Kyle steered his invention into the run down garage, smiling as the ladies cooed from the streets. His invention; the so-called Cycloskiff. ‘Who knew I would become so popular just by taking old parts from the dump and building a makeshift motorcycle.’ He revved the engine once more and grinned as the girls outside gave a cheer. “I should definitely paint this rust bucket now.” He climbed off the Cycloskiff and headed for the exit. He needed to get home and grab some food.
As he stepped outside he noticed the group of girls had vanished. In their place stood a man garbed in a silver and black robe. Kyle slowly approached the stranger. “Can I help you?” He asked.
“I’m looking for Kyle Donovan.”
“That’s me.”
“I have news of your younger sister; Claira Donovan.”
“What about her?”
“She has died protecting the wolf incarnation. Her only remains are in this box.” The man pulled a small brown box from his knack sack. Kyle’s chest froze over. Claira was dead? He took the box and opened it. Small fragments of bone were all that remained of his sister?
“This can’t be right…She was the best sword fighter in town! How do you know these”--he indicated the box--“are all that’s left of my sister?!”
“We found this among them.” The man revealed a sword hidden beneath his robe. Kyle didn’t have to look to know it was Claira’s. “All of your sister’s responsibilities are now your own. You must come to the nearby temple as soon as possible.”
“What if I don’t want to take over my sister’s “responsibilities”?”
“You have no choice.” Kyle grunted. The man frowned.
“I’ll do it.”
“Then, I will see you at the temple in a few hours.” The robed man handed over Claira’s sword. “You should start practicing.” He turned and sauntered down the sidewalk toward the temple.
Kyle turned and stormed into his house. Once inside he allowed his body to droop. He stared down at the sword and box of bones. “Claira…Why couldn’t you just stay home?” He clutched the box to his chest.


Six months later


Kyle stepped off the platform and looked around. The wolf influence coursing through his veins signaled to be alert. ‘She must be nearby. I better check around. No better place to pick up gossip than at the tavern.’ he said, grinning.
As he headed toward the town before him he couldn’t help, but feel a pair of eyes watching his every moment.
‘Please, just let it be an innocent chick.’ he sighed inwardly. He kept his senses up just in case.
Kyle glanced around the tiny town. Small, but clean stone buildings. No homes, only businesses. A labor town. Perfect.
“Hey, buddy, are you looking for something?” A man to his left asked.
“Actually, yeah. Whe--”
“I hope it’s for a job, ‘cuz I need plenty of help.”
“What? Oh no, I’m looking for the tavern.”
“Oh. Damn it. It’s next to the tallest building in town. Just head to the northern exit and it’s on your right.”
Kyle waved and quickly marched away. He spotted the building and casually walked up. He could hear plenty of people speaking from inside. Perfect, he thought, then adjusted the sword on his back. He stepped inside, eager to find out anything.
Once the door squeaked shut, silence filled the air. Kyle stood glued to his spot in front of the door. Twenty pairs of eyes stared at him. He grimaced and stepped up to the bar. He slipped onto a stool and waited. The occupants of the tavern finally bore of Kyle’s arrival and returned to their drinking and jostling.  “What would you like?” Kyle looked up. A young bartender waited for his response.
Kyle opened his mouth to answer. “Give him a scotch.” A deep, yet sensual voice said for him. He turned his head slightly. A slender young lady sat on the stool next to him. Silver hair, red eyes, cleavage…Kyle couldn’t hold back the grin. The bartender nodded and fixed the glass.
“Thanks.” he said, trying to deepen his voice.
“No problem.” She said and spun her stool around; facing her back to the bar. She leaned back and stretched out her legs. Kyle lifted his glass to his lips to keep from smiling. “So, what’s your name?” She flicked her hair out of her eyes and watched his face, intently.
Should he use an alias? Nah, it couldn’t hurt. “Kyle.” he said, downing his drink.
“Kyle? Sounds like a warrior’s name.”
“That’s what I am.” He said, eagerly. “What’s yours?”
“Eraine.”
“Erotic.”
“I get that a lot.” she smiled. “Let me fix you another drink.” She took his glass then turned to the bar. Reaching over she grabbed the bottle of scotch and poured some into his glass. Once she was sure he couldn’t see, she pulled a vile out of her top. She tilted the vile and allowed two drops of the pink liquid to fall inside the glass. “Here you go.” she said and handed the glass back.
“Thanks.” He quickly downed it and set his glass down. “That tasted better than the first one…”
“Well, the first is always the one that opens you up.”
“I guess you’re right.” His head spun. He jumped, then shivered. Eraine smirked.
“Are you feeling okay?” she whispered, placing a hand on his arm.
“Yeah, I’m fine…”
“Do you mind letting me borrow that sword of yours?”
“Oh, uh--”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She untied the sheath and hefted it onto her own back. “See you later.” She jumped up.
Kyle grabbed her wrist. “But, I need that sword.”
She jerked away from him. “Too bad. It’s mine now.” She bolted from the tavern. Kyle shook his head.
“She just took off with my sister’s sword!” He realized. He groaned, but chased after her. “Come back!” he yelled once he was outside. He turned toward the railroad. “No, wait!” He spun the opposite way then sprinted.
The wolf influence began to kick in. He picked up speed and allowed his ears to pick up distant sounds. There! Eraine wasn’t too far ahead. He sped up a little more, then cut into an alleyway.
Eraine slowed to a stop on the stone bridge. She was almost of the town! Freedom, here she comes. She took a step forward.
“Give me back my sword!” Kyle leaped at her. She didn’t have time to block and he swept the sword away from her. “Next time, I’ll--” He gulped and rushed to the side of the bridge.
Eraine was still in shock. “How did you catch up to me?”
“It’s part of a huge package I received when I accepted the wolf influence.” Kyle answered quickly, before having to vomit again. “What did you put in that drink!?”
“Just a little vomit inducer. You shouldn’t have to hurl to much more. The wolf influence? Oh, you’re the Guardian of the Wolf, huh?”
Kyle glared at her, then deadpanned and spun back to vomit once more. He took a deep breath then, raised himself up. “I can’t believe I didn’t find out anything about the incarnation thanks to you.” He stuck his finger in her face. “I’m going back to the tavern.” he grumbled, turning away. “This time, stay away from me.”
“Aw, don’t be like that!” she said cheerfully and took his arm. “We’ll go back together.” She jerked him forward, ready to pull him all the way back.
“Hey! What are you doing?”
“I’m not leaving your side until I get my hands on that sword.” she said, bluntly. “I saw the magic infused in it. I will have it!”
Kyle sighed. “I get the strongest feeling you really are demented.” Eraine only snorted.