In this chapter we'll get back to Keelie's family. We are getting close to the end of the story. As always, read and review!
The next morning, Finn and his squad were continuing their journey. Finn was unusually quiet, even more so than usual.
The other jackals looked at each other. They were concerned for their leader.
It wasn't long until they reached a robotic base. "Where are we?" Jay asked.
Finn rolled his eyes, "this is Dr. Eggman's base. It will fetch us a hefty price. Jackal squad! Move out!"
They grinned and leapt into action.
"Keep up Reagan!" Ace yelled over his shoulder as they raced down the hill on their bicycles.
Fortune and Kinnley watched from the porch, eating Popsicles.
Reagan rammed his tire into the side of Ace's bike, "you keep up!" The two oldest boys loved adventure, and giving their mother a heart attack on a regular basis.
Their race quickly turned into a demolition derby.
Fortune and Kinnley kept eating their treats. Kinnley had grape, while Fortune's was cherry. After a few minutes, they swapped. Yes, for the two younger boys, that was the extent of their excitement. They were quiet, and laid back. Kinnley was the voice of reason, and generally kept the boys together. But Fortune was a little skittish.
The small family had moved to a house, as a two bedroom apartment soon became too small for them. Especially with a new baby.
Yes, Gadget had given Keelie another pup. A girl. Everyone doted on that toddler. Her brothers were especially fond of her.
"Kinnley!" Called the wolf jackal hybrid as she came out on the porch, "Fortune! Mama says it's almost time to eat!"
"Ok Aurora," replied Kinnley as he hopped up. The two Popsicles were gone by now, so he went to get his brothers.
"Ace! Reagan!" Kinnley called.
They were so engrossed in their game they did not hear him. Keelie came out on the porch just in time to see her two eldest boys crash into each other head on. She gasped and hurried over to them.
Ace was laughing as he brushed his long mane out of his eyes. Reagan glared at first, then joined in the laughter.
"Are you boys all right?" Keelie asked as she reached them.
"We're fine mama," said Reagan as their laughter died down.
She ruffled Ace's tangled mane and shook her head, "put your bikes away and come inside. We'll have just enough time to do something with this mess before papa gets back."
Ace huffed. He hated when she brushed his hair. But he didn't want her to cut it short like his brothers'.
After they went inside Keelie made him sit in a wooden chair. She got a brush and ran it through his long white mane. He bit back a yelp as she pulled a tangle. "Mama that hurts," he protested.
"If you took care of it it wouldn't be so bad," she scolded lightly. "Or if you would let me cut it."
Ace hopped up from the chair, "I've got an idea." He ran to his room and came back with a picture of a punk rocker cut from a magazine. "Cut my hair like this."
Keelie took it and looked at the paper. A fox with long hair that was shaved on one side was on it. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. That was how her papa wore his hair, save for the design cut in the side.
Ace tugged her arm, "can you do it? Please? I'll look so cool. And can you do the lightning bolt too?"
She blinked the tears away, "if that's what you want baby. But only if you promise to take care of your hair from now on." She pointed the brush at him as she did so.
He jumped up and down slightly, "I promise mama, I promise."
She grinned and patted the seat, "get up here then." Then she went to get the clippers.
It was quiet when Gadget entered the living room. Which was unusual. The boys were always causing trouble. But it kept life interesting.
His ear twitched as he closed the front door. He heard someone giggle. A smile formed on his muzzle as he was tackled in a hug.
"Papa!" Aurora squealed. She dangled from his arm. "You're home!"
He laughed and gave her a quick hug. The four boys came running in the room. "Papa's back!" Kinnley exclaimed.
After hugs and greetings, the family sat down to eat.
"Slow down a bit Ace," Keelie said while helping Fortune cut his chicken. "Save some for everyone else."
"They just need to eat faster," he shrugged while chewing.
"None of that," Gadget said sternly with a disapproving glare. Ace slunk down in his seat slightly. He knew better than to challenge his papa, he was alpha. His ears pinned in submission.
Gadget sighed. The ranking order was so deep in their blood, and he hated it. He wanted them to have a normal life, so he tried to squash that tendency.
"It's ok Ace," Keelie said gently. She was trying to fight their old way of life too. This was so much better. She was so much happier.
Ace sat up and continued his food. He leaned over his plate, as if someone would try to take it from him.
Gadget decided to change the subject. He noticed Ace's mane. "You let mama cut your hair," he remarked.
Ace grinned, "do you like it papa?"
"Looks good buddy," he ruffled the top of his head.
"Oh Gadget," Keelie sighed while sitting on the side of the bed, "I'm worried about Ace. He reminds me so much of my papa. And I don't want him to be like that. A bully. That's what got him killed you know."
"I know you don't honey," Gadget said kissing her forehead. "I don't either."
It was then that they heard a scream. Keelie's ears pricked, "that's Reagan," she gasped. The two of them hurried to the boys' room.
Once they got there, Ace was fighting with Reagan. His hands were around Reagan's neck. Reagan had hold of Ace's long mane. Kinnley was trying to break them up, and Fortune was hiding under his blanket.
Gadget pulled Ace off his brother. "Let go of me!" Ace screamed, "let go!" Gadget just let him scream while Keelie checked on Reagan. A few bruises were on his face and neck.
"Are you ok sweetie?" She asked while holding him close to her chest and smoothing his short hair.
"I'm fine mama," he rasped. Kinnley went to get some water for his older brother.
Gadget still held Ace by the scruff of his neck as he struggled. "Let me go!" He wailed, "let go of me you stupid old man!"
"That's enough!" Keelie snapped. She turned to look at her oldest son. His gold eyes glowed with anger and the intent to injure.
In that moment, she was reminded of his father. How brutal and heartless he was. There was no way she was going to let him become like his father.
She went over and knelt down to his level, "Ace. Sweetie." He avoided eye contact with her. "Talk to me. What's wrong?" Her hand went under his chin and gently guided his eyes to meet hers.
He sniffed a bit, "I don't want to go back to school tomorrow."
"What does that have to do with Reagan?" Her voice stayed calm and soothing.
"He said the reason I don't want to go is because I'm dumb." Ace wiped his eyes with the heel of his hand, "because everyone else in my class can read. And I can't."
"You just need more practice, that's all." She rubbed his shoulders. He just hung his head. "Listen sweetheart, I know what Reagan said hurt you, but violence is not the answer. Violence hurts people, and drives families apart. Believe me I know that personally.
Ace's eyes drifted over her scars and lingered on her ear. "Was it family that did that to your ear?" He asked quietly.
Keelie and Gadget looked at each other. "Sweetie," Keelie said, "that's something we'll talk about when you're older. Just know that it was someone who should've cared for and loved me." Her hands rested on his upper arms.
"I-Is that all they did to you?" Ace asked with wide eyes.
Keelie felt tears brim her eyes. She didn't really want to have this conversation now. But her boys needed to know. She pulled the collar of her shirt so they could see the bites and scars there.
Fortune grabbed her arm. His gold eyes were wide with worry.
"It's nothing for you to worry about baby," she said while patting his head. A soft kiss was placed on his cheek, "come on boys, let's get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow."