The Dark Eris Arm Saga( CHECK NOTE AFTER CHAPTER 3 P3 PLEASE!)

by Carlata Jones

Staff Sargent Belladonna "Eris" Monroe, one of G.U.N's top fighters, Five Time Extreme Gear Champion known as the Crystal Queen. She thought she had it all, a loving father, friends she loved and cared for deeply, and a hidden love she didn't even know she had. But what happens when a dark Queen from her past comes back to ruin things once again? RatedM for 18 Adult content & more

1. Remembering the past

(AN: HEY ALL, IT'S CJ HERE. SO JUST A LITTLE BIT OF INFO HERE. THE FIRST CHAPTER IS STILL PRETTY MUCH THE SAME WITH A FEW NEW CHANGES HERE, AND THERE. LIKE HOW ERIS NOW LOOKS SINCE I UPDATED HER LOOK ON DEVIANT-ART,

SPEAKING OF WHICH, IF YOU WISH TO SEE HER NEW LOOK, THEN HEAD ON OVER TO DeviantART, and look me up under, BelladonnaErisMonroe, IT HAS A LOT OF CONTENT I'VE WORKED ON. MAYBE NOT STORY-WISE, BUT I DO HAVE AT LEAST AN UPDATED VERSION OF ERIS, AND EBONY-SHADE, HER DAUGHTER, ALONG WITH OTHER WONDERFUL ARTWORK. SO GO TAKE A LOOK ^^. I HOPE TO DO AN UPDATE ON ONYX-SHADE, EBONY'S OLDER TWIN BROTHER, AND ACT, KNUCKLES SON, SOON. SADLY I AM HAVING A VERY HARD TIME TRYING TO FIND A GOOD MALE MOBIAN REF SHEET THAT IS FREE TO USE, AND I NEED ONE THAT SHOWS THE FRONT, BACK AND BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, SADLY, I HAVE FOUND SUCH THINGS, BUT, NOT FREE TO USE. SO IT'S TAKING SOME TIME.

I ALSO WISH TO THANK YOU ALL TO THOSE WHO HAVE KEPT WITH ME THROUGHOUT MY LONG TWO-YEAR JOURNEY AND PUTTING UP WITH MY CRAPPY ASS FIRST-IN-A-LONG-TIME, STORY. I PROMISE I WILL BE FIXING EVERYTHING BUT IT MAY BE SLOW GOING BUT I'LL GET THERE.

SO ANYWAY, THANKS AGAIN, AND KEEP WATCH FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER WHERE I HOPE TO FIX LITERALLY THE WHOLE THING. I REGRET WRITING CHAPTER TWO SO MUCH BECAUSE THE WOLF, ATLANTIA, WASN'T TO HAVE BEEN AN ACTUAL PART OF THE STORY, ONLY ONE OF THOSE SILLY MACGUFFINS AND NOTHING MORE, BUT AS A LOT OF YOU KNOW THE PERSON HELPING ME AT THE TIME, KEPT NAGGING ME TILL I CAVED IN AND ENDED UP WRITING A WHOLE NEARLY LIKE TEN-PART WORTHLESS CHAPTER FOR HER AND BIRCH VON ROKE BOTH, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. SO I MAY HAVE TO REDO ALL OF CHAPTER TWO FROM SCRATCH WHY KEEPING TO SOME OF THE OLD WORK. WILL SEE HOW IT GOES. I DO HOPE THIS NEW VERSION OF CHAPTER ONE GOES OVER WELL AND IS IN A LOT BETTER SHAPE THAN LAST. ANYWAY, I'LL SHUT UP NOW AND LET YOU JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES ON THE MATTER. TILL THEN. THIS IS CJ SIGNING OUT, AND SENDING YOU PEACE, LOVE, AND A LOT OF HUGS. BYEEE!)

THE DARK ERIS SAGA

CHAPTER 1...REMEMBERING THE PAST

01:50 am G.U.N HQ in the middle of Huckshore Coastal Jungles base sleeping quarters a woman of twenty tosses and turns in her sleep. Dreaming a non-peaceful dream…

SOMEONE STOP THEM NOW BEFORE THEY GET AWAY! IF WE LOSE THEM NOW WILL BE DONE FOR!

YES MA'AM!

Several men shouted in unison and started to run off to the west side of Central Square why a woman of 6'5 with fur color of very dark beige-brown, and sakura pink markings on her arms, legs, belly, and ear tips, called out orders. She was a Lyox, a hybrid of a lynx and fox. She had wine-red hair that was streaked with the same sakura pink color and pulled back into a thick braid.

Her ears were fox-like, and they were tipped sakura pink, with the tufts being the same pink tipped with wine-red. Her tail was one and a half feet long and was tipped with the same sakura pink and wine red, with the wine red being the top color.

Her wine-red claws were always sharp so she could use them as secondary weapons. She wore half-finger leather gloves with stainless steel bands on them. Within the bands were a set of titanium diamond metal claws she could use at will. She wore the standard G.U.N agent uniform of her design. She had on a tight-fitting black crop top that criss crossed at the sides and showed off her midsection, along with a pair of sports shorts that were black and that came up past her knees. Her standard G.U.N. vest had a golden nameplate of her rank as Staff Sergeant on it indicating she was of high rank and her Last name on it. She had on military-grade boots and a leg halter on her right leg with a standard combat knife in it. On her left is a smaller one with a few first-aid things in it.

Her eyes were a beautiful wine-red color that shined brightly in the setting sun. Some of the people she knew often wondered if she wasn't like Shadow because of her eyes since they were so similar in color, and because of the rumors about her mother. But to her, it didn't matter, she would ignore their stupidity and tell them off by threatening more work on them than they should be doing. She had a headset on with the mouthpiece coming around her left side and she growled low clearly annoyed at the moment. Her name was Belladonna "Eris" Monroe, and she was a Staff Sergeant of the group that was running after some people who had caused an explosion on E. 7th and west grand square.

Many people were hurt and some may even be dead but her top priority right now were the people that were at large still. There was chatter over the line of men and women screaming saying they saw them go one way or another. Belladonna, or Eris as she preferred to be called, slams her fist on a nearby truck side when she hears a soft chuckle and a voice that annoyed her even more

Sounds like you're having trouble, little half-breed.

SHADOW!?

Eris's head whips around as her ears lay flat as she bared her fangs at him hissing. She always hated when he snuck up on her like that.

What the hell are you doing here Shadow?

What do you THINK I'm doing here?

Shadow jumps down from atop another truck and lands a few feet from her walking over to her with a bit of a smug look on his face. She wished she could smack that look off his face right now, but knew better with the situation at hand.

I'm here because the boss sent me here saying you could use some help.

WHAT!?

You heard me, Belladonna.

Growling low once more Eris clenches her fist tightly looking at him with her ruby-red eyes. Clearly pissed now.

I don't NEED your help, you factory reject!

At that moment there comes a scream through the intercom...

STAFF SARGENT MONROE WE NEED HELP NOW! EGGMAN Jr. JUST SHOWED UP TO HELP THEM!

Eris's eyes widen as Shadow chuckles once more saying…

You were talking about NOT needing any help kitten?

She looks at him and groans inwardly and heads off to E. 7th and grand square grabbing her air board along the way. Hopping on it she stops in front of Shadow looking at him holding out her hand even though it was the LAST thing she wanted. Shadow smacks her hand aside nodding.

Thanks but I'll get there faster on my own.

Forget it Shadow I'm in charge here, not you.

Think again kitten orders from the boss.

WHAT?!

Ma'am, we just got orders from Lieutenant General Conner. He said that Shadow is to take point from here on in.

Standing on her air board speechless, she looks at Shadow growling out pissed and dropping her hand she hist the booster on her gear and speeds off to where Eggman Jr. had shown up. Grunting out, Shadow follows behind picking up speed as he does.

By the time they got there, it was pure chaos. Both men and women from G.U.N were shooting at Eggman's robots and others were in hand-to-hand combat with the criminals. Some G.U.N agents were helping men, women, and children to safety as fast as they could. But it was pure hell. Eris stops dead on her board almost flying off it, as Shadow stops looking around.

Right, we need to stop Eggman Jr., turns out he has a couple of chaos emeralds on hand in that new toy of his.

CHAOS EMERALDS?! You gotta be kidding?! No wonder Lieutenant General Conner sent you, and if you're here that means that…

Hey, girl missed me?

Eris looked to her right and coming in for a landing was none other than Rouge the Bat herself.

Well well well. LOOKED what the cat dragged in? My fave jewel thief.

Hey, Eris, long time no see. We will have to catch up later. Right now we have a job to do.

Nodding Eris looks to Shadow.

So reject what's the plan?

Nodding Shadow points at Eggman Jr.'s new robot.

THAT'S our target right there.

Rouge and Eris both look to see where he was pointing at and right there just above the robot's head were two of the chaos emeralds. It was the red and light blue one. Encased in hard crystal glass

We need to get up there and take that out and get those emeralds back. The only problem is that Egghead Jr. is firing missiles all over the place and with those lackeys of his, it's not helping matters. I can get us up there with chaos control but then after that, I don't know what to do. I was up there once already with Rouge and we couldn't break that glass at all. So that's where you and your claws come in Belladonna.

Growling at Shadow she looks at him annoyed.

The names ERIS factory reject get it right for once, will you? You of all people should know I hate being called Belladonna.

Hey, you two cut it out, we have work to do.

Rouge tells them.

I'll fly you up there Eris why Shadow tries and holds Eggman Jr.'s missiles at bay.

But who's gonna stop his lackeys from getting in the way? If you haven't noticed, some of them can fly, you know?

THAT'S WHERE I COME IN!

Overhead there comes the sound of more missiles being shot off along with the sound of guns going off at rapid-fire, and the sound of a plane flying overhead along with some giggling. Eris looks up and sees a familiar old plan zooming by and her face lights up.

SKYE!?

Hey, don't forget us!

Two more voices could be heard over the sound of the fighting as well as one of the two voices took out one of Eggman's lackeys from behind knocking them out cold. It was Tiffa The Bat and Lara-Su. Rogues and Knuckles daughter and Knuckles and Julie-Su's.

Hey, girl's about time you showed up.

Hey ma sorry, we're late we had some trouble along the way with one of egghead Jr's. mini toys.

No worries Tiffa dear.

Eris smiles and nods.

Then the whole gang's here then?

Yep and we best hurry if we don't wanna let Skye have all the fun.

Rouge exclaimed. Nodding Shadow takes point and Eris follows behind him along with Tiffa. Rouge stops Lara-Su looking at her, asking her something that Eris just catches a whiff of.

Lara-Su you sure you're OK to be fighting in your condition? I don't want you to end up getting hurt and losing….

Before she could hear anything more Eris was out of earshot, and she had to focus on the task at hand.

Shadow, Tiffa, and Skye manage to clear a path for Eris why Skye kept Eggman jr. occupied why Shadow and Eris fight everything left and right. Rouge and Lara-Su managed to catch up just as they were nearing the launching point.

We need to hurry, Skye is running out of ammo and he can't hold off jr. for much longer. Tiffa tells everyone.

Right Belladonna you're only going to have one shot at this with Rouge's help. Think you can do it with what little air you have left?

I am going to have to, the closest airport was destroyed by a rogue missile, and I didn't have time to grab a backup air tank on the way out here from the base. Not to SAY some two-tailed FOX forgot to upgrade my extreme gear the other day when he said he WOULD… SKYE!

Eris goes and growls in the mic.

Yeah yeah yeah I know and I'm sorry. But it wasn't my fault, OK. You know it wasn't. I promise no matter what I'll upgrade it after we take care of this mess.

You better you twin-tailed fluff ball, or so help me…

Enough you two! Eris gets going and remember…

Shadow growls out as he addresses Eris.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, reject don't use my power boost till the last second for maximum height. I know that already. I am a Grand Prix extreme gear five-time champ you know?

Yeah, I know. I was gonna say to be careful you chocolate bonbon wannabe.

Before Eris could react to that, Shadow was gone already and running up one of the arms of the robot just as it slammed down on the ground at the same moment Skye falls out of the sky crash landing into a building. Sighing annoyed, Eris goes and starts up her extreme gear and heads off making sure to keep an eye on her air tank and what was left in it. She needed every bit for this last stunt. Everyone was counting on her this time and she couldn't fail now.

Just as she was nearing the jumping point something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention and it was from that point in time everything went in super slow motion and her eyes widened in both shock and fear….

Off to her right was an older Lynx she knew. His fur was a tawny color, that was speckled with silvers and grays, and his markings were a darker brown, like coffee, his muzzle and cheek fluff were white with a tint of silver running through it. His eyes were a goldenrod color, and shined brightly, despite his age. It was none other than Colonel Maxwell Samuel Monroe, her father. They lock eyes for the briefest moment as she flies by. In his eyes, though old were a reflection of hers. Full of life, love, and bravery, and for a moment before he turned his head back at the sound of screaming. He had Pride.

Pride for her and what she had become. But at the same time, she turns her head at the sound of screaming and realizes what happened a moment too late. One of the G.U.N missiles had gone astray due to Eggman Jr.'s assault, and it ended up heading towards her father and the rest of his men. Without thinking for a single moment Eris slams on her brakes and makes a sharp turn and heads towards her father and his men in hopes of stopping the missile in time before it hits them.

She uses her power boost right at the moment Rouge reaches her and she pulls out of reach and towards the missile and her father. But as soon as she gets close enough to try and stop it, it explodes right then and there. Sending debris everywhere as it sends her flying along with everyone around her nearby. She ends up landing not too far off from her father and men with debris and heavy concrete slabs on top of her. She was knocked out cold for what seemed like hours when it was only minutes. But the worst of it was her father had gone flying back onto a rebar steel pipe and had shards of metal sticking out of him.

Eris groans out as she comes around, her vision was blurry as she held her head shaking it to try and clear it, and the ringing in her ears. She looks around her and sees the aftermath of the missile and pushes the concrete slabs off her and gets up. She ends up falling back down as soon as she gets up, still out of it. She ends up holding onto her left arm as she staggers back up realizing it was busted. She looks around trying to see what happened.

There were voices calling out her name but she didn't hear them, the only thing she needed to know was if her father was OK, and that's when she saw him not too far off. As a pool of blood formed around him. Her eyes widen in shock and fear as she limps over to him calling out to him.

Daddy? DADDY!? DADDY WAKE UP PLEASE! PLEASE WAKE UP! PLEASE DADDY YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME AS MOM DID! YOU PROMISED HER YOU WOULDN'T LEAVE ME!

A shrill voice sounds off from someplace far away as Eris' voice echoes out as the sound of an alarm goes off.

GOOOD MORNING HUCKSHORE ISLAND! IT'S YOUR FAVORITE MORNING HOST ALEX RIDER, AND IT IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY TODAY ON THE GOOD OLD SHORES OF HUCKSHORE, HA HA! SEE WHAT I DID THERE, LADIES AND GENTS!? ANYWAY, IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S GONNA BE A BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY TODAY! SO WHY NOT HEAD DOWN TO THE BEACH FOR SOME FUN IN THE SUN! BUT MAKE SURE YOU WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN BEFORE GOING OUT! WE DON'T NEED NO ONE GETTING SUNBURN TODAY! HA HAAA! NOW FOR OUR NEXT SONG OF THE MORNING BY EVERYONE'S FAVORITE BAND CRUSH 4O LIVE AND LEARN!...

A guy with a strong Jamaican accent announces right at the same time Eris groans and wakes up from her nightmare in a cold sweat as her favorite song starts to play

"Can you feel life moving through your mind… Looks like it came back for more – yeah, yeah, yeah… Can you feel time slipping down your spine… You try and try to ignore…

But you can hardly swallow… Your fears and pain… And you can't help but follow… And puts you right back where you came…

Live and learn - Hanging on the edge of tomorrow… Live and learn - From the works of yesterday… Live and learn - If you beg or if you borrow... Live and learn - You may never find your way…

Can you feel life tangle you up inside… Now you're face down on the floor…"

She lays there in the dark of her room with her arm over her face as she starts to cry. AGAIN for what seemed like the 500th time within two months. It had only been two months since the battle and the loss of her father. It still haunted her to this day and she couldn't get over what had happened. She lays there in the dark, her eyes now closed as she remembers that day...

Her with a broken arm. Her father was not too far off from her. Everything was ringing in her ears. Blood dripping from a gash on her left midsection from a deep wound. Her father was in a pool of his blood. She runs to him crying out for him not to leave her alone because he had promised he never would.

She held him in her arms after she got him off the rebar steel pipe that was sticking through his chest just under his heart. But the shards of debris were too deep in him to get out. She held him in her arms as he lay dying in them. She cried over his body as her friends ran over to her to make sure she was OK when the only thing she cared about was her father.

Her best friend forever. The one man she could always count on to be there for her for whatever reason. He was always there for her. Laid dying in her arms now, and the only thing that brought her back to reality was the one hedgehog she hated more than anything. SHADOW…

He laid a hand on her which had brought her out of her shocked state but only for a moment. He looked at her with eyes that were sad, full of regret even, and it pissed her off more than ever. In his other hand was the green chaos emerald and she looked at him and her father then at Eggman jr. then back at Shadow. He had no right welding that chaos emerald whatsoever. He was a reject. A FREAK of nature that should have never been born or made.

It was his fault that her father died that day. He KNEW he was there, he even admitted it later on. She remembered it all. She remembered punching him right in the face and taking the emerald from him which took him off guard. HIM of all people the ultimate life form off guard. Hehe… pathetic. She remembered taking the emerald from him and grabbing her board and running off. She remembered her friends calling out to her trying to stop her. She didn't care how bad in shape she was in.

Didn't care if she died or not. All she cared about was her father. If she did this now there could still be time to save him, and she would let hell rain down on all who ever thought Shadow should do it. There was no way in hell she would let some factory reject save Central Square not after what he did to her. Not once but TWICE. It was also because of him that she lost her mother when she was just a baby, so she was told by her father when she was younger. Now she was going to lose her father because of him.

This was the last straw. Rouge tries to catch up to Eris but it was no use. Eris goes and with a swing of her right hand, she sends a bolt of crystal lighting and aims it at Rouge which stops her in her tracks, as she looks on after her. Shadow was the only one to get up and go after her to try and reason with her. But it was no use…

She remembered her father's dying words before she took the emerald from Shadow. She had to do it. She would do one. But not the other. No way in HELL would she forgive the reject for taking her father away. The only family she had left. The chaos emerald starts to spark to life sensing Eris' range and anger, as they start to react to the other two chaos emeralds close by.

Eris remembered Shadow taking her by her upper left arm trying to stop her but she takes her free hand, the one with the emerald in it, and punches him once more sending him flying back. He slams into a wall as the air was knocked out of him, and he falls to the ground with a thud. Eris stands there panting hard, as sparks of green chaos energy surround her, as he groans out, and holds himself up looking at her, as she says four words that a very tiny part of her regrets. But she knew it was an extremely VERY tiny part of her that regretted it.

THIS. IS. YOUR. FAULT!

Shadow stays where he was as Lara-Su and Tiffa run over to help him up as Rouge stands there in shock not knowing what to do. They had never SEEN this side of her before and it scared them all. Even Shadow himself was worried.

Eris lays there in her bed remembering everything that happened that day not so long ago. She remembers how the power of the chaos emerald took hold of her as she set out to take down Eggman jr. She remembers it, filling her very soul with power. A power she never felt before. She remembers seeing an air hose wiggling around with air coming which is what she needed. She remembers taking it and filling up her air tank which had a crack in it and was leaking out.

She remembered hearing Skye calling out to her to not do it cause it would be too dangerous. But she didn't care. She remembered jumping on her board and flying off picking up speed and holding the chaos emerald close to her. She remembered its power taking hold of her, and for a moment she heard her father's voice saying…

"I'm so proud of you, my little cherry blossom. Remember I will always be with you forever. I love you, my little cherry blossom."

At that moment as she went flying in the sky she saw her father in all his radiance as someone was walking up next to him. She smiled seeing who was with her father. It was her mother, the way she remembered her through pictures she kept. Smiling his smile he always had as his goldenrod eyes shone brighter than any stars in the night skies. His words rang out to her once more.

"Forgive Shadow it wasn't his fault it was mine. I told him not to tell you. I'm sorry, my little cherry blossom. Please forgive me. I didn't want you to get hurt trying to protect me. You had a job to do, and still have to do it. Using the Chaos Crystal Claws it's the only way to stop Eggman Jr.."

She remembered him saying that, and she remembered what he said after that.

"We love you, our little cherry blossom, and we're so proud of you."

She remembered how tears welled up in her eyes and she thought of everything that happened. Her father said to use the Chaos Crystal Claws. A new move she never knew she could use. So that meant like Shadow and his majesty king Sonic, she could use the power of the emeralds. But was it true? Was it possible to even do so? There was no more time for mourning over her father right now, as the power welled up inside of her she yelled out as light surrounded her at the same time Eggman. Jr. went in for the final blow.

She remembered yelling out…

CHAOS CRYSTAL CLAWS!

She remembered laying there in her bed how that one blow ended it all. She remembered falling from the skies and falling fast. She remembered how she started blacking out. She remembered how she knew she would be joining her father and mother soon. She remembered as she fell from the skies strong arms catching her and holding her close as they said something in her ear. She remembered it being Shadow's voice, and him saying something she never thought she would hear him say in a million years.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Eris. Please forgive me."

She remembered feeling something wet fall on her cheek just before she blacked out. She remembered opening her eyes a little bit and seeing for the first time since she knew him a single silver tear fall from his eyes as he looked at her, and she remembered something else she forgot when she was just a few months old as she laid next to her mother and she passed on and to the next life…

"Please….forgive him…My little one…It's not…his fault…"

She remembered that at the time she didn't understand, with being so young, no more than a few months old, as she blacking out soon after, and three weeks later waking up in a hospital bed, and next to her the one hedgehog she hated the most. The one hedgehog she wished had died instead of her father. Was there right next to her waiting for her to wake up from her coma. She remembered She tried to get up and attack him but found out she couldn't because she was strapped down. She remembered the nurses and doctors saying she would wake up a few times and tried to attack him. They told him to leave but he wouldn't so they had to strap her down.

Sighing as tears kept falling she looked at her alarm clock and it read 05:45 am. She was late getting up despite the fact the general said she could have time off for what happened. She lays there as the last few verses go off from Live and learn….

"Live and learn…Hanging on to the edge of tomorrow…Live and learn…From the works of yesterday…Live and learn…If you beg or if you borrow…Live and learn…You may never find your way…

Live and learn…Hanging on to the edge of tomorrow…Live and learn…From the works of yesterday…Live and learn…If you beg or if you borrow…Live and learn...You may never find your way…."

And that was Live and Learn by crush 40. Before we get to the next song, have you ever had to live through something so dramatic and so shocking. That you had…

Eris sits up and roars out grabbing her alarm clock and ripping it out of the socket and throwing it across the room and into a mirror causing it and the mirror to break. She remembers everything when all she wanted to do was forget what happened. She wanted to go numb from it all. So what was STOPPING her from doing so? She knew. Oh boy did she know what was stopping her. Sighing, she closes her eyes as she rubs her temples, as the image of Shadow holding her as he saved her that day as that one single silvery tear fell. Forcing her to see him in a whole new light. She didn't know how or why. But it was the only thing keeping her from going numb.

Sighing she gets up off her bed with a groan as she reaches for her Crutches. It turns out it wasn't only her arm that was in bad shape that day, but she had busted her leg as well, and she didn't know it till she saw the cast. She heads for her shower sitting down on a plastic chair she sets about with the task of putting her casts in a trash bag and taping it up around the top part of it. She does the same with her left arm as well, and it was hard doing so with one hand. She didn't have nurses to help because they got in the way up to the point she ended decking one of the male nurses she had, because he got a little TOO hands-on. Needless to say, he lost his job because of it. She wouldn't have minded it if it was another time and another place, and she wasn't so broken both physically and mentally right now. He was pretty cute and all. For a jackrabbit. But even still something told her it wouldn't have been right either way.

Once done she goes and undresses taking off her nightgown and panties and turns the hot water on to the most comfortable temperature. Once she gets it right she starts to wash. That was the easy part. The tricky part was her hair. When it wasn't pulled back in a ponytail or braid, it came down to the middle of her back. That's when she heard a knock and a ding-dong from her door and she knew at once who it was. Wrapping up in a towel she heads to the door and pushes a button and opens it, and standing there was Lara-Su and she was looking a tad plump needless to say. She had found out Lara-Su was pregnant with Argyle crocodile's kids. At the time she hadn't shown much of anything. But it turns out she was going on three months now, and it was starting to show.

Hey, Lara-Su you're just in time. I just finished washing up everything else but my hair.

Grate. Then how about we go for that haircut instead.

Touch my hair and kids or not I'll kill you.

Not even a little trim?

Eris glares daggers at her.

Hey, you PROMISED BELL-A-DONN-A…

Your rotten little FINK! If I wasn't so busted up I'd WHOOP your goddamn ass chicka!

You'd beat a pregnant woman down for touching your hair?

This is ME we're talking about you know?

Good point Eris. So you would.

The two go and stand there for a moment till one of the guards passing by clears his throat wondering if everything was alright, as both girls start laughing.

You're dismissed.

Yes Ma'am.

He walks off, and Eris lets Lara-Su in and she closes the door behind her as the light automatically turns on.

Whoa, girl what happened here?

She points to the busted mirror and clock.

Let me guess. You had that nightmare again, didn't you?

Looking away and sighing, Eris nods.

Right. Then get dressed and let's go. You need to get the hell out of here and it's the perfect day for it.

Too tired and beaten already from the dream Eris nods and goes and gets dressed, thinking maybe heading out with her would be a good idea. Hell, maybe she would go for a trim at the salon after all. Summer was around the corner so it could help? She goes with a simple little yellow sundress, something easy considering how she had a busted leg and arm, but soon after It doesn't take her long to get ready thanks to Lara's help, and soon after they leave but not before having someone clean up the mess in her room. On the way out they run into Skye, and they stop and talk for a bit.

So those new upgrades you wanted for your Gear are coming along well. It will have everything you need next time you are on the field. Even has a remote control and homing device like you asked.

Good, and what about lightweight combat gear?

Yep, it has a storage compartment for that as well, and the triple air tanks you wanted as well. Even put in a backup tank as per-requested.

Won't this just slow it down in the end with all this on it Skye?

Lara-Su asked.

Not by much. But since this is her battle gear I made one for regular use. It has all the same components as her battle gear. But for everyday use instead. But it will help non the less, and I also upgraded your racing gear too. It's much lighter AND faster with 3 tanks on it so you won't have to refill so much during races. OK well…. To be honest…. I kind of made you a whole new set of racing gear. From scratch.

Skye goes and rubs the back of his head looking a bit sheepish. Your old one was outdated and did not follow the new rules and regulations for this season so I thought I'd do you a solid and build you a whole new custom extreme gear this time. Come on, I'll show you…

They follow Skye as he heads deeper into his workshop and there on a table under a cloth was Eris' new extreme gear.

Presenting The Crystal Rose!

With that said he removed the cloth and under it was Eris' new gear. It was a pearlescent silver with metallic chrome pink and purple accents and on its side was a rose. It shone in the fluorescent lamps of the shop and it was beyond beautiful, and Eris could only imagine how it would look under the sunlight.

S-Skye it's... Beautiful! Eris goes and touches the gear in awe of its beauty. It was like nothing she had seen before and she was in love with it already.

Oh, how I wish I could take it out for a test run right now and feel the wind in my hair and fur. I miss going out Lara-Su. It was the only way to get away from everything.

Lara-Su chuckles out giving her a small playful nudge.

Yeah, I know it is. But in another week you can. Besides, I'm sure Skye needs to finish fine-tuning it right?

Yeah, I do. Just to make sure it will run right. Besides, there's another reason I did this for you Eris.

What do you mean?

Skye hands her an envelope as she takes it she opens it up, and sees a card in it. Taking it out she sees that on the front of it was a cute little fox with a party hat on holding a balloon with a noisemaker in it's mouth. She looks at Skye and Lara-Su confused when behind her there comes a loud….

SURPRISE!

Eris turns around, almost falling over to see nearly the whole of the base in party hats and with noise makers of all kinds. Above their heads was a banner saying happy birthday as balloons and confetti fell all around her. Off to her left was the biggest birthday cake she has ever seen. She didn't know what to think. Or for that matter what was going on.

S-Skye? Lara-Su? What is going on?!

What does it LOOK like girl? It's your surprise birthday party!

Surprise party?!

But my birthday isn't till June 6th….

That's the thing with being in the dark all the time, Staff Sergeant Monroe!

Everyone looked to their right and walking up to them was none other than General Risa. General Risa was a fairly large woman, and a powerful-looking with, with being a Sabertooth. Her fur was cream-colored, with black markings, and her golden eyes shined brightly as she smiles an overly toothy smile. Her two saber fangs sparkled in the light as she walks over to Eris and the rest, as her short bob tail twitches a bit.

Eris goes and stammers…

G-g-g-general Risa s-s-sir! I-I-I mean Ma'am sir! Eris, still in shock at what was going on, ends up saluting with her left arm which she forgot was in a cast and she ends up hitting herself in the head that causes her to fall back as Skye and Lara-Su catch her before she falls over as they laugh out loud.

Owwww….

Eris goes and rubs her head with her right hand and stands to attention. Saluting General Risa.

At ease, soldier.

General Risa chuckles out, giving her a big smile.

Y-y-yes Ma'am. Ma'am Risa if I may ask what is going on here.

Well, look around you. It's a party of course.

Y-Yes I can see that. But you said it was MY party? I'm a bit confused.

Not surprising since you stayed in your room up till now barely coming out of it for the last two months. Staff Sergeant Monroe today is June 6th, and if I remember right that is what your father put when he enlisted you into G.U.N is it not? Not to say if I remember right that is also the very same day I remember holding you when you were nothing more than a newborn kit.

Then it dawned on her. Slowly at first then as the days went by in her head, she remembered it was her birthday today. She nearly falls over once again, but this time Skye had a seat ready for her.

Yep, that's right, Staff Sergeant today's your 21st birthday so congratulations.

B-b-but who did this? Whose idea was it?

Why it was mine of course!

General Risa said with an overly toothy grin.

I knew you had been feeling low of late due to what happened and all so I thought this would help.

Eris looks around at everyone. At Skye. Lara-Su and others from the squad, she had control over and then some, and tears began to well up in her eyes and spillover.

General Risa, thank you. Thank you all.

She had forgotten her own birthday. Some part of her wanted to cause her father had something planned for her. But now because of General Risa, she remembered him saying something. She looks down at the card and realizes that there's a piece of paper sticking out of the card. She starts to open it but Risa stops her by placing a hand on her left shoulder as she walks by and shakes her head.

Why not wait to read that later in private my dear I have a feeling it's something not meant for public eyes right now.

Tilting her head, Eris nods and puts the card away for now as Risa called out.

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! AND THAT'S AN ORDER! IF NONE OF YOU PARTY HARD THEN EXPECT 200 EXTRA LAPS AROUND THE FIELD WITH YOUR USUAL 100 COME TOMORROW! THIS IS TO BE A HAPPY TIME SO NO MORE TEARS STAFF SERGEANT MONROE!

YES MA'AM!

General Risa goes and bends down and whispers in Eris' ear.

Come see me after the party. There's something special I wish to give you.

Nodding, she looks up at her smiling. Yes Ma'am I will.

Before she could say anything more there comes two soldiers with gifts for her and Risa nods smiling.

The party lasted till 21:00 hours, and it soon began to die down. Men and women were starting to clean up the mess. The presents that were given were set off to the side. Eris wondered where she was going to put everything. Even though she had a pretty large room as was. Skye was finishing off his 5th piece of cake of the night why Lara-Su was eating a 7th helping of BBQ ribs.

Chaos girl.. where the fucking chaos sam hill are you putting all of that at?

That's what happens when you're eating for three.

Wait?! THREE!? YOUR HAVING TRIPLETS!? Does leather face know you're having Triplets?

No, he doesn't. Not yet anyway. Argyle and the rest of the Chaotix team have yet to come home.

I see. Well, I'm sure leather face will be thrilled he's having triplets.

Yeah I know I am, and I can't wait either.

Hey, Eris you best get going General Risa wanted to see you remember.

Right thanks, Skye.

Don't worry about your gifts. I'll have someone help bring them up to your room and place them nice and neat on the sofa.

Thanks, Lara-Su.

No problem. Now if you excuse me I'm going to go finish the last of those ribs off, before that friggen black cat, Jax does, so help me…

Lara-Su looks over and gaps out as she stands up yelling out at Jax.

JAX UNLESS YOU WANNA KNOW THE TRUE PAIN OF A MOTHER WHO IS HAVING TRIPLETS, AND HAS A NASTY CRAVING FOR RIBS, THEN BACK OFF THOSE RIBS NOW!

Eris giggles out, with a roll of her eyes as, Lara-Su hurries over to kill Jax for the last of the ribs. As she gets up and takes hold of the finely crafted Walking stick that one of her squad members, Skylar Smith, made for her. It was a beautiful hand-crafted walking staff. Made from redwood pine. Engraved on the head was a little chubby fox with a leaf on its head. When she saw it she groaned, as she recognized who and what it was, and how the whole HQ now knew she still Loved Foxy Yum Yum and friend. She warned him he would pay for it later, and he said it would be well worth it. It was varnished in a gold-like lacquer to show off its true color.

She had gotten it when the on-base doctor came by with news that she had healed up faster than anyone expected, when she should have had another two weeks at most, and that her bones were 100% better. He was confused, to say the least, but he still wanted to take it easy and do physical ED for three weeks at most. She agreed to it and looked at her new board. She secretly wanted to kill the doctor at that moment, for more than anything she wanted to go riding. But Lara-Su said that Skye needed another few weeks to fine-tune everything so in the end, it worked out nonetheless, even though she wanted to ignore everyone and just do it. On her way out. She grabs the card Skye gave her and heads to General Risa's office. Once there she straightens herself up and knocks on the door.

Come in Staff Sergeant.

You wanted to see Ma'am?

I did and please we're off duty so you can call me Risa. Or Aunty Riri if you like?

The General looked over at her with a wink making Eris smile.

OK, "AUNTY" Riri…

Eris playfully mocked her as she went on.

You wanted to see me then?

Cheeky little thing, but, yes I did. Tell me did you bring that card with you?

I did and I have yet to read it. As you said not to.

Then do it now if you would.

But you said…

I know what I said but please… I would also like to hear the last words of my old friend as well, please.

Eris knew that her father and General Risa Gremory were close friends, in fact, she was literally like family. Risa and her mom were like sisters ever since first grade, so she was told by her father. When she was little she used to call her Aunty Riri but hasn't since her mom's passing, and knowing this she would allow it. But something told her that this letter wasn't just for her but for Risa as well.

Nodding once more she opens the envelope back up and takes out the card. Once more the cute little fox with the party hat on and balloon and noise maker stared back at her smiling. She opens it up and takes out the letter and reads the card. Inside it, in gold and metallic pink letters, it said happy birthday princess, and under it was signed…

"Love you always, our little cherry blossom. Love mom and dad forever and always."

Ever since her mother's passing her father had always signed it as such every year. For as long as she could remember, and tonight was the last time ever he would do so. It would also be the last time she would hear him call her his little cherry blossom. Inside the card was another brown envelope. Tears started to well up in her eye but she took a deep breath and looked at Risa who nodded as she opened the brown envelope, and turned it over in her hand, and a golden heart locket with a ruby in the middle fell out. She opened it and inside it was a picture of her mom and dad smiling back at her with a tiny little her in her mom's arms. On the left side of it was an engraving.

"To our little cherry blossom. Whether it be heaven or hell. We will be with you always. Love M & D"

Eris looked to Risa who was now looking through a window out towards the training field with an arm on the window itself and was resting her forehead on it. Said in a very quiet, shaky voice…

Read the letter please Eris...

Nodding Eris goes and reads the letter that was written in all too familiar handwriting… it only had a few words on it… it said …. Insert CD. Wondering what he meant, she here's a soft click and static sounding as she looks over at the wall as a screen comes up out of the wall and an all too familiar voice starts playing with an all too familiar face looking back at them...

Belladonna Eris Monroe...Eris, my beautiful little cherry blossom.

By now you would have gotten this as per requested on your 21st birthday. Should anything happen to me. I have so much to tell you and so little time to tell it all. I guess I should tell you why you're getting a video like this on your birthday. That is because I foresaw this event happening months before. As you know our family line has the ability to see things most can't and as you know this ability is called "The Crystal Foresight". It is an ability that only our family line has. For almost a year I saw my death coming and no matter how hard I tried to seek help to prevent it, it was meant to happen. I was to have died that day in battle. There was nothing no one could do, not even the elders of the Knuckles clan could help. Not even the last few elders of our family, who more than likely have passed away by now, could help change my fate. Not even King Sonic's friends Silver and Blaze could help me. It was destined to happen no matter what we did. I have no regrets in life whatsoever. I lived every moment of it happily and carefree. Even when Layla, your mother passed away, I lived happy and carefree.

Only because I had you to live for. I had you to keep me going every day. I didn't have time to be sad or cry or get angry because I had you by my side. Each and every day we spent together I cherished them all. Every time I had a hard day at work I would come home to your smiling face and a cute little drawing you did every day. I remember how I would hang up those drawings as if they were a precious gift, and to me they were. They were the most wonderful gift I could ever ask for. I kept them safe in a shoebox so I could look at them when I was feeling down.

No matter what, they were memories from a time gone by. From when you were a little kit. Every day I would pull out that old shoebox and look at them and I would remember how you would tell me about your day, the adventures you went on with your little Flicky friends and the wild Chao, and you would tell such stories about it all and later draw a picture of your adventures. I loved every moment spent with you, and later on in life when I found out you wanted to follow in my footsteps I couldn't have been more proud than I was that day. I remembered how I helped you every step of the way.

Even when it was tough and I was your commanding officer, you didn't want me taking it easy on you whatsoever because you didn't want the other cadets making fun of you. I watched you grow up into an even more beautiful version of your mother. You ended up with her eyes and hair color. Her silky soft fur. But ended up with some Lynx within you as well from my side of the family. You were both of us in one. The only thing I regret in life right now is the fact I won't be there for you anymore.

I won't see you continue to struggle in life. I won't get to see you make it to General, and worst of all I won't be able to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day or hold my grandchildren for the first time. Those are the only things I regret in life. Yes, I do believe those are the only things in life I regret, and I am sorry about that I truly am. But you need not worry. Because your Aunty RiRi will be with you now for the rest of your journey….

Risa goes and mumbles something under her breath. Something like…

You stupid puffy-headed hairball…

She ends up choking on the hairball bit as Eris looks up at her…

Risa…?

Nothing.. *ahem...* it's…. Nothing please ….keep playing the video if you would….

Nodding Eris does so…

I know you are too old for a godparent but still, nonetheless, she is yours. I know she will take my place when the time comes and do the things I can not do now. I know when it comes time she will be there till the very end for you and your family.

RiRi.. my best friend… my LOVE please watch over Eris for me now. Make sure she gets things done the way she wanted and continues in my footsteps. Don't let her go astray from my loss. But do give her time to heal both physically and mentally for what will happen then, it will be a shock to her and she will need time.

Therefore I ask one last favor of you. A Grand Prix is happening in Shining Star City. let her run it. Let her feel the wind in her fur once more like she used to. Let her be the winner she was meant to be. I ask that you release her from her punishment, and from G.U.N for this. You knew this was going to happen. That she would end up trying to save me and get gravely hurt in the process. We both knew this would happen and there was nothing we could have done.

Even if we kept her on the base it was going to happen either way. I knew this and you knew it too. Please grant a dying man's last wish for his daughter. Lift her punishment of being confined to Huckshore Base HQ. I know had this not happened we would have allowed it either way. So please do it. If not for me then do it for her. Also, RiRi had this never happened, know I would have taken you up on that offer for a date night next week.

I knew Lyla would've wanted it. She would have wanted us to both be happy, and I'm just sorry we never got the chance to fully live our lives together. Like Lyla would have wanted. So please my Love forgive me for leaving you behind like this. I never wanted it to happen. I Love you RiRi. I love both of you, and RiRi remember to give her the gauntlets you know they're meant for her. I know you wanted to keep them but you have something better to live for now. Something we both wanted to take care of and to think this puffy-headed old hairball still had had a few kits left in him. * Hahaha*...

Risa goes and growls low annoyed as she places a hand on her midsection as tears start to fall down her striped saber-tooth face. Eris looks back in awe at the great beast she calls her General and listens to the final bit of the video…

Well, it is nearly time to head out. We will be moving base again this time setting up in Central Square and getting ready for the battle ahead but before I go I do have one last thing to say…. * Knock Knock Knock*... oh one moment… enter!

Hey daddy how's it going?

AH Eris, my little cherry blossom. What are you doing here?

Old Snaggletooth sent me to get you, it's almost time to go. Are you ready?

Oh come on now Eris don't go calling Risa that, you know it annoys her.

Why do you think I do it? I love seeing her get all annoyed. The stripes on her forehead make this cute little heart when she scrunches up her face.

Well, I can't argue there. Because it is true, and it is pretty adorable when she does that.

Right?

Hey, what are you doing with this video?

Oh, that? Nothing I'm just about done anyway with it. Just a little message to my future self for taking a few notes is all.

Ooh, fun. Hey, can we get a video of us real fast, please daddy? Please?!

Ha, ha. Sure thing kiddo.

With that past, Eris enters the line of the video camera now, as she sits down in his lap like when she was little.

So do you have anything to say?

Yeah, I do. Hey future Eris. It's past Eris, and I wanted to let you know that whatever happens, you got this girl no matter how bad things may be. Remember you have friends by your side to help you every step of the way. They will always be there with you. During the good times and bad, and when everything looks bleak look to them cause there your shining light in the shadows.

They will be there for you till the end, and even if you happen to push them away they will always be there waiting for you. Skye. Melody his sister. Lara-Su, Argyle and team Chaotix and king Sonic and queen Sally as well as the twin's Prince Manic and Princess Sonia. So you won't be alone ever.

Hey, what about Shadow?

OMG daddy really?! Do I have to?

That's an order.

Dammit…

OK OK fine. You even have that factory reject Shadow by your side. Yeah yeah yeah. I know we hate him for so many reasons. But daddy is a higher rank than us so we gotta listen to him and if daddy says to add him in the lot then we got to. You know how scary he is. Tho maybe not as scary as old Snaggletooth Risa.

ERIS!..

What!?

Oh, what will I do with you? You overgrown the kit.

Love me like you always do?

HAHAHAAA… I guess you got me there, my little cherry blossom.

So what about you daddy? Any last words?

Yes, I do. RiRi I know you're there and you're listening to this right now in the future, and I know you are in tears. But remember code Graisa Re 742-BCD45-77691-A6889N

ALL RIGHT, EVERYONE, WE HAVE THIRTY MINUTES LEFT TO MOVE OUT SO FINISHED WHAT YOU'RE DOING, AND LET'S GET MOVING!

Well, you heard old Snaggletooth daddy let's get going.

Don't think I didn't hear that Sergeant Monroe.

EEP!? YES SIR! I-I-I MEAN... MA'AM… I-I-I MEAN SIR MA'AM…. WHAAAA!

There comes a loud crash as past Eris falls off her dad's lap and onto the floor as a big toothy face enters the line of the camera and she smiles into it. Why at the same time the Past her picks herself up off the floor and all three faces could be seen. Now together smiling…

Fifty laps around the new base once we get there Ma'am.

Nope. one hundred and fifty.

Dammit. Well, there goes that night to hang out with Lara-Su and the rest. SO WORTH IT!

OK, cute stuff let's go.

Risa places a giant hand on the top of past Eris' head and she kisses her father on the head.

Are you ready hot stuff?

Yeah just about. Let me save this and I'll be fully done.

Wait wait wait… Risa needs to say something to her future self. Come on Risa do it, please.

Aaah making a video for your future self hmm? Well OK, why not.

Hey Future me. I just wanted to let you know that past me is doing well, and I guess you would know that since you're me, heh. But from the future. But I guess the past doesn't matter right now so I guess if I had to say something to my future self it would be this. Listen Snaggletooth. Eris is going to need you one day soon. One day she's going to be broken and not all there, and you're gonna want to protect her from harm and try to keep that promise you made to Layla but you will fail I am sure of it.

But know that you tried your best in doing so, and that's OK. Because maybe it was meant to happen. Or maybe not and it happened anyway. Who knows? But know that you need to be strong for her both physically and mentally too. Remember to be hard on her and be gentle at the same time. Take care of her like she was your own cub. Guide her on the right path, and don't let her get too far ahead of herself. Let her be herself and be free, and remember if things go well let her join the Shining Star Grand Prix. That will be our birthday gift to her, and Eris if you're seeing this. Don't blame yourself. None of it was your fault.

Oh my god, really Risa?! You'll let me go this year?

Sure why not? As long as you work hard between now and then, and have Skye upgrade your gear so it meets the new rules and regulations.

Past Eris hugs Risa and past Risa smiles a big extra toothy grin.

OK OK, enough Staff Sergeant Monroe we have work to do now and we're still TECHNICALLY on duty.

Oh right right…

Past Eris goes and stands up saluting both her father and Risa, and they do it back and dismiss her. Past Risa and Past Maxwell look at one another and quickly look to make sure the door is mostly closed why they share one final kiss before saying goodbye Eris we love you. With that, the video shuts off as static fills the screen.

Risa comes from behind her desk and to the middle of the room and stood there looking at Eris, but Eris didn't look at Risa for a long time, and for a long time the room was silent. The only sound was the ticking of a clock in the room and the ever so slightly soft crying from Risa. Eris couldn't bring herself to look at Risa but she knew she had to, and when she did she saw a whole new Risa, unlike the strong powerful Sabertooth that she was.

What she saw was a broken and lost woman who lost the only thing in life. She didn't think for a moment about how this would affect Risa in any way shape or form. Part of her didn't care. But another very small part did. All she could see was the woman who in time could have been her new mother, and she knew that her real mom would've wanted that. She would have wanted them to be happy together, and for Eris to call someone she knew and trusted with all her heart and soul, mother. But Risa somehow knew this wasn't going to happen now, and Eris' heart turned away once more.

Risa? Is it true?

Yes, little one it is. I am carrying your new little step-sister or brother within me, and I knew this would happen to your father.

The way she said it, made it sound as if she was talking to a little child. Eris glares at her scoffing out disgusted at her remark. How DARE she go and MOCK her like that. Calling her little one as if it would soften things like it would in the past! At that time and moment, it didn't matter to her because she felt so little right then. The only thing felt right now was… BETRAYAL. She KNEW that this would happen to her. She KNEW she would end up losing her father and didn't tell her. She knew it all along. How could she trust someone like her? And call her MOTHER?!

Risa….

Eris gets up and looks at Risa and their eyes lock. She could see there was pain, sorrow, and regret in Risa's eyes. Regret for what? For not telling her sooner? For not letting her know long before it happened, so that MAYBE…just MAYBE, she could have helped find AWAY!? At that moment they were not General or Staff Sergeant right now. No. That didn't matter right now. They were off the clock right now, and the only thing that mattered was the fact that Risa…Her so-called Aunty Riri…the woman she use to look up to, admire…even at times WORSHIPED the ground she walked on because she wanted to be like her and her father one day…Had betrayed her.

Eris...I…

YOU'RE WHAT, RISA!

Eris looks at her, her eyes blazing with fury. She was so angry right now. Having found out that everyone knew what would happen to the only family she had left. Growling out, Eris stands there looking at her. In truth, she couldn't stand to look at her right now. At the woman… at the TRAITOR before her. Eris trusted her. She trusted her all her LIFE, and she had the galls to do THIS to her!? She was there for her every step of the way as she was growing up. Always acting like the mother she lost, and with this one little tiny act, everything was thrown out the window and into the trash. As if it never mattered to start with. Eris didn't know who Risa Gremory was anymore. All Eris saw was a broken. Traitorous. Bitch.

Standing there for a bit longer, Eris stands straight and glares at Risa growling out low and deadly as she salutes her.

Ma'am, I believe you have something that belongs to me left by my father?

She asks her in a cold, dark tone. Risa stood there in shock, her golden eyes going white knowing she had lost Eris, and most likely for good. For a long time, Risa says nothing, till Eris asks once more in the same cold dark tone.

Ma'am, I asked if you had something for me, from my father?

Risa snaps out of it and clears her throat trying to regain control, but her bottom lip trembled to give away the fact that she was broken right now. Growing annoyed, Eris stomps her foot, to get Risa's attention.

MA'AM! I ask for the last time if you have something for me, from my FATHER!?

.Risa couldn't speak at all. But she had to say something… ANYTHING to her. At that moment the words spoken were not her own. It was like she was on autopilot. With a trembling voice, she says…

Y-Yes…right of course…S-Staff Sergeant Monroe…Th-There on my desk…there is a safe deposit box...for you…the code…i-is…Graisa Re…742-BCD45-77...691-A68…89N…

Risa stands there like a deer in the headlights as Eris scoffs out and walks over to the box and she inputs the code. Graisa Re 742-BCD45-77691-A6889N.

The box on the outside looked like any beat-up old safe deposit box but more military graded. Like one of those briefcases that people would handcuff themselves to. Inside it was a pair of fingerless gloves much like her own. But she knew they once belonged to her father. She touches one of the two gloves and she smiles a little bit. Nodding, she tries one of them on. Despite being made for male hands it fitted like...well. Like a glove. Like it was meant for her. Smiling, she releases the claws and they shone in the dim lamplight of the room. They sparkled like stars in the night skies as she racetracks them and puts the glove back in its place next to its partner, and closes and locks the box up once more. She walks back over to Risa and stands in front of her with the box and salutes…

Ma'am if this is all I wish to return to my room for the night.

Risa again goes on autopilot and salutes her back.

You are dismissed, Staff Sergeant Monroe. And Staff Sergeant Monroe about that….grand Prix….

Yes Ma'am?

Make sure your …..ready for it. You leave at…... first light tomorrow.

Yes Ma'am.

With that Eris salutes once more and takes her leave, closing the door behind her slowly. Just as the door closed fully behind her. Growling out, she slams her fist into the wall as she looks up and sees Shadow walking her way and her eyes darken even more.

What the hell do you want SHADOW?

She asks him, growling out darkly. Shadow stops in his steps and looks at her.

N-Nothing…

Wait? Did he just STUTTER!? Since when did that ever happen to him before? Shadow stands there a moment, mentally shaking his head as he clears his throat. Eris scoffs rolling her eyes at him and turns around getting ready to leave when he speaks.

Actually, I came to talk to you about something?

What is it, Bio-Freak?

Shadow stands there, looking at her. He tilts his head sensing something was wrong. Eris growls out annoyed, as she stands there waiting for him to answer her.

WELL!? I DON'T HAVE ALL NIGHT, BIO-FREAK!

Sighing out, he folds his ears back and scoffs out, walking off. It was clear she wasn't going to listen to him, so what did it matter. Eris growls out pissed, as he walks past her, and he only rolls his eyes, as he places something on the safety deposit box. Eris glances down and sees a little pink velvet box with a white ribbon on it and a gold heart-shaped hold on it.

What the fucking hell is this…BIO-FREAK?

Shadow scoffs out and rolls his eyes as he keeps walking.

What does it look like, Belladonna? Since I missed the party I came to find you and give you your gift. Happy Birthday, Monroe.

I don't want anything from you, you fucking freak of nature!?

Who said it was from me?

Shadow stops and looks over his shoulder. Eris growls out as she takes it and throws it back at him. He lifts his left arm and holds out his hand over his right shoulder and catches it. Scoffing out, he turns back around and walks back over to her, and once again he places it back on the deposit box. They hold their gaze for a time, till something catches his ear as it turns to Risa's door.

What was that?

Don't know, don't care. Now if you excuse me, Shadow…I have things to do.

Shadow's eyes go and they harden to his usual look as he turns around and hurries to the General's office. He opens the door and his eyes widen in shock as he looks back out the door only to see Eris was gone. Growling out, he yells out to the hallway for help as he reaches for a com device close by and pushes a button on it, as warning lights flare to life and a siren echoes around the base as he speaks into it.

ATTENTION ALL MEDICAL STAFF! EMERGENCY! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! I REPEAT, EMERGENCY! ALL MEDICAL STAFF IS TO MEET AT GENERAL GREMORY OFFICE RIGHT AWAY, BY THE ORDERS OF SPECIAL AGENT SARGENT SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG! I REPEAT…

Sighing and looking down the hallway where he last saw Eris, he heads back in as several personnel go running from down the other way and into the office.

Eris walks on and to her room as she goes and turns a corner where no one could see her and she starts to cry. She clutches the box to herself as she holds her other hand over her mouth trying to strife any noise coming from her. As she does she sees the emergency lights flare to life, as Shadow's voice was heard. Looking up, she straightens herself up and whips her eyes as someone runs past her to go help with the General not giving her a second glance. As she walks on, she passes someone in the shadows who had seen her. Their deep sapphire eyes shone brightly in the shadows as he chuckled out.

It was Jax Silverwolf, the one that Lara-Su was ready to kill for the last of the ribs not too long ago. He was a Melanistic cougar and he was a spy for Eggman Jr. He had been undercover for a long, long time at this base and he now saw a new plan forming within him which he thought Jr. would love. Quietly he steps father back into the shadows as his sapphire blue eyes shine as he takes his leave to inform Eggman Jr.

Eris continues onward to her room unaware that she had been watched from the shadows. Her eyes are cold and hard, as she is about to head in she runs into a soldier and calls to him.

Soldier attention now!

He stops in his footsteps and salutes her.

YES MA'AM!

Eris holds the deposit box along with the small velvet box on it as she addresses him.

As you know the general is down and out, and with the base not having anyone ranked higher than me or lower than Risa….

MA'AM! I am sorry to have interrupted you, but I was actually on my way to see you, MA'AM!

Go on then?

Ma'am Lieutenant General Conners from The New Neo Tokyo Base HQ will be here soon Ma'am!

I see. When will he be here?

Precisely at 23:30 hours Ma'am, if not sooner!

Right. Then get the men ready to welcome him, and inform him that I need to speak with him the moment he shows up, and get a vehicle ready as well. I will be leaving the base tonight.

Ma'am, I thought you were not allowed to leave the base till 3 weeks from now, Sir!?

Growling out, Eris walks over to the man before her, her walking staff clicking against the floor as she thrusts the box into another passing soldier who takes, and stands there waiting for her orders as she jabs the head of her walking staff in the other's chest getting a grunt from him. He gulps out but holds his ground. Jabbing him once more she gets in his face as she narrows her eyes.

Do you DARE question your commanding officer, PRIVATE!?

The private's ears fell back as Eris could see him shaking in his boots.

N-No Ma'am! I-I only mean to…

ENOUGH!

The private before her eeps out as his tail curls around him, as he starts to shake more. Eris raises an eyebrow, she sees this and chuckles out, as she thinks to herself.

"He's scared of me, good. That's how it should be. Let's see how far I can take this just for fun."

Chuckling once more, she backs off, as the emergency lights shut off and she glances up then back at the private before her. Her tail swishes behind her.

Private?

Y-Yes…M-M-Ma'am?

Fifty laps around the whole outside of the base. Starting now.

W-W-What!?

Even the other soldier was shocked to hear this but remained quiet so as not to get the same punishment.

You heard me.

Eris raises an eyebrow looking him down.

Don't make me repeat myself.

B-B-But… 'am!? SIR! N-N-NOW!?

Yes, is that a problem?

I-I-If I could be so bold?

Sighing out, with a roll of her eyes and a fold of her arms she nods.

Very well. What is it?

Gulping, he relaxes a bit, as he speaks.

Ma'am…sir…the whole base is massive! There is no way I can do that many laps around it. Not to say the jungle animals, Ma'am.

What about them? All you have to do is show them who's boss, and they will leave you alone.

B-B-But…it's dark out….even if I could do that many laps it would take me a week…and…and…

Eris couldn't help it. She was enjoying this too much. She starts to laugh making him look at her, even the other soldier was wondering what was going on. As they look at her, she walks over to him and her demeanor once more hardens as she growls out and gets in his face. Forcing him to back up into a wall. Shaking once more he gulps and looks over at the other guy who ignores him. Chuckling out she looks over her shoulder and gives a half-smile.

You, soldier.

Ma'am?!

Tell me what is possibly the most dangerous job here at the base one could do.

MA'AM! That would be checking the parameters of the base, and making sure there are no holes within the face line, Ma'am!

And tell me, which part of the base fence line is the most dangerous part of the base.

That would be the southwest side, Ma'am!

Thank you, soldier. At ease now.

Yes, Ma'am!

The soldier relaxes as she addresses the one before her.

So there you have it. You're to report to whoever is on the southwest side of the base and tell them I sent you, let them know that you are on fencing duty. Do you understand me?

M-M-Ma'am?

The guy squeaks out gulping.

Chuckling, Eris eases off him and walks back down the hallway to her room telling the other guy to follow her. She looks over at the other soldier smiling.

You're dismissed, Private.

Collapsing on the floor he sighs out nodding. Eris chuckles out looking forward once more.

Now, as for you, Private First class.

Ma'am?

If you don't wish to join your friend, then listen up.

Yes, Ma'am!

Eris enters her room as he follows her inside. The lights once again turn on as she tells him to set the box down on her desk. He does so as he stands at attention awaiting her orders, as she takes a seat on a nearby chair.

Inform Skye at once that I wish to see him, and let him know that my punishment has been lifted, and he is to gather his things and everything else needed. Let him know to pack up my Gear and have my Mobile Base unit ready to move out at 02:00 hours.

Yes, Ma'am!

Inform my pit crew as well, that they are coming as well, and I expect them to be ready. Also, inform the moving crew to come and start packing everything up for me.

YES MA'AM! RIGHT AWAY!

Lastly, let every Sargent know I want this place alive. I wish to show Lieutenant General Conner's that we can be ready for anything, understand?

YES, MA'AM! RIGHT AWAY, MA'AM!

Your dismissed Soldier!

With that, he runs off to carry out her orders. Eris stands back up, stretching out, her back pops as she heads for her bathroom. She passes her desk and sees the little box on top of it and sneers at and ignores it as she looks around her room. With a heavy sigh, she enters her bathroom and gets ready for a shower. It would be good to get back in her uniform again. Along with some of her other clothing, she couldn't wear due to the casts on her arm and leg.

Taking her time in the shower she gets out drying off her fur and hair when she gets a call over the com. Pushing a button a screen slides up from the wall and turns on just as she was putting a bathrobe on behind a screen and tying it shut. She walks out from behind the screen and picks up a brush from her vanity and starts brushing her hair out.

Hey, Eris, you wanted to see me?

Yeah fox boy I did. I take it you got the message I sent?

Yeah, I did, and I got some men packing things up now. I should be ready to go in about three to four hours.

Good. Also, make sure you bring my other two boards as well. Never know when we will need them, and you know how I like being prepared should anything happen.

Yes, I know Eris, and they were the first things to be packed up…

There was silence for a few short moments when Skye asked.

Eris, are you OK? What I mean is… I heard how Risa collapsed shortly as you left, and I was wondering if you were OK…

Huh? You don't say?

Eris picks up her hairdryer and starts drying out her hair. Not fully listening to Skye on what happened with Risa.

Of course, I'm OK, why wouldn't I be? Anyway, I want to bring the Mobile Base with us. So have it ready as well.

Eris didn't you hear what I just said?! Risa collapsed! How can you not be worried about her, especially since you were the last one to see her before Shadow found her!

Sighing out annoyed, Eris turns the dryer off and sets it down. She looks at Skye and he rears back in surprise at the cold deadly satire she was giving him.

Listen, Skye, I could care less about what happens to that backstabbing bitch! She is NOTHING to me. Not anymore!

E-Eris…how can you SAY that!? I thought you and Risa were close?!

WERE, being the keyword, but If you must know SKYE…

She was clearly pissed off more than she was, as her teeth clenched together, as she spoke in such a cool, calm tone that it sent shivers down Skye's spine…

I found out she is no different than that REJECT SHADOW! She betrayed me and stabbed me in the back, Skye.

WHAT!? What are you saying, Eris?!

Skye asks, surprised by this.

It's simple, Skye. She KNEW what was going to happen to my father. She KNEW for months, for nearly a CHAOS FUCKING YEAR THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO HIM! AND WHEN I NEEDED HER THE MOST, SHE TURNS HER BACK ON ME AND DOESN'T TELL ME SHIT TILL IT WAS TOO LATE! THEN I FIND OUT SHE COULD BE HAVING HIS CHILD AS WELL! SHE IS NOTHING BUT A UNGRATEFUL BACKSTABBING WORTHLESS TRAITOROUS BITCH!

Eris pants hard as if she ran one hundred and fifty miles without rest. She looks at Skye with pure dark malice. As if she wanted to kill the next person that came through her door in cold blood. Skye was sacred, to say the least, for the Eris he once knew, the kind, strong, powerful, loving, and caring Queen Vixen was no more. He could see it in her eyes now. He understood why that was, but now he was worried about her. Fearing something dark was now brewing just under the surface of her once cool demeanor. But he also saw a very tiny little sliver of her old self there as well so he had to keep holding on that maybe in time she would return to her old self someday, thinking that maybe she just needed time still, and till that day came he would hold on and stay by her side, even if she pushed him away he would wait till the old her came back.

He would have to tell his sister Melody what happened as well as Lara-Su and his mom Mina Mongoose and his dad Miles "Tails" Prower, the Chaotix team, and the rest of what he knew. They had all been through so much together and he, Lara-Su, Tiffa, Risa, and a few others were there for her when her mom passed when she was no more than a few months old, and for reasons only known to her, she blamed Shadow for what happened, and now the loss of her father and finding out the Risa had betrayed her?! It looked like that was too much for her with seeing her as she is right now. Especially since she loved Risa like a second mother. But now, it looked like that was no longer the case. For now, all he could do was be there and support her till the real her came back from whatever darkness was now claiming her.

They look at one another for a few moments when there comes a loud crash from behind Skye that breaks whatever moment was there and Skye goes and shakes his head and runs over to make sure nothing was broken and no one was hurt…

HEY! Be Careful with that stuff! Are you trying to get me KILLED!? IF ERIS FINDS A SCRATCH ON THAT I'LL END UP AS A NEW FUR RUG FOR HER DEN!...

Eris sighs out, as the screen goes dark. She hangs her head down, as she rests her arms on her elbows, and rubs her temples as she closes her eyes. She sighs tiredly as she looks up and into the mirror. She stares at herself for a long time when something catches her eye. Tilting her head, she sees it again. It was faint, but she saw something. As she looks closer, she sees it once again. Her eyes looked as if they had changed colors on her. As if they went from their wine-red color to a deep ruby-red color…like HIS…but that was impossible, right? Eris shakes her head and rubs her eyes, and looks once more, but looking back she only sees her eyes. Whatever that was she only blamed it on being a bit stressed out and tired.

Eris sighs out as she gets up and looks up at the wall clock and sees what time it is. TheThe Lieutenant General would be here soon and she had to get ready to meet him. She decides to wear one of the new standard grade G.U.N outfits that were given to her. A new crop top in gray cameo style along with a pair of matching shorts. She puts on her vest and the rest of her gear and puts her hair back in a ponytail this time, and finishes getting ready to head out when there is a knock on the door. She goes and answers it.

Ma'am were here as requested to help clean up and start packing.

Good. Make sure you pack everything up and I mean EVERYTHING. This is a full-on move and I won't be coming back here.

Yes Ma'am!

Has Lieutenant General Conner's up yet?

Yes, he has and he's waiting in the office on the third floor Ma'am.

Good. That will be all, and make sure you're careful with everything, and DON'T touch the metal box with the small package on it. Understood? I'll take care of that myself when I get back

The several men standing there salute her and in union say.

YES MA'AM!

Good, now get to work.

As Eris heads out, she puts on a pair of her fingerless gloves and straps them closed, as she checks her Titanium Crystal Claws to make sure they are in working order. Satisfied, she turns a corner, and walks over to a window and looks down below, and smiles. She could see the base abuzz like she wanted it to be. She wanted to show Lieutenant General Conner's that the Huckshore base could be ready for anything. As she turns the corner a female Soldier stops her and salutes her.

Ma'am the Extreme Gear force is ready and waiting for your arrival.

Good. Tell them I will be there shortly. I need to go see the Lieutenant General first.

Yes Ma'am!

Saluting, she runs off as Eris heads to the third floor taking an elevator not far off. As she gets into it she finds she won't be alone for the ride. On it was Jax, the one who was watching her not so long ago.

Well hello there beautiful.

Eris goes and cocks an eyebrow at him and looks at him.

Private Silverwolf?

Oh, come now Eris, we're friends here. Are we not?

Defined "FRIEND" Silverwolf. Last I checked I was your commanding officer. So this tells me you are up to something. So what is it?

Oh you know, you scratch my back I scratch yours. That kind of thing.

He says with a toothy grin. Sighing out annoyed, she looks at him with a fold of her arms and raises an eyebrow.

What do you want, Silverwolf?

I want to be part of the team that goes with you to Shining Star City for the Grand Prix. Please Staff Sergeant Monroe let me go with you. I'm top of my class in that department, and I know I'd be a huge asset to it. So, please let me come.

AH-Huh? And is that the ONLY reason why you wish to go? Not because your family lives there as well?

She asks him with a well-known smirk. Jax flinches a bit as he rubs the back of his head sheepishly.

O-OK, so maybe there is that reason as well. Heh…

Eris eyes him up and down and folds a hand on her hip, as she tries to keep her cool.

What makes you think I'd let a PRIVATE join my team? Do you know what an extreme gear team is? …

O-Of course I…

We don't just race mind you. We are an elite force balanced out by power, speed, and flight…

Y-Yes… I know Ma'am…And I…

We are a UNIT fighting as one when on the field, and off it, and you must hold your own when on my team. I won't take any slackers…

Yes, Ma'am…I-I know…but…

Not just against me, the team leader, but everyone else. So what makes you think you have what it takes to join the big dogs?

Believe it or not, Staff Sergeant Monroe, Ma'am, I have resources that G.U.N doesn't have. Things that could make your gear even stronger than what that twin-tailed fox could do.

You don't say, Private Silverwolf?

I do say, yes. And I know it could help. As I said, I'm top of my class, in the Extreme Gear department, and…

Jax stops talking as he slowly moves in on her. Eris looks at him and her eyes widen as he forces her back into the wall of the elevator, a slight blush crosses her face. Smiling, he leans very close to her. Jax stood two feet taller than her even with the fox part of her, he was taller than her either way. He was a cougar after all, and a big one at that even for him. She could feel the power emitting off him as he forced himself closer to her till they were all but touching now. As he says…

Don't move… a muscle… Staff Sergeant Monroe...

He hisses out as his face takes on a slightly dark tone to it, as he slowly wraps his arm around her waist, as the elevator stops all of a sudden with a jerk as he crunches something in his other hand. Eris slowly moves her eyes and right there just next to her head which she didn't see before was a Deadly Venomous Blood Vain Scorpion. And a BIG one at that. If she had to guess it was around the size of a Chao. Eris more than anything wanted to scream out but she was too terrified to do so. All she could do was hold onto Jax shaking as he slowly moved her away from where the scorpion was. Jax removes his hand and drops it to the floor and steps on it to make sure it was dead, as a satisfying crunch was heard. He hisses out holding Eris, as he lets her go, and holds his right hand, and leans up against the wall.

SHIT!...

Jax?!

I managed to save you Staff Sergeant Monroe, but in doing so it got me instead.

Oh shit! What are we to do? Those things tend to stay in the deeper parts of the jungles! So why are they here right now!?

That's not what I am worried about right now. What I am worried about is if the rumors about those little bastards are true or not.

Wait, you don't mean…

Yeah, I do. If that one was here that could mean there's more of them somewhere, and for all, we know in the elevator shaft.

Eris had already taken out her few first aid things and started to bandage up Jax's hand…

What are we going to do Jax? As big as that one was, I'm guessing it was a scout possibly, and I don't have any Anti-Venom on me right now.

Eris tells him as she sets to work on bandaging up his hand, and helps him up. Once she does that, she tries the emergency button and phone only to find out they were not working. Growling out, she tried her communicator and all she got was static.

Jax the emergency button or phone isn't working! Neither is my communicator! What are we going to do?

I don't know? All I know is that we need to get help because my communicator isn't working either, and if they aren't working then there's only one thing we can do and you won't like it.

Eris wouldn't admit it. But she was scared right now, and for a short moment the old her showed up. She was scared of the Deadly Blood Vain Scorpions. It and any arachnid. But this one in particular, because when she was six years old one was found in her room under her pillow. In short, Eris hasn't been the same since.

So help me, Jax, if you say we're going to have to climb our way out of here I'll fucking demote you so fast back to Cadet you won't make private ever again!...

Then I won't tell you.

There's got to be another way, Jax! I refuse to open that hatch and let more of those THINGS in here.

Well unless you have a better idea that's exactly what we are going to have to do!

Just shut up and let me think for a moment! I know there's got to be another way!

WELL, YOU BEST HURRY BELLADONNA CAUSE LOOK!

Eris didn't want to look but she did anyway, and her nightmare was coming true. The hatch above had a bent corner, and Eris could see a claw trying to work the hatch off. During the process, they could hear what sounded like a bunt of clacker toys going off all at once, and her heart sank and if her fur wasn't already white, before, it was now. Because on top of the roof of the elevator was either a Queen or King DBVS trying to get in. Eris couldn't move at all whatsoever. She was in pure shock. It wasn't till Jax, after trying to snap her out of it five times, that he slapped her across the face that snapped her out of it.

WHAT THE FUCKING HELL JAX!?

I HAD TO DO SOMETHING TO GET YOU TO COME BACK TO REALITY! NOW THINK! IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO!

At that moment she remembered something…

MY CLAWS!

Your claws?!

Yes, they are made from a titanium crystal, and to power them up, I use chaos shards. We can use that to try and power the elevator back up and get out of here!

Then what the fuck are you waiting for Staff Saeregent Monroe!?

Nodding Eris goes and she takes off one of her gloves and opens one of the compartments and takes out a red chaos shard. Smiling, she opens the panel to the elevator and starts to get to work.

Hurry up MONROE! THEY'RE COMING IN, AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S BIG DADDY THIS TIME AROUND!

Eris up and sees he was right. The massive claw that was trying to bust open was a bright blood-red color and that was something she would never forget, not after her first encounter with a King DBVS. She looked back at what she was doing and right at the last second, the elevator came to life and Eris hit the closest floor and it started to move up why Jax was doing his best to smash any young DBVS that were coming down why Eris was trying her best to help.

FUCKING LITTLE BASTARDS!

LITTLE, YOUR JOKING RIGHT!?

COMPARED TO WHAT IS UP TOP, YEAH! OR DID YOU FORGET THE SIZE FACTORS OF THIS BAST…GHA!

Jax screams out as Eris looks over and sees a rather large one on him, as it had stung him in the neck. Growling out, she takes out her combat knife and slashes at it, slicing its tail in half. It screams out as if falls off Jax, as she steps on it and rips the singer out of his neck. Panting hard, they go back to back trying their best to kill as many as they could. But it was starting to look like a losing battle. Especially with the much bigger ones trying to get in. the ones they were taking on right now, were around the size of either Chao or house cats, and that alone was bad.

TRY AND HOLD ON, PRIVATE! WE'RE NEARLY TO THE SECOND FLOOR!

EASY FOR YOU TO SAY! YOU'RE NOT THE ONE GOING NUMB RIGHT NOW!

SHIT! JUST HOLD ON!

The elevator was almost to the second level now they just had to hold off for a bit longer. But the King wasn't gonna give them that chance at all. Because right at that moment the sound of steel being torn in two was heard and both she and Jax look up and their eyes go wide in surprise. The King had managed to pry open the hatch and three elite DBVS drops through, and they knew they were now done for. Right at that moment when one of the Elite DBVS jumped at Eris the elevator dings and the door opens up causing her and Jax to fall out and make the EDBVS launch into the wall behind them. They looked back and saw, even more, coming out and they knew they were toast. Jax gets up pulling her with him as Eris takes out her other claw and gets ready to fight why he ran to a com and hit the big red button on it saying…

WARNING! WARNING! THIS IS PRIVATE JAX SILVERWOLF! WE HAVE A CODE SCARLET! REPEAT WE HAVE A CODE SCARLET! ALL PERSONNEL TO THE SECOND LEVEL IMMEDIATELY! REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL! THIS IS A CODE SCARLET! DEADLY BLOOD VAINE SCORPIONS HAVE BREACHED THE FENCE AND HAVE MADE THEIR WAY INTO THE BASE! I REPEAT! DBVS HAVE BREACHED THE FENCE AND HAVE MADE THEIR WAY INTO THE BASE! ALL PERSONNEL ARE TO BE READY TO FIGHT!

Eris fights off a few of the EDBVS started to run. They could hear yelling and shouting as G.U.N agents were running their way. On her way down the pathway, she grabs a hold of Jax, and they make a run for it. Jax grunts out, as he starts to stumble. He growls out and pushes Eris away from him.

Jax?!

GO! NOW! I'LL BE FINE! BUT THE VENOM IS TAKING ITS HOLD OVER ME! BUT YOU NEED TO GET GOING NOW AND HELP EVERYONE! I'LL HIDE OUT TILL IT'S OVER! BUT RIGHT NOW I'M NOTHING BUT DEAD WEIGHT TO YOU! ALREADY I CAN FEEL MY LIMBS GOING NUMB!

THERE IS NO WAY I AM LEAVING YOU BEHIND, SILVERWOLF! NOW COME ON!

Eris grabs him and lifts him, as she tosses him over her shoulder growling out as she goes running down the pathway once more, yelling out.

SOMEONE BETTER HAVE BROUGHT ME AN EXTRA PAIR OF MY CLAWS I'M GOING TO NEED THEM! I'M DOWN ONE SET!

Eris was struggling a bit with carrying Jax, but she soon found a place to put him where she knew he would be safe. Helping him inside of a closet, she closes the door behind her just as an Elite DBVS comes at her. She was ready for her, as she charged her, her claws snapping at her. Eris manages to jump up and out of the way in time as the female EDBVS swings her claw at her, as she lands on the other side of her. It turns around and screams out and once again tries to attack her, but it never gets the chance as someone shoots it down, and it drops dead at her feet. Looking up, she sees one of her men saluting her real fast before running off to help. Nodding, she turns around and runs over to the railing and she could see pure chaos all over. More and more, DBVS and EDBVS start to come out of nowhere. Eris tries her best to fight with one set of her claws, using her military knife as a backup. But it was doing little good. There were just too many of them, and the only way to stop them was to take out the King himself. So long as there wasn't a Queen DBVS as well then they should be good.

Growling out, she runs down the pathway as several EDBVS come at her from the front, and her left. She turns around only to see more coming from behind. Eris didn't know what to do right now. Growling out Eris looks for a way out and soon finds one, but it was going to be a very long six hundred foot drop, but she had no other choice. It was the fastest way down. She only hoped she got lucky and ended up with some sort of soft landing. Backing up against the wall just as the EDBVS come at her, she makes a run for it, and grabbing the railing, she pole-vaults over the side right at the same time as a loud CLACK! Sounds behind her. Looking behind her, she smiles seeing she just missed being snapped in two. She opens her arms and legs to try and slow down her speed some, but the moment she does a bunt of smaller DBVS drops onto her back and starts attacking her. Eris goes and rolls over trying to fight them, but they kept coming and sticking to her like a fly to honey. It was no use, and with them falling from above, she couldn't get the damned things off her, and worse they kept trying to sting her, but she manages to get them before they got her. She knew if she got stung by it now, she would be dead. But at the last second, she heard someone's voice. A voice she thought she would never be happy to hear more than right now.

CHAOS SPEAR!

Several deadly bolts of Chaos Spear hits the DBVS dead on and they scream out as they off Eris. Shadow catches Eris as she is falling and she holds on as he calls out once more…

CHAOS CONTROL!

In a blinding green light, Eris and Shadow end up on the ground within seconds just as an EDBVS goes flying by causing Eris to hold onto Shadow a bit longer as they end up ducking just in time, as Shadow sends it a Chaos Bolt at it, and killing it. Shadow puts Eris back on her feet, and she scoffs out annoyed as she turns around and points a finger at him.

I had that perfectly handled Factory Reject.

Eris jumps behind him as she swings her left claws at an oncoming EDBVS blocking its stinger, as Shadow uses another Chaos Spear to take it and two more out.

Yeah sure, you did. From where I was it looked like you were ready to become a pincushion.

Mm-hmm yeah..right sure whatever you say Reject.

By this time they were now back to back fighting and insulting one another.

On your left Belladonna!

It's fuckin S… ERIS! You fucking freak! GET IT RIGHT FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!

With that said she aims a roundhouse kick at an EDBVS and sends it right at Shadow who sends it flying to his right, and right into three more DBVSs.

Why should I?

At this point, both she and Shadow were now facing off with one another while at the same time fighting the DBVS, not missing a beat. Eris uses her left claw and takes a swipe at Shadow. Why at the same time Shadow block's it and aims a high kick at her which she blocks.

LISTEN HERE, PRINCESS! YOU NEED TO GET OFF YOUR FUCKING HIGH HORSE AND START ACTING YOUR AGE!

WHY SHOULD I- BIO-FREAK!?

Eris aims a punch his way and he blocks in time but not the knee to his gut that sends him flying back a few feet. Grunting and digging his feet into the floor to slow down to a stop, Shadow holds his midsection, and looks up growling, baring his fangs at Eris, as he readies a Chaos Spear. He straightens back up pointing it at her, pissed.

Listen, PRINCESS! Enough is enough! This ends here and now! I don't know what your problem is with me but it needs to stop! I'm getting sick of it!

Eris calls out an attack as several crystal-like daggers from behind her and shoots them, sending them at Shadow. He jumps out of the way just as exceptionally large Elite DBVS attacks. Its claws snap shut as the daggers hit it, as it lets out a high pitch scream, and drops dead. Shadow lands just a few feet from Eris as she turns around, and starts laughing. It starts low till it reaches that of a madman. Shadow looks at her, as he lowers his arms tilting his head at her wondering what was so funny. But her laughing stops just as fast as it came as she looks at him with pure deadly malice.

Her ponytail whips around her as an explosion goes off behind her, as they square off with one another. For a long time, they don't do or say anything, as the battle around them keeps going on. It dulls to a near whisper for them, as Eris finally speaks. And the voice that came forth from her, wasn't the one Shadow knew. It was like some darker form of it. It was then that he saw it. Her fur was slowly changing color, as she spoke. Her deep brown fur goes nearly black, as her markings turn a near crimson pink color, almost red like his, why the wine-red go to such a dark purple it looked nearly black. Her eyes slowly start to change as well, going from their ruby red color to that of dried blood. Her muzzle and the inside of her ears change to a slightly softer pink, as her lip gloss turns a deep wine-red.

You don't remember what you did to me all those years ago when I was a kit? You don't remember what you did to me two months ago? You don't remember anything at ALL!? HOW COULD YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN WHAT YOU DID TO ME BIO-FREAK?! YOU! TOOK! MY! FAMILY! AWAY FROM! ME! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT, YOU REJECT! YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN CREATED! YOUR NOTHING BUT AN ABOMINATION! I'LL FINISH YOU HERE AND NOW, AND GET RID OF YOU LIKE G.U.N SHOULD HAVE DONE!

Tears of anger form in Eris's as she yells out. A powerful wind whips around her as she calls forth her most powerful card in her arsenal. The Titanium Crystal Link. It was a move that would Link her and her Opponent, in this case, Shadow, and encase them in Crystal where they would have a mental battle to the death. She was done playing around now and she wanted this vermin gone from the face of the Mobius. FOREVER.

Shadow sees the look in her eyes. They were full of hate and deadly intent, and he knew what was coming. He could feel it.

ERIS ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? DON'T DO THIS! YOU CAN'T! IF YOU DO THIS YOU WON'T WIN!

I DON'T CARE! IF I CAN GET RID OF YOU THEN MY LIFE WILL BE SO MUCH EASIER! EVEN IF IT KILLS ME INSTEAD! I'LL DO IT! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME, AND NOW I'LL TAKE EVERYTHING FROM YOU…SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG! TITANIUM…

ERIS! DON'T DO THIS!

Shadow growls out, as he rushes her to try and stop her.

CRYSTAL...

ERIS DON'T! THIS ISN'T WHAT YOUR MOTHER WOULD HAVE WANTED! NOW SNAP OUT OF IT YOU STUPID KIT!

LINK…

Eris rushes at Shadow, as he growls out once more, knowing he had no choice now but to fight her off. But before either of them could land an attack, another King DBVS shows up and ends up knocking Eris away with its massive claw with such force, that it sends her flying into a wall where she ends up crashing into it, leaving a sizable crater in it, as she falls to the ground, the last thing being heard was her name being called out before she blacked out.

ERIS NOOOO!

After that Eris ends up fully blacking out….

5 hours later in the hospital wing…..

Eris groans out slowly, waking up to the sound of an annoying... Beep...beep...beep…. Groaning out she tries to get up but hisses out in pain…

Easy there Staff Sergeant Monroe. You're pretty beaten up.

Uuuggghhh… Jax's?

Yeah, it's me.

What… happened? I don't remember much of anything but fighting Shadow… After that everything else is blank.

Jax helps Eris lay back down as he sighs.

Well, you and I were in the elevator heading to the third level when a hoard of DBVS and a Kings showed up. They nearly got us in the lift but thanks to your fast thinking we got out. But sadly not before they managed to break their way in, and started complete chaos. I guess that they were only a small portion, the ones in the elevator shaft because when we managed to get out, it was complete hell. We lost quite a few men and women, and even more, are hurt. Some have the DBVS venom in them and are getting the antivenom now, and before you ask, I already got some and am recovering fast. As you were taking on Shadow, another King DVBS showed up and put a stop to yours and his fight.

The EGT?

Yeah…about that…

Jax rubs the back of his head, sighing out.

All but two of them are down and out due to either a busted leg or arm or more.

SHIT! That's my whole team. Any clue when they will be ready?

Sadly I don't but it looks like some of them will need a long time to recover meaning…

The EGT is no more for the time being. FUCK! Well, what the fucking hell am I to do NOW!? With most of the team out, I won't be able to enter the Grand Prix this year.

And this year you need fifteen members for a team. This is to be the biggest event in the history of Extreme Gear racing. Or so everyone is saying.

At that moment Skye walks in with a stack of papers in his hands…

What do you mean the biggest event ever?

Then races run throughout fifteen different events spanning out across the world….

Jax starts.

Wait? Do you mean this isn't an everyday event?

No, this time it's a WORLD grand Prix.

Skye tells her as he sets things down.

OH, FOR THE LOVE OF CHAOS!

That's not the worst part of it, Eris….

Eris goes and glares at Skye who lets out an eep...

Skyeee….

WE NEED A NEW TEAM! THE ONLY TWO THAT COULD DO IT BAILED OUT CAUSE OF WHAT JUST HAPPENED…. PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!

Skye cries as he jumps behind Jax, who looks at him with a raised eyebrow, as he slowly peeks out over his shoulder, gulping

What? She's scary.

Scoffing out as it turns into a sigh, Jax shakes his head at him with a roll of his eyes. Eris sits up and starts to rip the wires off her along with the IVs in her and gets up. Jax tries to stop her but she shoves him off her and into Skye and stands up off the bed, and starts limping to the door when she hears Jax say something and Skye tilts his head from behind his shoulder.

Is..that a….

Jax starts off asking why Skye finishes.

FLICKY on your butt?

Eris stops dead in her tracks and slowly turns around and looks at both Jax and Skye, as her eyes narrow to deadly slits, as she hisses out through clenched teeth…

So help me… If you wanna live… to see your grandkids… you will not say anything… to anyone ABOUT THAT MARK! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!

Both nod their heads at her, as they hold one another, clearly scared of her wrath right now.

GOOD! GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING SHIRT JAX! NOW!

YES, MA'AM! RIGHT AWAY!

Jax lets go of Skye and quickly takes off his top shirt and gives it to Eris as she puts it on over her hospital gown to cover the back end of her up. Thankfully it was big enough on her it was like wearing a nightgown, that went all the way to her knees. She storms out of the room, causing the doors to slam against the walls, as Jax looks at Skye and gulps…

You're right, she is scary.

I told you so! Come on, we best follow her!

Y-yeah.

Skye and Jax hurry after her as everyone around stands to attention, saluting her as she storms down the hallway and out of the hospital wing. Not even the doctors or nurses dared to try and stop her from leaving. Everyone who saw her dared not mess with her, or stop her, seeing how she was on the warpath, and it would be stupid to try and stop her, as she works her way down to the EGT wing.

It takes them twenty minutes to get to the EGT wing and at once Eris heads inside, with Jax, and Skye hot on her tail as she shoves the doors open and they hit the wall with a loud, BANG. She scans the locker room, looking for the last two members of her team. Not seeing them in plain sight, she walks in and down the aisle and soon spots them. Growling out, their ears shoot up as they slowly turn around, gulping. They try to make a run for it but find themselves trapped. They hold onto one another as she nears them, both shaking in their boots, as their tails wrap around them.

WHAT THE FUCKING HELL IS YOUR FUCKING PROBLEM YOU LITTLE PUSSIES!?

M-m-ma'am we're sorry b-b-b-but… this isn't what we signed…u-u-up for.

One of them tells her.

Didn't sign up for….DIDN'T sign up for…. DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR!? WHAT THE FUCKING HELL DID YOU SIGN UP FOR, HUH!? TELL ME THAT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS! WHAT THE FUCKING HELL DO YOU THINK YOU SIGNED UP FOR?! TO BE LAZYASS LITTLE SHIT BAGS!? DIDJA THINK YOU SIGNED UP FOR SOME LAZY GOOD FOR NOTHINGS?! DID YOU THINK YOU SIGNED UP FOR PAPERWORK BEHIND A NICE QUIET LITTLE DESK!? OR DID YOU THINK YOU SIGNED UP FOR SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS ONLY BEING CALLED ON WHEN IT WAS RACE TIME!? IS THAT IT, YOU WORTHLESS LITTLE FUCKTARDS!?

W-w-w-well Ma'am…

TAKE A GOOD FUCKING LOOK AROUND YOU TWO! THIS IS G.U.N! THIS IS NOT A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY HAPPY FANCY PANSY LITTLE PUPPY-FILLED DREAM PLAYGROUND! DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT THAT STANDS FOR, BOYS?! IN CASE YOU DON'T LET ME REMIND YOU BOTH STUPID MORONS! GUARDIAN. UNITS. OF. NATIONS!

WE PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS AND KEEP THEM SAFE FROM THINGS LIKE WHAT HAPPENED OUT THERE! WE PROTECTED THEM FROM PEOPLE LIKE EGGMAN JR. AND HIS CRONIES! WE PROTECT THEM FROM ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! NO MATTER WHERE IT MAY BE! THIS IS WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR! THIS IS WHAT YOUR JOB IS… THIS IS WHAT G.U.N's EGT IS! WE HELP PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF EVERY NATION ON MOBIUS WITH OUR LIVES! NOT TO SIT AROUND ON PLUSH LITTLE CUTIES WOOTSIE LITTLE PUPPY CUSHIONS AND PLAY DRESS UP! SO YOU EITHER MAN THE FUCKING HELL UP AND GROW A PAIR OF FUCKING BALLS ALONG WITH A FUCKING DICK, OR YOU GET THE FUCKING HELL OUT OF MY SIGHT RIGHT NOW AND DON'T SHOW IT AROUND ME AGAIN! DO! I! MAKE! MYSELF! CLEAR!?

The two men look at one another scared shitless right now. Gulping out, they let go of one another slowly, not taking their eyes off Eris, she growls at them, and they run past her and shove Skye into Jax as they run from the room. Yelling out, Eris picks up one of the benches in the room and throws it at the double-sided window, causing it to shatter. Glass falls below, as the bench hits the ground, breaking as several people from below look up at what happened as Eris shows herself and stares down at them yelling out.

GET BACK TO WORK AND CLEAN THIS MESS UP NOW!

Without saying anything they do as they are told as Jax and Skye come over to her worried.

We need to find a new team ASAP. Jax, you said you wanted on my Team, well, guess what?

Y-Yes Staff Sergeant Monroe?

There are fifteen new spots open. Pick one and let's get going. Skye, you're still with me, right?

Always Eris, no matter what happens I'm with you every step of the way.

Good then tell the Lieutenant General Conner's I'll be up to see him soon I need to get dressed.

Staff Sergeant Monroe?

Yes, Jax?

Is there any way I could take the second on the team, and act as the Co-leader of the team?

So be it Private Silverwolf. I will inform Lieutenant General Conner at once to promote you to Private First Class right away. And Jax

Yes Ma'am?

Those "resources" you told me of? Are they still available?

Resources? What resources?

Skye asks them with a tilt of his head, as Jax smiles a half wicked smile Jax answers.

Yes Ma'am.

Good, get them ASAP and let your contact know I wish to speak with him.

I am sorry Ma'am but he will only speak with me. But I know that in time he may reveal himself to you when the time is right.

Very well. Now go, I need to change.

Wait? What resources are you talking about, Eris? If this has anything to do with the Team I think I have a right to know what is going on!

Enough, SKYE! That is an Order!

But…

ENOUGH, SKYE! I SAID THAT IS AN ORDER! YOU DARE DISOBEY A DIRECT ORDER FROM YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER!

Skye epps out, as he backs up a bit. His tails wrap around him, as she stares him down. After a moment, he looks away as his ears fold back as he grabs a hold of an arm, and shakes his head. This was the first time she had ever pulled rank with him. For as long as they had been working together.

WHAT WAS THAT, MR. PROWER?! I COULDN'T HEAR YOU!

N-no, Ma'am.

Good, now both of you get out of my sight. I've wasted enough time, and have kept the Lieutenant General waiting long enough.

Yes Ma'am.

They both say as they take their leave to let her get dressed. It only Takes Eris a few short minutes to change and to find the Lieutenant General.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL CONNER SIR!

At ease Staff Sergeant Monroe. At ease.

Yes sir!

The Lieutenant General eyes Eris up and down raising an eyebrow looking at her. Humming out he finally speaks as he paces in front of her with his hands behind his back.

So tell me Monroe is what Silverwolf told me true?

Sir?

The battle within a battle with Shadow?

Eh…Y-Yes sir.

General Risa in shock, and carrying a child no less.

Excuse me, sir?

You didn't know?

The Lieutenant General looks at Eris as she stands up straight planting a hard mask on her face. He tilts his head just a little bit eyeing her but nods.

I see. Well moving on, what about you going full mental apeshit on the last two members of the Bases EGT?

Yes, sir. That is true as well.

Words going around that your punishment has been terminated is this right?

Yes sir.

Before all this happened you were given the OK to head to the next Grand Prix?

Yes sir.

What will you do now that you have no team?

I'll make a new team sir. A team not full of little stupid little pussy cat pansies who run at the first sign of trouble. Who will look dead on and fight to protect those they love.

Good, good, and have you found anyone yet?

Only one so far sir. Private Silverwolf. He was with me up till I managed to find him a safe place to hide to wait out the battle with the DBVS Hoard. After that, I ran into the fray or battle till I had no choice but to make a jump for it on the second floor, which as you know is around a six hundred foot drop. As I was free-falling, a bunch of younger DBVS followed me and started attacking me. Lucky Shadow came out of nowhere and saved my tail. From there we fought the DBVS together, till I guess we started fighting one another during it all. I honestly don't remember anything after jumping the side and Shadow saving me. Sir. I only know what Private Silverwolf has told me.

I see.

Sir, since you are a commanding officer above me I wish to make a request.

Yes, Staff Sergeant Monroe?

I wish to give Private Silverwolf the rank of Private First Class, please. So that he can become one of my new team members.

So be it. I will file the paper works myself and have it set up as a top priority.

Thank you, sir.

Monroe.

Lieutenant General Conner places a hand on her shoulder as he starts to walk off, letting out a heavy sigh.

I am sorry about your father. He was a good man, and I am so very sorry for what happened. But do you think if you used The Titanium Crystal Link on Shadow it would have worked?

I don't know sir. I truly don't know. But…

Let that hatred in you go Monroe. I know it hurts but let it go before it leads you down a path you will regret taking. A path of darkness. A path you may never return from.

B-BUT SIR!? I CAN'T! NOT AFTER EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE TO ME! THERE IS NO WAY I CAN FORGIVE HIM, OR LET MY ANGER GO! I WOULD RATHER BE DEAD THAN FORGIVE HIM!

Lieutenant General Conners hums out, as he narrows his eyes. He looked into her eyes and he could see there would be only one thing to do. Patting her shoulder, he stands before her once more and speaks.

Then I guess I have no choice. Staff Sergeant Monroe, Stand to attention, now!

Eris does as she is told, and Salutes him, as he stands before her.

Staff Sergeant Monroe. As Lieutenant General, and as acting General, I hear by Place, said one, Special Agent, Sargent Shadow The Hedgehog, on your team. You're to work with him, and get along with him. He is to be your Co-Leader on the team.

Eris goes and stands there in shock.

Sir... Y-YOU CAN'T!? I'VE ALREADY PROMISED, SILVERWOLF THAT SPOT! HE PICKED IT OUT PACIFICALLY WHEN I HAD NO ONE LEFT ON THE TEAM!

I can, and I just did so get over it. Trust me on this one Monroe. He will be a great asset to your team. Now finish getting ready you leave within a few hours, you are behind as is.

Not being able to go against a high-ranking member's order, Eris salutes him and walks off. On her way to her room, she stops by Skye's workshop and slams the door open.

Uh oh…

Uh oh is right kid. What do you think happened?

Not sure but it can't be good. The only thing I can think of is that it has something to do with a black and red hedgehog.

You don't say? This can't be good.

Jax spoke from behind some boxes he was carrying as Eris yelled out.

SKYE! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!?

Sighing out, he sets down what he was doing, as Jax passes off the boxes he had to someone else and follows him. When they reached the front, they saw an extremely pissed-off Eris.

Don't tell us….

That…

THEN I WON'T! JUST GET THE BIO-FREAKS GEAR READY TO MOVE OUT NOW!

Right away Eris.

Skye tells someone to pack Shadow's gear up, as Eris heads out. Eris heads to her room to make sure everything is packed right and ready to go. Just as she was nearing her room she spots Shadow. Helping some members carrying some Boxes that looked to be from her room.

What the fucking hell do you think you're doing HEDGEHOG?!

What does it LOOK like I am doing Bird Butt?

Shadow tells her, as he hands off a box to a passing Soldier. He stands there with his arms folded as she looks at him as he gives her the smuggest look ever.

Wha?! How? When did? JAAAAXXXX!

Don't worry Belladonna it wasn't him or Skye. I've known about it for a long time.

Growling she glares at him, as she addresses him.

LISTEN, HEDGEHOG. Lieutenant General Conner has given the orders to put you on my EGT team as my Co-Leader. But I'm going to tell you right here and now, that is NOT going to happen, not after promising it to Jax.

Fine by me. I could care less what position you put me on. But something tells me if you don't put me on as Co-Leader, Conner's will not be too happy.

Do you think I give a damn? Once we're out of the base and on the road, it won't matter, and once in Shiny Star City, we will no longer be under G.U.N hold. Believe it or not, once we set foot onto my family's land, I'll be calling the shots, not you, not the Lieutenant General, not Skye. ME. Now hurry up and finish Bio-Freak. We're wasting time.

Eris growls out as she pushes him out of the way when he speaks once more.

I already know Bird Butt. Lieutenant General Conner told me, already, and I have men packing my things. I thought since yours was almost done I'd help out and help this team finish up.

Ma'am, we have finished up. The only things left are the gifts from your party and the safety box and small box on top you said not to touch.

Right. Are there any of those padded digital lockboxes left?

Yes Ma'am. I figured you would need one so I set one aside for you, Ma'am!

Good, give me a moment, and place my gifts in another box and take it down.

Yes Ma'am, right away!

As for your freak, go finish packing.

Eris walks into her room and sees it empty except for a few items. A beat-up-looking safety box and a small little wrapped gift from HIM, and her gifts. Sighing she goes and touches the beat-up metal box as the soldiers quickly packed her gifts up. She tells them she wishes to be left alone for a few moments, and they give her some time. She looks at the beat-up box with the small wrapped one. She sneers at the small one and throws it into the trash bin without a second glance. Taking hold of the other box she goes and inputs the code to it and opens it up. For a short moment, she places a hand on her father's gauntlets smiling. She would cherish these always and keep them close to her heart.

I promise that I will get him back daddy, you'll see. I'll kill Shadow The Hedgehog and then Mobius will be a much better place without him. I promise you.

She closes it back up and inputs the codes again. She places it in the padded box and locks it up, inputting a code on it that only she would know, and sets out. Unknowing to her, Shadow had followed behind her into her room and was hiding in the shadows watching her closely. He saw her input the codes on both boxes and made sure to remember them. He also saw her throw out the gift he gave her and his eyes hardened as he let out a sigh. Watching her walk out of the room the door closes behind her as he goes over to the trash bin and he takes out the small wrapped box and takes the ribbon off it and opens it up

Inside of it was a pair of rings. A pink emerald and a pink diamond. Had she only opened this should have known it wasn't from him. But her mother and father. It was their wedding rings. Maxwell had given them to Shadow to hide till after the battle was over, and to give them to her on her birthday. But her hatred at him clouded her eyes. Sighing, he closes the little ring box back up and places the ribbon back on looking out at the full moon as a single tear falls from his eyes.

I'm sorry Maxwell I tried. But she hates me too much to even care anymore. I fear some sort of darkness has taken her over, and I cannot shake this feeling that a new evil is on the rise. That some dark unforeseen entity is about to show itself soon. I will do my best to keep my promise to you and watch over her as you had asked of me, but it may be too late. But I won't give up, not yet. I promise to protect her, Maxwell. My old friend.

With those words said Shadow watches the moon for a bit longer, as a few tears fall, till a voice over the com said…

"To all personally leaving for Shining Star City, please proceed to the loading docks now. I repeat. To all personnel leaving for Shining Star City please head to the loading docks now."

Sighing Shadow walks out of the room with the ring box in hand and heads to the loading docks. Once there he sees Skye and Jax and walks up to them. As he gets close to them he puts the ring box in his pocket and Jax sees this and tilts his head.

What was that Shadow?

None of your business, Silverwolf. Let's go her royal Bird butt waiting on us.

Both Skye and Jax look at one another, their eyes go wide with shock…

Did you tell him!?

They asked one another at once...

NO! I didn't tell him you told him!

They exclaimed once more.

I didn't tell him!

They said in union…

Well if you didn't tell him Jax and I DIDN'T then WHO did?

I don't know but I know once she finds out we're dead.

Relax you two. I've known about it for a long time.

They looked at Shadow and sighed with relief at this, as Skye said something along the lines of being able to have kids and grandkids one day, making Shadow roll his eyes at him.

Alright, you three quit messing the fuck around and get in the truck. Shadow Skye, you'll be riding with team two. Jax, you are riding with me AND driving. We have some… THINGS…. To talk about…

Yes Ma'am….

Now if everyone is ready let's go!

WAIT! WAIT FOR US!...

Eris, Skye, Jax, and Shadow turn around as they see the two men that Eris chewed out not too long ago, she folds her arms pissed that they would even show their faces to her after they walked out on her...so she thought…

Manuel? Solamer?

The two go and stop in front of her and Solamer goes and rubs the back of his head sheepishly like he doesn't know what to say.

Ma'am me and Manuel were talking and we came to realize you were right. We didn't sign up just to be lazy, good for nothings, and not do our part. We did it to not only show our skills out on the race tracks. But to help others. It's why we signed up and we're sorry we got lazy and everything. We're not like you say we are, and we should have been helping during the battle with the King DVBS, and his hoard, but instead we were hiding in a corner with our tails between our legs, and that was stupid of us.

Go on…

Eris gestures with a hand as Solamar speaks.

Well Ma'am we spoke to Lieutenant General Conner and he told us that it wasn't up to him whether we stay or go. We were under your command and we followed orders from you since you led the EGT and he said that it was up to you on what happens to us now.

Solamar states.

I see?

Eris goes and cocks an eyebrow looking at the two.

Anything more to add Manuel?

No, Ma'am.

The two look away in shame for what they did as they wait for Eris' words. Eris looks to the others for advice. If she had it her way she'd show these sorry excuses a thing or two. But right now this was a team decision.

Well, what do you three think?

Shadow looks at Eris first and he could see it in her eyes. She would rather put up with him than deal with two pathetic losers like these two.

Eris looks at Shadow and nods. Then she looks over at Skye and Jax. their faces said it all. They were kind of annoyed with the two of them as well, and so Eris took that as a hint.

Right Shadow, Jax, and Skye have spoken…

Ma'am?

They both ask at once but before they could say anything more they were sent flying into a stack of metal crates with a couple of punches.

I ALREADY TOLD THE TWO OF YOU NOT TO SHOW YOUR FACES AROUND ME AGAIN BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, AND I MEANT IT! IF YOU COULDN'T GET YOUR DAMNED TAILS OUT FROM BETWEEN YOUR LEGS TO FEND OFF A HOARD OF DBVS THEN YOU'RE OF NO USE TO ME WHATSOEVER!

She goes and emphasizes by throwing one of her arms out.

GET THE FUCKING HELL OUT OF HERE AND OUT OF MY SIGHT! YOU ARE HEREBY KICKED FROM THE EGT AND DEMOTED BACK TO CADETS! YOU'RE TO GO AND PACK YOUR THINGS AND HEAD BACK TO THE MAIN HQ IN SKYRIDGE FLATS AND STAY THERE TILL GENERAL RISA OR LIEUTENANT GENERAL CONNER OR THE HIGHER-UPS STATES OTHERWISE! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD "CADETS"!

Both Manuel and Salmon look at one another and get up and salute her.

YES SERGEANT MONROE!

Good now, get out of my sight you caused us enough time already. Shadow, Skye, Jax MOVE OUT ON THE DOUBLE!

RIGHT!

Without another word, everyone gets into the trucks. Just as she gets ready to get in herself her ears stand up.

Lieutenant General Conner, we're behind on time…

Yes, I know Monroe. I just wanted to let you know what you did back there was the right call.

She looks at him now tilting her head.

Lieutenant General?

She was the one that told me what to do when she heard what happened and she heard how all but two walked away without a scratch on them after finding out they were hiding. She told me to tell them it was up to you on what to do with those two, and she was right. She was watching the whole thing from her window in the medical wing.

Lieutenant General pointed at the window and she could now see Risa looking back at her from a wheelchair smiling at her. They lock eyes for a time till Risa nods, Eris looks at Lieutenant General Conner and nods, getting into the truck and closing the door behind her. She rolls down the window sighing deeply…

Why do I get the feeling it was Risa that told you to tell me that Shadow was coming along?

Because it was.

He said smiling

Of course, it was that backstabbing traitorous bitch. Figures…

I'd watch it, Monroe, you are still technically on Base grounds, and I can easily put a stop to you leaving, right here and now.

Eris growls out as she makes eye contact with the Lieutenant General as she growls low and deep.

I would like to see you try, Lieutenant General. Because as of right now, I am no longer under your command. This is the year I finish being G. dog. Me and all who were under G. hold. Even your best lap dog is now free to do what he wishes to do. So that was a mistake on your part. Maybe we'll all get lucky enough and he'll lose it enough for me to PERMANENTLY take him down and out, and kill him. Not only Saving millions of people on Mobius but freeing me of his very existence forever.

The Lieutenant General and Eris both hold their ground till he sees a spark of something in her eyes. He narrows his eyes, and nods, backing off, as Shadow comes back over to him to speak with him real fast. Eris sees this and tells him he has five minutes. Nodding, they start to move out. After five minutes Shadow gets back into the truck he was assigned to and they head on out.

In the truck Eris and Jax were in, she closes the window up to the cool night air and she looks at Jax sighing tiredly.

So about those "RESOURCES", you were telling me about…?

In the other truck in the back seat... Skye was watching Shadow worried about him…

Hey, don't worry Shadow I'm sure in time she will come around. We just got to wait it out and be there for her.

Shadow looks at Skye as he takes out the ring box from his pocket and looks at it.

She...didn't open it?

Shadow scoffs out, shaking his head.

No, she didn't. She didn't even give it a second glance. She just threw it away in the trash thinking it was from me.

Did you try telling her that it…

Listen Tj…

Tj. Shadow hadn't called Skye that in a long time. Not since he was just a little kid. Even though he and Shadow have been best friends for a long time. Even if Shadow rarely admits it. Shadow gave it to him one day out of the blue cause it was easier for him to tell him and his dad apart. Skye looked so much like his father Miles "Tails" Prower. The only difference was their hair. It used to be when he was much smaller he was very skittish around people and loud noises but when Shadow saved him one day, he started to change and learned not to be so skittish around people, and loud noises. At times he would even go out seeking Shadow, asking to go with him, and help him on missions. At first, Shadow thought he was an annoyance but soon grew to like having the little fox around. Even at times going to see him for no reason. He remembers how his father once told him, how he and Shadow reminded him of him and King Sonic back in the day. But now that he was seventeen years old, he grew out of that stage of being the scared little kit he once was, but even to this day, he and Shadow remained friends, so having Shadow call him by his old nickname, only meant things were bad right now. Skye places his hands on Shadow's arm bringing Shadow to look away from the window and at him.

It'll be OK Shadow you'll see. We just got to hold on till then.

Right, Tj. We just got to hold on. I made a promise to her dad I'd watch over her and I will do so even if she hates me right now. I won't let her go down the same path I did when I first awoke on Prison Island. I'll keep at it no matter what.

Skye smiles at him and nods.

And I'll be there to help you in any way I can buddy.

Skye chuckles.

Good, then mind holding this for me for now?

Shadow hands him the ring box.

I have a feeling I will know when the time's right to give her those.

Sure Shadow. I'll keep them safe for you.

He takes the box and puts it in his vannie pack for now and sits back yawning, making Shadow chuckle out as he pulls him to him, so he could rest.

Get some sleep, kid it's going to be a long ride to Shiny Star City.

Sure thing Shadow.

Skye says with another yawn, as he snuggles into his side, and closes his eyes as he uses one of his tails as a blanket. Even though he was told old for it now, Skye couldn't help but be a little happy right now. He needed this more than ever after the night they all had, and it felt good being able to do something so intimate, like cuddling, with the Ultimate Life Form he not only called his best friend but his brother as well. Skye giggles out, making Shadow glance at him.

What's so funny?

My dad is right. We are like him and Sonic.

Shadow scoffs out in a friendly way, letting out a chuckle, as he closes his eyes and places his elbow on the armrest of the door, resting his chin on his hand. He opens his eyes, looking at the full moon in the night sky with a smile.

I guess you're right, we are kind of like the faker and your dad.

He tells him. But he doesn't get an answer back as soft snoring was heard. Chuckling out softly, Shadow closes his eyes and he soon falls asleep himself.

Meanwhile...

Deep in the jungles of the Huckshore jungle, hidden deep within an old temple lies the hidden base of Dr. Eggman and his son….

Ivan my boy, are you here?

A very old-looking Dr. Robotnik hovers in an egg hoverchair over to where his son should be to see what he is up to.

AAH, there you are, my boy.

Eggman states in an old tired voice.

How is the plan going?

Hello Father.

Ivan Robotnik stood seven feet four inches tall. He was average-built and had long black hair that he kept in a low ponytail held back by a leather thong, as his wavy bangs were held back by a clip. He had dark tan skin that he got from his mother's side of the family, and he had deep blue eyes. Needless to say, he was downright hot looking as bad guys go. He wore a pair of goggles as he worked on something, to protect his eyes from the sparks flew.

So how is it coming, my boy?

Very nice if I do say so myself. I'll be done with this part soon and we can move the base to Shiny Star City and finish there. No one will ever know what hit them.

With that, he and his dad both laugh as a set of red eyes light up on a rather larg robot for a moment before they blacked out.

Ivan and his Father have a brand new toy they have been working on. It's something big. Something mean and it could end up destroying everything and this time bring the Eggman Empire to its shiny glory. Eris and her team won't know what it is till it was too late…

As for Jax, the undercover Spy for Dr. Ivan Robotnik AKA Eggman Jr. has a few plans of his own he needs to take care of as well. What is the black cat up to and what are his true intentions with them all?

Stay tuned to find out what happens with them and more, in Chapter two… A New Life. A New Team. A new Living Hell.