Shadow was in Tails Kitchen, as her personal butler as he promised, they had already gotten Shadow one of Tails spare phones to which it was tweaked that a certain number combination with the hash key would instantly page him if anything were to happen to Tails during her time alone. Shadow did however take the time to call Vanilla, and asked her over in regards to the event with Eggman.
"So, what do I owe the honour of this visit?" asked Vanilla.
"An ambush." Shadow told her. "Eggman decided to pull a fast one, and whilst it was dealt with I felt there was something I should bring to your attention before my boss."
"Like?"
"Unless I am mistaken, weren't you interested in rescuing a certain girl from captivity from the so called Rexchus group?"
"Nothing really gets past you I see... Well, what about it?"
"G.U.N's suspicion of the doctor siding with that group were confirmed, as that specific person was used to temporarily remove me from the picture, and whilst it brings me shame, he managed to get Tails for a short time. However, when I totalled his lab, and all his work, and sent him packing, that girl was nowhere to be seen, so either she was returned or escaped. I figured you might want to know that." Shadow explained.
Vanilla folds her arms. "This is troubling..." she sighs. "Do you have any ideas as to where she might have gone?" Shadow shakes his head.
"She did leave the train the moment Eggman let his guard down, guess she felt his offer wasn't more tempting than freedom." Tails spoke from her seat, eating hamburgers.
"And how are you feeling about this ordeal?"
"I'm thankful for it, though it frightened me...Eggman's plan is sick...but at least I can have a week to myself after that blast, I hope."
"Plans, what plans?"
"Well...he was surgically going to remove Lavender from me, with intent I would not survive, then throw her into some fluid which would rapidly increase her growth, and then mind-fuck her into becoming his obedient servant to dominate the world with fear...and kill all of my friends..." Tails drooped her ears at the thought.
Vanilla didn't say a word, but let everything that Tails said sink into her mind.
"And that girl that put her fist threw Shadow and then toss him aside like a small puppy..."
"Hey..." Shadows pride was stung.
"Sorry...well, Eggman referred to her as the example of his expectations. Only Lavender would be in his palm and not as free-willed as her."
Still no response from Vanilla, but she decided to walk over and comfort Tails.
"Vanilla." Shadow started.
"I remember that girl mentioning the deal was that if she took me out of the picture, she could have food, so I assume they've been starving her into obedience. If she is as hungry as that, she couldn't have gotten much further away from the wreckage before succumbing to it. "*
"It's time I took my leave." Vanilla said. "Keep your guard up and handle any tense situations that arise. Obviously, things aren't over just yet."
"I'm sure we'll be fine, just bringing it to your attention." Shadow told her. "Be careful though, Cream and Muri still need you around, so don't become that foxes meal, if you find it."
"Likewise to you." and Vanilla left Shadow and Tails to themselves. Outside, Muri was waiting, but Kweli wasn't with her.
"I'm sorry I followed you..." She told her.
"It's good of you to have come to visit. Tails could use your company right about now." Vanilla told Muri. "Or are you here for the ladder..."
"Ladder?" Muri looked a little confused. "No, I just...ever since Tails left the club, something's been disturbing me."
"Like what?"
"I don't know, I've just been having a bad feeling..."
"Probably from Kweli."
"Maybe...that was another reason I followed you, he's been crying since you left, and no matter what I do, he won't calm down...I left him with Cream, but I tried feeding him, patting him, singing to him, I even checked his diaper, but I don't know what's wrong...he doesn't have a fever..."
"So when did he eat last?"
"I fed him before the party, but he won't feed." Muri begins to look worried.
"Have there been any other things that have been going on with Kweli as of late?"
"No, until recently he's been very well behaved..."
"Nothing out of the ordinary, like things involving his eyes, hand and feet colouring, are his ears okay?"
"The jewel on his head went a bit misty...his face went red, but I assumed it was because he was working himself up because of all his crying...I really don't know what to do..." Muri was on the brink of tears.
"Sounds like early teething. Well, let's go and see why he's so fussy."
Muri nods and the two head off. "Um, what did Shadow want you for?"
"Information. Apparently, Tails isn't out of the woods yet."
"How so?"
"Same as before, only more up to date."
"Oh. Did something happen?"
"The usual, bad guys and thieves and weaponry being used."
"Oh, I guess I shouldn't ask much." Muri said, it not being long for the two of them reaching the train station. The only train in process was one that went a longer alternate route to Station Square, as the tracks of the attack we only just getting sorted out.
The train arrives at the station, and they head on back to Vanilla's flat, where all of the gifts have been transferred. Not another word was spoken between the two before getting in the door.
"Hey, mom. Was Tails okay?" Cream asked, a little concerned about the 'emergency call'.
Kweli was in his cot, still screaming his lungs out, but he seemed to be exhausting himself out.
"A bit scared, but otherwise thankful for salvation." Vanilla answered. She then took a look at Kweli... "Awwww, what wrong with my little guy?" she then picks him up. Kweli continues to wail.
"We tried everything, he won't eat, won't sleep, didn't poop..." Cream said.
That's when Vanilla notices the forehead jewel. "No wonder you said this, it doesn't have the luster it normally has." she said. "His stomach also feels hard... very hard."
"So...what is it?" Muri was really worried now.
"Are you sure he only had your breast milk?" asked Vanilla.
"Yes..." Muri said.
"Then it's one of two things: Either Kweli is constipated, or he's allergic to your breast milk."
"Allergic?"
"Well, Kirika did say you were allergic to your mother's milk." Cream told her.
"Kweli is probably allergic to it now, and it's common in young children." Vanilla explained. "In addition to that, it's easily curable."
"So...what do I do?" Muri asked.
"Come with me, I have just what this situation needs." Muri follows Vanilla.
After a short trip, the girls end up at a changing station and Kweli still cried. It was at this moment where Vanilla pulled out a syringe with clear coloured liquid in it and removed the cap. "Okay Muri, take this and don't stick yourself." Vanilla explained.
Muri takes the syringe and looks at it. "U-um...wh-what is this for?" She asked, worried.
"Kweli. You're going to inject this into him."
"No...no..." Muri puts the syringe down on a table and backs off. "I won't do that..."
"I will tell you where to inject it, don't worry."
"I don't want to stick needles into my son..." Muri protested.
"I understand that, but you have to remember that Kweli is going to depend on your for the rest of his life. You have to be a mother to your son, Muri." Muri still looks uncomfortable, but she walks back to the syringe, picking it back up.
Vanilla exposes Kweli's belly, then draws a red dot just above his bellybutton with a red marker. "Now, slowly inject the need straight into this marked spot, but only insert the needle a quarter of the way in." Vanilla instructs Muri. "Nothing fancy, just go straight down."
Muri trembles a little, the thought of hurting her son slowly overwhelming her. She walks over and holds the needle in place, but isn't touching him yet; she tries hard to steady her hand, but eventually backs off again. "I can't do it...I don't want to hurt him..." she cried.
Vanilla smiles. "Just keep telling yourself, 'Kweli needs me.' in your mind over and over again, then place the needle."
Muri walks over; she pinches her own cheek, almost as if giving a gentle punishment for disregarding her son's wellbeing. Eventually, she relaxes and places the needle on the spot, gently inserting it to the point Vanilla specified. "This pains me inside..."
"It always does at first, but its okay." Vanilla reassures Muri.
"So...how much goes in?" Muri asked.
"One quarter of the needle."
"I've done that...now what?"
"Now, slowly press the plunger so that all of the liquid is out of the syringe. Kweli will let you know if it's done too quickly."
Muri gently begins to press the 'plunger', being as gentle about it as possible. Kweli cries as he takes his injection, tears leaving his eyes in the process. "That's it, nice and slow..." Vanilla said softly. Muri also cries a little, knowing she's causing pain to Kweli, but she presses on, trying not to become too discouraged.
I hope everything is okay. Thought Cream.
I know your heart bleeds for doing this, but you'll be stronger after this ordeal, Muri. Vanilla thought.
Eventually, Muri finishes, and gently removes the needle from Kweli, walking away feeling horrible for what she did.
Vanilla places a cotton swab where Kweli was injected. "So, how tough was that?" she asked Muri. Muri doesn't reply, she just cries to herself in the corner, though not a sob leaving her body.
Eventually, Kweli stops crying and coos softly. His face is still a bit red and tears are coming from his eyes, but he's otherwise quiet. "Sad I see... well, come and hold your son, baby needs his baby time you know." Vanilla said.
Muri wipes her face and walks back over, picking up her son and hugging him. "I'm sorry..." she told him.
Vanilla pats Muri on the back. "You did well for your first time." she said. "It's never easy giving medicine to young children and the first time is always a chore."
"Can I go home now?" Muri asked.
"Go ahead, and remember that you are your baby's main source of reliance." Vanilla said while giving Kweli a hug. She then notices something. "Well, looks like Kweli's forehead jewel is back to normal again. Good for you."
"Thank you, Vanilla..." Muri smiled. She then walked off, back home.
Cream walks up to Vanilla. "So it went okay then?" She asked.
"Yup, and we should know what happened to Kweli in time." Vanilla answered. "So, where to now?"
"You can tell me what happened with Tails."
"She was attacked by Eggman."
"He never quits..." Cream said. "Well, as long as Tails is okay."
"A bit scared, but otherwise fine."
"I question though, how on earth did Egghead get past Shadow?"
"Dumb luck."
"Uh huh." Cream replied. There's something she's not telling me... She thought. "Well, I'm going to go home too, what about you?"
"More errands to run. See to it that Muri and Kweli get some pampers and formula."
"Yeah, okay. I'll go get it now, I could do with the walk, and I might end up running into someone." With that, Cream took her leave, leaving Vanilla to her business.
Vanilla then headed for the station, but rather than get on a train, she instead followed the tracks. It took a while, but she eventually came to the location where Eggman made his attack, she began investigating, but also noticed that G.U.N was around, doing their own investigation.
Looks like the attack brought a lot of flies... she thought.
"Wondered when you'd show up." Rouge walked up.
"I just temporarily left." Vanilla told Rouge.
"Well, either way, I've been waiting." Rouge said. "Seems that the president wants a full report, so that's why I'm here."
"What have you learned so far?"
"Well, due to the damage to the train and the cylinder, there was clearly something or someone launched out from the inside, the tracks were tampered with, the engine on the train is totally fried, there was also a track of footprints leading away from the scene, however, due to the fact someone seems to have covered up their start, no one has followed them yet." Rouge explained. "I went to the one in charge about it, but he told me not to worry about it, due to you. So I assume he was the one who did it."
"He who?"
"General." Rouge said. "Going from witness statements, Eggman was with a mech and someone else, who seemed shackled like a slave. Eggman truly is going down a sickening route."
Well, I guess he's still working. Thought Vanilla.
"Then there were the remains of fuel in the air, clearly the fat freak left by aircraft." Rouge told her. "So, what do you make of it?"
"The usual way that Eggman gets around, and he probably got dealt with."
"Well, I need to speak to Shadow later about it, since he was there. Now, shall we investigate those tracks?" Rouge asked her.
"You need me to tell you how to do your job?"
"Whilst I know how to do my job, I was still ordered to follow the General's commands, and he did request that I show you these tracks, and it's your choice whether you take me along or not."
"He wants my help now, how sweet." Vanilla had a saccharin smile on her face. "Well, show me the way."
"Actually, it was more of the fact that, given the circumstances, the obvious culprit to the train's destruction is the girl you seek, therefore I felt it only right that you deal with the matter." The new young General walked up. "You realise that if I were to discover that she was involved in this, then I have the authorisation and command to give 'shoot to kill' orders. I hope you realise that I'm simply trying to help you out."
"Risky business to go against your commands, you know." Rouge told him.
"Indeed, so let's keep this as our little secret, shall we?" Vanilla was quiet, but nodded anyway...
"I'll leave you too it, and make sure no one else follows you." And he takes his leave again.
"He's a little strange, but he's better than that last one." Rouge said. "Anyway, this way." And Rouge leads Vanilla to the covered tracks, uncovering them for her.
Irony in tote... was all that Vanilla could think.
"So, what do you think we'll find at the end of these tracks?" Rouge asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Vanilla answered.
"Exactly what is that kid talking about?"
"It has to do with my daughter."
"Cream or Muri?" Rouge questioned.
"Muri... and of course, a favour that I'm owed"
"Explain."
"When you have children, you will understand."
As the two walked, they heard a rattle, both standing on some chains, which was connected to a broken device, which appeared to be a form of powerful battery.
"Agents first." Vanilla said.
Rouge picks up the chains. "Well, I understand what they mean by 'slave'...I didn't realise bondage was Eggmans' thing, but I'm not surprised."
"No comment."
"Well, let's find this slave, shall we." And Rouge continues walking. "Did you speak to Tails or Shadow about the incident?"
"Tails is a bit scared and Shadow's pissed." Vanilla answered. "Other than that, they're fine."
"Fare enough, but what about informati-..." Rouge then stopped.
"Seems the tracks come to a stop here."
"I guess we go back..." Vanilla trails off.
"No, I'd say that person has to be around here somewhere." Rouge said. "Shall we split up to look?"
"I'll go down." Vanilla answered.
"Take the slopes; I'll have a look over here." And Rouge wonders off.
Slopes... someone forgot who I am. Vanilla thought, then began flapping her ears and started to drift down the hill.
After a while, Vanilla lands on a lower level, bushes around everywhere, but there was clearly a trail going down the hill, grass bent and mud picked up, as if someone or something rolled down the hill. At the bottom was another trail of flattened grass which led to a bush. As Vanilla investigated from afar, it did shuffle a little, but Vanilla also noticed there was not strong wind at the current time.
Hmm, curious. She thought, and then decided to approach the bush.
As she approached, the bush moved slightly more, but eventually stopped, from the hole in the front, Vanilla could make out a darkened face, and shining golden eyes.
Ooh, pretty eyes. Vanilla joked in her mind.
"Irum not going back to cage..." The voice finally came; it was low and weak, but threatening.
"Cage, what cage?" Vanilla asked.
"Cage Irum always put in. You won't take Irum back!" Irum shifted back slightly, Vanilla's ears did pick up a grumble from her stomach though.
"This poor thing... she can't be that dangerous. Come on out, I need to talk to you."
Irum bursts from the bush; her hand swung forth, but stops inches from Vanilla's unbothered face...after a slight silence, Irum withdraws her hand. "You...smell like Muri..."
"My name is Vanilla," Vanilla began. "I am currently taking care of her since Kirika was killed." Irum doesn't seem to respond, but after another stomach grumble she does slump on her front.
"I have no cages, but I do have to cook a meal."
"Irum...hungry..." Irum tried to push herself up.
Rouge flew down. "Seems you found her then." She said.
Vanilla ignored Rouge's presence for the moment, focusing on Irum. "I won't make you do anything you don't like." she told Irum. "Feel free to come along if you like."
"Vanilla not want use Irum...?" Irum asked, sitting on her backside, she did eye Rouge suspiciously though.
Vanilla turns to Rouge. "You might want to let me handle this." she told the bat.
"Hm...Got it..." and Rouge flew off. Irum seemed to loosen up her tense shoulders as she did, she looked back at Vanilla.
"Where Muri?"
"She's at my house." Vanilla answered. "But like I said, it's your choice on what happens to you from here."
"Vanilla not use Irum? Irum not want kill people anymore...Irum not like being machine..."
"If you want, I can go away and leave you alone." Vanilla stated. "And if you want, I can give you a normal life, but that choice is yours. Either way, I won't harm you... so you tell me what you like."
"Irum...Irum like food..." and with that the starved fox collapsed again.
"Irum go with Vanilla?"
"Only if you want to."
"If Irum follow Vanilla, Irum can be normal?" Irum shifted herself on the floor slightly. "Sorry Irum try attack Vanilla..."
"It's not your fault; everyone wants to live a normal life."
"Irum too hungry to move..."
"No problem, give me your hand..."
Irum weakly lifts her hand to Vanilla.
Vanilla takes Irum's hand, and soon, has Irum's arm over her shoulder. "I think a nice bed will work wonders for you." she says.
"Bed?" Irum questioned.
"To sleep in, and a nice bath too... maybe you would like your hair braided."
"Irum confused, but okay..." Irum smiled. "Irum get see Muri?"
"Why not, I'm sure Muri will be happy to see you."
"Irum not think so..." Irum replies, but her stomach growls again. "Vanilla not scared of Irum? Irum does bad things...Many people fear Irum."
neko639 (08:52:52): "Do you believe your bad deeds are done by your own will?"
"No, but Irum still do them..."
"Sometimes, we are forced to do the things we dislike. Besides, why fear you, you are only misunderstood..."
"Misun...that big word..." Irum put on a slightly confused look.
"They don't get you." Vanilla cleared up with a smile.
"Okay...Is Muri safe?" Irum asked, the two had reached the top of the hill at this point, the train rails in sight.
"She's fine." Vanilla told Irum. "A bit concerned over needles, but otherwise fine."
"Needles?"
"She had to deal with a shot."
"Oh..." Irum replied, she then noticed the soldiers up ahead, however, as the young general looked over, he seemed to quickly direct the soldiers somewhere else, away from the view of the two. Rouge motioned for Vanilla to get into the tracks, where a single train cart waited for them.
"Time to go." Vanilla told Irum.
Irum simply nods, as the two made their way into the cart, Rouge joined them and the cart was soon heading off for Station Square, Irum was sat down on one of the chairs.
"Well, that wasn't so hard." Vanilla said.
"That kids really sticking his neck out for you; I guess he feels G.U.N's dept is a large one." Rouge said.
"They do need to pay M.O.M. a couple of deductibles."
"So, what'll you do now?" Rouge asked Vanilla.
"Actually, we're going to go home."
"Need me to make sure people keep off your back?"
"You were coming along anyway."
"I guess I can pay Cream a visit."
"Good. And this moment begins Irum's new life."
"Well, guess you have 3 daughters now, huh?" Rouge teased.
"Rabbit families are like that, especially since one pregnancy can bring as many as twenty children."
"Seriously?" Rouge questioned. "Wow, so both you and Muri were quite fortunate."
"Yes we were... surprise, Irum."
Irum peers at Vanilla, curiously. "Huh?"
"You'll see."
"Um...okay..." Irum said, moments before her stomach growled loudly again, a small embarrassed blush appeared on her cheeks.
"She sounds starved." Rouge chuckled. "Hope you're planning a big meal, Vanilla."
"Nothing I can't handle." Vanilla said. "I've catered banquets for 200 people, so a dinner for six is nothing."
Not long after this, the train pulls up, and Rouge lifts Irum onto her back, the two leave the train and it leaves. "How's the little tyke doing, anyway?" Rouge asked.
"We'll find out." Vanilla answered.
"I guess." The two head out and toward Vanilla's place.
As the three finally arrive, Vanilla lets them in. They arrive in the living room, it appeared Cream and Muri weren't about, at least not in this part of the house anyway. It wasn't long before Cream made her way out of the kitchen and saw them.
"Heya, Cream. How are you?" Rouge asked, before lying Irum on the sofa.
"I'm fine; I see we have a new guest." Cream replied. "Shall I start a bath? She looks like she could use one."
"Go ahead." Vanilla answered. "By the way, how is Muri?"
"She's recovering in the back; Kweli is fast asleep, at last." Cream replied. "I told Muri she doesn't need to worry about him now, due to what happened; I'll look after him for a while, till she feels better."
"Noted."
Cream wonders off into the bathroom and sets it up, before running a bath. She leaves the water to it and returns to the others. "So, who's this?"
"Your other sister."
"Another one?" Cream giggled. "Are you planning to adopt the world or something?"
"Nope, this one was my kept promise."
"To Kirika?"
"Yup."
"So, this is Irum." Cream said. "She doesn't appear as bad as Muri's stories."
"That was my initial thought, but after seeing her lay waste to enemies, I needed to know why."
"How do you mean?" Cream asked, taking a seat at the table. Rouge also sits at the table.
"You'll never believe me, so let's just keep that answer for a later date."
"Try me, mom. You'd be amazed at what I'll believe." Cream told her.
"Cream, we'll discuss it later." Vanilla told her daughter.
"Fine, whatever." And Cream wondered off back into the bathroom.
"Should I go now?" Rouge asked.
"I guess you aren't hungry..." Vanilla told Rouge.
"I just don't want to be around if there's going to be a family feud."
"I see."
"Family fights aren't my thing, do you blame me?" Rouge questioned.
"I see..." A stomach growl comes from Irum on the sofa.
"Seems you should probably start cooking, Vanilla." Rouge said. "I still want all the details on this girl."
"Well, I'll learn more as it comes." Vanilla said. "So, what's the verdict on our young buck?"
"What are you asking me for?"
"Cream, do you mind filling me in?"
"I said he's asleep." Cream called from the bathroom.
"Oh well...I guess this is going to be a bland bunch of time before I get the food ready." and Vanilla checked her spice cabinet.
"What do you mean?" Rouge asked, looking about the kitchen.
"Things seem like they will be bland for a while."
"Thanks for explaining in detail." Rouge rolls her eyes. "So, need me to do..."
"Hey, don't eat that!" Cream called from the living room.
Rouge and Vanilla look out the door to Cream, who'd just confiscated the TV remote from Irum.
Vanilla has a sweat drop. "I guess plastic tastes good to you, huh Irum." she said.
"Irum hungry..." Irum lowered her ears.
"I don't know what's weirder, the fact she has a woman's body, or a Childs mind..." Rouge said.
"You aren't jealous about her figure being better than yours?" Vanilla questions Rouge.
Rouge fell over, but recovered. "What exactly do you mean by that?" She barked at Vanilla.
"Her curves are better, but Rouge still has the larger boobs." Cream said, looking Irum over.
"Irum like Muri's boobies." Irum smiled, but this caused Cream to sweat drop.
How do you respond to that? Vanilla wondered.
"Moving along." Cream said. "Oh, right...the bath." And she wonders off to the bathroom again.
"That was a good conversation killer." Rouge said.
"Rouge, make Irum a sandwich please." said Vanilla.
"Fine, Irum, what would you like to eat in your sandwich?" Rouge asked.
"Sandwich?" Irum tilts her head in confusion.
"Right, why did I even bother asking..."
"Irum usually get fed meat."
"Ham then." Rouge then goes off to fix up a quick ham sandwich. Cream returns from the bathroom.
"I'll leave the hot in the bath for now; you can bathe Irum whenever you're ready mom, since I doubt she'll be able to do it herself." Cream said.
"Vanilla, you realise that this girl you've picked up might as well be a toddler, right?" Rouge questioned.
"And the more I look at her, the less I believe she's a monstrous killer..." Cream added.
"Well, don't let covers tell the stories of books." Vanilla said. "As for you Irum, you will get a balanced meal."
Muri then comes out from her room. "What's with the noi-..." She looks at Irum and simply freezes.
"Surprise, Muri." said Vanilla.
"Aahhh!" Muri backs off, but she trips, banging her head on the cupboard behind her. "Oooowww..." She rubs her head. Irum springs out from her chair, over the entire room and lands at Muri, before forcefully hugging her, rubbing her face in Muri's chest, Muri simply looked terrified, and her eyes read she hoped Irum didn't hurt her.
"So, the history is true. Irum has an odd fascination with Muri, and Muri responds by being absolutely terrified." Cream shrugged.
"There's nothing to be afraid of now." said Vanilla.
"There's plenty to be afraid of...what is she doing here?" Muri asked Vanilla, her voice trembling a little.
"I know this is new, but don't be alarmed. Irum isn't going to hurt anyone here, right?"
"I still don't understand how you got her..." Muri said.
"So, who's going to fill me in on how she's dangerous?" Cream asked.
"It has to deal with control issues." Vanilla answered. "And besides, Irum is Muri's sister after all."
"Not biologically." Rouge said.
"How's that sandwich coming along?"
"Done." Rouge left the kitchen and walked over to Irum and Muri. "Let's free you then." She joked. "Here you go, Irum." Rouge showed Irum the food, to which Irum responded by letting go of Muri without a second hesitation, she took the sandwich and looked at it.
"Look odd..." She said, but in one bite ate one half of it, after a small moment she gave a satisfied exhale. "Yum." Muri took this opportunity to stand and walk over to Vanilla, she tried to hide the fact, but it was clear she was using Vanilla as a shield of some sort from Irum.
"You don't have to be afraid of her you know..." Vanilla told Muri.
"She broke my arms in three different ways, sorry that I'm finding it hard to believe that..." Muri replied, she fiddled her hands together, her discomfort and fear obvious.
"That was part of Irum's old life, but her new life will end up much happier since I have my say on things."
"Is um...you know who, dead?" Muri asked.
"Don't you worry about that. For now, we're going to help give Irum a second chance at life... a happier second chance at life."
"Nothing good can come of this if he is capable of retaliation...you having me is bad enough, but he's not going to let you get away with both of us..." Muri told her.
"Does this mean you think Irum doesn't deserve a second chance?"
"I...I..." Muri looks sad. "I just don't want to go back there and he's going to come when he finds out you have Irum. You can't stop him, Kirika couldn't stop him, no one will stop him!" And in tears, Muri budges past Vanilla and runs out of the house. Irum simply watches as she leaves, finishing her sandwich.
"Follow her, Cream. Keep her out of any unwanted trouble." Vanilla said. Cream nods and chases after Muri.
"Is Irum a problem?" Irum questioned.
"Muri just needs time to adjust to you being here." Vanilla answered. "Things will be fine after a while."
"She is right, you know." Rouge said. "That nut jobs gonna come for you, knowing you have two of his weapons."
"Talk about jinxing..." Vanilla trailed off.
"This isn't about jinxing, Vanilla, you know it too."
"I've had worse troubles you know, and so have you."
"You of all people should know not to let past achievements blind your judgement, not to mention underestimate people." Rouge told her. "You were once captured by Eggman, who used you as bait, this guy actually killed one of his own trying to get what he wants."
"The difference between me and him is that I'm not selfish and greedy."
"Just be careful, these girls need you, so don't let this guy get you, alright?" Rouge told her.
"Knock knock." Amy walked in. "Sorry, door was open, is Cream about?"
"She went on an errand." Vanilla answered. "Moving on, how have things gone on for you?"
"Well, I'm getting along well at Blue Wave. The girls there are really nice." Amy said, walking in further, she notices Irum. "Who's this?"
"I'll let her introduce herself."
"Irum name is Irum." Irum said.
"Irum...? Where have I heard that before..?" Amy went into thought. "I guess it wasn't important, I'm Amy." She replied, putting a hand out for Irum, who just looked at it curiously, leading to a long pause. "Nevermind." Amy withdraws her hand.
"So, planning on sticking around for a while?" asked Vanilla.
"Well, I was going to arrange a trip with Cream, perhaps go clubbing tonight." Amy said.
"Boy hunting?" Rouge teased.
"No, though I guess Cream can look."
"You're just bothered because Sonic offered Cream a date and not you."
"Why do I think I have friends, it always leads to them picking on me."
"It's a joke, get over yourself."
"Whatever, so, Vanilla, you interested in a girls night out?"
"Perhaps, but I have to deal with food at the moment." Vanilla answered.
"It's in a few hours, not now." Amy said.
"Some bellies need a bite now."
"Uh huh."
Vanilla is not impressed.
"You make it seem like I'm saying you can't have food."
"Hey Irum, did you know Amy always has a tasty treat?"
"Treat?" Irum perks her ears.
"Wait, what?" Amy looked confused, moments later she was pounced on by Irum, who proceeded to sniff her over, searching for this treat. "Hey! What's going on?" Rouge was in hysterics.
"So how about giving Irum that treat?" asked Vanilla.
"I don't have a treat!" Amy barked under Irum.
"You heard her, Irum, no treats on Amy."
"Awww..." And Irum gets off of Amy, who stands up and dusts herself off.
"What the hell, Vanilla?" She was not happy.
"As I said, hungry bellies." Vanilla noted.
"Forget it, I'm leaving." And an annoyed Amy takes her leave.
"Well, back to the meal." Vanilla told Rouge and Irum.
Meanwhile, exhaustion had finally caught up to Muri and she sat in a nearby park, Cream caught up to her soon afterwards.
"You know, you really shouldn't be running off like this." Cream said to Muri.
"He's going to find us anyway...at least if he catches me here he doesn't kill Vanilla..." Muri replied, head low.
"You know, there are two things wrong with running away from your problems. Do you think you can guess what either, if not both, of them are?"
"No..." Muri wiped her face.
"It's simple: One, problems will only chase those who won't deal with them. And as a result, they will continue to come back; and second, there will come a time where running away from your problems will make you run away and you'll forget something."
"I haven't forgotten anything..."
"Funny, because I don't see Kweli here with us..."
"You insult me, Cream..."
"No, this is the perfect example. Let's say something happens back where you leave due to one of your problems. In your panic and fear, you managed to leave Kweli... this now means that not only have you left a dangerous environment, you will eventually have to go back to rescue Kweli. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"
Muri stands up, she doesn't look happy with Cream. "I might have issues, Cream, but I am not stupid to leave my son in a situation I knew was unhealthy for him, and you insult me for assuming I would." She yelled at her. "I have a lot of problems, problems you'd never understand, but you don't have children, you don't understand me at all."
"Well stop feeling insulted, this is meant to get you to do something you will have to do eventually and that's facing your problems. Besides, Mom would've given you the same lecture as you're getting from me.
"So Irum's an 'innocent chaos', big deal. She isn't the first playful instrument of destruction we've dealt with. More importantly, this is your sister, and you shouldn't run from your family... even if the past has caused future trauma."
"She is not my sister, not by blood, not in any way. She is a bringer of death and destruction, most of which is done by her own hands, and if she doesn't do it, Nazaruda is going to. He'll kill Vanilla, he'll kill you, and he'll enjoy it. And what hurts the most is you'll get to watch him kill your mother, and then I'll be forced to watch him kill you...And if Kweli is deemed 'failure' in his eyes...then he'll kill him in front of me too...it hurts me to think this, but I can't help it...I thought it was bad enough that I'm here, but having Irum here too just makes things worse. He's not going to sit idly by and let us get on with our lives..." Muri then fell to her knees, burying her face into her palms. "He'll never stop haunting me...he'll never go away."
"You truly are sad." Cream said while turning away from Muri. "But I guess this is what happens when you're afraid to be a better person. Instead of thinking, 'Maybe I can be the better person and face my problems', you'd rather cry and continue to run from them. Facing your problems doesn't mean you have to face them alone, but I guess being a glass half empty girl is how you got through life. To think that Kirika trusted my mother to give you a new chance at life, but instead of wanting it and being able to let the past be forgotten, you'd rather fester in your own pity. I guess you never wanted to change after all..." and Cream walks away. "I'm going home, but feel free to cry in your pity all you want to." Muri doesn't reply, she just watches Cream leave.
Back with Vanilla, Irum had been properly fed, two extra dinners were served, but left in a warm place for Cream and Muri, Rouge also had a bite to eat. Irum sat in the corner of the room, casually staring at the two as they chat.
"Thanks for the meal, Vanilla. You're cooking still beats the president's special meeting dinners." Rouge said, finishing her plate and sipping down the last of her wine.
"Of course." Vanilla answered. "Well, I better go and nab the little one."
"So, what're you gonna do about this supposed bio-weapon?" Rouge questioned.
"Give her a life, of course."
"It's strange to see a fully grown woman with the mind of a child, and no I'm not jealous of her figure, before you bring that gag up again." Rouge said. "Anyway, I've been conjuring up a new drink, was wondering if perhaps you and some of the girls could come and taste it later on."
"Perhaps so. But make sure to do a virgin version too."
"Hey, I'm smarter than that, you know." Rouge replied, somewhat insulted.
"I didn't mean to make you sound ignorant."
"I'm still aware of the young and pregnant drinkers." Rouge shrugged.
Vanilla returns to the room holding a sleeping Kweli. "Moving on, does this drink have a name?"
"I can't come up with one, we'll see what everyone thinks, possibly come up with a name based on how many times certain words are used to describe it, maybe." Rouge replied.
"Not bad."
Rouge sat up right. "For example, when making the drink, I accidentally nudged a jug which had some sour cherry flavour in, got caught in the mix. By that point, I figured I blew it, but when I tried it, it wasn't half bad, kinda got a sour after taste, but it's not one of the bad kinds. So, you got the initial flavour, with bit of a sting at the end." She explained. "Though, because it was accidental, I did need to try figuring out the right amount of mix, but I got it."
"I see-" Vanilla was soon cut off by Kweli.
"Time to work, I see." Rouge said.
"No. I've just noticed something interesting about Kweli."
"Oh?" Rouge stands and walks over. "What is it? He teething or something?"
"No, the forehead jewel of his changes colours every now and again. I first noticed this when he was crying and needed a shot. It's odd in a way."
"You mean...Like a mood ring?" Rouge asked. "So, what colour is it usually?"
"I can't really say, but it looks more yellow right now."
"Any idea what it means?"
"No clue..."
It was at this point Cream returned.
"Hey, how'd it go?" Rouge asked her.
"Not how I wanted things to turn out." Cream answered. "I'm giving Muri time to think, so she'll be out for a while."
"Interesting." Vanilla said... "Now Kweli's jewel is turning all fiery and even getting a-" Vanilla was cut off by Kweli's instant crying.
This made Rouge jump a little. "Wow, Cream, check this out. Kweli has a mood head jewel."
"Fiery, huh? Do you think that..." Cream suddenly fell silent.
"What?"
"I think I should take Irum to play away. Come on and tag along with me, Irum."
Irum looks at Cream, stands and walks over. "Irum do something wrong?" She asked.
"Nah, I wanna take you somewhere fun." Cream soon grabs Irum's arm and runs out of the house with her.
After the two had vanished, Rouge looked to Vanilla. "What was that about?"
"Leave, leave now." Vanilla told Rouge. "Make sure Cream and Irum have a fun time."
Rouge was taken aback. "What exactly is go-...never mind, arguing with you is pointless. I'll return later then." Rouge follows the girls.
Meanwhile, Cream had Irum and was heading to the stairs. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I really needed to get you out of there." she said.
"Irum do something bad?" Irum was confused.
"No, but I think I figured out Kweli's talents."
"What might that be?" Rouge Hovered down, before landing and following.
"Rouge, where's my mom?"
"She told me to follow you, and you know what arguing with Vanilla solves." Rouge told her. "So, what's this talent?"
"I think that colouring of..."
Before Cream could finish, a loud explosion was heard, and the blast shook the stairwell. "Holy crap!" Cream yelled.
Before anything else, Rouge grabbed both Cream and Irum and ran for a nearby opening, jumping out with the two, flapping her wings to support the weight, just before flames engulfed the area they previously were. Once she gained control of herself, Cream used her ears to decrease the decent rate, and soon they were on the floor outside, but quickly moved away from the exploding building. "Son of a...what the hell just happened?" Rouge barked. Irum looked up at the wreckage, saying nothing.
Cream said nothing, but saw that the flames came from the area of the building where they lived. Sirens were soon heard in addition to various screams in panic. Mom... Cream trailed off in her mind.
"Target has been spotted, preparing to neutralise." Rouge, Cream and Irum quickly turn to see a series of armed soldiers, but not G.U.N's uniform, before they knew it, guns were pointed their way.
"Fight ti-..." Rouge was cut off as a red blur burst forth, and before anyone could say or do anything, one of the soldiers head burst open, before Irum retracted her hand and quickly moved to murder the next soldier, the soldiers in response open fired on Irum, who by looking at her eyes had just gone berserk, bullets missed her, and those that hit only seemed to jolt her slightly. Second soldier fell with his arms removed, third down with those arms planted through his chest, Irum then vanished, zooming toward a forth.
"Holy shit!" Rouge couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"I guess we don't have to worry about her being in need of protecting..." Cream said.
"Oh fuck!" Another soldier said, before having his head smashed off, bouncing down the road, more pedestrians screaming, and soon the sirens got louder as services began to arrive, Irum was hit with a few more 'electric bullets', which after several seemed to be taking a small effect. However, the last soldier was neutralised with his own gun through his stomach. Irum stood, turned to Rouge and Cream, but was clearly still in her feral state.
"I think it's time to go and play now." said Cream.
Irum began walking towards the two, then charged, the two blocked, only for Irum to slam her claw forth, past between both their heads, blood pouring to their shoulders. As they looked, a rogue soldier was clearly about to use them as meat shields. Irum stepped back a few steps, her pupils converting from the long black slits to normal circles. "They stank..." She said.
"I need a drink..." Cream said.
Bang! Irum was struck in the head, falling to the side, completely unconscious, her body flowing with an electric current.
"That couldn't have gone more smoothly." Nazaruda finally made his appearance, alongside another soldier, this one female and holding what appeared to be an anti-tank rifle.
"You...What the hell?"
"Freeze, drop your weapons and put your hands in their air!" G.U.N had made their appearance.
"Looks like your foolish mother learned what the consequences are for fucking with my business." Nazaruda said, ignoring G.U.N completely.
"You have a lot of nerve, creep." Cream said.
"Sticks and stones and all that shit." Nazaruda said. "Well, you'd best back away from the weapon. Whilst this rifle is only capable of knocking her unconscious for a little while, I can assure you neither of you, nor these pitiful humans will be getting back up after a shot from this."
"If you do not comply, we will open fire." A G.U.N officer shouted, via microphone.
"Kill em." Nazaruda said, with that, more guns went off and G.U.N was completely dropped. "I have this entire area under my thumb."
"You're insane. But I guess that doesn't matter to you at all, so I'll say this one time only. Get lost, you sick bastard." Cream warned.
"Why thank you. Since you're refusal to comply, when you see your mother in hell, tell her I said fuck you." And he snapped his fingers, the sniper lifted her rifle, aiming for Cream's head, finger on the trigger.
Before the trigger could be pulled, the sniper was soon knocked high into the sky by a pillar of water and the sniper rifle simply washed away. Moments later, Chaos stood toe to toe with Nazaruda.
"Again with the drip..." Nazaruda wasn't happy.
"Looks like I picked a great time to visit, huh Cream." Tikal glided down.
"Nice timing...I expect Shadow to poof in and Chaos Control to safety or something." Rouge said.
"Well, does this mean you're going to leave quietly?" Cream asked Nazaruda.
"I've got hitmen on every building surrounding this area, and you think I'll leave because of some cowardice water?" Nazaruda laughed.
"Damn, I've always wanted a collection of these..." Shadow showed up, carrying what appeared to be 16 sniper rifles. "There's an FD-200, JNG-90, KNT-308, AMR-2, DSR-1. Hope your boys weren't using them." Nazaruda narrowed his eyes.
"More interference..."
"Cowardice water... I love how people call him that." Cream said. "Oh well, I guess we'll be leaving then."
"This changes nothing. After all, we already have the weapon you carelessly left alone. She tried to warn you about this, and what did you do? You insult her, break her down into nothing and leave her to rot. How very clever of you." Nazaurda then laughs, before a blinding flash of light hits everyone, when it clears up, Nazaruda and Irum are gone.
"Well, that's one way to end things." Cream said.
"Well, let's get out of here, before G.U.N reinforcements show up." Tikal said. "I really don't want to have to explain this..."
"Hey, we're missing someone." Cream finally noted.
"Looks like he got the prize and ran." Shadow said.
"Damnit...well, let's get to my club. We can discuss what we will do then."
"Allow me. Chaos Control!" And the lot were warped off.