Here it is, another story of the zaniness that happens in Haven. Spectre gets a chance to act silly in this one. Knuckles is owned by Sega while the Brotherhood and Constable Remington are owned by Archie.
Part of the inspiration for this little story came from some old Disney cartoons. I can not, for the life of me, remember the name of that damn South American bird that bounces around, sings strangely, and runs circles everywhere. I remember that he always gave Donald Duck a hard time. I think it was from Brazil. Anyway, that particular cartoon character was partially responsible for this.
The Brotherhood was in the kitchen enjoying a peaceful breakfast for a change. Most mornings entailed flying food, messy countertops, Sojourner whining that the food never tasted good, Spectre having to yell at him, and then Spectre downing his weight in caffeinated drinks. His new method of doing so became cappuccinos, something he had come to love dearly. He was on his fifth one this morning.
It wasn't until after Sojourner and Spectre left that Athair and Locke spoke to one another about Spectre's new addiction.
"I think he loves those things just a little too much," Athair said as he cleaned up the table.
"Tell me about it," Locke groaned. After Sojourner broke the cappuccino maker, Spectre had bugged Locke almost every five minutes to see if it was fixed yet. Locke didn't consider it a major priority but Spectre was starting to wear on his nerves and he knew it was safer for him to get it up and running than to just leave it in a junk heap. "I never thought Spectre would bother me about getting a machine fixed as quickly as he did the cappuccino machine."
"Look at it this way Locke, you found something that makes Spectre happy."
"I can't argue that fact," Locke replied. He stood up and stretched before addressing Athair again. "Good breakfast by the way. You cook pretty well when you want to be sane about it."
Athair smirked. "I only do it to get under everyone's fur. Really, you all need to learn how to laugh more often."
"People will start thinking we're insane. We're supposed to be loud-mouthed sticks-in-the-mud; according to Knuckles that is. Anyway, I'm off to surveillance."
"Sojourner's covering surveillance."
Locke stopped dead in his tracks. "What? Why? Since when?"
"Sabre insisted," Athair said, waiting for the outburst he knew would follow.
"Why does father keep interfering?" Locke growled, balling his hands into fists. "I'm good at that area. Why does he insist upon forcing me out of there all the time?"
"Because it's not good for you, that's why. Sabre believes it's time you tried to enjoy life a little more."
"Why does he insist upon forcing me to live the way he feels I should?"
"He loves you Locke," Athair stated. "He's only thinking about what's best for you."
"What he thinks is best for me," Locke snorted.
Athair sighed. He agreed with Sabre that Locke needed to do other things then sit behind a screen all day long. The temptation to help Sabre encourage Locke to change his lifestyle was a strong one but he knew the second he started interfering Locke would fight with him too. The boy was unforgivably stubborn and the more he was pushed, the more he fought back. Small wonder Spectre decided to leave him alone than try to fight with him a majority of the time.
"Don't waste your time trying to get Sojourner to leave," Athair said, knowing that it would be the first thing Locke would try to do. "Spectre wants him there because he won't be able to touch the cappuccino maker." Locke turned his towards his grandfather, an eyebrow raised skeptically. "Sabre's idea," Athair added quickly.
Locke rolled his eyes and sighed, throwing his hands in the air in a exaggerated display before turning to leave the room. Athair shook his head as he dried a plate. While Locke had a point that his life was his own to lead as he wished, Athair and Sabre, as well as the rest of the Brotherhood, had the right to interfere a little, especially since it was in his own best interests. Whether he knew it or not, everyone was concerned for his well-being and they were determined to do something about it, one way or another.
Spectre felt his pulse quicken as he drank his seventh cappuccino. His teeth were probably going to rot at this rate but he didn't care. All that mattered was the warm toasty drink in his hands. He drank greedily, polishing off most of it in one sip. Spectre dropped the cup to the floor and bounced in place for a few seconds. He was feeling extremely energetic for a change. He looked around the room as he continued to bounce. He needed to find something to do. He needed to run. He needed another caramel mocha. With a quick skittering of feet Spectre ran off towards the kitchen to his beloved cappuccino maker.
Sojourner sat in his chair, fuming. He didn't have anything against surveillance duty but it was regularly Locke's job (by his own choice) and Sojourner could think of better things to do. He'd rather work on the Kingdom of Mercia for a week straight than sit at the monitors. But no, Spectre decided otherwise.
"Having fun Grandfather?"
Sojourner scowled as he turned to face Sabre, the one responsible for putting him here in the first place. The fact that he had to bring up the cappuccino maker to Spectre again only angered him further. The desire to protect that damned machine was what forced Spectre to agree to putting Sojourner on satellite duty more often.
"You know, it's not a crime if Locke wants to spend his time working in surveillance," Sojourner said, still growling.
"He spends too much time here," replied Sabre.
"Look, I agree that Locke needs a little professional help but what he decides to do work wise shouldn't make a difference."
"You're just mad because now you actually have to do some work for a change." Sabre smirked.
"I do work around here," Sojourner spat, his voice rising. "Just because no one happens to ever see me do it doesn't mean that I don't."
"Calm down Grandfather," Sabre said soothingly, though there was a hint of jest in his voice. "We all know how much time and work you put in to your pornography collection."
Sojourner fumed, his hands trembling at his sides. He was fighting the urge to strangle Sabre, who was now leaning against the control panel, a perverse smirk still on his face. What I wouldn't give to wipe it off his face.
"Stop trying to act so innocent," Sabre said. "We caught you downloading porn through this system several months ago and despite what you believe, it is rather obvious that your libido is in high gear. You're not taking anything we should know about, are you?"
Sojourner was on his feet in an instant. He roughly seized Sabre by the front of his shirt and pulled the younger male in closer to him. "You're treading on very thin ice Grandson."
"Calm down Sojourner," Sabre exclaimed, caught completely off guard by his grandfather's sudden outburst. Sojourner wasn't usually prone to such violent outbursts of temper like this, not like Thunderhawk and Spectre. "I was only teasing you and I'm sorry if I took things too far."
Sojourner's expression went from snarling to mild shock as the realization of what he was doing hit him. "I'm sorry Sabre," he said, releasing his hold on the younger male. "I guess I'm just not in the best of moods today. That and the fact my father never lets me hear the end of it is really starting to get on my nerves. I didn't mean to take it out on you." Sojourner sighed and rubbed his temples with his fingers.
"It's all right Grandfather. I didn't realize that the teasing bothered you this much."
"It normally doesn't, but like I said, my father just won't give it a rest."
"I'll never understand why you and Thunderhawk give one another such a difficult time."
"Despite the headaches it causes, I think my father and I enjoy getting on one another's nerves."
A pattering of feet was heard coming down the hall, catching both men's attention. Whatever was running through the halls passed by the door too quickly for either male to see who or what it was.
"Am I hearing things or…" Sabre said, casting a quizzical glance at Sojourner.
Sojourner shrugged. "I thought I heard something too. It must be our imaginations."
"Must be," Sabre mumbled. Bad enough his left eye gave him a hard time, the last thing he needed was for his ears to go on him. "I'll leave you to your work. I want to see how my son is doing."
"Probably moping over a machine," Sojourner said as he resumed his seat.
The sound of feet moving quickly was heard again and both men turned their heads towards the door just in time to see a black blur run by.
"Was that-" Sojourner began.
"Spectre," Sabre said. "At least it seemed like it.
"What is he doing running around that quickly?"
"Your guess is as good as mine."
Locke admired his handiwork as he walked down the hall towards the kitchen. He had been working on a communicator for Knuckles so he could contact and be contacted by Haven anytime necessary. It was small enough for him to wear hidden under his glove and was resilient to large amounts of force, water, and had enough power to transmit over great distances. This will definitely be better than trying to leave messages with the Constable or Lara-Le. Locke smiled, pleased with his accomplishment, his earlier anger at his father forgotten.
Not being on surveillance allowed him a chance to finish up various projects, do repairs, and enjoy some time to himself. He found that when he was working on something he didn't seem to feel as depressed. It was only after some thought on the subject that he realized that it had to do with the fact that not only was he was keeping his mind busy, but he wasn't able to focus on Lara-Le either.
Maybe father was right. Maybe I do spend more time thinking about my ex and my past than what is healthy for me. I never thought I'd admit it but being away from the monitors and focusing on other projects has been helpful. Not that I'll admit it though, Locke thought with a wry smile. Father will never let me hear the end of it.
Locke turned into the kitchen and stopped short in shock at the sight before him, almost dropping the transmitter. Spectre was on the other side with a cup in his hand, no doubt another cappuccino, while several other cups laid on the table behind him. The cappuccino machine was a mess and syrups and packages of cappuccino mixes lay scattered about.
"Grandfather?" Locke said, almost timidly. Spectre turned his head wildly, looking like a child who had just been caught in the act doing something he shouldn't. Locke took a deep breath before speaking again, "Grandfather, is everything all right?"
Spectre took a long sip from the cup in his hands before nodding, his head moving so quickly that Locke believed it was going to fall right off his shoulders. Locke took a long look at the cups on the table before turning his gaze back to his dark grandfather, who, now that he paid closer attention to it, looked like he was shaking. Those cappuccinos were high in caffeine and sugar and the scene before him was sending nervous shivers down his spine.
"Grandfather," Locke said, keeping his tone calm. "Exactly how many of those have you had?"
Spectre dropped his cup on the table before thinking about it. He counted mentally, tapping off a finger with each count. Locke watched, his apprehension growing as Spectre's count passed ten.
"Sixteen I think," Spectre finally said. Locke almost fell to the ground in shock. Spectre should have collapsed from hyperglycemia by now. If nothing else the sudden drop in glucose levels that would occur a few hours later was sure to get him. Spectre was bouncing around again and quickly began making another cappuccino.
"Grandfather," Locke said as he put the transmitter down on the table. "I think you've had enough. All that caffeine and sugar isn't good for you."
"Yes it is," Spectre replied quickly, not taking his eyes off the machine.
"No it's not," Locke said. "I think you need to go to your room and take it easy. Maybe exercise a little to get rid off all that excess energy." He approached warily, waiting for Spectre to go bouncing off the walls at any second. He was not, however, prepared for the reaction he did receive.
As he began reaching for the cup in Spectre's hand, the male turned around and snarled at Locke like a wild animal, pulling the cup out of the younger one's reach. Locke recoiled in surprise and fear as his grandfather continued to snarl at him, teeth bared. He backed up a few steps, allowing his overly hyper relative some space. Spectre held the cup protectively against his body, glaring at Locke like he was a mortal enemy. By now Locke was against the counter, a good ten feet from Spectre, leaning away from him, not daring to move. After a few tense moments Spectre returned his attention to the machine which finished making Spectre's beloved drink. He filled his cup, keeping one eye trained on his grandson, as though he was expecting the male to steal his caramel mocha. Locke did nothing. He remained still, but averted his gaze slightly so Spectre wouldn't think he was challenging him.
Spectre downed the drink in one gulp and Locke winced. This was one problem he should have seen coming. Spectre dropped the now empty cup to the ground and took a few deep breaths as he continued to bounce in place. Locke decided to try speaking to his grandfather again. He had to get Spectre away from that cappuccino maker.
"You know Grandfather," Locke began, not daring to move lest he cause Spectre react violently. "I think some fresh air will do you some good. You're obviously full of energy and in this condition you could scout out the island very well, and in such a short period of time."
Spectre looked like he was considering the idea as he continued to bounce in place. Locke relaxed a little an leaned forward. Spectre tensed up immediately and his eyes raced between Locke and the cappuccino maker.
"I won't touch it, I promise," Locke insisted. "After all, I rebuilt it for you, remember?"
Spectre relaxed and smiled, nodding his head again quickly. He ran forward, kissed Locke on the cheek, and then raced from the room. Locke remained rooted in place as he registered what just happened. He managed to avoid having Spectre rip him apart in a sugar induced frenzy but what on Angel Island was the kiss about? He hated to admit it but Spectre may have finally gone insane. He sighed and cast sad eyes towards the cappuccino maker. If this started becoming a daily routine, he'd have to break it, he'd have no choice. Locke winced as he heard a crash outside. A couple seconds later he heard the heavy pattering of feet as Spectre ran by, giving Locke a wide, goofy grin as he passed. Locke groaned and sank to floor on his knees.
Thunderhawk is going to kill me.
"Why must I clean this up?" Athair growled, glaring at his grandfather. "I didn't make this mess and I don't recall agreeing to be a maid when I moved in here."
"It was part of the agreement when we decided to allow you back home," Thunderhawk replied.
"That was only for making a mess of things in the first place," Athair shot back. "It wasn't meant to be permanently."
Thunderhawk said nothing and Athair sighed, turning his attention back to the mess before him. From the looks of things someone had crashed into the wall, creating a huge hole at the site of impact. Pieces of metal and wall lay scattered on the floor. Athair really didn't feel like cleaning up any more messes. As punishment for making a mess of Haven - all an attempt to get his family to welcome him back home- he was forced to clean Haven from top to bottom along with the library. During his cleaning spree he had encountered a few extra messes that he was sure his sons and fathers made on purpose, just to get him back for driving them insane.
"Oh, all right. I suppose we did punish you enough," Thunderhawk said with a sigh. Athair raised his staff, ready to hit Thunderhawk across the head with it. Thunderhawk shot him a look from the corner of his eyes, daring his grandson to try it and after a few seconds Athair lowered his staff. Thunderhawk smirked.
"All pettiness aside, what could have done this?" Athair asked, trying to think of what could have happened to have caused such damage in the first place.
"Maybe my father's in another one of his bad moods," Thunderhawk mused. It wouldn't be the first time Spectre's punched holes in the walls in a fit of rage.
"We would know if he was. Spectre gives off angry vibes, whether he knows it or not," Athair pointed out.
"True, and I don't feel anything like that now," replied Thunderhawk and he continued to assess the damage.
"Perhaps one of Locke's machines went on a roaring rampage?" Athair suggested.
"It wouldn't be the first time," Thunderhawk said with a sigh. "However, I see no machine parts."
"Wait, what is this?" Athair stepped forward, reaching a hand to the wall. Something was stuck against one of the cracks and upon closer inspection Thunderhawk realized, much to his horror, that it looked like a piece of black cloth. Athair appeared to be just as alarmed.
"I think this answers our question," Athair said, gazing at the cloth in his hand fearfully.
Thunderhawk nodded and gulped. "Let's get this cleaned up quickly and make sure to steer clear of Father for the rest of the day."
Knuckles sighed. As Guardian of the Floating Island there was plenty for him to do and being bored wasn't one of them. He couldn't help it however. Julie-Su was spending time with Lara-Le, doing some female bonding as his mother put it, and he wasn't in the mood to hang with the Chaotix. Vector was in one of his moods and Knuckles knew the croc would be dead by the end of the day if he had to listen to him for any amount of time. He lay on the ground, limbs spread out as he stared at the sky above. He had scouted the island earlier and he wasn't in the mood to go running all over the place again. He sighed again. He hated being bored.
A few seconds later the sound of a car was heard pulling up. Knuckles lifted his head and turned in the direction of the noise in time to see Constable Remington getting out of the vehicle. Knuckles noted the distressed expression on his face and braced himself for the bad news he knew was coming. Probably the Dark Legion or the dingoes again.
"Ah, Guardian," Remington began, sounding a little uncomfortable. "I hate to bother you but we have a rather large problem on our hands."
"Who's causing trouble this time?" Knuckles asked as he picked himself up from the ground.
Remington pursed his lips together was silent for a few moments before saying, "Believe it or not Guardian, the trouble is with one of your own this time."
Knuckles groaned and slumped forward slightly. "Please don't tell me my Grandfather Athair is flying through the city superhero style again."
"I wish that was the case," Remington replied. He removed his hat and scratched his head, not sure he believed what he was about to tell the youngest Guardian.
"Well, what is it?" Knuckles asked, trying not to sound too impatient.
"You're Grandfather Spectre is running amok in the town square."
Knuckles stared at Remington for a good few seconds. He blinked a couple times before rubbing his ear with a gloved finger. "Come again?" he said.
Remington sighed and repeated his previous statement.
"Look, Constable, I appreciate a good joke as much as the next guy but this is a little ridiculous."
"I wish I was joking Guardian, honestly, I do," Remington said. "I need you to come down to the coffee shop in Central Square. He's been causing trouble there for the past hour."
Knuckles still wasn't sure he could believe what he was hearing. Grandfather Spectre, causing a ruckus? The expression on the Constable's face told him that the older male had to be telling the truth. Besides, it wasn't like the Constable to lie about something like this.
"All right, I'll go," Knuckles said, which earned him a look of relief from Remington. He followed the constable to the car and asked, "What exactly is he doing?"
"You're just going to have to see for yourself."
Several echidnas watched is stunned silence as the black robed male before them drank every single cappuccino behind the counter. Spectre had been running circles through the city when he happened upon the coffee shop. The sight of all the cappuccinos drove him crazy and he felt a craving for more. He spent the last hour demanding cappuccinos by dozen, drinking each one as quickly as the servers could make them.
"Grandfather! What the hell are you doing?" screamed a male voice. Spectre turned to look at the owner of the voice, his grandson, who was now standing in the doorway in shock. Spectre blinked for a few seconds before returning to indulge himself in more caramel goodness. Knuckles looked on, stunned. The Spectre he knew would never act like this.
"Please help us Guardian,' said the store owner. "He's polished off our entire supply!"
Knuckles rubbed his forehead with his hand. This was not going to be fun.
"All right Grandfather, I think you've had enough," Knuckles said firmly. Spectre ignored him. Knuckles growled and walked to the counter. If there was one thing he didn't take to, it was having family members embarrass him in any way, shape, or form.
He put his hands on the countertop and leaned forward. "I said you've had enough!"
Spectre looked at him as though he was insane. With a sniff he turned around and reached for another cup. Knuckles growled. He wasn't about to put up with this, even if it was Spectre. He hopped over the countertop, ready to drag his grandfather out by force if necessary.
"I said," Knuckles started, taking a hold of Spectre's arm, "that you have had enou-" Spectre seized Knuckles by the arm before he could finish and threw the young male across the room, sending him crashing into a display of snacks, sending packages everywhere. Knuckles glared at Spectre from his position. This meant war.
"That does it," Knuckles growled. "I don't care if you are the leader, or in charge, or anything else. You're going to pay for this."
Spectre said nothing and simply stared at his grandson for a few moments before racing out of the store. The customers gasped and moved aside to give the Guardian a wide berth as he raced out.
"Get your black furry ass back here!" Knuckles screamed as he took after his errant relative.
Sojourner stretched out his limbs before resting his feet on the control panel. Spectre would kill him for having feet up there but he didn't care right now. Surveillance duty was boring and while easy, it wasn't something he wanted to do on a regular basis. He failed to understand how Locke could tolerate it. The past several hours were boring, absolutely nothing was going on. Eventually Sojourner decided to just go with the flow and enjoy a calm day for a change. The alarm suddenly went off and Sojourner sighed. So much for peace and quiet. He hit a button and Remington and a furious looking Knuckles appeared on screen.
"What's going on?" Sojourner asked, already on guard. If Knuckles was involved in the call then it had to be serious.
"What's going on?" Knuckles replied, struggling to keep his voice level. "Dear, sweet old Grandfather Spectre is being a pain in the ass, that's what's going on."
Sojourner whistled lightly. Spectre must have done something to really piss off the youngest Guardian if he was talking about the elder like this.
"I can't argue the pain in the ass part, he can be a big one at times," Sojourner said. He hoped Spectre never found out he said that. "But what on the Angel Island is he doing that you're screaming about it to me?"
"Here, let me make you a list," Knuckles spat. Remington sat in the background trying his best to remain as inconspicuous as possible. "First I find out Spectre's running through the city like Athair on a sugar high, then he invades several coffee houses and drinks them dry of cappuccinos." Sojourner sat still, blinking stupidly as Knuckles continued. "I finally chase his sorry ass out of the city only to have to run after him as he runs circles around the damn island. He played Tarzan in Angel Forest, tried to make the volcanoes in the Lava Reef zone explode, and completely redecorated the Dark Legion's old hideout."
Both sides were silent as Sojourner registered everything his grandson just said while Knuckles breathed heavily, fuming still.
"Knuckles, I don't-" Sojourner began before Knuckles cut him off.
"I am not joking! I am not lying! I have not lost my mind!" Knuckles screeched. "My only relief is that I finally managed to chase dear old granddad back into Haven."
"He's out causing chaos and you chased him back here! Are you insane?" Sojourner exclaimed.
"Better than having him out wrecking the island," Knuckles replied. Sojourner could swear he could see blood vessels popping out along the boy's forehead. "I have several angry shop owners to grovel to now as well as angry fire ants to appease. Spectre should be lucky I can't get my mittens on him right now!"
"All right, all right, calm down," Sojourner said soothingly. They were going to have to work on Knuckles' temper. "You do what you can, I'm sure the Constable can help out. We'll deal with Spectre."
Knuckles nodded and said nothing. Remington cleared his throat nervously before addressing Sojourner. "I'll do my best to help out here. I'm sure I can find some way to appease the citizens. We'll just say the Dark Legion was trying to cause trouble under the guise as Guardian. The general populace should believe that."
"Just try not to ruin our reputations if possible," Sojourner replied. Remington looked like he wanted to say something but the dark furred male held his tongue and Sojourner decided not to press the issue. "You two fix things up out there and I'll call the rest of the Brotherhood to deal with Spectre."
Both males gave affirmatives before shutting off the connection. Sojourner sighed. He couldn't believe what he just heard and he knew the rest of the Brotherhood wasn't going to buy it. He sent a mental message out to his father and grandsons to meet him in the surveillance room. The Brotherhood responded quickly and a few minutes later everyone, save for Spectre, convened.
"What's going on son?" Thunderhawk asked. He was fearing something, Sojourner could just barely pick it up and he wondered if his father had the slightest idea of what was going on.
"Please, please don't tell us it has to do with Spectre," Athair begged. Sojourner looked at his grandson in shock. Did they already know what was going and didn't tell him?
"What's going on with Spectre?" inquired Sabre. From his tone Sojourner could tell he didn't know and it was then he noticed Locke's face. The young male looked like he was hiding a big secret himself.
"Well?" Thunderhawk prompted.
Sojourner started. He took a deep breath before relaying to his relatives everything Knuckles just told him. Complete silence followed, no doubt because the news was just as shocking to them as it was when Sojourner first heard it. Absolute shock registered on everyone except for Locke, who squirmed a little. Sojourner narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"Is something wrong Locke?" asked Sojourner. Everyone now turned their attention on to Locke, who was looked extremely uncomfortable.
"Is there something you haven't told us boy?" Thunderhawk grumbled.
"Son," Sabre gently. "Did you know Spectre was out causing trouble?"
"No," replied Locke. "I had no clue Grandfather Spectre was creating such a ruckus. I'm just not surprised by it is all. In fact, I had a bad feeling something might be wrong when I saw him in the kitchen drinking cappuccinos."
"And you didn't think to warn us about it?" Thunderhawk growled.
"I didn't know things would get this far out of hand! I just thought he was drinking too much sugar for his own good," Locke insisted.
"Didn't you try to stop him?" Sojourner said. He gave Locke a look that said "How could you let this happen?"
"I did, but he turned on me like some feral animal. I finally managed to convince him to go outside. I thought if I could get him away from that machine and have him run off the extra energy outside, everything would be fine."
"Then I suppose you can also explain the big hole in the wall Athair and I discovered earlier today?" Thunderhawk glared reproachfully at his grandson.
"Big hole?" Locke asked, genuinely confused. Thunderhawk nodded, not believing for a second Locke didn't know what he was talking about. "I don't know anything about a hole!" Locke cried. "Once I convinced Spectre to leave, he ran out of the room and two seconds later I heard some kind of crash. I saw him run by a couple seconds after that and didn't hear from him since."
"That crash was Spectre making a nice large hole in the wall," Athair said.
"You didn't think to go out and look Locke?" Sabre asked.
"I was actually in shock from the kiss he gave me moments earlier to want to go running after him." Locke looked down at the ground, wanting nothing more than to disappear into the floor he was staring at.
"He kissed you?" Sojourner said incredulously. Images of Spectre giving Locke a full blown smooch on the lips filled his mind and he quickly shoved them aside.
"Just a peck on the cheek," Locke said, feeling more and more uncomfortable by the second from the stares he was receiving from his family. "Spectre was in some feral state of mind and I had to promise that I wouldn't touch the cappuccino maker so he would leave it. I was only thinking about protecting my life," Locke added hastily.
"Please tell me you destroyed the machine," Thunderhawk said in almost a pleading tone of voice.
"Um, no," replied Locke.
"What," said Thunderhawk softly.
"All right, everyone calm down," Sabre said. He wanted to diffuse the situation before it became another full blown argument. "We now know that Spectre's had a little too much sugar and caffeine and because of it he's not acting like himself. What we need to do is find our hyperactive elder and restrain him somewhere until his body uses up all that energy. Sojourner, Knuckles said he chased Spectre back to Haven, did he not. Can you locate him within the complex?"
Sojourner turned around and punched some buttons on the control panel. A few seconds later, several security cameras came online, all from different areas of the complex. Sojourner accessed each camera, scanning the various areas within Haven until Spectre was found in the flight deck, taking apart various shuttle crafts. Parts littered the floor.
"It'll take me weeks to get those fixed!' Locke cried, watching the screen in horror.
"Serves you right for keeping mum about his," Thunderhawk muttered. Sabre shot him a dirty look but the older male ignored it.
"Look at all the damage he's caused," Sojourner complained. "He's acting just like Athair."
"I don't act like that, much less make messes," Athair replied. Everyone turned to look at him, faces deadpan.
"Of course not. Everything you've ever done has been figments of our imaginations," Sojourner said sarcastically.
"All right, I admit that I get carried away but it's only for your benefit," Athair said, crossing his arms.
"That's debatable," Sabre muttered. Athair frowned but in reality, given the crazy things he's done to get the Brotherhood's attention, he had no room to speak.
"Enough chatter," Thunderhawk said. "We need to deal with Father before he causes any more trouble."
Spectre raced from the flight deck down the hall to the conference room. Locke installed too many pieces into those newer shuttles, he'd just have to pull them apart later. Wait, why was he dismantling them? He didn't know and didn't care. His mind couldn't focus and it raced, looking for something to do. Anything to keep the body going. He entered the conference room and looked around. Boring, absolutely boring. There was nothing here for him to do and yet the walls and ceiling were bare and free of obstructions. How enticing.
"There he goes!" Sabre shouted, pointing down the hall. Spectre had just disappeared in to the conference room.
"After him!" Thunderhawk said. "We can't afford to let him get away from us."
All five men ran to the end of the hall and into the conference room. Thunderhawk, who was in the lead, came to a dead stop upon what he saw. Everyone else crashed into him from behind, almost causing a pileup. There were several grumbles, all of which were silenced when eyes fell upon Spectre.
He had decided that the room was perfect for running around in and it wouldn't have seemed out of the ordinary were he running on the ground floor. Spectre, full of energy as he was, was running in one big circle around the room. He ran up one wall, across the ceiling, down the opposite wall, and across the floor to return to running up the same wall again. He ran in this pattern continuously, not seeming the least exhausted. The five echidnas watched in stunned amazement, their heads following Spectre around the room.
"How the hell is he managing to stay on the ceiling like that?" Sojourner asked.
"It has to be from the sheer speed from which he is moving," Locke replied, not taking his eyes off his grandfather.
All five men watched as Spectre continued to run. Finally, for who knows what reason, Spectre came to a stop to look around. Unfortunately he was in the middle of the ceiling and upon stopping lost the momentum that kept him going and fell head first to the ground. Everyone stared as Spectre picked himself off the ground, looking a little dazed. He shook his head a couple times and looked around again before returning to race along the walls.
"I hope you're getting a good look at this Father," Sabre said. "This is what you look like."
"At least I know what I'm doing when I do these kinds of things," Athair replied with a pout. "Besides, you know I only do it in an attempt to make everyone smile."
"That doesn't change the fact that you make one hell of a spectacle of yourself when you do," Sojourner replied.
"In a good way," Athair mumbled. Did he really look this ridiculous whenever he acted insane? Maybe I ought to tone things down a little.
"All right Father," Thunderhawk said authoritatively as he stepped forward. "I think it's time you calmed down and stopped running around like a child." Spectre kept running, paying no heed to his son's words. Thunderhawk scowled lightly and stepped into Spectre's path. "I said, give it a re-"
Thunderhawk grunted as Spectre ran him over, leaving the lavender male supine on the floor. While Spectre began his next round over the walls, Thunderhawk sat up, shaking his head. He was about ready to scream at his father when Spectre, having run down the opposite wall, raced forward along his chosen path and ran Thunderhawk over again. Thunderhawk groaned in pain but had enough sense of mind to roll out of the way before Spectre made another round.
Thunderhawk glowered at his sons, all who remained rooted to the spot. He made a silent gesture that said "Well, aren't you going to help me?". No one budged and Thunderhawk sighed before picking himself up from the ground. His sons were obviously all too dumbstruck by the current situation to bother to help. He frowned as his father ran by him again.
"Father!" Thunderhawk bellowed. His scream had the desired effect for it stopped Spectre right in his tracks. Being on the ceiling again though, resulted in the exact same effect that had happened before and once again Spectre crashed to the ground. Thunderhawk wasted no time and seized his father by the front of his robes, bringing the dark furred elder to his height.
"What is the matter with you?" Thunderhawk scolded, slapping his father several times across the face. He hoped it would bring the older male to his senses. "You're acting like a damned fool, like Athair for Edmund's sake!" Athair protested but a quick jab to the ribs from Sabre shut him up. "This is the last time you have a cappuccino, do you hear me? And you're switching to decaf!"
Thunderhawk released his hold and stared at his father, who returned the glare. Nervous silence filled the room as the remaining males watched their fathers stare one another down, fully waiting for and expecting Spectre to beat Thunderhawk senseless any minute. After another minute Spectre made the first move. He stuck out his tongue and razzed Thunderhawk in the face. Before anyone could react, much less blink, Spectre returned to running across the walls.
Everyone stared wide-eyed at Thunderhawk, not a one daring to believe what he just witnessed. Spectre giving Thunderhawk a raspberry? The lavender furred male could hardly believe it himself and once the absurdity of the situation sunk in, he exploded.
"No one, but no one gives me a raspberry and gets away with it," Thunderhawk screamed at the top of his lungs. "You've forced my hand father!"
Spectre paid his son no mind but had decided that he'd had enough of the conference room. He immediately turned from his path and raced straight for the door. The remaining four males yelped in alarm and scattered, allowing Spectre to pass freely.
"Why didn't you stop him?" Thunderhawk screeched.
"I'd rather not be a pancake father," Sojourner said.
"Don't you know it's not a good idea to stand in the way of fast moving objects?" said Locke.
Thunderhawk growled, desperately wanting to tell them off but the words necessary to do so escaped him at the moment. A sudden explosion ringed through the halls and Locke went white.
"Please don't tell me," Locke whispered. His eyes were wide with fear.
"I think Grandfather Spectre just found your lab," Sabre moaned.
Why couldn't he get these wires to connect? Spectre was kneeling down next a machine that had wires exposed. What the machine was for he didn't know or care but the multicolored wires caught his attention and he began playing with them, trying to get the ends to stick together. Occasionally he'd get a burst of electrical current, which would subsequently jolt him as well, but the wires would not remain together. The Brotherhood ran into the lab, this time with Locke in the lead. The latter wailed in panic and ran forward to pull Spectre away from the source of his amusement.
"Don't touch those!" Locke cried. "You're ruining my transporter!" He grabbed Spectre and pulled as hard as he could but Spectre wouldn't budge. The elder managed to connect the wires again just right, this time sending a jolt of electricity through both men. Locke released his hold and fell back, his fur now sticking up on end.
"I think we should let Grandfather Spectre play with the wires a little longer son," Sabre said as he picked Locke up from the floor.
"But he's destroying it," Locke insisted. Another circuit board exploded as Spectre crossed some more wires. Locke let out another anguished cry and struggled in his father's arms, desperate to get Spectre away from the wires before he did any more damage.
"Don't be foolish Locke," Sojourner said. He reached forward and grabbed one of Locke's arms to help Sabre restrain the younger male. "You get yourself electrocuted along with Spectre."
"Just leave him be," Sabre said as he struggled to maintain his hold on Locke. "Maybe he'll knock himself out."
"But my machine…" Locke whimpered.
"Enough about your damn machine," Thunderhawk said sternly. He had been digging through Locke's pile of tools and now held a sledgehammer in his hands.
"Um Grandfather," Athair said, eyeing the hammer nervously. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what Thunderhawk's intentions were. "Don't you think that's a little excessive?"
"Nonsense," Thunderhawk sniffed. "This is exactly what I need."
"I don't think Spectre's helmet is that hard," Sabre said.
"Perhaps," Thunderhawk replied. "But the head beneath it most certainly is."
Before anyone else could think of a comeback, Thunderhawk walked up to his father, hammer raised, and in one swift motion brought it down hard against Spectre's head. The others grimaced at the sound of metal against metal.
"That should take care of that," Thunderhawk said with an air of satisfaction. Spectre was on the ground, out cold. "Let's get him to the med-labs and make sure everything is all right."
"Aside from a rather large bump on his head, Spectre should be just fine." Locke put aside the computer read outs and turned to face his fathers.
"I'm surprised he's not in worse condition, all things considering," Sojourner replied.
"Well, Spectre is suffering from a mild concussion, which is surprising considering Thunderhawk's heavy-handedness," Locke said, earning him a look from Thunderhawk.
"And he'll also be suffering for a while due to the sharp drop in glucose levels. He should be fine a couple days though."
"Of course he will," Thunderhawk said. "My father's a tough old bastard. He'll be just fine."
"Lucky for you," Sabre replied, frowning. "Was the sledgehammer really necessary?"
Thunderhawk shrugged. "It worked didn't it?"
"So what do we tell Spectre when he wakes up?" Athair asked.
"We'll keep the tapes," Thunderhawk replied. "We can show them to him when he wakes up and if we're lucky he'll be so embarrassed he won't touch another cappuccino again."
"Spectre's reaction to all this should be good," Locke said. And if we're lucky, he won't kill any of us later.
"Until then, I guess I'm in charge," Thunderhawk said with a slight smirk.
"Oh great, now we're really screwed," Locke moaned. Thunderhawk shot him a filthy look. "While we're at it, why don't I just call up the Dark Legion and tell them Haven's all yours." Thunderhawk continued to glare at Locke while everyone else snickered.
It was a week later when Spectre finally came to his senses. He had awakened a couple days after receiving the hammer to his head but Thunderhawk ordered that he be restrained to the bed until they could be sure Spectre was of sound mind again. Spectre screamed for cappuccinos and screamed even louder when he learned that the cappuccino maker was gone, permanently, but everyone held firm. They couldn't afford to have Spectre on another sugar rush again.
Spectre yawned as he made his way down the conference room. His memory was fuzzy and he was curious as to what exactly happened several days ago. He heard that he acted like Athair on a sugar rush and he couldn't bring himself to believe that. He, Spectre, act like an immature child? He was far too disciplined for that. He was surprised to see everyone waiting for him when he entered. The events that transpired a week ago must have been something to garner this kind of reaction.
"All right now," Spectre said as he took his seat at the head of the table. "From what I understand, assuming you are all telling me the truth, is that about a week ago I had one cappuccino too many and went on a wild sugar crazed rampage through Haven and Echidnopolis. Is this correct?" Everyone nodded. "Very amusing my sons. Now tell me what really happened."
"I think it's better if we let you see for yourself," Sabre replied. Spectre raised an eyebrow as Sabre clicked a button on a remote, bringing the monitor before them online.
None save Spectre watched. They had all seen this already, having compiled everything together so he could see everything he had done. Spectre's eyes were glued to the screen as he watched himself guzzle cappuccino after cappuccino. He watched as he ran amok through the city, attacking several coffee shops and drinking them dry. He watched as Knuckles chased him all over Angel Island, the latter screaming obscenities the whole time. I'm going to have to have a talk with Knuckles about that. He watched as he ran back into Haven and took apart machines and ran wild through the conference room only to later on start playing with wires in Locke's lab.
"I think he's seen enough," Thunderhawk said, turning off the screen. Spectre's eyes were still on it, in absolute disbelief over what he had seen. Everyone else's eyes were on Thunderhawk. They knew exactly why Thunderhawk didn't want Spectre to see the rest but Spectre didn't notice. All he could think of was that is sons were telling the truth. He had acted just like Athair. Dear Edmund, he was never going to live this humiliation down.
"So, what happened?" Spectre asked, his voice barely a whisper. "When did this finally end?"
"Oh, that's the interesting part," Sabre said, giving Thunderhawk a wicked smirk.
Thunderhawk stiffened and gave Sabre a glare. Don't you even think about it, he screamed into Sabre's mind.
The exchange did not go unnoticed by Spectre. "I want to know what happened. Play the rest of the tape."
"Basically, your glucose levels bottomed out and you collapsed," Thunderhawk said, trying to remain calm. Spectre stared at his son. Thunderhawk was hiding something, he could tell and after watching him slap him on the monitor, Spectre knew that there was something Thunderhawk didn't want him to see.
"Play the rest Sabre," Spectre commanded.
"As you wish," Sabre said, pressing the button.
"Hard headed am I? You're a fine one to talk child!"
Spectre was fuming. Thunderhawk was waving his hands in front of him, trying his best to soothe Spectre's now irritated nerves. After watching Thunderhawk clock him along side the head with a sledgehammer, Spectre just about lost it. He glowered at his son and Thunderhawk decided it would be safer if he disappeared from the room all together. No sooner had he bolted for the door than Spectre was right behind him. Thunderhawk raced for the elevators, hoping that once he exited Haven, he could hide from his father in the nearby woods. Fate however was not on his side and Spectre cut off his only escape route.
"I swear Father, it was for your own good!" Thunderhawk insisted. "I never would harm you, you know that. I was desperate to save you from yourself. Surely you can see what kind of damage you were causing!" He backed up a few paces from Spectre but could go no further. The rest of the Brotherhood, eager to see how this would play out, stood in the hallway and Thunderhawk felt certain that they weren't going to allow him to escape.
"I fail to see how a hammer to the head would be for my own good," Spectre snarled. The sudden rise in blood pressure was giving him a headache but he ignored it.
"It was the only thing I could think of on such short notice, and with what I had at my disposal. Besides, everyone else was too busy watching you embarrass yourself to bother to help!" Four pairs of eyes narrowed at Thunderhawk's comment.
"I believe I mentioned the use of a hammer to be unnecessary," Athair said.
"We were trying to think of a nonviolent solution to this problem," Sabre said.
"I believe you've been contradicted," Spectre said.
"They just have it in for me," Thunderhawk said, silently cursing his grandsons. "Sojourner, tell Father that I never meant him any real harm."
"Sure," Sojourner said gladly. "Thunderhawk only hit you with the hammer because he was pissed off and he liked having you out of the way for a while because he likes being in charge."
Spectre raised and eyebrow and smirked at Thunderhawk in a "Well, what do you have to say to that?" kind of manner. Thunderhawk growled and turned to face his treacherous offspring.
"Et tu, sweet child of mine?" Thunderhawk said, glaring murderously at Sojourner.
"You bet your lavender butt me too," Sojourner said with a smirk.
Thunderhawk lunged for his son but was stopped short by hands on his spines. Spectre yanked and pulled a protesting Thunderhawk back towards him.
"I dare say some punishment is in order," Spectre said. The level tone of his voice sent chills down Thunderhawk's spine. Spectre tugged again and dragged Thunderhawk to the elevators. "I believe the Badlands need some watching. You are to stay there for the next week and you are not to come home before then, is that clear?"
"Bt Father, the Badlands are inhospitable and the wildlife," Thunderhawk said. He struggled in his father's grip.
"Is that clear son?" Spectre said again. His tone told Thunderhawk that any kind of disobedience would result in pain in suffering for the next year.
"Yes father," Thunderhawk replied. Spectre released him and he sulked to the elevator, not bothering to look at anyone as he left.
"I don't know what to do with him sometimes," Spectre said, his comment directed at no one in particular.
"Um Grandfather," Sabre said. "Not that I'm disagreeing with what you've done, but you do know what time of the year it is right?" Spectre looked at him, his face registering no expression. "It kind of a mating season for the Bear Pack down there and the males tend to get a little… aggressive, if you know what I mean."
Spectre's mouth twisted into a smirk. "Oh dear, I forgot." The others exchanged nervous glances. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a headache and would like to lie down."
"Remind me to never piss him off," Sojourner said to Sabre as Spectre disappeared from sight.
"You'll do it even with reminding," Locke replied. Sojourner growled and said nothing.
"Father, where are you going?" Sabre asked. Athair was on his way down the hall.
"Oh, I figured I'd watch Spectre's little sugar induced wild spree. It was funny and since Spectre's in his room and I have nothing better to do…"
Sojourner, Sabre, and Locke exchanged looks as Athair made his way back to the conference room. They did have nothing else to do at the moment and the whole scenario was funny. They raced down the hall after Athair to share in Spectre's humiliation.
