FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The woods are covered in a light fog as we march on, the dinos under my command are more then ready for a fight, MindWave and I are at the front, eager to find a faster route to help us get around the mountains faster. According the Sharp Claw under my command there is a gate that leads to an old path that'll provide us just that, our goal is one that relies on speed as we'll try to capture Scales and bring a quicker end to this war.

MindWave says "The path that we've been given will take us close to Moon Mountain Pass, after we open the line we can take the Sharp Claw's home territory."

I say "From what I heard the Pass is heavily defended, we'll need to find a way to get around that if we can.", I look to MindWave and I say "But after we open a route I'll meet up with my team and then we'll steam roll Scales."

MindWave says "It won't be that easy, their are many twists and turns in Moon Mountain to where bombardments won't do anything."

I sigh and I say "I see, close quarters combat.... but nothing some flamethrowers can't fix."

MindWave says "But if Moon Mountain is no longer where their tribe gathers..."

I say "One step at a time."

Our march takes up to a passage between the mountain and from what I know Thorntail Hallow, the passage itself bares no markings and outside of some cut vines, torn dirt from soldiers and old lanterns, there is no sign of any actual life. The walls are loose as dirt slowly crumbles with each step, my vision shifts to help me see in the low light conditions and depth perception simply doesn't exist here. Honestly, what's driving me isn't just a quick end to this war, the truth is I just wanna go home, back to the Great Fox and just lay in bed for a few days, back where my teammates are and where I belong. If only there was a way I could contact them, but given the enemies long range capabilities a pick up is still impossible and risking their safety is out of the question. I'm on my own, despite the company I have near me I am indeed alone, if I had any of the others with with me I would feel less isolated, less restless and far better of my situation. I was so stupid about it, I should have extracted, I should have had Fox send someone to pick me up and I should be back among the stars. Please let this be over, please... I wanna go home.... I want.... to go.... home! I feel something brush against my leg, I look and I see it's Silver, I gently pet him with a light smile and we soon exit the passage.

The area infront of us is indeed behind enemy lines, aircraft are zooming and crude tanks are moving into position... we are no match against them, but maybe we can even the odds.

I look to those behind me and I say "Now listen, our objective isn't to win and it isn't to kill as many of the enemy as possible. Our mission is to distract the enemy for as long as we can and that means spreading the pain around and causing as much chaos as possible, if we raise enough of a ruckus both the forces of the U.C.R. and Corneria will take advantage of the confusion. Capture equipment, use tanks, do whatever it takes, if we die here it'll be in glory, this will decide weather Sauria remains free or not. ARE YOU WITH ME?!"

The dinos roar as they raise their weapons, I look back at the scene in front of us, I raise my sword and I yell "FOR THE FALLEN! CHARGE!!!"

We are noticed immediately but we quickly overwhelm the outer forces, even hijacking a couple tanks, some twin-rotors and heavy weapon positions, enemy forces begin to converge on our position, tanks grinding their treads as dino fighters dot the sky and a legions worth of Sharp Claw advance towards us.

I think 'Krystal, please if you can hear my thoughts, I'm right here at the following coordinates...' as I notice the Eye of Horus around my neck glowing.

...

The forces in orbit have launched their reinforcements, the operatives of Star Fox are performing their final checks as Operation: Thundercracker is close to commencing. Krystal glances to Adam's craft, the wraith has been primed and ready for use since arriving in orbit, it would have been quite a moral booster if he was using it in the field, hopefully that time will come soon.

Suddenly, the blue vixen feels a pulse hit her psyche, she instantly recognizes the voice, she quickly looks at the others and she says "I know where Adam is! He's leading a pincer move on the other side of the mountain and is engaging the enemy!"

Fox quickly opens up a comm and he says "Pepper! It's now the time to strike, Adam seems to have the enemies attention!"

Pepper's voice comes through "Affirmative Fox, we're commencing the operation now. Go get him out from behind enemy lines."

Fox says "Everyone, head out! We're going to reinforce Adam's forces and bring him home!" as he jumps into his arwing.

Everyone quickly gets into their craft and leave the hanger of the Great Fox, Krystal gives the team Adam's location and they begin to race towards that location. The frontlines erupt in movement, the forces of both human and cornerian advance, the looming silhouette of the new maus a very stand out feature. The dimensions of the tank are identical to it's terran counter part but it's mighty railgun is far deadlier, a co-axil 75mm gun is lined up with the railgun along with an rpd machine gun, the front hull of these tanks are either armed with two linked 20mm autocannons or flamethrowers. One such tank fires it's railgun, which obliterates one of the many bunkers, but most open up with autocannons and their 75mm guns. Explosions occur all over the mountain, anti-aircraft guns spray into the sky as armor advance and infantry storm the grounds. Operation: Thundercracker is a go.

The craft of the Great Fox zoom through the atmosphere and their pilots see the skirmish taking place on the back of the mountains.

Fox says "The area is too hot, we're going to need to lessen the enemy presence before extracting Adam. Krystal, I want you to keep track of Adam's thoughts, he may try to relay targets to us."

Krystal says "Understood."

Miyu says "Here we come bro!" with a smile.

.......

I hear loud zoom, the roar of g-defusior systems, I turn and I see all the craft of the Great Fox outside of my own, I think 'Krystal.' with a huge smile, I look to the enemy force as the battle unfolds, I think 'Multiple heavy tanks and transports, requesting saturated fire on those targets.', I put my sword away as I arm my bow and I say "HOLD THE LINE!"

Slippy's and Katt's craft launch their bombs, destroying several tanks, Falco in a quick runaround shoots down several fighters, Fox and Krystal's hit troop transports and Fay and Miyu quickly group the enemies in the air so that they can't move as well and fall before their laser fire. A nearby captured tank explodes from a damaged enemy tanks gun, I quickly grab a crude rocket launcher that I have to lean on top of a solid surface just to aim and fire it's warhead which destroys the tank, I ditch the launcher and take cover.

I think 'Just a little longer and I can get off this planet!'

A gush of green energy starts to barrage the area, I look to see where the energy is coming from, a galleon is in the air, it has what looks like a dragon head on it's bow and it looks mostly made of wood, but on either side of the monster head is a crude-looking plasma cannon of some description.

My jaw drops in awe and I say "Where did they get that?"

Krystal's craft lands near me, she opens the cockpit and she says "Hon! Over here!" as she waves at me.

I scramble over to her and I say "You have no idea how happy I am to see you my sweet!" with a huge smile.

Krystal says "That goes for all of us.", she looks me over and she says "Looks like you've.... gotten acquainted with the locals."

I say "I'll explain later.", I look at the galleon and I say "We need to take that thing out."

Krystal says "It's different from the last time I saw it, but it likely that that thing now has shields, though that means it's core is probably stressed."

I think and I say "I need to get aboard, otherwise this'll fall apart really quickly."

Krystal says "Hop in!" as she motions to behind her seat.

I get in, but just before the cockpit closes, silver jumps in and Krystal has her craft take off. Weapons fire from our fighters are indeed bouncing off an energy shield, something doesn't seem right though. The crude space craft and fighters I can understand along with some basic energy weapons... but these plasma cannons scream being supplied.

I say "Where did they get gear like that?!" as I scan the plasma cannons.

Krystal says "It's not just that, they had a laser that was taking out the ships in orbit. Nothing like this is on record in the Lylat System!"

I say "Not even Corneria has access to stuff like this?" with a shocked look.

Krystal shakes her head she says "No, but it's likely going to be a thing now from reverse engineering."

Silver whines at the sight of the ship which catches Krystal's attention.

Krystal says "Uh, is that a terran wolf?"

I say "That's Silver, he won't bite. And I have no idea how he got here, but we'll deal with that later."

Krystal lightly nods, she gets us close to the galleon and opens the cockpit, I hop out with Silver following me.

Krystal says "Head to the back, it'll take you to the engine room. Good luck dear." with a thumbs up and she flies away.

I ready my bow and I say "Come on Silver, let's take this ship down!" with Silver barking in response.

The entrance at the stern is completely open but huge cables are coming out through the doorway, but next to the doorway is a panel that looks like a switch box but there's a symbol on it I don't recognize, it's a sphere that has what looks like a curved 'X' down towards the center of it with a yellow explosion coming down from the top and off to the side is a black 'K' surround by yellow. Via my thoughts I send the info to Krystal so we can look it up later, but I continue into the ship, I enter what looks like what use to be a cargo hold, electrical coils are all over the place and towards the back is some kind of power source, all of this looks insanely advanced.

I say "Who just hands out hardware like this?"

I hear "Our allies." it's Scales.

I turn and I say "What allies?"

Scales says "The kind that helps gives us an edge, they don't know how to bring there forces through and can only bring us parts, but after beating you humans and the furballs, they'll be really coming through then."

I say "Silver, get ready!" as I ready my bow.

Scales roars and charges, I release an arrow which glances off his armor, I quickly switch to my sword, my blade meets his hooked hand, sparks fly as both blades try to destroy each other.

Scales says "So, the rumors are true, you are still alive! No matter, this time I'll rip you skull out and mount it on my throne!"

I say "Bring it on lizard breath!"

Scales forces me back, Silver growls and bites into Scales arm, Scales roars and hurls Silver into a nearby wall.

I yell "SILVER!", I roar as I charge, I swing my blade which meets his.

Scales says "You can't beat me!"

I feel something snap in, I take a deep breath, I look Scales dead in the eyes and I give a loud howl.

Scales says "What was that?" with a snarl.

I look to him with my shifted gaze and I say "I will defeat you, my blood against yours!"

I quickly pull away and keep low, with a quick swing I deflect his hook hand, I roll to the side and swing which nicks his leg, I dart back as he tries to grab me. Scales comes after me, I quickly switch to me bow as I weave between the wires and coils, he swings his hook hand which obliterates one of the coils, I launch an arrow, this time striking his shoulder.

Scales says "Enough of THIS!" he roars and comes at me, I glance behind me to see the generator, I slide underneath him, I leap up to grab a cable and kick him to keep his momentum up, he smashes through the generator, causing the coils to spark in a frenzy. I smile as I go towards the stern, but I'm grabbed, I look and I see it's Scales.

Scales brings me up to the top level and he says "No matter, I'll rally my troops and those who are against us will fall soon after, you have failed."

I look to see Silver limping up the steps, I say "Not yet!" and I howl as loud as I can.

Silver comes at us, Scales turns as Silver bites into him, I shift my weight and I manage to force us off the ship, we separate and I go through branch after branch until I hit the ground. I quickly stand up, I look around and I set off to try to find Scales.

....

The galleon explodes as Krystal and Fox destroy it with their bombs and the skirmish down below is swinging in their favor.

Krystal says "We need to wrap this up and recover Adam!"

Fox says "A nearby cornerian force is en route, as soon as they arrive we set off on foot. Scales is extremely dangerous, I know we never clashed but this is different. Adam can hold his own, but he's going to need our aid!"

Krystal says "I'm not sure if that's true, I can feel something in Adam's soul, something feral, something primal. It seems this planet has had an extreme effect on him."

Fox says "That's something that this world does, not just to humans, but also us. But it seems when it comes to humans, it effects them more drastically."

Peppy's voice comes through "Reinforcements have arrived Fox, they'll take over from here."

Fox says "Copy that. Everyone, find a safe place to land, we're going to go back up Adam and end this war, once and for all!"

......

Moving through the trees feels differently now, my vision granting me a new sense of depth as I navigate, I can actually see the blood of my enemy scattered about, he is close... so very close. My bow as ready and I'm eager to deliver that strike, the strike that'll end this, the strike that'll finally allow me to go home. The blood trail grows stronger and stronger, it's signal fresh and alluring. I continue to stalk through the trees, embracing their shade, I hear the sound of a shotgun blast...

I think 'Your mine!' as I sprint.

I see through an opening that Scales is standing off with my teammates, no words are being exchanged at all, just a stand off, I glance and I see Silver across from me, I deliver a howl which catches their attention, I fire an arrow, which strikes Scales, I charge as I ditch my bow and draw my sword and Silver dashes. Our blades clash once more as Silver bites into him, this time it seems fear has crept into Scales as he gazes to me, he shrugs as kicks Silver away and forces me back. I quickly charge him again and deliver a slash to his chest, the lower half of his chest armor falls off and crimson leaves his wound, he hits me with his tail which sends me back, he goes to claw me but Silver leaps and bites into his hand, I spring up and impale him with my sword through his torso. Scales looks to his wound, he drops to his knees as I back away and yank out my sword.

Scales looks to me and he says "What... are... you?"

I say "Human!" and I slash his neck.

Scales falls over, he's motionless as his eyes stare off into empty as his loose head stands aprat from his body, I plant my foot on his chest and I howl as I raise my sword and my head. I put my sword away, I look to my teammates, they are all in awe and just look astonished.

Fox says "Adam? Are you okay?" as he puts his blaster away and approaches me.

I sigh and I say "You guys have no idea how happy I am to see you." with a smile as everyone else approaches me.

Miyu gives me a hug and she says "My bro is back!" with a huge smile.

Krystal looks at the paint on my face and she says "Hmm, it suits you hon." with a light smile as she hugs me.

Fox says "Krystal mentioned something about have a terran wolf following you around?"

Miyu and Krystal break their hugs and I say "I know, it's cool. I don't know where he came from. But can we please take him? I know the regulations, but he's extremely docile and pretty friendly."

Silver approaches us, he looks roughed up a liitle bit but he looks uninjured.

Fox looks to Silver and he says "Thanks for helping our comrade." with a saulte and a smile.

A voice comes from Silver "Of course." which earns all of our attention.

I look to Silver and I say "Silver?" as I notice the eye on my necklace glowing.

The voice says "Follow the path home, Adam.", Silver's body glows golden yellow and shifts into a humanoid form and the voice continues "I can see you are in good hands."

The voice finally clicks in, I say "Dad? Is that you?" as I feel my tears reach my eyes.

The figure holds it's arms out and he says "It is my son. Don't be afraid, come give your old man a hug." with a happy tone but there are no features, though somehow the eye is telling me it is him.

I quickly run over to my dad, I embrace him and he embraces me, I can't help but start crying.

My dad says "I used most of my strength to rescue you from death. I had to look like a wolf so I could stay with you, at least for a little while. I heard your voice and I came."

I say "Please dad, please tell me you stay. You can resume your wolf form, please stay with me, even if it's just a little longer!"

My dad says "I wish I could, I really wish I could... but I can't. My time is up, but I wanted you to know I am always with you and that I'll always be in your heart. I love you my son, please take care of yourself."

The form gently explodes into glowing energy, I open my eyes as I fall to my knees, I look at each of the energy balls before looking towards the sky as the eye finally stops glowing, I say "I love you too dad." and I finally just break down, I just can't take it anymore.

I feel someone embracing me, I look and I see it's Krystal, she kisses me and she says "It's alright hon, we're right here." as she gently pulls me in tighter, but I can she's trying to keep herself together as well.

Following the heartfelt goodbye we're back aboard the Great Fox and after reading the reports, the offensive was a success as the sub-commanders of the Sharp Claw unconditionally surrender. I'm in my room, looking my trophy rack in the corner which contains my medals and awards, but also the few battle trophies I've taken, on one side is Panther's tooth and towards the center is my newest one, the skull of Scales which MindWave sent over as a thank you for helping their tribe and Sauria. Tricky even sent his best regards in the form of a golden necklace with a red jewel, but the only thing on my mind right now is the short reunion I had with my dad. As short as it was, I'm happy I at least got to see him again, one last time.

I hear a beep at my door and I say "You may enter."

The door opens, revealing Krystal, she enters and she says "I wanted to come and see how you were doing hon." with a light smile.

I say "I'm feeling better, but I'm trying to put together what happend while I was down there." as I sit on my bed.

Krystal sits next to me, she brings me into an embrace and she says "I read your report... all of it. Given your description of the fatal injury and what happend, your spirit must've reached out to your fathers and he healed your injury with the charm I gave you bridging the gap between you."

I hold onto the blue vixen, I feel drained, emotionally and physically and I say "I'm just happy I'm home."

Krystal kisses me and she says "Fox has declared we are on a shore leave, so as of now we're on vacation. Where do you want to go?" with a warm smile at the end.

I say "Can we please just lay here? I want to just lay with you." with a tired smile.

Krystal pulls me down along with her and we lay on my bed, she pulls me into an embrace and she says "Sounds perfect to me love." keeping her smile.

I bury myself into her, I close my eyes and I slowly fall asleep to the sound of Krystal warmly humming. I'll admit, I want to cry.... but I don't have any tears left.

To be continued...