Knothole High

by Carlata Jones

Eris & Shadow are best friends. his father Black Doom wants him to come home. after 5 years why doesn't Shadow remember Eris & co? what plan does Black Doom have? & why does he wish Shadow to become Eris Grandfather, Black Void, Black Knight? Shadow Sonic OC Sally & many many more. RATED M FOR MATURE READERS 18 FOR STRONG LANGUAGE SEXUAL THEMES AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

11. KHH Chapter 3 Sep, Year 2 Part 6

In the last act, we left off with Birch letting General Monroe know about Sally and what he and some of the others believe her to be trying to take over Eris Crew from within. There Birch meets Eris grandfather for the first time as he listens in. Before Birch came in he was talking to Maxwell about Eris and what has been going on. We find out Maxwell has known about most of what has been going on for some time now and has been keeping it from her and letting her do as she pleases. Before that we also left off where Eris just got through having a nightmare and who's in the arms of Shadows Cousin Eclipse The Darkling as he was trying to help her calm down. Then shortly before that we catch Shadow in bed with Trinity after a bit of fun with her. They get into a tiny tiff and he back hands her to shut the lower class girl up. Plus a lot more. (AN: hey all I see I have been getting a lot of new readers, least I hope so and not people just taking a five minute look, just to up my reading polls =3=; AAAANYWAY I would really love it if to all who have been reading to leave some feedback please. It will mean a lot to me if you did. Even if you're from another country it would. I can use Google translate to see what you say about me. Anyway enjoy this next ACT, and like last time expect a bit of everything and remember not for under 18 plus. Adults only. Sorry kiddies. Lots of loves CJ)

KNOTHOLE HIGH

CHAPTER 3

Act 6

Year 2 SEP 15th, SLOW RECOVERY & FORGOTTEN MEMORIES

BACK UP ON THE EMPIRE COMET IN ERIS ROOM, ABOUT 7 HOURS BEFORE HAND, 7AM...

And that's everything Eclipse. From start to finish. This can't be true can it Eclipse? I mean my grandfather would never do such a thing to me. Would he?

Eris looks at him worried and he couldn't help but look at her. He didn't know what to do or say right now that would help her. Rubbing the back of his head he sighs.

To be honest Eris, I really don't know? What I mean to say is, I myself am still going through training some right now, and I'm only maybe a quarter of the way through with learning the laws of the Empire, and if what my Uncle said, about you laying waste to the archives I may not get to now he..he..he…

Ooh Dut-halak…. I forgot about that.

Eris groans out letting out a sigh.

Wow language much?

He chuckles at her.

Oh shush you.

She says with slight playfulness in her voice. She sets down her tea and scoots off his lap and on to her bed. It was then she noticed the furry little ball on her bed.

Who's this?

Eris reaches over to pet the furry creature near her and it starts to purr as it sways its tail.

More like WHAT is it.

What do you mean?

Well according to my Uncle, he's your pet of sorts. He's your present from your grandfather.

Really? If so then WHAT is it?

My uncle called a Black Arms Shedu.

A…Black Arms Shedu?

Yeah. It's pretty cool looking. From what I saw yesterday it can change its form. But it was the one that saved you after you pulled off your Chaos Crystal Blast.

Wait, I did what now?!

Eris looks at him in shock and confusion.

Yeah I saw it myself.

But that's IMPOSSIBLE! I don't have my powers back yet. Not after using Anarchy Beryl. That stuff is like… how do I put it… well you know what the Chaos Emeralds are right?

Yeah?

Well Anarchy Beryl is LITERALLY the same thing, but it's more darker. Where about, with the Chaos Emeralds give the user powers beyond belief it uses the positive emotions of someone to make them stronger, the Anarchy Beryl is the opposite, feeding off one pure dark emotions, and because of this it can really drain someone of their powers and abilities for a very long time, and render them weak as a newborn. So how I am able to use my powers so soon after I don't know. I need to get a hold of Scourge soon and ask him. He's the one that has used it before in the past.

Maybe it's because you're not like a normal Mobian, and more Black Arms?

It's possible… I guess? I don't know? But enough of that for now, tell me more of this little guy.

Eris picks up the Shedu and holds him.

I really don't know much about it. I just know what my uncle said. That he is your pet and it needs to form a bond with you since it's kind of wild. I mean I was surprised it let me even near you to HELP you yesterday.

Am I the only one who has a Black Arms Shedu?

Not really no. Shadow has one but his is called the Black Arms Jager.

Black Arms...Jager?!

Yeah, I guess you could call it a WOLF of sorts.

I see. Why do I get the feeling that when it is time that ASSHOLE of a hedgehog is going to be the one to teach me.

Because I will be since I formed a bond with my Black Arms Jager.

Eclipse and Eris looked to her door and standing there was Shadow with his arms crossed, and he didn't look pleased at the moment.

WORM…

Cousin…

Oh brother…

Eris face palms signing out.

What are you doing here Eclipse?

You told me that if I was so worried about Eris, to look after her myself. So that's what I am doing right now since you were too much of a pig headed HELECIA MORLACA TO DO YOUR JOB!

What did you just call me?

Ekies?!

Shadow raises an eyebrow at him getting annoyed.

You heard me. A Helecia Morlaca.

Eclipse?!

Eris looks at him with a surprise look.

OK OK OK enough you two please.

Eris stands up as does Eclipse.

As much as I agree with you Ekies, on him being a Helecia Morlaca, that's a bit over the top don't you think?

Eris turns around to face him, placing her hands on his chest to try and calm him as she says something to him in Black Arms so Shadow wouldn't hear her.

For him? No it's not because it's true.

"Listen Ekies, I know you're upset by what happened, I don't blame you. But please, for me, for now will you calm down. I really have had enough stress, and with finding out things I have so many questions now, and I'm going to need your help later.

OK fine. For you I will Eris I will. But I'm not leaving you alone with him, not after what you told me.

That's fine, but could you at least be CIVIL for now. For me and my stress?

Fine but he's still a Helecia Morlaca.

Yeah I know, I won't argue with you there. Now behave."

Shadow eyes them as Eris looks over at him and he gets really annoyed.

What were you two just talking about just now?

THAT'S none of your business Shadow. It was a talk between friends. Something you would know NOTHING about without how you're acting right now.

Eris growls at him as she turns around.

FRIENDS? FRIENDS?! That WORM is no more a friend then he is my COUSIN! I WANT YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM HIM ERIS! HE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED!

I COULD SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT YOU, YOU VALINIA BOSHIEA!

WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE CHINNIAN KUDACT!

HEY! DON'T YOU DARE CALL HER SOMETHING THAT LOW WHEN YOUR THE BEING AS SUCH!

YOU STAY OUT OF THIS ECLIPSE! THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU!

IT DOES WHEN YOUR ATTACKING THE PRINCESS FOR NO REASON BUT YOUR OWN! WHY HIS LORDSHIP BLACK VOID PUT HER IN YOUR ABUSIVE CARE I WILL NEVER KNOW! BUT IT ENDS HERE AND NOW!

ARE YOU CHALLENGING ME!?

WHAT IF I AM!?

WHY YOU LITTLE SHIT!

Shadow forms a Chaos Spear, Eris sees this and gaps out pushes Eclipse out of the way just as he throws it. Eris and Eclipse go falling to the floor just as her Black Arms Shedu jumps out of her arms and into the air and lands on the back of a chair hissing. Eris sees it and thinks.

Eclipse, you said my new pet has a much bigger form right?

Yeah why?

Thinking fast Eris gets up off Eclipse and stands in front of him.

I'm warning you Shadow, you need to calm down right now, before I call the guards. If you don't you WILL REGRET IT!

Is that a THREAT PRINCESS?

It's an ORDER Shadow.

HA! YOU ordering ME round. Don't make me LAUGH!

AS YOUR SUPERIOR I HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO SO! I AM THE PRINCESS OF THE BLACK ARMS EMPIRE AND YOU WILL OBEY ME AT ONCE BLACK KNIGHT SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG! IF YOU DO NOT I WILL BE FORCED TO TAKE YOU DOWN!

Eclipse gets up and stands besides her growling as he lets out a high pitch whistle. Eris looks at him wondering what he was up to but quickly turns her eyes back to Shadow.

Listen PRINCESS, I take orders from no one but Lord Void himself.

HA! I remember him saying that you were to follow my orders as well why you watch over me. So NICE try! NOW STAND DOWN AT ONCE!

As Eris was ordering Shadow to stand down, four little creatures came flying into Eris' room. The fly around Shadow making little growling, and clicking sounds as they try to advert his sights on them and not Eris and Eclipse.

GAAH! GET THESE THINGS AWAY FROM ME NOW!

Shadow screams out as Eclipse takes hold of Eris hand and runs out the door with her, her Shedu close behind.

Eclipse what were those things back there?

You could say there are my pets, but I call them my children.

Children?

It's a long story but come on, we need to get away from Shadow. I have a feeling something royally pissed him off and he's not in his right of mind. We need to find my uncle and father at once.

As they run down the hallway the four creatures call out and Eclipse looks back smiling as they catch up.

Nice work guys, but be on guard.

One of them, the cube, chirps to him and he Eclipse looks at him and answers.

Your probably right Blurk, but you know we can only hold that form for so long. It would be risky to do it.

Eclipse what is he saying?

He's saying we should fuse together for my armor form should Shadow…

As he was talking a blast forms in front of them and sends them flying from one another. Three of the little creatures go flying back with Eris why the one named Blurk goes flying back with Eclipse. Eris Shedu ends up getting blasted back as well, but it lands on it's paws and hisses and growls out trying to protect Eclipse.

I told you PRINCESS that I wanted you to stay away from him. He is nothing but a filthy WORM who will in the end betray you.

Eris gets up on her hands looking at Shadow. She sees the three creatures near her knocked out. She gathers them up in her arms as she gets up on shaky feet as her Shedu stands his ground. She sees him and speaks to him.

Listen to me Black Arms Shedu.

It's ears perk up and flick back but it never takes its eyes off Shadow.

If you truly do have a much bigger form now would be the time to use it. PLEASE!

It growls out and it runs at Shadow as Eris yells out.

NOOOOOOOOOO! WAIT!

As she calls out to it a bright golden light surrounds him as he changes form. As it dies down a loud roar like that of a lion or tiger, sounds off and the light dies down and it lands near Shadow swiping his massive paw at Shadow taking him off guard and sends him flying backwards and over the railing. Shadow grabs on to it just as Eclipse and Blurk come too. They look around and see Eris with the others and run and fly over to her.

ERIS!

Eclipse, are you and your little friend are alright!

Yeah for now. What of these three?

I think they are for now, just out cold from Shadows attack. They were the closest to the blast.

Right, come on we need to go now.

Go where?

Anywhere but here.

Why still holding Eclipse other three "children" in her arms, Eclipse takes hold of her upper arm and pulls her long once more as they run down the hallway once more. Eris Shedu follows behind them just as Shadow manages to pull himself back up and watches as they run off. Smiling he hops down from the railing and takes the closest conduit gel tube near him.

Eris and Eclipse keep running, then make a few twists and turns and take a few conduit gel tubes as they run, not sure whether Shadow was behind them or not. After a time Eris trips and falls to the floor crying out.

Eris!?

I-I-I'm alright… just… I need… to catch my breath….b-b-but the little...once…

As Eris catches her breath, the other three finally wake up, looking around confused for a moment. They shake their bodies out and when they see Eclipse they fly over to him.

Hey, hey, hey easy guys. Easy. I'm happy to see you too, but are you all alright now?

They answer him with chirps and clicks letting him know they were.

Oh thank the Chaos you are.

As they are talking the Shedu walks over to Eris and looks at her. She looks back at him a bit intimidated by him and takes an involuntary step back.

E-E-Eclipse?

Don't worry he won't hurt you I promise.

You sure about that?

She gulps not take her eyes off him.

Yeah I am.

Just as they were talking they hear a splorching sound and they look to their left and see Shadow coming out of a conduit gel tube.

Before anyone of them could do or say anything Shadow calls out his Chaos Sphere and throws it right at Eclipse. It takes him off guard and sends him flying back and into a wall where his breath was knocked out of him. He falls to the floor with a thud and he lays there catching his breath. Blurk and they others fly over to him calling out to him.

Good, now that he is out of the way, it's time to deal with you and your stubbornness Princess.

Shadow looks over at Eris in a menacing way as he smiles at her not so friendly smile.

S-S-Shadow stay back. I-I-I'm warning you right now to stay back!

Sorry but under the orders of your grandfather and the Emperor, I'm going to have to ask you to come with me and back to your room. It's about time you and I got acquainted better.

D-D-Don't you even DARE touch me!

She slowly walks towards her chuckling darkly. Eris looks around and sees she had been back into a corner with nowhere to run. As Shadow gets closer to her, she cowards scared of what is going to happen right now. That was till something came to mind.

"Yeah. It's pretty cool looking. From what I saw yesterday it can change its form. But it was the one that saved you after you pulled off your Chaos Crystal Blast.

Wait, I did what now?!

Yeah I saw it myself.

But that's IMPOSSIBLE! I don't have my powers back yet. Not after using Anarchy Beryl.

Maybe it's because you're not like a normal Mobian, and more Black Arms?…

More Black Arms and not a normal Mobian? But is it possible that the rules of the Anarchy Beryl don't apply to me? If so then does that mean that I can use my Chaos Crystal powers? I guess there is only one way to find out. It's that or wait for Shadow to do what he wishes with me. But I got a feeling I'll only get a few chances in so I best make them count."

Closing her eyes, Eris concentrates, willing her abilities to come forth. Shadow sees her thinking she was scared and smiles as he moves in closer and closer to her. Once he was close enough he reached out just as at the same time she sensed something. Trying to figure out what it was, his ears perk up as he looks at her. He watches her for a moment when he feels something. But before he could say or do anything he yells out in pain as he holds himself.

AAAAAARGH!

He doubles over and some kind of electricity shoots threw and Eris opens her eyes and looks down in surprise. Coming out of her surprised state, she doesn't waste time as she kicks Shadow making him roll over and over across the floor.

It worked!? It really worked!? Just like Eclipse said!

Eris! ERIS!

Eclipse?!

She runs over to him and helps him up as he leans on her.

Please tell me you saw that just now?

I did and it was very impressive. Now come on it wont hold him back for long.

Eris helps Eclipse limp down the way to get away from Shadow. They make it to another conduit gel tube and jump into it followed by Blurk and his friends and Eris Shedu. Once they were on the other side they kept running, taking a sharp left turn and running through a door and half way in and stopping, but once Eclipse saw where they were and cursed, making Eris look at him worried.

Eclipse I didn't like the sound of that. What's wrong.

You're NOT gonna be happy.

Why?

Because we're trapped.

WHAT?!

This level has no conduit gel tubes at all. I have a feeling this is Shadows doing.

What's on this level?

It's the training level.

You mean?

Yeah. Only way in or out is via that door.

Aaaaah Krud-telic Farlark.

Yeah, I just said that.

Shut up you WORM.

She glares at him and he her.

Is there anywhere to HIDE in there?

Sadly no.

Double, Krud-telic Farlark.

Come on I think we can make it back to the conduit gel and…

They stop frozen in their tracks as the heard sinister laughter behind them.

Ha ha ha haaaa…. I don't think so children. Now as I said the Princess is coming with me back to her room. But before that I think I'll KILL you Eclipse and do everyone a favor why I am at it.

Over my dead BODY SHADOW!

Eris turns around standing in front of Eclipse staring down at Shadow.

Listen Princess, you don't know what you're protecting behind you right now.

Wanna bet? He's my friend and I won't allow you to hurt him no more. So back off right now.

Sorry but it's not going to happen. Now stand aside Princess Eris.

NO! I HAD IT WITH YOU SHADOW! I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON THROUGH YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW BUT YOU NEED A GOOD BEATING TO CLEAR IT! WHATEVER IS GOING WITH YOU RIGHT NOW THIS IS NOT THE WAY!

CHAOS CRYSTAL SPEAR!

She gently pushes Eclipse back away from her as a wind picks up around her blowing her hair around her as if she was in a storm as lighting forms around her hand crackling and sizzling as a spear forms in her hand in a multitude of whites, pinks, purples and blues form in her hand. A white Chaos aura forms around it.

You wanna throw down Hedgehog, then let's throw down.

Eris throws her spear and Shadow jumps out of the way as it hits where he was just at. He lands a few feet from where he just was, landing on his hands in a knelt position. He looks up at her chuckling as his eyes narrow.

Well, well, well, so you DO have your powers after all?

Yeah, well I just found out I still do. I don't know why but thanks to YOUR cousin who helped me figure it out I realize I do.

Eclipse comes to stand beside her and looks at Shadow ready to take him on with her.

Eclipse are you sure?

Yeah I'll be fine.

Shell we dance?

CHAOS CANNONS!

Shadow forms a pair of guns in his hands as he shoots them off at Eris and Eclipse. They see the attack coming and jump back as it hits the floor of where they were moments ago.

Come on!

Eclipse grabs a hold of Eris and her Shedu and Blurk and his siblings latch onto them as he teleports them down into the arena where they could battle it out without doing any damage. Shadow follows behind them and they all stare down one another ready for anything.

So are we doing this or what?

Listen Shadow, please just STOP right now. I don't know what it is that's going on with you, but can't we talk about this please?!

ENOUGH TALK ERIS! CHAOS INFERNO!

With that Shadow unleashes his Chaos Inferno. Eclipse knocks Eris to the ground calling on Blurk for help. As they fuse together he pulls Eris close to him and holds her close as the attack hits them. Her Shedu changes forms in a flash and wraps his massive wings and covers them as he hides his head in the as the attack hits. It bounces off them and spreads out and hits the targets and other things within the training arena.

The inferno dies down and everyone looks around as they see Shadow huffing as he floats about two feet off the ground.

Hey you alright Eris?

Y-yeah I am. T-thanks.

No problem.

Eris looks to Eclipse then back at Shadow.

Something is truly bothering him I can tell. I just wish I knew what it was.

You're telling me. I mean I've seen him pissed before. But never like this. Never to the point he wanted to KILL someone.

Ekies, we have no choice. We HAVE to fight him off and try and tire him out.

Yeah good luck with that. He's gained the title of Ultimate Life Form why up here. Nothing can stop him. Nothing and no one.

He's that strong?

Yeah.

Well we HAVE to try. I'll hold him off why you go find your father and uncle.

Are you CRAZY!? He'll KILL you if you try and take him on your own.

Eclipse it's as you said. I'm not a normal Mobian. I'm Black Arms, and I'm not just ANY Black Arms either. I'm a Black Arms PRINCESS, and it's about time I start ignoring that fact and start embracing it. Now do as your told Eclipse. I order you to go find your father and uncle at ONCE!

Sorry, but I'm going to have to ignore you Eris. I'm staying and helping you take my stupid hot headed cousin down.

You're really gonna pull that aren't you?

Yeah I am. Now come on. Let's see what you really got in you.

Eris smirks at him and stands up.

OK fine. If you wanna play it that way then so be it.

Eclipse gets up and smiles at her as he turns around.

Alright Shadow, you wanna play let's play Cousin….

PRESENT DAY 5 DAYS LATER…. SEP 20TH 03:00AM IN THE MEDICAL WING OF THE BLACK COMET…

Eris was in the Medical wing of the Empire Comet five days later after the battle between her, Shadow and Eclipse. She was thinking about how it all started up to the point of no return. She remembered how angry Shadow was, and how Eclipse said something about it. They had been fighting for four hours straight, no one letting up once even though Eris and Eclipse were tiring out. Even her Shedu, which she had named Titan after they formed a bond during the battle, was beginning to tire out fighting with Shadow's Jager. It wasn't till nearly five hours when everything went south. Shadow attacked Eclipse and ran a Chaos spear right at him, piercing right threw him Armor and hurting Blurk badly.

Eris was on the sidelines unable to move after being hit by one of Shadows Jager's paralyzing quills, she was huddled in a corner and beaten and battered like a thanksgiving day turkey. Blurk laid off to the side knocked out cold, after being forced from Eclipse, his other two brothers, Cregal and Cyzer, and his sister Rhygenta laid off to the side out cold as well. Shadow had Eclipse in a choke hold as he looked at him. He went and stabbed another Chaos spear in him and threw him to the side as if he was nothing.

It was then she remembered him walking over to her as Titan stands up and jumps in front of her to protect her, but Shadow used his Chaos Control and tossed him aside as if he was a kitten. Eclipse gets up and starts to head over to her to help her but is knocked aside by Shadows Jager. It stands there blocking both Shadow and Eris from view, as he picks her up and holds her by her neck. She remembers what he told her as they were hidden from view that day.

"I warned you Princess, if you bedded with another you would be sorry. So you had better hope that wasn't the case."

It was then and there that it dawned on her on what was going on, why he was so angry with her to the point he wanted to hurt her and Eclipse both. She wanted to say something, DO SOMETHING but couldn't, not with the paralyzing agents in her from his Jager. All she could do was hang there as he held her by the neck. He moves in closer to her as he reaches down and just like in her room days ago he reaches down into her shorts and starts to feel her. At the moment she could feel him rubbing in between her lips, a sign that the paralyzing agents were starting to wear off. She brings her arms up slowly as she grabs onto his arms, trying her best to get him off her but with little luck. As she does his eyes narrow and he growls out at her as he rubs her gently. She could feel him rub her making her softly moan out. She tries to cry out but it only comes out in a hushed whisper.

It's no use trying to resist me Princess. So you may as well stop trying to.

As he rubs her he feels what he wanted and scoffing he removes his hand from her and throws her to the ground causing a grunt to be forced out and stands over her menacingly. He bends down and holds her by the chin and looks at her with his crimson red eyes. Tears fall as he looks at her and he speaks to her in a very low shushed whisper.

Once again you got lucky Princess, next time I see you with another male like I did with that WORM I call a COUSIN, and this happens, whether or not you still have it or not, I will TAKE it from you next time. Do you understand?

Eris looks at him as she says something back in a horse whisper.

Go...to hell…. Shadow…. I'll do as...I please….you do not...OWN ME!

She tells him as she spits in his face. He barely flinches as she does and was about ready to smack her when he heard people coming, one of which his father, Black Doom.

"Shadow, what is the meaning of this?"

Shadow scoffs at her and looks at her, as if saying she got lucky when they showed up.

"Eclipse? ECLIPSE MY SON!?"

Black Oak teleported over to Eclipse who was in bad shape. He looks over at the Blurk and the others gasping out.

"What HAPPENED HERE!? I DEMAND TO KNOW AT ONCE! WHY IS MY SON IN SUCH A STATE?! WHY ARE BLURK AND HIS SIBLINGS HURT AND OUT COLD!? SOMEONE TELL ME RIGHT NOW!?

As would I. What happened to the Princess? Why are her, and her pet in such a state Shadow?"

Shadow just scoffs, not caring as he walks off, his Jager changing it's form and turning into a black wolf and walks alongside of him. He calls out his Chaos Controls as a new voice, another female voice is heard, one in slight worry and hysterics.

"Eclipse? ECLIPSE! NO, NO, NO! WHO DONE THIS!? WHY IS HE LIKE THIS? I WANT THE HEAD OF WHO DONE THIS TO HIM NOW!"

It was then that she laid eyes on Eris and growled out. She storms over to Eris and grabs a hold of her choking her as she gives her the look of death.

"YOU! YOU DID THIS TO HIM DIDN'T YOU?! DIDN'T YOU!? ANSWER ME NOW YOU TRAMP!

I-I-IT...WASN'T...ME….

PRINCESS TRINITY LET PRINCESS ERIS GO AT ONCE RIGHT NOW! IF YOU DO NO I WILL BE FORCED TO TAKE YOU OUT!

LORD DOOM YOU DARE THREATEN ME?!

I DO! NOW LET. HER. GO. AT. ONCE!"

Black Doom waves his hand as an unseen force takes hold of Trinity and she is forced to let Eris go, dropping her to the ground once more. Eris grunts out as she sits up some rubbing her neck. A few medical teams come over to her and place her on a stretcher along with Eclipse and the young-lings. Black Doom goes and with a wave of his hand he tosses her to the side and into some Medical team members who catch her. Black Doom floats over to Eris and places a hand on her speaking to her.

"Do not worry Princess. You will be fine now. You're safe. I will speak to my son of this matter and what happened. Just rest for now.

T-T-Thank you..."

As Eris starts next to Eclipse's bed in the medical wing she sighs and holds his hand as he sleeps. She herself was fine. But she did stay in the medical bay for the first two days. But ever since then she had been beside Eclipse bed side every day, every chance she got. Later the same day she was in the medical bay her grandfather came back and had found out what happened. How Shadow went on a rampage and not knowing why it was he did, he was worried for her to say the least. But when he came to see her to ask her what happened, she wouldn't speak to him. She laid in bed for two days in the medical wing and for two days he would come to see her, and every time he did he would ask her and she would not speak to him. As she starts there she looks over to the young-lings. They were in a sort of incubator and they looked out at her with sad worried eyes. She kisses Eclipse on his forehead as she smiles at them and goes over to them. She places a hand on the glass as she speaks.

Don't worry you four, he will be alright I promise. But Shadow did do quite a number on him. On us all. But don't worry he will be OK, I promise you.

They chirp as if trying to say something to her.

Oh how I wish I could understand you guys, I really do. I know you're trying to tell me something but I don't know what. I hate how I can't understand you at all.

They're saying to look behind you and to watch out.

Eris eyes widen in fright as the voice behind her answers for them. Gulping Eris turns around and back into the incubator as she sees Shadow at the doorway.

S-S-Shadow!? What...what are you DOING HERE?!

I went to check on you in your room but you were not there so I figured you would be here, like you have been since you were off bed rest. I thought I told you to stay away from that WORM Eris.

A-a-and I told you I would...would do as I pleased Shadow. You don't own me. I-i-i am my own person! If you don't get out of her right now...I'll...I'll call for my grandfather and tell him...Every...Everything.

Shadow just scoffs at her crossing his arms as he stands there looking at her. The young-lings were in a tissy trying to get out of their incubator, banging up against it to try and help Eris. To protect her.

Silents you pests!

The young-lings go and cower back into a corner of the incubator as Eris looks over at them then back at Shadow.

How DARE YOU! They're just young ones. How DARE you yell at them.

At that moment a flash of red light shows up behind them and a voice speaks to the both of them. Almost at once Eris was glad he was here even though she was mad at him still.

Eris my dear, what are you doing here?

"I couldn't sleep so I came to see Ekies and the young-lings. Then Shadow showed up and…"

Shadow glares at her daring her to say something. She looks at him as her eyes narrow to near slits. What happened five days ago was only a second time he got mad at her, and for what? For being with someone not knowing if she would ever SEE him again? For having Eclipse take care of her, hold her because he REFUSED to do his JOB and watch over her like he should have. Because Eclipse held her and was near her because of the nightmares that HE caused her to have? Yeah no. she was done. If he wanted to play as the king of pricks. She could do it right back.

"Eris?

Right...sorry. As I was saying I couldn't sleep so I came to check up on Eclipse and the young-lings for a bit. But Shadow came in and started THREATENING me and yelled at the young-lings.

WHAT!? Shadow is this true?"

Shadow growls inwardly as he stares down at Eris. She stares right back with a smug look on her face daring him to try and get out of this one. He smiles back at her with the same smug look as he answers Black Void.

"No not at all my Lordship. I only meant that she should be careful around my cousin and his pets should they try anything that could hurt her.

Mm-hmm…as long as I know Eclipse and his young-lings, I have never once seen him show a side of himself that would want to hurt others unless there was a reason to. I think she will be perfectly fine around them.

Yeah Shadow. I'll be PERFECTLY fine around them. Just like grandfather said I would. After all, they are my FRIENDS you know, and what grandfather says MUST be true. Am I right grandfather?

Indeed you are my dear. But for now why not head to bed for some more rest. It's 4 in the morning now and you have training soon young lady.

As you wish grandfather. But for safety measures I'm taking, Blurk, Cregal, Rhygenta, and Cyzer with me. I wouldn't want any HARM to come to them.

Very well I see no problem with that my dear. Just take good care of them till Eclipse is awake."

Eris gives a smug look to Shadow knowing she won this round. The look on his face though said it all, and it pleased Eris a lot. The look on his face said it all. He was pissed and right now there was NOTHING he could do about it but suck it up and deal with it. Eris turns round and typing in a few things the incubator opens and the young-lings fly over to Eris and into her arms, as if they couldn't wait to get out of there and far from Shadow. With a scoff she nods to Shadow and her grandfather and takes her leave.

On her way out she is stopped by Shadow.

Eris hold up.

I have NOTHING to say to you. Now if you don't mind it's late and I would like a few more hours of sleep, and I'm taking the young-lings with me whether you like it or not.

Eris listen to me PLEASE. I want to talk about what happened the other day.

Sorry but I don't know if you'll excuse me please.

"Eris my dear hold up I'll walk with you.

I'm good thank you. Now if you excuse us."

With that she blows them both off and heads to her room. But as she walks along her grandfather floats next to her having caught up to her.

"I thought I said I didn't want you walking with me.

Yes well, I was heading in the same direction so I thought I'd join you anyway."

Growling out annoyed. She looks at him and huffs looking away.

"Eris my beloved what is wrong my dear? You haven't spoken to me since I got back. I'm starting to worry.

Good then STAY worried for all I care.

Eris please. Won't you talk to me? What happened why I was gone? Why are you so upset with me?

Please, as if you don't know already?

I don't, that is why I am ASKING you."

It was then that it dawned on her that he didn't know at all. She thought for sure Black Doom would have told him by now. But he hasn't yet.

"Black Doom didn't TELL you?

Tell me what?

What happened, why you been gone.

No, no one has told me ANYTHING at all. But I can tell something happened and I'm worried how it is bothering everyone.

I don't know why it would when you never bothered TELLING me the truth of everything.

What do you mean?"

Eris stops and looks at him scoffing as the young-lings float out of her arms and either settle on her shoulder or head.

"Eris, what are you talking about?

What am I talking about? WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT!? I'M TALKING ABOUT THE FACT OF HOW YOU KEPT EVERYTHING HIDDEN FROM ME! HOW YOUR GOING ALL BUT FORCING ME TO BE WITH SHADOW JUST TO SAVE THE EMPIRE! TO SAVE SOME STUPID LINEAGE AND THE FACT OF HOW I CAN NOT EVEN BE WITH THE GUY I LOVE BECAUSE OF IT ALL! HOW THE HELL AM I GOING TO TELL SCOURGE THIS!? HOW AM I GOING TO TELL HIM THAT I HAVE TO FUCKING DUMP HIM JUST TO MAKE SURE SOME STUPID AGO OLD WAR DON'T GO BRAKING OUT BECAUSE THERE ARE TWO FUCKING FEMALES WHO ARE OF BREEDING STATURES! I THOUGHT ALL THIS TIME I WAS THE ONLY ONE! OH BUT WHAT DO YOU KNOW!? LOW AND BEHOLD, THERE'S ANOTHER ONE WHO WANTS MY LINEAGE AND THRONE! AND WHY IS THAT GRANDFATHER? HUH! WHY IS THAT!

Eris PLEASE… I have been trying to find the right time to tell you all this. I've been trying to…

SHUT IT BLACK VOID! JUST SHUT THE FUCKING HELL UP! I TRUSTED YOU! I BELIEVED IN YOU! BUT YOU GO AND PULL THIS SHIT ON ME! I FUCKING HATE YOU! IF ANYONE IF THE WORM AROUND HERE IT'S YOU! NO… YOUR LOWER THAN A WORM! YOUR A GOOD FOR NOTHING AKLA-DUDAC TRINACIA!"

Black Void looks at her in shock at what she had called him. Even Eris realized what she called him, but as mad as she was she didn't care. Because as of right now she hated him. Hated the fact that he had betrayed her, LIED to her on everything, and how in the end she would have to lose everything she held dear to her.

"Eris...I…

ENOUGH BLACK VOID! YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME… YOU HEAR ME!? NOTHING! BECAUSE OF YOU I'M GOING TO HAVE TO LOSE EVERYTHING THAT I HOLD DEAR TO MY HEART! NOT ONLY THAT BUT SHADOW HAS BEEN MAKING IT VERY CLEAR IF I BED DOWN WITH MY BOYFRIEND HE WOULD SEE TO IT THAT I REGRET IT!

WHAT?!

YOU LISTEN HERE BLACK VOID…

Eris please calm down and listen to me. I have been trying to find a loophole to all of this. I have been trying for years since I found out your mother Layla was going to have you. At the time we didn't know there was another Black Arms female of breeding status. We only JUST found out about Trinity a few months ago. Just before what happened with you back home. I truly have been trying my dear. I know you love him. I truly have been trying but with so much history with our people I have yet to find anything. I even have my most trusted and best people working on trying to find something to bring an end to this.

LAIR! THAT IS A COMPLETE UTTER LIE! YOU HAD THIS PLANNED FROM THE START DIDN'T YOU!?

Eris I…

DIDN'T YOU!? YOU WANTED THIS TO HAPPEN DIDN'T YOU!?

No… I didn't… I promise…. I…..I…"

Eris looks at him shaking her head at him.

"Tisk….it all becomes clear now… all of it…. The training… the schooling as a kid….all of it… it was because you know the whole time that something like this would happen wasn't it?

I...I had a feeling yes… but please my beloved you have to understand.

Don't you DARE call me that! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT AFTER BETRAYING ME!

Eris please! I did it to PROTECT YOU! I DID IT FOR LAYLA! SHE SAW EVERYTHING BEFORE WE TRULY KNEW! WHAT WAS I TO DO?! I HAD HOPED NONE OF THIS WOULD COME TO LIGHT TILL THE DAY OF YOU CRINGING! WHEN YOU WOULD BE CROWN THE NEW LEADER OF THE BLACK ARMS! I MADE A PROMISE TO YOUR MOTHER I WOULDN'T REVILE ANYTHING TO YOU!

WELL GUESS WHAT, YOU DIDN'T BUT SHADOW DID! HE TOLD ME THE TRUTH. WHEN HE TOLD ME HOW IF I BEDDED WITH ANOTHER IT WOULD MEAN THE END OF EVERYTHING! IS THIS TRUE OR NOT!?

Yes… if you were to bed with another and lose yourself to another male war would break out, giving Princess Trinity a chance to take the throne, and become the new Black Arms Leader, meaning if she did then her father, Black Fog, could do as he pleases under her rule and get away with it all. Meaning that he would set about trying to rule everything in the universe, and destroying everything you know and love.

YOU EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE THIS SHIT?! ESPECIALLY AFTER YOU JUST TOLD ME YOU BEEN LYING TO ME MY WHOLE LIFE?! HOW CAN I BE SO SURE OF THIS?! HOW DO I KNOW ANY OF THIS TO BE TRUE!

Because Princess it is. I think it is time you now know the truth of everything."

Black Void and Eris look behind them and see Black Doom coming their way.

"DOOM!? You knew of this as well?

In a way yes. But please hear me out before you lay your wrath on me, I beg of you."

Taking a deep breath and letting it out as a sigh of defeat she nods.

"Very well Doom, I'll listen to what you have to say. Since I won't be getting any sleep I may as well come with you for now and hear what you have to say.

Thank you Princess."

With that she and the young-lings go over to Black Doom and with a wave of his hand he teleports them to another part of the Empire Comet. One she had never been to before.

"Welcome to my private gardens Princess."

Eris stood in the middle of a vast garden. All around her were plants she had never seen before other than in her books. Along with strange and weird looking animals as well. Alien Birds sang in the trees, why alien insects she never saw before went from flower to flower either drinking their sweet aromatizing nectar, or resting on pedals that were big enough to be used as blankets. Alien Animals that look like they should have never even existed were running around, swimming in ponds and small rivers, even lazing about in the trees and on the broad branches and then some.

As she looks around one creature catches her eye and she walks over to it. As she gets closer it sees her and looks at her. She stops just a couple of feet from it watching it as it watches her. To her it looked like a fox of some kind. It's fur looked like a deep midnight blue, and when it moved about, the light caught its fur and she could see starlight weaved within its fur. It's eyes look like small galaxies as it watches her. Around its neck was a jewel the sides of an apple, it was held in a fixture of gold and silver with a multitude of gems she didn't recognize. Doom watches her and chuckles softly in her head.

"He he he… I see you found The Starlight Fox.

H-he's BEAUTIFUL Lord Doom."

Eris slowly reaches out to touch him but stops and looks to Black Doom. He nods to her and she goes to hold out her hand to him. He leans down from his branch he was on and he sniffs her hand. He stretches out his neck and nuzzles her hand. She scratches behind his ears and it purrs out softly as it hops down from his tree and onto her shoulder where it curls up around her neck nuzzling her making her giggle.

"He is so soft. Like nothing I felt before.

Indeed my dear. He is but one of a few left in the galaxy. There are a total of about 5,000 left out there and I have a couple of breeding pairs.

What's his name?

I have named this one Thor. Every Starlight Fox is different. They have their own unique fur and star mapping within their fur, and everyone carries a jewel unique to them.

He is quite beautiful, Lord Doom.

Thank you my dear. Now if you come this way I have someplace set up for us and some Kilirian Tea and some fruit from my garden for us.

Thank you Lord Doom. But..ah.. where are the young-lings? They were with me a moment.."

At that moment Cregal and Rhygenta come flying over to Eris, startling Thor who in turn jumps down off her shoulder and runs off, leaving a trail of stardust behind him.

Cregal, Rhygenta whats wrong?

They click and chirp at her as she was trying to make heads or tails of what was going on.

Hold on you two, I-I can't understand you guys.

Cregal goes and takes hold of her sleeve in his mouth why Rhygenta goes and pushes her from behind as if they were trying to take her some place.

"Lord Doom, do you know what they're saying?

They're saying something happened to their brothers and need help.

Blurk and Cyzer are in trouble?!

It Seems like it is, yes. Come let's go see what those two got themselves into."

They follow Rhygenta and Cregal and they lead them to where Blurk and Cyzer were at. When they find them Eris stands there shocked and surprised at what she was looking at, but after a few moments she starts to bust up laughing at the sight.

"Oh good grief, they did it again.

A-A-Again...hahahaha? Wh-what do you mean...hahahaha...again…

Every time Eclipse comes to visit me they always seem to find themselves in a...STICKY situation.

I'll say...oh ha oh ha ha haaaaaaa…. W-w-what IS that stuff anyway?

You would call it HONEY down on Mobius. But up here or on the insect's home world it is called Amber...er…. Juice… to say the least...Well lets just say even though I like it, the name for it is QUITE ridiculousness to say the least, even if it IS true.

Can't be nearly as gross as BEE BARF.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Huh?"

Eris looks to where he was pointing at and her eyes go wide and her jaw drops open like a fish gasping for water. What Eris was looking at was a couple of Alien bees, and from what should tell it looked as if they were in the process of some sort of sexual act to her. One of them was on top of the other as it had it's Tube-like tongue in what she was assuming to be a female bee and it looked as if he was eating her out.

"I-I-is that...THING...doing what I THINK it's doing?….

Yes it is. It is how the males bond with the females of their colonies, and in doing so...well needless to see you can see for yourself.

I don't know if I should be wigged out or kind of grossed or.. INTRIGUED? I think is the word I'm looking for? I think?

I know, I was too. If it helps any just between us, I was kind of turned on when I first saw it."

Eris looks at him with a cocked eyebrow. He shrugs like it was nothing.

"Yeeeeaaaahhhh…. I think that was the OTHER feeling I was getting to. Nope I take that back… that is DEFINITELY the other feeling I was getting."

They look at one another for a moment before Doom Speaks.

"Shall we keep this between us?

Yes, lets… I think it would be a good idea if we did, and never speak of this again should it go someplace weird.

Indeed. Trust me having that sort of conversation is NOT on my things to speak with the Emperor's Granddaughter.

Nor is it on my list to speak with my Grandfathers Black Knights FATHER for that matter.

Are we good then?

We are."

They look at one another for a time till Black Doom clears his throat.

"I have about 5 hives around here.

And you can...EAT it… like regular honey… on Mobius?

Yes, that is correct.

After seeing what I have seen and heard… I don't think I'll look at Honey the same way ever again…. "

They remain quiet for a bit longer watching the unique show that was in front of them.

"This is Awkward to say the least you know.

I know yes.

So…. You wanted to talk to me on what has been going on?

Right, yes… of course… this way if you please."

Black Doom leads Eris away as she gathers Blurk and Cyzer and pulls them from the overflowing Honey flower and takes them to a nearby pond and gives them a quick washing. Once they were clean and no longer stuck they followed Doom to where he had something set up for him and her. Once there she sees a gazebo had been set up along with a comfy little bench at one end of it. On the table was a tea set she didn't recognize at all. Along with it was an assortment of fruit she guessed was from Black Doom's garden as he had said, and along with it pastries as well. In the middle of the table were some roses she had seen before. They were black, with deep crimson red red tips. She looks up at Black Doom then back. She walks over to the roses first smelling them.

I remember these. I remember seeing some in my room one day shortly after waking up.

"Yes as you should. There from Shadows Garden he has within my own. There was a breed of roses he created himself to honor the Empire. He calls them the Empire Rose."

Empire Rose?

"Yes."

They're beautiful. Even if he hasn't been of late.

Sighing she sits down as the young-lings sit on the other side of her. Black Doom uses his powers and pours her a cub of Kilirian Tea for her. The steam from it softly wavers up to her nose and she breathes in deeply at its sweet yet rich relaxing aroma. Sighing out, she was nearly at ease right now, especially with the fight he and her grandfather had.

"Please help yourself to whatever you like Princess, and when you are ready I will tell you what I know."

Sighing, she nods to him. She sees the Amber Juice and she shakes her head chuckling, remembering what she just saw thinking to herself that it couldn't be NEARLY as weird as BEE BARF. She chuckles to herself and takes a couple spoonfuls and adds it to her tea stirring it in. She then takes a few bits of fruit and puts them on a plate and sets it down for the young-lings as she gives herself some as well. Once she is done, she takes a sip of her tea. Closing her eyes she lets out a content sigh. Something told her this was what she needed more than anything right now. And the intoxicating aroma from the Kilirian Tea was really soothing her.

Something tells me you needed that.

More than you know with the stress of everything going on. But please tell me what it is you wish to tell me.

"But of course. It all started hours before, before I had brought him home I got word days before of something wrong. My spy told me that there had been confirmation of another, much like yourself, that was of breeding status. Another Queen, when I heard this it worried me greatly. I knew this was bad. I couldn't delay any longer, even for you my dear. I HAD to get Shadow home right away. When I brought him home he threatened me saying he would make sure I would suffer for taking him from you. The sheer WRATH and anger he held against me, I knew he would mean it one day. So I had to do something drastic in order to make sure he cooperated. I knocked him out and locked his memory of you and the rest away.

YOU DID WHAT?!

Eris please, let me finish...

FLASH BACK 5 YEARS AGO… ON THE BLACK COMET….

A 14 year Shadow lays in bed asleep. As he sleeps dreams haunt him of a girl with sunset pink fur and pretty light purple hair with aqua teal tips. She was in a pretty bright yellow sundress that had clovers and blue birds on it. Her hair was done up in a half ponytail and held back with a ribbon. Her two toned eyes looked at him as she took his hand and they went running across a park on a planet he felt he should know, but for some reason he couldn't put a finger to it.

Hey Shady! SHADY!.. hey come on space case let's go! If we don't hurry **** and the others will leave without us. So come on.

Wait up.. who is waiting for us?

Shady you goof. You know your best friend ****. Now come on.

But who are you?

Oh Shady you know me. I swear you're really out of it. It's me ****.

Shadow looks at the girl confused. Who was she, and who was his best friend? Where was she taking him? Something felt wrong. But before he could ask anything more the dream changed as if it never happened, and was replaced with another image.

This time he was with the same girl. She was crying and he didn't know why?

Hey you alright?

Oh, Shady? Yes I'm alright it's just… well the kids were picking on me again at school. One of them even went as far as to beat me up. They ruined my new outfit and everything. They even took my mother's necklace from me too. It meant everything to mean.

Would you like me to try and get it back for you?

WOULD YOU!? OH SHADY THANK YOU!

He remembers how happy she was when he said he would get her mother's necklace for her. If only he could remember who she was. She felt special to him. Important even to him. But why? He remembers getting it back for her and how happy it made her. How brightly she smiled that day gave the sun a run for its money. He remembered making a promise that day to her… but what was it? He knew he made her one.. but he couldn't remember what it was. Try as he might he couldn't remember at all what it was.

But it didn't matter, a new dream was pushing its way forward now. This time he was with the girl again and other people. But he couldn't quite understand them at all. Just like the last two they played out but he couldn't understand what they were saying. It was like they were all under water, they sounded muffled. Too soon though it was pushed away and another one played, but this time the people were all fuzzy. He couldn't hear them at all, let alone SEE them. Again and again this happened, each one getting fuzzier and fuzzier. Even darker each time. Till at last a new dream he felt he knew of...

He was in a room filled with other creatures that were black and red, just like him. Next to him he sees his cousin Eclipse next to him standing tall. Not sure what was going on he did the same. As he looks to the front a deep booming voice speaks to them all.

ALRIGHT YOU LOT. TO DAY IS YOUR FIRST DAY OF TRAINING. SOME OF YOU WON'T EVEN PASS THE FIRST ROUND OF TRAINING TODAY, BUT THE ONES THAT DO WILL BE MOVING ON! ALSO, IF YOU MANAGE TO SURVIVE MY TRAINING CAMP ONE OF YOU WILL BE MOVING ON TO THE MORE ADVANCE CLASSES TO BECOME OUR EMPEROR'S NEW BLACK KNIGHT!

Everyone whispers to one another till the one up front yells again…

ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, THAT'S ENOUGH! QUIET DOWN NOW!

Everyone quiets down. When the teacher wasn't looking, Shadow speaks to Eclipse via Black Arms.

"Hey Eclipse? What's going on?

What do you mean Shadow?

I mean what are we doing here?

Don't tell me you forgot?

OK.. let say I did?

Oh Boraslic…. Your a real Mudblork you know that. If I wasn't around you'd be lost all the time. Anyway our dads put us in elite training to become black nights. We are they youngest of group to join. But because of who and what we are, our dads think will will pass the first test with ease.

I see. But what is the first test?"

Before Eclipse could answer him, the teacher, when he found out the General of the Black Arms Army spoke again.

RIGHT! Now some of you must be wondering what the first test will be before going to be. Well I'll tell you. Your first test will be taking on this big guy's here.

The General goes and hits a button near him and all around them where creatures much like him but different. They didn't look quite like him or the others. They had soulless looking eyes. Thick skin, claws and more on them.

NOW THESES HERE ARE KNOWN AS THE BLACK ARMS PAWNS. IF YOU SURVIVE THIS TEST AND TAKE OUT THE BLACK BULL AND SURVIVE YOU WILL MOVE ONTO THE NEXT LEVEL. IN TIME YOU WILL LEAD YOUR OWN ARMY OF BLACK ARMS PAWNS SOON ENOUGH. BUT ONLY IF YOU TAKE OUT THAT BULL AND MOVE ON. NOW AS YOU KNOW THE PAWNS ARE LIKE DRONES. THEY FOLLOW A SINGLE LEADER OR ANYONE WHO IS PUT IN CHARGE OF THEM. THEY ACT LIKE A HIVE MIND, AND THEREFORE WILL FOLLOW ORDERS WITHOUT HASTE. THESE HERE ARE EXTRAS IF YOU WOULD. OR IF YOU LIKE, REJECTS WOULD BE MORE FITTING.

WE USE THE REJECTS FOR THINGS LIKE THIS. SO NOW IT IS YOUR JOB TO TAKE THEM OUT AND KILL THEM! WHEN YOUR DONE WITH THAT YOUR JOB WILL BE TO PUT DOWN THE BLACK BULL. NOW GO GO GO GO GO! SHOW ME WHAT YOU ALL HAVE! ALSO THERE ARE NO RULES! ONCE YOU LEAVE THIS PLATFORM IT IS EVERY PRINCE AND OR LESSER PRINCESS FOR THEMSELVES!

With that everyone runs out and starts attacking the closest Black Arms rejects killing each and everyone one that comes into their pathway. Shadow stays near Eclipse and they fight together, taking on the bigger and stronger ones together as a team. The General sees this and watches them for a time. Shadow and Eclipse where stand back to back as they end up being surrounded by ten huge Black Oak rejects.

Eclipse what do we do?

Just follow my lead cousin.

Shadows does as he is told and without another word Eclipse attacks one of the Black Oak rejects, Shadow follows suit. Together they take out three of them in no time till Eclipse was hit from behind and sent flying. Shadow watches in shock as he grits his teeth and attacks the one who had taken Eclipse off guard. Within moments Shadow had taken it out and ran after his cousin who was about to be attacked by several more. At that moment, his powers show themselves to him as a green aura surrounds his right hand and he throws several Chaos Spears at the Black Oak rejects. They hit them in the back and they rear back and roar out. Before Shadow could finish them off Eclipse recovers in time and takes them out.

Shadow what did you just do?

I..I don't know. I just saw you were in danger and I knew I had to do something to save you and that happened. You know what it was?

I think so. I think your powers have finally shown themselves to you.

My POWERS?!

Yeah. This now gives us an advantage. Come on let's head for the Black Bull Reject. If we take that out we win.

Nodding Shadow and Eclipse head to the Black Bull taking anything and one out along the way. It doesn't take them long to get there and once there they see how big it was. Already several other Princes and Lesser Princesses were trying to take the thing down. But they were having little luck in doing so. It's hide was super thick and could repel almost any and all attacks.

From afar, the General watches as he sees Shadow and Eclipse watching everyone around them forming a strategy together. After a bit it looked like they had formed one. He smiles as he feels a present come from behind him.

"How are they doing, General?

See for yourself my Lordship."

The figure watches his son and Eclipse and nods pleased at what he was seeing. They had taken on more of their rivals and other rejects as well. Once done they take on the Black Bull. Together they managed to find its weak point. When the other recruits see what it was they were doing they went after them, but Eclipse keeps everyone of them at bay by killing them off or dismembering them, why Shadow took on the Black bull on his own. It was a long hard battle but in the end Shadow managed to kill it. Everyone around them looked at them and they were not too happy about it. Shadow sees this and he and Eclipse stand back to back as the other recruits slowly surround them ready to take them out for good.

"Excellent. It seems that my Son Shadow is ready at last, as well as his cousin too. Look how well they fight together. Look how well they can read the others' movements. Look how in sync they are together. This is better than I could hope for.

I take it you are pleased, Lord Doom?

Indeed I am."

As the General talk they watch as they take out the other recruits with ease leaving only a few standing. As they watch the sea the ones still standing lower themselves to Shadow and Eclipse showing their submission to them. They look to one another and without warning or mercy, they kill the ones still left. As they stand apart from one another, they look at one another and before anyone knows it, they go and jump back taking on a battle stance.

"You did hear the General right?

I did. He said that only ONE of us could become the next Black Knight to the Emperor. Thus meaning it's either you or me.

Indeed cousin, and since you took out the Black Bull on your OWN, this means you win.

But how do I know you won't try later on down the line to take me out and the title for your own COUSIN?

You don't but I have plans of my own of why I want to be the next Black Knight.

And what would THOSE be dear COUSIN?

Sorry but that's classified information.

Then are we doing this?

It seems we are."

With that the two start to attack one another going all out. But back at the Platform the General and Black Doom watch.

"Intriguing?

It seems as Those two wish to own the possible title of the Emperor's next Black Knight.

Yes it seems so. But it has already been decided who it will be. I have gotten word that the rumors are true. There is another out there. We do not know at this time who it is but we are still looking into it. I can still count on you when it comes time, can I not?

Indeed Lord Doom, you can. I will not fail you. But does Black Void know anything yet from his end?

No not yet, and for now I wish to keep it that way.

Very well my Lord, I will not say a thing till you are ready…"

A 14 year old Shadow wakes up at last and sees he is in his room on the Black Comet. He wakes up in a groggy state and sits up. But the moment he does something falls from his jacket pocket and floats to the floor. He looks at it before picking it up. Turning it over he sees three people in the image. Him and two others he didn't know or recognize at all. One was an Azure colored Hedgehog that looked like him almost, and the other was pretty sunset pink Lyox he felt he should know but didn't know why. He looks at the picture as he tries to think of why he had it. But the more and more he thought about it, the more and more he couldn't think of why or WHO they were. Not thinking anything of it he sets it down on his bedside table and gets up. He walks out of his room and heads to go look for his father. It doesn't take him long to find him. When he does he starts asking him questions.

"Father?

Ah Shadow your awake. How do you feel?

Alright I suppose? But father I had the strangest dream.

Oh?

Yes, I only remember tiny bits of it but I was with a girl, and another boy around my age… I only remember their fur color nothing more. The boy was a deep Azurle color and the girl, I think it was a girl…. Was a sunset pink color. They were saying things to me I couldn't understand. It was...PERPLEXING to say the least. Then I remembered another dream. But this one was more real and I could remember everything that happened to me as clear as day to me.

What was that one about?

I remember being in some kind of training camp. I was there with my cousin Eclipse and many others. We fought something called Black Arms Rejects. Me and Eclipse took them all out, even the other recruits as well. I even took down the Black Bull reject on my own as Eclipse held everyone else off. In the end whoever was left standing we killed off leaving on me and him. We soon fought as well for the right to go to the next level of testing to become Black Voids Black Knight. Was this all true? Or was it just a dream?

I am unsure of this girl and boy you speak of, but the part of the fighting of the Black Bull and other Black Arms rejects is true Shadow. You are in training to become Black Voids new Black Knight.

And my cousin Eclipse?

Back on his father's comet training for a different reason.

I see. So what do I do now?

For now rest. Your training will start once we meet up on the Empire Comet. From there you will be trained into a Black Knight unlike any before. You will protect the Emperor and his granddaughter Princess Eris when she comes to visit and as he goes and visits her on Mobius. You will become a merciless force to be reckoned with, once your training is finished no one can nor will try to stop you. I have a great many plans for you my son.

But what of the girl and boy from my dreams?

They are no one and nothing to you. Forget them for now for you will never see them again anyway.

What do you mean AGAIN?

Nothing. Now come we are nearing the Empire Comet and we must leave soon. Your training starts first thing tomorrow.

As you wish Father."

With that Black Doom leads Shadow away as the Black Comet enters the Empire Comet...

END FLASHBACK… PRESENT DAY...

"From there the very next day Shadows training commenced. He pasted everything with flying colors and more. Nothing could stop him no matter what. Earning the nickname and Title of, Ultimate Life Form. No one could stand up to him or take him out. Everyone who did ended up in pieces or worse. DEAD by his hands. He achieved every goal that was given to him and soon became Black Voids new Black Knight with high honors and more. Shortly after that my brother comes to me and tells me everything we feared was coming true.

So there you have it my dear. Everything I told you is true.

So that Trinity girl from the other day? You called her Princess, does that mean that she is…

Yes she is. She is the one the rumors have been speaking of. Your grandfather had always hoped that you and Shadow would be together. But he didn't count on any of this. He had hoped this COUPE wouldn't show up till the day of your crowning. I myself had known for a long time but had yet to say anything to make sure of it all being true. When I found out I brought Shadow home and…

And locked his memory of me and more away, thus changing him into someone new and different all together. One who would follow all the rules and regulations in the process as well. Not once straying from his goal. But what is that goal?

To eliminate Princess Trinity before you can. I'm sure you will know what will happen from now till the time of your crowning?

I do. I have my own battle and training to do now, meaning if this is all true then come the crowning I may have to FIGHT Princess Trinity for the throne. Because if I just give it up to be happy, I will lose everything in the process. But where does Shadow fit into this. I get the feeling he has OTHER ideas in mind for how this all should go. But yet with how he has been treating me, and our battle the other day, I am beginning to wonder what is going on with him. Not to say I STILL don't know what I am going to tell Scourge next I see him. He's been there for me every step of the way always at my side for over two years. He is everything to me.

I thought you loved Shadow?

I DID once yes. But I couldn't wait forever, I tried and it was a very lonely road for me and I didn't like it. I met Scourge, he was there for me when I needed someone the most. He has ALWAYS been by my side. But where was Shadow when I needed him in my good and bad times? Where was he when I would wake up in the middle of the night due to a storm or nightmare? Where was he when I finally put my AirBlade Crew together? Where was he when I made valedictorian?

Or became the School President or class rep? Who was it that would stay with me at night when I got scared or I missed my father? Who was it that saved my life the day I first met Jason and his Blood Wrath Crew for the first time? TELL ME WHO IT WAS THAT WAS ON THE HAUNTED RUINS RACE TRACK WITH ME AS JASON WAS KILLING ME AND MY FRIENDS! WHO WAS IT DOOM? BECAUSE I CAN TELL YOU WHO IT WAS, AND IT SURE IN THE FUCKING HELL WASN'T YOUR CHAOS FUCKING SON THAT IS FOR SURE! IT WAS ALWAYS SCOURGE! AND I REFUSE TO ABANDON HIM FOR SOME FUCKING LAWS AND REGULATIONS JUST TO SAVE SOME FUCKED UP EMPIRE!

Scourge is everything to me. I lose him, I lose everything. Because it will kill me inside if I have to let him go. Don't you see Doom? Shadow… THIS Shadow is NOT the same one I fell in love with over five years ago. Because of what you did he remembers nothing. He has become aggressive, dominant, he has THREATENED me a couple of times now, and worst he NEARLY killed Eclipse for doing his job he told Eclipse to do.

I know Princess and I can not tell you how sorry I am for everything. But what your grandfather has told you is true. We have been trying to find some sort of LOOPhole for you. But with so much history, and because of your rage, it has become a very difficult task to do so. But lucky for us, thanks to my Chaos Control, I was able to revert time back to when you started destroying the Archives and fixed everything so we could keep looking for a loop hole for this.

Really Doom?

Yes. I know you hate Black Void right now, and you wish nothing more to do with him because of this all. But please for the sake of everyone you love could you please find it in your heart to forgive him? He is after all the only blood family, besides your father, you have left. Do you really wish to disown him for something that could not be helped? He has tried many times to find ways to tell you when you were younger, but he feared you would not understand, and now that you do, you have turned him away bringing his worst fear to life.

I…I don't know Doom? I mean he lied to me most of my life about all of this. How can I forgive him for something like this? He is basically telling me I can't have the first time with my own BOYFRIEND at all. I have always wanted it to be with the one I truly loved, and now I can't even have THAT. Not unless I want Shadow to hurt me, or kill me, or even threaten me in some way, shape or form. I'm all alone up here and I don't have any of my friends to turn to for advice. I'm having to do this all on my own, and I don't know what to do.

Could you at least start by trying to forgive your grandfather? You're all he has left of Layla, your mother. You mean the universe to him you know?

I know I do. But it's hard to forgive someone who has hurt you. So how can I do so?

Maybe look at it from his point of view?

What do you mean?

Think of everything he had to do to make sure you were safe and then some? I was there for it all. If you like I could show you and then maybe you can understand why he did what he has done?

Y-you can really do something like that?

Yes I can. Would you like me to show you Princess?"

Eris looks at him then down to the young-ling. They had passed out in a heap together after finishing their fruit, smiling at them she looked back to Black Doom and nodded.

"Please Lord Doom, show me what he has been through.

Very well my dear."

With a wave of his hand he takes her back in time via a mental journey showing her EXACTLY everything that has happened.

FLASH BACK 16 YEARS AGO…

"It all started when Void found out that Layla was with you. At first everyone was happy that the current Princess was going to have a child. Many were very excited, but more so than your grandfather, mother and father. It was something they had been hoping for, for a long time. You were going to be the very first Hybrid Princess ever to be born within the Black Arms Empire. It was a very happy day. But sadly, even the happiest of times can come to a screeching halt.

You mean my mother's sickness don't you?

Yes I do. We didn't know how or when she became sick. All we knew was she had become sick so sudden. Even the best doctors from all over the galaxy couldn't figure it out. It was a very troubling and puzzling time for us all. But we could not figure it out. As the days went by, your mother grew in size and she was as beautiful as ever. It was two years ago that Shadow was born as well. Unlike you, as you may know, he was created not birthed…

Yes I remember.

Yes, well, Shadow loved Layla Maxwell a lot, and when she and Maxwell stayed on the Empire Comet during her pregnancy he would often come visit them. At the time I was, and still am, Black Voids, Adviser. When he found out that Layla was sick he knew at once what this would mean if she should pass.

It would mean I'd be next in line wouldn't it?

Yes that is correct Princess.

So what happened?

When your grandfather found this out at the time, before we knew about Trinity or the RUMORS about her, he had nothing to worry about he knew at the time everything would be OK. But he did take a precaution nonetheless. He decided one day to go over the laws and by-laws of the Empire, it was then he found out about the old laws and by-laws of the Mating and Mating rights. As he read them over something in the very back of his mind told him something felt OFF… he didn't know what it was though. When he found this out he came to me at once and asked me to send out my best spy's to every branch and see if there was another Princess about to be born.

But your spy's never found anything did they?

At first no. not even a rumor of such a thing. But your grandfather was a stubborn one as you know, it runs in the family."

Eris chuckles at his comment knowing full well he was right.

"Well needles to say, he had my Spy's stay in rank till something was found out. But as the days went on your mother became more and more heavily pregnant with you, and everyday my son would come to visit her and Maxwell. Oftentimes when I couldn't find him studying like he should have been, I would find him in Layla's and Maxwell's quarters with them. I would scold him time and time again. But in truth I did not mind. Your mother would watch him as I did my duties and would teach him what she could. Shadow had just turned three years old and on that very same day he did Layla had you.

Huh? I always thought it was kind of weird me and Shadow had the same birthday, and how he was about two or so years older than me.

Indeed. Shadow was excited to meet you, and when you came into the world, he was the very first person you met. Layla had promised Shadow that he would be the one to meet you first, before Maxwell, before your grandfather, even before me. She and him and created a bond during their time together. When we were finally able to meet you Maxwell and Black Void where so over joyed words could not express how they felt. It was that very same day he announced your arrival, when he did, the rumors of Trinity started.

But why then? Why not show her right away?

Because it was too soon for whoever was planning all of this.

From what I know it was someone named Black Fog. Who is he and why should I be so worried?

I'll get to that soon. Now, as I was saying, when he announced your birth it spread like wildfire, that Princess Layla had the very first ever Mobian Black Arms hybrid baby and that it was a girl. He was so proud of the both of you. For the next five months Layla and your father and you stayed on the Empire Comet, and Shadow would help every day, every chance he got. He was very intrigued with you. How small you are. At how soft your fur was. At the sounds you would make and so much more. He wanted to know so much about you back then.

What happened next?

Well, one day as Void, Maxwell and I were talking one of my spy's came back from Black Fog's section of the branch. He told us some troubling news.

Wait, wait, wait. Hold up a moment?

Yes Princess?

My FATHER was there when you found out SOMETHING?

Yes he was.

And he never TOLD me anything?

I am guessing not if you're asking me now.

Do be cute Black Doom. It doesn't suit you at all.

Right, sorry. Well anyway yes your father was there. When he was there we had asked him to leave, he didn't know anything at the time, it wasn't till much later he found out. Soon as he left my spy told us of the rumor going around. The news was troubling to say the least and it worried Black Void quite a bit. After we found this out, he set about to find a loophole for you. It was true at the time he wanted you to lead a normal life as a Mobian, since you came out looking as such. But when we found out Layla was ill we knew we had to prepare everything just in case.

This was when I, your mother and father and Black void decided to go forth with an arranged marriage for you to my son Shadow.

So that's how that happened?

Yes. We saw at the time how much Shadow had fallen in love with you, and we saw how protective he had become over you as well, barely letting even his cousin Eclipse near you.

Wow, even as a 3 year old he was possessive of me. Sheesh.

He he he...Indeed he was. We thought it cute at the time. Anyway, we all agreed when you both came of age you would marry and prevent this madness from happening. As they days went on Black Void and his many helpers could not find a loophole at all, at least not yet. But he himself had to stop looking but kept his men on it. He had to stop because your mother was getting sicker and sicker by the minute, and he wished to spend as much time with her, you and Maxwell as he could. But one day it all ended as quickly as it began."

Black Doom was about to wave his hand once more to move the story along when she called out.

WAIT, PLEASE!

Princess?

Please just wait a moment. I want to look at my mother for a bit please. Since I never truly got to see what she looks like. Please….Lord Doom?"

Black Doom looks down at Eris as she looks at him. He could see pain there at not being able to know her mother. He nods and goes back to the best image of Layla for her and holds the image for Eris to look at. She smiles at him and tells him thank you as she looks back at the image of her mother. Her mother was a beautiful Black Arms female, unlike most members of the Black Arms, her skin color was different. It was pastel black and her markings were almost pink instead of red. The white of her eyes were black, and her iris was a Soft red color flecked with silver, instead of gold. Her hair was pure white with silver streaks running through it. It was put in an elegant half bun ponytail held with flowers she didn't recognize but guessed where Black Dooms garden. She was tall and slender, just about half a foot shorter than her father was. She had a grace and beauty about her that madd Eris wonder if she would ever be like her one day.

"Oh Lord Doom she is so beautiful. I wish I could have gotten to know her better before I lost her. W-where you and her friends?

We were yes. One could say we were best friends really. I watched her for over 300 years into the wonderful creature you now see before you.

Oh how I wish I could keep this image with me forever.

Let us continue Princess."

With a reluctant sigh she nods but now before saying goodbye to her mother.

"As you know we all lost Layla that day. We were all devastated by this loss. But none more so than Shadow.

He really loved my mother didn't he?

He did yes.

Did...did you take those memories away from him too?"

Eris asked him with a bit of venom in her voice. He could not lie to her so he answered her.

"Sadly….yes I did. I'm sorry."

Eris scoffs in discuss rolling her eyes.

"Figures. But go on.

It was decided that till more could be found out about the rumors of Trinity you and Maxwell would go home. Shadow wanted to go with you, he felt he had to, too protect you since Layla wasn't around no more. After a bit of talking we allowed it. We found another family who was on good terms with not only G.U.N but the Black Arms as well. He went to live with them. We explained everything and they understood. So it was then that your lives together started.

Everyday Shadow would go see you and help with taking care of you and more. He watched you grow for a long time, and from afar we watched as your friendship blossomed into something we had hoped for. Something your mother had hoped for. We could tell you both were falling for one another as you got older. But sadly something happened once more.

Let me guess, even more rumors started about Princess Trinity.

Yes. When your grandfather got word, he once again set about in trying to find a loophole for this all. For years he tried and tried but, as vast as our history was, it was becoming a challenge for him. For days, weeks, months even years he tried but even to this day he has not found anything at all, and with the day of your crowning coming we fear it could be too late. For if we can not find what we are looking for it would mean you would have to undergo the ritual and rights of the Mating ceremony.

What happens then?

You see the Mating ritual two things happen. 1. a female is paired off with the male of either her choosing, or by the male her family has chosen for her, and they end up mating before the elders and a selected few of the royal family.

OH CHAOS FUCKING HELL NO! NO NO NO NO! THAT IS NOT HAPPENING! I WILL NOT LET OTHERS WATCH ME DO SOMETHING SO INTIMATE LIKE HAVING SEX WITH THE GUY OF MINE OR MY FAMILY'S CHOOSING! FUCKING HELL NO! I DON'T CARE IF IT IS TRADITION OR NOT! IT. IS. NOT. GONNA. HAPPEN!"

Black Doom goes and chuckles at her comment knowing she would possibly react that way.

"Yes I had a feeling you would be against that. Tradition or not. Even I find this act REPULSIVE. I find that mating should be done behind closed doors and not for others enjoyment if you get me.

I do get you sadly. But it doesn't mean I like it any less. Just…. EW…. A bunch of OLD perverted GUYS watching me do something like that… yeah FUCK NO!

He he he… do not worry, lucky we found a loophole for that eons ago.

Oh thank the Chaos. What is it if I may ask?

We look into one's memories and see if they have done it or not.

Eris looks at him unamused.

How is that any DIFFERENT?

She folds her arms as she looks at him with a cocked eyebrow and slight smug crooked smile. Black Doom looks at her and thinks for a moment about her question and realizes she was right.

Touche Princess. Touche.

Mm...hmm.

Right… Ahem… well…

Eris giggles realizing how awkward she just made things for him.

So what's number 2?

Right, 2. for any NORMAL Black Arms Princess she undergoes a sort of transformation if you would. It is during this time she will change her look after mating.

What do you mean CHANGE? Change HOW?

You know how the life cycle of a butterfly works yes?

Yes, it has five stages of life. Egg, Larva, Caterpillar, Cocoon, and Butterfly. Then the cycle repeats again.

Correct. The same is said for Black Arms Females. But more so for the Princesses. You see each Princess has a true form from what their "DARKLING" form is. Everyone is different and none will know what it will look like till she undergoes it.

What will this mean for me? Even you said it yourself. I'm not a NORMAL Black Arms Princess. I'm the first ever HYBRID. I am Black Arms and Mobian. The first ever to be born. So how will this affect me in the end? Will I change or not? Will it be painful? What?

I do not know Princess. All I know is if this goes as planned then then the mating to my Son will go on as planned.

What else do I need to know Lord Doom?"

Eris asks him in a sadden voice.

"There is so much you need to know, and so little time. But I will teach you everything that I can. I know what I did to both you and Shadow is unforgivable, but I do hope in time I can redeem myself to you and regain your trust.

Eris looks at him and sighs sadly. She was confused on what to do. She loved her grandfather and now that she understood why he did what he did she felt torn on what to do. She looks to Black Doom and thinks how he felt on hurting both her and Shadow and what he took from them both. She knew she had to do something to fix everything but what? She didn't want to lose Scourge, but in order to save everything...everyONE… would she have to let him go to do so?

There's GOT to be away to fix all of this. I won't give up without a fight, and if I have to fight Trinity to keep everything, then so be it. Lord Doom as of right now you answer to me and me alone.

Princess?"

Eris starts to walk off ending the connection. She heads just a bit aways off, near some Empire Roses. She looks at them and picks one gently and looks at it.

"Princess what is going on?"

As of right now you're my teacher. Not those morons Grandfather has been sending me. You know more than any one of them could. You know about my family's history and more. You can get me into places I would not normally be allowed into yet, which we will need. If everything you told me is true then we are going to start doing things MY way, not my grandfather's way.

"Meaning?"

Mean it is time I start acting like more a Ruler then a Princess.

"What of your grandfather?"

I understand now why he did what he did to me. But it doesn't mean I feel hurt or betrayed by all of this mess. I will...*sighs* I will speak with him once we are done. BUT…

"BUT?'

You need to undo what you did to Shadow. I don't care how you do it just DO IT! I'm going to need his help in doing so. But if he stays as he is I fear things will go south and it could end badly.

"I will see what I can do. I never unlocked one's memories before. If one wishes to remember something they have to do so on their own. Think of it kind of like AMNESIA of sorts."

Where it can be permeated or short termed loss.

"Yes that is right."

Meaning if you did that it could do more bad than good, and harm one of us. Or even him. Is there a way you could do it SLOWLY? Like bit's and parts to HELP him remember on his own?

"I possibly could yes? It would be slow going but I am sure I could do it.

Then do it. But lea…

As she was about to say something more her ears twitch and she goes back to speaking to Black Doom mentally.

"Then do it. But leave out the part of him wanting to kill you.

As you wish, Princess."

As the finish talking mentally Shadow comes around the corner followed by Black Void.

Father, Princess, we came to see you both. It is about time for your training to start.

Yeah I don't think so.

"ERIS!?"

Princess?!

Eris looks to Black Doom and back at her grandfather and Shadow with her arms folded. In the short amount of time she and Doom spent together so much was relieved to her, and it was time for her to take a stand and put her foot down.

Lord Doom if it is alright with you could we finish this later? I need to speak with my Grandfather alone, and I wish to get some rest if possible before we start my lessons.

"But of course my dear. I need to speak with Shadow as well as we agreed upon as well."

I wish you luck my Lordship, and I expect answers of some kind when we meet later.

"You as well. Come back here around noon and we will finish then, and I will have the answer you seek."

Very well. Till then?

"Till then."

With that said and done, Eris gathers up the young-lings and walks over to her grandfather as she does this Shadow walks past her and they look at one another for a short moment before before she looks away. Once she was at her grandfather's side she asked to be taken to her room for them to talk. He looks at her, then to Black Doom and Shadow wondering what was going on and what had happened between the two of them. Thinking better of it he waves his arms and in a flash of light they are gone and in Eris' room.

"Eris my pet what has gotten into you?"

Eris ignores him for a moment as she makes a makeshift nest for the young-lings in the top right corner of her bed that was up against the wall. She covers them up and gets off her bed and heads to her closet and walks into it and starts to get undressed and change into some nightwear. Coming out she heads to her vanity table and takes out her ponytail and starts brushing her. Once done she gets up and looks at him speaking to him.

I'll tell you what's gotten into me grandfather. The TRUTH of everything is what.

"You mean that Black Doom told you everything?"

He did yes…and...and could you please shift into your Mobian form, my heads killing me from trying to hold everything he showed and told me.

"But of course."

Within a flash of light Black Void changed his look into his Mobian form. He was in a set of silk pajamas that fit him like a glove.

How is this my dear?

Much better thank you.

Sighing Eris heads over to her sofa and sits down on it rubbing her head. Black void sees how troubled she was and he calls mentally to have some Kilirian Tea brought to them. Once he is done he comes to sit next to Eris on the sofa as she lays back on it folding her legs up to make room for him as she rests her arm over her eyes. They stay quiet for a time as he lets her gather her thoughts.

I am so utterly Chaos tired right now. I kind of remember coming up here and it being FUN, even relaxing. So how they fucking hell this all this SHIT come to happen to me!? How in the universe did this happen?

Eris?

Sighing out, she was about to answer him when a chambermaid came in with a tray of Kilirian Tea for them. She pours them each a cup and leaves. Black Void goes and adds a bit of Amber Juice to his tea and Eris sees this from under her armand giggles.

What?

You do know how that is made right?

Hey it's no different than BEE BARF.

At that Eris burst up laughing.

I KNOW….oh CHAOS I KNOW PFFFT….

Let me guess you stood there and watched didn't you?

Eris shuts up and her face goes beet red as she looks away sheepishly.

Thought so.

HEY I COULDN'T HELP IT OK! Sheesh...it's not like you haven't before, you old pervert.

Good point.

They look at one another till they bust up laughing together.

So I take it Black Doom told you everything?

He did yes, and by everything, I mean LITERALLY everything.

He sets his tea down and sighs.

Sweetheart you got to…

STOP...just stop grandfather.

Eris?

She sits up and sighs. She scoots closer to him and she takes his right arm and drapes it over her as she snuggles into him kissing his cheek as she lays her head on him. He smiles and pulls her closer and holds her close as she wraps her arms around his midsection.

I understand grandfather of why you did it now. But it doesn't mean that I feel any less hurt or betrayed by it all. But Doom is right. I need to forgive you because I am all that you have left of mom now. I'm her living Legacy, and you need me as much as I need you. I understand now what you've been going through for the past 16 years now. I get it. But you really hurt me keeping it all from me for so long and letting what happen go on for so long. Because of it, not ONLY do I have to find away to fight Trinity, save my family's Legacy, AND find a way for me to be with Scourge, and Shadow BOTH now, not to say hopping that Doom can find some way of unlocking his memories of me and everything without doing even MORE damage, I need to find this blasted LOOPHOLE as well now to. There is ALWAYS one, but where it is there is no telling, and I will find away before my crowning ceremony. But in order for me to do this, I need you to trust me.

I do trust you my little Malak Fruit. I always have. I knew when you went with Doom he would show you everything, and I knew it would change you, and I can see I was right. I will do anything I can to help you in any way, shape or form.

Good. Then from here on out Doom is to be my Teacher.

I take it you have something planning out already don't you?

I do yes. But if we are to find the loop hole then we will need more help. You been looking for sixteen years have you not?

I have yes.

Eris gets up and starts to pace around her room coming to realize something she didn't till now.

Eris, what's wrong my dear?

Void gets up himself and stands near her as she stops and looks at him.

What IF… now this is just a theory here grandfather… but what IF it has already been found and someone TOOK it and hid it from you?

WHAT?! But who would do such a thing?

Think, you had your best men on the job right? One's you trusted?

Yes that's….OH SWEET CHAOS! YOU DON'T MEAN!?

I do. There is a spy within your ranks who is working for BLACK FOG, meaning…

Meaning if could have been found YEARS ago and taken to him, or hidden some place.

Why did I not see this sooner?

Because you didn't have me back then.

She goes and gives a cute smug smile. He goes over to her arms held out to her. She smiles and walks into his hug and for a long time they hug it out.

Oh what would I do without you my beloved Malak Fruit.

Probably getting ready to destroy a planet or something because you're going nuts?

Oh you cheeky little thing you.

So what are we going to do then.

Well first I wouldn't mind a few more hours of sleep, maybe about six hours more outta do it. Then after we need to do some switching around and do things MY WAY. Meaning your going to have to give me full charge of who I get as teachers and more.

Anything my dear. You name it I'll do it.

Good. For now I just want to sleep. Or try to.

But of course come. I'll tuck you in for old time sake.

Sure grandfather I'd like that.

With a giggle Void helps Eris into bed and tucks her in smiling at her.

You think you got this? I mean this is a big step in becoming a true ruler you know?

I know it is and I'll figure it out I promise. Just watch and see. I'll find out who it is and what's truly been going on and I'll do all before my crowning ceremony… or at least I hope I can.

I know you can. You're as strong as your mother and just as smart as her. You got this sweetheart. Now rest and call on me later.

He kisses her forehead and she rolls over and with a yawn she starts to doze off. Black Void walks out quietly and heads to the door, as he does, he stops at the door and looks back at her smiling at how proud he was of his granddaughter right now. Know that is Layla was she would be just as proud of her. He thinks to himself as he watches Eris for a moment.

"Do you see her Layla, wherever you are out in the universe? Do you see what kind of girl your daughter has become? She has become everything you hoped for and then more. Eris has become a strong and beautiful woman just like you hoped she would be, and her leadership skills are starting to show. I know she will be able to pull this off, and save us all, and live the happy life she was meant to have. Till then keep watching over her, and know I haven't given up and won't till my last breath. Oh how I miss you my little girl. I think about you every day. I think about you every time I look at Eris. She is the spitting image of you in almost every way, shape and form when you were in your Mobian form. He he he… only difference is your hair color and eyes he he he… please keep watching over us all and know this nightmare will soon end and then you can finally rest in peace as you were meant to."

With that he turns around and shifts back into his Black Arms form and leaves to let Eris rest for the time being.

END OF ACT 6