Love, War, tragedy and Victory. The story of a warrior turned queen

## Summary

This is the story of a Wolfren fox hybrid named Thesia. Learn how she was created during a cruel gene trial, nearly killed, escaped with her family to dark hollows forest, witnessed a whole lotta tragedies at the hands of the fake realm guy and rogue lab workers, met the love of her life, the princess of the Sky Wolf tribe, and became the warrior queen we all know and love, demanding and fighting for justice for the oppressed, freeing experiments everywhere, and showing the laboratory what happens when you kill innocent lives.

## Characters

* Thesia
* Cambria (seen in spirit form during the present day)
* Saoirse (seen in spirit form during Thesia's wedding)
* Byron the Fake realm guy
* Lab workers
* Mae
* Nova
* Persephone
* Mason
* Cree (another half-Wolfren experiment who got freed by Thesia, and became a longtime friend of hers)
* Gemini (a Grizzlen Leopard hybrid, but looks mostly Grizzlen)

## Saoirse's POV

"Cambria." I whisper. "Cambria. Come here. I want you to meet your sister."

I was part of a gene trial that involves mixing DNA into our children's embryos.

I wonder what mine looks like.

A lab worker hands me my child. I lift back the blankets. She looks like me, a Wolfren, but has dark tips on her ears, and has fur slightly different from mine, but her hair is all the same. A dark fiery red.

"You are so *beautiful."* I whisper. "Hello, Thesia. My child."

"It looks weird." the lab worker says. "Maybe the fox DNA didn't work. Perhaps you should sell it and maybe we should try again."Give it to me

My joy at what was supposed to be a tender moment turns to anger. Deep down, now I know the truth. They did this trial so they could *kill innocent lives* for not living up to their ridiculous standards.

"Come on, give it to me. We can try for a better one."

" 'Try for a *better one.'* " I parrot. "I'm *not letting you kill Thesia.* My *child."*

"But you're breaking protoco--" he begins. I cut him off.

"Your 'protocol' is bullsh\*t." I say. "Harming innocent lives."

"No!" he protests. "I'm going to call security." Before he can, I grab a gun and shoot the wall.

"Come on, Cambria." I say. "Let's go. This is clearly no place for us."

"Where are we going, mama?" she asks.

"Dark Hollows forest. Where the Wolfren are." I say. "It's to protect myself, you and your sister from people like *them."* I point to the lab workers.

I conjure an orb of fire and aim it at the (thankfully empty) laboratory. The building goes up in flames.

"If we find more fleeing experiments," I say. "Then I will fight for their justice. Justice for the oppressed."

8 years later

Ever since we escaped from the lab, we’ve been living peacefully for several years, but I know that peace will not last. Those lab workers didn’t perish in the fire, and if they find us, we either have to find a way to blow them to bits or we’d be dead.

And I don’t want that to happen to me. Not to me, not to Cambria, not to Thesia. I don’t want to lose anyone.

“Mother,” Thesia says. “You seem on edge.”

She’s right, and I don’t want to cover this up.

“Sweetheart…” I say. “Those lab workers….unfortunately they didn’t die in the fire...If they find us, we’re in big trouble.”

“Mama I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to die.” Thesia says, her voice cracking. Despite being so young, she’s experienced tragedy before.

“I remember that other guy...he said I was a..a *mistake.”*

“Thesia, in my eyes, you are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. You will do great things. That lab worker has no regard for living beings. You may be genetically altered but you are still a living being. You and your sister are going to change the world. I know that will happen.” I say, hugging her.

Suddenly, I have a vision. It’s of the forest going up in flames. Something will happen to me. To us.

“Thesia.” I say. “Listen. I know what will happen to us, and I know I won’t be around for long.”

I hear bomb explosions.

“Really?” she whispers.

“Thesia.” I say. “I had a vision. Everything is going up in flames. I know they are coming for us, and you’re going to have to save yourself.”

I hear shouts...and see another lab worker.

“You were never meant to *exist!”* He growls.

“It’s happening.” I say.

“Thesia, save yourself!” Cambria says.

I feel a sharp pain in my stomach, and spot blood spreading on my shirt. I’ve been shot. Cambria collapses. She’s been shot as well.”

“Thesia.” I say weakly. “They may have got me, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be alone. Your sister and I will still be there.”

“Mother! NO! Please don’t die!” Thesia sobs.

“Thesia.” I say. “I will never...leave you. I will always be there….I love you so much. I may be dying but I will always be there.” My eyes close, and I feel myself floating. I am a spirit.

## Thesia’s POV

They did it.

I can’t believe they did it. I had to watch my mom and sister *die.*

Suddenly, I see two glowing figures. *Spirits.*

“Mother?” I whisper. “Is that you…”

“I’m right here.” She says. “Except I’m a spirit now. I told you I will still be there.”

I hug her. In the realm, you can physically touch a spirit, while they can still pass through walls and objects.

“Thesia.” she says. “I need you to follow me to central Summerwood. There you will find the home of realm guardians Mae and Nova. The mothers of Alex, who is set to become the next realm guardian.”

I walk through the forest, and into the streets, until I reach several houses.

I see someone move.

“Uh excuse me?” I say. “But who are you?”

The figure turns around. It’s a young fox with messy hair, a sky blue gem, and a hoodie.

“I’m Alex.” She replies. She replies. “And my name is Justine.” The other says, speaking in an Irish accent. “We’re sisters. I’m the youngest. Ava is the middle, but she’s not here.”

“I’m Thesia.” I say. “I was born during a gene trial at Vex labs. The workers thought I was a mistake and told my mother to sell me or they would kill us. My mother loved me with all her heart, so she escaped to the Red Wolf tribe’s den in Dark Hollows forest to protect me. We lived peacefully for years until some lab workers allied with the fake realm guy  found us and killed my mother and sister.”

Mom and Cambria float towards Alex.

“I know you.” Alex says, facing Cambria. “Our mothers were friends.”

“We may be dead, but we will always be there.” mom says, floating towards me. “My Thesia. Remember…”

“Justice for the oppressed.” I say. I turn towards Mae and Nova. “I want to protect myself and other genetically altered individuals from the fate my family went through. Teach me all you know.”

“We will train you.” Nova says. “I see a fire burning within you. I see commitment, and I sense your sorrow. By protecting others, you are going to be saving a lot of lives. The world will thank you.”

“I want to bring Vex laboratories to justice.” I say. “What they’ve done and the number of lives they’ve taken is *unimaginable.”*

“I will help you.” Alex says. “Justice for the oppressed!” She, my mom, sister, and I say in unison.

“I’ll introduce you to some more friends of mine.” Alex says. “It takes a team to fight a worldwide injustice.”

Now that I know my family is still with me, and I have friends on my side that will help me, I will save the world.

“Okay, now where is Vex labs? I want to give them a piece of my *mind.”* Alex says.

“Follow me.” I say. “But you’ll need a disguise. If they go after us, we’ll beat the pulp out of them.”

“Go through the forest with me.” I say.

“We’ll communicate with you through these earpieces.” Mae says. “Call us if you need help.”

We trek through the forest, until we find a building covered in tarp with the words “VEX LABORATORIES” on the front. Anger burns through me.

“Time to show them they made a *big mistake* trying to kill me. I’m glad I was created, but angered by the fact heartless people wanted to end my life just because I’m different.”

“What can you do?” Alex asks. “What I’m asking is if you have any powers or abilities…”

I pull my hoodie off, revealing a black tank top. “I have these weird bumps or ridges on my back, near my shoulder blades.”

“Let me see them.” Justine says. I feel her run her fingers across my back, and I feel my muscles twitch.

“Hey! You’ve got *wings!* So *that’s why* you have those funny ridges! You’re a sky Wolfren!” Justine says.

That’s what mother had. She was *Wolfren.*

“I don’t know if I have other powers.” I say. I crane my neck, and what I see is indeed wings. Huge, fairy-like ones.

“You do.” Nova says. “You just need to find a way to awaken them. Afterwards, accessing them is pretty much second nature.”

“Yeah, but why do all of you guys have gems? I do, but what purpose do they serve?”

“They’re not the direct source of your magic, but it helps focus and control it. If someone stupid enough were to try and forcefully separate you from your gem, it would weaken your powers and make them uncontrollable, but there are a few who can harness them just fine without gems. And I’m talking about innocent people who’ve been separated from their gems by the fake realm guy or an accident.” Alex says.

“Alright, guys…” I say. “Do you have anything you can use as disguises? I don’t want to see anymore people I love die.”

“You...*love us?!”* Justine says.

“Uh...I mean, you want to help me save innocent lives and harness my powers, and your mothers took me in so they could take care of me, sooooo…..yeah, I like you guys. I can trust you. You hate Vex Labs just as I do.”

“They killed your mum.” Justine says. “If they had targeted ours, I wouldn’t see the world the same way again.”

“Alright guys.” I say. “It’s go time. What do you have as disguises?”

“Lab coats, gas masks, safety goggles, random stuff…” Justine says. “We’re good.”

**It’s time to save the world**

We find Vex Labs. It's dark enough so that no one sees us, so we easily sneak in.

"If you find any lab workers actively harming any experiments, attack the workers, bring the experiments to safety, and bring the workers before my parents and other guardians." Alex says. "Vex labs does terrible things."

I spot someone sitting in one of the nearby cells. A lab worker attempts to drug her, but she swiftly kicks him in the stomach, making him fall to the ground in pain. I take a closer look. *She looks Wolfren.*

*Hang tight.* I say to myself as I sneak over. *I'm going to free you. I promise. This is what my mother and I wanted. Justice for the oppressed.*

I go towards her cell and find a dirty paper clip. After twisting it around several times, the cell door swings open slowly. I see a figure that looks similar to me, but with wavy messy hair, smudges on her face, half healed wounds, and a tattered gown, along with the numbers SUBJECT X-227D3 stamped on her wrist.

"You..." she whispers. She looks Wolfren, but with darker bits. *Fox DNA.* "You *saved me."*

"I wanted to save you because you don't deserve to be here. You deserve to live a life. Now...how old are you?"

"I'm...I'm..." she stutters. Her life at Vex labs made her loose her sense of time. "W-well I remember being born in 1997."

"So that makes you 15. This year is 2011." I say.

"I lost my father and brother to the lab workers." She says. "My father was a fox, Mom is Wolfren, and I was captured by them for their so-called 'research' AKA TORTURE!! Also I'm sorry if I sound like I'm mumbling...probably the drugs. I hate the clouds. Whenever I'm drugged, I can't think straight, and all I feel is ANGER."

"Well, I'm angry too..." I say. "But once you take this, it will flush it out of your system, but you'll have to take a lot of bathroom breaks. That's just how it works. Once it's out, you'll think more clearly once the haze is gone."

"Ehhh I can handle peeing." She says. "I pee in that corner all the time. Those lab workers have no respect. Also sorry if it smells so bad."

"Once I get you out--" I say, but she interrupts me.

"I'm showering after. I don't want to be like this any longer, even if I shower for like, six hours."

"There are hot springs in dark hollows forest." I say. "The water has cleansing properties because of a mineral in it. Also the mineral, whenever it's mixed with tree sap causes a chemical reaction that forms foamy bubbles. It aids the cleansing process."

"So basically it's an outdoor bubble bath?" She says. "Cool."

"Also what's your name?" she asks. "I didn't know others like me existed, other than my family."

"I'm Thesia." I say. "I too am a Wolfren, but before I was born, my embryo was merged with fox DNA. The gene trials from Vex labs are really cruel. They kill innocent lives just because someone is different. My mom and sister and I escaped from Vex labs to keep me safe. Years later, some lab workers found my mom and sister and killed both of them by gunshot. My mom wanted justice for those who are treated unfairly. She wants to help those taken hostage and abused by Vex labs."

"Wow." She replies. "My name is Cree. I want to help you."

"Come with me." I say. "Quick before the other workers try to drug you again."

We sneak into the lab's kitchen, where I spy a lab worker eating. He sees me and attempts to drug me.

"Hey! Get back in that cell!" he shows me a needle and attempts to inject me.

Cree holds him down, and I wrench out of his grasp and drop a DeathBerry in his mouth.

He coughs raggedly and collapses.

"Well, we took care of him." Cree says.

"Quick." I say. "Let's go before the others notice."

"Yeah, I know. My dirty footprints and that open cell." Cree says. "Now let's roll."

She spits acid onto the wall and uses all her upper body strength to punch a hole big enough for both of us.

"I snuck fruits." She says. "It's how I secretly sustained myself. It's so worth it."

"Also what are we going to do about that pesky number stamped on your wrist?" I ask.

Cree splashes her hand in river water, grabs a flower, and rubs the plant on her wrist. Just like that, the writing is gone.

"Easy." She says. "Lab workers don't know how weak the ink is. Also the plants don't harm skin, but they're strong enough to wash off ink like this."

We walk several more miles, until we spot hot springs.

"Perfect." Cree says, stripping off her clothes and jumping in.

"You wait there." I say. "Let me just ask some friends for spare clothes."

I walk back to the hiding spot near the lab where Alex and the others are located.

“Guys...I rescued one of Vex’s captives. She’s Wolfren, and they’ve been leaving her drugged.”

“Is she okay? Will it wear off?” Justine asks.

“Yes. She hates the feelings it gives her. I broke her out and had her bathe in the hot springs.”

“How do the drugs get flushed out?” Alex asks.

“Well...you have to take a lot of bathroom breaks. It’s fully out by the end of the day. It’s morning now, so it’ll be out by the time the sun sets. A less inconvenient alternative is to just sleep it off.”

“I’d take option 2.” Cree says. “Stupid situations are exhausting. Lab stuff is exhausting.”

"You could sleep here.” Mae says. “We have room for you. We can house anyone.”

“Thank you.” Cree says. “I will keep you five in my thoughts. Now in our fight to reform Vex labs, we’ll need help from Jewel labs. I have friends there.”

“I’ve been there. Now let’s rest for now, then we’ll go.” Mae says.

“Actually...I’m kind of hungry. I haven’t had *real food* for as long as I’ve been in that *prison* Vex labs.” Cree’s stomach rumbles.

“What was that??” Justine says. “Swamp monster??”

“That was my *stomach.”* Cree says.

“You won’t be hungry for long.” Alex says. “We ordered pizza.”

Ava enters carrying 2 boxes of hot pizza. “There’s hot wings too.”

“Where is the rest of your family?” I ask, taking a small bite.

“Well…” Cree says sadly. “They’re chained up in Vex Labs, and even though my baby brother is young, he fights dirty. He’s been trying to protect my parents, but it’s harder on him since he’s so little.”

“Don’t worry.” I say. “I promise we will save your family. I couldn’t save mine, so I will save others.”

Some time later, one night has passed.

“Alright you guys.” I say. “Let’s get to the lab. Cree, come with us. You know more about the lab than I do.”

Suddenly, I have a vision of a mysterious woman.

“Someone has entered the realm.” I say. “However, I can see their thoughts. They have no bad intentions.”

“Let’s hope they can help us.” Cree says.

She suits up, lifts a hood over her head, and covers the lower half of her face with a nanofiber fabric mask.

“It’s so they don’t notice.” she whispers, her voice dark and slightly raspy. “The lab workers will never know, because I will beat the pulp out of them if they harm my family or attempt to chain me up again.”

Cree jumps into the water, but I don’t see her hold her breath. She is...a sea wolf. Extremely good swimmers, with bodies built for water, so they have the ability to live on land or in water, because they can breathe underwater as well.

“This is amazing.” I whisper. We walk on and she eventually comes back up again.

“We made it.” I say.

“Now I’m going to make my move.” she says. I see webbing on her fingers and toes. She quickly retracts it by flicking her wrist slightly.

We sneak into the lab. Someone grabs us. A lab worker. He attempts to jab me with a needle, but I see someone shoot him.  That “someone” is revealed to be a Shiba Inu. She is clad in leather/nanofiber hybrid armor. The lower half of her face is obscured by a scarf. I spot the entrance to the realm. It starts to glow and the figure that emerges is a young woman with short wavy hair shaved underneath.      “A-Are you the one who appeared in my vision?” I ask.  “Yes.” The woman replies. “My name is Beth. I knew someone was in danger so I came here to see who it is.”  “I’m Thesia.” I say. “I was part of a gene trial at the lab we’re sneaking into. I’m a fox/Wolfren hybrid and the lab workers wanted to sell me off when I was born just for being different. Years later they were responsible for killing my mom and sister. They also held Cree hostage. She’s naturally half fox half Wolfren, but the lab captured and drugged her for their ‘research’ AKA *cruelty.”* I let out a low growl.  “That’s terrible.” Beth says sadly.  “Will you help us?” Cree asks. “My family is trapped in the lab, being tortured as we speak.”

“Come with me.” Beth places a sniper mask over her face, puts on a lab coat, and hides a gun in its folds. “If anyone tries to hurt us, I’m blowin’ ‘em all away. Ivory, are you willing to help the others?”

“Wait, but who’s Ivory?” Cree asks.

“I’m right here.” Says the Shiba Inu we ran into earlier.   “Oh oops. My name’s Cree.” She says. “Alex rescued me from the lab, and gave me an antidote to flush out all the drugs. I’m fine now, although I sometimes forget little details on certain things.” “You’re good.” Ivory says.  “Follow my lead.” I say. “Now let’s go save Cree’s family.”

We walk through empty corridors, until we hear strange noises coming from one of the cells.

”My family.” Cree says.

We go towards the cell and Cree unlocks it with a paper clip.

”Cree! You’re back!” Her brother says, hugging her.

”So am I, but shhhh don’t let the lab workers hear you.” She says. “I don’t want anyone else hurt.”

”Okay.” He whispers.

“Thank you for saving us.” Her parents say.

”Anytime.” She replies. “If it wasn’t for my friends Thesia, Alex, Beth, Ivory, and Justine, I wouldn’t be saving you guys.”

”Now let’s get out of here before someone finds us.” Beth says

We’re in the forest when I spot two shadowy figures. I hear swords clanging. Gunshots. Shouts. The creature that steps in front of us is none other than Aphrodite’s crazy cousin Anubis.

“Stealing assets again, are we?” he drawls.

His sister Artemis pops up behind him, and strikes the back of his head and he falls over incapacitated.

“Why….did you betray me…” he wheezes.

“Anubis, you *idiot*.” She growls. “I never was on your side. In reality I was *always* helping the guardians.”

“But…” he tries.

“*Shut* ***up***.” she says angrily. She is tall, roughly the same height as Alex’s mother, with wavy hair shaved underneath. Her fur is grayish brown with reddish fur on her ears. Even though she is half Wolfren, interspecies individuals can look like a mix of both parents or just one parent. Artemis looks all Wolfren, with fox bits near her ears. She wears an oversized maroon scarf with part of a nanofiber mask that covers the lower half of her face, along with a cloak of the same color with the hood down. She cocks a plasma gun and takes a swig of water from a vial.

“I know your situation.” She says. “I have you some allies, from my tribe the Gray Wolves,” her fur shifts of various sunset colors of pink, red, orange, marigold yellows, and bits of purple, signalling hope and joy. “And the Sky Wolves.” her fur shifts to sandy yellows and whites, mimicking the Sky Wolves’ colors. “I know someone. A princess. Her name is Persephone.”

She turns towards me. “Like you, she has the heart of a warrior, and is soon going to be crowned Alpha of the Skye tribe. I am friends with her mother, the current queen. You two would make a great couple. Do you want to meet her?”

“Of course.” I reply. “Finally the world gets to hear my message for the mutants of Vex Labs. If I become queen, I will make the world a better place for all.”

Artie grins. “Queen Thesia the bold and kindhearted.”

We head over to the Sky tribe’s den located in the clouds, and trek up the floating rock stairways leading to various buildings, until we reach the queen’s castle.

It is a huge structure, yet it looks more like a lived in but still fancy house.

“Wow.” I say as I unfurl my wings and fly up to it. “I didn’t know I was part of this tribe. It’s so amazing.”

Now deep down, I *know* what my future holds for me.

The door opens, the person standing in front of us holds an intimidating presence. She is tall and stately, with light colored fur, and a long cloak that drapes around her. She wears a low cut shirt exposing her gem, along with leggings cut at the ends and no shoes. Her hair is tied up in a half braid and has a small tiara clipped at the top.

It must be her.

“Your majesty.” I say formally, bowing.

She grins. “You must be Thesia. Your mother and I were friends. It’s really too bad she’s not with us thanks to those fiends at Vex labs.”

“She may have been killed, but she never really left us.” I say. As if on cue, mother’s spirit materializes next to me.

“Oh!” the queen’s facial expression shifts to one of surprise. “Saoirse...good to see you again.”

“As am I.” she replies.

“Come in, all of you.” the queen says warmly. My friends follow behind me. “My name is Allegra.”

“These are my friends Alex, her sisters Justine and Ava, my friend Cree, her parents Ermine and Onyx, her brother Arden, and our recent allies Beth, Artemis and Ivory.”

All of them wave.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” Allegra says. “Now Thesia, I’m sure you’d like to meet my daughter Persephone.” She closes the door behind her.

“Yes.” I say. “Artemis told me about her.”

I wonder if Persephone really does share my fierceness. What I’m about to find out about my future partner might change everything.

I hear a door open.

The figure that emerges looks similar to Allegra, but she is shorter, and her hair is wavy and buzzed underneath. She wears a navy blue shirt paired with two gold bracelets on one wrist and a khaki trench coat.

“Are you...Persephone?” I ask. “The queen’s daughter?”

“Yup.” She replies. “You’re Thesia, right? The one who’s trying to save the mutants from Vex labs?”

I nod. “My mother wanted justice for the oppressed. She was killed by gunshot by Vex workers allied with the fake realm guy. I’m carrying on what she wanted to do the most. She wanted to help people.”

“Quite a few of us have been caught in the crossfires of Vex labs’ evils.” Persephone says. “I will help you. I promise. And I will do anything to achieve it. You’d make one of the greatest allies, and if I lost you...it would be my greatest sorrow. I care about you since you’re one of us, yet you’ve gone through so much peril. Life has thrown you quite a few lemons.”

“Thank you for supporting me.” I say, hugging her. “I loved my mother very much, and even though I’ve only just met you, I love you.”

She smiles. “Back atcha.” She says playfully.

“Now I want to meet the other Wolfren tribes.” I say. “I want to learn more about where I come from and where we’re all connected.”

“Then come with me.” Persephone says. “What you’ll see will surprise you.”

We head down the steps and into a pavilion full of Wolfren of all shapes, sizes, and tribes.

“Wow…” I say. “So this is where I come from. Maybe I’m not *too different* after all.”

“Our differences are what make us who we are.” Persephone says. “Those lab workers...the ones who wanted to steal you...they are the ones who were wrong. I think the fox colorings near your ears make you look cool.”

“Thanks..” I say. “No one’s ever said that about me before.”

“I have some friends I want you to meet.” She says. We fly over to a coastal reef where a small town and several large buildings line the seaside. This must be where Cree is from.

“Wow...the den of the Sea tribe.” I say. “Amazing.”

Cree materializes in front of me, clearly exhausted.

“You look like you haven’t slept.” I say.

“Bingo.” she replies. “Because we were busy rescuing my family.”

“I found your family’s home.” Alex says. “It’s empty, but it looks like everything in here is untouched. Perhaps some Wolfren who knew you and your family protected it after you got captured by the lab.”

We open the door, which is thankfully unlocked. In the house is a small kitchen, a large living room, a sitting room, and three bedrooms. Cree opens one door, which appears to lead to her own room.

“Finally.” she says. She flops onto the bed and falls asleep rapidly.

“We’re home.” Arden says with relief, entering the room. He settles himself on the couch and turns on the TV. Suddenly his eyes go wide.

“Thesia.” He says. “Look at this. It’s a news bulletin.”

“Turn the volume up.” I say. “We need details.”

“*Reports have just revealed that a Wolfren from central Summerwood broke into one of Vex Labs’ lairs and rescued one of their captives. We didn’t get the name of the two women, but we are further investigating the lives lost and the conditions of the captives kept there. I’m Olivia Jameson, and this is Jewel Coasts news.”*

“Wow. Oh my god.” he says, his jaw dropping. “There’s no photos, but you’re on the news. Both of you are on the news.”

“That’s one way to be known.” I say.

Over the years, our love has flourished. From the very first time our eyes met, to now, where our relationship just might get bigger. We may be young, but we’ve found the perfect place for the two of us, and a potential family.

I am now 19 years old, and life has changed quite a bit since then. I see my own reflection in a mirror, but I’ve grown from that frightened young Wolfren girl escaping with her mother from the rogues at Vex labs, to a courageous young woman with a considerable number of allies. Even if one person can’t be the inferno that  burns down a big injustice, she can be the first spark of hope.

I make my way over to my bedroom, a large room with a bed built low to the ground, covered with a soft velour blanket and several pillows. My nightstand has a round, orb shaped lamp that casts a soft warm glow around my entire room, along with a photo of my mother and sister, along with Persephone. My beloved.

I gaze out the window, the light of the moon casting a faint glow onto the wall.

“Thesia.” she says. “I know the world is ready for us. For *you.* Your mother was right. You will change the world, reform Vex labs, and free the oppressed.”

“It was what my mother wanted.” I say. “But she never got to do it. Now it’s my turn.”

“Thesia…” Persephone says. “Would you want to start a family to carry on your legacy, and to become the realm’s next generation of guardians?”

“My mother loved me with all my heart.” I say softly. “From the way she cared about me, deep down I hoped I could have someone to take care of.”

“You make an amazing queen.” Persephone says. “And you would make a wonderful mother.”

“I...I have something to ask you.” I say.

“What is it?” she asks.

“Will you marry me?” I say.

“Thesia…” she replies. “We have been friends for a long time, and as the years pass, my love for you has grown. We both want to make the world a better place. We both care about each other. If I could have one thing, one wish, I would stay with you, forever and always. Marrying you would be the greatest thing to ever happen to me.”

She pulls me close, our lips touch, and in an instant, it seems like all the worries, all the bad memories, all the doubts are erased, replaced by feelings of joy, comfort, and safety. I have allies, and now my beloved.

Her hand strokes my cheek, and I feel the warmth of our bodies snuggled close together, as she pulls the blanket over me, and we drift off into a slumber filled with dreams of a hopeful future.

## Alex’s POV

“Hey, wake up.” says a voice from behind me. It’s Cree. Thesia’s friend.

“What is it?” I ask. I toss off the blankets and sit up from bed.

“Thesia is getting married.”

“Really? When??” I say

“Later today. But she says you can go casual if you want.” she says.

Some time later after we finish eating, I head over to Thesia’s house. What I see surprises me.

“Wow...This must be a huge celebration.”

Suddenly, I spot Thesia sitting with Persephone, and I am consumed by uncontrollable joy. I run over to her and hug her. She faintly smells of eucalyptus.

“I’m so happy for you.” I say.

“This is one of the greatest things that ever happened.” She says

## Thesia’s POV

“When I was a kid, I thought that me being genetically altered would shun me from the rest of the world.” I say. “But I was wrong. You guys are my first friends. You helped me gather more allies.”

Alex nods. “We will help you save everyone from Vex labs. I found more mutants, but I’m sure they’ll be happy to be part of your cause.”

“Thesia, do you take Persephone, heir to the throne of the sky tribe, as your lawfully wedded wife?”  Mae says. She’s had experiences like this before.

Memories of our bond, our moments together, float through my mind. And now I get to spend the rest of my time with an amazing person

“I do.” I reply. “If I had one wish, it would be to spend it with you.” Persephone hugs me. We fall into a warm embrace, our hearts align. We kiss.

I spot two spirits. My mother, and my sister. A tear streams down her ghostlike face.

“I can’t believe my sister is starting a family.” Cambria says. “Now Thesia…”

“Yes?” I reply.

“I will never leave you. We said goodbye to each other 8 years ago...but deep down, I know we will say hello again. When we do, I will still be me...just a little bit *different.”*

My voice breaks. “Goodbye….my sister.”

“This isn’t goodbye.” She says. “It’s see you soon, because I have a strong feeling I *will* see you again.” Her eyes close.

She glows, then disintegrates into a thousand tiny orbs, which float around me, and fly inwards, making my body glow.

“Persephone.” I say. “My sister is going to get reincarnated, and after she disappeared, she merged with me, which means….”

“She will come back...as a child.” Persephone finishes.

**A month later**

It’s been a while since I saved Cree, appeared on the news (well, not really since they didn’t get pictures) met Persephone and my mother-in-law (not quite my mother in law yet) and witnessed my sister get reincarnated, and I have to admit, things have been a bit slow lately.

I exit my house and walk over to a slightly beaten down coffee shop, where I hear sounds of a scuffle. I walk to the back to find the source of the fight.

“Okay, *what’s going on?!”* I say. My voice rising slightly.

The three figures that emerge are Artemis, Athena, and another Wolfren. One from the desert tribe.

“We spotted Anubis.” Artemis says. “However Astrid wanted to tie him up first before kicking him out. I would’ve loved to do that, being the asshole he is, but *we don’t have time,* because I promised my friends I would help organize this full moon festival with them.”

“You…” I say, turning towards the other Wolfren. “You’re Astrid, right?”

She nods.

“Where is this Moon festival?” I ask. “I actually have to admit, I’ve never been to any traditional events before.”

“Follow me.” She says, popping a lizard in her mouth. “It’s amazing. Trust me, you’ll love it.”

We walk into the plaza. It’s covered in shop stalls and streamers and signs. Lanterns casting a warm glow.

“Wow.” I say. “It looks *amazing.”*

“I know, right?” Artemis replies. “Wait until you see how it looks at night!”

“Now we just need to wait until sundown.” I say. “Then we can *really* have fun!”

“Hey!” Alex greets from behind me. “I have a friend I’d like you to meet. She’s non binary, but goes by any pronouns.”

“What’s her name?”

“Her name,” Alex says. “Is Remy. Remy Samson. She’s one of my friends who is autistic, but one hell of an artist. She’s helping me set up part of the festival.”

“She sounds cool.” I reply.

*I wonder what she’s like. This will be very interesting.*

I spot her in one of the stalls. She is tall, with auburn hair shaved in an undercut, lightly freckled skin, hazel eyes, yellowish tinted glasses, and wears a maroon hoodie and black sweatpants. She fiddles with a Rubik’s cube in one hand.

“Are you...Remy?” I ask. She turns towards me and slips off her headphones.

“Yes. Do you need anything from me?” She says. The pitch of her voice is a bit lower than I expected it to be.

“Er...no, not really, I was just saying hi.” I say. “Also why are you wearing sunglasses? It’s not that bright in here.” Artemis says

“I have sensory issues.” Remy replies. “Sometimes certain types of light are uncomfortable to me.”

“We can adjust it if you like.”

“Hey, I think I sort of recognise you.” She says. “Alex’s been telling me about you.”

Before I can say anymore, I hear an explosion, mechanical clanking, and maniacal laughter. It sounds like two people. A low pitched growly laugh, probably Anubis, and a higher pitched, grating laugh with a snort at the end.

“Oh *good lord.”* Artemis growls. “My psychopath of a brother is back.”

“I can help you.” Remy says. “There’s always a way.”

“I heard another voice next to his.” I say. “But I can’t place it.”

“We’ll explain later.” Alex says. “Right now we need to stop them both.”

“I will *rule* the realm and make my parents regret ratting on me.” The strange figure crows. “And I will mark you all *fugitives!* Especially that messy haired red wolf of yours, what’s her name? Raina...Ryan, oh...*Remy.”* She smiles smugly. “From now on you’ll call me ‘most imperial exalted highness.”

“That’ll do it.” Remy growls, her brow furrowing. She grows slightly taller, grows fur the same color as her hair, and her features become more wolf like. She lunges at the small malamute/pomeranian hybrid, and pins her down.

“*Nobody* insults me like that.” Remy snarls, locking eyes with her. “Oh Queenie. If you ever make assumptions like this, you’re in for a nasty surprise, you cowardly little egotistical brat.”

“I didn’t know Queenie was her name.” Astrid says. “How on earth is she so *crazy?!”*

“It’s time to hear the full story.” The source of the two voices come from a couple. One a pomeranian, and the other a husky. Probably Queenie’s parents.

“I’m ready.” I say, confidence in my voice. If there’s one thing we need to stop an enemy, it’s how it all started.

“When Queenie was much younger, she had, or rather, has always has had a disregard for rules. We thought she’d grow out of this, but I see we were wrong.” she says sadly. “She was a rough and tumble child, but when she ended up constantly hurting others when she was angry and attempting to be the center of everything, that’s when we started worrying. We should’ve been more careful.” The mother says. “Then she got kicked out of the realm and stripped of her magic, which only offered us temporary relief, but it didn’t last long when she started building robot suits and hacking into technology. The good thing is that even though the realm doesn’t use it as much, you guys know a lot.”