FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Naturally everyone at the house except for my mother sensed the huge power spike. Sadly as quickly as it had appeared the signal vanished just as swiftly from our radar. With such a strong boost of power Stark was going to be a rough enemy to beat. No matter how much I train and prepare for our fateful encounter on the battlefield. I was going to need something more than what I had available at this time.

"Nubai, I hate to ask this of you but, I need immediate council with the Tribunal. This is something I feel can not wait until they get off their high and mighty tails." I said. She could tell this was one of those matters that need swift action and not discussion. Grabbing her things she teleported home and then to the castle of the Tribunal. Jaxal and Jecht were beside me within seconds wondering if there was something they could do.

"Orion, something about Stark's energy seemed corrupted any ideas how that happened?" Jecht asked. To be perfectly honest I hadn't a clue but, I did agree with his assumption. Jaxal saw that I didn't know how to answer his question giving this new information. "Jecht, I wish there was something I could say but, sadly I'm lost here." I replied. He smiled placing his left arm on my shoulder confidently then something hit me.

"Correct, me if I'm wrong Jecht your left arm is a magically forged onto your body." I started. He looked at me unsure as to where I was going with this but, allowed me to continue. "Though the energy I sense from it isn't normal kitsune magic it's something far more holy. This was forged by a god's hands wasn't it?" I finished. Jecht didn't deny the fact a god had forged a replacement limb for him centuries ago.

"Yes, the sister goddesses of Fire and Ice forged this arm for me when I was young. You see Orion I was born with only one arm my parent's were less than pleased. So I felt abandoned growing up and decided to run away fear for my life. I stumbled upon this old cave and since there was a storm brewing I went inside. After building a small campfire I picked some berries and leaves to eat then went to sleep." He started.

I leaned up against a nearby wall listening intently to Jecht's story for any clues. Seeing as it might hold some valuable info that would prove useful in the near future. "When I woke the next morning I wasn't alone in the cave anymore. As I looked at the smoldering embers of my campfire two figures sat across from me. Naturally fearing for my life I did the only sane thing I ran for the exit." He continued.

"Sadly, I didn't get seeing as the entrance of the cave melted closed as I reached it. The rest was one big blur I really can't recall a whole lot after I passed out. When I came to I felt something new attached to my body that's when I saw this. As I looked around to find them they were gone and the arm was bonded to my body. Wait a tick, what's with that odd look in your eyes Orion, I just gave you an idea didn't I?" He said confusingly.

I was quiet for a moment as I let my brain sort out all the information Jecht gave through. "I'm wondering if these goddesses can offer their wisdom before this nightmare comes to life." I stated. Jaxal voiced his opinion stating that what I was planning would be unwise. Not to mention rude by seeking out the gods and goddesses of their world. "Jaxal, I respect where you're coming from but, look at it this way." I started.

"Stark may be killing humans and absorbing their life force to make himself stronger. If there's a way to stop him before this gets out in the open we gotta take it. I'd rather cover every angle for the most part or set up some kind of plan. Of course I do intend to speak with Stark's clan leader to see if they can help. As things stand now I don't stand a chance in hell of defeating him on the battlefield." I finished.

"Well, if you wish to speak to his clan than let's go he wishes to see you anyhow Orion." Devi stated. Naturally I wasn't very happy to see her but, I bowed respectfully anyway. Nubai kindly walked past her and happily hugged my neck then kissed my cheek. "Alright, let's go Jecht would you mind tagging along on this venture?" I wondered looking at him. He smiled then followed me, Devi and Nubai back to their home.

It was a short trip over a very long distance though Devi didn't even seem winded. "Ah, Debora thank you for coming, sorry for the short notice but, this is an emergency." Devi said. The elderly nine tails rose to his feet slowly clutching a cane for support. He smiled as we walked over to where he stood then he looked directly at me. "Hmm, boy come closer please my vision isn't what it used to be." Debora said.

So I stood within arms reach of him as he placed a hand on my forehead. A soft radiating energy course through my being as he peered into my mind and soul. "So, your the one Stark wants to rip to shreds, I can't see why you're a good soul. Seeing as the situation has worsened my clan will be more than happy to assist you." He replied removing his hand. I thanked him for all his help with his former clan member.

"Stark's power has grown considerably though it's been corrupted by absorbing human life force. I've got a strong suspicion that he may continue until nobody can defeat him. Though not to sound cocky but, I'm his opposite therefore I'm the only one that can. Sadly no matter how much I train I don't stand much of a chance." I informed. From there we made our way inside and into the council chambers.

Bad memories came back to me as I bowed respectfully at the tribunals members. "Welcome, back Orion hopefully this time around things won't turn ugly or violent." Ivory said. I shared her notion as stood up to look at her standing up in her seat. Another member stood up drawing my attention to him a second later. "Orion, I'm Raxin the clan I come from is, Snowing Bark Cedar, a clan you're familiar with." He said.

"Yes, I'm on very good terms with Arreincia, her mother Jayla and her husband Mickale. They're good friends I've been meaning to contact them to see how they've been doing." I replied. Raxin smiled at me as he took a moment to step down from his seat. As he approached me I could plainly see that he was a typical mountain bred kitsune. "Well, my three nephews are driving them crazy as of late." He said.

"It's been so long but, I didn't know kits grew so fast, they must be at least six months old." I said slightly amazed. Ivory explained that kits grow quickly over the first year then process slows down. By the time they reach the age of twenty the process slows down even more. Almost to the point it stops for a long time until their power begins to weaken. Even with longevity time eventually catches up as the centuries pass.

No matter how much I learned about the Kitsune race there's was still a ton I didn't know. With that being said I filled the Tribunal on what has gone on over the past few weeks. They were shocked to learn about the crazy and blood thirsty side of my family. Along with Stark's reappearance and the strange corruption of his natural energy signal. Raxin suggested that all of us should move to the castle for better protection.

I explained to him that my mother and I stick out like a pair of pink traffic lights. Naturally I excused my use of terms in the fear that I offended anyone with pink fur. Raxxion said I should go stay with Mickale and his family since I know them so well. Even Devi agreed with his suggestion that it would be a great place to hide out. Granted it would be but, I didn't want to be seen as a coward by anybody either.

"Orion, you won't be considering or thought as such we are merely trying to help. By giving you more time to prepare yourself for when, Stark decides to come for you. Also I hear you're thinking about seeking out the Elementals of our world. Jecht you know they only appear when a soul is in dire need of help." Ivory informed looking at him. He didn't speak right away as he raised his left hand up across his chest.

"Wait a second I've got a strange idea, Jecht mind if I take a closer look at that arm?" I asked. Shrugging his shoulders he did as I asked then extended his left arm out to me. Using the skills I picked up from all the time spent with Renka and her mother. Taking a very small sample of the energy that went into forging his metallic arm. From there I widened my horizons to track the source of the arms distinct magic.

As I searched further across the continent nothing pinged so I backed off for now. Though as I did something pinged rather strongly but, it came with a message. <Young human what you're attempting isn't something we wish to be involved in. So for your sake do not seek us out or you will regret It.> A voice warned telepathically. I was taken back by how polite they spoke but, their seriousness as well.

So I decided to abide by their request for now until the scales tipped in any direction. The next thing I did was store the small ball of energy into something for future use. Once I put the small item back into my pocket I calmly excused myself and left the chamber. Nubai and Jaxal were waiting patiently against the far wall as I exited. "Well, how did everything go in there Orion?" They wondered.

"Nubai, there's something I need you to do something for me if you don't mind." I replied giving her a hug. She was more than happy to lend a paw so I told what I'd like her to do. Jaxal was a little shocked but, as I kept explained he could see the genius behind it. "Alright, I'll go with you Nubai seeing as Alice may not want to leave." He stated. "Nubai, Jaxal will catch up with you in a moment I need to talk him." I said a second later.

"What's on your mind Orion?" He wondered. I wondered if he had given what I told him a while back any thought. "I don't know Orion we get along great but, I don't think she's interested. Besides I doubt I'm what she wants in a male considering the difference in species." He replied. I chuckled a little in response to his comment but, I understood. So I suggested that he take her on a date and see where it leads.

With that being said he went to join Nubai, while I went to find a scry pool to use. I was thankful these things are very easy to use and there was one close by. So I focused my mind, gathered a small amount of energy and spoke clearly into the silver fluid. A moment later the liquid froze solid then levitated off it's table then it stood upright. While I waited for it to go through, elsewhere deep in the mountains life was peaceful.

Where Arreincia and her husband Mickale were trying their best to keep up with their kits. As the hyper trio ran down the hall past the scry room with their mother hot on their heels. She stopped mid stride when she saw the pool flashing brightly. "Hey, hun there's somebody calling mind taking it, I'm trying to catch the munchkins." She stated loudly. Mickale agreed as he finished what he was doing and went there.

He closed the door behind him then touched the bowl as it froze over and floated. "Well, as I live an breathe Orion I never thought we'd ever hear from you again. So what warrants your call my friend everything alright?" He said with a smile. I filled him in on what has been going on in past few months and recently. Mickale was shocked to hear of Stark's survival, and he was happy to help when I asked.

"Sounds, like you're in a bit of a pickle my friend you're more than welcome to stay with us. After all I do owe you so when ever you're ready come on over alright. We'll make sure that you're kept hidden and help you in anyway we can. So I'll be seeing you soon right well be careful in the mean time alright." He smiled as he ended our call. As the bowl settled back down on the table I calmly left the room.

From there I took a walk around outside the castle waiting patiently for everyone to return. While walking around Lady Ivory asked if she could join me on my little walk. "Orion, I know our first meeting wasn't exactly a pleasant first meeting. Hopefully you're not the kind of young man that holds a grudge." She said glancing at me. I didn't say anything right away as I looked at her walking besides me.

"Lady Ivory I try to keep an open mind with everyone I come into contact with. Despite a rather rocky first meeting I prefer to let actions speak for themselves. Of course when the situation calls for such a matter other than that I'm pretty flexible." I informed. She smiled as we turned the corner and entered a small winter garden. "I see, well I'd still like to say sorry for anything I said that offended you." She replied.

"It's all under the bridge, right now I need to look to the future and be ready for what comes. All I know it's going to be an up hill battle with a lot of pain along the way. I'd prefer to have a peaceful life with those I love dearly but, that isn't the case. Sadly fate has spoken and I must fulfill the duty it has placed in front of me." I pointed out. Ivory could see I was a young man with a simple wish but, I respected my destiny.

"Orion, I'd like to give you a piece of advice and what you do with it is all up to you." She said. So I gave her the go ahead, she took a moment to gather her thoughts properly. "You're right about one thing fate isn't something that anyone can ignore. While destiny on the other hand if someone is strong enough they can change it. I can't explain it but, I believe you can perform such a feat." She informed.

"I'm glad to hear you have such confidence in me Lady Ivory but, fate and destiny are funny things." I pointed out. With that she smiled and laughed but, she agreed with me on that very notion. We stopped by a large koi pond and enjoyed watching them swim. She was a simple woman perfectly content with living each day as it comes. Facing each challenge when it comes and let's it go like a falling leaf.

"Orion, have you often wondered what you'd look like as a kitsune since coming here?" She wondered. Her question was a little random and it was one I never actually put any thought into. She could see that I wasn't clearly sure on just how to answer it. "Not the kind of question you were expecting me to ask you, huh?" She asked with a smile. I rested my arms on the low wooden fence as I looked down at the pond.

"I've got so much I need to do to prepare for what might be a very bloody brawl. I haven't given anything else much thought to be honest with you Lady Ivory." I replied truthfully. She smiled as she leaned over when she looked at me and spoke. "Orion, you are very mature for your age and you act as much but, you still have plenty of growing left to do. You should take some time and just be yourself for while." She informed.

Naturally I asked her what she meant by taking some time and just being myself for a change. "I know you've got a lot on your plate Orion but, rest is just as important as training. If you allow yourself time to rest and relaxation you can perform far better. Training is all well and good hun but, it can have its back draws if you're not careful." She pointed out. It finally dawned on me what she was getting at with her statements.

"You're right Lady Ivory perhaps taking a few days to rest and unwind would be wise." I replied. We began talking about much simpler things to pass the time and to relax. A good while passed as we wandered our way back to the front staircase of the castle. Lady Ivory excused herself after she thanked me for my company and having someone to talk to. As the large door opened and closed I sensed someone approaching.

Luckily the energy I sensed was very familiar to me as a teleport spell bubble appeared. The bubble peeled away in a flash as my friends and family stood before me. "Welcome to the Tribunal of Nine Tails, you're all just in time for dinner." I teased. Naturally my smart remark earned me a couple of choice words and a large snowball. Everyone went inside shortly after, while I remained outside for a bit longer.

Roughly an hour passed when I heard foot steps coming from right behind me. Followed by a pair of arms draping around my neck and a loving kiss to my cheek. "Orion, dinner just being served in the main dining hall I was asked to come get you." Renka pointed out. I got up from my seat and followed her inside the old castle and to the dining hall. Where everyone had been waiting patiently for us to join them.

I sat next to Kyuri, Renka sat to my right and my mother was sitting across from me. Jaxal was sitting politely to her right and Jecht was sitting calmly on her left. Though what got my attention was mom had this coy grin plastered all over her face. Like she was tickled pink to be sitting between two very attractive and available men. Sadly I shouldn't toot my own horn since the same could be said about me.

Light conversations could be heard all around the table along with great food. Dessert was even better when it was served to everyone in the room a short time later. As the members of the Tribunal excused themselves we were escorted to the guest rooms. When I entered the room the bed was the first thing I saw and it was huge. It could easily sleep four people quite comfortably and with room to spare.

For some strange odd reason I didn't want to be alone in such a vast room tonight. Luckily Kyuri, Renka and Nubai happened to be walking by me in the hallway. "Hey, ladies I hate to sound needy but, mind sharing the room with me?" I wondered. They looked at each other, looked back at me then back at one another. While they discussed amongst themselves I saw something going on down the hall.

My mother was clearly up to something with Jaxal as she grabbed him by the pants. The poor guy had no idea what he was in for but, I don't think he was going to complain. A second later she dragged him inside and kicked the door closed then locked it. "Alright, Orion after all we're engaged, so it's only fair we sleep besides you." Kyuri replied. With that decided I helped them bring all their belongings into my room.

Once all their things were put where they wanted them, I let them clean up first. When they exited the wash room I went in and closed the door behind me then undressed. Before they exited they were nice enough to leave me some fresh towels and a robe. As I drew myself a nice hot bath, while the tub fill up with warm bath water. I fished around for a few things I'd need to wash myself properly.

Afterwards I stepped into the warm bath water I soaked for a good while. The moment I felt myself drifting off, I thought it best to wash then go to sleep in my bed. As I grabbed a wash cloth and the bar of soap the water began to bubble. They started off small then grew in size and sheer volume yet the temp didn't change. Until the water went from being nice and warm to severely frigid in the matter of seconds.

I flew out of the tub like was being shot at, as I landed I got ready to defend myself. As the water froze solid a strange pillar began to emerge from below the ice. This strange pillar absorbed the cold from the water turning it back into a liquid. It then began to hover a few inches above the water's placid surface. That wasn't the strangest thing it moved towards me and morphed all at once.

Naturally at first I assumed someone was pulling a prank but, when took a familiar shape. I knew that wasn't the case as it continued to transform into what appeared to be a kitsune. First to fully form where the arms and legs followed by three short tails. The body was second to finish morphing though the gender was slightly unnerving. Granted it was female, a very fit, nude and rather shapely vixen kitsune.

As the transformation came to an end, I looked upon a kitsune of unknown origin. She stood six feet tall, had light ice blue fur and glowing blue eyes. Her hair barely reached her neck, while bangs covered most of her face. Despite the fact she was naked as a jaybird, I had to admit she was gorgeous. "Greetings, Orion I'm the Goddess of Ice, you requested an audience with my sisters and I? She asked gracefully.

It took me a good while to form words in my mouth but, even longer to speak them verbally. "I take it you never seen the likes of me before but, don't know how to react." She stated. As she stood on the water her tails appeared to have snow falling from them. What proved to be the real hard part was keeping myself from looking at her bare chest. Naturally she noticed what I was doing and moved closer.

As she levitated towards me her arm reached up and gingerly grabbed my chin. "Such, an honest soul despite being human you're quite a handsome male. You should count yourself very lucky to have the attention of three lovely ladies. Hmm but, let's get back to why I've come here, before things get too off topic." She smiled. I agreed with her then went to go make myself more presentable.

Before I could ask her anything, she had already anticipated my questions with her own response. "If you're that determined to speak with the rest of my sisters, than you'll need a special item. To find it you must venture alone to the Hydra Mountain Range. Once you locate it, the item will light your way to the gateway. Sadly, I must bid you farewell for now and good hunting." She informed vanishing in a flurry of snow.

It would seem fate has once again given me another clue to my rather large puzzle. The problem I now faced was telling everyone about what just happened to me. Sadly I knew that it would raise far too many questions then grant me possible solutions. So I figured it best to keep the information to myself for the time being. In the meantime I'll take some time and spend it with my friends and loved ones.

To be continued.