Chapter III: A Haven

“What happened here?!” A guard shouted. More came to see the inside of the Cathedral destroyed. A legion of guards on the outside saw Luna and Nero. “Those foxes did this.” A guard said. “No way their just animals how could they do this. Another guard said. “RUN!” Nero shouted to Luna as they both took off. “Don’t let them escape!” The captain of the guards said. The foxes ran on the side of the Cathedral until they jumped landing on a nearby building. The legion of soldiers followed them but stopped. “Send the strike team.” The captain said on a communicator. “I don‘t like this Nero.” Luna said. The foxes continued running but stopped as a legion off heavy armored solider with pistols on their side, gauntlets on their arms, and gas masks came out of nowhere. “Take em down.” A solider said. “Great more trouble.” Nero said as he dodged a few punches and kicks by the guards. “Come on Nero at least you get to have some fun too.” Luna said slashing a guard with her claws. The fight went on for a while but the soldiers didn’t stand a chance. “Only ten punks left.” Luna said echoing to dodge bullets being shot at her. Nero shot a large blast of dark energy at three soldiers knocking them off the building. “Too easy-.” Nero started to say but was interrupted by a painful cry. He looked back to see Luna flying toward him and caught her. “It hurts...Nero it hurts so much. Luna whined holding her bleeding leg. “These foxes are way too cocky, let me just put them out of their misery.” The leader said pulling his gun out. “How dare you harm her!” Nero shouted putting her down activating his seal. An aura of dark energy covered Nero as his power increased and a pattern formed on the left side of his face. “Wha- what the hell is this?” A solider said seeing the second tail and the aura. “I’ll kill you!” Nero shouted as he echoed toward them. The soldiers just started to fly off the building landing where the guards were. They were shocked to see multiple scars with dark energy coming out off them. “You okay Luna?” Nero asked as the pattern on his face faded and the two tails combined into one. “Let my guard down and one off them shot me, but this bullet it’s not normal it’s like it burning into my skin and it hurts.” Luna said in pain. “Come on think you can get on my back I’ll get us out of here.” Nero said. “Sorry I got cocky Nero.” Luna said as she climbed on his back. “Hey no worries now hang on tight.” Nero said as he echoed off the building and into the street. “Don’t let them escape!” The leader of the soldiers said. They actually think they can keep up with my speed foolish humans. Nero thought as he ran off leaving them in the dust. “What are they?” A solider said seeing them speed off. The sun started to set as Nero slowed down a bit trying to find a place for them to rest. Finally, he stopped at a back alley seeing a large hole in the one of the walls. "We can rest in here." Nero said letting Luna off his back. The room inside was worn but suitable for the both of them. Luna limped over to a worn out couch to rest but the pain in her leg caused her to stumble at bit." I guess the pain didn't leave as fast as I thought. Luna said as she got on the couch "All right time to get that bullet out." Nero said walking toward her. "All right this is going to hurt so think of something happy." Nero said reaching the bullet in her leg. "Ohh that's easy its-" Luna started to say but was interrupted by Nero pulling the bullet out. "AHH! Darn it Nero warn me when your going to do that!" Luna shouted in pain. "Sorry Luna it was the only way to get it out." Nero said tossing the bullet aside. The bullet itself turned red and spikes came pumping out acid. "See I told you it wasn't normal." Luna said activating her seal to heal her wound. "I see humans don't like us." Nero said. "That guy I fought seemed to know something about getting the fifth tail. Luna said with her head on her paws. "Friendship you two have won't be enough to get it that's what he said at least. Nero said looking at Luna. "Going beyond friendship is what he meant possibly." Nero said resting on a worn rug. "Maybe love is what he meant.” Luna said seductively batting her eyes at Nero. “Oh stop it Luna.” Nero said looking away blushing. Luna‘s stomach growled. “Hungry huh?” Nero said. “A little.” Luna said looking at a box and opening it. “What do we have here? Luna said looking inside. “I think humans call it pizza.” Nero said looking inside also. “Well it’s pretty good.” Luna chewing on a slice. "So Nero who is this Delacroix I heard that fat guy say something about him." Luna asked. "He was my master and I was his pet for a while until I found that he was trying to find the Tower of Chaos." Nero answered. "You left after that?" Luna asked. "Yeah because I also found he was using Kyubi and Beowolf powers to unlock it and I knew I would be next in line." Nero said. "I have some beef with he too." Luna said. "Oh?" Nero asked. "Yes now I see why my parents were taken away, to be used like keys to unlock some stupid tower!" Luna shouted with tears in her eyes. "Hey, hey don't worry we will stop him.” Nero said getting up and nuzzling her. “You think we can?” Luna asked wiping her tears. I know we can I promise.” Nero said.

Meanwhile in a unknown location

“Lord Delacroix the final seal is broken.” A man said.

“Has he been found Yami?” Delacroix asked him.

“Yes my lord.” Yami replied.

“Good so after years of running Nero your blood will be the final part in finding what I’ve been searching for." Delacroix said.

"What of that kid Marcus my lord?" Yami asked.

"Oh don't worry about him she will be more than a match for him. Delacroix

said looking behind him at a figure.

Chapter IV: The Tower of Chaos

A powerful earthquake started as a large tower came out of the ground. The tower was ninety feet high when it stopped. "No he didn't." Nero said as he walked out of the room he and Luna were in. "Didn't do wha-WHOA!" Luna said as she saw the tower. "So he did find it oh boy." Nero said. "Well at least we get to have more fun." Luna said cheerfully. "I swear you act like such a pup at times Luna." Nero said walking toward the tower. "Hey wait up Nero." Luna called as she ran after him. As they were getting closer to the tower, they found the city in ruins with a dead body here and there. "I guess everybody must have fled.” Luna said. “Those who could flee.” Nero said seeing the corpses. One of the bodies Luna passed grabbed her leg. "AHH!" Luna screamed, as she broke free. The dead body got up and tentacles started sticking out of its head. “Ugh more them.” Nero said blasting one behind him with dark energy. “Where do these things come from anyway?” Luna asked dodging a tentacle. “Once we get inside we can ask Delacroix some questions.” Nero answered taking out the last one.

Meanwhile inside the tower Marcus was in the library part of it trying to get some info on these parasites. “So you guys going to help me read this books or are going to cause a ruckus?” Marcus asked seeing suits of amour with lances walking toward him. One of the suits thrust its lance at Marcus “Ruckus it is then.” Marcus said catching the lance with the book, he was reading. The amour pulled its lance back and swung it toward Marcus but he dodged it pulling his sword out in the process. "All right tin cans let's rock!" Marcus said charging at them. On the other side of the tower, Nero and Luna got inside and after climbing a few stairs to get higher up they came across a large door. "I got this." Nero said walking toward the door putting his paw on it and pushing as hard as he could. "I guess you don't." Luna said as Nero walked toward her. "Maybe, maybe not." Nero said stopping at Luna's side. The foxes on their hind legs ran toward the door and at the same time side kicked it but nothing happened. They both were about to blast the door their paws glowing with energy. "Yoo hoo!" A voice called out. The foxes looked behind themselves to see a clown in a worn outfit with a few blood pecks on it. "There's no need for violence foxes." He said. Luna stared at him but Nero ignored him and was about to fire but the clown stopped him. "Wait, wait, best to listen to what others say lad". He said putting his pale-gloved hands on their shoulders to calm them. "This tower here is very durable.” He said knocking on the door. “You see, your little foxy tricks will do no good, absolutely nothing. He said smiling big showing sharp fangs in his mouth. “Zip it circus freak, or I’ll pop that red nose.” Luna said putting her paw in his face. “That could be a problem.” He said staring at her paw. “Just hear me out, you two have nothing to lose.” He said backing up. “The name’s Bozo young ones and I know a little about this place.” Bozo said bowing. “That block of stone is actually a device to unlock all the doors in this tower at least that is what Delacroix what’s you to think.” Bozo said walking tower the block. “Yeah but to open these doors you need to apply something first. Know what that is foxes or is that too hard for you.” Bozo said laughing manically after. Nero could not stand it and began shooting dark needles at Bozo’s feet. Bozo dodged by dancing to avoid the needles. “Get to the point already, or do you want to keep dancing?” Nero said stopping. “Whew, but I’d prefer a sword to be my dance partner, my I have this dance my lady?” Bozo said bowing. Nero was about to form energy into one but Luna did it before him and struck. The energy blade hit the block but Bozo was gone, the tower shock at little and the door in front of them opened. “BINGO! That is what the something is!” A voice said. Nero and Luna looked back to see Bozo on the ceiling. “Remember that you two write it down on your paws if you don’t trust your heads.” Bozo said laughing crazily. Luna shot needles at him but he dodged them his voice faded as he got father away. “Hmm thanks, you still piss me off though let‘s go Luna.” Nero said seeing Bozo gone walking through the door on all fours with Luna behind him. A pistol fired and a helmet dropped to the ground. Marcus looked at the helmet as a spider looking parasite crawled out of it. Marcus stepped on it killing it. These things can control an object, that’s not good at all. Marcus thought putting his sword on his back. “So why did you kill Kor at the Cathedral Marcus why?” A voice said. Marcus turned to see a female gray beowolf up on the balcony looking down at him. "Kiba?" Marcus said as he started at her. "Close but no I'm Nova." She said landing where Marcus was. "But you look so similar." Marcus said walking toward her. "So why did you kill him?" Nova asked getting up on her hind legs. “Who?” Marcus asked. “Kor, the old man at the cathedral remember?” Nova said. "He had those things inside of him I had no choice." Marcus said stopping. "The plague isn't a bad thing you know.” Nova said disappearing. “I had to kill my parents because of them but once I find a way to cure this thing this city won’t have to suffer like I did.” Marcus said drawing his sword. “You can’t stop us Marcus!” Nova said reappearing in his face and punching toward him. Marcus blocked the punch with his sword, with his left hand pulled a pistol out, and fired. Nova dodged the bullet jumping back and shooting a red energy blast at him, Marcus countered by charging energy in his sword and swinging it a Nova creating a blue energy wave. The powers crashed creating an explosion.

Chapter V: Blood, Tails, and A Old Friend

Smoke was everywhere and Marcus jumped high to get out of it, when he did Nova appeared in front of him and punched again. Marcus disappeared to dodge it but when he reappeared behind Nova she disappeared. Marcus landed on a ledge only to have Nova appear on the side and slash at him. Marcus dodged, grabbed her paw, pulled her toward him and kneed her in the stomach. Nova moaned in pain. “Just kidding Marcus.” Nova said kicking him in the side sending him flying toward the wall. He hit it hard making a large dent in it. Does it hurt?" Nova asked looking at him from the ground. Marcus then limped off the dent and disappeared. Nova looked around and saw him reappear far behind her. Such power just like Kiba's. Marcus thought. "Don't space out me Marcus." Nova said appearing behind him. Marcus spun around and swung his sword toward her but she blocked with her paw energy coursing through it. "Sorry too weak." Nova said punching him in the stomach, then the kicked in the face sending him toward a rail. Marcus spit out blood in his mouth and looked up seeing Nova towering above him. She grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up. Marcus growled his eyes gold and broke free and stuck her in the face. Nova stood there unfazed and unleashed a barrage of attacks on him with lighting speed and grabs him by the throat again. “Don’t fight it Marcus I’ll make your death painless.” Nova said licking the blood off his mouth. Marcus pulled a necklace out of his hoodie and showed it to her. Nova gasped seeing it and let Marcus go. "My head...uhh it hurts." Nova moaned getting on all fours. "Hey Kiba are you all right?" Marcus asked walking toward her. “BACK OFF!” Kiba shouted blasting Marcus with energy. When he got back up Nova was gone. Kiba, my old friend what’s happened to you? Marcus thought as he leaned back on the rail to rest. In the upper levels Nero and Luna were running up a long flight of stairs. “He’s close I can feel it are you ready Luna?” Nero asked running faster. “Oh yeah.” Luna answered. Instantly after the two foxes stopped talking spider parasites came falling off the ceiling ambushing Luna. “Luna!” Nero shouted running back to her. “Go on Nero, I’ve got this!” Luna shouted to him blasting a spider in the process. “Don’t die on me Luna!” Nero shouted as he kept going up the stairs. “Same to you!” Luna shouted. The stairs seemed to go on forever but he made it to the top and found himself in a large area. He looked around and saw that the ground had strange open grooves in them, and also saw two stone pillars with the same grooves in them. Suddenly a man with a black coat, long dark blue hair, tan skin, with a katana appeared. “It’s been a long time, Nero.” Delacroix said walking toward him. “I knew you would come but I didn’t know you brought a vixen along to join your suffering, you changed in these last eight months.” Delacroix said stopping. “You haven’t changed at all of course.” Nero said turning to face him and getting on his hind legs. Delacroix drew his katana as Nero ran toward him. Nero made an energy sword and swung it at Delacroix but he dodged it and swung his sword sending an energy wave at him. Nero jumped back to avoid it but Delacroix disappeared. Nero looked up when he landed but Delacroix was behind him and knocked him aside. Nero tried to get up but he pinned him down with energy. Just as he was about to raise his sword to finish him needles hit him the chest. Delacroix looked back to see Luna on her hind legs, pattern on her face and body and three tails swaying back and forth. "This is for my family." Luna said claws glowing. "Well, well the young vixen you did have an eye for the cute ones Nero." Delacroix said. "SHUT UP!" Luna shouted as she shot a large energy blast at him. Delacroix stood there as the blast dissolved and a tiny speck of light hit his cheek. Delacroix grunted and a shockwave of energy struck Luna sending her flying toward the wall hitting it hard. Luna landed on the ground in pain. "Foolish foxes its useless." Delacroix said pinning Luna with the same energy Nero was and bound her to the stone pillar. He turned back and did the same with Nero. “After all those months of staying with me before you ran off Nero, I never told you what I was after in the first place did I?” Delacroix asked walking toward the two foxes. “Sorry didn’t want to hear it.” Nero said growling at him. “You both know that there were two foxes whose power was just unstoppable, and they both knew this so they asked that when they die their bodies be taken to a place where know no could try to get that power.” Delacroix said pacing. Nero’s eyes widened. “They also made sure that if found the person who found it would have to use the blood of both Beowolf and Kyubi to get it, and you’re the last one Nero.” Delacroix said walking toward Luna. “So why Luna is here you bastard, she has nothing do with this let her go!” Nero shouted. “She’s here because I might need another fox’s blood to use in case yours doesn’t break the last seal, and when it breaks those foxes swords will be mine.” Delacroix said as a glowing sword appeared in the air. Delacroix took it and stabbed Luna in the leg causing her to cry out. "Stop it leave her alone.” Nero growled. Luna suddenly felt weaker as her seal faded. “What just happened?” Luna asked noticing her power gone. “Oh forgot to tell you guys that these special ghost swords drain Kyubi seal powers.” Delacroix said walking toward Nero. Luna watched as her blood trickled down her leg onto the grooves in the ground and into a hole in the center of the room. “You don’t realize the power of those two foxes, why do you think they had their power locked up so no one would find it!” Nero shouted to Delacroix. “Listen to you Nero you’re yapping.” Delacroix said drawing his katana but he stopped and sheathed it. “You need to rest.” He said summoning a sword and driving it through Nero’s chest. Blood sprayed out of his mouth as he cried out in pain. Nero’s body soon went limp as blood poured out of him. “NERO!” Luna shouted tears in her eyes. Nero almost passed out from blood loss but he used the last of his strength to make the seal glow on his back. In his mind he wonder what was going to happen to them then he saw Luna far off and she walked toward him. “Hey Nero, I’m glad I got to know you.” Luna said. “Luna what are you talking about-” Nero started to say but Luna started fading into light specks. “No Luna wait!” Nero said trying to grab her. “Nero I wanted to go beyond friendship because I-” Luna started to say but she had faded away completely. “Luna, LUNA!” Nero shouted. “I swear it! I swear I’m going to get us out of this, together Luna! Nero said tears in his eyes. “LUNA!” Nero shouted in his mind. Outside his mind Luna hung her head down but looked up at Nero seeing a large dark aura around him and a pattern across his face and body, and five tails. Delacroix stooped walking toward the center of the room and looked at Nero. A large explosion of dark energy covered the room and Nero walked slowly on his hind legs. “It was from that point onward, my strength changed." Nero said in a raspy voice. “And a voice echoed...power.....get, more power! If I have to give into darkness, so be it, I’ll do anything to protect my MATE!” Nero said summoning a medium sized black sword and swung it sending a black energy wave at Delacroix but he blocked it with his katana. “Pretty cool.” Delacroix said disappearing. Nero stopped the seal fading and collapsed on the ground. “Nero hang on!” was all he could hear before passing out. Nero awoke slowly and tried to get up but Luna's paw lightly pushed him back down. "You need to rest Nero, that power really took a toll on you luckily I found this hole in the wall that was worn." Luna said getting up. "I didn't expect this tail to be so powerful." Nero moaned. "Please just try to get some sleep." Luna said walking out of the hole in the wall. I know Nero wants to protect me but he almost got killed and it’s my fault. I've got to stop Delacroix now, I don't know what I would do if I lost you Nero. Luna thought as she kept walking. "Nero, I'm sorry." Luna whispered as she ran off.

Chapter VI: Forest of Shadows and Fox vs. Wolf

After going up more stairs Luna found herself in a forest that spread for miles. "This tower must be larger than we thought." Luna said echoing down into it. While in the forest and fighting a lot of parasite spiders and knights she felt another presence of something familiar. Darkness, but Nero couldn't have followed me here. Luna thought. Meanwhile Marcus had already made it to a into large room in the middle of the forest. "Well what do we have here?" Marcus said looking at a strange crystal with small tentacles coming out of it floating in a container. He grabbed it but when he did it absorbed into his hand. “Whoa, didn’t see that coming.” Marcus said surprised. “Well if it isn’t my old buddy wolf boy.” A voice said. Marcus turned to see Bozo with a scythe on his back. “Oh god no your the last person I need to see Bozo.” Marcus said pulling his pistols and firing at Bozo who dodged the bullets with ease. “Don’t be so quick to fight Marcus I have only come to tell you stop trying to kill the plague it’s useless, unless you back both crystals or do you not care for that young wolf Marcus?” Bozo said laughing while hovering in midair before disappearing. Darn you Delacroix I will stop these things and get Kiba back I swear it! Marcus thought. Back in the forest Luna couldn’t take it anymore. “Enough show you’re self already!” Luna shouted. “It’s a pleasure to see you again Luna.” A voice said. “Yami.” Luna said as she looked up to see a man with silver hair in a gray straight jacket like suit and a mask on his face. “Honestly I thought of you and Nero as nothing more than a nuisance, by I see I was wrong the both of you can not run around unchained.” Yami said small dark clouds hovering around him. Luna jumped toward him and tried to slash at him with her claws but Yami faded into darkness. She landed on the ground but then darkness started to cover her. "Here, let me show you true darkness." Yami said his voice echoing. Luna found herself floating in a dark area; it was so dark she couldn't see her paw in her face. "No, let me out!" Luna said in the darkness. Luna started breathing heavy panicking. "LET ME OUT!" Luna shouted. "Please, I just want to see Nero again." Luna said softly. "Ahh so your attachment to him extends beyond friendship I see." Yami said. "No I just don't want to lose him." Luna said activating her seal. "This is why I won’t lose to you!" Luna shouted. A large wave of light burst through the dark dome Yami created and the forest returned. Luna with four tails echoed toward Yami and struck him in the chest with an energy sword. Yami staggered from the blow but struck Luna with a dark curved blade wounding her as well. Luna then put most of her energy in a ball and launched at Yami and he did the same. The power created a huge explosion making a huge hole in the ground trees were scattered like sticks everywhere. Luna looked where Yami was but he was gone. Luna sighed her tails going back to one, got down on all fours and continued walking. After a little while she felt darkness again and turned around about to blast whatever it was but stopped. "Why did you come out here all alone Luna?" Nero asked sitting. Luna lowered her head. "You came this far to kill Delacroix, to avenge your family?" Nero said walking toward her. "Your all I have left Nero, if I lose you I might die." Luna said raising her head back up. "I can tell you it’s dangerous to try and fight Delacroix alone." Nero said stopping. "But if I don't then-" Luna started but lower her head back down. Nero raised Luna's head back up with his paw looking deep into her violet eyes. "Do you trust me?" Nero asked. "Yes, I do." Luna said quietly. Luna closed her eyes as they kissed until she gasped pulling back. Luna felt as if her heart skipped a beat "Wha-what's happening to me." Luna said noticing her seal active looking at Nero who was smiling at her. "Look behind you." Nero said looking at something behind her. She looked back to see five tails swaying back a forth. She looked back at Nero and nuzzled him before pulling back. "But what about that sword you had." Luna asked. "You mean this one." Nero said without using his seal to summon his black sword in his right paw. Luna looked at it in awe the blade was medium sized and double edged but the handle looked like a fox's tail. "I think I have a good picture." Luna said closing her eyes as she summoned a sword identical to Nero's but white. “It seems once we get up to five tails we can use the sword in our other tailed stated or with just one tail. Nero said making his sword fade into a dark mist disappearing. “But when you got your fifth tail there was a large surge of energy and power why didn’t that happen to me?” Luna asked. “I guess because you didn’t want to see me die caused more feeling in you allowing love to blossom.” Nero said walking past her into the forest. "Nero!" Luna said as she caught up with him. "Will you...be my mate?" Luna asked blushing deeply looking into his gold eyes. "Did you not hear me when I got the fifth, I’ll do anything to protect my mate?" Nero answered. As they walked together Nero came across a crystal which he picked up. “What’s this?” Nero said staring at it. “Who knows keep it though it could bring a bit of luck.” Luna said. They continued walking until they reached a large room in the heart of the forest. “Let’s go inside, never know what you could find in there. Luna said lightly pushing on the door to the room. The two foxes walked inside but only after a few steps knights with sword popped out of nowhere. “Let me handle this Nero, I want to test out my new power.” Luna said summoning her sword and echoing toward the knights. Nero just blinked and the knights stopped moving and broke into little pieces. “Ouch still so mean.” Nero said walking toward her. “Will you stop saying that?” Luna said. When they went in one room there where two doors one far in the back and another going down. Luna growled as see saw a familiar face. “What took you lovebirds so long?” Marcus said getting up. “You, what are you doing here wolf boy?” Luna said. Marcus was about to answer but Luna just walked past him. “Forget we don’t have time to mess around.” Luna said pushing him roughly as she walked past him. “And neither do I.” Marcus said putting his hand on her shoulder. Luna annoyed rose on her hind legs and punched Marcus but he dodged. She tried to slash at him but he held both her paw at her chest. “So I’ll cut to the chase.” Marcus said eyes gold with slits in them. Nero echoed toward them but Marcus saw this coming and moved. Nero ran into Luna and they both crashed into a wall leaving a dent in it. “I’m here for that crystal you got.” Marcus said his nails turning into claws and taking his sword off his back. “Oh is that so.” Nero said in a raspy voice as he and Luna unleashed all five of their tails. “I really am going to need it, just give to me and I’ll stop bothering you foxes okay.” Marcus said. “Foxes huh, if that’s the only way you see us, we’ll teach you how to respect a Kyubi!” Luna said summoning her sword and sending a wave of energy at Marcus. He dodged it by jumping onto a ledge. “Well now at least I won’t have to hold back.” Marcus said his voice deeper as his eyes turned black as night and taking off the hoodie transforming into a werewolf. The wolf design on the sword opened its mouth. “All right you two let’s rock!” Marcus said jumping down sword on his shoulder. Luna was the first to strike echoing behind him and slashed with her sword but Marcus blocked it with his. Nero tried to stab Marcus with his sword but he pulled his pistol out and shot at Nero who dodged. Marcus pushed Luna off his blade and swung at her spun around and kicked Nero as he came at him once again. Luna landed and grabbed Marcus by the throat lifting him in the air but he broke out of it. They both staggered a bit but unleashed a flurry sword attacks on each other until Marcus pushed her sword down and struck from the left but she blocked with her paw. “That all ya got wolf boy?” Luna said before grabbing his sword and tossing his aside. Nero echoed in his face as his slid from the toss and punched him sending him into the wall. “You guys got a bit faster and stronger I see.” Marcus said wiping blood off his mouth and disappearing. The two foxes didn’t have to react as Marcus sliced at them from all sides finishing by sending an energy wave which struck the both of them. They both got up enraged as they echoed toward him. Marcus started spraying bullets everywhere a few were deflected back and hit him in the side and the shoulder but he shook them off. The speed the three were fighting at was to fast for the human eye to keep up with. Now tired using so much energy fighting at that high speed their moves were slowing down. Nero pushed Marcus back with his sword which allowed Luna to slash him with her sword but he blocked it. The two sent a barrage of sword slashes at Marcus which he barely blocked. Luna then pushed Marcus's sword down and Nero stuck up with great force causing Marcus to lose his sword. Seeing him defenseless time slowed down as they both charged straight at him but Marcus flipped over the both of them and pushed their heads forward making them stumble and fall to the ground. Marcus landed and his sword fell right back in his hand and he drove it in the ground. Nero and Luna tried to get back up and strike but Marcus grabbed their paws and pushed them toward each other so the swords were at each others hearts. They growled at him and he growled back. "You two cooled off yet?" Marcus asked breathing heavy and taking his paws off theirs. Luna and Nero just stared at him. “Come on, what’s with the stares.” Marcus said changing back into his human form. “Why should we give you this to you anyway?” Luna asked getting up her sword disappearing in a white mist. “That thing is the other half off this plague crystal, which I am going to use to stop this thing and save my friend.” Marcus said putting his hoodie back on. “I guess we all have are reasons for coming to this tower.” Nero said tossing the crystal to Marcus. The crystal in his hand came out and bonded with the other. “I can tell you two are strong enough to stop Delacroix, but keep calm and don’t lose your cool alright you two.” Marcus said taking his sword out the ground putting it on his shoulder and walking toward the door going down. Time slowed as Nero and Luna walked past Marcus toward the door in the far back. “Hey, I can remember faces but what are you guys names? Marcus asked without looking at them. “Nero and this is Luna.” Nero said stopping not looking back either. “You said your name was Marcus right?” Luna asked. “Not a bad name.” Luna said as she followed Nero who opened the door. “Neither is yours vixen.” Marcus said as he watched them go through the door and into the snowy tundra beyond it. “Good luck.” Nero said. “Same to you two.” Marcus said. And with that Nero closed the door.

Chapter VII: Otherworld and The Plague Tower

Wind and snow blew softly as the foxes walked on all fours though the tundra. Luna shook some snow off her coat and continued. "Which are you more tired or hungry?" Nero asked as they walked. "I could use break, and I am a little hungry." Luna said. Nero looked around and saw a cave far off and two rabbits sniffing about. "Hmm, two birds with one stone." Luna said crouching stealthy toward them. "Two rabbits is more like it." Nero said joining her. They carefully waited until the rabbits were unaware and then pounced on them. Meanwhile back in the room in the forest. "So come back for more headaches Kiba." Marcus said as the gray wolf walked toward him on hind legs. "I told you my name but you insist on calling me Kiba." Nova said. "After our first fight my mind was flood with memories about you and a wolf pack, now I'm going to make them stop by taking you out of existence!" Nova shouted sending a blast of energy at Marcus blocked it with his sword. "So you do remember our good times together, aww I feel all warm and fuzzy inside." Marcus said. "SHUT UP!" Nova shouted sending a very large blast of energy at Marcus. As the blast came toward him Marcus charge a lot of energy in his and shot it at the blast. In the cave Nero and Luna were eating the rabbits they caught. “You think Marcus will okay. Luna said as she finished eating. “Trust me he had his own reason to come here so he will be fine.” Nero said getting up and walking toward the mouth of the cave. Nero saw a castle in the distance and looked back. "Hey Nero will you do something for me?" Luna asked staring at him. "Are you sure you want to do this, now of all times. Nero said knowing what she wanted to do. "Please I really want this now." Luna whined rolling on her back. "All right." Nero said walking toward her. The blast Marcus sent at the one Nova sent at him collided and huge explosion occurred sending them both flying back. “Come on Kiba, I know you remember me think.” Marcus said getting up. Nova stopped his talking by grabbing and throwing him into a large pillar. "I know you need to just die already." Nova said walking toward him. "Well I guess this is the only way." Marcus said taking the same necklace out of his hoodie. "No...stop it please." Nova moaned her paws on her head. "Delacroix brainwashed you Kiba wake up." Marcus said as he put his sword on his back walked toward Nova who was on all fours on the ground. "This necklace was yours anyway." Marcus said putting the necklace around Nova's neck. The wolf laid there for a while eyes closed but then got up shaking her head. "Ugh, what happened?" The wolf said. "Kiba, your back at last!" Marcus said hugging her. "Where did I go Marcus?" Kiba asked hugging him back. "Its a long story." Marcus said. "You still have the sword and guns I see." Kiba said looking at the long claymore blade. "The guns have alchemic symbols on them so I have infinite bullets and Kiba you gave me your fang to make this sword when you broke my small one so of course I still have it " Marcus said. "Hey we didn't mean too, the pack and I thought you were a hunter, but since you showed much interest in beowolves after your sword broke the elders said you could stay as the first human in a beowolf pack." Kiba said. "Then you bit me giving me your energy powers." Marcus said nudging her. "You wised you had powers like mine so I gave them to you." Kiba said. "Then you left us." Kiba said softly. "I told you why Kiba I had to stop these things." Marcus said. The castle seemed so far for the two foxes but they pressed on. After getting a little closer to the castle Nero dodges a long needle like claw. "It seemed a little too easy, knew that could not be true." Luna said seeing a large plague spider. "This thing does not know who its messing with!" Nero shouted summoning his sword and slicing its head off. “Ouch did we change bodies or something Nero?” Luna asked seeing the decapitated creature. “I’m just want all this to stop already.” Nero said as he continued walking. After fighting more they finally reached the castle and walked inside it. Meanwhile Marcus made his way down into the basement part of the tower. Kiba wanted to come with him but Marcus told her to rest and recover her strength. As he continued he found himself in a large place with pillars on both sides of him. “All right time to finish this plague.” Marcus said taking his pistols out as plague knights charged at him. His pistols glowed blue and he fired so many shots the knights didn’t know what hit them. Marcus ran up some stairs and came to a cathedral like place. Oh joy another one. Marcus thought as he put his pistols away and pulled his sword out. “I smell unholy powers in this place.” Marcus said sniffing the air. Just then a large plague spider came from the ceiling. Ugh more of them, well at least I know I’m close. Marcus thought charging at the spider slicing it in two. Inside the castle there were two stairs going in different directions. "I'll take the right." Nero said activating his seal with three tails behind him. "Then the left is mine." Luna said activating her seal with two tails behind her. The two getting on their hind legs took separate paths but hoped to see each other at the end of them. On Nero's side of the stairs he came across a large portal and went inside. When he did Bozo came out from a portal in the ground. "Welcome to hell!" Bozo said bowing with his scythe on his back. "Darn it." Nero said summoning his sword. On Luna's side of the stairs she ran into Yami again and the two were already fighting with their swords. "Sorry but you are not going any further." Yami said as they locked blades. "Well see about that." Luna said pushing his blade back. Meanwhile in the basement of the tower Marcus came across a huge parasite tower over fifty feet high with swirling stalks holding up a large eye. "What the?" Marcus said lowering his pistols. "Ahh is it not beautiful?" A voice said. Marcus looked up seeing Kor high on the tower. "Not really, but how are you still alive?" Marcus asked raising his pistols at him. "The tower young one it is the source of the plagues power, as long as it stands they will just keep coming but as for me with some of the tower inside my body I'm immortal." Kor said an aura coming off his body. "Blah, blah blah are ya done yapping." Marcus said annoyed. "Was it not your intention to save this wolf?" Kor said as the eye on the tower oozed back and showed Kiba inside it. "KIBA!" Marcus said. "Time to die boy!" Kor said as Kiba went back in the eye and he disappeared. Meanwhile Nero was dodging floating energy balls as Bozo flung them at him. "Is this the best you can do?" Bozo asked. Nero echoed behind him and struck with his sword but Bozo teleported. "Hey there." Bozo said appearing to the side of Nero and swinging his scythe wildly laughing crazily. Nero blocked all the strikes and sliced Bozo in the stomach. Instead of blood multi colored streamers came out. "It just could not get any worse could it?" Nero said as Bozo swung again with his scythe like a mad man but it was futile. "Sorry Bozo but its time for the clown to bow out." Nero sending a large energy wave at Bozo splitting him in two. On Luna's side Yami was just out of breath. "Just give up Yami." Luna said her claws glowing. "Silence!" Yami shouted as he ran at her sword out. Luna dodged the blade stabbed Yami with light needles and continued walking out. "What the, get back here you little-" But Yami's sentence was cut short but Luna clenching her paw causing the needles in his body to explode. In the basement Marcus continued fighting Kor who created an energy barrier around himself was also floating in the air. Marcus saw his bullets were bouncing back at him. "Fool you will fail!" Kor said sending a wave of fire at him. Marcus jumped to avoid it and swung his sword at the barrier breaking at layer. Kor flew back seeing the barrier breaking but Marcus sent an energy wave at him which broke it. Now on the ground Marcus charged with his sword at Kor who blocked with his staff and stuck him in the chest sending him sliding back. Marcus recovered and kept swinging his sword but Kor kept blocking his attacks with his staff. It wasn't until he knocked his staff out of his hands that Marcus was about to slice him but instead drove his sword in the ground and sent a barrage of punches and kicks at the pope and stopped with a punch to the gut. "This is why people don't like you!" Marcus said before finishing with an uppercut which sent him flying. While in midair he made another barrier. "Oh come on what is this, a bad story made up by some teenage boy who has nothing better to do?" Marcus said putting his sword on his shoulder. Meanwhile at the top of the castle Nero and Luna on all fours met up again but met Delacroix as well. "The time has finally come, since your blood is in place all that is left is the eclipse." Delacroix said turning to face them. "What's going to happen then?" Nero asked as he and Luna rose on their hind legs and activating their seals making three tails appear behind them. "The portal to the Otherworld will open and the swords will be mine." Delacroix said as he drew his katana. "But first you two have been around long enough its time to die." He said disappearing and appearing behind them. Nero and Luna dodged the sword swung at them and summoned their swords. Luna tried to stab him but he blocked her sword and pushed her back in time to dodged Nero’s sword swung at him. Delacroix disappeared again and appeared far away. “Don’t get too cocky foxes.” He said making a row ghost swords spin around him. “Uh oh.” Luna said. “Uh oh is right.” Delacroix said appearing behind her. Luna echoed away from him only to have him in her face and roundhouse kick her in the face. Nero echoed toward Delacroix swinging his sword at him but he blocked every strike and almost stabbed him with his katana but he dodged it. “Come now young foxes, where’s your motivation?” Delacroix said as the ghost swords started firing at both of them. Meanwhile Marcus was still battling the plague pope and the fight was even. “I sentence you to death!” Kor said waving his staff as lasers swirled around Marcus and starting boxing him in. Marcus charged his sword full of energy and swung it three times sending waves after the swings. The first wave took out the lasers, second took a layer down form the barrier and the last broke it. Kor on the ground again still blocked Marcus’ sword strikes but barely dodged the pistol in his face as he fired. Marcus saw his chance and knocked the staff out of his hands. He then quickly drove his sword in the ground and tried to punch but Kor blocked and head butt him and then punched him in the face and finished with a sweep kick and then side kicked him while he was still in midair. “Come on youngling is that all you got.” Kor said bouncing like Bruce Lee. “Okay enough of this foolishness!” Marcus shouted as he got up disappeared and appeared in Kor’s face and sent a seven minute barrage of punches and kicks on him and finished by moving so fast Kor thought Marcus was behind after his stopped. Only to realize that by a delayed reaction that Marcus back flip kicked him. Kor was sent flying toward the plague tower’s eye which he was absorbed into. “Let’s finish this.” Kor said his voice echoing. The eclipse was almost here. Nero and Luna were side by side breathing heavy their coats stained with their blood. Delacroix was not breathing heavy and covered in little blood except for the slash mark on his chest. “The time has come at last.” Delacroix said putting his katana back in its sheath. The instant he did it a large orb appeared beside Nero and Luna and sliced both of their front and back legs at the same time. On the ground and in pain they watched as the eclipse came and a beam of light struck the middle of tower its energy coursing through the entire structure. A portal opened in the sky as Delacroix walked toward the beam. “Thank you Nero and you two Luna, with out your blood none of this would have been possible.” Delacroix said not looking back at them as he walked into the beam of light and floated all the way into the portal. Nero got up on hind legs unleashing all five tails staring at the beam of light. “Luna I-” Nero started but Luna interrupted him. "No I'm not." Luna said on all fours looking at Nero with an angry look on her face. “But I didn’t even-” Nero started but again was interrupted by Luna. “I know what your going to say and I’m not just going to stay here while you face Delacroix alone.” Luna said embracing him hard. “Luna please knowing that your still here waiting for me will enough to help me get back to you.” Nero said pulling out of the embrace. “Come back to me...to us.” Luna said as she saw Nero about to walk in the portal. “Us?” Nero asked as he stopped. “Yeah I’m-” Luna started but stopped blushing as she put her paws on stomach. Nero realized what she was talking about and his eyes widen but he smirked. “So that’s why you wanted me to mate with you, even more of a reason to stop him and get back alive.” Nero said about walk in. “Promise me if you have to you will give in to your dark powers.” Luna said almost in tears. “I promise but, my father always told me if you do have to have someone as your light in the darkness that way you can return to those you love.” Nero said before as he started floating in the air and into the portal. Meanwhile inside the plague tower Marcus was almost at the top of this one, it was creepy inside the tower though. Big eyes were staring at him from the walls and the ground itself was spongy and squishy. To make matter worse large spider parasites and armored knights with lances and swords came at him every minute he was there. “Ugh this is stupid I really need to end this..NOW!” Marcus said changing into his werewolf form sword in his right hand pistol in his left and charging through the entire wave. When he reached the top he saw Kiba in an orb of energy unconscious. “Why do you oppose the plague Marcus?” Kor said. Marcus stared at him his appearance different his robe was black and red, his staff was no longer a staff but a massive single edged sword, his hat had a eye on it with three long tentacles coming out, also the hat seemed fused onto his head and his face was white as chalk but his eyes were blood red so much Marcus thought the red tattoos coming from his eyes were blood tears. “You created these things didn’t you and that’s why I have to stop it so no one will have to suffer like I did.” Marcus said putting his pistol away. “Yes I wished for immortality so I made these beautiful symbiotic creatures and made this tower to control them fully. Delacroix also wanted to find the tower of chaos which I knew about so we both searched and found it he gets the swords I get this city where we both can start to wipe out all animals and humans can rule the world!” Kor said floating in the air and marking a large barrier. “You’re both nuts which is why Nero, Luna and I will stop you insane lunatics!” Marcus said sending a large energy wave at him but Kor blocked but by sending his own energy wave at it which caused an explosion. Nero woke up from what seemed like a dream he looked around and saw a beautiful rows of flowers on the large circular piece of land his was on, and on both sides of him gorgeous waterfalls. He got up to realize he was on the edge of the piece of land he saw Delacroix in the distance beside two Kyubi swords one was black the other white. Delacroix grabbed them by the hilts and pulled them out a few seconds after he grew ice blue fur, six long tails and his eyes her gold. “YES now this is real power.” Delacroix said his voice distorted. “Once I kill you and that pathetic vixen Luna the world will be mine!” Delacroix shouted as the happy nice flowery land turn dark evil and instead of waterfalls lava falls were flowing. “DIE!” He said sending a massive energy wave from both swords at Nero. Nero echoed to avoid the first and second wave but did not see Delacroix echo behind and kick him sending him flying to the ground. Before he hit the ground Delacroix echoed down to him and sent a large energy wave at him. In the plague tower Marcus who now changed back to his human form was still fighting Kor who was on the ground. "Witness the power of the plague!" Kor said raising in the air his sword glowing as charged at Marcus. Marcus dodged the attack but Kor rushed again two more times in which he got stabbed in the chest by the third strike and pinned to the wall. So close..to my heart. Marcus thought as pope pulled the sword out of him. Marcus fell to the ground in pain Kor standing over him. "You cannot stop it give up now." Kor said lifting Marcus in the air with his hand and grabbing him by the throat. "Look at her so she can watch you die." Kor said forcing Marcus to look at Kiba while also choking him. Kiba woke up looking at Kor in anger. "So close yet so far away." Kor said as Marcus' world blacked out. In the Otherworld Nero was also struggling with Delacroix new speed, power and strength. "I can feel your strength fading Nero its okay I'll make your death painless." Delacroix said as he walked to a battered and beaten Nero. I...I promised her...I would come back. Nero thought as he struggled to his feet. "I promised her Delacroix!" Nero said clenching his sword tightly. "Promises won't be enough to save you or Luna." Delacroix said before echoing toward Nero and stabbing him in the face. "Foolish foxes." Delacroix said. "What the!" Delacroix gasped as the Nero clone faded into darkness. "Not really." Nero said behind Delacroix as he kicked and sent him flying. Delacroix looked up to see Nero with six tails. "How, its not possible." Delacroix said in shock. "What's the matter I just gave into my dark power that's all." Nero said echoing. Delacroix saw Nero moving so fast that he left afterimages. He blocked at strike by Nero only to see him fade and another slash him in the side. This went on for minutes until he got pissed. "ENOUGH OF THIS FOOLISHNESS!" Delacroix roared as he unleashed all nine of his tails. Nero didn't have to think as he was assaulted by and endless flurry of attacks and he finished by stabbing him the stomach causing Nero to cough up blood. "You die now." Delacroix said pushing the swords in deeper. Outside Luna seeming to cough up blood and gasped. "Don't you dare give up Nero you hear me!" Luna shouted to the portal. Nero seemed to hear her as he looked Delacroix straight in the eyes. "Its been fun but good things always come to an end." Nero said trying to stab Delacroix in the heart but he moved and the sword stabbed him in the shoulder they both jumped back. Marcus woke up and broke out of Kor’s grip and jumped back. "Its futile." Kor said his sword glowing with energy. "You took me line." Marcus said. Time slowed down as Nero, Marcus Delacroix and Kor charged at each other. Nero and Delacroix slashed each other in the side and stopped wait to see the other fall. Marcus stopped running and threw his sword which Kor dodged but could not see it was aimed at Kiba's orb which then broke. Marcus dodged Kor's sword and grabbed his arm and threw him aside. He tried to get his sword but when he did Kor stabbed him again. "DIE BOY!" Pope said. "How about you!" Marcus said as he stabbed Kor in his heart and pushed deeper breaking the tower piece inside of him. Kor staggered back in pain blood oozing form his mouth. "I am IMMORTALLLLL!" Kor screamed as he faded away into dark particles. Nero went down resting against his sword blood slowly coming out of his stomach. Delacroix smirked but stopped blood gushing out of his stomach and mouth. "How could I be defeated, I have the most powerful swords." Delacroix said. "Easy I just never gave up." Nero said sword fading and his pattern and tails going away. "NO WAAAAAAYYYY!" Delacroix screamed as he faded away. Nero walked over to the swords the flowers come back. He took them threw them in the air and broke them with his claws. "Thank you young fox, our souls can rest at last." A voice said as Nero saw two spirits of foxes coming out of the broken swords. He fell to the ground afterward. The tower started to shake and crumble where. "You told me to wait but I can't stay while it crumbles Nero." Luna said as she echoing off the tower. After she got down she saw Marcus and Kiba waiting. "Hang on where's Nero? Marcus asked. Luna just shook her head a second later she felt a dark presence. Luna looked behind herself to see a bloody Nero on the ground. "NERO!" Luna shouted as she ran toward him. But he didn't move as she nudged him tears came to her eyes as she laid her head on him. "You promised me." Luna said softly crying. Marcus and Kiba held their heads down morning the loss of their friend. Luna's eyes widened as she felt his heart beat. She looked at him and he had a grin on his face. "Ahh yes nothing gets the heart pumping like the touch of a beautiful vixen. Luna stared at him and then punched him in the face. "OW! what was that for?" Nero said in pain. "Don't you dare do that again." Luna said before licking his face. "Man what a day." Nero said getting up. "You can say that again." Marcus said. The sun rose in the sky as the four of them walked away from the broken tower.

Epilogue: A New Threat

Saya, Luna and Nero's oldest daughter rolled on her stomach, she just could not sleep. Getting up she looked back at her father, mother, Kiba and her Flair sister and Vergil and Rudra her two brothers. As she walked out of the cave they were sleeping in she was greeting by Marcus who was resting against a tree. "Can't sleep either?" Marcus asked. "No." Saya answered as they walked together. "Nice night huh." Saya said as they stopped by a river. "Its not nice its gorgeous." Marcus said. "I'm glad you both like it." A voice said. Saya and Marcus turned to see black hooded figure with black boots. "Who are you?" Marcus said pistol pointing at him. "My name is of no importance younglings, but I'm here to tell you this Delacroix is nothing compared to The Order." The figure said. "The Order, never heard of it." Saya said echoing toward the figure and slashing at him but he disappeared ."What the." Saya said realizing she hit nothing. "You will in time." The figure said laughing evilly. "I have a really bad feeling about this." Marcus said putting his pistol away. "Me too." Saya said.