Chapter 2: Through the Red Door
AN: Hey everyone! Here's chapter two! It's been awhile I know, but there have been some things that have kept me away. Still, I wanted to get this out now and I'm pretty happy with it. I hope you like it and enjoy.
***I don't own anything in this story, so please don't sue me.***
Morning came and Samantha was sleeping on her chest, with her head facing the closet and the door of her bedroom. Her eyes barely opened as she saw the light pouring in from the curtains behind her.
'Mom is gone…and Marcus…' Samantha thought as she started to roll over, but felt something lying next to her.
"No, mommy…" The little girl murmured as she rolled back over, but quickly sat up and slowly looked around for something.
"Teddy…?" She asked while rubbing her eyes. Samantha saw a teddy bear behind the pillow she was sleeping with. She pulled it out and handed it to the girl. She smiled and hugged her bear before falling back to sleep.
'She's so cute.' Samantha thought as she slowly got out of bed and carefully made her way to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and hopped in the shower once she finished.
'How am I going to find this kid's parents? I mean, I can go to Tellius but seriously…there must be hundreds of thousands of laguz…' Samantha sighed as she applied shampoo to her hair. "A promise is a promise." She quietly said as she rinsed it off and washed the rest of her body. When she finished, she dried herself off and walked back into the bedroom to get her clothes. She quickly changed in the bathroom and walked into the kitchen.
'How about a little something special before we decide what we're going to do today?' Samantha thought as she pulled out a few eggs, some cheese, potatoes, some bacon, and orange juice. She began making breakfast for the two of them and as the aroma of breakfast filled the kitchen, the smell must have drafted into the bedroom because a young girl woke up holding her teddy bear and rubbing her eyes.
"Morning, sleepyhead." Samantha said with cheer. "How are you feeling?" Samantha looked over at the young girl who looked at Samantha with uncertainty. "Breakfast is almost ready, and then we'll decide what to do today, ok?" Genny nodded and slowly walked towards the kitchen. Samantha finally finished cooking and served breakfast; scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, potatoes, and a glass of orange juice.
"There! Now all we-" Samantha looked at the girl who was now standing in a small puddle with her pants wet.
"S-Sorry…" Genny said with worry that Samantha would be angry. Samantha let out an exasperated sigh, but rubbed her forehead and smiled.
"It's ok, honey. C'mon, let's get you out of those clothes and clean you up." Samantha picked up the girl and set her in the bathtub. She removed the child's clothes and set them in a plastic bag.
"You're…You're not mad?" Genny asked.
"Accidents happen…it's ok, sweetie." Samantha said as she began applying carpet cleaner on the area before tending to Genny. "Here, let's get cleaned up." Samantha turned on the water and filled the tub. Samantha grabbed a washcloth and a small rubber ducky before cleaning the girl. Genny splashed a little bit and was enjoying her time in the tub and deep down, Samantha was enjoying it too. When they finished, Genny pointed to her hair and was hoping for another fun hairstyle. Then, Samantha had an idea.
"Why don't we go to the mall? You can get your hair done by my friend, Zee. Oh he's great!" Seeing how excited Samantha was, Genny happily agreed and Samantha grabbed some new clothes brought by Krystal yesterday and dressed the girl. She was now wearing a beautiful black and white lace dress…only Genny was whimpering because her wings were cramped in the clothes. Samantha quickly removed it and cut open two holes in the back and put it back on the child. The dress fit her perfectly and the two girls sat down for breakfast. The food was still relatively warm and Samantha helped Genny eat while eating her own food.
"It's good." Genny said happily. "I like this." She held up a strip of bacon while still chomping on her food.
"Genny…" Samantha placed her palm face down; the top part of her fingers resting under Genny's chin in an attempt to stop her chewing with her mouth open. "We don't chew with our mouths open." Genny nodded and Samantha moved her hand away.
"But-" Genny started, but Samantha put a finger to her own lips.
"We don't talk with food in our mouths. Genny was going to respond, but Samantha shook her head again. Genny swallowed her food and showed Samantha that no food was in her mouth.
"Sorry." Genny said with an apologetic tone. "Miss K would be mad with me."
"Who's Miss K?" Samantha asked.
"She's a meanie…" Genny said and her expression turned to anger. "She let the other kids hurt me." Her expression quickly turned to sadness. "I don't wanna go back to her."
"Is Miss K your mommy?" Samantha asked hoping that she would say no. To her relief, Genny shook her head.
"Mommy yelled at her. Mommy took me away from her." Genny said. "I love my mommy." She smiled at the princess.
"And we'll find her. But first, let's brush our teeth." Samantha said as she and Genny walked to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and left the apartment. They walked to the bus stop and waited for the bus to arrive.
"What're we doing?" Genny asked.
"We're waiting for the bus." Samantha replied as the bus rolled to a stop in front of them. The two got on and Samantha paid for two of them before taking a seat. The bus wasn't too packed for the morning, but there were plenty of people sitting on the bus. Genny took a seat next to Sam and squeezed her hand; worried about the other passenger's.
"It's ok, honey." Samantha reassured the girl. "Just stay by me and it'll be alright."
"Fifty bucks says you could snap that little bitch's neck." One woman whispered to her moose friend and the two started snickering as Samantha glared at the squirrel woman. "Oh shit, I think blondie heard us."
"Hey girl…" The squirrel girl said. "You keep staring and you're gonna get hurt."
"I'm way out of you league, sister." Samantha said casually.
"You think you could take me?" The girl asked unimpressed. "Do you know who the fuck I am?"
"Do you know who I am?" Samantha asked with a hint of spite in her voice. "I'm not in the mood for this, so do me a favor and drop it."
"Bitch, you messed with the wrong girl." The squirrel girl stood up, but before she could make a move, the bus driver called to her.
"Knock it off and sit down!" The driver yelled and he pulled into the stop for the mall. Samantha and Genny got off followed by the girl and her friend.
"We ain't done, bitch." The girl took a fighter's stance; ready to throw down with the princess. Samantha set Genny on the nearby bench and pulled out headphones and her phone.
"They look mad." Genny said with worry in her voice.
"I know. I'm going to talk to them. In the meantime, how about you watch some cartoons?" Samantha pulled up an episode of 'My Little Pony' and put the headphones in Genny's ears.
"I know this! I like the horsies!" Genny squealed with delight as Samantha smiled.
"You sit here and watch this…" Samantha turned her so her back was to the girl and she kissed her head. "I'll be right back, ok?" Genny nodded and smiled as the cartoon started playing on Samantha's phone. Samantha walked back to the girl and cracked her knuckles.
"Ok, so where were we?"
"I was about to-" Samantha punched the girl in the gut and she knelt over. Samantha followed that by placing both hands on the sides of her head and moving her head towards her knee and her head bounced off and she fell to her back. The moose stepped forward and threw a punch, but Samantha blocked the attacked and punched him twice in the ribs before backhanding him and causing him to fall.
"Sam!" Genny called for her caretaker. Samantha punched the woman's temple and she fell and groaned in pain. As her friend got up, Samantha punched him in the throat before quickly going back to Genny.
"Yes, honey?" She asked as Genny showed the phone to her.
"It's broken." She said. Samantha examined the phone and it was not broken, instead, Samantha had received a text message and Genny must have opened it.
I've got some news on Genny's parents.
Get back to me when you can.
XOXO
Krystal
"Ok…" Samantha said quietly and looked up at the two combatants getting up. She put the show back on for the young girl. "I'm almost done, honey."
"Ok Sam." Genny responded as she happily continued watching the cartoon. Samantha walked back and as the squirrel girl pulled a gun on the princess. Samantha quickly grabbed the hand the held the gun, and dug her nails into her wrist. She dropped the gun and Samantha quickly unloaded the magazine and popped the chamber before she pistol whipped the girl and pointed the gun at the moose.
"Hey, come on now…just let us go and-"
Click
Samantha dropped the gun and punched the moose in the nose as hard as she could. With both competitors looking up at the princess, Samantha smirked at the two of them.
"Who the fuck are you?" The girl asked with anger.
"My name's Samantha Grace Aran. I'm the daughter of Samus Aran and Queen Zelda, firstborn to the kingdom of Hyrule, and Marcus McCloud's loving wife." Samantha knelt down and grabbed the collar of the girl's shirt. "If you ever point a gun at me again, I swear, I. Will. Kill you. Do you understand?" The girl quickly nodded and Samantha let her go and stood up. The two people got to their feet and ran as quickly as they could from Samantha. She walked back to Genny and sat down next to her.
"Hey you." Samantha ruffled Genny's hair and the girl giggled.
"I like…that one." She pointed to a purple unicorn.
"Twilight Sparkle? I like her too." Samantha smiled. "We need to get going. You need your hair cut." Genny handed Samantha her phone and reached up for her like she wanted to get picked up. Samantha pulled the headphones from her ears and then picked up the child before walking in. They made their way inside and Genny was fascinated by how big this building was.
"Wow…" Genny said in awe.
"It's big, right?" Samantha asked with a great big smile on her face.
"Yeah!" Genny said as they headed up to the second floor and continued walking for a small bit. Finally, they arrived at a hair salon and they walked up to the woman sitting at the counter.
"What can I-" An American shorthair cat looked up at the princess and the child. "Sam…" She said with a sincere smile before walking around and hugging her. "Always a pleasure seeing you here. What are we here for?"
"Is Zee available?"
"His next appointment didn't show up. I'm sure he'd love to work on you." The cat chuckled.
"I'm not here for me. I'd like to see if he can help Genny."
"Who?" She asked as she noticed the young girl in Samantha's arms. "Oh…she's so cute!" She gushed. "Take a seat; I'm sure he won't mind." Samantha took a seat and set Genny next to her. There were a few people around, but no one seemed to want to engage the pair.
"Don't worry, Genny. Zee is awesome. He'll give you an awesome hairstyle." Samantha reassured the girl.
"But…are you leaving me?" She asked on the verge of crying.
"No…Genny I'm never leaving you. We're going to find your mommy. Until then, I'm going to stay with you every day, ok?" Genny leaned against Samantha and hugged her as tight as she could.
"Promise?" She asked as she rubbed her eyes.
"I promise." Samantha said to the girl. Genny smiled as Samantha's hand gently brushed against Genny's hair. Samantha started humming 'Zelda's Lullaby' to the girl.
"Oh damn…it's Sam." A voice called out. Genny rubbed her eyes and yawned as Samantha smiled at the flamboyant zebra that stood before her.
"Zee! Darling!" Samantha stood up and Zee walked over and hugged her friend.
"Bitch, what you been up to? I haven't seen you in ages!" Zee exclaimed. "Come on, let Zee make you feel fab-ulous!" He grabbed her hand and started to walk, but Samantha stood her ground.
"Zee, it's not for me. I'm here for her." She gestured to the young girl sitting in the seat next to her. Zee knelt down and smiled.
"Hey there, pretty girl." He said with a smile. "What's your name?" Genny was scared, but Samantha gently held her small hand and smiled.
"G-G-Genny." She nervously squeaked before looking down in fear.
"Genny? Oh that's beautiful. It's much prettier than Sam…ugh." Zee joked and Genny giggled and Samantha rolled her eyes.
"Hilarious." Samantha said with a flat tone. "Think you can give her a one-of-a-kind hairstyle?"
"Who are you talking to? Of course I can. Come on, Miss Genny. Let's make you sparkle." Genny reached for Samantha and the princess picked her up and the three began walking towards a chair.
"How are you and Roger doing?" Samantha asked.
"Oh my god, Rog bought me this gorgeous ring…I'll have to show it to you later, but girl…" Zee shook his head and smiled. "That man knows how to treat me right."
"I'm glad to hear it. You've been dating for, what, four? Five years?"
"Six. And Roger is even talking about kids…can you believe that?" Zee asked as he stopped at one chair and grabbed a book. "Alright, young lady…let's find the perfect hairstyle for you." Zee began flipping through a book; looking for the perfect design for the young laguz girl. "What about…" Zee carefully examined a few photos before stopping on one. "…this one?" He pointed to a simple criss-cross pigtail design. "Simple, but she'll stand out."
"It's perfect. How much?" Samantha pulled out her purse to pay him.
"Bitch, put that away." Zee dismissed her comment. "I take care of my friends. It's on me."
"Zee, that's too kind…I can't-" Samantha started, but Zee was already starting to work on Genny's hair.
"Give me a few minutes…she'll be done soon." He said as he continued working on her hair. As Samantha left, Genny turned and called for her.
"Sam! Don't leave me!" Genny said with a look of sadness on her face. Samantha turned back and waited close enough where Genny could see her in the mirror, but far away that Zee could work.
"I'm right here, Genny." She waved to the little girl and she turned back and sat quietly; watching Samantha with the mirror.
"Are you, like, her guardian angel or something?" He asked as he began soaking her hair and running a comb through it to get out any knots.
"I'm just someone who found her. I'm trying to find her parents and until then…I guess I'm in charge of her."
"You sure you and Marcus didn't adopt? She looks really comfortable with you." He said as he began crossing her hair. Samantha's face turned light red and she smiled.
"I…no. W-We didn't adopt. Marcus…" Her smile disappeared as she began thinking of Marcus. Zee must've caught on, because he looked down in shame.
"Honey, I'm so sorry. I heard the report last night…I didn't mean-"
"It's fine." Samantha inhaled and exhaled slowly. "Between him and my mom…it's been a rough day."
"Oh darling…You want a spa treatment? I can probably fit you in next week." Zee suggested, but Samantha shook her head.
"It's too much, Zee. I need to get her home immediately and then…probably head home myself." She weakly smiled at the man who continued working with Genny's hair. After some time had passed, Zee grabbed a handheld mirror and showed it off to Genny.
"What do you think?" He asked and Genny looked at what she could see before smiling and nodded at the stylist.
"Genny, what do we say?" Samantha asked in a polite manner.
"Please!" Genny exclaimed with joy. The two started laughing lightly.
"No…the other thing. Thank-"
"Thank you!" Genny corrected herself and held out her arms for Samantha to pick her up.
"That girl is going to melt hearts." Zee placed a hand on his chest.
"Oh my God, right?" Samantha said with a smile. "I don't know who her parents are, but…" Samantha sighed. "She's so damn cute."
"You take care now…Don't be a stranger." Zee waved to Samantha and Genny and Genny reached out to feel Zee's mane. He knelt down and she felt his soft hair before giggling.
"It's soft, right?" He winked at the girl.
"Yeah…" She giggled some more and the pair left the salon. "I'm hungry."
"Let's go to the food court. We'll have lunch and then go shopping." They made their way to the food court and sat down at a table. Samantha pulled out her phone and decided to video call Krystal. A few moments later, the blue fox answered the phone.
"Sam! How are you, darling?" Krystal said with a warm smile.
"We're good. Can you say hi Genny?"
"Hi!" Genny eagerly waved at the blue fox.
"Hi Genny! How are you?" Krystal asked warmly.
"Good. I'm hungry." She told the blue fox.
"You're hungry? Well maybe Samantha should get you some food." She said while slightly hinting to Samantha what she should do.
"I know, but you said you had something news on her parents."
"Get some food and call me back. Where are you?" Krystal asked.
"The mall. Genny's got a new hairstyle and we're going shopping and-" Samantha began rambling, but Krystal quickly cut her off.
"Alright. Get some food and then call me." Krystal repeated before hanging up. Samantha looked around at all the different food chains. There was a sub shop, a burger place, a pizza joint, an ice cream parlor…there were so many places to choose from.
"What do you want to eat?" Samantha asked. Genny looked around and then looked up at Samantha.
"Sam…" Genny whined without giving a response.
"Alright, alright." Samantha stood up and the two walked over to the pizza joint. She and Samantha got a small, four slice cheese pizza, and a small drink for each of them. Samantha took a small piece of pizza and cut a small piece before giving it to the young girl. She smiled as she ate the piece Samantha cut off.
"You like that?" Samantha asked as she took a bite out of her own piece.
"Ish ummy!" Genny said with her mouth full. Samantha grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth before placing her fingers against the bottom part of her mouth again.
"We don't talk with our mouth full." Samantha reminded the girl. Genny sat and chewed her food with her mouth closed before swallowing it whole.
"It's yummy!" She repeated and smiled at Samantha. Genny smiled and reached for her drink, but she accidently tipped it over. She began crying over her spilled drink and Samantha reassured the young girl.
"Honey, don't cry. Here, you can have some of mine." Samantha set her drink next to the child and Genny stopped crying and took a sip from her drink. She rubbed her eyes and smiled at the princess.
"Still dragging that thing with you?" A feminine voice retorted. Samantha turned to see the young receptionist from Star Fox headquarters taking a seat nearby.
"Hannah, of all the places you could sit, why do you choose to sit next to me?"
"It's the only one that's clean." Hannah replied.
"I'd say you have a craving…nay…an obsession with me. You could almost convince me that you're secretly in love with me." Hannah looked surprised and even insulted by Samantha's remark.
"Puh-lease. My only interest is-"
"A married man, I know." Samantha interrupted as she continued eating with Genny.
"I just don't understand why Marcus would end up with you." Hannah murmured. "You're not all that impressive."
"Hannah, maybe…and I know this is crazy…but maybe he's my husband…because…and stay with me here…he loves me."
"Marcus is a very loving man and you're…" Hannah drifted off and stopped talking.
"Careful…" Samantha warned the young pig girl. "Say the wrong thing and I might cut out your tongue."
"He deserves better."
"Fuck you." Samantha quietly responded as Genny finished the single piece she had in front of her. Genny happily clapped after finishing her food.
"Let me finish eating, and then we'll go shopping." Samantha informed the young girl. Genny took another sip of her drink and nodded.
"And you're spoiling this kid? You are unbelievable." Hannah rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"You're damn right I'm spoiling her. It doesn't matter if she's my kid or not. She's a scared little girl and I'm going to bring her home. So keep your opinion to yourself." Samantha finished her food and threw away the garbage before picking Genny up and walking away. As they began walking away, Genny stuck her tongue out at Hannah while Samantha was walking away. She then looked around at all the stores they were passing. Samantha finally stopped at a bench and realized something.
"We forgot to call Krystal." She sat down and Genny sat in her lap. Samantha pulled out her phone and a hologram of Krystal appeared once again.
"Hey Sam. Hi Genny!" Krystal waved and smiled.
"Hi!" Genny exclaimed and eagerly waved at the blue fox.
"We're all fed and about to go shopping, but you said you had news on her parents?" Samantha asked and Krystal's smile faded.
"Sam…they're not laguz." Krystal said as she folded her arms. Samantha eyes slightly narrowed before looking at the young girl, then back at Krystal.
"Krystal…she has wings."
"I know. But I'm like ninety percent sure she's adopted. I spoke with Tibarn and…" Krystal sighed. "He wouldn't tell me who her parents were. I could've sworn he might've been concerned of…whomever they are, but I read his thought patterns…I'm almost certain her parents are not laguz."
"So what am I supposed to do? Ask every adult I meet if this is their kid?" Samantha asked with a hint of anger, but it quickly dissipated after watching Genny play with her fingers.
"Maybe not. Tibarn might not have been willing to tell me, but Naesala, or any member of the heron clan….maybe they can help. I think you just need to get to Tellius. Find a way there and perhaps you'll find someone or something that can help you. I'm sorry it's not helpful." Krystal said with sadness in her voice.
"Thank you for the help. I'm thankful you're helping me. Otherwise, I'd be stumbling in the dark. You want to come shopping with us?" Samantha offered.
"You wouldn't mind?" Krystal asked.
"It'd be nice to have some company." Samantha looked down at Genny who was sitting in her lap. "Do you want Krystal to come shopping with us?"
"Yeah!" Genny said with a smile.
"We'll be in the toy shop on the south side." Samantha informed her mother-in-law.
"Give me a few minutes and I'll be right there." The hologram ended and Samantha stood up and noticed a photo booth close by.
"Hey Genny…want to take some photos?" Genny nodded as Samantha walked into a booth and put the money in.
"What do you want to do?" Samantha asked the young girl as she stuck her tongue out. Samantha smiled and did the same before the first flash. Genny then looked up at Samantha like she was out of ideas.
"I got one! Can you do this?" Samantha puffed out her cheeks and Genny laughed. The young girl copied what Samantha did before the second flash.
"Let's see…how about…can you make a scary face?" Genny tried to look like a monster, but it came off more adorable than scary. Samantha made her own attempt at a scary face before the next flash.
"Two more…" Samantha murmured. Genny started to yawn as Samantha was thinking of what to do, but the next flash appeared before she could decide.
"Oops…" Genny giggled.
"Last one. How about a normal one? Let's just smile." Genny and Samantha both smiled for the last photo and after the flash, they stepped outside and waited for their photos to print. Two copies of five photos printed out. Samantha admired the five photos and showed Genny.
"Look how silly we are!" Samantha said as Genny cheered. Samantha gave her one copy and the two walked towards the nearest shop to look at all the toys. After a bit of time, Krystal showed up in the same shop. Genny reached out for the blue fox and laughed.
"How has your day been, Genny!"
"We had fun!" She said with a great big smile on her face.
"It sure looks like it. Now then, shall we?" Krystal asked. The three began shopping for a few hours before heading home. As they walked back towards Star Fox headquarters, people were screaming and running away from something.
"What's going on?" Krystal quietly mumbled as Genny's grip on Krystal became a bit tighter. Krystal handed the child over to Samantha and pulled a gun before advancing. When they rounded the corner, Krystal's eyes lit up. Samantha wasn't sure what to expect, but what she saw frightened both Genny and herself. A man standing over seven feet tall was terrorizing the citizens of Corneria; looking for something or someone. His attention turned to Krystal and Samantha and he gave an evil sneer.
"Don't move!" Krystal yelled as she pointed the gun and moved one hand up to her ear. "I need backup at my location immediately. Code black! I repeat, code black!" Krystal turned to Samantha and gave her a final hug. "For God's sake, run!" She almost yelled. Samantha didn't need to be told twice. She turned and ran as Genny reached back and called for Krystal. Krystal turned and began fighting the unknown man while Samantha ran.
'This is just like mom. You can't abandon Krystal.' She looked down at Genny who was crying that her friend was gone. 'But you're doing it for her. I'm so sorry, Krystal.' Samantha closed her eyes and continued running as tears fell from her face. Eventually, she turned into a dead end and turned back. But unfortunately for her, the man was blocking the only exit she had. In his hand was a lifelike statue of her mother-in-law.
"Wha…What did you do?" Samantha asked as she saw Krystal's lifeless body.
"Samantha Grace Aran…how I've longed to meet you." Samantha set the child down behind her and took a fighting stance.
"What did you do to her?" She asked with a stronger voice, but he didn't reply. He continued walking towards them and Samantha, now worried this unknown man was coming for Genny; Samantha set Genny down behind her and took a fighting stance. "I won't let you take her!" She said with passion in her voice.
"I'm not interested in her…I want you."
"Wh-What? Why…Why me? Who are you?" Samantha tried to sound brave, but she was scared out of her mind.
"Your mother never told you?" The man chuckled. "I suppose not. Very well…my name is Gannondorf." The man said as his eyes narrowed.
"Gannon…" Samantha's voice trailed off. "I've…I've heard stories about you. You were indefinitely suspended from the tournament for your underhanded tactics and constant attempts to cheat. You attacked my mother and attempted to sabotage her opportunity in the tournament." She said as she became angrier with each word she said. "I'm going to kill you!" She screamed with pure anger in her voice.
"I would expect no less from the child of Samus. But tell me, before we engage in battle…your mother…in her last moments, did she scream?" His smile grew wider as his attempt to infuriate the princess was working. Despite Genny's call to leave, Samantha was entirely focused on killing this man. She ran forward and tried to punch him, but he sidestepped and punched her in the gut. She felt like he broke a couple, if not all, of her ribs. She dropped down to the ground and gasped for air, but Gannon picked her up and tossed her towards a couple trash cans in the corner.
"Get up." He ordered and Samantha complied. She charged again, but he dodged and punched her temple. Samantha was knocked over, but she quickly stood up just as he punched her nose and sent her crashing into some garbage bags.
"This is the best that you can offer? I'm disappointed." He seemed to be mocking the princess. Samantha placed a hand under her nose, and she was now bleeding, but she wasn't backing down. She tried running to him again, but he slammed her against the nearby wall and her head bounced off the wall; causing her sight to become dizzy and Gannondorf began his onslaught with a old fashioned beat down while mainly focusing on her skull. By the time he finished, before Samantha could recover, Gannon's hand grabbed her neck and she struggled to find oxygen.
"Now this…this looks familiar…" He sneered as his grip tightened around her neck. "You look just like your mother." He chuckled as Samantha started to black out. "I failed to kill Zelda then, but I suppose I'll settle for the head of her firstborn." Samantha was no longer putting up a fight; she was mere moments from death until someone hit Gannondorf with a hard shot to the back. Samantha fell and collapsed onto the ground. Samantha remained motionless on the ground; all she saw were blurs around her. She couldn't tell what was happening, but someone was screaming, there was some people talking…and that's all she could tell before closing her eyes and passing out. What seemed like a few moments later, she woke up in a hospital bed. No one was around her and her first concern was not her own health.
"Genny…Where's…ah!" She found it difficult to move, but she needed to find the young girl.
"Hey, now…what are you doing? You need to stay in bed." The doctor stopped Samantha from getting out and helped her back in bed. Normally, she was stronger than most people, but at the moment, she felt like a newborn baby could kill her.
"Genny…I need…Where-"
"If you're looking for the young girl, she's in the waiting room with Tiffany. How are you feeling?" He asked as he clicked his pen and was ready to start writing.
"My head…feels like…fire…" She groaned as she put a hand to her head.
"You just had a few bumps and bruises. It's nothing too serious." He finished writing and pulled out a small light. "Follow the light." He instructed. Samantha did as she was told and he ran a few tests for the princess. After running a few tests he wrote some stuff down and smiled. "I don't want you doing any heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Just take it easy and don't push yourself too hard for the rest of today and tomorrow. I'll escort you back to to the waiting room when you're ready to go." He said as Samantha nodded to show she understood his words. He left the room as Samantha started getting dressed. After she left the room, he escorted her to the waiting room.
"Am I able to take ibuprofen or something?" She asked as she rubbed her head.
"Just two pills. And drink plenty of water." He said as they entered the waiting room. "Be safe, Samantha."
"Thank you, doctor." She nodded and walked over to Genny and a young bunny girl.
"Sam!" Genny rubbed her eyes as she had been crying for a little while. She reached out for Samantha and she held the young girl.
"Hey, Genny…" Samantha kissed her cheek and gently rocked her from side to side. "Are you ok?" She asked.
"I was kinda scared." Genny said to her caretaker.
"You're a very brave girl." Samantha said with a smile. "Tiffany, thanks so much for watching over her."
"It's not a problem. She's so adorable. But…where's Marcus?" She looked around and Samantha was filled with emotion.
"Can…" Samantha cleared her throat. "Can I speak to you at my place? I'll tell you everything." Her voice cracked as tears fell down her face.
"Sam…what happened? Of course I'll come with you. I can fill you in on what happened with Gannon." The three went back to the apartment and took a seat. Samantha poured a glass of water for Genny and herself as soon as they arrived.
"Can I get you anything?" Samantha sniffed as she set Genny in a chair and set the glasses down.
"Well…I missed lunch, but you sit down. I'll…I'll make something." Instead of arguing, Samantha sat down and the young girl opened the refrigerator to make a sandwich.
"So…what happened with…ah…" She tried to think, but her head still hurt.
"Gannon? Falco arrested him."
"Seriously? He's behind bars?" Samantha took a sip of water before going to retrieve two pills for her headache.
"Yeah. Falco was pissed that you were unconscious and I think he took out his aggression on him. He's going to be relieved to know you're ok."
"But he hates me…" Samantha said quietly.
"No, he hates your mom…Samus, I mean." Tiffany explained s she finished her ham and cheese sandwich. Genny reached out for the sandwich and Tiffany gave her a small piece. Genny smiled after eating part of her sandwich and rubbed her tummy to show her approval. "I know my grandpa will be happy to hear you're ok. He seemed to be concerned when he heard Gannon was here."
"Peppy is concerned for me? After all the trouble I've caused him." Samantha shook her head.
"They bend the rules for most competitors." She took a bite of her sandwich. "So…tell me, what happened with Marcus?" She asked with a mouth full of food.
"First off, swallow your food. I don't like people talking with their mouths full." Samantha said slightly irritated by Tiffany talking with her mouth full of food. Samantha put in another classic cartoon so Genny could have some entertainment while the two talked. Samantha then told her everything.
"So, your mom is dead? And Marcus? And Krystal? Oh my gosh, what do we do?" Tiffany began panicking as Samantha placed her hand on her shoulder.
"Don't panic. Start with that." Samantha said as Genny was still watching her cartoon of Spot the Dog.
"And her parents…you don't know?"
"Not a clue." Samantha shook her head. "I need to get to Tellius, but I think I know how to get there."
"You mean that red door?" Tiffany asked. "Are you sure that doesn't lead to…I don't know…maybe death or something?" She asked with serious concern.
"Well…no, but I have a feeling it will work out. That…That's a good thing…r-right?" Samantha asked with less confidence than she had a few moments ago.
"I…um…" Tiffany couldn't think of any positive feedback to give to her friend. "If you want to do this, I'll support you." Tiffany gulped hard and nodded.
"Tiffany…thank you." Samantha said with a warm smile. She started packing and before she finished, she saw one envelope full of money. She took it out and pulled a few dollars out and set it on the counter before stuffing the rest of it into her pocket. She then made a small lunch bag consisting of one peanut butter sandwich and one jelly sandwich, a couple different kinds of fruit, a granola bar, and a chocolate.
"Genny, we're leaving." Samantha walked over to the TV and stopped the movie.
"Aww…but Sam-"
"I'm sorry honey, but we need to go." Genny pouted for a minute, but she flapped her wings and stood up. Samantha went into her room to grab Genny's teddy bear as the young girl carefully flew next to Samantha. Samantha gave Genny her Teddy bear before holding her in one arm and grabbing the money with her free hand.
"Tiffany, can you grab the bills?" She asked. Tiffany did as she was told and they left the apartment. "Can you hold this?" She held out the lunch bag and after Tiffany took it, she locked the apartment and left the keys in the lock. "Take the keys."
"What?! But this is-"
"I'm not asking you to clean it or anything. I don't want to hold onto them and I know you're looking for your own place. If you want to stay here, go ahead."
"But…what about the rent?"
"I've got that covered." She walked down the hall to another door and knocked. It opened and standing before her was an older porcupine man.
"Ah…Samantha! What a surprise." He adjusted his glasses and smiled.
"Hello Mr. Hodges. I have the rent for the next two months here for you." She knelt down and handed him the extra bills she had.
"Samantha…" He sighed and chuckled. "You and Marcus have already paid us for six months in advance for rent."
"I know, but we'd like to be safe. In case we forget or something."
"I doubt that will be a problem for you two." He smiled. "Did you want to come in for tea?"
"I'm afraid I'll need to pass. Perhaps some other time."
"Alright. Have a wonderful day, dear." He quietly shut the door and she turned to Tiffany.
"It's all yours. Just don't make a huge mess and…you know, stay out of our room. Aside from that, the place is yours."
"Sam…this is too much, I don't know how I can repay you." Tiffany said as she looked down.
"That's what friends are for, right?" Samantha smiled.
"Yeah but what I did doesn't compare to this."
"It's fine. Enjoy yourself and give my regards to Peppy and make sure he knows what's happening." The two made their way to the unknown red door.
"Well…this is it." Samantha exhaled.
"You're sure about this…Like there's no way I could convince you-"
"Tiffany." Samantha said.
"I know. I'm just worried."
"I am too. But I need to do this. Be safe."
"Yeah…y-you too." Tiffany hugged Samantha one last time before the broke the hug.
"Bye bye!" Genny waved at the rabbit girl.
"Hold on tight Genny…I don't know what's going to happen." Samantha said quietly as Genny gripped Samantha's shirt. Samantha took one final breath before opening and walking through the red door.