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The Tribunal Chambers were something else it was like stepping into a Greek Temple. I had to admit for a very important place it had a very calming energy to it. Standing before me were eight blue hooded figures, four females and four males. Out of all them only two had their hoods pulled back. It was the two I had met not too long ago outside the castle walls.

Granted they hadn't given me their names but, somewhere in my soul I felt like I knew them. Though I knew they were memories my mother had given to me when she passed away. Figuring the knowledge she crafted over the centuries would help me a great deal. So far her shared knowledge has proven invaluable in my travels. I worried it would prove useless here in this place but, I crossed my fingers in hope.

Six of the still hooded figures began asking questions to the other unhooded ones. They spoke in a language I couldn't understand so I looked at Jaxal and Nubai. Sadly they whispered it was a language only taught to those that have their position. This way nobody around can understand what is going on until they address you. Before anything could happen a strange burning sensation hit my left arm.

The tribunal stopped talking instantly as the energy I was emitting grew at an alarming rate. Jaxal and Nubai tried moving to a safe distance in the room. While the power bottled deep within me continued to surge to the surface. I did my best to keep the energy from exploding forth but, my self control was slipping. Sadly before things could reach a violent climax everything around me went black.

My eyes shut immediately as my true body hit the ground like a lead brick. When I opened my eyes again I wasn't at the castle of the Tribunal but, another realm all together. Though I wasn't alone as I checked my surroundings a familiar hand touched my shoulder. "Hello, my son welcome to the resting place of your adopted ancestors." Ashandria said in a motherly voice. My body instantly relaxed as I slowly got to my feet and turned around to face her.

"Mother it's so good to see you again, odd question."/"No, my child your not dead merely an out of body experience. This is where all members of our clan go to be judged by those that call this place home. Your ancestors merely wanted a good look at the addition to the clan." She informed as several kitsune approached me. Each one greeted me warmly as I did the same with the utmost respect.

They began to ask me questions to which I barely knew the answers to but, I did my best. Before they could question me further a sudden violent shake woke me from my current state of existence. After blinking a few times only to be staring face to face with a worried Nubai. "You okay you really had everyone in this room panicked when you collapsed." She replied as I got to my feet.

"Sorry, random out of body experience though I don't think it's over, yet." I replied as I felt myself being pulled back. Sadly I was correct in my assumption as I looked upon my clan members again. My mind, soul and body were locked in a tug of war. Between the living world and the realm of my ancestors hopefully, I'd come out of this without major harm. Of course the whole time went on I was asked a wide variety of questions.

The more I got tugged around by both worlds I started to feel very weak. Like my very life force was being drained away as each side tried to understand why I was here. Sadly all this jumping around caused me to reach my very limit that's when I demanded enough. Everything went quiet and still as my body crashed to the floor like dead weight. Jaxal was the first one to my side when things went black.

By the time I woke up lying in a bed, looking around I noticed that I wasn't alone. "Good, to see you're still with us young one I do hope you're not angry with us. My name is Devi, I'm member of the Tribunal if want to blame someone for the tug-of-war you went through. That would be my doing I have the ability to contact the dead." She replied keeping her face concealed. "So what you're telling me that you did that see whether or not I was telling the truth. If I failed I wouldn't be breathing right now let alone standing with my adopted ancestors." I remarked.

"Yes, it was the only way to make sure whatever you're intentions were you'd be watched from both sides." She pointed out. I didn't say anything I felt rather insulted and violated she did something so underhanded. She could tell just by my body language I wasn't overly thrilled about it. "Why do I get the feeling you're not done toying with me like a yo-yo?" I stated in a flat tone.

"Actually, yes I am though I can't speak for my fellow Tribunal members." She said. "Devi, Let him rest grilling him like this won't help matters any." Jaxal remarked placing his hand on her shoulder. She looked over her shoulder at him and nodded. Shortly after she excused herself and left my room without another word. "So, Jaxal what's the score thus far as this entire situation is concerned?" I asked.

"In my opinion this whole thing can swing either way though the battle has only just begun." He replied. "Where's Nubai I figured she'd be here at my bedside?" I wondered looking around again. "She left to go do something she didn't tell me what. Though she told me that it would be something to help sway things in your favor." He informed. "You don't think she went to get my fiancées?" I questioned with concern.

"That's something even I don't know though it's a solid guess she might. Again Nubai doesn't run her plans by any of us, she does it and expects us to respect her decisions." Jaxal pointed out. "Given her rank that really doesn't surprise me all that much. Though things might be easier on not only her but, everyone else." I remarked. "I agree fully Orion but, Nubai is our leader and we have to do as she dictates." Jaxal stated.

As time went by I was able to regain all my strength even Jaxal was amazed. Devi returned to my room wondering if I fully recovered from my previous interrogation. Jaxal informed her of my condition had improved but, not enough for his liking. She simply shrugged him off and told him to bring me back to the chambers. When she left Jaxal cursed under his breath after slamming the door shut.

"That woman really knows how to burn the fur on my tail." Jaxal growled. "Relax, she does it cause it works on your nerves hence why she does it." I pointed out. "Perhaps, you're right come on we'd better get there." He said cooling off. We left my room and took our time heading back to the chambers. Sure once back inside they Tribunal was eagerly awaiting my return this time no facial coverings.

Each of the eight Tribunal members were a different race of fox and belonged to a unique clan. If I had a coin to bet they each possessed a special ability only found amongst their individual clans. Sadly I kept my gaze firmly on Devi in case she tried the same stunt again. "Orion, I apologize for Devi actions it's policy we have to check a kitsune's intentions. By the way Jaxal you're presence isn't needed please wait outside. This meeting won't take very long, thank you." A tall grey fox instructed standing up.

He had these strange green eyes that peered into one's own spirit, it was unnerving. Though I stood my ground he could see I was concerned but, unafraid of him. A slight smirk appeared on his aging muzzle as he sat back down and another stood up. This time it was one of the two foxes I met outside the castle walls. "Orion the Tribunal has decided to hear your voice. So please speak loud enough for all to hear and do speak clearly." She replied sitting back down.

"Thank you madam, Members of the Tribunal I'm come before this day to ask for a simple request. Nothing fancy or far beyond your abilities, all I ask is to live here. Also to be able to marry the two vixens waiting for me back at Lilith's home. That's all I really want I'll be honest there's really nothing left for me back in the world I came from." I informed in a clear and audible tone. Each member of the Tribunal looked at me then whispered amongst themselves.

"Your request is a heartfelt and honest one nothing's purer than one from the heart. I admire that about you Orion and with the clan mark you bare it alone warrants respect. Give us till dawn to discuss your heartfelt request. We won't keep you here another day, guard have Jaxal come back inside." He said sitting back down. The two guards inside the room with us opened the door and summoned Jaxal back inside.

The two of us kindly excused our selves then left the chambers a moment later. I needed air so we went outside to enjoy the evening air for a while. "Care to share your thoughts?" He asked looking at me sitting across from him. "Jaxal something doesn't add up and I don't like it." I replied. "I don't follow but, please continue." He said unsure as to where I was going with the subject.

"This whole trial has been one detour to the next and now this I've just got this bad feeling. Maybe I'm just being paranoid and everything turns out to be nothing. Though I can't shake this weird up turned fur on my back about all this." I pointed out. "It's unlikely they'll do anything more than approve your request or deny it. They're pretty fair with their judgments and you were very honest and direct the entire time." He informed.

"I know and they know it but, what's to say they just decide to say the heck with and back to my world I go." I stated. "Heh, Your mother was just as moody when it came to politics. She didn't trust them nor like dealing with them either. Trust me they'll do the right thing or I'll step in and give them reason to do so." He replied. "Don't bite off anymore than you can handle those foxes are no push over." I remarked.

"Trust me their powerful in the field of magic, when it comes to hand to hand combat. No offense with the skills I forged and sharpened on the front lines they'd have a problem." He said honestly. "Let's not forget you both sparred with the best fighter this world ever had. She even taught you a few things to help you're fighting style, Jaxal." Nubai remarked walking up the stairs. I noticed two other shadows walking directly behind her, naturally I recognized them instantly.

"Kyuri, Renka I can't believe your here." I said jumping to my feet. Before Jaxal could reply I wrapped my arms around both their necks hugging them tight. "You would think we've been gone for years, Kyuri." Renka remarked. "Oh, shut up! Your enjoying this just as much as I am." Kyuri stated glancing over at her. "Both you shut up and hug me back already." I shot back.

Neither woman complained as they hugged me, I felt a large weight lift from my shoulders. They both could tell something I'd been bottling up inside was let go. The moment their arms wrapped around me Kyuri was the first to ask me about it. I told her that I couldn't discuss what went on between me and the Tribunal. She nodded in understanding of the rules they put in place for me.

As we let go Nubai stood just out of my field of view I noticed something was on her mind. "Nubai, I can tell you have something on your mind care to share." I said as she looked at me. "It doesn't concern any of you it's a matter I need to handle on my own." She replied neutrally. My gut told me otherwise and was going to get a straight answer either way. Walking right up to her with out a single thought as to what would happen to me.

Standing in front of her before she could reply I lashed out and grabbed her shirt. With one fluid motion I hauled her up into the air above my head. Catching her and everyone else in the room totally off guard while I glared into her eyes. "Nubai, you're gonna talk or I'll force the answers out of you and you know for a cold bloody fact I can. Now start moving those jowls of yours." I commanded causing the others to flinch a little. Letting out a sigh of regret Nubai nodded in agreement.

"Before I left to get your two ladies I over heard the Tribunal members talking about you. Now you didn't hear this from me but, I don't think you're going to get what you want. From what I could hear before they walked away was that, you're going back to your world. They feel you're a threat to the population and marrying these two. That's beyond what they themselves are actually willing tolerate. Clan mark and heritage aside don't expect to spend another day amongst us, Orion." She informed lowering her gaze.

Placing her back down onto the ground then I left the room a second later. I was boiling mad right now and I knew the perfect people to take my anger out on. While everyone processed what Nubai revealed to all of us I was going straight to the source. The guards at the door told me the Tribunal had left for the evening. My energy levels began to increase at an alarming rate while the air whirled around me.

It began to crackle and spark with raw energy the higher my energy level increased. Placing my hand firmly on the doors with a push I let my pent up energy loose. Both large stone doors imploded off their hinges like leaves being blown off a tree. The guards had only seconds to duck for cover as the doors dropped heavily to the ground. Naturally when the dust settled the guards tried to restrain me.

That was a major mistake on their part with two swift blows I knocked them out. When their bodies hit the ground Devi was the first one to arrive on the scene. As she went to speak I let the true peak of my power rage to the surface. Sending a shockwave of air bellowing out causing her to brace herself. The other members of the Tribunal arrived one after the other all in a state of shock.

"If you want to send me home you'll have to fight me first. All I want is to live in peace with those I care deeply about. Nothing more and in your expansive wisdom you're letting fear and ignorance cloud what should be a simple matter. One that shouldn't take more than an hour or two at the most to decide upon. No, you decide to toss what little threat I am away like trash. Sorry but, I've got news for you I'm not going home quietly even at the cost of my life." I stated firmly.

My energy kept increasing rapidly and the air around sparked more violently. Every member of the Tribunal could sense that was no longer playing around. "Alright, Orion you win just calm down and let's discuss this like adults." Devi pleaded. "No, more talk and if you think of trying anything You'll be the first to fall." I warned watching and the others very intently.

At that very instant I felt something rush around behind me and try to hit me. With a loud yell a massive shockwave exploded around me sending dust, pieces of tile, and kitsune flying. Each member of the Tribunal slowly got to their feet and didn't try anything else. Not after a display of my true power this time around I spoke in a much calmer tone. "Are we going to talk like adults or try another stunt like the last one?" I asked threateningly.

"No, if you want to stay here that's fine Orion you have proven yourself. In return we'd like to ask for your services in the future at a time of our choosing." The black furred fox stated. "I think not Fafner the last time you said that you ended up killing your fellow kitsune." I remarked coldly. He was left speechless while the other members looked at him. A sly smile came to my face as his predicted reaction came to life.

"Oh, yes Fafner not only did I gain my mother's vast power and skills but, her knowledge and memories. So anything you'd like to share willingly or should I speak my mind." I stated looking at him. "No, I've got nothing to hide from the likes of you." He shot back. "OH! I think you do why don't I spin you all a little tale, concerning the final days of the Valurean War." I said.

"By all means Orion tell us since you've left Fafner here utterly speechless." Devi replied. "I won't drag this out with a long tale but, in short Fafner here is a traitor. He killed his own team and a majority of my mother's clan. Leaving exactly fifteen members of my mother's clan left alive. Making doubly sure that the clan couldn't repopulate by severely injuring a vixen's ovaries and todd's testicles." I informed.

Each member except Fafner flinched at that last piece of information I provided. "Your mother shouldn't have gotten involved in my affairs and I would've spared her clan. That woman never knew when to keep her nose out of something that didn't require her input. If any of you are wondering am I sorry for what I did. Than think again I don't regret a single thing I did to your mother or her blasted clan." Fafner remarked.

"Jaxal, stay put revenge won't solve anything and you know it. Nubai that goes for you as well if anyone is going to give him his just desserts. That will be left up to the remaining Tribunal members not either of you or myself." I instructed as they approached after hearing his confession. "Orion how can you stand there and say that after listening to all that?" Jaxal snapped questioningly.

"Just as easily as I kept myself from truly tearing this holy place apart. What would it cure by beating him senseless or killing him would it bring those he killed back? Or restore those that lost the ability to bare children you know it wouldn't so why bother." I stated turning around. The second my back was turned that's when Fafner made his move. Slipping in using my shadow like a doorway but, sadly I sensed him.

Spinning around and with the backside of my fist I hit him full force across the jaw. When his body hit the ground a loud crack and pop echoed as his body went limp. His life crystal shattered the second his neck was broken by my blow. I took absolutely no pleasure in taking his life and everyone that looked at me could see it. Devi was the first one to step up and take control of the situation.

"Orion, go back home with Kyuri and Renka for now we need to handle things here. You'll be summoned back here in the future when things have been properly taken care of. Jaxal, Nubai please see to it they get there safely and return here with the other guardians in tow." Devi instructed. "Yes, ma'am come on Orion let's go." Jaxal replied grabbing my arm. Sadly my body refused to move like something held me in place.

Before anyone could say or do anything to help me everything simply went black. A strange holy and multi-gender voice began reciting the prophecy: "Two worlds once separate now joining as one by the blood of one human. Belonging to one world and sent to another to learn their ways. Will one day lead both worlds to live together in peace and harmony. Only love will light his path and will help him prevent both worlds from total destruction."

To be Continued.