Life After: Sonic Crew
Disclaimer: You know what goes here; you can't be that dumb; you know I don't own them.
Yeah…later in this chap, you might end up very confused with Espio…but thing is, it's not my idea, it's a friend and because knows some shit I did, I'm being blackmailed into writing it. Yeah long complicated personal story, don't worry about it, just know it wasn't my idea, it's my crazy friend's.
Just saying on my behalf that I haven't just lost my mind by making it happens. But Espio was scheduled for an appearance in this chap, though…what happened wasn't expected till someone is willing to snitch on me…
Chapter 24 – Reunions
Island at Sea, near California;
He sat in his chair, the cane that supported him when he stood, held his hands up. He rested both of them on the top round part of his cane. He blinked, everything was burly. He reached for the side, picking his glasses up from the lamp table. Putting them on, he observed his simple room again.
The TV was on; the blue glow was the only source of light beside of the lamp next to him. The room was small, compared to others in the large home. He sat in front of the TV, on a big and comfortable chair. There were two sofas and two two-person sofas; one on each wall of the room, his chair was in the center, along with the TV. The room was dark, the walls were white. He wore his work coat and watched the TV without interest.
He sighed, "Havak," He thought of what had become of the Nightmare Project.
Did he die? No way, Nightmare Project VS-9: Havak would have been killed by a simple strike and burn team. Maybe his little annoyance; TS-1 Hunter, but not Havak. He was too smart and too powerful. He began to regret this work, Light was dead. He beyond repair, there nothing that could be done for the cyborg. His cybernetic internal systems had been so badly damaged, his fellow workers said it couldn't be used a base to rebuild or start a new one.
Mark Jin had indeed won, Havak greatly surpassed Light, but for the poor man, he died. Vengeance was terrible thing, especially when Havak was one the seeking it. The 55 year old man had been killed painfully, he skin torn off, still living he was burn and Havak cut him multiple times. It was unimaginable. So much anger in Havak's mind, that he gave energy to Mark to live once more, he made him suffer; using his flexible coil he pierced Mark's neck and snapped it from the inside.
But not many could blame Juan, or Havak. He was taken and betrayed by his country. His loved ones, including his fiancé were told he was killed in battle. The gov't could make it seem like that, they control all the papers anyway.
He sat in his chair, no fearing. At age 67, he was able to accept death, it was coming. He knew it, and wasn't because of the call of an old unfriendly 'acquaintance'. He would have cared if he was younger, buy alone at 67, he didn't care. It was his time he believed, and what better way to than reading a book on his tiny island.
At Sea: 1:00am, Squad 7, Total men: 18
The all stood up or sat down. It was quiet, they all were at ease, sway softly and gently to the side, back and forwards as the transport hit waves and made turns. The transport boat was a small, sleek and aerodynamic transport ship; it was colored black, like most of his forces.
One soldier was on top, barely exposed, heavy bars from a cage protected him. He sat down, rotating the main turret of the ship. The whole boat was protected; no exposed areas, but the top did open for infantry fire to the air. Also the front opened and let troops pour out during a landing, not always effective but how else could you make a beach landing?
Inside, solider kept their guns close. Light and lethal, the guns were designed by Eggman. All types, heavy gunner, snipers, general and specialty, as well as anti-armor. His troops wore black military clothing. Their faces were hidden behind a mask that provide oxygen incase of gas attacks and covered their mouths and cheeks. A tube from the mask went over their shoulder and onto a pack on their backs. Their clothing was thick and a vest underneath protect them from most gun fire.
Black gloves on their hands kept their hands from being hurt by small heat and kept them warm in cold. Above the cheeks was a black or silver piece of bullet proof material. Silver meant a higher ranking and black was a general ranking. Thought you could not see them through the cover, they could see you. Higher ranking officers had gray pieces of lines on their clothing, to distinguish their higher authority.
Guns standing up on their sides or resting on their legs or anywhere else they all sat quietly. This mission was disturbing to them. First of all Eggman was behind them in another ship in the air. They would infiltrate the island and escort him in. But they had been warned of a possible resistance, creatures that could take them down easily if given the chance. Do not let your guard down, shoot anything but the old man.
"Landing in ten!" The ship gunner said over the radio calmly.
All soldiers stood up and picked their guns and readied themselves. Four moved to the front, each carrying a bullet proof clear blast shield. Two in one of the two single rows, the two in the front held theirs up right, the two behind them would hold them up and have it sideways, a safety precaution—snipers. Another moved up to the side, separated from the others. This one was dressed unlike any other. Tight suit, all black, very stealth like. This one had metal full-face cover helmet, all black, and no eye pieces. One sword in a sheath on its back, and small machine gun, about the size of handgun, with an extended barrel and bar that came out the back, it prevent kick up during fire. It was on its hip holster.
Everyone moved back as they all felt the landing. None stumbled as the vibration came violently; the entire front of the transport fell down quickly. The lone soldier quickly sprinted out. He ran up the short beach area and into a small forest beginning. Hiding behind a tree he observed the roof top of a large house complex. No one, it was quiet. He looked around again; he used his helmets built in thermal visioning. Nothing but a few bird now flying away.
He radioed in from his head piece, "Seems clear, play it safe though." His voice was ruff and had a groan tone to it.
The soldiers came out, the majority trying to stay under the cover of the blast shields. Some ran on the sides, crouched down the carefully looked around and moved up through the sand. They all rushed into the forest point, some were crouched and other stood up straight. All kept their guard though, their guns held closely and aimed.
"Where is he?" The stealth soldier asked someone next to him.
"He's not that far behind, he said we go in and clear it," Someone answered through a quiet radio speaker, "He ran into some radar scanning, he stay behind trying to keep a low profile."
"Hmm," He replied, "Alright, I want two of you to go and gently take the door down, shoot it if you have to but used the damn silencer. Clear the house, don't kill the old man. You two come with me," He pointed at two soldiers in front of him, "The rest stick with someone and secure the immediate area, you see anything, radio in, anything, a kid, a woman, a dog, I don't care if it's a frickin bird, if it looks like a pet, a friend or something, radio in. Use common sense though, don't radio in for some stupid blue jay." He sighed heavily and moved towards the area that seemed to lead to the lower areas of the home. The soldiers obeyed orders and went their ways.
Soon after, Eggman's ship landed. He wasn't wearing red, his suit was black. He decided not to stick out like a sore thumb right now and wore it. He looked slimmer and like he had dropped some weight. Two soldiers walked by him, they seemed like normal infantry.
Tails' Home (4:00 am)
"Wait, who are you? What's your name?" Sonic asked, not understanding a thing the snake spoke of.
"I don't have one," He replied a little annoyed with the hedgehog's stupidity, "Some call me Scythe, other call Yellow Eyes, those that gave me orders called me Scythe."
"Oh…" Sonic looked at Amy, all this was just a little bit too much to take in so suddenly, "So, explain again, a war? Eggman, using real guns and people dying, I don't believe it."
The snake gave a heavy sigh, "One last time." Scythe took a deep breath, working with Sonic was a huge task, "In sometime, a war will erupt. You know him as Eggman, he we lead a huge army, capable of taking a nation easily. I am here to advise you to train and tell the others. I will try to advise Knuckles, but due to…certain complications, it isn't going to be easy. As for Shadow, I am working on a way to help him. But do not tell your friend…" The snake paused, "I do not want to get her hopes up."
"Wow," Amy said, "Umm…do you know what is wrong with him?"
"Not exactly, but your friend over there," The snake nodded towards Tails direction, who was still talking with Vanilla. "Should find out by his next phone call, at least, from I can tell."
"Yeah…um thanks…I guess. And sorry about your jaw and tail." Sonic chuckled nervously as the snake glared at him.
"I'll send you a medical bill." The snake growled.
Sonic, when he first saw the snake, he attacked him. Punching it in the jaw and stomping on its tail, both repeatedly and brutally. Snake slid his jaw to the side, adjusting it, making it less tense by lessening the pain.
Scythe grinned, "I know it's not really a moment for it but, best wishes."
"Yeah…I don't think it is." Sonic nervously scratched his head and watch the snake fade away as he moved towards the door and disappear completely.
"Do you think he's telling the truth?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, he's a frickin ghost." Sonic chuckled, but stopped and sighed nervously. A silence came over them. An uncomfortable one, both remembering their earlier moment.
Amy spoke first;
"Sonic…" She took a deep breath, "Lately I've been uneasy and…well I haven't trusted you like I am supposed and I'm sorry. I should be able to trust you. And I do believe you." Sonic let out a sigh of relief and smiled. Amy just stood their, blushing slightly as he looked at her.
"What no kiss?" Sonic said suddenly, faking a shock. "C'mon after all this I don't get nothing?"
Amy giggled, "Fine," She walked over and hugged him; she leaned forward and pecked him on the lips.
"Whatever…close enough." Sonic said rolling his eyes.
"No don't!" Cindy shouted loudly. She walked up the steps, trying to keep her beloved hedgehog from moving anymore.
"I'm…fine…" Shadow flinched and grunted as searing pain came. He threw the oxygen mask off; it was getting on his nerves. It was just the mask; he had forced it off the oxygen tank.
"No you're not, look at you!" Cindy said worried to death for him, "You can barely walk! Shadow please, just stop right now."
"No, I can't…" Shadow grunted. Something came to him in his unconscious state;
'Herman, you piece of shit. You let it get destroyed didn't you?' Shadow frowned at the thought, 'you're gonna help me, even if I have to beat you for it.'
"Shadow?" Amy yelped as she saw him on the steps, "What are you doing? Don't move!" Amy ran to his side and tried to aid him.
"I have…to…find Herman…" Shadow grunted, trying to force his left foot up a step.
"Tails!" Sonic shouted towards his friend outside, "C'mon man, we need your help here!" Sonic shook his hands and walked down to steps, "Dude stop, your not any condition to be doing things, or for that matter, not even be out of bed."
"Shut…up…" Shadow grunted, holding his chest. He blinked and stared blankly at the floor. "Herman…you…son of a…" Shadow moaned as he fell to his knees. Amy and Cindy quickly caught him;
"Tails!" She shouted, "Sonic c'mon, help us!" She tried to lift Shadow or at least have him leaning on something instead of slumping down in their grip. Shadow was skinny, but he wasn't light either.
"What is it? Can't you see I'm talking—what's he doing out here?" Tails yelped as he saw Shadow, out cold, now leaning on Sonic's shoulder. Sonic gestured with his head to go downstairs.
"Vanilla, I know, I'm but there something important I have to do." Tails said looking at her from a distance. "Look, I don't know what to say, but I want you to trust me."
He wanted to tell her to give a message to Cream. But with the current thing going on with her, him and her mother, it didn't seem right. She gave a nod, he couldn't read whether she was content or still disappointed or just worried like any mother would be.
He walked down the steps, hearing her close the door. He let out a sigh of relief and walked into the room. Sonic had been trying to figure how to put all the monitoring equipment back on.
Then, with the phone ringing, Tails cursed and ran to the nearest phone in the lab room.
Island (4:30am);
It was all quiet. To his surprise, there were only seven guards on the island. And now, five bodies lie on the floors of the outside deck and the outside steps and doorstep. Inside one body sat up against the wall, blood trailing down from a higher mark on the same wall. In a stairway nearby, one lay on the floor of the top of the stairs. Small guns or machine guns rest on their laps.
Herman sat in his basement. Quiet still, even a gun pointed at his head didn't faze him. He stared at the black screen of the TV, ignoring most of Eggman's questions.
"Herman," Eggman said in a deep tone, "How did my grandfather make Shadow?"
Herman huffed in his throat. He finally made eye contact with Eggman. He stared at him, "I don't know, even if I did, why should I tell his disappointment for a grandchild?"
Eggman gritted his teeth and growled. "My grandfather tried to destroy this world by crashing the space colony into it. People say I'm crazy but at least I want to keep the world in one piece."
"That's only because they took Maria from him." Herman simply said;
"If they hadn't gone ahead with that operation, Maria would be here, Gerald would be here, still sane and Shadow wouldn't have been a full-fledged military fusion weapon."
"Tell me something I don't know." Eggman growled, his grandfather and Maria were now a sensitive subject. He looked it up more and now understood it fully. "Tell me, was Shadow a normal hedgehog?"
Herman looked at him again. "Yes, he was experimented on, but only to certain extents…he was after all, Maria's only company and friend."
Eggman hummed. "So how or why was he turned into a war-droid?"
Herman looked ahead of him. At the TV he locked his gaze, "You know why. How? Well after Maria's death, Gerald was able to develop him further. I remember speaking to him while he was in prison. He was jailed for suspicion of treason, they thought he would use Shadow against them. So when Maria died, my rival lost it. Shadow willingly agreed to Gerald's plans. I've viewed the tapes. Shadow saw Maria shot and saw her drop to her knees dying."
Eggman was a bit stunned. He never expected all of this. The information he was able to obtain, was not as detailed. "Herman, according to government records, you duplicated my grandfather's project? I didn't think it was possible."
"Duplicated?" Herman chuckled, "No one could ever do that. I thought I did. But Shadow has secrets that Gerald kept with him and he still has them." Herman relaxed in his chair. "Shadow's immortality; ability to hyper-heal; Chaos energy control; time warp; and his War State are something I could never ever come close to mimicking. Light, was about maybe 5 of what Shadow was. He had speed, war and weapon and minor energy skill. Not much more."
Herman spoke on as the silence continued, "For a few hours I thought I had ruined Project: Shadow, but as I looked over more detailed schematics, I just made him normal." He paused, "I found out a way to pull certain traits and transfer them. But due to some errors. The nanos that are the source of most of Shadow's traits were probably destroyed." He sighed heavily, disappointed in a way;
"I thought he'd be dying, crawling for help to me. But I found out Shadow was frozen and in that state, he didn't age much, he's basically a 20-something year old normal hedgehog. Maybe some traits remained, but I'm positive hyper-heal and his ageless life span didn't remain. He's probably just suffering horribly for now, that's the effect of the process. Gerald built a life preserve mechanism in him, it adjusts to almost anything, and this was a situation built into that. So Gerald out-smarted just about anyone who would think about tampering with Shadow mechanically." Herman turned his cane and placed it on his lap. He brought his hands to his chin, rest it on the forehands;
"He really was one of the greatest scientists of all time. He probably knew Shadow would not completely follow his orders. He probably knew the memories of Maria would stop him at some point. Gerald always knew emotions would hold Shadow back, it was very apparent during his weapons simulations. But he gave it a shot, hell; I would've done the same thing if it happened to me." Herman looked at Eggman, "This old man's time is running out. You have what you came for, if you're going to shoot me, then do it quickly."
Eggman huffed and walked away. "Fool." He waved his hand down, "Do what he wants."
Herman closed his eyes as black soldier stood in front of him now. He tightened a black silencer on a black 11mm pistol Eggman had made as a secondary weapon for his troops. He lifted his arm and held it out straight. Aiming at the old man's heart, he aimed with a laser. He used his other hand to pull the top back, cocking it. Herman flinched as he heard the loading sound. Unfazed behind the mask, the soldier tightened his finger grip on the trigger.
Eggman walked out, hearing two quiet 'pew!' shot sounds. He heard the troops grab their weapons and follow him. He got he wanted, Shadow's info, not exactly what he wanted, but it was useful. Though he could have done without the family history.
With Tails & the others, few hours later;
Shadow lay on the same bed again. Half aware, he looked around he could remember them, but he couldn't remember were he was. He looked around again, he didn't see one;
"Where's…Samantha?" He asked trying to sit up. Cindy, sitting by his side, only pushed him back gently;
"Don't worry about her, she's fine. Now stop moving. You're only going to hurt yourself." Cindy said her voice shaking. He almost made her breakdown when he blacked out earlier.
"Shadow are you insane? What were you thinking, coming out of bed like that?" Amy said. She stood on his other side. Sonic watched Tails checking stats and vital signs;
"Tails?" He said getting his two-tailed friends attention, "Who called?"
"Rouge," He said without thought.
Everyone stared at him. He said it like it didn't matter, or like he hoped it would slip by them.
"So?" Sonic finally said, "What'd she find out?"
Tails gulped. He didn't want to answer. All eyes on him, demanding an answer, he finally spoke;
"She…uh….she said that his body lay out and blueprints are gone. Someone stole them, and they have no idea who has them. Without those…I can't do anything for him…" He looked sympathetically at Cindy now.
Her eyes began to water, but before she could speak some appeared in front of them;
"I came I soon as I heard!" Espio yelled, concern in his voice, "Was I the only one who got some snake guy's warning?"
Sonic held a hand on his heart and breathe heavily. He glared at him, "Son of a bitch! Espio god damn don't do that!" He took a deep breath, trying to relax his heart beat. "Where the hell did you come from?"
"Back door was open," Espio looked around, everyone look like they had just had a heart attack. His eyes came upon Shadow. "Why's he sleeping?" Espio asked, pointing at Shadow with his thumb casually, he didn't see anything wrong with him.
An unwanted silence over came them. Espio felt uncomfortable now, all stared at Shadow sympathetically, Cindy's eyes grew watery.
"Oh…" Espio voice had soft tone, "Is he gonna…"
"No…" Shadow groaned, trying to sit up again. "I keep trying to tell you," He flinched again, "I'm not dying!" He raised his voice, finally taking off the oxygen mask.
Espio stared at everyone strangely, "So why is hooked up to this is if he says he not dying?"
"But he's not in good condition, he passed out twice already!" Cindy said pushing Shadow to lie down again. "I don't want to take a chance, I don't care what he says, he's not well!"
Angel Island (Nearly Noon);
"I can't believe this…" Pandemonium said dully, "I've become nothing but a messenger, this is unbelievable!" He growled, his eyes glowing brightly as his anger grew.
Havak couldn't help but chuckle. His face hidden by the dome, his eyes were a passive yellow. There was an envelope in his right hand.
Pandemonium threw his hands in the air as he began to walk, "This has to be against some law, I mean, I'm me!" Havak chuckled as the short water thing threw a tantrum, "I am Pandemonium, my name is supposed to be feared! My imaged is supposed make all cower, not remind them of Chaos! I can't believe her, why couldn't she give that stupid letter?"
Havak chuckled once more, "Well, she asked it as a favor."
"I don't care, turning me into a messenger boy, the nerve of that woman!" He hissed.
They walked through the forest, Pandemonium still ranting on. Havak used his psionic powers to move tree branches out of his face's way. Pandemonium continued to growl and rant on about the subject of him being reduced to a messenger. Within about fifteen minutes, they made it into a clear area of the forest;
"It should be around here," Pandemonium mumbled, "I remember that house was near the shrine, and we just passed it. I wonder why the Emerald is in its chamber…" Pandemonium looked around, Havak stopped;
"He's…" Havak's eyes began to glow bright yellow, "He's up ahead, c'mon." Havak walked forward towards where he sensed the person's location.
The walked through the plain, the wind blowing gently as the made their way across it.
With Knuckles;
Rouge was at home resting or probably eating. Tikal had summoned him earlier through a mental message. But he gritted his teeth now, growing impatient. He had been waiting for like what, ten minutes? The only good thing, there was gentle and cool breeze on this warm day. No clouds just a bright sun and the wind.
"Tikal…" He mumbled, "This better be important, Rouge isn't one to control her hunger right now…."
A hollow chuckle spooked him, making him jump. He heart raced as he saw a familiar but scary face. He slightly relaxed upon seeing him, he didn't know if he was an enemy but he healed him, so that meant something. But upon seeing who he knew as Darkness he took a fighting stance;
"What are you doing here?" He growled at Pandemonium, "And why are you with him?" Knuckles asked Havak in a harsh tone;
"Relax," Havak's voice was not calming, that fact that it sounded hollow and ghostly did not help at all. "We're here to give you this." Havak walked closer to him, his hand extended, the letter in between two of his three thick fingers.
"That still doesn't answer my question!" Knuckles growled, "What is he doing here, and why are you with him?" Knuckles hesitated during a silence, but he took the letter. "What's this for?"
Havak shrugged, "I don't know, someone girl gave it to him thinking he was Chaos." He said pointing at Pandemonium, "She said to give it to you, the description sounded familiar, so I agreed." He turned around, that was that was really left to say.
"Wait, why is he with you?" Knuckles suddenly shouted as they began to leave.
Havak turned around, "He my punching bag till that war prediction happens."
"War prediction?" Knuckles asked. He was very confused.
Havak sighed, "I don't have time, you'll find out sooner or later." Havak swung his arm down once, as if say 'Forget it' "Someone's gonna tell you, later." Havak said turning around, ending the conversation.
"Wait, I demand to know!" Knuckles growled.
"Keep demanding, it's not my job to tell." Havak kept walking, Pandemonium followed.
"Stupid…things…" Knuckles growled to himself, "What the hell is this for anyway?" Knuckles looked at the envelope; he began to tear off the wide paper seal.
Somehow with those big gloves he pulled out the letter and began to read it;
Dear Knuckles,
It had been a long time since I've even tried to talk to you…
With Scythe (Noon);
Mystic Ruins was warm now, though neither of them felt it. It was bright day, light beamed through the opening of the leaves and trees. The ground was slightly wet from a light rain shower earlier. Birds chirped as the two talked quietly, as friends.
Scythe had finally been found by an old friend. He was trying to make amends with the snake. But the constant subject of Shadow was being brought up;
"The man is dead," Scythe said quietly, "He knew what was wrong with Shadow, he worked on him while he was held captive; I went to where he lived. There were seven dead guards and he was in a chair, dead."
"Tell my Scythe, from your point of view." The yellow echidna asked, putting aside that set of bad news. He seemed young, but spoke as if he had many ages of experience, "The way this council works, do you agree with it?"
"I have no opinion, I was only a messenger." He said to the elder in a respectful tone.
"Yet, you fought by my side before, and you are now our messenger. Being a personal, very respected and observant friend, if anyone's opinion matters the most, it yours." The echidna said crossing his arms.
"My opinion? I quit being a messenger because I don't always agree with this council." Scythe looked at him now, "The fact that the council refuses to help anyone who is not a guardian or in a relationship with them, well that tends to press my last nerves. I've heard of the incidents with Knuckles' wife, Rouge, I believe." He eyed his friend carefully, "Everyone says that you agreed to it." The ghostly yellow echidna sighed;
"Well not much I can say on that." He simply said, "Some decisions were made, said to be on my behalf, when in reality some of the council was overzealous with the fact the guardian bloodline was going to be mixed with bat blood." He chuckled lightly, "My first wife was an echidna, we had one child, he was not a guardian, but then she passed away, I wed again, but to a hedgehog, our daughter was mix and yet she was guardian.
The snake grew a smirk, "Does anyone know about that?"
"Maybe, but really it doesn't matter. The council before us, appointed my daughter as a guardian before she was born, thus she was born with the symbol. That council did not oppose a mix marriage, they believe it encouraged a peace and promoted a brotherhood base on character, not species." The echidna looked sadden suddenly as he spoke again;
"But this generation, the ones who are younger than me, somehow got it in their heads that the bloodline must be pure echidna, but the idiots do not realize that they might even be mixed."
"And you haven't told anyone this because…" Scythe looked at him strangely.
"I would have, but I think Knuckles has done it himself. He fought for Rouge, defied the council's wishes and well, according to Tikal, their first born is expected to be a guardian. I admire Tikal for letting him go with his heart, Tikal was from their generation but she was different, I remember."
"Is Knuckles a pure echidna?"
"Yes," The echidna looked at him questionably, "Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering." Scythe broke eye contact, "So, are you going to help me with Shadow?"
"I've been watching, you very committed to aiding others Scythe. But you should know, he doesn't need your help. Shadow is not dying; he is only in a recovery state."
"Recovery state? What kind of recovery state makes you pass out twice, cough up blood and has you hooked up to monitor equipment?"
His friend chuckled, "Well, I say we leave it alone because I don't like explaining technicalities. But c'mon, we still have to warn a few more, including Knuckles." The echidna led his snake friend deep into the woods.
"Scythe, did you warn that purple chameleon, Espio?" He asked as he passed through tree branches.
"Yes, I did." The snake mumbled, "He took forever to track down, but when I found him, he was…um…" Scythe trailed off.
The echidna stopped by a tree and raised an eyebrow, "He was what?" He eyed the serpent strangely.
Scythe flexed his jaw and blinked once, "Lets just say, when a ninja is disturbed when they're with someone, the kiss isn't the only thing that's broken." His lower jaw flexed, trying to comfort the pain.
His friend chuckled, "Now this is unexpected, the chameleon is seeing someone?"
"Yeah, and when the 'moment' is ruined, he has temper problems…" Scythe flexed the left side of his lower jaw. "For a council member who is supposed to keep watch over everyone, you're pretty uninformed, not to mention…lay-Z"
"Okay two things," The yellow echidna said, "First of all, how did he break your jaw, you're snake; you don't have bones, and besides you maintain a spirit or physical form!"
Scythe began to move on, "That's my point, he was mad, and I thought Knuckles had temper problems." His echidna companion followed quickly.
"Second," He responded, "I only come in when I am needed."
"In other words you're LAY-Z" Scythe said slowly.
His friend chuckled suddenly, "He-he, Scythe, you should know better than to disturb a couple when they are in private." The yellow echidna took the lead.
"It's not like he was getting anywhere by kissing her neck and making her giggle." Scythe gagged mentally at the memory.
"Scythe, we're not all snakes. We have love, not just tangling and rubbing, though that is the better part." The echidna smirked.
"Much more simple if you ask me." Scythe scoffed, "C'mon, the edge of the cliff isn't too far now. From there, you can take me up to Angel Island."
"Scythe, I'm not stupid," The echidna retorted, "So, do you know who this girl was?"
Scythe grinned evilly, "You're never going to guess."
Angel Island;
Knuckles re-read the letter, for the fifth time. Now in his home, he tried to think straight, but as if things couldn't get more complicated, Rouge started beckoning him to get her something. She was on their bed, resting, she had thrown up recently, water and anti-vomit drink/medicine were on at the top of the list, and followed by ice-cream once her stomach settles…well at least from what he could tell that's what she'll want.
"Damn it!" He mumbled, "Where the heck did I put it?" He searched the kitchen cabinets now. The bath room didn't have to anti-vomit medicine and he couldn't find it anywhere else.
A light chatter and laughter came from the living room area. Knuckles peaked around the corner of the kitchen and stared strangely at the grey snake and yellow echidna;
"Who are you?" He growled as he made his presence known, the two had been chatting like nothing was wrong.
"Knuckles!" Rouge groaned from the bed room, she was in the bathroom. "Honey, what's taking so long?"
The snake chuckled, "I think it is best that you attend to her first, my Knuckles you have a lot to tell me." The snake gave friendly smile.
"You probably have no idea who we are. We're here as friends, but before anything else, I think your pregnant wife needs you." The echidna gave a smirk as Rouge called for him once more;
"I don't think so…" Knuckles mumbled taking a fighting stance, "Either explain—" Another cry from Rouge cut him off;
"Kn-Knuck-kles!" She wined, a vomit sound followed. The snake closed one eye and made a disgusted face as he heard another vomit sound.
"Trust us…besides age has taught me something, women first." The echidna tilted his head, hinting him to head over to her.
Knuckles mumbled some threat and the two only chuckled. He left the room to attend to Rouge.
"This is why snakes are better," Scythe began, "You have to admit, our ways of giving birth, are much easier and less intense."
"That maybe true, but our way is more…'enjoyable'…" The echidna grinned. He sighed suddenly as he looked around the room, "Knuckles should be grateful, we did not have all he has in my time. If someone threw up, it was there till something ate, stepped on it or if someone finally cleaned it up."
"And here I thought mammals were sanitary…" Scythe made tisk-tisk sound.
"At least I don't have slide on my belly; you slide on everything, including waste."
"Humph, that happened once, and don't forget we in the middle of a battle! I couldn't see it through that burning hut!" The snake glared at him.
"Still that was funny; no one would go near you for days!" The echidna broke into a light laughter.
Growling once, Scythe leaned forward and tried to see what was taking Knuckles so long;
"We could just leave a message with Tikal and go finish up." He recommended;
"No, this is personally important to me." The echidna began to tap his foot impatiently.
"How do you think he is handling a pregnant woman?" Scythe asked with a smirk.
"Well…Knuckles hasn't had the most open life…so…in short, it must be a living hell," The echidna chuckled;
"…the tribal wars ended in a basic extinction of guardians, there used to be a very nice amount, there would be one on duty for a few days and then another would take over, in a cycle. Letting those who had time, enjoy their lives, I was lucky enough to skip out sometimes," He grinned, "I sometimes could find someone to cover for me." The echidna said chuckling.
"And you call yourself a guardian." The snake 'tisked' "Tell me, how did you earn a place on this council?" He eyed his friend suspiciously.
"Humph, how did you ever become a tribal warlord? Last I remember you used the excuse 'I have a cold' to get out of training exercises." The echidna crossed his arms, "Care to explain that, Scythe the Snake Warlord?"
Before Scythe could growl and respond;
"Okay, I think she'll be fine for now," Knuckles stood before them now, arms crossed and teeth gritted, "Now care to explain why you're in my house, talking and acting as if your were invited guest?"
"Edgy aren't we Knuckles? How's the married life?" The echidna said grinning.
Knuckles growled, "Who are you?"
"We're from the council that watches you, and tries to aid you."
"You mean the people who tried to kill Rouge and stop our life from moving on?" He snapped immediately, "You better have good explanation for being here!"
"Talk about anger, are all of you like this when your wives are pregnant?" Scythe whispered through the side of his mouth to his friend.
"Sometimes—Ahem!" The echidna cleared his throat, "Knuckles, I know that you haven't had…the best confrontations with the council."
"Tell me about it," He mumbled, "What's your point?"
"Come now, I'm here to make amends, and catch up personally with our only guardian." The echidna gave a friendly smile.
Knuckles eased his body's tension. He relaxed, the echidna's tone was humble; he was telling the truth. He looked at the snake and calmly spoke;
"Who's he?"
"An old friend of his," Scythe was in his physical form right now. He yawned once and slithered back, laying his upper body and part of his mid body on 2/3 of the couch. The remaining end part of his body lay on the floor, "Oooh, very nice, very comfortable Knuckles, hope you don't mind." He smiled happily; it was the comfort he felt in the cushions of the couch.
"Yeah…" Knuckles stared at him strangely, "Just don't get any slime on it on it."
"Humph," The snake snuggled his head and upper body, "So Knuckles, how life going for you?"
"So far so good," He leaned against the wall near the entrance to the bedroom. "What are your names?"
"Call me Scythe, he does," The snake pointed with his tail at his friend.
"What? Not fond of being called Alexander?"
"Oh and you? I think its pretty nice having the name 'Ancient One', and people say I'm old."
"Your over 1350, yea, that's not what I call young." The…I guess…'Ancient One' retorted.
"Please, you're over fifteen hundred so don't talk to me about youth." Knuckles watched, very freaked out at how these two argued.
"Knuckles…" Someone moaned, "Who's here?" Rouge walked in, dizzily as she held her head. She leaned on the wall for support. She groaned as held hurt stomach;
"Rouge, you shouldn't be walking around." Knuckles tried to help her, "How are you feeling?"
"Like my head is about to exploded and like I threw up my insides…how do think I feel?" She mumbled. "Who are they?" She groaned as she looked up and saw a snake making himself comfortable on her couch and a ghost like echidna smirking at them.
"Um…guests." Knuckles said in an uncertain tone, "Scythe is the snake and the yellow one is…um…Ancient One."
Rouge looked at him strangely. She glanced over at the snake resting on her couch, "Why are they here and why is that snake sleeping on the couch?"
"I'm awake, just resting my eyes. He's here to catch up with Knuckles, and I'm along for the ride and other important business." Scythe said with his eyes closed.
"What a beautiful lady," The echidna said bowing a little, "Knuckles, you really should be grateful."
Rouge smiled and blushed at the complement. "So," She said, "What are you here for?" Rouge put a hand on her stomach; she could feel it settle a little.
Outside Knuckles' home (3:00pm)
Now because I don't want repay myself for the fifteenth time, they talked. The echidna asked everything about what they had been through with the council's earlier confrontations.
He asked for forgiveness on his behalf and asked Knuckles if he would agree to be on friendlier terms with the council; he said he would consider it. Scythe watched the three talk; he talked every once in awhile. But the conversation turned more serious as the subject of Eggman's future plans and the war that would happen was brought up. Knuckles, being the guardian of the Master Emerald was asked if he would do his part, especially since the Master Emerald would certainly be an object of interest.
Knuckles said yes, feeling that it was his duty. They parted on good terms.
But now that you have a the short version, let my friend take over this part…whoop-dee-frickin-doo…her name is Sasha, she's too lazy to make an account and abuses mine now, the following couple is her idea, (But she is horrible at writing so we worked on it together, I wrote, she spoke (more like ordered) what she wanted…), so you want lash at it, write; To Sasha:
Can't believe I actually did this…well whatever, its part of this long ass story now;
Espio took a knee on the tree branch. The area that surrounded Knuckles' home was forest on three sides; left; right; behind, and a large opening of plain in front. The grass swayed gently to the side as a soft wind blew, he was getting impatient for his company to arrive. But then again, he couldn't blame her; this had to be one of the hardest things ever for her.
This wasn't a big deal for him. He felt she should do it herself because he couldn't exclude Knuckles as friend. They were once friends, but now he was married and she had found him, but apologizing for her actions was her idea but she didn't have the will to do it. He was here to encourage her if she needed it, but he knew she probably wouldn't.
He lay back against the tree and stretched out his feet, relaxing. He turned invisible on the off chance that someone might spot him; he didn't want to be noticed until it was time. Closing his eyes, he smiled to himself, this would certainly allow him to come station square more, not only that, it would allow him to come to Angel Island more, that lake was the best place for a swim.
Now Vector and Charmy wouldn't have to cover up his big disappearance, so that meant he could now kick Charmy out next time he barged into his home saying, 'I have the right to do this since, I'm covering up for you. You can't imagine how many people ask about you, it's frickin tiring.' And following that, Charmy would either go for his food or burn out his Xbox 360;
(Ha-ha, I went to E3 when it happened, Gears of War; oh my god that looked so vicious! How many games have a usable chainsaw on their guns? Metal Gear Solid 4, that looks so cool, I hope for some reason they let you play as Raiden, the man has officially become a bad-ass!)
But now, he grinned at the thought of tossing the annoying bee out the tree. Sure he was older…but personality wise; he was still the biggest pain in the ass anyone could ever imagine. And worse part, the bee could shoot a stinger, and still not die. When he first shot his stinger, Espio praised; saying 'Finally he's gonna die!' but two weeks later, Charmy had grown a new stinger, evolution is a bitch sometimes. Charmy had trained seriously for the first time in his life and now has the ability to shoot a stinger and grow a new one a within an hour or two.
Twenty minutes passed by, he frowned. Was he going to have to bring her himself?
"Espio?" She said quietly from below. She could spot him anywhere now, invisible or not. He leaned to the side and smiled as he looked down at her. He jumped down in front of her.
She backed away slightly, she felt uncomfortable here.
"Hey," He said, "You okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." He reached forward and ran a hand through her dreadlocks, making her smile, relaxing her.
He made himself visible as she spoke, "No, no," She said nervously looking around, "It's just…this place, I don't feel right. What if he doesn't care if I—"
He chuckled lightly, "You worry too much. Knuckles isn't going to hold a grudge like that. He may have been angry before but time eases things. Trust me, he's my friend, I know him; if he'll forgive Sonic for that hooker incident when was he sixteen, this will come and go like nothing."
"But I tried to ruin their marriage! That's—"
"Are you still trying to do it?" He firmly asked.
She cupped her hands and brought them to her chest, "No but—"
"Then don't worry," His smile brought one to her lips.
"Okay, but can you stay with me?" Julie-Su took his hand, gripping it.
"Yeah, of course." He wasn't planning on saying that but he couldn't tell her no, this was just as much of his idea as it was hers. They were in this together.
Is it me or does that make this sound like murder?
Sasha: Get back on track…I let your little stupid humor comments slide but now this is ruining the mood completely! This is not what I wanted, I wanted a romantic scene!
Snowman: Hey, don't restrict me, I owned this account first!
Sasha: Oh shut up and do what I said!
Snowman: I feel sorry for the guy you're hoping to spend the rest of you're life with. Espio and Julie-Su where the hell did you get this from?
Sasha: If you imagine it, they look so cute! Now hurry up and write!
Snowman: I would love to see what goes through that head of yours…no wonder you failed math but passed art with that…drawing…you know she submitted a hugging picture of Julie-Su and Espio for an extra credit thing in art? She got 12 extra points, giving her a 93 A; I say that's some bullshit…our teacher accepts an affectionate picture of animals but she bans my pictures of the Dipset (Drugs, and inappropriate themes) symbol and the Alien with Predator (Violence and freighting images), that is some bull…
Alright, sorry about that…try to go back to the normal mood.
He leaned forward and embraced her, wrapping his arms around her lower back. She wrapped her arms around his neck, grinning. She looked up at him and kissed quickly.
"Where would you be without me?" He asked smirking.
She huffed playfully, "Where would you be without me? If I remember right, you said I was the best thing in your life." She smiled as she press a finger on his lips. She wore the gloves that had individual fingers, she had the ones that kept them in three total, but she had a variety, these had all five.
"Don't even wanna think about it." He smiled as he leaned in for another kiss;
"Wow Espio, didn't think you were the romantic type," Someone chuckled.
The two parted their faces immediately and looked around. He chuckled again, then he hopped down from the tree branches in front of them. Grinning evilly;
"You know, I could remember you telling me once, 'there is no way that I would ever fall for a woman like you.'" Knuckles crossed his arms and eyed the blushing chameleon suspiciously, "So this is what you've been doing. Vector and Charmy told me once you were on a nice long vacation," He looked at Julie-Su and smirked;
"Nice souvenir."
"Very funny," Espio crossed his arms, "How long have you been stalking us?"
"Stalking? First of all, you're trespassing, give me the $300 you still owe and I won't throw you off. Second of all, I've been observing you since let's see…" Knuckles looked at the sky and rubbed his chin as he thought, "I say about since you turned invisible in the tree."
"Yeah, that's stalking last I heard," Knuckles rolled his eyes, "So how's the whipped life?" Julie-Su smacked his arm, "Ow! Damn, what? He is! He's married!" She smacked him again.
"Espio!" She shouted softly, "Don't make him madder! Remember why we're here?"
"Tell me again, who's whipped Espio?" Knuckles asked seeing as he saw Julie-Su as the dominate one.
Espio frowned, "Yeah, I'll show you whipped you f—" Espio moved but Julie-Su cupped his mouth and stopped him.
"Sorry, life hasn't been relaxing lately," Julie-Su said nervously, "So um…did you hear why we're here?" She said quietly suddenly, almost like if she were ashamed of it.
"Yeah, yeah, don't go all sappy on me." Knuckles made gesture with his hands, "Two things, first; how'd this happen?"
"What, you're not going to invite us into your home?" Espio asked, faking shock. "I thought we were friends, and after that birthday gift I got two years ago!"
"Listen up you cheap-ass chameleon, unless you pay me—"
"Knuckles," Someone gritted from behind him. He flinched and nervously looked behind him. "How are you going to be so rude?"
"Eh-he-he, Rouge, I thought you were still inside." She glared at him, "What I only kidding, you know I wouldn't leave them outside!"
Espio coughed, "Whipped!" Knuckles only growled
"Espio, Julie, would like to come in?" Rouge asked polity.
"Um…thank you," Julie-Su responded quietly. She followed Rouge, her head down a little. Espio walked beside her, a hand on her shoulder;
"See, I told you he wouldn't be mad, Knux is a softy at heart—" A knuckle barbed hand gripped Espio's throat, "C'mon I was kidding!" He wheezed
"Skipping town for a couple months doesn't pay me back, where's my money!"
"Knuckles…" Rouge said crossing her arms and tapping her foot, "I think Julie would like to keep him in one piece…"
"But he owes me money! I just need five minutes to talk to him; you two go on, I won't hurt him…"
Rouge sighed and rolled her eyes, "Men…" She looked at the pink echidna next to her, and gave smile, "It's been awhile. C'mon I need to get me some ice cream." Time for new beginnings, and she is so faat. Julie-Su followed a weak smile on her face.
"Much…" Knuckles mumbled as he looked at the nervously chameleon.
"Hey, Knuckles, c'mon you're not gonna let a small 300 get between our friendship are ya?" Knuckles let him go and crossed his arms, staring hard at him, "Okay look I'm broke right now! I haven't worked with Charmy and Vector in a while!"
Knuckles began to laugh lightly, "What did you spend it all on her?"
Espio looked away and blushed lightly, "Maybe…"
Knuckles raised an eyebrow, "How'd you two even get together?"
"Long story…you don't want to know." Espio looked around for the girls, "Hey, you got anything to eat? I rushed over here without eating."
"Man, feed yourself. There are some berries on the bushes near the lake." Knuckles began to walk towards his house.
"C'mon after all we been through you ain't gonna at least give me a bologna sandwich?" Espio followed him, "Not even a glass of milk?"
"Nope," He responded quickly, "Glass of milk is $300."
Espio stared at him with wide eyes, "God damn, you got some special cows, jeez, what is their milk sacred or something?" He followed the echidna with the supposedly Super Special Cows with special milk.
I'ma cut it here, freaking 32 pages, yeah I'ma cut it.
Till 25 I'm out peace!