Chapter 1: The Start of Black Dawn
As the battle started at the dead of night, others drifted to sleep unknown to all that was happening.
On the other side of Babylon, one house in the entirety of the suburban area had been checked on every now and then by the PETA organization. Its content unknown to everybody who passes it. All that is known is that the owners of that house have been away for sometime now and haven't return. Now the house have been just sitting there with no "for sale" sign on the lawn or anything.
But what everyone especially didn't know, something definitely resided in that house. In that empty space filled with priceless antiques and furniture, all the photos have been taken down off the walls and face down on the desks and nightstands. The lights in the house looked as if they haven't been touched in a while. The furniture gathering more dust than a vacuum can ever could. Dead Silence.
But there was one room that have continuously been making tiny noises here and there. It happens every night about this time. A small ruffling sound would start it off, then a small grumble, and then it ends on the note of a sob.
Meanwhile back at the bridge both canines were breathing heavily as the wolf was doing the same. Fido gritted his teeth once more and charged toward the lupine. "Fido!" The German Shepard had yelled out to no avail. With a quick step to the right a fast right hook was incoming. Zero saw it before Fido's arm even lifted and reeled back. The lupine grabbed his scarf quickly stripping it off from his neck and whipped it for it could temporally blind the brown canine for a split second. And in that split second..Ralph had to strike.
Getting his colleague out of danger..the German Shepard charged to quickly sweep the wolf off his feet. Not seeing this coming the wolf fell to his back but immediately kicked right back up but was brought right back down with Fido's hook from earlier. Two against one was never alright in their books but they had to do so if they wanted to bring this wolf back into custody. But they will soon know why this wolf was as dangerous as they say.
Zero..now being held down by the two canines had calmly let them have their one moment of breath. But as soon as they let even an ounce of their guard down he would get up. But that would cost some of his sanity and crossing the line in becoming feral. Kari on the other hand witnessed the wolf on the floor as he started slowly crawling to him. The vulpine knew exactly what Zero was thinking and Karishad didn't enjoy it one bit. With one mighty yell out of his lungs the fox called out to the wolf.
"ZERO! DON'T DO IT! YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!"
"K-Kari?" Zero said as his mind cleared. He looked over to his friend crawling to him.
Fido with anger still very visible on his face looked toward the fox. He slowly walked over to the fallen vulpine. He needed answers..he needed to be sure that this would lead him to his goal. The goal of tracking "him" down. His legs carried him close to the fox until Ralph grabbed him by the arm.
"They have had enough Fido. Anger won't solve anything!"
"No..I need answers. I need to find out why did they..." Fido wrenched free out of the German Shepard's grasp as his leg came in for a kick but instead connecting with the fox..Zero's shoulder was the one to feel the blunt force of the kick. Holding his own weight over his friend..Zero kept his strength even with his trembling nerves and the blood oozing out of his open wound from the gun shot. Karishad looked upward to see the smiling wolf..that smile that he knew all to well. Karishad threw his arms around the wolf's neck and closed his eyes.
"Stop it please!"
An ear piercing howl had engulfed the night sky alarming everyone near by. The policemen on the bridge readied their weapons to fire. All raised their weapons but none of them had fired a single bullet. All throughout their bodies..fear had swarmed trough easily controlling their moments. Only a single soul wasn't affected by the furious and paining howl or so you think.
Karishad brought down the weight of the wolf down onto himself as he buried his own muzzle into the tuft of Zero. The vulpine's leg wasn't doing all that well either. Now beginning to thrash about..Zero though not on purpose had kept hitting the damaged leg causing Kari to whimper into Zero's chest.
The brown canine's rage had subsided immensely and in it's place had grown a little fearful for his life. The German Shepard on the other hand was deep in thought of what Zero had said before this scuffle. Then it hit him as soon as he heard the howl.
"Karishad keeps the wolf in check whenever he loses control. Even if it costs him some injuries that fox is the key to keep that wolf under control. Their bond must be very strong. That's why he said that he would turn himself in. If that wolf were to go feral at the appropriate time..he could escape. That begs the question...Why didn't he escape beforehand when he was in the cell already?"
Going off on a little tangent..Ralph's train of thought returned. "Once Fido acted out of anger and went for the vulpine..the wolf protected him even if it meant the result of being attacked in the shoulder where the bullet had shot him. Now the real question is..how are we going to put an end to his rampage and put him in custody? If that's even possible and even now Karishad is having trouble with..." The German Shepard's thought process was interrupted as another figure casually walked up to the beach.
With the presences of this new figure the guards had all put their guns down slowly..shocked with being in the same area as royalty. Fido's gaze turned into a glare as he saw the figure's massive and well built body coming toward them. His blood boiled once again as the memory flashed before his very eyes becoming clear with every flash. Their faces became visible as clear as day. Ralph had called out to Fidoe but the dog's voice wouldn't reach him.
The figure slowly walked to over to the wolf as a hand was brought down to Zero's neck knocking him out and leaving him limp over Karishad.
"This is a too familiar pose to be in for the leader of Backlash. If this wasn't serious I could make fun of the both of you right now."
Karishad looked past the wolf's head but before he could say anything...
"JATA!" Fido screamed but his legs stood in place no less shaking. He took out the raging wolf with just one blow to the neck and quite frankly if it wasn't for the pack of wolves back then..especially Dead-Eye..Fido wouldn't know where he would be right now.
"Fido..What a pleasant surprise to see you here?" The heavy accent jaguar said. "I have to apologize but both the fox and wolf are coming with me. They are under my watch until the Edge Race Tournaments are finished. And if you don't believe me..." with the snap of his fingers personal guards of his have emerged from behind rock formations..some coming from the airport that was close by..and even one coming from under the sand where they stood. All wearing camouflage army suits that had bared the crest of the small micro-nation in Africa that he ruled over as Prince. Jata himself dressed in a very formal attire with a black suit and blue tie.
Fido gritted his teeth but was reminded by a tap on his scalp telling him that he basically have a small army behind him on the bridge. But so much was at stake. Making that decision would most likely cause a small war or at least some major problems with Africa. This was a fight even though he hate to admit it..he'd lost. He looked over to Sargent Ralph who gave him a soft nod as they both relaxed their bodies but not letting their guards down.
The one guard that was hiding himself in the sand..as ridiculous as that sounds..had emerged fully and handed Jata a piece of paper but not before wiping it off of the sand that had collectively have been an unnecessary add on.
"You said that their under your watch until the Edge Race games are finished..correct?" Ralph questioned before Jata have had the time to ask them a question first.
"Yes I have...but that might not be promised. As you can see..I've grown a little fond of these two in the past years. You can say their my close associates. We even formed a team to enter the Edge Race."
"But that wolf can't enter. He's a criminal and he..."
"Aren't we all at one point? I admit it know..during my first visit here at Babylon Gardens I acted rashly and I've learned from it. But your friend there was about to stomp out my friend out of anger just to get simple answers that could've been acquired by more simple means such as a conversation. Even though knowing Zero that's more unlikely."
Jata paused for a moment as he was in a slight thought process. "'Police Brutality' is the term they use here correct? Either way both of them were under our jurisdiction as of yesterday. Mess with my business again and I won't hesitate to bring war between our two countries."
Ralph heavily took a breath in as he thought about that one phrase that Jata brought up. Of course they were animals and it was natural for them to fight but using that phrase had manage to make all the police and their dogs feel that they had shots fired toward them. Releasing the breath he took he sighed.
A little voice..almost was barely heard screamed. "Bring it on..Our army is the best there ever was and ever will be! Just try and..." Spo's voice was muffled as a little heavier than normal tap had hit him.
"There's no need for war. We will follow your rules and regulations." the German Shepard took a bow and faced the opposite way of the jaguar. His gaze overlooked his comrade. The anger was still there but there was something else..something Ralph have yet to see.
"Officer Fido!" he called out.
"W-What..." Fido stuttered. "What do you possibly gain from doing this?"
A smirk emerged on the Prince's face. "Seeing you fail." With that the jaguar's guards picked up Zero and lifted him off to the plane that was waiting at the airport not to long from there. Karishad was soon to follow as they also lifted the injured fox. As for Jata and Fido..both locked eye contact for more than three seconds before both turning away and going their respectable directions. But Jata's foot steps had ceased for only a moment as his head turn slightly back.
"I'll see you on the course soon. Fido." A chuckle was only heard as he continued to walk away.
Meanwhile on a roof top not to far from the incident two black felines looked upon the two crowds. The night sky had emerged them in the shadows for they couldn't be noticed due to their dark fur.
"Man every year it gets more difficult than the last. This is going to be a big mess isn't it?"
"We have to stay on our toes. This race have more than just a title on the line. There must be something we're not seeing and I can't track down Tarot either." she chuckled a bit even at the end of that serious remark. But even through that small chuckle the pain was indeed being covered. The feline looked toward the brown canine as he walked off toward the bridge. Then her gaze followed Jata as he walked into the plane before it took off. This brought the smile she had gain to vanish slowly. Not seeing the obvious veil that brought shadows in her true emotions..the black cat beside her looked over to her.
"What's so funny about that?" he asked.
"It's nothing a rather off topic thought came to mind." the small smile returned as she replied.
"What is it Sabrina?"
"You don't remember this rooftop do you Maxwell?"
The black cat was lost in thought for a moment as he tried to wrap his mind of what she was getting at. "Nope not at all. You and your mystical whatever?"
"It's the rooftop we use to always go when we wanted to be alone. Before the break up." Sabrina said as a short smile appeared on her face. Maxwell's face turned a bit red as he turned his head. The tension wasn't serious but Max was glad when a phone rung breaking it. The feline separated his ring-tones for he could know who exactly was calling without looking at the phone.
"It's Marvin..."
"Carol of the Bells...seriously? You do know it's the summer right?"
"It's the Trans-Siberian Orchestra version and YES I know. I met Marvin in winter close to Christmas so I figured why not." Without another word he answered. "Marvin what's up?"
The orange furred cat sat at his computer as he looked at his monitor. "Max are you guys alright? The wires are going haywire."
"We're fine it's not even us that they're after. A huge scuffle happened at the bridge heading to the airport."
"Then that means it must have been connected to why Backlash's Team profile was just uploaded to the Edge Race site." Marvin looked upon the three faces that were now replacing the three question marked profile avatars. "I'm guessing that whatever happened out there wasn't suppose to and now they have no other choice but to come out from hiding."
Max looked toward Sabrina. "Sab...what's wrong?"
"That fox...why is he working with them?"
"I never trusted him fully anyway but it doesn't matter. We have to concentrate on winning right Marvin?"
"Come back to the hideout. I have a surprise for you Max."
"Oh I'm so flattered." He said with a very huge hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Whatever it is I don't want it."
"Even if it involves a certain somebody? Well I guess I'll just tell Grape that..." Marvin was immediately interrupted as a loud thud came through the headset speaker.
Max immediately picked back up the phone. "Are you serious!? She's really back! I'm on my way!" He ended the call as he ran toward the direction of their HQ. Sabrina looked out to the area of the commotion one last time before going after Max.
Marvin chuckled as he called another number from his computer console. His headset rung three times but no answer. A sigh exited his lungs as he knew this would happen. He felt a little tinge of pain in his gut knowing that he had to go against his brother. Every call to that house ended with the answering machine picking up. One that both Tiger and himself made after convincing their owners to do so. This was the only time that he didn't leave a message cause of the simple fact that the phone was full of them. Another number came to mind as he started to call.
The purple feline stood on a tree branch looking down at a certain house. One that was now empty. The memory of that fateful day still plays clearly in the back of her mind. It must've been two years since it happened.
Her thoughts process was cut off as she seen a familiar face walking past the house. A canine with a kick in her step and even from the walk you can tell that she had a very bubbly atmosphere around her. Grape was compelled to go down there and greet her..but if she could stay hidden just for a little bit longer. If anyone deserve to see her it was...
"I knew I smelled a "way too" familiar scent."
"That voice..." Grape looked directly above her and she saw him. The Canadian Pointer Mix that she knew all to well...standing in a tree? "Peanut!"
The light brown canine climbed down to her level quite fast and sat beside her. Before he could say anything Grape's arms wrapped around him first. Peanut gladly returned the hug with no hesitation to squeeze her in his arms. The lavender cat felt the embrace get tighter as her thoughts went to his appearance. After the hug..which no words exchanged..she looked at Peanut. Not much have changed about him. The sweet gentle face she grew accustomed to never left. His voice a little bit deeper than she remembered. But his figure..even though Peanut was never big and fat he never had definition to his muscles back then. But now she saw every crevice and all the cuts that formed his muscles on his arms and the packs on his abs.
"When did you start working out tough guy?" Grape question as she punched the dog's arms lightly.
Peanut chuckled..a little proud of himself and a little embarrassed that she had noticed. "You know..I can't stay home all day and play video games all my life even though it doesn't sound bad."
"Well I'm glad you're not a couch potato like I thought you would be." Both chuckled enjoying each other's presence. Grape noticed that his personality somehow stayed the same but became more mature at the same time. If she would have came back a little earlier than she did..upon seeing her..Peanut would have woken up the whole neighborhood announcing the felines' return. She both missed and loved that it was that trait that was changed. Not having your own personal living alarm clock was tough having it was even tougher. But as they say...you'll never miss your water until your well runs dry.
The two talked to what seemed like forever about all the things that happened between the both of them. All the good times were mentioned and even the tough times were too. But two topics that was never brought up by any of them was the day of the incident and the Edge Race. Neither two wanted the other to feel either guilty or antagonized. A call from Peanut's phone interrupted the good time they were having. A nod from Grape was all he needed to answer the call.
"Hello..." The canine's face was still in a smile as he replied. "I'll be there..just give me a couple of minutes alright?" Whoever it was must have agreed with him as he hung up the phone. He looked out to the house once more. "That house...remember the good times?"
All Grape could do was nod as a flood of memories from the old days back in that house came to mind. From getting in trouble trying to make in rain indoors to playing Imaginate starting with only herself and Peanut then growing to so many others. Who can forget that one moment living in her favorite novel Pridelands? A small blush had appeared on her face as she remembered all her favourite characters becoming reality. Lost in thought she failed to see that Peanut had stood up on the thick and strong enough branch that held the weight of both of them during their time talking.
"Later Grape. It's great to see you again. I hope we could get together and really reminisce. I'll see you around." He jumped off the branch and as if it was on instinct his legs bended a little in the air. The lavender felines' quick glance was able to catch that simple movement that could have been easily missed. Once Peanut's feet hit the floor..his legs extended like a spring for he could roll. Grape was surprised but curiosity struck her more. She knew exactly why that maneuver was so important..it was for anyone who have jumped off at a high point to be able to land to a lower point without taking so much of the impact. In a fight it was called a dodge roll where you could use the same tactic but just rolling on the same level instead of jumping off at a higher plain. But seeing Peanut perform it not only flawlessly but out of nowhere as if it was natural to him made Grape think a little.
As she looked at Peanut leaving her phone rang. "Hello?"
"You came back and didn't tell me? The nerve." the voice over the phone had said.
The purple cat laughed to herself as she heard the familiar voice sarcastically scolding her. "Hi Maxie."
"You should come back to HQ. Marvin have something important to show us. He doesn't want you to be left out." Max stated.
"I'm on my way." With that she hung the phone up and disappeared in the night.
On the plane hovering above a body of water the trio of Team Backlash were quiet..due to being knocked unconscious..the wolf was placed on a seat in front of Jata who was reading a book and beside Karishad. Both the wolf and fox shared a linen blanket that wasn't used for warmth but for cool air through hot days. Kari glanced at Zero from time to time during the flight. He was feeling restless and couldn't help but to just sit there awake.
"Is something troubling you Master Karishad?" one of the passing medics that tended to their injuries had asked.
"It's nothing Melissa. I'm fine." Karishad said as she nodded and went on with her business.
"I hate it when they call us Master? Don't you?" the fox quickly looked toward Zero as he slowly arose from his slumber.
"You're awake!?" Karishad almost yelled.
"I guess I am. Your leg alright? All I can remember is jumping from a window while getting shot at." Zero said as he turned his full attention of Karishad. "I'm also guessing we made it."
The vulpine didn't want to tell him but his leg..even though it was fine now..the wolf had opened the wound a little more than it normally was. It was a good thing that the medics on the plane had enough equipment to stop the bleeding and close it. His leg wound wasn't a big enough injury that would've have lost his ability to walk but he still wanted to hide it from Zero under the blanket they shared.
"Good to know you two are feeling better." Jata said finally looking up from his book.
"So where are we headed Jata?" Zero asked while quickly glancing out of the window.
"To a secluded island that I have under my watch until this how you say..blows over."
"You're getting better with the US slang." Zero and Jata chuckled.
"Why thank you. But I should tell you beforehand that I'm going to be making fun of you while on the way." Jata replied as he went right back to reading his book.
"And whys that?" Zero asked.
"You really don't remember do you? Maybe the fox could tell you."
Karishad put his hands up in defence. "Don't put me into this!"
"Oh come on Jata you're the one who brought it up. You spill it!" the wolf said as he arose from his seat.
"Make me!" the jaguar edged the wolf on as he smirked.
The lupine grabbed the book out of Jata's hands as he started running away with it to another part of the plane.
"HEY! THAT'S A COLLECTOR'S ITEM!" The jaguar ran after the wolf leaving Karishad to look at the madness that was happening. This continued for quite sometime until Zero had locked himself up in the aircraft's lavatory. Jata sighed as he slowly walked over to his seat and sat down.
"He locked himself in the bathroom again didn't he?" Kari said as a chuckle exited his lungs.
"He did..quick give me his phone!"
The excitement around here never seem to cease. the vulpine handed Jata the phone as he played on it.
"Since he has my book. He's not going to have enough battery to last this ride. Oh what do we have here!?"
As if on cue..the wolf burst through the door. "Don't look through those!" Zero ran to Jata but was only able to get into the reach of Jata's arm length. He reached out to get the phone but to no avail since Jata's strength was just pushing him back. It even resorted to the wolf climbing on Jata like a little kid trying to get his toy from his older brother. If it was any other situation Jata would have gotten really angry about his suit. But that didn't seem to matter know.
On the other hand Karishad looked at both of them with a smile. They both acted as if what happened back there didn't happen at all. Jokes was being said even though a couple of swears were thrown in there much on Zero's behalf..it was a playful atmosphere..food was being served by the flight attendants that was aboard this private plane..and better yet..they had no one accusing them of doing anything wrong. It was like a little vacation they were on..a break from everything. Before Karishad joined in the fray..he looked at the empty seat next to Jata as he remembered that they were down one more member. Then this team...no this family would be complete. The start of a new beginning always starts off with a nice sun rise.