I really really hope I haven't lost all my fans from no updates in about 6 months. I'm very very sorry. I hit a major block when school started, and since I was inducted into a writing class, I've been working on other stories. But now I'm back, and I have the entire rest of the story planned out. Wish me luck in getting it all down on paper!…er, computer screen.

Act II, Scene I

Bang Nine, Automatic

The curtain has closed on our stage. Vanilla is immersed in pure bliss, the return of her daughter sending her recoiling into a fit of uncontrollable laughter and joy. Things would quite obviously change from this point, yet still remain the same. Personally, I wish I could've been there to take in the precious mother daughter moment, as I love tear-jerking events such as those. But all perfect things can not last, even a state of mind. Vanilla will soon have trouble on her hands. Once source after another will be spitting it's own venom into her eyes, until she breaks again. If Vanilla pulls through it, then I shall stand and applaud these actors who set the story before you and me. Let's continue shall we…?

With a mighty heave, Cream was launched skyward again, giggling furiously as she felt the rush coming from the air surrounding her, pushing against her top, then her bottom as she fell back to earth, landing safely in her mother's arms, "Again Mama! Again!" she cried joyously, demanding to be thrown again. Vanilla did so, and threw her daughter up as high as she would go. It was no surprise the two were currently celebrating, regardless weather or not Cream knew what they were in celebration of. But alas, she enjoyed seeing her mother happy, and whatever had happened had seemed to kick her emotions into overdrive. Much like her daughter, the woman was laughing uproariously.

Soon, the energy in her arms faded, and Vanilla fell back into a bed of flowers surrounding the area. Cream came floating down next to her, letting her head rest on the flower petals and the blades of grass. Their sighs interrupted the chirping birds and near-silent wisps of cool air blowing by. The rabbit turned to her mother, "Mama, I know we're having fun, but why are you so happy?" she asked.

Vanilla sat back up, "I guess I'm just having one of those days where everything goes as planned. Nobody really gets those a lot." she mulled over her thoughts for a moment, before adding, "Plus, I'm hoping I can help you forget about that nasty dream you had." she smiled and took her daughter's hand, "I can't even recall the last time you had one."

While Vanilla was still feeling joy from the day's activities, Cream's smile faded at the mention of her 'dream', "Yes but…" the rabbit remained silent for quite some time, all her thoughts running into each other, "Something about it felt so….real."

She looked at her mother with worried eyes, "Like it actually happened."

These words stuck into Vanilla like an assassin's dagger. Her sights fell upon the scars on Cream's neck, "I wish I could say it wasn't…" she thought, turning away.

Not another word was said the rest of the time they were there…

Flick. Miss.

…Flick. Miss…

Flick…oh! It went through, "Ha ha! Four points! I win again!" My voice seemed to be a bit too excited over victory of a game of paper football with Topaz. Unfortunately, the day had been so uneventful, that it really was the highlight of my day, "You owe me a shiny new handgun woman!" I sneered, turning around in my seat with a cocky grin soon overcoming my expression. The woman across from me felt a sudden blow and smashed her head onto the table, groaning loud enough for everyone to hear. It was quite obvious that boredom had taken it's toll on her. I couldn't blame her though. Every soldier in the room was either asleep or on the verge of falling asleep. The commander's threats of punishment for being lazy on the job seemed to be wiped from memory. I'll bet even he was as bored.

"There hasn't been a call in days!" she roared, pointing out our current situation of slow business, "Can't someone just stab someone already? I'm bored out of my mind!"

A few laughs arose from the others, "Don't you think that the low crime rate is a good thing Topaz?" I asked, peering over the table again.

"Not when it means no paycheck for us!" she immediately snapped, her hair flipping up from the speed of bringing her head up. I could practically feel the woman getting more and more irritated, "For the past week, all we've done is sit here and play paper football!"

"We played tic-tac-toe yesterday."

She glared at me again, "No jokes Rouge!" it was a long time before she said anything else, this whole stretch of time leaving her thoughts empty and numb, "What I wouldn't give to be Vanilla right now. At home, spending time with your daughter, just wasting the day away. Lucky…" her head fell yet again.

The coffee pot on the counter suddenly looked intriguing, I stood and poured myself a cup, "You shouldn't joke about her Topaz." I said, offering another cup to her. Without warning, she grabbed it and wolfed it down like so many guys trapped in a desert, "Cream just woke up from a coma that lasted how long? Vanilla gets to talk to her for the first time since, and you're cracking jokes about her?"

Topaz didn't look phased, "Hey, I'm all for Vanilla catching up with her daughter, but if you ask me, family crisis should only last up to a few days tops. My tax dollars shouldn't be going to workman's comp."

I shot a stern glare at her to make sure my message got across, "She had a mental breakdown Topaz! It might be hard for you to realize since you have no children, or husband, or even any boyfriend to speak of, but pulling Vanilla back into work now would just make it hell for her, and everybody else!"

With that, she stood up and headed for her office, "Whatever, I'm gonna go play solitaire on my PC."

A thought then came to mind, "You know it's the twenty-first century when someone leaves to go play solitaire on a computer when there's a deck of cards in their pocket. Hmhmhmhmhm…" It was obvious to me Topaz needed to blow off some steam, and as much as I would love to push her buttons more and see her spit insults in a hilarious fashion, it wasn't the best time, "Might as well go back to checking files…"

Files hidden within files on everything from criminals to the specs of the military vehicles, each one coming off more mind-numbingly uninteresting than the last. The only things bound to have even the slightest glint of interesting information were the personal dossier's on a select handful of the officers around here. They make pretty good use for blackmail, but that's a rare sight around the G.U.N. offices, even for the Commander's actions.

Yet, one file did arouse my interest.

"Vanilla…". So much had happened to her in the past few weeks, her file had to have been nothing short of apocalyptic by now, "Hmm…I suppose I could do her a favor and fix all the info in her file."

Click.

VANILLA (Last Name Unknown)

Age:20

Sex:F

Race:Domestic Lop-Eared Rabbit

Rank:Officer, Grade-S

"Immediate Family?"

Family:

Husband/Mint (Honorably Discharged)

I sighed upon reading the first line. Mint was indeed a fine soldier…

Daughter/Cream

It was arguably too much work for a single person, but I eventually sorted Vanilla's file. Hopefully this will help repair the wounds sustained from our argument. I knew it wouldn't, but I was too hopeful to say that to myself.

I spin around in my chair, sighing contentedly and throwing my arms behind my head, "What a day, what a day. I almost wish Dusk would rush out and murder someone else just to have a case going." I giggle to myself at that, amazed I could think such terrible thoughts from mere boredom. But I am knocked out of my relaxed trance when a steady beeping arouses my attention. Pulling a 180 in the chair, I turn back to the computer, finding something I wish I hadn't.

Vanilla's file was being edited by the higher-ups, and not in a good way…

"AS OF 10/12/XXXX, OFFICER VANILLA HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF TREASON."

It takes me a minute to fully grasp what the blinking red letters actually meant, "Treason…" I gasp out loud, "No…no! How could they know?" There are often times I forget that as casually as we all act towards each other, G.U.N. is still a government building, and like any government building, it's security is nothing to joke about. Cameras can see every angle, every inch of this building, even the walkways out front. The microphones in them are so advanced, they could pick up the wings of a fly.

I knew in an instant that she was doomed…I grabbed my gear and rushed off.

"Rouge?" Topaz called with no answer, "Rouge?…"

The scent of roasted pumpkin seeds and cinnamon hung in the air, adding a delightful atmosphere to Vanilla's home. Cream found the aroma intoxicating, made obvious by the deep inhale she took every few seconds, "It smells delicious…" said Cream in a dreamy fashion as she sniffed the pot hanging over the fireplace. She peeked into the brew. A swirling mixture of brown and orange rested in the deep black pot, a few uncrushed seeds occasionally rising to the surface to greet her. Taking in one last inhale, she stepped back to let Vanilla get some into the teapot.

"Just adding that last touch to our perfect day…" Vanilla muttered in a sweet tone, one that she hasn't spoken with in weeks. It made her glad, almost ecstatic to use it again, happy that the first one to hear it in such a long time was her beloved daughter.

She set two cups on the table. Cream happily bounded over and hopped up into the seat, her mouth watering in anticipation, "Mmm…" she licked her lips as she became lost in the scent again.

"Careful dear, it's very very hot." her mother warned, blowing her own cup once before taking a sip, satisfied her skills haven't deteriorated since the last time she'd made it.

And to think this perfect family moment was about to be obliterated in an instant.

"VANILLA!" I screamed as I threw my fists upon her door so hard, that they nearly bled. Vanilla spared no hesitation in opening the door and questioning my sudden arrival. I shoved my way inside and pushed the door shut. The two rabbits were obviously taken back by my panic, I wouldn't blame them, "G.U.N. is coming for you!"

She raised her brow, "W…what do you mean Rouge?"

I gasp for breath, "G.U.N…heard us…outside the other day! The cameras picked up our entire conversation! They're labeling it as an act of treason!"

Cream barely understood a word, "Mama…what is she talking about? Since when do you two know each other?" I was ready to turn around and let spew forth everything I could recall about Vanilla joining G.U.N., before I remember how she might take it. I keep my mouth shut.

"Well, why are they coming here then?" Vanilla asked, leaving me dumbfounded with her sudden stupidity.

"Why do you think?" I roar, taking her roughly by the shoulders, "They're coming to arrest you!"

Cream nearly has a heart attack and drops her tea, "What? Mama, what did you do?" Vanilla begins to panic. With one twist, she's free from my grip and soon packing any suitcase she can find. Her daughter decides to ask again, "What's happening?"

Vanilla doesn't even turn to look at her, "No time to explain sweetie. Just grab whatever you can. Hurry!" as soon as the first case is filled with pictures, clothes, and other provisions, she immediately stands and turns to me, "Rouge, can I trust you to secure a vehicle?"

I almost forgot the fact that Vanilla lived so close, she could walk to G.U.N. in a matter of minutes, which didn't leave her with a car of her own. It also didn't leave us much time, "Y-yeah!" I blurt out, rushing back outside to start the military hummer I drove over here in.

The rabbit-woman turns back into her room, knowing that everything she ever loved could be taken away from her if she doesn't act fast, "Why…why today? I just wanted one good day with my daughter…and G.U.N. can't even give me that…" she continues packing…

Cream shuffles around her room in a frenzy, grabbing a few books and toys and shoving them into her little orange knapsack. She then spies her beloved chao, Cheese, asleep on her dresser. She prods him with her finger to wake him, "Cheese! Cheese! Wake up! We have to go!"

The little blue creature slowly comes to, rubbing one eye and uttering a string of questioned and irritated, 'Chao-chao's?'. Cream grabs him and snuggles him to her chest as she runs for the door. Vanilla is already there, completely packed and ready.

"All set?" she asks Cream in a serious tone.

"Where are we going Mama?" Cream begs to know with tearful eyes, "Are we ever coming back?"

For the first time in her life, Vanilla couldn't reassure her daughter things will be alright, because even she herself didn't know, "I'm not sure Cream…" she pauses, but shakes her head and comes back to her senses quickly, "But we can't stay here." grabbing her daughter's hand, she makes a mad dash for the door and rushes outside, where our transport is waiting.

"C'mon!" I shout, "They'll be here any second!"

Vanilla opens the back door and helps Cream get strapped in before hopping into the front seat, "Go!"

Just as I am about to slam on the gas pedal, I hear the unmistakable sound of cracked glass behind me, and no time passes before I hear it in front of me. The bullet hole in the windshield has Cream terrified, "OFFICER VANILLA. YOU ARE ACCUSED OF TREASON AND ARE TO BE BROUGHT IN TO G.U.N. HEADQUARTERS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FROM THE COMMANDER." a soldier shouts through a megaphone behind us.

I grit my teeth, "Hold on tight girls!" and press my boot down as hard as I can on the gas.

ZOOM!

We rocket onto the plains in seconds, G.U.N. vehicles taking their sweet time to catch up. Cream looks out the back window in terror, trying as hard as she can not to burst into tears, "Mama, what's happening? Why are the police trying to arrest you?"

The woman sighs sadly, now was as good a time as any to tell her, "Cream…you were-" she's cut off as another bullet whizzes past her head. Thankfully, it's non-lethal ammo, but it still wasn't good for our situation.

Acting in impulse, I veer a hard left, "You can explain later!" I scream above the deafening screech of the tires before hitting the acceleration again. Having another gun shot in our direction has broken down Cream's last defenses. Tears are streaming down her face in an instant, the fear that her mother's death might be looming near becoming too much to bear.

An idea then forms in my head, "I know where we can lose them!" I turn another right, and head straight for the desert…

Adrenaline is coursing through the Commander's veins by this point, though he doesn't dare show it to his troops, "Sir!" a soldier appears behind him, "Officer Vanilla is resisting arrest, and we have reason to believe that Officer Rouge is aiding her in her escape!" The Commander feels a sudden twinge of anger, but again, it is not known to the lesser workers, "What are your orders?"

He thinks long and hard, "…fall back."

"S-sir?" the soldier stutters.

"All we're doing on this high-speed chase is wasting gas. Rouge is an excellent driver, and we'll never catch her." he says, "Get on the radio and tell all vehicles to report back to HQ." he turns back to the monitors, his brow lowering, "We'll get her later…"

The soldier salutes, "Yes sir!" and scuffles off to carry out his commands.

A scoff rings out against the beeps of the computers, "Officer Vanilla…I like you. You're one of our best soldiers…but…"

There is a long silence, "…mutinous talk and conspiring with the officer who tricked us into believing a murderer committed suicide is punishable by court martial…I'm sorry Vanilla…but look on the bright side."

His lips curl into a twisted smile, "You'll be seeing Mint soon enough…"

By the time Vanilla gets Cream to stop crying, I notice we are no longer being followed, "Looks like we lost em'." I laugh with a victorious smile, slamming on the brakes. The air around us is dry and the dust carried with the wind doesn't help. The sand under our feet is difficult to walk in, but if Vanilla wishes to escape G.U.N., the desert is just the place to do it.

Vanilla, with Cream in her arms, takes a good, long look at the sun colored dust surrounding her on all sides, the brilliantly bright golden color being broken only by an occasional dark rock or cactus, "So what now Rouge? We just stand here and hope we blend in with the sand?"

I laugh sincerely at her sarcasm, "No no no. Come with me." I begin moving, motioning them to follow closely.

The two rabbits failed to see a small cottage resting near a dusty mound of rocks, painted a thick golden color to conceal it from far view, "Over there." I point to it as we get close, "It shouldn't be too bad a hiding spot. It looks just like your house." I say as we reach the front door. Quickly shoving the key in the lock and granting us entrance, I pull the two inside and shut the door.

Vanilla scans the hard wood interior. A moldy brown color, but with a texture that was soft to the touch, "It's alright. Personally, I'd put some carpet down, but who am I to judge?"

I smirk, "Well, if I could design my safe houses, I would honey."

She's taken back by this as she put Cream down on the large, olive-green sofa in the center of the room, "Safe house?"

"Of course!" I shot her a wink, "I may work for G.U.N., but I'm still the world's greatest thief."

We both let out a small giggle at that. I then decide to inform her about the place, "It's got all the comforts of home," I begin, pointing to the couch Cream had already fallen asleep on, then over to the recliner across the room, "Lovely furniture," then my finger points to the fireplace, "Fire to keep ya warm at night, similarly decorated bedrooms upstairs," I then point to the medium-sized television sitting opposite the couch, "I've even hooked it up to get free cable so you two don't get bored."

The woman looks touched, "Rouge…you did all this for us?" her cheeks go a little red.

I slap a hand on her back, "Ha ha! No! This place was rigged with all this before we even met. But I knew you'd need a place to hide, so I thought I'd give you this one." I say as I toss her the keys and a small phone, "If you need a ride anywhere, call me on this, and I'll be here in a flash. Oh, and there's a month's worth of food in the kitchen, but if you run out, let me know."

Vanilla nods, "Thank you Rouge."

Waving the two good-bye, I make my exit, "Okay, now to rush back home and establish an alibi…"

A few days pass…

BANG!

A single hole perfectly positioned in her target from fifty yards away.

Vanilla blows the smoke from her gun. Even though she was no longer bound to the military, her gun would most likely prove useful in the future, and even the top shooters need practice. She shoved the gun back into her holster and examined her work, "Hmm…perfect as always." she said with a sly grin.

Cream's discontented sigh catches her attention, "Something wrong baby?"

The little bunny turned to her mother with mournful eyes, "I don't like it here. It's nothing but sand…" she turned back to the window and stood on her toes to see little more than more sand, "No flowers, no trees, not even any grass…the desert stinks…" she whined.

The elder rabbit sighed, "I'm sorry Cream, but I've explained this. Until Rouge assures me it's safe, we have to stay here."

"I know…I'm just…worried…" Cream mumbles, "I wonder if Mr. Sonic and Tails know we're gone?"

Vanilla knelt and placed a caring hand on her daughter's shoulder, "I'm sure Rouge told them everything. Maybe Tails will come visit us in that fancy plane of his!"

Cream's eyes instantly shine with hope, "Really?" her mother nods and the girl runs off with glee. Vanilla stands and smiles at the situation.

"And to think I almost lost you forever." her smile quickly fades upon the memory of when this tragic chain reaction started. The pressure is so heavy, she falls back onto the couch, "All this could've been avoided if I had just kept an eye on her so she wouldn't go running off…and now we're being hunted down by the government…" she turns onto her stomach and buries herself into her arms, "I'm a terrible mother…"

Her position doesn't change until an alarming noise arouses her senses. Near-instantly, she springs up, one hand on her gun incase the noise was a threat.

Silently, she crept into the kitchen, where the back door waited, "Someone trying to break in? Would they honestly expect to find anything in the desert?" she pulled her gun out completely, both hands steady and one finger on the trigger, like a snake ready to strike at a moment's notice. She gently turned the knob and slowly opened the door, gun pointed out before she stepped outside completely…

All she could hear was the wind blowing, grains of sand shifting loudly under her boots, "Hmm…I don't hear anything…"

By the next second, she hears a heavy thud, wasting no time turning, gun poised to fire.

Unfortunately, her gun wasn't the only one ready to fire, "Drop it." Vanilla stared down the barrel of an AK-47, in the arms of a purple weasel in a duster-hat. Silently cursing at herself for not being more careful, she drops the gun. It hits the sand with a silent thump.

"Mind if I ask who you are?" Vanilla subtly demanded rather than asked. A scoff was her first answer, before the weasel pointed his hat up to reveal his face, and that face was all too familiar, "Nack the Weasel!" Vanilla gasped, remembering the notorious bank robber she had brought in no more than two weeks ago. How he escaped was a question that rattled around in her brain, but she had no time to think about it.

"The one and only." Nack replied in a tone so gruff and rugged, Vanilla felt she was talking to more of an assassin rather than a thief, "I suppose you know why I'm here?"

Vanilla laughed, "In all honesty, I don't. Revenge just doesn't seem to fit right."

"You're right on the money." said Nack, "I'm here for revenge, and fortune." The woman didn't quite understand that last bit, but he could tell from the way she edged back, "Oh, you didn't know? Knowing I'm a top-class shooter, G.U.N. has personally hired me to take you down."

"You're gonna kill me?" asked Vanilla, her tone losing none of it's professionalism, even though her heart was threatening to explode at any given moment.

Another scoff, "As much as I'd love to do so, I'm afraid I can't." he stepped closer, "G.U.N. is one step ahead of ya, you know. The desert is a pretty obvious place for a hiding spot." he pressed the gun up against her breast, "No no no, I'm not here to kill. G.U.N.'s paying me top-dollar to send you their way in chains, so why don't you just be a good little bunny and come with me?"

The arrogance in his voice nearly made Vanilla sick, "And if I say no?"

Nack flashed a toothy grin, "I'm well aware of your little girl, Miss Vanillie." he pointed the gun up and to the right, aimed directly at Cream, who had been watching from the windowsill, and was now too paralyzed with fear to move, "Like I said, I'm a top-class shooter. Even if she moves, I'll still find her place and send a bullet through her brain. You don't want that, do ya missie?"

Vanilla was appalled. Her body threatened to shut down in an instant from the shock of it all. She knew the weasel's skills were no laughing matter. During his capture, there was a lasting shootout, and Nack had managed to nip her arm before she even had a chance to blink. She still has the scar to prove it.

"Y…y-you wouldn't dare!" she roared in a mixture of panic and fury.

"Heh heh…try me…"

The rabbit was out of options. With a defeated sigh, she dropped to her knees, "Alright, you win…I'll go quietly."

With a horrid laugh, Nack slung the gun around his shoulder and moved around to her back side, whipping out a pair of handcuffs, "Ha ha ha! Atta girl. Don't worry, G.U.N.'ll send someone out for the little girl later."

Directly behind her, unable to detect a thing, "Now!" Vanilla thought, thrusting her paw into the sand and sending a handful directly into his eyes.

"Aaaaarrrrggghhhh!" Nack unleashed an agonizing scream and stumbled back as he tried to furiously rub the sand from his eyes, which gave Vanilla plenty of time go grab her gun and head for cover. Nack recovered quickly, "You bitch!" he roared, bringing his gun to his hands again, "I hope you're hungry for some lead!"

A volley of bullets came rocketing in Vanilla's direction. Knowing the wooden barrel she dove behind wouldn't block them all, she rolled to the side and got to her feet, taking aim.

Eight in the clip, one in the chamber…

Bang nine, automatic…

She felt a sense of satisfaction as she watched the color red explode from his shoulder with the bullet slicing through his fur and skin. He screamed again, "Aaaaaahhh!"

"Ha! Consider that payback!" she gloated, ducking behind another barrel.

The weasel growled, enraged, "That's it! You were warned!" Vanilla expected another volley of bullets, and they came…

…but not in her direction.

Vanilla heard the shatter of glass and a child's scream, "CREAM!" she screamed so loud, it hurt her throat.

Nack hobbled off, "I'll be back Vanilla!"

She unloaded an entire clip his way, but to no avail. Instantly forgetting him, she charged back into the house, her breaths ragged and microscopic in length by the time she reached the stairs. She threw open the door and prepared for the worst…

End Act II, Scene I