Megamorph

by Tsuikai

Great weapons aren't created, they are born. Female Tails, get used to it. Official Announcement: I do apologize to those who like this story. I also don't care if you hate it. I see on occasion requests to continue it and I am sorry to say that I have long since lost connection with the other author. As such, this story, as it currently stands, will not be completed. I'm sorry.

25. Chapter 25

Honey and Tails head down the street. The two had really learned a bit about themselves and they continued to walk all the way home.

"I apologize for being too emotional a while back. It was very unethical." said Honey.

"Don't be silly, we all need a good cry now and then, and you had reason. You should have seen me at the start of my pregnancy. The saying 'putting on the water works' wouldn't justify how much I cried." Tails replied.

"I see."

"So...do you have a love interest, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Nah. There's no time for a man in my life."

"How come?"

"Too busy."

"Hm...well, fare enough."

"I see."

Onward the two girls walked. It took a little time, but Sonic's place soon came into view.
"Well, there it is." Tails said. "Want some tea or coffee or something?"

"No, I just wanted to see you home safely." Honey answered. "I better get going now. You two need more quality time."

"Aww, and here I wanted to discuss something else with you." And Tails stuck her tongue out a little.

"Sorry, I'm a busy lady."

"Can I arrange a time then?"

"Perhaps you can."

"I will ask now, just encase I am wasting my time, but as you're in the whole fashion thing, know anything I can use even in my state to make a guy sweat?" Tails asked.

"Explain further."

"I want to tease, if you get my drift."

"Tease?"

And Tails sweat dropped. "How to explain it. It's like a form of seduction. You know, making a guy sweat, have you honestly had no interaction with males at all?"

"So you wanna get laid?"

"Ehh...It's a long story, but there's a guy interested in me, I want to tease him a little, not necessarily get laid."

"So there is a man in your life..."

"Did I say there wasn't?"

"Well, you can always tease with the maternity bra."

"Hm..." Tails was a little disappointed. "I see, well, nevermind."

"What, the maternity bras tease well."

"Perhaps, but I was hoping for a little more, I guess pregnancy limits sexiness as well..."

"Um... you can remove the cups on the maternity bras."

"Not the point, it's fine."

"The best tease is from the tits, but I guess you want more than just teasing." Tails didn't reply to that. "So you do want to get laid..."

"I'm not saying."

"Well, before you do, make sure you are stable."

"Stable?"

"After a while, mothers will enter a 'stable' period in their pregnancy. This period makes it safe for mothers to have sex without risk of miscarrying their baby."

"So, I should probably get that checked with my fellow doc, huh?"

"You can ask about it."

"I shall." Tails thought. "Then again, I have already had sex twice before..." She said to herself. "I'll still check..."

"With that said, I will leave the two of you alone. You should try to take it easy."

"Yeah, sure. Catch you later, Honey." And Tails headed off into the house.

Once inside, Tails decided to test the household. "Sonic! Are you back yet?!" Again, there was no answer. "Guess not." And so Tails went over to the phone and again took it to the couch, dialling Vanilla's house and waiting. There was no response, but was given ten seconds of music, followed by a beep. Tails hung up the phone. "I guess she's still not available. Not at home at least." So Tails dialled her mobile instead.

"You have reached Vanilla's World. However, the population has been exceeded, good-bye." was all Tails heard before the line disconnects.

"What the hell, Vanilla..." Tails said before hanging up. "Seriously, has everyone just fallen off the face of the planet or what?" And so she dials Cream's number.

Finally, the line picks up. "Hello?" Cream asks.

"Cream, you're alive, thank heavens." Tails said. "Seriously though, how are you?"

"I'd rather not say."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I'd... really rather not say."

And Tails paused for a while. "Okay...Now I'm worried."

"Relax, I'm fine."

"I'm still worried. It's not like you to keep things from me."

"Fine, I give. I'm actually busy right now."

"So everyone is." Tails said. "I can't get a hold of Vanilla and Rouge has gone missing as well. I only wanted to see how everyone was doing and all..."

"Rouge is on a mission and Mom went to check up on Muri and Kweli."

"And you?"

"I'm busy."

"With what?"

"I'm being... circumcised."

"What? Why?"

"What's wrong with getting circum.... See, this is why I didn't want to say."

"I'm confused, but fine, I won't press the issue."

"Is there anything else?"

"No, I'll leave you alone..." And Tails sighed. "Talk to you later." And she hung up. "I give up..." She said. She then shifted her body and laid on her side on the couch, placing her head on the arm rest. She closed her eyes and just listened to the clock ticking.

Cream pressed the red phone button on her cell. Next time, I'm turning my phone off. She thought.

Tails laid on the couch for nearly 3 hours, just doing nothing, and Sonic still hadn't returned. So much for not being long... She thought. Damn it, I'm hungry again... All of a sudden, three raps came to the door.

Tails shifted her body and stood up; she walked to the door and opened it. "Hello?" She asked.

"Over here." and Tails soon saw that it was Knuckles and his brother. "You look bored." he said.

"Everyone seems busy today...Vanilla is with Muri and Kweli, Creams having some private time, Rouge has vanished, apparently on a mission and Sonic's god knows where with Shadow..." Tails ranted, before sighing. "Come on in. And hello Kneecaps, how are you?" She asked sweetly.

Knuckles, with his brother, entered the place and had a seat. "At least you got something, everyone else's phones are off. And the Ocean Tornado is gone." said Knuckles.

"What is going on?" Tails asked.

"I guess everyone's busy. I can't even get a hold of Tikal or Shade."

"I guess when Tikal called Blaze a lesbian she was admitting a dark truth." and Tails giggled. "So, what brings you here?"

"Actually, I heard that your friend had her baby in class. Charmy said you were a real trooper in helping out."

"Yeah, poor Muri...It was so unexpected, and scary. But she pulled through just fine, thanks to Vanilla." Tails replied. "I feel sorry for Charmy too. The day he has to take charge and one of the students goes into labour, that'll haunt him for a while."

"As much as he's seen Saffron lay eggs, I doubt it. Now to answer your question." At this point, Knuckles gives Kneecaps to Tails, then sets the bag he wore next to Tails. "You're gonna babysit today."

"I...I'm what?" Tails asked looking at Kneecaps.

"You're babysitting." Knuckles cleared up. "And with this, I'll take my leave." and Knuckles heads for the door.

"Hey, wait a..." But Knuckles left. "What a jerk...he could have at least called first..." She then looked at Kneecaps. "So, what am I gonna do with you, I wonder..."

It was at that time when the phone rang. Tails carefully put Kneecaps on the couch to her side and picked up the phone, which was still nearby and answered it.
"Hello?" She asked.

"I forgot to mention," it was Knuckles on the phone, "I'll come and pick KM up in two days. Everything you need is in the bag, along with a list of contact numbers in case anything goes wrong."

"Just who do you think you are to give me Kneecaps without even asking? Some people have such nerve, you know that?"

"Listen up 'Mom', think of this babysitting scenario as a test for you." Knuckles cleared up. "You may have learned a few things in your class, but the books and movies don't mean jack when it comes to real kids."

"You could have at least asked first...sheesh." And in frustration, she hung up. "Jerk..." The phone rang again. Tails however ignored it, believing it to be Knuckles again.

As a result, the phone went to its answering machine. "Sorry for calling when no one was home, foxgirl. But you better learn a bit of patience with this babysitting gig. In a matter of weeks, you'll be having your own kid which will be a lot younger than my little bro. So you might as well prepare with a real baby without complaining. And KM, don't give her too much hell in the two days without me." After that, Knuckles disconnects.

"Jerk..." Tails uttered one last time. She turned to Kneecaps. "I got no idea what to do with you..." She said. Tails stood. "You hungry little guy?" She asked. Kneecaps simply looked at Tails. "As expected..." And Tails sighed.

Tails simply decided to take Kneecaps into the kitchen and sit him on the floor as she fished around for things. While rummaging around for things, Tails soon heard the sound of falling pots and pans. Soon Kneecaps' crying is heard. Tails looks toward Kneecaps to figure out what happened, concerning. Kneecaps continued to cry as he sat next to all of the fallen pots and pans.

Tails placed a few things she was carrying on the counter and walked over to Kneecaps and picked him up and rocked him slightly. "Shh, shh...there, there. Did you hurt yourself?" She asked as she tried to sooth poor Kneecaps. It's not even been five minutes... She thought. I'll be sure to remove all sharp objects from his reaches at all times...

Kneecaps continued to cry, flailing his arms in the process. And Tails proceeded to try and calm him down, resorting to removing him completely from the kitchen. "Hey, shhh..." She said soothingly. Knuckles, you're so dead...

And thus, Tails did everything she could to calm Kneecaps down, she stroked his head, spoke soothingly, rocked him and paced around. It took a while, but Kneecaps finally stopped crying and began settling down.

"Good boy..." Tails said. "Is that better, hm?" She continued to sooth him as such until she was absolutely sure he was calm.

After calming him completely she put him in the safety on the couch. "Now be a good boy and stay here for Tails, okay?" She smiled at him.

After this, Tails returned to the kitchen to finish fixing up a sandwich for herself, and returned to the living room, hoping Kneecaps hadn't caused chaos. Five seconds later, a PLOMP was heard, followed by Kneecaps screaming.

"This is gonna be a looong 2 days." So Tails put aside her sandwich and proceeded to repeat the same treatment as last time, only this time she sat down with him in her arms, though her bump did not make it an easy task. Kneecaps continued screaming as the tears left his eyes.

Tails wiped Kneecaps face and stroked his head, rocking herself and thus him back and forth, she hummed a soothing tune to try and calm him, using the same one that Muri had sung days before. Kneecaps cried for a bit, but managed to calm down.

"There we go." Tails said. "Looks like I can't let you out of my sight for two seconds, scamp."

Meanwhile at the hospital, Vanilla was checking on Muri and Kweli, as Cream had said.

"So, how are you feeling?" Vanilla asked.

"I'm okay now." Muri replied. "I feel numb though..."

"Probably because of the drip."

"Maybe." Muri said. "Um...I'm sorry..."

"Sorry for what?"

"The day of the Lamaze...I knew something was wrong ever since Seifa showed up, I was just too scared to say anything..."

"I knew that. The point was to keep you as relaxed as possible."

"I don't think I can face those people again..."

"Why, because the class saw you give birth in front of them?"

"It was embarrassing..."

"You'll be okay."

"So...what'll happen to us now?"

"I'm not sure. But I will tell you something, you aren't alone in this hospital."

"Would you.....would you...take Kweli?" Muri asked. "I can't take him back to...Nazaruda....It's not safe." Muri asked Vanilla.

"Of course I will. But you aren't going anywhere near there."

"I will be forced to some time, Tia can be very persuasive..."

"You two are in the hospital, neither of you are going anywhere."

"We can't stay here forever."

"I know, but you and your aunt aren't leaving anytime soon."

"Kirika is here?"

"Yes. I got a message on my phone before class saying she was here. After I settled things with you, I went to check on her. Don't worry, she's okay."

"Where is Kweli now?"

"Right there." and Vanilla points to where Kweli was laying. "He's been here with you all this time."

"Oh..." And Muri looks in the direction of Kweli. "He's still so cute...and so tiny. But...It's still a wonder how I managed to give birth to him."

"You did and that's all that matters."

"How are you, by the way?"

"Feeling better, knowing that you're safe."

"And how is Miley and Cream?"

"They are fine. Cream had an appointment and Miley is safe at home."

Muri shifted slightly. "I'm a little uncomfortable..." She said.

"How so?"

"I'm just uncomfortable..." Muri said. "My tail has pins and needles..."

"Stand up and walk around."

Muri then slowly pushed herself into a sitting position. "It feels odd without the extra weight, and I still feel heavy."

"That'll happen, childbirth takes a lot out of you." So, Muri was assisted to her feet, she was wobbly, but she felt better having been in a position to wag her tail a little and she walks around a bit.

"This feels better." She said.

"Sometimes, you have to just walk around." Vanilla said.

"What will you do for the rest of the day?" Muri asked Vanilla, before she walked over to her son and leaned over him, giving him an loving look.

"Just a few runs, then I'll be back."

"That's okay." Muri said. "I still can't believe I carried this little thing inside me..."

"They are amazing, huh?"

"I wonder what my mother thought when I was this tiny."

"Who knows."

"Only my mother." Muri replied, she then returned and sat on her bed. "You can run your errands if you like, I don't mind."

"Of course. Enjoy the moments with your son." and Vanilla left the room. Muri smiled as she looked towards Kweli once more.

Meanwhile, Vanilla left the hospital.
"Oi, you." Someone called, clearly to her.

Vanilla turned to the voice. "May I help you?" she questioned.

There stood a white fox with two long ponytails in her hair and she was wearing a large black dress, which looks like it'd be fitted on a doll. "Take my advice, stop interfering and don't return here, I can assure you Muri will be....well looked after." She said.

"Of course she will be looked after." said Vanilla. "I am her legal guardian now."

The fox laughed. "Bullshit." She said. "You'd be better off leaving her well alone."

Vanilla smiled. "You must be the one that wants love. No matter, we can enjoy a glass of tea sometime."

"You don't know anything about me."

"So your name wouldn't happen to be Tia then? My mistake. If you do find her, please tell her that I have everything under control."

"I am Tia, and you appear to be an idiot." The fox replied, becoming irate. "Don't make my warnings turn to threats, because I can get very nasty. Stay away from Nazaruda's business or you'll die, I guarantee it." The fox then went to take her leave. You poor thing. Keeping Muri safe is my business, it's my only concern. Vanilla thought, then pressed a button on her cell phone.

"So, Tia has plans for things, does she? I guess this means I'll have to alter things a bit." and Vanilla walked back into the hospital.

Back up with Muri, she had gotten back into bed and made herself comfortable again. It took a while, but Vanilla re-entered the room with Muri. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

"You're back already?" Muri asked.

"Yes. There are a few things for you to sign."

"Huh?"

"You wanted me to take Kweli, right? Well, there are some papers that you need to fill out."

"Oh, okay."

"Grab Kweli, he can come too."

Muri then gets herself up, stretches slightly and walks over to her son, she ever so slightly wraps her arms around and picks him up. As she looks at him, she can't help but smile. After regaining her thoughts, she walked over to Vanilla with him.

"Let's deal with that paperwork." Vanilla said with a smile.

"Okay." Muri said. "And Kweli will be in safe hands."

"That's right."

Vanilla and Muri managed to speak with the doctors. It took twenty minutes, but after filling out all the necessary paperwork, the deed was done. Muri had signed papers allowing Vanilla temporary custody over Kweli. Part of Muri didn't want to do this, but she did it for the safety of her son.

"I'd ask you to look after him...but I know you will..." Muri said.

"Of course." said Vanilla. "I will need one last thing from you though."

"Yes?" Muri asked.

"Your breast milk of course."

"Oh..of course. I'll get on that then." Muri blushed. New mothers... the tasks of motherhood are always a chore. Now I wonder how a certain fox will handle this situation...

Vanilla walked Muri to her room as she held Kweli, but didn't enter. She thought it best to give the new mother her privacy with the pump.

After a good 10 minutes, Muri came out of the room holding the vials of her milk. "This was all I could get...sorry..." She said.

"It's not much, but it's okay." said Vanilla. "I better get going now. And here's the number to your aunt's room." then Vanilla hands Muri the strip of paper containing the number.

"Thank you, but I won't see her just yet." Muri said.

"But you can still call her."

"Maybe later." Muri replied with a smiled. "Bye bye, Kweli, be a good boy now, okay?" And Vanilla walked off with Kweli. He's in good hands, Muri. I promise you. She thought.

Muri returned to her room and shut the door behind her, she walked over to her bed and got in it, before bursting into tears and covering herself.

Aqua walked into her salon, having finally opened it for the start of the day, her girls were already beginning work on cleaning up and making everything tip-top for the customers whom were expected within the hour. Aqua however left them to it and wondered up into her office. Once there, she took out a few papers from her desk and then returned to the main area and then outside, taking her seat and looking over the papers.

Aqua read up for a good few minutes until she heard a familiar footstep, sounding like metal, she looked up to see a robot of some sort.
"Ah, Rei, bored again are we?" Aqua asked.
"Affirmative."
"Shouldn't you be doing something for Hiei?"
"Negative. Primary target achieved, awaiting further orders."
"I see, well, in that case, there's a chair in there that needs replacing, do that if you don't mind, the girls will point out which one and where."

"Mission accepted." And Rei headed inside the shop, leaving Aqua to her papers. Back in the shop, the girls had their first customers of the day walk in.

"Ah, welcome to Blue Waves, what can we do for you today?" One of the girls greeted the customers with a bow.

"Hello there, perhaps you can do something for my hair." Tikal said to the girls. "And not just me, my friend here can use a work with her hair as well." and Tikal pointed to Shade.

"Absolutely. Please, come in and take a seat, we'll begin work as soon as we can. Do enjoy your stay here at Blu-..." It was at this point the sound of metal ripping from the ground was heard, startling the whole group. Rei had lifted the chair that needed replacing rather carelessly.
"Oh dear...Rei, now you need to fix that..." Aqua said, walking in. "Oh dear...Please don't mind the ruckus, Rei was only meant to replace the chair, not destroy it."
"Apologies, Aqua." And Rei took the chair away and later came out with the new one and began repairing, fixing it up in no time, and the girls cleaned up quickly before they sat Shade and Tikal down.
"So, what would you like done?" A girl asked.

"I'll have a perm." Tikal answered.

"Of course." The girl said, before she took up the tools.
"And you, ma'am?" Another girl asked Shade.

"Give me the Valkyrie look." Shade answered.

"As you wish." So the girls began work.

"I want to look really nice for my show tonight." said Tikal.
"Trust me, you'll look fine." Shade said. "I guess I can learn to live a little in this modern world."

"So, ladies, getting styled for anything special?" Aqua asked, as she took a seat next to Tikal and sat back.

"Wow, look at you." said Tikal. "You wouldn't happen to be in the Lamaze class that Miley is in, would you?"

"I would be, indeed. The last lesson was cut short, however." Aqua replied. "Poor Muri gave birth in the middle of class, I feel so sorry for her."

"Cream told me about that. Vanilla really is a good midwife."
"Was she in pain?" asked Shade.

"I believe so, yes..." Aqua replied.

"I wish I was there." said Tikal. "Birth is amazing to me. Plus, I would like to see live birth for a change."
"Well, we aren't lucky/cursed for that one. Being born twice is weird, but it works for me Tikal." said Shade.

"I won't question that." Aqua said. "But the sight, even though concerning was wonderful indeed, I got scolded for wanting my pregnancy to speed up so I may see my babies too." And Aqua giggled.

"Well, it was probably for the best." said Shade. "You don't want to birth too early."

"Still, it's something worth waiting for."

"I know most women want to have a painless birth."
"Too true." said Tikal. "I met this one woman who had an orgasmic birth."

"Interesting..." Aqua said.

"Yeah... so I looked it up and there's an actual website for it."

"That's kind of weird, but who am I to judge?"

"What some women will do just to get off." said Shade. "From sex while pregnant to having an orgasmic birth..."

"I see."

"If I had to cum while laying an egg, I'd feel so indignified..."

"At least you meatballs can have children." Came Rei's metallic voice.

"You know, I would probably be shocked to cum while laying my egg." said Tikal. "Assuming my getting pregnant, but I hope the egg doesn't rub up against my G in the process."

"Anyway, as interesting as your conversation, you might notice some of my girls are becoming uncomfortable." Aqua smiled, looking around at her staff.

"Yeah, I don't want this affecting my do." said Shade.
"My mistake, ladies." Tikal apologised. "It's a small world after all...."

"Rei, you're excused, go break someone else's things." Aqua told Rei.
"Affirmative." and with that, the bucket of bolts left noisily.

"That's a pretty nice bit of tech." said Shade.

"Rei's an odd one." Aqua replied.

"How so?" asked Tikal.

"Well, Rei reacts differently than most machines." Aqua replied. "Almost emotionally."

"Interesting AI."

"The really scary thing is, Rei just showed up some time, no one knows from where or how."

"Hmm..."

"We don't question it much, because Rei is forever loyal to Hiei." Aqua said. "At least, that's what the apparent programming says."

"Not even worth trying to hack..."

"Oh, Tyrone attempted and suffered greatly, I'll tell you that."

"Enough about the bots and whatnot, let's discuss stuff that makes us happy." said Tikal.

"Bots don't make you happy, eh?" And Aqua stretched. "So, what are your interests?" She asked. It was by this point that Shade's do was finished.

"Well, simple things. Nature's blessings and whatnot." Tikal said.

"I see." Aqua replied. "I guess I'd have a blessing of nature."

"I have to say..." Shade said as she saw her reflection in the mirror. "I was hoping for Valkyrie, but got Proud Amazon instead. Not exactly the hairdo I wanted, but I like it. It accents me quite well."

"I...I'm sorry..." The girl looked ashamed.

"Hello, I said that I like it. Don't get all bummed out."

"My girls take their place here very seriously, and if they mess up, regardless of if you like the outcome, they take it badly, please excuse her." Aqua said. "Well, at least you're nicer about it, usually when someone doesn't get what they want, they throw a big hissy and upset the other girls here..."

"I guess that's why you girls have moved your shop?" Tikal guessed.

"You wouldn't believe some of the extents some girls would go to about their appearance, take this one girl, and her twin brother, the brother didn't get anything, but one of my girls gave her the wrong do, so she waited until she went home and beat the living snot out of her...Unfortunately, I lost a good employee..."

"So in other words, this place is going through tough times?" asked Shade.

"Nah, I had the issue sorted. We moved because there's more customers here." Aqua said.

"I see." and Shade ran her hand through her locks.
"I personally like Shade's look, even if it is 'Proud Amazon' so to speak." said Tikal. And now Tikal's do was finished.

"And what of yours?" Aqua asked.

Tikal grabbed a mirror and took a look at her locks. "Such volume..." she said with a smile.

"I'm happy you like it." The girl behind Tikal smiled also.

"So, do you girls have any males in your life?" Aqua asked.

"Not anymore." Shade answered.
"Working on it." Tikal answered.

"Singular girls, interesting. Have your eyes set on anyone in particular? I know an echidna who could use a date. He's a bit of a hardass though." And Aqua giggled.

"Rain check." Shade answered.

"I'm not one for ill-tempered men." Tikal answered.

"Fare enough." Aqua said. "So, I take it you've not targeted someone already then?"

"Not going to tell." and Tikal stuck out her tongue.

"Oooh, a secretive too, that just makes me all the more curious, but I won't pry, after all, we're strangers. I do hope you enjoy your 'new looks'. Is there anything else my shop can do for you whilst you're here?" Aqua asked.

"We'll see." Tikal and Shade answer as they look around.

"Spa, Massage. We do all sorts of beauty treatments here to make women feel beautiful and relaxed." Aqua explained.

"And where's your chiropractor?" asked Tikal.

"Hmm, she's sick today, I'm afraid." Aqua said.

"Or you don't have one."

"Since you're a paying customer, I shall ignore your accusation that I am lying." Aqua replied. "Things happen, but if you go into the back room and to the left, you'll see where my Chiropractor works."

"I see. How about you show me things back here?"

So Aqua carefully gets herself up, rubs her belly a bet and walks toward the back, passing the staff stairway and into the back, Tikal and Shade follow. "Back here we tend to Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, and over there is the spa." Aqua said, showing the girls the many places in this shop. "And of course, Massages."

"So this is also where chiropracting happens?" asked Tikal.

"No, that happens in that room over there." And Aqua points out another door, which states Chiropractor and the name.

"I'm gonna go and return to the girls." said Shade and headed back into the main room.
"So that's the chiropractic room, huh?" asked Tikal.

"Like I said, she isn't here today. And if I would be completely honest, she won't be back any time soon either, since she quit 3 days ago for reasons I shall keep to myself, but it's not really something I should tell customers, is it?" Aqua said.

"Looks like my accusation was right..."

"Not really, I have another soon to come for an interview in a few days, so I may or may not have one." Aqua replied. "So, is there anything else you'd like?"

"I still want to see the inside of that chiropracting room." and Tikal ran her hand through her locks.

"Go right ahead, speaking of which, I should take Suzie's name off of it..." And Aqua walks over to the door and takes the name off, before opening it for Tikal.

"Is something the matter?" Tikal looked at Aqua.

"No, why do you ask?"

"Nothing, I just figured that you would show me inside."

"What makes you think I am not, after you." Aqua replied.

"I thought you would go in first, that's all..."

Tikal sighed. "I guess you'll let me go in first anyway." and Tikal walked inside of the room. Aqua followed and let Tikal see the room.

"Nice setup here." Tikal said. "It's quite cosy, but why is this place in the back?"

"Because it was the nicest room for it, that and it was the last room available after we'd set up." Aqua replied.

"I see. Anyway, I was wondering how someone like you keeps the energy to run such a shop?"

"I'm honestly running out of energy, I need to find out when that girl will return for her trial of manager, I go on maternity leave eventually you see, so I will be unable to run the shop and none of my current girls have or want the skill to run this place." Aqua replied. "And I find the energy because this has always been a bit of a girlish dream of mine. That, and these babies."

"Even showing me back here has worn you out..." Aqua doesn't reply, just shifts her weight from one leg to the other. Tikal shook her head. "You might as well lay down sideways on the table."

And now Aqua tilts her head. "Excuse me?"

"Go on, lay sideways on the table."

Aqua then shrugged, closed the door and walked over to the table, she turned around and shifted herself onto the table, before lying on her side as instructed.

Tikal approached the pregnant fox, then walked behind her. At this moment, Tikal's hands began to work on Aqua's back. Such an independent mother. Tikal thought. She wears herself out trying to run this business. Such calmness and restraint will toll on anyone, especially this one.

If Hiei were here, I'd know what she's thinking...oh well... Aqua thought.
"So, you massage?" She asked.

"It's nice to see you're ready to make small talk with me." Tikal answered with a smile.

"I'll take that as a yes. So, are you sure you won't tell me of this mystery man? Your friend isn't here to listen now." Aqua giggled.

"Hello friend, you are quite playful." Tikal said and giggled.

"Huh?" Aqua was a little confused.

"One of each?"

"Both girls to Hiei's dismay, but you're dodging my question." Aqua replied.

"He's not happy that there is no son?"

"No..." Aqua sighed. "He already has a daughter you see, and longs for a son...even though he won't admit it, but when you have your other half walk out when you find out you have daughters, it's pretty obvious."

"I see." And Tikal places her hand on the area behind Aqua's left kidney. "Do you feel this area?"

"Which?"

"Where my hand is behind your left kidney."

"What about it?"

"This area is usually where you feel lots of stress. Since it's in the lower back, a lot of strain will occur in mothers-to-be. Yours is quite stressed, which is bad for your back. I mean, does your lower back feel more achy than usual?"

"All the time, actually."

"This is because the pressure is too high." and Tikal began to press the area of Aqua's lower back. Aqua shifts slightly in discomfort. "See that, this disk is putting too much pressure on your lower back." Tikal said. "This pressure is causing you to feel so achy."

"I see..." Aqua replied. "I feel silly, I should have picked up on that."

"But you're too busy running your business to understand your pains."

At this moment, Tikal helped Aqua sit up on the table. Then Tikal lifted Aqua's legs, placing her fully on the table and walked behind her again. "The biggest problem for pregnant women is excessive pressure on the lower back. This will make things hard for you during the remainder of your term."

"I'm curious as to how you're so knowledgeable about this?" Aqua said.

"I was taught from my elders the various things that a pregnant mother's body will go through any things." Tikal answered and placed her hands on Aqua's back. "I learned about how to give adjustments to pregnant women many years ago."

"Tribal girl, huh?"

"I am. Now try to relax as I help relieve your spine."

"Sure..." Then there were three raps at the door.

"Excuse me, Mrs Aqua?" A girls voice was called. "Are you in there?"
"I am busy at the moment, what do you need?"
"That nasty woman is back..." And Aqua sighed.

Uh oh... thought Tikal.

"If you'll excuse me a moment." And Aqua got herself up and rolled her legs off the table.

"I will follow you." said Tikal.

Aqua got off the table and out the door, she walked into the main area to see the customers being disturbed by some rowdy girl, the same fox that Vanilla saw.
"Tia, get out of my shop..." Aqua said walking over.
"This place is just as big a dump as your last one, and the girls, well, they say you can cover up shit, but it's still shit." Tia said.
"Aqua told you to leave!" One of the staff yelled at Tia, being brave, that led to Tia slapping her around the face.
"I wouldn't do that again, Tia..." Aqua warned.

In response, Tia lifted her hand to slap the girl a second time, only to have Aqua catch her arm and stop her. Tia then violently pushed Aqua, who caught her hip on a chair, but luckily Tikal and another girl caught her before she collided with the floor.

"What is your problem?" asked Tikal.

"This bitch is my problem, as well as the rest of the trash in here, eh...the place stinks, it's bloody filthy, oops, forgot, it's covered in shit..." Tia walked over to Aqua who was gripping her hip in pain. "You were an idiot to get pregnant, makes you an easy target."
"At least I can get pregnant, Tia." Aqua retorted.
"Why you bitch!" And Tia lifted her hand to punch Aqua.

Tia's hand turned into a fist and went in for the swing. But what seemed like the blow was sure to land, Tia's fist was intercepted by a round, spiked ball on a chain. "What in the..." Tikal was at a loss for words.
The ball retracted back to its owner, which happened to be Amy. "You know, if it's one thing I hate, it's a stubborn customer." she said as she walked into the salon. "Now, unless you want a facial from my wrecking hammer, I suggest you take your business elsewhere."

"Oh, looks like the little wench wants to play." And Tia cracks her knuckles. "Let's see what you have, little girl." It was at the moment someone appeared next to Tia and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her into the air.
"Coming into this shop was a mistake, causing a ruckus was an idiots move, but attacking Aqua whilst she was pregnant, not something you wanted to do." And with that, the mysterious male blue fox threw Tia out the door, where she came face first into concrete, a girl, also a blue fox, came in afterwards.
"Aqua, are you okay?" She asked in concern.
"Please...I need to sit somewhere...." Aqua replied.

The male fox left the building and walked over to Tia and grabbed her by the legs, before dragging her off somewhere.

"Sorry I'm late, Boss." said Amy.

Tikal helped Aqua to a seat. "Not at all, your timing was impeccable..." Aqua replied.

"And judging for the look of the floor, your timing just got cut short." in walks Vanilla holding Kweli. "I was hoping to get here earlier, but I see that I'm wrong."

Shade finally comes out. "Sorry, I was on the can and I heard a ruckus. Is everything okay?" she asks.

"Damn you, Tia..." Aqua cursed.
"Please relax, mrs Aqua." One of the staff advised.
"Kai will take care of her, and speaking of which, i better go and make sure he doesn't kill her, i don't want a jailed brother." And out the blue fox went.

Vanilla approached Aqua and placed her hand on her lower abdomen. "You don't look too happy." she said.

"To explain it short, Tia pushed me, I hit the chair..." Aqua replied.

"What's with the floor?" asked Shade.

"I didn't notice the floor." said Amy.
"Aqua was knocked down, but we caught her before she had a bad landing." Tikal answered.
"Well, I guess that makes sense." said Vanilla. "Aqua, are you feeling okay?"

"No...I'm in agony..." Aqua replied.

"Of course you are, that fall induced you."

Upon hearing that said, the girls in the salon started to panic. "Now what'll we do?" asked Tikal.
"We can't go outside, you already saw what's going down." Amy said.
"Well, this is Aqua's choice." said Vanilla.

"Hiiieeeii...." Aqua said. "God damn you, Tia! You filthy bitch!" She cursed. "Kylia should let Kai kill that wench..." And Aqua sighed. "I should get to a hospital or something..."

So, Aqua's girls ran around in panic, sorting things out, also apologising to the customers and asking them to leave, after writing their names on some paper for free treatments as apology and cleared house, another phoned the hospital and everything began to calm down.

"Hey...Vanilla...why do you have Muri's baby?" Aqua questioned, as she tried to remain calm, much to her character.

"She asked me to take him when I visited her at the hospital today." Vanilla answered. "I was going to do something else upon leaving, then ran into Tia. At that moment, Muri and I filled out some paperwork, giving me custody over Kweli until things calmed down."
An explosion was soon heard outside. "Lovely, it's pretty hot out here." said Shade. "Whatever enemies you have, they are outside the shop."
"Great, more trouble." said Tikal.
"I gotta go, the black and blue foxes are gonna need some help out here." and off Shade went.
"Okay girls, exit out of the back." said Amy. "This isn't a drill."

So all the girls followed Amy's orders and allowed Aqua to be escorted first, one of them was brave enough to lock the front door and shut the place entirely.

"Man, if I get out of this one, I'm gonna need a drink." said Tikal.
"Don't get cocky, we may have to help out in fights." said Amy.
If things get bad, I can always play doctor again. thought Vanilla.

So, the girls made their way to the back door, and upon exiting, they were confronted with a very big wolf.
"Well, well, well, looks like I get to take you back to Nazaruda, how fun, and some meals too, lovely fresh looking rabbit, and she's holding desert, how nice of her."
"Ahh...crap...." Aqua sighed.

"You're free to eat." said Amy. "How about some iron for your diet, it's good for the blood!" and the pink hedgehog went in first, putting that wrecking hammer to work.

The wolf however caught the wrecking hammer without so much as pain and lifted Amy into the air. "Fresh Hedgehog for starters." And he lifted Amy over his head, mouth wide.

"I may be pink, but I'm not a little pig." Amy retorted.

"And I'm not the big bad wolf." The wolf laughed. "I'm your predator, and you're my starters." And he let Amy go to swallow her, however, something rushed passed the girls and slammed into his gut, knocking him off and through a building wall and Amy landed safely on her feet, then they heard a clank.
"Thank god that you showed up, Rei." Aqua said.
"Scanning target...." Rei replied.

"Mind telling me what's going on?"
"Rexchus is attempting to get to Hiei through you." Rei replied. "By getting you and your cubs, they will have leverage over Hiei, forcing surrender."

"Aqua, talk to me." said Vanilla.

"I'm about to hit a contraction I think...." Aqua replied.

Amy readied her wrecking hammer. "Tikal, get everyone out of here." she said. "I'll stay here with my 'rescuer' and fend off big and hungry."

"Gotcha." And Tikal led the group off in the other direction as the wolf recovered from the wall.
"No one disturbs my dinner!" He barked.

"Strength will not bring him down." Said Rei.

"Then we'll use cunning and disable him." said Amy.

"Can you keep a secret?" Rei looked behind and noticed the girls had gotten away.

"Might as well, since I'll be running what's left of the shop after this."

"Good, no one is to know about what you will see here today." And Rei gives Amy a round orb. "Throw this in his mouth when there's an opening."

"No biggy, I like vitamins too."

Rei then places its hand on the green orb contraption on the left of its chest and turned it. It was at this moment that Rei began to seemingly fall to pieces as metal began to break off and then open up. Out of the 'suit' popped a yellow wild cat, the only thing that remained was the green orb contraption on her chest.

"We have 3 minutes and then I die." Rei said to Amy. "Think you can get it in him before then?"

"Well, let's get down to business." Amy answered. And with that, Rei vanished, and then dust flew into the air as she'd moved insanely quickly towards Noretu, and smashed into him, before she spun around him a lot of times which succeeded in confusing him.
"What the...so fast..." and he tried to grab her, but was failing. Amy charged in to join that battle.

Meanwhile, with the other girls. They had managed to get out of the area and were heading in the direction of the hospital; Aqua had only stopped once due to a contraction, thankfully.

"Well, looks like I won't be seeing you next class, huh?" asked Vanilla.

"Heh, I guess not...I feel bad though, means you have to deal with Shena alone..." Aqua laughed.

"Well mom, you're early and not dilating so much, but I do have good news to inform you later."

"Oh..?" Aqua questioned, as the girls continued moving

"Yes. I have a list of nice baby stuff for you and Hiei."

And Aqua giggled. "Well, that will be apprecia-..." And then another contraction hit.

"Great." and Vanilla placed her hand on Aqua's abdomen.
"Vanilla, what's going on?" asked Tikal.
"Just another contraction for mom here." Vanilla told Tikal.
"Can you tell how much she's dilated?"
Aqua's contraction died down. "Well mom, you're about halfway there."

"I'm not going to be unfortunate like Muri and not make it to the hospital, if you don't mind, so I am going to continue until we get there..." Aqua said, having recovered.

"Just make sure to breathe." advised Vanilla.

This is bad... thought Tikal. But if they're coming for Aqua, then....

The girls continued to the hospital, only stopping for the usual "labour pains" from Aqua. Luckily, the hospital was only five blocks away. "Good, I can see the hospital." said Vanilla. "This'll be a long stretch, but we should be home free."

"Good..." Aqua replied.

"Let's get going." said Vanilla.

At this point, only three of Aqua's employees were with her, Tikal, and Vanilla who wore Kweli on a sling. One contraction was had by Aqua through all of this, and the girls hand managed to go three blocks. "It can't be this easy." Tikal said.
"What are you mumbling about?" asked Vanilla.
"We have a problem."
All too true as the girls soon found out. As an energy wave halted the girls in their process of going the last two blocks. "Is there something we should know?" asked Vanilla.

"Well, well, well...Look what the cat dragged in..." Said a voice. "Sorry ladies, but your road ends here."

"Great, more problems." said Vanilla. From above, a grey fox with different shades of grey in his long hair appeared.

"Now, if you'll be so kind, give up Aqua and I'll take her from your hands now." He said.

"Get behind me." said Tikal.
"Is this the so-called 'head of the club'?" asked Vanilla.

"Nazaruda...." Aqua uttered.

"So, this is the one that Tia was talking about." and Vanilla turned to Nazaruda. "You do realize I can handle things from here?"

"Is that so?" Nazaruda laughed. "I'll show some sympathy, go ahead and get the vermin out of her so I can take them off your hands. I'll wait."

Vanilla backed up and was now standing in front of Tikal, whom everyone was gathered near. "Your sympathy is greatly appreciated." said Vanilla. "But you won't be taking anyone here."

"And what, might I ask, will you do to stop me?"

"I don't plan on stopping you, but not even you can handle it."

"Is that so..?" Nazaruda grinned.

"You look thirsty, but there will be plenty to drink for you."

And Nazaruda laughed, then glared at Vanilla angrily. "You dare to mock me?!"

"No, but I know something can."

"Getting in my way will not bode well for you." Nazaruda said. "Last chance, back off and surrender Aqua." And Aqua hit another contraction at this point.

"Aqua, what do you have to say about giving Mr. Nazaruda your children?" asked Vanilla.

"Go to hell..." Aqua replied, during her contraction.

"That contraction sounds pretty close." said Tikal.

"Well, let her drop." And Nazaruda laughed manically. It was at this time someone jumped on his back, taking him off guard.
"Move it!" Kirika yelled, trying to keep Nazaruda in place.

"Tikal..." said Vanilla.
"Time to go." said Tikal.

At this moment, Vanilla, Tikal, Aqua and the girls vanished in a flash of light. When the light faded, all of them were gone, but Chaos was standing right there. Nazaruda then lifted off of the ground and grabbed Kirika by the head pulling her forward.
"You've gotten in my way for the last time, Kirika." And with that, he stood and lifted her by the head before viciously pushing his hand through her stomach, before tossing her aside and looking at Chaos. Seeing what had just happened, Chaos extends its arms into the ground. Seconds later, a blast of water knocked Nazaruda high into the air. Soon after, a puddle formed around Kirika, which she soon fell into.

Nazaruda recovered in midair and looked to the ground. "This'll be fun..." And he began his descent, as he landed he leaped forth and smashed chaos in the head, causing him to splash into a puddle in the ground. The various drops that splattered all over the place soon gathered into a large puddle, and then Chaos formed its body again. Eyes only glancing and simply shook its finger at Nazaruda, clearly not impressed. Nazaruda folded his arms. "So they send a drip to fight, how pathetic." Chaos folds its arms and turns back into a puddle. Afterwards, the "drip of water" was gone. "Hm...A distraction..." Nazaruda said. "Amusing." In his mind, he was communicating with his allies. Locke, you know what to do. He thought.

Meanwhile, Rei was reassembling her metal and Amy polished her wrecking hammer. "Not bad, 'Iron Woman', you make good security." Amy said. And Rei quickly rebuilt herself.

"Charging heart system, rebooting main protocol..." She said. She then turned to face Noretu who was hung by his tail, his mouth smouldering as the 'bomb' had screwed up his insides, he wasn't dead but he wouldn't be bothering anyone for a long time. "Thanks, hammer girl, I've never met someone outside of the Shadow Clan or Rexchus who knows how to handle themselves so well."

"Well, let's go around the front and see what's happening."

"Affirmative." And the girls ran around to the front.

At the front, Tia was completely out and it appeared Seifa had joined in at some point, and the blue fox, Kylia, was out as well, Kai however was standing strong.

"Is everyone okay?" asked Amy.

"Just a plaything." Kai said.
"I'm just following orders." Seifa replied to Kai, but he put his fists down. "You win. I'm outta here." and he walked off. Kai proceeded to walk over to Kylia and roll her onto her back and pick her up.

"Some man he is..." said Amy. "What a joke. So where's the black fox?"

"Hiei went off after Aqua, having noticed this was a complete distraction." Kai replied.

"Great." said Shade. "Knowing Tikal, she probably took Aqua to her home."
"Which is bad, because Hiei won't be able to reach Tikal's place." said Amy.

"Mind explaining?" Kai asked.

"Tikal lives in a place not accessible by many people. I've only been there a couple of times... so unless Tikal or Chaos take you there, no entry."

"Eh..." Kai replied. "Hiei is well known for being able to break any kind of logic when he wants to get somewhere."

"Well we better find him soon." said Shade. "Aqua's in labour and probably close to delivery at this point."

"Excuse me for speaking out of line, but she's going to be pissed if she doesn't make it to a hospital." Rei said.

"If I know Tikal, Aqua isn't at a hospital." said Amy. "Come on Shade, we better go and find Hiei and fast."
"Right." said Shade and the two girls went off.

Rei activated her jet booster on her back and took off to the roof of a building. "Scanning...." She said. "Hiei located. That direction." Rei said, pointing. She then took off in that direction.

"Follow her." said Amy.
"Fine." said Shade. So they shoot off in the direction Rei points out, in hopes of catching Hiei.

Meanwhile, everyone was enjoying the sights of the Old Mystic Ruins as Vanilla and one of the three employees was helping Aqua get to the medical hut. "Well, your contractions are quite close, you should be ready to deliver soon." said Vanilla. Aqua doesn't reply with anything except a sigh.

"What should we do, miss?" A member of Aqua's staff asked.

"Ooh..." Tikal said with her hand on her head. "I shouldn't transport so many people here at once. I have strained myself in the process."
"That means we'll be here for a while." said Vanilla. "Tikal won't be able to go back and get Hiei without rest. And it looks like I'll be delivering two more babies."

"How fortunate for you..." Aqua sighed.

"Vanilla, Aqua's concerned about her partner." said one of Aqua's workers.
"Luckily, you aren't alone." said Vanilla.
"The medical hut is thirty feet from you all." said Tikal. "The stage is yours from here on, Vanilla. I'll leave your midwife skills to assist Aqua."

The other two girls assist Tikal. "You're coming too." One of them said.
"Yeah, didn't you say you were a bit bummed that you missed the last one?" The other said.

"Crowding her is bad and it will only stress Aqua." said Tikal.
"Agreed." said Vanilla. "Come on, Aqua. Things will turn out okay."
"There's a tub in there for aquatic birthing." said Tikal.
"I think a water birth is better for you." said Vanilla. "What do you think?"

"I manipulate water..." Aqua said. "There isn't a more fitting place..."

"Chaos would love you."

"Well, my real name is Maisy, Aqua is a nickname for a reason." Aqua said.

Meanwhile with the search for Hiei, it appeared he was stood in the location Aqua was seen in last, and it wasn't long before Rei arrived to see him there.

"Hiei!" Rei called, Hiei turned his head, but said nothing. "Looks like we located you in time."
"What do you want, Rei. I'm a little busy." Hiei snapped.

"Some girls know where Aqua is, and it is apparently very difficult to get there." Rei replied.
"Well, where are these girls then?" Hiei asked.

Sounds could be heard, then Shade and Amy appear. "Next time, tell me when you decide to play Rocketman." said Amy.

"Apologies." Rei replied.
"You. Tell me where Aqua is." Hiei ordered.

"Aside from being in labour, she with my friend Tikal... in the Old Mystic Ruins." Amy answered.

"And, how do I get there?" Hiei asked.

"I can assist with that." said Shade.
"Wait, you can get to the Old Mystic Ruins?" asked Amy.
"Of course. I can warp us there, that's the benefit of my people. But enough, 'Daddy Dearest' needs to be with 'Mommy Dearest' now. Whenever everyone is ready." Hiei walks over and folds his arms.

"A closed mouth from a stubborn man doesn't get to see his kids." said Shade. "You'll need happy thoughts to get there safely."

"Then I won't get there 'safely'. I'm hardly in the mood for your games." Hiei replied.

"Fine, don't believe. I will be able to forgive the part where you miss the birth of your kids. I'm not sure about your labouring wife though..."

Hiei grits his teeth in anger, but then relaxes. "Fine, I'll play along, but if for some reason this 'involves' something ridiculous like 'clicking my heels together', I will punch you." Hiei said and then began to 'visualise' happy thoughts, mainly the time his first born child came into the world, where he believes he was at his happiest.

"Tikal is the one that likes making people sing, not me. Hang on." Shade places her hand on Hiei's shoulder and Amy places her hand on Shade's shoulder. Rei even manages to grab a hold of Amy and the four warp off. In seconds everyone arrived at the Old Mystic Ruins. When they arrived, everyone was there, but Rei wasn't in her armour. "Hey, we made it." said Amy.

"Eepp!" Rei yelped. "Where did my armour go, I'll die without it." Hiei simply ignored her and looked around.

"Worry not friends, all is well here." up walks Tikal, still experiencing her headache. "Go this way." and Tikal points in the direction of the medical hut. "Aqua's pretty much delivering, so you better hurry up." And Hiei just warped, causing the air around where he was to rotate and blow harshly.

Fifteen minutes later, Hiei and Aqua were proudly holding their newborn cubs. Vanilla was smiling as she finished cleaning up. "Well, you two will certainly have your hands full with these girls." said Vanilla. "Though they were born early, both of them appear to be fine."

"That's good news." Aqua sighed in relief. "Tia will pay though."

"I'm more concerned about how I will deal with Nazaruda."

"I'll deal with him." Hiei said. "He's my enemy, not yours."

"Then you will help me free Irum?" Vanilla questioned Hiei.

"You would have to 'kill' her to free her." Hiei replied.

"Blasphemy. She's a girl with the mind of a small child. Killing her isn't needed."

"It's her or you, simply put." Hiei replied. "I remember, I wanted to talk to you." And Hiei supports one of his children in one arm and pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and passes it to Vanilla.

"What's on the paper?" Vanilla asks as she takes the paper with her free hand.

"Three possible locations on your foxes 'rapist'." Hiei replied. "I did not want to give them to her, for sake of 'old wounds'."

"Who is 'her'?"

"Tails." Hiei replied.

Vanilla was quiet for a while, then smiled. "Looks like my deed for delivering your daughters makes us even then?"

"Perhaps, I was going to give this to you anyway. I would have killed that bastard myself, but I figure revenge should remain within the boundaries of those affected, no?"

"I see. Now I can inform you of other things, Aqua."

"Oh?" Aqua questioned.

"I told you about having temporary custody of Muri's son Kweli here. But I've been in custody of Muri for some time now.

"Kirika and I made a few arrangements and I have documentation that allows me to be Muri's legal guardian if anything happens to Kirika. So she's been legally entrusted to me for quite some time."

"I see..." Aqua said. "So...where is she now..?"

"Hospitalized. I will retrieve her later, but she's under watch at this point. I also found out about what is going on."

"Go on."

"I thought Nazaruda had raped Muri, but I was wrong. As it turns out, she was unwillingly impregnated."

"That, and she was also raped." Hiei corrected.

"Apparently, the cause of Muri's impregnation was a liquefied chemical. One that can fertilize female eggs with chaos energy."

"You mean the same treatment that a certain young fox went through?"

"Exactly. From what I was informed of, I learned about a project called Chimera."

"Project Chimera, I'm well aware of that, in fact, my entire clan is well aware of that." Hiei said, looking at Vanilla.

"Then you're aware that it's turning would-be mothers into vessels for the breeding of chaos children."

"I know a lot more about it than you do, believe it or not."

"Then you can tell me how this works."

"I can tell you that the project was first created by my father after he discovered a Chaos Emerald. And my sister was the first subject of Project Chimera." Hiei said. "Shadow the Hedgehog is the sole example that my father expected to make, someone of his status. Another point of Chimera is to implement children until they became pure essences of Chaos energy, that they can use the super form with only 1 Chaos Emerald, or even none at all." Hiei explained. "Now, imagine someone who has the power to freely use a Chaos Super form and then imagine that my father planned to 'leave his body' and take over that child for immortality, and to destroy the world."

"Foetuses are pure energy. And Nazaruda will be after Aqua and these two girls. So this means your fight is over."

"And why is that?"

"You need to be with your wife."

"And you're going to need help, if you think that you can handle Irum alone."

"I already know how to deal with Irum, but if there's a codeword about her that you know of. Tell me."

"Do not show fear, even for the slightest moment. Once you do, your life will end before you even get a chance to know what's coming."

"By the way, you and Aqua need to do some healing."

"Huh?" Aqua questioned.

"I can tell by the way you hold your daughters that something is wrong with you two. You probably won't tell me, but you'll have to resolve things with each other."

"If you won't let me go with you, you'll need to find help. You won't be able to deal with Irum and Rexchus at the same time." Hiei said, ignoring the statement.

"I will hold my own against Irum. And as far as the Rexchus are concerned... I have help. Also, I am almost finished with my serum too."

"Serum?"

"Of course. One that you can thank Aqua for her assistance in developing. With that, I'll let you parents have a moment with your children." and Vanilla left the hut with Kweli.

Amy walked up to Vanilla and Kweli. "How is Tikal?" she asked.
"Still has a headache and Shade already left." Amy answered.
"So that means we're here for a while."
"Pretty much."
"Well, Hiei and Aqua are holding their six pound daughters, but at least the young are fine."

"So what will you do now?" Rei asked. "And how is it that I am not dead...I gotta get my armour back soon or I know I'll die..."

"Interesting, who is this?" asked Vanilla.
"Remember that robot in Aqua's shop? Well, this is her." Amy explained.
"Luckily for you, your body... which looks quite fit, is in no danger here."

Rei taps the green crystal like device on her chest. "This keeps me alive, but it needs the whole suit to function properly..."

"It's sad that you have to live your life on a battery." Vanilla told Rei. "But here, you don't have to worry. Let's get some rest, we can all use it."

"I was born with a weak heart, which exploded...so my father had his inventor create something which would 'revive' me as such, and this is the result...it had to be changed as i grew but...yeah, I'm living on borrowed time..." Rei said.

"Here, you can live without your power supply." said Tikal as she joined the girls. "You needn't worry about dying here."

"Oh, can I stay forever then?" Rei asked.

"That is your decision. I don't mind the company though, it would give me someone to enjoy telling stories to."

"I would have to leave for some things, but if i can move freely without my suit..." And Rei stopped herself. "I'd be living a lie..." and she sighed.

Amy walked around. "When you leave here, you will be wearing your suit." Tikal explained.

Rei walked over to Vanilla and Kweli. "So, this is an infant. Never really took the time to see one up close, I tended to just ignore them." She said.

"This is Kweli, Muri's son." Vanilla said.

"I over heard you will be going to get Muri's other side at some point." Rei said.

"I plan on claiming her."

"You'll need help with that."

"I can handle Irum."

"You don't know what she is."

It was at this time that Chaos appeared and Kirika's body was inside of its watery form. "Oh god, Kirika!" Vanilla cried.
Chaos approached them and Tikal walked over to see Kirika's injuries. "She looks bad." she said.
"Can you help her?" Vanilla asked.
"I will try."

Rei ran over. "What happened?" She asked concerning.

"She's wounded... Badly to boot." Tikal answered.

"Anything I can do?"

"I'll need that orb."
Chaos expelled Kirika from its body and Tikal went to work.

"Do you think you can save her?" Amy questioned.

"Let's cross your fingers and toes." Tikal said as she operated on Kirika.

It took a long time, but Tikal managed to get Kirika out of her critical state. Hiei had managed to come out at this time and noticed Kirika's frame. "Well, that's all I can do." Tikal said.

Hiei walked over. "Okay, Nazaruda is going to suffer for this one..." He said.

"If you can take me to him, I can get Irum out of there." said Vanilla. Hiei then took out a mobile, found his own number and gave the phone to Vanilla so she can see it. Vanilla wrote down the number and tucked it away in her pocket. "Kirika, can you hear me?" asked Tikal.

Hiei takes his phone back. "Call me when you're ready to go." Hiei said. Kirika remained unresponsive.

"It looks like I'll have to be a better mother from now on." said Vanilla.

"What do you mean?" Amy asked.

"If anything should happen to Kirika, I have guardianship over Muri." Vanilla explained. "It's a shame that she hasn't come around. She won't get to hold her grandnephew."

"Only time can tell at this point." Hiei said.

"All too true." said Tikal. "Her injuries are quite severe... Eventually, she will die."

"Indeed..." Hiei said. "I have no ability in which I can use to help her and knowing Nazaruda, he's hit a very vital spot in the body, he clearly does not want her to recover."

"He's also waiting for Aqua too." Tikal turned to Hiei. "During all of those attacks, I came to a conclusion that things were all too easy. If Aqua is checked into the hospital, along with the litter, they will be prime targets."

"Indeed..." Hiei said. "I also had Muri removed from the hospital."

"Good." said Vanilla. "I'm sure Tia would come after her if she were still there."

"I'll have her handed over once we're out of this place."

"Speaking of out of this place, how are you feeling?" Vanilla asked Tikal.
"Better, but not strong enough to leave." Tikal answered. "We're pretty much here for the day... and this is a bummer since I have a show tonight."

"Would giving you energy work?" Hiei asked.

"Not this time." Tikal answered. "I require 'normal' rest. But I do want to talk to you about Aqua and her... I mean, your daughters."
"Well if you need me, I'll be taking a bath." said Vanilla. "These events have definitely done their fair share on my psyche." and off she went with Kweli.

"Is it safe for visitors?" asked Amy.

"I don't see why not." Hiei replied. "So, what do you need to discuss, Tikal?"

"Later, when my headache has fully subsided." said Tikal. "But for now, I will make some herbal tea."

"Fine." Hiei replied, and left back to the hut with Aqua, and Amy followed.

Tikal sighed. Whatever is going on with Muri and Aqua, it seems everyone is linked in this madness. Thought Tikal. Vanilla, I hope you really know what you're doing. As for you, Hiei... Valour has its limits.