Mistakes
[The scene opens with a shot of the sky at the crack of dawn, it then pans down to Guntiver's cabin as the only sound heard is the occasional rustle of leaves on the trees. All is silent as the shot is switched over to inside of the hut, everyone is still asleep, Geoffrey on the bed, Sleuth on the pile of straw, and then Drago on the couch while Guntiver is next to him on the floor below. Most of the residents appear to be sleeping with little issue…all that is except Drago who can visibly be seen stirring in his sleep.
[The large white wolf is murmuring something that can't be interpreted until a sudden flash shows a scene from the past; Drago's old life in the Wolf Pack, well before his introduction to the Freedom Fighters. He has just put on his jacket when another flash shows him at the meeting grounds, with Lupe standing at attention before the other wolves. In Drago's current position, another flash shows him much later in the series, when he got his metallic amputations, mutilating his appearance, right up until the explosion at the climax of the Mecha Sally arc, which causes him to jolt awake]
Drago: Guh! Huh…huuuuh…
[Drago looks over at the others, all of them are still asleep, seemingly undisturbed. The white wolf looks over to the window, it's only just getting light outside…he sighs as he tries to go back to sleep for just a little bit longer, glancing over at Guntiver sleeping peacefully next to him. Drago looks almost…solemn as he briefly looks at the fellow lupine before managing to drift off once more]
[The scene cuts to later when the sun is now visible behind the trees, and the birds can be heard chirping throughout the forest. The chimney is smoking, indicating breakfast is being made inside the cabin. It cuts to the kitchen where the mixed-up oaks are being placed into bowls for eating. Guntiver has placed one for each with the four sitting on respective sides of the table; Sleuth on the East, Geoffrey to the North, Guntiver to the South, and Drago to the West. The skunk and white wolf try hard to avoid eye contact with one another]
Sleuth: You know, I have to give credit where it's due, for breakfast prepared like this, you're not half bad.
Guntiver: Oh, well, thank you for that…what do you think?
[Guntiver looks over at Drago who picks up the spoon to his mouth with a despondent expression]
Drago: Hmmmmmm…
Geoffrey: Hmph…
Drago: What, you got something to say, smartass?
Geoffrey: No, actually, I was fine bein' silent, and I'm gonna go back it if ya' don't mind.
Drago: Pfft, typical…
Guntiver: Can you two not be at each other's throats, please?
Sleuth: Yeah, as fun as it is seein' you two bickering, gimme something else to work with.
Guntiver: [murmurs] Not sure how much that helps, but alright…
[Drago stands up from the table]
Drago: I need some air.
[The white wolf proceeds to the door and shuts it on his way out. Guntiver watches this for a few seconds before deciding to follow Drago]
Sleuth: Where are you going?
Guntiver: I…I wanna have a word with him, just so I can understand this better…
Sleuth: Well, you can try, I guess…
[Guntiver excuses himself from the table and goes on after Drago. Geoffrey looks back at the table with what appears to be a rather shameful look on his face]
Geoffrey: [sighs] For God's sake, I did it again.
Sleuth: Run your mouth?
Geoffrey: [flatly] How observant of you…
[The scene cuts to Guntiver walking through the forest until he spots Drago having stopped by the river, sitting down as he looks at his reflection in the water. Surprisingly enough, he's not using it as a vanity mirror, but more just blankly looking into the river. Guntiver senses something is off by his display and cautiously approaches him]
Guntiver: Um…are you alright?
Drago: …Yeah, sure, I am.
Guntiver: Positive? Becauuuuuusssse…
Drago: It's nothing you really need to concern yourself over.
Guntiver: Is that right? Because…I had a few questions I wanted to ask.
Drago: What about?
Guntiver: Well, in the…choice words Geoffrey used, it did bring back some…odd memory from the past, something I might have heard in passing, but never heard it directly from the source.
Drago: WWWWhich is, exactly?
Guntiver: I guess what I'm trying to say is; I'm really curious about your past and all that.
Drago: So, you really wanna know all about that? Details and all?
Guntiver: I mean, unless it's a sensitive topic, I won't prod it out of you.
Drago: [sighs] Well, I suppose we'd get to this point at some time…might as well pop up a seat and make yourself comfortable.
[Guntiver takes a seat on the grass next to Drago]
Drago: Now, what I'm about to tell you is strictly coming from me, so you're getting it straight from the horse's mouth…or the wolf's mouth…whatever, you get the metaphor. See, you might have heard of the group I came from…the Wolf Pack…
[A flashback commences that shows an overhead view of the lupine civilization; many wolves are seen going to and from the different areas of the clan, some are training, others are preparing food, a few are polishing weapons, and several pups are gathered around to watch a duel between two sets of warriors. A pan flute tune, similar to what would be heard for a Native American tribe, plays over the sequence]
"We were, what you'd call, one of a kind. Much like the traditional pack, we stuck together as a unit, and thus lived life as a community. I myself was trained to become a warrior fighting against the Oppression, and dare I say, I was pretty damn good at it."
[A sequence of Drago duking it out with several of the other pack members is shown. However accurate this is to reality is up for debate as it's coming from his point of view, but the narrative digresses]
"Now, if there's one thing the pack valued, it was loyalty to one's cause. We painted ourselves as the beacon of hope for the rebellion, and that we would defend our land no matter the cost. Of course, the society could be a bit…constrictive at times."
Guntiver: "What do you mean by that?"
Drago: "Well, the whole moral code thing was, quite honestly, one of the most overbearing things to deal with. People trying to act more self-righteous than they really were, how we needed a 'squeaky clean' image, all that crap. Let's just say, I was a bit of a daredevil, you see. I took great pride in my appearance and wasn't shy of saying so."
[The pack's leader; Lupe, is shown walking to a group of wolves currently roughhousing each other as she sets her spear down in an authoritative manner]
Lupe: Attention! If you would all line up for me, please!
[At the command, the wolves stop what they're doing and line up for attention. Drago is at the far left end of the line, neatly primming himself as if ready for a photo-op is shown. Several of the wolves roll their eyes at this display, Drago merely shoots them a dirty look in response]
"You know, looking back on it, some of my colleagues really did have a stick up their ass, like they wouldn't flaunt if they were in the same position. Hell, I could even see it judging by their faces. Either way, I wasn't much fond of following the rules either. I would often take 'long hikes in the woods', per se, and during that time, I came in contact with a few outsiders."
[Drago is shown sneaking off the perimeter of the camp and into the forest where he is then shown speaking to a couple of strangers, all silhouetted from view]
"One of these ended up being a core fling of mine, her name…was Hershey."
[Drago's initial encounter with the femme tuxedo cat is shown, the white wolf charming her with a rose in his mouth, causing her to chuckle at the gesture]
"You see, when we first met, we had a sort of 'riskay' relationship with each other. I would sneak off to find her, and we used to have such an adrenaline rush together. She called me the "Romeo" to her "Juliet", going against orders and keeping a secret relationship under wraps.
[A panning-in shot of Hershey from behind is shown as she is sitting on a swing. She looks back and gives a flirtatious smile with a head tilt]
Hershey: Hmmhmm, push me, Drago.
[The focus switches to Drago who returns the smile and proceeds to give Hershey a push on the swing]
"Oftentimes, I'd sleep over at her place and then have to rush back to camp before the morning briefing could occur. "
[The scene cuts to nighttime where the two are shown sleeping in the same bed in one shot, followed by Drago hopping out the window and rushing back to the clan before the others notice his absence]
Guntiver: "You must have been real crafty back then for them not to catch on."
Drago: "Oh yeah, contrary to what some might say, I could slide past my packmates like oil, and they'd never notice. Things went well for a while…that is of course until weeeee…hit a snag, to put it lightly."
[The flashback shows Drago hiding in the bushes as he eavesdrops on a conversation being held between Dr. Robotnik and Snively]
Robotnik: You see, not every Mobian can be a stellar example of fighting for one's liberation. There are bound to be those driven by their weaknesses, the type who would rather save themselves over others…and I know just how to reel them in.
Snively: But what could you offer that would even pique their interest? You're not exactly…popular with the locals.
Robotnik: That's where you neglect the obvious, my dear stupid Snively. It's simple, really; all I need to do is tap into what they desire most, do a bit of negotiation, and I shall guarantee their safety in the grand scheme of things.
Snively: Ah-huh, and what makes you so sure they'll buy it?
Robotnik: Hmmhmmhmm, easy; you pick out the weakest of the herd…which I believe might be closer than we think…
[Upon hearing this, Drago attempts to make a subtle getaway as he crawls on all fours]
Robotnik: I know you're back there, I could track the scent of a wolf from several yards away…
[Having been caught, Drago cautiously stands up and reveals himself from his hiding spot]
Robotnik: Well, well, well…seems someone was snooping about in business that didn't concern them.
Drago: Yooooou're not gonna turn me into one of them…freaks of nature, are you?
Robotnik: Under normal circumstances, I'd do it an instant…however, I see a bit of 'potential' in you.
Drago: What kind are we talking about?
Robotnik: Ooooh, well, just that it'd be a shame to waste a figure like yourself. You are one for appearances, aren't you?
Drago: Well…yeah, of course I am, picturesque you could say.
Robotnik: Hmmhmmhmm, I can see why you'd think that…well, you clearly know who I am, but, I'd like to know who you are.
Drago: Well, ahem, the name's Drago. Drago Wolf.
Robotnik: Aaaaaah, splendid…a fitting name if you ask me, means 'precious' to my knowledge….yes…which is why I'd like to offer you…deal.
Drago: A deal?
Robotnik: Yes…in exchange for your freedom, you will work for me, and in return, be rewarded greatly for your efforts.
Drago: Is that so? How do I know you ain't pullin' my tail?
Robotnik: Tck, well, look at it this way; not only will you be under my protection, but you will also be given a high rank of power in addition to your own land.
Drago: Wait…you'd give me that?
Robotnik: Tell me, how does the title of 'Grand Duke' of Mobius sound?
[Drago appears to be rather enticed by the offer and silently considers the terms]
Drago: …So, if I agree to this, will it extend just to me, or include those closest to me?
Robotnik: They shall be given the same treatment as yourself, so…do we have an agreement?
[Drago pauses once more, on the one hand, making any sort of deal with the dictator of Mobius would be risky business, let alone trusting anything he says…on the other hand, if the higher-up is guaranteeing him safety, in addition to his own settlement…it could make for a good bargain…]
Drago: Weeeeeeeell…okay then, you've got me sold.
Robotnik: Ah, excellent. Once the operation is complete, you will receive your payment…
[Robotnik extends his hand out to Drago who, albeit slightly hesitant, returns the gesture with his own paw]
Drago: A pleasure doing business with you, sir.
Robotnik: Oh, believe me…the pleasure's all mine…
[Drago gives a departing gesture to the human-robot mix as he sets off back down the path from which he came. Snively appears quite surprised by the transaction while Robotnik just smirks in satisfaction]
Snively: Why…I can't believe that actually worked.
Robotnik: Hahaha, what did I tell you, dear nephew? The weakest of the herd will always find the easy way out…and it's just the beginning…thou who are driven by their ego and greed will cometh to me, and I shall promise thy reward for their safety…
Snively: But…you won't actually do so, will you?
Robotnik: Weeeeell…we'll just have to see about that, won't we? [winks]
Snively: Oooooooh, how devious of you.
Robotnik: Hmmhmmhmm, oh, I know…very soon, the wedge will be driven between the Mobians as I split them in two…soon, anarchy and civil war will reign over their little cause, no one to trust, no one to lead…and very soon, it won't be the friends they had…it will be the friends they have left…
Drago: "Given the nature of the situation, I couldn't exactly disclose what happened, so I kept it a secret from everyone. The only way I alluded to the deal was whenever I would casually bring up the idea of a better life for me and Hershey…you could say this was when I started to become…transparent in our relationship…"
[Hershey is shown sitting on a chair as Drago holds his paws on it, hovering over the feline]
Drago: Wouldn't it be nice if we had our own land, where we could be free, protected even?
Hershey: Yeah, it would…but, how would we get it?
Drago: Ooooooh, don't you worry your pretty little head. So long as you've got a big strong man, you're gonna be just fine.
Hershey: Do you promise? I just…want us both to be happy.
[Drago puts his paw down to Hershey's]
Drago: Trust me, sweetcheeks, I've got it all sorted out…
[The shot pans out from the window]
"What I didn't realize at the time was how much trouble I was getting myself into. You could say that I had become…too cocky for my own good. Between keeping a secret from the pack, one from my girlfriend, and one from everyone, I didn't really think of the consequences, which, unfortunately, led me to some rather…rash decisions."
Guntiver: "How bad was it?"
Drago: "It was…bad. I practically became a spy for Robotnik, and the prospect of having such wealth and power clouded my thoughts…if I was, what they call, 'arrogant', before…well, safe to say, I was living up to it, and then some…"
[Drago is seen peering from behind the bushes of the Freedom Fighters HQ, set presumably sometime before the first imposter arc of the comics]
"As such, my relationship with Hershey became…strained to it mildly. Really, it all came to a head when Princess Sally was presumed dead, there was a whole fuss made over it, was rather overdramatic in hindsight, really. Heh, from what I heard, Geoffrey almost had Sonic booked for her "murder" or whatever…never did understand that skunk's whole thing with her majesty, but regardless.
[A few panels from the comic are animated during Drago's narration, although Geoffrey's attempted arrest of Sonic is changed slightly as the skunk actually puts the hedgehog in cuffs and kicks him to the floor from behind, much to Tails' and Rotor's shock. Additionally, Geoffrey's infatuation with Sally is shown by him giving a flirtatious wink at her from a distance while the chipmunk looks at the camera with a puzzled expression]
"While we were bunking with the Freedom Fighters, I tried to slip away from the group as per usual…only I didn't count on Antoine and Bunnie following me…nosy little twats. There, they found out about my plan to stage the 'murder' of Princess Sally by Hershey disguising herself as Sonic, aaaand she wasn't exactly on board with the idea…however, at that point, I had become less affectionate and more…domineering around her, and…let's just say, it wasn't one of my finer moments…"
[Drago's sequence of relaying the plan to Hershey is shown while Antoine and Bunnie are shown eavesdropping by hiding under the window. As Hershey stands in front of the mirror, Drago comes up from behind the feline and wraps his arm around her. She closes her eyes as a tear falls down her cheek]
"The plan ended up being a total failure, once Sonic was cleared of suspicion, I ended up being caught out as a double agent along with a few others, and to add insult to injury, Hershey wasn't exactly tame when it came to giving me a 'taste of own medicine'.
[The camera drifts from the celebration of Sally's liberation over to Hershey cleaning her paws with a handkerchief and then to Drago in cuffs along with a few silhouetted suspects]
"I suppose in hindsight, making a deal with Robotnik sealed my demise, and it only escalated from there…between being in prison along with Sleuth for similar reasons, broken out of it, joining a new gang called the Destructix, aaaaand…becoming a metallic beast, alongside a few others…"
[The series of events are shown, with a recreation of the panel featuring Drago and Sleuth alongside Scourge, Fiona, Lightning Lynx, Predator Hawk, Flying Frog, and Sergeant Simian, right up to where Drago is standing at attention in his new form, alongside a tall, muscular lynx with a long white beard, who is shown going through a similar transformation]
"Had a brief stint with a member of the Felidae Clan and a few other rogues, believe he was called Razorklaw…we drove a bit of a wedge between the Wolf Pack and Felidae, almost got Lupe and Queen Hathor to fight to the death, heh, woulda been an entertaining sight if it happened."
[A sequence of Drago's description is shown with the leaders of their respective clans clashing their spears against one another]
"Buuuuuut, even then, it was a long and arduous journey, led to me having to protect this pretty face more than I wanted to…"
[Several of Drago's fights are shown as he tries to dodge or deflect any attacks on his person. Contrary to the comics, he gets a few decent hits on his opponents]
"I never did get any position of power as I had hoped for…instead, it was just a lot of pain and mutilation…and then, everything went black, and I ended up drifting the seas, alone, rusted, forgotten…"
[Drago's body is shown floating aimlessly across the ocean, half-alive as his eyes have become all white, seemingly no traces of his pupils…he is shown coming onto the shore of Mahogany Beach, as Dr. Finitevus approaches his unconscious figure, looking down at the wolf-cyborg hybrid with a neutral expression…the flashback ends and transitions back to present day]
Drago: Eventually, Finitevus got me my old form back and I joined up with the Suppression Squad…well, before we were outed and had to scatter…anyway, that's the story of my life up to this point…
[The two wolves sit in silence for a few seconds…before Guntiver speaks up]
Guntiver: Well…that explains a lot…
Drago: Yeah…I guess I'm now the scum of the Earth in your eyes. Feel free to kick me to the curb if you wish, not like I'm used to it.
Guntiver: Now hang on a minute…
[Drago pauses, not having expected this reaction]
Guntiver: I only heard about you in small doses before, but…now that I've heard everything from the man himself…I…I don't know what to think…
Drago: [sighs] Just say it, you want us out of the house on the double…
[Much to Drago's surprise, he feels a paw being placed on his own. He looks down and blinks twice to make sure he isn't seeing things…it's Guntiver's paw]
Guntiver: I know this sounds wrong to say, but…I think you've suffered enough…
Drago: …What?
Guntiver: From what I've heard, you've been through your fair share of hardships…while I don't agree with what you've done, and you certainly brought it on yourself…I think there's potential…
[Drago is speechless, he can't detect any anger or resentment in Guntiver's voice, everything sounds genuine]
Guntiver: We've both lost something close to us, even if it's for different reasons…neither of us wants to be alone again, especially since I…
[Guntiver trails off from what he was about to say, then looks down at his paw, and blushes as he sheepishly retracts]
Drago: Since you…what?
Guntiver: Uh, never mind about that…[clears throat]...still, thus far, you haven't shown me to doubt you…unless you plan on robbing me in the middle of the night.
Drago: Heh, oh no, you discovered my master plan.
[The two wolves share a laugh before taking a breather…they glance at one another]
Guntiver: Soooooo…feel better now?
Drago: …You know, I think I do.
Guntiver: That's good to hear…huh, it's already noon.
Drago: What?
[Drago suddenly notices the time of day as a result of his shadow changing]
Drago: Oh…must have lost track of time…well, suppose we'd better prepare lunch.
Guntiver: Right on, big man, let's gather them up.
[The scene cuts to the wolves returning back to the cabin with their fish and berries. Drago is first to the door and opens it to allow Guntiver to walk in]
Guntiver: Why thank you!
[Drago gives a small 'hmm' in response, smiling as he does so. Sleuth and Geoffrey look up from inside, the former fiddling around with the stove]
Sleuth: About time you lovebirds showed up, we were starvin' over here.
Guntiver: O-Oh, yeeeah…we just needed to…let off a bit of steam.
Sleuth: Ah…nice.
[Geoffrey looks over in Drago's direction, and opens his mouth to say something…but hesitates and looks away]
[The scene transitions to evening as the quartet is sat at the table for dinner. The mood has lightened up considerably from earlier, particularly in Drago and Guntiver's case as the two appear quite content next to each other]
Sleuth: Hmph, one would think those two had something going on.
Geoffrey: Yeah…
Sleuth: Something up?
Geoffrey: Huh? Oh, uh…no, not really…
Sleuth: [murmuring] Yeah, sure it ain't…
[Geoffrey looks back in Drago's direction and attempts to make a 'clearing throat' gesture in his direction]
Drago: Huh?
Geoffrey: Uh, Drago…you have a moment?
Drago: Yeaaaah…what do you need?
Geoffrey: I…I, um…uhhhh, never mind, it's not important…
Drago: Hmmmm…
[The two look away from each other as the camera pans away from the window, the sounds of crickets can be heard along with an owl hooting…the pan-out stops by a bush as the focus switches to being in front of it. A rustle can be seen, followed by a pair of eyes glowing from within, accompanied by a growl]
Character Guide:
Drago Wolf, Guntiver the Arctic Wolf, Geoffrey St. John, Sleuth Dawg, Dr. Robotnik, Hershey the Cat, Lupe the Wolf, Snively, Antoine D'Coolette, Bunnie Rabbot, Sally Acorn, Sonic the Hedgehog, Dr. Finitevus, Queen Hathor, Razorklaw, Rotor Walrus, Tails the Fox, Fiona Fox, Scourge the Hedgehog, Lightning Lynx, Predator Hawk, Flying Frog, Sergeant Simian - Sonic the Hedgehog