Okay, for the record this chapter right here is pretty much gonna a be a mix between episodes into one. The reason why because, I'm not really always one for always playing flashbacks unless I need to.
So without further and cutting it close to the end of this month, let's get this chapter started!
Chapter 20
All That Glitters
At the human resistance base, everyone was being debriefed on the plan saving the humans from Sclarlemagne's palace. Emilia was tracing where they needed to go through the tunnel's blue prints.
" We'll reach Scarlemagne's palace from the tunnels underneath. This where we'll lead the humans out while Kipo and Chris fight off the Mega Monkey. " Emilia said pointing forward and noticed something was off. " And were one short. Where's Kipo? "
" She's been asleep all day. " Benson anwsered chuckling nervously and Chris quickly chimed in. " That's right, sometimes shifting constantly to mega can be really exhausting. She just needs a little rest. "
" Fine, you can catch her up later. " Emilia bought into it and continued the plan. " Now, all we need is someone to steal a nectar bomb from under Scarlemagne's palace, so we can blow the tunnel behind us. "
" That we can do. " Chris spoke up. " We've had to do stuff like this before. We'll manage it. "
" Okay. "
Down in the sewer tunnels they made their way through a large pipe.
" Okay, guys please I'm not the only one getting worried here... " Chris questioned as they exited out.
" Nah man, feelings mutual. " Dave confirmed. " Kipo said she would be back by now. She definitely got captured. "
" Yeah, that's why were getting the nectar bomb. We we can find Kipo, and- "
" Shh, shut up for a sec. " The bug cut Wolf off and went into thought. " Those nectar bombs are right under Scarlemagnes palace. " While Dave gasped Chris exchanged a quick glance with Wolf. " We can break kipo out, and then stop for dinner somewhere on the way back! Emilia's none the wiser. "
" Uh...Yeah... " Benson spoke up. " Everything but the dinner part was already the plan. "
" So, you're saying I made the plan even better. " Frowning in annoyance Chris used his right leg to push Dave into the water much to the bugs dismay.
" Hey! Not cool! "
" You positive he can't die? " Chris questioned his eyes darting over to Benson who shook his head no.
" Come on guys focus! " Wolf chimed in. " We gotta get her back soon and Hopefully, long enough for Mandu to keep Dr. Emilia from getting suspicious. "
" I doubt it, she's going eventually. We need to go. " Chris said as they continued. " I just hope Kipo's okay. "
" Hey, this is Kipo were talking about. I'm sure she'll be fine. " Benson said putting the silver teen more at ease.
Meanwhile at Scarlemagnes palace in the ballroom, there was a long table with some lit candles. In the middle of the table were two cakes and a pastry dish that had cupcakes, berries and donuts?
The ones at the table were Kipo who was now wearing a noble dress with her father sitting across from her." Mmm~Mmm~ " Kipo was eating and enjoying the sweets that were on the table. " Sorry, but this is, really, really good. "
" Are you hurt? Did you go to the goats? " Lio questioned as he grasped his daughter's hands. " I'm so glad you're here, but what are you doing here!? "
" Don't worry, dad I'm okay. A lot has happened since I saw you...A lot. "
" Kipo Oak... " They both turn over to Scarlamagne who had a smile plastered on his face. " I can't tell you how long I've waited for this. "
" Just do what asks. " Leo told her daughter. " It's gonna be alright. "
" Do you like your dress? Tell me. Wait, don't tell me! Ok, tell me. "
" So, uh, wait, you want me to tell you? " She asked sounding a bit confused.
" Desperately. "
" It's lovely and poofy. " She replied back. " To be honest, I thought I'd be locked in a spooky dungeon eating dirt. "
" Don't give him any ideas... " Leo said worriedly making the mandril chuckle. " Please, you're no prisoner. You're my guest of honor, free to do as you please. " He walks over to Leo's chair. " Eat, wander, relax...But... " He puts his hands on Leo's shoulders tightly pressing them on. " No, jaguar business... " His eyes divert over to the rafters showing multiple slaves armed with crossbows ready to fire at any moment.
" Uh...OK. "
" Wonderful. " Please with her anwser he went over to sit down.
" Now that we have all the nasties out of the way, I must admit...I had ulterior motives for our little soiree. " He picks up a pastry. " Some mutes have been rather fixated on the Burrow Girl. The half-mute hero of Brunchington Beach who fought off the tyrant Scarlemagne. " He laughed lightly. " You can see how that's bag for my image. " He then put the pastry into Kipo's mouth who proceeded to eat it. While doing so he snapped his fingers remembering something important.
" Speaking of which, where is the Silver Fang?
" What? Why do you want Chris? "
" Because, of the rumors I've heard about him. He's also a hybrid much like yourself isn't he? "
" Well yeah... "
" Which is all the more reason I want the two of you to stand by my side as I take the crown. Thus silencing any doubts of the total authority of Scarlemagne. "
" But your name isn't Scarlemagne. It's Hugo. What happened to you? "
" Lio... " He sounded almost hurt upon hearing what she asked. " My own baby sister and you never told her about us? " The mandrill questioned Leo who diverted his eyes
" Well tell her! " He demanded before changing his mind. " No don't tell her. I'll tell her. " He began his tale. " You see, at one point I used to be an ordinary Mandrill raised by our 'mother and father' used in their science experiment in an effort to find out what caused animals to mutate. After many years of testing, I spoke my first word, and that in turn is when we started hiding our little secret. We were going to all escape together, but when Song became pregnant with you. Because of that, our plans had to change, and with the due date pressing on, we only had to wait until you were born. But, sadly during one my 'performances' at the time, she'd seen me, Dr. Emilia. "
" Dr. Emilia!? "
" Ah, ah, ah. Don't interupt, it's rude. Didn't you teach her any manners? " The mandrill questioend.
" As I was saying. Dr. Emilia had caught me and confronted our parents. She demanded to know what caused my mutation, and even despite being caught, they both continued to try not to reveal their secret. Naturally, that fowl woman wasn't pleased and tried to extract some my DNA. However it was there, we had learned the secret of my pheromones. I insisted on using my new found abilities to help us escape, but I was foolish enough to listen to Lio, and because of that I had to endure countless hours of Emilia's experiments. Manually extracting my pheromones until I was exhausted using it to her advantage to keep in control against their wills. Days had passed, as I waited for Lio and Songs promise to help escape, to take me with them to the surface. " For a moment the mandrill paused before continuing rubbing his hand over the small scars on his face.
" But, instead I was in for a rude awakening. The very burrow that I was born in shook like an earthquake had just started, not long after I was knocked out. When I came to, the rays of sunlight from the surface shined down on me, and while grasping on my new surroundings. That was the first time, I ever laid eyes upon the Mega Monkey who was under Emilia's control, enslaving the poor thing. "
Upon hearing this new shocking information, Kipo spoke up again in shock. " It wasn't you? Dr. Emilia was controlling my mom?! "
" Wait, that massive monkey is Song? She's alive..." Scarlemange stood up from his seat. " I knew there was something different about that Mega Monkey. " They both turned over to Lio who began to give anwsers.
" Song's pregnancy had side effects. And with your pheromone, Dr. Emilia turned her into a weapon. I spent months tracking them, and I tried to get her back. But she's gone. '
" No dad she's not! " Kipo said with a smile. " She knew who I was! "
This quickly grabbed his attention standing up from his seat. " What? Uh...Are you sure? "
" You failed her, and now I have her. Oh that is so us. " Scarlemagne chuckled as he made his parent go back into his seat.
" My parents raised you. They named you. They...they loved you. " The female hybrid was greatly confused. " How could you hate them so much? "
" I was a child, on my own! " Scarlemagne countered as he slammed his hands down onto the table. " Thrown into a world a billion times larger than anything I'd ever known. Do you have any idea what that's like? "
" Actually yes. I know how scary it must have been alone. "
" You have no idea what it was like. " The mandrill said before continuing his story. " Everyday, I had to move constantly to survive, running from the many numerous monsters that inhabited the surface. I was lost, I didn't know where to go, for day's I've wandered the surface. Eventually, one thing lead to another, where I met the first of my soon to be faithful servants. Who knew that just one simple meeting would've possibly reunited me with Lio. Oh how happy I was to see him, but that all that joy disappeared. I demanded anwsers, they both promised me we'd all escape together, I wanted to know why Lio didn't come to try and find me. I put up with all those experiments for you baby sister, and when it came down to the line I was left behind, pushed away by our own 'father' who wouldn't even let me hold you before he ran away, not facing the mistake he made. After that day, Hugo died and thus was the birth of Scarlemagne. "
After finishing his story he laughed a little before calming down letting all of this sink in. " So you see you Kipo. " He went up to her chair gesturing to Leo. " All of this began with your father...With our father. "
" Dad, how could you leave him? " Kipo questioned while Lio looked hesitant for a moment. " I had to make a choice. And I chose you... I am so sorry Hugo- " He was cut off by Scarlemagne tossing the sweet tray off the table.
" Don't you dare call me that! " The mandrill roared. " Take him away! " His mind slaves did so, and while he went a whole wave of emotions hit Kipo. While she was worried for her father, she also felt sad for Scarlemagne going up to the ape to give him a hug.
" What? " He was confused by her actions. " What are you doing? "
" I'm hugging you. "
" Why? "
" Because you need it... " The female hybrid said and surely enough his anger was starting to slowly dwindle down a bit.
Right about now the rest of the group just exited out of the tunnel where the Nector bombs were being held. Now it was all simple and normal right? Well wrong actually, everything went down south. More like went down to Dave. Literally, when a guard came passing by them, the humans hid while the bug panicked and ate the bomb.
So after a whole bunch of slow and easy steps they managed to finally get out.
" Man that was tense. " Benson said sounding relieved until they heard a loud rumbling noise.
" Dave what was that? " Wolf asked nervously. " Do you like need to go the bathroom or something? " Chris added in his question as the bug touched his belly.
" Ok, it is possible that this explosive nectar is upsetting my stomach. " His said organ rumbled some more and that gave the group a clear enough message as Wolf yelled out.
" Run! " She and Benson made a break for it to get away from the possible impending explosion. While doing so, there was a small problem.
" Dave no! " Benson yelled at the bug who was running beside them. " Stop following us! "
" Oh, oops! " The bug realized he was right and stopped running. " My bad. " The rest of the group quickly hid in a small door way.
" Take Cover! " Benson screamed as they braced themselves, but instead there was no explosion just a big splash of green goo. They turned over to see Dave had only changed into his muscle form, the remains of his old skin littered around him. But on the positive side, the nectar bomb was out of his stomach.
The bug then sneezed. " Oh, I think I'm allergic to this stuff. " He sneezed again going into his old man form causing the vial to flying into the air. Quickly the trio raced over to catch it just in the nick of time while Dave sneezed some more going into his larvae form, sneezed again, going to toddler ending up into his juvenile form.
" Bless you/Bless you. " Both Chris and Benson said at the same time.
After rubbing his nose the bug went forward. " What are you nerds waiting for? Scarlemagnes palace is this way. "The bug said before sneezing again making him change again.
" I'm gonna have a hard time holding my stomach... " The silver teen groaned cause to him, this was so far the nastiest thing he'd seen so far.
Meanwhile at Scarlemagne's Palace Kipo made her way over to where Lio was being held. In the same small lab he was sitting on the floor up against the wall.
" Dad? "
" He's right... " Lio said sadly. " All of this is my fault. You must hate me. "
" Of course not. " Hearing Lio smiled, he was really thankful that his own child was so kind. Getting up he walked over to the fence and held her hand.
" No more secrets? "
" No more secrets. " Lio replied back giving her his word. *BOOM!* A small explosion erupted from behind them near a tree. Then the rest of the group emerged from the dirt and dust all coughing.
" Are you trying to kill us!? " Chris asked between coughs. " Yeah, are you sure that was only one drop of nectar? " Benson questioned while Dave was absorbing this new information.
" Whoa, that stuff was inside me... "
" Let's find the secret prison and blow the doors off the place. " Wolf said confidently before Dave spoke up. " Found her. "
Casually she greeted them. " Hey. " Afterwards Chris runs over and hugs her tightly relieved to know that she was okay. While at first surprised, she returned the favor earning a raised eyebrow in confusion.
They seperatted. " Are you okay? And why are you a dress? "
" Chris that's really not important right now...We gotta problem. "
" Okay, what's the problem? "
Minutes later both daughter and father explained what was going on catching them up on what she learned from the mandrill.
" So Scarlemange wasn't the real threat...Everything we knew was wrong... " Chris spoke up his thoughts. " And it turned out that it was Dr. Emilia the whole time... " Benson added
" If she rescues the people from the burrow... "
" She'll turn them into Mute hating weirdo's just like her. " Kipo finished what Lio was going to say.
" Mm-Mm-Mm. I knew I didn't like her. " Dave said. " I saw the twisted soul that lives beneath the surface, and I said'Benson, that is an evil woman.' "
" Dave! That did not happen. Quit lying. " Benson whispered.
" Okay, guys, I don't have much time. You go stop Dr. Emilia from getting to the coronation. By any means necessary. "
" Oh, you mean fight dirty. " The bug rubbed his hands together. " We can do that. " For some reason he starts to pick up some rocks.
" Dave, always the rocks... " Benson said in annoyance. " We're not throwing rocks at Dr. Emilia. Kipo, aren't you coming? "
" Well, Scarlemagne's kind of opened up to me. " She started to rub her arm nervously. " I mean he really told me a lot of personal stuff and- "
" Oh, you're gonna stay here and exploit his weaknesses for when we have to fight him. " Wolf said actually liking her 'sisters' plan even though it wasn't what she had in mind.
" Yep, you guessed it. " Kipo replied back and while Dave was gonna pass her some rocks Chris made him drop them. He then grasped her hand. " We'll do our best, just don't do anything reckless okay? "
She only smiled lightly. " I'll try. " Pretty soon the sounds of loud stomping was heard.
" Someone's coming. " Wolf said and so the rest of the group ducked into the hole that was made. Nearby, the one who was coming turned out to be Gerald.
" Hey, Scarlemange wants you to join him in the food court. He said, and I quote, 'No one goes to the bathroom for that long'. "
" Have you ever tried to go in one these dresses? " She retorted back. " It takes a long time. " The orangutan then grabbed Kipo by the arm and started to drag her away. While she went they poked their heads out of the hole to see the female hybrid winking over at them. While al through reluctant they went down into the hole.
On the way back to the resistance base Benson was having Wolf try to tone down her anger. She had been like that ever since she heard the news from Kipo, then again they really couldn't blame her for it. But they needed her to continue to play the act.
" Again. " Benson said.
" Hi, Emilia. Good to see you. "
" You still sound like you want to kill her. " Benson said sheepishly.
" Hi Emilia! You want to kill my best friend, and I'm OK with that. " She said putting on the act. " Hmm, better. "
" Look, Wolfie, all you gotta do is play nice until we get Mandu... " Dave said who was holding the nectar bomb. " Then use this baby to blow up the tunnel in the morning. So she can't follow us to Scarlemagne's palace! You can do it. And if you don't we are doomed. "
" If we do that, then what do we give to Emilia? " Wolf asked in confusion as Benson smirked pulled his backpack over his shoulder opening it up. " That's why I swiped this perfume bottle. "
" Oh, that looks just like this nectar bomb. " The bug said earning a flat look from the humans. " I know Dave. That's the point. "
" Right, right. " Dave traded the perfume bottle giving the real thing to Benson who put the bomb into his backpack.
" Guys, hold on a minute. " Chris finally spoke up gaining there attention. " If this doesn't go as planned we need to be ready. "
" What do you have mind? " Wolf questioned as Chris looked over to one of the nearby manholes. " I'm gonna be close by keeping an eye on things. You just tell Emilia that I went on ahead, to get into position. "
" You sure that's a good idea? " Benson asked. " With Kipo already gone, she'll know somethings up. "
" I know, but it's the only shot we got. " The silver teen said before going up the metal bars. " Good luck guys. "
" Alright, let's go. " They went back into the pipe. " And again. " Wolf groaned in annoyance knowing she'd have to continue the lesson.
Once they got back to the base it all worked out in the end.
" Hi, Emilia how's it going? " Wolf greeted.
" Look who I found...pretending to be Kipo. " The female scientist turned around holding Mandu by the end of the neck much to the groups surprise now knowing their fake Kipo cover had been blown. All the pig could do was squeal in shame, showing how sorry she was. " Where is she!? "
" Kipo's gone? " Benson immediately shifted to shock as did Dave. " Sh-She was right here! "
" Do you really expect me to believe you don't know where she is? "
Benson stepped forward. " I don't care what you believe. It's your fault she's gone. "
" My fault!? "
" You told her she has to fight the Mega Monkey! Do you know how scary that is? "
" Poor Kipo! Carrying the weight of the world on her 14-year-old shoulders. No wonder she ran off. " Wolf scooted Dave aside putting the end side of the scorpion tail up against Emilia's face.
" If anything happens to my best friend... " The woman only scoffed in annoyance. " Whatever. Were leaving first thing in the morning, with or without her. I will not abandon all those humans. " She turns over to Dave holding her hand out. " Now give me the nectar bomb. "
" Oh, right, the bomb. " He gave the 'bomb' over to Emilia who grew confused and looked around now noticing they were one short. " And where is Chris? "
" He went on ahead. " Benson replied. " He's in position waiting for the signal. "
" At least someone's not afraid... " She said bitterly before walking off. Once she was gone Mandu squealed as if it was her way of saying sorry.
" It's fine, Mandu. " Dave told the pig. " It wasn't your fault...probably. " Not to far away as the group went off Emilia returned to Gretta and Zane.
" They're back, but Kipo and Chris is gone. Something's up. "
" Do you think they found out we're using them and planning on killing Kipo and Chris when we're done? " The muscle woman asked.
" Unclear. But saying that out loud doesn't help Gretta! " Emilia whispered bitterly before groaning a bit. " We might have to go back to our original plan. "
" One of us has to use the sonic emitter on the Mega Monkey. " Zane pointed out with the woman nodding in agreement. " As long as we have their friends. We can get them back. "
Unaware from up above, Emilia didn't know that a pair of silver feline eyes was glaring down at her. Right now the predator was waiting patiently for his chance to strike, and strike he shall.
Back at the palace.
" A valiant effort, Kipo, but you're to late." Scarlemagne said with a sinister smile. " .Be. Corn Dog King! " he laughed moving a candle forward. It turned out they were just playing a game, using random objects as game pieces.
" Uh-Uh-Uh. Not so fast! " Kipo said confidantly. " While you were sacrificing your army to burn my corn field. I snuck into your farm. " He moved her mug around swiftly using it to knock over the candle. " And started a revolt with the farmers! " She lifted it up revealing some flamingo flowers. " So actually I win! " Mimicking evil laughter she grabbed a nearby makeshift crown with actual old corn dogs around it.
" I'm the winner~ I'm the winner~ " She sang but stopped noticing the mandrill growling over at her. So instead she put the crown down on the board. " Hmm. "
" I like this game. The strategy, the manipulation. " Scarlemagne giggled while putting the crown on his little sister himself. " What made you think of it? "
" Oh, um, just wanted to blow off some steam. " She quickly replied. " You seemed so stressed, pacing around and yelling at Gerard. " She chuckled nervously.
" Oh, that reminds me. Gerard! " Nearby the said orangutan was sleeping on a nearby tree waking up in surprise falling down waking up instantly. " The mute gangs will be arriving first thing in the morning. Is everything ready for them? "
" Yes, sir, Scarlemagne, sir! " Gerard saluted.
" Excellent. And if I catch you yawning at my coronation, I will...drop you from the sky! Now, get some rest. " The ape walked off.
" Have you ever maybe thought about not doing that? " Kipo asked.
" Torturing Gerad? " The mandrill laughed a little. " No, I enjoy it very much. "
" No, I mean the whole coronation thing. " Kipo took off the crown. " What if, you just invited everyone over for a party? And let all the humans go? "
" You're joking right? What is power without someone to rule? " He picks up the crown. " Besides, this is what I've wanted my whole life. "
Kipo scoffed at what he said. " Really? Your whole life? I doubt this is what Hugo wanted. " Hearing that name made him slam his fists down onto the table glaring at her.
" All he wanted was a hug and his stupid star blanket. When I'm crowned emperor, that pathetic wretch Hugo dies. " With those words said he leaves.
" Oh...I like hugs and star blankets. " Kipo instantly gained an idea.
The next morning Lio was fast asleep but was woken up by the sound of clattering.
" Huh? " He turned over to see his daughter clawing through the metal once again. " Come on. "
" How did game night go? " Lio asked as he exited from his cell. " Did you find out what you needed to fight Scarlemagne?
" Not exactly. But I found out why I won't have to. "
" What?! " He wanted her to repeat what was just said. Hearing footsteps from above they quickly hid to the side, just in the nick of time to avoid getting caught by Gerard.
" Phew. " Kipo was relieved and looked to her father. " Hugo's still in there, and I know how to get through him. I just need your help making him...a present. "
" A present?! How will that...What will that... " Lio was seriously confused. " Um, what? "
" You'll see. We can fix all of this, once we get through to Hugo. "
" Hugo's gone. " Lio said firmly. " And a homemade gift isn't going to convince that lunatic tyrant to suddenly be nice! "
Back at the resistance base everyone was getting ready for the assault.
" Alright, Alpha team. Emilia gathered everyone's attention. " You're heading in first. B teamm goes in once you've secured the perimeter. Strike team goes in last. "
" Wait, wait, wait! " Benson gained their attention holding out a plate of flapjacks. " Who wants a hot breakfast? "
" Whoa, breakfast can be hot? " Gretta said making Emilia sigh in annoyance. " We don't have time. Alpha team leaves in five minutes. "
" That's plenty of time. " Benson said and was pleased to know everyone was eyeing the pieces of food. " We'll eat fast. We won't even waste the time saying 'mm' no matter how good it is. " Zane said clearly hungry as this was a sign that most likely everyone hasn't eaten decent food in a while much less a good breakfast to start the day off with.
" You have four minutes. " And just like that, the plan was starting to work as Emilia gave in to let everyone eat.
" Hey, everyone! There's food out here! " Benson called out making more people come over to the tables and start eating.
" It's hot and different! " Greta said. " It's called a hot breakfast! " Benson gave a thumbs up over to Wolf and Dave who had more plates and more flapjacks. As they were going, Mandu rubbed up against Wolf's leg making the young survivor groan.
" Mandu, not helping. " The pig clearly felt guilty for not being able to keep the resistance fooled and was trying in any way make up for her mistake. Nearby after the group gave the food out.
" It worked, everybody's here. " Benson whispered. " Aw, yeah. We got this. The Brunch Bunch! "
" Who? " Wolf was confused by what Dave said. " The three of us, I'm calling us that. " Mandu looked sad upon hearing she wasn't part of it.
" All right, Wolf, you ready for phase two? "
" You're literally the only person who can do phase two without dying. " She said bluntly as Benson quickly opened up the backpack giving Dave the real nectar bomb.
" Right, right. " With that said he rushed over to the tunnel.
Back at the palace after a bit of convincing Lio decided to help Kipo out. After getting all the supplies they needed, Kipo was getting to work using bottle full of gold glitter to make stars on a blanket.
" I really don't think glitter will solve this problem. " Lio said bitterly making his daughter pause in irritation. " I really don't think you should just give up on someone you helped raise. " Kipo retorted continuing what she was doing.
" I've seen what he's become. He's hurt everyone we know and care about, including your mother! " Lio said firmly making her pause.
" I know...But can you just trust me? Maybe if you weren't so quick to assume he's a lost cause, we wouldn't be here. " Kipo's words hit Lio and she realized what she did. " Dad I didn't...I'm sorry. "
" No, you're right. Let's try this your way. " Upon hearing this Kipo hugged her dad. " Also, I gotta question. So, you and Chris? " Hearing this she quickly backed up a bit in surprise a light blush on her face.
" Wha? No, no. I don't know what your talking about. "
" Hmhm... " Lio hummed a bit putting a hand on her shoulder. " Kipo come on, you don't have to hide it from me. "
" What gave it away? " She asked nervously.
" The way he acted around you. Real different then last time...How long? "
" Right about a few days after we found Chevere Sisters...Can we talk about this later? "
" Okay, that's fine. But I want to hear every detail if we get the chance. "
" Sure. " As they both made their way around the tree, they ran into some very familiar trouble even though it was more personal for Kipo. It was none other then the former partners of Jamack, Harris, Kawat and their boss Mrs. Sartori.
" Burrow Girl... " Upon seeing her, Kawat brought out her mace, while Harris got ready to fight. As for Kipo, she put the present in her dress backing up slowly with her father. " This is for destroying our home! "
Seizing the chance for revenge the two frogs charged forward, Harris jumped to a nearby tree using his tongue for distance fighting while Kawat got more physical with her weapon bashing it into a nearby wall. Quickly enough the daughter and father avoided an incoming tongue and another from the mace. Quickly grabbing her father, she lifted him up, allowing Lio to kick Kawat away while they made a run for it right towards Sartori who whipped out her tongue.
They skidded down to avoid it letting the brute female frog take the hit, and sent her mace crashing into the head frog. They continued to avoid more tongues, dodging them left and right while nearby Sartori quickly recovered despite the hit she took earlier.
She lashed out her tongue again, but Kipo knocked it aside making it smack into Kawat, letting the hybrid and her father make their escape if it wasn't for Harris shooting his tongue towards Lio.
But before it could reach him, Kipo grabbed it and started spinning him around, knocking Kawat off her feet again. After a bit more spinning she let the red eyed tree frog go letting him crash into boss sending them all on the floor.
Afterwards, with the use of Kawat and Harris's tongues, Kipo tied the frogs up and Lio was completely ecstatic by what he had just witnessed.
" Whoa! That was incredible! "
" What is the meaning of this?! " The moment was interuppted by an anger Scarlemagne from a nearby stairwell, jumping off to confront them. He got up into Lio's face. " Why are you out of your cage?! "
" I know this looks bad... " Kipo quickly rushed up making her paws disappear. " But I broke my dad out to come talk to you. "
" Lio... " The mandrill reached into his suit to pull out his pheromone bottle to spray into his face. " You tell me. "
" Hey! "
" And don't hold back the truth. " Under his mind control Lio began to explain. " We were coming to see you. I didn't really think it was a good idea, but she really believes in you. And then these frogs attacked us. But she beat them...easily. It wasn't even a fight. My daughter is amazing. "
" Aw, dad. "
" She can do anything. Even show me how wrong I've been. "
" About what? "
" About how I gave up on you. " Scarlemagne's expression softened a bit. " I shouldn't have. I'm sorry it took Kipo to point it out. " Despite being under the mind control Kipo hugged up on her dad happy to hear what he said.
" My, my. You're just full of surprises, Kipo...Now, come along. " While going up the stairs Sartori called out to him.
" Hey! What about us!? " Scarlemagne only frowned at the frogs in disproval meaning he had something in mind for them as punishment.
After that whole fiasco transpired Scarlemagne and Kipo were now at the piano.
" What do you think about this for my grand entrance? " The mandrill questioned as he started playing a dramatic tune which sounded pretty decent but after a few short seconds, Scarlemagne slammed his hands down in frustration. " No. Not regal enough. "
" Hmm... " While sitting down, Kipo's dress puffed up before forcing it down to make herself more comfortable. " Maybe something more like this? " Kipo began to play a much more calm tune.
" Oooh...I like that. But it needs a little tremolo. " Both of them started to play the piano and after a bit they both laughed.
" You know...If you were like this with everyone, instead of forcing them to follow you, they might choose to. "
He scoffed upon hearing this. " No one wants to be ruled. Why would they choose that? "
" Because they like you. "
" That would never happen. "
" It already did...with me. " Kipo then reached into her dress pulling out the gift she made for the mandrill. " Here, I made you something. I know it's not the one you lost, but I thought... " For a moment Scarlemagne was surprised to see the sudden gift as he took it. " Well, I wanted to say, I'm sorry for everything that happened and for my part in hurting you. "
Never in a million years did he think someone like her would apologize to him, much less someone who he only knew since she was infant. Deep down, he knew a part of him never hated Kipo, because she was only an innocent new born child. And now this child was grown up, and here she was apologizing for something that completely wasn't her fault.
" You weren't the one who rejected me. " He said while folding the gift up. " " You know, Chris would know what your pain was like, being alone to...He's had it hard. "
" Is that so? "
" What happened to Khan and Aura? "
" Aura didn't make it through child birth and neither did the baby, and eventually his dad died too. "
" Ah...That's...Unfortunate to hear... " The mandrill sadly said as Kipo got up from her seat.
" Please, just promise me you'll think about what I said? Give people a chance to like you. " With those words said she left him alone allowing her words to sink in. Placing the newly folded star blanket down he continued playing the piano thinking over what she had said.
Up on the rooftop Chris was beyond board and also very hungry. He had been up hiding on the rooftop and now he was hiding up in a tree. For hours he had to patiently wait for his friends to make their moves. The silver teen sighed in boredom. " Wish I could have one of those flapjacks. " Suddenly his state of mind was swapped upon sound of an explosion was heard. " About damn time... " The male hybrid said as he jumped from his hiding spot on the tree and started climbing up to the roof.
While doing so he heard Benson yell something out." Sorry about this everyone! But we'll always have brunch! " Dave's laughter was heard followed by the sound of a loud door slamming shut. Soon enough, he finally spotted them coming into view.
" Guy's mission accomplished! " Wolf declared proudly.
" The Brunch Bunch rules! " Dave cried out.
" So long, Dr. Emilia! " Benson added before his and the others attitude had changed. The reason why was because Emilia was standing right in front of them.
" I wouldn't be so sure. " The female scientist said holding up the fake nectar bomb, dropping the vial onto the floor making it shatter and made Dave gasped dramatically. " She broke your perfume! "
Seeing now they had to fight, Wolf quickly rushed over to grab Stalky, while Emilia picked up an old steel pipe who spun it around.
" Some rocks would've come in handy right about now. " Dave said right as Emilia ran forward with Wolf returning the favor spinning her staff to attack only for Emilia to jump over her. She went after the others who were defenseless. She swung over at Benson who could only roll aside avoiding her attacks.
" Benson! " Desperate to help his friend, Dave threw a crate, which Emilia easily ducked before turning around glaring at the bug marching over to him. While doing so, the teen grabbed a crate of his own to throw while calling out his name which she easily ducked. Using this, Dave quickly crawled underneath her and tackled into Benson and as Emilia came over to attack them, just in the nick of time Wolf used her weapon to make the scientist trip.
But despite that, she turned out to more a fighter then they realized, as she easily steadied herself ready to continue her match with the young survivor.
" Wolf! " The rest of her friends rushed over to help, but they were easily knocked out unconscious.
" Here's a tip: Stop yelling each other's names before you attack. " Emilia said with a smirk and turned over to Wolf. " You on the other hand, might actually be a challenge. "
The young girl chuckled in amusement. " You're about to find out. " There weapons soon clashed, and while Wolf did have agility and size to her advantage, Emilia had more experience and was easily on par with her, pulling all sorts of moves such as kneeing her in the stomach.
Emilia easily avoided Wolf's attacks and went on the offense, and during the fight, Wolf rolled under the bed to avoid a hit and when she got out she went for another jab and was shocked to see Emilia had jumped up avoiding it and then came back down bringing her makeshift weapon down.
Wolf did her best to defend from the blow, but the force caused her to lose her grip on the staff making it spin across the floor. As she was going to go on, Emilia grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around her before effortlessly throwing her into the glass cage and did the same with Benson locking them up.
" Hey! " Dave came up rolling next to her. " Why didn't I get thrown in the cage? "
The woman groaned before anwsering. " Because I was hoping you were dead. "
" I demand to be tossed in there with my friends! " Dave said before getting his wish and got thrown into the cage. " Thank you. "
" Really, Dave?! "
" Great job... " Emilia said in a mocking tone before picking up Wolf's weapon. " Now you'll be be bait to lure Kipo and Chris back here after the coronation. " With those words said she looked over to nearby chest and smashed the scorpion stinger much to Wolf's dismay as she could helplessly watch her weapon get smashed into a million pieces.
" That's enough! " Turning over to the rafters, everyone saw Chris on the rafters staring down at their foe. The female scientist scoffed upon seeing him. " So now you come out of hiding. "
" It's a well known fact, that the hero always waits until the last second to make his move. " The silver teen teen said as made his way down the stairs.
Emilia chuckled in amusement. " Hero? You? Don't make me laugh. "
" Oh no. Go on ahead, if you want, I wouldn't care... " Chris replied back as he finally stopped. " If I remember correctly, it's been 6 years, 130 days, 320, hours, 187200 minutes. Since our 'last encounter' hasn't it? "
" I'm actually impressed with your math. But your wrong by at least six more hours. " Emilia commented. " You were only a small brat at the time. "
" And now here I am as a young man. "
Emilia sneered at him. " You might have the look of a human, but your nothing more of an abomination. "
Chris hummed at her response. " Oh really? Is that what you think? Whatever...You honestly have no idea, how long I've waited for this moment. "
" The feelings mutual. " Emilia replied back, venom laced in her every word.
" I want to know something...Why did you kill my father? " From inside the others gasped upon hearing this having a hard time swallowing what they heard.
The woman scoffed at this. " Because he gave up his own humanity to become one those freaks contaminating his fellow man. And if it wasn't bad enough, you and Kipo were brought into this world, something that wasn't supposed to even exist! "
Chris gave Emilia a hard glare, one that she returned back. " Okay, thanks for your awnser... " The silver teen said in a dark tone before pulling out something he grabbed while hiding a long chain with a heavy iron ball attached to one end. " Cause now I won't feel any guilt after giving you a lesson... "
Emilia scoffed before grabbing her pipe. " No offense kid, but if your little friend couldn't beat me, then what makes you think you can do better? "
" That's easy... " Chris started spinning the chain around with one hand. " I'll never know if I try... "He threw the ball forward with Emilia dodged easily rolling to the side, but wasn't fast enough to react on Chris pulling the chain making the ball hit Emilia making her crashing into a nearby table.
" Don't you know, it ain't nice to hit a woman? " Emilia questioned swinging around her pipe.
" You ain't no woman in my books... " Chris replied bitterly as he brought it back and swung the chain over his head making it go over to Emilia who raised up her pipe to make it wrap around it.
The two of them began to have a tug of war, and after a bit Emilia through the pipe forward and attempted to punch the hybrid who only wrapped it around her leg and use it to help pick her up and slammed her down to the floor before throwing her to the side, but she quickly regained her footing. From the sidelines, Benson, Wolf and Dave all cheered for their friend.
While she got back up on her feet, Chris quickly grabbed Wolf's weapon getting ready for more action. As Emilia got up she threw the chain towards him, but he used the staff to catch it which proved to a mistake cause Emilia used the opportunity to hit Chris on leg making him stagger and followed it up by hitting the side of his head.
For a moment the silver hybrid groaned as he got up but soon enough something wrapped around his neck. It was Emilia using the chain to choke.
" You would've made great research material, if you hadn't struggled... " Emilia said as she tightened her grip. " Not to mention, that extracted poison was hard to find "
Chris managed to speak despite loosing air. " And...I've been...mourning for six years because of you! ". Both his arms became claws, which he used to scratch Emilia's sides making the woman yelled out in pain letting go of him. Without wasting time, he kicked her away sending her into a nearby metal container.
Despite the pain she felt, Emila brought out her crossbow and started firing arrows. Tapping into his feline instinct's Chris jumped from his spot and to the rafters doing his best not to get hit.
" What did we ever do to you!? " Chris questioned as he continued jumping from spot to spot while occasionally running across the floor. " You took my dad away from me! And you turned Kipo's own mother into your personal slave! Tell me! "
" Humanity has spent to long underneath the surface and I've worked to hard to let the Mutes continue to have it and I'll be damned if I allowed you and Kipo make more monsters! "
" Monster!? " He was fuming with anger upon hearing that word. " You have the nerve to call us monsters!? You're no better! " Chris roared as he jumped over to Stalky picking up the staff of Stalky and threw it over to her knocking the crossbow out of her hands and pounced onto her before roaring right into the woman's face as his teeth became sharp.
From over to the sides the group grew worried at what he was going to do while Emilia just stared at him. " Well what are you waiting for!? Do i-! " She was shut up upon seeing Chris slam his right paw right next to her head, slowly pulling back letting his claws scratch the floor next to her.
" You know, you call me a monster, you called Kipo a monster, for being just what we are, the way we were both born. But really, aren't we all just monsters deep down? " She gave him no response. " Then, again sometimes we are and in your case, I'll be your monster. " Effortlessly gripping Emilia's right arm, he twisted it, making a loud snapping noise become heard making the woman cry out in pain much to the groups surprise.
He then got up letting Emilia groan as she carrassed her now broken arm. Kicking her over, Chris yanked the key ring out of her possession and started making his way over to the cage. While doing so, she crawled using her good arm trying to reach for the crossbow speaking out while doing so, trying to endure the pain.
" I...will...not...lose to a mute! " Emilia yelled out as she gripped the crossbow and aimed ready to fire at Chris only to feel something sting her left shoulder. It was Mandu who had the biggest piece of Stalky and it was clear there was still a bit of poison left on it. More then enough to knock her unconscious.
Dropping it down, she ran over to the Chris who let the rest of the group out of the cage. " Chris that was amazing! " Wolf cried out as she hugged the male hybrid. " I'd you kiss right now, if I could reach ya. " Dave said earning a look from Chris as he picked up Mandu. " To much? "
" Yes and thank you Mandu. " He said picking up the little blue pig and gave her a light hug which she enjoyed immensely. As for Wolf she went over to the piece of her weapon picking it up. The poor girl was on the verge of tears.
" Ah, Wolf. I'm so sorry. " Benson said coming up next to her while Chris put a hand on her shoulder for reassurance. " You and your weapon had a good run while it lasted. Besides, it still did it's work in the end. " He pointed out since Mandu proved that even though it shattered, a single piece of her prized staff still pulled through to the end helping them out.
" It's fine. " She said. " We gotta go, the Coronation's about to start. " With that said, they quickly rushed out of there and for a brief moment Wolf paused glaring over to Emilia for a moment to wipe away some tears while Chris on the other hand spat on her.
" That was for my father... " He whispered before running up to catch up with the rest of the group all while hoping Kipo was still alright.
At Scarlemagne's palace a large coliseum had been constructed right near the giant tree itself. Mutes from all the different gangs were gathered there, most of them were forced to attend. All around were multiple nobles all stationed as guards and in the middle of the arena were the very same people abducted from Kipo's Burrow. Tensions were high and everyone didn't know what would happened, all they could do was find out and watch for themselves.
At one of the seated rows were the Newton Wolves, one of them spotted Kipo at 'Scarlemagne's special seat'. " Wait a minute. Is that the burrow girl? "
" I don't know. " A female wolf replied sitting next to the male wolf. " This is awful. "
" She got taken too! "
" Do you think Scarlemagne's being fashionably late, or do you think I got through to him? " Kipo questioned Lio who was under a trance holding the same crown that was used during game night, compleletly coated in solid gold. But do to his state of mind, her father wasn't able to respond.
" I know you can't say anything, and...and that's troubling. But I've decided to feel good about this. " The same gentle piano tune that they made last night was heard much to Kipo's relief. " Our song! Maybe I did get through to him! " Her line of thought was cut short upon feeling the ground shake.
Everyone's attention was soon drawn over to the Kipo's mother, the Mega Monkey was under Scarlemagne's control. The mandrill himself began to play a much more different tune laughing away as the mega carried him in one of her hands while wearing a kings cape.
" Or not. " Kipo said as everyone else in the coliseum was beyond shocked by what they were seeing, both human and mutes alike. After he finished the song, he called out.
" I can't hear you! " Song roared out loudly as he covered his ears making the mutes start cheering as the mega lowered her hands out into the coliseum allowing Scarlemagne to jump off. Once he landed, the crowd died down.
" My mute brothers and sisters, welcome! Today marks the beginning of a new age! A golden age, ruled by yours truly. " The crowd cheered once again. " Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now, before you all bow to me, it's been brought to my attention, that perhaps I should give you a choice. " Kipo gasped happily hearing those words smiling but then it changed into shock.
Scarlemagne ran over to a lever, which he pulled. From above on the tree, actual melted gold started pouring from a pipe that flowed down into a large bowl, on the sides were two pies that let the gold flow down into some empty spaces down at the bottom. " You can swear loyalty to me and live in my golden city, or you can choose to oppose me, and become a part of the decor. "
As he finished, one of the flamingo's flew over to a spot that had a tarp draped over it. After pulling it off, everyone was shocked and horrified to see what they saw was revealed. It was a set of statues, of the same three Mod Frog's that attacked Kipo and Lio earlier, the same Mutes that had been running Kipo and her friends since the very beginning. Jammack's former partners and the very boss herself were now solid gold statues forever frozen in there dying poses.
As everyone muttered, the mandrill spoke up. " Choose wisely. " He said before laughing all while his sister could only gaze down in shock. After a brief moment of silence, and with much reluctance, everyone made their choice and started to chant Scarlemagne's name much to his pleasure.
He then turned over to Kipo. " Do you like your gift? " He asked motioning over to the frogs. " Uh...I...I didn't ask for this... "
" You didn't have to. You gave me a gift, so I gave you one. They'll never bother you again. " Kipo started to breath heavily having a hard time swallowing what she was seeing. " You look upset. But I did what you asked. I'm giving them a choice. "
" What kind of choice is that? " She asked still horrified by what he did. " Let me try again. " Scarlemagne said. " This time, I'll give you the choice. I'll let everyone go. Only those who want to follow me will stay. I will give up everything I've worked for, for you. But I need to know that you're willing to give something up for me. "
" Ok, anything. " Kipo replied desperate to help out her people.
" Gild your father. " He said motioning over to Lio, much to Kipo's shock and horror increasing it to another level entirely. " What?! " She couldn't believe what he was asking of her, he wanted Kipo to let him turn Leo into a gold statue, the very same man who raised them both. A lot of lines were meant to be crossed, but this, this was something that should not happen at all.
" No, I won't hurt my dad. "
" I see... " Scarlemagne said in a disappointed tone. " No one ever chooses me...unless I make them. " He said walking forward and lowered down his head to let the mind controlled Lio crown him.
" All hail Emperoror Scarlemagne. " With those words declared, Kipo had a look of determination on her face. She tried to reach out to her 'adoptive brother' she tried to meld the broken relationship he had with their father, she tried to change him but instead he did not change at all. He would stop at nothing to obtain the power he so lustfully desired and now she knew.
She knew he had to be stopped, right there, and right now for everyone's sake.
To be continued
Well everyone hope you liked this chapter, it might not be exactly what you all expected it to be, but, I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Not to mention, after the next chapter season 2 of the show in the story itself will wrap up. Meaning once Hero's on Fires is done, we'll be getting into season 3!
You can all bet your asses, what your gonna read next time will be awesome! I guarantee it!
Also stay tuned for after the next chapter, because starting there, I'm gonna start giving out hints for my next story. So your gonna have to start deciphering it. Simple words will be used, but if you can figure it out then that's good.
Now replying back to reviewers.
Guest#1. Just did. Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter.
Liz Chapter 1, 10 & 19. 1. they're silver not gold. Cool, tell me your Deviantart name and I'll check it out. 19. Heheh, yeah I got the idea from a One Piece episode where two giant birds were playing with Chopper.
King of 2211. Oh yeah, and yes I did have a good easter when it happened.
Shadow Spider. Hope this was worth the wait.
Review dude 357. Oh I will.
Mangocat chapter 13 & 19. 13. Eh, I doubt he will. 19. No worries.
Fan. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you liked this chapter as well.
ROCuevas. Happy to hear you like man.
NightWolf300. Yeah, I get what you mean, but since the whole thing going on is crazy enough they're not able to. Ultimately it'll get to that route.
DJ Zombie. Hey man I'm doing my best and sometimes it is what it is,
Spiral-Voltron-Zero0Q1
Oh he'll have it when he gets the chance, the arm is just the start, but more like a warning,
MagiDarkness. No worries.
Element Writer. Happy to see your enjoying this story my friend.
avengersendgame426
Marbeled Gold
Karsap 19. Oh, I'm sorry. To awnser your question, honestly, Yuri Lowenthall.
The Saiyan Boy. They already are in a relationship.
