Chapter 3

Princess' slumber

At the royal castle, it became as dark and gloomy as the night sky. Inside would be even darker. Only the glowing of the newly formed ghouls would be crawling around. From one of the stairwells, footsteps could be heard and a glowing flame could be seen. The monsters growled at the person coming, but then they started to cower in fear looking at the menacing being before them. It was a petrifying, yet attractive mobian wearing a leather tank top with a matching skirt. She also had a demon tail and wings to match. Behind her was the royal princess of Soleanna floating while being bounded by chains and locks.

"Look, princess" the mobian said gloating. "Your entire royal staff, reduced to nothing but cowering thralls. BGONE!"

The creatures shouted while running away.

"I don't know what you want form me, but you'll never get it!" the princess said.

"Oh, princess, don't be such a drama queen. It's hopeless. Your guards are gone, your servants are useless. As far as anyone else knows, your safe and sound.

She will be safe and sound….

Deep in the shadows came a bat flying over to the two, following another, and then a third. Within seconds the entire room was filled with bats that started swarming into one being. The princess had never seen anything so dark and mysterious appear in such an elegant matter. Even with all the ghastly looking bats, a figure appeared from their grisly presence. A mobian bat with fur as purple as the night sky just moments after sunset, her dress black and tattered, her black-crimson wings opening, and her long flowing hair blowing in the wind.

The new mobian opened her violet, glowing eyes, staring at the demonic figure before her. "...Once I free her from your grasp, and end you where you stand"

"Darcy, old girl! How are you? It's been eons" the demon spoke. "Heard you went to sleep after your entire clan was slaughtered. Real queen-like of you to run away from your people."

"I didn't run, Mora. I was sealed away by the protectors of the world in that time"

"Sure, Sure, I mean it's not like you and Zerach could have went down dying like an honorable king or queen would. What difference does it make?"

The bat clenched her fist trying to suppress her level of annoyance. "Surrender now, and I'll make your end swift" She then got into a battle stance

The demon grabbed the princess and placed her hand on her neck. "You can try, little runt" Her nails started to extend all the way to her neck slowly cutting and exposing the princess blood.

"Wait! Stop!" the princess begged. "If I tell you where it is, will you leave this place?"

"You have my word, your highness" Mora said smiling.

"Princess, no!" Darcy ordered.

"It's…..in the trophy room….."

Mora giggled while lowering her hand. "Wise choice. A shame the outcome is no different" She then threw the princess to the monster's hiding in the Shadows.

"No!" Darcy quickly grabbed her before the monsters could pounce on her. "Away!" With that command the ghouls quickly stepped back.

"You…you can control them?" the princess asked

"I'll explain later, come with me, quickly"

Darcy lead the princess to follow Mora's trail, but when they both got there, they were too late. In Mora's hand was a large white urn with a little hole at the tip. The princess gazed on it in horror.

"The torch…."

"Return that at once!" Darcy unleased a beam of purple energy from her hand, Mora then chanted a spell creating a shield around her. She then tossed a blue rock over to Darcy. Darcy then suddenly fell to the ground grunting and groaning in pain.

"Nith…metal…." She uttered.

"Have fun, Darcy! I got a date with an old friend of the princess and her family!" She cackled as she left the room through the window flying in the moonlit sky.

"NO!" The princess shouted. "If the flame is rekindled, then it will…." She then turned back to Darcy who was immobilized. The princess then turned over to the monsters who were looking at them through the door. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't get pass the monsters, even if she did, she wouldn't escape them. She felt like helping the queen, but she wasn't sure.

"Princess...Elise…." Darcy struggled saying. "I…. know your scared…..but please…..you must trust…in me…"

The princess looked at the bat struggling. Her options were very limited. She grabbed the stone and threw it out the window. Darcy started panting as she slowly got up. The monsters slowly start to crawl over to her and the princess who started to back away in fear.

"Worry not, child" Darcy said still slightly winded. "I will not let them harm you"

Elise, still shocked at the situation, managed to gather herself and talk to the queen. "Who are you, and what happened to my subjects?"

"Elise, you may not be happy with what I'm about to tell you" she said with a serious tone. "But your subjects are no longer mortal. They are now followers of the radiant dark."

"Radiant…dark…what are you talking about?"

Darcy then snapped her fingers. Three of the servants got up and came up to Darcy. "Start a fire in this room, and give the princess something to drink.

The servants bowed walking out of the room.

Moments later, a fire was started in the trophy room. Darcy and Elise were sitting by the fire on a couch. A servant came hover setting down some snacks and two drinks. The princess was silent during the time the ladies prepared the treats. Darcy reached over and started drinking her cup.

"What's been going on?" the princess said getting her cup of tea. "I have a feeling you know more about the changes in the city"

"I do" She said taking a sip. "I am the queen of the Cramoisi; creatures who were once upon a time hunters of evil. For over 6000 years, people have protected this world. During my reign, I would carry out the legacy, but then an organization cloaked in blue, saw us as demons and sought to do away with us. My husband and I were sent off by our followers who wanted our kind to live on. So we were separated and sealed away in two separate coffins"

"So…you didn't run?"

Darcy was silent as she continued to drink her cup. "No….but I would have rather fought for my people…maybe then I could have…"

"I see. So how are you here now? And where is this husband?"

"I was woken up by a madman who wanted to use me to take over the world, so I sought to his demise. After that, I went in search for my husband, as well as those who were worthy of becoming the new Cramoisi; the followers of radiant darkness. With my new legion slowly building up, I was able to find my husband and wake him as well. With my new clan we brought justice upon those who treat others so wrongly and drain the life out of them"

"You're vampires"

"Exactly"

"So…." Elise looked at the servant ladies who stood by. "Why did you turn my servants into monsters? Are you….planning to overthrow me?"

"That was never my intent, princess. I only wish to live in peace with you and everyone, but it would seem there are others who wish otherwise. You see, my clan of vampires do not just bite whomever we please, a hidden spirt known as Sonaura is around us. It guides us and helps us seek those who are worthy of it. It also helps us as we fly, hunt, and fight"

"It's like your god"

"More of a spiritual guide. It helps us find possible brothers and sisters. However, those who were not chosen by Sonaura can still be affected by the changes of it, but as a result of not having the proper character, they become a lower class of followers. They become savage and primal thralls that strive to get blood from wherever they can find it. They refer to me and naturally born Cramoisi as their masters. I'm sorry, my dear. This is the fate that has befallen your servants, and a number of your citizens"

The princess got up dropping her cup. "Why? Why would you let this happen?!"

Darcy stood up taking a deep breath. "Because…someone may be trying to usurp me"

Elise was quiet at first before speaking. "Someone's trying to overthrow you?"

"I don't know who. But there is someone roaming about the city transforming people into Cramoisi, without approval from me, my husband, or Sonaura. And with my spouse and I not at full power, we have become vulnerable. That's why I need your help keeping the people at peace, as well as finding a sacred treasure handed down from my ancestors"

"Why would I help you?" She backed away from the servants and Darcy. The servants started hissing and snarling. "It sounds like to me because of you my kingdom is in trouble!"

"I can understand your turmoil, princess. But if you don't help me, the world could be in danger"

"Why…why are telling me this?"

Darcy closed her eyes "Because, my dear…" and then opened them. The princess was lost in the violet stare of the queen. She couldn't move, all she could do is stare. "Sonaura's presence…is nigh…"

Elise then knelt down and lowered her head. Darcy walked closer opening her mouth letting out a light hiss and then came up to the princess' neck. She then quickly held her shoulders and bit on the princess' neck sucking on it.

The servants stood back giving the queen some space as she continued her meal. The princess' eyes were getting heavy. She didn't react to Darcy or anything. When she finished. She pulled from her neck licking her lips. She then quickly grabbed the princess before she fell after losing consciousness.

"Your blood…I've haven't tasted someone who has felt so lonely for so long. Despite of this you still carry a kind and gentle heart. Worry not child, you won't be alone anymore…" She said lowering her down. The princess then started to shake violently and scream. Darcy walked over to the castle window looking at the moon. "We will protect your kingdom…together…" She then smiled while laughing lightly.

Just outside of the window stood a mobian bat wearing a tuxedo standing on the top of the castle's highest point. He spimed while holding his cane. Behind him came Mora bowing and showing him the urn. "Well done, Darcy" he then vanished in a cloud of smoke laughing.

.

A nightly stroll

Soleanna is split into seven different districts. The Damson District, the closest one to the forest, has been closed off due to the recent attack. GUN was stationed on the most southern part of the city to offer protection from the Cramoisi. The whole city has been on high alert for almost twelve whole hours. But during this time around, more issues rose to the surface.

On the east side of the city, just a few miles off the coast several torpedo projectiles were closing in from underwater. Around the coast were several GUN navy ships patrolling the city, the torpedoes were able to pass by them with ease. It was like they were being carefully controlled.

"We're approaching our destination" Spoke a voice on a radio. "ETA two minute. All personal report"

"Team Sun leader, I'm good" Spoke a young male

"I'm A-ok" reported a female.

"Team Moon leader, let's do this thing!" said another female. Over the radio were similar replies over the communication.

"Good" Spoke another voice standing on look out from one of the tallest buildings near the seafront. She looked through a pair of binoculars with her bat wings slowly flapping in the air. "GUN seems to be distracted taking care of some business in the Damson District, but there are still guards protecting the bank"

"As long as they aren't allover here. How many we looking at?" spoke a third voice.

"Looks like guards and some tanks and a jet or two, but none of the jets are airborne"

"Alright, team moon, take out any hidden guards, team sun will handle the assault up front with the captain helping you"

"Copy that, Moon guard" spoke one of the leaders.

"Understood. Everything is in position, captain. Captain?"

Sitting just west of the ocean was a mobian eating funnel cake. He was wearing a fedora and a long trench coat. He was eating loudly.

"Ahh…" He sighed as he finished off the last piece. "Hey Garson! Toss me another one"

The cook turned around looking at all of plates he had eaten. The stack was over twenty-four plates tall!. "Sorry sir, I think you've had enough. I'm going to have to cut you off"

"Give me the cake! Cake! Cake! Cake!" he chanted. He then heard his cell phone ring. He stopped chanting and looked at it, seeing one text.

Mission Time! GET YOUR ASS IN GEAR!

"Never mind" he then handed him a tip. "See ya later" He said walking off.

"Hey, sir! You can't walk that way! That part of the city is off…." He looked down and saw the tip and took it. "Eh…at least he's gone"

The torpedoes lunge out from the water and open up reveling several different mobians. As the torpedo disassembled it was reforming around the mobians until it took the form of two wrist and ankle bands, and a breastplate. Despite its seemingly heavy attire, it was actually very light. Light enough for all the team members to travel into the city, or into the shadows of the allies.

"We're in position, moon guard"

"Right, captain? Captain are you here?!"

"He is….." Spoke another voice over the link, "but it looks like he's doing his own thing"

"Oh, for Christ sake…." The bat sighed slapping her face. "Everyone else, just proceed as planned"

The figure started walking over to a well-guarded area while putting on a pair of ear buds and hooking up his music player. "Let's do this thing. Track 34!"

He started strutting and dancing around drawing attention to a few GUN guards. He first started moonwalking over to them and danced without turning around.

"Sir, this area is restricted, leave at once" the mobian didn't listen and just kept dancing to the beat of his music. "Sir, I'm warring you to please leave at once" They then pointed their guns at him. He then looked up smiling pulling out two weapons of his own. "Freeze! Look out!"

His weapons looked like a pair of modified machine guns with two barrels; one at the top one at the bottom that allowed it to shoot from behind. The captain set gun's aiming at the two guards, and from the bottom back barrel came out two chains that quickly wrapped around the guards.

"Ok! Let's go!"

WHAM!

Before they knew it the two of them were pulled into each other hitting their heads knocking each other out. He acted casual as he advanced, turning around, dancing and singing to the song. In his own way..

(Rich walks warily down the street,
With the brim pulled way down low)

More guards came running at the mobian armed. Some were also looking down at him from the perch of their lookouts, aiming downward at them about to fire.

(Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet,
and his weapons ready to go!)

(Are you ready?
Are you ready for this?
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?)

As one came up about to shoot he quickly punched him in the face and threw him into another one. He then spun his weapons which transformed into two separate blasters. He then spun around holding up his guns.

(Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat! HEY!)

He then stops spinning and shoots at the two guards without looking at them.

(Another one bites the dust!)

The perched guards were about to shoot, but they were taken down by two of the secret figures that came from the ocean. Eventually they made it to several different parts of the city. Assisting the dancing mobian.

Meanwhile, he kept dancing and shooting at the guards that came his way.

(And another one gone, and another one gone another one bites the dust!)

He shot another five and found one above him.

(Hey, I'm gonna get you too!
Another one bites the dust)

He shot him down as he quickly made his way to what looked like a bank.

"Is he serious…." The bat said looking through her binoculars.

"Apparently" Spoke another voice from the com-link. "but he did create a good diversion for us and we were able to clear the way.

"I'm reaching the communication hub in this sector. Hopefully, we won't be getting any more guest" spoke the sun leader

"Good. Keep moving and be sure to place those explosives properly...I'll keep an eye on our…diversion"

As he was approaching the main building, more guards were sent out with guns blazing. The mobian didn't panic. He took off his trench coat throwing it in the air letting it take all the hits. When it drooped on the ground he vanished. When the guards stopped to look for him, one of them was instantly sent flying, as the captain came from out of the ground giving them an uppercut and continued to punch the other guards in the face.

(OH! How do you think I'm going to get along,
Without you, when you're gone?!)

A few guards fired at him but he quickly dodged the shots and elbowed two in the face and used the third one as a shield to protect him from another shot. And threw the guards body at two more knocking them down.

(You took me for everything that I had,
And kicked me out on my own)

Suddenly the attraction caught the attention of two big footed robots that started walking over to his location. The captain just kept dancing to his music while taking out more guards with kicks and punches.

(Are you happy? are you satisfied
How long can you stand the heat?)

The other agents made their way to the building undetected. The guards and robots were going after the captain.

"the bombs are in place, captain. Ready when you are"

(Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat)

He then gets out a device with a button on it and pushes it. One of the robots behind a group of upcoming guards falling on them.

(Another one bites the dust)

He then threw his fedora like a Frisbee at a watchtower's search light. The captain then shot at it causing it to blow up.

(Another one bites the dust)

(And another one gone, and another one gone!

Another one bites the dust HEY!)

He pointed the device at the other robot blowing it up making it fall on more guards. He then jumped over both destroyed robots, looking at another guard in a watch tower.

(Gunna get you too! Another one bites the dust!)

He then pressed the remote device again blowing up the watch tower.

As all the guards were down he just kept dancing to his song in one spot.

"Another bites the dust! Hey! Another one bites the dust! Hey! Another one bites…YIP!" He stopped for a second when he saw a wine colored bat standing in front of him with her arms crossed. With his coat and hat removed he exposed himself to be an orange echidna. He froze for a sec before hitting the pause button on his MP3 "Uhhh….hey, Scar….how goes it?"

"Oh no. Don't let me stop you. You keep dancing while each of us fight for our lives" She said sarcastically.

"Oh good! Cause I haven't finished my song so I was thinking of having a big finish and…"

"We are about to pull a huge heist job, and your goofing off! What would happen if something went wrong?!"

"It's not going to. We got in the bank, right?"

The bat sighed while walking forward. "Yes….but I still wish you followed the plan and rode on your Jemech*"

"Hey, you know how much I hate water…"

They both made their way into the building. The echidna and bat walked down the hall with several of the guards on the ground. The security cameras didn't move, and the guard dogs were asleep.

"As you can see, we've detain the guards, shot a sleeping serum in the guard dogs, and disable the alarms" The bat explained

"All under 10 minutes. Welp, so far so good!" the echidna said.

They then reached the end of a hall with a bolted door. The agents from before took off their mask showing different mobians with some orange and gray marks on their heads.

"My friends…." The echidna said reaching back. "I give you riches beyond your wildest…..GONG!"

He punched the door and stood for a moment or two. His muzzle then turned blue as he started grunting. He then screamed at the top of his lungs.

He then was hopping around holding his hand shouting and cussing and even weeping.

"I told you he was too cocky…." Said a young green hedgehog.

"NO! Wait! I can open it! Just let me…!"

"NO!" he then punched it with his other hand, but then started screaming again. Everyone slapped their foreheads.

"It hurts! It hurts so baaad!"

One of the pirates reached his arm back. He was a brown wolverine who pulled his arm much further than the echidna. In fact, he could pull back further than anyone could. His arms had a long reach. He then lunged at the bolted door with his knife-like claws impaling the door. He then pulled the door breaking it from its hinges. The door fell with a thud letting the others in.

"One's strength is only useful if used right. That's how it's done, captain" he spoke in a British accent.

"Well, hey I loosened it!" they all walked in the vault looking at many deposits of gold and other treasures.

The echidna walked in front rubbing his spiked bangs smiling. The room had deposits of gold coins, valuable gems and crowns, and some precious metals. "My friends, I give the treasure a life time! Partake."

They all run in grabbing what they can from the vault. Two twin hedgehogs get out a small cube and push a button on it. The cube expanded and dropped on the ground. "Make sure you get a lot, ok Nai?" the violet hedgehog said gathering big diamonds.

"Yeah sure, Jem. Don't be a nag" the green hedgehog whined grabbing several gold coins.

A yellow hedgehog was gathering gem stones and gasped when seeing a crown. "Just think what we could do with all this!" He then put on the crown and posed. I'm the duke of Soleanna"

"Zenith" Spoke an amber hedgehog. "Quit fooling around. And keep grabbing"

"Yes, oh duchess of killoyberg" He scoffed putting the crown in the bag.

"Good, good…" The captain looked around at his crewmates taking the valuables. "Keep an eye out, Blade" he said to the wolverine. "Mercury, be sure to get a good snap shot of us!" he said to the amber hedgehog.

"Got it, boss!" she said getting out her smartphone. She grabbed her brother and took a selfie with them together. "Little something for the GUN guards"

"Not a bad heist if I do say so myself" near the entrance of the bank the brown hedgehog looked at the opening of the vault.

As the captain was taking some valuables himself, he then turned over to two glass cases at the end of the room. He gasped at one of the glass containers looking at a large glowing white stone. "Hello, big bonus!" As he lifted the glass from the pillar. He could feel the energy radiating from the stone, and the warmth it provided. "Come to me, my darling" he spoke in a weird accent taking the stone gazing at its glamor.

"Oh, Oh! I know what that is!" Spoke a white snow wolf getting more treasure "it's uh…..uh…..trouble rock….no…uhh….a catastrophe stone….no….uhhh OH! Anarchy Beryl! That's it!

"It's a Chaos Emerald, Rin-Rin" Spoke a gray fox gathering up the last of his loot.

"Oh, Onyx. That's sounds silly. Oh, wait…is it?"

"Legend tells that when all seven are gathered, a miracle could happen. They also make wonderful good luck charms" the violet hedgehog Jem explained.

"Not a very fitting name if you ask me. Well whatever…" the captain said while taking out a card with a sun and moon on it. "It's now a property of the dusk raiders. So proclaims…." He places the card on the pedestal where the rock sat. "Richter, captain of the rising sun!" He then pose holding up one of his blasters.

Scarlet then swooped over to him, covering up his mouth. "Are you trying to get us caught?!"

"Hey, cap!" A Lavender hedgehog speaking in a Australian accent walked over to the second container lifting the glass. She took it out another white stone, only this one was longer than the emerald. It was large, and edgy. "What do you think this is?"

Richter walked up and grabbed the rock feeling around it, knocking on it, and even licking it. "Mm…..Amazing. I know all rocks, but this one's different from any rock I've seen. Judging by its looked I'd say…igneous, but that's about it"

"Did you really have to lick it cap?"

"Yes, Jazz. Yes I did" Richter said casually.

Before anyone knew it the stone started glowing bright while unleashing a ear-piercing wail. "What's happeing to it?!" The pirates covered their ears. Richter dropped the stone covering his as the stone continued to cry.

"I don't know!" Richter shouted as it started vibrating violently. A bright flash illuminated the room. And the stone suddenly shattered with pieces flying everywhere. The raiders flew back from the intense explosion.

Outside of the building, streams of light were shooting everywhere. The anomalies traversed across different paths in the sky while some of them flew into parts of the city.

Richter was laying on the ground when he opened his eyes. All he saw was white, and something falling from the sky. "Are…are the angels coming to get me?" he asked. Through the brightness he could see someone falling from ceiling. He saw a beautiful young hedgehog. She wasn't conscious as she was slowly descending close to Richter. Richter reached out to her trying to grab her.

After a few minutes, the light dimmed, the raiders were all on the ground groaning.

"Did anyone get the number of that license plate?" Zenith said rubbing his head.

"My ears won't stop ringing…" Rin-Rin moaned.

"What the hell was that?" Onyx asked helping Rin-Rin. "Is everyone alight" All of the raiders responded with a grunt or moan"

"What the?!" Mercury looked where Richter was and saw two woman, one of them was Relic who was rubbing her head. And the other one was laying down next to her.

"Oh dearie me…" the pica spoke getting up. "That was quite a crazy ride….huh? Lila!"

The brown hedgehog was laying on the ground on top of Richter with her face touching his. They both opened their eyes and stared at each other for a moment, before they knew it, they noticed each other's mouths wee touching.

"DAHHH!" They both got up stepping away from each other.

"My word, I didn't know you were that kind of woman" Relic said giggling.

"What?! No! I didn't mean to!" Lila protested

"It was an accident!" Richter said "I'm not that kind of guy!"

"Our captain is growing up!" Zenith teased

"Shush up! Stupid!"

"All of you Freeze!" they all looked and saw GUN guards and robots just by the door. They marched forward with firearms in hand. "All of you are under arrest for…." Before he could finish, he was shot in the head by Onyx.

"Didn't let him finish? How Rude, Ony!" Richter crossed his arms clicking his tongue.

"Let's get out of here!" Scarlet said "Jem!" The fuchsia hedgehog projected a reflector shield that protected the team from fire.

"Blade, make an exit!" Richter ordered

"What about the treasure?!" Nai asked

"We got enough! Let's make tracks!" the wolverine reached back with his arms and broke the wall down. The raiders came running out each hopping on their personal extreme gear*.

(Hover crafts from the Sonic Riders series for those who don't know)

"Wait?! You guys are pirates?!" Lila asked as she was getting out with Richter. Blade grabbed Relic and helped her on his bike.

"You got that right, my witchy hedgey!" Richter said getting his own ready.

"Who told you I was a Wiiitch!" Lila was grabbed by Richter and thrown on the air. "WAAAHHHHH!" She screamed as she fell from the air and onto Richter's bike. He then gave her a helmet and took off.

"Comfy?" He asked riding his gear.

"YOU'RE CRAZY!" Lila screamed holding onto his waist.

"So I've been told!" Richter shouted back. "But you want to live, don'cha?"

Lila kept quiet and held Richter close.

The raiders were chased around the city by beetle sentry drones firing at them. "Everyone! Scatter! We'll meet at the rendezvous point at the Damson District!" Richter ordered

"I told you! That area is blocked off!" Scarlet mentioned

"What better place to hide? Everyone scatter and meet back there"

Roger!" The raiders said altogether.

"Besides, what could possibly be scarier than dealing with GUN?" Richter asked outloud.

"More than you can possibly imagine…." Lila said quietly

(TBC)

What indeed? Find out what happens in the next chapter