Voices Of The Past. Part Three

Seven Years Ago

Steam Sky City

Ignatius Oglebee ran down the corridors, clutching the Cross Of Caledon in his arms. Several feet behind him, a neko wearing a derby and a tall muscular man chased him. Ignatius pulled a pistol from his pocket and fired. Residents quickly ran to their windows to see what the commotion was about. The neko and his companion quickly jumped for the cover of a nearby doorway.

"He's a slippery bugger." the Irish Neko, Malcolm O'Malley noted.

His companion, Captain Jonathon Williamson nodded, "Not to mention armed. He's heading towards the docking bay. We can't let him get away."

"I think the others may not want him to leave so early." Malcolm said smiling, "Party's just getting started."

Ignatius continued running down the corridor, knocking over a couple of ladies, who had the misfortune of walking around the corner. Malcolm and Williamson continued to pursue, but Malcolm stopped to help the ladies.

"Malcolm" Williamson called out, "Let's go."

Ignatius turned another corner and saw two more ladies standing in the corridor. This time, one, Valerie Greene, held a rifle. The other, Lady Amanda Smythe, brandished a sword. Ignatius fired at a nearby pipe, the bullet burst the pipe and steam blew onto the ladies, providing the cover he needed. He then ran to a door that opened to a stairwell and ran down the flight of stairs. The ladies followed.

"I am shoving this rifle where the sun doesn't shine on him." Valerie fumed, "And then, I'm pulling the trigger."

The Duchess of Kensingworth smiled, "A proper lady, even in the heat of battle."

The two were joined by Malcolm and the Captain and they continued their pursuit. They reached the airship dock too late as Ignatius was already in his airship and heading out of Steam Sky City.

"Damn him." Malcolm said "Slippery bugger."

"It's ok." Lady Amanda said, "He's not sailing on to freedom just yet."

Ignatius sneered at the group, then turned his attention back to the front of his airship, to find another airship blocking his exit. Airship pilot Grover Mills smiled, knowing that the adversary was trapped. Ignatius aimed his pistol at Grover, realizing too late that the werewolf had jumped on board his airship. He quickly spun around to fire at the wolf, just as Fuzz backhanded him. Ignatius fell to the ground. The Fuzzwolf stood over Ignatius and growled at him.

"I GIVE UP" Ignatius called out in a frightened voice, as his pants became soiled.

Lady Amanda's Airship

In the study of her airship, Lady Amanda smiled at the group of adventurers she had gathered together to assist her in obtaining the treasures that were stolen.

"The Cross of Caledon is back in the Caledon Museum and the rest of the stolen artifacts are on their way to their proper museums around the world." she said, "And I have each of you to thank for this."

"Twas nothing," Malcolm O'Malley said, "the thrill of the adventure was enough for me. I think I got back those two lives."

"I would gladly do something like that, again." Grover Mills added, "If you require my services again, don't hesitate to ask."

From his chair near the fireplace, Fuzz looked at the group, "What about the secret that those artifacts shared?"

Captain Williamson nodded, "The Sheriff's right. If Ignatius found out....."

"It has been nothing more than myths and legends." Lady Amanda added, "If Professor Parx stated it as being mere poppycock, his exact words, I might add, this may not happen, again. Besides, Ignatius is a madman. He escaped from the sanitarium in Caledon, remember."

"I hope you're right." Fuzz said, he looked over at Valerie sitting across from him, shaking her head. "What?"

"You are such a spoil sport." she said, "All that adventure. That excitement. We won the day. You don't wish to celebrate with us?"

Fuzz shrugged, then looked at the fire in the fireplace.

"How about a private celebration then?" she asked

Fuzz looked back at her, "You are a wicked woman."

"You know me too well."

Seven Years Later

Sheriff's Office, Steelhead City

"He's wanted for spitting in public?" Fuzz asked as he looked at the wanted poster.

"Yes." Sister Alma said

Fuzz looked at the 80 year old nun, "Steelhead's such a dangerous place."

"10 dollar reward." Sister Alma pointed out

"You catch him, you can keep the reward." Fuzz said, "Don't worry, I won't tell Mother Superior."

Fuzz stopped as his hearing started to pick up a faint sound that started to grow louder and louder. His eyes widened and he ran out of the office, out of town hall, and into the street. He looked around, then watched as a grandfather clock appeared out of thin air in the middle of the street. Residents watched the clock appear, and then went on about their business. After all, it was nothing unusual.

Fuzz walked to the grandfather clock and saw Mother Superior walking towards him. He touched the clock and the door swung open, inside the familiar hum of the TARDIS console could be heard.

"Is it your cousin's?" Mother Superior asked

"I'm not sure." Fuzz replied, "He hasn't been seen since he left Koen in Fusang."

Fuzz sniffed the air, and caught a scent that was both familiar and different at the same time. Cautiously, he walked into the TARDIS.

The TARDIS Console Room

Fuzz and Mother Superior walked into the console room and looked around. Fuzz noted the blood trail on the ground and followed it. On the other side of the console, he saw a figure wearing a familiar purple outfit. The figure, however, wasn't familiar. Where as Purdie Uggla, Fuzzball's distant Time Lord cousin, was tall, muscular and youthful in appearance, this figure was of average height, a bit wiry, with a gray beard and middle aged. His gray hair was a bit long, just an inch or two above the shoulders.

"Purdie?!?!" Fuzz whispered

Just as Fuzz went to touch the person, the person sat up so fast that Fuzz and Mother Superior both jumped. The person then got up and looked at the console.

"Right," the person said, "nothing to worry about, Koen, we'll be well on our way."

The person looked around and smiled at Fuzz.

"Fuzz!" He said, "Are you in China?"

"I was." Fuzz whispered

"Sheriff," Mother Superior asked, "who is this?"

"I'm me." the person replied

"He's him." Fuzz said.

"Him who?" Mother Superior asked

"Purdie." the person replied, "Purdanielun Ultarius Ugglandreunder. Or, Purdie Uggla, for short....and for a quite cute play on words, although people tend to think that I'm female with that name, but I can assure you, I am one hundred percent Time Lord male and why are you two taller?"

"You're shorter." Fuzz said, still surprised at his cousin's new look, "You...regugitate...no....rejuvinated....You redid something."

Purdie looked at Fuzz, then reached into his pocket, pulling out a mirror. He glanced at the reflection in the mirror.

"Oh." Purdie said, "I regenerated."

"REGENERATED!" Fuzz called out, "That's it."

Purdie looked at Fuzz, a serious look on his face, "I left Koen behind on Fusang. We were being fired upon and....."

"Oh, don't worry." Fuzz said, "He's safe. Last I heard, he was in New Babbage, but he keeps teleporting over here to see if you've returned."

"Hotspur was kidnapped, we were going to rescue him....."

Fuzz smiled, "He's safe. He's helping pave a new path for the Celestial Kingdom. Sent us a letter last week."

Purdie smiled, "Splendid. Now, there's one more thing that needs to be done. If you don't mind."

"Of course, Purdie. What is it."

"Catch me"

And with that, Purdie passed out, falling backwards. Quickly, Fuzz ran to his cousin and caught him before he hit the floor. Mother Superior bent down and looked at Purdie.

"What's wrong with him?" Mother Superior asked

Fuzz shook his head, "Not sure. Maybe his regeneration wasn't completed. He travels through time. Maybe from his viewpoint, he was shot two minutes ago. There is a room on this ship. He showed me one day. Said if his body needed help in healing, the room would be able to help."

Fuzz got up and looked at the controls on one side of the console. He flipped a switch, only to be shocked.

"WRONG SWITCH" he yelled. He then flipped another switch, and watched as a pair of bookshelves on the second level dematerialized, revealing a room of white. "That's it. The Zero Room."

Fuzz went to his cousin and he and Mother Superior picked Purdie up. They started to walk to the stairs, when Fuzz noticed the little girl standing the console room doorway.

"Anya." Fuzz said, "What are you doing in here?"

"I smelled you." Anya replied

Fuzz raised an eyebrow and then nodded, "Ok. Stay there. We'll be right back."

Anya nodded as she watched the sheriff and Mother Superior carry Purdie up the stairs and into the room. Once inside the room, they laid his body on the floor.

"Now what?" Mother Superior asked

"We wait," Fuzz replied, "let his body finish the regeneration process, and hope it's soon. I'm going to need his help."

"Why?" the nun asked

"Anya caught my scent." Fuzz explained, "Even though she has the pointed ears, she shouldn't have the heightened senses until sometime before her thirteenth birthday. It's very peculiar."

"Ah..." Mother Superior said, "about her. There are things I do not like about this."

"There are alot of things that I do, have done, will probably wind up doing that you don't approve of. I've gone to Father Gregory each time you give me that look and confessed. So....Valerie and I slept together and not married, Anya was born out of wedlock. I've already confessed to the good priest, knowing you would be upset. To be honest, he's tired of me coming in."

Mother Superior smiled, "It's not that. Miss Greene has yet to tell the child that you are her father. There's the fact of waiting six years before telling you. And I'm very suspicious of her allegedly being scared to tell you after all this time."

"Good" Fuzz said, "I thought it was just me."

"You're playing along to see what she's up to? Well, I do believe that Anastasia is your daughter."

"Yea." Fuzz replied, "That I know for a fact. But the fact that Val's using her. That really bothers me. But, for now. Let's see about getting Anya some goodies from Lady Christine's shop."

The Steelhead Train Station

Angelica stormed out of the train station. Riven Homewood and CeAire DeCosta walked out and watched Angelica walk towards the hotel.

"Miss Greene left Fuzz six years ago." Riven said, "Pretty much breaking his heart. I don't think we should have told his sister, who loves her brother very much, that the woman who broke his heart was in Steelhead."

"Oh?" CeAire asked, "What do you think Angelica's going to do?"

The two looked at each other and smiled, then quickly followed Angelica.

The Steelhead Hotel Lobby

Valerie Green walked down the stairs and looked to see a tall blonde woman walk into the hotel. The woman then walked quickly to Valerie.

"Miss Greene?" the woman asked

"Yes?" Valerie replied

The woman then punched Valerie in the nose.

"My name's Angelica Trescothick." the woman replied, "Fuzzball's sister"

To Be Continued

(A Flashback. A Fight. An Arrest. A Rat. And.....Just For Fun, Tensai)

Voices Of The Past. Part Two

Eight Years Ago

Steelhead City


Fuzz stood in front of the ruins of what was once the Steelhead Hotel. In his hand was the sheriff's badge that Kattrynn Severine had pinned on him. He studied it closely, unsure on putting back on. Beside him, TotalLunar Eclipse was standing, studying the ruins of the hotel.


"Can you rebuild it?" Fuzz asked, not taking his eyes off the badge.

"I was thinking of starting over," Lunar replied "making it better and more grand. You should wear that badge. Miss Severine picked you to be Steelhead's new sheriff for a reason. You are the best qualified for the job."


Fuzz shrugged, "Still a bit reluctant. One minute a friend is sheriff, the next he's been fired and I'm given the badge."

Lunar gestured at the ruins, "All that strife beforehand caused this. It wasn't entirely his fault, but he still had to pay a price. He's aware of that, and accepted it. Now.....we rebuild Steelhead City, in both this building and it's reputation. It's what Miss Severine wants."



Fuzz chuckled as he placed the badge back on his jacket, "If Katt hears you refer to her as Miss Severine, she's going to kick your kiester up and down this street. Where's our mayor?"


Lunar looked at Fuzz, "As of this morning, Steelhead City has no mayor. He left."


Fuzz shook his head, "I don't want that job. You take it."


"Katt asked me to run." Lunar replied, "Not sure if it's for me."


Fuzz pointed at his badge, "I've been saying that for the past 24 hours. I'm supposed to be searching for my sister. But......" Fuzz looked around the quiet town, "there's something about this town."


"So you've said. Countless times. 'More to this town than what many believe' I think were your words."


"And I mean it. This town can be a place that people will remember for generations. So......" he looked at Lunar, "run for mayor. A Moon Elf mayor, a Lycan sheriff, throw Tensai in for good measure. Lead by example. The citizens will catch on....."


"And together," Lunar finished, smiling, "we can all work together to bring this town to it's full potential, and beyond."


The two smiled and looked at the ruins, again.


"We need a new hotel." Fuzz said

"Top of the list."


"Damn," a female voice said from behind "obviously this town knows how to party."


The two turned around to greet the newcomer. Fuzz gave a slight smile, recognizing the visitor.

"Hello, Valerie." he said


"Hello, Fuzzy." Valerie Greene replied


"I hate being called 'Fuzzy'." Fuzz told Lunar.


"He has that Moldavian arrogance," Valerie explained to Lunar, "Call him 'Fuzzy' every chance you get, keeps him humbled."



"TotalLunar Eclipse," Fuzz interrupted, "may I introduce Miss Valerie Greene. Lady Adventuress, and a royal pain in the neck sometimes."



"And you love it." Valerie told Fuzz as she turned to greet Lunar



"Vedui, Miss Greene" Lunar said, "What brings you to Steelhead?"



Valerie smiled and looked over at Fuzz, "Bit of business, and a bit of pleasure."

"Fuzz" Lunar noted, "You're turning red."

Eight Years Later

Steelhead City Air Docks



Fuzz stepped off the airship and made his way down the flight of steps from the airdock. As he reached the bottom, he was greeted by Sister Mary Katherine and Willard. Willard was squeaking loudly and fast.


"Willard," Fuzz said, "slow down. What about an earthquake?"



"Happened a few hours ago," Sister Mary Katherine explained, "no serious damage in town. The train was derailed, however. A lot of the passengers were injured. With the assitance of the Europan Consulate and other citizens, they were tended to and are all resting comfortably."


"Oh good," Fuzz said, "one less thing for me to worry about. I'll be at my office if I'm needed."

"Of course, Sheriff" Sister Mary Katherine replied

Willard hopped off the crates and followed Fuzz down the path, heading towards town hall.



Sheriff's Office, Town Hall.


Lunar walked into the office and found Fuzz at his desk, sifting through paperwork. Fuzz looked up at Lunar and greeted him with a nod. Lunar replied, also with a nod.


"So, I missed all the fun, huh?" Fuzz asked


"Oh yes," Lunar responded "a few damaged windows here in town. It's going to be a few days in regards to the train, due to a few damaged tracks. The injured are all resting comfortably."

"Good." Fuzz said, as he continued working on the paperwork.

Willard stepped out of the cell and looked at Lunar. Lunar glanced at the rat, then turned his attention back to Fuzz.

"Valerie's here, Fuzz." he said

Fuzz stopped briefly, not looking up, then continued signing the paperwork. Willard looked over at Fuzz, then back at Lunar. Lunar gave Willard a "Mind your own business" look, then continued his conversation with Lunar.

"She's asked about you," he continued "it's been awhile since you two last spoke."

Fuzz looked up at Lunar, "Six years. Ancient history."

"I think you might want to speak to her, Fuzz." Lunar said, as he walked closer to Fuzz's desk.

"Hmmph." was Fuzz's only reply.

"After all," Lunar continued "the little girl has your eyes."

Fuzz put the paperwork down, and looked at Lunar, who nodded slowly. Fuzz then got up from his desk and began walking out of the office.

"Hotel" Lunar said as Fuzz left the office. The Moon Elf then looked down at the jail rat, "Willard, I think perhaps we should visit Tensai's workshop basement. It's built to withstand any sort of explosions that may occur."

The Steelhead Hotel Lobby

Annechen Lowey and Tensai Hilra sat with Valerie Greene as her daughter drew on the artpad that Annechen brought for her.

"Your daughter's very cute." Tensai said, smiling, "This town needs more cute. I'm not always around to carry the load."

Valerie smiled, "Thank you. Not to sound arrogant, but I think she got the cuteness from me."

Annechen looked at the girl, then towards Valerie, "Miss Greene, has she shown any Lycan tendencies?"

"From what I've understood, that won't happen until she turns 13. However, every now and then she does seem to......"

Valerie stopped talking as she watched her daughter sniff the air and then quickly look towards the entrance of the hotel. The three ladies turned to see Fuzz walking through the door. Annechen turned towards Tensai.

"Perhaps we should leave." Annechen whispered

"Why?" Tensai asked, "If we left, we'd miss everything."

"Fuzz," Valerie said, smiling, "it's good to see you."

Fuzz simply stared at Valerie. He then looked at the little girl. Valerie motioned for her daughter, who got up and walked over to her mother. Valerie turned back to Fuzz.

"This is Anastasia. I call her Anya." Valerie looked down at her daughter, pointing at Fuzz, "This is Sheriff Ortega."

"Hello, Sheriff Ortega." Anya replied, extending her hand and smiling.

It was then that Fuzz smiled.

"Hello, Anya" he said, shaking her hand "Welcome to Steelhead."

"I don't like trains." she whispered

"Airships are more fun." Fuzz whispered back. He then looked at Valerie, "I have business to attend to."

Fuzz left the hotel. Valerie motioned for Anya to return to her drawings, then followed Fuzz. Annechen turned towards Tensai.

"He handled that very civil." she noted

"Yea," Tensai replied "he's getting soft. Shame, really."

Outside the Hotel

Fuzz turned to see Valerie walking up to him. He turned to continue walking, then stopped and turned his attention to her.

"I figured since you were from that part of Europe, I'd give her a name that was fitting." Valerie said, "Anastasia is a very pretty name, isn't it?"

Fuzz simply glared at her.

"And she's very smart." Valerie continued, smiling "A very quick learner. Wouldn't be surprised if she went to one of those big universities back East......"

Fuzz simply glared at her.

"OK" she yelled, causing a few passersby to stop and look, "I up and left you in the middle of the night. Nine months later, I'm holding your daughter in my arms. I'm sorry. Never told you, and you had every right to know. I was scared, Fuzz. I'm really sorry."

Fuzz turned and started to walk away.

"Is it ok," she asked "if I let her know who her father is?"

Fuzz stopped and turned back around.

"Lunar said that she had my eyes." Fuzz said

Valerie smiled and nodded

"She also has my mother's smile." Fuzz said as he turned and walked away.

He turned around the corner and found Old boB Ballyhoo stumbling towards him.

"boB," Fuzz said, "you know that bottle that you keep hidden from Lunar?"

boB simply stared at Fuzz, unsure on how to answer.

"I need a drink" Fuzz continued

boB smiled and put his arm around Fuzz, "I keep it hidden in the mayor's office."

"You keep it hidden from Lunar in his office?!?!" Fuzz asked

boB shrugged, "Last place he'll look."

New York Office Of Pinkerton Detective Agency

Angelica Trescothick studied the reports of the stolen merchandise that she and her associates had been investigating. She looked up to see a small wirey man walk in, pushing a cart with a pot of tea on it. She smiled at the man.

"Thank you, Henderson." she said

"A pleasure, Agent Tresothick." Henderson replied as he poured the tea for her. "How goes the latest investigation?"

Angelica shook her head, "I don't think the Golden Tock Lobster is still in New York. Who ever stole it, has skipped town."

"Oh dear," Henderson said as he handed her the cup, "where do you think they'll be heading."

"The artifacts that have been stolen," Angelica said as she sipped her tea, "The Molet Chalice, The Dagger Of Anubis, The Crown of Cornelius, and now the Golden Tock Lobster....it's all happened before. Agent Lockhart has gone to England to see that the Belt of Lady Chasity remains safe at the British Museum. That only leaves the Cross of Caledon."

"Will you be heading to Caledon, then?" Henderson asked

"No," Angelica replied, "not yet. My first stop is Steelhead City. My brother was part of the group of adventurers that recovered those items in the first place. Maybe he'll have some answers that'll help us get to the bottom of this case."

"I'll send word to have an airship standing by."

Steelhead City Hotel, Later That Night

In the apartment suite of the hotel, Valerie checked on Anya, who was sleeping. She then closed the door of the bedroom, and walked into the sitting area. She was startled as she saw a man with black hair slicked back and a busy mustache sitting in a chair.

"Cyrus," she said, "You've got to be careful in this town."

"Relax," Cyrus Slurge said, "with all the excitement from the earthquake, nobody's noticed. Did you get it?"

Valerie motioned to a trunk by the wall. Cyrus walked over to the trunk and opened it. Moving some blankets to the side, he pulled out the Golden Tock Lobster. He smiled as he looked at the statue.

"Val, you're amazing." he said

Valerie smiled, "It was a piece of cake. Did you get the other items?"

"Just got word that Sid got the Belt Of Lady Chasity." Cyrus replied, "He'll meet us in Caledon. We'll need your help in getting the Cross."

"Not a problem." Valerie replied

"And we'll need to get to Caledon without attracting attention."

Valerie smiled, "There's an airship captain, Angus GlitterRoch. We can hire him, he's pretty cheap. And if by chance he does recognize you.....we'll just take his ship."

Cyrus smiled as he pulled Valerie closer to him. "You and I are going to rule this world."

"One more thing." Valerie said, as she reached into the trunk and pulled out a box of silver bullets, "If the sheriff of this town starts to get too nosey, you take care of it. But ONLY if he starts snooping."

"Consider it done."

To Be Continued

(Another flashback. More Fuzz. More Anya. More Steelhead......Oh yea, and Angelica gets arrested......no, really)

Voices Of The Past. Part One

Twelve Years Ago

Eastern State Penitentiary. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fuzzball Ortega stood in front of the desk as his possessions were returned to him. The guard then handed a clipboard with a paper attached. Fuzz signed the paper and handed it back to the guard.

"Congratulations," the guard said, "you're a free man"

A short time later, Fuzz found himself outside the prison walls. He looked to see a man in a black suit, complete with black bowler, carrying a satchel, walking towards him.

"Mr. Ortegavich," the man said, "or do you prefer the name you adopted when you came to this country?"

"Doesn't matter." Fuzz replied, "Who are you?"

The man smiled, "Doesn't matter. What does matter is that you are free." he opened the satchel and pulled out a piece of paper, "You're claim was that it was self defense."

Without any emotion, Fuzz replied, "It was self defense."

"Yes. You came to the aid of a woman being threatened by a man, he attacked, you defended, but at a cost." the man said, still smiling

"Nephew of the judge." Fuzz snorted as he started to walk away. The man followed

"Yes," the man said, "and you'd be happy to know that all record of this has been erased."

Fuzz stopped and stared at the man, "How? You manipulated time?"

The man chuckled, "No. Let's just say, with the right......persuasion....you're criminal record has been eliminated. You're safe to walk the streets and not be branded a criminal."

Fuzz looked the man over, listening to his pulse, trying to catch a scent of foul play, "Where were you three years ago when I was put in? And what do I have to do in return for all this?"

"All you have to do, is live your life. You owe us nothing." the man put the paper back in his satchel and tipped his hat to Fuzz, "Good day, sir."

The man walked away. Fuzz began to follow, then noticed a woman looking at him. She was tall, slender, with black hair and green eyes, and extremely beautiful.

"You must be someone very special." she said, "I mean, to have Pinkerton's to release you from prison."

"Pinkerton's?" Fuzz asked

"Detective agency." she explained, "Although there is rumor of a special branch that deals with some special, top secret missions. Someone there must really like you."

"Hmmph" was the only reply Fuzz gave.

She glanced at the points of Fuzz's ears, "Must've been hard being in there. I've heard werewolves aren't great at being in enclosed spaces."

Fuzz looked at the beautiful stranger, "Meditation. Who are you?"

The woman extended her hand, "Valerie Greene."

Fuzz looked at the hand, then back at the woman, "Fuzz."

"Oh, you're going to be a tough cookie." she said, smiling, "I like a challenge."

Twelve Years Later

Regency Hospital, Caledon

The matron led Fuzz down the hallway of the hospital. She could tell he hadn't slept, having hurriedly arrived in Caledon from Steelhead almost overnight.

"He was brought in a few days ago." she explained "He insisted on speaking to you. I hope there was no important business that you had to leave behind."

"No," Fuzz replied "I've just returned from overseas with Lady Eva and Doctor Mason. Afraid I haven't had the chance to start any other business."

The matron smiled, "We've heard all about the Fusang adventure." She motioned at the room at the end of the hall, "He's in there."

Fuzz walked in to find a large wolf laying on the bed, asleep. On each side of the bed, a normal sized wolf sat. Fuzz walked to the center of the room, and knelt on one knee in front of the large wolf. At one time, the large wolf was King Lycaon. Myths and legends differ on the events, but it was said Lycaon angered the being once worshipped as the god Zeus and was transformed into a wolf, and was responsible for the Lycan race.

As he bowed his head, Fuzz whispered to the matron, "What's wrong with him."

"He's dying." she replied.

Fuzz looked up, "What? How?"

The reply was from the large wolf, who was only able to speak slowly, taking breaths as it was becoming difficult for him to speak "I'm afraid........that time has finally......caught up with me."

Fuzz got up and walked closer to the old wolf, "Oh now, you defied odds this long, surely you can keep going to the next century."

"The longevity....." Lycaon said, "is also........part of......the curse........It's almost......time for...........me to........join my wife..........You..........are early........Fenris'......Bane."

"I got a message you needed to see me," Fuzz explained, "if my cousin wasn't recouperating from his change, I would've been here sooner, but I took the fastest airship......"

"Forgive me........it......has been.......too long......since......speaking......my birth tongue.......Return.......to the land......you have sworn.......to protect.......you are needed.....there.......When......you......are back......in these.......lands,.....we shall........talk......I must sleep.......now."

The large wolf closed his eyes and returned to his slumber. Fuzz bowed to the wolf then walked out of the room and whispered to the matron, "He's not the only one who needs sleep."

The matron smiled, "The doctor feels he doesn't have much longer before he passes away. Perhaps you should stay in Caledon."

"No," Fuzz replied, scratching his chin "he seems to know when the time is close. I'll do as he says and return to Caledon later. A return trip would be nice, been awhile since I've been here."

Fuzz said farewell to the matron and walked out of the hospital, too tired to have noticed the elderly gentleman in the steam powered wheelchair making his way to the matron. Without smiling, the matron greeted the gentleman and motioned for him to follow her, and the two went down another hallway of the hospital.

Steelhead City, Two Days Later

The earthquake had been quick. Fortunately, there had been no damages, aside from a few broken panes in some windows. The citizens started to thank their lucky stars, when it was discovered that the earthquake had caused the train to derail a few miles outside of town. There were many injuries, but no deaths. The ballroom was quickly converted to a temporary hospital as the injured were being taken care of.

"Where is Doctor Mason?" Mother Superior asked Lunar as he walked by.

Lunar turned and shrugged, "I have enough trouble keepin up with your boss." He quickly pointed up, "Not THE Boss. The one who wears a badge and grows fur."

Mother Superior smiled, "Sheriff Ortega should be returning from Caledon soon. He gave me his word."

"He gave me his word that he was going to rest in San Francisco. Instead, he wound up going to the Celestial Kingdom to rescue Hotspur."

"Next time," Mother Superior suggested, "try wearing a habit when he's giving his word."

Mother Superior walked off to help Sister Florence with an injured man. Katt walked up and handed Lunar a pile of bandages.

"Come along, Mayor Worrywart" she said, "Let's help these people out."
The two walked over to Angus GlitterRoch, who was conversing with Doktor Sweetwater and pointing at a little girl.

"Ye call this a serious injury?" He asked

"Eet vas vurse." Sweetwater said, "Much vurse."

"Angus," Lunar asked, "what's wrong?"

"Ach, the lass here said the little lassie was seriously injured." the green haired Scotsman explained, "But, as ye can see, she just has a few cuts here and there. Nothing serious."

"Any child that is hurt is a serious issue." Lunar said.

He looked at the little girl. She appeared to be approximately six years old with black hair. Her eyes, he thought, looked very familiar. As Katt pulled the child's hair back to see if there were more injuries on her, Lunar noticed the slight point of her ears.

"She's a quick healer," a female voice said, "just like her father."

Lunar turned around to see a beautiful woman with black hair and green eyes standing behind him.

"You." he said

"Hello, Lunar." Valerie Greene said, "How's Fuzz?"

To Be Continued
(Where we learn more of Fuzz's past with Valerie Green. A bit of why she's back in his life. Fuzz's true connection with the little girl. Oh yes, and Angelica returns)