World of Paws: Destiny of the Brood

New Friends and Enemy Ties

(Shika Sommers shown above: species, a light brown coyote furry. Mother of Victoria and Ruth.)

(Rakoshi and Suundun  are Coywolf-(Flying Grey Fox) Bat Hybrids who pose as enrolled students.

who consider each other as brothers.)

As Sherman and his Crisis Brood return to their homes. Sherman's parents start calling him and every one of the group's phones starts ringing as well.
Aubrey: "Shermie? Aren't we going to answer them first?"
Sherman: "Why us, first?"
Aubrey: "You and I are the de facto leaders of this team. That means we have to teach them how to defend themselves with spirit energy. Besides, my parents know I'm safe with you."
Sherman: "Fine."
He answers his holo-phone call from his parents first.
Sherman: "Hi Mom. What's up?"
Taciana: "Don't 'what's up' me young man. Where have you been?"
Sherman: "We all went out on a hike in Tuataray Forest."
Taciana: "Near which town?"
Sherman: "Grapevine Villa."
Taciana: "Oh okay. That's safe. Make sure you tell Zelene's Aunt and Uncle we said hi. Love you."
Sherman: "Yeah, I love you too, Mom. Gotta go."
He hangs up his holo-phone.
Sherman: "So... we're leading by example? Or is it just me?"
Aubrey: "Heheh, come on funny wolf. Let's go home."
Sherman: "Alright."
Desmond: "Sherman? Sherman?"
Sherman: "What's up little bro?"
Desmond: "Can I drive your car?"
Sherman: "Sure you can. Here are the keys."
Desmond: "Haha! Yeah! I'm gonna drive!"
Aubrey: "Shermie!"
She says in a hushed whisper and shakes her head.
Sherman: "Hehe... only kidding babe."
Aubrey: "You won't be doing that for a while, Desmond."
Desmond: "Can I sit on your lap and yell Shotgun?"
Aubrey: "No."
Desmond: "Can I ride in the trunk?"
Aubrey: "No, you won't be able to breath in there."
Desmond: "Can I at least see a movie with you and Sherman?"
Aubrey: "Yes, you can."
Desmond: "Yippee! Haha!"
Zelene: "I'll see you all tomorrow then?"
Neal: "Absolutely. Bye Zelene."
Zelene: "Bye, Neal."
Neal and Desmond jump into the backseat of Sherman's vehicle with Angel, Cecilia, Eliza, Zakari, Jaronte, and Joseph. While Jackson Junior, Zaino, Mallory, and Aziza hitch a ride with the others. After the Tontione's, Neal, Aubrey, Ruth, Victoria, Alujura, reach their neighborhood and bid their friends goodbye for the night.
Victoria: "So... guys. Again, I am so sorry for what I did. Especially to you two, Sherman and Aubrey. I don't even know if I deserve these new energy abilities."
Sherman: "It's fine Victoria. And you do deserve these powers. Because every sentient soul deserves a second chance?"
Victoria: "What about a third?"
Sherman: "Probably not. Besides you aren't a criminal."
Victoria: "Okay. Thanks, Sherman."
Victoria then hugs him and Aubrey at the same time. She cries with tears of relief and a hint of joy.
Victoria: "Thank you both."
Sherman: "You're welcome, Victoria."
Aubrey: "Yeah, you'll do great on our team."
Victoria the smiles with hope in her eyes.
Ruth: "There's the famous smile, sister! I missed seeing that."
Victoria: "Yeah. Let's go home."
Ruth: "Alright."
Jackson Junior: "So... catch ya tomorrow?"
Ruth: "Of course, JJ."
Jackson Junior and Ruth brings their heads together for a for tender moment.
Victoria: "Come on, let's go. Mom and Dad are probably waiting."
Ruth: "I'm coming."
Ruth pecks JJ's cheek and sends him a wink as she walks away with her older sister. The pair enter the household and see their mother at the table with expressions of displeasure.
Shika: "Victoria? Ruth? Where have you two been all day?"
Victoria: "We went sightseeing, Mother."
Ruth: "No... V. Don't lie. Me and my friends had to rescue Victoria from a demon possessing her body."
Victoria: "Ruth..."
Ruth: "What? That's what happened."
Shika: "Is that why I found a charge on your debit card saying, 'Tone of Dark Arts' on it?"
Victoria remains silent for a moment.
Shika: "Well?"
Victoria: "Yes."
Shika: "Why? What were you thinking?"
Victoria: "I wanted to get rid of Aubrey. So, I could have Sherman to myself. And I thought that releasing an entity would help me. But I was wrong to do it and I understand if you want to give me some sort of punishment."
Shika: "And what do you think the punishment should be?"
Victoria: "Think about what I've done... and clean up my mess and my act?"
Shika: "How about being grounded for one week?"
Victoria: "Momma, please... no!"
She whines and begs.
Shika: "Oh yes! You are grounded for one week from everything except for homework, house chores, and school. Upstairs... now! Honestly, that news report from Midtown just confirms everything that me and your father saw."
Victoria: "Oh what! Is Dad going to flip too? It was one mistake. Can't you cut me some slack?"
Shika: "For unleashing a demon into this world? No. You could have been hurt or worse. And to top it all off you got several furries injured and put your sister in danger! So no, I will not cut you any slack young lady! Straight to bed now! That means you too, Ruth."
Ruth: "Mom, I made sure Victoria was safe after the situation ended. Doesn't that count?"
Shika: "You, I trust. But your sister... she needs to wisen up a little more. I mean this stunt is just beyond the pale. And she's the oldest. I expected much better behavior from her. Plus, you've never done anything this severe before."
Ruth: "She's been feeling alone for a while, Mom. I'll go talk to her and prove to you by morning that she'll do better and avoid sending dark entities to assassinate anyone."
Shika: "You better. Because your father exploded with anger the second, he saw the news report."
Ruth: "Can't you and Daddy give her a second chance? Please?"
Shika: "We'll see in the morning. Go upstairs and get some sleep, okay. I love you."
Ruth: "Okay goodnight, Mom."
Shika: "Night, sweetheart."
......Back at the Tontiones' House......
Jackson: "You led your own brothers and sisters to a spiritual area without my knowledge?"
Sherman: "Yes..."
Jackson: "Do you have any idea how late it is? You have should have let me and your mother know where you were and when you are coming back. Is that understood?"
Sherman: "Yes, Father. I know. But what's the harm in making a team of heroes?"
Jackson: "It means being responsible for everyone on that team. Which means you all can't strike against an enemy group without an effective strategy."
Sherman: "Dad, with all due respect... me, and everyone else in my group of friends can handle ourselves. I mean me I'll help train them. Teach them to be spiritual warriors just like how you taught me when I was a kid."
Jackson: "This is not a light task, son. It may take a while for everyone to get used to it."
Aubrey: "Mr. Tontione, would it be okay if I assist Sherman with the training. I mean he trained me."
Jackson: "And when did this happen?"
Aubrey: "Um... well we..."
Sherman: "We trained at the park for a bit and Aubrey mastered the basics. Please, Dad. Please..."
Jackson: (sighs) "Fine. But if anyone gets hurt, you're the one responsible for it. Understood?"
Sherman: "I understand. Thank you."
Desmond: "Dad! Dad! I'm joining Sherman's team!"
Jackson: "Really? You sure about that buddy?"
Desmond: "Yeah! Can't wait to master my powers like you and Sherman, Dad!"
Taciana: "Heheh, um Desmond, sweetie. Me and Daddy need to talk for a bit."
Jackson: "Really? Now?"
Taciana: "Yes... right now..."
She whispers in his ear. The two walk into the kitchen, shut the door behind them and started conversing.
Taciana: "Did you tell our eldest son that it's okay to add the rest of our children as a fighting force?"
Jackson: "No. I never told him to do this at all."
Taciana: "My gosh. I can't believe this! It's one thing making sure you come back. But... these are our kids, Jackson. They don't belong in a world of perpetual conflict."
Jackson: "You have said it was fine for Sherman to come years ago. Why can't there be more heroes like me? Ones that don't require some sort of badge or jurisdiction to do the right thing."
Taciana: "Jacky... I pray every morning for you and our children's sake. The thought of losing one of you is too much to bear."
Jackson: (sighs) "They are growing up now. You need to start accepting that."
Taciana: "They'll always be our babies no matter what. I'm just... not ready to let them go. Not like this."
Jackson: "Babe, come on. It will be alright. Some of them are old enough to make their own decisions."
Taciana: "Jacky. I cannot..."
Jackson: "I promise I will be the one to counsel them when using their powers. Especially since most of them want spiritual training. Trust me."
Taciana: "Hun..."
Jackson: "Do you trust me?"
Taciana: "You know I always do."
Jackson: "Then let me train them all. I am a master hero after all."
Taciana: "Just don't let anyone get hurt, okay."
Jackson: "You know I'm good for it. I'll take them all under my wing. I mean baby, come on. Da Warrior got this!"
Taciana: (chuckles) "You always knew how to make me laugh."
Jackson: "Anything for my perfect bunny."
Taciana nuzzles him, pecks under his jaw, and tells the children about their decision.
Taciana: "You all can train tomorrow. But only under your father's wing. Okay?"
Sherman: "Alright, I understand, Mom. Also, thank you for allowing me, the sibs, and my friends the chance to make a great team!"
Jackson Junior: "I can't wait kick some behind! Haha!"
Desmond: "Yay! Yeah! Hunnh!"
Mallory: "It's going to be a long training day tomorrow. Isn't it?"
Zaino: "That's what I'm hoping for. I know Yuki will be impressed."
Jackson Junior: "Sounds like someone cares... big time."
Zaino: "No. I care about my friends too. Besides Elsie is more my speed."
Jackson Junior: "Funny. Considering how you like them both."
Zaino: "What about you and Alicia?"
Jackson Junior: "What about her? Me and her are just friends."
Zaino: "She keeps a big photo of you with a giant heart on it. It's in the back of her locker, dude. Clearly, she interested in being more than just your friend."
Jackson Junior: "That doesn't prove anything... Ruth is my girlfriend and that's it."
Aziza: "You are lying big brother... heheh!"
Sherman: "Okay that's enough. Save your energy for tomorrow. Alright."
His two brothers agreed as the youngest we're watching them with slight discomfort. Then as everyone starts going to bed, Sherman turns to Aubrey.
Sherman: "I'll see you tomorrow at lunch and training, right?"
Aubrey: "Heheh. Yes, Shermie."
They exchange a quick kiss.
Aubrey: "Goodnight my love."
Sherman: "Night, Beautiful."
Aubrey blushes red as she walks across the street towards her house.
Aubrey: "Phew, no one is awake."
She goes to her room and sleeps with peaceful dreams and a full heart.
......6:55am in the morning......
Aubrey awakens to her early holo-phone alarm and goes downstairs hearing her mother cooking a full breakfast of raspberry waffles and strawberry banana shakes.
Aubrey: "Morning, Mom! Morning Dad!"
Alujura: "Good morning, sis!"
Veronica: "Good morning, sweetie. Come on in. Breakfast is all set."
Dasun: "You and your sister were out with your friends all night. Right?"
Aubrey: "Well, yeah. And... me and Alujura are now a part of a new squad called the Crisis Brood."
Alujura: "It was a unanimous vote after going through a few names."
Dasun: "Well, hopefully that Sherman Tontione doesn't get you into any more trouble. Otherwise, he'll be in bigger trouble from me."
Veronica: "Honey, don't be too rash. And besides Sherman would never hurt or lead our daughter into trouble."
Aubrey: "Daddy, me and Alujura are going to train with him and our friends."
Alujura: "Plus, Mr. Tontione is leading the spiritual training. I'm so excited to learn what powers can do."
Aubrey: "You want to be next to Lucas. Don't you?"
Alujura smiles to herself.
Alujura: "Hehe, well of course. I mean he's so funny."
Veronica: "Well... eat up you two. There's only about thirty minutes left."
The family of four eats their breakfast. Shortly after, Aubrey and Alujura meet up with Sherman by his car.
Sherman: "Good morning, ladies."
Aubrey: "Good morning, baby. Mwah."
Sherman: "Mwah."
Alujura: (smirks) "Um... are your siblings coming with along with us?"
Sherman: "Of course they are. We won't have to ride the electric bus again."
Aubrey: "Why is that?"
Sherman: "Watch this."
He presses the vehicle mode button and shifts from the inside-out, ultimately turning into a van with a electro-boosters.
Sherman: "What do you think? Cool, right?"
Aubrey: "Shermie, this is incredible. How did you...?"
Sherman: "My Dad made most of the enhancements to my van, including extra space and a backup battery. I added the electro-boosters in case we end up joining a road race or being chased down by somebody."
Aubrey: "How'd you sleep last night, hun?"
Sherman: "Slept well for the most part. I got a rude awakening from Angel and Desmond though."
Aubrey: "What happened?"
Sherman: "They had some sort of nightmare and I let them sleep near me."
Aubrey: "Aww, you're a good big brother, babe."
Sherman: "I know I am. But they're going to have to get over their irrational fear of being taken by a wild boar."
Aubrey: "Honey, they are a bit intimidating. Remember two years ago?"
Sherman: "That wild one was being friendly and ate the candy out of your paw."
Aubrey: "He butted into another boar to grab the rest of the candy I had in my pocket. It was a bit scary."
Sherman: "And I made sure you weren't hurt. Right?"
Aubrey: "Yeah... true."
Angel: "Sherman, wait for us!"
Desmond: "We want to be near you."
Sherman: "The peace of the morning was too good to last. Hang on ladies and gentlemen!"
He starts up the vehicle after everyone takes their seat in Sherman's vehicle.
They drive to their schools, and everyone reaches their classes on time.
......Four hours later......