It's been a year and a half since the House of Feral and Briggs joined. The SWAT Kats are back in Minmei after a year of work in the East. But, all is not well. The threat of the House of the Daemon has emerged. Worrying all, especially those who saw the effects of the Revolution first hand...like T-Bone and Razor.

Author's note: Special thanks to Collin Blake, who beta read this and gave great ideas. And, to Krissy-chan for all her wonderful scene ideas (especially for Kandi ;))

And, I'll get back to the Journey. I promise! ^.^

As always, send any comments or question to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line in my review section at Fanfiction.net Enjoy!

Ja ne,
AkaneKitty

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Eclipse: House of the Daemon
Prelude of Time
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The House of the Daemon.

No one knows how the House was created, or it's leader. But, most know what it is synonymous to:

Pain. Death. Chaos.

The House started a Revolution in East a mere twenty years ago. The East was plunged into chaos, for which it hasn't fully recovered.

But, why?

Why start a Revolution, then sink back of into seemingly oblivion?

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"Nice bit of money we made, eh, Razor?"

"Yep. Didn't know there were still so many rouge daemons back East."

T-Bone nods, stretching in his seat in Minmei's tavern. "At least we did some good. Helping to protect those trade routes is a good start."

"Yeah...But, they still cause enough trouble, you know?" Razor motions to the bartender for another drink. "They're almost endless."

"True." T-Bone pauses, swirling his milk. "Never thought we would go home like this."

"We didn't go home. ' Home' isn't there anymore." Razor says. "It was destroyed twenty years ago...along with everyone else."

T-Bone is silent, letting Razor's words sink in. "Think we'll ever take our masks off?"

Razor shrugs. "Maybe. Not that I'm in any hurry."

"Ah, so there you two are!"

The SWAT Kats turn around to see Kandi walking into the tavern.

"Do you need us, Kandi?" Razor asks.

"Not right now. I'm just coming with the words of my boss." Kandi takes a seat besides Razor.

"Oh?"

"He likes what you've done. He's keeping most of his stock." Kandi says. "He'll be in touch soon."

"Glad to hear it." T-Bone glances at his watch. "And, I have to go. I promised Felina that I meet her when I came back into town. Talk to you later."

Kandi waits until T-Bone leaves the tavern. "So, any plans later on?"

"Not really." Razor looks at her. "Why?"

"Oh, no reason." Kandi stands up and smiles at Razor. "But, if you want to play..."

Razor blinks. "Play?"

Kandi continues to smile and starts to walk out the tavern. "Call me."

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"Such a lovely moon tonight. It's as if I could reach out and touch it."

"...Oh?"

Callie turns away from the window she was looking out of. "You're so distracted these nights. What's wrong?"

Feral looks at his wife and sighs. "I'm worried about my brother. He's been having trouble with some daemons recently."

"Daemons? Oh, no." Callie puts a paw to her face. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You don't need that kind of stress right now, Callie."

"What I need is my husband not causing me stress by worrying about him." Callie motions him over. "Come here."

"I'm sorry. Thought I was doing you some good." Feral says, embracing his wife.

"You underestimate me. I need you." Callie pauses, bringing Feral's paw close to her stomach. "*We* need you."

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"What's wrong?"

"Huh?...Oh, hi."

T-Bone walks up to Felina, who was sitting in the town's square. "You look distant."

Felina looks at T-Bone. "The next time you go to the East, I'm coming with you."

"What?"

"I'll pay you, of course." Felina continues, standing up.

"Where is this coming from?" T-Bone asks.

Felina is silent. "I'm worried about my father. He has lands in the East."

"He does?"

Felina nods. "My Uncle is giving me permission to go on his bequest, because he can't leave right now."

"Why's that?"

"Milady is expecting. He doesn't want to leave her."

"Wow. I can see why." T-Bone says. "But, we don't leave until we until we get a new assignment."

"That's fine. I'll be around here, unless Uncle summons me." Felina then chuckles a bit. "He's being so nervous. But, I guess that's to be expected."

"Indeed."

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"So, are you going to take up that she-kats offer?"

"None of your business."

"Might as well tell me now." The parasite threatens. "Unless you want me to make an embarrassing scene for during an intimate moment."

"Why you little--" Razor goes for his sword.

"Hmph. Be that way." The parasite scoffs. "But, for your information, I liked the other she-kat. This 'Kandi' has an odd smell."

"You said that before." Razor deadpans.

"This 'Kandi' needs the witch's test."

"What that?"

"You know. Long time ago, they'd dunk a suspected witch into the water. If they floated, then they're a witch. If not, well, tough luck."

Razor, despite his best efforts, laughs. "Where do you get this stuff?"

"I'm older than you think."

"Obviously."

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"So, the Lady of the House is expecting...How fortunate."

"How so, D.K.?"

That kat just smiles, a smile that unsettles even Ohtori. "With the Lady expecting, it keeps Lord Feral rather occupied for the time being. And, it produces a 'rarity'."

Ohtori blinks. "Rarity?"

"It was twenty years ago. I let that other known rarity get away." D.K. continues to smile. "I started a Revolution just to get them. I wonder how they think of themselves."

"But, if I can't get them again, I can just try and take Feral on. Which is something I rather not do." D.K. continues, looking at Ohtori. "You know what to do."

"Of course."

"Great. So let the plan commence..."

To be continued...