AN: Well, sorry this took so long but it's finally here. First I think it would be a good idea if I placed up an edited disclaimer as a couple more OC's will be appearing in this chapter.
Disclaimer
I don't own Tails, Fiona, Blaze or any other Sonic the Hedgehog character mentioned herein. The belong to SEGA, Sonic Team, Archie Comics and DiC respectively. I own Nova 'Snow' Hunter/Nova 'Snow' Prower, Mara 'Rain' Wolfe, Ariel the Fox and Chase the Wolf, which are my OC's. I don't own Doug Percy Doberman, he belongs to my friend Brandon the Lynx, Swift and Starlight belong to xXTheRedHedgehogXx, James 'Tales' Prower belongs to matthew069, Dark the Fox belongs to DarkFoxTailz. The OC's that don't belong to me are used with the owner's permission. I also don't own the story cover. That is the property of Lord Kiyo from Deviant Art and is used with his permission. I own the story plot and the universe it takes place in.
Next, I'd like to thank the following people for their helpful contributions and suggestions that have made Were Tribe the story it is: Brandon the Lynx, xXTheRedHedgehogXx, matthew069, ZanderPrime (my Brother-in-Law and in home beta reader) and a special thanks to DarkFoxTailz who is my Co-Author for this story. Finally I would like to thank all of my readers, those who have left reviews and those who have added WERE TRIBE to the story alerts. It's the combination of all of you who make it enjoyable for me to write this story. With all that said there is one more thing to mention: In this chapter I have added some new things, one of them (and probably the trickiest) is a language I am still working on. I call it Kitsu or the language known only to Kitsune. I am doing it from scratch so I would appreciate reader opinions on it: like it or ditch it. Let me know either via PM or review. Well on with the story:
It had taken most of the day to figure out who was still alive and who would be mourned. Most people who had survived the attack had many injuries, Snow and Tails included. Both of them sat staring into the fire, tails dragging the ground and bodies hunch in sorrow. Sonic, Amy and Shadow had arrive an hour after the fight ended and sat by them now. Aero and Pyra walked up and sat down with them.
"Young Tails," Aero started, "Pyra and I have talk and we have listened to the account of Snow." Tails looked at the leaders expectantly.
"We have decided to extend to you an invitation to join the tribe," Pyra finished, "if that is still your wish."
"Like hell he is," Sonic replied indignantly.
"Shut up Sonic," Tails snapped, causing the blue blur to flinch, "Chief Aero, Chieftess Pyra, I would be honored to join the tribe."
"Very well," Pyra replied, "there is now reason to rejoice."
"Then maybe we should see if we can add one more reason," Aero stated, "Young Snow, have you and your brother decided on what we asked you."
"Tails and I share thoughts," Snow replied, "I knew the answer form the first time you asked and that is that we would be honored to call you mother and father."
"Then we truly do have much reason to rejoice," Pyra exclaimed.
"No we don't," Tails replied with the shake of his head, "the dark day has ended."
"But the black night has only begun," Snow finished…..
Chapter 7: The Plan & The Decision
Snow sat bolt upright gasping and sweating. He had been trying to get some rest but every time he closed his eye all he could do was relive the final moments of the recent battle. Sighing, he got up, put on his loincloth and walked to the edge of the clearing where a small forge was set up. Since joining the tribe he had learned how to smith and he realized he had a decent bit of skill. He also found he excelled at and enjoyed it. Attempting to push thoughts of the girls and his failure in a more productive direction, the young vulpine set about making some weapons he had started to design a few months ago.
'What the hell,' Tails thought as his ears picked up the sounds of singing and the clang of clanging metal, 'who in the hell is working this late?' Tails went into the clearing that Snow and him had picked out and found the source of the noise. "What's wrong bro," he asked the sweaty white fox in front of him, "can't sleep?"
Snow paused for a moment and nodded, "Yeah, and you?"
Tails shook his head, "All I can do is relive the final moments of the battle."
"Same here," the snow fox replied.
"So, what are you doing and what was the strange language you were just singing in," Tails inquired.
"I'm making some weapons," Snow replied nonchalantly, "and I'm singing in our people's native tongue."
"The language the Were Tribe of old used," Tails asked puzzled.
"No, my child," Aero replied as him and Pyra made themselves known.
"Your brother sings in the tongue of a people much older than the Were Tribe," Pyra picked up, "he sings in Kitsu. The ancient Kitsune language."
"Really," the young fox asked with evident awe.
"Kiuso Mele," Snow replied in a sing-song voice, "m cach dida."
"What does that mean," the confused fox asked.
"We are Kitsune," Snow replied, switching back to English, "we can naturally speak Kitsu. We were born able to, all you need to do is search within yourself and you'll know what it means and how to reply."
Tails nodded and closed his eyes in concentration. Suddenly he opened them and said, "Kiuso Mele, m cach oi tanna."
Snow smiled, turned back to his anvil, picked up the hammer and started to work again. While he was doing this Aero and Pyra looked at the yellow vulpine and said, "We have always wondered what the song means but he has never translated it. Could you translate?"
Uncertain, Tails looked at his brother and caught a small nod, "'When the seasons change and the winds die down, we still stay strong as the most tempered metal. Things can die and things can age but our arms withstand the span of time.' He keeps repeating it over and over. 'Tana ke shuno mak ta du koun.' It isn't a song; it's a chant and one of the secrets of our people."
They nodded and said, "Very well, we shall take our leave. Snow, it's time for you to select an apprentice and we have brought the two of you some new paints. The paints of the clan's princes. Come find us when you are ready to take an apprentice son." Snow said nothing but gave a small nod and they left. After about two minutes of listening to Snow, the sounds of his melodic chant and the steady sound of the hammer caused Tails eyes to start drooping before he finally feel into a peaceful slumber.
Sonic looked at everyone with a dejected look, "Sorry guys I failed. I wasn't able to convince Tails to return with me."
Sally walked over, looked at him and shook her head, "Sonic Hedgehog, you aren't being sensible. Did you ever stop to think that maybe it was Tails time to become his own fox?"
Sonic looked at her with tears in his eyes, "I did but I didn't think it would be this soon. I'm going to miss my little bro!"
"They aren't gone for good," Shadow replied, "Snow's been gone for six months but he came back around. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of them." Everyone nodded, not knowing just how prophetic those words were.
Blaze finally came to and found herself chained to a wall like a trophy, 'what the hell where am I? The last thing I remember is battling side by side with Super Snow then both of us collapsed.' The violet cat looked around, trying to figure out where she was.
"Looks like someone has finally woke up," Fiona said from beside her.
"What happened," Blaze asked.
"We were captured by Black Doom," Ariel replied, "right after my handsome snowy fox passed out from exhaustion."
"Excuse me," Blaze retorted hotly, "your handsome snowy fox? Last I checked that 'handsome snowy fox' gave me one of his two white ribbons. Ribbons he was given by his adopted brother Shadow the Hedgehog to give to the two girls he fell in love with. The ribbon I tie my hair up with is the very ribbon he gave me just after we left Westopolis Woods. Tails told me about it when I chatted with him in the forest. If you don't have the second ribbon then he certainly ain't your snowy anything."
"Much as I like a good cat fight," Fiona interjected, "our main concern needs to be escape."
"I think we should wait," Blaze replied, "if I know Snow he'll be coming up with some rescue plan."
"I sure hope so," a menacing voice replied, "that's why I selected you as the bait."
"The bait for what," Blaze shot back, "and who are you?"
"You are the bait that will lead them to their doom," he replied with an evil laugh, "and as for who I am. I'm the one who is to be their doom, or Black Doom!" He walked off while laughing evilly.
Snow wiped the sweat from his brow. He had been thinking long and hard and had made a decision. He looked behind him at the sound of light snoring and smiled, 'He looks so peaceful, so carefree. I wish he could have joined the tribe sooner.' Snow smiled and went into his tent. After a few moments he came back out in a fresh loincloth and no paints on, walked over to the blown glass jar of green paint and reapplied his markings. After he had done all this he nodded and went back to his bench, grabbed the twin sword sheathes and loops sheathes he had asked the tribes' tanner to make. He strapped the sheathes to his back in an x formation before strapping his quiver over them, finally he strapped one loop to each thigh with a cloth strip. Looking briefly at his brother as he passed he headed to the stream that ran next to the area where he had set up his, Fiona and Blaze's tents and looked at his reflection. 'I truly look like a fierce warrior,' the snowy Kitsune thought. Sighing, he headed back to his work area, picked up two slender katana's and sheathed them. Finally he grabbed what looked like two tomphas and slipped them into the loops. Looking around one last time Snow picked up the case that was his x-gear, squared his shoulders and left the clearing, silent save for the gently snoring yellow fox.
"How do you think our two fox friends are taking it," a midnight she wolf asked the hedgehog, koala and pure white wolf next to her.
"I have no idea Rain," the hedgehog answered, "but I'm sure they aren't taking it easy."
"Yeah," the white wolf responded, "I just feel bad that I got there too late with the other apprentices."
"You aren't the only one who feels useless Chase," the Koala assured.
"Thanks Barby," Chase replied, "at least Rain and Swift were able to thrash some Arms for us."
"Yeah, but I wonder who will finish our training," Swift said sadly, "our mentors perished in the initial attack and I don't think Snow is going to want to train failures like us."
"Who says you four are failures," a familiar voice said from the shadows, "honestly, I wouldn't count yourselves out."
Rain stood up excitedly and ran over as none other than Snow strolled out of the shadows, "Snow, my adopted brother..." She trailed off as she noticed the weapons he wore and the green markings. All the others noticed and bowed respectfully. "So the rumors are true," Rain said as she bowed as well, "Chief Aero and Chieftess Pyra adopted you and your brother."
The white fox rolled his sky blue eyes and helped each one to his or her feet, "None of this and no more self pity. I came here to ask you for something."
"What is it my friend," Swift asked.
"Chief Aero and Chieftess Pyra noticed how you four, Blaze, Fiona, Ariel and now my twin look at me," he answered, "so I guess I'll cut to the chase. I've been watching all the apprentices since I came here. Aero and Pyra are our leaders but we all, in the tribe, tend to live in little groups."
"So," Barby asked, "what does this have to do with us?"
"I have come to ask you guys to join my group," Snow replied, "and to tell you I am on my way to Aero and Pyra with my choice of apprentice." The four of them looked at each other in surprise.
Finally Rain found her voice, "We would be honored." The others nodded vigorously.
"Very well," Snow replied, "this now makes my group total nine. We are big enough, not to mention have enough combatants, to be considered a pack. The only thing left is for us to choose a name."
"Easy," Swift replied, "you lead the group and you're a Kitsune and we're all warriors, so why not call ourselves the Kitsune Warriors!?" Everyone nodded their agreement.
"Very well," Snow replied with obvious pride, "go get set up in my clearing. Oh, and your new mentor is me."
"All of us are your apprentice," Chase asked.
"As well as Ariel, Blaze, Fiona and Tails," Snow replied as he took his leave.
"Wow," Chase said after Snow had left, "I can't believe our luck!"
"Well, let's keep it up and pack up," Swift replied. Everyone nodded and did so immediately.
Two Hours Later
'God what I'd give for some food,' the cobalt dog thought morosely as his stomach growled again. He sat in the darkness, unsure of where he was or what to do.
"Well, well," a gruff voice said, "looks like we've found a little lost puppy dog."
"Who's th-," the dog started before he let loose a howl of pain as something bit into his arm.
"Stop right there," a snowy Todd called out as he dropped from the tree he was in. He had been tracking a feral werewolf for almost two hours now. He had found him, and just in time it appeared.
The wolf let go of his prey and advanced on the mysterious fox, obviously miffed at the interruption, ignoring the whimpering dog for the moment. Who do you think you are little fox? Why interrupt a full grown Werewolf having a meal? You'll be my next meal," the wolf declared.
The fox smiled, "I'm no ordinary fox. I'm a Werefox from the Were Tribe. As for why I interrupted your meal, well, let's just say I'm here to kill your feral ass!"
The wolf let out a howl of rage, "So the Tribe has finally sent another tracker after Cora the Werewolf, and it just happens to be my former student! You're just an apprentice, go back to your tent Snow! Don't make me kill you my young friend! I'm not feral as they led you to believe!"
"I'm sorry," Snow replied as he started to strip off his weapons, "Even though you're my friend and former mentor I'm a full tribal hunter and a tribal prince. You were marked as feral; I have no choice but to kill you. Inspite of the mark, you taught me all I know so I shall fight you honorably, without weapons." Snow then removed his loincloth and all other clothing aside from his crystal, then started to transform.
"Then I will apologize now for having to kill you my friend," Cora said sadly as he too transformed, "fight and die with honor." He then dropped to all fours and loosed a battle howl.
'What the hell,' the dog thought as he watched the two massive Were's charge forward and meet in a furious battle.
"I taught you well," Cora said as Snow blocked a vicious swipe with one of his fluffy tails, "the multi-tailed defense you've developed is superb."
"You'll find I'm full of surprises," the young kit replied with a quick tail bash that sent the older wolf flying back.
"I see," the wolf said as he rolled away from Snow's stomp and back to his feet, "but you're holding back, don't."
"You're one to talk," Snow fired back as he launched a gout of fire at the wolf, "but if you want me to stop holding back I will." With that said he launched himself after the pyrokinnetic blast, claws extended, "Crystal Claw!" His claws suddenly took on an ice blue hue as he torn through the wolf's defense and scored him across the chest.
"Excellent," the wolf cried as chaos energy enhanced pain shot thru his injury, "you truly are a formidable fighter!"
"You were my battle teacher," the fox replied, "and you were the tribe's best fighter! Why did you betray us?"
The two broke for a moment at those words. "If you believe I betrayed the tribe then you are a fool," Cora responded.
"Then what do you call what you did," the fox asked with tears in his eyes.
The wolf hung his head, "Aero and Pyra sent some of our best out to bring in strong mobians and make them Were's. I found you, befriended you and even grew to think of you as a nephew. We were ordered on pain of being chased out and marked as feral to never tell those we found and bit, the real reason we did what we did. I would have followed those orders had I not come to love you like a nephew. I told someone I thought of as a friend that I was gonna tell you the truth and they turned me in. I just never thought that they would send you after me and certainly not alone."
"So you were willing to betray orders because you felt bad for lying to me," Snow asked, "wait, if you were the wolf who I met and befriended that suddenly bit me, then does that mean you're the one who turned me? The one I have to thank for the freedom I now have as a Were?" The wolf merely nodded as he sank to his knees and exposed his throat to the young vulpine. "What are you doing Cor-Uncle Cora," he asked in confusion, tears freely flowing now.
"If you still believe I'm a traitor," The elder wolf replied, "then I shall resist no more and let you take my life."
Snow looked from him to his claws and the blood on them, Cora's blood. The fox then looked back at him and noticed the slash marks on his chest. His eyes went wide as he realized that he was wrong, changed back and rushed to the elder wolf muttering, "I'm sorry." Cora closed his eyes as the fox closed on him and waited for the deathblow. It never came, instead he felt two furry arms and four fluffy tails wrap around him in a warm embrace.
"So," Cora said as he returned the embrace, "you believe and forgive me then?" Crying too hard to speak, all the fox could do was nod. The older wolf smiled, changed back and held him softly until his tears were spent.
"I'm sorry for injuring you Uncle Cora," the young Kitsune said as he pulled back and touched the wound, "let me fix it for you. Crystal Heal!" With a blue flash the wolf watched as the claw marks on his chest closed up and healed on their own.
"You're forgiven," the speechless wolf replied, "that crystal of yours is something else."
"Then maybe this will be something new to you as well," Snow said as he stepped back and closed his eyes in concentration. Cora watched in awe as the ice blue fur on the fox turned gold and his tails split until there were now nine in total, finally a warm gentle aura started emanating from him and he was enveloped in a warm golden glow. The fox opened his eyes and the wolf saw that they were no longer sky blue but a deep green instead.
Finally finding his voice Cora said, "y-you're a real Kitsune of Light! A Kitsune Warrior!"
Snow nodded and replied, "Yes, I am, but you are the first person I've shown this to. You must promise not to reveal this to anyone, not until I am ready to tell them."
"I promise," Cora said, still in awe.
"Now, what is this great secret that you were willing to sacrifice yourself to reveal to me," the vulpine asked curiously.
"It's a long story," Cora replied.
"We've got time," Snow stated bluntly.
The tribe has a terrible curse on it," the wolf started, "long ago, back when the tribe was young and power hungry, a dark being came and made a deal with us. It was a deal that shouldn't have been made. In return for the strength and prowess we have today we were bound to him as slaves. When he returned every hundred years yes the tribe as a whole became feral. Mindless, soulless killing machines completely under his control. There is a way we can be freed from this curse, a Were has to kill him. This is why Aero and Pyra sent out the tribes best fighters. To scout for strong Mobians without the taint of the blood of our ancestors. If we found such a mobian we were to turn them and Aero and Pyra would send someone to tell them of the tribe and offer them to join us. It was discovered the last time the being returned that a Were who don't share the bloodlines of the tribe is unaffected by the curse, so long as they resist taking a mate from among the tribe born."
"It angers me," Snow said slowly, after a moment, "that this was hidden from me, but if I could go back and do it over again I wouldn't change a thing."
Cora looked at him in surprise, "then maybe you are the one! The one who is destined to save us all!"
"No," Snow replied, "I'm not the only one. Swift, Rain, Tails, Bunnie, Fiona, Blaze and Barby are all like me. We've formed a pack; Ariel and Chase are with us. Together, we are strong enough to defeat this evil. I am not the only Kitsune Warrior in the tribe."
"Tails," Cora said, "he is not a name I recognize, he was probably turned after I was chased out."
"Perceptive as always my old mentor," the snowy Todd replied, "Tails is infact my twin brother. I brought him into the tribe but Fiona turned him."
What will you do now that you know," Cora asked.
"I will return with you and confront my adopted mother and father and demand they allow you to return," Snow answered. A low groan of pain met their ears and he remembered the young dog. "First we should assist the dog you bit." Cora indicated he'd stay where he was and Snow slowly approached the dog.
"S-stay back," the frightened dog stammered.
Snow paused and said gently, "I won't come any closer." He then held out his hand and said, "My name's Nova Snow Prower, I want to help you."
"You won't hurt me," the dog asked.
The fox shook his head, "I promise."
The dog stood and moved slowly forward, favoring his injured arm, "I'm Doug Percy Doberman."
"Is there anything on you that's hurt," Snow inquired.
"My arm was bit by your 'Uncle'" Doug replied, "other than that I'm just hungry."
"May I look at it," Snow asked. The dog held his arm out and he looked it over, "I don't see any bite marks or bleeding, looks healthy to me."
Thinking the strange fox was teasing him Doug looked at his arm, "what the fuck!" The white fox was right, his arm was fine! "What's going on," he asked.
"I think you may have been turned into a Were when he bit but didn't kill you," the kit answered truthfully, "I have an idea. Why don't you come back to the Were Tribe with us? It's a safe haven for mobians like us."
"He's not going anywhere," a voice said, causing Snow to turn and glare in the direction it came from.
Snow's eyes went wide as he saw a fox that looked almost like him and his brother. The only difference was that this fox had three tails, and orange fur that was so dark it was almost black. "Who are you," he asked.
"The name's Dark the Fox," the fox replied.
"Why can't Doug come with me and Cora," Snow asked.
"Because," Dark answered, "he's looking for his lost sister. Plus I don't want to lose my only friend."
"What if I told you that I could make it possible for you to come with us too," The white fox asked.
"I'd still say he can't and neither can I," the orange kit replied with an absent flick of his tails, "we're looking for his sister."
Snow looked at Doug, "What if I promised to help you find your missing sister? I'm an excellent tracker, once I set myself to hunting someone; there is no way for them to escape me."
"Really," Doug asked as his eyes lit up, "you'd do that for a stranger?"
"Well," Snow replied, "we've introduced ourselves to each other so I don't consider you a stranger anymore. I consider you a potential friend and ally. I do anything for friends; actually, I'd do anything for anyone in need. Its part of being a Werefox, we're extremely loyal and kindhearted unless you anger us."
"So I saw," Doug said gesturing to the fox's bloody claws, "I don't need anymore convincing. I'll come with you and join you, but only if it's your group I join."
"I'd have it no other way," Snow assured him.
"What about me," Dark asked, "can you really make me like you so I can come along?"
"Easily," Snow replied, nine tails waving lazily behind him, "the blood on my claws is the blood of a Were. If I scratch you with them then you'll be like us. Plus I think you're like me, a Kitsune. There are very few of us left, we need to stick together."
"You're right," Dark said with surprise, "I am a Kitsune. Honestly, though, until today I thought I was the only one left. Alright, I'll join you as well." Dark held out his arm to the white fox.
"This may burn a little," Snow told him as he gingerly drew a single claw across Dark's arm, "there are really only two ways to become a Were. One is to be bitten by one and the second, most guaranteed way is to have the blood of a Were get into an opening in the skin. I hope you realize, once a Were always a Were."
"Is it possible to live a normal life," Doug asked, "in other words; is it possible to appear normal to a Human or Mobian?"
"The only way for someone to do that," Cora replied, "is to never transform again. Once we transform in a city, we are known to be a Were thereafter."
"Well," Snow said cheerfully, "we've got about a two hour hike to get back to the Mystic Forest so we may as well get moving. Albeit, I think a meal wouldn't hurt." Snow raised his hear and took a deep breath, smiled and snatched his bow and quiver before vanishing into the trees.
"Don't follow him," Cora said stopping Dark and Doug in their tracks, "I smell what he did and if I know that fox, he'll be back shortly." No sooner than he finished speaking than a pitch black Werefox with blood red chest and tail-tips appeared with a massive, and quite dead, grizzly bear slung over his shoulders. "See, told you," the older wolf said with a smile.
"That's not Snow," Doug replied.
"Yes it is," Cora said, "I can tell by the green markings and his scent. I'm sure he'll explain his appearance change momentarily."
The fox set down his cargo and changed from his wereform, "Sorry if I startled you, I tried to hide the whole story behind me being a Kitsune. I'm not a Kitsune Warrior or Kitsune Destroyer. I'm actually a True Kitsune, which means I'm both a Kitsune of Light and Kitsune of Darkness. I prefer to stay out of my Destroyer form though. I've noticed, though, that since I became a Werefox I have no choice but to take on my destroyer form when in Wereform. I guess it's because Were's are inherently evil, even if they are pure of heart. I'm glad you didn't see me when I transformed while in Kitsune Warrior form, the instant I went into my Wereform I kinda went destroyer and momentarily lost control." As he was saying this a ripple ran across his body and he was white and gold with green eyes once more.
"That's interesting," Dark said, "but I do believe you said we needed to eat and go?"
"Yes, sorry," Snow replied. The snowy fox motioned to Cora and the two of them set about skinning and cleaning the bear. Snow then made a fire and proceeded to cook their meal. Upon noticing Dark and Doug's bewildered looks he said, "What do you take us for, savages? Nah, we don't eat raw meat, we are civilized." The two shrugged and Snow smiled. After the meat was done the foursome sat down to eat, chatting all the while. Once done, they packed up and Snow got dressed and handed a loincloth and dagger to the other three. They dressed quickly and the group left.
Two Hours Later
The quartet arrived at the tent belonging to Aero and Pyra Snow looked at the others, took a deep breath and called out, "Mom, Dad, and its Snow. May we come in?"
"Yes, son," Aero called back. The foursome entered and Aero frowned, "What's this son! You were told to kill him, not bring him back here!"
"I brought him because I wish to learn the truth," the white kit replied as he suddenly changed to his white and gold nine-tailed form, "I want to know why you two are pushing for more Were's who aren't tribe born?"
Aero hung his head, "What did he tell you?"
"About the curse, the dark being, you guys sending out tribe members to locate and turn strong mobians, the order not to ever tell us about it, the penalty you levied for telling us and why you wanted us," the fox replied, suddenly wondering if he really wanted to know the truth.
"Well," Pyra sighed, "this was truly unexpected."
"Very," Aero agreed, "I have one question. What will happen if you found out he was telling the truth?"
"Nothing," Snow replied with a smile, "I wouldn't leave the tribe. You, Pyra, Cora and the entire tribe is my family now. I will be sad that you didn't tell me when I first joined but it still wouldn't mean anymore than simply that I now know the truth."
"You are exactly like the son we wish we could've had ourselves," Pyra praised as she hugged him.
"What Cora told you is the truth," Aero confessed with tears welling in his eyes, "you probably hate us now, don't you?"
The young vulpine detached himself from Pyra and walked over to the crying older fox, "No father, I don't hate you." He then reached up and hugged him.
"How did we get so lucky," Aero sobbed, "to have adopted a kit with a heart of gold?" The green vulpine took a calming breath and centered him. "Who are these other two," Aero questioned.
"These are Doug Doberman and Dark the Fox," Snow replied, "one was bit by Cora and the other was turned by choice." He motioned them forward for his parent's inspection and the two of them bowed respectfully.
"You are very thorough son," Pyra praised, "I'm sure you told them proper etiquette for when meeting the leaders of the tribe."
"Albeit," Aero spoke up, "I'm sure, by the looks on their faces this whole time, which you chose not to tell them that you're one of the tribe's princes."
Snow scuffed his feet guiltily, "I might've forgot to mention it." The elder fox and shehog chuckled.
"Well," Pyra said, "due to our recent loses I think that we'll forgo the trials and just invite the both of them. Doug and Dark, part of joining the tribe is to give up all you formerly were, to include taking on new names."
"I forgot to mention," Snow chimed in, "when I joined the tribe I gave up the name Nova Snow Prower. Now I'm just simply Snow the Werefox."
"I really don't have much to give up," Dark said, "Dark is a name I chose for myself. I don't really remember much about my past or even my real name. If possible I'd like to continue to go by Dark."
"Very well," Pyra said, "the tribe welcomes you, Dark the Werefox."
"What about you," Aero asked the young dog.
"Well," Doug replied, "I'm an orphan. I really don't have much to begin with. All I have left is a sister I've been searching for. If it's okay I'd like to go by the name Doug the Weredog."
"Then we welcome you, Doug the Weredog," Aero said, "we are always glad to have new members. Now, there is still one more thing we need to address. You were trying to tell us a few things before we sent you after Cora. What was that Snow, my son?"
"I've decided on my apprentice and we now have a new pack as well," Snow replied.
"Well," Pyra said, "please enlighten us."
"The new pack was actually formed by me," the snowy kit replied, "It's ten of us, one Hunter and nine Apprentice Hunters. My choice of apprentice is all the apprentices in my pack."
"You forgot some people," Doug said, "namely, Dark and I. You convinced us to join the tribe, please also allow us to join your pack as Apprentice Hunters."
"Let's make that twelve then," Snow said ginning.
"Thirteen," Cora corrected.
"Um," Snow replied in confusion, "you're more of a senior hunter than I am."
"Wrong," Aero stated, "as a prince of the tribe you are automatically the most senior hunter in the tribe."
"Well," Snow replied while scratching just behind his ear, "then I'd be glad to have you along with me."
"Now that that's settled," Pyra said, "we need to know what name you and your pack chose for yourselves."
"Well," Snow replied, "I let four of the others choose the pack name. They chose Kitsune Warriors."
"Interesting name choice," Aero stated curiously.
"They said that it was because, and they were only guessing, that is I'm a Kitsune and we're all tribal hunters and apprentice hunters or warriors," Snow replied, flicking his nine tails.
Taking notice of his appearance for the first time Aero said, voice full of wonder, "In all my years, not once did i ever imagine i would meet one of the offspring of the legendary fox warriors! Yet before my very eyes stands a true Kitsune Warrior! Kitsune are always born, thought most of them aren't from the sure line of the anchient warrior foxes. It was said that they had all but died out." The older fox took in the sight of the white and gold fox before him. Suddenly, Aero dropped to the ground, prone before Snow, almost as if in worship as he reached into his tail and pulled. Everyone watched as his single, rather large and fluffy tail split into three. "I'm a normal Kitsune," Aero said proudly, "one of those in who the blood of warriors is present but not strong enough to use the Chaos Crystal or attain a warrior's form. I remember your father, Nova. Me and him were friends, he was one of the few who were kind to the tribe. When Robotnik attacked he and Rosemary took the both of you and split up. They were bringing you to us, hoping we could protect you. We found the both of them, dead and gave them an honorable burial. Your father asked us to tell you the lineage of your family but today is not that day."
Snow nodded, "Then if there is nothing else, i'd like to go and see how my pack is settling."
"By all means, go and see to your pack, " Pyra smiled, "and your apprentices." Snow nodded motioned the others to follow him and left, changing back to his usual white/ice blue furred, four-tailed self as he went.
"Where is my bro," Tails asked the four milling about the clearing, "I didn't know it took four hours to talk with our parents."
"It shouldn't," Chase replied, "should we go look for him?"
"That won't be necessary," Snow stated as he walked into the clearing with the other three in tow, "seeing as i've already found myself. Everyone gather round, I want to introduce two new members and one addition to our pack. We also need to figure out sleeping arrangements for them."
"Have you gotten any sleep yet," Rain asked.
Snow shook his head and tapped his foot, "First I want everyone to meet Cora the Werewolf, he's a senior hunter so treat him respectfully. Now the new members, the dark orange fox is Dark the Werefox and the cobalt colored dog is Doug the Weredog. Doug, Dark and Cora, this is my pack, the Kitsune Warriors. The hedgehog is Swift, the koala is Barby, the yellow fox is my twin bro Tails, the white wolf is Chase and the midnight she-wolf is Rain. Let me think, anything i forgot?"
'He's cute,' Rain thought as she looked the dog over, "Who do you want to help them settle in?"
"Swift would you see to Cora, Chase please see to Dark and Rain see to Doug," Snow replied, "Tails get changed into street clothes." Rain, Chase and Swift nodded and ushered the three off.
"Why," Tails asked with apprehension.
"You and i are going to Station Square to round up the Sonic Heroes," Snow replied, "we need to get a rescue plan in motion." Tails nodded and went to his tent. Noticing the others, Snow smiled at their looks, "Everyone get dressed then. The Kitsune Warriors are goin to town!" The others scattered to their tents.
'Dang,' Sonic thought as he and the other Heroes and the Freedom Fighters raced for the center of Station Square, 'why can't that fuck just give up!' Eggman was at it again. After a bit they arrived and Sonic called out, "Not so fast Egghead!"
"Hmm," Eggman chortled, "no bothersome foxes? This'll be easy without those pests! Time to exterminate, GET THEM!"
'I wish Tails was here,' Sonic thought morosely as the bots rushed them.
They had been in Station Square for a few moments when Tails looked up, poked Snow and pointed. Snow nodded and waved his hands, causing everyone to quickly change and reapply their paints. As one they rushed off, transforming as they went.
"There's too many of them," Sally called out, "what should we do?"
"Do our best to take them down," Sonic replied as he smashed an eggpawn.
"I have a feeling things will change in our favor soon," Amy said as she turned one into a metallic pancake with her hammer.
Snow and his group stood behind a building looking at the fight that was raging. The others looked at him, awaiting orders. "Rain, Doug, Cora assist the Freedom Fighters," Snow ordered, "Tails, Chase, Dark assist Team Sonic, Swift, Barby assist Team Chaotix and i'll assist both Teams Rose and Dark as they're fighting together. Warriors Ready!" All of them dropped to all fours and charged in, loosing a battle howl as they went.
"WARRIORS ATTACK!" All of the combatants stopped as they heard the cry. Looking behind the beleagured Heroes as three Werefoxes, three Werewolves, a Werehog, a Werekoala and a Weredog charged in. Immediatly the snowy werefox split off, came between Shadow and Amy and changed back.
"Always were good at timing," Amy said with a grin as the fox drew his tomphas and assumed a battle stance.
"Now's not the time for chatter Ames," Snow replied.
"It's good to fight by your side again bro," Sonic said with a big grin as Tails, Chase and Dark stopped beside him and Knuckles, drawing katanas as they did.
"Same here blue," Tails replied, assuming a battle stance.
"Who are you," Espio asked as a hedgehog and koala stopped next to him with bows drawn, "are you friend or foe?"
"I'm Swift the Werehog and this is Barby the Werekoala," the hedgehog replied, "we follow Prince Snow."
"Any friend of Snow is a friend of ours," Espio said with a smile, "let's show them our power!"
"Freedom Fighters," Rain said as her, Doug and Cora stopped next to the squirrel, "I'm Rain the Werewolf, the dog is Doug the Weredog and the other wolf is Cora the Werewolf. Prince Snow has sent us to assist you."
"You and Doug seem young for combatants Rain," the squirrel replied, "I'm Sally Acorn by the way."
Rain smiled, "Ah, Snow's adopted Aunt. Looks can be decieving Princess. Don't count us out." She then pulled out two slender, hooked daggers.
Sally smiled back, " Too true, besides, their is plenty to go around."
"Shadow," Sonic called out, "as Snow is with you and he's apparently their leader, you call it for us."
"Same for the Freedom Fighters Shadow," Sally called as well.
Shadow and Snow looked at eachother, nodded and and called out, "No mercy! Heroes, Fightser and Warriors to battle!" Snow let out a howl and the battle began anew.
A group of eggpawns immediatly converged on Snow, Amy and Shadow. Snow grinned and looked at the pink shehog, "How's that swing of yours?" In answer she swung her hammer and sent three pawns flying. "Shadow hold them off," Snow called, "i got a nice combo idea and Ames and i need time to prepare." Shadow nodded as he curled into a ball and shot off.
"What you got in mind foxboy," Rouge asked.
"Destroy," Omega called out, "warning, crazy fox kit detected!"
Snow laughed, "Actually, Ames, trade with Shadz, I got a new Team Blast idea." Shadow came over and looked at the snowy kit eagerly. "Ok," he started, "It's a modified version of Chaos Inferno. Omega, do you have cannons big enough to fire two balls of fire?"
"Affermative," the robot responded as he switched to two massive cannons instead of hands.
"Shadow," Snow continued, "curl up and in one you go. Start spinning once you get in. I'll be in the other one, spinning as well." Shadow did as he was told.
"What about me," Rouge asked.
Snow responded by walking over and encasing her boots in Chaos energy, "You get to kick two flaming balls around."
Rouge smiled, "This should be fun."
"I think the bat is going to enjoy this too much Snow," Shadow said reufully.
"Who knows," the fox replied with a grin, "Would you rather it be Ames's Piko-Piko Hammer?"
"No thanks," the ebony hedgehog barked.
Snow chuckled, "Omega, you'll fire us at rouge and she'll kick us like homing charges at bots. Shadow, transfer chaos energy to Omega's cannons and i'll light us on fire."
"Affermative," Omega said as he lowered the empty barrel to the ground and the white fox curled up and rolled in, starting to spin.
"Chaos Transfer," Shadow called out.
"Fox-Fire Ignition," Snow called out, after turning into his Kitsune form while spinning.
"Fire, Fire," Omega called out as he shot the combusting fox and hedgehog at Rouge, who then kicked then at two EggGiants.
"Whoa," Sonic cried as an enflamed white ball shot through the bot he was attacking.
"Nice one Team Dark," Knuckles called out jubilantly as the punched a EggPawn's head off.
"Sonic, Knuckles," Tails called out, "come here i got an idea. Chase and Dark give us a few moments to set up."
"On it Prince Tails," Chase called back as he went Were and started playing 'chack the whip' with an unfortunate EggPawn.
"Roger," Dark said as he transformed and took the hammer, and arm, from an unlucky EggGiant and started smashing anything that came near.
"HAMMER SPREE," Snow cried out as he shot by, still in a fiery ball, on a collision course with an unlucky EggBomber. Everyone in earshot laughed.
"If he's on a hammer spree, then what am i on," Amy asked as the white fox was smacked at something else with her hammer.
"ONE-HOG WRECKING CREW," Snow answered the next time he pinged off her hammer. Everyone laughed again.
"Ok," Tails said as he tried to control his laughter, "here's the plan. Sonic and i are gonna curl into balls that you'll punch at everything you can."
"Like fire dunk," the echidna asked.
"Yeah," the yellow vulpine replied, "but i'll light us on fire like Snow did with Shadz and himself."
"How, Snow's pyrokinnetic and you aren't," the blue blur inquired.
"I may not be pyrokinnetic, but i am Kitsune," Tails replied as his fur turned gold and his twin tails became nine tails, "he used a fox-fire or kitsune fire spell. 'Kitsu-Pyre Ingo' which means Fox-Fire Ignition."
"Ok," Knuckles said.
"Yeah," Sonic cried, "let's do this!" The cobalt hedgehog curled into a spinning ball that Knuckles picked up.
"Kitsu-Pyre Ingo," Tails cried out as Knuckles picked him up and tossed then into the air before punching each in a different direction.
"WRECKING BALLS GONE WILD," Snow shouted gleefuly as Rouge kicked him at an unsuspecting EggBomber. It took thirty minutes in all before they had whiped out all the Eggbots.
"This isn't over," Eggman declared as he flew up, only to come down in one of his bots.
"Gee," Snow said to Tails, "don't this look familiar?"
"Looks like the EggEmperor all over again," the fox sighed back, "he never learns."
Snow stopped Shadow and Sonic with a gesture as they started to take off, "Tails and I have this. Ready Bro?"
"What do you have in mind," Tails asked. Snow leaned over and whispered to him. The yellow fox grinned widely, "This'll be a blast."
"Anything we can do to help boys," Rouge asked.
"Keep him distracted while Tails and i charge up," Snow replied. Everyone nodded and launched themselves at the EggEmperor.
After ten minutes Tails shouted, "EVERYONE SCATTER!"
"KITSU-EL CHI-MONGA," the fox twins shouted as a rainbow beam of energy shot from their palms and combined in mid-strike. The beam hit the EggEmperor with a concussive boom. When the dust cleared, the only thing remaining was an unconscious Eggman. Spent, the two Kits reverted back to normal.
"What was that," Shadow inquired as he helped steady Snow next to Eggman's unconcious form.
"Kitsune Multi-Element Beam-Strike," the white fox replied with a grin.
"Nice, but that was a truely interesting look you took on," Amy said.
"You never told us you were Kitsune Warriors," Sally scolded the two foxes.
"Well, we didn't even know we were until recently," Tails started.
"It took us falling in love to discover it," Snow finished, "apparently the trigger for our Warrior form is to find someone that we'd be willing to die for."
Sally, Amy and Rouge's eyes lit up. "Really," Rouge said with a grin.
"Details, spill it," Amy said gleefully.
"Isn't it obvious," Shadow said, "atleast for Snow it should be. We both have two ribbons our primary color. All you gotta do is look for the person who wears it as a hair ribbon."
"That pretty little Werecat had a white ribbon tieing her hair up in a ponytail," Rouge replied.
"What did she look like," Silver asked coming up.
"She had violet fur and briliant golden eyes," the bat replied.
"Oh god," the albino hedgehog exclaimed, "that sounds like Blaze!"
Snow turned beet red, "I-i don't know what you're talking about."
"Really," Amy said with a grin, "then why are you trying to beat Knuckles in the color department?"
"Hey, so what if i gave one of my ribbons to a beautiful Werecat," Snow snapped.
"If you gossip mongers really want something juicy then try this on for size," Tails said irritably, "Snow gave me two yellow ribbons and right now i only have one. The other is being used by a certain red vixen you all seem to despise."
Sally's eyes went wide, "you don't mean Fiona Fox do you? Are you out of your mind!?"
"It's not Fiona Fox anymore," Tails bit back, "It's Fiona the Werefox. Oh, and just so you know, she's the one who turned me."
"Have you forgotten what happened last time you let her in your heart," Sally said, "she ripped it in two!"
"Shut up Princess," Snow snapped, "I won't have you talking about my apprentice that way! Did you ever think that maybe she has changed! No, because you can't get over the fact that she 'betrayed' your prescious Freedom Fighters and sided with Scourge. Plus you'll never even see that piece of shit again."
"What do you mean," Sally asked, "and you watch your tone little boy. I am a member of the Acorn Royal House! Show some respect!"
"So what," the agitated fox shot back, "if you haven't been listening, Tails and i are Princes of the Were Tribe. the Adopted sons of Chief Aero and Chieftess Pyra. We're technically your equal so i'll talk how i want to you. As for Scourge, he attacked a member of the tribe and was dealt with how we deal with any threat: terminated with extreme prejudice."
"You mean the tribe killed him," Sally asked.
"We acted in self-defense, we protect our own," Snow shot back. After a few moments everyone calmed down. Suddenly the square erupted in cheering. Everyone looked around and noticed the gathering crowd. The Were's warily bunched up behind Tails as Sally, Amy, Sonic, Vector, Shadow and Snow stepped forward.
A woman with red hair stepped out with a cameraman in tow, "This is Scarlet Garcia, live from Downtown Station Square where once again the Sonic Heroes and the Freedom Fighters have triumphed over Doctor Eggman. Shadow the Hedgehog, you seemed to be calling the shots, what turned the tide all of a sudden?"
"The appearance of an old friend," Shadow replied with a smile as he put his arm over the white vulpine's shoulders, "Nova Snow Hunter."
"It's Prower," the fox muttered.
"Snow," Scarlet inquired, "all of Station Square is wondering, where have you been all these months?"
"I've been where i belong Ms. Garcia," Snow responded politely.
"Where is that," she pressed.
"Eight months ago it wasn't a rabbid wolf that bit me," he replied, "it was a Werewolf. Afterwards i started to, change. I couldn't deny what i had become, a Werefox. Six months ago i heard of a community of others, Weremobians as we are called, that lived in Westopolis Woods. I left all i had known and went to join them. The community is known as the Were Tribe. I've been living among them since. I cast off my name and all my accomplishments when i was made a Were Tribe Apprentice Hunter, a defender of the tribe and, as the hunter part emplies, a gatherer of food."
"But why leave so secretly," Scarlet asked.
"The fact that i'm a Werefox was something that i hid," he replied, tails twitching nervously, "I hid it because of the same fear iI still have, that all Weremobians have. The fear that i would be hated and shunned by everyone once my secret was discovered."
Chuick stepped forward with Ella and Tannaka at this point. "I'm sure i can speak for every citizen in Station Square," he said, "when i say thank you Snow. If it weren't for you and your friends from the Were Tribe, our city would now belong to Eggman."
"Yeah," someone cried out, "we don't hate you Were's, we love you!" At that everyone cheered.
"Well," Scarlet replied, "there's your answer."
Snow's eyes misted as he replied, "Yes, thank you everyone."
The other Were's stepped up behind Snow, no longer afraid but smiling. "A touching reunion and public outpour from a grateful city in Downtown Station Square," Scarlet said as she wrapped up her live report. "This is Scarlet Garcia for Sation Square News Network, live from the heart of Station Square." The crowd started milling about among the heroes and members of the tribe.
"So Snow," Amy inquired, "What brings you into Station Square?"
"We need everyone's help," the young fox replied, "have everyone meet us near the waterfall that borders the Mystic Forest at sundown." Having done what he came for, the fox whistled and flicked his tails. His tribemates extracted themselves with quick good bye's and they headed for home.
As Sonic, Shadow, Sally and Vector watched them leave they walked up to Amy and Sally asked, "Why did they leave so soon and what did Snow say? I heard your question but not his answer."
"He wants us to meet him at the waterfall that borders Mystic Forest," Amy replied, "at sundown today."
Sundown
"Do you think they'll show up," Rain asked, "I mean, do you think they'll help?"
"I hope so," Snow replied, "without them we can't go. Tails and I could easily pilot the Blue Typhoon but there is a catch. When we joined we swore off our old lives, to include the use of technology aside from extreme gear. We even cast off the names Nova and Miles Prower. Now we are simply Snow and Tails. If we piloted it we'd violate tribal law."
"Yeah," Swift said, "and we all know what happens then."
"Well what about opening a rift," Chase asked, "isn't it possible to open a rift from one place to another with chaos energy?"
"It is," the fox answered, "but it would take the power of three who have the ability to use chaos energy offensively to open one the distance we need. There is one other Kitsune Warrior in the tribe, but unfortunatly, she is one of the ones we are attempting to rescue."
"Oh," Chase said as he hung his head.
"Don't be upset," Tails replied, "it was a good idea."
Just then Sally and everyone showed up. "You wanted us to meet you here," she asked.
"Yes," Snow replied, "yesterday three of our number were captured by the Black Arms, Blaze the Werecat, Fiona the Werefox and Ariel the Werefox. We have something of a plan to rescue them but there is a snag."
"What's the snag Nova," an emerald two-tailed fox that sounded eerily like Chris thordyke asked, causing the fox brothers to do a double take.
"Is that you Chris," the yellow vulpine asked," and if so, what happened?"
"It's me Miles," Chris replied, "and as for what happened, let's just say it was an accident involving one of your unfinished inventions that's irreversible. I've come to terms with it."
"Well the snag is simple," Snow responded after collecting his thoughts, "when Tails and I joined the tribewe had to give up technology. The only tech the tribe allows is x-gear. Our plan involves using the Blue Typhoon mark two to get to their homeworld but neither of us could pilot it without breaking tribal law. Oh, and another thing we had to do upon joining was give up our old lives, to include taking new names. I'm not Nova Prower anymore, I'm Snow the Werefox."
"Prower," Amy asked in confusion, "I thought your last name was Hunter?"
"He's actually my twin," Tails replied, "I didn't recognize him because we were seperated at brith. Oh, and my name isn't Miles Prower anymore, it's Tails the Werefox."
"Hate to say it," Sonic said, "but we can't help you."
"Why," Tails asked, "I thought we were all friends?"
"We are," the blue blur responded, "but we prefer to stay away from dealing with the Black Arms, to many sore spots."
"Never thought the great hero Sonic the Hedgehog was a chicken shit," Tails said venomously, "I don't see why I ever idolised you like I did."
"You've changed," Sonic shot back, while everyone but the tribe members looked at the young fox in surprise, "you used to be kind and polite. I knew this would happen if you stayed with these, these neanderthals!"
Now it was the tribe's turn to look at them in surprise. "Get the fuck out of here, all of you," Tails growled threateningly, "I'm glad I joined. They freed me from my misery, showed me kindness and opened my eyes. Now that you've spoken I realize who my real friends and family are! It sure the fuck ain't the Freedom Fighters or you so called Sonic Heroes. It's the Were Tribe, good bye forever shitheads. I never want to see you again!" Rather than allow Sonic to push the already pissed off Were's any further, Shadow warped the entire gang away.
"Well, there goes that plan," Doug said, "now what?"
"You guys train," Snow replied, knowing it wouldn't be wise to let everyone dwell, "Rain and Doug, Tails and Chase, Barby and Swift, Dark and Cora. Those are your assigned pairings this time. Your objectives are to track the other pairs and snatch their ribbons while avoiding detection yourselves. Go!" Everyone split off to do their training assignment. Once the others were gone Snow looked over his shoulder at a nearby bush. "You can come out now," he said, "i know you four are there." The bush rustled and Aero, Pyra, Bunnie and a pretty, young violet she-hog came out.
"How'd ya know it was us shuga-fox," the southern rabbit asked, "we were as silent as mice!"
"Wasn't hard," the young vulpine replied simply, "the breeze made it to where you were upwind of me. I could pick up your scent. Oh, and who is this?"
"This is someone who wishes to be an apprentice hunter," Aero replied, "she's tribe-born but her parents perished when she was two. Bunnie has been caring for her since. I'll let her introduce herself. She asked to be trained by one of our best trackers. We couldn't think of anyone better than you."
The she-hog stepped forward boldly, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person Prince Snow. Your alot cuter than you looked from a distance. I'm Starlight the Werehog, would you be willing to accept me as your apprentice?" She then bowed politely.
'She's cute,' Snow thought as he looked her over, 'She does have the potential to be a great fighter and tracker. She looks very slender and agile, which are good. Plus she is pretty and i've always been a sucker for a pretty face and flattery.' "I accept," he said aloud, "but I hope you know i can be a very demanding teacher. If you want personal training from me you have to earn it. I have ten other apprentices that you'll have to compete with for my attention. The way you get that is by making yourself stand out above the rest. Do you still wish to be my apprentice?"
Starlight nodded, "I would like nothing better."
"We heard everything," Aero stated, bringing the conversation back to point.
"Why don't you lay out more of this plan to rescue your friends," Pyra asked.
"What good will it do," the fox replied with a sigh as he flopped on the ground, "the plan hinged on the assistance of the Freedom Fighers and Heroes, because the Typhoon and it's weapons are forbidden by the tribe?"
"Things can change," Aero replied crypticly.
Snow looked at him curiously and said, "Well, Tails and I use to be mechanics before we joined the tribe. Our plan to rescue the girls was to use a spaceship that we built to get to their homeworld. We were only going to take my pack with us. Once there we were going to scout around and locate where the girls were being held and the best way to infiltrate and extract them. That's pretty much the gist of it."
"That is a good plan suga-fox," Bunnie replied.
"Yes," Aero agreed, "but i do see something missing."
"Yeah," the snowy fox replied, "nobody to pilot the ship."
"Wrong," Pyra said, "it has twwo really good pilots; you and tails." At this Snow did a perfect impression of a railway tunnel.
"What's missing," the elder fox picked up, "is more fighters, more Hunters. This isn't just a chance to rescue the girls, this is a chance to show Black Doom that you can't attack us and get away with it."
"Am I missing something," the confused kit asked after picking has jaw off the ground.
"All will be explained," Aero replied with a smile.
"If you will excuse us," Pyra said, "we need to muster the tribe for a meeting. Gather your Warriors and come to the gathering place in one hour." With that said Aero, Pyra and Bunnie left.
One Hour Later
Snow and Tails figited nervously. This wasn't their first tribal gathering by any means, but it was their first one standing infront of the entire tribe, right next to Aero and Pyra. They stood there, in the fading light, fur freshly washed and groomed so it glistened, fresh green tribal markings visible.
"I know that everyone is wondering why a gathering was called," Aero started, "it's rare for the tribe to assemble like this."
"Alot has happened recently," Pyra picked up, "and it needs to be brought to the entire tribe as it affects us all."
"Well," a Weretiger called out, "I've noticed new people and those weird aliens that killed my older brother. Is that what this is about?"
"Yes and more," the amber she-hog replied candidly, "all will be explained but first there are new members to introduce."
"I would like to let our youngest hunter, Snow the Werefox introduce them," Aero said as he and Pyra stepped back.
The white fox steadied himself as all eyes turned to him. Stepping forward boldly he spoke, "Weith new members we of the tribe grow stronger. Even with our recent losses we can rejoyce, knowing that we still grow ever stronger! Let me now introduce to you Doug Doberman, who has chosen the name Doug the Weredog, Dark, who has chosen the name Dark the Werefox and, this last one i say with great pride, my twin brother Miles Prower, who has chosen the name Tails the Werefox as his tribal name!" Snow motioned them forward and grabbed Tails and Dougs hand while Dark grabbed Tails empty hand and Raised the in the air. The tribe erupted into cheers, howls and applause.
After everyone had clamed down Aero and Pyra stepped back up and Pyra said, "Not only do we have new members but the future of the tribe is also now secure. In keeping with tribal custom, as I am barren and unable to have children, Aero and I have adopted to young members of the tribe to be our children. They stand by us now, the tribe's only two to have the pure blood of the great nine-tailed fox warriors of old, the fox twins Snow and Tails!" This was obviously popular with the tribe as everyone erupted into cheers.
"Times are changing," Aero said once everyone was quiet, "never before have so many of the tribe lost their lives to those who we seek to live in peace and harmony with. If we're to survive, we must adapt. It became apparent to Pyra and myself when we were forced to flee Westopolis Woods that using modern things might be beneficial. After the recent attack by these creatures from another world we had a serious talk and have decided to lift the ban on technology. We will still hold to most of our ways but we will start to incorporate more tech into our lives."
"There is still two more items to bring forth," Pyra picked up, "the first is to announce that a new pack has arisen in the tribe. We are more a community than a tribe and the pack law still stands. Packs are recognized and allowed to names themselves once there are six or more living together. This pack aptly calls itself the Kitsune Warriors, it's comprised of two Hunters and eleven Apprentice Hunters. Their pack leader, or Alpha, is Snow. With that said, we will once again turn things over to our son to address the last thing we wanted to set forth." Once again the two leaders stepped back.
"As some of you are aware," Snow said as he stepped forward, "when the creatures attacked, three of our own were taken captive. One thing we are known for is never leaving our own behind. To this effect, as well as to retaliate for the attack in which we lost so many of our friends and family, my brother and I have come up with a plan. We plan to take the fight to their doorstep, rescue our tribemates and avenge the deaths of our friends and family! Originally I was only going to take the pack I lead, but Aero and Pyra, after telling them, don't think ten is enough. Tails and I have beaten these creature, called the Black Arms, and their leader Black Doom once before as members of the Sonic Heroes. We asked for their help but were turned down. I won't sugar coat it, there is a chance some who go won't return. The Arms are relentless and cold, most are merely animalistic with low intelligence. I won't force anyone to come but I do ask for volunteers to come along on what could very well be a suicide mission."
"What good will our bows, swords and daggers do against them. They use much higher tech than we do," a white and black Weretiger asked.
"They won't," Snow replied, "but Tails and I were mechanics and inventors before we joined, back when we were Miles and Nova. I was exceptionally good at making weapons and high-tech bodyarmor. We have all we built stored nearby, to include a spaceship called the Blue Typhoon. Anyone who volunteers will be outfitted with and trained in the use of this equipment. I would prefer only Hunters volunteer."
"Y'all ain't leavin yo Aunt Bunnie behind suga," Bunnie called out, "every fighting force that goes to battle without a medic is foolish!"
Snow grinned, "Wasn't thinking of it Aunt Bunnie!"
"That's why you and Tails are my smart little nephews," the southern Wererabbit replied.
"You'll need experienced Hunters to act as Commanders," a scarred grey wolf called out, "Hawk the Werewolf at your service. Oh, and I don't think you should leave out the Apprentice Hunters. Youth and inexperience could bring more flexibility than you'd believe."
"I stand corrected," the white fox conceeded, "Apprentice Hunters are welcome as well. Welcome to the team Hawk, you're still as sharp of tongue and quick witted as I've heard you were in youth." More people volunteered shortly thereafter. When Snow and his pack left the clearing, one hundred Hunters, one hundred Apprentice Hunters and fifty others followed them. Snow led the way to the place he use to call home, a smile on his face. The next three days looked to be interesting...
A pink hedgehog lay awake next to an equally restless ebony hedgehog. "Can you sleep Shadz," she asked.
"No Ames," he replied, "I can't stop feeling guilty for abandoning Snow. He;s like a brother to me, plus he's always been there for me. He always puts others before himself."
Yeah," Amy said with a sigh, "both of those foxes have golden hearts. I honestly wasn't surprised to find out that they were brothers. I feel we should apologize and help them."
"I agree," Shadow replied, "I think we all should. Tomorrow we'll round everyone up." Just them Amy's phone went off.
She picked it up and looked at the screen before answering it, "Hey Sally, what's up?"
"Are you and Shadow asleep," Sally asked, "if your not come to Snow and Tails place. I've already called everyone else. Looks like we're all on a guilt trip."
"We're awake," Amy replied, "we'll be there soon girl, bye."
"Alright, bye," Sally said and hung up.
"What's up," Shadow asked after Amy hung up.
"Sally wants us to meet her at Snow and Tails place," Amy replied.
"Then let's go," Shadow said with a smile. They both dressed and headed out.
Once the Were's got to Snow and Tails place Tails noticed the lights on and pointed it out. "I see them too bro," Snow said, "Tails and Bunnie come with me, everyone else wait here." The three approached and entered the house. It looked like a reunion in there, all the Sonic Heroes and Knothole Freedom Fighters were there! "What's going on," Snow asked cautiously.
"Well,looks like we don't need to find them," Sonic said with his usualy cocky grin.
"Find us for what you sorry excuse for a pincussion," Tails asked venomously.
"Easy little buddy," the blue blureplied, holding his hands up, "we wanted to apologize and say we decided to help."
"You two have always been there for us," Sally said as she stepped forward, "we should do the same." The two foxes nodded then rushed up and hugged her.
"Oh mah stars," a southern accented voice exclaimed, "is that you Sally-girl?"
"Yes, it's me Bunnie," Sally replied with a smile.
"So," Chris spoke up, "Who's going to pilot the Blue Typhoon?"
"Snow and I are," Tails answered, "Aero and Pyra lifted the ban on technology. We also have two hundred tribe warriors and apprentices and fifty others with us. Two hundred and sixty-one including us from the tribe are going."
"We'll need you help teaching them," Snow added.
"Teaching them what," Amy asked.
Teaching them how to use the weapons and armor I designed and built," the white fox replied.
"How long do we have to get them ready," Shadow asked.
"Three days," Tails responded.
"Then we'd better get started," Sally said.
"I agree," Bunnie replied. Snow led them out to meet the others and they all got started with the training.
Three Days Later
It had taken two days to teach the tribal warriors to use the weapons and armor and everyone used the third day to relax and get better aquianted. Snow and Starlight were laying on their bellies on the roof, leisurly using their high powered sniper rifles to shoot robotic drones out of the sky.
"You're a fast learner Star," Snow complimented the hedgehog as he bullseyed one of the drones. They were the only ones up and were really enjoying their game.
"Thanks, Snowy," she said sweetly, "your a great teacher."
The fox blushed, "I couldn't be blessed with a better student or a more loyal friend. I have something for you, a gift and maybe a promise for the future." With that said the fox reached into a pouch on his belt and grabbed out his second ribbon, then used it to tie her hair in a ponytail.
"Thank you," Starlight said with a smile, "this is the first gift i've been given. I will always treasure it." The two of them then went around and woke everyone.
Once everyone was awake and assembled Snow spoke up, "It's time, lets get going."
"Snow," Sally spoke up, "the rest of us have talked and decided something."
What is it," he asked.
"We've decided to let you lead us as well," Sonic answered.
Snow nodded, "Let's go."
'Hold on girls,' Tails thought, 'we're coming.' Without a single word, everyone boarded the Typhoon. Snow and Tails got into the pilot's nest and fired it up. They took off and left Earth behind.
"Next stop, the Arms Homeworld," Snow exclaimed...
Well, here it is. The Seventh Chapter. I hope everyone enjoys it. If you want, i am allowing my readers to decided on what then next arc in the story will be via a poll on my profile. The choices are mainly to do with what villan will be featured next. As always: Read, Review and Enjoy!