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"Very well, Orion please follow me as for the two of you go home, I'll take over from here." Jaxal instructed looking at both women. They wasted no time vanishing from our sight as he escorted me elsewhere. "So you're the first of the Guardians I have to face. Interesting you seem very familiar to me though I can't explain from where." I said. He didn't bother to reply he just kept walking forward.

As we walked up the path every so often he'd glance back at me then forward. I was getting a little impatient with not only the silent treatment but, the random stares. So in a burst of speed I slipped around him and stood firm a few paces ahead. He took two more steps before finally coming to a stop though he failed to make eye contact. Suddenly A flash back that wasn't my own flooded into my mind like a burning flame.

It was a moment unlike anything I've ever known, my eyes glazed over. As the memories played through my mind it was in a place much like this one. Though the person before me was Jaxal but, he was a lot younger than he is now. The other person was my mother Ashandria and she too was much younger. I watched them carefully from where I was in this moment in time.

Until a firm shake snapped me out of my trance and as I looked up. Jaxal was looking at me wondering what went on while I zoned out. "You and my mother were in love." I said as the final piece of the puzzle came to me. Jaxal took a few cautious steps back as I blurted such thing out without any regard. "*sighs deeply.* Yes, Ashandria and I were in love the memory you saw was the day we confessed our love. Before the Valurean War broke out and once the war had ended.

When things had cooled off and life was once again peaceful I went to find her. Sadly that's when I learned her entire clan had been wiped out and she had been savagely injured. Naturally I went to the village she had been sent to recover from her wounds. She had left two days before I had arrived there to see her. The healers there told me the news of what had happened to her. She feared that since she couldn't bare children that I wouldn't desire her for a mate." Jaxal spoke as he sat down.

"That wasn't the case you would have loved her even if she gave birth to a hundred children." I replied standing beside him. Jaxal took a ragged breath then looked up at me. "Yes, I would have loved her no matter what the situation was. Orion, she chose you to be her heir for a reason and therefore I feel some level of responsibility to you. Of course that's if you want me to do so." He said standing back up.

"Jaxal, what are you saying I'm old enough to care for myself and my mission is simple. All I want is to live with my two future wives Kyuri and Renka nothing more." I replied. "A simple goal and very heartfelt judging from the way your eyes shine when you speak of them. By having me at your side the Tribunal might hear your voice. After that I'd like to be at your side to see you off on your wedding day." He informed.

"So I'm guessing you and I aren't going to fight." I said. "No, Ashandria would never forgive me for attacking someone belonging to her clan. For you see the mark on your hand is something else you and I have in common." He said turning his right forearm over. Revealing a binding mark to me, it didn't look like the one Kyuri and I share. Yet, I felt a similar energy radiating from it, while my own mark glowed also.

"You must have worked very hard to receive such a mark." I stated. "The day we confess our deepest love for each this mark appeared on my arm. Granted this is a binding mark but, unlike the mark you bare which is of a much deeper significance." Jaxal stated. "So mind telling me about the other guardians we'll come across along this route?" I asked. Jaxal didn't react or respond right away until he took a deep breath.

"I know only four of them on a personal level and the other three I met briefly in passing. Their names are Jecht, Opal, Sift, and Exel each one a formidable warrior in their own respect. The rest I don't know who they are let alone what they look like but, all I do know is they ended the War. As for our leader what I do know is she's female with beauty that no woman can rival." Jaxal informed. "Hmm, I know my mother was a big hero of the Valurean War and turned the Tribunal down for a position." I replied.

"Yes, she was a hero her clan in addition to the top three Guardians ended the war. Ashandria's deeds gain the Tribunal's attention far more than the Guardians accomplishments. Granted they were mind you what they did were no small feats. It was just by some twist of fate your mother's deeds of heroism were highly spoken of." He stated. Before I could reply or say anything something made itself know. Judging from the energy that was being emitted they're no ordinary warrior.

Jaxal placed his hand on my shoulder then stood in front of me a second later. "Come on out, Jecht I know it's you my friend." He stated. The treetops nearby rustled then something launched out from them. Swiftly turning around on my heels to face this new guest or possible foe. "Well, Jaxal it's been a while what's with the shield routine?" Jecht wondered walking towards us. As I looked him he was a traditional red fox though his left arm was made of metal.

It looked like it was a fake arm perhaps due to losing the original many years ago. He noticed I was studying him, his many scars and anything else I could see. "Hmm, see anything you like boy?" He asked arching an eyebrow. "Don't mind Orion he's the curious type and you're an interesting one to say the least." Jaxal pointed out with a smirk. "Ah, so he's the Orion I've heard quite a bit about." Jecht replied with a smile.

"Yes, he may not look like much on the outside but, he's just as strong and cunning as Ashandria was." Jaxal pointed out. "Perhaps, he'd be willing to show me just how good he is?" Jecht wondered curiously. "No, I don't think so, there's only one warrior I want him to fight and really test his mettle against. You know the person to whom I'm referring to my friend she's been getting a little too cocky." Jaxal remarked.

Jecht's eyes went wide as he knew which person Jaxal was referring to in his last statement. "You do realize you'll be sending him to his death, nobody has ever beaten her in a fight. Hell, not even you or I could for crying out loud that vixen is a machine." Jecht blurted out in shaky tone. "Trust me, Orion is more than an equal match for her and I'm willing to bet anything on it." Jaxal said with confidence.

"OH! Really since you seem so confident in the boy's abilities than perhaps. I should go and summon the rest of the Guardians to prove what you say is true. Give me a couple of hours I'll be back with the others alrighty, back in a flash." Jecht said disappearing in a flash. "Let's get you warmed up in the mean time. Besides I'm curious to see just how much she taught you before her passing." Jaxal smiled as he removed his gear from his back.

We did some stretching and light sparring to get the body all warmed up. Jaxal's fighting style was quite interesting it was almost like Shao Lin Kung Fu. Though he made his own special way of performing the very basic forums. I'd like to see just how good he was in an actual fight though judging from the scars he wore. There was no doubt in my mind he was a very talented warrior. Perhaps I could learn a few things from him if we have more chances to spar or even talk.

As two hours ticked by Jecht's energy signal pinged across the edge of my senses. He was coming closer then five more signals pinged a short time later. One of the signals I sensed was very familiar it felt just like my mothers though different. I couldn't place it surprisingly enough I was really bothered by it. Even when a soft tap to the side of my head couldn't snap me out of the trance I was under.

Sure enough five figures jumped from the trees and landed close by. Three were wearing normal armor with some self made modification as for the other three. They were wearing very large hooded over coats concealing all but, the slightest hint of their muzzles. Though it was the one in the white hooded overcoat that concerned me most. Even from a distance I could tell it was a woman.

She turned her head slightly to look at me then looked to the figure on her left. The figured vanished moving faster than the eye could track sadly their energy was like a beacon. That I could easily track, follow and get in front of before he had time to defend. With steady, firm and well placed palm I stopped him dead. Causing a shockwave of air to ripple out kicking up a bit of dust and debris.

As for my opponent he was having a rough time breathing and dropped to the ground like dead weight. Leaving the others more than a little shocked to only witness the aftermath. The woman in white she was able to follow everything that happened between us. While the other hooded figure went next but, before they could she placed her hand on their shoulder. Looking back at her confused as to why she'd stopped them nothing was spoken and they just backed off.

"Impressive, Orion I'd expect no less of someone taught by Ashandria's own paws. Though I noticed you held a lot back during that little spat. You could have spun three dozen different techniques on him yet you settled on the direct approach. A simple palm to the diaphragm very effective yet gentle enough not to cause savage injury." She pointed out walking towards me. "Actually, I could have done far more than three dozen but, sometimes less is more." I stated standing my ground.

She stopped a few feet away knowing that my defenses were up and ready to react. I could see a smile grow on her covered face then she reached up and pulled her hood back. The first thing I saw was her clan mark right on the side of her neck. That's when I was caught off guard the mark she wore was exactly like my own. Sadly my mother never mentioned any other kitsune from her clan.

Naturally she could see my confusion as the rest of her hood fell behind her. Looking up to her face her markings matched that of a traditional grey fox from my world. Though instead of brown, grey, white and black colors covering her body. They were replaced by silver, gold, dark bronze and copper orange colors. I had to admit she had a very unique look that suited her nature.

"You seem impressed by my natural appearance though you were shocked at the sight of my clan mark. I can assure you we are of no relation to each other though your mother and I did meet once. Before she vanished from the world for some strange reason. Since you're her heir I feel obligated to test your skills to see if you're truly worthy to bare our clan mark." She stated removing her overcoat.

When the coat hit the ground it made a resounding thud and even kicked up a little dust. "Hmm, weighted clothing not a bad way to train by doing everyday things." I mumbled to myself. Before I could ask any more question she moved her foot back and kicked her overcoat at me. Reacting reflexively I vanished from sight, she immediately tried to track my movements.

I'll be honest I really didn't want to fight her something in my gut told me it was a bad idea. Of course naturally she had other plans as she picked up on my location. She whirled around on her left heel swinging out her other leg missing me. Just by mere inches but, enough to feel the force of her attack. Was enough to send me bounding back away from her to a safe distance to rethink my current situation.

"What's the matter you should be a lot better than this? Oh...I see you don't want to fight me due to the fact I'm a woman is that it?" She remarked in cocky tone. Launching her self at me a split second later my first instinct was to stand my ground. I had a moment of brilliance I decided to use her own skills and energy against her. As she reeled back sending a punch my way I simply moved out of the way.

This caused her to miss and keep on going before skidding to a stop. Naturally she tried again trying to land a series of punches and kicks with each blow I dodged. That only fueled her anger and made all her attacks sloppy and easy to avoid. The other Guardian stood on the sidelines watching this dual in shock. To see their very leader fighting at such a low level in contrast to how I was performing.

Even though I wasn't doing much except dodging and deflecting all her oncoming attacks. I was counting myself lucky she hadn't decided to use her magic. Sadly I spoke to soon as her hands began sparking with large amounts of electricity. Even if I were to dodge her fist the discharge would still be able to hit me. So I changed tactics a little, when she ran at me I rushed her.

Getting in close grabbing her wrist and swing to my right then flinging my other arm sideways. With a large resounding crack a bolt of lightning shot forth from my hand. As the energy she had built up was redirected away from me and everyone in the area. Before she could react I turned yet again and heaved her up over my shoulder tossing her. She flew like a rag doll through the air before landing in the dirt.

She took a few short moments to recover but, when she stood up. It was very clear to me and everyone she was fuming mad. Readying my self for the next volley of attacks that she'll dish out. Taking her time approaching me the air around her crackled like static discharge. While her energy level began to increase with each step she made. Seeing as I was at a bit of a disadvantage being unable to use magic.

Granted my mother taught me many useful techniques to dodge and deflect various magical attacks. The question was just what kind of attack was she going to throw my way next. She stopped a few yards away and took a stance one that I was very familiar with. It was the very attack I used against Stark not too long ago. Spiral Fang is a unique fighting move if the initial attack misses the vacuum of air created behind it will.

Mother told me this attack is a multi-ranged attack depending on where you are. Though it's lethal at close range if you're able to make psychical contact. The air vacuum is only created if your first attack fails to connect. Oddly enough I took a little time and taught myself how to self created the vacuum. It was tricky at first but, with a few months of solid practice I was able to perfect it.

Naturally I knew I'd never hear the end of this when Kyuri or Renka find out but, I've got no choice. Unlocking all the power I kept hidden within me and before she could react. I vanished like lightning so fast that nobody including her could follow. Looking all around her trying to sense where I had disappeared to. Sadly she failed to look directly above her as I came screaming downward towards her.

Bending the air that rushed by me during my descent so I could use it to send her flying. By the time I landed Jaxal had some how caught onto what I planned for her. He quickly braced himself for incoming shockwave to come that's when I landed silently. Quickly I made my presence known to her and as she whipped around. I slammed both my hands into the ground causing the ground to quake steadily.

"Spiral Fang Zeta." I stated as a huge blast of air exploded around me. Launching her and all the other Guardians except for Jaxal into the air like projectiles. The attack kicked up a huge amount of dirt and debris into the air. So it took a while for the dust to settle and clear up before I knew what happened. When it did Jaxal was the first person to approach me though he was shook up.

"Orion, out of all the times I've seen that technique used I've never seen it performed from the air. I take it you developed that variation yourself when you had a little free time." Jaxal said still trying to wrap his head around things. "Yeah, I did it took me a few months to perfect but, I'm glad all that practice finally paid off. I think we should go find and check on the others in case any are wounded." I replied. "Yeah, though most of them will be just fine see for your self." Jaxal stated pointing to our left.

Five of the six guardians returned to the clearing where Jaxal and I were standing. Sadly their leader was still missing until I heard a very angry howl bellowing from within the forest. So naturally I followed where the source of the noise came from. Only to find my opponent buried under and large but, old tree trunk. "Well?! You just going to stand there get me out of this mess." She snapped scowling up at me.

"It would seem the best warrior of this world has been bested by someone from another world. I'll help you out if you're willing to help me with the Tribunal." I said looking at her. She didn't say anything right away as she carefully weighed her options. "Very, well I'll do what I can to help you, now do you mind lending me a hand?" She remarked. "Of course just keep perfectly still I don't want to hurt you in the process of you getting unstuck, okay." I stated.

Taking a rooted stance and with one solid blow the thick tree trunk split in two. Allowing her to wiggle free from her minor prison, as she got to her feet. She brushed herself clean then turned around to face me before shooting me a rotten look. "You're, welcome." I remarked sourly walking away from her. Without any warning I felt a hand on my left shoulder then I was spun around.

Before I knew or could even react it her lips latched onto mine like super magnets. Catching me completely off guard so on instinct I pushed her away. I informed her I was already engaged to two lovely vixens already and they were waiting for me. Once I was able to convince the Tribunal that I was no threat to them or to anyone. "I'll speak to the Tribunal on your behave on one condition." She said with a hopeful look. "That being what?" I wondered curiously.

"I'd like to be by your side perhaps one day in the future as your third wife. See I made a wager that the first male to beat me fair and square in a duel would be the one I marry." She pointed out. "How's this we can discuss that matter once things are settled with the Tribunal first." I stated trying not to sound a little weirded out. "Very well seeing as you're already engaged to two lovely vixens." She replied wrapping her arm around my elbow.

With that settled Jaxal, Nubai and I went up the path straight to the Tribunal's castle. The entire time since we met, I never once asked her name nor did she offer to give it to me. I assumed it either slipped her mind or possibly she didn't have one. Before I could say anything I noticed someone following just a few yards behind us. "Don't let him bother you he's merely watching us he's no threat." She pointed out looking over her shoulder also.

When I went to see if he was still shadowing us he was gone. "Another scout or spy for the Tribunal I gather?" I wondered glancing down at her. "No, he's a messenger who happened to notice you coming." A deep male voice said. "Nubai, do I want to know why you're clinging to his arm?" A soft female voice asked. "Council, members it's good to see you." Nubai said as we all bowed respectfully. "Rise all of you and please come inside where we can discuss things in a more private setting." The Female vixen stated.

After a nice bath, some fresh clean clothes and a warm hardy meal. I left my room to join Jaxal and Nubai waiting outside the council chambers. "So you ready to have your voice heard, Orion?" Jaxal wondered looking at me. "I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be hopefully things will go smoothly." I replied. "Don't worry the Tribunal is eager to hear what you have to say. Considering I've spent the last couple of hours talking to them about you." Nubai stated while Jaxal pushed the doors open.

To be Continued.