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

10. Killing Four birds with one stone, P41

(AN: Hey all this picks up with the last part, so don't forget. If you need a refresher, head on over and re-read Chapter 3 part 4.0. And in this chapter, S-pup gets some much-needed love with his own little adventure YAY! Thanks and enjoy!)

CHAPTER 3

KILLING FOUR BIRDS WITH ONE STONE...FINAL PART…4.1

Monroe Cabin Mansion...1155 hours…ten minutes after Skye's change...

Now here is what I want you to do, Skye. I have a little toy I managed to get my hands on, thanks to Ivan. I want you to dismantle it and rework it into Armor for the Black Arms Phoenix. I need it to fit her from head to tail. I can not lose her again. The robot is about as big as she is, but I know you can rework it.

Alright, tell me where the robot is and I'll get right to it.

It's down below your workshop already. Waiting for you to work on it.

And the Phoenix?"

Skye asks.

"Up on the island in the heavens. We'll need to go there and retrieve it. Or find some way to bring the armor there to it.

Alright, just leave everything to me, Princess. When do you need this done?

Sometime before the WGP starts. So you will need to work on it day and night while keeping up the ruse as your other self.

I understand.

Birch as your first task, I need you to do something for me.

Yes, Princess?

Make your way to the island in the havens and locate the Black Arms Phoenix. Take this with you, it will help you find it"

Trinity gives Birch a locator and he looks at it and hums.

"The dot on it will blink as you get closer to it. The last known location was somewhere in Sandopolis on the island. At least that is what I remember when Shadow Killed it. If…

You said killed it? I thought it was sleeping.

Yes, I did. I had thought it was but if it was sleeping I would have felt it calling out to me by now. But I have yet to feel anything. I and the Black Arms Phoenix have a powerful bond. But I have not felt her since I've awoken. It could be that she is weak, or dead. I do not know. You're to take Reggie with you and have him help you.

How can he help?

He can raise the dead.

But won't he need his Chaos Emerald for that?

Yes, he would but the Chaos Emerald of the Winds should help breathe life into it unless you find it on your way there.

What if it is guarded?

Then take whoever is guarding it and kill them. Or better yet, force them to join us. Do whatever it takes. I don't care! JUST GET ME MY PHOENIX NOW!

As you wish, Trinity. When should I leave?

As soon as possible.

What do I tell the girls?

Yes, I forgot about them. Hmm… Change them. Bring them to our side."

Birch's eyes widen in shock as he looks at Trinity.

"What? I've been thinking about it for some time now. The Weasel Wolf and duck will be a nice addition to the cause. Change them before you go and take them with you and Reggie.

A-A-As you wish, Princess.

Good. Now go."

Birch bows and turns to leave but as he does Trinity calls back to him in both Eris' and her voice.

"Do not fail us again, Birch, or there will be punishment.

Y-yes, your Majesty.

Birch bows and leaves. On his way out in the shadows of the Mobile Base, S-Pup watches. He ducks further back into the shadows so as not to be seen and waits for Birch to pass. Whining softly, he takes a step and looks around the corner as he sees Skye and Eris talking. The whole time S-pup had been watching, taking everything in. He stays in the shadows and waits till it is safe to leave. He had to warn Shadow, but he had to be safe about it.

If I am to do this I will need S-pup's help.

Yes, that robotic dog of yours. Call him and do what you can.

S-PUP! S-PUP HERE, BOY!

Nothing. Not a sound.

Strange he always comes when I call. Maybe he's out exploring the woods?

Well for now do what you can on your own. I need to go call Reggie and let him know what is going on.

As you wish.

They leave to go do what they need to. Once the coast was clear, S-pup comes out of the shadows, and he quietly walks over to where Skye's phone fell with a bunch of other stuff. He sniffs at it and whines, seeing a wrench had landed on top of it, and broken it. Whining, he looks around and starts to leave, making sure he wasn't caught. But on his way out, Skye sees him and smiles.

S-pup, there you are, boy. Come on we have…

S-pup growls at Skye, and steps back.

S-pup? What's wrong boy?

S-pup growls once again at him as Skye reaches out to him and that is when he sees his hand and giggles.

Oops, forgot about that hold on boy. It's still me. Look.

Skye closes his eyes and within a moment and in a bright flash of light, he is the same again. But S-pup wasn't buying it. He growls at Skye once again and starts backing up faster.

S-pup what is wrong with you boy? It's me, Skye. You know me. I promise you, everything is alright. No need to be scared.

S-pup keeps backing up as Skye moves closer. It wasn't long till he was backed into a corner. Growling, and whining S-pup looks for a way out as Skye gently speaks to him.

Hey, no need to worry. Everything will be fine. I'm here for you boy. I bet what you saw was scary huh? But don't worry I'm not hurt. I promise. Now, why not come here so I can fix you up, and change your programming up a bit?

Growling, S-pup lunges at Skye, snapping at him. Skye growls as he shifts back. And reaches for him once again. Again S-pup growls and snaps at him, warning him off. Skye becomes angry as he growls back at him.

S-pup, stand down right NOW! That is an order! If you don't I'll have to do something I'll regret!

Skye reaches into his pocket as S-pup takes on a defensive stand and gets ready to attack. Skye pulls out a small remote from his pocket, ready for him, but S-pup is faster and he attacks Skye. He bites down on his arm forcing him to drop the remote. Not missing a beat, S-pup rams into Skye and sends him to the floor, and pounces on the remote. He takes it into his mouth and runs for it. Crushing it in the process. Skye growls as he looks at him yelling out.

S-PUP GET BACK HERE NOW! THAT IS AN ORDER! I AM YOUR CREATOR! YOU'RE MASTER! NOW GET BACK HERE!

Skye yells after him getting up. He shifts back and twists his tails and flies off after him. But S-pup was quicker and he rams into some heavy boxes causing them to fall over and right onto Skye. He yells out as S-pup runs right past Birch who was coming back and Skye yells at him.

STOP HIM, YOU FOOL! DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY! HURRY!

Turning on a dime Birch runs after S-pup but he was already far ahead. He jumps up into the air and folds his legs under him and uses his boosters to fly off. Birch skids to a halt as Skye comes running out, growling.

DAMMIT! WHY DIDN'T YOU FUCKING STOP HIM, YOU USELESS BEAR!?

NOT MY FAULT YOU LOST YOUR LITTLE TOY! IF ANYONE IS USELESS AROUND HERE IT'S YOU! YOU MAY OUTRANK ME, AND I MAY HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOU! BUT I WILL NOT BE BELITTLED BY YOU! IT'S YOUR DAMN FAULT YOU LOST HIM! SO WHY DIDN'T YOU FUCKING STOP HIM YOURSELF!?

I WAS ABOUT TO SHUT HIM DOWN, BUT HE BROKE THE ONLY REMOTE TO HIM!

AND WHO'S FAULT IS THAT!? SURELY NOT MINE? BECAUSE I WASN'T HERE YOU STUPID FOX!

OK, OK, ENOUGH! Enough! He's gone now, meaning there is only one place he could be going.

The Hedgehog?

Yes. You know where Tank lives right?

Yeah. But you are on your own. I have my own mission I need to do. And pleasing Trinity and Eris comes before you. They outrank you. You may have taken my place for now, but I follow THEIR orders first and foremost. I will be getting my place back, fox boy.

Fine. Do what you need to. I'll handle S-pup. And just so you know, I'm not fully useless, moron.

Birch growls at him, as he gets right in his face.

WHAT TO SAY THAT TO MY FACE, TWIN-TAILED FOX!?

Skye only scoffs and brushes past him as he walks over to a crate and the contents that had fallen out, chuckling. He picks up a device and smiles as he turns around and looks right at Birch holding it up.

I said I'm not all that useless, you moron.

Skye tells him as he narrows his eyes. In his hand was a special item he had been working on. Birch tilts his head wondering what it was.

What is that?

A new little toy I've been working on. I call it The Skye High Scrambler.

What does it do?

As the name states, it scrambles robotic video equipment. I managed to throw one on S-pup when the boxes fell on me. So by the time he makes it to Shadow his video data will be useless.

Skye tells him with an all-knowing smug look. Birch scoffs and rolls his eyes and folds his arm, shaking his head.

Fine. I take it back. You're not as useless as you look.

Thank you.

But do you think it will work?

Yes, I do. I know it will. Now come on, we have things to do.

With that, they head off to deal with their own problems…

Near the Outskirts of Crystal Cove Beach...Present time with S-Pup 1320 hours…

S-pup was flying along as fast as he could. He didn't stop or even look behind him to see if Skye or Birch were following him. He just kept going. It was nearing one thirty in the afternoon. He wasn't sure of where he was going, since he couldn't get the address from Skye's phone after it broke from the wrench landing on it. So he took a guess and just flew. He had to hurry and warn Shadow of what he saw, and he hoped he wasn't too late to warn him. Whining, he uses his boosters to fly faster and soon comes up on I-745. He could see traffic flowing at a steady pace as he looked down trying to see if he could see Shadow or the truck. Not seeing them he looks around and notices a stop along the way. Flying lower, he turns and heads right for it. He was hoping maybe they had stopped for fuel or something, but he knew it was unlikely. But he had to try. As he flies along he sees a truck below him that looks to be the same as Tanks as it turns into the rest stop. Barking out happily, he follows it and lands running to it as the driver gets out. He starts barking like crazy, jumping up and down, as the driver gets out. But upon seeing S-pup they scream out and it was then S-pup sees that the driver was a Fox, not a bear. Whining he looks over as he hears something and sees a younger-looking fox get out, running to the older one.

D-Daddy!?

Stay back, Ellie! It could be dangerous! GO ON! GET OUT OF HERE! GET!

Whining, S-pup slowly backs off and turns around, and runs off, looking behind him, seeing that they were not following him. He slows down and looks around and starts scanning the ground to see if he could find any tracks that would lead him to Shadow. He finds nothing, not a trace. Whining once more he goes around and keeps trying, hoping to find something to lead him to Shadow. But as he does, people start to become worried about him. He looked to his left, and right and he could see that people were talking about him. If he was dangerous. If he was one of Eggman Jr's new robots. But he wasn't. He was as gentle as could be. He wouldn't hurt someone unless ordered to. This was becoming worrisome for him. If he couldn't find Shadow soon, there was no telling what could happen to him, and the last thing he wanted was to have someone come out here and deal with him, which could end up with him being taken in by G.U.N. and if they were called to handle him, and if they found him, and recognized him, he would be taken back to Skye. With not much choice he turns around and gets ready to leave. But as he starts to run off, his censors go off, warning him that his power was low, as was his backup power. Whining, he hurries off to find someplace to rest in the sun and deploy his solar panels to recharge. He knew it would take at least a few hours so he didn't have much time, whining, he sets out and tries to find a spot away from prying eyes, but couldn't find much of one, so he settled behind the rest stop building near the picnic area, and soon finds a spot in the grass and he lays down, deploying his solar panels. When the people there saw him, they started to become worried that he was going to attack. But after seeing his solar panels they ignored him. But still kept a watchful eye on him. Time passed by slowly, it felt. People came out to the back to eat, or relax and get some fresh air, every time giving him the stink eye. In truth, he couldn't blame them. Not with how Ivan and his father would send their robots out to harass everyone, and cause trouble. But even they should know they wouldn't send something like him out to do that. But yet again, it never hurts to be safe than sorry. As he lies there time keeps on passing by and before too long, a family of six comes to rest for a bit. S-pup looks over at them and watches them for a bit. The mother had a baby in her arms and the father and older son, who looked as if he wished to be someplace else right now, helped with a couple of baskets and set them down. Two younger kids ran around and played as their mother called out to them.

Hey, you two, stay away from the edge, it looks unstable!

Yes, mama!

The two kids say as she sets the car seat down on the ground to help with setting up their dinner. The two kids giggle and run around when they take notice of S-pup.

Oh cool, a robot puppy! MAMA, PAPA! LOOK! A ROBOT DOGIE! CAN WE PLAY WITH IT, PLEASE?!

The mother looks and sees S-pup. She taps her husband's shoulder, and he looks up to where she was pointing, seeing him, he hums out, eyeing him with cautiousness.

I don't know, kids. He could be dangerous.

Oh, come on dad, quit being so lame. I saw him as we were coming around the corner.

The father looks at his eldest son and folds his arms annoyed.

And you didn't bother to warn us he was there.

Oh, come on it, dad. I mean if he wanted to attack, he would have long before now. Geez, why do you have to be so damn lame all of the time?

Hey, watch your mouth, young man, right now. That is your father you're speaking to.

The mother scolds him and folds her arms. He only scoffs and rolls his eyes at them and turns to look at S-pup and walks over to him and chuckles.

You're not so mean are you, girl?

S-pup looks at the boy and snuffs him. He was taken aback by this and chuckles.

What? Are you a boy?

S-pup looks over at the kid and barks at him wagging his tail. Chuckling out, he continues to walk over to him as he addresses his parents.

See, he's friendly. Nothing to worry about. If he wanted to attack me, he would have by now. Isn't that right boy?

S-pup barks as he stands up. As the boy nears him, his parents slowly start to calm down as he holds out his hand and S-pup sniffs it. After a moment he licks his hand and nudges it.

Heh, yeah, some big bad pup you are. I bet you don't have a single evil microchip in you, do you, boy?

S-pup barks out wagging his tail at him. As he and S-pup become antiquated there comes a scream and everyone looks over to see that one of the younger kids was close to the edge screaming out.

MAMA, PAPA HELP! TEDDY FELL OVER THE SIDE!

WHAT!? OH NO! WE TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM THE EDGE!

Everyone runs over to the Edge and they could see that Teddy had landed some ways down on a much smaller one.

Shit, that doesn't look stable!

The elder son stated as his father looked around for help. Down below Teddy was passed out and looked badly hurt.

Stay here, and watch him! I'm going back for the rope in the car!

The father turns around and starts running back as the mother calls out.

Please hurry, Johnathon! I don't think the ledge will hold out much longer!

Down below Teddy moans out and starts to come too. When he sees where he was he tries to stand up but screams out in pain.

MAMA, DADDY, ALLIE, SIMON, HELP ME! MY LEG HURTS!

HOLD ON, SWEETIE! DADDY IS GETTING HELP RIGHT NOW!

Shit! We need to do something right now! Mom, go back to Tyler and take care of him and call for help! I'll stay here with Allie and Teddy till dad gets back!

Alright.

The mother hurries over to take care of Tyler who is now crying as she pulls out her phone and calls for help. Simon gets on the ground and calls down to Teddy.

Hold on, Teddy! Mom and dad are getting help!

Simon, I'm scared! And I hurt!

I know, little bro, I know! Just hold on!

Simon, what are we going to do? Teddy is hurt and he could fall at any moment!

I know sis. Just shush and let me think alright?

Growling, he looks down and sees that the ledge was big enough to hold two people, but more than likely not for long. He had no choice, he had to climb down to him and help him.

Stay here and DON'T MOVE! Robo dog watch my sister! I need to go down and help my brother!

Not wasting a moment more, Simon turns around and heads for the edge and gets ready to climb down when S-pup grabs him by the shirt growling at him. Turning around, he looks at him and pushes him away.

Listen, boy, unless you have a better idea then tell me. But I don't think you can help with those solar panels on your back. I have GOT to do this. He's my little brother!

S-pup whines and lets go of him, knowing he was right. He couldn't do much till he was fully charged. Letting him go he whines at him and watches Allie close. Nodding, Simon starts to climb down.

Be careful, Simon!

I will.

SIMON!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

Simon was already over the side as his mother came over, holding little Tyler. He looks up at her, giving her a small sad smile.

I need to do this mom. Don't worry, I'll be fine. But someone needs to make sure that Teddy is alright. I know I can do this. So please, trust me, mom.

Simon put some pleading into his voice on the last bit. Worried, she looks at him and nods.

Be careful, Simon, please.

I will mom.

And Simon?

Yeah?

I love you, son.

Simon looks at her surprised, but he nods and starts climbing down.

I couldn't find the rope anywhere! Wait? Where is Simon?

Down there, to check on Teddy.

WHAT!?

Johnathan looks over the edge and yells at him.

SIMON! SIMON GET BACK UP HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE YOU GET YOUR LITTLE BROTHER KILLED! I WON'T HAVE YOU TRYING TO KILL…

Johnathan let him go! He can do this!

Martha, you trust him after what he nearly did the other day!?

Yes! Only because it wasn't his fault with what happened the other day! I tried to tell you but you wouldn't listen! You never do! NOW FOR ONCE IN YOUR CHAOS DAMN FUCKING LIFE, SHUT THE HELL UP AND LISTEN FOR ONCE! SIMON CAN DO THIS! SOMEONE HAD TO GO DOWN THERE AND CHECK ON TEDDY, AND HE IS THE LIGHTEST ONE OF US HERE, AND KNOWS HOW TO CLIMB! SO SHUT THE FUCK HELL UP, YOU STUPID FUCKING MORON, AND LET HIM DO THIS! HE NEEDS TO BE THERE FOR TEDDY RIGHT NOW TILL HELP COMES!

Johnathan looks at his wife, who had never seen her so angry before. He looks over the edge and back to his wife and nods. He looks back down and watches as Simon takes his time and within a few moments, he makes it to his little brother.

SIMON!

Hey, little guy, how are you?

I hurt, and I'm scared, Simon.

I know you are, and I'm going to help you, alright?

O-OK.

Slowly making his way over to his brother, the ledge shakes a bit making Teddy scream out.

WHOA!?

SIMON, HELP!

It's alright, I'm here. Don't worry. Everything is going to be alright. Help is on the way.

Simon finally makes his way over to his little brother and kneels to check him over.

Where does it hurt the most?

My left leg.

Nodding he checks it over and gently touches it. Teddy cries out when he finds the spot.

There! Right there!

Alright, I need you to be brave alright?

Uh-huh.

Nodding, he reaches into his back pocket and takes out a knife, and cuts Teddie's pants leg to get a better look, and at once he sees the problem.

Shit! Not a good little man.

What's wrong with my leg?

It looks like you've broken it pretty good falling down here. Now hold on alright I'm going to try to reline it, but it's gonna hurt like hell.

How are you going to do that, Simon?

I'm going to pull and push it back into place. MOM! DAD! HIS LEG IS BUSTED BADLY! I NEED TO RELINE IT, BUT I NEED SOMETHING TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT AND TIE IT OFF!

Simon yells up at his parents who try to look for something, anything that could help.

I don't see anything to help!

Martha yells at Johnathan.

There has to be…

S-pup barks out and walks over to them and opens his side revealing a First-Aid kit.

What in the name of Mobius?

Johnathan looks at S-pup.

You're not your everyday robo pup are you, boy?

S-Pup barks out and Johnathan takes the kit and runs over to the edge.

SIMON, TRY TO CATCH THIS! SEE IF IT HAS ANYTHING YOU CAN USE! YOUR ROBOT DOG FRIEND HAD IT ON HIM!

Johnathan throws it down and Simon catches it and starts looking through it he finds what he needed.

Alright, bit down on this when I say and we'll get you set up.

Teddy takes the rolled-up bandages and puts them in his mouth and Simon counts to three slowly. On three he tells him to bite down on it and he starts to pull hard at his leg and push the bone back into place. The whole time Telly yells out through the rolled-up bandages till his brother finally has it set in place and gets to work bandaging his leg up. It doesn't take long and he puts everything away gently pulling him into a hug.

Alright, it's over now, kiddo. Everything is fine. We just need….WHOA!?

The ledge starts to shake and some of it breaks off causing Simon to grow worried.

Shit! MOM! DAD! WE NEED HELP NOW! THE LEDGE IS BREAKING!

HOLD ON, SIMON! THERE ON THEIR WAY NOW I CAN HEAR THEM!

Right on cue, an EMT truck pulls up and comes to a stop and people get out and run over to the ledge. They talk to Johnathan and Martha and they explain what happened. As they do, S-pup paces back and forth worried as Allie starts to cry.

Mr. Robot puppy, can't you help anymore?!

S-pup whines wishing he could. He knew he could but couldn't...yet...as they talk, a Heli-Jet comes flying over and lowers down a stretcher with someone on it.

Hey, are you two alright?

I am, but my little brother's leg is busted badly.

Alright, just hold on tight. I'll take your brother first and come back for you, got it?

Y-Yeah just hurry! The ledge is about to give way. Just get him on, and I can climb back up myself!

Try to help him over, if I step on the ledge it will give way.

Nodding, Simon helps get Teddy onto the stretcher as workers above get ready to climb down to help Simon. The EMT manages to get Teddy onto it, and they fly off, but as they do a big chunk of the ledge crumbles and falls off, making Simon curse out. He turns around getting ready to climb back up, but as he does the rest of it gives way and he starts to fall. Everyone screams out as they watch on. What happens next, everything goes into slow motion. S-pup indicators beep letting him know he is fully charged, as Simon manages to grab onto a rock jutting out of the cliff and holds on. It slowly starts to crack as S-pup runs over and jumps off the edge and heads right for Simon. As he nears him, he turns on his boosters at the same time Simon ends up letting go of the rock as it breaks and he flies after him and catches him by the back of his hoodie and shirt. Simon screams and looks over his shoulder to see he was saved. Smiling, he chuckles.

See!? I knew my parents were wrong about you boy! I knew you were a good dog!

S-pup barks around his hoodie and shirt as he flies back up with Simon in his mouth and lands at the front of the building. Simon turns around and smiles, kneeling and petting him.

Thanks for the save robo pup. If it wasn't for you I would have been fish food. If there is any way I can repay the favor let me know.

S-Pup barks out and walks to his side and brings up an image of Shadow.

Whoa! So cool! You're just full of surprises aren't you, boy?

S-pups barks as Simon looks over at the image and hums out.

Hey! I know him! I saw him on our drive up this way. Is he your owner or something, boy?

S-pup barks out as he brings up a file for Shadow and Simon looks it over.

Shadow huh? And it says here that your name is S-pup. Cool name, bro.

Again S-Pup barks out as Simon sees a number in Shadow's files and nods as his family comes running over to them.

SIMON! SIMON! OH, THANK CHAOS YOU'RE ALRIGHT!

His father was the first one to reach him and pull him into a hug, followed by his mom and little sister.

Oh, honey, are you alright!? We were so worried about you!

His mother pulls him back and looks over at him with tears in her eyes.

Heh, hey, yeah I'm alright mom, dad. No worries. S-pup saved me.

S-Pup?

Yeah, it's the robo dog's name, apparently.

You don't say?

His mother looks over at S-pup and smiles.

S-pup, thank you for saving our son, it means so much to us that you did.

S-pup barks out at her making her giggle. Allie runs over and gives him a hug and kiss on his nose.

Thank you Mr. S-Pup for saving Simon.

S-Pup barks and licks her cheek making her giggle as Simon pipes up.

Anyway, S-pup is looking for his owner. The black hedgehog we saw on our way here. Hey, show them, boy.

Barking, S-pup does, and his dad hums and nods. He takes out his phone and hands it to Simon.

Call him and let him know we found him.

Dad?!

Go on, you are not grounded anymore. Your mother told me and I think we have some things to talk about later on.

Simon smiles and takes his phone and hugs him. He looks at Shadow's number and dials it. It rings a couple of times and a deep voice answers it.

Hello, Mr. Hedgehog...

Vandercroft Mansion...1645…

Hello, Mr. Hedgehog.

Yes, who is this?

Shadow asks as he holds the phone between his shoulder and ear as he picks up a box and starts to carry it inside.

Hey, my name is Simon Richards and I have your robo pup, S-pup with me right now.

S-Pup?!

Shadow asks surprised, catching the ear of Tank who was on his way back out and takes the box from Shadow and stops to listen as Shadow keeps talking.

How do you have S-pup?

Simon tells him what happened and when he was done Shadow became worried.

Strange. Not like him to fly off on his own without reason. I wonder if something happened. Alright listen…

At that moment another call comes through and Shadow asks Simon to hold on as he answers it.

Hello?

Hey Shadow, it's me, Skye. Do you have a moment?

Not really, so make it quick.

Alright so I've talked to Eris, and I've decided to stay with her.

Why? You were so intent to join me. Especially after what I told you.

I know, but I've been thinking after she and I talked, and I think it may be a good idea to stay here and watch her for you. You know, like a spy?

Hmm…

Shadow hums out feeling something was off. But he plays it cool and answers him.

I don't know Skye. Are you sure about this?

Yeah. I know I can do it.

Alright, but be careful.

Sure.

Hey, you wouldn't happen to have S-pup there would you, Skye? I forgot something and I was hoping he could bring it to me.

Ah...S-pup? Yeeeah...I ah...I have him shut down for some mandatory menace right now. I need to change his oil and check his hardware.

I see…

Shadow hums out, thinking about Simon and how he said that he had S-pup with him. Playing it by ear he answers him.

Hey, Skye, mind giving me a moment I got another call coming in. It could be about my car.

Yeah sure. Take your time.

Thanking him he takes Simon off hold.

Simon, are you still there?

Yes, Mr. Hedgehog I am.

I'm sorry that took so long but could you do me a favor?

Yeah, what is it?

Can you hold up your phone and tell S-pup to speak into it, and send me a picture? I need to make sure it's my robo dog you have.

Tank by this time had heard most of everything and tilted his head confused. Shadow holds up a hand and puts it on speaker and puts a finger to his lips for Tank to be quiet. Nodding the wait.

Alright boy, speak!

S-Pup barks out a couple of times, and after a moment he gets a ping that he had a new text message and sure enough it was S-Pup. This proved to him that Skye was lying to him. He looks at Tank who nods at him.

Alright, that's him alright, kid. Thanks a lot for finding him.

No problem he's looking for you, so how do I send him to you?

Shadow tells him how and asks him for one last thing.

Right once you give him that, tell him Code Ultimate Life Form SA2D202001.

Alright, I'll send him your way now. Also, I'm glad we ran into him. He truly is a lifesaver.

I'm glad he was there as well. So thank you for taking care of him.

Goodbye, Mr. Hedgehog. I hope we can meet one day.

Same.

With that he lets him go and talks with Skye again.

Yeah Skye, are you still there?

Yeah.

Alright. Anyway, forget about the item I wanted. Turns out I don't need it after all.

Alright, well if there is anything more, I best get going. Eris needs me.

No, that is everything, thank you.

They hang up and Shadow looks at Tank.

Pakhan?

Trouble is afoot, Tank. S-pup is on his way here.

Why? Isn't Skye isn't coming?

I don't know, but I'm sure S-pup knows. Skye lied about having S-pup with him.

How?

Shadow shows him the text and sure enough, it was a picture of Simon with S-pup next to him and Simon's little sister.

Hmm...Why would Skye lie like that? He doesn't take me for the type TO lie.

I know, meaning that something happened shortly after we left.

What though?

I don't know, but we best be on our toes.

Right, I'll warn Bitsy, but I think she knows something is going on.

Right, let's get the rest of my stuff inside.

Nodding they hurry up and do so.

Back with S-pup…

Alright, that looks to be the spot, boy. Do you have it saved?

S-Pup barks and Simon nods.

Then you are good to go.

Barking once more, S-pup turns around and starts to run off when Simon calls after him.

Hold on, Boy! There is one more thing. Shadow wanted to tell you something about a code.

S-pup whines and tilts his head to the side curious about it.

He said to tell you, Code Ultimate Life Form SA2D202001. I don't know what...Hey, you alright, boy?

Upon hearing the code, S-Pup freezes and for a moment he takes a couple of steps toward Simon and shuts down. Simon becomes worried and runs over to him and kneels and starts to shake him, trying to snap him out of it.

Hey!? Hey, S-Pup are you, alright boy!? S-pup?!

Simon becomes increasingly worried about him when all of a sudden he comes back to life and barks. His once blue eyes turn crimson red as his exterior changes before Simon's eyes. It goes from golden-yellow to black and he ends up with red markings on his legs, under his belly, and on the bridge of his nose.

Whoa!? What happened to you, boy?

S-pup turns to Simon and barks at him, wagging his tail and turns around and runs off jumping into the air and flying off.

HEY! WAIT S-PUP!

But it was too late. He was gone as his father came over to get him. With a sigh. He follows him and they head off to head Shiny Star City General Hospital with his little brother. S-pup uses his boosters and doesn't waste time getting to Tank's home. It took him another hour and he could see his place ahead of him. As he neared he could see Shadow waiting for him. Landing, he runs over to him, as Shadow greets him.

S-pup, what happened?

Holoska...a day and a half later...1345 hours…

Sub-Boss Minx, sir? We're here.

Good, do we know where the Chaos Emerald is?

Yes, sir, we are coming on it now.

Good be ready for anything, there is no telling who else is after it.

Yes sir.

Footsteps sound behind him and Marshal's ears turn to the sound as someone comes to stand next to him.

So, how are we looking?

Everything is going according to plan, Xavier, like it should.

Good, if we can get this Chaos Emerald then we'll be safe. A rumor is going around that Ivan isn't too happy about losing his Egg Phoenix to someone. So we need this or our heads will be on the next silver platter.

Indeed. What should we do if we encounter someone?

That is your call. But if someone else is after the emerald like us, then we take them down.

Right. Do you think it was a good idea to come during this storm?

Aye, it's perfect. It makes it harder for any ground units that are after the Emerald to get through it.

I do hope so. I truly do not want to be killed yet.

Don't worry, I got a good feeling about this. We'll get it, I'm sure of it...

Phantom's Cabin… three hours ago…1030 hours…

"SARGENT ARMADA, SIR! SARGENT ARMADA SIR! WE HAVE TROUBLE COMING IN FROM THE SOUTH WEST SIR!

Huh?! What is going on?!"

A Soldier comes running into the cabin and salutes him as he gives his report.

"Sir, four Egg Jets were seen coming in from the southwest just a bit ago. Their heading this way. It is a good chance there after the Chaos Emerald sir!

SHIT! NOT GOOD!

Sir upon seeing it I told the men to get the dogs ready to move out and we are now ready to try and beat the Egg jets there!

Quick thinking, but there is no way we can make it there in time.

Armada, we need to try. If we lose that Emerald, Alice will have our hides. We need that Emerald!

I know Phantom. You're right. ALRIGHT LISTEN UP EVERYONE!..."

Present time...1405 hours…out on the open frozen plains as Armada and his team try to beat the Egg Jets to the Chaos Emerald...Armadas mind...

" It looks like Ivan has caught wind of the Chaos Emerald. You all know what we need to do. We have our orders from my fiance. We need to get that Chaos Emerald before they do. If we lose it, we're going to have one angry Hybrid on our hands. NOW MOVE OUT ON THE DOUBLE!

SIR, YES, SIR!"

Armada and his men had long moved out and were now nearing the place the Chaos Emerald was to be. Not far ahead were the Egg Jets. The storm covered them and gave them the advantage, why Marshal and his team thought they had it. Both teams race to get the Chaos Emerald first. But why Armada and his team froze their tails off, Marshal and his were nice and warm. Both teams were coming up to the place where the Chaos Emerald was but as they near it they saw a bright red glow.

What in the world? WHOA! WHOA! EASY NOW EASY! WHOA!

The dogs bark and yap as they slow down. Armada and Phantom get off their sleigh and walk to the front as someone comes over with binoculars for them. Looking through them they gasp at the sight before them.

Phantom...?

Yeah...I'm seeing it as well. But out here in Holoska?! Please someone tell us this isn't real?

Phantom hands off his binoculars to whoever is next to them and they look through them.

Ah…

The Soldier couldn't fathom what she was looking at right now. No one could. Not even those in Marshall's Jets could. Before them was a pillar of fire as high as the skies and yet it didn't melt anything around it. Right now there should be a lake of water around them yet there wasn't.

Yeah, that's what I thought, that has to be the Chaos Emerald. It's your call Armada. So what's next?

Growling, Armada runs back to his sled and yells out.

MOVE OUT ON THE DOUBLE NOW! WE NEED TO GET TO THE CHAOS EMERALD NOW!

Everyone gets back on their sled and they get going, yelling at the dogs to go faster.

Above…

Sir, we're coming up to the emerald now, but we are unsure what to do about the pillar of fire.

That makes two of us. It looks as if it's burning things around it, yet nothing is melted. Strange.

Sir! We got incoming ground enemies moving in on the Chaos Emerald, sir! It looks like G.U.N, Sir!

WHAT!? BRING IT ON SCREEN RIGHT NOW!

SIR!

The guy types away at the computer and brings up an image of several dog sled teams heading right for the Chaos Emerald as they were. Marshal orders them to bring the image in closer, and sure enough, it was G.U.N heading right for the Emerald. Growling, Marshal slams his hands down on the console and yells out.

MOVE OUT ON THE DOUBLE NOW! GET US TO THAT EMERALD RIGHT NOW BEFORE THEY REACH IT! GET READY TO DEPLOY THE EGG PAWNS ON MY MARK TO KEEP THEM AT BAY! XAVIER! YOU ARE WITH ME! GRAB YOUR MEN AND LET'S GO! WE CAN NOT LOSE THAT CHAOS EMERALD!

RIGHT AWAY SUB-BOSS MARSHAL!

Xavier picks up a receiver and calls forth his men to be at the ready as he hurries to catch up to Marshal. They hurry and make their way to the back of the Egg-Jet and get ready to leave.

I suggest you bundle up, Marshal. The weather around Holoska can get to dead freezing tempters in no time flat during a blizzard.

Nodding, they all bundle up and get ready to leave.

Sir, we're nearing the Chaos Point now. Opening the back doors in...ten...nine...eight…

The men get ready as the Egg Pawns stomp forward. Clearing his throat Marshal asks to be connected to the other Egg Jets.

ATTENTION ALL EGG JETS! THIS IS SUB-BOSS MARCHAL MINX! ON MY MARK GET READY TO DEPLOY THE EGG PAWNS AND EGG HAMMERS! WE WILL WAIT TO USE IVAN'S NEW TOY SHOULD IT COME TO IT! LEAVE IT AS A SURPRISE!

Five...four…

GET READY!

Three two...one...OPENING THE BAY DOORS NOW!

MOVE OUT NOW! DEPLOY ALL UNITS! KEEP G.U.N AT BAY! DO NOT LET THEM NEAR THAT EMERALD! DO NOT TAKE ANY RISKS! KILL IF YOU MUST, BUT DON'T LET THEM NEAR THAT CHAOS EMERALD!

The sirens sound off as the lights flash, and the doors open and the Egg Pawns and Egg Hammers run out and jump from the back of the Eggs Jets. Around two hundred and fifty in total landed below as the Egg Jets kept flying and landing close by as the Mobians inside ran out into the storm behind them. Some stood with Marshal and Xavier as they went for the Chaos Emerald. Armada and his team kept racing on unaware of what lay ahead of them but it wasn't long till they found out as one of the Egg Hammers brought down their hammer causing the ground to shake. The dogs yelp out as everyone is thrown back and off the sleds. Armada and his team groan as they slowly get up.

IS EVERYONE ALRIGHT!?

Yeah, but we have a big problem, Armada!

Yeah, I know. Everyone get up and get ready!

What about the dogs, sir?

Phantom?!

LEAVE THEM! THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES! WE HAVE BIGGER PROBLEMS TO WORRY ABOUT!

At that moment stomping was heard as three of the Egg Hammers came out from the blizzard. Behind them an army of Egg Pawns. Everyone gasps as they get their guns ready to shoot them.

AH HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAA! YOU FOOLS! DO YOU TRULY THINK YOU CAN TAKE ON THE NEW EGGMAN EMPIRE WITH MERE GUNS!? YOU ARE HEAVILY OUTNUMBERED, SO JUST GIVE UP AND GO HOME NOW!

WHAT?! WHO SAID THAT!? SHOW YOURSELF RIGHT NOW!

Sorry but I have better things to tend to.

A mini Digital satellite TV flies into view and Marshal's face shows up on the screen.

Hello G.U.N. I am Marshal Minx, one of the many Sub-Bosses to the new Eggman Empire. I am so sorry I couldn't be there to greet you in person, but I had other arrangements to attend to. So I decided to send in my Egg Army to greet you for me. They will keep you busy for now, why I and my men get the Chaos Emerald. I do wish you luck, there is no way that your small little army will be able to stand against my robots. So till a later date. I bid you au revoir! Attack them at once and don't let any get by! Kill them if you must but don't let them by!

With that, the Mini Satellite TV turns to static and flies off as the Egg Pawns and Egg Hammers attack. At once everyone starts to shoot, but the bullets didn't even dent the Egg Hammer's tough armor. They did manage to take out the Egg Pawns, but it took more rounds of bullets than it would normally. Growling, Armada yells to his men to fall back and regroup in the trees in hopes to get the higher group. Everyone runs to the dog sleds and starts heading toward the trees, some shooting at the Badkins along the way. The Egg Pawns shot back and managed to take one sled down, and the people on it. They go flying and land far off, as the dogs yelp out. As they rolled over and over it was clear they had been hurt. Some of the dogs were dead and the rest lay there out cold. Phantom looked back in shock but knew he had to keep going. Growling, he urges their dogs on faster. But the Egg Pawns were hot on their tails. Armada looks behind him, knowing that something had to be done to get his men to safety. Growling he jumps off his sled, rolls on and onto his feet and takes two of the flash grenades off his front belt and tosses them at the Egg Paws and turns around, and starts running for it. A loud band goes off as Armada keeps running. A blinding flash of light shines, blinding the Egg Paws and Egg Hammers for a short moment. Panting hard, Armada keeps running. As he runs, Phantom calls out to him, and seeing him, he jumps into the air and manages to land on the sleigh bed, as Phantom yells out Haw, to get the dogs to turn around till they are once again heading right for the trees. As Phantom drives, Armada looks behind him and can see that the Badkins are starting to recover. But lucky for them, they managed to head right into the trees just in time and meet up with the others and hide out. Not wasting a moment, Phantom cuts the dogs loose, and they run off into the forest.

Is everyone here?!

Yeah, but the others, Armada sir?!

Don't worry they'll be fine.

What about the dogs? Did you cut them loose as I said?

Yes sir we did. But now we're stranded here. What will we do if we end up losing? We'll need a way out of here!

Don't worry yourself too much, Rainna, we'll find a way. For now, get ready and keep a count of your bullets. Those Egg Paws have some new hides on them. So they don't go down as easily as they used to. Now hurry, hide, and get ready.

SIR, YES, SIR!

Everyone hides among the trees, bushes, and rocks waiting for them to show up. The Egg Pawns were the first to show up. They stomped making deep prints in the snow. They beep and make whirring as they scan trying to find them. They slowly walk, their guns at the ready but as they walk further in everyone attacks. They yell out and start shooting, taking down anyone that came into the woods. But as they fought, they were starting to run low on ammo. It wasn't till someone yelled out as they got hit that they realized they were outnumbered.

SIR! WE'RE OUTNUMBERED! AND WE'RE NOW LOW ON AMMO! WHAT DO WE DO?! THERE IS NO WAY WE CAN HOLD THEM OFF AND GET TO THE CHAOS EMERALD NOW!

JUST TRY AND HOLD YOUR GROUND, MICHAEL'S, GRIZZ TIME TO SHOW US SOME OF THAT RAW POWER YOU HAVE IN YOU, BIG GUY!

LEAVE IT TO ME! RRRRRAAAW!

Grizz roars out as he tosses his gun to the side and unleashes his raw power and starts ramming into the bots. Taking them on three-on-three at a time. Phantom and Armada knew he could only last for so long as Rainna watched on, worried about her boyfriend. But she knew he could handle himself as she growled as her gun clicked several times letting her know that she was out of ammo. Growling once more, she tosses it to the side and takes off a grenade, and yells out.

FIRE IN THE HOLE!

Everyone looks her way and runs for cover as she pulls the pin and tosses it. Within a few short moments, there was a loud boom as several Egg Pawns went flying. As Grizz roars and tosses the Egg Pawns on him off. He takes one and swings it around as even more come running into the woods after them. Panting and growling, he looks up and jumps into the trees, and starts heading upwards. He holds onto the top upper branch and growls as he looks over the tundra and could see more coming their way. Narrowing his eyes, he jumps down from the trees and onto several Egg Pawns and yells out.

MORE INCOMING! AND IT LOOKS LIKE MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE!

SHIT! HOW ARE WE DOING WITH AMMO!?

One of the Soldiers shoots at an Egg Paw taking it down just as it clicks. His eyes widen as one comes after him, but Rainna kicks it in the side and sends it flying.

Please tell me you have more ammo kid?

S-s-sorry but I'm out! I have nothing left but the grenades on me!

FUCK! ARMADA, SIR! WE'RE OUT OF AMMO! NO ONE HAS ANYTHING LEFT! I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE PACKED THE HEAVY ARTILLERY BEFORE WE CAME OUT HERE!

Phantom grunts as he is knocked down close by. Panting he gets up fast and looks at her.

There wasn't time, Rainna, we had to get here as fast as we could.

What do we do now? We're out of ammo and we don't have much left! Grizz is running low on juice!

Yeah, I know! ARMADA! WHAT DO WE DO!?

ONLY THING WE CAN DO!

Armada grunts as he kicks an Egg Paw off one of the women and helps her up. He pulls her along and they start running deeper into the woods.

RUN! THROW THE GRENADES AND RUN FOR IT NOW!

Rainna doesn't waste a moment and takes off the two she had and pulls the pins once everyone was out of the way and throws them. Phantom does the same and they run off hoping it would buy them some time…

Not far from Armada and his team...Abandon Holoska Egg Base… 1345 an hour just before the battle started…

Ma'am, I have something you should look at.

Huh? What is it?

Someone walks over to a King Penguin and hands them a tablet. She looks it over and hums out. Rubbing her beak.

Bring it up on the monitor now.

Right away Ma'am.

The one who had come to see her does as he is told and an image shows up on the screen.

Are those Egg Jet's coming this way?

Yes, Ma'am.

Are they coming here?

No Ma'am, it looks like they're heading due Northeast point 776.53.4.

They're after the Chaos Emerald no one can get a hold of, huh?

Ma'am! The incoming video shows someone on a dog Sled heading right for the same place.

What!? Bring it up at once!

Ma'am!

The other guy does as he is told and he zooms in. At once She could recognize who it was. Narrowing her eyes she growls and yells at everyone in the room.

LISTEN UP, EVERYONE! GET READY TO HEAD OUT NOW! WE'RE GOING TO HELP THOSE ON THE DOG SLEDS AT ONCE! TAKE THE HEAVY ARTILLERY AND BE READY FOR ANYTHING! THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT THOSE EGG JETS COULD HOLD! NOW HURRY! MOVE OUT!

YES MA'AM!

At once everyone starts running around getting ready to leave. The Penguin types away at the computer and nods, running out as she tells the ones there to keep her posted.

Present time...1525 hours…

The King Penguin and her team were driving as fast as they could, to get to Armada and his men. She was informed on her way here that the Egg jets held around two hundred Badkins and around fifty men and women working for him. She knew with how many she assumed were on the dog sleds, they would be outmatched. Telling her men to hurry they drive on faster. They were almost there when someone called her over the radio.

Ma'am, we got someone coming from the south. It looks like two men and a couple of dogs, Ma'am! They look hurt! What should we do?

Go take a few men and go after them and bring them back to base. It seems that all the Badkins are focused on the others and have ignored them. So only send a four-person team out to those left behind.

Yes, Ma'am! Also, we saw heat signatures head into the forest with the Badkins hot on their trail!

Right, go help the ones left behind and we'll deal with the rest.

Right away, Ma'am.

Ma'am Crystal, we got visuals now!

How many are we dealing with right now?

It looks to be around two hundred plus Ma'am!

RIGHT, ON MY MARK...ATTACK NOW! TAKE DOWN THOSE BADKINS!

As they drive, most everyone hops out of their trucks and starts attacking the Badkins' flanks. They managed to take down a good amount of them in no time as they drove right on through them. The Badkins notice them and some of them turn around and start attacking Crystal and her team. But they don't let up. As they attack, one of them, an Arctic Fox, runs forward and kneels, and holds a rocket launcher. Aiming, he shoots it off and it goes flying and ends up hitting two Egg Hammers and several Egg Pawns and sends them flying, destroying them.

AH YEAH! TAKE THAT EGG SCRAP!

DYSON! ON YOUR LEFT!

Huh!?

Coming at him was an Egg Hammer, who had its hammer up and ready to smash him. But at the last second, someone rams into him and they go sliding off just as the hammer comes down, missing the both of them.

You really need to watch what you are doing, kid. I can't always be there to save you, you adorable fluff ball.

Huh? OLIVIA!?

Heh, hey, Dyson, missed me?

Oh you know I have seal-girl. I mean we only just saw one another a couple of hours ago. So yeah, I've missed you big time.

Heh, good. Then how about we try that little number of ours?

I thought you would never ask.

HA HA!

Olivia comes to a stop and Dyson jumps out of her arms. Together they start running as Dyson calls out to someone to give him another rocket. Someone tosses him one as he looks at Olivia and nods, she runs up a snow bank and slides down it as Dyson jumps into the air and onto her back.

WHOOOO HOOOO! NOW WE'RE TALKING!

Dyson laughs as he and Olivia go sliding right into the fray of the battle. Chuckling out he kneels on her back and aims.

Keep her steady Olivia! I got them in my sights!

Right!

Olivia slides to the left and right avoiding friends and foes alike, and right as he sees an opening, Dyson pulls the trigger and the rocket goes flying off. Chuckling, Olivia turns right as the rocket hits and an explosion goes off behind them, taking out a good three dozen or so more Badkins. Olivia holds up her flipper and Dyson high-fives her as they whoop out and slide off. But as they do, an Egg Hammer comes running at them and jumps into the air and brings its hammer down, and sends them flying into several of their friends. They all go flying, landing in a pile, and groan out.

The hell did he come from?

Dyson asks as he holds his head.

I don't know, but I don't want to wait to find out. Come on, get off us, and let's get going.

Right.

Getting off everyone they hurry and regroup with Crystal and the others.

Back with Armada and his team…

Armada and his team were now running for their lives and trying to hide. They had run out of everything they could to keep them safe and they had just used their last grenade. Panting, they find someplace to hide and take five to try and rest.

This is outrageous! All this just for one Chaos Emerald!? Why?!

Remember what the Weasel Wolf said, Armada. If the Chaos Emerald does have some new powers within it, then Ivan and whoever else will want them. Right now we need to…

OOK OOK! Hello! Hello!

Huh?!

Phantom looks around and sees nothing.

Did you hear that?

Hey, hey! Look over here! Over here you silly wolf!

What in the world?

Armada looks around hearing the same voice. Everyone else looks around and sees nothing.

W-WHO ARE You! SHOW YOURSELF RIGHT NOW!

Ook, Ook, are you truly that bling not to see me, Ook? I'm right here, up in the trees! The trees!

Huh?

Everyone looks up into the trees and it is Grizz who sees them first.

Look, up there, a Monkey!

Not just any Monkey mind you, a SNOW Monkey thank you very much. The names, Winter! And I'm here to lead you to the rest of my team. Crystal and the rest are battling the Badkins now. So come on and follow me. I'll show you the way to some friends and get you geared up!

Winter hangs by her tail for a moment and falls to the snowy ground and starts running off waving her hand to follow her. Armada and Phantom look at one another worried.

Now hold on, there. How do we know you are not with Ivan and his group? How do we know we can trust you?

Armada asks her.

Trust me, or don't? I don't care. But right now my friends are fighting to help you lot out. Now come on, we don't have a lot of time. I got word just before finding you that Marshal is close to getting his mitts on that Chaos Emerald and if we don't get it before he does, then we're screwed! Now come on! We're wasting time!

Once again Winter runs off and with not much else to do they follow her. As they ran they could hear the sounds of a battle going on as Armada and Phantom looked at one another and back at Winter.

Winter, who are you and your friends anyway?

Phantom asks her.

Hehe…

Winter giggles as she jumps up to a branch and starts to swing from it to another, repeating the motion.

We're the Holoska branch of the Order of the Crimson Fang!

The Crimson Fang!? Then does that mean?

Armada asks her as she answers him.

Yeah, it does. We know what is going on.

But where are you guys coming from?

He asks her.

We're coming from the old abandoned Holoska Egg base. It's been forgotten about for some time and we set up a base here. We think Ivan knows about it but doesn't care. We've made sure to deck out the place and get rid of anything and everything that could alert Ivan to the base's reactivation. We now hold most of the old Egg Paws and such and managed to use them for parts and more. We now are ready for anything. And right now my friends are keeping the Badkins off your furry asses. Come on this way!

Winter leads them down a snowy pathway, and Armada, Phantom, and the rest look to their left and they could see a huge battle going on between Winters's friends and the Badkins. Armada and Phantom look at one another and nod. Picking up the pace.

Winter, do you know what the situation is with Marshal?

Not much no! Only that he and his men are trying to find a way through the pillar of fire. That is about it. We need to hurry. While my friends are out there, fighting, we need to get you and your friends to stop Marshal right away. Get ready to slide down everyone...in...three! Two! One! NOW!

Everyone jumps down the snowy slope and starts sliding down it. They hit the bottom and start running when they see someone drive up to them, and Winter jumps up to the truck bed and holds out her hand to Armada. He grabs a hold of it and she pulls him in as Phantom jumps up and grabs the side of the frame and jumps right in. The truck slows down a bit as everyone else jumps in, and the moment they are in they speed off heading right for the Chaos Emerald. In the back, they were greeted by Crystal.

OOK! OOK! Here they are boss!

Nicely done, Winter. Welcome friends. I'm Crystal, I'm the leader of this branch of the Crimson Fang. I'm glad we were able to get to you in time, sadly we don't have a lot of time left till Marshal gets his hands on the Chaos Emerald.

I'm Sargent Sasha Armada, and this is my second Sargent Phantom Wolf. Winter told us the short version of what was going on. But what else can you tell us, Crystal?

Right, here is what we know so far…

With Marshal and his team...1545 hours…

Isn't it just beautiful, Xavier? I mean just LOOK at it. If Ivan had this Chaos Emerald he could do so much.

Sure is nice and all, but how the hell are we to get to it? You saw what happened when one of my men tried to get it for you.

Yes, an unfortunate loss, I will admit. It is strange how this came to be. Curious-er, and curious-er still. Just how will we get that Emerald out of there? With the info I've read on the way here about the one Risa lost, that Dr. Eggman Jr. set me, it seems that each Emerald now has a new and strange hidden power within them. From what I gathered, the blue one is now infused with the element of water. But from the looks of this one, and from what Ivan has told me, it may very well be that this one, the red Chaos Emerald, is infused with the element of fire. Strange?

What should we do then?

At the given time I am unsure. If I can help it, I do not wish to lose any more men than I have to. But what I find most peculiar is the fact that no matter how much the fire burns, it doesn't stop. It is surrounded by snow and ice, yet as big as this light pillar is, it still burns, yet at the same time not an ounce of snow or ice melts. Why is that?

Marshal and his men had made it to where the Chaos Emerald was, just ahead of Armada and his team. Not too long ago one of Xavier's men tried to get the Emerald, but the moment he approached the wall of fire, and walked into it, he was burned...no...INCINERATED within a mere blink of an eye. The poor guy didn't even get the chance to let out a scream. Xavier folds his arms and closes his eyes as he folds his ears back thinking.

Hmm...we could tunnel our way under it, but it is a possibility that it goes all the way under the snow and ice, not to say it would take too long to dig said tunnel. We can't fly over it, maybe we could send a robot in? No, we sent them after the other guys after the Emerald. Think, Xavier. Think…

As Xavier thinks an idea comes to him and his eyes shoot wide open.

THAT'S IT!

Marshal looks over at him humming.

What is it?

We'll use the bot we left behind on the ship! The one you wanted to save for those G.U.N guys!

And how will that help?

Marshal asks him.

I saw what it looked like. It's one of Ivan's new toys. The Egg Yeti. It's able to use the snow and ice around it as a weapon and can create a barrier made out of Ice to protect itself. If we use that and send it in to get the Chaos Emerald, then we're golden!

Xavier that is a BRILLIANT idea!? I wish I had thought about that myself!

Thanks.

ALRIGHT EVERYONE LISTEN UP! GET READY BECAUSE WE'RE BRINGING OUT THE EGG YETI! SO GET READY NOW!

Everyone stands off to the side as Marshal smiles and hands Xavier a remote.

Care to do the honors, Xavier? It was your idea after all.

Xavier looks up at him and smiles, taking the remote, and nodding he presses the button and the back of the jet opens up. For a few moments nothing happens, but soon footsteps could be heard as a robot walks out of the ship's hold. It stood a good twenty feet tall, it was white and icy blue. Its eyes shine an icy blue as it roars out and steps forward.

He he he...GO NOW EGG YETI AND BRING ME THAT CHAOS EMERALD! PUT UP YOUR BARRIER AND GO FORTH AND BRAKE THE FIRES BARRIER!

Roaring out once again, it walks forward and heads for the emerald. As it nears it puts a thick ice barrier around itself and starts walking right into the fiery pillar of light. As it enters it, there is some resistance but the Egg Yeti slowly makes its way through. As it does, someone comes over to Xavier and whispers into his ear.

WHAT!?

Xavier looks at the guy and growls.

Are you sure?!

Yes sir. A truck coming this way. We think it could be those G.U.N people from before.

Marshal!?

I heard. But do not worry yourself. Because we will have the Emerald and be long gone before they show up. Take a look.

Huh?

Xavier looks and sees the Egg Yeti walking right through the fire as if it was nothing.

It turns out your ideal was on par with the next. We will have the Chaos Emerald and be gone before too long. For now, take your men and hold them off. Once done, I'll let you know to pull back and we can leave.

Right away Sub-Boss Marshal. LISTEN UP! I WANT HALF OF ALL OF YOU TO FOLLOW ME! THE REST STAY HERE AND GUARD AND HELP SUB-BOSS MARSHAL AND THE EGG YETI! ONCE IT HAS THE EMERALD WE WILL HEAD BACK! BUT FOR NOW, LET'S GO GREET OUR GUESTS!

Everyone splits up and half go to meet Armada and the rest stay here. But as Xavier was about to run off with half of his men, there came a sound, and bursting out of a snow bank was Armada and his men along with Crystal, Winter, and some of her men and women. They had made it in time to try and stop Marshal and the Egg Yeti. Armada takes hold of an Mk-9 and starts shooting. All of Xavier's men duck down out of the way and start shooting back. Xavier calls his men back as Armada and Crystal pull to a stop and everyone jumps out getting ready for a fight.

You're too late, G.U.N. I'll have the Chaos Emerald in just a few moments and then nothing will stop us.

We'll see about that Sub-Boss Marshal!

Take a look for yourself, G.U.N. my robot is near the Chaos Emerald. Once it gets a hold of it you will be outnumbered! There will be no stopping us! THE NEW EGGMAN EMPIRE WILL RULE SUPREME! AH AH AH HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAA!

NOT ON MY WATCH! EVERYONE GO NOW! TAKE THEM DOWN, AND STOP THE ROBOT FROM GETTING THE EMERALD!

Armada shouts out as everyone runs in and starts attacking. Xavier yells out to his men to do the same and soon a full-out fight starts. Thanks to Crystal and her team they were decked out and started to shoot. Some ended up in hand-to-hand combat while others shot off rocket launchers and grenades. People scream out as they are taken down. Some ended up hurt but they kept fighting. Both sides wanted the Chaos Emerald. Armada yells out and two of his men hold up rocket launchers and aim for the Egg Yeti. With it in their sights, Crystal's words come back to him…

Flashback…

" Right, so here is what we know so far. Ever since the Chaos Emerald has shown itself here in our backyard, we have been studying it. It's giving off some strange readings. We've been keeping an eye on it and reporting everything back to Legen, the leader of the Crimson Fang.

So you know him as well, do you?"

Armada asks her. She nods and goes on.

" Yes, I do. Now from what we know, the Chaos Emeralds now hold some kind of new power within them that controls the elements.

Hold on a moment here, are you saying that they now have the abilities of like, fire, wind, water, earth, those kinds of Elements?"

Phantom asks her.

Yes, the very thing. But yet not. We don't fully understand it ourselves, but from what Legen told us, they have some kind of new power within them due to some prophecy about a Dark Queen coming back and trying to take over Mobius and to stop her the Chaos Emeralds had to gain new powers to do just that. But the other side of it is, there is another Queen out there in slumber right now waiting to be awakened so she can take on the Dark Queen and restore what is right and what was lost.

What was right, and what was lost? What do you mean by that?

What I mean… Phantom, was it?

Yes.

What I mean is that this timeline is not as it should be. From what we know, the Good Queen somehow used the Chaos Emeralds, the Super Emeralds, and the Red Star Rings to somehow change the timelines from what they were meant to be, all because she was too young to take the Dark Queen on. In doing so, most of the planet had their lives and memories changed. But there are a few still out there who remember what truly happened. But because she did this, she also changed the lives of her closest allies, friends, family, and the man she loves. People who were with her the last time the Dark Queen tried to take over Mobius.

If what you are saying is true then what will happen once she wakes up? Will she change the timelines again?

We do not know right now, Phantom. All we can do is gather and protect the Chaos Emeralds till she wakes.

What if she doesn't wake up then what? And what of this so-called prophecy you told us of? It feels like some things are being left out.

If I was to tell you the full of what we know it would take a long time, and time is something we don't have. Even you should know this, Sargent Armada."

Armada looks at her, then back at Phantom then Crystal once again, and nods.

" You're right. Time is something we don't have. Right now we need to get that Chaos Emerald. I need to get it back to Alice for the Chaos Gear. I and Phantom and Alice were told of the prophecy, or a version of it, and the short version is, Legen asks that we create an Extreme Gear for the Princess, or the good Queen, to help her take down the Dark Queen once and for all. But here is the bigger question? If you knew where the Chaos Emerald was, why haven't you tried to get it yourselves?

Because it is protected behind a flaming wall of light. We can't get through, we've tried and lost people because of it.

Lost people how?

Some volunteered to try and breach the wall but the moment they came into contact with it, they were incinerated right before our eyes. We do not know why this is but there has to be a reason behind it.

If that is true then how will Marshal and his men get to it?

We do not know, but we must be ready. And it is a good thing we have some of Ivan's father's old toys we managed to salvage and renew and can use against him.

Then get us loaded up, Crystal, and let's go stop Marshal."

Present time...

As the rockets near the wall of flaming light, they explode and Armada growls not too happily.

Phantom! Crystal! It's no good the rockets blew up when they neared the wall of light!

Crystal lets out a growl as she tries to think of something. She knew they didn't have much time till the robot got ahold of the Chaos Emerald, but from the looks of it, it would be the only way since nothing could get through the fiery wall of light.

ARMADA! ATTACK IT THE MOMENT THE WALL GOES DOWN! IT COULD BE THE ONLY WAY!

Crystal yells out as she decks two of Marshal's men and sends them flying as Winter kicks another from behind that was ready to attack her.

YOU HEARD HER! GET READY THE MOMENT THE ROBOT GRABS IT!

The same two who had the rocket launchers get ready once again and wait. All around them, the fight goes on but even Armada knew they were outnumbered to at least seventy to their forty right now. So unless something happened and soon they would be done for. The only way to end this was getting that Chaos Emerald. As everyone fights on there comes a roar so strong it shakes the whole ground making everyone stop and look over at the Egg Yeti.

AH HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAA! YES! IT'S MADE IT THROUGH! THAT CHAOS EMERALD IS MINE! IVAN AND THE NEW EGGMAN EMPIRE WILL RULE! HURRY AND GET THAT EMERALD NOW EGG YETI!

It slowly reaches for the Chaos Emerald and Armada yells out.

ON MY MARK!

The Egg Yeti clawed hand slowly closes around it, and then claps shut, and right away the Flaming wall of light flickers out and Armada yells out as Phantom starts running towards the Egg Yeti. Armada sees this and waits a moment more and yells out.

NOW! FIRE THE ROCKETS AT THE EGG YETI AND STOP IT!

The two shoot the rockets off and they go flying right at the Egg Yeti. Marshal and Xavier see this and yell out, but they are powerless to stop it. Everyone watches on as the Egg Yeti roars as the rockets hit it and at the last second, it loosens its grip on the Emerald and it falls, and Phantom manages to jump up and catches it. He falls back into the snow and rolls over and over again, holding it close to him. Panting, he groans and slowly stands up but as he tries to run for it, the Egg Yeti turns around and hits him with the back of his hand and sends him flying. Phantom yells out as he is hit but he manages to keep hold of the Emerald. Groaning, he slowly gets up and holds himself up with one arm and holds his head with the other. The Emerald is just under him. Shaking his head he looks down at the Chaos Emerald and sees there is something different about it. Tilting his head, he looks up and grits his teeth, he sees the Egg Yeti coming his way. Not wasting a moment more, Phantom grabs the Emerald and starts making a run for it. The Egg Yeti roars and starts shooting ice balls at him and he manages to dodge them, if only barely. Panting, he heads for cover behind a snow bank and waits for something to happen. As he does the Yeti comes closer and he tries to look for a way out but sees no way out.

Way to go, moron. Way to put yourself between an ice rock and a hard place with no way out.

Phantom tells himself as he tries to think. As he does the Emerald in his hands starts to glow and he looks down at it. He tilts his head and looks at it confused.

You're a lot bigger than I thought you would be for a Chaos Emerald. But yet you still look to be one. I wonder if what my Nana told me about the Echidna stories are true or not. I guess there is only one way to find out. Listen here, I don't know if this is true or not. But if you can hear my wishes then know, I and my friends are trying to help you. But right now we have a huge bot coming after us with no way out, so if you can truly grant wishes, then, please. Help me get out of here now!

Phantom holds the Emerald and closes his eyes. Hoping beyond hope that it would hear his wish. Nothing happened at first and the footsteps were coming closer. The Egg Yeti roars as it holds up its hand and readies a blast. It powers up as everyone watches on. Armada screams out as he goes running hoping to stop the Yeti, but he was too far away and it shoots its icy bean at where Phantom was.

PHANTOM! NOOOOOOOOOO!

Armada yells out and drops to his hands and knees crying as an explosion of snow and ice erupts.

Phantom! No!

AH AH AH AH HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAA! NICELY DONE EGG YETI! NOW FINISH THE REST OFF AND GET ME THAT EMERALD!

The Ice Yeti roars out as it turns to Crystal, Winter, and Armada. Crystal curses out as she and Winter go running to Armada and she pulls him up and away as the Egg Yeti looks their way readying another Ice beam at them.

Come on Armada! You can grieve for your friend later!

Crystal yells at him as they all run, but as they do, Winter eeks out and jumps on both of them as an Ice bean comes their way.

OOK EEK! GET DOWN NOW!

It misses them just by a hair as it shoots over them, leaving an icier chill than the weather around them. The beam soon dies down as Crystal and Winter look up and gulp. The tip of Winters' tail was frozen over but looked to be undamaged. Gulping, she looks at Crystal shaking.

O...Ook...Eek...A second longer and I would have been an ICE Monkey, instead of a Snow Monkey.

Yeah, I hope you can hold off till we can get back.

Winter nods as they pull Armada up but as they do, an Ice Ball comes their way and is about to hit them when something bright red comes flying at it and destroys it. Chunks of it go flying every which way and land close by. Everyone watches on as the bright red orb stops in front of the Egg Yeti and floats there.

Sorry big guy. But if you want my best friend and brother, and the ladies, you're going to have to go through me first!

Armada's ears perked up as he looked up at the orb and gasped.

Phan...Phantom?! But how?! We saw you get hit by the Ice beam!

Ook, Ook Ah! He's right! He's right!

Winter states as she jumps up and down going on.

How did it miss you, Phantom?! HOW!

Let's just say the stories of the Echidnas my Nan used to tell me are true. Now get going! HURRY! I'LL DEAL WITH THIS BUCKET OF BOLTS!

Not wasting a moment, Armada and the girls run for it. The Egg Yeti roars and holds up his arm and readies another ice beam. Growling out, Phantom flies toward the robot and smashes the arm before it could shoot it off. It roars as Phantom tosses its arm to the side and floats there with his arms folded.

I told you, if you want the girls and Armada, you had to go through me first!

Marshal growls as his men hurry to take down Phantom. But he looks over and sees them coming, and right away they turn tail and run for it. Making both Marshal and Xavier yell at them.

GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW AND FINISH HIM OFF, YOU PATHETIC WIMPS!

They both speak together. Phantom scoffs and looks back at the Egg Yeti and powers up. With a roar he charges the robot and goes right through him, leaving a huge hold in his chest. For a moment, everything was quiet, till sparks started flying and the Egg Yeti exploded.

NOOOOOOOOOO! MY ROBOT! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, G.U.N! JUST YOU WAIT! XAVIER LETS GO, RIGHT NOW!

Growling, Xavier jumps up and grabs onto the Egg hover car and Marshal flies them both off just as the Egg Jets start pulling up to leave. They make it into the back just as the doors close and Phantom scoffs out and lands. The red aurora that surrounded him, disperses and he lets out a sigh. As he stands there everyone comes running over to him, calling out to him. Turning around he was greeted with a punch to the face that sent him flying. He lands in the snow as Crystal and Winter gasp out and skid to a halt.

DON'T YOU EVER FUCKING DO THAT AGAIN, YOU COCK SUCKING BASTARD! IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU, I WOULD NEVER HEAR THE END OF IT FROM YOUR FUCKING SISTER!

Armada stands there panting from the exertion. Phantom groans and rubs his right cheek and chuckles.

Damn, that hurt. Geez Armada, did you have to…

Phantom looked up at Armada and he could see he wasn't too happy right now as tears filled his eyes. Not with the fact of the stupid thing he pulled but the fact he thought he had lost his soon-to-be brother-in-law.

HOW FUCKING STUPID CAN YOU BE, PHANTOM!? IF I...IF WE LOST YOU, DO YOU KNOW HOW THAT WOULD TARE ALICE APART INSIDE!? HOW IT WOULD TEAR ME APART!?

Phantom sat there in the snow looking up at him. It was rare for him to show any kind of emotion when on the field or missions. Letting out a sigh, he rubs his cheek once more and stands up. He knew that Armada was right. It would tear both of them up. All three had a very strong connection with one another. They were the best of friends and he knew it would kill both his little sister and best friend up inside if he was lost. Even if it was for the greater good. Letting out another sigh, he walks over to him and pulls him into a hug. For a moment, Armada was taken aback but he soon wraps his arms around him, hugging him back crying.

You…You, stupid...fucking...Bastard!

I know. I know. I'm sorry, Sasha. Truly I am. Trust me, you know I'm a hard wolf to take down. But you best buck up before the others see you, you know given the chance they will never let you live it down.

Y-yeah I know. I know.

Armada pushes him away and regains his composer just as someone, an Otter, comes running over to them calling out.

CRYSTAL! CRYSTAL!

Huh? Noah!? Noah, what is it? What's wrong?

The one named Noah pants as he stops and tells her.

It's...It's the Badkins, Ma'am! Whatever is left of them, they're pulling out and leaving! WE WON!

All around them, the others on Crystal's team and Armadas yell out with joy. Even Crystal was overjoyed as Noah went on.

But Ma'am, there's more.

What is it?

We have a lot of men and women hurt, we even lost some as well. But miss...ah...Sir…

He looks to Armada and rubs his hands together and folds his ears flat against his head to the point it looks as if he didn't have any as he closes his eyes.

Sir...it's the bear...the...the one from your team...he's…

No...GRIZZ!? WHERE IS HE!? TAKE HIM TO ME RIGHT NOW!

Nodding, Noah takes him to where he last saw Grizz. They hurried and they could see a group of people standing around. As they approached, they could hear yelling, as they stood back and made an opening as someone went flying and skidded to a halt at their feet. They look down at him and back up and Armada could see Rainna fighting off several men as they try to hold her down.

NO! GET AWAY FROM HIM YOU BASTARDS! GET AWAY FROM HIM!

Please! We're trying to HELP him! Someone hold her down now!

We're trying but…

As someone speaks, Rainna, headbutt them making them wince out as she throws the other guy off her. She tries yet again to make it to Grizz, but several more jump her. Armada and Crystal help the guy up as he groans.

Damn the girl has a mean right hook.

Tell me what happened! Now!

The guy looks up at Crystal then over at Armada and sighs.

The bear was badly hit during the battle.

WHAT!? No, Grizz!

Phantom and Armada look at one another as they all go running to where Rainna was at as the guy keeps explaining things.

That hyena fought off everything and one trying to protect him. And she is still trying to fight everyone off to keep them from getting near him. But the thing is, she hurt badly herself. She refuses to let anyone near the bear. We don't know what to do. If we don't get either of them help soon, they're going to die. We have tried to get near her to sedate her but she is on high alert right now and going a mile a minute.

As they were near, everyone had finally given up trying to hold Rainna down. Armada and Phantom stop and look at her as she lay over Grizz's body crying. From where he was he could see he was in extremely bad shape.

Armada, we need to try and do something. If we don't we will lose them both.

I know. But what can we do? If what the kid said is true, then she will be on high alert right now. And you know how she is when she is like that. Remember last time? Nearly six years ago?

How can I forget? I still have the scar from last time, but we need to do something fast.

Alright, I'll try to talk to her. Get me a sedative now and I'll see what I can do.

Nodding, Crystal goes over and talks with one of her medics and comes back and hands it to him.

Do you truly think you can do it, Armada?

Yes, she'll listen to me. I know it.

Nodding, she hands it over and he takes it with a nod. Walking slowly over to Rainna he clears his throat and calls out to her gently.

Rainna? Rainna, it's me, Sasha.

S-Sasha?!

Rainna looks up at him as if she was seeing him for the very first time, tears spill over as he remembered that look from six years ago. It ended up haunting him for a good three months when she lost her eldest sister during a war against Eggman.

Yeah, it's me. Come one now. We need to let Crystal's men do their job. They're going to help Grizz. I promise.

He tells her gently as he slowly moves closer to them. She sees this and snarls at him, warning him off. He stops and holds up his hands, making sure to keep the needle hidden showing that he meant no harm to her.

Easy now, I know how much Grizz means to you. But if you don't let them help, he will die, Rainna.

N-no...I won't let you or anyone near him. He NEEDS me, Sasha.

I know, but right now he needs help. I heard what happened, and I for one couldn't be prouder of you, Rainna. You protected him, and now your job is done. You're both hurt badly and if we don't get both of you the help you need, you will die. You and Grizz both.

W-what does it matter!? HUH?! HE'S ALREADY DEAD! MY BOYFRIEND IS ALREADY DEAD! HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WHO IS DEAD!?

He's not dead, Rainna. At least...

Roaring, Rainna jumps at Armada and swipes her claws at him. He jumps back as she swings again, and again she misses. Growling he tries to reason with her again.

RAINNA STAND DOWN RIGHT NOW! THAT IS AN ORDER FROM YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER! GRIZZ IS NOT DEAD, HE IS ONLY OUT COLD DUE TO HIS INJURIES!

Growling, Rainna eyes him closely and gets ready to attack again. Growling, Armada looks at her closely and watches her movements. He could see numerous gashes and bullet holes in her. Her vest was damaged and it looked as if the bullets from the Badkins guns had pierced right through it. Yet she somehow managed to survive the attack. He wasn't sure how but then again, she was a tough cookie. With little else to do, he holds his ground and lets her attack him. She goes running at him, and swings her claws at him and at the last second, he grabs her wrist, turns her around, and holds her close as she struggles to break free from his hold. She growls and roars trying to break free, her rage and anger taking their full effect on her. She claws at his arms as he holds her, leaving deep gashes on them. They bleed out as he hisses, but doesn't let go.

CALM DOWN, RAINNA! IT'S ME SASHA! YOU KNOW ME! I WOULD NEVER LET ANYONE HURT YOU! NOW TRY TO RELAX!

LET ME GO RIGHT NOW! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU! YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS, IVAN! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU FOR TAKING MY SISTER FROM ME YOU MONSTER!

It was then that Armada knew what was going on. Rainna was having a relapse from six years ago when Ivan took her sister's life before her eyes. The shock of seeing Grizz in the same state had somehow reached her and brought back those memories. Growling, he knew he had no choice but to fight her. He knew that if he released even one arm to reach for the needle he had in his back pocket, she would rip free of him and attack him. Possibly going for the kill. Growling, he shoves her away hard and pulls out the needle. She stumbles and turns around growling. Foam coated her lips and fangs as a slight hue of red covered her eyes, turning them slightly pink.

Shit! ARMADA, SHE'S GONE RABID!

DON'T THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT, PHANTOM?! TRY AND DISTRACT HER WHY I JUMP HER FROM BEHIND! EVERYONE BACK OFF RIGHT NOW! LET ME AND PHANTOM HANDLE THIS!

OOK OOK! EEK! HOW IN THE WORLD DID THAT HAPPEN!? I THOUGHT YOU COULD ONLY GET RABIES FROM A BITE!

Winter yells out as Rainna takes a swing at her and misses her as she jumps high into the air and flips out of the way, as Crystal tells her as she lands near her.

Normally it's the only way. But I have seen this before. It only happens when a Hyena goes berserk like this. It's rare, and normally a family trait, meaning it needs to be passed on in the gene pool of said family. This tends to happen when they suffer a great amount of stress or loss. It's a rare genetic trait and only happens to like, three in six thousand Hyena families. I guess that Rainna comes from said family line. So if we don't get her sedated, and she bites one of us, it won't be pretty. Because if someone else gets bit it will only take under two minutes before they end up with it, then it will be like the Zombot apocalypse all over again!

Eek Eek! That is bad! We need to do something to help them!

I know but what?

Thinking fast, Winter scoops up a ball of snow just as Rainna jumps at Phantom knocking her back down to the ground. Winter runs over and skids to a halt and turns around and looks over her shoulder, pulls down an eyelid, and smacks her ass.

HEEEEY RAINNA! IF YOU WANT SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH, HOW ABOUT ME INSTEAD!? OOK OOK AH!

Armada and Phantom stand there a bit dumbfounded as they watch Winter.

Cheeky little monkey, isn't she?

You can say that again. Phantom.

Armada tells him. Rainna slowly looks up and growls, as she stands up and charges her. She bares her fangs and readies her claws and goes running after her. Giggling, she throws another snowball at Rainna who swipes at it, and at the last second, Winter jumps up and does a flip, and lands hard on her back, burying her deeply in the snow.

WHY NOT COOL OFF, PUSSYCAT?!

Not wasting a moment, she jumps off Rainna laughing. Winter runs over to Phantom and holds up her tail.

SWING ME, BIG GUY! AS HARD AS YOU CAN! AND GET READY WITH THAT NEEDLE!

Huh? What!? Wait? SWING YOU!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN SWING YOU?!

JUST DO IT YOU BLASTED WOLF!

Phantom was confused about what was going on, but snapping out of it, he takes hold of her tail and does as he was told. He swings her around a few times till she tells him to let her go. He lets her go and she goes flying. She curls into a ball just as Dyson and Olivia run from Rainna who was going after them.

I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU, IVAN! GET BACK HERE YOU BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU FOR TAKING MY SISTER FROM ME! I'LL KILL YOU!

A high pitch whistle sounds off and Rainna stops and looks around and sees Crystal.

OVER HERE, YOU BLOODY HYENA! COME AND GET ME!

Armada sees her and yells out at her.

CRYSTAL ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!

Just get ready with that needle, Armada! Trust me!

Growling, Rainna heads her way but at the last second, Crystal ducks down into the snow and sides on her belly and out of the way as Winter hits her hard in the gut and sends her flying. She grunts and is sent flying. She lands in the snow once again as Crystal comes to a halt and yells at Armada.

Do it now!

Crystal yells at him and not wasting a moment more, Armada runs to Rainna and stabs her in the neck, and pushes down on the plunger, injecting her with the sedative. It worked within moments and she was sleeping soundly. Letting out a sigh. He stands up and hands the needle off to Crystal and picks up Rainna bridal style and starts walking off to the medic team. As he does, he passes Winter who looks out of it and laughs, shaking his head.

Thanks, Winter.

Ooook...Ooooh...yeah...no problem...I'm just...ook...night night…

Winter falls back into the snow, passed out from how dizzy she was as Phantom catches up to him.

Is she…

She's fine. Thanks to Winter.

That's good. But will she make it?

I think so. Remember we've seen this happen one other time, back when she was only seventeen and she lost her older sister.

Yeah, I remember. This is the second time now this has happened, and I know she will pull through it. Right now I'm more worried about Grizz. He looked half dead already.

Yeah, I saw it too. I don't blame her for going rabid like that. I truly don't.

Same.

Armada passes Rainna off to a couple of Medical staff and they take her and put her and Grizz in the back of a truck and start driving off. Everyone else hangs around awaiting medical treatment. Armada made sure that his men and women were alright, and made sure they got help if they needed it. Crystal and her team were more than happy to help. As everything finally settles down, Crystal, and Winter, stand with Armada and Phantom as they watch the rest get ready to leave.

Well, this was sure one hell of a day, wasn't it?

I'll say, Crystal. But what surprised me, even more, was you Phantom.

How so, Armada?

Phantom looks at him and folds his arms.

What was that back there? You took on the Egg Yeti as if it was nothing more than a TOOTHPICK!

Oh right! With everything going on, I nearly forgot! Look at this!

Phantom pulls out the Emerald and everyone gasps. It glowed a bright red as Phantom held it. Winter reaches over to it and smiles.

Ook Ook. It's warm. Like a blanket fresh from the dryer. Could I hold it, please?!

Winter looks at him longingly and Phantom chuckles letting her have it. At once she hugs it purring out.

Ook, OOk… It reminds me of when mama used to hold me during the coldest of winter nights! Oh, how I miss her!

A tear escapes as she looks up at him with her green eyes, and holds it out for all to see.

Thank you, Phantom.

But of course, Winter.

But what is it? I mean it LOOKS like a Chaos Emerald, but it's a lot bigger than one.

Crystal asks in bewilderment.

If I had to guess, it's a Super Emerald.

A Super Emerald?!

Everyone looks at Phantom and nods.

Yes. They're much like the Chaos Emeralds but as you can see, bigger. It is said they hold the same amount of power as the Chaos Emeralds, if not more. So I am guessing it has the same new power as its smaller counterpart does.

Is this what Legen wants?

I'm not sure. But we best hold onto it for now and tell him. Right now we need to get things cleaned up around here. Armada, you and your team are welcome back to our hideout to rest and recover and wait out the...wait? When did the blizzard stop?

Crystal looks up at the sky just now noticing it had stopped.

Not sure. But let's be thankful. Come on, we should get going.

Armada states as they all leave to get the next truck and head out.

Monroe Cabin Mansion… the next day..1435...Risa Arrival…

Risa had been driving all night with only one stop to rest along the way. She was finally now nearing Eris' home and pulled up with one other G.U.N truck from the Shining Star G.U.N Base. As she drives up to the main house, she stops and gets out and the other nine follow her. She walks up to the door and gets ready to knock on it when someone opens it and is surprised by them.

Hello?

Umm...hi?

Can I help you with something?

Risa stands there a bit confused about who this person was before her. Before her was a Grolar bear who looked as confused as she did right now.

Is there something you need miss?

He asks and she snaps out of it.

Ah, yes, right... AHEM... I'm General Risa Gremory. I'm here to see Eris.

Eris huh?

The grolar bear cocks an eyebrow and folds his arms looking at Risa.

Why are you looking for my girl?

I've come to check up on her and see how she is doing.

And I should care why?

Risa looks at him slightly tilting her head as she tries to figure out why she had to answer to this bear of all people. Scoffing out, she takes on a more demanding approach.

Listen, Mr. Bear. I am General Risa Gremory of G.U.N, and I demand that you get me Staff Sergeant Monroe right now before I am forced to use force.

The men who had followed her took on a more serious stance and got ready to force at Risa's command. But before she could give it, someone called out.

Birch, are you still here, baby?

Scoffing, he answers them.

Yeah, I'm still here but you have someone here that is demanding to see you.

Who is it?

Someone from G.U.N named Risa or something.

General Risa?!

The person comes over in a hurry and upon seeing Risa, she bares her fangs and growls as she folds her arms, and her ears back, not too happy at seeing Risa on her doorstep right now.

What the hell are you doing here, Risa?

E-Eris. AHEM… Hello, it's good to see you again.

I wish the feeling was mutual. Now leave and don't come back. I no longer work for G.U.N. as you know, since after all, you've allowed me to leave to join this year's WGP. So I have nothing to say to you.

Eris I only came to…

Eris pushes past Birch, holds the door, and narrows her eyes.

To WHAT Risa? Huh?! WHAT DID YOU COME TO DO YOU ALREADY HAVEN'T YOU BACKSTABBING BITCH!

Watch your mouth right now, Staff Sergeant Monroe, or we will contain you.

I like to see you try, FLEABAG!

Eris bars her fangs and snarls at the guy who had stepped in.

I can tell that you are nowhere near the level I am at, PUP! And even IF you could contain me you would be going against my rights as a civilian right now. I no longer work for G.U.N therefore I no longer have to listen to you or this bitch! Not to say you are speaking to someone who outranks you, so you best watch it before I put you in your place, PRIVATE.

Alright now. Enough.

But Ma'am Risa…

I said enough. Miss Monroe is right. I know you were only doing your job, but she does outrank you, and should you try something like detaining her, you would be going against her rights as a civilian. She has done nothing wrong and has every right to tell us to leave.

Yes, Ma'am.

The guy nods and steps back. Risa lets out a sigh and looks at Eris once more.

Listen, I know you are not too happy with me, but I only came to check on you and the others, to make sure everything is going alright.

Like you would care after what you've done to me.

I deserve that. I get it. I betrayed you and your trust and broke the bond between us. I don't blame you in the least. I am sorry, Eris. Truly I am, but it was Maxwell's…

At hearing her father's name she growls and yells at Risa.

YOU HAVE NO RIGHT SAYING HIS NAME YOU FUCKING TRAITOROUS BITCH! NO RIGHT AT ALL! I ALL BUT DISOWNED YOU AS FAMILY TO ME THE MOMENT YOU TOLD ME WHAT HAPPENED! NOW I AM GOING TO ASK YOU ONE LAST TIME TO FUCKING LEAVE RIGHT NOW BEFORE I USE FORCE TO MAKE YOU ALL LEAVE, AND NOT EVEN THE CHILD YOU CARRY WILL STOP ME FROM USING FORCE, GENERAL RISA GREMORY! NOW LEAVE AND DON'T EVER SHOW YOURSELF AGAIN TO ME! I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME? NOTHING!

Tears of anger fill Eris' eyes as she looks at Risa. Risa stands there as she tries to figure out what to say but couldn't say much of anything.

But...Eris…

I SAID LEAVE!

Eris yells at her as she shoves Risa back again and again till she is near the edge of the steps.

GO! GET OUT OF HERE, AND DON'T EVER COME BACK OR I'LL FILE A REPORT AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN NEVER SET EVEN TEN STEPS NEAR ME!

Eris pulls back her arm and balls up her fist and is about ready to hit her when two of the soldiers grab hold of her and hold her back.

That is enough out of you, miss Monroe! Stand down right now.

HEY! LET HER GO RIGHT NOW!

Seeing Eris in trouble, Birch hurries over and tries to throw them off her, but he is contained by two more and starts struggling to break free of their hold.

LET ME GO!

Sorry, but we will have none of that, Mr. Bear!

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF WHO I AM?!

No, and we don't care, now stand down!

As Birch struggles to get the two soldiers off him as Eris starts yelling and screaming. Tears of rage and hatred fill her eyes as she tries to get to Risa.

LET ME GO! LET ME GO RIGHT NOW YOU PIGS! YOU FILTH! GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME RIGHT NOW BEFORE I MAKE YOU SORRY!

The soldiers hold her back as one of them holds up the butt end of his gun getting ready to hit her in the back of the head. Risa yells out a moment too late when she realizes what was going on.

NO DON'T!

GAAH!

Eris screams out in pain and falls to the ground out cold. Birch roars and, with a mighty heave, he manages to throw the two holding him off of him, as he swings at one of the soldiers holding Eris and sends him flying. He goes flying right into one of the trucks with such force that it tips over onto two wheels and comes back down with a loud bang, as the guy he hit moans out and falls to the ground, leaving a dent in the side of the truck, leaving the guy knocked out cold. The one who had hit Eris with his gun, looked over and was about to do the same to Birch, but Birch was faster as he pulled his fist back and got ready to punch him, but as he did one of the others stood in front of him, and took it. He and his friend went flying back. He was about to turn around, but he was attacked from behind and hit in the head with the butt of someone's gun. Grunting he falls on his hands and knees as the two others come over and start to kick him. Risa tries to step in and stop them, but she is shoved back as all three attack him. As they do, Eris starts to come back around, and one of the others sees this, and then raises their gun, and they end up hitting her again with the butt of his gun several more times. He was about to do it once again when someone grabbed it and held it in place. Wondering what was going on, the guy looked over his shoulder, getting ready to yell at who it was when he was met with dark amethyst eyes, shutting him up right away with the foreboding he was getting from them.

That is enough out of you. I think you've made your point, now I'm going to make MINE.

The person before him was a Craven and a very pissed-off Craven. He yanks the gun out of his hands and throws it to the side and punches the guy, making him stumble back as he holds his nose. The others who were attacking Birch look up as they see him take off his glasses, place them in his vest pocket, and start to unbutton the cuffs to his shirt and roll the sleeves up.

Birch, are you alright?

Y-Yeah...Ooh…

Birch moans out as the Craven looks at the three surrounding Birch, and letting out a growl, he attacks them, disarming them, and sends them to the other side of the porch in a heap. They moan out as he looks around and sees Risa. Narrowing his eyes at her he slowly walks over to Eris and kneels and gently brushes a bit of hair from her face. She softly moans out as the Craven looks up at Risa, snarling.

I take it YOUR the one in charge here?

Y-Yes…

And you would be?

R-Risa Gremory. General of the Huckshore G.U.N Base. And you are?

That is none of your concern right now. What is of your concern right now is that you take your men, and LEAVE right now, before I end up truly hurting them, and I am not one for violence normally but I will make an exception, starting with YOU!

The Craven slowly stands up and cracks his knuckles, getting ready for a fight when another voice sounds and cries out when they see Eris.

Eris! Eris are you alright!?

The person looks up at the Craven and growls.

Reggie what happened here?!

I do not know, Skye, all I know is I heard someone yelling and a loud bang, and when I came to check it out, I found her knocked out cold and one of them getting ready to hit her. Birch tried to fend them off it looks like but they got the best of him.

What?!

Skye looked up and around as everyone looked at him. Birch looked a bit worse for wear, but OK for the time being. He looked at the men and saw that they were G.U.N soldiers. Getting worried, he looks over and sees the one soldier who was knocked out cold next to the truck, and as he looks around once again, he finally sees Risa.

General Risa?!

Oh, thank Chaos, SKYE! Am I so glad to see you?

What are you doing here?

Skye asks, annoyed as he stands up and folds his arms. His tails lash behind him as he waits for her to answer him.

I came to check up on you all to see how you were all doing.

And hurting Eris and Birch was "CHECKING" up on us huh?

He air quoted with a huff.

About that. I'm sorry about that. Truly I am! I didn't mean for that to happen! It happened so fast that I barely had time to have them stand down! You nine were out of LINE!

Risa looks at her men who are starting to get up and brush themselves off.

We're sorry Ma'am, but our orders were to make sure that you were protected as a guest at SSC Base.

BUT I NEVER GAVE YOU THE ORDER TO ATTACK HER OR HER BOYFRIEND! I WAS THERE, THEY SAID TO FOLLOW MY ORDERS WHILE YOU WERE WITH ME! AND NOT ONCE DID I SAY TO ATTACK HER!

More than anything, Risa wanted to rip this moron's head off, literally right off his shoulders for his stupidity and subordination. But she knew she needed to hold her anger back as she looked back at Reggie.

Mr. Craven, please, I ask that you forgive me. It was never my intention to hurt Eris. I just wanted to talk with her, and see how she and the others were doing for the upcoming WGP. I wanted to see how Skye and Shadow…

SHADOW!?

Reggie growls darkly at hearing Shadow's name and he takes a step forward.

Y-yes, Shadow. Is he here? I could speak with him and…

I suggest that you take your mean and leave. This will be your last warning to do so. If you do not, as I said I am not one to fight, but I will if I have to and you and your men will not make it out without some broken bones. Now begone. Skye, help Birch inside right now, I'll get Eris.

Risa starts to panic as Skye helps Birch up and starts to lead him inside. Reggie kneels to Eris and gets ready to pick her up when Risa speaks.

Now hold on, I came here to check up on you all, and I demand to know what is going on around here right now!

Becoming increasingly annoyed, Reggie stands slowly back up and walks over to Risa, grabs her by the neck, squeezes it hard, and shoves her right up against the pillar lifting her right up off the porch floor. She struggles to get his hand away from her as she could feel her airways being closed off, surprising her about how he could even pick her up when she was bigger than him, and possibly weighed more than him. He growls low and deadly as he gets right in her face till they are nose to beak.

I'm warning you right now, and for the last time to leave before, I hurt you all good. You are not welcome here at all. And after this attack, I'll see to it PERSONALLY that a restraining order is put on you saber-fang. I don't know who you are, and I don't care, but you had no right coming here and upsetting Miss Monroe. Now begone!

But…

Risa manages to squeak out but Reggie hisses at her as he makes his point clear.

Leave.

Reggie tells her in such a tone, it could cut right through ice. He lets go of her and she falls to the floor, coughing and rubbing at her neck as she takes in air. A couple of men come running over to her and help her up as Reggie turns around and gently picks up Eris and starts to head inside when Risa speaks.

I just…just want to… talk with Shadow and...

I SAID LEAVE! NOW! IF YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU, THEN LEAVE!

What is going on out here? I was coming inside to...ERIS!? Eris what happened?! What? Genera Risa?! What is going on around here, Reggie?!

Someone runs over to Reggie and checks Eris over when Risa speaks, sounding relieved. Swallowing, she speaks to them.

JAX! Oh, thank the Chaos, someone who is willing to listen to me.

What did you do to her, Risa?!

ME?! I didn't do anything to her. My men fell out of line and attacked her.

WHAT!?

Jax looks around at her men and sees that they're a bit roughed up. He looks at Reggie and could see he was highly upset when Birch walks back out growling softly catching his attention and he asks him what happened.

Birch, is it true?

Yeah. Eris told Risa to leave, but she wouldn't, and she got physical with her, and they attacked her with their guns. I tried to help her, but they attacked me as well. Reggie has told her several times to leave but she refuses to do so.

Birch growls as Jax hums out as he looks at Risa.

What are you even doing here, Risa?

I came to see how you were all getting along, I had hoped to talk to you, Skye, and Shadow. But when this Bear…

His name is Birch.

He tells her.

Right, well, when Birch saw Eris getting attacked, he attacked back trying to protect her.

I see.

Jax hums as Birch looks at him. Jax narrows his eyes and nods at him. Scoffing out, he goes over to Eris to take her from Reggie but he gives him a look that said if he tried to take her from him, he would regret it. Nodding he stands next to him and folds his arms as Jax goes on.

I suggest you leave now Risa. This will be the last time any one of us asks you. Eris doesn't want anything to do with you. Birch is pissed off at you for attacking his girlfriend, and Reggie, well I may have only known the guy for a short time, but something tells me he hardly gets pissed off, but being pissed right now is not a good thing, and after hearing this, I'm not too happy myself. Now get lost. Because if you're not gone in the next five minutes, I'll see to it myself that you are gone. I don't care if you outrank me or not I will not have you or your men attacking my team for no reason.

Jax scoffs, turns on his heels, and starts to head back inside with Birch. As they enter, the house Reggie looks at Risa one last time and turns around, and walks inside with Eris. But he stops at the door and glances over his shoulder and speaks for the last time.

As for Shadow. He is no longer with us. Eris kicked him off the team and her property for attacking Birch and nearly killing him. She wasn't going to have that murderous hedgehog on her property or her team. If you wish to find him, then head to Crystal Cove City. He's out there someplace.

With that, he heads inside and just as Skye was about to close the door he glares at Risa.

Also, tell him I want my dog back. I think he changed his programming so that he will listen to him. Eris was right. Eris has always been right. Shadow CAN'T be trusted. He's nothing but a Monster.

With that, he closes the door behind him leaving Risa alone. She stands for a few moments till she growls and turns around and leaves, as she does she looks at one of her men who were close by and punches him. He goes flying back and hits the same truck the other guy did and lands next to his friend. He groans and rubs his chin as she yells out.

PICK THEM THE HELL UP AND LET'S LEAVE RIGHT NOW! YOU NINE WILL HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO WHEN WE GET BACK!

The others help their friends up and they all get into the trucks and leave. Back inside, Reggie was just walking into Eris' room and laying her down when Skye and Birch walked in.

Where's Jax?

He asks without looking up as he gently lays Eris down on her bed and pulls a blanket up over her.

He said he had some things to take care of and was getting ready to leave.

Very well. Birch, go down and make an Ice Pack for Eris.

I wish to…

I SAID GO DOWN RIGHT NOW AND MAKE AN ICE PACK FOR HER!

Reggie yells at him, and with a growl, Birch turns around and leaves to go make one. Skye remains in the room. Both he and Reggie were quiet for a long time when Birch finally comes back with an Ice Pack for her.

Reggie, what are we going to do now?

Skye asks him.

We stick to the plan. Skye once Jax comes back, have him watch over Eris while you and River get working on the Armor for the Phoenix. Birch, you and I will head for Angel Island and to Sandopolis and look for the Phoenix. Have you had a chance to talk with your friends and bring them to our side?

No not yet, I was about to leave when Risa came.

Then head out and do that now, I'll stay with Eris for the time being.

But I wish to stay here with her.

Growling, Reggie looks up and over at Birch as his eyes narrow into deadly slits.

Are you defying a direct order from me, Birch?

Reggie asks him, becoming annoyed with him. Birch gulps and looks away with a fold of his ear and answers him.

N-no…

I hope not. Remember your place, BEAR, and where you stand, do you understand me?

Y-yes, Reggie.

That's DARK Knight Reggie to you…BEAR! Remember, I now outrank you and am Eris' right hand.

Y-Yes…Dark Knight Reggie.

Good. Now both of you leave, I wish to be alone with her Majesty for the time being.

Nodding they leave him and Eris alone. The moment the door closes, Reggie lets out a sigh and relaxes.

Oh, my beloved, what are we to do with them?

He asks her with a shake of his head. With another sigh, he sits back and pulls out a small pocketbook called The Goldfinch and starts reading for a bit. After a few minutes of reading, he looked up sensing something was wrong. He closes his book and looks over at Eris and hums. After a moment, his eyes widen and he sees her twitching, and he takes hold of her hand and closes his eyes, and enters her mind…

Inside of Eris' mind…

As Reggie enters her mind he looks around and all he could see was darkness, humming, he walks off making sure to keep his guard up. He knew something was off but he wasn't sure as of yet. But as he nears the center of Eris' subconscious he could see light up ahead and he heads for it. As he nears he hears a voice and he hurries to see what was going on. Upon reaching the heart of Eris' mind he comes to a halt and gasps as he watches Trinity battling someone.

GIVE IT UP TRINITY! YOU WON'T WIN! I WON'T LET YOU HARM HER ANYMORE!

Trinity laughs, as she stands on the other side of what looked to be some kind of arena, and in the middle of it was a cage of some sort, and in it looked to be a young girl around the age of twelve or thirteen chained up and hurt. She held her knees up to herself as she cried. The clothing she was wearing was torn and ragged. He looked back over at Trinity watching her.

Oh, please, Black Ember, I've already won, the girl is mine. In just a few more weeks, if not sooner, I will have full control of her mind, and body, and once the Blood Moon rises in a few months, I'll be able to leave this body behind as nothing more than an empty husk of its former self. AH HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAA!

NOT IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT YOU WON'T!

Black Ember roars out as she jumps into the air and sends an energy blast at Trinity. Trinity sees it and moves out of the way at the last second laughing. Growling, Black Ember flies after her, with her claws at the ready, and attacks her, but Trinity blocks her attacks back by kicking her in her midsection. She's sent flying back and she hits an invisible wall. Black Ember grunts and holds her midsection as Trinity rushes over and aims her claws at her getting ready to claw her but at the last second Black Ember ducks down and rams into her forcing her to back off for a moment giving her enough time to send a roundhouse kick at her and send her flying. In the shadows Reggie watches on, knowing that Trinity had this. As he watches on, Trinity manages to get a good hit in, knocking Black Ember from the air. She hits the ground and grunts as Trinity floats there smiling down at her.

GIVE UP NOW BLACK EMBER! I WON'T LET YOU TAKE ME DOWN SO EASILY! SO GIVE UP! I WILL BE RID OF THE GIRL AND THEN NOTHING WILL STOP ME! AH HAHAHAHAHA!

NEVER! I WON'T LET YOU HURT HER AGAIN, TRINITY! I'LL BE DAMNED IF I LET YOU HURT HER AGAIN! SHE LOST SO MUCH BEFORE BECAUSE OF YOU AND HAD TO DO THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE BECAUSE OF YOU, AND I'LL BE DAMNED IF I ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN A SECOND TIME!

Wait?... Again?

A weak voice asks as the girl looks up and crawls over to the cage bars, but as she tries to grab them she is shocked. She screams out in pain and falls to the floor. Upon seeing her Reggie gasps out, she looked so weak as if nearly every ounce of her soul was nearly gone, but there was still some of it there. She looked thin, and her hair was full of rats and knots. She looked like some sort of orphan beggar girl. As Reggie looked closer he could see she was chained up to the floor of the cage and the cuffs around her wrists, neck, and ankles had rubbed the fur down to the skin and the skin was raw and red. As Reggie takes a step forward the girl moans and looks up at him with nearly soulless eyes. She had dark circles under her eyes as if she hadn't slept in days, and they looked sunken in, and the light in them was nearly gone, but there was still some hope left in them. As she sees him, she smiles weakly, and reaches out a hand to him weakly as she whispers…

Reggie...Help...me...please...I just...I just want to go...home...I miss...daddy...I want my...daddy…

A small part of Reggie reached out to the girl, wanting more than anything to help her. To hold her in his arms and protect her. To tell her everything would be alright. He didn't understand why this small part of him wanted to do this. To hold and protect this girl he knew nothing about, but he ignored that thought and looked up and saw that Trinity and Black Ember were now trying to push one another back. They had their hands locked together as they tried to push the other back, but it looked as if they were evenly matched. Growling, he knew he had to do something to help because if this kept up he was sure that Black Ember would overpower Trinity sooner or later, and then the girl would be free and everything would fall apart. Standing there looking between Trinity, Black Ember, and the girl he starts to come up with a plan.

Smiling he slowly walks over to the cage watching Trinity and Black Ember battle on. Black Ember grabs a hold of Trinity's tail and swings her around and sends her flying. She hits the invisible wall and cries out, making Reggie look up in time to see Trinity going after her and aims the heel of her boot into her back, making Trinity cry out once again. But this didn't stop Trinity, she smiles, and as she wraps her tail around her leg and yanks hard on it, she manages to get Black Ember off of her and sends her flying to the ground below. She ricochets off the ground letting out a silent gasp as Trinity pushes off the wall with lightning-fast movements and spins around and aims the heel of her boot at Black Ember and drives her into the ground causing a crater to form. Dust forms just as Reggie reaches the cage and he covers his face and coughs. For a moment or two, everything was quiet as Reggie looked over to try and see what had happened. As he looks over, he sees something moving, and a second later someone goes flying by him and hits one of the pillars. A cracking sound was heard as he looked over to see that it was Trinity.

WHAT?!

ENOUGH TRINITY! STAY DOWN AND LET ME HAVE THE GIRL!

Trinity falls to the ground as the pillar cracks all around and falls over with a loud crash. More dust fills the arena as Black Ember flies over to her, not even noticing Reggie was close to the cage. As she lands she walks over to Trinity who was slowly getting up. She holds her midsection and looks up smiling as Black Ember looks down at her as she readies another attack in her hand.

Give up Trinity, it's over!

Are you so sure about that?

Trinity smiles at her as blood trickles from the side of her mouth, and she gave a weak smile.

Huh?

AAAAAH!

WHAT!?

Black Ember turns around in time to see Reggie taking hold of the girl.

ERIS NO!

Reggie had a tight grip on Eris with his tentacles. They slithered up her body, her arms, and legs and held her in place as she cried out.

H-Help me…

STOP IT REGGIE! THIS ISN'T WHO YOU ARE!

I don't know what you are talking about, but I suggest you stand down right now, and let my Queen up before I end up doing something I will not regret but enjoy ever so much… heh heh heh….

To make sure his point was clear, he lets one of his tentacles move slowly up Eris' legs and under her dress. Black Ember's eyes widen in fear as she looks between her and Trinity, knowing that if she let this happen, it would break Eris' very core and Trinity would be set free. Growling, she pulls back her hand and backs off. Reggie smiles and walks over to Trinity while still holding Eris captive. His tentacles still slowly moved up her legs and under her dress.

Please...Stop Reggie! This isn't YOU! You're not this kind of man! You HAVE to remember who you truly are! Remember who you are, and the bond you have with Eris!

ENOUGH!

Reggie yells out as he lets another of his tentacles wrap around Eris' neck and starts squeezing it slowly making her choke.

Another word out of you, Black Ember, not only will I have my way with her and break the seal that holds my beloved Queen here, but I'll kill her so that she can never again come back to her old body. Her body will be nothing more than an empty husk with no life left in it. So I suggest you shut up right now before...Oh...my...what is this?

Reggie's eyes light up for a moment till a wickedness crosses them. He licks his beak and narrows his eyes till they close as he relishes in the delight at what he found out.

Oh, how delicious. Heh heh heh…

He opens his eyes and looks at Black Ember with a sly smile. Right away Black Ember knew what was going on and clenching her teeth together, she sets about to attack him but as she nears a tentacle smacked her away and sends her flying. She hits the wall once again and cries out as she lands hard on the floor.

N-Nooo...AAAAAH!

Reggie squeezes her neck tighter, choking her. Black Ember looks up and tries to get up, holding her midsection after being hit hard. She looks over wincing in pain.

P-Please...no! Leave her alone, Reggie!

Sorry but it's not going to happen now that I've had a taste heh heh heh…

Reggie, enough now.

Huh?

Reggie looks over his shoulder and sees Trinity struggling to get up. Narrowing his eyes he curses himself for having forgotten about her and turns around and holds out a hand to her. She takes it and he helps her up.

Please forgive me, my Queen, I let myself get out of control. It will not happen again I promise you.

No need to worry, Reggie my love. But I want the girl alive for now. I do not want her fully broken yet.

I understand, then if I could…

Yes?

Reggie releases his hold around Eris' neck, takes hold of Trinity's hand, and kisses it before he steps back and jumps into the air, and looks down at her.

Please hold onto something my Queen, things are about to get a bit shaky.

Trinity braces herself as Reggie calls on his abilities, and the whole place starts to shake. Black Ember cries out as the very subconscious mind of Eris was transformed. Many walls full of twists and turns start forming below everyone as a massive labyrinth was created. Once done he chuckles out darkly as a giant red and black crystal forms right where the cage used to be. It slowly comes up from the ground as Reggie slowly lands and floats over to the crystal, as he places Eris inside of it with his tentacle holding her in place. She struggles and cries out begging for help. Black Ember tries to get up and help her but a tentacle wraps around her leg and slams her back down to the ground.

Sorry, but I am afraid that is enough of you. The girl will stay alive till the time is right, but now she will be even deeper in her subconscious mind thanks to my labyrinth. Once this crystal fully closes, the girl will be trapped and I will send her to the heart of the labyrinth. And I will be placing you at the farthest reaches where you will never find her in time.

Reggie laughs loudly. Black Ember looks up and over at Eris who is now almost fully enclosed in the crystal. As she looks on, the crystal slowly turns into a black and red rose and blooms out.

As the days go on, one of the petals will fall, and once it falls a little bit more of the girl will be in Trinity's control till there is nothing left. But if you manage to save her before the eve of the Blood Red Moon then you may have a chance. A slim chance mind you, but a chance nonetheless. So enjoy trying to find your way to her, especially with all the little traps and more I've placed. AH HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAA!

Reggie picks Black Ember up and the invisible walls of the arena vanish and he throws her to the farthest reaches of the labyrinth. She screams out calling Eris saying she would stop at nothing to find her again. Eris cries out as she looks at Reggie as he flies over to her and chuckles.

As for you, you have nothing to worry about. You will be kept alive and as a bonus instead of freezing you, I'll let you stay fully conscious and watch as Trinity slowly takes over everything and destroys everything you love, and slowly breaks you even more in the process. Now do enjoy your confinement because you will not be leaving any time soon.

Reggie chuckles darkly as the crystal rose fully closes up leaving her to stare on in horror as he casts the rose to the very heart of his labyrinth. As he lands he walks over to Trinity and holds out his hand and she takes it smiling.

You no longer have anything to worry about, my Queen. The girl and Black Ember will not be seeing one another for a long time, there is no way she will be able to find the girl in time, not with all the traps and pets I left behind. By the time she finds her, she will be too weak to even try and break the crystal.

Reggie laughs as Trinity joins in with him. They walk off and into the darkness together…

Angel Island...2330 hours...Sandopolis Zone...Near the old Egyptian Echidna tribe ruins...

A cool night wind blows throughout the desert, cooling things down after a very long and hot day. Up on a hill, a lone figure stands with his arms folded and stairs out across the vast desert and towards the southeast. As he looks on, he looks up at the night sky as millions of stars shine down on him. The moon was nothing more than a sliver in the night sky, getting ready to shy away for tomorrow night as the new moon would start. As he closes his eyes lost in thought, a creature floats over to him and nuzzles him. He chuckles and opens his eyes smiling at the creature. He reaches up to pet him as it purrs and coos out. After a moment he lets his arms rest at his side sighing out as he places one on his hip and he narrows his eyes sensing something. The small creature notices this and coos out worriedly.

Yeah, I know Cyzer, I'm worried as well. Past few nights I've been getting this huge sense of dread befalling me. Like something is about to happen. I get this strange feeling she has finally awoken and will be making her move soon.

Cyzer chirps and coos out speaking his thoughts as several more creatures float over to him and nuzzle up to him.

You would be right about that if it is true. Meaning we don't have a whole lot of time to waste. But so far the beast has yet to even stir awake, that is assuming it is sleeping. I truly am hoping that it is dead. But if she has awoken then she or her followers will be on their way here and we can't let that happen.

Another of the creatures chirps and coos out at him and he looks over and tilts his head at them.

Right, I almost forgot about the lights from the other night, thanks for reminding me, Cregal. I know one was from the Master Emerald but what of that blue one? Could it have been from a Chaos Emerald? But the Chaos Emeralds haven't been seen in years. So if it was one, why did it flare up to life like that? What is the meaning of it all?

Once again, he folds his arms and closes his eyes lost in thought, trying to figure it out. But after a few moments, he lets out a sigh and lets his arms drop as another of the creatures coos out to him. This was getting him nowhere right now. It only brought up more questions needing answers, and answers that had too many questions. Letting out another sigh, he turns around and walks off for home with the creatures following him. As he neared home, he headed right for an old temple and walked inside. He heads down a long corridor as torch lights light up the walls. Shadows played on the walls as he and the creatures walked down the way. As they near the end, they come upon a huge room, and right in the middle of it was the Black Arms Phoenix, sleeping. Or so he thought it was. Personally, he felt it was dead, but even then that wouldn't stop the Black Queen from trying to retrieve it. As he nears it and walks up a long set of stone stairs, he could see someone up top near the Phoenix. Smiling, he quietly tells the others to keep quiet as he slowly and ever so quietly sneaks up on them. Their ears twitch as they type away at a tablet not noticing him or the others sneaking up on them. The person before them was a cat, her fur was a soft spring green, with darker green markings, she had soft silky blond hair that was pulled back into a ponytail, and she wore a brown vest with a pink tank top, and Khakis, dark, and light brown hiking boots, and he knew when she turned around she had silver round glasses on with bright sparkling blue eyes that where behind them. Chuckling softly he comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her, and nuzzles her, making her gasp out surprised.

HEY!? ECLIPSE!? You scared me, you big goof!

The woman slaps his arm as Eclipse chuckles. He nuzzles her once again, kissing her cheek as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Sorry, I couldn't resist, Veronica. You were so lost in what you were doing I just had to. Besides, it's your fault for being so lost in thought. I know I taught you to always be watchful of your surroundings, love.

Veronica lets out a deep tired sigh and folds her ears back. Not so much from the gentle scolding, or from being tired, even though she was, but because she was worried about something, and Eclipse caught this right away.

Vee? Vee, what's wrong?

It's...It's the Phoenix.

What do you mean it's the Phoenix?

Letting out another sigh, Veronica removes herself from Eclipse and turns around to look at him, holding herself.

I woke up from a dream, sensing something was off. When I went to roll over, I saw that you were gone, and I got worried. I asked the young-lings if they saw you and they said they didn't. So I got dressed to come to look for you, and this was the first place we looked only to see that you were not there. I was about to leave and look for you up on the hill when...I don't know. It was like I felt something was off. So I came up here to the shrine of the Phoenix and… well LOOK!?

She hands over her tablet and Eclipse types away at it. The young-lings look over Eclipse's shoulder to see what was going on. After a moment, Eclipse looks up at the Phoenix and back down and drops the tablet, and runs over to it, placing his hand on it.

No!? No no no no no! It can't be true!? BUT HOW!? WHEN?! WHY NOW!?

One of the young-lings coos, freaking out. Eclipse looks over at them and then at Veronica who was picking up her tablet.

Are you sure about this, Veronica?!

Yes! I ran the test five times now! I don't think it's dead like we've been hoping!

This isn't good. If that thing wakes up now it will go after the Master Emerald the moment it has enough strength! And if that happens…

Then Angel Island and everyone on it, and even Mobius will be doomed! Eclipse what are we going to do!?

I don't know but I think it could be time for me to come out of hiding.

ECLIPSE NO! If you do that then they will capture you and do who knows what else!? You could be sent to the No Zone prison! Or worse!

I know Veronica, but what choice do I have right now?!

Eclipse walks over to her and rubs her arms as she looks away holding her tablet close knowing he was right.

Vee, we've talked about this. You knew there would come a time when I had to sooner or later show myself. It's a huge risk I know, but if the Phoenix is waking up, then I need to warn Knuckles and the others.

I...I know, but if they find you who knows what will happen? I can't bear the thought of losing you Eclipse!

Veronica looks at him as tears fill her eyes. Letting out a sigh he pulls her into a hug as the young-lings fly over cooing and chirping out.

I know, I don't want to lose you either, Veronica, or the young-lings. But it needs to be done, and you know it.

Sighing, she nods her head knowing he was right. The time had come for them to make their move now. Even if she didn't like it.

I...I understand, Ekies.

Holding her at arm's length he smiles at her. She looks up at him and smiles back as they lean in for a kiss.

So what will we do then?

I'll head to go see Knuckles first. If I can get him to understand then I should have a shot.

But if you walk into his tribe the warriors will attack you.

I know.

Come on, I have an idea that could work.

Veronica leads him away and back to their home she asks him to wait outside as she heads back in. After a bit of time, she comes back out with an Extreme Gear, a set of clothing, and a bag.

Veronica, what is all of this?

I knew this day would be coming, and as much as I hate it, I've been preparing for it. I've made you an Extreme Gear and some clothing to go with it. But that isn't all. Here put this on.

Huh?

She hands him what looked to be a wrist watch and he puts it on.

Now what?

Push the button on the side of it.

OK?

He does as he is told and after a moment, he looks at himself and sees he has changed.

What in the world?! Vee, what did you do to me?

Veronica chuckles and smiles.

It's holographic skin that looks, acts, and feels real. It's only a prototype right now, but I've been working on the kinks for the last few days and feel it is ready for a field test. It will hide the fact that you're a Black Arms Darkling and should keep you safe. It's weather and waterproof, so it shouldn't fail.

Eclipse looks at himself again and looks back at her, folding his arms and raising an eyebrow at her.

A... Hedgehog?

She giggles and nods. Eclipse was now a dark gray hedgehog with bright red hair, sapphire blue eyes, and dark tank arms, muzzle, and belly.

Yeah, I know it's a little cliche. But that is not all, I put in four other Mobian forms as well should a Hedgehog not be to your liking. I also added a GPS and mapping system to it as well, along with a communication chip so we can stay in touch. I packed a bag with clothing, and some money as well. And of course, I have something for the young-lings as well to help hide them. Theirs is a bit smaller but works the same.

The young-lings fly over to her and she places what looked like small stickers. Once they are on, she taps them and their holo skins change them to look like Chao.

Chao, huh? Why not wisps?

Well for one people would find it odd that they're not in wisps containers, and I would think it would cause supposition. Not to say they have never been in containers before and the last thing we want is for them to feel uncomfortable, and at least this way should you need to use them at a moment's notice it will also help.

Good point. Anything else?

Your Extreme Gear is called Bastes Claw. I customized it based on the old Egyptian Echidna lore around here. I made it so that harsh desert and rocky terrain are its specialties. It's a little weaker with water-like terrain and with normal, and smoother terrain it does fairly well...Well at least in theory that is.

In...theory? What do you mean by that?

I've only run simulation tests on it, and not actual field tests so I don't know how it will work. I'm more of an archaeologist than an Extreme Gear specialist. I can and do know the basic mechanics of it all, and did get help from someone in the desert village, but in the end, I could only do so much. I've been working on it for months and I feel it's ready to be fully tested out. But if something happens to it you're on your own. I did put a booklet of my notes and everything in your bag should you need it.

She holds out the Extreme Gear and smiles shyly. Eclipse smiles back at her, and takes it. Looking it over. It was a beautiful jet-black color, with four short curved horns. The middle of it was a ruby red color, and the edges of it were gold, and throughout it in the lowlights of the light coming from their hut, Eclipse could see that there were bits of gold in the ruby color and silver in the black and gold, speckled in making it look as if the stars were placed within the paint itself.

I hope you like it. It took forever to make, not to say get the paint I wanted.

It's beautiful Veronica, I love it.

She smiles at him as he leans in for a kiss. Smiling once again, he heads inside and after about five minutes he comes back out dressed in his new outfit which consisted of, a red tank top, a vest, cargo shorts, boots, and a set of rider goggles that sat on top of his head. Eclipse smiles at her, as Cregal comes out from the back holding something. Both Veronica and Eclipse look at him as Eclipse takes it and gaps out at the same time as Veronica.

Eclipse...is that….

A Chaos Emerald?! Yeah, it is! But how?! Where did you find it, Cregal?

Cregal chirps and coos out saying he found it a few days ago and kept it hidden. Humming out, Eclipse nods and puts it into his backpack nodding at him and giving him a head pat.

Good work, Cregal.

Eclipse, before you go, there is one more thing.

What is it?

Veronica thought for a moment before deciding better of it for the time being and smiled and shook her head.

It's...It's nothing. It can wait.

Are you sure?

Y-yeah. But what about your name?

My name?

Yes. If you use your name people could connect you to who you truly are. And if THAT happens…

Then it could be bad. Right. I'll figure something out along the way for now. Keep watch over everything while I'm gone alright?

Yeah. But are you sure about this? Are you sure now is the time to do this?! I'm just worried and scared that I'll lose you!

Eclipse takes hold of her and rubs her arms, smiling at her.

Don't worry, I'll be fine I promise. I'll call you at least every day to every other day and keep you posted on things. Alright?

A-alright, Ekies.

She smiles at him as a tear escapes her eye. He pulls her close and kisses her, as they young-lings fly over to say their goodbyes as well saying they would help protect him.

You better. And if things get bad, get as far away as possible, OK?

They nod at her as Eclipse smiles at her one last time.

We best get going. If we leave now, then we can make it to Knuckles tribe by morning.

Alright. Bye Eclipse. I love you.

I love you too Vee.

He gives her one last kiss and grabs his bag and runs off with the young-lings close by. He tosses his Gear down and jumps on it and flies off as Veronica places a hand over her midsection as tears fall. She closes her eyes as she thinks to herself.

Why do I get this feeling something bad will happen to him and the young-lings? If something bad does happen to them, I don't know if I can raise our child on our own. Should I have told him before he left? Would it have made a difference if so? No. No, he's right. If the Phoenix is waking up then Knuckles needs to know, and so does the royal family. And till then I'll do my part. I'll give Queen Sally and King Sonic a call in the morning and let them know everything. I just hope everything will be alright. Please you five be safe.

With a heavy sigh, Veronica heads back inside. Meanwhile, Eclipse and the young-lings were flying at top speed. Eclipse had his goggles down to protect his eyes from the sand that was blowing around from the night wind and his riding. As they fly on he thinks about his brother Shadow, and if he was alright. The last time he saw him, he tried to kill him, and all because of the time shift Eris had to do to protect everyone back then...

Back on the main lands…Vandercroft Mansion... 800 hours ...Tanks uncle workshop...

Shadow lets out a heavy tired sigh as he types away at the computer in front of him. Tank was right. Everything in his uncle's workshop was up-to-date and in top working order. He had S-Pup connected to the computer as he tried to get back the corrupted video files. It had taken him three days and he let out another tired sigh as someone walked into the workshop. He doesn't look up, but his left ear moves back at the sound as their footsteps click across the floor. As they come nearer, Shadow closes his eyes and smiles as he smells coffee. Chuckling, he opens his eyes as he sees Bitsy setting down a cup of coffee for him. Taking it he sips at it and smiles.

Thank you, Bitsy.

She giggles smiling.

You're welcome, Shadow. So any luck yet?

No, nothing yet.

He lets out another sigh as he rubs his temples and sets back to work. Bitsy smiles sadly at him and goes over and sits close by on some stacked boxes and brings her knees up to her and holds them watching him. As she sits there, she closes her eyes and sighs deeply. Shadow glances her way, sensing something was up.

What's wrong?

Huh?

She looks up and over at him and smiles sheepishly, letting out a giggle.

Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. It's nothing to worry about. Just a bit tired is all.

Shadow looks at her for a moment and judges her. He knew something was up, but let's it go for now as he goes back to work. They were quiet for a long time till Bitsy once again spoke.

Hey, Shadow?

Yes?

Can I ask you something?

What is it?

He looks over at her, as he takes hold of his coffee cup and leans back in his seat, and looks at her.

How did you meet Skye?

Shadow's ears perk up as he lets out a chuckle.

He was only about five years old when I first met him. He was such a shy and scared little cub. He would sometimes even jump at his own shadow, that was how timid he was. When I first met him, I was visiting Sonic and Sally, and the twins for a few days. I'll never forget it, he took a lot of interest in me the moment he set his eyes on me. This surprised Mina, Tails, and his older sister Melody, since he was so shy, and scared around people. Tails asked me what I did, and I said nothing. That I didn't know why he took a liking to me. The Royal Twins were about the same age, but they found me intimidating and would cry when they saw me, even when I smiled softly at them they would cry. I say hi to them. They'd start crying. But not Skye. Sure at first he was very shy around me, but if I said hi to him, or smiled at him, he would blush and hide behind his mother's legs, or in his father's tails.

Shadow chuckled, remembering. Even Bitsy giggled some as he went on.

There would be times he would wander off, trying to find me, and I nor anyone would know it. He would get lost in the castle as he tried to find me. When some of the maids found him or the castle guards would, he would run from them crying. Scared to death. For someone so small, he could run. I remember when one of the maids found him when I was staying in the castle one year, how he threw such a fit as she tried to take him back to his parents. He was trying to get away from her, but she held on tightly to him as she tried to get him back to Tails and Mina. I was going to ignore it and mind my own business when I heard him cry out. I knew something was wrong and when I went back, I saw the maid holding him by his tails shaking him. I saw blood trickling down his forehead and I knew she had hurt him. I became angry and I attacked her. I sent a kick at her back, forcing her to drop Skye, and send her flying. She went flying as two guards came walking past. She hit the wall as they looked over and saw me standing over Skye, angry. I yelled at them to take hold of her and take her to the holding cells for attacking the son of the royal family's friend. Right away they did so, as I picked Skye up and held him close as several more maids came running. They said they would take him to help him, but I refused to let him go. I wasn't going to let him get hurt anymore by personal I didn't know. I took him to my room and tended to him. He soon woke up and when he saw me he started crying. I held him in my arms as Mina and Tails came in when they heard what happened. When they asked for my side of the story, I told them and I guess things went from there. After that day he wasn't so shy around me. He would always follow me around, it was annoying at times, but he was a stubborn little thing when I tried to send him back to his parents. The face he would make was the cutest thing ever. Let's just say that if looks could kill, he would have killed me ten times over. It was that cute.

Shadow laughs as does Bitsy.

But it wasn't till one day, shortly after he turned six, I was out in the forest when I was attacked. I didn't know he had followed me, in truth no one did. It wasn't till Eggman attacked that I knew he had followed me. It's not like me to not keep a watchful eye on my surroundings like that. But there had been peace for some time and I felt like for once I could just let go, and not watch my surroundings. That was a mistake I would learn never to make again. Eggman attacked me and I engaged in battle. As we battled, his robot shot lasers at me, it hit a bolder, and I heard someone screaming. I looked over and my eyes widened in shock when I saw it was Skye. I was about to go after him when I was blindsided and sent flying. Eggman's robot shot a laser at me, weakening me a great deal. When Eggman saw Skye he went after him. He had his robot grab him and hurt him. When I saw this, something came over me. Something I hadn't felt in years.

What was it, Shadow?

The feeling of protecting someone I cared for. Something I hadn't felt since the loss of my closest friend, and sister, Maria Robotnik. I couldn't protect her back then, but I could protect him. And so with everything left in me, I took off my rings and unleashed my ultimate attack. I used everything left in me and called on my Chaos Blast. It sent Eggman flying, and destroyed his robot in the process. The hand that Skye was in fell to the ground and dropped him.

Was he alright?

Barely. I was in a very bad state after unleashing my attack. I was already weakened from the fight, but using that attack drained nearly every ounce of my strength in me. I slowly walked over to him, fell to my hands and knees, and brought him into my arms. I held him close as I cried for the first time in years. The last time I cried was when I lost Maria. As I held him in my arms, and close to my chest thinking I had lost him, he weakly wrapped his arms around me and called my name, and what he said next will forever be remembered.

What did he say?

Bitsy asks him.

" Big brother, why are you crying?"

When I heard that my eyes widened as the realization hit me of just how much he looked up to me in such a short amount of time.

What did you tell him?

The truth. I told him I thought I had lost him. But he said that he was right there, and he would always be there. Ever since then, we have been together. When Tails and the others heard the story, Tails, and Sonic smiled at one another knowing where this was going. Ever since then, Skye has been my sidekick, and dare I say it. My little brother. As the years went on he started to show signs of following in his father's footsteps. I watched him grow and excel in almost everything he did. Even surpassing his father in the mechanical and technical departments. He became the first kid in history to attend high school at only eight years old, and by the time he was twelve, he was taking college courses. When he turned sixteen he finished college. During it all, he even went as far as becoming friends with a sweet young cripple girl that so many would ignore.

What was wrong with her?

She had weak bones due to B.I.D.S.

B.I.D.S?

Yes, it stands for Bone Inefficiency Distorter Syndrome. It's Similar to N.I.D.S. but it attacks the bone marrow weakening someone's blood cells that one needs to survive. It is as rare as N.I.D.S, but unlike N.I.D.S there is a treatment for it. If it is caught in time that is.

Oh, wow. I never knew there was such a sickness like that.

Not many know about it because it's a very rare sickness, like N.I.D.S. Anyway, I watched as they became fast friends. They grew up together, and as I watched their friendship grow over the years it was becoming noticeable he was falling in love with her. He would spend as much time with her as he could, and I was happy and proud of him. But fate had other ideas for their growing love. Skye had been working on a special project for her hoping it would help her. But before he could activate it, her condition became worse. Sadly, when she turned eighteen, a year younger than Skye, she passed away. There was nothing that the doctors could do. He wanted to scrap the project altogether. But I reminded him of her dying wish. Of how she wanted him to use it to help others.

What was the project?

Shadow chuckles and looks at S-Pup.

He's sitting right next to me.

Huh?

Bitsy looks down and starts to giggle.

S-Pup? Really?

Yes, originally he was going to be called Mini G, after Gwen, the girl Skye was in Love with, but before she passed, she said she liked Skye Pup better. So he started to call him S-Pup. It took him a long time to get over the loss of Gina, and the whole time I was always close by should he need me. I knew what it was like to lose someone, so I knew in some way I could help him. But he soon recovered and that's everything.

Have you ever...you know?...fought with him? Like physically? Like...well…

Bitsy looks away and folds her ears back and shuts her eyes, Shadow knew what she meant and lets out a sigh.

Once. He was so angry with himself when he lost Gwen. Not just himself but everyone around him. To the point, he attacked his sister, much like what happened with you and your brother.

Bitsy looks up at him, shocked to hear this. After a moment she rests her head on her knees and goes back to thinking. Taking a sip of his coffee, he sets it down and starts working once again.

So besides coffee and a story was there something else you needed?

Bitsy sighs and lays out on the boxes leaving a leg bent. Shadow knew whatever it was that Bitsy wanted to ask was bothering her. So he let her take her time in telling him. After a moment she brings an arm up and covers her eyes.

I'm scared Shadow.

She says in a whisper that most would have asked to hear once again, but not Shadow. Not with his excellent hearing.

What do you mean scared? Scared of what?

I...I had a dream last night...no… a NIGHTMARE is more like it.

A nightmare?

Shadow looks over at her, stopping what he was doing.

Yes.

Have you told Tank yet?

No, not yet. He's been worrying about me too much of late, and I don't wanna worry him any longer.

So you thought you'd come to me?

Bitsy lifts her head and smiles shyly at him as she sits up and holds her knees once again as S-pup disconnects from the computer and walks over to her, placing his paws up on the boxes. She reaches over to pet him, finding it soothing, even though he didn't have fur like a real dog.

Yeah. I know you have a lot going on, and we only just met a week or so ago. But I know I can trust you. Between you and Tank, I don't have anyone else to turn to right now. I don't know what to do, Shadow.

She sighs as Shadow nods in agreement.

So what's going on?

As you know I've been having nightmares for a while now. But this time was different.

Different? Different how?

Shadow asks her as she sighs and closes her eyes as she tells him.

Well for one it felt so vivid and real that it felt like I was there. I could feel everything around me as if I was awake. As I floated there I could see people, an army.

An army?

Yeah.

She nods, opening her eyes.

Well, two armies I mean. But one side looked to outnumber the other. But that wasn't it. I also saw someone else. A vixen with golden-colored fur, and bright red hair. She was talking with someone. A Liger. I couldn't hear them, but it looked as if they were talking about a girl.

A girl?

Yeah, a young tigress.

Shadow hums out thinking for a moment as Bitsy goes on.

That wasn't it. I also saw Angel Island up in flames.

What?!

Shadow looks at her confused.

What do you mean up in flames?!

I saw a creature coming out of the flames. I think it was a Phoenix of some sort. It attacked the Island with black Flames and then flew off and over the two armies. As it flew I saw something... well someone I should say.

Who?

My...My brother! At least I think it was him! It LOOKED like him. Oh, Shadow, I'm so scared! What if it is him!? I get the feeling that this was another of those premonitions that Carina told us about! She told me that I was some sort of prophet, didn't she? What if she is right? I mean it would explain so much. The way he's been acting, the reason he hit me when he never has before. How he had broken his promise to me. But...it can't be true, right? It was just a nightmare, wasn't it? Please tell me it was!

Bitsy starts becoming upset, as S-pup whines looking over at him. Shadow looks at her and lets out a sigh. He gets up and walks over to her and pulls her into a hug. She clings to him crying. Shadow lets her get it out till she finally pulls back, whipping her eyes and smiling shyly at him. But he could tell she was still upset.

S-Sorry...I just…

Pakhan?

Shadow and Bitsy look up and over to see Tank walking in. He looked worried, and Bitsy only smiled at him.

Is everything alright, Pakhan?

Yeah...everything is fine, Tank.

Bitsy, you know better than to lie to me. I've known you long enough to know when something is...huh?

Just then the computer beeps making them look over. Shadow hurries over to it, and types at the keyboard as it tells him that it was done analyzing the corrupted video files. Tank and Bitsy walk over as he hits play on one of them. The screen turns to static and the video plays, but Shadow could tell that even though it was able to recover the files, they were still bad…

What…do to...me?

Skye?!

Shadow looks at the computer screen as Tank and Bitsy look at one another as S-Pup whines. Humming, Shadow turns up the sound and they keep watching.

Yes,...my sweet...Fox...Boy….

N...NO!?

Fight it…Except…. followers.

N-NO!...

I need….like it.

Won't…. you! Whoever... I won't! Shadow warned…. Meadows!

Oh... you will. You won't... power...Prowers You... followers. You...told. Need... help...Phoenix…

Bitsy gasps out and backs up a tiny bit at hearing about the Phoenix. She places her hands over her mouth trying not to go into hysteria. Tank sees this and he grabs a hold of her, holding her close as they keep watching.

W-What?... No!...Won't...AAH!….NO! YOU WON'T….WHAT... ME!?…YOU... MONSTER!

Do... like?... It….territory….follower... general...eye color…. come. He, he, he.

Won't… this...W-Who….you!?

Oh...manners...Dark Trinity...Princess...Arms...Empire…

NO!? It...It can't be!? I'm... to be the last of my kind! How...WHEN!?

Sh-Shadow...my dream!? You don't think?!

Shadow looks over at her, then back at the screen starting to fear the worst right now. The video keeps playing as they watch.

Strange?...fighting...you...willing…were...Truth….one...far…Generals...more...strange… fighting...hurt? Birch...turned…

NO! NO, IT CAN'T BE TRUE!? IT CAN'T BE! NOT MY BROTHER! ANYONE BUT MY BROTHER! SHADOW!?

Bitsy screams out, starting to go into a full hysteria fit. Tank holds onto her tightly as she holds onto him as she cries.

Intriguing...tails...splitting...intriguing...

W-What...here?! SKYE!?...Wait?

Huh?

Ooo… lookie...Mac.

W-what...on?!...What...Skye? What HAPPENED...?!

Wouldn't...Mac?...Birch...show...little puppy…

Huh?!

Shadow, Tank, and Bitsy watch on as Mac turns around, and before he could say something let alone scream out, Birch attacks him, plunging his claws down and slashing Mac, taking him off guard. He goes flying and lands on the floor as blood starts to pool around him. Seeing what her brother had done, Bitsy stops freaking out and freezes at what she just witnessed.

M...MAC...N...NOOO...GAAH!…You...killed….Noooo…

The video keeps playing as they watch Skye howl in pain as he starts to sub-come to the dark powers of Trinity. They watch as he falls over and curls into the fetal position trying hard to not cry out. But Skye stops moving for a long time and Shadow pauses the video.

Sh...Shadow….he...no he couldn't...have...right? I...He…

Bitsy starts to slump down as Tank catches her. She was now in shock. Unable to process what they all just saw. Shadow pauses the video as even he himself tried to process things of what happened to Skye and Mac just now. Tank, thought in a bit of shock himself, seemed to be the only one still down on Mobius, so to say.

Pakhan…?!

Tank calls out to Shadow who looks over at him. Tank could tell he was in shock right now, but could also tell he was trying to keep it together. Grunting, Tank tells S-pup to do something, and barking, S-pup bites down on Shadow's leg, snapping him out of it. Shadow blinks a few times and looks down at S-pup who let's go whining. Narrowing his eyes into a steely gaze he nods and turns to Tank and Bitsy who looked ready to black out. Growling, he calls on S-pup.

S-Pup Protocol, First-Aid Twenty-Seven. Shock Relief quickly!

Barking, he goes over to Bitsy and Tank Helps her sit down as S-pup brings out what was needed for Bitsy to help calm her down. As he and Tank tended to her Shadow hits play once again to continue watching. He needed to know more. No matter how much it pained them. As the video plays again it had jumped ten minutes in time to where Skye was waking up. He sees Trinity grinning like an evil Cheshire cat as she speaks once again.

Now...do...Skye... I... little toy...hands on...Ivan... I want...rework...Armor...Phoenix... I...lose her again...Robot...big...rework it.

Tell...robot is...

It's... already... Waiting...you...work...

Phoenix...

Island… in... havens...

CHAOS...NO!

It was then and there Bitsy finally snaps out of it and pushes Tank and S-pup out of her way as she stands up.

SHADOW MY NIGHTMARE FROM LAST NIGHT! IF THAT MONSTER WAKES UP ALL OF ANGEL ISLAND WILL BE DOOMED, ALONG WITH MOBIUS!

I KNOW! I KNOW!

Bitsy what are you talking about?! Why didn't you tell me you had another nightmare!?

I...I didn't want to worry you anymore! I came and told Shadow because of what happened at Castaway Cove because he was the only other one I could truly tell!

Bitsy, you know you can tell me anything, I love you, and I want to be there for you!

I know I'm sorry, Tank. Up till now, I didn't think anything of it till we saw the video.

Listen you two, we will deal with all of that later, for now, no matter how hard it is to watch, we need to know more.

They look at him and nod as they watch on.

Leave...everything...me...Princess...need...

Some...time...WGP...starts...So...work...day...night...up...ruse...self...

Understand…

Birch...task...something...

Yes...Princess?...

Make...way...island...havens...locate...Phoenix... Take...with you...help...find it...dot...will blink...closer...it...The...location...Sandopolis...remember...Shadow…...killed…

You...killed it?...thought...sleeping.

Yes...did...I… sleeping... I...calling out... But...anything...I…Phoenix...powerful bond...felt her... awoken…It...dead... I do not know... You're...Reggie...help you...

How...help?

He...raise...dead...

But won't...his….Chaos Emerald...

Yes...would...Chaos Emerald...Winds...should...breath life... unless...find...way there...

What...guarded?

Then...is guarding...kill...Or...force...join us...Do whatever...don't...care! JUST... PHOENIX... NOW!

As...wish...Trinity...leave?

Soon... possible...

What...girls?

Forgot... them... Hmm… Change... our side...

Tank's and Bitsy's eyes widen in shock at what they were hearing as they look at one another.

I've...thinking...time...now... Weasel... Wolf... duck...nice...addition...Change...go...take...you...

A-A-As...wish...Princess…

Good...go…

Birch bows and turns to leave but as he does Trinity calls back to him.

Do...fail...again...Birch...or...punishment...

Y-yes...Majesty...

They watch Birch bows and leave. As the video keeps playing they could hear Trinity talking with Skye.

If I... do this...S-pup's help...

Yes...robotic dog...Call him...

S-PUP!...S-PUP...BOY!

S-Pup whines as he places his paws on the edge of the computer council and Shadow reaches over to pet him.

I know boy, I know. I promise we will get him back.

Strange...comes...out exploring...woods?

Do...can...on own... I...Reggie...going on...

As you wish…

Trinity leaves and walks right past where S-pup was hiding. Shadow, Tank, and Bitsy watch as he starts to leave when Skye sees him.

S-pup...boy...Come...have… What...wrong...

S-pup growls once again at him as Skye reaches out to him and that is when he sees his hand and giggles.

Oops...forgot...that...It's...me…Look.

Skye closes his eyes and within a moment and a bright flash of light, he is the same again. But S-pup wasn't buying it. He growls at Skye once again and starts backing up faster.

S-pup...wrong...boy...It's...Skye...me...I promise...everything...alright...No...scared...

S-pup keeps backing up as Skye moves closer. It wasn't long till he was backed into a corner. Growling, and whining S-pup looks for a way out as Skye gently speaks to him.

Hey...no...worry... Everything...fine...I'm...you boy...I bet...scary... huh...Don't... not...hurt...I... Now...here...fix you...and change... programming...

Growling, S-pup lunges at Skye, snapping at him. Skye growls as he shifts back. And reaches for him once again. Again S-pup growls and snaps at him, warning him off. Skye becomes angry as he growls back at him.

S-pup...stand down...NOW!...An order...If...don't...do...regret!...

Shadow, Tank, and Bitsy watch on as Skye reaches into his pocket and S-pup takes on a defensive stance and gets ready to attack. They watch as Skye pulls out a small remote from his pocket, ready for him, but S-pup was faster and he attacks Skye. He bites down on his arm forcing him to drop the remote. Not missing a beat, they watch S-pup ram into Skye and sent him to the floor, and pounced on the remote. He takes it into his mouth and runs for it. Crushing it in the process. Skye growls as he looks at him yelling out.

S-PUP...HERE...NOW! THAT...ORDER! I AM...CREATOR!...YOU'RE... MASTER!...NOW...BACK HERE!...

Skye yells after him getting up. They Watch as Skye shifts back and twists his tails and flies off after S-Pup. But S-pup was quicker and he rams into some heavy boxes causing them to fall over and right onto Skye. He yells out as S-pup runs right past Birch who was coming back and Skye yells at him.

STOP...HIM...YOU FOOL!...DON'T...LET...WAY!...HURRY!...

Shadow, Tank and Bitsy watch as the cameras shift over to Skye's workshop cameras so they could keep watching. They see Birch turning on a dime as he runs after S-pup. But S-pup was already far ahead. He jumps up into the air and folds his legs under him and uses his boosters to fly off. Birch skids to a halt as Skye comes running out, growling.

" DAMMIT!...WHY...FUCKING…. STOP...HIM...USELESS BEAR!

NOT...FAULT... LITTLE TOY!... IF...USELESS...HERE... IT'S YOU!... YOU...OUTRANK... HAVE...LISTEN...YOU!...BUT...NOT BE...BELITTLED...IT'S...FAULT...LOST...HIM!... SO...DIDN'T…...STOP...YOURSELF!?

WAS...SHUT...DOWN...BUT...BROKE...REMOTE...

AND...FAULT...THAT!?... NOT... MINE?...WASN'T...STUPID FOX!

ENOUGH!...Gone...is only….place...going….

Hedgehog...

Yes...You know...lives right...

Yeah... But... on...own...I...own...mission...do...Pleasing...Trinity and... comes...you…Outrank you... You...place...now...follow...orders...will...place...back...boy...

Fine...you...need...handle... S-pup… know…moron...

Birch growls at him, as he gets right in his face.

WHAT…TO…FACE…FOX!?

Skye only scoffs and brushes past him as he walks over to a crate and the contents that had fallen out, chuckling. He picks up a device and smiles as he turns around and looks right at Birch holding it up.

I… all…useless…moron…

Skye tells him as he narrows his eyes. In his hand was a special item he had been working on. Birch tilts his head wondering what it was.

Wha…that?

A…toy…working on…I call… Skye…Scrambler.

What…do?

As…states… scrambles…video... I managed… one…S-pup…boxes fell…me... So…time…Shadow…data…useless…

Skye tells him with an all-knowing smug look. Birch scoffs and rolls his eyes and folds his arm, shaking his head.

Fine…take…back. You're…useless…look….

Thank…you...

But…will…work?

Yes...will….. Now…have…things….do

After that, the video ends as they all look at one another unaware that someone had come into the shop till one of them spoke.

What did you just see? And what is going on?

Shadow, Tank, and Bitsy look over to see Hunter and Tabitha standing there looking confused. S-pup barks at them greeting them as Shadow looks at them worried.

How... much did you see or hear...just now?

Hunter and Tabitha look at one another and then back as Hunter answers.

I think enough to warrant some answers.

Fuck…

Shadow states, rubbing his temples. The last thing he wanted was to involve them. But he knew sooner or later they would be. Letting out a heavy sigh he tells them everything, and lets them watch the video as well. After a couple of hours, Hunter and Tabitha look at one another shocked at what they had seen.

Please tell me this is some kind of sick JOKE!?

Hunter asks.

I wish it was, Hunter. But it's all true. Whoever Trinity is, she has control over someone right now. I don't know much, other than what the videos have shown, but for a time now I felt something has been wrong of late ever since the day in the Meadows.

Do you know who this other person is?

Maybe? But till I can gather more info I don't want to jump the gun just yet.

A-and poor SKYE! Oh, S-pup I'm so sorry boy!

Tabitha kneels and pets him as he whines.

So what now boss?

Hunter asks as he folds his arms.

I'm not sure. But I need to save Skye!

Shadow growls, as he gets up and grabs his jacket, and starts heading out. But Bitsy stops him, holding him back.

Shadow stop! We need to think this through. We can't just go back there guns-a-blazing! If we do that then we could be turned as well, then what?! We will be of no use to ANYONE if we're turned! I know you are worried and scared for Skye, I am for my brother now that know what is going on! But we HAVE to think this through first!

She is right, Pakhan.

Tank walks over and places his hand on his shoulder. Shadow looks up at him and scoffs, knowing that Bitsy was right. Sighing he looks over at Hunter and Tabitha remembering that they were here.

Why are you two here anyway?

Oh yeah, we forgot for a moment. But we came to bring in Tank's mail. One of the maids said you were back here. But it looks like we finally got the paperwork for the Preliminaries, and I've come to tell you that Dustin got a hold of me and said he wanted to meet for lunch.

When and where?

He didn't say. Said we could pick.

Humming out, Shadow thinks for a moment. After a moment something came to mind.

Carina.

Carina?

Everyone asks.

Yes. Remember she said that she was part of some Order that was expecting this?

Bitsy and Tank's eyes light up remembering.

You're right!

Bitsy states. Nodding, Shadow pulls out his phone, and checks the time, it was now ten am. It would take an hour and a half to get to Castaway Cove Pub and Bar from Tanks' home. He pulls out his wallet and takes out Dustin's card and looks at it. He sees his address on it and hums out. It would take two hours for Dustin to reach Castaway Cove himself. Assuming he was at home right now and not out and about. Nodding he calls Dustin and after the third ring, he picks up.

Hello, Dustin speaking.

Yeah, it's me Shadow.

AH! Mr. Hedgehog, so good to hear from you. What can I do for you on this fine day?

Yes, I was wondering if we could meet up. Tabitha told me what was going on and said you would like to meet for lunch.

Ah, yes, that is right. Well, the invitation was for her and Hunter, only. Due to the situation.

Yes, about that. They are part of my team so whatever you have to say to them, you can say to me and the rest of my team.

Very well then. Where would you like to meet up?

Do you know of Castaway Cove Pub, and Bar?

AH YES! Yes, I do! Oh, it has been AGES since I and the girls have been there. It would be nice to go there. When do you wish to meet up?

Will one pm work for you?...

Castaway Cove Pub and Bar…0100 hours…

And I do believe that's everything. Mr. Hunter, and Miss Kitten, I thank you so much for everything. I'm glad we could come to an understanding on the matter of my brother, and once again, I am so sorry about his behavior. But now if you could excuse us, I do believe that my sweet little Bambi here would like to play for that limited edition Foxy Yum Yum and friends, Calico Calypso, plush. It's the only one she is missing from her Calypso Beach plushie collection.

Wait? What!? I don't know WHAT you are talking about, Dustin.

Bambi folds her arms and scoffs, making him and the others laugh.

Baby doll, it is as obvious as the day turns to night.

Her ears fold back as she blushes a bright red, and smiles sheepishly.

It's that bad huh?

Yes. Now come along. Let us see if we can win it. But first, tell me Mr. Hedgehog…

Shadow if you please.

Very well. Shadow, tell me have you gotten the application yet for the upcoming preliminaries?

We have yes. But I've not looked it over yet. I will when I get home tonight.

EXCELLENT! Then how about I propose an Idea to you?

I'm listening?

Why don't you and the rest of you join me and Team Howling Forest?

With all due respect. I will have to kindly decline. I have my reasons for setting up a team of my own.

And do pray tell what IS the name of your team then? Surely you have one?

Dustin looks at him as Shadow thinks for a moment. He looks to the others, not realizing with so much going on, and what they found out this morning, that it never dawned on him to come up with one and ask the others what they think. Dustin smiles and chuckles as he nods.

I see. So no…

Team Crimson Fang!

Bitsy pipes up. Everyone looks over at her and she smiles shyly and rubs the back of her head.

Team...Crimson...Fang?

Shadow asks her slowly, a bit confused.

S-Sorry...it was the first thing that came to mind.

Shadow hums out thinking, and after a moment when Hunter smiles and adds his two cents.

I like it. Team Crimson Fang. It has a nice ring to it.

I like it as well.

Tabitha says, as Tank nods, and rests his hand on Shadow's shoulder.

I do as well Pakhan. But in the end, the final decision is yours.

Shadow looks up at him and nods, looking back at Dustin.

I guess it's decided then?

Team, Crimson Fang.

Dustin hums, smiling with a small nod.

I like it as well. Well then, Shadow, I do hope to see you and Team Crimson Fang out on the race track. So here is to a new Team and a new friendship in the making.

Dustin holds up his glass as does everyone cheering one another. They finish their drinks, and Dustin takes the girls and heads off to play some games. Once he is gone, Shadow looks over at Bitsy and folds his arms.

What? I said I was sorry!

But that name of all names you could have thought of? You couldn't be more obvious.

Sorry, Shadow. But it truly was the first thing that came to mind. He kind of put us on the spot and...well with everything going on, I know you didn't have a chance to come up with one.

She does have a point, Shadow.

Tabitha states taking a sip of her soda.

If I am, to be honest here, I don't think I would have come up with a better name myself. Other than Team Dark. But that name has been retired since Rouge retired herself, and Omega has been decommissioned and put into the G.U.N weapons vault for safekeeping. So I guess I have no choice but to go with it. Not to say you all seem to like it.

Hey, it's a pretty cool name, I think Bitsy picked a good name for us.

Hunter tells Shadow with a big smile on his face.

Well, I hope you are all ready to reap what you sow and be glad that we're the only ones who know the true meaning behind the name. It was a very bold move of you, Miss Von Roke, and a risky one as well. You should be glad that only VIP members are allowed back here. Had you been in the main dining hall, and someone heard that name, there is no telling who could have heard it. You best hope you are ready to live up to that name now that you've accepted it.

Everyone looks over and sees a gray fox before them. He had on a red silk vest with a white shirt under it, black dress slacks, and black polished dress shoes. Sitting on his nose was a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, and he stood there with his arms folded, looking a bit annoyed. Tank narrows his eyes, and stands up when Shadow places a hand on his arm to settle him down and stands up himself.

And just who might you be?

Shadow asks him, with a fold of his arms, and a raised eyebrow.

I am Delta Hathaway, I am the owner of Castaway Cove Pub and Bar.

I'm…

Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog. I know who you are. Along with Miss Von Roke, Mr. Vandercroft, Mr. Frank, and Miss Swan, I can give a good guess on why you are here right now. So if you could all follow me, we can talk more privately in my office.

Delta turns around and Shadow looks to the rest. They nod and follow him. He leads him down a hallway and past the kitchen when Carina comes out of the kitchen with a tub and a towel on her arm. She gasps out when she sees them.

Tank, Bitsy, Shadow. What are you guys doing here?

We came to see you of course.

Bitsy tells her with a smile.

Me? What for?

We need answers. Something has come up and you are the only one who can answer them.

Shadow tells her, as Delta, clears his throat and shoves Carina aside, glaring at her.

Yes, well, as I stated I can answer any questions you need, Mr. Hedgehog. As for you Carina, don't you have some tables you should be bussing right now? Or do I need to add MORE time to your punishment already?

But?!

Delta folds his arms and glares at her, shutting her up right away. Carina glares back at him, harrumphs and turns around, and starts to walk off when Shadow grabs her arm making her stop.

Shadow?

Carina looks at his hand and then at him, wondering why he had stopped her. Bitsy steps in front of Shadow and taps his shoulder and leans in and whispers to him. He looks at her and hums.

Why are we following him, for? I mean I thought we were here to see Carina, right?

Good point, and you're right. We are here to see her. I don't know who this fox is. But he clearly has some status about him. Let's hear what he has to say.

He tells her as he lets go of Carina's arm and Bitsy stands next to him once more as he addresses Delta.

So tell us, fox, why ARE we following you for?

Letting out a sigh, Delta stops, turns around, and folds his hand on his hip.

Because I am part of the Order Of The Crimson Fang. I can tell you anything and everything you need to know.

And what if we don't believe you?

Shadow asks him, eyeing him, trying to get a read on him. But before he could answer him, Carina stepped in.

He's telling the truth. He too is part of the Order Shadow.

Yes, and so if you need any questions answered…

Carina can answer them for us. Not you.

Excuse me? What?!... Oh no no no… I'm sorry, but Carina is no longer on this mission, not after the stunt she pulled. So if you could just follow me, I can help you with any questions you have.

And I said we're here to see her, not you, fox.

Shadow narrows his eyes, baring his fangs a little bit, showing that he wasn't backing down.

I'm sorry, but it is out of the question. I now have full authority of this mission since she screwed everything up and all but exposed the truth to you before it was time, and all but scaring you away, and the Prophet away.

I have a name you know? You stupid fox.

Bitsy glares at Delta annoyed.

Easy, Bitsy, baby.

Tank tells her, as she scoffs and folds her arm. Shadow shakes his head and looks back at Delta.

You said that it wasn't time for us to know when we were here the last time, so tell me fox, when would have been the right time to tell us?

Soon.

Soon? That is all you have? Is just "SOON"?

Well...yes…

Uh-huh? So you're saying that you don't know WHEN you were going to tell us, only that it would be "SOON" am I right?

Y-Yes…

HOW soon?

I...I don't…

When the preliminaries start?

I…

Or perhaps when the Dark Queen shows herself?

Well…

Or how about when Angel Island ends up in flames? HUH!?

That was the last straw. Delta growls out and yells at Shadow.

I DON'T KNOW ALRIGHT?! I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE RIGHT TIME WOULD BE, DAMMIT!

Shadow only scoffs and smiles a smug as he folds his arms.

Exactly. You don't know when. But Carina did. She was bold enough to tell us even if the time wasn't even right. Giving the rest of us time to think things over. But you, on the other hand, would have more than likely told us when it was too late or when we found out ourselves. Admit it fox, Carina did the right thing by following her gut. So if you don't mind, I think we'll be getting our answers from her.

And I said I could help you. She is not even on this mission anymore as is.

I don't care. I would trust someone willing to risk everything, then wait to be told something from someone at the last second. She was both bold and brave enough to say something to us the first time we were here, unlike YOU…

Shadow gets up in Delta's face and places a finger on his chest.

You would have told us when it was TOO late to do anything or prepare for whatever is going on. And I for one, do not like to be unprepared for things if I can help it.

Delta glares at him as he removes his finger from him. They hold their gaze, till Delta scoffs and backs off, folding his arm and snubbing his nose in the air like some spoiled little kid.

OK, fine, do whatever you want. If you wish to believe her, then fine. I no longer care. As of right now, Carina Demount you are hereby KICKED from the Order Of The Crimson Fang.

WHAT!? YOU CAN'T DO THAT, DELTA! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO DO THAT TO ME!

I CAN AND JUST DID! I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO! I HAVE A HIGHER AUTHORITY THAN YOU DO! AFTER WHAT YOU DID LAST TIME LEGEN PUT ME IN CHARGE! AND IF THE CRIMSON FANG WISHES TO SEEK OUT YOUR HELP, THEN SO BE IT! BUT IF YOU FUCKING SCREW UP AGAIN, DON'T COME CRAWLING BACK! BECAUSE THE ORDER WILL NOT BACK YOU UP AGAIN! YOU FUCKED UP ONE TOO MANY TIMES, DEMOUNT! AND ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

YOU ARE NOT THE LEADER NOR THE BOSS OF ME, DELTA!

AM I? THE LAST TIME I CHECKED I WAS PUT IN CHARGE OF YOU BECAUSE YOU KEPT BEGGING TO DO THIS MISSION! I NEVER WANTED YOU ON MY TEAM BECAUSE I KNEW YOU WOULD SCREW THE FUCK UP!

THEN WHY EVEN LET ME JOIN YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE IF YOU KNEW I WAS SUCH A FUCKING SCREW-UP!?

BECAUSE YOUR MOTHER, ANDRAIA REQUESTED FOR YOU TO JOIN ME! AND I WISH BEYOND HELL THAT I NEVER AGREED TO LET YOU JOIN ME! ALL YOU EVER DO IS SCREW THINGS UP, AND MAKE THINGS WORST! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY SHE EVEN BOTHER TAKING YOU IN TO START WITH!

YOU TAKE THAT BACK, DELTA! IF IT WASN'T FOR HER I WOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE TODAY! I HAD NO ONE, NO FAMILY NO HOME AND YOU KNOW THAT! I WAS LEFT AS AN ORPHAN AND SHE TOOK ME IN WHEN I HAD NO ONE!

AND DO I CARE?! NO! I DON'T! SHE SHOULD HAVE LEFT YOU FOR DEAD! NO! LEGEN SHOULD HAVE FUCKING KILLED YOU WHEN HE HAD A CHANCE!

Everyone looks at Delta shocked at what they were hearing. But none more so than Carina.

YOU JERK! YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I DO THAT LEGEN WOULD NEVER DO THAT!

C-Carina?

Bitsy calls out to her worriedly. She looks over at her and the rest and sniffs.

I lost my family when Robotnik attacked years ago. I was only six. I lost my family and I was placed in an orphanage. It wasn't a very nice orphanage. The people put up a front for the social workers. But when they were not around they treated us badly. They would do things to us. To the little kids, they would lock us in a dark cold room and in a small cage where they let out monsters to attack and scare us. But to the older kids, they did the worst things to them. I had someone who was like a sister to me and many other people. Her name was Talia. She would watch over us and do her best to protect us. I looked up to her. But one day I broke a plate and the cook heard. She knew I would be punished for it, and told me to hide. I did just as the cook came in. He took hold of her and hit her demanding to know what happened. She told him that she dropped a plate, but he wasn't buying it and told her to tell him who had done it. But she refused. She kept hitting her till he had enough and called out saying that if I didn't want to see her punished I was to come out. But she said to stay hidden. I was scared, but I did as she told me to do. The next thing I knew he held her down and started to force himself on her. I didn't know nor understand at the time what was going on, I just knew it was bad. But years later I found out what happened to her was that she was raped. That he was hurting her. Once he was done, he put his pants back on and left. I thought he was gone and came out of hiding only to get caught by him and thrown into the dark room and the cage. When I turned seven, I managed to escape the orphanage and ran for my life, Talia helped out but was caught and beaten, and raped to death. I kept running for my life. I lived out my days in a cave by myself since I couldn't trust anyone, and with good reason. One day I found the Order and I tried to find a way in for food but Legen caught me. He threw me out and told me never to come back. But I did. I kept going back every chance I got. Finding new ways to get in till one day he told me that if I came back he would kill me by throwing me off the Island. I was scared and I didn't go back for days. But hunger got the best of me and as I was trying to find a way in when Andraia found me. When Legen found out he wasn't too happy, but he soon gave in, and Andraia took me in as her daughter. When I told her that Legen was a bad person, because he wanted to throw me off the Island, she smacked him. Andraia has always been there for me. I only found out later that he did that to scare me and that he would NEVER do that to a child.

Delta scoffs and rolls his eyes, folding his eyes.

Why don't you go and cry a river for someone who cares? Because when Amanda found out she was not happy. She said that she even wished she never took you in.

WHAT!? THAT'S A LIE AND YOU KNOW IT!

Are you sure about that? Even Legen and Kayla said they should have never taken you on. That Legen should have thrown you off the Island at the time. hell, even Andraia said she sometimes wishes she never took you in and just left you for dead.

YOU'RE LYING DELTA! MY MOTHER WOULD NEVER SAY THAT ABOUT ME! NEVER!

I WAS THERE WHEN SHE SAID IT! SHE SAID SHE WISH SHE NEVER TOOK YOU IN AND REGRETS IT! ADMIT IT, CARINA, YOU ROYALLY SCREWED UP ENOUGH THAT EVEN YOUR MOTHER WISHED SHE NEVER TOOK YOU IN AND LEFT YOU FOR DEAD!

YOU BASTARD! YOU ASSHOLE! SHE WOULD NEVER WISH THAT ON ME! YOU LYING FUCKING ASSHOLE! YOU PIG! I HATE YOU DELTA! I HATE YOU!

Carina drops the tub she had a hold of and slaps Delta across the face hard enough to make it turn. She balls up her fist as tears start to fill her eyes. He slowly turns around shocked that she would hit him like that. In fact, everyone was a bit shocked. For a moment no one says anything at all as Delta slowly comes to the realization, he took things too far. Carina realizes what she had done and places her hands over her mouth letting out a gasp.

Delta...I…

Get out.

He says in a cold deadlier tone as his eyes harden to narrow slits.

Delta...I'm…

I SAID GET OUT OF HERE YOU STUPID WHORE! GET OUT AND DON'T COME BACK! IF YOU EVER COME BACK HERE AGAIN I'LL CALL SSCPD!

Tears spill over Carina's cheeks as she drops her hands and balls up her fists, and yells at him.

YOU KNOW WHAT, FINE! YOU WANT ME GONE SO BADLY?! THEN FINE! I'M GONE! AND YOU'LL SEE! I'LL SHOW YOU THAT I CAN DO THIS! THAT I'M NOT SOME SCREW-UP! YOU'VE CHANGED DELTA! AND I HATE YOU! WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MY BEST FRIEND I LOVED!?

IF YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED YOU STUPID CUNT, A WAR GOING TO HAPPEN SOON, AND EVERYONE ON MOBIUS IS IN DANGER! I THINK THAT WOULD BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN SOME STUPID WORTHLESS FRIENDSHIP!

Everyone gasps out. Shocked at what they just heard. Carina yells at him once again.

YOU BASTARD! YOU DON'T GET IT! YOU STUPID FUCKING PIG! I HATE YOU AND I WISH WE NEVER BECAME FRIENDS! I WISH LEGEN DID THROW ME OFF THE ISLAND WHEN HE HAD THE CHANCE THAT DAY! THEN I WOULDN'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH YOU AND YOUR FUCKING STUPIDITY! YOU STUPID BRAINLESS PIG!

Carina turns around and pushes past everyone and runs out of the Pub and Bar crying. Shadow and the rest look at him as he growls out and narrows his eyes at them, and yells.

GET OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW! AS OF RIGHT NOW, YOU ARE FORBIDDEN TO EVER SET FOOT IN MY ESTABLISHMENT AGAIN! IF YOU DO I'LL CALL SSCPD ON YOU ALL! NOW GET OUT! GO! LISTEN TO A FUCKING WORTHLESS SCREW-UP FOR ALL I CARE! BUT IN THE END, YOU'LL SEE YOU CHOSE THE WRONG SIDE!

Shadow scoffs and turns around. Tank, Hunter, and the girls move to either side to let him through. They follow him, as Tabitha stops and looks back at Delta shaking her head sadly at him.

She's right. You are clueless. Either you see it, or you are too stupid to notice it. If you see it, you ignore it. And if you don't see it, then you're as stupid as they come, and I don't know if I should feel sorry for you, or smack you again on her behalf and hate you for it.

GET OUT NOW YOU FUCKING BITCH!

Gasping out, her bottom lip quivers, and tears slowly well up in her eyes. She holds them back and nods, turning around, and leaves. Panting, Delta composes himself and heads into the kitchen. The swinging doors hit the walls hard, making the dishwasher jump. The cook looks over his shoulder at his boss and sighs, shaking his head as the rest of the kitchen staff look over from their work at him, clearly sensing that something was wrong.

WHAT MARK!?

Aye said nothing, boss. Nothing at all.

Delta scoffs at him, as he goes over to the counter and takes a couple of tomatoes, and starts cutting them up.

Then get back to work! We're behind! ALL OF YOU RIGHT NOW BEFORE I START DOCKING PAY AND HANDING OUT PINK SLIPS!

Aye, as you wish, sir.

Everyone gets back to work right away, trying their best to work with the tension in the air. For a time everything was quiet and the only sounds were the chopping from Delta, and several others, the sizzling of the meat being cooked, a pot of boiling spaghetti sauce cooked, and the clanking of dishes being washed. But it was clear that Delta was in a foul mood. After a time, Mark says something to break the tension in the air.

You know boss, you should have just told her the truth. We all see it. You care deeply for Carina. But your pride is in the way to let you see it. We get it. Mobius is in danger. But you shouldn't have to push away the only girl you love away like that.

Delta growls out softly as he grabs a couple of carrots and starts cutting them. He was moving so fast it was a surprise he hadn't chopped his fingers off yet, as he clenched his teeth together.

I advise you to keep your mouth shut, Mark. I hired you to cook. Not to make small talk. Especially about my love life. And you're wrong.

Am I?

Mark, was an overly plump Alligator, and he stood there raising an eyebrow at him as he turned around and folds his arms over his plump belly, and taps his foot.

Yes. I never loved her. She was only a means to an end. Nothing but a worthless TOOL to me and the Organization.

Mm-hmm… you say that now, but we know the truth.

Delta slams the knife down on the counter and snarls. He balls up his fists and slowly looks over at Mark, his right eye twitching.

Are you DONE, now Mark?

Mark looked at him for a moment. Knowing he had hit home. Letting out a deep sigh he shakes his head at him, turns back around, and goes back to stirring the sauce for the spaghetti. Letting out a sigh, Delta looks over at the rest who quickly get back to work. Delta goes back to chopping for a time, and once again, everything was quiet. But Mark's words ring in his ears and he becomes more and more annoyed, till he yells out and swings his arms across the countertops, sending everything flying. Prepared food goes flying across the way, as plates fall to the floor breaking, and silverware clatters. But he doesn't stop there. In his rage, he starts taking everything he could get his hands on and starts throwing it. The staff and Mark duck out of the way of his rage and the food, and more importantly anything sharp and pointed. Which was half of the cooking wear. Luckily it missed everyone, but some did stick in the walls and the doors. He takes the spaghetti that was cooking, and throws it across the room, towards the door, where it hits the wall, as several people look up, and get hit with hot sauce and noodles. But just as he threw the spaghetti, someone else walked in and got a face full of it. He hisses out from the hot sauce, as noodles hang from his antlers, like Christmas streamers. He takes both of his hands and wipes the sauce off his and looks around the kitchen. It was a total mess. As the guy looks over, he folds his arms and raises an eyebrow at Delta who was panting from his outburst.

I came in here for some help to get a plushie down for my girl, but instead, I got tonight's special in my face. So? Are you quite done, now Delta?

The guy asks him as someone timidly heads over to him and hands him a towel to wipe the spaghetti off him. He shakes his head gently to get the rest off his antlers as he flicks a noodle off his shoulder. Delta looks up now noticing who it was and his eyes widen in shock. But they soon turn to sadness as he looks down. Letting out a sigh, the guy shakes his head, as he bends his head down allowing one of the staff to clean his antlers fast for him. Thanking them, he looks around, and sees the Dishwasher on the counter in the corner, scared SHITLESS to even try and move. He shakes his head, and he turns to Delta.

Office, now.

Yes, Dustin.

Delta was too drained to even bother fighting him and walked out. Dustin looks to the rest and tells Mark to clean up and let the people know that something came up and that the Pub and Bar will be closed till further notice and that he would deal with anything, inconvenience. Mark nods and sets to work doing that as Dustin heads to the office with Delta.

AYE! Toby, Get off the countertops you dang blasted, pup!

Mark yells at him, making him yelp and jump down from the counter and out the staff's back door yelling out.

I QUIT! TEN AN HOUR ISN'T ENOUGH TO RISK MY LIFE FOR HIM! THAT DUDE IS FUCKING CRAZY!

AYE! TOBY GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW YOU DANG SNIVELING COWARD OF A DOG!

Mark runs to the door but Toby was already turning the corner and was gone. Growling out he slaps the wall next to him letting out a sigh. He heads back in and looks at the rest.

Alright, let's get to it. I'll go address the patrons and let them know that the Pub is closed for now, while you all get this place cleaned up.

Nodding they set to work. In Delta's office, Dustin had made both himself and Delta a drink and handed Delta his as he sipped from his glass and took a seat. Things were quiet except for the ticking of the wall clock. But after a moment, Dustin speaks up.

So, are you going to tell me what that was back there, or not?

Delta looks up at him, knowing full well that there was no escaping this.

I would rather not talk about it.

Alright, suit yourself then. But I know something is going on. I saw Carina run out of the Pub crying. So either tell me what is going on right now. Or I'll do something we'll both regret. And I want to know EVERYTHING. Especially about this Organization I overheard about.

WHAT!?

Delta looks up from his drink, shocked that he knew. He was about to ask HOW he knew when he told him.

I was coming to find you for some help to get down a plushie for Bambi when I overheard things I probably shouldn't have. But it got the better of me, and then something clicked. It was the name that Miss Von Roke came up with for Shadow's new Team. There was something about it that seemed different. Like it had meaning behind the truth of it. But I put it off as nothing. But when I came around the corner to come to see you, I overheard something about an Order, and how Shadow said he needed answers. So? I'm going to ask once again, Delta. What is going on, and what was that back there?

Delta looks at Dustin for a moment and lets out a sigh.

I and Carina got into a huge fight, and I fired her.

Uh-huh?

Dustin raises an eyebrow not fully buying into it. He sets his glass of whiskey down and folds his arm. Delta could tell he knew there was more to his story, but he dared not say anything more.

So you finally realized you love her, didn't you?

Yeah. And I said some things I shouldn't have.

What KIND of things?

Things that should have never been said.

You're an asshole, you know that, right?

So I've been told. I didn't mean to say what I did, Dustin.

Even still they were said, and now the only girl to ever put up with you is gone. So for now I want to know about this Organization.

I'm...I'm sorry, Dustin, I can't tell you anything more than you know. If I did, I would get into trouble.

Can't? Or WON'T?

For a moment, Delta doesn't answer him. But he soon does with a heavy sigh.

Both.

Dustin lets out a sigh and nods. He stands up and finishes his drink and looks at Delta.

I see. Then I guess I have no choice then?

Dustin?

Delta looks up at him, as Dustin places his hands on the desk and looms over Delta.

Either you tell me, or I will shut down Castaway Cove Pub and Bar for good.

Delta stands up fast at the same time as Dustin backs off.

YOU CAN'T DO THAT! IF YOU DO THAT IT WOULD RUIN ME! CASTAWAY COVE IS MY LIVELIHOOD!

Dustin folds his arms and looks at him.

Then you better start talking, Delta. Remember who helped you buy, and build this place from the ground up. You took out a loan from my family and had me sign-off as co-owner of this establishment till you could pay your loan. And even after you did, we remain partners. I allowed you to take full ownership of Castaway Cove, why I remained in the back closet, so to say, and allowed you to take full control, and be on standby should you ever need my help. Now I own half of Castaway Cove, and I have every right to shut it down for good. And you KNOW I have that kind of power, old friend. So either tell me what The Order Of The Crimson Fang is all about, or come tomorrow, Castaway Cove is no more, and I'll have the girls spread the news all over Flicky, and their gaming networks, and before too long everyone will know, and you know how much Bambi and her sister just LOVE to gossip.

Delta didn't know what to do. He was backed into a rock and a hard place with no escape. Dustin watches him, and for a time it looked like he wasn't going to say anything. So with a nod, he turns around and starts to leave.

I'm sorry, Delta, but this is your doing, not mind. I'll be permanently…

Delta starts to panic and calls out.

WAIT! I'LL...I'LL TELL YOU, DUSTIN!

Dustin looks over his shoulder and raises an eyebrow at him. Delta sighs, and nods.

I'll tell you everything.

Dustin takes his hand off the doorknob and goes to make another drink for himself as Delta sits on the office sofa and lets out a sigh. Dustin takes the chair and waits for him to speak. Letting out a deep sigh, Delta tells him.

The Order Of The Crimson Fang…

Outside in the parking lot…

UUUUGH! THAT STUPID GOOD-FOR-NOTHING FOX!

Carina roars out as she turns on the tip of her foot and pulls back her left leg and aims a hard kick at a metal trash can and sends it flying. It hits one of the posts and the contents of it spill and flies out. People coming out of the Pub look at her as she sees them, yelling at them.

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU IDIOTS LOOKING AT!? GO ON! GET OUT OF HERE, YOU FUCKING MORONS! GO!

Carina was about to pounce on them with her claws out when Tank grabs a hold of her around the waist and holds her back. She kicks and screams as the people run off, get into their cars, and drive off. Carina growls and looks up at Tank over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes at him.

PUT. ME. DOWN. RIGHT NOW BEFORE I KICK YOU DAMN FURRY ASS BEAR!

Tank, not one to normally be intimidated, due to his sheer size, gently and slowly puts her down and backs off. Hunter, who was fairly big himself, tries his best to hold back a chuckle but fails when Tabitha slaps him.

This isn't funny, Hunter!

Tabitha folds her arms annoyed with him.

Actually, it kind of is. I mean he's like two feet bigger than me, and he's backing off from a raging little kitten. Kind of reminds me of you when you get this mad. It's kind of cute really.

WHAT WAS THAT YOU STRIPPED FREAK!

Carina turns around and brings out her claws again when Shadow lets out a sigh and rubs his temples.

Alright, ENOUGH OUT OF ALL OF YOU!

Shadow yells out annoyed, and everyone looks over at him as Carina scoffs, sheaths her claws, folds her arms, and looks away with her ears folded back. Shadow folds his arms and once again rubs his temples, as Bitsy places her hand gently on his shoulder. He glances at her and she smiles softly at him, as she walks over to Carina and hugs her. This surprises Carina as she looks over at her, and almost at once tears well up in her blue eyes. Her arms fall to the side and she turns around in her arms and clings to her, crying.

Th-That s-stupid air h-h-headed….FOX! How could he be so idiotic...s-s-so STUPID!? Doesn't he see h-how much I love him!? But now it's like I don't even know him anymore!

Tabitha walks over to Bitsy and Carina and joins in the hug. Bitsy gently strokes her head trying to calm the Hedgcat down. The boys watch on till Shadow comes over.

Listen, Carina, I know this isn't a good time, but…

Carina looks over at Shadow and lets out a sigh and nods. She wipes her eyes and composes herself.

Y-you're right, Shadow. This isn't the time right now.

What isn't the right time, right now, baby girl?

Huh?

Everyone looks over and they see a beautiful snow leopard walking over to them. Her fur was silky white, with icy blue, and light gray inlets. Her black hair was up in a ponytail, her sky blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and her red leather, off-the-shoulder one-piece body suit shined in the sunlight. Over it, she had a mid-drift black leather jacket that matched the utility belt around her waist that hung off one hip. Her high heel boots clicked against the asphalt as she stood before them. Upon seeing her Carina cried out and ran over to her.

MOM!

The lady chuckled and held open her arms as Carina ran to her. The moment she was in her arms, she hugged her, and Carina started to cry once again.

Hmm-hmm...Hello, my little Wildflower.

Oh, mom, I'm...I'm so happy you're here right now.

Carina tells her crying in her arms. The boys walk over with Tabitha, and Bitsy and Bitsy wipe a stray tear away. Tank places a hand on her shoulder, making her look up and smile.

Easy now my little kitten. Come now, what's got you so upset?

Th-That stupid fox...D-Delta!

Oh, for the love of CHAOS! What did he do this time?

Shadow clears his throat before Carina could answer him, and the lady looks up surprised, but smiles.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were all there. Please forgive me.

Carina looks over at her friends and smiles, once again whipping her eyes.

Mom, this is Tabitha, Hunter, Tank, and Bitsy.

She tells her mother pointing them out.

And the Hedgehog is the…

Crimson Fang. I'm well aware. I am Andraia Demount.

Andraia holds out her hand, and Shadow takes it, shaking it.

Now that formalities are out of the way, what has that damned fox done this time?

She asks them. Her ears were folded back, as she folded her arms. Her tail lashed behind her, a sign that she was not too happy about the news of Delta.

Oh, mom, he said some awful things to me, and he kicked me from the Order!

WHAT!?

Andraia's ears shoot up when she hears this, and she bares her fangs. Her arms drop to her side as she balls up her fists letting out a low growl.

What do you mean he kicked you from the Order?! WHY THE HELL DID HE DO THAT!? WHO AUTHORIZED HIM TO DO THAT!?

H-he said that Legen did. When you all talked the day when we thought we lost the Crimson...Shadow and Bitsy the other day. He said that he wished you left me for dead when I was a little girl, saying that he wished Legen had thrown me off Angel Island the first day. He said that you wished that you never took me in as your daughter!

WHAT!?

Carina starts to cry again, but Andraia pulls her daughter in and lets out a sigh. She holds her close, resting the side of her head on top of Carina's, closing her eyes as Carina wraps her arms around her. After a few moments, Andraia pulls her away and holds her at arm's length wiping her eyes.

Shh. Easy now baby girl. It's alright. You know I wouldn't lie to you. Yes, I was extremely upset with you and did say those things. But it was out of anger. Once I talked with your father that night and told him what had happened. He reminded me of how you always followed your gut. Something he said you got from me as if you were my own flesh and blood.

Andraia chuckles a bit, as Carina looks away, folds her ears back, and holds herself.

You...you promise you didn't mean it?

Andraia places a finger under her chin, making her look at her, and smiles brightly.

I promise you, my little wild cat. I would never say or do anything to hurt you. You are my shining star that lights the darkest night. Remember, you had come to me when I was at my lowest point in life. Remember that. I may have lost one child, but you came to me when I needed you the most. It was destiny that brought you to me and your father, and nothing will ever take you away from me. Not even that GOOD FOR NOTHING, DAMN FUCKING BASTARD DELTA!

Within two point zero seconds, she went from tender loving mother to a raging hellfire bitch as she snarls out and starts storming to the Pub when Shadow stops her, by grabbing her arm. She looks over at him and snarls at him.

Let me go right now, Crimson Fang! I GOT A FOX TO KILL!

Shadow doesn't back down nor flinch, but calmly addresses her.

Right now we have more important things to worry about, than that blasted fox. I get you are upset and on the warpath. But right me and my Team came here for answers, and we demand them right now. I'm done playing games and waiting around. If I don't get answers soon, someone will end up hurt, and it won't be because of this Dark Queen, whoever the hell she is.

Andraia locks eyes with him and narrows hers. For a moment, they hold their gaze, and after a moment, she sighs and nods. Shadow lets her go as she stands there folding her arms.

You're right, Crimson Fang. I'm sorry. Please forgive me.

It's alright, I understand. Truly I do. But right now we have a bigger battle to worry about. So if you could please help us.

But of course. But not here. Get into your car and follow me. Carina, you're with me.

Yes, mom.

Excuse me?

Huh? Yes, Tabitha?

Could Bitsy and I ride with you, please?

But of course! I would love to have you girls along.

Then I, Tank, and Hunter will take Tank's truck and follow behind you.

Shadow tells her. Nodding, they split up, and the girls get into the Humvee of Andraia 's, and the boys take Tank's truck. They pull out and head due southwest, and to Splash Cannon. The drive was long, and for a time everything was quiet. If anything, Carina was the quietest. Andraia sees this and reaches over to her daughter and takes her hand, brings it up, and kisses the back of it. She looks over at her mother and smiles sadly. But then she remembers something.

How DID you get here so fast mom? I mean you were on the Island, and that's on the other side of Mobius!

Andraia chuckles and smiles brightly.

The prototype Base is done.

WHAT!? NO WAY! IT'S FINALLY DONE!

Heh heh, yes it is. And let me tell you, baby girl, it is everything I have dreamed of since its blueprint days.

OH MOM THAT'S AMAZING! I wish I could have been there for the take-off!

Well, you're in luck. We have yet to name it. So how about it?

REALLY!? You're giving me the honor of naming it?!

But of course! So how about it?

Well, it depends. What is it like?

Well for one, it's more than likely faster than a black hawk Jet, or even an EMT Heli-Jet. Had we taken a Heli-Jet, it would have taken us a week to get here, and with a Black Haw Jet, maybe three days tops. But it took us only a day and a half to get here. It has the most advanced state-of-the-art stealth technology, created by your father of course. The engines are nearly whispered quiet, so it hardly makes a sound when taking off, or landing. It's big enough to haul everything we need from, the Humvees, the tanks, and more. It can support up to a thousand men and women, that includes the Scientific staff, research and development staff, the General, and some of his best men and women, and of course, the cooking staff, who mind you, also know how to fight should it come to it. And among many others, they have over a hundred laser cannon mounts, as well if it should come to it, two military strike missiles.

Wait? You don't mean, nuclear warheads, do you?!

Bitsy asks her, shocked.

I do yes, and I know what you are thinking, young lady. We won't use it unless we have to. It is only a last resort.

Just HOW big are we talking about here?

Tabitha asks her.

Well IF it should ever come down to it, the two could wipe out at least a third, to maybe half of the planet making it uninhabitable for at least a few hundred years. But here's the thing. These are not your typical Nukes mind you.

How so?

Andraia looks in the rearview mirror at Bitsy and smiles.

Simple. Mobians won't be able to live in the Nuke zones, but with these special Nukes, they will end up re-fertilizing the lands and turning them into lush green forests. It will be like before Mobians and Overlanders even existed. Back when the Dinosaurs were around. When Mobius was young. But the air will be toxic, and the water would be purified, yet undrinkable for a time, except for the flora and fauna, and will end up growing to extreme size. You've all heard of Frog Forest right?

Yeah, I was once there during an Extreme Gear campaign a few years ago, and everything was GINORMOUS! The plants, the trees, and even the wildlife were bigger than they should be. Even the FROGS!

Andraia chuckles as she looks at Tabitha in the rearview mirror.

Well, believe it or not. That was a result of one of the Nukes from long ago. Before your time, my time, and even the Royal Family's, King Sonic, Queen Sally, and the twin's time, even before the Crimson Fangs' time, back when Professor Gerald Robotnik was still alive. In fact, it was his family who created the Nukes long ago, before Shadow came along, or even Black Doom, even before he was born himself.

Whoa!

Both Tabitha, and Bitsy say together, looking at one another. Amanda chuckles and smiles.

But wait? Wouldn't that mean that the Robotniks have been around longer than most Mobians?

Bitsy asks.

Well, Overlanders have been around a lot longer than most Mobians. So yes. That is right. If I am correct, the Robotnik Family has been around for some time now. I think since before the First King of Acorn's reign. Back when Overlanders and Mobians were at war. So I think maybe around a few hundred years or so now.

Whoa! That is so cool.

Anyway, you've been quiet, baby girl. What's up?

Huh? Oh, nothing, I'm just trying to think of a name for the new battleship.

Andraia chuckles, nodding at her. After that, the trip was a bit more lively. The girls talked about random things and the boys. Even asked some questions about the Organization, but Andraia said she wanted to hold off answering any questions till they got to the ship. The drive was long and took nearly four hours but soon Splash Cannon came into view and she drove down a watery pathway. The cannon was beautiful. Waterfalls were everywhere. And the road they were on was wet and a bit slick from the water. Rainbows filled the high walls as the girls looked to either side of their seats to look at them. Tabitha pulled out her phone and turned it on when Amanda caught her.

Please, if you could Tabby, no photos. I'm sure you understand. At least for now?

Alright. Sorry. It's just I've never been here before and it's so beautiful.

Andraia chuckles and nods in understanding. As they drive on, she hits a button on the dashboard and speaks.

This is Commander Demount, coming in hot with the Crimson Fang and Team. Open the Bay doors, over.

Ma'am, we hear you loud and clear, please give us your code so that we can confirm it is you, over.

Andraia gives a deadpan look and growls out annoyed.

I said open the bay doors now! THAT IS AN ORDER!

S-Sorry Ma'am, but I can let you in till you give us your passcode. You know the regulations!

Regulations!? I'M THE ONE THAT MADE THE REGULATIONS, YOU MORON! NOW OPEN THE BAY DOORS!

I...I...I'm S-s-s-sorry Ma'am...But….I can't...what if your….you are not you?!

I WILL PUT MY FOOT UP YOUR ASS IF YOU DON'T OPEN THOSE DOORS RIGHT NOW, YOU SNIVELING PIECE OF SHIT! I WAS ONLY GONE A FEW HOURS AND AM THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS WE'RE HERE!

B-B-But...Ma'am...What if…

Oh, for the love of Chaos…you MORON!

The girls could hear a new voice and looked at one another as they heard something being slammed down. Soon, ahead of them, they see something glitching out, as a huge ship shows itself, and the bay doors open up. Water falls over the top of it, as Andraia drives through the waterfall. Shortly after, Tank pulls up, as someone waves glow sticks at them to show them where they could park. Once parked, they all get out as several men and women, run over to them in standard Military grate outfits and point their guns at everyone. The girls gasp out as Tabitha and Bitsy freeze scared. Tank and Hunter were about to go over to them when one of them holds their gun at him.

Stay where you are, and don't move!

Tank growls as Shadow holds up his hand, calming him.

It's alright, Tank, it's only stander. They won't shoot unless provoked.

STAND DOWN RIGHT NOW, EVERYONE! THERE WITH ME!

Yes, Ma'am!

They all back off as she tells them to stay where they were, as she walks over to talk to someone. Bitsy and Tabitha look warily at them and scoot closer to one another, as a couple of them come over and take hold of them pulling them apart.

HEY!? LET US GO RIGHT NOW!

BITSY!?

TABITHA!?

Both Hunter and Tank run to them, but they are stopped when a couple of Soldiers point their guns at them.

Stay where you are right now!

Tank, Hunter HELP US!

Tabitha and Bitsy call out. Tank and Hunter growl, as does Shadow.

Let the girls go right now before I hurt you!

Shadow boldly takes a step forward, readying a Chaos Spear. The Soldiers gulp and look at one another but back at Shadow.

I'm warning you, to let the girls go RIGHT NOW!

At ease everyone, now!

Shadow and everyone look over to see another snow leopard walking their way. He looked like Andraia , but his hair and eyes were a different color. Upon seeing him Carina cries out and runs over to him.

UNCLE SETH!

Chuckling out, he holds open his arms and catches her, pulling her into a hug, and spinning her around.

Hello, my little wild cat.

Brother, your timing is perfect. Would you please deal with your idiots before I let the Crimson Fang kill them?

But of course, sister.

Everyone, stand down, please, now.

The two who had their guns pointed looked at one another and stood down. Hunter and Tank run over to the girls taking hold of them. But not before Tank grabbed a hold of the one who had manhandled Bitsy and pulled him up off the floor, and to his face where he growled at him and spoke in a deadly tone.

Manhandle my girl again like that, and I'll rip your cock and balls off and shove them down your throat. Do I make myself clear?

The guy gulped, nodding.

That goes triple for me. Manhandle Tabitha again like that, and I'll gut the both of you, let your blood run freely over the ground, and feed your innards to the rest of the crew, so I know I got the right guy. Understand?!

Hunter growls deadly. The guy he had nods shaking. Scoffing, he drops the guy and he and his friend run off and out of sight. Seth chuckles, shaking his head.

I truly am sorry about that, are you both alright my dears?

Seth addresses both Tabitha and Bitsy who nod.

Y-yes. We're fine. Thank you.

Bitsy tells him.

Good, good. Now if you all could follow me, Andraia has informed me that you all have Questions needing answers.

They all follow Seth down the loading docks when Bitsy remembers something.

Shadow, S-pup!

Shadow's ears perk up as he turns around and puts his fingers to his lips and whistles a high-pitched sound and S-pup pokes his head up from the back of Tank's truck barking. He jumps out and runs over to them. They all follow Seth as he takes them down a hallway, and to a room filled with computers, and some holo equipment. As they enter the room Amanda speaks to them.

Everyone, welcome to the Command room. Here is where everything happens. From here we can watch over everything from around the world. We can monitor the world and what is going on, and keep watch for any signs of the Dark Queens' return. Over here as you can tell, is a holo map of planet Mobius. The red blinking dot is us, and we are in Splash cannon.

Andraia nods to someone, who zooms in and it shows Splash Cannon and the ship. They zoom back out of it and it now shows Shining Star City. But they zoom back out showing all of Mobius as it spun.

Now, if you five...

S-pup barks out, making Andraia giggle.

I'm sorry, if you SIX don't have anywhere to be, I think we should leave here before we are noticed and have Shiny Star G.U.N Base on our tails.

Shadow nods, as Andraia calls out, but before she could, Carina speaks up.

THE STEALTH FOX!

Huh?

Seth looks at his niece and then his sister as Andraia smiles.

Then would you like to do the honors, baby girl?

Andraia gestures with her hand Carina smiles brightly having always wanted to do this. Taking a deep breath she yells out to everyone with a huge smile.

EVERYONE LISTEN UP! OPEN AN ALL-RANGE COMMUNICATION THROUGHOUT THE SHIP NOW!

The one at the communication station looks at Seth who nods.

You heard my sister and Niece. So you best do as you are told.

Yes sir! Opening all-range communication throughout the ship now. Communications are now open. You may speak now, Carina.

THIS IS CARINA DEMOUNT! DAUGHTER TO COMMANDER ANDRIA DEMOUNT, AND NIECE TO GENERAL SETH DEMOUNT! WE ARE PREPARING TO TAKE THE STEALTH FOX TO THE SKIES! SO GET READY! CLOSE ALL BAY DOORS, AND VENTILATION VENTS NOW! MAKE SURE THAT ALL EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES ARE TIED DOWN! START UP THE ENGINES AND PUT US IN STEALTH MODE, ALPHA, AND LET'S TAKE THE STEALTH FOX TO THE SKIES!

AYE AYE MA'AM!

At once everyone sets to work calling out to Carina.

ALL BAY DOORS CLOSING NOW!

ALL VENTILATION VENTS CLOSING NOW!

I JUST GOT WORD THAT ALL EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES ARE TIED DOWN AND READY FOR TAKEOFF!

STARTING ENGINES AND PREPARING TO TAKE OFF IN...THREE...TWO...ONE...ENGINES STARTING NOW, AND WE'RE TAKING OFF! THE STEALTH FOX IS NOW RISING AND WE WILL BE FULLY AIR BORN IN FIVE...FOUR...THREE...TWO...ONE...THE STEALTH FOX IS NOW IN THE AIR, MA'AM DEMOUNT!

EXCELLENT WORK, CARINA! I'LL MAKE YOU A COMMANDER OUT OF YOUR YET, MY GIRL!

Do you mean it, mom?!

I sure do! Now come on, all of you. There is someone I wish for you all to meet. Oh, but before I do. Who was on Bay Door duties, Seth?

That would be Zander, sister.

And where is he?

If I had to guess, he would be hiding right now.

He better be or he will get more than an ear full from me.

I've already dealt with him for you.

Good. Now come along, everyone.

Andraia leads them out of the Command Room and down the hallway. She and Seth explain things, and how the ship works. Some of the people walking around going from one place to another waved and told Carina they loved the new name of the ship and how she did a wonderful job at taking over. As they walk on, Andraia leads them to a new room. Right away out of anyone in the group, other than Amanda and Seth, Shadow knew this was the research and development room. He could tell from everyone being in white lab coats. As she leads them in, people greet her as she leads them over to a gentleman. But before she could clear her throat, Carina chimes in.

DADDY, DADDY! DID YOU HEAR?!

Huh? Oh, Carina, my dear.

Carina runs over to her father, embracing him, as he returns the gesture.

Heh, yes I heard and you did wonderfully! Nice work, my girl.

Carina?

Andraia looks at her, chuckling. Carina gives a cute sheepish grin giggling.

Sorry, mom.

Well, as you now all know this is Carina's father, and my husband, Dr. James Demount. Head of Research and Development.

Hello everyone, and who might you all be?

James, this is the Crimson Fang and his team.

AH! About time I get to meet you, Crimson Fang!

James holds out his hand to Shadow who only nods. He chuckles as Amanda apologizes.

Sorry, dear. He's a bit stressed out. There was a bit of an incident on the loading docks with the girls, Bitsy and Tabitha, and he and Tank and Hunter took an overprotectiveness within their right mind.

Ah, yes, I understand fully. Well. No worries. So how can I help you all today?

I want answers to what is going on, and I want them right now.

Shadow tells him with a low growl becoming annoyed by the minute.

But of course. I fully understand. If you come over here.

James leads them to a computer and starts typing away at it speaking.

So what is it you wish to know?

For starters, what is the deal with this Crimson Fang shit?

I told you all already, Shadow what it is about.

Carina states.

But why do I feel there is more to it than what you have told me? Told us?

Carina lets out a sigh and folds her arms.

I told you everything about the Order. Ask daddy, he will tell you the very same thing I did, won't daddy?

Indeed my dear. Well, why not tell me what my daughter has told you and I can confirm it.

Shadow, Tank, and Bitsy tell him and he nods once they are done.

Carina is right. That is pretty much all of it.

Alright, then who or what is this Dark Queen? I thought I killed off all of the Black Arms years ago?! Yet she told me that there was a Queen to them and they were coming back!

Yes, well. It goes deeper than that. It's a bit of a long story, and it involves the timelines changing from what they were intended to be.

WHAT!? But who would do such a thing?

That is the thing. Whoever changed the timelines, also changed almost everyone's memories as well as the original timelines. We believe that they did it in order to become stronger to take down the Dark Queen.

Shadow hums out thinking for a bit. As he does, James types away at the computer as several images show up, along with some video feeds.

What about me, Dr. Demount?

Bitsy asks him shyly.

You?

Yes, I was told I was some sort of prophet.

Ah, yes. The prophet. Tell me, my dear. What sort of dreams have you had? I need every detail you can remember.

Nodding, Bitsy tells him everything, even the dream from last night. When everyone hears it, they become worried once again.

It's just as you thought, Carina. She is the Prophet. Then if this is true then, and the nightmares you've been having are true then we are running out of time, take a look at this. This was from around four days ago. At Shiny Star City Docks.

James presses play as a video starts up. Everyone watches on, remembering the morning news that day. The video plays through, as James brings up different angles of the incident that night. Smoke fills the night skies, as flames burn the docks. As they burned the smoke was blown about as around sixty people walked out from it. But because of the smoke and how dark it was, even with the flames lighting everything up, their faces couldn't be seen. One of them looks over and holds out their hand, and shoots a beam at the camera. Static fills the screen as the others go out at the same time. Shadow hums out and asks to have the video played again, so James plays it again till Shadow tells him to pause it with the army walking out of the flames.

What do you make of it, Shadow?

I'm not fully sure, but I've seen this before.

You have?! When? Where?!

Shadow tells him what he knew and after a moment Amanda and James hum out thinking.

Shadow?

Yes, Bitsy?

What about the videos from S-pup this morning? Maybe they can help?

Videos?

Yes, this morning I was able to pull some video feed from my dog, S-pup.

S-pup barks, wagging his tail. James looks down and hums out.

How much were you able to get?

I am afraid not enough. You see…

Shadow explains things and James hums. After a moment, he nods, asking if he could see. Shadow nods and tells S-pup to hook up to the main computer and the videos from this morning start downloading and playing. After watching it, everyone gasps out, shocked at what they had seen.

This isn't good! She is making her move sooner than we thought!

Mom, what are we to do?

I don't know, baby girl. But one thing is for sure, is that we need to try and patch up these videos and get more info from them.

What is going to happen to my BROTHER!?

Bitsy asks, scared.

We don't know. but all I know is that I'm so sorry this happened to you, my dear.

Andraia goes over to Bitsy and pulls her into a hug. She hugs her back becoming even more scared.

We will try and get your brother back, but now we have other things to worry about. James?

Nodding James types away at the computer and several new images show up. One of which catches Shadow's eye.

Now as you can see here, these are hieroglyphs, predating around five thousand years. We only have some of it since most of it was covered in a layer of dust and dirt, and foliage. But from what I can make out it decapitates a story of sorts about the…

Chaos Emeralds.

Shadow finally speaks up as something in him takes over. He heads over to the computer and starts typing away at it, making James yell out.

H-HEY! Be careful with that! That is….

Easy James. Let him do what he needs to. Look.

Everyone looks at Shadow as he types away. Images pop up as a symbol shows up. Shadow growls out as he slams his fists on the computer console yelling out.

DAMMIT!

Shadow, what is it?! What's wrong!?

Andraia asks as she and everyone look worried. Shadow growls as he runs out of the room in a yellow blur and back to the command center. It doesn't take him long to reach it, as everyone catches up to him, as he yells out.

GET ME A DAMN HOLO MAP OF THE MYSTIC RUINS NOW! I NEED A FULL DETAILED MAP OF IT! SONAR MAPPINGS AS WELL! AT THIS LOCATION!

Shadow takes a hold of a paper he found and writes the coordinates of where he wanted. The guy looks at it, and then at Andraia and Seth who had just run in with the rest.

YOU HEARD THE CRIMSON FANG! DO IT NOW!

RIGHT AWAY MA'AM!

The guy starts typing away as they all hurry over to the holo map and right away an image appears of Mystic Ruins and where Shadow wanted. Upon seeing it Shadow curses out again.

DAMMIT! I THOUGHT I DESTROYED ALL OF THEM WHEN I KILLED BLACK DOOM! HOW THE FUCKING HELL IS THERE STILL ONE LEFT!?

Shadow what is going on!? WHAT IS IT?!

IT'S A BATTLE CRUISER! AND NOT JUST ANY BATTLE CRUISER! IT'S A DEATH MOCK 4K BATTLE CRUISER! IF THIS DARK QUEEN FINDS IT AND GETS HER HANDS ON IT, IT WILL BE THE END OF MOBIUS! WE WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE DAMN FUCKING PHOENIX!

WHAT!?…

Well, it looks as if things have just heated up for Shadow and the gang. How is it possible that a battle shit still exists if he had destroyed them all when taking on Black Doom? Is it possible that Black Doom knew of what was to come? Or did someone else leave it behind for him?

What of Eclipse and the young-lings? Will they make it in time to see Knuckles, or will something happen to them, and they get caught?

What of the Super Emerald that Armada, and Phantom found? Is it something that Legen wants? Or will someone else get their hands on it before too long? And what will happen to Rianna and Grizz? Will they be alright?

And lastly, What will Dustin do once he knows more about The Order Of The Crimson Fang?

Find out in the next installment of The Dark Eris SAGA! Chapter 3 part 4.2!)

(AN: Hey all, CJ here. Just a heads up this chapter is nearly done. I'll be working on the rest soon and have it up ASAP so keep a lookout. I do not know when I'll have Part 4.2 up but i will do my best to get something up soon. And let us hope its the last one. But we will see. So anyway till then. This is CJ signing off, and sending you, Peace, Love, and a LOT of hugs your way! BYEEEY!)