"Mariko!" Espio rushed to her side and lifted her head up to his chest. "What's wrong? What's happening?"
Mariko reached her arms up desperately, wheezing harder and harder and nearly clawing him in her fear. "Master…Master was right *GASP* we were never ready for *WHEEZE* anything like this..."
"Don't start talking like that!"
"She's fractured rib." Vector said in the corner, facing the wall.
"What?"
"The force of the kick shattered one of her ribs. It must've punctured her lung. Judging by how she's leaning on you, I would say it's her right lung. It's filling up with blood now – hence why she's coughing it up."
"W-w-what do I do? How do we help her?"
"Lay her down on her right side and make sure her airway is clear and open. She still has her left lung functioning, and from what it sounds like, it seems to be only a fairly minor puncture."
As Espio followed what he was told, he asked "What does it mean for her?"
"As long as you do what I say, she should remain conscious; fatigued and in pain, but conscious. She should rest, but she'll need proper medical attention to make sure though, which we probably won't get in here…"
Mariko's breathing became more constant, she was still breathing faster than usual and bleeding, but it seemed to have stabilized. Espio wiped his forehead in relief and slumped down next to her. "How do you know these things Vector?"
The crocodile sighed, still facing the wall in his shame. "Most kids played ball in the street, video games or just hung out with their friends. I used to sit on my own and watch the world." He tilted his head to the side slightly, only allowing a part of his snout into view. "I had no real friends when I was a kid, so I just used to wade in the nearby lake. It was, well, lonely being on your own all the time…"
"What about your father? Didn't you socialize with him when you were on your own?"
"Oh yeah, of course - my pop was the greatest!" He finally smiled, but it faded back to sadness. "But, it's not quite what a kid needed at that age, you know?"
Espio nodded, looking over to Mariko, who had fallen asleep but was still breathing heavily.
"Kids used to run by – they had no idea that I was there. A crocodile was watching them from the river bank below them. Well, I'm a croc – that's how we stalked our prey and stuff, but it began to amaze me how unobservant people were. So for many days, and nights, I watched them – people. I soon got to know the daily routines of everyone; the exact time they walked past my river, the exact way they walked and soon after that, almost the exact thing that was going to happen to them…" Vector remembered the sounds of two children running and playing in the street. The sound of a drive-by shooting. "I witnessed something I never wanted to see again, something that I knew was going to happen. One night after that, I made sure it would never happen again – leading me into stopping a murder before the culprit even entered the house. The cops had me honoured – giving me a bunch of medals. It was a dream come true for a kid, and it was that moment that I realised that I wanted to help people. So I became a detective."
"That's amazing…" Espio said. "But, when we found you, you were a journalist. What happened?"
"Hmph. After a while, I started to take on the bigger cases. I made mistakes. I got in the cops' way. People got hurt. They had me quit or to be locked away like an animal; I had some friends in the force too…good friends, and that's why I don't trust anybody anymore." He faced the wall again. "…and it's why we're in this mess…more mistakes from detective Vector. I've got the skills, but none-a the brains…"
"I'm sorry…"
"I'm the one that's sorry Espio. I judged her way too quickly, if I had been more observant like I had in the past, we would've wrapped this thing up already…"
There was a long silence.
"So what was your dad like?" Vector asked, finally breaking the silence.
"Huh? Wait – how did you -?" Espio appeared shocked.
"Please. Your entire demeanour screams 'daddy issues'." He chuckled lightly. "So what was he like?"
"To everyone else, he was the leader of the clan. But to me, he was my best friend. We did everything together and he started me off in my path to becoming a ninja." He smiled, before looking back over to Vector. "What of yours?"
"Oh, my pop?" Vector nervously scratched his head. "Oh, my pop was great! He taught me everything; fishing, swimming, hunting and even how to play basketball. Yeah, those nights where he used to play the sweet jazz back on the…er…ranch – on the ranch, and we just used to sit by the riverbank with a good fire eating that hog we killed that morning…" He gave out a sigh.
"I take it you don't speak to him anymore."
"Hmph. You could say that…" He faced the corner once again. "Fathers eh?"
"I'd give anything just to be half the chameleon my father was…" Espio eyes opened sharply at that moment. "…And my father never quit on anything. So neither am I!"
"What're you saying Espio?" Vector asked melancholically. "Look, we're already done – you may as well go down with what honour and pride you got left…"
"I may not be as observant as you Vector, but I know for a fact that this isn't you."
"People change. I've had enough of my failings – these guys are gonna do me and the world a favour."
"What would your father say? You just told me all of the things your father taught you; are you really going to let that go to waste? My master taught Me a lot, and I know that if I continue living – that I can give something to this world."
"Espio…" Vector stood up tall, having to crouch slightly under the low ceiling. "I've made too many mistakes in my lifetime. How can I help the world ANYMORE?" He roared.
"M-Master taught me something too…*COUGH-COUGH*" The pair turned to Mariko. "I'm still learning it…*COUGH*…but he always told me that…there is no such thing as perfection. You…*COUGH*…shouldn't get too down on yourselves after you make a mistake…*WHEEZE*…just learn from it."
"She's right. And with your skills – I know you'll be a great help in this world Vector, and you'll continue to get even better."
"How old are you two again?" Vector asked.
"Sixteen." Espio replied.
"You two are wise beyond your years." He smiled back at them.
"Vector…" Espio said. "You're our leader. If it weren't for you, I would never have been able to get anywhere near this close to clearing my name – I probably wouldn't even be alive. But you taught me so much over this trip and...-"
"Okay, okay, okay." Vector waved his hands. "You're beginning to sound more like a fortune cookie than Mighty!" He laughed. "But, thanks anyway – I needed to hear that." He then arched up triumphantly as he was about to describe his sudden 'ingenious' plan. "Okay you two, here's what we're gonna do. first we-"
But then some familiar faces showed up, stealing his thunder and leaving him with a steamed head.
"Why hello there, fancy meeting you guys here huh?" Mighty exclaimed.
"Guys!" Espio said joyfully.
"What happened here?"
"We'll explain later – but first we need to get out of here."
"No problem!"
"You can't just beat the bars down man." Vector said. "Don't you think I would've done that by now?"
"Well that's why we brought a friend." Mighty then pulled up a bat ninja by the back of his robes. It was one of the ones that Mighty and Ray had fought back in Metropolis. "We ran into this guy again, and he generously offered up a key to the cell." He chuckled before dropping the very dazed ninja into the dirt and unlocked the cell.
"Vector, ESPIO!" Charmy exclaimed, tears trickling down the bee's eyes. "You gotta help us! The bees across a lot of Mobius have been captured and turned into slaves! I think my colony's one of them – but I can't find them! Please help!"
"Charmy, we need to get Mariko here some help too." Vector replied.
"But it's my family guys! I shouldn't have even left them in the first place!"
"I'm sorry, but they're gonna have to wait right now Charmy. Mariko won't last much -"
"No…" Mariko said. Everyone was surprised to see her walking, albeit, slowly over through the cell door. "I can go on."
Espio didn't feel comfortable with this "Mariko, I don't think that -"
Vector was quick to interrupt, saying "Only if you're sure then."
"So what's the plan then Vector?" Mighty asked.
"Alright. We're splitting into two groups again; similar goals, but this time done right - my head's in the game now." He gave a brilliant grin as he described his plan. He turned to Mariko "Mariko; you're in no condition to fight those guys, so I want you to go with Charmy and Ray and find a way to release the Bees and help Charmy find his family. Also…I think you'll be a better influence on the two compared to certain other people…"
"Got it." Mariko coughed, before receiving a tight hug from the young Mobian Bee.
"Wait – I'm the voice of reason here!" Espio chuckled.
"Hey, I thought I was." Mighty joined in.
"Hey! Focus guys!" Vector snapped. "Okay, the rest of us will go and confront the bad guys. Any questions?" There was no reply, just nodding – just how Vector liked it. "Alright then, let's go kick some A-"
Mariko quickly interrupted again as she covered the ears of both Ray and Charmy saying "I can see why you wanted me as the good influence..."
"Heheh...sorry..." Vector said whilst nervously rubbing the back of his head. He then sent out their groups. Before he did, he stopped Mariko. "Hey Mariko...I'm...I'm sorry about before – I totally misjudged you. Could you-"
Mariko stopped him, and just smiled. Mainly because it hurt to speak and she was already having difficulty breathing as it was, but it had spoken a thousand words to him. He smiled and nodded in return and took off after his group.
"I see that you have declined my final offer Espio. I should've known, you've always been so arrogant." Shiro laughed when the group had finally reached him. It seemed that the other ninjas had been sent away just before they got there. It was just Shiro and a handful of other ninjas.
"As have you..." Espio replied.
"Good one." Shiro grinned. "Surely you don't want to go through with this though?"
"So this is Shiro?" Mighty said.
"Yup." Vector said, cracking his knuckles. "And this is where it all ends…and then maybe a pizza afterwards."
"I agree with you there alligator-man." Shiro said.
"It's crocodile actually. And do you mean the pizza?"
"Well, pizza is the perfect victory dish, but I was mainly referring to your demise."
"URGH!" Espio grunted, his scales briefly flashing red. "Enough of this! I challenge you to a spar Shiro – I will finally avenge the blood of our master that you have spilt and cease further defiling of our clan by you."
"Defiling?!" Shiro barked, tossing Espio's katana to him. "Hmph. I accept your challenge Espio, but I will first correct you – for I am not defiling our clan, I am saving it!"
Vector twirled a finger around his head to Mighty; saying that the blue chameleon before them had lost it.
"I don't know what's changed you Shiro, but you've completely lost it." Espio snarled.
"I've not changed at all pal. I've just been biding my time. Plans like these take time you know." He stepped down from his podium towards them. His waistcoat dragged its end in the dirt as he strolled over.
"So your friendship towards myself and Mariko was just an act? A ploy to get what you want?"
"Of course not man. I was loyal to you two till the end – I even offered you a place to wait this out, when you refused; I tried pulling some other strings. In the end, I had to send out some of my friends here to 'keep an eye' on you. If only I could say the same for your loyalty."
"Stop trying to push this off as if you were being 'heroic' Shiro. What you had done, was complete-"
"Don't you get it yet?! I am the hero here." He gestured to the Komori ninjas now returning to the hall from all the commotion. "Look at what I have done – what I am doing! I am trying to bring the four clans together. Think of it; the Komori, Acrodon, Gossamer and even the Raiju, living together in harmony. Don't you see the greater good? Finally, no more fathers who go out to defend their clan will have to die. I would've thought you of all people Espio, would understand me with that."
"Whilst I share your pain on such an experience…you are going about the salvation the wrong way Shiro."
Shiro shrugged. "No pain – no gain. There is no paradise without sacrifice, and master just so happened to fit the bill."
Espio drew out his katana. "I'm here to make my own sacrifice."
Shiro drew out his own Katana, frustrated. "Hmph. I see Mariko wasn't able to join us. Don't worry, I'll be paying her a visit very soon after this one."
Vector began hissing and pounding his fist into his palm. Mighty lifted up his fists in his own preparation.
"Mighty, Vector…" Espio uttered. "You two must not interfere…this is my battle now."
"Huh? No way Espio!" Mighty replied. "We're your friends and we're gonna -"
"Sure thing Esp." Vector interrupted him.
"Huh? Vector?"
"Espio's right Mighty, we're gonna need to sit out of this one." Vector turned back over to Espio. "But remember our deal Espio; I'm your body guard for this quest, and I'll intervene if I see fit. Besides, the missy won't be too happy with me if we let ya get clobbered anyway."
"Enough! Let's do this." Shiro said.
"So, what do we do then?" Mighty asked jokingly. "So we just stand here and watch the fight then? No popcorn? No complimentary deck of cards to play while we wait or anything?"
Turning only a single eye in their direction, Shiro responded "Don't worry. A few of my, assistants, would be happy to entertain you."
At that moment, the hundreds of bat ninjas began crawling from the tunnels above them – their high pitched shrieking filled the halls.
"Oops…" Mighty uttered.
"OOPS?!" Vector repeated in agitated astonishment. "Are you kidding me?!"
Meanwhile, Charmy, Ray and Mariko were ambling through the tunnels towards the control room in order to release the Mobian bees.
"A-a-are you going to be okay a-a-auntie Mariko?" Ray was supporting her as they walked.
"Don't worry about me sweetie…" She winced. "Reptiles, Anthro or not, heal pretty quick…"
"E-e-even from l-l-l-lung damage?"
Mariko chose not to answer him, but instead gave him a reassuring smile.
They finally came to the control room. "We got chased out before by some guards." Charmy buzzed. "But they're all gone now".
"Maybe…" Mariko muttered.
"So, what do we do now?" Charmy buzzed. "How're we gonna get them out?"
Ray studied the control panel. "I-I-I'm not too sure…but I think th-th-this thing c-controls the mountain!"
"What do you mean?" Mariko asked, gasping on the wall.
"L-like the heat! And l-l-lava and s-stuff."
"COOL!" Charmy said. "So can we make, like, a big explosion?"
"M-M-Maybe." Ray said.
Mariko patted him on the head. "Good find. *Cough-Cough* Okay…now we just need to release these guys, and then we'll set this thing off."
"W-W-Wait!" Ray jumped. "How w-will we escape?"
"I've seen some of the Komori's vehicles flying over here before I met you guys. *Wheeze* That's how I found them in the first place, and how we'll escape." She began messing with the control panel, first stopping the emission of the smoke from their containment.
Ray and Charmy watched as the chaos ensued below; the bees quickly regained their strength to the dismay of the guards. The angry buzzing of the bees so collectively loud, they easily muffled the screams and wails of the now swelling ninjas.
"A-a-aren't you going to go with them?" Ray asked as they watched the bees soar out to their freedom.
The young bee sighed, but gave out a smile. "I miss my family and my colony, but I've got one more responsibility to take care of – I'm gonna help you guys get your thing back!"
"What thing?" Mariko asked.
"You know, that thing that you said you and Espio had taken from you."
"Honour?"
"Yeah! That too!"
Ray and Mariko chuckled at the young bee before turning their attention back to the control panel.
"Now to release the pressure monitor from the mountain." She said. The monitor showed the pressure within the mountain slowly increasing. "This whole place is going to go underground *COUGH*. Hopefully it'll take the traitor*Cough-Cough* down with them."
"Are you gonna be okay Auntie Mariko?" Charmy buzzed as they began to make their way back towards the great hall.
"I'll be fine."
"A-Auntie Mariko? Why are there s-s-s-so many v-volcanoes in the dragon lands?" Ray asked.
"Well, it's an old legend…"
"Ooooh – a story!" Charmy explained. "Can you tell us? Please? To pass the time as we go to save Vector, Mighty and Espio?"
Mariko smiled. But Ray, out of concern, said "N-n-not if it'll hurt you th-though…"
Mariko, possibly out of pride though, went on anyhow "Well, thousands of years ago, a race of Dragons ruled this land. They too were made up of many clans. Each of them controlled their own elements; fire, water, air and Earth. But legend has it that their war-like ways and their greed brought a curse upon the land; creating…*cough-Cough*…volcanoes everywhere and soon wiping them out."
"Woahhh…" Ray and Charmy uttered.
"They say there were a few survivors that went on to disguise themselves in what became the new world; telling of their self-destructive history so that it may never repeat itself."
"Is it real?" Charmy asked.
"It is a legend. Some say it's why these lands are called the 'Dragon-Lands', and it does explain *COUGH*, why there's so many mountains and volcanoes. But story or not, it teaches that in order to save ourselves, the four ninja clans will eventually have to make peace and support one another for a better world."
"Woww…" The two exclaimed.
"So, i-i-is that why the b-b-bat ninjas are working with the b-bad chameleon?" Ray asked.
"*Cough-Cough*…Maybe. I'm not sure what Shiro's planning, but the way he's doing it – I know won't be for peaceful reasons." She attempted to move faster. "We need to get there faster." She winced. "We don't know how much time we have left."
A battle of great proportions was progressing at the great hall; Mighty and Vector faced what seemed to be a never ending supply of highly-skilled bat-ninjas, whilst Espio confronted his once best friend.
"Bet I can knock more out than you!" Vector laughed as he punched the lights out of one unsuspecting bat ninja. The pair's strength allowed them to make quick work of the ninjas they struck.
Mighty ducked under a diving ninja, before flinging him by his foot into a group of four others running towards him. He looked over towards Vector with a grin answering "You're on! Loser pays for the flight home." With that, he pounded a glowing fist into the ground – clearing several from around him. "I believe that was ten." He smirked.
"That was only eight and you know it!" Vector laughed, throwing himself on his back to crush the ninjas grappling hold of him. "Even!" The pair's armour was an invaluable aid to them; otherwise from the speed, skill and weaponry of the bat ninjas, they would've been torn apart some time ago.
Meanwhile, Espio and Shiro had entered into a vicious battle – their blistering speed and colour-shifts made their battle almost completely inconceivable unless placed into slow-motion!
Espio struck forward, but Shiro flipped it with his sword – finishing with a kick to the face. Espio landed on all fours in the dirt, dashing out of the way from a stomp attack. He swung his sword behind him into his rival's arm – knocking the katana away. But Shiro had come prepared; he revealed a kusarigama from his waistcoat and tossed the steel ball headlong towards Espio.
He ducked quickly, but lost his footing and fell. Shiro returned the steel ball to his hand like a yo-yo, readying his next strike. He spun the steel ball in the air over his head; planning to use its momentum to wrap around Espio's body before making the final blow with the weapon's blade.
The attack was only partially successful. The chain had only wrapped around his katana instead.
But his face turned to shock when the chain then burst apart! Espio had struck it so many times that the chain had finally broken!
"No…" He exclaimed, falling backwards into the dirt.
"It's over Shiro – I must bring you to justice!" Espio said. He lowered his sword from Shiro's face. "I will not harm you if you surrender, peacefully. You were my best friend."
Shiro looked down to the floor with a kind of sadness on his face. He crawled slowly over to him. "I..." He said softy. "I'm..."
"GARGH!" Espio felt a sudden, piercing pain in his side. He looked down to see Shiro plunging a short sword into his side. "Sh-Shiro..." Espio groaned.
"I'm better than you think I am Espio!" Shiro laughed sadistically again. "Don't worry old friend; I made sure of it not to be a lethal strike. Y'see, it's been a while since I've had a battle this exciting." He removed his sword from him, forcing Espio to fall upon the ground, gripping his wound. "Let's take a run down the tunnels and I'll tell you all about it. For old time's sake eh?" Shiro picked up his katana from the dirt nearby. "If I don't see you soon, I may have to wait for you with our injured friend huh? Ahuhuhhahahaha!" With that, he darted down into the tunnels.
Enraged, the now red Chameleon picked up his sword and dashed after him.
Sparks literally flew when the pair swung their swords at one another whilst speeding down the tunnels at nearly two-hundred miles per hour! Regular Mobian Chameleons possess incredible speed naturally, but the Acrodon ninjas have found methods of enhancing their own natural capabilities – forcing Shiro and Espio well into speeds of up to 180 miles per hour at full exertion! And with their naturally high stamina, they are capable of maintaining such speeds for long periods of time.
"So nice of you to join me Espio." Shiro said, thrusting out his sword. "I was about to tell everyone the story of 'The Night that Master Shen Fell' – I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss it."
Espio saw the look in Shiro's eyes – he had never seen that look before. He really had lost it. "You're sick Shiro." He said, taking a swing of his own. He missed as Shiro took another route, reappearing from a tunnel on the other side of him.
"Sometime after you ran out, Master Shen was just sat alone in the dojo. I'm not really sure what he was doing..." he then swung his katana at Espio, who was quick to duck under the blade. "I watched from the darkness alongside a new acquaintance of mine."
"The komori bat-ninja leader."
"Yes, Atsushi Takehashi. Not exactly a leader, but when I met him during my 'chores' that day, he quickly accepted my proposal. The lower ranking Komori were far easier to persuade though. Anyway, we saw Katsumi waltz right in there and so we decided that it was the time to attack." As he said that last word, Shiro threw a couple of shuriken stars. Espio dodged most of them, retaining a few cuts across his shoulder. "The battle was tremendous – Master Shen was in awe of my true skills!"
Espio attempted another punch, but Shiro found yet another path and countered him with two blows to the ribs and stomach. "Too Slow!" Shiro laughed. "Come on Espio, try to keep up."
He knows this labyrinth too well, and is using it to his advantage. I need to get him back to the open hall. Espio thought.
Shiro continued "I suppose you can guess what happened after that; we fought, he was a little better than I thought, panicked slightly and pulled your sword out and killed him. But the satisfaction that it brought me!"
"NOOOO!" Espio screamed and kicked Shiro's legs – causing him to tumble into the dirt at high speed.
Shiro pulled himself up onto his knees. "Not bad..." He said, coughing up the dirt from his mouth before wiping off the spit and blood. "And you know…after all the work I put in to saving our lands and glorifying it for all, he still had the nerve to call dishonour upon me! He NEVER appreciated me and my talents!"
"If you hadn't been performing such idiocy, maybe he would have!" Espio went to shut him up with a kick to the face. Shiro instead grabbed hold of the foot and flung Espio back into the hall where Vector & Mighty were slowly getting pummelled.
"They just…*pant-pant*…keep coming!" Mighty said in fatigue. His face was covered in bruises where he wasn't fast enough to dodge incoming attacks.
Vector was being dog-piled on again, but he was too tired to throw them off. "Just...keep...going..." He mustered out. "W-Where's Espio?"
Espio attempted to crawl to his sword. Right before he could reach it, Shiro stepped onto his hand. "GAH!"
"Just like old times, eh Espio?" Shiro chuckled, his crazed, differently sized eyes, staring down at him. "I'm just sorry our friendship had to end like this, but I've got to get some of these Mobian bees to the Gossamer clan so that they'll join our cause – you know how spider love their flies." He raised his katana for the final blow. "Perhaps this isn't too bad after all – I can deliver your body to the Bride of Conquering Storms; I would've killed the son of her biggest enemy! Of course, that would mean we'd probably have to get rid of your mother from the equation!"
Espio chomped his teeth into Shiro's leg, giving him enough time to stand back up and strike his fist, hard, into his skull.
Shiro crouched back up on the dirt. "Trying to 'save' everyone? *Pant-Pant* Think you're the hero?" Shiro hissed. "You're still the show-off ninja as you were before all this. To think that I offered you a second chance. You're pathetic Espio!" He attempted to charge him, but Espio spun a kick; launching him back to the ground.
"No, you're pathetic Shiro. You've become so blinded by your frustration in-"
"Master could never accept my skills – he ALWAYS preferred YOU and Mariko. And he would've never listened to my ideals for the world – to make it a safer place for all of the clans!"
"Master loved us all Shiro. That thing he was doing before you killed him and Katsumi, was a farewell letter to us all." Espio said calmly. Shiro just glared at him. He told us how he loved us ALL as his sons and daughter." Espio continued. "AND LOOK AT WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO HIM!"
"NNNNYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGGHHHH!" Shiro screamed as he charged Espio, who in-turn, leapt over him and shunted him into the dirt once again.
"You need to turn yourself in Shiro, so that you may begin your path to redemption."
"FOOL! My ideals! My ideals would save us all - we would unite the four clans into the one, Dragon clan. And we, yes; you, myself and Mariko would all be worshipped as kings! Don't you see?!"
"That is no world I wish to rule. You want to take this dragon clan of yours to rule over the rest of the world. Have you forgotten the story of our land?"
"That's just a legend, and this time we'd be victorious. We must do this if we wish for the rest of Mobius to respect us!"
"My quest to avenge our master has brought me many new friends; people willing to help a stranger like myself, even in the most extreme of circumstances. I know for a fact that there's a more peaceful solution."
"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way…" He threw another kunai knife into Espio's side. He groaned in pain, too weak to avoid Shiro's incoming blade.
"STOP!" Two voices called out. All the battles ceased and turned to the place of the voice's origin.
Slowly, Mariko stepped out of this tunnel. Alongside her, Charmy and Ray accompanied her.
"Auntie Mariko, do we get to fight too?" Charmy asked her as he gently tugged her ninja-wear. "Huh? Huh?"
"Not now, dear." She said softly.
"Mariko?" Espio said.
"Auntie?!" Mighty exclaimed.
Vector, it seemed, was the most shocked about the title the most annoying kid on the planet used for her. "WHAT THE HECK ON MOBIUS DID WE MISS?"
"I guess she was a good influence on them."
"Oh yeah…I guess you owe us a ride back then Might." Vector then smirked.
"Hold on; that is not what we bet on!"
"How could you have been so certain anyway? You barely know her Vector." Espio commented.
"Well, I am a detective." He replied.
Mighty jumped back in "You're only changing the bet because I've beaten m-"
"Guys! Seriously?!" Mariko interrupted them, but coughed hard from the exertion.
"MATTEH!" Shiro yelled. "ALL of you, just SHUT-UP!"
"Somebody's maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad." Charmy buzzed.
"So, you've come to join Espio's fate Mariko?"
Mariko just ignored him. "I'm going to give you just one chance to surrender."
Shiro and the other ninjas laughed at her threat. "What have you got Mar? You can barely stand, and you're gonna threaten us?!"
"It's Mariko. And I really think that you should reconsider."
Vector slapped his hand onto his snout as he shook his head. "Gee, I really thought you'd have a better plan than to bluff."
"Mariko? What're you doing?" Espio said with a look of concern on his face.
"*Cough-Cough* We've already, unleashed the pressure on the mountain; an eruption should ensue upon your base at any moment. Guess you should've kept some of your guards guarding the control room huh?" She watched as many of the ninjas began stirring with concern. "So Shiro, can you feel the heat?"
"Ohhhhhhhh!" Charmy laughed. "Oh no she didn't!"
"Y-Y-Y-Yes she d-did!" Ray joined in.
Shiro boiled with anger. "RRRR! Get Her-"
"I wouldn't do that." She said, dangling a small, white sachet. "I could make things even hotter in here for you guys…"
"You're...You're bluffing!" Shiro said. He seemed slightly worried. "Guys! GET HER!"
A number of the bat-ninjas who were originally attacking Vector and Mighty, subsequently charged towards Mariko.
"What now A-A-Auntie Mariko?" Ray said as he hid behind her.
Mariko sighed sarcastically. "You've all left me no choice..." She emptied the dust from inside the sachet onto the dirt below. "Great Dragon Assassin! I ask that you level this entire mountain to the ground with your greatest of might!" She called to it.
The bat-ninjas halted when the entire place began to quake. Steam vaulted through the floor beneath them. The volcano was beginning to erupt and now the Necrodragons were coming too.
Mariko knelt down for air. All this shouting wasn't helping her.
"What's going on?" Takehashi exclaimed.
"What have you done?!" Shiro shrieked.
"I just destroyed your plans, hopes and dreams." She smiled. "As well as you!"
Vector crawled over to Espio. "Remind me never to get on her bad side." He muttered to him. Espio, absent-mindedly, nodded in agreement.
"Oh, and you wanted proof of the relics of the Dragon race before us?" She continued. "Here's the weapon that destroyed them all!" She then fell to the floor as Espio rushed up to help her, followed by Mighty and Vector as they all headed down the tunnels.
The pair of Necrodragons rose up from the sachet, twisting and turning around one another until they formed an even greater, twin-headed behemoth that began to crumble the base around them!
"I'll make you both pay for this!" Shiro roared. "Mark my words – I'll find you and make you pay!"
Shiro and the other ninjas scrambled for whatever exit they could find.
"GRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIRRRRRGGGHHHHHH!"
"Wait up guys!" Vector yelled as he pursued his companions. "I'm not nearly as fast as you!"
They stopped at what appeared to be a fairly small-ish car-plane.
"Are you kidding me…" Vector said. "We're going to escape a raging, volcanic eruption in this?"
Espio was carrying Mariko in the bridle position. "The Necrodragons are pulling this place down, so the range of destruction will not be as great."
"But I'm guessing that means this place'll be coming down faster though, right?" Mighty added. Mariko nodded in response with an added cough.
"It'll never work!" Vector yelled. "Can't we just skip a page or two in the story instead?"
"What're you talking about?" Espio replied. "This is real life!"
A vent of steam erupted just behind them. "Fine." Vector said, leaping atop the car-plane. "I wanna keep mine! Let's go!"
Those that could then fit into the vehicle then scrambled in and Mighty flew them out to safety. The mountain crumbling in a fiery explosion behind them.
"W-W-Where'd the monster go?" Ray asked Mariko.
"He's been buried deep underneath the remains of the mountain. He'll never be used to bother us again." She smiled and ruffled his hair.
"And what of Shiro? Do you think he could've gotten out?"
Mariko sighed. "One could only hope that he met the same fate…"
It wasn't long before they finally climbed out of the vehicle after a not-so-smooth landing from Mighty.
"Well, at least we didn't crash this time!" Vector laughed.
Mighty couldn't help but chuckle back. "Hey, mission accomplished though!"
"Yeah" Vector then turned his sights back to Charmy. "Hey Charmy! Did you find your family?"
Charmy didn't reply. He just drooped his head down in sadness and sniffled.
Mariko rested her hand on his head comfortingly. "We couldn't find any recognisable members of his colony here. But, they all seemed to have gotten out safely. *Cough-Cough*"
"Well maybe if you go home, you'll find them then, right?" Vector suggested.
Mariko shook her head. "It's most likely that the hive itself was destroyed – the members may have migrated to find a place for their new hive, but it won't be easy to locate them. Sorry Charmy…" Silence befell them again.
"So..." Mighty mustered up. "I guess that's it then – we're done."
"Yup." Vector replied. "We're done here."
"You've cleared your name now Espio. You've regained your honour and you can finally come home." Mariko said. "Right?"
"Well, not exactly…" He said. "We don't really have any proof anymore that I'm innocent. They probably won't come after me anymore but I cannot yet return either."
"So what are you going to do then?"
"I suppose I'll have to wander the lands. I need to do something to show them my honour – perhaps I need to learn what true honour is."
"Wow, he is worse than me." Mighty laughed, joined in by Vector.
"I can take Charmy along too." He continued. "I can help him find his colony whilst I'm at it."
"Oh-boy-oh-boy-oh-boy-oh-boy-oh-boy-oh-BOY!" Charmy buzzed excitedly, hugging Espio.
"I see." She said with some sadness, but quickly reverted it into a smile. "Well, I'm sure your mother would be proud of you for your chosen path when I tell her. Your father too, he would be so honoured of you Espio."
"Thank you." He smiled back at her. "Now you should get back to the clan. Follow the doc's orders this time."
"I will. I'll also prove your innocence!" She said. "Oh! And you write me, so I can write back! *COUGH-Cough!*"
"Of course." He smiled.
"You better!"
Espio smiled. He then put out his hand as a farewell handshake, instead he found himself embraced with a hug.
"Take care of yourself Espio." She said softly.
"I-I will...don't worry." He replied softly.
She climbed back into the car-plane. With a toss of a smoke bomb, she vanished into the sky.
The remaining guys stood quietly for a moment.
"So…this is it?" Mighty said.
"I believe so…" Espio replied. "Oh, and I am sorry I could not pay you like I promised Vector."
"Don't worry about it man." Vector gave him a thumbs up. "I'd say you paid me already in full!"
The group then bid each other a reluctant farewell.
"I'm, actually, gonna miss you guys..." - Vector.
"You all have given me so much over these days. I thank you all. Sayonara." - Espio.
"Keep it real guys!" - Charmy
"W-We hope to see you guys a-a-again!" - Ray
"This isn't goodbye. This is, 'til the next time!" - Mighty
Vector clasped his hands together again. "Well…goodbye."
Mighty and Ray walked off in one direction. Vector left in another. Espio and Charmy just watched them leave.
"S-so…where to now Espio?" Charmy asked.
A lot was on Vector's mind. Those were the first friends he had made in so long, and he was just about to throw them away? He was just getting to be able to trust again – he was making progress. What am I thinking? He thought. He stopped in his tracks, looking up to a cloudy, grey sky. The wind brushed through his back spikes. "Alone again?"
Espio and Charmy turned to go their own way.
"Wait!" They heard. "GUYS! WAIT UP!" Mighty and Ray turned back too.
It was Vector. "Guys!" He started panting when he finally reached them "We ain't saying goodbye yet!" He said with excitement.
Mighty's face became grim. "You're not gonna try and make me pay for the flight back are you?" He said.
"Even better!" He replied. "I wanna hire you guys! All of you!"
"What?!" They exclaimed.
"I'm gonna take up detective work again, but I realized that I'm terrible on my own. But with you guys; we're unstoppable!"
"You want us to become detectives with you?!" Mighty repeated.
"Yeah! Think about it! Vector; your lead detective. Mighty; the criminal mind expert. Espio; Master in Espionage. Charmy; the Evidence Analyst. And Ray; Detective in Training!" Vector grinned. "Whaddya say guys?"
Mighty and Ray grinned at each other. "We're totally in!" Mighty exclaimed.
"US?! A Detective Team?!" Espio chuckled. "That'd be completely CHAOTIC! What would we even call ourselves?"
"What about...The Bee PLUSES!" Charmy screamed.
The others looked at the bee in confusion. "B plus?!" Espio exclaimed. "Bee plus?"
"Who on Mobius would go to a company called 'B Plus' for help?! B Plus?!" Vector said.
We need something with an 'A' if anything. Like the 'Aces' or something right?" Mighty suggested.
Vector shook his head in disgust and groaned. "No, those are horrible names."
"Oh! Oh! I know! I Know!" Charmy yelled again.
"Yes, Charmy?" Vector replied in an annoyed tone.
"The ALLIGATOR ALLIANCE!" He laughed.
"IT'S A FREAKING CROC-OH…forget it..."
"H-H-How about th-th-th-the CHAOTIX?" Ray suggested. "Cause Espio s-said we'd be Chaotic, s-so w-we can make it our name."
Vector scratched the underneath of his snout in thought. "Chaotix eh?" He considered. "The Chaotix Detective Agency? YEAH! GOOD ONE RAY! And that's why you're detective in training - my training!"
"Th-Th-Th-th-Thanks!"
"So Espio, you guys in?"
"WOOHOO!" Charmy said. "YEAH! TOTALLY!"
"Of course!" Espio smiled.
They gathered their hands together in the centre. "ONE, TWO, THREE – YEAH! WE'RE TEAM CHAOTIX!"
They began walking into the distance. A new team. A new family.
"Hey, we should get an office." Vector said.
"Isn't that, sort of, a necessity for a company?" Espio said.
"Where are we even gonna set up base?" Mighty asked. "I do like those mountains over there."
"Nah, we're not gonna set up in the Dragon-Lands; not enough customers and too many killer ninjas. Besides, I don't know the Dragon-Lands, but I know the United Federation."
"We're going back to Metropolis? But Mariko just took the car-plane, how're we gonna get back?"
"I'm tired of Metropolis." Vector replied. "Hey, I hear Station Square is nice, why not there?"
"H-Hey Vector? What will happen now, if w-we're gonna be fighting bad-guys all the t-t-time now?" Ray enquired.
"Ah don't sweat it Ray – it can't possibly be harder than what we just did!" He replied.
"How're we gonna get there?" Espio then asked.
"Don't worry guys, MIGHTY has kindly offered to pay for the flight back."
"What?!" Mighty exclaimed.
"You DID lose the BET."
"No I DIDN'T – I WON THAT!"
"Suuure you did..."
"Martial arts and enhanced chi abilities." Mighty flexed.
"How does that even work?!"
"I can train you, if it doesn't hurt your pride..."
"Tempting...WAIT, what do you want from me in return?"
"Nothing excessive; just payment of a small bill that enables us to fly home..."
"Now JUST WAIT A SECOND THERE!"
...