Tail of a Wolfox: Stryke's Story

Chapter 4: Battle Plans

By Blues Wolfox with help and character contributions from SFRusher and Dracos

It has been a few months since Tempest stopped Robotnik's attack on Chiro. The freedom-fighting group has fought a few more minor battles against the evil doctor, but things have been slow for the most part. Stryke Wolfox has been dividing her time between taking care of Wing, helping out at the Articas' restaurant, and spending time with Kinesis and/or Sylpha. Her brother, Steve, and his new friends occasionally drop by the restaurant to visit with their teammate, but spend the majority of their time adventuring. Kinesis Whitewolf and his chao have made a point of stopping by the restaurant every day to visit the cyborg wolf/fox, who the wolf has grown very close to. Magmus Dragoonos and the hedgehog duo have not been seen since the fight at Chiro, at least not by Stryke or Kinesis.

Today was a normal afternoon at the restaurant. There were a fair amount of customers around, but not so many that the wolf/fox could not keep up with their orders. As the hybrid set a plate of spaghetti down in front of a male kangaroo with brown eyes, tan furre, and a short blond ponytail, she noticed the curtains on front of the band room opening.

'Must be show time already,' the hybrid thought to herself as she watched the curtains open. She started to walk back toward the kitchen when a voice sounded from the PA system.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!" The PA system announced. "Please welcome tonight's performers: Silver Quill!"

"Silver Quill?" Stryke thought out loud as she watched the band room. "I don't think I've heard of them before..."

"They don't play here often," Sylpha replied.

A loud cheer rose up from the audience as the gray hedgehog the wolf/fox recognized from the battle with Robotnik walked out of the band room. Stryke stared in disbelief as she recognized the hedgehog that followed the first hedgehog out.

That green hedgehog girl again!

'How many times are she and I going to cross paths?' The cyborg thought to herself as the music began to play.

Then, the green hedgehog began to sing.

"If you're strong, you can fly.
You can reach the other side of the rainbow.
It's all right, take a chance.
Cause there is no circumstance that you can't handle
When you use your mind!"

The gray hedgehog then joined his partner, starting his part of the song just before hers ended.

"Sonic boom, sonic boom, sonic boom! (Trouble keeps you runnin' faster!)
Sonic boom, sonic boom, sonic boom! (Save the planet from disaster!)"

"Wow... They're pretty good..." Stryke whispered as the instrumental part of the song played.

Sylpha smiled. "They're the best performers we have here. Unfortunately, they're so busy we can't get them to play for us often."

Stryke nodded.

The instrumental part of the song ended and Sonar began to sing.

"Through the dark, to the light,
It's a super sonic flight, gotta keep it goin'!"
The two hedgehogs sang the chorus like they did before, only this time Agile sang after the gray hedgehog.

"Sonic boom, sonic boom, sonic boom! (Trouble keeps you runnin' faster!)
Sonic boom, sonic boom, sonic boom! (Save the planet from disaster!)
Sonic boom, sonic boom, sonic boom! (Spinnin' through the world in motion!)
Sonic boom, sonic boom, sonic boom!"

The two hedgehogs sang the last line together, complimenting each other's voices perfectly. The audience cheered loudly as Sonar and Agile bowed and walked back into the band room.

"That was...wow..." Stryke found herself clapping along with the rest of the audience.

Sylpha chuckled.

"Hey, guys."

The two female canines looked toward the source of the voice.

"Kinesis, hi!" Stryke waved at the white wolf as he approached. "I was wondering if or when you'd show up." She looked behind Kinesis. "You didn't bring your chao today?"

The wolf shook his head. "I wanted to talk to you privately. Do you have a moment?"

"Yes she does," Sylpha answered for the hybrid. She nodded toward one of the tables to her left. "Over there looks isolated enough."

Stryke smiled at the yellow canine. "Thanks, Sylpha."

Kinesis and the cyborg walked to the table and sat down.

"So, what's on your mind?" Stryke asked the wolf.

Kinesis looked down. "Well... We've known each other for awhile now..."

The hybrid nodded. "Seems like forever, doesn't it?"

"Yes." The wolf agreed. "I was wondering if maybe you'd like to...umm...that is...uhh..."

Stryke giggled. "Are you asking me out?"

Kinesis looked down. "Well, yeah... Trying to, anyway."

The hybrid kissed the wolf on the cheek. "I'd love to."

Kinesis looked up at Stryke. "Really?"

The cyborg nodded. "Of course."

The white wolf grinned. "What time are you off?"

"Around five," the hybrid answered.

"Want me to pick you up around then?" The wolf asked.

"Sure." Stryke nodded.

Kinesis smiled. "I guess I'll see you in a few hours then."

"Yep," the hybrid agreed.

The wolf stood up. "Well, I'd better get going so you can get back to work."

"So, you'll be back around five?" Stryke asked.

"Yes." Kinesis nodded. "Well, see you soon." He started to walk away.

"Bye!" The cyborg waved at the wolf as he left, then returned to work.

'Ick... Can't wear this...' Stryke thought to herself as she looked at herself in the full-length mirror in her room. She was wearing a white tank top with a black skirt that stopped just above her knees.

The wolf/fox took off the tank top and skirt and looked through the clothes in her closet. 'Maybe something blue... Ah HA!' She pulled out a light blue t-shirt that matched her hair and eyes and jean shorts. Satisfied, she walked toward the stairs leading to the room behind the main area of the restaurant. She ran up the stairs, stopping at the top as a yellow canine mix walked toward her.

"Stryke, there you are!" Sylpha greeted the wolf/fox as she stepped off the last stair and onto the wooden floor.

"Something wrong?" Stryke asked.

The yellow canine shook her head. "Kinesis just arrived. You don't want to keep him waiting, do you?"

The cyborg shook her head. "Where's he at?"

"Standing by the counter," Sylpha answered.

Stryke walked into the main part of the restaurant and looked around. Kinesis was standing on the other side of the bar to her left, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.

The cyborg smiled at the wolf. "Hey!"

Kinesis smiled back. "Hey. Am I late?"

Stryke shook her head. "You're just in time."

The wolf grinned. "Great."

"We ready to head out?" the wolf/fox asked.

"I am," Kinesis replied. "You?"

Stryke nodded. "Yep."

"Great. So, where are we going?" the wolf questioned.

The cyborg thought for a moment. "Any malls or restaurants around here?"

"I think so," Kinesis answered.

"Know where?" Stryke asked.

The white wolf smiled. "I think there's one just over the hills."

"Great," the hybrid smiled at Kinesis.

The wolf smiled back. "Shall we?

Stryke nodded and hopped over the counter. The two canines began walking toward the door.

"Our first date..." Kinesis said as they walked.

The cyborg grinned. "Yep."

The wolf looked at Stryke. "Nervous?"

The hybrid shook her head. "No. You?"

"No, not really." Kinesis replied.

The wolf/fox giggled.

The male canine walked to the door and held it open for Stryke.

"Thanks." The cyborg smiled at Kinesis and exited the restaurant.

"You're welcome." The wolf followed the hybrid.

The two canines walked toward the hills, holding hands and smiling at each other.

"You look great," Kinesis said to the cyborg after a moment of silence.

Stryke smiled at the wolf. "Thanks. So do you."

"Thanks." Kinesis and the hybrid continued to walk.

Stryke looked at the wolf. "Of course, to me you always do."

"You too." Kinesis smiled.

The canines once again walked in silence for a few minutes.

"Got this new shirt just for tonight," Kinesis spoke up.

"It's nice," Stryke replied.

The wolf grinned at the hybrid. "Thanks."

Stryke stopped walking and pointed toward the large gray building in the distance. "Is that it?"

Kinesis nodded. "Yep."

The hybrid smiled mischievously at the wolf. "Race ya!"

Kinesis took off toward the building. "You're on!"

Stryke ran after the wolf, slowly catching up to him.

Kinesis glanced back at the hybrid and increased his speed. Stryke sped up as well and ran alongside the wolf for a moment before passing him. The canines continued to run, Stryke managing to stay a couple feet ahead of Kinesis. The white wolf struggled to keep up with his date.

"You're gonna win," Kinesis said between pants as the two ran.

Stryke slowed down a little, running alongside the wolf. "We're not there yet."

After a few minutes, the canines reached the mall, Stryke arriving just before Kinesis.

The wolf smiled at the hybrid. "You win."

Stryke smiled back. "Barely."

"Still won," Kinesis replied.

The hybrid shrugged and opened the door for the wolf. The two canines walked into the mall.

Stryke looked around. "Where's it at?"

"Second floor, I think," Kinesis answered.

"Okay." The hybrid looked at the wolf. "Care to lead the way?"

"Sure." Kinesis held Stryke's hand and walked with her through the hall, up the escalator leading to the second floor, and toward a small restaurant. He smiled as they stopped in front of the restaurant. "Here we are. I hope you're hungry. The pizzas here are pretty big."

The cyborg smiled back and nodded. "No problems there."

The wolf chuckled slightly. He and Stryke walked into the restaurant and toward one of the tables in the back. Kinesis pulled a chair out for the wolf/fox.

"Thanks." Stryke sat down.

The wolf smiled at his date and sat across from her. Stryke smiled back.

A male human that looked to be in his mid-teens walked to the table the two canines sat it. The human has short brown hair, medium green eyes, and tan skin. He wore a red server uniform.

The human smiled at the couple. "Good evening."

Stryke smiled back. "Hi."

"May I get you two some drinks?" The server asked.

The wolf/fox nodded. "What kinds do you serve here?"

"Soda, orange soda, root beer, iced tea, milk, juice, and water," the server answered.

"Water for me." Stryke looked at Kinesis. "What about you?"

"I'll take a water," the wolf replied.

The server nodded and walked off.

The two canines smiled and held each other's hands.

The server walked to the canines' table and set two glasses of water down in front of them. Stryke and Kinesis thanked the server and drank.

"What will you two be having tonight?" The server asked.

"Hmmm..." Kinesis thought for a moment. "What would you like, Stryke?"

Stryke shrugged. "I'll eat anything."

Kinesis looked up at the server. "Medium cheese pizza, please."

The server nodded and walked into the kitchen.

The hybrid looked at the wolf. "I'm a little surprised you didn't bring your chao with you."

Kinesis smiled at the wolf/fox. "I wanted to be alone."

Stryke smiled back. "So, how long have you lived here?"

The wolf thought for a moment. "Hm... Almost my entire life."

The hybrid arched an eyebrow at Kinesis. "Almost?" The wolf nodded. "Where'd you live before then?"

"The city," Kinesis replied.

"Why'd you leave?" Stryke asked.

"I dunno...?" the wolf answered.

"Parents' decision?" The wolf/fox guessed.

Kinesis nodded. "Yeah..."

"I see..." Stryke replied, "Like it here?"

"Yeah," the wolf answered.

The cyborg grinned. "It is kinda nice here. I'm still getting used to not living in Cana though..."

Kinesis nodded. "Sorry about that, but it's much better with you here."

Stryke half-smiled. "Thanks... It'll be even better when that Robotnik guy's stopped."

"Yeah," the wolf agreed.

The hybrid sighed and shook her head slightly. "Ugh... Sorry, I'm being depressing. This is supposed to be a happy occasion."

Kinesis smiled slightly. "It's okay."

Stryke grinned. "Have any plans for later tonight?"

The wolf shook his head. "No, why?"

"I was thinking maybe you could show me where you live." The wolf/fox replied. "If you don't mind, that is."

"No, I don't mind at all," Kinesis replied.

Stryke smiled. "Great!"

"When shall we go?" the wolf asked.

"After we eat?" the hybrid suggested.

Kinesis shrugged. "Sure."

The cyborg nodded slightly. "Cool."

Just then, the server returned to the canine's table with their order. He set the pizza on the table. The canines thanked the server as he walked away and each of them grabbed a slice of pizza.

Kinesis began to eat his slice. "Good pizza."

Stryke began eating as well. "Yep."

The two finished their slices in silence and are one more apiece. After finishing, Stryke grabbed another slice. Kinesis reached for the same slice.

The cyborg giggled and withdrew her hand, allowing the wolf to take the slice.

Kinesis smiled and shook his head. "No, you went for it first. It's yours. I'll take this other one." He grabbed another slice.

The two canines continued to eat until only a couple pieces of pizza remained.

"Had enough?" Kinesis asked after the two had stopped eating.

Stryke nodded. "Yeah. You?"

"Yeah," the wolf replied, "I'll take the leftovers, if you don't mind? My Chao like pizza."

The cyborg smiled at her date. "Sure. Wing can't eat solid food yet anyway."

Kinesis chuckled. "Yeah."

The server walked back up to the table. "Are you two enjoying your meal?"

The wolf nodded. "Very much, but can we get the rest for take-out?"

The human nodded. "Sure thing." He walked off and returned a few moments later with a small box.

Stryke smiled at the server. "Thanks."

The human nodded and handed the bill to the two canines before walking away again.

The cyborg set the correct amount of money on top of the bill.

Kinesis gave Stryke half of her money back and paid half the cost of the meal. "We'll split it."

The hybrid smiled. "Okay."

"Or I'll pay for it all," the wolf suggested.

"No," Stryke responded quickly.

Kinesis chuckled. "Okay."

The cyborg put the leftover pizza slices in the box and rose from her seat. "We ready to move on?"

The wolf stood. "Ready if you are."

Stryke nodded.

Kinesis picked the box up. "Guess we should just go now so I don't have to carry this box around all night. Heh..."

The hybrid giggled. "Yeah..."

The wolf started for the restaurant's exit.

Stryke followed Kinesis until they were near the exit, then she heard someone mention a robot attack and stopped.

The wolf turned back to face his date. "Something wrong?"

The wolf/fox nodded slightly to a panther and a robin that were sitting at a table nearby. "Listen..."

Kinesis listened to the two furres as they talked.

"Where is it the boss wants us to strike this time?" The panther asked his companion.

Stryke hid behind one of the tables and pulled her date with her. The two listened to the conversation, being careful to remain hidden.

"Who are they?" Kinesis whispered so only the wolf/fox could hear.

The robin shrugged in response to her companion's question. "Some place on the east island. I don't remember the name."

"I don't know, but I bet they're working for Robotnik," the wolf/fox whispered to Kinesis.

The wolf looked at the hybrid. "What do we do?"

"Listen for now," Stryke replied, "Maybe we can pick up the location of the attack they're planning and prevent it."

Kinesis nodded. The two continued to listen.

The panther spoke again. "Is it really wise to attack this soon? We still haven't recovered fully from the last battle."

The robin nodded. "Yeah, those bats were quite a handful. At least we were lucky enough to capture some of them."

Stryke growled quietly as she heard the panther and the robin talk.

"Shh, calm down..." Kinesis whispered in a soothing voice.

The cyborg stopped growling. "How can people be so heartless?"

Meanwhile, the conversation continued.

"Yeah, but I'm still not sure if we can pull this off. What if those fighters show up again?"

"You worry too much. They don't even know what we're planning."

"Maybe... Do you remember the basic location we're supposed to hit?"

"Yeah, but I can't tell you here. Too many people..."

Stryke looked to her companion. "Kinesis, think you can get into his mind and find out the location?"

Kinesis nodded, closed his eyes, and concentrated on entering the Robin's mind. After a moment, he opened his eyes.

"Well?" The cyborg questioned.

"A city in the northwest region of the island," the wolf replied.

"Great." Stryke glanced around the mall. "Think we can sneak away without those two noticing?"

"I can cause a distraction..." Kinesis offered.

The hybrid looked at the wolf questioningly. "Oh?"

"Yes." Kinesis spotted a banner hanging from a second level rail and concentrated, untying the rope with telekinesis and having the banner float down on top of the panther and the robin. He started to walk away. "Go, now..."

Stryke nodded and followed the wolf.

Kinesis led the cyborg toward the entrance of the mall, not daring to look back as he ran. He walked through the door and held it open for Stryke, who followed him out of the mall.

"That was close," the wolf stated once he and the hybrid were outside.

Stryke nodded. "Very."

Kinesis looked at the wolf/fox. "Northwest town of the east island?"

Stryke shook her head. "Not yet. We'll need the others first."

The wolf nodded. "Okay. Lead the way."

The hybrid ran at full speed toward Sylpha's restaurant. Kinesis followed close behind. The two ran inside the restaurant without slowing and headed immediately toward the counter, where Sylpha was waiting with Wing.

"Sylpha, have you seen Steve or any of the others here recently?" Stryke asked once she and Kinesis reached the counter.

"I think they're out back..." Sylpha replied.

"Great," the hybrid ran to the back of the restaurant.

"Hi Sylpha," Kinesis greeted before following Stryke.

The two canines ran out the back door of the restaurant, where Magmus, Blade, Artico, and Steve were.

Stryke stopped in front of the group. "Glad I found you guys."

The male hybrid smiled at the cyborg. "Hey Sis! Wazzup?"

"Robotnik's attack a city in the northwest region of East Island," Stryke explained.

"Yeah," Kinesis replied, "We heard some guys talking about it."

"I was wondering when he was going to attack again..." Magmus spoke up.

The female wolf/fox glanced around. "Where's Dracos?"

Just then, Dracos ran up to the group, followed by two border collie furres. "I'm right here, and guess who I found!"

Stryke looked at the border collies, recognizing them almost instantly. "Mari? Herald?"

The female border collie smiled shyly. "Hello, Stryke..."

Kinesis stood silently and watched the cyborg and the newcomers.

Stryke smiled at the border collies. "Wow, so I'm not the last one left... How did you guys escape?"

"We were in Herald's laboratory," Mari explained, "Its hidden underground so we were never found."

"I'm glad you're here!" The female hybrid noticed the wolf watching her, Mari, and Shep. "Oh, Kinesis, these are Mari and Herald Shep. They're from Cana Village. Guys, this is Kinesis. He found me in the ocean after I escaped."

Kinesis waved at the collies. Mari smiled shyly at the wolf.

"Now that we're all here, we need a plan," Stryke stated, "What we did last time was great, but this time we need to stop Robotnik instead of just driving him away."

"Easier said than done," the wolf replied.

The cyborg sighed. "I know..." She thought for a moment. "What if a couple of us were to sneak into his Egg Carrier and stop him while the rest of us defend the city?"

The other furres remained silent for a short while, considering the plan.

"Who will go where, though?" Dracos finally spoke up.

Kinesis shrugged. "Stryke?"

"I'm going into the Egg Carrier," Stryke replied, "I have a personal score to settle with the doctor. Dracos, you said you built robots for Robotnik so you probably know their weaknesses better than anyone else. You'll stay on the ground and fight." She looked up at the wolf. "Kinesis?"

The wolf thought for a moment. "Well, I've fought against these robots before and my powers would be useless on the carrier..."

The cyborg nodded. "So you'll help Dracos." She turned to Blade. "Blade, you know the layout of the carrier, right?"

"Yes," the hedgehog replied.

"You're coming with me, then," Stryke decided. "If it's airborne, Magmus will have to come with us. Everyone else fights on the ground."

"Sounds good," Kinesis replied, "What if he has another one of those giant robots though?"

The cyborg smiled at the wolf. "Artico has roughly the same attacks I do and Dracos and Blade seem to have the same battle style so you should be fine without us."

Kinesis just nodded.

"We all clear on the plan then?" Stryke asked. The other freedom fighters voiced their agreements. "Great! The sooner we execute this plan, the better."

Just then, Mari spoke up. "Umm... Actually, Stryke, my brother and I would prefer that you wait until tomorrow."

The cyborg looked at the female border collie questioningly. "Why?"

"You're a great fighter now, but I think I've found a way to make you more useful," Herald explained for his sister, "I'd like to modify your robotic parts a bit if you'll let me."

Kinesis' head tilted as he thought.

Stryke looked at the wolf questioningly. "Kinesis?"

Kinesis shrugged. "I just remembered something is all..."

"Remembered what?" the female hybrid asked.

"I have an old beat up robot at home that tried to attack me," the wolf replied. "Maybe it could be used somehow to sneak in easier?"

Stryke nodded. "Bring it here tomorrow if you can."

Kinesis nodded back. "Right."

The cyborg looked around at the group. "Okay, anyone got any questions?"

Kinesis raised his hand.

Stryke turned to the wolf. "Yes?"

"Should someone scope out the area?" Kinesis suggested, "So we'll know what the terrain is like?"

The cyborg nodded. "Good thinking, Kinesis. Are you wanting to or should that task fall on Magmus?"

"Magmus would probably be quicker," the wolf answered.

Stryke turned to the dragon. "Magmus, think you can handle it?"

Magmus nodded.

"Anything else?" the female hybrid asked.

"None that I can think of..." Kinesis replied.

"Anyone?" The cyborg looked around at the rest of the group. No one spoke up. "Good. Okay, everyone meet back here around noon tomorrow."

Everyone except Kinesis, Stryke, Mari, and Herald left.

"Hmmm..." the wolf looked down in thought.

"Kinesis?" The hybrid looked at Kinesis questioningly.

"Guess our date's over? Heh..." the wolf responded.

Stryke kissed Kinesis. "There'll be plenty others."

The wolf returned the kiss and blushed.

The cyborg giggled. "See you tomorrow, I guess..."

Kinesis nodded. "Yeah, tomorrow. Heh..."

Stryke smiled. "Say hi to your chao for me."

"Will do," the wolf replied.

"Well... Goodnight." The hybrid left with Herald and Mari.

"Night..." Kinesis watched the wolf/fox for a few minutes, and then headed back toward his home.

Chapter 5 in progress
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