Wolfgang, Part Three

From The Journal Of Veles JagerMonster

Sheriff's Office

Fuzz sat behind his desk. Wolfgang sat in the chair on the other side of his desk, after having spent the rest of the night in the smaller cell. Baron Wulfenbach, Eugenia Burton, Annechen Lowey, Gilgamesh Wulfenbach, Mother Superior, Forelle Broek, and Willard the Rat were around Fuzz's desk. All but Fuzz, Wolfgang, and Mother Superior were talking at once. Finally, Fuzz held up his hand, all went quiet, except for Willard who was still squeaking. He then stopped, looked around, then stared at Fuzz.

"Where are we going to find a possum willing to do that in this area?" Fuzz asked Willard.

Willard sighed, then hopped off the desk and headed towards his cell. Fuzz opened his desk drawer and pulled out a small pouch.

"Mother Superior," He said, "will you please get me a glass of water?"

Mother Superior nodded, then headed out. Fuzz looked at the company present.

"Forelle, why are you here?"

The lawyer cleared his throat, then answered, "As Miss Burton's attorney, I feel I should be present for all to discuss the damages that was done by young Master Muircastle, here."

Annechen looked at Eugenia, "I will pay you for the chickens that went missing, Genie. It's the least I can do."

"No," Eugenia replied, "I couldn't ask for that. Perhaps, something else could be arranged."

Fuzz raised an eyebrow, "Such as?"

"Oh...." Eugenia said, glancing over at the Baron, "Perhaps, Klaus could discuss it over a little candlelit dinner."

The Baron's reply was a pinching of the bridge of his nose. Fuzz looked at Eugenia and shook his head.

"Very well," Eugenia said, throwing her arms up in the air, "I have wood that needs chopping. I suppose a few days of that will make up for the damages done."

Mother Superior returned with the glass of water and placed it on Fuzz's desk. Fuzz pulled a small packet from the pouch, and looked at Wolfgang.

"How do you feel?" he asked

Wolfgang looked nervously at his mother and the Baron, then looked at Fuzz, "I think I'm going to throw up."

Fuzz nodded as he poured the packets contents into the glass of water. The water started to fizz and bubble slightly.

"Surprised you haven't done that when you started eating the chickens....raw." he said, sliding the glass closer to Wolfgang, "Drink that. It'll help."

After Wolfgang drank the contents of the glass, Fuzz motioned for Mother Superior to take Wolfgang out of the room. After the two left, Fuzz looked at Annechen.

"I owe you an apology." he said, "I've had Veles keep an eye on Wolfgang, and he's been reporting to me on the matter. I asked him not to tell you anything."

"As the legal representative of Annechen Lowey..." Forelle began, before quickly stopping after Fuzz's eyes started to glow red.

Annechen shook her head, "I asked for your help, Sheriff, and you kept things from me. IS he going to become...."

"I don't know." Fuzz replied

Gilgamesh looked at Fuzz with a puzzled look, "The chicken situation wasn't convincing enough?"

Fuzz chuckled, seeing as he was the only one who saw amusement in the situation, he chuckled again, "The problem is.....we don't know if Wolfgang has the lycanthropy disease or not. He was attacked by a creature, yes. BUT, there's the possibility that he may not turn. In his mind, since he was attacked by the rogue lycan, he may turn into one. The sleepwalking, the attacking the chickens....it could be his mind, brilliant as it may be, playing tricks on him. There've been several full moons since his attack, and he never changed. The sleepwalking's been getting worse these past few nights. Tonight is a full moon. This is when we'll find out for certain. If nothing happens, we'll send him to Caledon. There's a doctor there that will help him deal with this particular mental problem."

Annechen sat down in the chair and looked at Fuzz, "And if he does....would he be savage.....could you help him control it?"

"If he changes," Fuzz replied, "we're going to need more help than I can give, and I must break a promise that was made in order to help Wolfgang. In the meantime....he needs to be kept in a safe place. Lock and key. I would offer the cell, but I don't think it's something he'd like......"

"The Consulate has a few observation rooms," The Baron said, "perhaps we could keep him in there. Place a few of the Jaegerkin to guard the door..." he looked down at Annechen, "just in case."

Fuzz nodded, "I think it would be best to keep him in familiar surroundings."

Annechen stood up and glared at the sheriff, "I am still angry at you for keeping this information regarding my son from me."

Forelle walked behind Fuzz's desk and stook beside the Sheriff, "As Sheriff Ortega's legal representative..."

"Forelle." Fuzz interupted.

"Yes, Sheriff?" Forelle asked

"She's right."

"Ok...but, never fear, I WILL represent you, should it go to court."

Gilgamesh chuckled, Annechen rolled her eyes, Eugenia blew a kiss at the Baron, and the Baron nosepinched. Without a word, Annechen stood up and left the office. The Baron and Gilgamesh followed. Eugenia looked at the Sheriff.

"Fuzz," she asked, "candlelit dinner?"

"Sorry, Genie," Fuzz said, "Bachelor For Life."

"Oh poo" she replied, then left the room.

Forelle chuckled, then started to leave. He stopped as Angelica walked into the office, carrying a few wrapped packages. Nervously, he tipped his hat to her, then hurried out. Angelica studied him as he left.

"That's my lawyer." Fuzz said

"Familiar looking." Angelica said, turning back towards Fuzz. "Something involving Pinkertons. Mind you, so many cases come in and out....it's hard to keep up. Lawyer?"

Fuzz nodded, "Maybe he represented someone Pinkerton apprehended."

Angelica nodded, half listening. Fuzz grabbed one of the packages.

"This for me?" he asked

Angelica smiled, "Only if you want to be the owner of a doll. These are for Anya."

"Ah, ok.....last doll I had, I used for target practice." Fuzz said

Angelica placed the packages on the desk, then punched Fuzz, "You big flea bag, that was my doll and you stole it from me."

Fuzz rubbed the place where she punched him, "Yea.....well, at least I didn't turn the cat's fur purple."

Angelica thought for a moment, "But it was a pretty purple color."

Fuzz nodded in agreement.

Outside the Europan Observation Room, Later That Evening

Greegar and Maxim sat outside the room, both looking at each other.

"Hy kould be at de dance." Greegar said, "Ve gaff our report to de Kaptain. Vy does he make us schtay here?"

Maxim shrugged, "Dis iz hall nev to de Baron. No verevolfs in Europa. Zum uf de schtaff are nervous."

Greegar nodded

Inside the Room

Wolfgang sat on the edge of the bed, reading the dime novel he had bought. He had reached to the part where Sheriff Ortega steered the airship through the eye of the storm, and began to wonder who writes such impossible stories. Suddenly, his whole body started to quiver. He glanced out the window and saw the full moon appear as the clouds moved. Suddenly, he began shaking violently. He lunged forward and knocked the lantern off the table.

Outside the room

The two Jaeger's heard the noise. Maxim held up his weapon, as Greegar slowly unlock, then open the door. The room was pitch black. Very cautiously, Maxim walked closer to the doorway and peered in.

"Volfgang?" he asked

The answer was a growl, followed by the sound of a window breaking.

Kokopelli Stage

The residents were enjoying the Friday night festivities, along with a few residents of the Steeltopian empire. The Steelhead children were cheering as Hawc DeCosta fired off the fireworks that Tensai had left for the event. Fuzz watched his sister finish the dance with a young man, then walked over to her as the man walked away.

"Wonder what he'd do if he found out that you're fifteen years older than he is?" Fuzz asked

"You're going to get smacked." was her reply, she glanced at the Europan's who were dancing close by. "Annechen Lowey has a lot on her mind."

Fuzz nodded, "Mad at me for not giving her all the information that I was getting. I really wasn't sure what to expect."

"You know what to expect now?"

The reply was a few screams from the edge of the Kokopelli property. Fuzz looked over as a werewolf, slightly smaller than the Fuzzwolf, roughly six feet tall, snarled as it entered the area.

"I was expecting the Consulate building to be difficult to get out of once you're locked in." Fuzz said

Veles and a couple of residents held up weapons at the werewolf as it came closer. It snarled and swung at them. Fuzz ran forward.

"STOP." Fuzz ordered the group, he looked as Greegar and Maxim came running up, weapons raised, "Weapons down. Everyone....stand back. Don't go near...."

He stopped when he saw his daughter walking closer to the werewolf.

"Anya." he whispered

The werewolf looked at the little girl and snarled ferociously at her. Anya didn't budge. She merely looked into the lycan's eyes.

"Fuzz..." Angelica whispered nervously, "do something."

All was quiet, except for the werewolf snarling. It was Anya who broke the silence.

"Wolfgang," she pleaded with the Lycan, "No"

The werewolf stopped snarling, and looked at Anya. He looked around at the frightened crowd. His expression suddenly turned into fear, and he started sobbing. Fuzz walked closer, taking his jacket off, as the werewolf slowly started to change back into that of the 13 year old Europan. Fuzz placed his jacket around the sobbing boy as his mother ran up to him and comforted him. Veles walked up to Greegar and Maxim to start to scold them for letting Wolfgang escape, but was cut stopped by Fuzz.

"It's ok," Fuzz said as he picked up Anya, "And you.....Now I know how Miss Katt feels when I go off on some wild adventure."

"I'm sorry, Papa" the six year old replied

Fuzz hugged his daughter, then glanced down the streets of Steelhead. Putting her down, he walked to the end of the Kokopelli property and knelt down on one knee. Anya stood beside him, her hand on her shoulder. Everyone watched as a white wolf came out of the shadows and walked up to Fuzz. Wolfgang looked over to see the wolf staring at him. The wolf then looked at Fuzz.

*Yes* the wolf told Fuzz in wolfspeak, then turned and disappeared into the shadows.

"Yes what?" Anya asked her father.

Angelica gave Anya a surprised look, "She understood Wolfspeak?!!?"

Fuzz stood up, looked down at his daughter, then looked at Angelica, "I'm going to be shocked later, I promise."

He walked over to Annechen and Wolfgang, the Baron and his son walked closer to listen.

"From now on," Fuzz said, "I shall be open and honest with both of you. Wolfgang will need to control this. So, we're going on a trip."

"Where to?" Annechen asked

"Past the large oak tree."

The Baron looked at Fuzz, "Pardon?"

"There's a tribe, The Tribe of the White Fang, their village is a two day trip past that oak tree. That entire area is their land. They wished to be left alone, and not be bothered."

"You could not trust us?" The Baron asked, "Herr Sheriff, if you were to tell us the reason why...."

"I swore on the love of the Mother Wolf, never to reveal anything about them." Fuzz said, "Only in the most extreme cirumstances am I allowed to break that pact."

Anya looked up at her aunt with a puzzled look. Angelica shook her head.

"Lycan superstition," Angelica whispered to her, "they think that the Mother Wolf will come out of the sky and eat them if they broke their word."

"When do we leave?" Annechen asked

"Day break. Hope you enjoy camping out, because there are no luxurious hotels between here and there." Fuzz replied, he then turned to his sister, "She WILL come down and eat me if I ever broke my word."

"Pfft"

Town Hall Foyer

Fuzz walked out of his office and smiled as Tensai walked up to him.

"How was your vacation?" he asked

"Peaceful," she replied "....well, until I set off those explosives. But it was fun."

Lunar came in, carrying several suitcases, stacked on top of each other. He was barely able to see over the top.

"Oh, Lunar" Tensai said, "go ahead and take that to our house. I'll go through them, there."

Lunar sighed, then turned to head out. Tensai thought for a second then turned back to him.

"Oh second thought, you might want to go ahead and take them up to your office. There are some things I should just take out up there."

Lunar sighed, then headed towards the elevator.

"OH." Fuzz said, snapping his fingers, "Your elevator thing....stopped working for some reason."

"Oh dear." Tensai said, "Lunar, you'll have to take the stairs."

"There are no stairs leading to our office, dearest" Lunar said, exhausted

"Well find the ladder."

Fuzz watched Lunar walk out of the foyer, then looked at Tensai.

"Looks like he needs a vacation from his vacation." Fuzz noted

Tensai nodded, "He's always so tense. So, where are you off to?"

"Taking Wolfgang camping."

"Taking Anya, too?"

Fuzz shook his head, "Wolfgang's a werewolf. Need to teach him to control it. Angelica's going to take care of Anya. Oh, and....not to really put any stress on Lunar.....there's some werewolf hunter in the area."

"Jobias?"

"No"

Tensai shrugged, "No reason to worry, then. You can handle it. Good luck camping with the Baron."

Fuzz gave Tensai a puzzled look, then headed outside. There, he found Wolfgang and Annechen, both on horseback. Veles, Greegar, and Maxim were on a wagon, as The Baron and Gilgamesh were double checking some of the supplies.

"What's going on?" Fuzz asked

"Checking supplies." the Baron replied

Fuzz pointed at the Baron, "You're coming with us?"

The Baron nodded, "Ja. I think this would be an excellant opportunity. To learn more. That is why I have come to this dimension. Now, please, Herr Sheriff. Lead on, we have much ground to cover."

Fuzz threw up his arms, giving up on arguing, then mounted his horse. Soon, the party was heading out of Steelhead City, making their way to Steelhead Forest.

Deep Inside The Forest

He was a large man, with a bushy beard. He studied the ground, searching for the trail. He then found the lycan footprints. McGee smiled to himself, then headed deeper into the forest.

To Be Continued

Wolfgang, Part Two

From Annechen Lowey's Journal

From Amarantis Belfire's Journal

The Farm of Eugenia Burton, Steelhead City

"That's not Jeremiah." Fuzz muttered to Mother Superior as they walked out of the barn.*

"Miss Burton seems to think that he is." Mother Superior replied, "She believes he has amnesia."

Fuzz looked at the barn, then back at Mother Superior, "I've seen amnesia victims, the majority of them do not have horns. Looks like an antelope."

"What of his scent? Is it the scent of Miss Burton's farm hand?"

Fuzz pointed to the mistletoe tree located on Eugenia's farm. When she originally planted the tree, her intention was for the Christmas events, hanging it over the doorway to kiss folks who entered (her hopes were for the Baron to walk under it), she was not aware of the tree having the ability to throw off the senses of a Lycan.

"Oh..." Mother Superior replied, "then the latest attack from the chicken thief will have to be solved by other means."

Fuzz motioned to the Jaeger's searching around the chicken coop, "Have to rely on the next best thing to a Lycan's sense of smell."

Greegar Hellershanks marched from the chicken coop up to the sheriff and saluted. Fuzz waved.

"Herr Sheriff, ve hef schniffed de entire chicken koop. Hall scents are from SCHteelheaders. De children, especially, like to visit Miss Burton's farm." the Jaeger reported.

Fuzz nodded, then headed towards the chicken coop. He looked over at Mother Superior, "And this happened as Genie was out discovering 'Jeremiah'?"

"Yes, Sister Christian checked the farm. Found nothing out of the ordinary, then continued on with her rounds. As she was coming back, she heard the commotion. When she returned, nothing but scattered feathers, and more spooked chickens."

"Herr Sheriff," Greegar asked, "do hyu schpeak to animals? Maybe de chickens kan tell hyu vat heppened."

Fuzz studied the inside of the coop as he replied, "Afraid Poultry isn't one of my learned languages. Mostly it's Wolfspeak. On occasion, I can speak a bit of feline. And there are times when Willard is griping and complaining that I wish I never learned the Ratspeak."

"What do we do, Sheriff?" Mother Superior asked

Fuzz turned and began to leave the farm, "I'm going to continue to investigate."

"Off the farm?"

"Yes, off the farm." Fuzz stopped and turned to Mother Superior, "But, keep an eye on 'Jeremiah'. He may not not who they think he is, and the only other Jeremiah I know that's familiar with Steelhead, could mean big trouble."

Outside Steelhead Town Hall

Fuzz made it back to town hall in time to see a large wagon pulled by a team of mules pull up in front. A large man with a coonskin cap was sitting in the wagon, which was covered by a tarp. He saw Fuzz and smiled. Baron Wulfenbach and Veles walked over, curious as to the newcomer.

"Hudson." Fuzz called out, "Haven't seen you in Steelhead in some time. Thought you gave up on doing business with us and stayed with those boys in Portland."

"Ah, Fuzz" the stranger replied, "Those boys in Portland are nothing compared to the fine folks in Steelhead."

Fuzz smiled, then looked at the Baron, "Hudson here's a trapper. One of the best. Used to bring in all kinds of fur. Lately, though, he's making a fortune selling Faux fur."

"Vat iz Faux Fur?" Veles asked

"A faux" Hudson explained as he got down from his wagon, "is a small creature. 'bout the size of a beaver. Cute, cuddly, adorable......dangerous."

Fuzz nodded, "Multiply like you wouldn't believe. They'll eat you out of house and home. Destroyed farm lands, forests, you name it. The only thing they're good for, is their fur. Better than any mink, fox, bear, or rabbit. The high society in Caledon are always looking for Faux fur to wear at functions."

"Ah," Wulfenbach said, "I've seen the fur coats that you speak of. Perhaps Herr Hudson would allow me to purchase some of his fur, depending on if he has plenty to spare."

Hudson smiled, then threw back the tarp, revealing the wagon filled with fur of the Faux, "Damn varmints were running rampant south of Seattle. I got plenty." He turned to Fuzz, "Where's the elf?"

"Vacation." Fuzz replied, "I gave him no choice. He and Tensai had been working non-stop. Katt's running things....until she screams in frustration, then I help with the bureaucracy."

Hudson nodded, then moved closer to Fuzz and whispered, "There's something else I need to show you."

Hudson led Fuzz to the rear of the wagon, and motioned to a large sack. He then opened the sack and revealed the gray and white fur inside it.

"Oh God." Fuzz whispered in shock.

"Yea," Hudson replied, "Got it off a trapper named McGee. Guy's bad news. Said he got it twenty miles east of here."

Veles looked at the fur, his eyes got wide, "Ho, dat looks familiar."

Fuzz looked at Veles, "It does? When did you see this?"

Veles looked at Fuzz, "De day dat Volfgang vas attacked. De kreature dat attacked him. His fur looked chust like dat."

Fuzz looked at Hudson, "Where's this McGee now?"

Hudson shrugged, "Still in Seattle when I left there. But he mentioned that he was returning to these parts, claimed that his hunting wasn't over yet."

Fuzz pointed at the sack, "I'll make sure you get compensated. Veles, if the Baron doesn't need you for anything, I need your help with something."

"Go ahead, Captain." the Baron said, "I will conduct business with Herr Hudson. I wish to present a special gift to Frau Lowey.....NOT a word to her."

Veles gave the signal of locking his lips, then followed the sheriff to the Europan Consulate. The Baron looked at the sack.

"McGee is a werewolf hunter, isn't he?" He asked

Hudson nodded, "Moment I heard his story, I bought the fur, then high tailed it to Steelhead."

"Herr Sheriff is able to take care of himself."

"It ain't Fuzz that needs the protecting."

Inside The Europan Consulate

Anya looked up from her school work to see her father looking in from the hallway and smiled. Fuzz put his finger to his lips, then motioned for her to continue with her work. She nodded, and went back to her studies. Fuzz then turned to Veles.

"The Europan children's dorm rooms?" Fuzz asked

"Gurls or boys?"

"Boys." Fuzz replied, "In particular, I wish to know where Wolfgang sleeps."

Veles nodded, then led Fuzz up the stairs.

Boys Dorm Room

Fuzz walked over to the bed that Veles pointed out as being Wolfgang's. It was pretty evident as it was the only one that wasn't made. Fuzz studied the mess.

"Tossing and turning." Fuzz noted as he got down on one knee and peered under the bed.

Veles nodded, "Oh, ja. Frau Lowey iz vorried sick about him. Herr Baron hes pinched his nose, Hy tink he might hef broken de bridge"

Fuzz got up, Veles didn't notice him putting something in his inside coat pocket. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Veles. Everything's gonna be ok."

Both looked up as a bell sounded.

"School's out" Veles noted

Fuzz nodded then headed out of the room and back downstairs.

The Consulate Hallway

Fuzz found Anya standing at the doorway leading out of the Consulate. He held out his hand as he started to walk by, Anya took it and walked out with him.

"Why is that in your pocket?" she asked

Fuzz looked at his daughter, who looked up, pointing at her nose. Fuzz nodded.

"Trying to help Mrs. Annechen and Wolfgang." Fuzz replied

"Is Wolfgang in trouble?"

"No," Fuzz said, "Sometimes we get forced into things we don't want. But we have to learn to deal with these things. The great thing is, we don't have to be alone when dealing with it."

"Aunt Angelica is right," Anya said, nodding "you DO talk weird."

"Your Aunt Angelica always says the nicest things about me."

Sheriff's Office

Mother Superior held several envelopes in her hand as Fuzz and Anya walked into the office. She handed the envelopes to Fuzz.

"One of those envelopes is a letter from Colonel O'Toole." Mother Superior said, "I hope that means he will be returning soon."

"Hard to say with Hotspur." Fuzz said, placing the envelopes in front of him as he sat down at his desk, "But if he's writing, that means he's on the mend and that the folks in Fusang have been taking real good care of him."

Anya pulled a chair behind Fuzz's desk and sat next to him, folding her hands on the desk and looking up at Mother Superior. Mother Superior smiled, then looked at the Sheriff.

"And what of the chicken thief?" she asked

Fuzz reached into his inside coat pocket and pulled out the chicken feather he found under Wolfgang's bed. "I need to get to it out of the way before tomorrow night. It's going to be a full moon."

The Edge Of Steelhead Forest

Fuzz knelt down on one knee and waited. The night air felt refreshing. He had been staying home at nights to be with his daughter, but too much was going on. After leaving Anya in the care of Miss Katt, Fuzz went do deal with the businesses at hand.

The first business was not a long wait, as the white wolf came out of the forest. She looked at the Sheriff, and the two began to converse in Wolfspeak. After a few minutes, the white wolf turned then headed back into the forest.

Fuzz then caught a scent in the air. He quickly turned and headed back towards Steelhead City.

The Farm of Eugenia Burton

Fuzz jumped over the fence to Eugenia's property and ran towards the chicken coop. He could hear the chickens in a frenzy. He ran into the coop and found the culprit.

"WOLFGANG" Fuzz yelled

Wolfgang spun around, two dead chickens in each hand. His eyes were glowing red. He looked at Fuzz and snarled.

To Be Continued

*To learn more about the stranger in Miss Burton's barn, turn to here

Wolfgang, Part One

Baron Klaus Wulfenbach had ruled much of the country Europa for many years. A brilliant genius, known in his lands as a "Spark", living in a large airship known as "Castle Wulfenbach". Some say, he ruled his country with an iron fist. Many called him a tyrant. He prefered to study the nature of the Spark, rather to delve into politics.

As his side, were many advisors. His army consisted of creatures known as the Jaegerkin, or Jaeger. These were creatures that were once men, but given a special potion to turn them into the creatures. He has but only one son, Gilgamesh.

For many years, Herr Baron ruled the lands of Europa. Dealing with interlopers and adversaries wanting to overthrow his rule.

But there came a time that the Wulfenbach scientists created a device that could open doors between parallel worlds. The strongest of these doorways led to the world that consisted of the Independent State of Caledon, Steeltopia, the city-state of New Babbage, and Steelhead City, Oregon. Chosing Annechen Lowey, having a few other volunteer their services, and handpicking the right Jaeger's, Baron Wulfenbach set forth to this world and set up several consulates in different lands. Of all the advise that was given to the Baron before making this journey, one was made a priority by his advisors.

"Be careful of any contamination. Europa may not be able to handle things from this world if brought back to the Homelands."

The Baron and his consulate heeded the words of the advisors, and tried to remain careful of anything that Europans were not used to.

Then, there was the day that Annechen Lowey's son, Wolfgang, was attacked.....


From Annechen Lowey's Journal

Sheriff's Office, Steelhead City

"Chickens?" Fuzz asked

In front of his desk, Eugenia Burton nodded, "Missing. Three of them. The others look spooked."

Sister Alma walked up to the desk and smiled, "Any sign of foul play?"

"ALMA" Fuzz scolded the elderly nun, who merely shrugged and went about her business.

Eugenia hid a smile behind her hand, then looked at the Sheriff, "I know this sounds silly. Especially after all your recent adventures....."

Fuzz held up his hand, "Nonsense, after all those recent adventures, I'd love to look into the chicken theif case."

The Djinni smiled at the sheriff, "Thank you, Sheriff."

As Eugenia left the office, Lady Christine McAllister-Pearse and Fuzz's daughter, Anya, walked in. Fuzz gave a slight bow to Lady Christine, then smiled at Anya.

"Hi there." he said

Anya ran up and hugged Fuzz. Fuzz lifted her up and sat her on the desk.

"So, did you enjoy spending the afternoon with Lady Christine?" Fuzz asked

"Yes, Papa" Anya replied

"Did she teach you anything?"

Anya nodded

Fuzz smiled, "What did she teach you?"

Anya gave a big smile and replied, "You're her favorite sugar booger"

Fuzz's smile disappeared and he glared at Lady Christine, who smiled demurely. Fuzz looked back at Anya.

"There's some cheese in the top drawer, go feed Willard for me." he said

"Ok, Papa"

Fuzz walked over to Christine and shook his head.

"What?" she asked, "You are."

Fuzz smiled, "Thanks for watching her."

"You shouldn't worry about her. In Steelhead, she's safe."

"I don't worry about her." Fuzz replied

"OH?" Christine asked, "You haven't been looking out your window, staring at the Europan Consulate when the children are out playing?"

"Yes." Fuzz said

"Well?"

"If anyone was paying attention," Fuzz explained, "they'd notice I had been doing that for some time now, before Anya came to Steelhead."

Christine looked puzzled, "Why?"

Fuzz looked out the window and saw the Jaeger patrol walking out of the consulate, "I'll explain later. Have some business to attend to."

Fuzz took his hat off the hook on the wall then looked over at Sister Alma, "Alma, I'll be back in a minute. Keep an eye on Anya for me."

"Sure thing, Sheriff." the elderly nun replied

Fuzz walked out of the office, then walked back in, pointing a finger at Alma, "DON'T teach her anything until I get back."

Fuzz walked back out. Christine smiled at Anya, then left as well. Anya gave Willard a piece of cheese, then looked at Alma.

"Sugar Booger" she said, smiling.

Alma chuckled.

Outside the Europan Consulate

Fuzz leaned against the post, speaking with the Jaeger captain, Veles Munster. Despite his strange accent, Fuzz was able to understand the captain clearly.

"He hes been schleepvalkink, a lot. Ve do not know vere he goes. It hesn' affected his schtudies, accordink to Frau Lowey." Veles explained

"Every night?" Fuzz asked

Veles shook his head, "Frau Lowey hes hallowed him to go on patrol vith zum uf us, especially Sargeant Hellershenks. He seems heppy in de forest."

Fuzz nodded. "This.....could be nothing. I mean, since the attack, Annechen has kept me up to date on some of these things. But....at the same time, I think she's protecting him."

Veles nodded, "Ja, Hy try to ask her qvestions. But, scared uf beink hit vith de schtick. Hy vill try und keep hyu informed."

Fuzz chuckled, "Fine, Veles. Speaking of patrols. You've kept your word, haven't you? None of you have gone past the large oak tree?"

Veles nodded, "But vy? Vat iz so schpecial about dat place?"

"A promise that was made." Fuzz explained, "Official Steelhead Business."

Veles nodded. Fuzz turned to find Wolfgang Muircastle standing close by. Fuzz smiled.

"Hello, Wolfgang." Fuzz said

Wolfgang's response was a wave.

Fuzz walked closer to Wolfgang, "I want to thank you for helping Anya settle in. Very commendable of you. I'm sure most kids your age wouldn't want to waste time helping a girl of six. You're....what? Thirteen?"

"Yes sir." Wolfgang replied

Fuzz nodded, deep in thought, "I see."

He then quickly snapped out of thought.

"By the way, what food do they serve here? Anya seems to like the lunch she had today."

"I don't know what was served, today." Wolfgang replied, "I...I wasn't very hungry."

Annechen walked up to Wolfgang and put her hand on her son's shoulder, "Wolfgang, time for your studies."

"Yes, Mother." Wolfgang gave a slight bow to Fuzz, "Good day, Sheriff."

Wolfgang walked off. Annechen turned towards Fuzz, "There have been no signs of him changing. Do you think that maybe, perhaps, it wasn't.....I mean, he could remain normal....I don't mean that....."

"Sleepwalking." Fuzz said, "I wish I knew what happened to the wolf that attacked him that day. But, that's water under the bridge. All we can do now is wait. If you don't mind my asking, what would happen to Wolfgang IF he does show change and he's not able to control it?"

Annechen looked towards the Consulate, then back at the Sheriff, "He would probably have to remain here in this realm. Never to return to Europa. If.....he does return with us. He would probably be banished to the place we refer to as The Wastelands."

"Then," Fuzz said, "if the change happens, mother instincts and Europan diplomatic fuddy duddy will be of no use. You'll need to listen and trust me."

"You can teach him to control it?" Annechen asked

There was a moment of silence, then Fuzz replied, "Sure. Now if you'll excuse me. I have duties to attend to."

Fuzz walked up to Mother Superior, who was walking towards the town hall.

"Mother Superior," Fuzz said "chicken thieves."

"Chicken Thieves?" Mother Superior asked

"Yes. We have chicken thieves."

"Is fowl play suspected?"

"Ok.....you and Sister Alma.....you two stay away from my daughter."

The two laughed as they entered town hall. Annechen turned to find the Baron standing close by.

"He's hiding something." the Baron noted, "Like perhaps the boy may not be able to control it."

Annechen slowly nodded, "I sensed that, too. Perhaps it's because Wolfgang is not born a Lycan. It may be more difficult, but not impossible."

The Baron looked at his vice consul, "He will not be banished to the Wastelands. I have faith in Herr Sheriff."

The Consulate Dormitory, Later That Night

Wolfgang tossed and turned in bed. His body was covered with sweat. He sat straight up, staring around the room. He leapt out of bed, and walked over to the window. He opened it and sniffed the air outside. He then crawled out the window and lept to the ground. He looked around, his eyes slightly glowing red.

"Hunger" he snarled.

Wolfgang ran off, staying in the shadows, heading off towards Harborside.

To Be Continued