Chapter 21 - Reliving Past Acts
"..." Speed spoke and walked to the counter. Lifting his left arm and placing the object in his hand on the counter, he retracted his arm.
"...is this something...worth of value...to you?"
"Hmm," Cyin spoke and reached for the object. Grabbing it and lifting it up, it was an artifact of some kind.
"It appears to be human origin and not something our race made. Where did you find this?"
"...a mob crew lead...had it in the...slum district..."
"Bryson?" he asked. By the raised eyebrows of the boy, it made the chipmunk give a shark smile.
"I take it you took it by force."
"...no...OHP arrived at the...scene of the fight...took it from his...stash."
"Ahh. Impressive. I take it you were there too blue lad."
"Yes sir," the child answered with a head nod.
"Excellent...hmm...yes...I will accept this as for trade," Cyin stated and put the object in a place behind the counter. "Now then...what do you seek for equal trade?"
"..." Speed was about to open his mouth when he heard faint rapid sounds. Moving his ears back and down a little, Sonic blinked from detecting the same noise. Instead of moving his ears, the orphan turned his head to look behind him.
"Who's coming? Is it a gang? OHP? Other rival traders?" the chipmunk questioned rapidly in what sounded like hyper anxiety. Both he and the boy looked at the amputee give a deadpan expression. As if on cue, the entrance door opened roughly.
"..." the one arm hedgehog grunted then looked at the ceiling. Hearing the footsteps get closer, the individual stopped and was standing at the door frame. Seeing it was a female stoat that was breathing hard, the chipmunk trader remained where he was. Getting less tense, he tried staring the woman down.
"I am currently having an appointment with clients," Cyin stated and gave a small frown. "State your business or get out."
"They," she began then pointed at the two quill individuals. "Are my business...not you."
"Is that so?" the dwarf remarked then grabbed something from underneath the counter. Retrieving a rifle contraption, it appeared to be a launcher of some sorts. Hearing something engage, a circular dish dropped from a box drum above where the pistol grip and trigger and the half-pipe barrel. A buzzsaw came into a fork slot and began spinning very quickly.
"I suggest...you get out then until I am done with them," he threatened and narrowed his eyes.
Firing a warning shot, the circular blade shot out and zipped between her and Speed. Impacting a wall, the teeth of the saw went into a wood pillar an inch or two. Though she flinched and turned to look at the damage, Speed continued looking forward. Sonic remained still and resisted itching his neck from thinking of what the flying saw blade could do. Hearing another metal disc drop and start spinning fast, the stoat immediately got behind the amputee. Turning around to face forward, she made sure that no limb from her was exposed.
"Move Red Eye. I will take care of the pest."
"..." the one-armed hedgehog said. Feeling firm hands grip his back, the tone of her voice became tense.
"Don't move," Chiara whispered. Feeling her move, it was as if she was making sure she was completely covered while standing behind him.
"...Cyin..." Speed began in a neutral tone. Moving his arm, he gave an open palm gestured forward and to the left.
"...I will take...care of her...after our transaction..."
"No my ami! The pest must be dealt with now!" the little man stated with agitation and anxiety. "If there is no disciple for violating the standards, then my establishment will become the ash tray outside is!"
"...Cyin...she is part of...my party...an addition to our...next destination..." he spoke evenly and stared at the chipmunk.
"Oh?" he asked not taking his hands off the gun and staring back. "What use is the pest to you?"
"...food..." the hedgehog replied without changing expression. His statement made her hands shake a little. He couldn't see the concerned look on her face or the uncomfortable look on the child's.
"..." Cyin responded with squinting his eyes again. "That animal cooks?"
"...Cyin...she is the food...to the next destination..." Speed stated then tilted his head to the right a little.
He continued staring without blinking. Chiara felt the fur on the back of her neck stand on end from how cold and detached his raspy voice was. It was enough to convince her that he probably was a cannibal. Seeing movement to her left, she saw the small hedgehog look mortified. It seemed as if he recalled something that he witness the amputee did. The sight of the child's reaction made her feel her legs get weak and a little wobbly.
"...does that...clarify things...?"
"..." the dwarf anthropomorphic answered with breathing out his nose. Lifting the weapon up and disengaging the spinning saw, the sounds of blading teeth scrapping halted. The staring match continued until he lost composure and gave an amused smile.
"Ha ha ha ha ha!" Cyin laughed out loud. "This is why I enjoy your business Red Eye! Ruthless, Brutish, and Unashamed!"
"Now then," he continued. Leaning down and placing his projectile contraption back under the counter, he stepped onto the counter. Placing his hands together, he saw the woman peer over the amputee's shoulder with paranoid eyes. The sight made him grin and rub his hands quickly.
"Tell me in equal trade...what you seek Red Eye."
After spending time getting ready and gathering his items, Ivo traveled to the hanger bay on the base. Dressed in an informal war council attire, it sported black slacks, maroon torso jacket, and matte gold trim. Wearing polished black boots, he smirked remembering how he looked in the mirror. Even combing his bushy mustache, he looked like how he was during the Great War. Despite having put on weight, he still had the aptitude he did back then.
"Still the dashing rogue if I must say," he remarked feeling good about himself. "Hopefully my old comrade will be charmed enough."
"If not," he continued. Feeling the firearm in the inside of his jacket, the weight and length of it felt assuring and persuasive.
"He will come to my terms regardless. If his death results from denying my access...then I will only gain his research."
Passing through a hallway, the roll up door up ahead opened. Revealing the open bay for flight and land vehicles, his personal craft was in the middle. Seeing the portable shuttle in the shape of sphere, it had an outer ring of metal. Occupying the center third of the global ship, it had propulsion thrusters on the left and right side. It also had an array of lens in the front that were used for shining light, conducting scans, or emitting certain light frequencies.
The bottom third of the air vehicle showed the outer haul that was black. Despite looking plain, inside of it held a large enough gravitational module to allow the ship to hover in place at any height. Remaining portion of the craft was the glass shield around the cockpit. It was retractable allowing a pilot to step out while the unit was still on. Controls in the cockpit had a variety of flight capabilities, weapons, and monitoring systems.
"Ah...there she is," Robotnik stated with a smile. Stopping in front of the ship, he put his hand on it and rubbed the metal exterior.
"My personal war craft. How have you been my dear? Have my robots taken care of you?"
[Your craft has been serviced doctor. It has been tested for flight, weapons, scanning, and fuel systems. All systems are operational for optimal performance] a mechanic machine announced nearby. It slowly hovered toward him with various arms that held tools.
"Excellent unit. I will depart now."
[Yes doctor. Opening hanger bay doors] it announced.
As if something engaged on voice command, overhead sliding doors began to open. Getting out his remote and clicking a button, the glass shield retracted. Climbing inside and sitting down on the pivotal and rotational pilot seat, he flipped a sequence of controls. Hearing the gravitational module turn on, the ship began to levitate off the ground a foot. Grabbing the joysticks, the man turned the craft around to be facing the opening on the ceiling.
[Hanger bay doors are open doctor. You are clear for take off]
"Before taking off," Ivo began to say then flipped a switch on one of the cockpit panels. "Attention all units. This is Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Base is under sentry mode. All unauthorized beings that venture onto the base is to be captured and imprisoned. If they resist, eliminate them. This is a direct order from your supreme leader."
[Yes doctor] a monitor robot spoke through on the small speaker on the flight controls. [Engaging sentry mode for base. Instructions for all unauthorized beings on base has been implemented]
"Excellent," he stated with a confident grin. Flicking the switch to off, he grabbed the joysticks again. Engaging one forward and adjusting the other, his ship went forward and ascended up to the opening. Accelerating faster and engaging the glass shield, the craft launched out of the base and headed towards the neighboring continent across the massive body of water.
"..." Speed stated what he required. Though Chiara forced herself to not react, Cyin began laughing.
"Ah my ami! You make a great impression of a homeless person with luck at the bottom of an abyss!" he stated after calming down. "Now-now-now...an artifact that you gave will fetch a pretty coin or two or even three. I can't not in my good conscious faith give you something of lesser value. It would weigh down on my consciousness!"
"...then what is...equal value in... your mind's eye?" the amputee asked staring unblinking at him.
"Ahhh," the chipmunk spoke and rubbed his hands together quickly. "How does 200 coins sound?"
"200 coins!?" Sonic repeated with a shocked look. "I've never seen more than a handful of them."
"200 coins for that thing means it is more valuable than he is telling us," the stoat whispered without moving from behind the adult hedgehog.
"You can buy a wardrobe of clothes and a chest full of food...and still have money to spare," the trader offered with his arms and palms out in open gesture. "Not filthy rich...but better off than half of the people living in this coast city."
"Wow. Really?" the boy asked astonished by the dwarf's statement.
"...Cyin..." Speed spoke and closed his hand into a very tight fist. "...you do not...have 200 coins..."
"Ho-ho-ho! You think I lie to you Red Eye!?"
"...you have...in previous...transactions..."
"Mmmmm...that is true," the shop owner agreed and crossed his arms over his chest. Thinking to himself, both the woman and child saw his eyes move rapidly around. Not making sudden movements, the two inched to be behind Speed completely.
"...Cyin...do you remember...what happened to...your trader partner?" the amputee asked. Beginning to walk forward slowly, he felt Chiara's hands try to keep him at bay. Feeling her nails scrap softly on his skin, she failed to stop him.
"..." the short man reacted with flinching. However, he refused to look up at the person walking toward him.
"...he lied as well...not to me...to you..." Speed continued getting closer. Chiara and Sonic could see impatience and anxiety eating at the chipmunk quickly. So much so that the small man's bushy tail began going up and down in flicking motions. It gave the appearance that the trader would attack.
"..."
"...do you remember...what you asked...for me to do...as a trade?" he questioned. Stopping a couple feet away from the counter, he could reach the man with the length of his left arm.
"...yesss..." Cyin spoke quietly and looked off to the side. Seeing the gray ash hedgehog lift his fist, he placed it on the desk softly. Being in front of the chipmunk, he saw how tightly clenched it was.
"...are you still...selling off his...body parts?" he asked boring at the trader's face like a predatory in front of its prey. He failed to see the aghast expressions on the two people behind him that didn't move from their spot still.
"Yes-yes-yes," the chipmunk stated and waved both his hands dismissively at him. "You made your point. I don't like that killer's face pointed at me."
"...then..." Speed continued. Opening up his hand, he had his palm facing up while still on the furniture. "...what trade...will we be having?"
"Alright-alright!" Cyin complained.
Turning around, he hopped off his stool. Walking to the doorway that was nearby, it led to the backroom. Once out of sight, the handicap hedgehog turned around with a stoic face. The other two occupants in the room continued to hold their feared surprise. Seeing them unsure of him from his threatening statement toward the trader, he did not change his expression. Not saying anything to them, he turned back around and waited.
Awkward silence filled the room as the only sounds in the shop were the ruffling in the stockroom. Tension between the three people in the lobby kept increasing as none of them attempted to talk or bridge the space gap between them. After a couple minutes, there were noises of something being dragged. Cyin came through the doorway with a handful of items. Hopping on the counter and putting them down, he jumped back down and went back again.
"..." Speed spoke not moving from his spot.
"..." Sonic said still remaining in his position.
"..." Chiara talked from where she stood.
'If this kid wants him to teach him how to be as fast as him...then he might end up acting as barbaric as he is,' the stoat thought glancing at the boy.
Remembering that he had a scared expression from hearing the amputee's statement he chopped someone up for the trader, it was less now. Almost seeing hesitation, the orphan was not focusing on anything. As if having a mental debate in his head, she could sense that Sonic was trying to convince himself to push through the apprehension. Feeling something fester inside her from the sight, she tensed up and reached out to him. Placing a hand on his right shoulder, the boy flinched and looked at her blinking.
"Well now," the chipmunk trader chimed in the other room. "Never knew I had these lying around!"
"..." both the female and child reacted with a blink. They flinched from hearing something heavy fall and the dwarf man swear loudly. Listening to the sounds of things being picked up, the woman turned back to the gray ash hedgehog. Seeing him not there, she scanned around the room quickly with her eyes.
"...what...is the matter...?"
"...!?" Chiara responded with doing a forward dash roll. Standing up and facing the other direction, she immediately got into an offensive stance with her claws out.
"...!?" the youngster flinched again and turned around. Seeing Speed had moved to the other side of the wall, he wasn't behind him. Instead, he was staring at something on a display table. Moving his head to the left to view them, only his crimson ring eye stared at them.
"...blasted thing...come on...give up-give-up-give...aHA!" Cyin spoke getting something loose. The sound of things falling came but nothing crashed onto the floor. Instead, it seemed it landed on a shelf below giving mild thuds on the other side of the wall.
"Alright then," the trader spoke out loud. Coming back into the galley area with materials in his arms, he used a step stool that was at the other end of his desk. Climbing on top, he laid the garments down then patted his hands and dress shirt many times rapidly.
"I'm going to have to do another round of inventory...ugh, accounting," he muttered then looked up. Blinking from seeing the standoff, he immediately cleared his throat loudly. It drew everyone's head to turn to him.
"As much as I have interest in seeing brawls, I prefer not to paint my interior design red. Now then Red Eye. Collect your trade and be off with you and your...food."
"..." Speed spoke with turning around.
Walking passed the two without looking at them, he approached the table. Seeing there were a selection of cloaks, he picked the rattiest one. Examining the pockets and the hoodie, none of them had holes. Despite smelling like dust, he put it on. Grabbing the hood and putting it over his head, he felt closer to feeling normal. Turning his head to the right, he looked directly at the stoat who still looked tense at him.
"...you want...anything?"
"..." Chiara spoke with staring back at him. "From that pile, no."
"...no weapon..."
"I don't need a weapon. Why?"
"...your claws...won't prevent me...from turning you...into food," he answered without blinking.
"Aye my ami. What is this? Pity from you to a pest?" the chipmunk spoke with a smirk. Seeing the agitation grow on the woman was pleasing. However when the amputee turned back to him, the hoodie hid his face a bit to where only the cybernetic eye glowed and stared at him.
"J-Just pick your wares already Red Eye! Ain't got all day for any window shopping!"
"..." Speed blinked then turned his sights back onto the items on the table.
Examining the other items on the counter, he grabbed the worn work gloves. Smelling old and dirty, he placed them in one pile. Seeing used kid size white gloves, it had oversized blue wristbands attached to it. Not seeing any other children style for gloves, he grabbed a not so beat up small cloak and moved them to the keep pile. Looking for a shoulder strapped carry bag, there was only one small brown knapsack. Seeing several coins on the table, he moved those to the bundle.
"...thank you...that will be all..."
"..." Cyin responded with a sigh. "You and your look to be homeless...whatever. Now go and get. I have another client coming in the next 15 minutes. Go on! Shoo!"
Grabbing the coins and putting them into one of the backpack pockets, he put the knapsack on. Reaching for and grabbing the white gloves and smaller cloak, he turned around. Going to the boy and stopping near, the child didn't flinch or move. Seeing that he wasn't looking at him with fear, he extended his arm. Handing the clothes to him, Sonic blinked and looked at them. Closing and opening his eyes again, he lifted his head to view the older hedgehog.
"...see if they...fit you..."
"...o-okay..." the boy spoke and nodded his head.
Grabbing the cloak first and wearing it, it only smelled like old cloth. Trying the hood and seeing that his fins got in the way, he understood how Speed got his in. Having worn one before, it was not something he liked or disliked. Keeping the hood down and retrieving the gloves, he put them on. Pulling on the oversized wristbands to fit his fingers in, his hands were covered with the white material. Closing and opening his hands a few times, he looked up and nodded.
"Thank you."
"..." Speed reacted with just staring for a second or so.
Turning away and walking out, he grabbed Chiara's arm about to pass her. Thinking she would wrench herself free from his grasp, she didn't. Walking in step with him, quick small feet caught up to them from behind. Exiting out of the trade shop, Speed didn't let go of her arm as he continued walking down the ramp walkway. Reaching the ground level, he let go of her arm.
"Freaking hell...that was one heck of a gag," she stated looking at him.
"...gag...?" he questioned continuing to walk. The direction he was heading was back to the shopping district.
"Yeah. That claim ya chopped someone to bits for that psycho back there. Never seen that shrimp fold over like a wet towel," the stoat explained sounding a little relieved. Giving him a soft slug on his left arm, he didn't react.
"...that was not...a false claim..."
"..." she reacted with losing the amount of relief she had recovered.
"D-Did...you really rip...someone to pieces Speed?" Sonic asked nervous walking on amputee's right side.
"...I did..."
"...y...ya bluffing still," Chiara proclaimed. Getting in front of him and turning around, the image of him with the cloak matched that of what she remembered seeing him in the past. Mentally shaking her head from any nerves that were rattled, she pointed at him while walking backwards.
"No one has the strength to just rip and tear people apart. A primal gorilla, bear, or of similar species, sure. But our kind of race, only a few species may have that strength," she stated then turned to the boy. "Right sport?"
"..." the orphan answered with nervously scratching his right cheek. "Actually, I've seen Speed...uh...break limbs off."
"...!?" she recoiled then looked at the adult hedgehog.
Seeing him attempting to pass her to her right, she stepped in front of him. Blocking his path and about to open her mouth, his left hand suddenly came out from his cloak's opening. Acting like a snake, he tried to snatch her. Weaving backwards quickly, she felt his fingers graze her right forearm. Taking a step backwards and tripping on something, she began to stumble. A palm of a hand pressed on her back easing the fall. Colliding with something solid that smelled of dust, it was a solid chest.
"...careful...you might...trip..." Speed whispered near her ear.
"..." Chiara commented with pressing her lips together slightly. Resisting herself from turning around and slugging him, she got herself up to a standing position.
"...thanks...you smell like an attic," she stated then turned around. Blinking from seeing him walking the other way, the child gave a glance at her then jogged to him to catch up. The sight of him always escaping her grasp and the hostile level the handicap man could do at a given notice made her remember something.
'#$can never be one of us#$ just a girl!#$%'#$ I can! Just watch me!#$%'#$ look at that. Little stoaty is trying to act like she one of dem guys#!'#$I'll show you! I'll show ya'll I can pull my own weight!#$%'#$%#Ha ha ha ha! Look at her! She can't even hunt down a primal on the loose!#$#$'#%$Let's leave her boys. Since she claims to become one of us, she can survive#$%'That ain't cool man#%$da community will get on us if something happens to her $%^#Quit ya whinning shrimp! We ain't responsible for her. She did this to herself! She has to go through the trials like anyone of us.#$^%Boss...the predator is a Grizzly...its- ^ #%Ya shut your trap you shit! This is the only way, got it? #$% Boss...Boss...shit shit shit. Boss!%$^ What the shit is ya problem- $#% 'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT HERE!? #$% WHERE THE FLYING FUCK IS CHIARA!?' #^ Chief! She went after that bear all by herself. We tried to- #$%'SHUT YOUR HOLE YOU LYING SACK OF SHIT! CHIARA!? CHIARA!? YOU GET YOUR TAIL ASS HERE RIGHT NOW! AND STOP FIGHTING THAT BEAR! YOU HEAR ME!? #$%'Shit! Both went over the cliff!$#'SHE DID WHAT!? THAT'S IT...i'm going to ring...y'alls...'
"..." she reacted to the memory and got furious. Looking up from the ground with a scowl, she barked.
"HEY!"
"...!?" Sonic faltered his step from hearing her loud shout. Stopping and glancing back, the fur on the back of his neck stood on end. Getting near the where the shopping tents were, everyone in earshot blinked and stared at who yelled. Seeing the stoat and her hostile aura, they glanced at who she was boring down.
"...she looks really mad..." the child mentioned in a low tone. "She's heading towards us."
"..." Speed responded and stopped.
Frowning a little, he turned around. Watching her glare at him, he immediately started walking directly toward her. Following at a distance, the young hedgehog felt a nasty fight would occur again. Seeing them get closer and closer to each other, he imagined bombs about to go off upon collision. When both got in front of each other, no fists started flying as they stopped.
"Listen here hot shit," she began standing toe to toe with him. Grabbing the cloak and removing it from him, he did not resist. Tossing it to the ground, she got back into his face to which he never moved or blinked.
"I'm sick and tired of you-!?" the stoat began angrily before her jaw was snatched by the hedgehog's hand. Feeling it grip her face painfully, she snatched at his hand with both of hers. Trying to pry his fingers off, he held firm as they stared at each other with unfriendly faces.
"...what...do...you...want...?" he asked quietly while slowly lifting her off the ground. Stopping after a couple inches above the street, his arm remained steady.
"...you're...hurting me..." she muttered with varying emotions. Producing her claws, she pierced them into his hand. Causing several puncture points and blood to start coming out, the grip on her face only increased a little more.
"...I know...answer...my...question..." he spoke evenly and calm. Despite his voice, his expression was grave.
"H-Hey S-Speed!" Sonic spoke getting next to him. He grabbed the small carry on and pulled a little.
"...I'm...I'm not...a throw away," the stoat seethed.
Removing one claw and making a tight fist, she brought her arm up. Shooting her elbow down to hit his forearm, he easily lifted her up more. Making her miss, Speed brought his arm down hard and let go of her face. Not keeping a firm grip on his hand, she fell backwards and down. Trying to land on her feet and stumbling, she stabilized herself in a kneeling position. Focusing back on the hedgehog, he stood there frowning at her.
"..." Chiara was about to shout at him when he began walking toward her.
Seeing that his gaze never changed, his hand bleeding did not even faze him. The unblinking cybernetic implant stared her down like it was going to get her. Feeling fear rise in her, she stood up quickly. Not wanting to show her apprehension, she stood her ground. Thinking he would stop outside her personal space, he got toe to toe with her with being inches away from her face.
"...what...are...you...doing...?" Speed asked in the same tone and stare.
"I told you before...I not letting you...out of my sight," she answered going back to a glare.
"...for...what...reason...?"
"That kid's safety."
"...then...take...him..."
"..." the woman reacted with opening and closing her mouth. Despite seeing him never change an expression, his demeanor continued to get more threatening.
"...give me a reason...to not...make you bleed..." the amputee stated plainly. Seeing her face break a little, she was combating other thoughts and feelings inside her.
"S-Speed! No," Sonic reacted with distraught. Rushing to their side, the sight between them made the boy cringe.
"Why are two hurting each other?"
"...a fight...was started...it is still...ongoing."
"B-But she is a girl! You can't hit girls!" the boy instantly reacted.
"..." Chiara reacted negatively to the remark as it made her angrier.
"...then be her...meat shield then," he commented never breaking his gaze at her. It caused an immediate reaction from her while the boy blinked.
"Meat shield?" he asked a little startled. Seeing the stoat's face, she slapped the amputee hard in the face. Cringing from how loud it sounded, the orphan thought the adult hedgehog would stagger backwards. Instead, only his head turned to the left half a quarter turn. His eyes though never left staring her down.
"YOU FREAKING LUNATIC! YOU BARBARIC ANIMAL! YOU-cagh!" she began raging before gasping. Feeling a swift left uppercut into her stomach, she dropped hard to her knees. Feeling the wind knocked out of her, all she could do was focus on breathing. Not able to focus while looking at the ground, her pulse was pounding in her head as her vision was slowly blurring in places.
"...go ahead Chiara...continue with your...description..." Speed began then got in front of her and looked down at her. "...you left out...monster...or was that...a given?"
"..." Sonic spoke feeling frozen in place.
Seeing them fight each other, he wanted to stop it. However, he was weaker than both and the stoat appeared to not want to his help regardless. Seeing her face in pain, she was just breathing through clenched teeth. Seeing the amputee look up and scan around himself, the boy did so as well. Onlookers immediately avoided their gaze while some slowly migrated back to their errands or tending their shops. The sight of no one stepping in to mitigate or stop the fight reminded the child of the gang fight earlier.
'Maybe that officer lady will stop them,' he thought and turned to the two. Flinching from seeing Speed grab the fur on top of her head, he lifted it up. Seeing her physically ache to get to a standing position, she continued holding her stomach while leaning forward.
"Grnnnnn," she growled in pain and rage. Baring her closed teeth at him, he wasn't even shaking. The same stoic piercing gaze at her made her battle her growing fright of the hedgehog. Thinking about his capabilities, she decided to dare him to see if it would cause a reaction.
"I don't...nnneeh...have a reason...so go ahead hot shit. Murder me then."
"...fine..." the male reacted with indifference.
Blinking, he let go of her head and saw her stand a little wobbly. Without hesitation, he cocked his bloody left fist back and punched her across her right jaw. Seeing her head fling to the left, she fell to the ground on her left side. Knocked out and not moving, only shallow breathing was seen from watching her. Hearing murmurs around, the amputee looked up and slowly turned his head left and right.