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Alexei looks like a normal ten-year-old fur. He wears the same clothes as everyone else, listens to the same music, and sees the same movies. At first glace, Alexei is just like everybody else.

Alexei grew up in a small village not very close to any large civilization. He didn't have many friends there, as most of the furs were old and frail. His only friend was a young shy mouse named Thomas.

But beneath Alexei's kind, unassuming exterior lies a dark secret. Alexei discovered, at a very young age, he has incredible power. The few furs still alive call it a gift, but Alexei knew it was a curse.

Alexei honed his skills very quickly. When he was nine, he could move giant boulders with just a thought. Memories, feelings, minds and subconscious thoughts all belonged to him. In an instant, he could know anything about anyone near him, sometimes accidentally. The people of his village encouraged Alexei's skill, but kept it a secret.

One day, when Alexei was ten, something happened which changed both his life and the world forever: first alien contact. Unfortunately the encounter proved to be much less peaceful than everyone had hoped.

The aliens, or the Commune as they call themselves, came in full-force, searching for the entity known as Alexei.

* * *

"Why don't you go outside and play? What's Thomas up to?"

Alexei ignored his father. He slouched further down the couch and continued flipping through the channels. The young lion sighed.

Alexei's father stepped in front of the television. He leaned forward, "It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Alex. You've clearly got nothing better to do, so get up and get some fresh air while it's still light out. Carpe diem, seize the day!"

Alexei rolled his eyes and grudgingly got up. He put his paw on the door knob to leave when he heard his mother shout from the kitchen, "Alexei! It's a bit nippy out, so take your coat with you."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Alexei grumbled to himself, reaching for his grey hooded sweatshirt. He threw it on and slammed the door behind him. Alexei walked down the empty street with his head down and his paws in his pockets.

From afar, Alexei could hear loud noises. He looked up and stared at two older furs fooling around on the picnic table outside the store. Alexei walked closer, still staring. They were making out. Alexei stopped.

The male dragon, on top of the female bunny, also stopped and whipped his head toward Alexei. "Get lost, freak. Can't you see I'm busy?"

The female put her paw on the dragon's cheek and said in a cute voice, "Aww, come on, Drake. Don't be so mean to him. He's just curious." She turned her head to Alexei, "C'mon closer, little lion. You wanna see how it's done?"

Disgusted, Alexei threw up his hood and walked past the two.

The dragon said, under his breath, "Stupid freak..."

Alexei, his back turned to the couple and still walking, raised his paw and flashed his middle finger.

"Hey!" the dragon shouted. He got up and started toward Alexei, ignoring his girlfriend's pleas for him to stop. Now behind Alexei, he placed his large paw on the lion's shoulder.

Alexei froze. The dragon stood at least twice his size.

"You little punk!" the dragon shouted, "Everybody else may be afraid of you, but I'm not. I'm bigger, and I'm stronger than you. So you'd be wise to treat me with a little more respect."

Alexei kept quiet and continued walking.

"You ignorant little brat," the dragon said, raising his fist. He punched at Alexei.

Alexei turned around and with his left paw, head still lowered, blocked the dragon's attack. In one fluid motion, he moved the dragon's arm away and punched him in the gut.

The dragon spat and backed off, falling to one knee.

Alexei took the dragon's head in his paws and looked him straight in the eyes and said, darkly, "Don't you ever touch me again." With that, Alexei pushed the marred dragon down and continued on his way. He could hear from afar the dragon's girlfriend laughing. Alexei smiled.

Finally, Alexei reached Thomas' house. Thomas, a shy young mouse, was Alexei's best friend and one year older. The two were sort of outcasts in their small, close-knit village consisting mostly of old gossipy furs. They went to school together and didn't stick out much there, either. They weren't popular, nor were they picked on. They were just less than average. Alexei knew the other kids teased them sometimes behind their backs, but Thomas was oblivious. Alexei never said anything.

Thomas' mother finally came to the door. She greeted Alexei cheerfully and directed him to Thomas' room.

"Hey, Lex. What's up?"

"Nothing, "Alexei snorted. "My dad made me leave the house. Says it's a beautiful day, so here I am."

The two sat on the bed, Thomas fiddling with some toy he had just picked up.

Alexei sighed and lay back, crossing his arms.

After a long silence, Thomas finally said, "You wanna know what I read today?"

"Sure."

"Aliens are headed to Earth."

Alexei sat back up, "Don't tell me you believe that junk. You know it's all made up."

"Yeah, but this time it was from a reputable website."

"Uh-huh. I'll bet it was."

"No, it was! Here, I'll show you." Thomas jumped off the bed and eagerly rushed toward his computer.

"No, no, no. It's alright. I don't care."

"Fine," Thomas said disappointedly, "so, what do you want to do?"

Alexei grunted. "You wanna just go out?"

"Yeah, sure. Why not?"

The two left the house and walked up the street toward where the dragon had been. Alexei noticed a small drop of blood on the ground from where he had had the altercation. He didn't think he had hit the dragon that hard.

As the two walked, Thomas leaned closer toward Alexei and grabbed his paw.

Alexei backed off and pulled away his paw. "What are you doing?"

"I was trying to hold your paw."

Alexei made a somewhat disgusted face, "Why?"

"I'm trying something new," Thomas replied, looking nervous.

"Well... alright. We can hold paws... Just give me a bit of warning next time..."

The pair clasped their paws and continued up the hill, walking slowly. Thomas rested his head on Alexei's shoulder until they reached the top. They sat on a ledge overlooking the small village. The sun was hanging in the sky and the air was getting cooler.

Thomas shuffled closer to Alexei.

"Do you ever just sit back and think? You know, about life?"

Alexei looked at Thomas.

"Like, we're not alone in the universe, or there's more to our lives than this."

"I think you've been spending too much time on that website..."

"I'm serious, Lex. Sometimes I wonder what's really out there." Thomas stared up into the sky and the setting sun while leaning up against Alexei.

Alexei shifted slightly. He, too, was staring into the sky until suddenly, he felt Thomas' warm lips pressed up against his cheek. When Thomas lowered his lips, Alexei turned his head and looked into his eyes. "What... was that?"

"Something new..."

"I don't understand."

"I'm trying to be... less shy, I guess."

"Well, I've gotta say... I'm surprised. It's a new you... I like the new you..." Alexei slowly put his arm around his friend, and Thomas returned the favour. They clasped their two free paw and just sat, staring into the sunset.

After the sun had set, the two started to doze off, sharing their warmth. Alexei lay atop his friend.

Alexei was suddenly woken by disturbing chill. He sat up and looked around nervously, then down at Thomas. He rubbed his friend's cheek, "I think we should be heading home..."

"What? Why? We were having fun..."

"Well, your fun's over, boys," a startling voice said from behind.

The two jumped then turned around. It was Alexei's father, now holding a flashlight in their eyes.

Alexei put up his paw and said, "You scared the hell out of us."

"Watch your mouth. You were supposed to be home two hours ago. Care to explain yourself, young man?"

"Uh... we were just watching the sunset."

"Uh-huh. Well, you two had better get your butts home before you freeze do death. Thomas, your mother's worried sick about you."

"Yes sir," they sighed, walking home with Alexei's father.

On the way, they passed Old Man Jenkins, who was sitting on his porch wrapped in an old quilt. He waved to the three and said, to Alexei's father, "The boys're out late again, eh Georgey? Well give 'em a whack for me!"

"Will do, Henry!" Alexei's father waved back, shaking his head.

When they reached home, Thomas' mother rushed out of the house and smothered her son in hugs and kisses. "Oh, I was so worried about you! Don't ever scare me like that again."

"I'm sorry..." Thomas said, lowering his head.

"I'm just glad you're alright. C'mon. I'll make you some tea to warm you up." She turned to Alexei's father and said, "Thank you for finding them. I swear, if it wasn't for you, George, I don't know what I'd do." She left in a hurry.

"So," Alexei started, his paws in his pockets, "Aren't you just glad I'm alright, too?"

"Don't get smart with me, Alex. I knew you'd be alright. Now get in the house."

Alexei rolled his eyes and walked inside. He started to unzip his hoodie until the door slammed shut. His mother walked in.

"You want to explain exactly what happened up there?"

"It was nothing, dad. We just sat down and watched the sunset. What's so bad about that? You and mom do it all the time, and trust me, we weren't doing what you two do."

Alexei's parents glanced at each other, then back to their son. "And just what do we do?"

"Well, you usually start off with- "

"That's enough," Alexei's mother cut in. "Don't you think you're a bit too young to be making these kinds of... decisions?"

"What do you mean? What kind of decisions?"

His parents sighed. "Never mind, Alexei. Just go to bed."

Alexei finished unzipping his hoodie and climbed the stairs to his room. He knew now what his parents were talking about. They were referring to him and Thomas and what they were doing up on the hill. Alexei knew what they thought happened, or was going to happen, and how they felt. They were worried, somewhat, and he felt a strong sense of disappointment from them. He couldn't understand why. He knew they disapproved, he knew they were worried, but why?

Alexei changed and climbed into bed. It was hard for him to sleep. Dozens of thoughts were running through his head, most of which weren't his own. He shut his eyes tightly and tried to concentrate. He focused on Thomas and the moment they had shared together. Eventually, Alexei was asleep.

* * *

Alexei woke up with a sudden chill down his spine. He could feel something. Something he had never felt before. It was strong, and getting stronger. He could sense a dark presence approaching, but he couldn't sense from where. Then he felt something he hadn't felt for along time: fear. Alexei got out of bed and quietly walked down the stairs. It was still dark out.

Alexei poured himself a glass of water and drank it quickly. He sighed and tried to clear his mind. Then he heard a creaking from stairs. Alexei put down the glass and hid around the corner.

'Who the hell could that be?' he thought, putting up his fists. 'An intruder? Yeah, it's gotta be... I'll make him regret it...'

Suddenly, from behind, the kitchen light flicked on and Alexei's father walked in.

Alexei groaned and covered his eyes.

"Alex? What are you doing up? It's three o'clock in the morning."

"Oh... uh... I couldn't sleep. A lot on my mind, I guess."

"Anything you want to talk about?"

"Not really."

An awkward silence filled the room. Finally, "Look, son, I was just worried about you..."

"Worried? Why would you be worried? I can handle anything."

"You know what I'm talking about. I saw you and Thomas up on the hill."

"Yeah, I know. You scared the shit out of us."

"I mean, I saw what you were doing."

"Oh... well, we didn't do anything wrong. It was completely harmless. Why were you spying on us, anyway?"

"No. I wasn't spying..." Alexei's father sighed, "I just get worried about you sometimes. I know what you can do, and I just don't want to see anybody get hurt..."

"I'm in complete control of myself. You don't have to worry."

"I know, son."

Another awkward silence. Alexei started, "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course you can."

"Why do you think what me and Thomas did was wrong?"

"What? Oh... nothing... nothing is wrong with it..."

"I know you don't approve. But I don't understand why."

"Well... it's hard to explain... I guess your mother and I have these expectations of you, and something like that sort of deviates from our... ideals."

"What do you mean?"

Alexei's father sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Alexei... I don't expect you to understand. You're so young... I guess I just didn't think you were old enough to be having these kinds of feelings..."

Alexei replied with silence.

"Let's just try to get some sleep, okay, son?"

Alexei nodded then walked up the stairs behind his father. He entered his room and climbed into his bed and shut his eyes. He felt exhausted. He eyes were heavy, yet he still couldn't sleep. He still felt cold. He still felt that presence. Alexei was still scared.

* * *

Alexei woke to his mother flicking the lights on and off.

"Rise and shine! It's a glorious day and you'd only be wasting it in here. Plus you'll be late for school."

"I hate school," Alexei groaned. "Can I stay in bed?"

"No, you can't," his mother replied, walking to the end of the bed. She grabbed hold of the sheets and whipped them off.

Alexei growled and curled into a ball, shivering.

"Oh, don't be a wimp. I was up and at 'em two hours ago. Plus, your breakfast is getting cold."

Alexei groaned and pulled himself out of bed. He still felt somewhat troubled by the strange presence. He groggily pulled his clothes on and went down the stairs. He walked into the kitchen and sat down, staring at his plate. It was eggs and toast. Alexei hated eggs and toast. He ate his breakfast quickly, grabbed his backpack and said goodbye.

About half way to school, Alexei was joined by Thomas.

"Hey, Lex." Thomas waved.

"Hi. So, how much trouble did you get into last night?"

"Not much, actually. I guess your dad didn't tell my mom that we slept together."

Alexei glanced at his friend.

Thomas smiled and went on, "So, are you going to teach me any new moves tonight?"

"I didn't plan on it. But I can if you want me to."

"Yeah, that would be great..." There was a pause and Thomas sighed. "You know, you are so lucky. I wish my dad knew martial arts, but he just some lame accountant..." Thomas sighed again and put his arm around Alexei. He pulled the lion in closer and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Thomas, please..."

"What? I thought... I thought you liked it..."

Alexei felt uneasy. "I do. But, I don't know. We're out in public... I'm kinda surprised. You're usually the one who's too shy for these sorts of things."

"I know, but it's different with you. You make me feel... good."

Alexei put his paw on Thomas' waist and rubbed it slightly, smiling. The two walked the rest of the way to school in silence. When they reached their school, they separated and walked to class.

Alexei had skipped a grade that year and was now in Thomas' grade six class. Alexei didn't have any friends in that class, as everyone was a year older. Most of the classmates he had left behind in grade five ignored Alexei now. Alexei had been left alone. It was until the second week of this new environment that Alexei had met Thomas.

Alexei had sat in the back of the room, feeling uncomfortable around the older kids. However, there was one fur in the back who shared Alexei's feelings. The two had made an awkward introduction but quickly became friends.

Alexei and Thomas reached class and took their usual seats in the back. They sat back and mostly goofed off. Neither of them cared much for math or geography or English, or whatever it was they were supposed to be learning.

Finally it was lunch time. The pair worked their way through the cafeteria and sat at the end of a table.

"Check it out." Thomas said, pulling out a small portable radio.

"Where'd you get that?"

"From home. Where else?" Thomas set down the small radio and shared headphones with Alexei. Thomas tuned the radio and they listened.

It was a strange broadcast, and it worried Alexei. It wasn't so much what he was hearing which worried him, but what he felt in his gut. He listened carefully.

"In less than twenty-four hours, aliens will make their presence known to the Earth!" the radio cried. "Right now, they walk among us, disguised. They are studying us; watching, listening, and learning. They are searching for something, but no one knows what for. All I know for sure is their invasion has only just begun..."

"Isn't this great?" Thomas laughed. "I think her name is Mother Shambobo, 'master psychic.'"

"Oh, come on. Don't tell me you believe this shit."

"Well, not from somebody named 'Mother Shambobo.' I know that you- "

"Shut up!" Alexei barked. He looked up and the entire table was staring. He turned and said quietly, "Do you want everybody to know?"

"They weren't even listening until you yelled. They wouldn't believe it, anyway."

"That's not the point."

"Lex, are you alright today? You seem nervous and kinda twitchy I didn't want to say anything, but..."

"I'll be fine. I didn't sleep well last night, that's all. I must be getting sick, or something."

"Sick? You never get sick."

"I'll be fine."

Suddenly, from across the cafeteria, a rather large dragon picked up a screaming young tiger. The entire cafeteria turned to watch.

Alexei quickly stood up from his seat.

The dragon threw the much younger tiger down a table and picked up another kid. They made an incredible noise.

Alexei clenched his fists and growled. He moved toward the dragon.

"Lex, stay out of it," Thomas said, holding Alexei's arm. "Even you can't take him... he's huge!"

"Back off!" Alexei snarled, pulling back his arm.

Alexei continued about half way down the cafeteria when the dragon noticed.

The dragon threw the child to the side and looked Alexei square in the eyes, grinning.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Alexei demanded.

The dragon laughed, "Why, I was trying to find you."

"Why?"

"Because I want you."

"What?" Alexei said, disgusted.

"We will have you, lion. You have no choice."

Alexei stared at the dragon. He knew now. "So, 'Mother Shambobo' was right. I guess I'm not the only psychic."

"Ha! Don't make me laugh. She's a lunatic. I can assure you, lion, a coincidence only. Now, how would you prefer to do this?"

The entire cafeteria was watching and listening closely. Hundreds of eyes were now focused on Alexei.

"Do... what?"

The dragon snickered, "Use that brain of yours, lion. You know what we want. There's two ways of settling this. You come with us peacefully, or we can drag your half-dead carcass away. It's your choice."

"I'd never go with you. Not without a fight."

"So, it seems you've made your choice..."

Alexei stared at the dragon, who was standing perfectly still. Suddenly, a flash. A flash in his mind. Alexei held his head and groaned loudly. He looked up. The cafeteria was dead-quiet. Alexei shouted, "Run... everybody run! Get the hell out of here!"

There was shifting and a few furs stood up.

The dragon started to back off.

Suddenly, the building started to shake. Everyone screamed and ran as fast as they could. It was mass panic. The food and garbage on the tables fell to the floor and chairs and furs toppled over. People were pushing their way past Alexei.

Alexei didn't move. He heard a cry from behind. Alexei turned.

Thomas was trying desperately to reach his friend. He was terrified both for himself and for Alexei.

Over the bobbing heads of scared young furs, Alexei looked into Thomas' eyes. He thought to him, 'Thomas, it's me.'

Thomas froze.

'I'll be fine. You have to trust me. Please... run...'

Thomas turned and rushed with the other kids. He stopped at the door and looked back at Alexei, tears coursing down his face. Taking one last look at his friend, Thomas ran.

The cafeteria was empty. Only Alexei and the large dragon stood in the centre. They stared each other down as plaster and ceiling tiles crumbled to the floor. The rumbling finally stopped.

Then, Alexei charged the dragon.

The dragon swung a massive fist.

Alexei ducked and countered with a hard upper-cut to the dragon's jaw.

The dragon staggered backward.

Without missing a beat, Alexei punched the dragon in the gut, then cracked him in the face. Then again, and again. Alexei grabbed onto the dragon's wrist and swung him around, slamming the beast into the wall.

The dragon fell to his knees. He spat out a bloody tooth and looked up at Alexei, "You're tougher than I expected, kid. Imagine how strong you'll become with us..."

"Fuck you!" Alexei cried, kicking the dragon in the face.

The dragon fell forward with a loud thump.

Alexei turned the dragon with his foot, then stepped on his throat. He pushed down hard.

The dragon choked. "You- you can't kill me... you wouldn't... dare..."

With pure hatred in his face, Alexei slowly crushed the dragon's trachea.

The dragon choked and gasped for air, clawing desperately at Alexei's leg.

Alexei ground his foot down as the dragon's warm blood spread out onto the floor and up his leg.

The dragon went limp.

Alexei backed off, horrified at the dragon's bloody carcass. "Oh God..." he whispered to himself. He staggered over to the shattered window and stared into the sky. Dark clouds were forming.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Alexei heard an explosion which shook the school. Then another to the left. He could see the explosion. It was a large cloud which seemed to cover at least twenty houses.

Alexei backed off, sweating and scared. He ran for the nearest exit, throwing tables out of his way. He held out his paw and the door shot off its hinges. Alexei stopped for a moment to get his bearings. Then he took off.

Within minutes, Alexei burst into his house. "Mom? Dad? Where are you?!"

He bolted up the stairs shouting. His parents were gone. He ran back down and left his home.

Alexei was stunned. From out of nowhere, alien ships emerged in the darkening sky. All around Alexei could see smoke and flames and explosion after explosion. He could hear a strange sound from above.

Alexei looked up and gasped. He stood at the front door paralyzed, watching the egg-shaped object fall to the Earth. For that single moment, time was frozen.

Then, from out of nowhere, a deafening explosion. Everything went blank. Absolute silence. Alexei could feel the heat. The energy. He could feel his clothes being ripped apart. Incinerated. He could feel himself flying. Flying fast. Uncontrollably fast. He felt every object as it smashed against his back. Then he felt himself stop, smashed into a stone wall. Alexei tried to move, but it was impossible. The weight on his back continued to grow. Then, absolute darkness. Alexei's mind slowly faded from the world.

* * *

The sound of the roaring flames all around woke Alexei. He couldn't see a thing, and the weight on his back was incredible. There was a horrible ringing in his ears. His arm was burning. He could smell burnt fur and flesh.

Alexei slowly managed to lift himself from the burning rubble. The warm brick wall crumbled as Alexei moved. The air smelled of ash and the smoke burned his eyes. Young Alexei painfully looked around, the wooden houses flattened and burned, scorched furs covering the debris and broken streets, bloody furs hanging out of their shattered windshields.

Alexei held his burnt arm and staggered across the hot rubble. He fell to his knees, scraping them badly on the jagged ruins. He lifted himself to his cut-up feet and looked around.

Suddenly, an army of giant, four-legged aliens emerged from the flames. They were at least eight feet tall and had large, sharp-toothed muzzles. They wore little armour, but were very muscular. All down their spines and long thick tails grew foot-long, leather-like spikes. They approached the lion, smiling confidently, with their weapons to their sides.

Alexei shook his head and watched as the monsters approached. He looked around desperately, hoping to see his parents or Thomas. All he could see was death and destruction. He was still feeling a bit dazed.

Finally the aliens stopped, surrounding the bloody and furious lion. The largest and most decorated one pushed his way through the crowd. He stood almost ten feet tall, staring down on the four foot tall, ten year old lion.

"So, after all that, you were hiding under a pile of rubble. Not befitting for a fur of your stature. But you seem to have made quick work of my puppet. That dragon was as good as useless. But, I digress. You will be coming with us now, lion. There is a bounty on your head, and I am here to collect. It will be a proud day for the Commune."

Alexei replied with silence.

The alien snarled and raised his large fist.

"Commander," another alien interrupted, "What do you want us to do with these ones?"

Both the commander and Alexei turned.

Alexei gasped. "Don't you dare touch them!" he shouted angrily. The soldiers held his parents and Thomas in their large hands.

The commander turned back to Alexei and laughed, "Oh? You know these pathetic Earthlings, do you? What are they worth to you?"

Tears now ran down Alexei's face. "Please..." he whimpered, falling to his knees. "Leave them alone..."

The commander snorted and turned around.

Alexei looked up just as he heard a loud scream.

The commander held Thomas in his large hands, smiling and baring his teeth.

The small mouse screamed and flailed his limbs, trying desperately to free himself.

Alexei stood up, horrified. With wide eyes he whispered, "Thomas... no... you can't..."

The mouse continued to thrash about.

"Please... put him down... I'll do whatever you want..."

"I am afraid, dear Alexei, it is too late for that. I have to show you just how serious I am." With that, the commander held a large knife to the mouse's neck, then made a slow, deep incision. Blood sprayed all over the ground and Alexei.

Alexei cried out in pain.

The mouse gradually stopped moving and his screams became nothing more than silent gurgles as the blood gushed out his mouth.

Alexei screamed furiously.

The commander threw the mouse's small flaccid body to the side like a rag doll, and ignored Alexei's cries. He motioned with his head for two other soldiers to do the same.

Alexei turned, tears and blood pouring down his face. "Stop!" he shouted, running toward his parents. "Leave them alone!" Just as he approached, his parents blood had already been shed. Alexei whimpered and fell to his paws and knees. He collapsed onto his stomach, crying. The tears coursed down his face.

The commander walked up behind the small lion, and placed his hand on Alexei's shoulder, "Come now, boy. It was for the best. Come with me and you will forget this awful incident ever happened..."

"Don't you dare touch me," Alexis said darkly. He swung around quickly and smacked the commander's hand away. He stood up, his head held low.

Alexei shut his eyes tightly, then the ground began to shake. He was breathing heavily now, snarling as he breathed in.

The ring of alien troops backed away from Alexei, but the commander stood his ground. Large pieces of rubble rose into the air.

The commander smiled. "Yes, boy, show me your power. Show me just how strong you have become..."

Alexei opened his eyes wide, and as he did, the rubble shot forward, knocking the commander back. Alexei raised himself into the air, matching the commander's height, then flew forward. Just as the commander was recovering, Alexei punched the alien in the gut. Then very quickly, he punched the commander in his right jaw, then his left. He swung back his leg and struck the commander square in the face with his bare foot. As he did, Alexei lowered himself to the ground.

The commander flew back several metres and skidded. He growled ferociously and yelled, "Everybody, attack him at once!"

Suddenly, it was one hundred against one. Alexei, fueled by rage, lifted himself into the air, bringing boulder-sized chunks of earth with him. As an alien approached, Alexei hurtled a large piece of concrete toward it. He cried out angrily as he did.

Alexei was suddenly struck from behind. He didn't know what from. He fell hard to the ground, then lifted himself up. He was instantly surrounded by eight-foot monsters. He cried out ferociously, swinging hard and precise attacks. He spun around to block an attack, then countered with a kick to the ribs. He could feel the warmth on his foot of the alien's tough skin, and every bone snapping as his foot tore through the flesh. Then above, another chance to strike.

Alexei lifted himself and rammed his fist into the next soldiers jaw. He could feel the jaw breaking on his knuckles and the teeth shattering. He noticed out of the corner of his eye the alien's lower jaw now flying through the air, tendons and gore trailing behind.

Alexei was lightning fast, but to him, time was standing still. Alexei continued his furious attacks.

Hours seemed to pass. Alexei stood alone in the centre of still-flaming wreckage, surrounded by twenty or so more aliens. He was exhausted. The only thing that kept him on his feet was the seething rage he felt toward his enemy.

The commander stepped forward, holding out his hands, "Just surrender now, boy, for all our sakes. You have nothing left to live for on this planet. What will slaughtering my men do?"

Alexei stared deep into the commander's eyes. He knew it was true. Alexei started to calm down. He held his head and growled with frustration. He knew there was nothing left. He began to think about his parents. They were gone now, and nothing would ever bring them back. He thought of Thomas, too. His entire town was burned to the ground. Everyone he has ever known, ever cared about, now dead.

Alexei fell to his knees. He covered his eyes and wept.

The commander placed a sympathetic hand on Alexei's shoulder. "Come on, boy. I can help you..."

"Don't touch me... don't you ever touch me..."

The commander backed off.

Alexei stood up. He looked the commander straight in the eye. Suddenly, a flash in his mind. Alexei knew he couldn't finish off the remaining soldiers. He knew he hadn't the energy. But he knew now if could defeat the commander, the others would fall. It was their custom; the commander is the strongest in his squad. Anyone who could defeat the commander could defeat his troops.

"What will it be, boy? Do you want to do this the hard way?"

"Yeah... I do. But just you and me..."

"Ha! You underestimate me, boy. But as you wish..." The commander threw down his weapons and charged Alexei.

Alexei stood his ground.

The commander galloped toward Alexei and slammed his massive fists into the ground.

Alexei jumped back, flying through the air. Pieces of concrete and dirt scattered everywhere.

Alexei landed and nimbly dodged another attack.

The commander was fast. Much faster than his own soldiers. He was in whole other class of his own.

Alexei held up his paws and stopped the commander's attack. He felt a sharp pain in his shoulders and spine. The pressure was immense. Alexei winced and grunted, still holding the commander's clasped fists. With all his strength, Alexei pushed the commander back, giving himself just enough time to counter. He jumped up and kicked the commander in the ribs.

The commander staggered to the right.

Alexei climbed onto the giant's back and held him in a headlock, squeezing hard and baring his teeth.

The commander reached up and grabbed the little lion by the ribs and tossed him through the air.

Alexei hit the ground hard and rolled another eight feet. He shakily lifted himself to his knees. Suddenly, a solid kick to the ribs by the commander's boney clawed foot. Alexei flew and slammed into a broken wall. He fell with a loud thump and lay there. He groaned softly and coughed up chunks of gore and blood. Alexei could hear the wall cracking and grinding. It started to tip over.

Alexei shut his eyes tightly. When he opened them, the giant alien commander was holding up the wall.

The commander pushed the wall backward and picked up the lion. "Are we done playing yet, boy?"

Alexei looked up, blood pouring down his face. "Never." Alexei held up his tightly clenched fists and pushed them into the commander's chest. A force emanated from his paws, forcing the commander back, but keeping Alexei in place.

The commander yelled as the pressure between him and Alexei grew. His shoulders were throbbing in pain, as if they were about to be torn out from their sockets. The commander held tightly, but was eventually forced to let go.

Alexei fell to his feet. He swiftly darted behind the commander and grabbed onto his left arm. He swung onto the commander's back and grabbed his other arm and began to pull.

The commander snarled and thrashed about, trying to shake the young lion.

Alexei held on tighter and pulled harder. The muscles in his shoulders and neck burned. Alexei gritted his teeth and pulled harder and harder. He could feel bones cracking beneath his paws and the commander's warm blood as his skin began to tear. Alexei heard the commander's shoulders pop, and yet he continued to pull.

The commander was yelling louder now. His face went pale as the pain was excruciating.

Alexei noticed out of the corner of his eye the commander's troops moving in closer. He let out a thunderous roar as the commander's shoulder muscles started to tear and separate. He could feel the arms slowly moving back away from the body. He heard a loud ripping as the arms tore from the commander's body.

The commander let out an incredible cry.

Alexei fell backward, blood spraying wildly from the arms like hoses. He stood up, still gripping the severed arms.

The commander fell forward, curled into a ball, whimpering somewhat.

"Commander Graves!" one of the troops yelled, likely the second-in-command, running forward. The rest followed, ignoring the small lion. They picked up their commander, Graves, and headed back to the ship.

Graves turned to Alexei with a bloody face and said, "Watch your back, boy. I can promise you the galaxy will hear of this... hear of you... Your power is no longer secret... You may have defeated me, but they will come for you. Come until you have been captured. As long as the bounty still stands, you will always be hunted. Heh heh... lucky for you, boy, you're much too valuable to kill... but I can guarantee you... this is just the beginning..."

Alexei watched as the alien ships took off into the darkened sky. All around he could see enormous pillars of black smoke. Alexei fell to his knees and he wept. Flames burned all around him, and yet he still felt cold. Everything he had ever known was now gone. He was alone.

Alexei got a sudden chill down his spine. He could feel something approaching... It was the police... no, not the police. The army. Alexei stood up and wiped the tears from his eyes. He knew he couldn't stay. Alexei turned his back he ran. He ran as fast as he could. He knew what the alien commander, Graves, had said was right. They would be looking for him, and would never stop until he was captured or dead. His old life was now gone, and his new life had just begun.