioned it. So why is it that Selena and Doshi are DaiInu’s?” She asked as she leaned back in her chair.
          Kasumi took a deep breath and continued, “They are both DaiInu because I mated with your previous mate.” She finished smirking.
         “Wait, you mean to tell me that Selena and Doshi are DaiInu’s because you mated with Atomus, but how’s that possible?” Azume said sitting up straight.
         “I am not sure myself, but from what I can gather only Selena carries my own powers. With Doshi being adopted he only has Atomus’s power infused with his own. I’m guessing when he helped Selena transform he took on some of her powers and became a DaiInu himself. When Selena and Doshi left here to go see their father, Selena was introduced to myself, and it was there that we bonded. After we hugged and connected she became not only a silver DaiInu, but a blue/gold and silver DaiInu. I’m sure you noticed the gold strip infused with hers on her face, and the gold in her hair.”
          “Well I’m not happy that all of this has happened, but yes I did notice Selena’s new look after she came back here with you. So what will happen now that you are her mother too?
          “Well, I wanted to be her mother in your stead, she has come to me and asked me of this, and I knew I had to come and talk to you about it before she can truly be my pup.”
          “Kasumi, to tell you the truth I have no problem with you being her other mother if that is what you wish, but I will still remain her mother, and you may act in my stead at the introductions.” Azume said with a sigh.
          “I must thank you Azume, you don’t know how happy this makes me for I am unable to bare any pups as of yet, and with Selena I have that chance to have one of my own.”
          “You’re welcome Kasumi; I know how hard that can be at first. I was unable to bare any pups as well, but given time you will my friend. As will Selena very soon. You may come and go as you please. Now I must bid you a good day I have Selena’s party as well as the introductions to set up.”
          “Thank you my friend, and good luck.” Kasumi said as she rises from her seat and heads out the door heading to her chamber to get some sleep. She was going to need it.

Chapter 14

          Meanwhile, Selena and Doshi are joined by Kasumi in the hall leading to Selena’s chambers.
          “Selena, are you ok?” Kasumi said as they continued walking towards Selena’s chambers
          “Yes I’m ok mother, just very tired is all?” Selena said as she looked at her mother with a small smile and stopped as they reached Selena’s chambers.
          “I could only imagine after a fight like that. Will you be ok for your next battle?” Kasumi asked as she opened the door for Doshi and Selena.
          “I will be fine after I get cleaned up, thank you,” Selena said smiling at her mother, and then let Doshi lead her into her chambers to get cleaned up.   
          “Alright, I’ll accept that for now, just know that your father and I are very proud of you.” She said as she stood by the door and watched her pup. “I’m going back to the stands to tell your father about your progress.
          “Ok thanks, momma,” Selena said as she watched her mother leave her chamber, and then went further into her chamber.
          “Selena are you sure you’re ok Koi?” Doshi asked as he helped her to sit on her sofa.
          “I’m fine my sweet,” Selena replied after a few minutes as she got up off her sofa and started pacing back and forth.
          As Selena is pacing Doshi instantly notices a change in Selena’s scent and wondered what was wrong for her scent to change that quickly.
         “Koi what’s wrong?” He asked while watching her continue to walk back and forth.
         Selena stopped her pacing and looked at him as she said, “Eris let up in battle, she was never that easy to defeat.” She finished as she began pacing again.
         “What do you mean?” Doshi asked sighing
         “I’m not really sure myself, but it’s just that when she and I spar together, she would always give me a good fight and sometimes even win. I don’t know why she let up in battle and let me win.” She said as she stopped pacing to sit next to Doshi.
         “I didn’t see anything wrong with the fight Selena. You won because of your talents alone, not because she let up. Now don’t worry about it anymore.” Doshi said putting an arm around her to bring her close
         “I guess your right, Doshi,” Selena said leaning her head on his shoulder.
         “Now let’s get you cleaned up for your next battle. Then I’m sure you’ll feel a lot better.” Doshi said helping Selena to stand.
         Selena nodded and let Doshi help her get ready for her next battle. When they were done they headed to the arena and waited for her mother to announce the next battle. Having the feeling that it was his time to fight Selena, he quickly went to the stands to talk with his adopted father and sat down.
         “Hn…” Doshi sounded as he sat down.
         “What’s wrong Doshi? I can tell you are worried about something.” Atomus said as he watched Doshi.
         “Something seems wrong with Selena, and I don’t know what it is,” Doshi replied as he looked at where Selena was.
         “Why would you say that?” Atomus asked as he too looked at where Selena was.
         “Well while we were in her chambers she became mad that Eris didn’t fight at her true potential. Then her scent changed quickly." He replied.
         “I’ve noticed that as well, but what was that about her scent? What kind of a scent change?” Atomus asked with a raised brow.
         “Well, it was like she had two scents. One of which was hers, but the other I couldn’t identify.” Doshi replied with a frown marring his handsome face.
         “I noticed that too as we brought her to her chambers,” Kasumi replied as she looked at Doshi.
         The king sighed and shook his head before saying, “I was afraid of that. I’m just glad her mother hasn’t sensed it yet.”
         “Why what’s wrong?” Doshi asked worriedly.
         “Remember the first time Selena transformed?” Atomus continued.
         “Yes I do, I was one of the persons that helped her transform,” Doshi replied.
         “Well since then she hasn’t had enough training with the sword I gave her, I’m afraid that the power of the sword is getting to her.” He said.
         “What will happen to her?” Kasumi asked looking up at her mate.
         “Well if she doesn’t keep control she will lose herself and will lose the competition,” Atomus said with another sigh.
         “Then we must take the sword away from her,” Kasumi said wide-eyed.
         “No, I’m afraid we can’t take the sword away from her if we do she may kill us instead. Her beast has already bonded with the sword, and may take it as a threat if we take it from her.” Atomus said with a shake of his head.
         “Then how do we help her?” Doshi asked as he looked at Selena and notice her glowing, and wondered why her father hasn’t noticed yet.
         “Unfortunately we can’t help her; she must learn to control the power of the sword herself,” Atomus replied.
         “Well, I hope she will pull through,” Doshi said standing.
         “She will. She’s strong and we all have faith in her.” Kasumi said as she looked at Doshi as he stood.
         “Thanks, well I must be going. It seems that it will be my turn to battle Selena next.” Just as Doshi finished he watched as Lord Eien stood to address the crowd.
         “Ladies and Gentleman the start of the next battle is about to begin. Will Lady Selena and Lord Doshi please enter the arena!
         Doshi walked out of the stands and entered the arena from the male’s side. Then the crowd cheered as they entered the arena to eventually meet in the middle to await the start of the match.
          “Are you ready for this Koi?” Doshi asked Selena telepathically.
          “I’m more than ready my sweet,” Selena replied and then stopped the connection with him just as the queen’s headman came to stand before them.
          “My lord and lady this is going to be a timed match, if you defeat your opponent in the time allowed you will be able to advance, but if time is called you must wait to fight again, Are you two ready to begin?” Asked the headman as he walked up to the pair on the field.
          “Yes.” Came the reply from both of them.
          “Alright then ready…” He raises his arm “Set… fight…” He finished as he brought down his arm when a gong sounded.
          “So are you ready Selena?” He asked out loud as he watched her aura darken around her.
          “I have been ready since I started this competition,” Selena replied with a shake of her head. She was trying to clear her head of the voices that were telling her to kill her beloved.
          “Hn…” He sounded to himself as he sniffed the air and watched her. “I wonder what’s wrong with her? She’s different than before.” Doshi asked himself not knowing Selena had heard him.
          “Nothing is wrong with me Doshi. Now are we going to stand around and chat, or are we going to fight?” Selena asked watching him closely.
          “Selena, you are not yourself, what has happened to you?” Doshi asked as he saw her beginning to struggle with herself.
          Selena didn’t know what was wrong. Suddenly her beast took over without her transforming. Selena tried to call her back but was shut out of her beasts' mind.
          “I’m in no mood for your games Doshi, come at me and fight.” Selena’s beast growled out to Doshi.
          Doshi’s eyes widened in surprise at Selena. Her beast was taking over and she hadn’t transformed. He stood straight to his full height and said, “I will figure out what is wrong with you Selena.”
          “Just shut up and fight.” Growled Miyuki as she lunged for him with a speed that surprised him. He jumped to the side dodging her attack and drew his sword intending to bring it down across her back, but stopped before it actually met her flesh he did not want to hurt her before he knew what was wrong with her. But to his surprise Selena did something unexpected, she bent her body backward and caught his sword between her own swords.
          “How did you do that?” Doshi asked more than a little shocked. “And when did you draw your weapons?”
          “Maybe you should pay a little more attention, ne?” Miyuki answered with a grin as her foot swept out under him trying to get him off balance, but he jumped out of the way and landed in an offensive position.
          “Damn, what’s wrong with her, I can’t figure it out,” Doshi asked himself, but that’s when he noticed it, her eyes had gone cold, and noticed the sword that lay in her hands was glowing an eerie grey, and his eyes widened in surprise. He would have to get her beast to back down first before he could help his mate.
          “Ah, Doshi has figured it out,” Atomus said as he and his mate continued watching the pair on the field.
          “Miyuki, you must let Selena take control so she can gain control of her powers,” Doshi called out to her from his position on the field.
          “What do you mean? I have total control over our powers.” Miyuki said and just for an instant second Selena regained her control and her eyes flashed back to normal, giving Doshi what he needed to win his competition.
          “I’m telling you Miyuki, if Selena doesn’t control your powers you will end up losing,” Doshi said.
          “I will not lose.” Selena’s beast said growling.
          “Then come at me Miyuki and I will prove my point,” Doshi said motioning her with his fingers.
          “Fine.” Selena’s beast said as she lunged at Doshi with her sword and he countered with grabbing her wrist and flinging her into a nearby wall ushering a grunt from Selena on contact. Selena stood and ran at him, dropping down and spinning her leg out tripping him to the ground; she then backflipped into a standing position and lunged at his fallen body but he jumped up just before her sword hit the ground.
          “How are you doing this Doshi?” Miyuki asked slightly out of breath.
          “Why what’s wrong Miyuki? You’re not feeling tired already are you?” Doshi asked with a smirk.
          “Not even close,” Miyuki said while breathing hard, not noticing that her lady was losing strength fast because of the dark crystal draining her powers.
          She was about to lunge at him once more when she was stopped by a voice in her head, and Doshi stopped to see what was going to happen.
          “Miyuki, you must back down and let me take control Chandrahas has put bad things in our head. Please. Don’t kill our mate.” Selena pleaded with her beast.
          “Miyuki use Selena’s body with the power of the black crystal and you will win,” Chandrahas said to counter Selena herself.
          “Chandrahas I already told you I won’t use any black crystal, I don’t need it.” Selena countered for Miyuki.
          “Miyuki if you don’t use Selena’s body as well as the crystal’s power he may kill you instead.” Chandrahas countered.
          “Selena be strong my pup. Take control of your body and don’t let Chandrahas take control of you.” Atomus said telepathically to her.
          “Miyuki, that’s it. I’m taking control of my body and I won’t let you or Chandrahas take control of me, especially not with any crystal.” Selena spoke out as she began to take over her body.
          "Don’t be so sure about that.” Chandrahas countered as Selena started to glow an eerie dark glow, and she knelt on one knee.
          “Selena…No!!!!” Doshi, Atomus, and Kasumi said as one.
           King Atomus quickly rose from his seat as he said telepathically to Selena, “Selena, you must be strong. Take control of your powers, you can do it.”
          “Yes…” Selena now partially in control growled loudly while clenching her fists drawing blood.
          “Selena my Koi you must take control,” Doshi growled out softly.
         Just then, there was a while light surrounding Selena. She was taking control of her powers as well as her body. She stood up when she felt her own energy returning to her, but she screamed out in pain as she forced the evil power of the sword from her body, and knelt on the ground exhausted.
          “Selena?” Doshi said kneeling next to her and putting a hand on her shoulder.
          “It’s ok my Koi…” She replied with shortness of breath. “Thanks to you Miyuki will be subdued for a while. Now let’s do this battle the right way.” Selena stood up and sheaths Chandrahas, and draws her other sword.
          “Finally… Come at me then Koi and show me what you’ve got.” Doshi said as he got into his stance.
          “That’s my girl,” Atomus said as he sat back down and relaxed.
          Selena noticed a change in his stance and how his eyes became clearer and more focused. Neither of them notices their father watching in awe as the match continued with Selena now in control.
          Selena lunged at Doshi with her newly formed sword, his own attack coming towards her catching her off guards and sends Selena flying back across the arena. Selena leaped into the air as her sword clashed with Doshi’s.
          They fought an aerial battle, the only thing that you could see were the two blurs in the sky as they attacked each other. Doshi was thrown back from a powerful punch that Selena released.
          He quickly ran at her and dropped to the ground spinning his leg out tripping her. She then quickly got up and backflipped into a standing position and lunged at him, but he jumped back avoiding her attack. Disappearing from sight Doshi quickly made it next to Selena’s side, and Selena’s head snapped to the side just in time to be punched in the jaw and sent sprawling yet again onto the ground.
          “Wow Selena, I never knew you had it in you,” Doshi said with a playful smirk.
          “You have yet to see my full powers, Doshi,” Selena said holding her side.
          "Ok fine then, this time I won’t go easy on you,” Doshi said getting into a stance.
          “Take it easy on me? Please I know you can do better than that.” She countered with her own smirk. She stood tall, spat blood from her mouth, and wiped the corner with a chuckle as Doshi looked on calm and collected on the outside.
          “Hn… This is no time to be laughing koi.” He said circling her.
          “Oh, why not Doshi? Do I intimidate you that much?” Selena said watching him circling herself.
          “Not at all. It’s you who should be intimidated.” Doshi said lunging at her.
          Selena’s power rose quickly as she quickly transformed and said, “If that’s the way you want it Doshi then so be it.” She held up her sword as he came closer and shouted, “Ryudokuken!”
          Doshi slid to a halt and fired his own attack back at Selena. As soon as Doshi let his attack fly that’s when Selena disappeared and appeared behind him, but as she suspected of him he tried to jump behind her to catch her off guard, and that did no good as he was about to bring his sword down to cut Selena when she grabbed his hand and flung him across the arena. Just as he was getting up, Miyuki quickly took over and with the last of Selena’s strength, Miyuki jumped and flipped behind him once again before he could even blink, held her sword up, and stabbed him in the back killing him.
           “Miyuki what have you done?” Selena screamed out as her powers spread out into the crowd and Miyuki receded from her own mind to fall silent. She walked carefully over to her intended and knelt before him. With the entire crowd watching to see what was going to happen.
          With a tear dripping from her face, she used her powers and formed her healing dagger, like she had done to her other siblings. “Doshi… I’m sorry my love.” She said as she brought her dagger down across his chest to heal him. She fell back on her heels and dropped her eyes to the ground in front of her. She knew that she was no longer able to look upon him for doing what she had done.
          Suddenly there was a bright light surrounding him when the light died down Doshi slowly opened his eyes to see his mate with her head bowed and her bangs covering her eyes silently crying to herself. Doshi’s heart went out to his mate, she was getting more powerful as the matches went on and it was taking everything she had to control her powers as well as her beast.
          He got up from where he was lying to a kneeling position before his mate and silently called out to her, “Selena?” When she didn’t respond to his call he tried once more, “Selena my Koi look at me.” Doshi said with a little more force. When she finally lifted her head he smiled at her and said so only she could hear him, “Finally… you had me worried for a few minutes there. Are you alright?”
          “I… I mate…” She started but he stopped her.
          “Mate I know what happened and I don’t blame you one bit for it. Miyuki is now beginning to get more powerful as you do. I will stand by you so that you may become strong enough to control her and your powers to come.” He said softly while inching closer to her. “With my word as your mate to be I am not mad that you won this fight. I am glad that you won because you have given me the chance I need to finally claim you as mine when all this is done.” Doshi finished as he watched her reaction.
          “Thank you mate for everything…” She said as they both stood and turned towards the Queen and the lord.
          “Very good match Selena and you as well Doshi.” Said the lord as everyone in the arena cheered.
          The pair on the field nodded and then turned to rest up before Selena’s next match.
          “Ladies and gentlemen, we will have a 30-minute interlude and the next battle will begin soon after.” The Lord said to the crowd.

Chapter 13

          Just before the battle, Eris asked her mother if she could change the scenery of the arena to a forest-like setting like she and Selena did for their training, and she agreed. So with both of their powers, they began changing the arena into a forest.
          A rumbling noise filled the arena and out of the ground shot a few dozen trees so that they covered most of the arena.
          Selena scoffed at this, rolled her eyes, and sarcastically said, "I can only guess who’s going next.”
         “Oh do you now, who’s that?” Doshi asked while they all looked at Selena.
         “The next battle will be between Eris and me,” Selena replied, leaning against the wall crossing her arms over her chest.
         “And how do you know that?” Sierra asked moving to stand closer to Selena.
       Selena chuckled and replied, “I know it's going to be she and I because Eris always changes the scenery when we’re training because she thinks it will work out better for her and her chances of winning.
         “Uh-huh, yeah right Selena,” Doshi smirked nudging her gently.
         “Just watch,” Selena responded nudging him back playfully as they listened to the lord speaking.
         “May I have everyone’s attention please, would Ladies Selena and Eris please enter the arena!”
          Doshi and Selena both looked at each other, Selena smirked and pushed off the wall.
          “Be careful Koi,” Doshi said catching her hand.
          “I will, or I can’t fight you,” Selena said before turning and walked to the center of the arena where she was met by Eris.
          “My ladies this is going to be a timed match if you defeat your opponent in the time allowed you will be able to advance, but if time is called you must wait to fight again. Are you two ready to begin?” The headman asked walking up to the pair.
          “Yes.” Both girls replied together.
          “Good… Ready…”  He raised his hand. “Set… Begin…”He finished as his hand came down and a gong sounded.
          “Are you ready for me sister?” Eris asked as each of them was staring at their opponent, as they circled around each other.
          “Yes, bring it on sister,” Selena said motioning her with her fingers.
          When Eris didn’t take her bait Selena drew her sword forth as she races forward and connected with Eris’s sword. The energy in both swords crackled as they fought each other in a display of strength. With a surge of strength, Eris pushed Selena back as a wave of chioki came out of Eris’s sword. It impacted on Selena and she was thrown back about 20 feet from Eris.
          “Is that all you got Selena, surely you can do better than that?” Eris asked smirking.
          “Not at all Eris, I’m just getting started.” She replied growling.
          Eris brought her sword up as she leaped into the air and attacked Selena head-on.                Their swords met their power clashing against each other. Selena then quickly raised up her other hand and blasted Eris away from her as she hit the ground hard.
          “Is that all you’ve got Eris? If so, I will defeat you so easily.” Selena said growling once more.
          “Ha… you won’t beat me. I have the upper hand here in this setting, that’s why I had mother change it for me for our battle. I knew that you couldn’t handle me here.” Eris said with a laugh.
         “You are so naïve my dear sister. You have only seen me train with my master, but you haven’t seen me train with Doshi. He taught me well.” Selena said looking at Doshi, and he smirked back.
         “If that’s the way you want it, Selena, no more playing around,” Eris said drawing her staff.
         “Who said I was playing around?” Selena said putting away her sword and taking out her short spear.
         Eris growled and jumped into a tree and shot an orb at Selena, but Selena used her powers and disappeared. Eris was about to climb out the tree when a dagger was thrown at her nearly missing her. She jumped down out of the tree and looked to see Selena standing there waiting for her.
          “Damn it, Selena,” Eris said while putting her staff away and drawing her sword.
          “What? Am I too much for you Eris?” Selena said and with a special movement, she puts her weapon away and draws her own sword. “Surely you can do better than that.”
           Eris charged at Selena, but when she went to strike her she flipped back. Eris growled and swung again, but she disappeared. Eris looked around to see her running towards her. Before she could move out the way, Selena tackled her to the floor. Eris tried to push her off, and couldn’t with a dagger pressed to her throat. So with her power, she formed an orb and held it up to Selena’s stomach daring Selena to make her move.
          “What now Eris, you have nothing left. Give up. You have no chance of beating me.” Selena said growling fiercely.
          “I could say the same to you Selena, but I will not lose to you,” Eris said and with that, she disappeared from underneath Selena.
          “You’re good Eris, I’ll give you that much,” She began as she gets up. “But it will take more than a few disappearing tricks to defeat me,” Selena said pretending to look for Eris.
          “Hn… I will finally get you, Selena.” Eris said to herself not knowing that Selena heard her.
          “Let me see you try it Eris,” Selena replied growling out to her.
          Just then Eris threw another orb at Selena, but this time it came out of her sword scratching Selena on her side when she tried to move out the way, but as Eris made her move Selena repeated the attack and swung at her too, scratching her leg in the process. Selena fell on one knee and hissed. She picked herself up as she put her weight on her sword. She turned to find Eris limping towards her with blood running down her leg.
          “Pretty good Selena, you managed to dodge my attack, just barely,” Eris said charging at Selena again.
          When Eris was close enough Selena race forward and swung at Eris cutting her other leg with her sword. Quicker than the eye could see Eris turn and jumped behind Selena and cut her on her back. Selena knelt on the ground crying out in pain as she quickly swiped her claws at Eris making her jump back in surprise.
          “No, Selena!” Doshi, Atomus, and Kasumi called as one. Doshi was about to get up and help her when he was stopped by his adopted father.
          “Doshi, you must not interfere. Selena will be ok.” Atomus said as he watched his pup struggling to get back up.
          “I won’t, but how can you be so sure,” Doshi asked as he continued to watch Selena.
          “We know our pup Doshi, believe in your mate as we do, and she will win,” Kasumi said as she too watched Selena.
          “Your right and I do believe in her,” Doshi said as he sits back down.
          “Selena my pup, you have more strength than that. Now get up!” Atomus said telepathically to Selena.
          “Yes, father,” Selena responded as she got up and started transforming.
         Eris looked at Doshi, and then back at Selena and a small smirk grew on her face as she started transforming.
         “Awe Selena, is that all you’ve got? Where is the big tough chaiura that I saw earlier?” Eris asked now in her chaiura voice.
         “I will not… be defeated so easily.” Selena growled out in her own chaiura voice.
         “Let my power control your actions for a while, my lady.” Selena‘s beast asked her.
         “As you wish Miyuki, but you must let me take control when the match is over, do I make myself clear?” Selena responded.
         “You have my word my lady” Miyuki closed the connection and began taking over Selena’s senses.
         Eris laughed and took back out her sword, and was about to attack when Selena started glowing.
         “Huh? What are you doing Selena?” Eris watched waiting to see what she was going to do.
          Just then the light engulfed Selena making everyone hide their eyes. Once the light was gone everyone in the arena gasped as they saw Selena. She was now dressed in pure white hakama and haori with an orange juban underneath, and tied it together with a silver obi with golden body armor that covered her chest and on the right sleeve was Selena’s gold symbol. In her hand was a new sword that pulsed with power as a golden glow was surrounding it. What she didn’t realize was that Selena and her beast were now fighting as one with her beast now in control.
          “Wow, where did you get so much power from, and where did you get that sword? I don’t remember father giving it to you?” Eris said wide-eyed.
          Selena looked at her father and mother and saw a pleased look on their faces. She smiled and turned back to Eris.
         “Father didn’t give me this sword Eris, I made it. As far as my powers that’s for me to know and you to find out.” Selena’s beast replied for her getting into her stance.
         “But how, I was never trained to do that?” Eris asked watching her.
         “Simple mother is weak, and I’m our fathers’ favorite daughter, and he chose me to teach it to.” Miyuki/Selena replied as one voice smirking.
         “Damn you, Selena,” Eris said growling.
         “Well stop growling and come at me sister.” Selena/ Chloe said waiting for Eris to attack, knowing that she would take her bait.
         Eris her drew her sword and raced towards Selena, as she connected with Selena’s sword. The energy in both swords crackled as they fought each other in a display of strength. Then with a surge of her strength, Selena pushed Eris back as a wave of chioki came out of Selena’s sword. It impacted on Eris as she was thrown back about 20 feet from Selena. Eris quickly regained her footing and quickly threw up her sword, and she fired a powerful blast from her sword as she watched with satisfaction at what she did. Selena saw the attack coming as she dodged to avoid it, and Selena moved in for another attack.
          Eris was not expecting Selena to dodge her attack. She brought her sword up as she leaped into the air and attacked Selena head-on. She had another plan in mind as she started another incantation. Their swords met their power clashing against each other, as Eris finished her spell. She raised her hand up and blasted Selena away from her and she hit the ground hard. An evil smirk came to her features as she went after Selena. She was not about to let her regroup to attack again.
         Selena got up fast and turned as she saw Eris coming towards her. She raised her sword. “Miyuki you must stop now,” Selena said to her beast as Miyuki called out her attack. “Ryudokuken!” She shouted as power started to build on the sword when a large and imposing light came out of it and went toward Eris.
         Eris countered with her own attack, and a black light came out of her sword as it rushed towards Selena’s attack. Both powers met in the middle of the field as they attacked each other, and exploded in midair as they destroyed one another.
         “I wonder what’s wrong with Selena,” Eris asked herself. While all others watched to see what was going on with Selena.
         “It looked like she was trying to stop herself from attacking.” Eris’s beast responded.
         “Yes but why?” Eris looked up to see Selena shaking her head. “What’s wrong Selena looks to me like you’re getting tired?”
         “Not at all Eris.” Selena/Miyuki said breathing hard. “Miyuki you must back down, I feel another power here. Let me handle the rest of the fight.” She said growling to her beast and in turn growling at Eris‘s statement.
         “As you wish my lady,” Miyuki responded as she receded from Selena’s mind.
         “Fine then,” Eris said as she raises her sword and charged at Selena.
         Selena now in control takes her sword in her hand and stands firm. Their swords met their power clashing against each other. With a surge of strength, Selena pushed Eris back as both of their powers came out of their swords. Both powers impacted on the other and they were both thrown back about twenty feet from each other.
         They raced towards the other, and fought with their swords for a while and when Eris jumped back to see where Selena was. She was nowhere to be seen. Then Selena appeared right next to Eris to attack, but she was quicker and jumped away to avoid the attack.
         “I’m sorry Eris, but it’s time for me to end this,” Selena said readying her attack.
         “Not if I have any say in it,” Eris said as she stood her ground as she saw the power that Selena was emitting.
         She had to be careful as she got into a fighting stance and waited for her sister to attack. She didn’t have to wait for long as she sent a blast her way. Eris countered with her own attack and this time her attack hit, and Selena was slammed to the ground. Very quickly Eris leaped forward to finish off her sister, but Selena was quicker and disappeared from view. Eris tries to find her, but then Selena appeared right next to her and stabbed Eris killing her.
           “Sorry, Eris…” Selena said out of breath.
           That instant the queen declared Selena the winner. Then all became silent as Selena went over to Eris, changed her sword, and struck Eris bringing her back to life. As soon as she did that she dropped to one knee trying to breathe.
          “Selena!” Doshi said as he headed towards the arena to help her.
          Eris woke up and looked around for Selena. When she saw her she was on one knee breathing heavily and notices Doshi going over to her.
          “Doshi?” Selena said breathing heavily.
          “Yes Koi, try not to talk. Save your energy for your next battle.” Doshi said helping her to stand as Selena turned to look at her sister now standing watching herself.
          “I’m glad to see you’re ok Eris,” Selena said as they walked slowly towards Eris.
          “Same here. That was a really good fight, Selena, thanks.” Eris said smiling.
          “Don’t mention it,” Selena said giggling softly.
          “Come, love,” Doshi said leading her out of the field.
          Just as they all left the field Azume stood to address the crowd, “Very soon we will have our next match.
          Eris turned herself and headed to her quarters after Selena and Doshi left the arena. As she entered her chamber she began thinking about her last match with Selena.
          “Selena, what has happened to you? I hope you prevail in your next battles.” Eris said with a sigh as she got changed.

Chapter 12

          Selena and Doshi finally reach her chamber as they went inside to see Sierra still asleep on her bed. Selena walks over to her bed and nudges her gently and said, “Sierra you lazy bum. Wake up.”
         Hearing someone calling her name she wakes up and looks up to see Selena sitting on the bed beside her and notices that she doesn’t look very well. She looked to the other side of her bed and sees Haru standing next to Doshi talking with him silently. Sierra smiled and turned back to her sister and asked, “Selena are you ok? You don’t look very well.”
          “I’m just fine Sierra. No need to worry. I just need to go get fixed up.” Selena responds standing and walking into her bathing chamber
          “So did you finish your battle, how did you do?” Sierra asked her getting out of Selena’s bed.
          “It went fine. I ended up winning the match.” Selena responded walking out of her bathing chamber all refreshed.
          “Well, that’s good.” Sierra wanted to continue, but she was stopped when she heard the trumpets sounding the start of the next match. “I guess we should be going, the next match is about to begin.”
          “Yes, let us be off,” Doshi commented as he guided Selena out the door as Haru and Sierra followed behind.
          They all headed to the arena just in time as they all heard Lord Eien begin speaking to the crowd, “Lords and Ladies we are about to begin the next battle. Would Ladies Sierra and Eris please enter the arena!”
          “You both be careful out there Doshi and I are going out to the stands,” Haru said as he kissed Sierra on the cheek and whispering good luck to her. As Doshi did the same with Selena.
          “We’ll be alright,” Sierra said as she turned to Selena and said. “Well, I guess this is me. Wish me luck.”
          “Good luck Sierra,” Selena said smiled as she nodded and watched both of her sisters enter the arena.
          Sierra and Eris entered the arena and headed to the center to start the battle.
          “My ladies this is going to be a timed match, if you defeat your opponent in the time allowed you will be able to advance, but if time is called you must wait to fight again, Are you two ready to begin?” The headman said walking up to them.
          “Yes.” They said together.
          “Alright then…” He began as he raises his arm. “Ready… Set… Begin…” He finished as he brought his arm down and a gong sounded the start of the battle.
          The two women faced each other, both going into their stances drawing out their weapons they were going to start with. Eris rushed in as their swords meet in midair.
          The power of both swords crackled in the sky as they both fought for dominance. It seemed that they were both evenly matched, as they pushed away from each other. They landed on the ground, each staring at their opponent, as they circled around each other, like a predator stalking its prey.
          Suddenly Eris started saying a spell and instantly Sierra felt when her feet were grabbed and she was unable to move to fight against Eris. Her chioki flared around her body trying to break the spell that held her. She saw Eris coming towards her as she lashed out with her whip astonishing everyone she could do that. She got Eris in the chest as she sent her backward in pain. Sierra then quickly put her sword into the ground as she channeled her power into her sword to release her feet.
          “Wow I’m impressed sister; I never knew you had it in you,” Eris said smirking.
          “Oh that’s nothing Eris, just you wait sister,” Sierra responded growling.
          With that Sierra shifted her weight before racing to strike Eris with her blade. Eris thinking quickly knocked the strike away easily, and in return jumped at Sierra and attacked her with her sword, knocking her to the ground. Sierra growled and jumped up quickly.
          “Why what’s wrong sister, I thought you were stronger than that?” Eris said circling her.
          “I am Eris; I’m just saving the majority of my powers for when I fight Selena.” She replied growling back as she watched Eris circling herself.
          They both look at Selena leaning against a wall.
          “What makes you think you can defeat her when you can’t even land a blow against me?” Eris asked with a raised brow.
          “Oh you’ll see when the time comes Eris, I assure you,” Sierra said smirking.
          Sierra got into a fighting stance and waited for her to attack. She didn’t have to wait for long as she sent a blast her way. A chioki whip of pure gold came out of her hand as she batted away the attack like it was nothing. Sierra moved as she saw Eris move around her person to get a better angle of attack.
          Eris sent another powerful blast towards Sierra. As Sierra leaped into the air to avoid the attack, she countered with her own attack and sent a wave of heavenly blades of power towards her. Her attack hit head-on as Eris cried out in pain. She landed on one knee but she was not done yet.
          “What do you say to that sister?” Sierra asked as she folded her arms.
          “Ok fine if that’s the way you want it.” Eris began as she started to transform. When she was done she stood there in her second form. Her hair was now longer reaching below the knees. Her whole body was now covered in a light snowy white fur. She has white wolf-like ears on top of her head, and she now has a long fluffy snowy white tail. Her face resembled a wolf but was human in body, and her stripes now appeared jagged on her face, wrists, arms, waist, and ankles.
          “I was waiting to see if you were going to transform, and now that you are I will do the same.” Sierra laughed as she started to transform.
          Queen Azume looked on at her daughter and looked surprised when Sierra began transforming. She looked to where Selena was standing and noticed that she had a smirk on her face. Indicating that she helped Sierra to transform.
          “Wow, not bad sister,” Eris said as Sierra came out of her transformation.
          “Same with you Eris,” Sierra replied getting back in a fighting stance.
          Eris gathered her energy as she sent a blast towards Sierra. Sierra then moved quickly out of the way as a blast came from Eris’s position. She just barely had enough time to avoid the first attack, when she saw another black object shoot up towards her at a fast pace.
          Sierra didn’t have time to react to the second threat as she was hit and she went down hard. Sierra tried to get back up as she struggled to get to her feet. She leaped away as Eris attacked again. Eris was keeping her off balance as she continued her assault.
As Sierra continued to avoid Eris’s attacks. She skidded to a stop as she concentrated on her sword, building up her power. Looking to Selena, when she saw her nod Sierra raised her sword and let her powers fly streaking across the field as it went towards Eris.
          Eris’s eyes opened wide when she saw the attack coming towards her. It was powerful as she leaped into the air to avoid the blast. She quickly turned, going after Sierra, and sent another attack towards her. Sierra turned as she noticed another attack coming her way. She leaped, but she was not fast enough to avoid the attack. It caught her leg as she went down hard.
          Very quickly Sierra reached down and healed her leg, and stood up fast to stand against Eris once more.
          “What? How?” Eris asked wide-eyed.
          “Something wrong Eris?” Sierra responded with a shrug of her shoulders.
          “How did you do that I was never taught how to heal myself?”
          “You can thank mother for that,” Sierra said as she smirked.
          Sierra squared her shoulders as she stood straight up to her full height and faced off with Eris.  Sierra got her sword ready as Eris charged and they connected. The energy in both swords crackled as they fought each other in a display of strength. With a surge of strength, Eris pushed Sierra back as a wave of chioki came out of Eris’s sword. It impacted on Sierra as she was thrown back about 20 feet from Eris.
          “What now Eris, as you can see your attack failed again?” Sierra said smirking.
          “I will not lose to you Sierra,” Eris said growling. With that, she disappeared from sight and appeared next to Sierra to attack her with her powers, but Sierra was quicker and flung Eris away from her.
          “Did you honestly believe that by doing that you would win against me?” Sierra said growling at Eris.
          “I will destroy you, Sierra, just you wait.”
          “Then come on Eris and show me what you’ve got.”
          Eris brought her sword up as she leaped into the air and attacked Sierra head-on. She had another plan in mind as she started another incantation. Their swords met their power clashing against each other, as Eris finished her spell. She raised her hand up and blasted Sierra away from her as she hit the ground hard. An evil smirk came to her features as she went after her sister again.
          Sierra quickly got up and leaped towards Eris and was shocked when she did a backflip away from her. Sierra used the velocity of the attack to leap forward and used her sword to strike again. Both used their free hands to bring forth their attacks, and at the same time sent their orbs at each other. Sierra landing quickly after she let her orb fly she leaped again to attack Eris unaware.
          As the smoke cleared she noticed that Sierra was nowhere to be seen. Then she noticed it Sierra had come up behind her and just as she was about to strike the gong sounded.
          “Time!” Lord Eien said to the crowd. “We shall now take a short break, and we shall resume the battles soon.”
          All three girls looked to their mother and were wondering why she made the lord call time.
          “Hn… seems we were both right on this my lady.” Miyuki said in Selena’s head.
          “Yes, but why is she doing it is the question. My guess is she wants to wear me down by putting me against one after the other until I win or lose.” Selena replied back.
          “You have my word, my lady, that you will not lose these battles,” Miyuki responded.
          “Thanks,” Selena said as she closed the link as her sisters walked up to her. “Nice battle you two, you both did great.”
          “Yeah well, it didn’t seem too great to us,” Eris responded with a frown.
          “Yeah, why did mother have father stop the battle? I was about to win.”  Sierra asked facing Selena
          “I’m not sure Sierra, but I may have a clue of what’s going on,” Selena said as she had all eyes on her.
          “What’s that?” Eris asked.
          “Well I have been following the battles closely and all of the battles have been ties, all the way up until I won the battle against Armon and Arion.
          “Uh-huh, and?” Sierra said crossing her arms.
          “It means that mother wants me to fight all of you in hopes that I will lose the competition,” Selena said with a sigh
          “I don’t think that’s what she is doing,” Eris said shaking her head.
          “Why would mother do that, it makes no sense?” Sierra asked, but before Selena could speak her mate cut in.
          “Because mother is afraid of what Selena would become if she won the rest of the battles. So she wants to put Selena in matches one after the other in hopes that she will lose.” Arion said as he and Doshi walked up to the girls.
          "That doesn't make sense, Selena's got a chance to win just like we all do. I'm sure mother isn't doing anything like that." Sierra responded folding her arms.
          "Selena's theory is correct. Right now at this moment, Selena is struggling to keep her energy going its only a matter of time before she gets defeated." Arion countered.
          Selena raised an eyebrow at her brother's statement. How did he know that she was losing energy with each fight? Selena shrugged her shoulders and said, "You seem so confident in your statement there brother, what is it you know?"
          "Nothing more than you sis, I assure you. Trust me I would tell you if I knew anything." Arion said with a sigh.
          "Come now everyone, let us not get all conflicted we all need to be at our best, and besides, Selena, we all know that I'm going to win," Doshi said playfully.
          “What makes you so sure that I’m going to lose Doshi?” Selena replied growling playfully.
          “I’m just stating the obvious Selena.” He said looking at her and smirked.
          “Well, no matter what any of you say I don’t think what Selena said is true,” Eris said as she turns and walks off.
          “So what do we do?” Sierra asked shaking her head at Eris’s retreating form.
          “We do what we came here to do, win the chance of becoming the ruler of the universe, and Ainashiko,” Selena said.
          “And gain a mate,” Arion said as he smirked and looked at Doshi. “Let’s not forget that.”
          “Oh we haven’t brother, don’t worry about that.” Selena finished just as Lord Eien began speaking.
          “Ladies and Gentleman please take your seat for the next battle is about to begin!!!”