***RF***

It had been a long month...and February had approached...it was here…
The WORST month of the year...The month that only reminded him of his shortcomings...of his horrors...his atrocities…
His horrid betrayal.

Otto took in a breath and slowly let it out, shutting his eyes briefly...slowly opening them and continuing to walk. It had been...a nice month, despite the bitter cold.
Adrian had also gotten a raise...and he had been requested by Lillian V. to develop some flying technology via email. Adrian had been overjoyed and honored that his inventions were being put to use...and that he was getting recognized.
He had seen 832...dear precious Clover had been offered another scholarship from Allen Corp...and her music was getting more dear...every note that came from her viola was precious and dear…

The scientist looked down at the snowy ground as he walked.
...he had also managed to find 220 and 591…

591, now going by Camille, belonged to the Justice League. She was fixing to have kittens with the martian...and...she wasn't too fond of him.
Come to think of it...neither was 220...the dear thing had been through a literal hell since escaping OsCorp. However...she was being cared for...though what she had lost...was never going to be restored to her...
Oh...how such a short period of time could change things drastically.

He slowed his walking, finally coming to a stop and looking upwards, watching the snowflakes fall.
...Sophia…
Oh Sophia...I miss you terribly...I wish...I wish I could have one more chance...to prove to you...to tell you...to show you

Otto looked to the side when he heard the thump of a body hitting the ground. Letting off a wince, he walked over to the edge of the path he was walking across and looked down. They hadn't put away the ice skating rink...on account that the winter olympics were being..'celebrated'. Below was a small group of figure skaters on the side of the rink, while another skater got up from the ice, and built up speed to what sounded like a rock song…

...an ANGRY rock song.

"'Cause it's one, it's one, one for the money

Two, it's two, 'cause two is for the show

Three, it's three, three to get ready,

Are you ready for the chaos? Are you ready? Let's go!"

The skater below...was dressed so much DIFFERENTLY from the rest. She was bundled up in a thick jacket...and she had a tight winter hat on.
...and it was affecting her skating.

THUD!

Otto grimaced when the skater tried to do a triple axel...and landed flat on her back. She forced herself up and built up more speed, continuing to dance.
...Strange...her skating...reminded him of…
...no...it couldn't be...right?

THUD!

The skater shakily got herself up once again...her fists clenching.

"Hate me,

You can't escape me

And you ain't ever gonna change me

I can't stand it,

I've freakin' had it,

I'm about to blow

'Cause it's one, it's one, one for the money

Two, it's two, 'cause two is for the show

Three, it's three, three to get ready,

Are you ready for the chaos? Are you ready? Let's go!"

THUD!

Otto winced when he saw the skater land HARD on the ice...and just lay there for a few seconds...before she forced herself to her knees and SLAMMED her fist against the ice, before forcing herself up.
...no...that couldn't be Sophia...she would never quit...she would never allow her anger to affect her…
...besides...she's gone…

Letting off a heavy breath, Otto turned his back and left…

...Just as the skater jumped...and landed on the ice, landing perfectly and twirling gracefully...before stopping suddenly in her ending pose…

….Sophia let off a breath and turned towards her small audience, skating back to the edge and panting. A woman approached her and gingerly put a hand on her shoulder.
"Sophia...I'm SO sorry…" she winced, looking concerned. "I shouldn't have put so much pressure on you- I thought...I thought…"

"...It's fine, Rose." Sophia looked up and offered a small smile. "Though...next time try to recall that I haven't professionally figureskated for 8 years." She glanced towards the skaters and let off a cool look. "And that, ladies...is what happens when you don't practice. I expect you to listen to Miss Rose and practice like crazy."

She got a collective sound of agreement from the young girls, before she came off the ice and took Rose's hand. "I must admit...it was wonderful to be back on the ice...but...I suppose not all of our dreams can come true."
"Thank you anyways, Sophia." Rose clasped Sophia's hand and frowned. "And again...I'm so sorry."

Sophia only smiled...and headed over to where Becky was sitting. Sophia sighed heavily, sitting down and taking off her skates.
"Hey...if it makes you feel ANY better...the best I can do is go in a straight line." Becky offered, holding Lexi in her arms. Lexi was busy taking apart what looked like a flower. Where she found this thing was COMPLETELY a mystery. Sophia's brothers had done absolutely EVERYTHING that they knew in trying to find Alexis' parents...but still no record of the child existed.
Not wanting to take any chances, Sophia decided to take care of the toddler until worried parents showed up…

...but still nothing...

Sophia smiled halfheartedly at Becky, setting the skates aside and putting on her winter boots.
"...The Flying Fox has taken everything from me…" Sophia mumbled lowly, tying the strings to her boots and looking distant. "My dreams...my normal way of life...my freedom…" She looked down and clenched her fists. "...Even Otto."

"...Sophie…"

The woman glared at the ground, feeling her chest tighten. It wasn't fair...why did she have to give up everything? People thought she was so strong. They thought she was perfect...such was NOT the case for her.
She was angry...broken...she didn't want to keep going...what was the point? Everything she did just threw back in her face!
NOTHING was worth it anymore.

"...Sophie?"

Sophia paused and looked over towards Becky. The woman was looking at her in an concerned manor...the child...looked terrified.

Wincing, Sophia looked down. "I'm sorry...it still hurts Becky…" She muttered, reaching for Lexi, who readily got into her arms and rested her head against Sophia's chest. "I suppose I'm just...stressed...yes...I've been stressed ever since I got back to Manhattan."

"...Sophie I can't help but think you might need to go talk to Otto." Becky suggested...earning a dark look from Sophia. "Just hear me out!" Becky put up a hand and winced. "It's been four years...Dr. Octavius still thinks you're dead...and your birthday is coming up. I know it's a hard memory...for both of you." The woman paused for a moment and continued.
"Maybe...if you talked to Otto-"

"I tried 'talking to him' multiple times, last time I was here." Sophia replied, standing and adjusting Lexi in her arms, looking towards Becky with a frown on her face. "I tried reasoning with him...I tried expressing my feelings. I saved his LIFE, more than once!" The woman's tone became harsher with each sentence, causing Lexi to tremble and hide her face in Sophia's shoulder.
It didn't stop Sophia though. "Otto turned his back on me! He chased something else because I wasn't good enough for him! He became my FATHER!"

Sophia paused and panted, noticing the wince on Becky's face. For a moment, Sophia was silent...before she sighed and put a hand to her face.
"...I'm sorry Becky...He broke my heart...after I had pledged it to him." she rested her chin on Lexi's head and narrowed her eyes lightly. "...I doubt I'll EVER….be able to trust him again….even if he is sorry….I've heard it before. They say they're sorry...and then they turn around and continue doing it...finally, they become a mindless anger-consumed monster. And they never stop…"

"...Sophia...We're talking about Otto...not your father."
"I don't see the difference."

Sophia suddenly stopped when she heard Lexi whining and looked down in concern. The little one had started to softly cry, and was hiding against Sophia's jacket, trembling.
"Oh honey, shh shh shh….it's okay. Miss Sophia's...just stressed. I'm so sorry honey…"
Lexi continued to whimper, tears running down her cheeks.

Sophia sighed and looked towards Becky. "I'm going to take her home...I'm sorry...I'll...I'll talk to you tomorrow Becky."
Becky only nodded, looking concerned as Sophia turned and started walking away with the child in her arms.

...above, no one noticed the figure who was casually perched on the roof of a building, watching the ordeal…
...a big toothy grin on his face.

"Well well well….isn't this interesting?" He turned his head, watching Sophia leaving the rink, her head down, and her emotions dark. Smirking he turned his head where Otto Octavius had disappeared down. HIS emotions had been low and broken.
This...could VERY WELL turn for his favor!
"It looks like the little brat arrived at the wrong period." He crooned, resting his arm against his leg and grinning. "And oh look at ALL the broken people!"

The man chuckled and slowly stood, adjusting his hat.
"If I can tear this period apart...I won't NEED the little one's jewel." He grinned and snapped his fingers, disappearing instantly.

***MA***

Montana let off a sigh as he walked in the snow, letting his breath fog up the air.

He had to work late tonight...to ensure that a certain scientist didn't run into a certain boss lady at work. It wasn't THAT hard...all he had to do was pair two officers and have them tell each other where they were.
But the reason HE had to stay this time...was because SEVEN of his officers were home, sick from the weather.

This winter was...unusually cold...even for Manhattan. If anything it felt like the winters of Montana...and THOSE were some NASTY suckers.
It felt somewhat nostalgic for him...if anything he had an uncanny need to go chop some firewood, even though his apartment wasn't too far away, and it had HEAT. He smirked lightly. Maybe he could convince Faith to make him some hot chocolate if he looked cold enough...was Junior too young for hot chocolate? He wasn't sure…
...maybe WARM chocolate would do for now-

The officer suddenly stopped walking and glanced behind him, his eyes narrowing. He had heard footsteps. They were EASY to pick out during the winter. Being a mercenary for years had heightened his senses...but whoever was making noise...wasn't even TRYING to be discrete!

"YAAHH!"

Montana quickly looked up, and dodged to the side when a large thug tried to tackle him to the ground. Turning, the officer gritted his teeth and grabbed the thug's arm….only for someone to SLAM him into a nearby wall.
Letting off a yell, Montana narrowed his eyes and did a backflip, PUNCHING his attacker across the face and landing on his feet.

"Get him!" One of the guys said, three more thugs coming into play.

Montana took a look around him and sneered, quickly pressing something on his wrists and holding his arms to the side...before a wave of green shockblasts came from his sleeves, hitting the thugs away. When they went sailing, Montana quickly pressed another button on his wrist, making his police uniform completely melt away and materializing his Shocker uniform.
He then charged up his shockblasters and fired at the group, watching them scatter.

Narrowing his eyes, Shocker ran after them, managing to catch one of the men and SLAMMED him to the ground.

"Not so fast, ya varmit!"

Shocker took the man's shirt by the scruff and hoisted him into the air, allowing his feet to dangle beneath him. "You TELL the Big Man ta stay AWAY from Allen Corp. Stay AWAY from the area, and most important, stay AWAY from my WIFE!"
He SLAMMED the man into the alley wall, glaring at him dangerously. "DO YOU HEAR ME?!"

"Ugh! The Big Man ain't the one after you." The thug grimaced, hissing in pain as Shocker's grip tightened on him. "The Big Man isn't the one payin' us!"
"Then open yer mouth and TELL me who's after-"

"Gangway!"

Shocker froze...and let off a long low groan as he looked behind himself, seeing Spiderman behind him. Letting off an eye twitch, Shocker gritted his teeth.
"Stay outta this, boy; the grown-ups are talkin'." He snarled, keeping his grip on the thug.

"Well technically I'm part of that circle...technically." Spiderman replied, sticking to the wall and watching the sight. "Sooo Shocker! Haven't seen YOU in a few years! You haven't been going back to the dark side, right?"
"Boy, stay outta this." Shocker snarled, paying no heed to the thug who was looking at Spiderman...then Shocker...then Spiderman again. Gritting his teeth, the man reached for his gun...

"I seem to recall you telling your girlfriend you were 'ready to do the right thing' last time I saw you." Spiderman put his fingers in quotation mark signs. "Did that end Shocks?"
"Boy...you're REALLY startin' ta piss me off." Shocker replied, eye twitching.

BANG!

Shocker gasped and put up his arms, a shockwave immediately encasing him in an armor-like substance, protecting him from a bullet. Quickly looking up, he tried to figure out WHERE the shot had come from...but he only saw the thug crumpled at his feet, a fresh bullet wound in his head.

Taking a step back, Shocker gritted his teeth at the sight...before he narrowed his eyes. So...he had been tagged…thankfully his Shocker suit had been modified by Lillian V and had been remade for his protection.

"What...did you DO!?"

Shocker's eye twitched and he looked towards Spiderman, who jumped to the ground and looked over the body of the thug.

"It's called 'armor' kid." Shocker replied, crossing his arms and glaring at the dead thug. "And if you would have backed OFF, I would have handled it myself!"
"So you killed him? Why would I just LET you-"
Shocker stormed over to Spiderman and forced his head to look down towards the thug. "Ya see that GUN in his hand?! The man shot himself by accident when he was TRYING to shoot ME! Are we clear?!"

"Oh...I see." Spiderman rubbed his head and did a doubletake when he saw Shocker trying to walk off. "HEY! Where are you going?!"
"To make sure my family is safe." Shocker snarled, looking behind him. "Of course if ya keep YAPPIN, I can always squash me a bug while I'm at it."

"Is that literally all you can say to me?" Spiderman mocked. "'Squash the bug, Squash the bug.' It's getting old pal."
"I'm beginnin' to understand just WHY the Fox complains about you so much." Shocker scoffed. "She'll be wantin' you to shut your trap."

"Uhhh…." Spiderman paused, looking confused. Surely he didn't know that she was still around...right? "You do know, Foxey's dead, right?"
"Keep tellin' yerself that." Shocker replied, continuing to walk off.

Spiderman made a face...did Shocker...KNOW? And if he did...HOW?! Practically all of MANHATTAN had thought Flying Fox had died!
He paused and looked down, grimacing at the body below, and looking back up….Shocker was gone.

"Oh great...what do I do with this?"

***BC***

He landed at the base of the 9/11 memorial and casually walked through the two huge waterfall pits. If he could find the perfect place...ah…

Stopping right in the middle of the two pools, the man smirked and twirled his cane. "This will do." He raised his hand and snapped his finger, allowing a single tile to suddenly start glowing. From beneath, a black light emitted and a stream of flames came from the tile.
The tile slowly morphed into a feminine figure, seemingly made of fire.

She was silent for a moment, before she slowly started looking more human, her hair light pink, her outfit a black miniskirt dress with a pink cape over her...and a triangle necklace around her neck.
Opening her eyes, they glowed yellow for a moment, before she looked up, smirking towards the man.

The man twirled his can and smirked evilly. "Now then, henchmaniac...go stir up some strife."

The woman smirked...and laughed insanely, fire shooting out from her body and engulfing her...before she disappeared into a puff of smoke, an evil cackle filling the night sky.

***SV***

Sophia kept her arms crossed, looking at the paper on her desk...beside her was her bed, just BEGGING to be slept in. However she couldn't sleep...not with everything that was on her mind.

Faith had gone to the doctor...Becky had been snapped at...Montana sent her a text saying that he had been attacked...and to top it all off, she had received a text from Peter, asking if she knew that Shocker was out of jail.

She hadn't answered to ANY of those messages...she was looking at the blank sheet of paper on her desk and flexing her wings slightly.
...letting off a sigh, she leaned forward and took a pen, slowly putting it to the paper.

….

'Dear Otto,

I know it must be a shock to hear from me...especially when you thought I had perished 4 years ago..'

….No.

She crumpled up the piece of paper and tossed it behind her, trying once again.

'My Beloved Otto,

I want you to know that I still love you. I still care for you deeply. It must be a shock to hear from me...but you need to know-'

...NO!

Sophia tore up the paper and threw the pieces in the air, before putting her face in her hands and groaning in frustereation. For a moment she stayed like that...before she leaned back in her chair, allowing her wings to flex against her nightgown.
Sighing, she looked up at the ceiling, gritting her teeth.

...Otto...what do I do? Yes...Yes I DO still love you...I pledged you my heart...I will not replace you with ANYONE…
But you DID...YOU turned your back on me! You called me weak! You stabbed me in the back and abandoned me…
...you never even tried to get me on your side…

...I hate you...I love you...I hate you…
OTTO!

Creeeak…

Sophia paused and turned her head, seeing the door slowly open...revealing little Alexis hesitantly coming into the room, clutching her racoon doll.
"Alexis!" Sophia slowly got up and turned to face the small child, looking concerned.

Lexi whimpered, taking a few steps up and looking towards Sophia with tears in her eyes.

Sophia felt her heart tremble...and pushed the feeling aside. "What happened, honey? Did you have a nightmare?"
Lexi only looked at her, holding her racoon and sniffling.

Taking a few steps towards the girl, Sophia knelt down and smiled gently. "...do you want to sleep with me?"
Lexi held out her arms to the woman. "...kaasan...kowaidesu…"
Sophia watched the girl for a moment, unable to understand the dear one's words...before she gently took the girl into her arms and held her, allowing Lexi to snuggle into her chest. For a moment, she felt...peaceful...as though all of her frustrations had...melted.

Letting off a soft sigh, Sophia walked over to her own bed and gently set Lexi down, laying down beside her and sighing. She started to cover the girl with the blanket, but Lexi was reaching for her bat wing.
Sophia smiled very softly. "So...my wings don't scare you?" she asked smiling lightly...before she extended her wing and rested it over the child.
Lexi cooed and petted the short brown fur on the edges of the wings, feeling the warmth of the leather-like wings. She proceeded to cuddle against Sophia's chest, letting off a soft sigh.

"...kaasan...aishi" Lexi mumbled, keeping a hold of the bat wing that was over her.

Sophia watched the girl for a moment...her features softening at the sight of the innocent child. It was still a mystery who she was...and how to get her back to her parents…
...but seeing her innocence...was refreshing.
Adjusting her wing, Sophia brought Lexi closer to herself and shut her eyes.

...rest well, little one...the Flying Fox will protect you tonight