FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 4: Liberation

*As they walked into the diner, Soulka stopped in awe at the pure radiant smell of the meals being prepared. His muzzle began to water and his paws shook in excitement at the thought of tasting the many wonders around him. As the pair sat down at a booth ready to order, a fox in a waiter's outfit approaches them.*

Fox: I saw your fight in the back, you guys are pretty good.

Soulka: *chuckles and rubs his nose, straightening his chest* Haha thank you!

Hesh: Those guys weren't very strong. Anyway, you want something? Why were you watching us?

Fox: Simple. I would like you two to take down the Feral Force faction controlling this area. Please.

Hesh: So those two were Feral Force agents.

Fox: Yes they were. Which means you two will probably become targets and that wouldn't be good right?

Hesh: Humph sounds interesting. Might be fun right Soulka?

Soulka: Hmm...I guess. I'd rather chill and eat. Although Feral Force might have information on a way back home.

Hesh: True. By the way, what is your name?

Fox: For now my name is just Fox. I would not like to reveal it just yet to some strangers.

Hesh: Why should we trust you then? If you won't even tell us your name and also aren't you a stranger to us?

Soulka: Nice to meet you Fox! I'm Soulka and this is Hesh!

Hesh: *looks to Soulka with soft eyes, thinking to himself* "Something is off about this guy, and as always Soulka is too carefree to notice."

Fox: Nice to meet you both. This town has been under their control for far too long. Even our warriors have given up, either joining them or leaving town. You two might be our only hope. So please...will you defeat them?

Soulka: Hmm...what do you think Hesh? Might be interesting and there might be info to be found. Also these people are nice...well Glade is at least.

Hesh: You're only saying that because you're excited to taste his cooking ,but alright fine. Though I think you're hiding something Fox. Not sure if it's good or bad, but either way I am interested in seeing if any of those faction members can put up a fight.

Soulka: Great! It's decided then! Let's try to finish before the Sun Fish is done cooking!

*Soulka jumps up and grabs Hesh's paw pulling him out of the diner in a rush*

Hesh: Soulka relax you don't even know where we're going!

Soulka: Oh oops, you're right. Hey Fox where do we go?

Fox: Their hideout is on the far west side of the town. It's the biggest building there so you can't miss it.

Soulka: Gotcha, Thanks!!!

*Soulka then resumes pulling Hesh in a hurry out of the restaurant. Once out of sight Fox bows to them and proceeds to the back of the diner. There he removes his waiter uniform and walks off into the forest. Meanwhile in the west side of the town, Soulka and Hesh proceed toward the Feral Force hideout. Along the way Hesh notices the looks on the townsfolk's faces as they walk by. Many of them stare at the pair with expressions of worry and fear, but the ones that stick out the most are the ones with an expression of hopelessness. Hesh's expression becomes serious as he thinks to himself. "Wow, I can tell from their expressions that these people have experience many losses. Looks like Fox was telling the truth...at least about that part. We need to be careful...something doesn't feel right about this. No matter what though I will get Soulka back to his brother and his home."

Soulka: That must be it!

*Hesh loses his train of thought as turns his gaze toward the origin of Soulka's sudden outburst. It's a large building that looks run down and beat up, exactly like a hideout for a gang would look like.*

Hesh: Yeah this definitely screams evil hideout. Ok let's get this over with.

*The two proceed up toward the building, but are stopped by the appearance of two figures in front of them. The two stop and Hesh begins to look over the pair blocking his path. One seemed to be a blue bird of some sort with a fan in hand and the other was a bull with a giant axe place over his shoulder. The bull takes a step forward and raises one of his claws pointing at the two.*

Bull: What business do you two have here?

Blue Bird: Oh Kyle dear don't you know? They must be here to join our ranks.

Kyle: *snickers* Ha yeah right. These two look extremely weak Nevia.

Hesh: Right let me guess. You two are the simple minded door watchers with no real importance right? I've fought plenty of people like you and each time they were as disappointing as the last. So that means I won't even break a sweat on you two.

Kyle: What you say!?

Nevia: Well looks like the little pup has a mouth on him. We'll need to fix that.

Hesh: Try it.

*Hesh's eyes begin to change, but stops when a hand touches his chest.*

Soulka: Hey, Hey! Let me take them! I haven't gotten to fight much lately so this could be fun! Besides can't be an adventure without some solo battles right!?

Hesh: Soulka you are way too relaxed.

Soulka: Naw! It's just who I am! *chuckles and takes a step forward* I'll take these two and you go take down the leader ok? Might make for a more interesting fight for you! Besides like I said let's get back before the Sun Fish is done!

*Hesh's serious expression soon turns into a more relaxed one as he chuckles to himself. He then runs toward the bear and bird with blinding speed, jumping over them and kicking the door down. Before proceeding up the stairs he turns to Soulka.*

Hesh: Try to finish before me ok?

Soulka: *laughs with a wide smile* Got it!

*Hesh rushes up the stairs to the top. The pair of guards turns and tries to chase*

Nevia: You little mutt!

Kyle: Get back here!

*Before they can reach the door they are hit from behind in the head by a pair of rocks. The two turn to see Soulka standing there throwing a rock up and down.*

Soulka: Hey were supposed to fight! Pay attention guys! You already failed at your door job, don't be failures at fighting too or this will be boring ok!?

*The two look at each other with annoyed and angry expressions then charge straight at Soulka. Meanwhile inside the hideout a path of beaten up bodies lay throughout the hall. Hesh takes a step forward and opens a door to find a big bear sitting on a chair eating an apple. Hearing the door the bear turns to see Hesh in the doorway.*

Hesh: Are you the leader? Why are all your men on the ground?

Bear: Hm? Who are you and how did you get in here?

*The bear stares at Hesh as he stands there, his hood still veiling his face*

Hesh: ....you...are you the reason?

*The bear looks at him with a hardened expression*

Bear: What are you doing in the hideout of the great Kibou!? State your name and show me your face!

*Hesh tightens his grip making fists, the bear wielded metal claws that were like keen scissors. Along his finger patches of fur missing as they were adorned with scars*

Hesh: I....am the Liberator...

*Kibou becomes enraged he stands from his chair forcing it to the floor*

Kibou: I asked for a name you mangy mutt! *filets his fingers as if he held jewels*

Hesh: "_That name...I've heard it before he looks familiar too. He was in the Tera dimension! In the hangar!"_My name isn't important...you are the reason these people cry in fear...why they go home hungry. *Hesh's temper raises* These people don't DESERVE THIS!

Kibou: Hmph! I hate mutts for are always caring for others. I've had enough talk! I'm gonna put you in your place! THE GROUND!!! *Kibou dashes toward Hesh, baring his large metallic claws*

Hesh: ...your judgment day has come....*Hesh raises his head seeing the bear closing in almost directly in his face now*

*Kibou punches forward with force and speed, as his claws graze Hesh's head. The husky grapples his arm planting a knee into his ribs and swiping around to kick his chest pushing the large bear back*

Kibou: This will be good! I underestimated you...but how much before you tick?

*Kibou dashes again, but this time smashing onto the ground as spikes fly up underneath Hesh. He leaps to get away as the bear runs up the remaining rock to reach him. Hesh brings out a glowing kunai just in time to stop the bear's claws from piercing him. The blades clash and the force from the blows knocks each other back.*

Hesh: Earth magic...you're no ordinary gang leader...

Kibou: Hmph I'd say the same for you, otherworldly magic...where are you from pup?

*Hesh brings out more kunai holding them in his fingertips*

Hesh: That's of no concern to you...I have no home

Kibou: Grrr! Cut the mystery man act already!!

*Kibous claws glow as the concrete raises from the floor. He smacks the rock shattering it into large chunks towards Hesh*

Hesh: You don't read movements very easily do you?

*Hesh throws his blades at the rock sheathing them inside. Hesh jumps into the air again and snaps his fingers, flashes of blue lightning crumble the boulders like glass, but one more boulder is hurled toward Hesh at alarming speed. Hesh quickly summons his blade, a flash of light as it appears, and holds the sword up stopping the rock as it blows up into tiny pieces like a hand grenade*

Hesh: *growls* hurrr!

*The force was great enough to blow Hesh back to the wall, the air forcing his hood back revealing his face and bright blue eyes*

Kibou: *Gasps* i-i-it can't be!

*Amidst the clearing smoke Kibou steps back surprised*

Kibou: You're the one I saw at the hangar! In the Tera dimension!

*Hesh wipes the dust off his tattered cloak*

Hesh: *sigh* I'm gonna have to get this tailored again...

*Kibou lowers his arms and stops his tension*

Kibou: If you're here...Feral Force is sure to have grown stronger...

Hesh: What are you on about!? You work for them! You're the reason why these people cower! *Hesh's eyes begin to change again*

*Hesh dashes toward Kibou sword in hand and punches down the ursine with unnatural force making a crater where he landed. Hesh plants his sword in the ground an inch from the bear's head*

Hesh: *growls* You will tell me everything you know about Feral! Or so help you those rocks will be the next thing on top of you!

*Hesh's eyes begin glowing faintly*

Kibou: Stop! Hesh! I work for Galaxy! Snap out of it!

Hesh: That's not an answer...I don't know what Galaxy Force is! Your lying!

*Hesh's eyes begin to slowly glow more brightly as he pulls a kunai out and puts it to Kibou's neck*

Kibou: Hesh if you really are the Liberator...look into my eyes! See the truth for yourself!

*Hesh stops as if frozen in time. He sees an image of the Galaxy Force initiates and the events that brought him into Feral Force. A special ops mission to gain Intel. Then Hesh tears up, he sees an image of Miles looking at a photo. In its frame, Soulka and he holding each other. Kibou was telling the truth*

Kibou: It's alright Hesh I'm sorry I didn't know who you were...

*Hesh drops the dagger as it clanks to the ground*

Hesh: ...where is Miles? *Hesh says calmly*

Kibou: I don't know...I lost contact with him years ago, how do you know Miles?

*Hesh stands slowly and steps back from Kibou*

Hesh: .....I don't...I have one last question for you Kibou.

Kibou: *nods in acceptance* What is it?

Hesh: Do you know of a fox that works the diner on the east side of town?

*Kibou scratches his head fumbling as he stands*

Kibou: ...Hesh there are no foxes that work in that diner only Glade and his crew.

Hesh: "That fox is hiding something...he doesn't work the diner so who is he really, and what's his real line of work?"

*Hesh softens his gaze and grinds his teeth and turns to head back to Soulka, who had two enemies to face and was worried*