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I stumble on the sidewalk. The pain in my shoulder gets too much for me to bear. I collapse as some people see me fall, and one catches me.

"Hey, it's the White Lioness. Someone call an ambulance. She's hurt. Hang on, good lady. Help is on the way." The gentle male voice states softly to before I give the person one final look before passing into unconsciousness.

"We should remove her costume. It is interfering with the healing process."

"You'll leave her costume on until she can get up to change her clothes to something else. That is her family's protection from people who would use them to get to her." I hear a rustle and turn my head slowly. "Stay away from her! I won't let you undress her so you can find out who she really is!"

I feel a pair of hands on my clothes as I hear the first voice exclaim, "You fool, she'll die from infection if that outfit is not removed."

I growl as my claws sink into those hands on my body. I hear that voice scream in pain as they pull away from me. I growl in warning as my eyes slowly flutter open to see Bryan and Ryder fighting with a doctor.

"Enough!" I rasp out as I sit up slowly. Rahimi and Michael are at my side as Aieo gives me a drink of cool refreshing water.

Bryan and Ryder drop the doctor. He brushes himself off and advances towards me again. Another warning growl from me stops him in his tracks. I rub my shoulder gently as my eyes focus on his. He turns his eyes away in shame. Then I notice another person sitting quietly in a chair as he nods his head at me. I notice that this man is young in body, and yet when I look into those golden eyes framed by his pure gold blond hair, I see wisdom that comes with age and loss.

"I am glad to see that you're awake, good lady. Very glad." He rises and goes to leave.

"Wait. Thy name... What is thy name?"

"I am only Raeshian... Raeshian Starfire. Farewell and safe journey, child." Then he leaves with questions running wild in my head.

"He reminds me of Raeshian, the biker who took me part of the way to see the Autobots. Mmm, I wonder," I think to myself. "Jeanine, Aieo, I'll need thy help. Bryan, Ryder, Michael, and Rahimi, please make sure that I am not disturbed." They escort the doctor and everyone else away from my room. I sigh softly. "Where are my other clothes?"

"These ones?" Aieo asks as she holds up a pair of blue jeans with a tail hole and a sky blue shirt with a stalking white lioness on the front and White Lioness Tour blazing across the back. I nod as I struggle to get the zipper in the back of my outfit.

"Let me, She-cat," Jeanine states as she unzips the back and slowly removes my bandages. I hear them both gasp as I smirk.

"Thou now know the secret to my moveable tail. Any of the wires broken, Jeanine?"

They snap out of it as Jeanine checks and shakes her head. "How in all the industry did you do that?"

"Connected the tail to my head to better tell my emotions. There is a computer in the base of the tail that translates my mood for the mood that a cat might have. An example would be if I am angry, my tail would lash from side to side. If I am getting irritated, the tip will thump slightly."

"And what is your mood now?"

"A little upset with an overall of happiness that I'm alive and my secret is still mine."

"Hold still while I reapply your bandage," Jeanine states as Aieo looks in wonder at my skin.

"What is wrong, Saxa?"

"Your skin," Aieo starts.

"Yes, yes. I am white underneath. Is there anything wrong with that?"

"Well, um..."

"What she is trying to say is that you're probably the first white woman who can do more than just sing. Right, Aieo?" Jeanine smirks softly after she finishes with my bandage. Aieo nods as I smile softly as I extend my hand towards the clothes she clutches tightly.

"My clothes, please."

"Oh, here. Sorry." She hands my clothes to me as I carefully slip on the shirt then slide on my pants. My tail automatically slides into the hole for it. Then I tuck my shirt and zip my jeans. I cross my arms and strike a pose as I smirk.

"Shall we strut our stuff, ladies?"

"Are you sure on that, She-cat?" Aieo asks.

"I am certain."

"What about the press?" Jeanine questions.

"Let me worry about them. Besides, I think they'll respect my wishes," I smile broadly, showing off my lioness teeth.

"Are those real?" Aieo asks.

"If anyone gets too close or grabby, they'll find out how real they are."

"She-cat, you wouldn't bite them, would you?"

"In self-defense, I would."

Jeanine opens the door, and soon thousands of flashes pop and blind us. I quickly slide on a pair of shades while Bryan, Ryder, Michael, and Rahimi try to keep them away from me. I suddenly feel someone tag my tail. Whoever tagged my tail quickly finds themselves wrapped in my tail as I pull them in from of me so I can look at them.

"You're a mutant!" the man spits in my face.

"Who's a mutant? What in all the universe is the true meaning of a mutant? Get it through thy thick head. There is no such thing as a mutant. We are all human beings..." I do not flinch as he punches me in the face. The entire crowd gasps as they watch with shock.

"Lying mutant freak. Let me go!"

"I would not call her such names," Jeanine growls softly.

"And why is that, mutie lover?"

"Jeanine, let the world think what they please. I will not strike thee for thy name calling." I quickly bite the hand that struck me, my teeth sinking into his skin as he screams. Then I release him. "I bit thee because thou touched my tail without my permission, struck me when I wanted to ask why thou did it, and finally spat in my face when I continued to restrain thee. I will take name-calling. I am used to it since I had to face it all my life; however, I refuse to be beaten up by fists. Thou art trash, not because thou art one without powers but because thou art so narrowed minded." I drop him as I continue on my way.

"Mutant freak," I hear him mutter. I sigh softly as I motion Jeanine and Aieo to my side.

"She-cat?" Aieo whispers to me.

"Help me with my shirt so he can see the wires running...."

"But that will reveal your secret..." Jeanine hisses softly to me.

"Not fully. As long as I wear this mask, I am safe." I tug a little as Jeanine and Aieo help lift the shirt out of my pants. The wires glint copper as they run from the top of my pants to the base of my neck, embedded against my spine.

The crowd gasps again as Aieo moves the pants some to show the wires leading directly to my tail. I command my tail to my hand as I carefully pull on a part on the fur to reveal a soft sheath. I pull my tail apart to reveal motors, gears, and pulleys. I put everything back together, tuck in my shirt, and walk away from them, leaving them dumbfounded. We head back to the Duck Pond per my request.

"Good bye unto thee, Mighty Ducks. I hope that Dragonus keeps his word and doesn't cause any more problems for thee," I reply as we shake their hands.

"Yeah, well, knowing Dragonus, he'll be back and with a vengence," Wildwing replies softly.

"I didn't mean to cause thee any more problems," I whisper as I lower my head.

"Nah, that's how villians are supposed to act," Nosedive comments.

"I guess so," I state as we wave and board the bus to leave. "Safe journey unto thee all."

On our way to the next city, and after I sent my truck ahead to Metro City, Rahimi verbally pounces me as I try to lounge in our tour bus. My mind runs wild with ideas; however, Rahimi prevents me from further exploring them. I sigh as I divert my attention to what he says to me.

"She-cat, what were you thinking? I mean we know that you're not a mutant, but revealing how your tail works is like revealing who done it before someone else finishes the mystery."

I sigh softly. "R-man, they still do not know who I am or what I look like. Besides, I plan on making a remote tail. It will act just like this one only be more maneuverable and faster. Plus it will have a remote at the base of the tail that will connect to my spinal cord without the wires running up to my neck. This way I can wear bathing suits that show off my back." I smirk as I lift an eyebrow. "I am sure a lot of guys would love to see that."

"So would I," Bryan mutters real soft to where no one else hears him; however, my sensitive leonine mask ears pick up his voice, bringing a big smirk to my face.

"What are you smirking at, She-cat?" Ryder asks. I just shake my head and look out the window. I slowly get up and stretch as I go to the back, lay down with a pad of paper and design the new outfit which will enable me to show off skin without revealing my true color and not being hot in the summer. I design a soft fur that I can wear as a second skin without overheating or freezing me.

We stop in Las Vegas and perform there. I finish my outfit the day before our first concert and smile as I slip it onto my body. I run my fingers over the taunt and sleek skin of my stomach muscles as I slip on a black tank top with onyx flair skorts. I smirk as I trace the glittery embroidered white rose on the front of the skorts. There is a knock on my door as I finish tying back my white hair with a glittery black ribbon.

"She-cat, you almost ready?" Bryan asks as I glitter the fur on my shoulders, arms, and face.

"Done. Be ready to be stunned, Bri." I smile as I open the door. His mouth hits the floor as I strut out of the room. The thick carpet silence my white leather knee high boots.

"Hamna...hamna...." I gently close his mouth as I then sashay pass him. He shakes his head, closes my door, locks it, and trots after me.

Soon we are on stage as I bow to the crowd's response to my new look. There are several wolf whistles and cheers as I turn my back to them to get the microphone. My tail twitches as the tip as I nod to my band. Jeanin and Aieo gives a thumbs up to me.

"Hey, Las Vegas, art thou ready to rock?"

"Yeah!" the crowd replies.

"Aw, come on. Thou hear Jeanine back there on the drums? I want a response that will drown her drummings. Again, Las Vegas, art thou ready to really rock?"

"Yeah!!" I turn my ear slightly as I smile.

"Come on, I know thou can do better. If I had know that this is the greeting I would get, I would have come earlier. Art thou ready to ROCK AND ROLL?!"

"YEAH!!"

"Thou heard the folks, group. Let's ROCK AND ROLL!"

After the concert in Las Vegas, we head to Dallas. When I ask the question, "Art thou ready to ROCK?" I get a better response on the first try. All too soon, we had to end the concert to head to our next gig.

We are on the road again, and I had sent my truck ahead of me. None of the band knows about the truck or my sightseeing. They only know I disappear for a while and come back with wonderful ideas for our concerts.

I sit at the window, watching the grasslands give way to urban then tall towering skyscrapers. I sigh softly as the giant bus pulls up next to a hotel. I slowly stretch and yawn as we disembark.

"Where are we?" Ryder asks as each of them rub the sleep out of their eyes.

"I believe we are in Metro City. We’re ahead of schedule, so we can take in the karate tournament nearby," Calderon, our bus driver, responds as he runs his tired hand through his very graying red hair. His brown eyes watch as I gather everyone around me to decide what we are going to do while we were ahead of schedule.

"I want to see the sights," Aieo responds.

"What about the rest of thee?"

"What will you be doing, She-cat?" Rahimi asks.

I smirk softly as I rub my chin. "I might try my luck at the tournament."

"You’re kidding?" Ryder lifts an eyebrow at me.

"No, I am not. I would like to see how good I am compared to the masters. Is that too difficult to understand?"

"Not at all, She-cat," Bryan comments. "I would love to see you in action."

"Plus I also want to see if I need to make more improvements to get the body to flow more human like, more believable," I respond as I run my hand over my stomach muscles, smoothing down the short soft fur revealed between my shorts and halter top.

"Well, let’s get you registered then and see what we need to compete." Michael grabs my hand, and we head to the tournament.

"May I help you?" a very well built man with blond hair and blue eyes asks as he tugs at his red outfit slightly.

"Yes, I would like to compete."

"You’ll need four other people to..."

"Jimmy, do you know who that is? It’s the White Lioness," a kid elbows the man. "May I have your autograph, please?"

I smile softly, some of my feline teeth showing as I take the pen and paper he hands me. "To... Thy name, young man?"

"Make it out to Ryan. This is going to be so cool."

"To Ryan. Art thou in the competition, Ryan?" I look up at the young man.

"Yes, ma’am."

"Which field, Ryan?"

"He’s in the style field," a twin to Jimmy states as he rests his hand on Ryan’s shoulder. Whereas Jimmy has blond hair and a red outfit, this man has black hair and a blue outfit. "My name is Billy, ma’am. Jimmy and I run the Dragon Dojo." He extends his hand to me, and I smile softly as I shake his hand.

I look at the paper as I repeat what I wrote out loud to everyone. "To Ryan, best of luck in the style field competition in the Metro City Karate Expo on this fine April day." I hand the paper to him as I gently swing my backpack, pull out a picture, quickly sign and date it as I did the paper, place a kiss on his name, and hand the picture to him after putting it into a frame for him.

"Oh, wow! Thanks."

"Thou art very welcomed, Ryan."

"Why are you here, White Lioness?" Billy asks.

"I am here to compete. I don’t care about the prizes or the rewards. I just want to see if I am any good; however, thy friend Jimmy..."

"I am his brother," Jimmy interrupts.

"Thy brother Jimmy will not let me compete alone," I finish after correcting myself.

"Couldn’t we make an exception, Billy?" Ryan asks as he looks pleadingly to him.

"The other Dragons want to compete but are short three people," Billy rubs his chin as he states the comment out loud.

"And they are Kona and Daiz," Ryan states.

"Good thing that we are not judging," Jimmy answers.

"You want to compete as well, Jimmy?" Billy asks.

"Well, yeah because of who signed up to compete." He shows Billy the list.

"We have to compete. White Lioness, will you join our group to stop the Shadow Master?"

"Yes and gladly."

That night, my band checks into the hotel while I talk to the Dragons about what I can do. I sit Indian style listening to them explain to me what the categories are. They even show me as I watch in interest.

"Kona will do the fighting, Daiz will do the style. Billy and I can handle the form, but we need someone for the weapons part," Jimmy explains. I rub my chin as I slowly stand and go to a chest I brought with me. I carefully lift out of the chest a wrapped weapon. I unwrap the silk from around the weapon to reveal a very decorated sword sheath. My hands grip the hilt and the scabbard as I slowly slide the sword out in front of them. I carefully place the scabbard on the chest and grip the sword with both hands and hold a pose with the sword upright and my body turned to one side.

"Let’s see what you can do," Billy states as everyone sits down to watch.

The sword flashes as I make passes and blocks with an imaginary attacker. I swing the sword in one hand, and my thumb slides over the hilt ring, moving it. Suddenly, before they can blink, the sword splits in two as I continue with my expedition. I smile as I do a flip, land on my feet, drop to one knee, and lower my head. The swords point down and away from me as I finish my display. My tail twitches slightly as the finish is met with silence then applause. I smile again as I stand, wrap my tail around the scabbard, return the sword to its original form, and sheath the sword.

"So, how did I do?" I ask as I wrap the sheathed sword back up in the silk cloth.

"I have never seen anything like it," Kona responds. I stretch as I grin at them.

"I’ll take you to your hotel," Billy states as he leads me to the garage. I climb behind him on the motorcycle, place the helmet onto my head carefully, and slide my hands around his waist as he drives away from the dojo. My fingers feel his stomach muscles ripple slightly under my touch as he pulls up to my hotel. I remove the helmet, shake my hair, and hand it back to him.

"Thank thee for the lift, Billy. See thee tomorrow at the Tournament." I smile as I gracefully walk into the hotel. The porter holds back the thong of reporters as I move with ease to my room. I flop down onto my bed after unlocking my door, sigh, and stretch as I remember the creature I rescued a while back before I became the White Lioness.

The scene with the creature replays in my mind. I feel his touch against my skin. I hear his voice ask me questions. I see his own scared eyes search my own.

"Are you an angel to help me?" his soft weak and husky voice caresses my mind’s ears. My leonine ears twitch softly as I feel his hand lovingly caress my face. I sigh softly as I get up from my bed, shaking my head as I lock the door and remove my lioness outfit completely. I lay down, allowing the air conditioning help take my mind off the demon of my youth.

I drift to sleep. Creatures of all types haunt my dreams. One creature appears over and over again. A biped orange brown fox with emerald eyes calls my name. His voice is exactly like the demon’s, Boethiah’s, voice. I sigh softly as I feel the warm furry hand gently caress my cheek. In my sleep, I feel his strong arms encircle my own body. I snuggle against the furry chest and slowly open my eyes to look at him.

"Never have I felt more safe in your..," I start to whisper as I then realize that he was just a dream. I sob softly as I drift back to sleep.

The next morning finds me teary-eyed as I slowly get up from bed to dress. I wash my face before putting on my outfit and makeup. My tail twitches sadly as I then put on the uniform Billy gave me.

I make my way to breakfast and eat quietly. The rest of the band chatters noisily as I finish eating and get up to go to the Tournament. They look after me curiously.

"Concentrate at the task at hand, C.," I mentally tell myself. Each event goes by smoothly with the Dragons and the Shadows tying each event. Finally, it is just the Shadow Master and myself facing off in the final event, weapons, and tying again.

"Care to up the stakes, ah?" he questioningly hisses at me.

"What dost thou have in mind?" I return. My tail slightly sways as I focus my eyes on him.

"Winner take all. If I win, I get you as my personal slave."

"Hmm, and if I win, thou will extinguish the black flame permenantly."

"Okay, Dragons, and Shadows, to break the tie, I will toss a coin. Dragons, call it," the judge states as he flips a coin.

"Heads," Jimmy responds.

"Tails," the judge states after looking at the coin. "Shadows, your pick."

"We chose weapon fighting," Shadow Master hisses softly. There are gasps from the crowd as we confer.

"I'll take him on," Jimmy states. I shake my head.

"He wants me, he hast to fight me for that right."

"White Lioness, you are good in handling your katanas, but you are not that good to defeat him," Kona responds.

"Tell me, everytime thou hast fought them, have thou defeated him permanently?" They shake their heads. "It is my destiny and my life. I feel a lot better if I was doing the fighting. I do not doubt thy abilities, but my fate would be in thy hands. Pressure like that would cause thee to make mistakes and ultimately lose the match."

"Yeah, but...," Jimmy starts.

"No, she is right, Jimmy. We must have faith in her. I just hope that you are good," Billy interrupts then looks at me.

"I was trained by a ninja master. I had better be good." I jump into the square, unsheath my sword, and swing both the sheath and sword a couple of times before dropping the sheath outside the ring. "Whenever thou art ready, Shadow Master."

I swish the sword once before he charges me. The double blade rises up and blocks. I push him back and take a swipe at his legs. He jumps as I twist the blade and swing it up and clip his foot. I duck to one side to avoid a blow directly down on my head. His blade skims over my side as some fur is clipped short. I smirk as he pulls back, nursing his foot.

"Show him what for, She-cat!" Ryder shouts to me.

Only my ear turning in his direction gives any indication I hear him. "Ready to surrender?" Shadow Master hisses the question at me.

"Art thou? I'm just warming up," I growl at him.

He lunges again as I quickly twist my body out of the way. My sword comes down, and I hit his backside with the flat of the blade. Everyone laughs as he hits the mat. He slams his fists on the mat angrily as my tail swishes from side to side. He growls again as he charges again, this time swinging his sword and ax staff out to all sides. I brace myself and meet him head on to his attack.

Our weapons clash as I see his weapon charge up energy. I brace my sword in front of me as he fire at me. My feet slide on the mat as I struggle to stay standing. People cheer me on as the Shadow Master hisses at them, silencing them as I move to attack again. I bring the blade right down on him on him only at the last second, I twist the ring around the blade and separate it into two single bladed katanas. One comes down while I sweep the other. He screams as he falls to the ground, his hand raised up to ward off any further blows.

"Do thou surrender, Shadow Master?" I ask in a low crouch. His blood covers one blade while the other is clean.

The crowd gasps as he sinks through the mat and vanishes. His words echo the arena. "You may have defeated me this time, but I will never surrender."

"I am always up to a good challenge," I mutter to myself as everyone congradulates me. I sigh as I turn to the Dragons. "I failed in getting him to extinguish the black flame." I hang my head in shame as Chop and Billy both place a hand on my shoulder.

"You did good. We knew he would not keep his word, but you won the battle," Billy states as he pats my shoulder.

"Thank thee, Billy. Still..." I look back at where he sunk into the mat.

"White Lioness, here's a cloth to wipe your sword," Ryan states as he hands the cloth to me. I tuck the clean blade under my arm while I wipe the Shadow Master's blood off the other blade. I make a couple of passes with the blades before reforming them into one and sheathing the sword.

"Where did you get a blade like that?" Chop asks me.

"It was a gift given to me when I turned 10 years old. My parents kept it hidden from me because there was instructions with the gift not to give it to me until I turned 10. I trained with this blade under that ninja master. I still don't know exactly where it comes from, but it hast helped me on more than one occasion."

"Wow," Ryder states as Bryan whistles softly.

"Time to hit the road, folks," Calderon states as we load up onto the bus. The Dragons shake our hands as I am the last one to get aboard the bus.

"Good luck and safe journey to thee, Dragons," I state as I hug each of them.

"Good...," Billy states as I place a finger on his mouth. "Hmm?"

"I do not believe in good-byes. To me, they mean I may not see thee again, and I would rather have it as a see thee later over that. Good-bye seems permanent. Dost thou understand?" They nod as I smile after hugging them.

"Thanks again for helping us, White Lioness," Billy states as I shrug my shoulders.

"It's okay. It was my pleasure. Safe journey to thee again, Dragons."

Soon we are bumping along back roads to avoid traffic and fans. I do a quick look at the sign we pass as I make my way to Calderon. He looks up slightly at me as he continues to do over the speed limit.

"Calderon, not to tell thee how to drive, but thou had best slow down."

"Why?"

"Because..." Suddently there is a siren the second we pass some bushes as we pass a sign that had popped up from nowhere. "This looks like a speed trap," I sigh as Calderon rolls his eyes and pulls to the side of the road.

"What's the problem, officer?" Calderon asks as he steps out of the bus.

I go into the back to change my clothes so I only wear my white wig, some make up, and blue colored contact lens. I listen as Calderon tries to tell the sheriff that the sign was hidden and thus he could not see it. I straighten as I head a loud engine race pass the bus. I peek out the window to see the tail end and dust of an orange Chevy duster race away from us. I smirk softly as I make my appearance.

"You were speeding; therefore, you have to either play at the Boar's Nest or spend two days in jail here in Hazard County."

"Excuse me, officer, but what is thy name?" I ask as everyone looks at me.

"The name is Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrain, miss..." The sheriff looks up at me and removes his hat.

"White Lioness, Sheriff Coltrain. We are new to the area, and if thou could instruct us where we can spend the night so we can perform at the Boar's Next, I would greatly apprieciate it."

"She-Cat, he has no right to tell us that it is either perform or jail...," Rahimi starts.

"R-man, chill. Well, Sheriff?" I step down from the bus and look him in the eye.

"Rosco!" a man on the other end of the Sheriff's CB bellows.

"I think thou were just paged, Sheriff Coltrain," Aieo states as she points to his police car.

"Rosco P. Coltrain here. What's wrong, my little fat meadow muffin?"

"Have you caught anyone in the famous speeding trap?"

"That's a big ten-four. They just need a place to sleep for the night. Any ideas?"

"How many are there?" the Boss asks. The sheriff looks at me as I hold up nine fingers to him.

"There is nine of them." Sheriff Coltrain answers.

"Are they all guys?"

"No boss. There's uh," the sheriff stops and looks as me as he pauses. I hold up 6 fingers and point to Bryan. "There's 6 guys and um," I hold up 3 fingers, "three gals." I chuckle softly.

"We don't have enough places for them to sleep at the hotel, Sheriff," a new voice answers.

"Enus, hush," Sheriff Coltrain growls.

"We'll make arrangements with the locals then," Boss states over the CB.

"That's a ten-four. I'm gone."

Aieo and Rahimi look at me as I shrug my shoulders. Calderon just grumbles, and Bryan and Ryder reboard the bus. Jeanine touches my shoulders, and I look at her. A smile plays gently on my face.

"She-cat, what about our schedule?"

"We're not due into Atlanta for another two weeks. Besides, I think we could all use a quick breather. I think Hazzard County might open some new doors and avenues for our concerts."

"Whatever you say, She-cat," Jeanine replies.

"Lead on, Sheriff Coltrain. We will follow," I reply as I board the bus.

We follow the sheriff's patrol car to the small town of Hazzard. A big white limosine pulls up in front of the sheriff's car. Everyone climbs out of the bus as we wait for the heavy set man in a snow white three piece suit to get out of his car.

"Welcome to Hazzard County. My name is Comminsioner Jefferson Davis Hogg, J. D. Hogg," he introduces himself.

"My name is White Lioness, and these are my fellow band members, Rahimi, Aieo, Jeanine, Michael, Ryder, and Bryan. This is our bus driver, Calderon. I thank thee for the warm welcome, but please the next time thou wish for us to perform, just ask. I do not like being threatened with any tickets or jail time," I explain smoothly.

My voice is slightly musical from my humming and thus has just a touch of my hypnotic powers in it. They nod approvingly as I smile softly. Calderon clears his throat, and we look at him.

"Shouldn't we be getting rooms for the night?"

"Yes, I want to put on a special concert for Hazzard, and we need just a little time to prepare."

"That is wonderful. We can put all but two of you in the Hazzard County Hotel. We'll see if we can not accomidate the other two."

"If it is all the same ta' ya', I would rather sleep in the bus," Calderon replies a tad gruffly.

"Thou sure, Calderon?" I ask.

"Quite. You youngins can decide on the rest of the sleeping arrangments."

"She-cat...," Ryder starts.

"I will sleep wherever I may find a place. the rest of thee can sleep in the hotel."

"But She-cat...," Michael tries.

"No "But She-cat," me about it. That is an order. I want thee well rested. I'll see thee later," I wave as I hop into the Commissioner's vehicle.

We head to the Boar's Nest, a small truck stop and bar. Waiting for us is a chubby woman in a flower dress. She rushes out to hug the Commissioner and eyes me supiciously.

"My little sugah plum, this is White Lioness. Is it okay for her to say with us?"

"Oh, no, J. D. I am not having one of your pet girls staying at our house," Mrs. Hogg replies sternly.

"Mrs. Hogg, I have no intention of stealing thy handsome husband away from such a beautiful lady. There are those my own age that, if I was looking, I would go to," I reply in my charming voice.

"Still, you'll have ta' sleep elsewhere," she replies.

"Where would thou recommend?" I ask as we enter the Boar's Nest.

Every male in the bar turns their head to look at me. I smile gently as I lightly fluff my white hair. I have been told by several men that my hair makes me look older, but in actuality, it highlights my youth. I notice a pair of eyes twinkling at me. They belong to an elderly man in old blue overalls with a red baseball cap on his head. Next to him are two handsome local guys. I guess the two men would be anywhere from 18 to 25 years old.

"Jessie Duke, I would like to ask a favor of you," Mrs. Hogg replies sweetly to the elderly man.

"Sure thing, LouLou. What is it?" Mr. Duke asks.

"Could this young lady stay at your place?" she asks him.

"I don't know. I do know that Daisy needs help with her chores since Boss increased her hours."

"I am not afraid of hard work, Mr. Jessie Duke. I think I could do with the change of pace in order to get my creativity going again."

"Creativity? What do you create?" the black hair man next to Mr. Duke asks me.

"Well, um..," I pause, waiting for further introductions.

"He's Luke Duke, and I am Bo Duke. Luke, where did your manners get to?" the bland man asks the other young man.

"Well, Mr. Luke Duke, I am a singer, mostly of Rock and Roll, but I am working on adding a touch of country to my music. I just need the inspiration to do it."

"Inspiration, huh? What sort?" Mr. Luke Duke asks.

"I write lyrics and music. I just need to get a better feel of the country."

"You wouldn't mind singing for us, would you?" Mr. Bo Duke asks.

"That is the reason I am here. My band and I got caught in the Hazzard County speed trap."

"We are all too familar with it," Mr. Luke Duke replies.

"Besides, you don't have to Mister me or my boys. Makes me feel older than what I already am," Jessie Duke replies.

"My mother pounded manners into my brain, and a friend of mine taught me that a stranger is just a friend waiting to be known," I sigh softly. "But the world can also be cruel if one is not careful."

"Sounds like you've had your share of the bad side of life," a deputy replies as he removes his hat.

"Very true, Deputy Straight," I reply as I notice the name on his badge.

"Please sit down and tell us about it," Mrs. LouLou Hogg requests of me.

"Very well," I smile softly. "Just so thou can get a feel of my background, I am a retired Marine Corps brat."

"Brat? You don't look like one," Jessie comments.

"I know, but that is what I would call all military children. It is because most of them are spoiled and cruel to everyone who is not popular."

"I bet you were very popular in school," Bo replies as a young woman in high cut shorts comes to our table.

"On the contrary, I was not at all popular," I reply.

"Can I get you something?" she asks me.

"Anything non alcoholic, please."

"No alcohol? Why is that?" Commissioner Hogg asks.

"I am not an alcohol drinker. I don't care for the taste no matter how good it is," I reply

"My beer is the best."

"That may be true, Commissioner Hogg; however, I get very sick from drinking even the best of alcohols," I retort softly. "So please do not force the issue."

The barmaid returns with a cup of cola, and I smile softly. Bo slowly stands, goes over to the juke box, and inserts a coin to play some music. He looks at me, then at some other women in the bar, and walks back over to me. "Have you ever juked before?"

"Mmm, I can not say that I have, Bo," I reply.

"C'mon, I'll show you," he replies as he takes my hands and pulls me to my feet.

Soon we are dancing to the beat of the country music. I feel every pair of eyes belonging to both males and females on me; however, I ignore them and concentrate on the lively handsome young man dancing with me. Soon the music changes to one of my own songs, and I stop danicing to look around the room.

"Who put that music on?" I ask.

"I did," the barmaid replies. "Is there something wrong with the White Lioness?"

"No, I just didn't think that country music loving folks would like my rock and roll style," I reply.

"You're the White Lioness?" she asks me.

"That's right," I reply.

"But you don't look like her or even sound like her," she comments.

"I dressed down because I didn't want the good sheriff to fine my band and I for anything else. As for why I don't sound like her is because my voice changes slightly when I sing."

"Now, everyone, hold it right there," a man replies as he and three others hold Colt 45 revolvers on us.

"Put yer hands up, all of you. You," another man states as he points his gun at me, "get over here."

"Not a problem," I reply. "Please don't try anything. I don't want anyone to get hurt," I toss over my shoulder to the men.

They take me out of the bar and toss me into their old gray car after shooting two tires out on each vehicle. I scoot to one side to allow the third gun man inside the vehicle. They drive off quickly, and everyone in the bar rushes outside just to get covered in dust. I sigh softly as I face the front.

"You are going to make us rich. By holding you hostage, we can demand any amount of money we want," the driver chuckles evilly.

"I wouldn't know about that," I reply as I sneakily slip my shirikan from my hip holster.

In that same hip holster is some air borne sleeping powder. I take a good unnoticable deep breath before throwing it into the interior of the car. The gun men start to yawn, and they fall asleep. I quickly bail from the swerving car and receive a touch of road rash. I gasp as I watch the car crash into a mighty oak tree. I cough and dust myself off as I wait for the calvary to arrive. The orange '75 Chevy Duster roars into view. Bo, Luke, and Sheriff Rosco Coltraine climb out of the decorated stock car.

"Miss Lioness, are you okay?" the sheriff asks as the they see the wrecked gray car.

"Yes, Sheriff Coltrain, I am uninjured."

"Are they dead?" he asks as Bo and Luke move in closer to have a better look.

"No, they got a good whiff of some airborne sleeping powder I carry in case something like this happens. I would not get too close, not unless thou want more beauty rest," I warn the two men.

"Should we move them?" Bo asks me.

"Just tow their vehicle to a secured building and lock them up. They will be out for about 5 hours, and with a headache. Thou will be able to get their guns while they are dazed and confused from their sleep," I explained as Comminissioner Hogg, Lulu, Deputy Straight, and a tow truck carrying Jessie Duke and the barmaid pulls up beside us.

"Whew we. That is one messed up car," the tow truck driver whistles as he hooks his truck to the front end of the car.

"I had a feeling that someone was following us in hopes of holding me for ransom. I figured that if I was away from my band, they would try something which they did. I am just glad that no one was hurt," I reply.

"Uncle Jessie, could she stay with us?" the barmaid asks Jessie Duke.

"She's shown that she can take care of herself, so I s'ppose until she has to move on her tour," he replies.

"Thank thee kindly, Jessie Duke," I reply as I smile to them.

"Climb in," Bo replies as I slide in easily through the orange car's window.

Soon we are at a nice white washed farm house. I smile softly as Bo and Luke help me out of the car. The barmaid, Daisy Duke, leads me to her room. I carefully and neatly stow my clothes away and then head downstairs. Bo and Luke are outside doing various chores, Jessie milks his nanny goat, and Daisy is inside peeling potatoes.

"May I help?" I ask her as she looks up at me.

"You're a guest here...," she starts.

"Just because I am a guest does not mean that I can not help," I interrupt.

"Well, ya' can go outside and help the boys with some of their lesser chores," Jessie replies while carrying in a pail of goat's milk.

"Sure thing, Jessie," I reply as I stride outside to the two men. They stop in their chores to look at me.

"Hello, Miss Lioness, is something wrong?" Bo asks.

"No, just thy uncle said that I can help thee with thy chores."

"Aw, ya' don't have to if ya' don't want ta'," Luke comments.

"I find that by doing any form of work helps me become more creative with the music. So, what needs to be done?"

"There's only one thing, and I don't think you would want to do it," Bo replies.

"Try me," I retort.

"Well, it's, um, chopping wood," Luke answers.

"Is that all?" I smirk as I pick up a log and the ax.

"Be careful. You can hurt yourself," Bo starts.

"I have handled all sorts of tools including sharp bladed ones. Don't worry about me," I state as I bring the ax down hard into the log.

It splits neatly into two pieces. I smirk as I see everyone's astonished faces. I place both pieces back up on the chopping block and swing the ax with one hand. Four neat pieces of firewood fall away from the chopping block.

"How can you do that?" Luke asks.

"I trained with various weapons, and my teacher considered an ax as a weapon," I reply as I shrug my shoulders.

After a week of hard work, I have down two country songs to sing. The band and I practice first until it is exactly like the songs as I imagine them. I smile softly as we prepare to perform at a packed Boar's Nest.

"As promised. Two songs especially made for country here in Hazzard County," I state into the microphone. "All right, like we practiced. Let's hit it!"

I just swear
That I will always be there.
I'd give anything and everything
And I will always care.
Through weakness and strength,
Happiness and sorrow,
For better or worse,
I will love thee
With every beat of my heart.

I sigh softly as my eyes look off into the distance, seeing only the image of all those I call friends mixed in with the listening group.

From this moment
Life has begun.

"From this moment, you are the one," Michael sings with me.

Right beside thee

"Is where I belong, from this moment on," we sing in duet.

"From this moment, I have been blessed."

I live only for thy happiness

"And for your love," Michael sings to me while playing his instrument.

"I'd give my last breath, from this moment on," I join with him to sing.

I give my hand to thee
With all my heart.

"Can't way to live my life with you, can't wait to start."

"Thou and I will never be apart. My dreams came true because of thee," we sing.

From this moment,

"As long as I live, I will love thee. I promise thee this. There is nothing that I would have give, from this moment on."

Ohoh
Thou art the reason I believe in love,

"And you're the answer to my prayers from up above."

"My dreams came true because of thee, from this moment on. As long as I live, I will love thee. I promise thee this. There is nothing that I would have give, from this moment on," we sing together.

I will have loved thee

"I will love you."

As long as I live

"From this moment on, mmmmmhmmmm."¹

"And here is our next song," I state musically as I look at Luke.

Ooohuh-huh, yeah, yeah
I have known a few guys
Who thought they were pretty smart,
But thou have got being right
Down to an art.
Thou think thou art a genius
Thou drive me up the wall.
Thou art a regular original know-it-all.
Woah, woah
Thou think thou art special.
Oh, woah,
Thou think thou art something else.
Okay, so thou art a rocket scientist
That don't impress me much.
So thou got the brains,
But have thou got the touch?
Now, don't get me wrong,
Yeah, I think thee art all right,
But that won't keep me warm
In the middle of the night.
That don't impress me much.

I sing the next line to Bo Duke.

Uh-huh, yeah, yeah
I never knew a guy who carried
A mirror in his pocket
Or a comb up his sleeve,
Just in case.
And all that extra gel in thy hair
Ought to lock it
'Cause heaven forbid
It should fall out of place.
Oh woah!
Thou think thou art special
Oh woah!
Thou think thou art something else.
Okay, so thou art James Dean.
That don't impress me much!
So thou got the looks,
But have thou got the touch?
Now, don't get me wrong
Yeah, I think thee all right.
But that won't keep me warm
In the middle of the night.
That don't impress me much.
Yeah!

Then I turn my gaze towards Commissioner Hogg.

Thou art one of those guys
Who likes a shiny machine
Thou make me take off my shoes
Before thou let me get in
I can not believe thou kiss thy car goodnight
Now, come one, baby, tell me
Thou must be joking, right?
Oah, woah
Thou think thou art special
Oh woah
Thou think thou art something else
Okay, so thou got a car.
That don't impress me much.
So thou got the moves,
but have thou got the touch?
That don't impress me much.

"Don't impress me much," everyone in the band sings with me. Then I sing the rest solo.

Thou think thee cool,
But have thee got the touch?
Now, don't get me wrong,
Yeah, I think thee alright,
But that won't keep me warm
On the long, cold, and lonely nights.
That don't impress me much.
Uh-huh huh, yeah yeah
Okay, so what do thou think
Thou art Elvis or something?
Whatever
That don't impress me.²

"That was real beautiful, Miss Lioness," Commissioner Hogg tries to flatter me.

"Our speeding ticket, Commissioner?" I ask.

"Of course. A deal is a deal. There," he states as he tears up our speeding ticket.

"Okay, group. Next stop, Atlanta!" I exclaim as we gather up the instruments and board the bus.

"Come back any time," Bo replies as they wave good bye to us.

"Hey, She-cat," Michael interrupts while tapping my shoulder as we head to Atlanta.

"Hmm?" I look up at him.

"Remember the roadie I was rude to? Could we sing a song or two dedicated to roadies?" he asks.

"Hey, how about an extra song stating how much we want to play longer too?" Ryder adds.

"Great ideas, guys. I'll get started on them as soon as possible. I should have them ready for the Washington concert," I reply.

"Thanks a lot," they chorus.

"No problem."

On to Chapter 5.

¹ Shania Twain with Bryan White "From This Moment On" from Come On Over

² Shania Twain "That Don't Impress Me" Come On Over