Chisai growled as yet another explosion rocked a nearby building. This attack had caught them off guard, now the grey 6 tail kitsune was scrambling trying to mount a defense.
"Shinji where are the rifles?!"
The lean yet muscular three tail now sprinted forward, a crate of rifles in his arms. "Sorry I gathered everything I could," Shinji stated as he tried to catch his breath. "Those first few explosions hit the armory." Chisai grumbled, tearing open the crate as he passed out the enchanted rifles he had been forging.
"Whoever these guys are they're wearing body armor," he yelled. "Normal rounds won't work. Sub out your ammo and aim for center mass." A group of kitsune now nodded, cooking their rifles as they began tobreturn fire at the approaching Normal soldiers. Chisai furrowed his brow, this was a pitched battle, both sides highly trained. While the kitsunes magic was potent, these strangers appeared to have a natural resistance. It would be a test of wills to see who emerged victorious.
As Chisai now turned he could see his father Tatsu emerge from the smoke. The 9 tailed lord sporting a fierce expression as he approached. "Chisai 1whats going on?"
"Dont know these guys just popped up," Chisai stated. "They began appearing all over town shooting anything that moves. Trying to organize a defense but they're smart. They already hit the barracks and the armory."
"Have our soldiers evacuate the survivors to the palace," Tatsu stated. "I shall cover our retreat."
"Dad if your going take this," Chisai exclaimed, holding out a rifle. Tatsu simply scoffed as he withdrew his masmune, the blade giving off an unnatural glow. "I won't need that," he said quietly. "I have defended our home with nothing more than my skill and my blade for centuries. Modern weapons are of no use to me."
"Then I'm coming with you," Chisai exclaimed, hoisting his massive hammer over his shoulder. "Shinji get everyone out we'll cover you." Although Tatsu wanted his son to leave a part of him felt a certain amount of pride that Chisai would follow him into battle. The massive kitsune was a natural Smith, not a warrior. Still, his strength would be necessary if they were to defend their home.
***********************
"Raven to Nest over."
"This is Nest Go Raven."
"We've swept Coordinates 091. All hostiles eliminated. Proceeding to coordinates 092."
The Normal officer received his confirmation, motioning his platoon forward. The attack had so far gone off without any major complications. The surprise attack on the kitsunes home had been precise. Take out their soldiers, destroy the armory, before executing any and all kitsune. The kitsune maybe tough but the Normal had experience dealing with magical races. All of their weapons were designed to destroy anything non human.
As the Normal now swept through an ally they failed to notice the golden kitsune and his large grey companion lurking above.
The platoon paused as they heard movement inside one of the buildings. Training their rifles, they waited. A 7 tailed kitsune woman now burst through the door, cradling an injured 2 tail in her arms.
"Contact! OPEN FIRE!"
The soldiers bow opened fire, bullets tearing through the air as the 7 tail dove for cover. "Keep firing," the commander ordered. As the soldiers emptied their rifles, Tatsu and Chisai made their move.
The tails of the Golden kitsune swooped forward, ensnaring their weapons and wrenching them out of their hands. Puzzled the group looked upwards to see a rather large 6 tail leap down, smashing in the skull of the lead soldier before attacking the others.
"Hold the line! Keep firing!"
Tatsu was at the ready, leaping down. As he began to systematically carve his way through the Normal soldiers. Despite being armed with only a masmune the 9 tailed kitsunes speed and fighting prowess far exceeded the soldiers.
Panic was now setting in, the Normal shooting wildly. They had dealt with all manners of creatures throughout the years, yet this kitsune was something none of them could fathom. He moved like lightning, almost too fast to perceive. The commander now drew his sidearm, unloading the weapon as he backtracked down the ally.
"Fall Back! Fall Ba...."
Tatsu cleaved the head from the commanders neck, gazing down at the horrified expression frozen on his face. Wiping the blood from his blade he now turned to his son, his eyes growing wide in horror as he saw the wounds to his massive son.
"Chisai," he exclaimed. Chisai grunted, blood matting his fur from the bullet holes in his shoulder. "Its nothing I'm fine."
Tatsu frowned, watching as his son leaned against the wall. The wounds were not healing. Kitsune were usually able to heal rather quickly after battle. "Take the survivors and meet up with the others," he stated.
"Pop I can still help you," Chisai exclaimed as he assisted the 7 tails to her feet.
"You already have my son," Tatsu said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Tend to your wounds and make sure the others are safe."
"But dad!"
"Follow my orders Chisai," Tatsu said firmly. "And find the Catalyst. This battle will most assuredly attract his attention."
Chisai gave his father a stiff nod, escorting the surviving kitsune away as Tatsu continued forward. The Normal would not destroy his kingdom this day.