World of Paws: Balance of Heroes

Spiritual Restoration

Jackson: "We are almost there, kids, but be prepared for anything."
Sherman: "Yeah!"
Sherman cheers coolly while Aubrey laughs at his reaction. Twelve minutes later, they reach Glassbec, but not without some resistance from the Clawtooth Clan.
Jackson: "Enemies up ahead. Daravis, deploy the tranquil pods."
Daravis AI Voice: "Tranquil pods online. Activating in three, two, one."
Thirty ball bearings release at the same time, causing confusion among the Clawtooth members patrolling the streets.
Clawtooth Goon: "What in the... what is that?"
He starts coughing and collapses into unconsciousness. The others in the surrounding area also fall to the ground after exposure.
Sherman: "Where did you get those, Dad?"
Jackson: "That's a story for another time, buddy. Stay focused, alright."
Sherman: "Oh, right."
Meanwhile, in the Rabeau's household, Taciana and Rebus are still under constant watch of the two Clawtooth gangsters.
Taciana: "Commissioner, we need to get out of here. Can you claw yourself out?"
Quentin: "I wish. Darn it. These restraints are solid iron. Can't break them off. One of them might have the key."
Taciana: "Wait, look. It is in Caldenoza's left pocket. Try to draw him and his friend closer so we can trip them."
Quentin: "Good idea. Hey! Caldenoza, right?"
Caldenoza: "Yeah. What of it, fool?"
Quentin: "What made a bobcat like you work for Salvador? Huh?"
Caldenoza walks closer with his compatriot holding a machete.
Caldenoza: "I might as well tell ya, since I am going dice you up anyway."
Caldenoza pauses for a second and turns around as he explicates himself.
Caldenoza: "I learned a simple rule of survival. If you want something, you take it. Then I..."
Quentin: "Now!"
Quentin trips Caldenoza and grabs the key Taciana then kicks his friend's leg in.
Clawtooth Wildebeest: "Ahh! Dang it! My left hoof!"
Quentin grabs the keys off the floor and unlocks his cuffs and takes back his tranq gun from the table.
Quentin: "Don't even move, Caldenoza! You either blade boy!"
Caldenoza: "Okay, I guess we'll just have to..."
Cauldenoza places his paw on his backup pistol, but as he lifts, Rebus Talvenger fires his dart gun three times.
Caldenoza: "Hah! Your aim stinks, dog."
Quentin: "Oh yeah, check your left arm, smart aleck."
Caldenoza: "Whaa... Ahh... shiznit..."
Caldenoza collapses on the floor and struggles to get up as the tranq dart's effects kick in.
Quentin: "You... on the floor now! Otherwise, you'll be taking a nap too."
Clawtooth Wildebeest: "Yahh!"
He wildly slashes Quentin's arm.
Quentin: "Aggh!"
Clawtooth Wildebeest: "Ready to die, Commissioner? Hahahaha!"
Taciana unlocks her cuffs with the same key and breaks a lamp over the gangster's head.
Taciana: "Are you alright, Commissioner?"
Quentin: "Yeah. It's not that bad."
She helps him up and gives him the keys. They both cuff Caldenoza and his associate. Taciana looks outside and notices more Clawtooth members raiding houses.
Taciana: "Can't you call for backup?"
Quentin: "Give me a moment."
He activates the comm link on his holophone.
......Call begins......
If anyone can hear me, this is a call to all Task Force operatives! This is Commissioner Riles! I need you to stick together and hit the streets! Stop any member of the Vakatarian Syndicate and arrest them on sight! If they resist, tranq them! I'm on my way!"
......Call ends......
He hangs up his holo-phone and looks outside as well.
Quentin: "I'm going out there."
Taciana: "But more are still coming!"
Quentin: "Me and my operatives are trained for situations like this."
He checks his dart gun ammo.
Quentin: "Only ten darts left."
Suddenly, they hear clanging, gunfire, and bodies thudding from the Rabeau Estate.
Taciana: "What? Is that smoke?"
Taciana: "Oh my goodness. He's back! Commissioner! He's back!"
Quentin: "Wait up! Who's back?"
The edge of the smoke field reveals three furry figures.
Taciana: "Thank the Light Spirits! My gosh, babe your shoulder is bleeding. Are you okay?"
Jackson: "No worries, babe. It belongs to one of them."
Taciana: "Sherman, is your father keeping you safe as he promised?"
Sherman: "Yes, we worked together as a team the whole time. Even Aubrey held her own back there."
Aubrey's blush a light shade of red.
Taciana: "What? You took Aubrey with you?"
Jackson: "No, quite the opposite. She found us by using an old military map apparently."
Aubrey: "Good to see you again, Mrs. Tontione."
Taciana: "Likewise, young lady. Do your parents know your here?"
Aubrey: "No, they don't Ma'am. But I have this to protect me and to help fight."
Taciana: "You gave her a taser?"
Sherman: "I kind of gave it to her."
Taciana (sighs) "We'll talk about that later. For now, let's go inside."
The four go into the Rabeau mansion. Taciana calls to her parents and her children, letting them know it's safe to leave the panic room.
Jackson: "Whoa, looks like you and Commssioner had a quite a fight in here. You alright too, Tacci?"
Taciana: "I'm fine sweetie."
Quentin: "Your wife can scrap well in a fight, Jackson."
Jackson: "Well... I am glad you were there to assist. Especially, against Caldenoza."
Quentin: "Eh, just doing my job. Anywho... I need to go protect the citizens and my fellow operatives."
Taciana: "Jackson, you have to know this. Damon he... he led an attack squad on news station. It was horrible when he talked about it on a live feed."
Jackson: "Are you saying Jimmy Findello is...?"
Taciana: "No, but that horrible bear may do something worse if you don't save him."
Jackson: "I can handle Damon."
Taciana: "Not alone. You will need help."
Jackson: "You're right. Quentin? There are probably a bunch guarding the News Station. I will join you in case we run into any stray Clawtooths."
Quentin: "Much appreciated."
Sherman: "I am coming too, Dad."
Jackson: "Actually son, I need you and Aubrey to stay here."
Sherman: "But Dad... you said we're a team."
Jackson: "We are, buddy. But rule number one for the man of the house is to know where your needed most. That means looking after your family and your friends."
Sherman: "Does Aubrey count as family?"
Jackson: "Sure, kiddo. She's earned my trust."
Aubrey: "Thank you, Mr. Tontione. I hope you save my parents and everybody else at the military base too."
Jackson: "Heheh, we're gonna go out there and save them all. Then I'll find Vakatarus. This I vow, my all my soul."
Taciana: "May the Light Spirits guide and protect you. And... be extra careful out there."
Jackson: "They certainly will. Oh... and being careful is my jam, baby."
Taciana playfully smirks at her husband's response.
Taciana: "Here, take this."
Jackson: "A cross?"
Taciana: "For protection."
Jackson: "I'll keep it close. Alright. Mwah."
Bolton: "Give those Clawtooth something to remember, son."
Saba: "We'll all be praying for you, hun."
Jackson: "Will do and I appreciate that. Well, it's time to get going, right Commissioner."
Quentin: "Been ready since a eleven minutes ago, Mr. Tontione."
Jackson: "Okay, let's roll. We gotta news station to secure."
The expression on Taciana's face changes quickly as Jackson enters his JX8 vehicle with Quentin on the passenger side.
Taciana: "Jackson, wait!"
Jackson: "Yeah?"
Taciana: "I need to tell you something!"
Jackson: "What is it?"
Taciana: "I'm pregnant!"
Some gun shots ring out in the distance.
Jackson: "Uhh... what?"
Taciana: "We're having a new baby!"
Jackson: "For real? That's great to hear!"
Taciana: "I'm glad you think so! I love you!"
Jackson: (chuckles) "You too, Taciana!"
Jackson starts the engine, he waves at them as they drive in the direction of the Worldwide Furry News Station. They reach the news station and find eighteen task force vans surrounding the building.
Ramirez: "Vehicle approaching!"
Viscalli: "Hold your fire! The Commissioner is there!"
Jackson parks near one of the vans and greets some the Task Force operatives.
Ramirez: "It's good to see ya again, Mr. Tontione. Thought you were in Coastal City these days?"
Jackson: "True, but I'll always look out for Glassbec. I did start out here after all."
Ramirez: "Mad respect. Anyways, we have reports of seventy hostiles in the building. Jimmy Findello is assumed to be on the top floor."
Quentin: "Have they harmed any hostages?"
Viscalli: "No sir. One of them came out of the building saying if anyone tries to enter, then all the hostages will be killed."
Quentin: "Geez! Where are they holding them?"
Ramirez: "Damon, is keeping Jimmy Findello and the other hostages on the top floor."
Quentin: "Crap."
Jackson: "Then there's no time to waste. I can reach the top floor and stop Damon before thinks about getting a shot off. You and your operatives can then storm in and secure the floors."
Quentin: "Sounds like a plan, Jackson. Good luck up there."
Jackson ascends to the roof of news station and sneaks in through the ventilation shaft.
Jackson: "Alright it's showtime."
He sneaks up behind two unaware Clawtooth goons and immobilizes them five blows to their pressure points. Jackson then uses his powers to knock out three more incoming gangsters with plasma rifles.
Jackson: "Huunnh! Huunh! Now to get in there. Clawtooths! Get on the ground or I'll force you to surrender!"
Damon: "Hahaha! Step any closer or the news crew dies on the spot."
Jackson: "Typical scum."
Jackson takes a breath and as he exhales, an energy shield covers his entire body.
In Jackson's Mind: "Powers are improving? Nice..."
Jackson: "Yaah! Huunh! Eat a pawful of my fist! Heeyah! Waah! Yaaaaw!"
Moments later, his opponents lie on the ground defeated.
Damon: "Ugh... this ain't over Tontione. Vakatarus, ahh... oww... not done with you."
Jackson: "What are you... Ahh!"
A Vakatarian minion comes out of nowhere and attacks him. Jackson quickly counters it with his spiritual spear. It passes through its chest; causing it to weaken.
Vakatarian Minion: "He is going to take your last breath when he kills you. Hahaha!"
Jackson: "He wants a fight? Then tell him to battle me in the campgrounds of Accreton Forest. At sunset! Now get out of here!"
The manifestation cowers and flees through the wall of the building and back to its master.
Vakatarus: "Yes, my power grows as they take what's theirs. Or should I say mine. Hehehehe!"
......An hour later......
Vakatarian Minion: "Jackson Tontione has taken down most of the Akosi and the Clawtooth Clan. Not only that... the bombs in Arkson City have been disarmed."
Vakatarus: "Raaaaah! I told those morons to not underestimate him. Alert the other minions and tell whoever's still standing in Arkson City and Glassbec to return to Accreton Forest immediately!"
The serpent spirit hisses and grunts with anger.
Vakatarian Minion: "Yes, my Lord. It shall be done."
He fast travels all around the region from Glassbec, Coastal City, and Arkson City. Informing them of their leader's new order.
Meanwhile, Jackson was healing employees and any of the injured operatives at the news station.
Jackson: "All right. You're good."
Task Force Operative: "Thanks. Those are some powers."
Jackson: "You're welcome. Now that everyone is safe and healed so far. I'm sure we go after the rest of the Clawtooth Clan. Then bring Salvador to justice."
Quentin: "Precisely. We can't let them run amok in this town."
Viscalli: "Sir, I just received reports from one our scouts that the Clawtooth Clan is hightailing it out Glassbec."
Quentin: "Interesting. Vakatarus must be pulling them together for something else."
Jackson: "He's after me and my power so he can reshape the Earth into his personal homeland and bring on everlasting darkness."
Quentin: "If that's true, then he might be calling more than just the Clawtooth Clan."
Jackson: "He could have his entire the army waiting to spring a trap. If am going to stand chance against them. I will need some 'big' help."
Quentin: "Hmm... I suppose I could spare a few good operatives to assist you. I'll let the Task Force teams in Coastal City and Arkson know to send some units to aid you in battle."
Jackson: "Thank you, Commissioner. Your support is appreciated."
Jackson drives off towards the Accreton Forest with great haste with several task force vans following from behind.
......Back at the United Animalia Base......
Dasun: "Where the heck could she have gone?"
Veronica: "She was in bed when I checked on her last night."
Dasun: "Then where could she have gone?"
Veronica: "Oh no. She must have snuck out to find Sherman."
Dasun: "What? But we specifically forbade her from leaving! She couldn't have just..."
He goes outside to ask some of the soldiers if they had noticed his daughter trying to escape.
UAA Captain: "Calm down, sir. If she's out there, we'll find her by sunset."
Veronica: "Are you kidding me? I don't want her by sunset. I want my daughter here at this very moment!"
Dasun: "Babe, ease it up, okay. I'm going out there to find her and bring her back."
Veronica: "No way! I'm coming with you."
UAA Captain: "You two can't go out there! There is an active terror threat roaming around out there. All civilian furries are to stay behind the walls of the base until the threat has subsided. No exceptions."
Veronica: "My daughter could be in trouble and your suggestion is do nothing! Do you even care?"
She pushes one of the soldiers in anger.
Dasun: "Veronica, take it easy. We'll go and get her somehow."
Veronica: "Our baby is probably scared being out there all by herself."
Tears fall from Veronica's eyes.
Dasun: "Babe, we'll find her. Okay. But we have to wait for the right opportunity to leave."
Veronica: (sniffles) "I hope so."
Dasun: "Hey. We are going to get her back. I promise."
Veronica: (smiles) "Okay. I'm going to hold you to that."
Dasun: "You're looking at a retired UA veteran here."
Later, sunset approaches and the base is mostly inactive with the two guards on outside of the wall keeping watch. Dasun and Veronica do their best to sneak by the guards on duty.
Dasun: "Hey, I got this."
Veronica: "What are you going to do?"
Dasun: "Nothing I haven't done before, baby."
Dasun gets close behind the two guards near the exit. He throws a stone far into another direction, causing one of them to walk away.
Dasun: "Good, it's distracting them. Let's move."
Dasun cautiously grabs the keys to one of the electric humvees.
Dasun: "See? I told ya. Now let's go find our daughter."
Veronica looks at him with the biggest smile she's ever donned.
Dasun: "What?"
Veronica: "I have really missed this side of you, Dasun. Mwah."
Dasun: "Hehe, I miss doing this too, hun. Everyday. She may have gone home if she got lost. We'll start there."
The two drive off the base's grounds and onto the open street towards their home in Coastal City. Meanwhile, Jackson is nearing the old campgrounds of Accreton Forest with a small army of Task Force operatives and UAA soldiers.
Jackson: "Okay, here it is. The lair of Vakatarus. Keep your eyes open and move cautiously. His followers are known for setting up traps."
Task Force Operative: "Right..."
UAA Grunt: "It feels like we should have shot one of them by now. Anyone feeling similar?"
UAA Grunt 2: "Yeah, my digits are itching for a fight."
Jackson: "We'll see once reach the... holy crap. Booby traps. Jump over or walk around it. You don't want to get stuck on of those spikes down below."
They all travel and discover Vakatarus' waiting impatiently; his fangs bare out with a loud hiss.
Vakatarus: "Minion, are they coming or not?"
Vakatarian Minion: "I'm sure I did my liege. They started moving the second I told them. Wait, look there they are! In the distance!"
Vakatarus: "Finally, what took you all so long?"
Salvador: "Most of my clan was beaten by Jackson Tontione."
Vakatarus: "You mean got chased off by one furry. The alleged Shadow Dhole?"
Salvador: "Yeah, but he and help from his son who was helping him blast away my guys. But that's not it. There was a little rabbit girl helping them too. Ask anyone here!"
Solomon: "It's true! That little brat was responsible for shocking half of my henchfurries at the bomb sites! Kavinozo barely got away without being caught by them."
Demetrio: "How are we supposed to beat a team of three even if we can take on the Task Force and the UAA?"
Santo: "Yeah? How is that gonna happen? Oh, dark one."
Vakatarus: (hisses) "That's Lord Vakatarus to you! Address me as anything else and you'll be slaughtered before you the chance to blink. Are we clear?"
Santo: (gulps) "Yes, my Lord and Master."
Vakatarus: "Now as for our Shadow Dhole problem, we need to... huh? Ahhh!"
A light spirit bomb was thrown directly at Vakatarus' neck.
Vakatarus: "It's Tontione! And he's bought help! Syndicate of Vakatan! Crush them! Leave none of them alive!"
The battle begins as Jackson uses tosses several more energy bombs against Vakatarus' massive army.
Jackson: "Charge!"
Jackson plows through the multitude of enemies and reaches Vakatarus. But his smaller serpentine minions get in the way and battle him while the dark spirit watches with glee.
Vakatarus: "Hahahaha! You'll have to better than that dhole boy!"
Jackson: "It may have been ten years since we last fought, demon! But I'm not a teenager anymore! Huunh! Yaah! Waah!"
Jackson destroys his manifestations and stares stares his old nemesis. This isn't just a battle of power. This is a battle of nerves. The confrontation rages on and on for two days and two nights. Gradually more forces from the Task Force and the UAA had joined the battle to even the odds. The clash was starting to get bloody as neither side was wavering.
In Jackson's Mind: "I cannot allow the monster to gain more dark power. I must stop the bloodshed."
Jackson propels himself up into the air using his spiritual energy to heal every single furry on the grounds below.
The fighting stops, and they all look up above and see Jackson descending to their level.
Jackson: "This fighting needs to stop!"
Solomon: "You must be completely foolish to heal us. We're still going to kill you."
Jackson: "You can. But that won't change the fact that Vakatarus is going to wipe you out the second he kills me! He is just using you to tarnish the world for his own glory and power."
Vakatarus: "Don't fall for his deception! He's trying to turn against me. Now do as I command and shoot him!"
Demetrio: "Nice try, dhole."
Santo: "Yeah. Forget him. Forces! Kill the enemy!"
The fighting keeps going, while Jackson redirects bullets back at Vakatarus' army.
Vitaea Spirit One: "Jackson, use your time-freeze ability."
In Jackson's Mind: "What?"
Vitaea Spirit Two: "Remember, to focus on a specific spot in the crowd."
In Jackson's Mind: "Okay."
Jackson: "Mmmm... freeze all!"
He notices everyone not moving except for himself.
Jackson: "Trippy, but useful. Okay that should be all of them."
Jackson says after disarming all of Vakatarus' army and unfreezes everyone in the area. The Task Force and United Animalia Army officers arrest and tranq every last one of the gang members.
Vakatarus: "This will be over quick, Tontione! Ya hear me?"
Jackson: "You're going back to the dimension from whence you came! Heeyah!"
Vakatarus: (hisses) "Die!"
The demon attempts to envenomate Jackson with his long, sharp fangs.
Vakatarus: "Grrr! Hold still!"
Jackson: "If I stood still, it'd be too easy! Waah! Cha!"
Vakatarus: "Hmm... hahahaha! Fool!"
Vakatarus spawns another manifestation of himself. It floats behind Jackson and stabs him through his left torso.
Jackson: "Ugh! Aaaa... You..."
Vakatarus: "Eehhahahahaha! Oh yesss. I've waited a long time for this, dhole. Now... prepare to perish!"
Jackson: "No..."
Suddenly, a huge burst of spirit energy hits Vakatarus from behind. He turns and hisses viciously.
Sherman: "Get away from my dad, Monster!"
Vakatarus: "Look who's back. You are just like him. Always fighting for the weak. That is why you will fail. Mmmuuhahahaha!"
Sherman: "You fight for no one, but yourself."
Vakatarus: "Why don't you join me? You can live with ultimate power at your paw tips. With the power of darkness, we can cleanse this world and let chaos decide the fate of these mortals. Join me. Or... you can join the rest of this planet in extinction."
Sherman: "I do like gaining new powers, but my answer is no. Not in a thousand years."
Vakatarus uses his tail to swipe Sherman to the ground and charges at him with rage.
Sherman: "Vitaea, give me strength."
Sherman forms a spear comprised of light energy and holds his ground against the dark serpent. He throws the spear, and it hits right through Vakatarus' head. Vakatarus screeches in pain as his power starts to wane.
Sherman: "Gotcha now!"
Sherman contains Vakatarus in a vast orb. Jackson heals himself enough to rise off his feet and requests the help of Vitaea Spirits.
Jackson: "Vitaea! We worked together to imprison Vakatarus. We must do so again!"
The four Vitaea Spirits of Light appear from a bright circle in the sky. They restrain the demon, helping Jackson and Sherman force him back into the Dimension of the Damned.
Vakatarus: "No! No! No! Not again! Oh, you are gonna beg for your lives when I escape, Tontione! Just you wait!"
His voice fades as the portal closes shut.
Sherman: "Is he gone forever, Dad?"
Jackson: "I hope so. Ow. Ouch."
Sherman: "I got that covered, Dad. There you go. All healed."
Jackson: "Thank you, son."
Vitaea Spirit Three: "Vakatarus is contained and will never be escaping his dimensional prison. Thank you for ending his reign of terror."
Vitaea Spirit Four: "You two truly are what the world needs. If there is anything else, we can do. Just ask."
Jackson: "Could you repair the damage in caused by demon's followers?"
Vitaea Spirit Four: "Yes, that we can do."
The spirits speed across the region. Restoring every structure and everything to its former glory.
Vitaea Spirit Two: "Done and done."
Sherman: "Um, Great Spirits?"
Vitaea Spirit Two: "Yes?"
Sherman: "Could you put all the bad guys in jail?"
Vitaea Spirit Two: "Hehehe, we only restore. We don't force our will upon Earth's individuals. Nice try, though."
Sherman: "Darn. It'd be so cool if you could. Right?"
Vitaea Spirit Two: (chuckles) "Stay safe, Sherman and follow your father's advice. His wisdom will carry you through life."
Sherman: "Yes, Great Spirit. I will."
Jackson: "Thank you, wise ones. Safe travels to the Realm of Heaven!"
Sherman: "Bye, Vitaea!"
Vitaea Spirit One: "Goodbye, great heroes."
Jackson: "Sherman, I thought I told you stay at your Grandparent's house?"
Sherman: "I know. I'm sorry really, Dad. But I was right to leave, because I had this vision that you were in trouble."
Jackson: "You disobeyed me. But... I appreciate the timing son. You have truly proven yourself. Come on, let's help round these crooks up and head home."
A good while later, they return to the Rabeau Estate.
Jackson: "Be prepared for a hero's welcome or a slap. Cause your mom is probably on edge at this very moment."
Sherman: "It might not be so bad. Before I snuck out, Mom was praying for you the whole time."
Jackson: "Really?"
Sherman: "Yeah, she did."
Jackson: "Thank the spirits we have nothing to worry about. Now everyone can return to their homes without fear."
Sherman: "Can't wait show Aubrey my battle scars."
Jackson knocks on the front doors and the first one to open them is Saba.
Saba: "There's my little pumpkin. Did you help your dad save the town?"
Sherman: "It was no trouble, Grandma. Me and Dad are like a dynamic duo."
Aubrey: "Ahem, more like the three musketeers. Cause I helped take on the Akosi."
Sherman: "Right, and Aubrey helped."
Aubrey: "Is that monster gone?"
Sherman: "Yeah, he's gone."
Aubrey: "Yes! I'm glad you made it back, Shermie. I was playing with your baby brothers and sisters while you were out. They all seem to miss you."
She nuzzles Sherman and holds his paw as they walk ahead of Jackson and Saba.
Saba: "Tacci? Guess who's home."
Taciana: "Jacky, you're alright! And my little Shermie! My goodness. Is everything safe now?"
Jackson: "Yup. Glassbec, Coastal City, and Arkson City are officially crime free zones."
Taciana: "My big strong hero. Mmmwwah."
Jackson: "Mmmwwah. Is this my award?"
Taciana: "No, that's your gratuity. Your award comes a bit later."
Jackson: "Woof. Woof. An award and a baby. Any more good news?"
Taciana: "Mom and the kids made this."
Jackson: "A cake?"
Taciana: "Look at the message, sweetie."
Jackson: "To the best hero on the planet. Thank you all."
Sherman: "It should have said heroes. Including me and Aubrey."
Aubrey: "So true. I totally rocked that taser."
Bolton was busy drinking tea.
Bolton: "Once again, proud of this family. You've grown so much, and I pray you become as wise we are."
Saba: "Well said, dear."
The adults hang out and chat, while the children play. Seven hours later, nightfall is approaching. Then Jackson leads his family and Aubrey back to their neighborhood in the Uptown District of Coastal City.

Author's Note: "Oh, yeah! Completed! Epilogue incoming!"