AN: Once again, I'm so sorry for the slow updates. Working as a teacher takes a lot of time away to write. I've continued to edit on some upcoming chapters along with some new ones every now and then. I hope there are still people out there who are interested in reading this. I have to thank those that continue to leave me reviews and feedback-you know who you are!
•~•
Downstairs, Shadow hummed in a feigned upbeat tone as he unraveled his torture tools and devices from a purple silk pouch. Mighty struggled with his bound wrists chained up to the staircase railings as he watched his younger sibling.
"Do you think our mother is even the least bit concerned about your well-being?" Shadow eyed his weapons of choice, before coming to a sharp butcher-knife-like blade that he brandished.
Mighty eyed him carefully, acting stoic and unafraid. "She knows I don't need rescuing."
Shadow stared at him for a long moment before going back to searching for the right option. "I see," he said placing the knife back down.
Mighty smirked coyly. "You can toy with me all you want, Shadow, but you've had innumerable opportunities to kill me," he noted.
"But I didn't, did I?" Shadow approached him calmly. "Mephiles, I understand your devotion to her. I'm sure you flocked to her side once you were in purgatory together. Always and forever, am I right?" he quoted.
Mighty tsked him. "Is this the extent of your argument, dear brother?"
Shadow frowned. "Is it not better to join me than spend the remainder of your mortal life aligned to a female who always manipulated you?" he countered. "I offer you the opportunity to free yourself. Side with me and I will give you the life she never once offered—a chance to choose your own path."
The witch hummed to himself in thought. "Hm, I'll give it some thought," he lied.
Shadow turned around, preparing to leave. "The choice is yours."
•~•
Meanwhile, in the Mystic Ruins, Sonic and Sally came running over to Caleb and screeched to a sudden halt. Caleb, in the meantime, shirtless and sweaty, hacked away at logs of wood. Andrew sat by the campfire eating a plate of food as he watched the three. "Hey Caleb, I think Sally and I found out a way to get your pack reunited!" Sonic exclaimed happily.
Caleb turned around finishing another round of chopping wood. "And what's that?" he asked in disinterest.
Sonic flipped to the page of the journal and cleared his throat. "The werewolves' power can be traced back to the myth of the Unification Ceremony, a ritual that bestowed certain unique abilities onto every member of the pack," he quoted.
Caleb remained quiet as he stared blankly, making Sonic cock a brow by his lack of response. "So?" he shrugged.
Sally groaned and snatched the book from Sonic's hands out of frustration. "What he's trying to say is, back in the day, werewolf bloodlines were all distinct. Some had speed, some had strength, and some could sense enemies' miles away. Now, to evolve, we would have to perform a ritual. A shaman would marry the alphas of each bloodline and then the special abilities of each would be inherited—mystically by everyone who participated in the ritual," she elucidated.
Caleb used the back of his arm to wipe away some sweat from his brow. "That's all very interesting, but I don't have any unique abilities. I'm just your typical, average alpha," Caleb mumbled. "And Sally, you're no special werewolf that I know of," he reminded.
Sonic stepped closer and placed a hand on his own chest. "Yeah, but I have a unique ability—I'm a hybrid and can control when I change on a full moon. So, if this mystical marriage thing really works, you guys wouldn't be hybrids like me, you'd be werewolves that'd be able to control when you want to change on a full moon," Sonic explained.
"We'd be able to change without any moonlight rings…" Caleb said in realization before his brows furrowed at another thought. "But that would mean I would have to give up my leadership role and you would be taking my place as alpha. So hell no!"
Sonic jolted at his sudden outrage. "Listen, man, I'm not here trying to steal your people or take your job, but if this is what it takes to get your community back, then why not take it?"
Caleb stormed up to him, standing inches away from his face. "Because you murdered one of my people in cold blood and now you're with the girl I was supposed to wed. How could I ever trust you of all people, to lead my pack?" he shouted, shoving him backward.
"Caleb quit it!" Sally shouted.
Sonic staggered back slightly but kept his ground. "First of all, that wasn't the real me," he defended. "I swear to you, I'm not a bad person. I would never put anyone in danger and I'd always have the best intentions for them—and I had no idea Sally was betrothed to you. Please, if it makes you feel better, you could call all the shots and I could just be the puppet."
"—I think he's onto somethin', Caleb," Andrew piped in after overhearing their entire conversation. "Your people could ditch the rings and Gala-Na would no longer have control over them."
Caleb shot a bewildered look at the canine. "You can't be serious?"
Andrew rose to his feet and walked over in their direction. "This sounds like the answer, we've been looking for. Start up the party!"
"So that's it, you really just expect me to hand over the reigns of leadership over to this asshole?" Caleb gestured.
"I'll prove to you that I've changed," Sonic promised.
Caleb stared into Sonic's eyes as he contemplated the decision. Sighing, Caleb dropped his guard. "It's not just any party. If the vows aren't honored, it doesn't work," he specified. "It's gotta be a real marriage in every way for the rest of your lives."
Sonic smiled. "I understand that, but I love Sally," he admitted sincerely and took her hand in his. Sally blushed at his words. "—And this marriage would be completely genuine. I swear, I won't do you wrong."
He rolled his eyes. "You better not…"
•~•
Later that afternoon, in a local diner, Silver held Faith in his arms as he sunk down into a booth. The restaurant they had selected to eat at was fairly busy, with local customers scattered across the diner in various booths. In the back, two waitresses' tended to the customers, walking up and down the aisles pouring coffee and taking orders. A female raccoon waitress came over with a pot of fresh coffee and a friendly smile. "Hello, welcome to Ted's Diner, anything I can get for you three?"
"Just coffee for the two of us." Silver addressed.
The waitress reached for the two empty coffee mugs already laid out on the table and began to pour them up with fresh coffee. She filled Blaze's cup before moving onto Silver's, but as she poured the steaming hot coffee into Silver's mug, she couldn't help but smile at the infant he held in his arms. "What a little cutie!"
Silver gave a weak smile. "Yes, she's just four months old."
"She's adorable," she cooed. "If you want to order anything else, flag me down," she smiled before walking off.
"Thanks," Blaze smiled at the retreating waitress.
Silver held Faith out in front of him, admiring her smiling face. "Look at you," he spoke softly. "So big, so perfect."
Blaze smiled at Silver from across the table. It was sweet to see Silver adore his niece as much as he did. "She missed you when you were, uh—away."
Silver looked over at Blaze. "I worried for both your safety while I was gone."
Blaze cleared her throat hesitantly, as she tried to shift the conversation. "I know you haven't wanted to talk about what went on when your mother kidnapped you, but I am always here if you want to talk about it," she worded carefully. "You know I am a great listener."
There was a pause of silence for a moment as Silver kept his eyes on Faith while he cradled her. Blaze could see he was contemplating bringing up the past event, but eventually, his stance relaxed and he sighed. "…She tortured me for days with memories I had forgotten I buried a long time ago," he began.
Blaze leaned forward, curious to hear more. "…What kinds of memories?"
"Bleak ones, memories that showed me of the true monster I really am. All this time, I've believed myself to be this noble, dignified, and honorable gentleman, and yet, I've been living a lie," he explained.
Blaze shot him a compassionate look. "Silver, you're no monster. You're kind, sweet, caring, considerate-"
"—You're wrong," he abruptly cut off. Blaze looked surprised by his abrupt and dismissive tone. "That's just what I wanted to be, what my mother molded my mind to believe I was. She's responsible for the false image I've been living all these years. It's all been a mask for my true monstrosity…"
Blaze was at a loss for words for a moment. Could this really be true? "How was she able to compress all these terrible memories for so long?"
Silver stared at his piping hot cup of coffee for a moment. "When I was a young boy, I witnessed a pig get slaughtered at our farm. We had a barn with a bright red door where it took place behind. Ever since then, I've always associated death with that door. Because of that, my mother created this section in my mind where I would store horrid acts that I committed."
"Then why would she make you feel so terrible about yourself by having you relieve these things, if she was the one that created it in the first place?" Blaze questioned.
"To prove her case," he answered simply. "She made an offer to make us all mortal again. She thinks by placing us in new bodies that we could reclaim some kind of purity."
"I know we've discussed this briefly, but how could you ever trust your mother with her word? After all, it was you who said that she couldn't be trusted," she reminded.
His eyes bore into hers. "Yes, I did say that once. But now, I must confess, this invitation, however cruel the delivery, has a certain kind of...appeal."
In that moment, something did not sit right with Blaze. Silver was not acting himself, and the way his eyes looked into hers for the first time, truly frightened her. Knowing she needed to get Faith away from him, she feigned a weak smile and grabbed the diaper bag sat next to her in the booth. "I think this little one needs her diaper changed." She maneuvered herself out of the booth and stood, slinging the bag over her shoulder. "I'll be right back."
Silver mimicked her actions and slowly stood, being careful as he held Faith in his arms. Once he was standing, he gently placed Faith into Blaze's arms and watched as she walked towards the girl's bathroom before re-taking his seat. But once Blaze had disappeared into the bathroom with Faith, Silver couldn't help but look around at the other diners. He caught a few of their glances, believing them to be judgmental as they looked in his direction.
Trying to ignore their innocent gazes, Silver stared down at his hand lying on the table, only to begin to hear the soft chatter of whispers. His eyes shot back up, and he looked around him seeing the diners, talking to one another, or eating their food. They didn't appear to be talking about him; yet, he believed he could hear their whispers conspiring against him. His fists tightened up, praying the voices he heard in his head would die down before he had to do something to stop it.
•~•
Back at home, Amy wandered downstairs to get something to eat and had no choice but to walk past Mephiles, still chained up to the wall. Trying to act composed and unnerved, Amy walked past him with her head held high. The warlock watched as she headed into the kitchen and listened to her rustle in the fridge. A few moments later, Amy wandered back out just when Mephiles caught her eye. "You played me for a fool the other night," he tsked, causing her to stop in her tracks. "You hurt me, Amy."
Amy stared at him and felt a little guilty for leading him on. "I don't like to play games like that, but it was all for good," she defended.
"You think remaining a vampire is good? Come now, the other night I don't think you were entirely acting during our conversations."
She froze from his accusation. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."
He adjusted his arms in the chains. "There were moments in our conversation where I truly believe you dropped your act and were genuinely on board with meeting my mother."
She shook her head, denying his claim. "No, you're wrong. It was all a-an act."
His eyelids lowered seductively. "Don't lie to me. Even your tone right now suggests your lying to yourself. Now, if you help me out of these wretched chains, I'll make sure you get a good deal on a body of your choice, even though I think I've already selected the perfect fit for you."
She clasped her hands together nervously. "Well, I…"
"—Amy!" a voice snapped from behind. Amy gasped and turned around only to see Shadow making his way towards them. His eyes glared at his older brother. "You keep your mouth shut," he reprimanded.
"I was only making small talk," he lied in feigned innocence.
Shadow shot a hardened look at the armadillo. "If I hear you try to talk to her again, I'll sow your mouth shut," he threatened.
"Oooh, Mr. Tough Act is back," he sang with a chuckle.
"That's it!" he shouted. Shadow grabbed his cuffs, ripped him off the wall, and dragged him towards the staircase leading to the wine cellar.
Mighty resisted and struggled in his hold. "Release me!"
Seeing how serious he was, Amy followed after him. "Shadow, what are you doing?"
Downstairs, Shadow dragged Mighty by the chains towards a large and rustic looking casket. "Giving him a proper punishment," he hollered.
Just the sight of the casket got him in a tizzy. "Oh, no, no, you can't do this to me!" he bellowed.
Shadow smirked wickedly, as he lifted Mephiles up and slammed him back first into the casket. "I can, but don't worry, I made sure to leave some air holes." With that said, Shadow took the lid of the casket and slammed it shut, locking him inside.
Mighty screamed and pounded from the inside of the casket, begging to be let out. Listening to his muffled cries for help, Amy ran over to let him out, but Shadow grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away. "Don't!"
She narrowed her eyes at him. "This is cruel, Shadow. He doesn't deserve this."
"I've used this for centuries as a method of punishment, and right now he needs it," he argued.
Amy yanked her arm out of his hold. "And how has that worked out so far, huh? You don't always have to be so cruel to get what you want!" she huffed before running upstairs.
Shadow watched as she fled up the staircase. "Rose, wait!" Her response was a slammed door, making him cringe. "Damn it," he cursed.
•~•
At the werewolves' camp in the Mystic Ruins, Caleb and Andrew gathered the pack for a meeting. Dozens of werewolves of all ages sat around the campfire as they waited to hear what Caleb had to say. Caleb, Sonic, and Sally stood at the front, looking out at their audience. "I know you're angry and scared," Caleb began, "But we are a pack no matter what."
A male cat stood up from the back of the crowd. "You've been checked out for months. Why should we listen to you?" he challenged.
"Because he's the alpha," Sonic countered as he stood by Caleb's side defensively.
The cat gave a look of contempt towards the blue hedgehog. "Shut up, you have no say in this. You're not one of us."
Sonic wiped under his nose with his index finger. "No?" He took a few steps closer towards the crowd. "You sure about that, buddy?" He lifted his right hand out to its side and concentrated. His eyes illuminated a bright yellow hue and as if on cue, his right hand began to turn into a terrifying werewolf paw. The audience watched in amazement as the rest of his body remained in its natural form, but one portion of him took on its wolf form. Seeing that he had caught their attention, Sonic allowed his hand to revert back to normal. "I'm still a wolf and I don't need any magical rings to control when or how I change," he shrugged. Sonic walked back over to Caleb. "If you want the same, then sit down, keep quiet, and listen."
The cat in the back, meekly sat back down, making Caleb smile in approval. "Good job," he commended quietly.
Sonic nodded, before continuing his pitch. "Look, you all need help and you know it. Now, whatever it is that you think of me, I was born a werewolf and I happen to be an alpha myself." He turned to look at the dingo standing by his side. "Caleb is your current alpha, but that's all about to change."
The crowd of werewolves broke out into whispers and disoriented chit-chat as assumptions grew wild. "Quiet, quiet, let Sonic explain!" Sally pleaded.
The crowd chatter eventually died down again, allowing Sonic to continue. "I don't know how many of you grew up hearing about the Unification myth, but apparently, it happens to be true. Which means, if I get married to Sally, anyone with the guts to turn up to the ceremony, has as much control over their wolf form as I do. But you'll have to accept that I will become your new alpha."
"Our so-called queen left us years ago, why should we stand by her now when she didn't have the guts to stand by us before?" a wolf member challenged.
Sally directed her attention to the question. "You're right, I did abandon this pack. I've never quite felt like a leader ever in my life. I've always felt more like a follower than anything. But right now, there are two people that believe in me." She turned to look at both Sonic and Caleb. "With their optimism, it's giving me the strength to consider this role. I pledge that if given this role, I will not desert you like I did before. I will stand with you in hardship, I will stand with you in accomplishment, and I will stand with you in failure."
Caleb looked even more impressed by her speech. "Now, that's the talk of a leader," he whispered to her. Caleb stepped forward and placed a hand on Sonic's back. "Look, this ceremony will change everything for us. It'll give us the strength we need to defend ourselves and then and only then will we finally have peace."
Sally took center stage, standing before the pack. "The choice is yours. Keep the rings and be somebody's slave or be part of the greatest pack that ever lived."
Andrew rose from his seat and walked up to the three and smiled at their amazing pitch. He took his moonlight ring off his finger and dropped it to the floor, proclaiming his devotion towards the two new leaders. "I'm in." The rest of the group soon followed Andrew's action and lined up, taking off their moonlight rings.
Sonic glanced over to Sally, beaming at the sight. "We did it."
•~•
Back at the diner, Blaze emerged from the restroom with Faith after her diaper change. She had a plan but executing it could go horribly wrong if she missed a beat. Putting on a believable smile, Blaze ambled towards the booth where Silver patiently waited for her return, but as she passed a bunch of empty booths, she couldn't help but notice something odd by her surroundings. Trails of blood lead from one of the booths into the kitchen area. It was then she that she realized that the entire diner, once filled with happy customers was now completely empty. Food was still left piping hot on the tables, while other tables hadn't been bused at all. The waiting staff had seemed to have completely vanished.
With her curiosity getting the best of her, she quietly pushed open the swinging door leading into the kitchen, only to see multiple dead bodies piled and sprawled out across the counters, sink, and floor. Blood was everywhere—on the walls and puddled on the floor. Just from the look of the bodies, it appeared most of them were missing their hearts, as large holes were left in their chest, while other victims suffered a brutal decapitation. One of those victims was the friendly raccoon waitress that had been tending to them only a few minutes ago.
Blaze stifled a gasp and quickly backed out seeing the severity of the situation. If she was going to act on her plan, she needed to act quickly. She regained her composure and marched down towards her booth where Silver patiently sat, looking as pristine as ever in his appearance. She tried to act like she hadn't noticed the change in environment. "Well, she's all cleaned up and ready for her next adventure," Blaze announced acting oblivious. "Aren't you, little cutie?" Faith cooed and whined as Blaze placed her in her portable baby carrier.
"Wonderful, I've already picked up the tab anyway. The service here was not fantastic," Silver stood up and helped fasten her in. "You know, it's difficult to believe we were all this innocent once," he observed. His finger gently caressed one of her puffy cheeks, making her smile. "We mustn't let the world ever hurt her."
Blaze eyed Silver out of the corner of her eye, as he continued to look down and fawn at Faith. "You're right," she concurred, placing her hands on his shoulders. With speedy precision, Blaze lifted her hand and snapped her fingers. Silver's neck snapped violently to the side, and he dropped to the floor temporarily dead for the time being. "…We mustn't."
•~•
At home, Shadow sat in his study, still thinking about what Amy had said to him earlier. Perhaps she was right; maybe torture wasn't always the answer to getting what he wanted, but it was all he had known. Before he could think much more on the matter, his cell phone started ringing. Shadow reached over and grabbed it off the table, before looking at the screen and seeing that it was Blaze calling. He answered it and placed the phone to his ear. "Hello?"
"Shadow, listen carefully," she started. "Something is wrong with your brother…"
"How so?" Shadow inquired, growing concerned in his tone.
"He slaughtered a dozen innocent people at the diner out of nowhere."
"Christ," he mumbled. "Are you okay, is Faith-"
"—Don't worry, we're both fine. He didn't touch either of us, but it all happened when I took Faith in the bathroom for a diaper change. It's just so strange, though. When have you known him to kill at random?" Blaze questioned.
He sighed on his end. "I worried about this. It appears my mother's torture must have affected him more deeply than I realized. Where is he now?"
Blaze looked over her shoulder at his still body, lying on the floor. "I broke his neck to keep us safe, but I-I have no clue what to do next."
Shadow thought for a moment before coming to a decision. "I'll be there in ten minutes, just make sure he stays knocked out cold. We'll get him back home and decide what to do with him then."
•~•