CHAPTER 5
OLD ANTIQUATES AND NEW
ACT 4… SUBJUGATION Saturday, October 10th….Jackal Squad Turf, abandoned construction site 1400hours...
Good Rose, now come at me again and this time Aim for me as if your life depended on it! This time I will not hold back anymore! This time we fight as if we mean it!
Rose stood there panting hard. Sweat coated her body as she trained with Zero, Leader of The Jackal Squad Crew. He had been putting her through her paces since she returned the same night. She had somehow been able to find her way back to their turf easily as if she had done it millions of times before. She waited for them to return and soon as they did she demanded her training to start. Zero was confused at first and asked why, so she told him most of everything that happened that night. He found it intriguing but nodded non the less. So he started her training right away and well into the next day till late afternoon. Zero had told her to head home afterward so no one would worry but she told him she didn't care, as she wiped her face with a towel handed to her by Uno. So they trained. It's been three days now since she left. The only thing she did was return home long enough to drop the young-lings off and Mavoxx and leave a note and that was it.
Rose runs at Zero, her claws out as she swipes at him, she nearly had him, but he moves out of the way at the last second and comes up behind her, hitting her in the back of her head with an elbow hard. She cries out and goes flying and lands on the ground face first. She moans out placing a hand on the back of her head wincing as she gets up.
Come on Rose! What is wrong with you!? STAND UP NOW AND COME AT ME! IF THIS IS ALL YOU HAVE THEN YOUR FAMILY'S LEGACY WILL BE LOST TO THE WINDS OF EVIL! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT!
Zero runs at her before she could recover and sends a powerful kick at her midsection, and for a small tiny moment, it holds, till she is sent flying back against the wall so fast, she was but a blur. She hits the walk hard making a crater in it, and she stays stuck in it for a few moments till she falls out of his and landing on the ground with a thud as broken bits fall on top of her. Zero walks slowly over to her, his claws out as he flexes them.
Rose, you need to focus on where my cubes are coming from so that you can anticipate where I'll come from. Remember, I am a master of illusions. I can create worlds, realities, even people, much like how this Xiliphi can copy a person's looks and more. If you can not tell even something as easy as telling where your opponent's next move will be you will lose. You need to subjugate your movements so you can tell where your opponent will be so you can counter their attacks.
Rose lays there for a bit longer. She was sore and had deep cuts all over her. Yet even though Zero suggested taking a break, she wanted to go on. She had to get stronger. For her, there was no time to rest. Not even for a moment. For every moment she wasted, was a moment more than Trinity became stronger. Became more powerful. She knew Zero's words were true. She had to keep her focused on where his cubes were coming from so she could figure out where he would come from. Pushing up onto her hands, she groans out as the bits of the wall slide off her. As she gets up she coughs up some blood and spits it out on the ground. Zero sees this and sighs out and walks over to help her up. He holds out a hand to her as she looks his way and slaps it away getting up on one knee she steadies herself a moment closing her eyes to catch her breath.
I don't need your symphony or help Zero. I need you to train me.
Eris...Rose I mean. I think you had enough, for now, we've been at this for three days straight with barely any rest. How much more do you think you can handle before you totally blackout?
I CAN HANDLE ANYTHING YOU OR ANYONE CAN THROW AT ME!
Rose stands up fast staggering a bit but she manages to hold her ground as she spits out some blood once again and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand growling at Zero. Zero sighs out, folding his arms and shakes his head at her as he turns to walk off.
Uno, Quatre, Sei, we're going. We're taking a break.
Zero and the others walk off and gather their things and head off to head back to their HQ when Rose yells out.
DON'T YOU DARE TURN YOUR BACK ON ME ZERO YOU PATHETIC FLEABAG!
Her aura flares to life as she screams out. She takes a few steps towards them as they turn around. Winds blow around as she pushes off with her right foot and in a flash, she aims her balled-up fist at Zero. He sees it in time and she, Uno, Sei, and Quatre jump out of the way in time as her fist hits the ground where they were just moments ago, creating a sizable crater. The boys land in different places and look at her then at one another.
I TOLD YOU ZERO, I NEEDED TO GET STRONGER! I DON'T HAVE TIME TO REST! EVERY MOMENT I REST IS ANOTHER MOMENT THAT TRINITY WINS!
She jumps into the air calling out an attack.
CHAOS CRYSTAL ARROWS!
Several arrows form before her as she thrust out her hand and they go after Zero and the others. They jump out of the way in time as the land near one another takes on a fighting stance.
YOU WANTED ME TO ATTACK YOU AS IF I MEANT IT! SO NOW I'M DOING SO! YET YOU'RE THE ONE RUNNING AWAY ZERO! HAVE YOU TRULY GONE AS WEAK AS I THINK YOU HAVE? ARE YOU TO SCARED TO FACE ME WHEN I AM AT MY LOWEST POINT?! WHERE IS THAT KILLER JACKAL INSTINCT I WAS TOLD THAT THE ANUBIAL CLAN HAD?! OR DID IT DIE WITH WITH ATHENA WHEN YOUR FATHER TOOK HER LIFE BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES!
Zero looks at her in shock as it slowly turns to anger.
YES, THAT'S RIGHT ZERO, I KNOW EVERYTHING. I FIGURED IT A FEW YEARS LATER WHEN I WAS TWELVE, ON WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT DAY! SO QUESTION NOW IS IF YOU'RE STILL THE SAME WEAK PATHETIC WHELP OF A PUP LIKE YOU FATHER ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU TO BE?!
That did it. That was enough to push Zero. Growling out he goes after Rose in a blink of an eye and attacks her. But as he does she manages to move out of the way at the last second, doing the very same thing he did to her a moment's ago by hitting him in the back of his head with an elbow and sending him flying back.
ZERO!
Sei, Quatre, and Uno yell out as the growl takes on both a fighting and defensive stance.
HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO ZERO YOU BITCH! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MINE!?
Quatre yells out. Rose looks behind her and she sighs.
Oh Quatre, Quatre, Quatre. He was the one that wanted me to come at him head-on as if my life depended on it. So I'm just returning the favor now. That is...Unless YOU three wish to join in? I wouldn't mind taking all four of you on right now. I mean….
Rose felt something go flying by her left cheek. A moment later she felt something wet on her cheek and lifted a couple of fingers to it and looked at them smiling as she licked the bit of blood from the cut-off.
Ooooo… Uno wanna play does he? Well then. LET'S PLAY HAIRBALL!
Stepping off with her right she goes right after Uno who in turn jumps out of the way. She skids to a halt turns around on a heel and hand and stays knelt looking at him.
Nice move with the Kunai there Uno.
He smiles at her and nods.
Thanks. But I wasn't aiming at you.
Oh, I know you weren't.
She gives him a sly half-grin just as there comes a grunt as something was thrown at her, but she jumps out of the way as the very same Kunai hits the ground. She lands up on a ledge and folds her arms smiling down at the boys as she chuckles out darkly.
Now we're talking Zee. Let's see what you can do with a little game of cat and mouse. I'll be the mouse and you all be the cats. Let's see if this little mousy can outsmart a bunch of pussy cats, shall we?
She looks over them smiling as she counted ten each of Quatre, Sei, Uno, and himself making an even forty to outwit.
Yes, let's see if the little mousy can outwit four little pussy cats.
She glances over to the right of her smiling.
I hit a soft spot, didn't I?
You could say you did, yes.
Good, because guess what Zee?
What?
Smiling a wicked smile at him, she reaches up and gives his nose a good tap giggling.
Boop!
Take back by this for a moment, Zero blinks as she pushes off with her left foot yelling out.
YOUR IT ZERO! SO COME ON LITTLE KITTY CAT LET'S GO!
He comes out of his confusion and yells out at her as he goes after her.
HEY GET BACK HERE ROSE! RIGHT NOW!
SORRY BUT THAT'S NOT HOW THE GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE GOES AND YOU KNOW IT!
Yelling out he goes after her as the rest do as well. For the next three hours, it was nothing but fun and games mixed with training for Rose. As 5:30 pm rolls around, Duex and Trois come around to find them to see how things are going. But as they entered the designated training grounds, they ended up with a surprise they were not expecting.
What in the world? Trois, you're seeing this right?
Yeah, I am, and I must say. It's kind of cute really.
She stands there with a folded hand on her hip giggling.
I don't know if I'd call it cute, but it is pretty funny.
Oh HAR HAR, you two laugh it up why you can.
Zero growls out at them annoyed as Rose sits on top of a Jackal pile looking as if she was the queen of the world.
Take it you all had fun boss?
Define FUN, if you would Duex? Because I don't think this was fun at all. Ooow….
Sei says from the bottom of the pile holding his head.
Alright, alright. Enough! Come on now Rose get off us.
Not till you CAT'S admit defeat!
Cats?
Trois and Duex look at one another confused, as Zero gives a look of annoyance. As they stand or sit where they were there comes laughter from behind Trois and Duex as they all look over to it.
OH COME ON! NOT YOU TO SIS!
PFFFT..WHAAAAT…
ALRIGHT! I HAD ENOUGH!
Using what little strength he had left, Zero pushes himself up, using Sei as a handhold as he shoves Rose, Quatre, and Uno off him and sends Rose flying back with a loud, OOF, as Uno lands on top of her.
Daww, Uno I didn't think you were that kind of Jackal.
Rose giggles out seeing at how he landed on her scratching behind his left ear making him practically purr out. He had landed on her with his face between her boobs and his left hand on her left breast as if he was in the process of trying to please her sexually. He blinks a few times as he turns a deep shade of red and sits straight up waving a hand in front of him as he scratches the back of his head with the other.
NO, NO, NO, NO...THAT WASN'T MY INTENTIONS! I PROMISE IT WASN'T! I SWEAR IT WASN'T! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! I'M SORRY! DON'T KILL ME PLEASE!
This makes his sister, Farina, Duex, Trios, even Quatre all laugh out. Zero scoffs as he helps Sei up who glares at them.
Well, if you're done with your little GAMES I think we should call it a day. You should really head home and let everyone know you're alright.
He tells her in an annoyed and dark tone as Uno was helping Rose up as she looked at him. He walks off scoffing as she sighs out.
Zee wait?
I said go home, Rose. We're done for the day. In fact, we're done period. I'm done training you. Come along Jackal Squad let's go.
Rose watches as everyone, but Uno follows him out of the designated training grounds. She stands holding her left arm and looks away with a sigh as her ears fall back. Uno places a hand on her shoulder and she looks over at him then away.
I think I overdid it with the taunting, didn't I?
It wasn't your fault. I could tell it wasn't. I could sense something else within you taking over when you thought you were at your lowest today. A sort of darker you.
Your right Uno.
She walks off a bit and jumps up to a ledge and walks across the top of the second floor that survived the training and sits down with a leg bent as she holds her left knee up to herself and rests her chin on it. Uno follows her up and sits with her copying her as she goes on.
About when I was at my lowest point today. All I could think was getting stronger, faster, better, and more powerful. All I could think about was staying ahead of Trinity and making sure I wasn't left behind. Because I knew if I got left behind then everything would be lost and… I just don't want to think about what could happen. But in doing so I hurt Zero, and he's been hurt enough. I'm still trying to figure things out right now, and yet it's like the more I figure things out the more things become confusing for me and the less I understand. I don't know what I am doing wrong, Uno. When I thought when Xerrixia did what she did to me I thought I had it figured out. That I had to become just LIKE Trinity in order to beat her. But now...now maybe that's not it. Maybe there is more to it than I think.
Listen, Rose. I don't fully understand what is going on but, maybe you need to look at things another way.
What do you mean?
What I mean is that maybe you should look at things via what other people see. Look at the world through their eyes and not your own or what people want you to see.
I...I don't get it, Uno?
She looks at him a bit confused as she watches him stand up and hold out his hand to her.
Come with me I'll show you.
Sighing out she takes hold of his hand and he leads the way jumping down from the building and she follows. After about an hour they showed up at one of the local parks. It was one of the much bigger ones within the city. He leads the way as he heads off on a hidden pathway she never knew about.
What is this Uno?
A hidden pathway that's been forgotten by almost everyone. Do you know that cliff that overlooks the whole of this park?
Yeah?
This is the pathway to it. Come on.
He moves aside some foliage and she walks into it and he follows behind her making sure that the foliage was put back so no one could find it. From there he leads once more.
I came across this a long time ago by accident. I followed the path I found and found it led up to the cliff overlooking the park. At times this is where I'll come just to watch the people of Raze City and just think. Nothing more.
That's it? Just think?
Mm-hmm. That's it. You'd be surprised at how much just by doing nothing helps.
So what are you getting at Uno? I still don't get it. You will in a moment come on we're almost to the top.
Nodding she follows him and soon the pathway opens up and she could see ahead of her a hillside cliff and on top of it a big old oak tree. Uno walks out and up the hill and Rose follows behind him. As they finally make it up to the top he points out over the park.
Take a look and tell me what you see.
Tilting her head at him she walks over and looks down at all the people. Both humans and Mobian's, even hybrids and more.
Well, I see people of course.
Go on?
He stands there folding his arms and she looks at him then back and nods.
Well, I see a few families enjoying themselves and having something to eat from one of the vendors over to the right of us. A Human family with a… oh wow… They have a cute little Mobian Kitten girl, and it looks like their eldest son is having fun playing with her why they wait. Oh hey, Radar is working tonight, and if he's at the stall tonight, that means he's making his specials tonight. I'm gonna have to stop by and pick something up later.
She giggles to herself thinking about how he will be surprised about her recent change. Uno smiles as well looking at where he was.
And what else do you see?
Well, I see a human and a Mobian Vixen over on that bench talking. It looks like they are troubled about something and it's upsetting the girl a bit.
Go on.
See, well… OH OVER THERE, I see a few people Air Blading at the AirBlade park. Having fun and practicing their move sets, and over by the fountain I see an elderly Mobian couple enjoying time together. Aw… how sweet. He just gave his wife a rose. I guess they have been together for a long time. That's so cute.
And over there, I see some kids playing as their parents talk with one another.
Good. One last time what else do you see?
Well… I see...Sonic?!
Uno looks over to where she was looking.
Isn't he the one who said that upset you to make your change happen?
Yeah. But look. He's with a couple of people I don't know or have never seen before in the city. I wonder if they're new to the city?
I think so cause I never saw them either.
I guess he's made some new friends. I'm glad.
She smiles as she looks at Uno.
So what does this have to do with anything?
Well now that you SEEN everything and one, follow above me in the skies and LISTEN to every one of those family and peoples you spotted out just now. I'll be in the shadows but I know you can find me easily.
Alright, Uno. Lead the way.
Nodding he vanishes in a flash and she runs and jumps off the cliff, free-falling for a bit till she opens her wings and soars through the evening skies just above everyone. She starts off with the family she saw at Rickie's cart and hovers just above it oblivious to anyone around her.
"I wish we didn't have to come here, dear. I had dinner at home.
I know, but she was getting cranky, besides I was getting hungry.
But I had something in the crockpot at home. Something a bit more healthy than this crap that flake was selling. I mean what even GOES into this stuff. It's DISCUSSING, and tastes like shit!
It does not. Now please keep your voice down before you upset Elizabeth, and Michel again.
Please. You know I could care less what those two could think right now. Every time we come out here we have to get something from these vendors, and there's no telling what kind of sick gross DISEASES these fucking Mobian's have. Or what kind of GERMS they have. God, I hate them all.
How can you SAY THAT!? My SISTERS is one of them DISEASED, GERM effect MOBIAN'S you know, and I had about enough of you and you and your shit! Chaos! Ever since you joined our family you have been NOTHING but an uptight DOUCHE BAG AND I'M SICK OF IT! SO YOU BEST TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT ALL MOBIAN'S RIGHT NOW BEFORE I MAKE YOU TAKE IT BACK! I WON'T HAVE YOU SAYING SHIT ABOUT MY BABY SISTER OR RADAR LIKE THAT AGAIN!
OR ANY MOBIAN FOR THAT MATTER! MOBIAN'S ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN HUMANS ARE! THEY GET SICK, RAISE KIDS AND FAMILIES, WORK JOBS LIKE WE DO AND SO MUCH MORE, AND YOU SAYING THERE NOTHING BUT FILTH ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SHOE IS GOING OVERBOARD BAXTER! THIS IS WHY I WILL NEVER SEE YOU AS MY FATHER OR RECOGNIZE YOU AS SUCH. SO LONG AS YOU KEEP DITCHING MOBIAN'S LIKE THIS YOUR THE REAL FILTH HERE NOT THEM. REMEMBER HALF OF MY FRIENDS ARE SOME OF THOSE SICK DISGUSTING DISEASES RIDDEN GERM INFECTED MOBIAN'S, AND I WOULD PICK THEM OVER YOU ANY DAY OF MY LIFE THEN I WOULD OVER THIS FAMILY. I HAD ABOUT HAD IT WITH YOU BLAKE. NOW I'M TAKING MY MOBIAN SISTER TO GET ONE OF RADAR'S SPECIALS WHY MY MOTHER DEALS WITH YOUR ASS. COME ALONG ELIZABETH!
Yes, Mikies.
The two walk off as Rose hovers there surprised at the outcome of what just happened. Even their mother was surprised as well. The little Kitten walks over to the man and gives him a good hard kick in the shin making him wince in pain and sticks her tongue out at him as she runs to go catch up with her brother. The mother looks to her husband and sighs out as she walks off. She would end up dealing with him later. Rose was about to fly off when she heard something from Radar.
On the house Michel. Thanks for doing that. I had no idea there were still some Mobian haters around. I thought all that was taken care of before our time.
Hey, no worries bro. So Eli, what would you like tonight?
I want my favorite, please.
Alrighty then, one Eli special coming up, and I'll add a little extra for you too.
Radar smiles at her giving her a wink.
And what about you Mrs. Riker?
How about another Eli special for me as well.
Heck bro makes it three as well.
Alright then, three Eli specials. What about him?
Radar nods at Blake trying to be civil even though it was the LAST thing on his mind.
Don't know, don't care. After tonight I'm done with him after two long years. I should have left his ass long before he asked me to marry him. So for all, I care he can go suck a rotten boiled egg and go die.
Radar chuckles out as do the others nearby.
Alright then. Well, here you go, three Eli specials.
He winks again at Elizabeth who giggles.
Thank you, Radar.
No problem, cute stuff. "
The family walks off ignoring Blake as Radar smiles and starts the grill back up.
Now that they're all out of the way what about your Eris?
Blinking in surprise she giggles and turns upside down smiling at him.
How long have you known Radar?
Long enough to know the sound of wings gently flapping to hover in place. You forget hot stuff, I'm a Fennec Fox, I have ears like Radar Dishes, not to say it IS my name you know?
Rose giggles out as she turns around and lands.
How did you know it was me specifically? I could have been someone else you know?
The news.
Oh...
So what will it be tonight?
How about a number 4 tonight, one of my faves.
Alright, a number four, Chao Pow special it is. How would you like it? Same as always or maybe something a bit spicier?
How about a bit spicier?
Alright, feeling brave tonight huh? By the way, digging the new look babe.
Thanks.
What about your Jackal friend hiding in the tree above us? What would he like?
Rose nearly doubles over and falls to the ground laughing. She should have warned him of Radar. Uno jumps out of the tree looking at her a bit confused.
How..did…
Sorry, I should have told you sooner. Hearing even the most MINUSCULE sounds is his thing. It's why his name is RADAR. So you either did something that caught his attention or he just knew. It's hard telling with him.
I see. Well, now I have been found out how about a number two?
Ooooo, nice choice there cousin! Right so one Chao-Chow Pow-mein special a bit extra spicy, and a number two Octobot Balls. Coming right up. How would you like your Octobot Balls friend?
Well since I'm new here, how about the way you always make them?
Alright. Give me a few and I'll have everything ready.
Come over here a moment.
Alright?
They walk off a bit but not too far off and he points to the human couple.
What going on there?
She watches and listens in tilting her head.
"I'm sorry Donna, but there's nothing that can be done. But with how your father treats me, I just don't think it's a good idea. I love you and always will. But if your father can't see past his stubbornness and my past for that matter why should I stay around. I've changed you know that he. But if he can't accept me then what am I to do?
Wh-what if we just ran away together and elope instead, then maybe he will have to take you more seriously in the end. I don't want to lose you, Adam. Ever since I lost my Mother you've been a big help to me. She meant the world to me, to daddy. You've helped me get out of a bad place when I thought there was no going back. You saved me from myself. When I wanted to kill myself because of losing my mom. You were always there for me every time I had a lapse of judgment or even the tiniest of thoughts of trying to harm myself. If I lose you now I just know I'll end up back like I was. We HAVE to keep trying Adam PLEASE!
Donna, Adam?
They both look up to who was calling them, and Donna gasps out scooting closer to Adam, and holds onto him as he stands up ready to defend himself. The man stands back a bit holding up his hands as if trying to show he meant no harm. Donna soon stands up and walks over to him and hugs him. He sighs out and wraps his arms around her and hugs her back.
Listen you two, I'm….I'm sorry for what I said back at the house. It wasn't right of me and I know you have changed Adam. It's just...it's been hard since we lost Kelly. For the both of us.
Donna pulls away a bit but stays in the man's arms not moving. He smiles at her but keeps speaking mostly to Adam.
I should have heard you out back at the house Adam, and truly listened to you. It wasn't till my brother pointed some very important things out to me that I realized how...HARSH I was to you and how unfair I was, and for that I'm sorry. You know I'm not one to take things lightly or with a grain of salt. I'm a stubborn man I'll admit that much, and well…
He scratches the back of his head a bit like he was lost.
Well….I guess what I am saying is...could you….well...could you find in your heart to forgive me for my actions and words back there?
Mr. Delta?!
Adam relaxes as he looks at Mr. Delta surprised. Not used to seeing such a side of him before.
Daddy?
I mean it, Adam! I really do! I was just so worried that with your past and all...well I thought you would hurt my little girl and I just could bear to lose her like I did Kelly! She's all I have left and I lose her. I won't survive. So please can you forgive me and can we try to get along. If not for me then at least do it for Donna and Kelly.
The man looked as if he was ready to cry then and there worried that Adam would reject him. Adam looks at him for a moment then at Donna and she nods smiling as tears fall.
Please, Adam? I know he's trying and you know he's right. So please, do it for me, and for mom?
Donna walks over to Adam pulling him to her father. He stands before him as she looks between the two of them worried. She could tell there was an unspoken conversation going on between them. After a moment, Adam gently pushes Donna back, and without warning he sucker punches Mr. Delta, making Donna scream out and cover her mouth.
DADDY!?
Her father stumbles back and falls on his ass. Donna looks at Adam about to yell at him when she hears a chuckle and looks to her father, and sees him whipping the side of his mouth with the back of his hand smiling. Rose and Uno were both surprised at how Adam, a Human, could take on someone TWICE his size like Mr. Delta, who was a cougar. They keep watching should they need to step in, till Adam holds out his hand to Mr. Delta.
Not gonna lie. I truly did deserve that kid.
He tells him as he takes his hand and is helped up. They hold their hand as Donna looks between the two and sees them both smiling.
I'll say you did you damn fucking asshole.
Hey, no more an asshole than a scroungy ass HUMAN.
Hey, this HUMAN just happened to make you fall on your ass OLD man.
Pffft, old man my ass pup.
They look at one another both smiling, till Mr. Delta pulls Adam to him and hugs him. Donna smiles at the and joins in.
So does this mean that we can keep him?
On one condition?
They all separate as Adam looks at him.
What's that?
That your name your daughter after Kelly, no matter if she becomes Mobian, Human, or even a hybrid.
What if we have a son?
Name it Kelly anyway, and the kids make fun of him, they'll have me to deal with.
He says smiling a mischievous smile and twinkle in his eyes.
Deal.
Oh, daddy thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Donna jumps at her father wrapping her arms around him, almost making him fall over again as he wraps his arm around her, and as he playfully punches Adams's shoulder.
Welcome to the family Adam.
Thanks, sir."
Rose and Uno walk back to get their food as she starts to think, lost in thought. She takes her food with barely a thank you as she looks over to the Air Bladers. She tilts her head and flies up into the air and over to the fence and stands there watching them as she mindlessly eats her Chao-Chow Pow-mein. Uno thanks him as he walks over to her, and Radar follows behind them putting up the on brake sign.
Hey...Eris you alright there?
Uno holds up his hand to tell him to be quiet as she listens in on the teen's Blading.
"DID YOU SEE THAT ALEX!? I NEARLY HAD IT THAT TIME!
Hey, you keep that up you'll beat the Crystal Queen with that move.
You think enough to take her TITLE FROM HER!?
WHOA NOW!
The one named Alex, who was a Mobian Eagle, chuckles out.
Easy does it now little sis. I don't think you're there just yet. You have a HELL OF a long way to get before you're even a LASH in her eye little Marigold.
Alex tells her with a fold of his arms.
But Alex!
No Butts Buttercup. You're only learning the basics still, and this the only move you know.
His sister pouts with a fold of her arms and huffs out.
I bet the Cosmic Queen never had to learn the basics.
Rose hears this and chuckles softly smiling at the young eaglet.
Hey, I can vouch for her right here and now, and you wanna know why?
Why?
She looks at her brother tilting her head.
Because she had to learn to walk before she could Air Blade.
What?
He smiles at her as he jumps down from where he was and sits down on the edge of a ramp looking at her. He pats the spot next to her, and she goes over and jumps up to sit next to him.
What I mean is Buttercup, is one needs to learn how to WALK before they can do anything. Think about it for a moment if you would. Did you learn how to walk after a few minutes after hatching?
Well no, of course not. I didn't take my first steps till I was at LEAST ten months old, so mom and dad said.
What about talking? Could you do THAT after you hatched?
No.
Then what makes you think that the Cosmic Queen could Air Blade when she was a baby?
She sits there and thinks, and after a moment she sighs out.
Alright, Alex, I see your point now. It's just I really wanna join her Crew one day. You KNOW she's my idle Alex. I just adore her and everything she does, and I want to be JUST like her one day. Sure we're not rich or anything, but one day soon, I want to do the things she does. I want to help those who are in need. I want to be someone's idol like she is mine and everyone out there. I mean she is SO amazing, in her looks, her personality, her heritage, and more. She's a strong and powerful Black Arms PRINCESS! Everyone who is ANYONE knows this, it's why a lot of people look up to her you know? Not JUST because she's a PRINCESS but BECAUSE of who she is. Not WHAT she is, and I want to be JUST like her. Do you think I could be Alex? You know it's a dream of mine.
Hey as long as you hold onto that dream, one day even your to surprise her with your sick moves and stunts.
Really!?
Really truly sis.
He holds up a thumb and winks at her. She stands up a whole new demeanor changes in her and a whole new fire burns in her eyes.
JUST YOU WAIT ALEX! I'LL MAKE IT TO THE TOP WITH MY TEAM AND TOGETHER WILL TAKE ON THE COSMIC QUEEN AND SHOW HER OUR MOVES! THE COSMIC EAGLES WILL PREVAIL NO MATTER WHAT!
Buttercup jumps into the air as a whole new her shows up. Alex stands up and places a hand on her shoulder smiling at his baby sister.
The Cosmic Eagle Crew huh? What happened about joining her Crew?
Yeah, what do you think?
I LOVE IT!
And I changed my mind. I want to form my own Crew!
Is that so?
Yeah, that's so? You think she will like it, and like that idea, I want to form my own Crew?
HELL YEAH SIS! You named it after her to show your support, and if she was here today I bet you a million bucks she would be tearing up at how she has inspired so many, mainly you, to follow their dreams of forming an Air Blade Crew, and I know with me by your side, we can make that dream happen.
REALLY! YOU'LL JOIN MY CREW!?
Sure, but on ONE condition?
NAME IT! ANYTHING AT ALL AND I'LL DO IT!
Make me the Second and Protector of the Crew, you know how protective I can be. So what do you say?
YES, YES, YES, A MILLION TIMES YES!
She jumps at her brother wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. He chuckles up and holds her.
OH GET A ROOM YOU TWO! NO ONE WANTS TO SEE YOU MAKING OUT WITH YOUR SISTER ALEX!
Oh shut it, Mark.
Yeah, shut it Mrakies you big dork.
Hey, no more a dork than a feather duster Buttercup!
A Mobian Fox walks over chuckling at the siblings.
So what's this about a new and uprising Air Blade Crew?
I'm making one of my own to take on the Cosmic Queen.
Mark lets out a low whistle impressed.
Gee kiddo that's some dream you got there.
Right?
So any spots open for this new crew?
What?! You wanna JOIN!?
Well hell yeah? My best friend is going to be on it right?
Well yeah?
Then it's only befitting I join as well. Don't you think? Besides SOMEONE has to keep you in your place and annoy the fuck out of you Buttercup.
Mark jumps to where Alex and his sister were rubbing under his nose getting a cocky grin on his face.
He has a point sis.
She rolls her eyes and groans out playfully.
UUUUGH FIIIIINE…. You can Join the Cosmic Eagles Mark.
Well before we get THAT far, we need to get you up to speed on things so you're ready to take on the Cosmic Queen and impress her.
How much longer do you think it will be till I'm ready to take her on?
Well, we still got to do the basics first, and keep practicing that new move. It will come all in due time. We will keep at it every day till you're there. You're only 12 years old, and you've only been at this for three months now, so I say you have a way to go yet. Maybe in another year or two and you'll be ready for your first race. Now come on it's time to head home, it's getting late.
Can't we stay ONE more hour? PLEASE, Alex?
Sorry but we promised mom and dad we would be home by eight and it's already nearing 7:30 pm.
Oh, alright. But can we come back tomorrow?
Maybe after school yeah?
YES! RACE YOU HOME!
Before he or Mark could say anything she runs off and jumps up high and bends her legs and hits the sides of her Air Blades and they come to life. Alex and Mark follow suit laughing.
HEY, THAT'S CHEATING SIS!
GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE FEATHER DUSTER!
Without thinking, Rose hands the rest of her food off to Radar and she quickly takes to the air and flies after them fast enough to pass them and land right in their pathway. All three stop and look at her wondering what was going on. Uno was about to go after her but Radar holds out an arm to stop him, he looks at him and he shakes his head.
Watch.
Huh?
He looked back over, and her stance showed a hint of a challenge to it. She was standing to the side a bit with her right hand on her hip and the left one was hanging at her side. She smiles at the three with a twinkle in her eyes.
Hey who are you and what do you want?
Alex asks her as she stands there for a moment tilting her head. After a moment she speaks.
Do you really think you have what it takes to take on the Great and Powerful Cosmic Queen kid? The best of the best of the AB Crews out there right now. THE top AB leader out there. You REALLY think you can do it?
Rose stands there a bit smug as she looks the three over. Alex growls out feeling threatened as he steps in front of his sister with a fist to his chest as he throws out his other arm.
HEY, I ASKED YOU A QUESTION! NOW I'M GOING TO ASK AGAIN AND YOU BEST GIVE ME AN ANSWER! WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT!?
Easy there, tiger.
Rose holds up her hands showing she meant no harm.
Just take it easy, alright, I want to know if the Cosmic Eagles Leader really thinks she has what it takes is all. Nothing more, nothing less. So what says, you kid? Do you have what it takes?
Buttercup steps around her brother, placing a hand on his shoulders, and looks at him. He glances her way seeing her nod. He sighs out and relaxes his stance. She looks back at Rose a bit intimidated by her presents. She gulps and takes in a deep breath and closes her eyes to collect herself. When she opens her eyes again, that very same fire burns in her eyes as she speaks.
Yes, I do. Maybe not right now since I'm still learning, but I know I can become as great a leader as the Cosmic Queen as long as I set my heart to it and keep a hold of my dream. It's my dream I hold dear to me and I won't let it go no matter what. But I know given time I CAN do it and I WILL. Just wait and see.
Rose stands there smiling as she places a folded hand on her hip as she jesters with the other one.
You do know it won't be easy to take on someone like the Cosmic Queen right?
Yes, I know it won't be. But I have to try right? I mean, if I don't right then how will I know if I become any good. She is after all my hero. My idol and I so DESPERATELY want to follow in her footsteps one day and do the great things she does. Even if it's in my own way.
Rose smiles at her walking over to her. She stops just a foot from her as she folds her arms.
Buttercup was it?
Yes, that's right.
You say you wish to follow in Eris' footsteps, do the things she does right?
Yes.
What happens if you fail though? What happens if you make a fool of yourself in front of her? Or even for that matter, what if she doesn't recognize you for YOU and you alone? Not just you, but the Cosmic Eagles too? What then? What if she's not what you think she is, and all the tabloids and news media are only MAKING her look like this hero you love so much? What then?
Buttercup thinks for a moment but is hurt by this stranger's words on how her idol couldn't be what she thought. Her brother and Mark see her demeanor change a bit and are about to step in but she speaks once more.
Because I know for myself that she is pure and good. The hero everyone needs in their life, the hero everyone wants her to be. NEEDS her to be. She has done so much for this city and the people in it and even in other cities and more. She can't be bad, there is no way she could be.
And how do you know this?
Because she rescued me once when I was four years old. I remember wandering away from my mom and dad and Alex and getting lost. She found me wandering the park and I was almost attacked by someone's pet dog, she comes out of nowhere and scoops me up in her arms, why at the same time kicking the dog and sending him back to his owner. I was crying because I was so scared of what happened. She helped calm me down so she could talk to me. I remember her getting me a small little stuff fox that kind of looked like her from a vendor to help calm me down.
I held on to it as if it was the most precious gift anyone gave me. Later we went looking for my parents and Alex and she took really good care of me, got me lunch and she spent the whole day with me, cheering me up and keeping me happy till we finally found my mom and dad and Alex too. They were so worried about me. When they saw who I was with they were so happy she had found me and not some stranger who could have taken me away from them forever. They knew of her reputation and how kind, caring, and loving she was to everyone. Not an evil dark bone in her. When she got ready to leave I told her I wanted to be just like her one day. Then she picked me up and told me something I'll NEVER forget.
What was it she told you if I may ask?
She told me that was a really big dream for such a tiny little ball of fluff. But it's a dream she once had as well when she was a little girl herself, and if I held onto that dream then one day I could be just like her. I could become just like her and do good and save people, and help them. Just like she helped me that day. I made a promise to her I would one day be like her and now I'm old enough to start making that dream come true, and with my brother and Mark at my side, I just KNOW I can do it. I just KNOW she's not bad or that it was all made up. She is a good person. She can do no evil in my eyes. She's my hero and idol, and no matter what I will see my dream come true.
Rose stands there looking at her. Before she told her story she had no idea this was the same little Eaglet she saved so long ago. She looks at Buttercup and smiles at her as she walks away. Right now she was proud of how her one good deed helped shape one person's life. She knew she did this to everyone in the city and around Mobius, but seeing it first hand, truly tugged at her heartstrings. She looks over her shoulders and back at Buttercup smiling with a cocked eyebrow.
You know it won't be easy to reach the top right?
Yes, I know it won't be miss. But as long as I hold onto this dream I know I can do it. I may have only started but I've been practicing every day since I could AirBlade and found out I have SOME Chaos abilities like my dad and brother, and if I can master them AND my AB skills I can do it.
Then I have this to say to you before I go.
Miss?
Rose turns around and looks at her smiling.
Keep that dream and never let it go. If someone says you're too stupid, too WEAK to do it, prove to them their wrong. Prove to them you have what it takes. Show them you mean business and NEVER back down from any challenge that is thrown your way. Shoot for the stars and soon your team will be right up there with the Cosmic Queens, and together both the Cosmic Eclipse and Cosmic Eagle will light up the skies and rule over altogether.
Buttercup's eyes light up as she smiles brightly, her brother and Mark finally smile now at ease. Rose turns around folding her arms, smiling as her wings fold behind her in a relaxed position.
Just so you know will be next to her right?
But of course. She can't do this without both of you. But if I could make a small suggestion first?
Sure.
Let Mark be the second why you stay on as Protector. I have a feeling he will show great promise in doing as such.
HIM? MARK the biggest dork face WACK Job on this side of MOBIUS as Second to Cosmic Eagles? You're joking, right?
Not at all. Sometimes it takes a Jokester to put things in a whole new light. You're both a few years older than her I can tell this much, and you both know about AB. Guide her, show her the way together. Protect her and keep her safe from harm. From here on out till you BOTH say otherwise, you're her teachers now and she's going to need them both of you by her side in order to make this dream come true. Teach her what you know, let her learn from your teachings, let her make mistakes and learn from them, and when she is feeling at her lowest show her a different way to do things. In time she will become the best of the best like Eris.
Thank you miss? You know you never did say what your name is or how you knew ours.
Alex looks confused.
Call me Rose, and I was watching you all when I heard you talking.
She smiles at them as they smile back.
Thank you Rose for your kind words. I'll remember them well.
So will we.
Good. Now I need to get going, and I kept you three for far too long. But before I go…
She walks back over to them taking her wallet out and takes a card out of it and hands it to Alex.
Go there and ask for Reggie Rosewood Craven and Regina Lockwood Vixen. Tell them that Rose sent you. If they don't know who you're talking about, then say to him….
She leans in and whispers something to him. Alex bursts up laughing as she pulls back smiling at him.
Can you remember that Alex?
OH PLEASE… I sure can. There is no way I can forget something THAT funny.
Good. So how about you meet there in...ohhhh…. Three days time after school? Will that be alright?
Sure. I have been wanting to check that place out for a time. But never have because of that brute who guards it.
Rose laughs at hearing this.
Yeah, Reggie did QUITE the job picking ARRON out. He even scares ME sometimes he's so intimidating and I can NEVER figure him out or what he's THINKING of feeling. OK, maybe not NEVER never. But that's BESIDES the point. He's really not all that bad once you get to know him. A real sweetheart. But you need not worry, he doesn't work then and Clover will be. She's the sweetest rabbit one could know. But when she's on duty it's another thing. But lucky she's not AS intimidating as Arron is hahaha.
That's good to know.
Anyway, I'll catch you all later. Be safe getting home, and if you have any trouble on your way home, just flash this here.
She walks over to the three of them and takes out of her bag she had with her since leaving the old construction site with Uno, three silk multi-colored scarves that looked like they had the Cosmos knitted in them and ties them to their arms.
I always keep extra on me. So long as you have those on, everyone will know you're under the protection of Cosmic Eclipse. So if anyone messes with you or tries to know someone from Cosmic Eclipse will be close by, or at most one of our allies.
Thanks, Miss Rose.
No problem. Now off with you three and be careful going home.
Nodding they head off. As they do Buttercup looks back for a moment.
Hey..ah, Miss Rose?
Yes, Buttercup?
Will Eris be there in three days? I really would love to meet her again and say thank you to her for everything she's done for me.
She smiles and nods.
Yeah, she will be there and she'll have a big surprise for you all as well. No get going I kept you long enough.
Alright, and thank you again.
With that, she skates off. Uno and Radar walk over and she feels a hand on her shoulder as a tear falls from her left eye.
I...think I understand now Uno...what you were getting at. I don't need to hear the others. Change...change can be good, but scary too. It's confusing at times, but it's changing that makes us who we are today. Not everyone can handle it nor can they take it well. Buttercup reminded me of what I stand for. What I need to become. It's not the fact I need to become like Trinity. But I need to become something BETTER than her. Something stronger than her in order to save everyone.
So what will you do now?
Well first off I'm gonna start off by kicking Sonic across the park. THEN I'll get a hold of my grandfather and tell him I need the Phantom Ruby back, so I can apologize to Zero with it.
So you really did have it this whole time then?
Uno looks at her surprised.
Don't act so surprised Uno. I know what is really going on and everything. Have for a time. If you need to tell Zero his and Sally's plans are ruined then do so. But it's my turn now to make the next move, and I think it's time I start to learn the truth on OTHER things. Like with my fucking boyfriend and his BROTHER, and soon. Anyway, I'll catch you later Uno.
With that Rose jumps up and opens her wings and starts to fly off but looks over her shoulder first.
Does Zero know where that lookout point is?
Yes, he does.
Then tell him to meet me there tomorrow night right after the sun fully sets. Tell him I have the Ruby and I wish to talk with him alone. If he doesn't come alone and I sense you or any of the others with him. I'll leave and it will be the end of us both and I'll find someone ELSE to train me. Understand me?
I'll pass the message along.
Good. Now if you excuse me I see a blue RAT I need to kick in the head and send across the park. Feel free to watch, you may enjoy it.
With that, she flies up and heads right over to Sonic and his friends.
I just realized she left me with the bill.
Radar laughs out and pats Uno's shoulder.
No worries man, I got this, this time. Anyway, wanna watch her beat the shit out of Sonic? I have a feeling you never see them two go at it.
How bad is it?
Just watch.
Radar points over to her as they stand back and watch. Just before Rose lands on a small hill, she taps the side of her shoes and her Blades come to life. She taps the toes of her blades, smiling a wicked smile as she starts slowly down the hillside. She picks up speed fast and she keeps going, not slowing down. Radar starts chuckling as Uno looks at him curious about what was going on.
What is she doing?
Watch my friend.
Rose makes a turn to the right dodging a few people as she comes up behind the vendor stall Sonic was at as he looks over his shoulder at his friends. Smiling she chuckles out as she readies herself.
So what would you guys…. WAAAH!
Without warning, Rose comes out of nowhere and jumps right through the vendor's stall and double kicks him in the chest, and sends him flying so far back he ends up landing in the fountain. His friends look on in shock as does the vendor wondering what was going on. Rose lands on a knee as she slowly gets up and smiles a sly wicked half-smile and she cracks her knuckles and slowly skates over to him. She stops and stands to the side with a folded hand on her his as she jesters with the other shaking her head, as Sonic groans out.
Sonikku, Sonikku, Sonikku, Sonikku. How many times have I told you to ALWAYS keep your guard up? Even when you're hanging out with friends? I mean that IS what you taught me right? To keep one's guard up at all times because anything or one can come out of nowhere at any given time?
Sonic groans out again holding a hand to his head and shaking it. His two friends come over to help him as the purple feline takes a fighting stance ready to take her on.
Geez, Lou Wheeze that had some power to it. What hit me?
Not what WHO? Who the hell are you and why did you attack Sonic for?
Oh, cool your flames kitty cat. He had it coming after what he did to me.
What… I did to you? I don't even KNOW you, you crazy ass BITCH!
Sonic was finally out of the fountain as Silver helped him steady himself. He looks at Rose growling out clearly annoyed at her and at being wet as well. Rose stands there flipping her ponytail to the side scoffing out.
Wow, clueless as EVER Sonikku.
Rose rolls her eyes and gives him a wink and blows him a kiss with two of her fingers.
WHAT WAS THAT!?
Daww… is the widdle Sonikku all mad nows?
Rose starts to skate off chuckling.
Well, see you later blue. I got things I gotta do now so I'll catch you later.
NOW HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE BITCH!
Sonic takes on a fighting stance growling out pissed now. Rose smiles to herself chuckling softly. She was clearly enjoying this a little too much. Up on the hill Radar and Uno watch on. Radar was laughing out a bit as Uno watched on with amusement.
You're right, this is good. She's CLEARLY enjoying herself.
Yeah, she is. Well, come on let's go.
Sure thing. You need help cleaning up?
Sure I could use some help.
They leave Sonic and Rose on their own as they go back to Radar's stall. Back with Sonic and Rose, Sonic walks over to Rose growling out.
WHAT THE FUCKING HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM LADY!
Oh, no problem really Sonikku. I mean it's like I said. I owed you for what you did to me.
AND WHAT EXACTLY WAS IT I DID TO YOU? I NEVER MET YOU BEFORE IN MY LIFE!
Rose looks at him in mock shock and gaps out as she puts her hands over her heart.
OH SONIKKU! HOW COULD YOU BE SO CRUEL! FORGETTING YOUR BEST FRIEND OF SIX YEARS! OH, I'M SO HEARTBROKEN YOU COULD FORGET ME SO EASILY LIKE THAT….
Sonic looks at her confused as he tilts his head at her. She sees his bemused look and skates over to him. She places a hand on his chest and smiles at him.
Maybe this will remind you who I am.
What do you….
Before he could say anything more she leans in and kisses him. Sonic eyes widen in surprise as she kisses him. Blaze and Silver watch on just as surprised by this. After a few moment's Sonic closes his eyes and gives into the kiss as he wraps his arms around her. Soon Rose pulls away giggling at the dazed looked on his face.
Mmmmm… Strawberry Mango lip gloss.
Remember me NOW blueberry?
She asks him as she pulls away from him and starts skating off. She gets about fifteen feet when he finally comes out of his daze with a good shake of his head. He looks around as if he had forgotten where he was. He sees Rose slowly skating off as she winks at him once again and sends a two-finger kiss his way.
Eris?
Come find out Bluebell.
With that, she skates off giggling, and gains speed. Sonic watches her skate off and calls over to his friends without taking his eyes off Rose.
Hey Silver, Blaze?
Y-Yeah Sonic?
Blaze asks, still surprised at what happened.
I'm sorry, but I need to go catch myself a sneaky little Lyox.
Sonic you sure that's a good idea? I mean she sent you flying into the fountain just moments ago, and something tells me she was holding back just now. If she wanted to she could have KILLED you just now!
It was then Blaze snaps out of it and walks over to Sonic and places a hand on his shoulder.
I'm with Silver on this. Besides your soaking wet from being kicked into the fountain. You could get sick.
Sonic looks to where the girl was and sees she had stopped at the edge of Sea Point. A hill that overlooked the sea that a lot of people loved. Sonic looks at Blaze and Silver both and winks at them and gives them a thumbs up and a smile.
Hey, don't worry about me guys. If she really wanted to hurt me she would have done FAR worse than sending me flying into the fountain. If she really wanted to do some damage, she would have used her powers.
He looks back over at the girl as his tone goes soft and the look in his eyes was sad.
Besides. I really did have that coming to me. I hurt her and it's time I make up for it.
Sonic? Are you saying you know that girl?
Blaze asks him.
Yeah, I do. She did say she was my best friend after all. I'm surprised I still am after how badly I hurt her.
Sonic?
Sliver starts off but he shakes his head at him as he sighs out and closes his eyes and holds his arms.
It's...it's nothing Silver. Don't worry about it.
But she KISSED you Sonic! I mean, when Sally finds out…
She WON'T find out because we're going to keep this between us three. Got it.
Sonic looks to both Blaze and Silver as his eyes narrow.
But Sonic Blaze is right.
Listen, nothing on either of you and I get your worries about me and what just happened. But just drop it. I can take care of myself. I told you both she's alright and there is nothing to worry about. I know who she is now anyway.
What do you mean Sonic?
Silver asks him as he looks at Blaze.
There is only one girl I know of that wears Foxy Yum Yum and Friends Strawberry Mango lip gloss all the time, a brand I will never forget, and one who always calls me either blueberry or Bluebell. None of my other friends do that only because it's our secret. Now if you don't mind I need to go. I kept her waiting long enough, and remember. Don't tell anyone, not even Sally that she kissed me. Got it.
Silver and Blaze look to one another still unsure about this. But after a few moments, they nod.
Fine, will keep it to ourselves for now Sonic. Just promise us you'll be careful alright?
Yeah sure.
With that, he hits the sides of his shoes together and skates off to go meet with the girl. Silver and Blaze stay behind to watch for a bit to make sure everything was truly alright. Once they see them talking and Sonic taking her hand, and her kissing his cheek and skate off without another problem they themselves head off to go home. They both stay quiet for a bit as she leads them to a secluded spot they would always hang out at that overlooks the city. As she near it, Rose taps the side of her shoes and powers down her blades and walks up the hill and sits down under the tree that was there, and folds her legs up to her as Sonic comes to sit down next to her. They remain quiet for a bit longer till at last she stretches out and sighs holding her knees again.
Just so you know I'm still mad at you Sonic.
Sonic rests an arm of his bent knee and leans against the tree and sighs out and closes his eyes. He hadn't seen her around since she came back to school and they had they're falling out. He sighs out once more as he feels her lean against him as she curls into him. After a moment he wraps an arm around her and pulls her close. She places a hand on his chest resting her head on his heart.
Yeah, I know you are.
When were you going to tell me that he was your brother Sonic?
Sonic doesn't say anything for a long time and just remains quiet. But after a time he speaks.
It all started before we met you. Sometime around when both Anti-Mobius and Mobius Prime became one. Mom and uncle Chuck had finally put my father to rest after he asked them to. It was also around the same time that Scourge lost his mother as well just before the two zones became one. I was only three and Scourge was six. When the two zones became one my mom and his dad found one another and they started going out. We didn't get along all that great from the start but we did after a bit of time. We were close. Then when we were in our first year or middle school that is when it all happened. A new girl moved to Knothole and both me and Scourge were in love with her at first sight. At the time Sally was around as well. Sally was the most popular girl in School as were me and my brother. Everyone thought of us as the triple couple because we would always be hanging out and most thought all three of us were seeing one another.
Were you?
In a way but not really. When the new girl came around all three of us welcomed her. She lived on the same block we did so we would hang out a lot. We found out her name was Fiona Fox. A beautiful red and cream-colored vixen with hair as silky brown as smooth chocolate. She had eyes as blue as the sky. She was really sweet and friendly, we all became fast friends in a really short time. Within the first six month's things started to change for all four of us.
How so?
Well, I and Scourge started to fall for Fiona, but Sally was in love with both of us as well so I thought at the time.
Neither of us knew it at the time just how in love she was in with us. All we saw was Fiona and no more else.
Both Rose and Sonic look up to see Scourge standing near them looking out over the city as he goes on.
It was around then that the school started to talk about the four of us. Who was with who or if we were all together as one big couple? It annoyed me, amused him, and Sally and Fiona didn't know what to think. But as time went on, we started to hang out and pay more attention to Fi than we did Sally. Even though Sonic would hang out with her a lot Fiona had a way of always wanting to join in as well. Hell, even I did as well. But it always ended with us paying Fiona more mind than Sally. As time went our second year of middle school began. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Scourge looked over at Sonic and scoffed, shaking his head at him as he looked back out at the city.
So you had that nightmare too, did you?
Nightmare?
Yeah, I did.
Rose removes herself from Sonic and looks between the two.
Yeah. Every year we get them.
What HAPPENED between you two?
Scourge just scoffs and walks off spitting out the toothpick he had in his mouth to the ground.
Trust me on this baby, he is the one at fault here not me. He did something I will never forgive him for.
Scourge?
I wasn't the one that did it Scourge you were. I remember it all too well.
Growling out, Scourge turns around and yells at him making Rose shy away.
YOU WERE THE ONE THAT HURT HER SONIC NOT ME! I TRIED TO WARN YOU WHAT HAPPENED, WHAT WAS GOING ON BUT YOU TURNED INTO SOMETHING DARK, INTO SOMEONE WHO WOULDN'T LISTEN TO REASON! ALL YOU SAW WAS THE LIES TOLD BY THAT TRAMP SALLY!
Sonic growls out and stands up getting up in Scourge's face.
TAKE THAT BACK RIGHT NOW! SALLY IS ANYTHING BUT A TRAMP! IF ANYONE WAS IT WAS FIONA! SHE CHEATED ON THE BOTH OF US! FIONA WAS FUCKING SLEEPING WITH YOU BEHIND MY BACK WHEN SHE HAD PICKED ME OVER YOU!
THAT'S BULL SHIT! I WAS TOLD BY THAT BITCH SALLY SHE WAS SLEEPING WITH YOU BEHIND MY BACK SONIC, AND THERE IS NO WAY SHE WOULD DO THAT! NOT UNLESS SHE…
SHE WAS A FUCKING SKANK ASS WHORE ONLY WANTING THE BOTH OF US LIKE SALLY SAID!
SALLY, SALLY, SALLY! DON'T YOU GET IT SONIC!? SALLY WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS ALL, AND YET YOUR STILL TO BLIND AND STUPID TO SEE THE TRUTH AFTER SEVEN YEARS!
Rose gets up and tries to get between the two feuding males and push them apart. It works as she holds them at arm's length and looks at them both worried.
ENOUGH THE BOTH OF YOU!
She looks at the both of them sighing out. They look at her and both scoff and back off folding their arms and look away. Sighing out Rose lands and places a hand to her forehead and the other on her hip and sighs out shaking her head.
Scourge what are you doing here anyway? I'm sure it wasn't because you wanted to pick a fight with Sonic.
No, it wasn't. I saw you in the park and came to see you. I haven't seen you in nearly two weeks since you ran from the school and I have been worried.
Sonic scoffs and rolls his eyes.
I don't know why I even bother. I'm fucking out of here.
SONIC WAIT!
Rose grabs a hold of his arm before he could run off and he looks at her pissed.
I'M NOT STAYING AROUND WHY HE IS ACCUSING ME FOR SOMETHING I DIDN'T DO! I SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND I REMEMBER EVERYTHING! SO YOU WANT TO BELIEVE THIS FILTH THEN GO FOR IT! BUT I'M NOT STANDING AROUND TO BE ACCUSED. BUT BE WARNED IF YOU SIDE WITH HIM THEN WE'RE DONE! NOW LET ME GO!
Rose stands there in complete shock as she looks at him. He looks at her and his eyes widen in surprise at how he raised his voice at her. Tears pricked her eyes but she let go of him and she stepped back to Scourge and held an arm and looked away, her ears falling flat against her head.
Eri?
You would really end a friendship over something that happened eight years ago? Something that happened long before I came along? I only want to understand why you hate one another. Why is it that you think he is so bad? Why you all think he is bad. Scourge isn't as bad as you think, and I can help but feel like there is something you're both missing and neither one of you wish to see the truth. Or maybe I could be wrong and it's only you who can't see it. I don't know. But I do know I'm sick of you two going at it every time you're near one another. To be honest I think a lot of us are. So I'm going to say this once and only once.
She looks at Sonic as her eyes harden and her voice goes to a dead-serious tone.
You both have till the 31st to figure things out and either tell me what the HELL is going on or I'll be the one making the final decision on what should be done. I can't have fighting within my Crew let alone fighting with my Allies either. I need everyone. So till you can fucking man up and stick around instead of running away from your problems like you always do Sonic, instead of facing them head-on then your never going to change. You're never going to be able to move on from whatever happened in the past.
I think it's high time you both sat down and talked things out. Hear both sides of the story. Find out what really happened. When you're ready to do just that I'll be here for the both of you and I'll listen to the both of you and help you both figure out what happened. You know I'm more stubborn than a mule. The both of you know I am. But with everything going on right now for me I can't HANDLE anymore stress right now. Scourge I know you'll tell me your side you promised you would but SONIC?!
Rose scoffs shaking her head as she walks over to Scourge folding her arms and turns her back on him.
He's acting like a fucking five-year-old hoglet who can't have the new shiny toy everyone else has and it's PATHETIC.
You said it, babe. Come on, I'll drive you home. Shadows have worried you the last few days.
Thanks, Scourge.
They start to walk off till Rose stops and turns her head and looks at Sonic.
You know where to find me and how to reach me when you're ready, and I mean it. If you both don't figure things out by opening night of the new HQ I'll be making the final decision then. Till then, see you around hoglet.
Rose scoffs making Scourge chuckle softly. Rose catches this and smacks him hard in the gut with the back of her hand getting a load OOF from him as she glares at him.
Behave or I'll tell Shadow you were being a prick again.
Alright, alright, I'll be good.
Scourge holds up his hands in defeat.
Good now, let's go.
With that, they walk off leaving Sonic to his own thoughts for now. As the two of them walk Scourge scratches the back of his head chuckling some.
Just shut it Scourge.
What?! I didn't say anything!
Rose turns on him so fast and points a finger at his chest getting up in his face.
YOUR AS BAD AS HE IS SOMETIMES YOU KNOW THAT?! JUST AS STUBBORN AND PIG HEADED AT TIMES! YOU BOTH ACT LIKE FUCKING LITTLE HOGLET I'M SURPRISE I CAN DEAL WITH EITHER OF YOUR ASSES LIKE THIS! HAD YOU NOT SHOWED UP WHEN YOU DID I WOULD FINALLY HEARD HIS SIDE. I TOLD YOU I TRUSTED YOU SCOURGE. BUT YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE THE INSTIGATOR AND GET HIM RILED UP! EVERY TIME SCOURGE! YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW ANNOYING THAT CAN BE! WHY CAN YOU BOTH JUST GET ALONG FOR ONCE IN YOUR FUCKING LIFE AND BE DONE WITH IT! FROM WHAT HE SAID YOU TWO USE TO BE SO CLOSE WHAT HAPPEN TO CHANGE ALL THAT!?
Scourge steps back from her wrath and looks away. She watches him and folds her as she waits for an answer. But after five minutes she feels she wasn't going to get one and starts to walk off. She jumps into the air and opens her wings and starts to fly off when Scourge sees this and yells out to her.
SONIC RAPED HER AND SALLY KILLED HER RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES!
This freezes her in mid-flight as she slowly turns around and looks at him in horror.
It was our second year of middle school, it was around this time when things started to really change. Sonic didn't see it at first but I slowly did.
Rose lands and walks over to Scourge who walks on and she follows.
I didn't think anything of it at first really but as the weeks went on I saw it all. I tried to tell Sonic but he wouldn't listen. It was two weeks before Halloween when Sally saw me and Fiona together. Like together, together. We were at a per-Halloween party and I and Fiona were having fun. Sally comes over and just forces her way into what we were doing. I told her to go hang with Sonic that he was somewhere at the party too but she wouldn't listen. Every time Fiona would try and say anything, or do anything Sally had to butt in. It was becoming really annoying to the point Fiona got up and left. You can imagine how pissed I was. But being the slut she was she managed to get me to calm down. Later when I was able to find Fiona with Sonic and the three of us left the party early.
What about Sally?
Well, we left her behind when I told Sonic what happened. Needless to say, this pissed her off to the breaking point.
They keep on walking till they get to his car. He opens the door to the passenger for her and closes it and gets in himself and he starts it off and drives off.
She had enough of it all. So the very next day she started the rumors about the three of us. It spread like wildfire within just three days. Every time we went someplace, it didn't matter if it was at school or what, people would look at us funny till one day I hit my pissed off point. So being the local jackass I am I took someone I knew and threatened to beat the shit out of them asking what was going on. They told me there was a rumor going around about me, Sonic, and Fiona. Gave me everything he knew, and I asked him if he really believed it, he said he wasn't sure since it could have started anywhere. I let the kid go and he ran off. I started to ask around, even asked for KillBeat and Swiftshots help too. We gathered everything we could find.
Wait? Did you know KillBeat even back then?
Yeah, he was like four years older than me and in his second year of high school. Swifty was a year below me.
Huh?
Anyway, we found everything and I pieced them together and found out the truth. Just a few days before Halloween Sally made her move. She told me that she saw Sonic going deep into the woods with Fiona. I asked her what was going on and she told me he took her deep into the woods to Crystal Groove, a place not many knew about. She said he didn't look happy with her when they left. I asked her what she meant so she told me that he had found out that Fiona had been sleeping with me and had lost her virginity to me. The moment she told me that I knew she slipped up.
How so?
She asks him as he makes a turn on Chaos Drive and West Fort. He stops at the set of train tracks and goes on as they wait for a train to go by.
Well, I happened to know that I and Fiona had yet to even go that far yet. For one we wanted our first time together when she came into her first heat. I started to laugh and walk off. Sally tried to ask me what was going on so I told her I knew she was lying. That she slipped up big time. That I and Fiona have yet to do it or go that far. I told her she was stupid as hell for slipping up. So with that, I left and hurried to the Crystal Groove before Sonic did something he would regret. But by the time I got there, it was too late. A storm was starting up both up in the skies and down below on the ground.
Sighing out, he drives on and over the tracks and heads down the road once more. He was quiet for a long time till they ended up hitting the road that led to The Ravens Blade. He drives on till they get there and he turns off his car and they sit there for a time.
Scourge?
She placed a hand on his arm and she could feel it shaking as she looked at him and saw him trying to hold back tears. He rests his head on the steering wheel and closes his eyes for a bit. She lets him have his moment, till at last he sighs out and opens his door and gets out. She follows him and they head inside and up to his room. Some say hi to them but they ignore them. KillBeat watches them from across the room and sighs out looking to Swiftshot who nods knowing what was going on. Once inside his room, they take off their shoes, and jackets as he closes and locks the door. He takes off his shirt and socks and pants, so he was just in his boxers, and she takes off her jeans and socks keeping her top and panties on. They lay down together. He holds her close to him as she snuggles up to him as she runs her fingers gently over the twin scars on his chest. It was then he went on in a shaky voice.
By the time I got there Sonic had already raped Fiona and beaten her. When I looked at him he was some kind of dark evil thing I didn't recognize anymore. His fur was such a dark blue it was almost black. He had this dark aura around him and his pupils were gone, his eyes all white. I asked him what he did with her and he dragged her out and tossed her to me. I managed to catch her before she hit the ground. She wasn't the same anymore. Her fur was matted, her hair in knots. Her clothing tore up and exposed her more feminine parts. She was bleeding here and there, but not as much then what she was down there where his seed and her blood were leaking out of her. I cried at seeing my beloved Fiona in such a state.
I tried to ask why he did that to her and he told me the same thing Sally did me. I told him everything she said was a lie. That I and Fiona were not sleeping together that she told me that the two of you were. That Sally was trying to pit us against one another. He wouldn't listen to me at all. During this time Sally had followed me to the hidden Groove to watch her plan unfold. Her plan worked too. We ended up fighting one another out of pure anger. Sonic nearly had my ass kicked but when he threw me into a bolder it crumbed from the throw and I found some Anarchy Beryl which gave me an advantage in the end.
We fought for a long time to the point I was running low on power. I knew I had to do something fast. It was when he threw me into the woods with an attack I saw Sally hiding behind some rocks and I knew what I had to do. I took her hostage and came out of the woods with my twin claws at her neck. This took Sonic off guard and got him even more pissed off. I told him to let Fiona go or I would do the same thing to her he did to Fiona. Needless to say, he fell for it. He walked her to the middle of the groove and laid her down and I told Sally to move on. When we got close was when I did the stupidest thing ever.
Baby?
He sits up and he puts his legs over his bed and opens the drawer next to his bed and takes out the wooden carved box and opens it. Rose sits up and watches him take out a yellow ribbon and scoots back and lays on his chest and rests his upper body in her lap. As he holds the ribbon he goes on as she rests her back against the headboard and runs her fingers through his quills.
As we passed near Fiona's body I told Sally to go on. I watched her as I got closer to her myself. Sally spat on her and it pissed me off and I went to attack her. But she had somehow gotten ahold of my claws and with a swift movement, she dug them into my chest.
Is that how you got the scars on your chest?
Yeah, it was. It was because of her. After that, she runs to Sonic playing the innocent dame she always claimed to me. But I knew the truth I knew it all. I laid on the ground bleeding out. The wounds were not that deep but deep enough. It was because of her attack I was losing power. They end up having a moment and it was then I saw her inject something into Sonic.
W-what was it?
I don't know but she blamed it on me. My guess was some kind of tranquilizer or something because he looked really out of it. I passed out in her arms and she laid him on the ground. It was just her and me. As I laid there on the wet ground the storm raging on me and Sally had a talk, not a good one either. She blamed Fiona for everything. On however since she came to town we ignored her. Spent time with her. Pushing her to the side and forcing her into being the third wheel. So in her anger she took the very same claws she used to attack me and she killed Fiona right before my eyes. It was then I used what little strength I had left and attacked Sally, hitting her across the way and into the same rock that Sonic raped Fiona behind. I held Fiona in my arms as she laid dying in them. Somewhere along the way Sonic comes to, really out of it, and sees me with Fi in my arms.
He runs over to us wondering what happened. I couldn't answer him, I didn't even HEAR him, I was too worried for Fiona at the time. It was then Sally came to and saw us with both at Fiona's side. She ends up angry again and she attacks Sonic. Once again she pulls something out of her pocket and stabs him with it. He yells out as his vision goes blurry again as I yell out at him dropping Fiona to catch him. I ripped three syringes out of his back and threw them to the ground and looked up at Sally.
I wasn't ever scared in my life before that night. I laid Sonic down and stood up and before too long Sally and I were going at it. I did my best to fight her off. Got a few good rounds in me too. But in the end with what little energy I had left she ended up overpowering me and she ended up sticking me with two syringes as well knocking me out cold. I'm not sure what happened after that. But I remember waking up on a gurney and being put in the back of an ambulance same as Sonic, Sally, and Fiona as well. We ended up staying in the same room since the hospital in Knothole was on the small side.
When we came to we found out we were being under police guard and arrest for assault and battery and rape. We didn't even fully understand what was going on at the time. Our mom, Bernie, and our dad, my father Julius told us what happened and said they got the story from Sally and some others who had found us. It was then I told them what really happened. Sonic told his side and well, needless to say, they thought we were lying or at least one of us was. Turned out they all thought I was lying at the time because all the evidence pointed to me somehow. The cops said that my fingerprints were on everything. I asked how this was even possible when the only thing I had was my twin claws. They asked me all kinds of questions and in short, it was hell. Bernie didn't know what to think. I think in a way my father was kind of proud of me in some kind of sick twisted way yet if anything disappointed mostly.
They question Sonic, but he said he didn't remember what happened at all. How he got to the hidden groove or anything much really. Just that when he came to he was here. They question Sally too and being the lying little skank she was she lied right her teeth to them saying it was all my doing. That I raped the both of them and killed Fiona and Sonic came to save them but was too late to save Fiona but not her. She lied about everything, I knew Sally had to do something to him. I thought maybe it was the stuff in the syringes Sally used on us both. I really don't know. All I knew was that was the end of our family. Bernie filed for a divorce shortly after the threats started coming after both Sonic and I were being harassed at school and more, all the while why Sally played little miss victim the whole time. She got what she wanted, and that was to get rid of Fiona.
Rose could hear the pain and turmoil in Scourge's voice as it cracked. She held him in her arms as she leaned over him. She couldn't help but cry as well.
Oh, baby, I'm so sorry that happened.
Y-you would have loved her Babe…. She was so sweet and kind... Everything that was good out in the world, that was Fi all over….This ribbon is the only thing I have left of her…. and that picture in the box….I wasn't even allowed to go to the funeral to say goodbye... Her parents didn't want a murder and rapist around at all…. The only one who seems to, believe me, was her older brother….. He was the one that gave me her ribbon and the picture of us... It was he who took the picture of us that day.
Rose reaches over and pulls out the picture and sees the girl he had been talking about. They looked so happy together on that bright sunny day, and she looked so pretty in her outfit.
She's pretty Scourge.
She hands him the picture and whips her eyes as he looks at it as he breaks down crying. She holds him as he does, broken herself. Scourge adjusted himself so he could wrap his arms around her midsection. She herself scoots down so he could lay on top of her as she held him, petting him till he calmed down. After a long time, she finally starts to settle down just a bit, and he reaches over to put the ribbon and picture away and sets it down on the table next to the bed. After which he lays back down on top of Rose and wraps his arms around her sighing out. She holds him again for a time till she feels him moving and she softly moans out.
S-scourge what are you doing.
What I've been waiting for, for a long time babe. Please?
But scourge?
Eris we have been together for a long time now almost two years. I can smell your heat. I want to do it with you now.
Sighing, she looks away as he looks up at her with pleading eyes.
Babe, what's wrong.
I just don't think that's a good idea right now. Not after what you told me.
What do you mean?
You only want it because you think it will help you, maybe it will? Maybe it won't? Who knows. But I think we should wait a bit longer. So you have time to grieve is all. I don't want this turning into some stupid sad sex thing or whatever it's called.
Scourge gets up on his hands and looks down at her. He could see something was bothering her and it wasn't the fact of what he told her just now. He knew part of her truly meant it. That she wanted to give him time to grieve, but truth be told he had time already. He was ready to move on. His telling her what happened was the next step. It was something he wanted to do for a long time but now it was like she didn't want to and he could sense it.
Eris? Eris look at me?
Sighing out she looks at him reluctantly. Her expression was sad as she looked up at him with her rosewood eyes. He brushes the back of his hand against her cheek and she shies away from it folding her ears back.
Baby, what's wrong?
I-I need to tell you something and I don't know how to or how you'll react.
Eris?
She scoots up into a sitting position and brings her knees to herself and closes her eyes and looks away as she rests her chin on her knees as Scourge sits back looking at her. He places a hand on hers and he gently squeezes it.
Baby, what's wrong? You know you can tell me anything that's troubling you.
I'm scared though.
She whispers out to him.
Eris what are you going on about?
She looks at him and sighs once again and she tells him.
I'm...I'm not a virgin anymore Scourge.
What do you mean you're not a virgin anymore.
Well, you know how I've been going with Knuckles during his Seasonal Kickboxing matches?
Yeah?
And you know how we always spend time together, just the two of us. Talk about what's been going on on and off the mat as well AB stuff etc.
Yeah?
Well during the matches I went out for some air, and I ran into Zero, the leader of the Jack Squad crew and a really old friend of mind. We went for a walk and we ended up getting attacked by someone and…
WHAT?! YOU WERE ATTACKED?!
Scourge let me finish!
He nods and lets her finish.
Anyway, after that, I spoke to Knuckles about it in a room, with him and Zero and Uno one of his members. Anyway, after we figured it out everyone left and Knuckles finished that match coming in second. After that we all got ready to leave and we headed back to the hotel, like always we stopped at one of our favorite liquor stores and he got us something. As we got into the room we started talking and the next thing I know…
Well at the time I thought it was him but it wasn't...it was someone else….the same person who attacked us...and well I thought it was Knuckles...I thought as we talked I had to become like Trinity….become just like her in order to beat her…and before long...before I know it I was letting him… or I should say them...the guy who I thought was Knuckles but wasn't...Scourge...I...
Rose couldn't go on. She couldn't bring herself to say anything more. Scourge sat there looking at her confused as tears fell from her eyes and down her face.
Eris what is going on? I don't understand?
Scourge I…
She shakes her head and gets up off the bed and over to where she left her clothing by the door. She starts to get dressed again but Scourge stops her by grabbing her upper arm and making her look at him. The look on his face as he looked scared and worried something bad had happened to her. What she told him just now didn't make any sense to him at all.
Babe are you saying that Knuckles….that he….RAPED you?
WHAT?! NO! NO NOT AT ALL! THAT'S NOT IT!
THEN WHAT?! WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU!?
HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO ME! IT WASN'T HIM! IT WAS SOMEONE ELSE!?
WHO!?
SCOURGE I...IT WAS….
Rose shoves Scourge away from her as she hurries to put her pants on. He falls to the floor and with a thud as he looks up at her, as she grabs her shoes, socks, and jacket and runs out of his room. She runs down the hallway and he calls out to her.
ERIS WAIT! PLEASE COME BACK HERE!
I CAN'T! I'M SORRY BUT I CAN'T! I MADE A PROMISE TO YOU AND I BROKE IT AND HURT YOU AND I JUST CAN'T! I'M SORRY SCOURGE BUT I CAN'T SEE YOU ANYMORE, NOT AFTER WHAT I DONE!
Scourge runs after her as she grabs a hold of the railing and jumps over it and lands to the Bar below surprising a few of the people at it. She jumps down from it as KillBeat looks at her surprised as Scourge leans over the railing yelling out.
SWIFTSHOT STOP HER!
But before he could act she was gone in a flash of light.
ERIS WAIT!
Everyone in the building was quite not daring to me. Scourge looks at where he last saw her before she used her Chaos Control to leave. What did she mean that she broke her promise to him? Why was she so upset over it? What was it that Knuckles did to her that upset her? And who was it that attacked her to make her like this? These were all questions he was going to get one way or another. Growling out he bangs his fist on the railing as he turns around yelling over his shoulder.
SOMEONE CALL THE FUCKING RED MUTT NOW AND TELL HIM I WANT TO TALK WITH HIM FACE TO FACE! WHAT EVERY HE DID TO ERIS I'LL FUCKING KILL HIM!
KillBeat and Swiftshot look at one another as they both flinch at hearing the door to his room slamming shut.
Oh boy.
I'll call Knuckles now.
KillBeat nods sighing out.
Outside above The Ravens Blade…
Rose hovers a hundred feet above the building as she puts on her shoes and sock. As she finishes she flies off and heads for home. The whole way there she was crying. As she neared it she could see the lights were all off, but Shadow's car was still in the driveway. She lands on her veranda and goes to open the doors to it but finds them locked. She leaves her hand on it as she leans her head on the window and softly bangs on it as tears fall. She stays like that for a bit till she hears a click and her door opens up. She backs up in surprise at first but when she sees who it was she breaks down and runs into his arms. Shadow was taken back for a moment, but after a fast moment, he wraps his arms around her and holds her, petting her head trying to calm her down.
It's alright Bella I'm here. I'm here.
End of act 4
