FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 7: Hidden Truths

*On their way to rescue Soulka, Miles and the gang find themselves journeying through a desert heading towards what seemed to be the eastern ocean.*

Miles: This is strange. I thought the crocodile headquarters was deep in the forest, but were going the complete opposite way. Hey are you sure you know where you're going?

Hesh: Yes I'm sure. The line to my kunai is leading me this way. Their strong weapons so I'm sure that they're still stuck on the ship, so it must be this way.

Miles: Hm...alright then.

Vance: Don't worry Miles I'm sure it's this way. Besides I doubt those crocs would go back to the same base since we've already discovered it.

Kate: Yeah and Kibou said we could trust this guy so I'm sure everything will be ok. We'll kick some butt, rescue your brother, and even take out one of the big leaders of Feral Force! This will be awesome!

Vance: *chuckles* Just like you to be excited about a battle Kate.

Kate: Well yeah! What could be more fun than having your fist hit some baddies?

Vance: Hm...parties! Lots of parties!

Kate: Those are boring! Fighting is much more entertaining!

*Miles even with his mind filled with worry couldn't help but laugh a little to himself at his teammate's exchange. He then turned his gaze onto the husky in front of him and began to think to himself. "I know Kibou said this guy has been helping my brother, but still...I have to be careful. I still don't know anything about him and who knows how much he hasn't told Soulka, but for now...I'll follow him if there is even a chance Soulka might be there."*

Hesh: *looks back over at Kate gazing and holding his tattered and worn cloak" Hey um...Kate right?

Kate: Hm? Um yeah? What's up?

Hesh: You don't happen to know how to sow do you? *chuckles lightly as he holds his cloak outward to her*

Kate: Hm...that's more of Evan's skills, but I did learn a bit from him so I can try. I'll see what I can do when we make camp.

Vance: Hey are we almost there? We should make camp a few yards from the location.

Hesh: Yeah we are, so I guess we should stop here and start setting up camp. We can come up with a plan also. *Looks to Miles who is still staring at Hesh thinking* That sound good Miles?

Miles: Huh? Oh um yeah...that's a good idea. *Turns his gaze toward the ground to avoid eye contact with Hesh*

Hesh: hmm...*turns his gaze forward with a confused expression* Alright by the shore should be a good place, we can wash up and everything to.

Kate: Great a bath! I haven't enjoyed one for a few days now!

Vance: *chuckles* Even though you act like a tomboy you're still a girly girl at heart.

Kate: *Raises her fist to Vance's face* Shut up before I make you scream like a girl!

*Vance and Kate continue as Hesh stops and starts to set up the tents. Miles slowly unpacks also with his gaze locked on the husky and the ocean before him. "So...Soulka is here? Must be an underwater base. Hope you're right about this location...Soulka I'm coming." Meanwhile inside the base at the bottom of the ocean. Inside an underground cell Soulka begins to awaken.*

Vector: Well looks like you're finally awake pup.

Soulka: What...where am I?

Vector: You're at my base in the best room in the house.

Soulka: This is the best room? *Looks around at the moldy walls filled with cracks in the floors and bones scattered around* You know considering how ugly you are I kinda believe you.

Vector: *snickers* Make jokes all you want. I'm going to enjoy having you for dinner mutt.

Soulka: Right...Hesh and Kibou will probably be here soon, and then we're going to kick your butt and tear down this place.

Vector: Hesh? *begins to laugh* Do you even know anything about that mutt? He is nothing, but a traitor with a very interesting past. *Walks toward the cell door and stares down at Soulka* I'd be happy to fill you in pup.

Soulka: Hmph no thanks. Whatever it is you know won't matter to me. Hesh has saved my life many times and has been a great friend. No matter what you say it won't change how I see him.

Vector: Ha. Right...well not that it would matter anyway. You'll be dead soon and it's all because you we're with him. Think about that while you sit in that cell. *Turns and walks out of the jail room laughing loudly before slamming the door, leaving Soulka in darkness*

*Back on the beach the group has set up camp and is sitting around a fire talking about their plan to break in the base*

Hesh: *takes off the tattered cloak* Here Kate do what you can and treat it very well, it means a lot to me *stands up and walks toward the ocean wearing his pants and a long sleeve shirt*

Kate: Right...I'll do what I can.

*Vance and Miles halts their strategy conversation as they watch Hesh walk to the water. Miles stands and slowly begins to follow him*

Vance: Hey! Wait! Don't we need to come up with a plan!?

Miles: Just wait here...I have some questions to ask him.

*Miles continues to walk to Hesh who is now sitting in front of the water, the tide hitting his feet and leaves Kate and Vance by the fire. He slowly approaches and comes to a halt standing behind the husky silently. Hesh looks up over his shoulder and stares at the wolf before turning his gaze back to the water*

Hesh: I know you have questions you want to ask, I've seen you watching me...sit and I'll answer as best as I can.

Miles: *slowly sits next to Hesh and stares out at the water* Thanks...and sorry for watching you like that...

Hesh: It's fine I understand...you know nothing about me and it makes you cautious around me.

Miles: ...I just want to know...is Soulka ok? How has he been? This whole time I've been looking for him...I'm worried about the things he has been through.

Hesh: Hm...Soulka is a strong person. He can be a little too laid back at times and not take situations serious when they need to be, but he is strong and very caring about others. *chuckles* He also sure loves to eat. It seems he has gained a power that allows him to eat and absorb other powers.

Miles: *laughs and stares at Hesh* Seriously? Wow that suits him...that kid has always been one to get in trouble for others and food, but I never dreamed something like this would happen. Sorry if he has caused you any trouble and thanks for watching over him.

Hesh: Well we have run into a few dangerous situations, but they always worked out somehow so it was no trouble. Besides I like a little action so Soulka also helped me throughout our journey...I'd have to say I might have put him in danger sometimes.

*Miles began to open his muzzle to ask what he meant, but before he could he and Hesh were suddenly hit from behind, causing them to fly into the ocean landing with a splash. As they burst through the surface, Hesh came up and raised his fist expecting an enemy, but what he saw was actually a tiger in his underwear*

Miles: Vance!? What the hell!?

Vance: Man you guys are too serious! In these kinds of situations you need to relax and think things through! So take a bath and wash off those annoying stone vibes so we can come up with a plan!

Miles: Vance you idiot we were just...

Vance: Yeah, Yeah whatever. We'll be waiting by the fire! Have fun you two!

Miles: *stares at Vance with an angry expression as he walks to the fire* Vance...you!!!

Hesh: *chuckles* Your friend is a strange one.

Miles: Yeah try growing up with him...it can drive you crazy. Anyway I guess we might as well wash up and get back to strategizing.

Hesh: *whispers to himself sadly* I never had that pleasure...*stands and stretches* yup i guess your right...

*The two begin to remove their shirts in order to bath. As Hesh removes his long sleeve shirt Miles stops taking his vest off when he notices something on Hesh's left arm...a familiar symbol he has seen hundreds of times on the very group he has been fighting.*

Miles: ...is that...a Feral Force tattoo!?

Hesh: *His expression goes from surprised to anger at himself for not remembering about the tattoo he got while undercover* Miles...it's not what you think; don't judge by what you see.

Miles: *Doesn't stop to think and pulls out his gauntlets* Are you...with Feral Force? Were you just with my brother to get to me or was it some kind of plan to get to Galaxy base!? ...ANSWER ME!!!

Hesh: This is a misunderstanding! I did this to get information, there's a lot nobody here understands! I am not with them!

Miles: ...prove it *lunges at Hesh without warning* The way to prove you're telling the truth, is to show me through battle!

Hesh: That's nonsense! You're not thinking or listening Miles! *sighs to himself* "I didn't want to have to do things this way. I didn't think he'd jump before looking"

*Miles doesn't stop to listen as he swings at him with his fist heading straight for the husky's stomach. At the last second he grapples Miles fist and growls then pushes him back with his palms. Miles hits the water with a splash sinking to the bottom, but he quickly shakes it off and swims toward Hesh ready to uppercut him. Hesh flips backwards trying to avoid combat as his eyes faintly glow.

Hesh: Stop Miles!

Miles: Why won't you fight!? Tell me why you were with my brother!? Why you have that tattoo! Tell me!!!

Hesh: I told you I was getting intel! And I found your brother by accident! But if i have to show you this way then so be it...

*Miles with an angry expression charges Hesh once more, but as he does so his fist begin to glow and claws slowly grow out and his teeth grow sharper. Hesh grunts over his transformation his speed gaining. He has no other choice but to fight, he runs toward Miles growling. As he approaches Miles he slashes at Hesh from the side. Hesh slides under him then quickly turns around ready to strike, but Miles reacts fast and knocks Hesh back sending him sliding along the sandy shore.*

Hesh: He left me with no other choice...*Hesh reopens his eyes glowing black and white as he looks at Miles* I'll have to snap you out of it!

*Miles dashes toward Hesh as he stands there still. Miles gets right up to him and begins slashing, but the husky quickly dodges the attacks. Hesh appears behind Miles as he grabs a striking arm and forces it into the sand. He sends his knee crushing into Miles' chest, but Miles smacks Hesh down to the beach. The husky lands and growls as he jumps back off the sand. He holds his palms out to his side's and balls of shadow form filling his hands as Miles slowly starts to get up. The wolf howls before charging at Hesh, claws ready to slash at him, but before he could hit Hesh, the husky launches his balls of shadow, hitting Miles head on. The wolf is blasted back into the sand and as he lays there his teeth and claws revert back to normal. Hesh runs up to him and pins him to the ground, holding him still as he stares into his eyes*

Hesh: You left me with no choice Miles! I didn't want you to find out this way...

*Hesh transmits his memory from when he finds Soulka to the point where they currently stand. All that the two had been through appear in Miles' head*

Hesh: Do you see!? I'm telling the truth so stop it now Miles!

*Miles' eyes begin to water at the memories as he sees Soulka's journey with Hesh. All their ups and downs, including their fight at the Feral Force hideout.*

Miles: ...Soulka...I should have been there for him...to help him, but I failed...

Hesh: There was nothing you could do Miles. You did your best and Soulka praises you as his brother.

Miles: What made you...decide to journey with him? Why would you help a stranger? I believe you...but why?

Hesh: There is a lot for me to discuss, I believe it's something we all need to hear. Let's go back to the camp...*offers miles a hand*

Miles: *Slowly takes Hesh's paw* Hesh...what happened to me? I remember seeing the tattoo...but then...it's all a blur.

Hesh: There is more to that as well. It seems you entered a feral state becoming uncontrollable because of the thoughts of doubt and your brother.

Miles: Feral state? Is that...my power? *Stares at his paws as he walks to the fire with Hesh*

Hesh: You need control over it. Your emotions got ahead of you and it will take time.

*Vance and Kate run up to the two*

Vance: Hey! What was all that about? I told you two to bath not fight!

Miles: Sorry...was just a misunderstanding. We'll talk about it over the fire, I'm freezing.

*The group sits back down by the fire and Kate tends to Miles' wounds as they eat. After dinner Hesh prepares to tell his story.*

Hesh: Well if any of you have any questions now's the time to ask...

Kate: Oh me! Who are you and can I learn some of those abilities of yours?

Miles: Kate...

Hesh: *chuckles and sighs* You already know my name Kate, unfortunately I cannot teach my abilities...

Kate: Darn no fair...

Miles: How did you get that tattoo? *points to the scales on Hesh's back*

Hesh: *looks down sadly* I was born with this marking believe it or not...

Vance: What does it stand for?

Hesh: It stands for libra, the equality and justice between light and dark, life and death. The white symbolizing life and light. The black symbolizing sin and death. It's the mark carried by the Liberator.

Kate: Liberator? Is that why you have those powers, because you're one of them?

Hesh: Precisely, the liberator is a type of judge so to speak. The one who passes judgment to those deemed for it, even to those who lay dying i have to pass judgment.

Vance: Wow so you're like...some kind of superhero!?

Miles: So you have all this power...does it run in the family or something?

Hesh: *gives a depressed look about him and tears lightly drip out his eyes* No...*he gets up and walks to the beach*

*Kate, Vance, and Miles exchange worried glances before Miles gets up and follows Hesh*

Miles: Sorry...must have been a personal question.

Hesh: There's nothing to apologize for Miles...you didn't know, but I'm willing to answer regardless.

Miles: Well...there is no need to if it's hard. Besides...I already trust you. *scratches his muzzle*

Hesh: *turns and looks at miles* ...my mother died at birth i never got to know her and my father died protecting me from a demon...he died in my arms. My sister is all I have left...

Miles: *looks down sadly* I'm sorry...must be hard...

Hesh: It was how everything went. There's nothing i can do to bring them back, I can only move forward knowing their sacrifice was so that I could live. It's one of the reasons I protected soulka and tried bringing you two back together. I don't want to see the same happen to you two as well.

Miles: *turns and looks at Hesh* I understand...thank you for watching over him. *holds out his paw* Now let's go save him.

Hesh: *takes and shakes Miles' hand* Let's. I have an old friend to visit...

*Miles nods then turns and stares out at the ocean ready to dive straight in to save his little brother*