Jared carefully drove down the street both amazed and worried that he had driven past the gate house without even a nod from the guard inside.  The homes in the area were what he classed as extravagant.  Huge homes with ten foot bay windows that captured what little light filtered down through the forest of trees.  Driveways that dodged around massive pine trees and hugged the curves of the uneven landscape.

He had heard of Lybred Estates before, who hadn't.  The wealthy, the powerful, and the absurdly rich had slowly claimed areas of the forest carefully picking out spots that could be transformed into some of the most elegant summer and retreat homes with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment.  Once again he let out thoughts of worry and unease, he shouldn't be here.  They weren't rumors but truth to the tales that persons, trespassers had disappeared around here.

“I am going to die.” He muttered to himself feeling his fur prickle and raise.

'Trust'  His little voice spoke, 'Turn and park.'  Jared did as he was bid.  He had lived with this other self for as long as he could really remember constantly receiving opinions or advice.  He had learned over the years to out right ignore it but there were times when it was so strong he could do nothing but give in.

No one could really imagine the awkwardness or down right insane feeling he had at times but the one thing he could not deny was his other self,  Cassie she called herself.  In the time after the accident that claimed his parents he began to believe he had a special friend inside, one who only he could hear.  At the age of six Jared's special friend was believed to be a way for the young ferret to deal with the loss of both his parents.  When he turned seven and still insisted that Cassie was real he was sent to several child counselors to help him adjust.

By the time he was nine he was taken from his adopted uncle's home and placed in an institution because not only was Cassie real but she talked with him in his head.  It took three years and multiple experimental experiments before Jared realized the truth, he had to lie.  Even so it took nearly another year before he was allowed to leave all the while trying to silence and ignore Cassie and all she did.  Since then he had learned to keep his mouth shut about the voice and the things he heard, while Cassie figured out just how hard to push to make him obey and do the things she wanted.

They co-existed because they had to, they worked together because it was the only way they could live normally.  Jared shook his head as he turned off the car, she was breaking their arrangement.  He was now seventeen living on his own and three months from turning eighteen and finally able to shrug off the last few lines or chains that the court system held on him and the things he could still not do because they said so.  

'Cassie we could get into real trouble, even jail.'  He told her.

'We're going!'  Her voice was firm.  'This is my one shot I can feel her, she's here!'

“Who?”  He asked aloud for probably the billionth time.  They had been arguing over this for three days now.  Cassie leaving Jared without a moment of real rest.  She had deliberately distracted him at several key moments causing him several problems at school, a huge mess at his job, and last night a call from his advocate trying to find out if something was wrong.  

Cassie had been ultra silent the entire phone call allowing him to make the right excuse and properly appease the man.  He had no choice when he had hung up the phone,  'We are going tomorrow or I will make things worse especially next time he calls.'  He might have thought it was a bluff and even called it if it wasn't for the solid wave of conviction as she spoke again, 'I swear on both of our lives.'

“Where now?”  He whispered quietly in his private voice that was near inaudible.

'To the water, we have to go to the river.'  Jared shivered for just a moment running his paws across his muzzle and head as he looked in the rear view mirror.  “I am so dead.”  He spoke out, wandering the hillsides and slopes was asking to be caught, but the river, only the absolute rich and powerful could have a house on or next to the water.  His own fear and worry were pushed aside by her excitement.

He didn't care how many times she called, 'Today's the day.'  Today was going to be their last.  Jared walked slowly trying to pretend to enjoy the beauty around him as he moved along the road turning twice when it seemed to head down slope and closer to the water.  Twice a car passed him; big, luxurious, and tinted windows.  It was only going to take one person to call and have him picked up, he knew there was no way a ferret dressed in short pants and a light blue shirt looked like he belong in such an exclusive area.  He cursed himself for a second wishing he had thought of bringing a towel but Cassie hadn't even told him where they were going in fact he wasn't even entirely sure she knew where they were going.

'Wait. Go back!'  She literally screamed at him.  Jared paused looking at the high wooden fence that looked like it had been there for decades, grown with ivy and plants that were trimmed in a perfect neat line along the road.  Several feet back there was a gate set in the fence.

'I thought you said we have to go near the water?'  He questioned.

'We are near the water but, she's close. Go IN!'  He stood there for nearly a minute knowing that obeying her now would surly be risking his life, forget jail he could be cut down with out a question and there wouldn't be a soul who objected.  He was so shocked that his hand reached out and opened the gate that he was able to do nothing as his body walked through.  “NO!” he shouted to loudly covering his mouth and stopping his legs as the gate clicked shut behind him.

For the first time ever in his life Jared was now fighting to stay in control of his body while Cassie cursed him from the inside.  'Would you just stop and LOOK!'  She finally called out, he hadn't expected his head to move but his eyes were drawn down the slope to a large green umbrella.  'She is right there.  Please Jared, Please.  I have to see her!'  She had given up struggling with him using a desperate plea instead.  He scanned the area around him as she stopped trying to use his body.  This side of the fence was nothing like the other, in fact it barely even felt like a forest anymore. 

There was a long house that was set a ways back from the water and off to his right.  Several slow slopes lead down to the river that was still several hundred yards off.  Besides a few trees that were left behind the rest of the area had been cleared and replaced by many exotic and unusual plants that grew near head height creating a lush garden area.

The ferret could see the path he was on run right heading towards the house with a branch off not far away that might take them towards the green umbrella where Cassie wanted to go.  “You have killed us both.”  He muttered out as he started to slowly work his way down.  He took the cut off stepping down through a sharp steep turn and hopping down off a ledge on to a stone path.  It seemed the umbrella and house were in a direct line of site connected by the rock pathway he had dropped onto.

His 'end is near' feeling was overwhelmed  by Cassie's excitement and sheer joy at seeing a figure sitting at a nice lawn table under the umbrella.  She was a fox and looked to be the same age as he was wearing a soft blue dress holding a book in her lap.  Jared got the feeling she had been watching or maybe waiting for him intently staring as he approached.  The only thing that ruined it was the look of surprise on her face.  

He had almost moved up to the table when a body slide in between them causing him to stop.  “Florence move.”  The voice was feminine but full of command.  The older female canine gave a little jump turning to look back at the vixen.  

“But Lady Nessandra you can't...”  Her words were stopped by a simple wave of a paw that caused the other to move aside.  

Jared stepped closer studying the vixen,  “I um, I don't know you...”  he started then stopped, how could he possibly explain he was hear because a voice in his head told him to be.  The two waited silence both just watching each other both had no clue what was coming next.

“WHO are you?”  She asked.

“It's me Cass.”  Jared's paw flew to his muzzle to cover it shocked she had done it again.  'Stop you're going to get us in trouble or worse!'  He took several steps back hearing the growl emitted from the seated female.

“WHO are YOU?!”  She demanded.

“Well you see I just...”  Seeing her grow angrier brought him to a stumbling halt.  “Jared. My names Jared.”  Her glance over his shoulder caused him to turn just in time to see the two swift silent moving hares tackle him.  'SEE!'  He shouted in his mind as he was slammed to the hard ground with a cry and a quieter whimper.  'Let go and let me try.  You have to trust me.'  She pleaded.  'NEVER!' He gave a mental snarl ending with a verbal cry as his arm was twisted back.

'Please Jared.  That is my sister!'  Of all the things, all the arguments, of all the words that could have been used that small phrase literally blew his mind.  How could a voice, even one that seemed to think on its own possibly have a real sister.  It almost felt like he was pushed aside.

“Ness please help me, I'm trapped.”  Fear made Jared grab control back she had just used his voice, no not his voice it had sounded different more feminine. 

“Let him GO!”  The fox leapt out of the chair.  Three others had charged up the path two lean felines and another lapine who grabbed and held on to the vixen pulling her back.

“Princess please step back.”  With a claws unsheathed she lashed out catching the hare on the cheek.

“Release ME!”  The growl carried with it a hint of danger as a light flash of yellow surrounded her clenched paw.  “Stand back!  Let him be.  You will not harm him.”  Every person was watching the vixen now and they did stand and move back, although the response was very slow, leaving the ferret behind on the ground.  Jared slowly stood hunching his shoulders as one of the felines chuffed behind him.

“What did you call me?”  She asked softly stepping up to face him.

“I umm.  I didn't.”  So much for saving himself, 'Your fault!'  He blasted at Cassie before continuing,  “I didn't call you anything,  She did and she called you Ness.”  The paw gripped his chin almost painfully as she stared into his eyes.

“WHO is she?!”  The vixen demanded.

“Cassie, she's inside.  She says that she is your sister.”  Jared could feel his whole muzzle tingle as the vulpine's other paw touched his chest causing an echoing tingle.

“Silence!” She stated out already anticipating an argument to stop her from those standing by.  “Tell me again who are you?”  She said focusing on Jared.  'It's me I'm here, I'm here, I'M HERE!!!'   “J...Jarrred.”  He worked the word out of his muzzle.

The glow and tingle stopped the pair locked eyes for several seconds before she grabbed his shoulders and wrapped him in a crushing hug.  “I see you.”  She whispered in his ear.

~~
Jared looked up from where he knelt at the raised half of the room and the four foxes seated on cushions.  The oldest male and Nessandra's older brother Drentan was speaking,  “I don't see why we are even listening to this foolishness!”

“Shut up Drake. She is MY sister.”

“Nessandra please remember your place.”  The eldest female, Lady Queen Lindara, spoke with a slight displeasure.

“Yes I know Sister, you would love to see your twin returned but this is just... Stupidity, true stupidity and I won't waste my time on this.”  He spoke out beginning to rise.

“Drentan stay seated.”  The voice commanded quietly.  “This is just what your father means.  It cost you nothing but time to listen which IS what you need to learn.”  Her eldest son had his head lowered but his lips pulled slightly back darting several strong glances at his sister.

Amidst the glares and silence Jared looked over the family again with Cassie running commentary. 'Nessandra although they call her Ness, and Cass, in private.  Drake is Drentan Mintof Reylexion and the next in line for High Lord. The first born is always given an elder name. My mother is Lady Queen Lindara Valquine, in the middle of course.  Then on the left would be Nicholas although he was born after I left.'

'There's others.' Jared stated.  He had done well in his political science and history classes.  'That should be Teressa and Alexander?  There are seven in the royal family.'

Her hiss of frustration was like a slap that rocked through his head. 'EIGHT! Or did you forget me?  Alexander is older than Nicholas and Teressa is my little sister who is ten, but there are more than that in the royal family.'  Cassie began rattling off dozens of names adding places with figures as she thought of them.  Jared was catching glimpses of tall people and places he had never seen as a child even though the seemed like places he had been.

“Child are you going to listen!”  Jared nearly toppled back in surprise from the hard voice meant to get his attention staring back at the queen.

“Sorry.. umm, Lady” He quickly added on trying to remember proper decorum.  “I am very sorry High Lady.”

Drake gave a little snort.  “Still mother I don't know why you would listen to such lies.”

“It's not a lie!”  At first Jared was sure Cassie had spoke out loud as her voice cried out into his mind but when the male turned his head towards his sister he realized Nessandra had spoken aloud,  “Under the light!”  The princess added.

The sneer the male fox gave sent Cassie boiling through his head as she ripped control of his voice.  “You're nothing but a liar and a bully!  You think I forgot how you broke Charles arm?  How you were the one who actually destroyed the lighting in the great hall?”  Cassie continued through his now shocked look with a voice that warped more to a feminine sounding one as it continued.  “I was hiding in the side chapel when you pushed Charles in and beat him up for trying to tell on you.  You took the broken part of the statue and hit his arm.  THAT'S how it broke, not in the stable.  DON'T look at HER!!”  The growl that issued from the ferrets throat was nothing like any noise he had ever made before.

Jared finally yanked back control falling to his side as his body had started to surge upwards, he could already feel the restraining hands from those behind him as he was dragged even further back from the fox family.  He gave no resistance and everyone waited for the guards to finally let go and for him to slowly made his way back to his knees.

“Drake is this true?”  The High Lady asked.

“Mother several people already know that story now... even you.”  He replied quietly.

“That was not what I am asking.  All you ever admitted was that there was a fight.  Did you actually strike Charles with something?”  Drake sat there thinking as his tail fluttered behind him several times.

“I'm not sure.”  He finally answered.

“She remembers.”  Jared spoke.  “I can see bits and she was scared.  She was playing, hiding from the stalker behind the red cloth when she heard you yelling.  She peeked out seeing you two knock over the statue and a bench.  She didn't see you until you stood back up and ordered Charles not to say anything.  He said something about you not being a king and she saw you pick up something and hit him.  She spent hours hiding even after he stopped screaming and was carried away.  She cried the whole time.”  Jared took a deep breath before doing what Cassie asked.  “She wants me to tell you.  You're nothing but a bully with a mean spirit and you obviously shouldn't be ruling anything.”

The growl the tod issued was cut short by his mother reaching over and flicking his ears but Jared had already ducked his head and lowered his ears.  “If dad were here...”  He started to promise.

“He would listen and likely agree.”  She interrupted him.  “Our first born son was a bully and a spoiled brat at times.  Now more than any other time you should be proving such words wrong with proper actions and attitudes.  The question is, what do we do with you child?”  She asked turning back towards Jared.

'Don't.' Warned Cassie.  Now that she had her outburst she was trying to prevent his irritation from leading to one.

“It's obvious what we have to do!”  Nessandra stated.

“Use your head sister.”  Drake growled lightly.  “It doesn't matter who he is or what you think.  It is impossible for two souls to be in one body.  Such magics are forbidden because anyone who has tried ended up dead.  No, he's gotten his information somewhere and is trying to use it for a purpose.”

“Idiot.”  This time there were two voices that spoke.  Jared clamped both paws over his muzzle while looking at Nessandra.  She frowned at his look and kept speaking.  “Your forgetting that magic doesn't lie either.  I swear, Under the Light, that Cassandra is inside of that body.  I know my twin like I know myself.”

Before it could escalate into an even larger argument Lady Lindara waved for silence.  “There are many questions here.  I for one have never seen someone act so well.  There seems to truly be an internal struggle going on with in the body and he does have far more knowledge than he should.  I also find it curious that he was able to just walk up to my daughter without being notice until after he could have harmed her.  Either this is the biggest plot in a decade or we might have finally stumbled on to what truly happened to my daughter.”  She paused looking over her children.  “Either way a great deal of questions must be answered.  So child how far are you willing to go?”

Even though Cassie warned him again he couldn't help stating some facts with irritation.  “I am Not a child.  I am a few months away from having the courts permanently sign off on my guardianship case.  I go to school part time, work full time, and have my own place to live.  I haven't been a child for a long time.”  he purposefully avoided using any honorifics and was using a tone that would be considered near disrespectful.  The fact that even Nessandra was glaring at him made Cassie mentally poke him. 'See, see.'

It was nearly a full minute of silence before the High Lady spoke again.  “What is your full name?”

“Jared Blayon Ferannce.”  For the first time the youngest son made a noise.

It was a light little giggle with a quiet singing voice, “Ferannce the ferret, ferrrance.. ferret.”

The queen though seemed to nearly scowl although he couldn't tell if it was meant for the younger fox or him when she looked back to him after waving at her youngest.  “Ferannce, a branch off of Ferrondance, one of a very old and dead ruling house.  Tell me do you know of an Aurthur Ferannce?”

The name caught him so off guard it took him two tries before he pushed out, “My father.”

The old vixen seemed to have a slight smirk for just a moment before she took a deep breath letting out slowly.  “This indeed makes things more interesting, and possibly much more difficult.   Young man your father's name is not unknown in the court and there are still several there who are glad he's gone.  I will give you a small word of advice.  You may think or can even prove you're an adult, but that doesn't mean you're any older than my own children.  Whatever you think you've done I can assure you that my children have done far more.”  She gave a short glance to her eldest son who seemed pleased with the statement giving him a frown in return.  “You have no land, no title, to me you are little more than a child, however I can understand all the hard work you have done and your wish to be acknowledged.” 

At Cassie's insistence he responded.  “Thank you High Lady.  I am sorry if I got upset.”  He was about to add more when his jaw clicked shut and he made a mental shout of annoyance at his other self.

“Now Jared I wish to ask you again, how far are you willing to go.  Are you willing to try and prove that is really my daughter?”  Lady Lindara asked again.

'Let me try.'  He knelt there for several seconds considering.  He had little else he could do, no matter what happened he had pretty much decided his life was over.  His life, freedom, even part of his body now was all gone by listening to her damn voice. 'Fine!'  

“Arosde al ven Branda.”  Jared's voice again sounded far more female.  “Some of the other kids teased me over having such a stupid family motto, after all 'Under the Purelight.' isn't as strong as so many others.  You told me how important it truly was.  No lie nor shadow can withstand the power of Purelight.  Our family lives and rules by holding the truth.  I am Cassandra Mintof Reylexion!  Nothing you can say or do will ever change that.  I will swear that under the light for all to see.”

'You... you truly have killed me.'  Jared thought out.  'Quite, I'm saving us both.'  Jared halfheartedly tried to push her back knowing it was already to late, 'You have saved your life and doomed mine.' he predicted.  It was several furious minutes of internal argument before the metal thunk in front of them caught their attention.

“Put it on.”  The order was given.  Jared only glanced over the metal band that seemed to have a simple clasp but when it snapped around his wrist the metal seemed to smooth out to a single piece with a circular centerpiece depicting a crest.  “That will allow you to stay here for now.  One probably would call you an enemy if I couldn't see the struggle you're going through.”  Lady Lindara told him.  “I have already summoned one of the court mages.  Tomorrow he should be able to ascertain if there truly is two souls within your body and maybe figure out what happened.”

“If?”  Drake slipped in.  “There is no magic that can keep two souls in one body without one destroying the other.” 

“Fine.  First Prince if you so firmly believe that why don't you start by contacting Master Marcus and requesting information on Aurthur and Jared Ferannce.  Find all that you can and bring me your best theory as to what is going on.”  Drake frowned for a moment at his mother before nodding.  Lady Lindara again looked over the young ferret seeing the near invisible shoulder twitches and slight head shakes as he stared at nothing.  “Jared... Jared, Jared!!”

“Yes High Lady.”  He responded.

“What were you two discussing?”  She inquired.

“Nothing.”  He said immediately.

“I do Not appreciate lies as answers.  You could have said it's personal but something tell me your other half wants to speak.”

With a sigh he started.  “Cassie wishes you to check into my parents accident and the time I spent in the hospital.  She... she never told me that before...  She says she remembers them telling me my parents died.”

“Twelve years AGO!”  Nessandra suddenly shouted out.  “That's when the accident was right?”  Seeing him nod the young vixen couldn't help but be excited.  “I told you she didn't die.  She's been trapped inside his body all this time.  That's why magic couldn't find her.”

“Think about what exactly your saying sister.  It just isn't possible.”  Drake told her.

“Drentan that is enough.  You have a task to complete and I think you should include everything you can find out about Jared.  Even if it is totally unrelated I suddenly find it odd that Aurthur passed away about he same time Cassandra disappeared.”  The look the queen gave him gave him a chill and made him worry, what if she decided his father was somehow responsible in some way.

Jared found himself being led down the deck on the river side of the house a short time later.  “You will ALWAYS use a proper honorific to everyone within the house.  Do not question or backtalk when you're told to do something, you can keep your opinion and voice to yourself.  I won't have you causing problems with any part of the household.”  He was doing his best to try and ignore the female opossum in her crisp white outfit as she led them along.  The decking ran the entire length of the main buildings that were built in a line.  It seemed that buildings had been merged so that one could walk through the house inside or out as one chose and he was feeling rather awed by the fact the deck he was on ran more than two hundred yards.  Every so often there was a ramp or stairs that lead down towards the water and they had passed two sections and were on the third, and each part seemed to be a different building and it still kept going.  

She had looked Jared over several times with a slight nose sneer as she led him along lining out even more rules as they finally came to the end of the building.  With a quick pace she walked down a set of short stairs and off on a path demanding he hurry up.  “Don't dawdle!  You will have to hurry and be punctual each time you're summoned, if you're summoned.”  She added on quietly.

The building ahead looked to be an odd built cabin half pressed into a slightly steeper slope with four narrow doors placed along the front.  “Step inside!” the opossum stated opening the second door.  She gave him a solid shove making sure he was inside before shutting the door closed behind him.  “Stay here.  Someone will come back.”

He barely gave the room a glance.  It was a five by ten room which had a small sink and toilet next to the door and a small cot on the opposite wall against the back.  There was no window and the only light came from a small bulb above the door.  By the time Jared turned and tried the locked door he had already figured out this was nothing more than a simple jail for him that was likely a place for disobedient servants.

He gave some healthy pounds on the door and shouted as loud as he could but after a few minutes he quickly gave in.  'I told you!' He shouted mentally at Cassie who was trying to stammer something out this being a mistake.  Unwilling to argue or even try to acknowledge the voice he threw himself down on the cot banging his elbow against the wall and hissing at the sharp pain.

The rest of the afternoon and evening passed with no word from the outside.  After many tries to apologize Cassie had fallen silent leaving Jared to brood in silence.  There was nothing to do and no food, and though the sink was working the water had a distinct rust taste to it when he tried to drink so he took just enough to stop the grumbling of his stomach.  He spent some more time assaulting the door with fists, feet and voice and after a half hour of work he got a response when the light overhead clicked off leaving him in darkness.

He dozed fitfully through the night and was brought more awake in the morning by Cassie trying to get his help.  'Jared I want to try something.  Come on do you want out or not?'  After some more pestering he finally answered.

'Fine. What do you want me to do?'  'Listen can you just help me, you know this was not what I expected.  I only came here because I could feel Ness.'  Several images flashed into his mind blurs of color and feelings, then things settled on a sudden warmth of body and being.  Content,  giddiness , and arms that squeezed tight.  Covers and fluffy pillows and a light breathing in his ear as he hugged back.

The image and feelings faded leaving him in cold shadowed darkness with a sudden wrench of pain and loss.  'She is my twin, as close to me as you are.  I know she doesn't want either of us here.'  An image again formed in his mind this time of Nessandra as she appeared yesterday.  'Help me.'  Cassie spoke.

Jared wasn't sure exactly how he was supposed to help or even what she was planning on doing but in his mind he stared at the image all the same.  There was a shift, almost as if he felt something move when the cry when out. 'Ness,  NESS.' he could hear her shouting inside his body only it wasn't directed at him at all.  After a few moments he felt her relax and the image disappeared.  'Now we wait.'

Jared neck twinged a little as he shook his head wondering how much faith he should put in her call and getting a simple answer.  'She knows I need her, she will come!'  

He had started to dose off again when the door slammed open allowing the first light of true dawn to echo into the room.  “Come on get up now!”  The voice was gruff coming from what he had come to know as one of the families personal, security a select few from the palace guards.  The feline grabbed a shoulder helping him up then forcefully guiding him out the door.

Jared allowed himself to be nearly pushed along to the main house feeling like if he slowed or resisted that strong grip on his shoulder would do a whole lot more than just forcefully be there.  Once again he saw the female opossum standing at the top of the short steps waiting for him.  “I told you, you have to hurry. Now, straighten your cloths up and at least try not to look like some foolish...”

“Kayla, what is he doing here?”  The female marsupial turned looking at a very displeased princess.

“I told you Lady that I would have him brought to you.”  She gave a slight bow.

“Move!” Nessandra growled out keeping the noise going as she advanced toward the other woman forcing her to slide sideways as she took the spot at the head of the stairs.  With a motioning paw she beckoned the ferret forward,  “Jared are you alright?”

“Mostly.”  He answered taking the first few steps leaving barely a foot between the two of them.  Inside he could feel Cassie holding herself back as relief and happiness flashed through him.

“Lady Nessandra!”  Kayla stepped forward again sounding somewhat shocked.  “This is highly inappropriate.  You should go back inside and I will...”

The growl sounded again this time with a glowing raised paw caused the opossum to step quickly back mouth slightly slack.  “Jared hold up your wrist.”  The band was displayed not just to Kayla but to the two guards who were present behind him.  “My mother gave that to him, not me.  You had better hope she doesn't find out that you kept him in the back shack.”

Kayla stood for a moment collecting herself and her presence.  “Even if that is true princess, I am head of the properties here.  I do not need some no blood brat wandering through the house possibly stealing or destroying things.”

Nessandra half raised a paw but waited until she seemed finished.  “If, IF you wish to keep your position you will find him a suitable room and a chance to clean up.  You will also find him something proper to wear,” inside Jared's stomach clenched and Cassie shouted out, 'And FOOD!'  “and be sure that he is fed.  I know my mother was planning to speaking with him after breakfast.  But if you're still wondering I know mother stated he was from a dead ruling family and his father was know well among the court.  Lastly he has information on where my twin sister might be and what happened to her.  Did you forget the High Lord's proclamation about anyone who could help?  Correct your mistake Kayla and hope mother doesn't find out.  As of right now he is the most important person on the property besides the royal family.” She finished giving a serious look at both guards who quickly bowed to her.

Jared watched as she turned to him giving him a nod with just a small smirk.  Cassie called out, 'Thank you.' and Nessandra seemed to mouth welcome before she turned away.  He was left in a dizzying blur for the rest of the morning trying to pay attention to what was around him while still working to accept what Cassie was telling him and what had happened so far.

All the years they had been together she had kept the memories she had and the feeling and images that she sometimes saw from her twin a complete secret from him.  Cassie did her best to show him the long walkways and enormous halls.  The lessons that she had been learning and the people she knew many times they were nothing more than blurs or shadows and voices.  Even at five her days had been planned, fun in the morning and long afternoons of talks, lectures, and activities.  Much had been buried and forgotten till now staying alive mainly by the secret feeling of knowing someone else was out there she was supposed to be with.  Then there was the sudden realization that the attachment was much closer.

It wasn't till later that afternoon, when he had been asked to lay down, did he suddenly realize how much danger he was in at that moment.  “Now legally these spells are never to be used, but there are special occasions when such things can be skipped as long as I have your consent.”

It was a cold chill that had gone through his body when he finally figured out what it meant.  “You're going to pull the souls from my body?”  He asked just to be sure his mind knowing where that would lead.

“Please don't worry.  As I said before this is something rarely done but well within my abilities.”  The ferret let out a silent near whine as  he closed his eyes wondering if he could really go through with this.

“Give me a moment.”  He requested.  With the assurance he had plenty of time he addressed Cassie.  'Listen, whatever happens just get a hold of uncle Max.' ~ 'Why?  What's wrong?' she asked. ~ 'Why do you think he wants to take our souls out?  Your mother has given me strange looks now and then and I don't think it's because I wasn't paying attention.' ~ 'He already told us they are just going to check that there are two of us.'  She said it and yet he could still feel the now uncertainty of her thoughts. ~ 'I can think of only one reason why you would pull a soul from a body!'

Jared let out a deep shuddering breath out of his body.  “Okay I'm ready.”  'Don't feel bad Cassie I know what it's like not to have a family so maybe you can have yours.'  He tried blocking her out ignoring what she said and concentrated on the last bit of instructions and advice mage Klaris gave him.

He let his mind wander trying his best to not touch any part of his magic instead just picturing the yellow furred mage in his mind.  He was one of the odd ones, where you couldn't quite nail down the breed.  Likely canine, but his eyes were slanted back looking more like the deep green of a large hunting feline, while the ears were rounded little snubs that seemed constantly tilted back.  “This isn't going to work if you fight me.  You consented, is there something holding you back?”

Jared was a little startled by the voice but instead of answering Nessandra spoke out.  “It's Cassandra.  She's been more and more upset.  Something is wrong!”

'Let it be!'  Jared ordered in his head. ~ 'NEVER!'  She snarled back. 'You think I want you hurt or worse?! I won't allow this!' 

“Like you can stop it.”  He muttered out loud not realizing the words came out in more than just his normal whisper.

There were claws gripping his arm and he squeezed his eyes shut as the paw started digging in.  “What did you do to her?  Cass what's wrong?”  He didn't bother trying to fight when Cassie reached out to answer her twin.

'Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.'  He chanted as she found her voice.  “You can't do this.  I won't let you take him away.”  The female voice seemed to surprise the mage, but Klaris answered quickly.

“I would never allow that.  I already told Queen Lindara that I would not separate you two unless the entire council agreed and we would have suitable bodies for both.  All that the council has agreed to allow was a short examination to ascertain if there is more than one soul within the body and if possible how this was achieved.  If you do not wish to be removed no one will force you to go.”  He paused for a moment.  “The mages counsel will be informed of your wishes if you choose to stop this and it will go no further!  Believe me no mage goes against the council without paying a terrible price.  There is no leeway or mercy when it comes to punishment.”

Jared eyes still hadn't opened even when the bed shifted and Klaris sat down.  “Understand I will now pay a serious price if I continue without both of your consent.  Removal of a soul goes against all laws and decrees, even attempting to save a live by such actions has a serious price.  It took the High Lady's personal request to even get this far so I ask each of you.  Do you still want to continue?”

“He says whatever but I'm still not sure.”  Cassie spoke.  Nessandra who had been giving the arm gentle pets instead gave a little squeeze.

“You have nothing to worry about.”  She informed her twin.

“You have my word on that as well.”  Queen Lindara added from across the room.

“Okay.”  Cassie spoke before dropping back to her normal spot while Jared's voice picked up.  “Go ahead.”

Klaris stood up and took his original position drawing a patter over them again.  “Both of you should relax, if there is any more resistance I will stop.”  Jared relaxed again trying not to think of anything to strong and doing his best to not interrupt or change the magic as it crept through his body.  Within moments it seemed things twisted leaving him with a slight pinch of fear which slowly started to grow.

A soul as its called is made up of partial thought/conscious and part body spirit.  A body will quickly die without the will to live or a mind to help back it up.  The act of removing a soul from a body can quickly become hazardous, especially if its not replaced when the body first dies.  Although not an accepted practice the rules dictate waiting no longer than a minute once the heart stops before replacing the soul.

To Jared it felt like death, there was no sound, smell, feeling, or even true thought as his mind was left behind.  Still there was... something.  Unable to use any sense the soul still felt an echo of a presence, knowing he wasn't sharing this experience alone that no matter what happened he would never be alone made the experience less frightening.

“I was warned to many thing including tricks, traps, and oddities, but nothing even comes close to... This!”  Klaris spoke giving a sweeping wave of his paw over the bed.  The magic not only drew out a soul but helped to interpret it as well helping to make sense of something that could not be understood with eyes.  What should have been one gentle kaleidoscope of color baring any injuries was actually two.  An orange to light peach was woven together with a deep forest green pulling on swirls of foamy green.  There was no question to the three who stood there on how many souls inhabited the body as they stared at the mist that slowly expanded.  With closer inspection there were tears and small rips were the orange had turned reddish or the green was a sort of brown but compared to the whole they seemed insignificant.  What kept them staring was the intricate interweaves of color neither capable of invading the other but instead molding and contorting to create on inseparable piece.  Like two incompatible fluids swirling together neither content on staying or holding its own side.  

Klaris quickly reversed the spell allowing the souls to remerge with the body once he had gotten over his moment of awe.  There was nothing he could gain by trying to study them nor any information he would be able to return to the council with except for a few facts.  There would be no separation without sacrificing one, second no spell should have been able to create something so elegant, and lastly there could be no doubt of what the pair said, these souls had grown together over years, constantly pushing and giving space to each other.  Whatever spell had brought them together in the first place had allowed them to merge together as tight as any solo soul would be.

Although it was basically redundant since the spell had lasted such a short time he rechecked the ferret's vitals and informed the queen.  “High Lady there is no doubt about there being two souls and there is no way to separate the two.  As to identification or a process to how it was done or whom they are I'm afraid that may never be known.”

“I told you I already know who it is and I have the magic to prove it.”  Nessandra stated.

“I will not argue your point princess but there is no such spell.”  he replied.

“Maybe for you but I've been studying for three years crafting this spell.  I can read the soul.  You forget she is my twin, born from the same essence and from the same original soul!”  

Intrigued Klaris stepped closer.  “Show me.”

“It starts the same as a divination spell but instead of scanning body, blood, or bones you set it even simpler to check essence.”  Nessandra began the spell touching Jared's forehead and middle.

“I see but taking a reading proves nothing.”  The mage interjected,  “Unless...  You have a base to go from.”

He could see her eyes gleam as her lips pulled back for a grin.  “Her reading matches mine exactly.  I've tested it with dozens of twins as long as they are the same gender it works.  Otherwise its close,  you can check her against mother or any of the family.”  Klaris took time to perform the spell on each of them but was unwilling to state anything more than it was an interesting idea that would have to be examined.

Jared had come back to his senses before the testing was finished but he chose to keep his eyes closed and stay silent.  After several minutes Cassie prodded him to ask the question.  “So how did it go?”  He asked quietly when the conversation died down.

Nessandra gave a little laugh,  “Exactly as it should have gone.  You should know that.”

Klaris cleared his throat and gave them the official verdict.  “It appears there are two souls residing in your body and I will state now, I do not believe separation is possible without killing one or both.”

“Like I said we already know that.” the princess interrupted receiving a small noise of disapproval from her mother.

“I will leave now and inform the council.  There are a few spells that deal with soul suppression, Don't look at me like that, they are sealed spells and not something that would ever be done.  But I believe that we maybe able to modify one to allow both of you to switch control.”  He told them.

“You want Cassie to be in control.”  Jared quickly picked up.

“Not quite.  Lady Lindara also requested a way to do that but I am more of the mind that both of you should have time as the dominate soul.   Mind you I'm not even sure something like that can be done but I should have some answers in a few days.”  As Jared closed his eyes again the mage continued.  “We should allow them to rest.  Such magics can be very draining.”

Both he and the Queen left but Nessandra stayed sitting down at the small table in the corner watching the bed as the pair fell asleep.  After a while a meal was served and Jared was woken up to have his share spending the rest of the day and part of the night talking with Nessandra.  She picked out every bit of his life she could, trying to understand him and what he had done while also working on finding out what happened to her twin in the time they had spent apart.

It was later the next afternoon when he was lead into a large study to meet with Lord Marverath, the ruler, who had arrived just a few hours earlier.  Drake was there as well as several guards watching from one side of the large desk which Jared stood in front of.  He stood silently waiting, looking across the hard wood surface and the stern looking tod seated in the chair scowling back.  “What is it that you want?”  Lord Marverath finally spoke.

Jared for a moment wondered what the question was supposed to entail.  “Umm, me or her sir.”

“My son is trying to figure out who you are and why you're here.  As important as that is I just want to hear it from your mouth.  What is it that you want.”  The words came out as a demand.

“Well Cassie wants to be with her sister, and family.  I'm, I'm just trying to keep myself alive.”  Jared answered while Drake gave a near silent growl which seemed to echo through his father's look.

“Why did you come here?  Are you hoping for money, a nice house to live in, you want a plush little life claiming you have my daughters soul inside?”  Jared had taken a few steps back when Lord Marverath stood up glaring out at him but inside his own anger and Cassie's grew making him lash back.

“You think I want Money!  My life has been hard enough forced to listen to your daughter talking in my head.  Every time I have to go to a meeting or doctors appointment it always starts out with 'Are you hearing voices again?'  And now because of her my life is OVER!  You won't let me go back home and I know Nessandra is going to keep trying to help Cassie out.  Even if they did find some magic to share my body, it's MY GOD DAMN BODY!  What do I want?  I want my life BACK!  I want everything that I was suppose to have in the beginning.”   He stopped with the wave of hurt that passed through him.  “It's not her fault, we're both victims.  I don't know who did this but if your so worried over what we want then maybe you should be helping us instead of accusing us.  I didn't come here for anything, I only came because Cassie made me.  She only came because she could feel her sister was close.  I guess there have been a few times that she could feel her twin but it was the first time she was close enough and could get me to drive here.  We came because Cassie followed her feelings here.”  Jared stated feeling drained.

The older tod sat back down considering things before speaking a word to Drake, “Well?”

“I don't really know.  There were two serious vehicle accidents and several people died but besides Jared there are no other names of survivors even though several people ended up at the hospital.  I still haven't been able to speak with anyone directly and finding out who worked at the hospital or at the crash sites has been a problem.  As for any other records, they all seem to be gone.  It was six months before a custody hearing even started.  The court records are all there including the closed files and it seems Jared was already talking with his Cassie by then.”

'Leave it.'  Jared thought trying to quiet her grumbling. 'But, His Cassie?  Like I'm just some random.. thing.'  He tried to concentrate more on Drake.

“... the records were removed and destroyed.  Supposedly it was one director who hid a great deal but mother said lots of very unpleasant things happened there.  I'm still working up to current date but it appears he has a job, is enrolled in school, and has a place to live.  There is also a municipal hearing in a dozen weeks or so and at his request he has asked all the proceedings records be closed and moved to privileged status.  I still think he's doing this for some personal reason, whether it's for money, attention, or some kind of prank I'm still not sure but he could cause serious damage for the family.”

Since Jared was trying to pay attention he didn't at first realize the rumbling growl was coming from him until several hard stares hit him.  'Cassie!' He cried out inside holding one paw on his muzzle and the other on his throat.  'Let me speak.'  She commanded.  “No.” the strangled sound came out. 'Don't you see, they still don't see you.'  He told her.

The paw against his throat was yanked out of his control squeezing beyond what was comfortable.  It was several seconds before he was able to force it to let go.  What came next was an all out fight, Jared stumbled back from the desk before he collapsed to his knees fighting to keep control and becoming more worried and scared as the seconds ticked past and she continued her assault.

Cassie was fighting with anger and rage, at her father, brother, and even Jared, driving her will forward to take control.  When two paws grabbed his shoulders and lifted his chest up it was all Jared could do to turn his paw backwards to keep his small claws from tearing at the arm of the High Lord.  Cassie's raged even more jerking their body out of his hands and gaining more control.  Jared had to finally give way allowing her to start growling but he hadn't yet given in.  When she tried to shout he clamped his muzzle shut muting her first words and when she tried again he sucked in air causing them to choke and cough.

The battle was apparent to both foxes and the guards as Jared's body stammered, shrieked, growled, and shook.  The tale on the inside was worse as both souls fought and tore at each other exhausting themselves with commands and counter commands.  In a few more minutes the body had fully collapsed first to its hands, then to its side.

The young ferret considered it enough of a victory and quit fighting allowing her full control of his exhausted and panting body which lay on the floor.  Both her growl and swipe were feeble when Lord Marverath knelt down and tried to help.  “Get back!”  She gasped out panting.  Even attempting to half sit up was to much of an effort and she didn't bother trying a second time.

“You don't deserve to call yourself a father.”  She told him when she had a bit more breath.  “You weren't there then when you should have been and now you don't even want me around.  How dare you let your own daughter get taken!”  She turned and snapped at whom ever it was that had moved up behind her looking into the hurt eyes of her twin.  Jared pulled himself away and fled into his mind from the storm of emotions that tore through his body finding shelter by climbing into his most hidden places.  

It was hours later before he felt safe enough to venture forth sending out small feelers to asses what was going on.  His body was being held and had definitely been crying, the position was mostly prone but when the eyes blinked open he was shown watery patches of color that meant nothing.  The ferret tentatively reached out only to be stopped with a fierce will and determination, it was like getting hit with an over sized bat that knocked him away. 

There was more confusion as he felt a mirrored presence filled with admonishment that seemed to try and help him back up.  Slowly control was relinquished back allowing him back to his own body but the few times he tried to pull away from the hands that held him he failed.  He could now hear a voice telling him to relax and that things would be alright.  

In truth though he knew it wasn't alright, it would never be alright again.  Cassie had taken full control an shut him out.  Inside that knowledge left him knowing she could do it again and again.  There was no question things were going to get worse and Jared felt that no matter what the mages council decided it would only be a matter of time before he was shoved to the back for good, a lost voice in the back of Cassie's mind.

Jared was up early and freely wandering the house for the first time.  He had spent the rest of the previous day in bed recovering.  He had been given some strengthening magics and medication for a horrible headache but even with a full nights rest Jared was now wandering with little will or energy.

The ferret had been summoned to dinner the night before with a bit of help he was dressed up and ready to eat with the family.  The introductions were simple with him finally speaking with Teressa and several other close family members.  At the end he was told that only Alexander the second prince wasn't present because he was deliberately defying his parent and everyone else at the moment.

It had evidently been over two years since the family had tried to come together for a non-royal event and all were making it at some time this week with the exception of Alexander.  “Even Cassandra made it back this year.”  Nessandra exclaimed as the dinner was being served.

The few that hadn't heard or been told yet looked up surprised and searching until Lord Marverath cleared his throat and spoke.  “This family has always trusted each of its members so you should all understand as I say this.  Jared Ferannce has two souls residing in his body.  My daughter claims that the second soul is Cassandra.  This is a fact that I can not confirm, but there is also growing evidence that I can not deny.”  He had spoken loudly silencing the few murmurs that had started.  “Until there is more solid evidence showing me otherwise I will allow him and his female counterpart to make that claim within this house.  I do not expect such a thing to be said outside until we have been able to search for more evidence and hopefully find out what happened.”  The High Lord put his attention on to the ferret.  “I ask you to stay on the property for now, at least for the next week.  You are allowed to do as you wish just like a full member of the house and will be treated as such.  I will be speaking with both of you at length over the next few days.”

So here he was wondering around a house that was far bigger than any he had imagined pausing every now and then to rest or just simply relax.  Really it was just two buildings, the original had been added on to twice creating one long house and second building had been absorbed by adding eight feet of covered walkways in the middle and decks on both sides.  He took his time and peeked and poked into nearly every room by lunchtime before  heading back towards the kitchen area.  It took several minutes of simple replies that got him nothing before Kayla showed up and directed him back to his room where he was told food would be served.  It seemed several of the guests from last night hadn't stayed leaving either late last night or this morning headed back to the capitol or other places although most would return.

After what he considered an overlarge lunch he felt better and energized, heading outside checking out the many walkways and decks that layered their way through the property.  Several time he noticed one of the house security would pop up especially when he wandered near the river or one of the properties edges.  It wasn't that he was planning on leaving but the guards were not even the slightest bit subtle when it came to telling him to turn around.

The next morning his breakfast was served with several sets of new clothes which caused more than a little irritation for  Jared.  Sure maybe he had lost his job by now for not showing up but he could have easily paid for such items himself.  It had been a long time since anyone had bought him anything and with the money his parents had it would have been easy for him to contact his uncle and receive funds if he needed money.  The whole point to the job was to prove he could live on his own with a small fund for schooling not because he needed money.  

'Cassie, what do you think?'  He had several times yesterday tried to engage her and for the most part she had ignored him excepting the occasional word or sentence when he knew she was watching.  He sat down on the bed with a sigh moving the clothes out of the way.  'What are we going to do?  What am I going to do?'

'Whatever you want obviously!' Came her sharp reply.  “Do you really believe that?  You took over.” He whispered quietly.  'No thanks to you.'  “Exactly!” He nearly shouted out trying to keep the volume down. 'I can't stop you.  All you have to do is wait, sooner or later your mother is going to get rid of me.  I can see her when she watches me.  When everyone agrees your the princess the whole kingdom will be used to get rid of me.'

'You know that's not true.  And it took everything I had just to get a little while in charge.  You have no idea what it's like, always trapped never being able to live.'  He waited a few seconds before answering. 'Are you so sure?  I'm scared Cassie, soul suppression?  That's not like what you have.  I'll be buried so far you'll only hear me in your dreams.'

He could only guess what she was thinking in the silence that followed.  'So what are you going to do?'

“Nothing.”  'You have a family, I don't.  Just try to explain things to uncle Max.'  He could feel her irritation.  'Stupid.  You think I want you gone?'  'What about in your fathers study.' Jared countered.

'Don't EVEN!  You have no right to stop me from talking with my father.'  It was the same sort of anger he felt before, and he began feeling weak as she turned it on him.  Flopping back Jared gave a sigh laying on the bed.  With a deep breath he tried curling back attempting to pull away and hide in the corner like he did before.  'What are you doing?'  She asked.  He stayed silent but not matter how hard he tried he couldn't seem to withdraw the same as before when she was attacking him.  He just couldn't quite seem to peel himself away from hearing his breath and the feelings of his body.

The light creak from the door make his hand twitch in surprise but other than that he didn't answer as the door opened.  There was a silence as he tried blocking out the questions and orders Cassie sent his way.  “Are you asleep?”  The voice questioned.

'Jared come on!'  She couldn't force or push him or make him respond so she finally she struggled to  control enough to answer.  “We're here.”

“Lord Marverath said you two fought and ended up collapsing. I was also told that certain strengthening spells did little to help.”  Cassie turned the head and opened the eyes seeing Mage Klaris standing near the door.  “Are you still having problems?”

“Some.” She answered truthfully.

“Is this Cassie?”  Seeing her nod he continued.  “Are you two still fighting?”  He waited but she didn't answer.  “You know that could be dangerous for both of you.  Fighting like that may harm your souls leaving you weak and exhausted.  Eventually one of you will win as the other gives way until there is only one left.  That is the main reason why we never merge souls.  You two are the only pair ever to exist beyond a few months.  We found a spell that might be able to help you, but you both have to be fully willing before we can attempt it.

Klaris first started with some of the history and even a recent desperate attempt to join souls.  The recent case was a female who's last ditch effort to save her daughter had been to draw her soul into her own body.  After a month of becoming weaker and weaker the pair simply passed away.  “It's a struggle that damages the soul itself.  Several mages have spent time developing ways to strengthen a soul but in the end the damage couldn't heal through the constant battle.”  he went on to talk about what they hoped to accomplish with the newly crafted spell and how it should work.

“It does suppress one soul.”  Klaris spoke answering Cassie's question.  “It will stop one soul from dominating the other.  Control must be passed by agreement, one soul backs off while the other takes the lead.  It will limit one soul while giving the other full access.  Think of it like a window with one of you on the inside and one on the outside.  All you have to do is switch.”

“What if one soul takes control from the inside?”  Cassie asked.

“This spell is specifically crafted to stop that.  You both will be allowed time, and the other won't be able to interfere.  There is only one catch.  The dominate soul and the passive must both want to switch we can't do this unless you can both totally trust each other.”

“That won't be a problem.”  Cassie said quickly making the mage study her.

“And you're other half?”  Klaris asked.

“Right now he's sulking like a little boy.”  She stated.

“Why?”  The question was asked.

“Listen could you give us a few minutes.  NO you don't have to leave just give us some time.”  She told him after he had stood up and went towards the door.

'Jared?'  It took several tries before she got him to finally respond.  'Whatever.'  'Come on.  You're the one who wants to be sure you stay.'  

'You still don't understand!'  He shouted at her shoving her away and taking full control.  'I'm going to lose Everything! No life, no job, nothing.  You think for  a moment your parents will let me do anything but sit in a room until you come back out?'

'We can work something out.'  She replied.  'There is nothing to work out.  It will end up being either you or me.'  'We can work out something stop being a complete ass.'  She had been almost shouting at him in their head before she stopped having noticed he had gone totally still.  'You thought of something.'

'Are you serious, really serious about this?'  He could sense her affirmation as well as conviction as he asked.  'If we both used our magic, together.  We might be able to twist the spell.  Instead of separating us we could join together, but it might be even more dangerous.'  'You'll probably end up killing us.'  She stated cautiously.

He almost laughed at her.  'You know as well as I do my gift won't allow us to be killed, at least not by magic.  And I've been thinking the magic that put out two souls together should have killed one of us anyway, unless my ability changed it to make sure we both survived.'  Cassie considered for a moment.  What he was saying seemed true and made a whole lot of sense.  There had been seven times they could remember his latent magic triggered on its own protecting them from some form of dangerous magic.  Each time Jared should have ended up dead, instead the magic directed at him somehow slide sideways or was rewoven allowing him to survive.   Six of those times had been in the Listening Hill Institute during one of the hospitals experimental applications to try and supposedly help him.  It wasn't until just a year or so ago that they learned exactly how lucky they had truly been.

'You shouldn't.'  She told him.  'Are we in this together or not?  We will both be dominate souls in the same body.  Just remember what he said, if we fight...'  He let that thought hang for a moment.  'I don't know if this is right and it's probably stupid, but if we're going to live together than you and I have to agree.  We share everything from now on... or nothing.'  She considered what he was saying and why he was thinking this.  Cassie knew he was getting more and more fearful, even though he spoke like he was ready to give in, in reality she could feel his fear at being trapped in the back with no way to ever escape and she knew he was going to fight that to the end.

'Jared how far are you willing to go?'  She asked.  'I thought I was asking that question.' ~ 'If we do this together I want to change to my body, our body as well.' ~  'I'm not a girl.'  He suddenly protested.  'Of course not!  I am though, we could try binding the spell to the body as well as the soul.  I'm not sure if it is going to work but I want to try.  You just said yourself, we share everything now which means you're going to share your body with me too.'

She could only catch small parts and flashes of images out of his thoughts that were so chaotic she couldn't make sense of any of it.  'Do you promise?  I don't mind that sometimes I'll be here and you'll be the princess, as long as you promise to share everything.'  It was the way he said it that made her pause wondering what he was trying his hardest not to think of.  'We will share everything, even my family.  If they won't accept you then they don't accept me.'

She felt a wave of confirmation and acceptance but knew he was still holding some small thing back,  “Klaris we both accept your offer with only one change.  No matter what happens, do not stop the spell.”  The mage was caught and surprised as the ferret suddenly sat up and addressed him.

“Jared?  Well I will have to hear that from Cassie as well but what do you mean?  I won't be able to stop once the spell starts.”  The mage spoke.

Cassie's voice sounded,  “I agree as well and also ask you that once you start you must finish.”

“Why?  I want an explanation now, or I'm not going to start.”

Jared stood up and began gathering the clothes that were on the bed moving them to a chair on the other side of the room.  “I have a gift.  In the institute when they tried to use magic on me it... just didn't work right.  Well actually it changed the magic so it couldn't harm me.  An instinctive magic, I looked it up when I started going to school.  I am one of the four survivors from Listening Hill's mind healing project.”  His words caused Klaris to frown and shake his head.  

“It's true.”  Jared protested.  “If you can you should look it up.  They claim that I was cured even though they know their process didn't work.  They basically said the magic worked on me because my mind was less developed,” he paused for a moment holding in a small snicker, 'I wonder what they would think now.'   “Later I found out the truth, there was less than a dozen who survived their magical experiments.  Out of more than a hundred I'm the only one left who doesn't require permanent hospitalization or full time care.  My magic prevents me from being seriously harmed by magic.  I can try to hold it back but we both want you to keep going even if something seems wrong.”

Klaris stood for several moments making the two wonder if he would even agree.  “Instinctive mages are extremely rare while latent abilities of a royal family can be extremely strong.  It's far more likely she is responsible not you.”

'Wait.'  Jared warned her knowing she wanted to speak.  'It should be easier if he doesn't believe us.'

“That shouldn't be a problem with what we're doing anyway.  This isn't a powerful spell and if you both relax the magic will just put limitations between the two of you.”  Klaris pointed out.

'See.'  Jared told her.  'I think we should tell him to change the spell so you don't have to.'  'WE Cassie.  I'm not strong enough to do something like that.  Your power, my control, together.'  He had closed his eyes as he laid down on the bed allowing himself to concentrate on Cassie attempting to reassure her.  Nearly a minute passed before he looked over at the mage wiggling just a little to make himself fully comfortable.  “We're ready.” He stated which was follow quickly by her voice.  “We are.”

Klaris prepared himself drawing slowly on the energies carefully beginning a delicate weave that hopefully wouldn't startle either of them.  The weaves crawled over the bed slowly touching the ferrets body, he had no doubts about the spell but he still worried for the two souls inside.  Hopefully this spell would end their arguments and protect them.  The one true flaw was if one of them refused to hand over control but even that would be preferable to watching as they tore each other apart every time they argued.  

He wasn't even half way done when he felt the powers twist and absorbing even more energies around them.  The spell wove itself into a more complex pattern sinking deeper into the body.  There was no doubt someone was deliberately altering the spell changing both its function and purpose.  With a great deal of irritation he finished off his weave watching and sensing as the change continued absorbing itself inside the ferret's body.

Klaris was almost upset enough to say something or shake them if he didn't know that something like that might be extremely harmful at the moment.  A few seconds later the last of the weaves drew itself inside his body and Jared let out a slow breath.  For better or for worse, what ever they had done, was something that was not going to be undone.

Jared didn't speak to her, he didn't have to.  Cassie felt like she was right there next to him instead of a half step behind.  If anything she maybe felt to close, like she could touch every part of him inside and out.  She quickly showed how much control she now had by opening their eyes and turning towards the mage as if this really was her own body.

“What did you do?!!”  Klaris demanded making both is worry and anger felt through those few words as he moved next to the bed.

Jared could already sense her intentions, she didn't need to speak but still she did. 'I got this.'  “Klaris I appreciate your help.  We did what we needed to for our survival.  I won't let Jared be shoved in some back room or back corner of his mind.  The spell now binds us closer than before.”  They could easily see his anger as he leaned over the bed but before he could even start on whatever lecture or argument Cassie waved him off.  “You may leave now.”  Not even allowing him a chance she continued.  “While I am in this house or until my father says otherwise I am Princess Cassandra and you will leave my room now!”

Klaris stepped away.  “Foolish child.  You may have ruined your one chance to keep yourselves alive.  Let alone the fact you should probably be dead now attempting to alter magic you don't even understand!”

As he stormed towards the door Jared slid in enough to speak.  “It is not my fault you didn't or wouldn't understand what I said.  My body is not so easily affected by magic and with Cassie's latent ability I easily bent your spell.  Please inform the council that we have no further need to have either of our souls altered.”  He felt an echoing wave of satisfaction when Klaris paused with the door half way closed to look back at them.  They both paused at the same time sensing the shared feeling which slowly vanished. 'This will take some getting used to.'  Jared thought out feeling her complete and total agreement.

They kept the door locked and refused entry to all including food exploring how the magic had altered them.  Just like they planned the spell had affected much more than just their souls.  It had seeped into Jared's body causing a curious effect when Cassie tried her hand at control.  When Jared at her insistence finally back off pulling himself as far away as he could, Cassie came out in full body and soul transforming into a young vixen.

While the two were a year apart they shared a similar build, Jared being a half foot taller and slim while Cassie was slightly fuller in the hips and chest.  The result was a fox standing in front of the mirror with a button up shirt with a filled out chest and pants that hugged her waist but dragged slightly against the carpet at her heels.  They were having a small argument over going to Nessandra's room to try and find more appropriate clothes, something Jared was seriously set against especially if it involved a dress, when they were interrupted by a loud banking at the door.

“High Lord Marverath request the immediate response of Jared and Cassandra to the study.”  He was already begging Cassie to change back hoping she wouldn't leave the room like this even though he had promised her that she could stay like this through the night.  By the time she entered the study Jared had given up agreeing that if they truly needed to share then they would likely be seen in each others clothes from time to time.  Privately Jared swore to himself that he would have a handy pair of clothes near or he wasn't going to switch from being Cassie.

“Lady Cassandra here as requested.”  She spoke as she stepped out into the center of the room facing the small figure that was hovering just over the desk looking like a miniature of the High Lord.  There were several means of communication over distances but one of the best and most private was to link two mages.  Cassie saw the partly shadowed figure that stood behind her father's chair move as he spoke,  “Please step forward Lady.”

She stepped closer and smiled at the sudden shocked look on her father's face.  “Is there something that you wished to talk about father?” Her tone was sweet while the grin spoke of satisfaction.  It took only a few seconds for the tod to recover but she felt proud and elated at each one that passed as he tried to collect himself.

“I was just officially informed by the Mages Council that the two of you performed serious and highly dangerous magic.  Something that could have been fatal not to mention illegal.”  He started.

Jared spoke out for a moment.  “Sir that is an exaggeration.  Whether the council chooses to believe it or not we were in no danger, as for the legality.  We simply corrected their over site.  Neither of us should have been suppressed for any reason!”

“We did what we had to father.”  Cassie picked up next.  “Now neither of us has to worry and both of us has a chance to have half a life, as you can see.”  She gestured to herself.

“Young lady, you will address me as Lord Marverath or by another title as is proper.”  'Careful and think!!'  Jared shouted at her.  'Look at yourself, don't ruin it now!'

“Very well Lord Marverath although I find it upsetting since I am still on the property and your decree was that I had family status.  So High Lord when might you return to grace us with your presence so I can speak to you personally.”  Jared gave a little inward sigh, at least she hadn't raised her voice even though the sound of it along with the feeling of cold fury could have put a layer of frost over a glass of water.

“I have plans to return in two days.  Until then I expect..” 

“Father.  Where is Nessandra at?  She just left her an hour ago.”  Drentan's voice suddenly interrupted,  “And what exactly is she wearing?”

Still sounding cold and Jared still worried Cassie spoke.  “Brother if you can not tell you sisters apart then perhaps you need glasses.  Lord Marverath please inform the council we were required to alter Mage Klaris' spell to ensure both of our safety and well being.  The fact I stand before you should be proof enough.  Now! I am going to find some of my sister's clothes.  If you have anything more you wish to say to me I'm sure it can wait two days.”  Cassie spun walking out of the study mentally telling Jared to be quiet.

'I need to show them exactly who I am.  If I am going to be a princess then I will be treated like one.'  With out a further comment she went into her twins room and began picking through the closet pulling out two dresses before finding a pair of riding pants to appease Jared.  The ferret retreated allowing his counterpart complete rule.

He spent his time thinking about what his future might be like.  There was no question he was going to lose his entire life, not that it was really much of one, but now at least he felt that maybe he could have a small part of one with Cassie's help.  He wondered if this was how she felt, he could sit back here and it was like listening to someone talk in another room.

In fact she was talking,  Jared perked up enough to see a small pekingese holding up a dress of blue and light greens even as he felt Cassie's giddy little feeling.  “That one next.  It's so perfect.”

“Yes Lady it will really light your eyes.”  He quickly retreated again ignoring the females chat and dress changes as best he could.  Instead he spent his time trying to plan how to end/start his new life.  Although his job was likely over there was still a paycheck, and of course his schooling, and he would need to get a hold of his uncle, then there would be his advocate.  This thought gave him a small shiver, what would they really say when he told them the voice he heard was there all along but that it was alright because it really was the first princess who was a soul in his body this whole time.

Then there was the stuff he would have to settle with Uncle Max they had talked about putting it off until he finished his schooling in two years.  After thinking of his families fortunes and money, Jared tried to consider what Max would think and tried to image what his parents might have said about the position he was in now.  At six there really wasn't much he remembered of them.  He knew his father had often been out of the providence working sometimes far, far away.  Later he had found out his father was actually a great archaeologist but more importantly a site lead.  He hadn't understood it all back then only that his father had been on a streak of lucky digs that had unearthed a great deal of important artifacts making him very important.  What he remembered of his mother was warm soft fur and a quiet voice.  She too was often gone although it was usually only for a day or two, always coming home with his extra special big hug and sometimes a toy.  For her he had been told later that she had been 'playing the high life' as his uncle had put it.  That was one thing the really did remember a lot of the skunk who picked him up from daycare after school saying his mother was off  'playing the high life'.  Honestly he had never really understood what that meant but now he suspected he was going to find out a lot.

He was interrupted in his thought later by Cassie's sudden joy and a near squeal she let out.  Jared watched as she literally attacked a rather lavish meal laid out on a table.  She had sampled everything before going back and devouring the things she found the most appealing.  It seemed her manners were shocking to the maid who had been helping her leaving a half voiced admonishment drop as the canine clamped her mouth shut.

Cassie ignored several unheard warning she received about manners, slowing down, and stomach aches.  It wasn't until the little pekingese finally stammered out an entire sentence that Cassie finally stopped.  “Lady.. Princess, you, you've never eaten so much before.  Is, is there something wrong?”

While she was considering the fork in her hand Jared asked.  'Princess?  Does she know who you are?'
'I've tried explaining several times.  I just don't think she understands anything beyond cleaning and clothes.'  While Cassie nibbled at a few more things Jared explained his thoughts on what he should do and who he should call.  'I'm sure by now the advocate knows we're gone.  Probably thinks I've finally gone nuts thanks to you.'  

“Alright I've had enough, let's go.”  She stated aloud.

“Of course Lady.  I'll clean things up but, where are you going?  It's soon to be evening, surely you wish to rest after such a large meal.”  The canine was already stacking up dishes and setting them in piles to be removed.

Not bothering to answer Cassie stood up and left the room leaving the slightly confused dog behind.  It only took a few moments to find one of the family's guards and ask questions.  “Princess surely you know how to place a call.  If there is a problem you could ask someone for assistance.”

“I am asking for assistance!  Surely you can help me or find someone who can.” 'Don't say anything about manners!'  She added to Jared feeling his slight protest about her attitude.  Before she could continue Kayla came rushing down the hall.

“Lady Nessandra I truly apologize for not greeting you.  I was informed I still had an hour before you arrived.  I'm sure your room is ready.”  The female opossum cleared her throat slightly and gave a dip of her head.  “Princess Nessandra welcome back.  You honor us again with your return.”

Amid Jared's light snickers and urging Cassie allowed a small smile to play across her muzzle.  This would be enjoyable for both of them.  “Kayla I will forgive your lapse at greeting me but I arrived several hours ago, some time late this morning.”  She could see the little head shake even though the other kept her mouth shut.  “I was just enjoying the most delicious meal when I realized we needed to make several calls.”

“Of course princess I'm sure your father's study would do well if you wish to call him.  I can summon Ryall at once.”  Kayla turned to leave when Cassie stopped her.

“No these will be regular calls I just need some help to make them...  Tell me Kayla, you enjoy your job and position right?”

“Lady Nessandra I will not allow you to continue to threaten me.  I spoke with both the High Lord and Lady over the incident and the current orders.  What I did was perfectly fine especially since I was not informed.”  The opossum neck had fluffed up and her lips had pulled back showing her displeasure.

Cassie grinned showing a full pristine set of teeth.  “That was not a threat, just a simple question.  Three times now you have gotten my name wrong.  I am sure you still have nearly an hour before you have to greet my sister and when she arrives you will tell her I wish to see her.  I will wait in my father's study until you find someone who can assist me in making a few calls...  Kayla, I think you should make a greater effort to try and call me by my proper name don't you think?”

Although she had schooled her expression with Cassie's grin there was a small amount of a slack jaw and pure disbelief that echoed through the opossum's features.  The princess waited staring at her with the other tried to find a voice.  “Prrr,  Princess Cassandra.”

“Yes.  Now I do believe you were going to welcome me to this house.”

“I...”  Kayla dropped both her head and shoulders as she continued.  “Princess Cassandra I welcome you to River Rush, it is an honor to finally serve you.  I offer my deepest apologies and also offer a greater apology to any mistreatment you have received so far.  I will make it my priority to see such actions are never repeated again.”

“I accept.  Although I will remind you that you also should offer an apology to Jared when you next meet him.  He has been through a great ordeal, one which you helped to make worse.”  She stated.

“Of course Princess.”  Kayla offered immediately as Cassie turned to leave.  'You see, this is how it's done.'  She told Jared making her way to the study.  Before she even got close to the desk a voice stopped her.

“Lady are you ready to continue your conversation?”  Cassie stopped catching the shadowed figure behind the desks chair.  He waited several seconds before speaking again.  “The High Lord ordered me to wait until you came back.  He seems quite eager to continue your conversation.”  He pointed to the center of the desk where a soft disk glowed.

“Actually I was planning on making some other calls.”  Cassie informed him. She watched as he stepped around to the desk showing more of himself in the light.  Again they would say this was definitely a rodent, maybe mouse, with the long nose, whiskers, and light tan fur.  But as the other pushed his hood back sharp pointed tuffed ears perked up as the hood fell, that and the grin of razor sharp teeth spoke of something else entirely.  “I am sorry Princess Cassandra.  I have exact orders to block all outgoing messages especially concerning you.  If you wish to make some kind of call you will have to ask the High Lord or Lady first.  Perhaps you wish to resume your conversation.”  As he spoke his black furred hand pointed to the seat behind the desk.

Cassie took the hint and the chair while the mage told her it would be just a moment.  However it was not her father but Queen Lindara who appeared over the desk.  “Yes?... Oh I see.”  The queen made several hand gestures obviously to those unseen before she turned back.  “Well stand up child and let me see.”  There was suddenly a small smirk on the vixen's face as she made a little twirling motion with a finger encouraging Cassie to spin.  “I can see what upset your father so.  If I hadn't known Nessandra left in a different outfit or about Drake's outburst I might not have seen the difference.  Tell me child how do you feel?”

Jared had mentally snorted each time she used the word child but had otherwise stayed silent.  “I would feel better if you called me daughter or Cassandra or at the very least Cassie.”  She said it as a simple statement without a trace of irritation or attitude.

“Cassie you must know I can not call you my daughter.”  Lady Lindara answered.

“Why not?  Is it because you still don't think I'm telling the truth?” She asked quietly.

“NO!  I believe you are telling the truth.  Believe me we searched for years, offered expansive rewards, tried everything we could.  We even allowed Nessandra to keep a space for you at her birth celebrations, except for last year.  When Nessandra turned sixteen we gave up.  No matter what my daughter said or believed I could no longer... we moved on.  Bringing you back now will cause a great deal of trouble.  I could call you a princess,  I could call you my daughter, I could call you Cassandra or Cassie but unless we can find some more proof you will never be accepted as a member of the royal family especially since you look like that.  If you only understood, calling you a soul would have gone over better in the court than having you return with a body.  Give us time, a week at most,  even Drentan is suddenly finding holes in what he believes.”  

Queen Lindara shifted around and the image moved to show only the top half.  Cassie realize she had sat down and followed suit.  “Good gentlemen please step forward.  I trust the talk with my husband has cleared up some issues?”

“Not hardly.  I do not like what you and the High Lord are trying to claim happened.  There is still a great deal to answer for and you will not just sidestep the issues for you family.”  Cassie could hear but not see who had spoken.  With a simple wave the image changed from the High Lady to two men one being Klaris and the second was still hooded but had a long equine like muzzle.

“Master Mage Untan and Mage Klaris I would like to properly introduce you to Jared's second half Cassandra Reylexion as she wishes to be called.  Now Mage Ryall would you please confirm that this is not an illusion, that the person you are projecting is in fact real.”  The queen asked.

“Master.  This is not an illusion.  The female is sitting at the desk of High Lord Marverath and to the best of my ability and knowledge is Not Princess Nessandra.  She is slated to arrive soon and I will inspect the two together if you ask.”  Ryall answered.

“I don't think that is necessary at the moment.  Thank you Ryall.”  Queen Lindara stated before an answer could be given.  “Now as you all know, well most of you.  I look for three things Facts, Coincidence, and Interesting things every time I am forced to make a decision especially those that are beyond normal, so let me put a few things together.  Lets start with facts, until now no two souls have been bonded together and lived, and never has any spell been able to attempt the complexity of those two.  This morning they also altered a spell meant to suppress one half at a time, Facts.  Coincidences, Jared at the age of six began speaking with and interacting with a person no one could see or hear shortly after my daughters disappearance.  At the age of nine he was placed in the Listening Hill Institute and under went a barrage of physical, emotional, and magical treatments which should have broken if not destroyed a child especially over the course of three years.  Yet he survived because Jared claims to be able to effect magic..”

“Hold on High Lady a Ochalent or an instinctive mage is only capable of casting minor spells with little or no training.  He completely altered a spell drawing more power to an unknown and likely dangerous outcome.  That is not possible of an Ochalent.”  The hooded figure stated.

“That is correct on that account but also wrong.  Jared claimed to be able to effect magic directed at his body and I find such a coincidence, interesting.  Out of everything the interesting things are the most unusual.  For instance another fact is Jared's father is Arthur Ferannce.”  She paused watching the obvious new interest from the master mage as he took off his hood revealing a pale pink skin that was nearly white in spots and totally void of any hair.  “You do remember how his father altered a certain spell and the entire council was unable to figure out what was done, nor were they able to replicate the feat.  I find it most interesting that the their line supposedly comes from the Forest of Fergull, where the Ferrondance ruled for centuries, supposedly by blocking magic.”

“Now there are more facts and coincidences and certainly more interesting items but I want the four of you to consider something.  Each of you has at least a small amount of magical knowledge so weigh this with that in mind.  A six year old injured cub having just lost his parents was put into a magical sleep so that they could try to contact relatives to be there when he woke up.  Along came, whomever, with a young soul, possibly one without a body.  Seeing the unconscious young cub likely caused them to jump into action, a suppression  or destruction and then exchange would cover their problem.  The actual issue is the young boy has a latent ability, call it a self preservation technique, when they try to remove or suppress one soul and insert the other his magic latches onto the spell and binds the two together.  Wild magic it would be, but bent on preservation.  It would likely look like nothing we have ever seen before but it might allow both souls to survive.  Being young, resilient, and adaptable both souls bind together to survive.  Jumping forward to his days at the institute he spent many weeks near bed ridden from overdoses on several experimental drugs before he was switched to their advanced magical reformation area.  A total failure killing or destroying nearly every patient except one.  All those records were destroyed or conveniently lost except subject 14-12-E who they tried to hold up as a success during criminal trials and somehow not one bothered to realize the subject was seriously under aged.  All known patients at Listening Hill were over sixteen and had consenting family members which means that Jared somehow survived multiple illegal and fatal magical experiments basically unharmed.”  Jared had been feeling elated as several of his own ideas and thoughts were spoken out loud by someone other than himself.

“Now between the two of them they took a spell meant to suppress and allow souls to exchange to something different, drawing in even more power to change it and once again seem entirely unharmed.  I am of the mind to agree that Jared seems to have a very special gift.  Add to that his second half which seems to have inherited the royal family's latent magic and they seemed to have created a spell that not only worked to keep their souls together but allow both to full access of the body as well.  I would even go so far as to point out the spell is a mix of two latent royal family lines”  As Queen Lindara paused it sounded like a chair moved and a wooden drawer slid open.  “Master Mage Untan, Mage Klaris, Mage Ryall, and Cassie/Jared.  I would like to know before I ask something else, how possible is that.”

“It still unlikely.  Magic requires knowledge and understanding of how energies are applied.  It's not random and even those with royal gifts must be trained.”  The master mage answered.

“Cassie may I ask you to switch to Jared, fully switch.”  Queen Lindara asked.

“He won't, not while I'm wearing a dress at least.” Cassie stated with a full agreement from Jared.

“Is there any way to convince both of you to switch for just a minute and then switch back?”  Behind the scene the two were talking back and forth.  

It was silent for nearly a minute before Jared's voice was heard.  “Actually I wanted to make some calls.  My work, school, I'm sure my advocate is probably looking for me.”

“Yes we dealt with the missing persons report this morning and everything should be fine now.  You can give me a list of numbers and we can contact whom ever you wish with a message but Lord Marverath has ordered you fully confined to the property until the end of the week.  I won't be allowed to let you speak with anyone until he has made a decision.”

“Surely moth.. Lady Lindara one phone call could be allowed.”  Cassie asked.

“That I think we might be able to do or at least try to work out or at the very least Lord Marverath will be there the day after tomorrow.  I will have him monitor the call for you if he still has objections.”  She told the pair.

Inside Jared was grumbling over the need to be monitored while Cassie was having a hard time containing her giggle, 'Come on, it's funny that Lord Marverath would have to monitor your call.'  A few seconds later Cassie nodded, at first nothing happened but as they stood her fur seemed to lose some of its vibrant color.  As the facial fur thinned out and became more sleek than fluffy the ears tilted back slightly and shortened gaining a slight curve.  Jared was glad he had decided to stand as the dress seemed to stretch across his back lifting the hem several inches up his legs.  

By the time a dozen seconds had passed Jared was standing there feeling fully embarrassed as he felt the female underwear hug closely to his privates.  'Never again!'  he nearly shouted at Cassie.  “I assume this is enough.”  He spoke watching the two men hovering over the desk.  

He had basically forgotten about Ryall and was startled when the mage spoke standing close enough to nearly brush against his fur.  “I don't sense any magic.”  The rodent looking mage stated taking back his hand that had hovered over Jared's shoulder.  Jared might have stared at the mage longer if he didn't know his attention should be more for those who he was able to see above the desk.

The image still showed the two mages both looking stern almost glaring at him while still somehow tossing several glances between them.  “Again!”  Mage Untan ordered.

Far more politely the queen spoke.  “Jared if you would please allow Cassie back in control.”  He was more than ready to thrust Cassie back up front but she held him up.

“Don't think this is about control mother.”  'Oops.'  Jared thought in the background.  “As we stated earlier to Klaris the spell we bent allows both of us total control.  Jared felt his arm lift as his paw changed becoming slightly more elegant and thinner along with the fur color that changed before finally the claws lengthened nearly an inch.

The paw curled and twisted showing the extent of the change.  “We are here together, not two but one. Working within the same body.”  She lowered her hand and took over the rest of the body as Jared gladly retracted.  Again in the space of less then ten heartbeats Cassie stood in full body.  “We don't need magic to change that was part of what we made the spell change.  It bonded both soul and body so that we wouldn't need to be separated and couldn't be confined again.”  She spoke turning to look directly at Ryall as he attempted to detect magical energies.

“Still nothing Master.”  The mage confirmed after a few seconds.  Cassie was wondering about the strange look the mage was giving her but turned back at her mothers voice.

“Once again the Ferannce bend magical laws with ease.  Let me guess, you have no idea what they did, no clue as to what happened, and no thought of how to do it again?”  Cassie could see the master mages quiet snarl, lips pulled completely back and narrowed eyes that wanted to burn through something.

“That was not anything like what the spell was meant to do.  It would not, could not have affected the body at all!”  Klaris exclaimed.

“Don't feel bad.”  Lady Lindara spoke sounding almost sympathetic,  “Jared has obviously followed in his fathers footsteps.  If that is true, not even the boy knows what he did, there was only the thought of what could be done not how it was done.  It does make me wonder what exactly the old order could do but it would explain several of the oldest stories about needing mages on the battlefield and why the Continent war is considered the bloodiest conflict ever and why such effort went into destroying the three nation's family lines.  Imagine bending your enemies spells or drawing on greater magics with out needing true control.”

Lady Lindara continued talking but Cassie wasn't listening, she collapsed back into the chair barely keeping herself from ending up on the floor.  She quickly became lightheaded, disoriented, and confused with Jared being of little help.  He couldn't seem to make heads or tails of what was happening nor could he seem to break through the haze that kept him back.  The harder he tried to take control the less effect it seemed to have and he was now becoming frightened that Cassie wouldn't respond to him.

Time seemed to fade, or was it stretching, keeping Jared pinned in darkness waiting for something to happen.  Finally something pushed and he tried to push back as the pressure grew what was going on?  “Cass, Cass please come on.  Please, please be alright!”  There was a groan, or was that his own groan.

It took a great deal of effort just just to push back forcing his way forward opening his mouth,  “No.”  It was weak but he had succeed.  He slipped back already feeling drained from just the effort involved.  As time passed things became more clear, the noises about him and someone rubbing his arm, no Cassie's arm.  He could now feel the difference in body as well as the dress that felt snug against her body.  With the haze clearing he became more alert trying to sense his other half.  Cassie was there but even with their new closeness he couldn't seem to touch her, he knew she was there but feeling more than that was useless and no matter what he tried it seemed she wouldn't respond.  

“Cass... are you awake?”  Now Jared could hear and understand Nessandra's voice.

“Not Cassie.”  He mumbled out weakly.

“He's awake?”  A more dominate voice sounded moving closer.  The bump and rock allowed Jared to understand they were prone and likely on a bed.  The creeping tingle of energy brought a sudden fear as he tried to fling whatever magic was being brought towards her body.  The bed gave a violent jump and  shook as a hand holding the forearm of the body tightened.

“Leave him alone!”  the command was clear and close allowing the ferret to understand the princess was close to his side, likely the one holding his arm.

It was like peeling Velcro apart as Jared forced the eyes open, blinking at the light that flooded in.  there were shapes and lights moving as he continued blinking and trying to focus.  He tried to force the head up enough to tilt it looking around the room catching four bodies.

Nessandra was sitting in a chair next to the bed while the three others were standing close around his bed making him feel very uncomfortable.  He dropped back onto the bed unable to keep the head up.  “Ryall what do you think?”  She asked stroking his arm.

“Lady he is not prepared nor qualified to start answering such questions.  I was specifically summoned here to...”   

“Quite!” Her curt voice cut off the other which huffed irritated when she did. “You have no clue what happened nor what to do.”  She continued.

Jared closed his eyes and slipped back slightly resting.  “As I already told you, your father, and the rest.  They didn't use magic.  I can only guess that the rapid changes either over stressed the body or used up some sort of personal energy causing them to collapse.”  Jared had a sudden happy thought from out of the blue feeling a great deal of pleasure from the simple use of the word 'them'.  For him it was an acknowledgment, whether it was meant as one or not he had spoken of the two of them together, them, us, we not she and he.

As tired as he was he pushed back again forcing the energies that seemed aimed at his body to slide away interrupting their ability to work.  “Princess what do you think you're doing?”  Demanded a voice.

“It's not me.  I believe it is time you leave doctor you services do not seem to be required.”  Nessandra told him.

“Princess you do not know what your are talking about.  If I hadn't come you would have let some energy hungry freak do, whatever he wanted!”  The loud grunt seemed to end the doctors comment leaving Jared wondering what had happened.

“Ryall please perform some strengthening magic to both body and energy and if you know how to strengthen the soul as well please try that too.  And as for you, I trust our magicians far more than someone I don't know who has no clue what is going on in the first place.”  She stated out firmly.

“Of course princess but I'm afraid I I can't do anything more than help add some energy.  I'm sure the High Lord has someone more experienced coming.”  Jared's attention was drawn away from the argument as he felt something shift.  'Cassie?'

“Of course he doesn't know magic like that it's Illegal!!” The doctor cried out. 'Cassie?' Jared asked again this time trying to press himself against her.  “I can not allow this.  You don't just toss out magic with out knowing what is wrong.  In fact..”

“Shut up!”  Jared had meant to shout but the words barely made it past his lips it was only Ryall's snap that seemed to echo with a force in the room that caused the silence.  'Cassie?'

“Doctor Shawsen.”  A new and feminine voice sounded.  “Perhaps I was in error in summoning you.  Could you please step into the hall?”  The question seemed more of a command as Jared retreated totally pushing everything away trying to find her. 

'Cassie are you alright?'  It was fear a few thoughts of confusion which he soothed helping her to regain full consciousness.  Together the pair pulled themselves back listening back in at what was going on.  'Kayla.'  She thought as the voice was recognized which was arguing.

“Let me make this CLEAR.  You will leave the property now or you will be spending the next few years in jail.”  The opossum threatened.

“Not even the royal family can do that.  I was asked to see to a patient and I will.  I know someone from the mages council is not stupid enough to interfere when health is in question.  And just because this is royal property doesn't give you the authority to enforce the laws.”  The doctor concluded.

Having heard more than enough and suddenly feeling her sisters encouragement as she spoke Nessandra ended the argument.  “BUT I CAN!”  Jared worked with every bit of his own energy trying to support Cassie as she opened her eyes, raised her head, and spoke.  “So can I.”  It was weak but heard as the room turned towards them.  “I refuse your medical help, I will wait for someone from the palace.”  Not to be overshadowed Jared spoke as well “As do I.”  His voice was stronger but left no room to argue.

It was enough for Nessandra to order everyone from the room and since she had brought her sister into her own room no one could argue or say otherwise when the princess demanded privacy.  The pair collapsed back onto the bed laying there as Jared tried to go over what he had heard.  Again minutes later Jared felt energies being woven towards their body but at Cassie's insistence did not interfere.  'Ness says it's okay.'  She told him.

Slowly at first then with increasing swiftness the magic seeped into the body helping to lift both out of a sluggishness and allow Cassie to find the strength to sit up with some help.  A full meal in bed was placed around her and she enjoyed all the tastes and sensations as much as the first time going so far as to request seconds and thirds of some items.

This time though she allowed Jared to set her pace, eating slower as apposed to the near ravenous gorging of the afternoon.  She did finally stop feeling full almost to the point of being painful before expelling a long burp.  Cassie had covered the end of her muzzle but Jared had pulled enough control too keep her mouth and airway open to her complete shame.  Nessandra burst out laughing while Ryall smirked as she tried to blame Jared for the entire thing.  

“Alright now.  It's late and I believe all three of you should get some sleep.  Klaris will be back in the morning along with a physician who will check you over.  Cassie if you'll allow it I would like to  help you fall asleep.”  Ryall suggested.

“Don't ask me.  Jared is the one you should ask.”  She told him.

“Either way you both need a full nights sleep.  We can get some help to get you back to your room first.”  he told them.

Nessandra gave a little giggle and the twins stared at each other nodding.  Inside Jared felt like protesting for just a second before deciding it would be better to keep himself quiet.  Without explaining Nessandra nearly pushed the mage from the room closing the door and telling him to wait.  Cassie was still feeling to weak to stand so the sisters worked together to change her into an appropriate sleeping gown while Jared did his best to covertly watch, but caught nothing important.  

As Cassie crawled back under the covers her twin did her own quick change making Jared feel like he had missed a second chance to catch a glimpse.  When Ryall was called back into the room and found the twins curling up in bed together he gave no comment and wove a simple spell to send them all to sleep.

Jared woke disoriented the next morning.  He was outside, sitting down, and suddenly liquid was poured into his muzzle.  His shock almost made Cassie spit out the hot sweet tea, as it was she did end up choking because he started to interfere.  'Sorry.  I, this has never happened before.'  'Well get used to it.'  She snapped back before taking a moment to add her own apology and feeling of support knowing it was a shock for him.  She let him look around finding that they were back outside at he table with the green umbrella and that the morning seemed mostly over.

“How are you this morning?”  He glanced over at Nessandra who was sitting next to them.  With a slight nod he stepped back leaving Cassie in the lead.  She took another small sip before her sister continued.  “That was rude.  Isn't he even going to talk?”  The pair was starting to have a small argument before she added in.  “I can tell when he's active you're different but it's more than that, almost like you are less, kinda.”   Nessandra finished staring at them.

“Sorry.  Good morning.”  Jared finally said.

“He's not one for waking up fast, just give him a few minutes.”  Cassie added.  Jared barely listened as the twins picked up their conversation again.  Cassie was evidently talking about the schools they had been in sounding proud of how Jared not only caught up on the grades he had fallen behind while at the institution but jumped ahead a grade as well earning himself a half scholarship.  'Likely all gone now.'  He thought out which seemed to echo with her words.  “It's likely revoked now.” She stated quietly.

“He should be happy he had it in the first place!”  The two jumped at the seeming anger in Nessandra's voice.  “Come on don't you realize as hard as it was for him and you, he owes you a lot.  Tell me did you learn anything or do you only know what he knows.”  She could see her twins confusion.  “When you took a test did he know ALL the answers or did you have some.  Did you ever argue over who was right or catch a mistake he made?”

Jared and Cassie were sort of left staring at each other on the inside.  In truth everything she had said was basically true.  School was the main time that Cassie was most active learning right along side Jared and between the two with extra thought and answers from Cassie he usually aced most tests and did extra work on projects making them more accurate or impressive.  They were interrupted again after several moments of inner thoughts.

“So now that the two of you are both awake I wanted to ask something.  How should I treat Jared?  Did you want me to talk to you both or try to do it separate.  Are we going to pretend like you're only Cassandra or only Jared?  And to Jared, are you going to ignore me...  I, I won't just give up Cass.  I should be allowed to be with her even if you're in charge.”  Jared could hardly wait to jump in when she finished even though her voice seemed to crack at the end.

“What about you, are you going to ignore me when its my turn?  Will I just get stuck in a corner unless you want to talk with Cassie?  Do I get a chance to live or will I just have to spend my time in some back room of the palace until the princess is called.”  Gaining his most serious voice even to the point of taking over some facial features he asked.  “Tell me Princess Nessandra, Are you gaining something or just getting your sister back with some baggage?”   He hadn't meant for it so sound so mean but it was the first time he had truly been able to speak out his worries and fear.

Nessandra immediately turned her chair and pulled on Cassie's some as well so they nearly faced each other.  Next she grabbed her sister's head tilting it so she was staring right into her eyes before she leaned in and placed a light kiss on the fore head.  Both of them were wondering what she was doing as she gripped their paws and spoke to them.  “One thing I checked when I went back to the palace was what rewards were still offered for anyone who could help return Cassandra.  The full offer stands at more than five million.  Broken down its multiple cash rewards, a full title and court name, a large space of land which is currently farm and vineyard with two rather nice homes and even a small plot of land not far from here.  Lastly I actually got mother to agree to allow my marriage as a possible reward as well.  It was back when I was just twelve but she never had the offer removed.”  

What she said at first seemed to mean little to Jared but when she added in the last part his thoughts were winding up and were actually becoming a bit horny which he blocked from Cassie.  “So he won't be left out?”  Cassie asked.

“Neither father nor mother have said anything yet but I know Drake was implying you wanted all the money, well that he wanted the money.”  Jared tried to push all the naughty thoughts away gripping tighter to Nessandra's paws even going as far as to change them to his own.

“So then what are you offering.  What would I mean to you?”  There was a sharp spike of both irritation and anger from Cassie.  'You are NOT marrying my sister!'

“I will do whatever you want to keep my sister close.  You are important and worth far more to me than just money.”  Cassie stopped this by yanking back fuming at Jared.  'You're just sick.  You think I want you near my sister.'  Not seeing how this was going to turn out any different he pulled out every bit of resentment he felt at what had gone on and what he felt was lost whether it was her fault or not.

'I'll NEVER get a girl.  I've never even seen one!  I never had the time, always working and going to school fighting to keep up.  You think I should spend my entire life alone?  What about you, what if you find a boy you like, how are you going to get close?  You've seen everything!  Even when I masturbate you know what its like and I haven't even seen  you.'  There was a wave of worry and even denial from Cassie but he continued.  'You still don't get it.  I offered you my entire life and expected the same from you.  We, Cassie WE.  Of course I want to have sex, and so will you but how will I ever be able to date someone if they know you're inside?'  Jared grabbed partial control and began a change in the lower regions.  Cassie realized what he was doing and she felt mortified trying to pull back control.

“Cass what's wrong!”  Nessandra worried voice meant nothing as her paws covered her crotch trying to deny the bulge even while she fought to stop him.  Jared had more than enough thoughts and pent up feeling to get half hard savagely fending off all her attempts to stop him even going so far as to push their hips forward to press into her hands.

'Jared STOP!'  Cassie wailed feeling control of one paw slip as it rubbed up against the lump that was stretching her panties tight to the point of being painful.  'How would it feel to finish here?' he demanded.  It was a simple bluff, one which he could never go through with, but he stopped when Nessandra's paws grabbed their shoulders and lightly shook them.  “BACK OFF!”  He half snarled out before he let go entirely feeling seriously drained.  Thinking that he still hadn't recovered from yesterday Jared retreated to the far back of his mind where he collapsed.

Cassie was left shaking and crying as she leapt out of her chair and launched herself into her twins lap. 'Together Cassie, together or not at all.'  Were the last words he thought to her before he gave up his consciousness.

It wasn't until late in the evening at a quickly prepared second dinner for Lord Marverath did he finally respond to several questions asked of him.  He did make an effort to offer a simple apology to both Cassie and Nessandra for the morning but was left even more irritated when Cassie went to the bathroom later and refused to even look at herself when Jared showed some interest.  He had considered taking control of the head himself but felt to exhausted to even try.

The ferret ignored the rest of the night waking up first blinking their eyes open to a mess of fur pressing against their muzzle and another body he was holding close.  Out of all the things he had done to upset Cassie he had no real wish to repeat the same today, nor a wish to upset Nessandra at all.  He pressed a just a little closer letting out a small sigh content to wait until they woke, he hadn't realized though Nessandra already was.  “Good morning.”

He was worried suddenly feeling apprehensive but still answered,  “Morning.”

Jared could feel her back stiffen as she whispered his name.  Unable to think of anything to say he stayed silent.  She started to wriggle so he pulled back letting her move around till she could lay sideways and look at him.  “Can I ask you a question?”  With his nod she continued.  “What exactly happened yesterday morning?  Cass won't say anything besides you were being horrid.  Please tell me.”

He thought of dozens of things to say wondering how much he should actually offer.  After a moment she pleaded again and he asked her.  “What am I to you?  Am I just someone in the way, maybe a friend, or could you see me like a brother.”

This time when she wrapped an arm around her twin Jared could feel that even though she was hugging her sister it was all for him.  “You are my sister's protector, her closest friend, her greatest ally, and the one who knows her best.  You are everything I should be and everything I want to be.”  Part of Jared simply denied that, he only knew what she had told him and most of that was only recently.  “You brought back the one person I have missed all of my life.  You are far more than just some friend and if you wished I would call you brother.”

“Both of our lives are ruined.”  Jared stated feeling the pressure as a lump started in his throat.  He didn't want to cry and did everything to hold it back.  “Cassie has seen and knows everything about me and I know almost nothing about her.”

“How could that be true?”  Nessandra interrupted him.  “She is part of you.”

“Yes but she usually remained hidden.  She thought and talked to me but a lot of the time I tried to keep her out.  Now it's even worse, she has a body and she doesn't even want to look at herself.”  He said trying to keep his voice level and quiet.

“You want to look at her!”  Her voice was raised mostly in shock.  Jared flinched at the accusation before he tried to explain.

“This is our body now, both of us.  She already knows everything about me... every single thing.  And now she hides it from me.”

“You bet I will!”  Cassie suddenly jumped in.  She pushed Nessandra away almost causing her sister to slide off the bed taking full control and forcing Jared back at the same time.  He had no resistance for the sudden strike feeling like he was being struck repeatedly with an over sized paddle as she continued to push him away.  He spent minutes hiding before cautiously creeping forward to try and find out what was going on.

“Don't you DARE!”  Cassie shouted out at her sister.

“Listen!  Even Drake has seen me naked, although mom nearly dragged him through the rose hedges afterwards.  She was upset but she told me later that it's normal for boys to try and catch glimpses of girls naked.”  Nessandra tried to explain.

“He doesn't need to see you!”  She retorted.  'Cassie?'  He asked quietly.  He tried to pull his own anger and irritation as she turned on him but was unable to match her and simply gave in.  'We're supposed to share...'  He tried with a quiet thought.  'AND!'  She cut him off.  'Today is supposed to be my day.'

Jared could feel another flare of anger and resentment as she pushed herself out of bed and stormed into the hallway and back to their room in nothing but her night dress.  The whole time she grumbled and promised him serious consequences if he tried to peek at Nessandra.

It took Jared quite a while to get cleaned and dressed feeling sluggish and even oppressed at times by Cassie who, like a hawk, seemed ready to swoop down and pounce on him.  As he was wondering what was going to happen when he receive a request to join the princess for a late morning tea.

“We never finished our conversation.”  Nessandra stated as he took a seat at her favorite spot under the umbrella.  Tired of watching him just sit there she prompted,  “I believe I had just told you how important you are and you said you were interested in a, special view?”  'DON'T you dare!'  Cassie warned.  Still finding him silent she asked,  “Is something wrong?”

“I feel tired, and kinda lost.  What happens next?”  He finally asked.

“Father will be calling you in a few hours.  So would you mind telling Cassandra to be quiet and allow you to speak.  You both have every right to speak as Cass has pointed out several times and I want you to tell me why she was so upset yesterday morning.”

Jared waited for an objection which didn't come.  “She was upset because I forced her to have a penis.”  A gasp caused him to turn and look behind them at the female maid, the same one he had seen on the first day.

“Do not worry about Florence.  She will not repeat any of this.”  Nessandra stated firmly.

“No Lady, of course not Lady.”  Was the quick reply.

“So you gave my sister a penis, why?”  The question him a little off guard but he answered.

“Because I was upset.  She already knows what it's like to be a male and to masturbate.  And I got a little excited when you seemed to be offering something, personal.  Cassie got upset with me for even thinking that.  The thing is I never even had time for real friends let alone a girlfriend.  If I spent time going out of dates or going out with friends to the movies I'm sure I would have been told I'm wasting time and money.  But now...   Cassie,  I don't think she has really realized what we are now, or accepted it.  We won't ever get married,  I'll probably never have a girlfriend or even get a real kiss, its not likely she will either.  I mean how would you feel if a guy woke up in the middle of the night and said sorry love she has to go.  Or worse how happy would you be if your boyfriends other half was out seeing and doing things with some guy?  There isn't a person in the world who would accept us together.”

Nessandra made a little gesture and Florence stepped forward filling her tea.  “You might be surprised, the two of you.  I had already considered that part.  I reviewed the rewards because I AM willing to marry you.  It wouldn't matter to me if I slept beside you or Cass, and how could I ever get upset with my sister if she found someone she loved.  Of course if she couldn't find someone I could never let my twin go, unfulfilled.”  She took a slow sip from the fresh tea before setting the cup back down with a little tink.  

She stood giving a small wave at the older canine.  “You can tell her that yes I am entirely serious and that she has no right to tell me who I can and can not marry, mother has already tried that and failed several times.  I will leave you two now since I would guess you might wish to talk this over.”  Jared waited expecting Cassie to say something, anything, as her twin left but nothing came out as the other walked down the path to the house.

'Royals marry for convenience as often as love.'  Cassie suddenly quoted several minutes later.  Jared who had been slowly sipping the tea had a different thought.  'She wants you.  Think about it, if she married me you would always be close and she could make sure I stayed at the palace.'  'Exactly convenience.'  She responded.  Jared shook his head, 'Nope love, her love for you.'

He ended up finishing the cup but stayed seated for a long time.  Both of them attempted to keep a conversation going but often only a little was exchanged.  “Cassie, do you hate me?”  Jared suddenly asked aloud.

'Of course not.' ~ 'Do you love me?'  It took her a few seconds but she replied, 'Jared you are me.  I can't hate you any more than I can hate myself nor can I love you any more than I can love myself.  I'm angry and upset with you sometimes but then....' ~ 'Cassie, please.  Do you love me?  Or at least care for me?'  He interrupted. 

When the silence continued he tried again, 'If you were real, like had your own body, would you be upset if I asked you out on a date.  My first date?'

'It's not the same.'  She quickly tried to point out.  Jared closed his eyes and leaned back feeling the sun now warming his fur.  'No it's a whole lot worse.  From now on Cassie it is always going to be you and me.  Are you really upset because I'm curious about you?'

'I don't mind that you were curious but Jared your trying to make me do something I don't want to.  You could at least give me some privacy if I need it.'  She told him.  

'When have I ever had privacy?  You drove me near insane sometimes and now I have given you half of my life!  You have your sister, your family, heck you're a princess.  All I have is you...   Maybe your sister will be close to me, but I don't ever see your parents or Drake or anyone else changing.  Privacy?  Exactly how do you think we should do that.  The whole point of the spell was so we would share everything, absolutely everything.  I didn't ask to do anything, I just wanted a look.'

'Look?  You expect me to believe that?  You want more than just a look.  Girls are different from guys.'  Her words were pretty much the truth but still had Jared nearly laughing out.

“And how are girls different from boys?  You haven't seen any more pussy than I have.”  The quiet whispered comment hushed her up.  At first she had been embarrassed in front of Nessandra's hand maid changing out of Jared's underwear so fast so the other couldn't see and neither did she.  Then she had never taken them off during the entire session of trying on dresses.  The same had held true each time she had changed being extra quick if she needed new underwear.  'You're just a curious as I am!'  His mental shout startled her as he realized it.  'And I know you enjoyed my privates as much as I have.'

Jared opened his eyes and stood up.  'Maybe I did want to see you and yes I was hoping we could, explore together but you shouldn't have been so upset.  You've seen me for years and you never thought twice.  I do expect you to look at yourself soon, it would be only natural, but don't expect me to try and look away or ignore it.  After all we have been through I deserve to know you as well as you know me.'

He started towards the house with her offering several arguments against that point but in reality she had already partly accepted what he said.  Cassie could remember several times when he was a young teen and she had tried to entice him to play with himself, feeling the ride of emotions and chemicals that ran through his body.  That thought led to her own, wondering how it might feel to do that herself.

“Sir?”  Jared jumped up from the chair not hearing anyone approach.  He had sat down on one of the lower decks on the far side of the property that overlooked the river.

“Yes.”  he answered.

“The High Lord has requested that you and the princess return to the house.”  The avian turned and waddled off as soon as it had finished speaking leaving him to stare after it.  He had been contemplating returning to his room for a rest for quite some time unwilling to actually get up but that would have to wait now.

When he reached the study door Nessandra burst out with a happy little half yip and nearly tackled the ferret with she saw him.  “Come on! Come ON!  Everyone is going down to swim.  Forget that.”  She told him when he looked towards the office.  “Even father will be coming.  Let's go, they found some swim stuff that should fit both of you.”

Jared allowed himself to be pushed to his room before he flopped down on the bed where he was left along.  'Come on change!'  Cassie spoke infected with the excitement of her twin.  She waited a full minute but when he still hadn't moved she took enough control to sit them back up.  'Hurry up.'

“Cassie stop.”  He protested.  'I don't really feel all that great.'  

'So you're just a little tired.  Think of it like this, how many people get to swim with the royal family?'  She tried to push a little of her energy his way urging him to go.

'Whatever.'  His answer seemed to spark more than just a little resistance.  Jared could feel parts of his body start to change.  'If you won't go I will.'  They struggled for several seconds Jared straining against the change snarling back,  “It's my day STOP!”  He struggled to stand up stumbling towards the door actually running into it before Cassie gave up.  

Irritated he stomped down the hall and shoved open the back door stepping out.  He had not expected to  literally stumble into Drentan and a small group of people.  “What are you doing?  Father requested Cassandra to join us.”

“Relax brother.”  Nessandra stated having made a swift change in the last few minutes to a modest two piece top and bottom of light green.  “Did the suits not fit?”

“I really don't feel like swimming.  I'll just go sit on the deck for now.”  In truth the ferret wanted to go lay down but he now wasn't sure if Cassie was going to stick with their agreement if he fell asleep.  As he took a step to the side Cassie spoke out.  “I want to go swimming.”

Before he could take another step a paw on his shoulder stopped him.  “You would be smart to listen to Lord Marverath.  Go back inside and get changed!”  Jared pulled away but before he or Nessandra could protest the price continued.  “IF Cassandra is your sister,”  He spoke glaring over at Nessandra, “then one does not treat a princess in such a manner.  Go Change!”  He ordered looking back at Jared.

“Both of you stop it.  Drake maybe stupid at times but Cass you know better.  It is Jared's day!  Jared go ahead and relax, you don't look all that great.  Are you feeling sick?”

“No just tired.  I'll take a nap later.” He was surprised when Nessandra stepped forward and gave him a hug.

“Join us if you change your mind, or we can talk later.”  She spoke quietly squeezing his paw as she stepped back.  Drake was still glaring as two other foxes stepped out of his way and he walked to the stairs heading back to the seat he had left just a little while ago.

He had been expecting an argument or at least a few jabs to try and persuade him but instead she was silent.  Twice he dozed off only to startle himself awake a few minutes later.  'Cassie?' ~ 'Yes?'  “You're not going to take over are you?”

“Excuse me sir?  Did you need something.”  He turned to see a hare staring at him halfway down the lower set of stairs.

“No sorry, just thinking out loud.”  He had learned long ago to never say he was talking with himself.  But the fact he had spoken out loud instead of a whisper only proved to himself how tired he was.  After the guard had moved off she asked him, 'What do you mean?'

'If I lay down.  I'm not going to end up in the water am I?'  At first he thought he had really upset her since she was hiding her own thought and feelings so well and taking so long to respond.  'I won't wake up in the middle of the night feeling myself up will I?'  Jared almost found himself laughing that they were both worried about the same thing until a small part of him realized he wasn't trusting the one person he needed to.

'Cassie, I swear, I promise.  I will NEVER touch or use your body and I will never forcefully take over if it's your turn.' ~ 'Do you really think that I would...'  She questioned.

“Yes!” he spoke quietly but with force before she could even finish.  'It's your family, I know you want to go and be with them.  You almost took over in the room.  And yes I felt like I had to ask because I thought the moment I fell asleep you would take over, no matter what I wanted.'

After nearly a minute she responded.  'I'm sorry.  I was excited but Ness was right.  I can't simply take over because I want to or my family says so because that would mean you really wouldn't have any time.  I was sort of thinking the same thing, if I fell asleep would I wake up and still be me or worse that you would do something still being me.  I was really upset this morning when I realized you were awake and holding Ness.'

Jared thought for a moment.  'I guess we both need to set up some rules.  I mean I wasn't going to be rude to her, or ignore her and you were already holding her and to be honest she sort of hugged me.' ~ 'I know that's what started to wake me up.  I wanted to throttle you when I realized what you two were talking about.  I even thought you might try and take a look right then.'  

They both sat in silence for several moments,  'You know I have no real family.  I know I could always call and talk to Uncle Max but besides you, and Nessandra maybe I'll have no one to talk to if we go to the capital, no friends, no classmates, no one who will even care.'  He stopped her from talking further deciding he really should get some sleep but after he stood up and stretched a jolt ran through him, one that seemed to pull at his soul.

He grabbed his chest heart pounding out in fear trying to figure out what was happening when Cassie suddenly shouted.  'NESS!'  It didn't matter whether it was her fear or his, their pounding heart and terror drove them to act.  He flung himself towards the river taking two flights of stairs in a couple of steps before charging down the wood decking that ran parallel to the river.  'Hurry!'  Cassie urged trying to push him forward with her will alone.  

Jared turned the corner actually ripping the wood hand rail with his blunt claws as he tried to stay upright and moving.  Ahead of him was the last few dozen feet of wood decking that lead to a shore wall.  The break that lead to the dock was  offset a full two feet but instead of slowing down to dodge Jared leaped up landing on top of the three foot wall having jumping slightly sideways.  His second jump landed him on the wide railing that ran down one side of the dock barely keeping his body upright as he shifted his weight taking several unsteady steps turning his body in a different direction.  He concentrated running down the flat handrail nearly stumbling because his head moved up and around scanning the water. 

'There!'  Cassie cried as she zeroed in on Nessandra who was struggling to make it back to the dock and safety.  Jared's heart stopped and his courage nearly fled as they both recognized the sleek flat hide like rock that seemed to glide towards the young vixen.  A Glant was a rather voracious creature that had mid level animal intelligence and a strong resistance to magic.  Normally the one to two foot pancake looked like a cross between a turtle and a frog, a heavy hide instead of a shell with small flipper like forearms and long powerful back swimming legs.  The real problem was a wide mouth full of  hooked teeth that would continue to draw in prey to be swallowed, or if it bit something to large it would shake and thrash attempting to tear away a chunk to eat.  Catching a person unprepared our unaware a Glant could take a three to four inch chunk out of a leg if one didn't act fast enough.

This one was nothing like what a Glant should be.  Nearly twice its normal size it was quickly eating up the yards between itself and its prey looking big enough to take off one of the flailing arms of the vixen as she struggled and pushed her way through the water.  There was nothing Jared could think to do, even if this side of the river seemed shallow, just over three feet, there was no way he could cover the nearly two dozen feet at the end of the dock that was rapidly approaching.  'JUMP!'  Cassie shrieked at him and he was left with little choice as he felt the air behind him solidify into a wall. 

Even as he pushed off he had to alter the magic some allowing it to slide past and move them in the direction they needed while Cassie still threw everything she had into the air giving them the distance.  'Crush IT!'  As she made her plan known he had no time to think on how stupid or foolish this was as Cassie's entire will was bent on stopping the creature that was now feet away as they passed Nessandra.

He drew on what power he could, what little he seemed to have forcing all the energies to change driving them downwards adding what he could to their drop.  His shoes started to slide across the leathery back before more of his weight stalled the creatures forward movement driving it below the surface.  The magic kept pushing them down s he locked his knees digging his heels into the Glant beneath him.

It was a jarring impact stopping him with the water nearly touching his groin.  They strained together trying to keep upright as the last of the magic push down.  Suddenly something gave way beneath his right foot.  Jared wasn't sure what had happened as the creature thrashed under him.  Its flailing unbalanced him dumping him in the water, and before he was able to gain stability he was struck across the side of the muzzle while a separate impact drove into his chest.

Jared was pushed back into the water robbed of breath and nearly consciousness he sank stunned.  Nothing happened in the following seconds except him sinking to the river bed with Cassie trying desperately to rouse him or make his suddenly overly heavy body move.  She tried to cry out reaching to find some kind of help, her sister was now near safety but she still gave off waves of terror as she was pulled up onto the dock.  Cassie no longer cared about who's turn it should be as she forced the change thrashing out with her own limbs trying to get out of the water.

She breached the surface flailing out with her arms hearing the confusing cries and screams along with  splashing noises that made everything more confusing.  Rare had been the days that Jared had been to a pool or tried to swim.  Her first worry was of drowning before one foot found the bottom and pushed off heading in the direction of her sister.  From there she launched herself out of the water as she half jumped half flopped trying to get back to the dock.

She saw as well as felt something large fly past her body making a large splash behind her.  “MOVE GIRL!!”  Someone shouted over the noise, almost at the same time by simple luck her paws touched the line of whatever had been tossed behind her.  Feeling it jerk away she gripped out of pure reflex tightening up as it slid through her hand.  Her arm, shoulder, then body were roughly yanked forward several feet before she lost her grip.  Cassie was close now struggling to find her feet and keep moving forward in the shallows when something grabbed her top half.  She was hauled forward through the air and water before two sets of paws grabbed each wrist yanking her entire body upwards and down onto the dock.

Pulled to her feet she wasn't even able to take a step on her own before she was squeezed in a crushing grip.  Cassie's protest was blasted by joy and relief before she echoed with her own.  The twins were steered stumbling down the dock both refusing to let go of one another even after they passed the stone wall.

Their moment of shared feelings was broken by an even stronger hug that came close to crushing them together.  “Thank the very essence.  You two, you especially... Stupid Foolish!, but safe,  you're safe.”  He had stop speaking staring at Cassie.  His paws broke the pair up before he gripped his daughter's shoulders firmly still staring at her.  “I'm sorry...  It was so hard to even thing that you were back, and the possibility of losing you again..”  She was again drawn into a rib bruising hug.  “I'm sorry Cassandra.  My DAUGHTER, welcome home.”  He choked out the last words as Nessandra pressed herself into the hug as well.

Jared was trying to steady himself suddenly washed in waves of more love and emotion far stronger than any he had felt before.  'Cassie?'  He questioned weakly.  It felt like he was swept into a tornado spun around by her excitement replaying for him what her father had just said with full force.  She literally dropped him turning her attention back to her sister as the two hugged and rocked each other.

'Cassie... Cassie?  I'm happy for you.  Enjoy this, at least...  At least one of us has a family,  a life.'