Author's Note: After months of anticipation, I have returned with the next chapter of Kipo Underground. Now, this will be split into two parts, so don't be surprised if you don't see Kipo's side of the story in this chapter. That will come next.
Now, I know I have another Kipo story involving the DC Universe instead of Sonic the Hedgehog, and I value them both the same. Don't forget that they have nothing to do with each other.
The song featured here is a parody of "Remember That Day" from The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue.
I hope you all enjoy this. Any and all comments are welcome.
"Look. I'm not gonna sugarcoat this." Sally warned. "The Freedom Fighters haven't made much progress, and after that just happened, Scarlemagne now has enough power to pull off whatever plan he has and become unstoppable. But there's still time to stop him. If you help us and become official Freedom Fighters, not only will you be saving thousands of lives, we will also rescue your burrow and parents. What do you say?"
"Well, we were planning on saving them anyway." Kipo said. "It would help a lot to have some help."
"We're in." Sonic said.
"Scarlemagne won't know what hit him." Tails said.
"I'm in too." Wolf said. Everyone agreed making Sally smile. Mandu ended the agreement with a loud snort ready for action.
"Let's do it to it!" Sonic declared.
"Uh, what about them?" Dave asked as he pointed behind a large cinderblock.
Coming from their hiding place, Troy, Asher, and Dahlia couldn't help but take notice of a certain change in Kipo since their last conversation.
"Kipo, what happened to your arm?" Dahlia asked.
"Oh. Long story. I'm part mute. Actually, that's all I know about the story."
"Yeah, we don't completely understand either. In fact, there's a lot of things that we don't understand." Sonia said thinking back to the confusing and shocking conversation she overheard between Aleena and Scarlemagne.
"Were you all about to go after the mute who took everyone?" Troy asked. "I want in."
"It's too dangerous." Kipo said.
"She's right." Sally said. "Sorry, kids, but you have absolutely no experience with the surface world. You won't stand a chance against Scarlemagne. But we can't exactly leave you here either."
"Why don't we leave them with the Timbercats?" Manic suggested. "They're pretty handy."
"That's… actually not a bad plan." Sally said. "We'll take them to Timbercat Village so Yumyan can look after them."
"Yes. And while you do that, I'm going to get my people back." Kipo said.
"Sonia, Manic and I will go too." Sonic said. "Our mom's a prisoner too."
"Whoa, you can't just charge into Scarlemagne's base and demand your people back." Wolf advised strongly.
"Hello. Superpaw." Kipo said holding up her giant jaguar arm. "Do you not see Superpaw?"
"If it was that easy, sugah, I'd storm the place myself a long time ago." Bunnie said holding up her robotic arm.
"Bunnie's right." Sally said. "Look, I know you want your people back, but Scarlemagne has a powerful gang as his bodyguards and the support of some of the wealthiest mutes in Las Vistas. And based on what Yumyan told me, he also has control over a giant Mega-Monkey. We need to slow down and use caution."
"Slow? Caution?" Sonic asked. "Lady, you clearly never met us."
"I understand, Sally," Kipo said, "But Scarlemagne can control human minds. And now, he's got an entire burrow who serves him. I need to save them as soon as possible."
Sally was about to protest, but she didn't have the heart to. She sighed and gave in. "All right, Kipo. You and the Hedgehogs take Rotor's van. The rest of us can take these three kids and bring them to Timbercat village. Rotor."
Rotor nodded and lead Kipo and the hedgehogs to the driver's seat in the van. "Okay. The user interface is very simple. I've designed it so that a pre-mutated monkey can drive it. This van also comes equipped with a tracking beacon. That way, after we are done, we'll rendezvous with you."
"Okay. Thank you." Kipo said getting in the driver's seat. "I'm going to get everyone back. I promise."
"Wait. What makes you think the Timbercats will take them?" Wolf asked.
"Because they're my friends." Kipo said starting up the van.
"Time to kick Scarlemagne's baboon butt!" Sonic shouted.
"He's a mandril, Sonic." Sonia corrected.
"To-may-to, to-mah-to."
"Who says 'to-mah-to'?" Manic asked just as the van drove out of the burrow's remains.
"Be honest," Benson said to the Freedom Fighters, "There's no way the Timbercats are gonna baybesit some human kids, right?"
"Of course, they will." Sally said. "Did you forget? The Freedom Fighters and the Timbercats are allies. All I have to do is request, and Yumyan will accept."
"Well, if you're certain." Amy said.
"Um, everyone," Cream said, "What about Pierre? He's still in the Mega-Dog Field."
"Fear not, little one!" Antoine declared overdramatically. "I shall go and retrieve Pierre or my name isn't Antoine D'Coolette!" He raised his sword and charged out.
"Bunnie, go with Antoine and bring Pierre back with him." Sally said. "You remember what happened last time he tried to wrangle him."
"Can do, ma'am." Bunnie said proceeding to follow him.
"Um, what happened last time?" Tails asked.
"I don't know exactly." Rotor said. "All I did was blink, and suddenly, Antoine was hanging upside down by his ankle covered in maple syrup."
Benson looked around. "Hey. Has anybody seen Dave?"
Antoine screamed the whole time while Bunnie steered Pierre's leaping abilities out of the Mega-Dog field. She on the other hand cheered out uncontrollably.
"HOWDY, LAS VISTAS!" she cried out.
"AU REVOIR, LUNCH!" Antoine screamed.
Pierre kept leaping until they stopped at the forest where all their friends waited for them. He was about to land on Troy, but Benson ran into him pushing him out of the way.
Benson removed himself from Troy and the two blushed at each other. They stood back up feeling nervous already.
"Sorry. Pierre's landings can get pretty strong." Benson said.
"No, I get it." Troy said.
"What is this thing?" Asher asked just before Pierre snuggled his head at them.
"This is Pierre, the personal pet of the Timbercat leader, Yumyan Hammerpaw." Tails said. "And it looks like he already likes you."
"Sounds like you kids have more potential than we thought." Sally said before looking up at the riders. "Hey. You okay? You're not hurt, are you?"
"Sally, ah used to wrangle with Mega-Millipedes back at mah land." Bunnie said. "I could handle a big flea."
"I was talking to Antoine."
Bunny turned to the coyote who struggled to both stand up straight and keep from throwing up. "I'll be fine, madame. Just need to… wait until ze forest stops spinning."
"So who are you guys anyway?" Dahlia asked. "You're not like the other mute who took our families." "Thank goodness for that." Rotor said.
Sally cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "We are the Freedom Fighters, a dedicated resistance group trying to bring an end to Scarlemagne's reign of terror. I am Sally, the leader. Most of my allies call me Arbor, but it's not like I picked it myself. The walrus is Rotor, our chief engineer and star pilot of any vehicle he takes control of."
"Cool. So you're a tech guy like me?" Tails asked the walrus.
"When I'm not fighting bad mutes, tinkering's more of a hobby." Rotor said.
"The rabbit cyborg is Bunnie Rabbot." Sally introduced.
"How did you get like that?" Amy asked pointing at Bunnie's robotic arm and legs.
"Oh. Ah kinda broke mah real arm and legs being chased by Newton Wolves. Thankfully, Rotor was able to give me prosthetics, and since then, ah've been the team's muscle."
"And I am Antoine D'Coolette!" the coyote declared as she unsheathed his sword and held it up dramatically. "When Scarlemagne first gazes at my blade, it shall be ze last zing he ever…"
"He's our swordsman." Rotor interrupted.
"I was getting to zat!" Antoine said.
"So why are you against this Scarlemagne guy?" Troy asked. "Not that I'm ungrateful, but it sounds like he wants things better for mutes."
"His version of 'better things' doesn't exactly work out well for everyone." Sally said. "Look at us. Every last one of us here have had our lives ruined by Scarlemagne, either directly or not. Everyone here has a different reason to oppose him."
"Oui." Antoine agreed. "Allow me to start us off." He jumped to the top of a nearby stump. He cleared his throat while everyone else surrounded him hearing him start to sing.
Antoine:
In my mind, I reflect
The swords I used to collect
Admiring ze elegant blades I didn't want to lose
But ze Nobles confiscate
I save one, zen escape
And now, ze Freedom Fighters put my talents to use
Everybody
The Freedom Fighters:
Oh, aaaahhhh
We have freedom to fight for
It's where our fighting spirit comes from
And we will always fight for freedom
Oh, aaaahhhh
We have freedom to fight for
It's where our fighting spirit comes from
And we will always fight for freedom
Once Antoine was done, Bunnie took his spot n the stump letting out her own story.
Bunnie:
Ah ran out in alarm
When Scarlemgane declared mah farm
As a new land to be Newton Wolf hunting ground
Ah tumble. Ah get hurt
Half mah body died in dirt
Then, the Freedom Fighters gave me the strength to turn my life around
Everybody
The Freedom Fighters:
Oh, aaaahhhh
We have freedom to fight for
It's where our fighting spirit comes from
And we will always fight for freedom
Oh, aaaahhhh
We have freedom to fight for
It's where our fighting spirit comes from
And we will always fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
It was Rotor's turn on the stump.
Rotor:
Scarlemagne liked my gear
So suddenly, he appeared
He wanted me to build weapons for him
I said no. He got mad
They destroyed my home and all I had
Then the Freedom Fighters helped me up when things were looking grim
Sally:
No one here was treated right
And that's why we're here ready to fiiiiiiiiiiiight
Everybody
The Freedom Fighters:
Oh, aaaahhhh
We have freedom to fight for
It's where our fighting spirit comes from
And we will always fight for freedom
Oh, aaaahhhh
We have freedom to fight for
It's where our fighting spirit comes from
And we will always fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
We'll fight. We'll fight. We'll fight for freedom
OH, AAAAHHH
WE HAVE FREEDOM TO FIGHT FOR
IT'S WHERE OUR FIGHTING SPIRIT COMES FROM
AND WE WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
OH, AAAAHHH
WE HAVE FREEDOM TO FIGHT FOR
IT'S WHERE OUR FIGHTING SPIRIT COMES FROM
AND WE WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR FREEDOOOOOOOOOOOOM
At the end of the song, the three new human kids couldn't help but feel sympathetic toward the Freedom Fighters. Not only that, but the Kipo Underground members felt that way too.
"Sorry to hear all that." Troy said.
"Us too." Amy said.
"Thanks." Sally said. "Like I told you, things aren't going well for us these days. Years ago, we hit a serious blow, and now, our number of allies is dwindling. That's why we need you. But first, we need to get you three kids to the Timbercats. They'll protect you."
"Are you sure?" Wolf asked. "I mean, outside of us, humans and mutes don't usually go well together."
"I wouldn't say that." Sally said with vulnerable eyes. "After all, I owe my life to a certain human. Mere minutes before I was born, my parents couldn't find a doctor available. Then, a passing human was kind enough to help deliver me. If he hadn't, I wouldn't be here."
Wolf widened her eyes in slight surprise. "Wow. I had no idea."
"Scarlemagne believes that mutes should remain on top and humans should be slaves and that any mute who disagrees with him is better off dead. But no matter what he says, I will never forsake the human who saved my life. His name is… Liam."
"Wow." Troy said. "Looks like there's hope for us after all." He then turned to Benson. "So how did you, Dave, and Manic become friends."
"We bonded over food." Benson said. "You know, if you want to fit in with the Timbercats, you could always cook them flapjacks."
"Flapjacks?" Troy asked.
"Yup. Timbercats love them. Lucky for you, I have the best recipe in the world."
"Does your recipe have flour, milk, and eggs?" Troy asked.
"Yes!" Benson answered excitedly. "Do you mix it all together in a bowl?"
"That's my favorite way to mix it!"
"Me too! But the secret…
"Is in the flip!" Both boys said at the same time before sharing a laugh.
Cream tugged on Amy's skirt. "Um, Amy, are Mr. Benson and Mr. Troy…"
"Yeah, Cream." Amy answered smiling. "There's definitely something between them."
The Freedom Fighters and Kipo Underground were welcome to Timbercat Village with open arms. They were lead to the grand hall where all the Timbercats had dinner, played games, and even get in a couple of brawls. When they approached the center of the room where Yumyan sat, the entire room fell silent.
"Pierre! You've returned!" Yumyan cried out seeing his flea returnd to him. "Ah, and it's good to see you again, my friends, especially you, Sally."
"Good to see you again, Yumyan." Sally greeted. "Sorry I don't visit more often."
"Hey, you're going out there and fighting the good fight." Yumyan said. "Be proud of that just as we're proud to support you. Your father would be so proud."
"Thanks." Sally said. "Unfortunately, I don't come with entirely good news. We arrived at the human burrow just in time to save Kipo Underground, but unfortunately, Scarlemagne and his Nobles have already abducted most of the other humans. All we could save are these three kids."
Sally stood aside allowing Troy, Asher, and Dahlia to approach Yumyan with Pierre.
"This is Troy, Asher, and Dahlia." Benson introduced. "We were actually wondering if they could stay with you for a while."
"It's just until we rescue their families." Sally said.
"Sure thing." Yumyan said.
"What? Really?" Wolf asked.
"Of course." Molly Yarnchopper said. "If they're friends of Kipo and Arbor thinks it's a good idea, we will happily take care of Boy, Talia, and Dasher."
"That's not their names." Benson said.
"And for the hundredth time, I don't know how to feel about the name Arbor." Sally said. "Seriously, Yumyan, I don't know why you started that trend."
"What? It's a mighty name." Yumyan said.
"Um, Mr. Hammerpaw, sir." Amy said. "Hi. I'm Amy Rose. If it's not too much trouble, could you also look after Cream and Cheese here?"
"What?" Cream asked. "You're leaving, Amy?"
"Just for a little while." Amy assured. "Look, we're going to go against Scarlemagne, the most dangerous mute in the world. And with his mind-controlled human army, he's gotten more dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt."
"I don't want you hurt either." Cream said.
"Choa, choa."
"Don't worry. I have a hammer." Amy said.
Though Cream frowned, she understood. "Okay, Amy. And be sure to save my mom too."
"Of course, I will." Amy said. "The second we save her, we're sending her straight here. For now, take care."
"Thanks for everything." Troy thanked Benson.
"No prob." Benson replied. "And when we get bck, you and I are gonna talk flapjack versus pancakes. Different or the same?"
"The same." Both said at once.
"Guess we'll have to find something else to talk about." Benson said.
"It's a date." Troy said before giving Benson a kiss on his cheek. He headed over to get hugged by Yumyan along with Asher, Dahlia, Cream, and Cheese. Benson was left squeaking happily.
Following Rotor's tracking device, the Freedom Fighters and Kipo Underground returned deep into the woods.
"How far are we now?" Sally asked.
"They're heading in our direction." Rotor said. "Just keep an eye out."
"While we're looking, there's something I want to ask you all." Wolf said. "Specifically, you, Sally."
Sally turned to Wolf. "Hmm? About what?"
"About the Freedom Fighters." Wolf said. "We all heard why the others are against Scarlemagne, but we barely heard anything about your reason. Is it really as political as helping mutes and humans coexist, or is there something personal too?" Sally stopped walking staying still while Wolf went on. "I mean, you can't be the first leader of the Freedom Fighters. You said you suffered a great loss years ago. You must have been a kid back then, too young to lead anyone. So did this incident have something to do with the original leader?"
Everyone turned to Sally, who looked slightly sullen. She gave a small chuckle before turning to Wolf.
"You're quite nosy, aren't you?" Sally asked before taking a breath. "You're right. There is a personal reason why I'm against Scarlemagne, and yes, it did have something to do with the original leader. You see…"
Everyone was interrupted by the loud sound of Mandu's oink.
"Hey, wait! I see the van!" Benson pointed out to where Mandu was facing. Everyone turned seeing a pair of bright lights rushing toward them.
In a panic, everyone jumped aside and landed on the ground. The van continued to drive by until it skidded into circle and stopped. Everyone ran up to approach the van just as Kipo, Sonic, Sonia, Manic, and Dave exited through the main doors.
"Is everyone okay?" Tails asked.
"Sort of." Sonic said.
"We're alive, at least." Sonia said.
Sally looked at the van and looked sullen again. "I take it you didn't save Scarlemagne's prisoners."
"Well, we saved one at least." Manic said.
That's when a sixth person stepped out of the van. Everyone looked and gasped seeing that this person bared a striking resemblance to someone. It was a rabbit mute tall enough to be an adult wearing a long, lavender dress with a white trim at the bottom and a red vest.
"Oh, are you their friends?" she asked innocently.
"Oh, mah stars." Bunnie gasped.
"Wait, is that…" Benson asked.
"Yep." Sonia said. "Meet Vanilla, Cream's mom."
"I don't believe it." Sally gasped. "When we heard you got captured…"
"How did this happen?" Amy asked. "We've only been apart for a couple of hours? What have you guys been up to?"
"It's a long story." Kipo said sadly before telling everyone what happened.