World of Paws: Balance of Heroes

New Allies

(Shown Above is Marion Travier, Tyalla's mother.)
The sun shines bright over the snowy landscape. Jackson opens his first and takes a quick ten minute shower.
Jackson: "Ahh yeah. Refreshing."
He then brushes his sharp teeth and combs his furry hair.
Jackson: "A little cologne and no worries."
Jackson checks on Sherman.
Jackson: "Hey, Munchkin... wake up. The sun's out."
Sherman: (yawns) "Good morning, Dad. Do they serve breakfast here? I'm a little hungry."
Jackson: "We'll go down and see, buddy. But first, I want you to wash up and groom yourself."
Sherman: "Ahh, Can I look wild today, Dad?"
Jackson: "No Sherman, we need to look presentable in front of the trainer and the Vitaea."
Sherman: "Why?"
Jackson: "Because it always pays to look your best and because I said so. Now don't come out until your down and here is a new set of clothes for you to change in."
Sherman: (pouts) "Okay. I'll go get clean."
Sherman places the new set of clothes near the sink and then hops in the shower. Seven minutes later, Sherman walks out of the shower, dries himself up, and puts on his new clothes before brushing his teeth.
Sherman: "All clean and groomed now."
Jackson: "Ahh, no you're not. No wild hair allowed."
Sherman: "Dang it."
Jackson: "Hold on."
Jackson combs his son's hair.
Sherman: "Dad... you're messing up my wild look."
Jackson: "Come on kiddo, hold still. Okay, and ....done. Now you look like a furry on a mission."
Sherman: "Now can we go?"
Jackson: "Alright, alright. Don't pout. We are going in a moment."
They take the elevator down to the lobby.
Jackson: "Excuse me, Sir? Is their a place where we can get some breakfast?"
Deer Hotel Employee: "Ah yes of course. We have the Decadée Café. You take a right just down that hall and make a left to the open buffet."
Jackson: "Okay, thank you."
Deer Hotel Employee: "Not a problem, sir."
Jackson and Sherman make their way to the Decadée Café. They eat their fill of an assorted breakfast explore the town to find the spiritual trainer, the Vitaea Spirits mentioned.
Sherman: "Where are we going, Dad?"
Jackson: "To find the trainer, so we can learn more abilities."
Sherman: "Yes! More skills!"
Jackson: "Easy, kiddo. We'll find the place. Don't worry. Hey! I don't mean intrude, but do you know where we find the spiritual trainer?"
Grey Cat Furry: "She lives in that cabin at the edge of town. Right over there. Wait? Aren't you Jackson Tontione? The guy who saved Glassbec ten years ago?"
Jackson: "Yes. I am."
Grey Cat Furry: "Oh, awesome! May I take a selfie with you?"
Jackson: "Um sure."
The fan takes a snaps a photo with his smartphone.
Grey Cat Furry: "Great! My family is gonna be stoked to hear the Hero of Glassbec is in town."
Jackson: "You're welcome and thank you. Come on Sherman, let's go."
They reach the cabin and Jackson knocks on the door. A girl wolf furry opens the door.
Jackson: "Hello young lady. Is there a spiritual trainer, here?"
Tyalla: "Hi! I'm Tyalla. Who... who are you?"
Jackson: "I am Mr. Tontione and this is my son, Sherman."
Sherman: "It's nice to meet you, Tyalla."
Tyalla: "Oooh, likewise. Hehe. Some furries call me TT."
Sherman: "What does the second T stand for?"
Tyalla: "Travier. Tyalla Travier."
She looks at Sherman with a curious expression.
Tyalla: "I've never met many wolf furries around here, except for Mr. Dolans. He's a little older than my Mom, but he checks up on us every once in a while. He's always been there for us while my Dad's been away."
Sherman: "Hmm... sounds generous of him."
Tyalla: "Yeah."
Marion: "Tyalla? Sweetheart? Who's at the door?"
Marion gasps at the furry individuals on her doorstep.
Marion: "Hello... I'm Marion Travier. I know who you both are, Jackson Tontione and your son, Sherman."
Jackson: "Yes, and you must be the spiritual trainer."
Marion: "Yes, indeed. We should get started as soon as possible, because Vakatarus is on his way now."
Jackson: "What? How long do we have before he attacks?"
Marion: "I am not sure. The Vitaea told me to to warn you that Vakatarus intends to take you out at any cost this time."
Sherman: "That monster is coming here too? Why?"
Marion: "He covets your father's ability to manipulate time and vengeance upon anyone
he loses against. My husband was one of them." (sighs sadly)
Jackson: "I am deeply sorry to hear that."
Sherman: "Me too, Ms. Travier."
Tyalla: "Mom, what are you talking about?"
Marion: "I'm sorry Tyalla, but your father was murdered in Arkson City."
Tyalla: "What? But... you said that he's on an extended trip for business reasons. Please tell me what happened, Mommy. I need to know."
Tyalla's starts to tear up.
Marion: "Ten years ago, Vakatarus had multiple manifestations of himself and your father wanted to go stop him and help some old friends out of the city."
Tyalla: "Mom, why didn't you tell me this before?"
Marion: "You were only a baby when I heard about what happened. His friend on the ACTF, George Carson, told me what happened the day after. He said... there was hardly.... anything left of him. I'm sorry Tyalla, I never wanted you to find this way, but I never wanted to group up knowing something as horrible as that occurred."
Tyalla: "You... I can't believe this!"
She runs off to her room and breaks down in tears.
Marion: "Tyalla!"
Marion: "Come on Jackson, Sherman, we should get to the Sonear Mountain and beget the spiritual training; including a way to summon the portal of Tyndarus."
Jackson: "How will this help us?"
Marion: "The portal of Tyndarus can be used to travel back to any location on Earth in a matter of seconds."
Sherman: "That's cool!"
Marion smiles at Sherman's reaction.
Marion: "It can be if used properly and in the right paws. If this power fell into the clutches of Vakatarus, it would mean disaster for everyone. No time to waste! Let's go."
Later on, they trek towards the Sonear Mountain to begin training. Marion stops at the peak of the mountain and silently forms a stance.
Jackson: "Follow her lead son."
Sherman: "Okay, Dad."
Marion: "Remember, some of these moves will be tough on the first try. So don't get discouraged. This one is known as the Electric Spirit Burst, you can use it create a temporary storm of light spirits around your enemies."
She moves her arms in fluid motion and uses the ability on pile of rocks nearby.
Jackson: "Understood."
Sherman: "Cool. I wanna try next."
Marion: "Hehe, give it shot."
Sherman copies her movements and uses the Electric Spirit Burst on a rock formation near the peak's edge.
Sherman: "I got it! Yeah!"
Jackson: "Great job, buddy. My turn now."
Jackson closes eyes and concentrates on a large boulder near his position.
Jackson: "Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq et maintenant. Keeyah!"
One swift move and the boulder shatters to pieces.
Marion: "Incredible! You two are fast learners. Now there's only a few more advanced moves left and one of them is something that even Vakatarus doesn't know or redirect."
Sherman: "Oooh, Oooh, show Ms. Travier! Show us!"
Jackson: "Easy son. She's getting to that."
Sherman: "Oh, sorry."
Marion: "It's okay. It's exciting to know you can help the world. Especially with a power you feel inside. I used to be like that when my husband showed me. Ahem, okay, next lesson. Here we go."
The trio train for several hours, learning, and perfecting their abilities.
Marion: "Yes! You did it! You are now masters of spiritual energy."
Jackson: "Thank you, Marion. It's been an honor to have you as our trainer."
Marion: "You're welcome, Jackson."
Sherman: "Oh yes! We are a team of heroes! Unnh! Hah! Hah! Hunnyah!"
This makes Jackson and Marion laugh at Sherman's excitement.
.....Shortly After......
They head back down to Barkdom Hollow.
Marion: "I will see you both tomorrow morning!"
Jackson: "See ya then, Marion! Come on buddy. Let's go back to hotel and get some rest."
Sherman: "Can I go to the indoor waterpark once we get back?"
Jackson: "Hmm... alright. But only if you've caught up on your homework."
Sherman: "Dad, I'm way ahead on the homework assignments. More than anyone else in class. Please? Can I go? Please?"
Jackson: "Hmm... okay... but be back at the room by ten-thirty."
Sherman: "Can it be ten-forty at night, instead?"
Jackson: "Ten-thirty five. Final offer, going once! Going twice! And..."
Sherman: "Okay, deal."
Jackson: "Give a strong, firm pawshake, my son. It always lets the other furry know you mean business."
They make it back to the hotel and return to the room. Sherman changes into his swim-trunks and goes to the pool, while Jackson goes to the weight room for intense exercise.
......Three hours later......
Sherman was wading in the lazy river after trying out all the slides and attractions in the water park.
Sherman: "Ahh, this is perfect. Nothing to worry about for one or two more hours."
He hears the voice of someone familiar, laughing with other furry children. But it wasn't just any wolf girl, it was none other than Tyalla Travier.
Sherman: "How did she get here?"
He swims out the lazy river and moves toward her and her friends.
Sherman: "Hi Tyalla."
Tyalla: "Hi, Sherman! What's going on?"
Sherman: "I'm great. Just relaxing in the pool, mostly. So... what are you doing here? I thought you were still at your house?"
Tyalla: "I am still mad at my mom, so I snuck out to have a fun time away from her."
Sherman: "What if she's worried about you and tries to find you?"
Tyalla: "I love my mom, but how I can forgive her for not telling me the truth about my dad... being killed by a dark spirit. How could she hide that from me?"
Sherman: "Hey guys, could you give us a moment?"
Grizzly Bear Furry: "Sure."
Black Bear Furry: "Yeah, no rush. We'll catch meet up at the Super-Slide."
Caribou Furry: "Yeah, we understand. Personal moment."
Sherman: "Anyway, Tyalla, your mother was probably afraid of how you'd react if she told you too early."
Tyalla: "I guess. But it still hurts."
She sheds a few more tears.
Tyalla: "Do you know what it's like to lose someone you never got the chance to know?"
Sherman: "Actually, yes. I do know what it's like."
Tyalla: "Who was it? For you I mean?"
Sherman: "When I was two years old. My Dad told me where I came from and he said my real parents were killed by a monster. At first I was upset, but I eventually forgave him and my Mom a day later. In the end, I told them I was happy to have them as my parents."
Tyalla: "Wow, you're better at this forgiving thing than I am."
Sherman: "You don't have to rush it, but it's something you need to consider."
Tyalla: "Thanks, Sherman. You wanna go to the slide with me and my friends?"
Sherman: "Yeah, we still have an hour and a half left until I have to go to bed."
Tyalla: "I'll probably be yelled at for sneaking out, but I will take advice and see if can try to forgive my mom."
They go to the water slides and continue having a fun afternoon. Afterwards, they go their separate ways. Sherman takes the elevator to the hotel room and knocks on the door.
Sherman: "Dad? Dad, I'm back."
The door opens and Jackson lets him in.
Jackson: "Hey buddy, how was the pool?"
Sherman: "It was fun! I got to go on all the water slides! Even the biggest one called the Super-Slide!"
Jackson: "Glad you had fun, kiddo. Now off to bed. Big day tomorrow."
Sherman: "Maybe the Vitaea Spirits could teach us more moves like Ms. Travier did."
Jackson: "Hehe, remember son, tomorrow is often a mystery until someone..."
Sherman: "Makes it happen."
Jackson: "See? It pays off when you listen to your Dad. Goodnight, Sherman."
Sherman: "Night, Dad."
He tucks Sherman in and turns off the lights before going to bed himself. The next morning, Sherman woke up first and watches the sun rise. He goes to his father's side of the room and shakes his arm to wake him.
Jackson: "Mmm... it's morning already?"
Sherman: "Morning, Dad! Can we use the portal of Tyndarus after we get ready?"
Jackson: "Of course we can."
Sherman: "Oh yeah!"
The two clean up and groom themselves before using the portal. Only to find out that Vakatarus was nearby and close to their location.
Jackson: "Come on buddy, lets go. Through the portal, now."
Sherman goes through and Jackson follows after.
Vakatarus: "I know Jackson was here, I can sense their spiritual essence. Can't be far now."
He continues his search of Barkdom Hollow, causing most of the visitors and residents to hide indoors.
....Meanwhile.....
Jackson: "Listen, Vakatarus is here. We have to fight him off."
Marion: "Okay, there is no other choice."
Sherman: "Yeah! Let's do this!"
Jackson: "Stay close to me during the battle, Sherman."
Sherman: "I will."
Marion: "Time for a little payback."
Jackson: "Vakatarus! We are right here! If you want our power, you're going to have to take from us, first!"
Vakatarus appears in the sky, right in front of them and roars with glee.
Vakatarus: "At last. Now Jackson, I can enjoy the pleasure of killing you and your pathetic brat too!"
Sherman: "Who's he calling a brat?"
Jackson: "Sherman don't take the bait. He's trying to make you angry and lose control of your spirit power."
Sherman breathes in and out with calm mind like he trained to and uses a Spirit Missile against Vakatarus, brutally wounding him.
Vakatarus: "Gaaah! The light!
Vakatarus' appendages sharpen like daggers and attempts to hit Sherman.
Marion: "Remember! Use the Spirit Wall to block all wicked beings. Ready? Now!"
Jackson, Marion, and Sherman work together to create a Spirit Wall so massive to deter Vakatarus from breaking through.
Vakatarus: "You fools think you can stop me? I am Harbinger of Chaos! Muuhahahahahaha! The Bringer of Destruction and the Lord of all the things vile!"
Jackson: "Vakatarus, please.... You don't have to be this way. I know there's a spark of good in you! I know it!"
Vakatarus unleashes a massive wave of dark spirit energy over Barkdom Hollow.
Vakatarus: "You are wasting your time; thinking you can change me. Yet, I will be the one who brings pain down all beings of this planet, then the Vitaea, and every other spirit in the Realm of the Great Beyond. Say goodbye, Jackson. Yaah!"
His sharpened tail penetrates the earth beneath their feet and grabs all three of them.
Jackson: "Aaaagh!"
Marion: "Let us go!"
Sherman: "Stop! You hurt my them, and I'll hurt you!"
Vakatarus: "Hahaha! This one's got some fire in his soul, I like it. Perhaps I'll devour you and your essence first."
Sherman: "Yeah?"
Sherman moves his foot upward and a light blast breaks the entity's grip on him and Marion."
Vakatarus: "Grrr! Oh Hehehe! I suggest you all surrender yourselves and your powers."
Marion: "And why would we do that?"
Vakatarus: "So that I may spare all the townfolk here."
Manifestations of Vakatarus appear with innocent furries in their clutches.
Jackson: "What if we refuse?"
Vakatarus: "Then I have no choice but to devour these mortals. Leaving their lifeless husk devoid of light. And, there's the added joy of watching them instantly perish, together. What's your choice, heroes?"
Tyalla: "None of the above!"
Vakatarus: "Whaaa...?"
A few blasts of electric and spiritual energy vaporize three of Vakatarus' manifestations.
Vakatarus: "Aaaaah! Huh? You! Baah!"
He tries smacking her down, but Tyalla blocks his blow and levitates down to free her mother first. They both in turn free Jackson and Sherman. The four stand together and defeat Vakatarus after combining their spirit energies.
Vakatarus: "This is not war is far from over Jackson Tontione! The next time, won't be so simple after I wipe you out!"
He leaves Barkdom Hollow; back the way he came.

Author's Note: "Oh yes! Whoo! This chapter was so fun to make! Get ready! Cause another is coming y'all!"