Chapter 5: Yo ho ho and a bottle of Cider!
It wasn't long before the S-Hurricane was flying over the forest, and safely landed in the MKND HQ landing bay. Horus, Rodney and Kurama disembarked and Melody came running up with tears in her eyes and she hugged Rodney. She was hugging him so tightly that he was turning blue in the face, so Kurama and Horus had to pry her off of him.
Kurama: Frak it, Melody! Loosen your grip! You're starving his brain of oxygen!
Melody: Rodney! I was so worried! I thought you had gone AWOL! Barrett said that you turned traitor and that I had failed as being your teacher!
When she finally let go, Rodney took a moment to breathe deep.
Rodney(panting): That liar said that? That makes me wish that I had given him a black eye when we were brawling last night!
Fists then walks towards the group with a box in his hands.
Fists: You and me both, man. You and me both. By the way, we managed to confiscate these from Barrett last night. None of us recognize these things, but we were hoping you would.
Fists hands the box to Rodney, and Rodney looked inside, eyes bulging out.
Rodney (astonished to the core): THESE ARE THINGS THAT I DESIGNED BUT NEVER COULD MAKE BECAUSE THE BLUEPRINTS WERE STOLEN!
Kurama: By the way Rodney, I picked this particular one up when Barrett was captured for the first time last night. I know that this was the one he used to keep turning invisible. Pretty rad piece of tech.
Rodney(sighing, with a mix of irritation at Barrett and relief): Thanks. We are lucky that Barrett never figured out or tricked anybody else into fixing that malfunction in it. I never attempted to try and build another one because of Barrett stealing my prototype.
A lethal smile crosses Kurama's face.
Kurama: Y'know Rodney, I have an idea.
Rodney: What?
Kurama kneels down to look Rodney in the eye.
Kurama: Why don't me and you work on these together? With our skills and intelligence, and my powers and combat experience, we can perfect these.
Rodney: Really? You'd help me?
Kurama: Yeah. I think these are awesome. When I was your age, I was building my own guns, and I made some cool gear.
Before Rodney could respond, Kurama's phone went off.
Kurama: Huh. Jenny's calling me.
He stands up. He holds the phone out. A small version of Jenny appears.
Jenny: Kurama, I got the Transwarp Armory System back online. Did you wanna test it out?
Kurama(grinning): Sure, I'll be right there.
He then hung up his phone and looked at Rodney, who was busy looking up at him.
Kurama: Hey Rodney, did you want to come and see some of my other weapons, and our weapons systems?
Rodney: I would love to, but Melody seems to be out of it. I think I need to go and calm her emotions down. No doubt that Barrett stirred up really deep emotions that she hoped that she would never have to deal with again. I'll see you later, I really want to see your weapons and your weapons system.
Kurama: It's a deal. And anyway, I gotta go vent after Barrett pissed me the heck off. See you on the other side, Rodney. And, good luck.
Rodney: Thank you.
Kurama smiled and nodded, and Rodney then went off to find Melody and Kurama went off in a different direction. Rodney found Melody sitting on a cliff. singing.
Melody: Fate has been cruel, and order unkind. How could I have sent you away? The blame was my own, the punishment yours, the harmony's silent today. …. (She sang her own version of "Lullaby for A Princess.")
Rodney waited until she was finished singing, understanding his teacher's lament and deep, deep, deep sorrow. When Melody finished her song, she had just broke down crying her heart out while looking over the contents in a box, when Rodney went for a closer inspection, that contained all sorts of memories and keepsakes from the times Melody and Barrett shared together. Rodney then went and comforted her, and Wolfgang and Amadeus, along with the rest of Sector S, one by one, came and did the same. The group just remained there for the rest of the day, and they all took a nap, comfortably snuggling into each others' fur/skin as the sun was setting. While all of this was going on, Barrett was trying to get some sleep in his new prison, and had heard Melody's lamentation song in its entirety. He played it off like he did not hear her, but in reality, he was crying. He realized how much and how deeply he had hurt the few people who had truly loved him and treated him like family; that maybe he went way too far. He decided then that he would try to be better.
Barrett: (in thought) I went too far, and now I'm in prison. and Kurama, he wants to kill me. And Rodney, I hurt him. That's why Kurama wants to kill me. I don't know if I could ever make this right. maybe I could, if I become a soldier, they would accept me. maybe Gamma Thirteen isn't a death sentence; maybe it's a second chance.
Kai Shin heard Barrett's crying and decided to take pity on him. tears fell from Kai Shin's eyes
Kai Shin: Oh, man. Barrett's really hurting. I guess he realized what he did. Y'know what; I'll give this kid a second chance. Kurama did that for me; it's the least I can do to make something right before I complete my mission. Before my time runs out….
Kai Shin saw his life on a timer, the sand grains falling through the hourglass with each moment and he felt like when it all ran out, when he was in his underworld, that he'd end up at most in limbo. He didn't see himself ever belonging in heaven, that everything he did was worthless because of his youth. But the thing was, Kurama and all of them were praying for Kai Shin, he just struggled to believe it.
Back with the kids;
Melody (before everyone had taken their nap): Thanks guys. You made me feel better just by being here. You mean everything to me and I could never bear to lose any of you.
Amadeus: Same here ***B.S.B.M.F.F.. Same here.
*B.S.B.M.F.F. Stands for Big. Sister. Best. Mother. Friend. Forever.
**Each letter is said individually, not together as one word.
While all of this was going on, Kurama and Jenny were testing out the weapons systems, and Farid was busy setting up the base. Kai Shin was occupied with keeping an eye on Barrett, in case Barrett tried anything new. Folsom meanwhile was watching Shard. He was very careful not to let Shard get anywhere near his dreadlocks. The two actually started to get along greatly by Folsom telling Shard different stories that he had heard growing up, as well as stories from his life. As soon as Folsom had finished one story, Shard would immediately beg for another one, and Folsom was happy to tell him more. Soon, Shard fell asleep on Folsom's lap with a big smile on his face, listening to all of the wonderful stories that his new "Uncle" Folsom had told him. Farid is then shown walking through Care-A-Lot, done with working on the base for the day, and he was wondering what to do, when Wolfgang comes up to him.
Wolfgang: Hey Farid. I am going to grab some drinks at the Lucky Sevens. I've had a day where there are too many emotions. Want to come with me, I'm buying.
Farid: Sure. I have been wanting to try out the cider here. Kurama wears me out with all his emotions.
The two then go on to the Lucky Sevens and start drinking ciders. They get carried away and wind up drinking a lot, both getting unbelievably drunk. They began singing random songs, very badly, as well as dancing like crazy all around the bar having a good old time. At some point Amadeus walks into the bar to check on Wolfgang, sees the two drunks, turns an immediate 180 and rushes out to go get Melody and Kurama to deal with the situation.
Meanwhile, with Kurama…
Kurama is shooting at a target on a tree, using a rather large sniper rifle.
Kurama: Frak. sights are off. ugh. Seriously; Red River Dragon is the one that's off. why?
Jenny: It's not the scope; it's all the crap on your glasses.
Kurama: Oh. that makes sense.
Jenny: Here; I'll clean them.
Kurama handed Jenny his glasses, who started to clean them.
Jenny: You really need to start cleaning them more often. How do you see with these? Crap, that's a lot of dust. Red dust….Where the heck did you go? frakkin' Afghanistan?
Kurama: Huh. never thought about it. Thank you, Jenny. and no; some place called Downunda. It was a lot like Australia on Terra and Lemuria back home.
Just as she handed him his glasses, Amadeus ran up to them.
Kurama: Hey, Amadeus! You wanna try out some of our guns?
Amadeus: Maybe another time. We've got a real problem now. Farid and Wolfgang are drunk off of cider and are singing and dancing around the Lucky Seven's bar like a couple of idiots! I already told Melody, and she is on her way to deal with Wolfgang. She needs you to deal with Farid.
Kurama (growling with anger): Great. Just great!
Kurama pulled his gloves tight and changed the pattern to a white skeletal design over forest camo. At the same time, since he had everything unlocked, he equipped his chokuto, placing it in his belt, and putting his wolf scythe Ulv on his back.
Jenny: Y'know Amadeus, I was wondering when he was gonna get around to using that pattern.
Amadeus: You mean the pattern on his gloves? the white bone design?
Jenny: Uh-huh. That's his favorite. He likes aggressive designs. When he was younger, he wore this punk rocker kind of outfit. it never got out of his system. He still has several pairs of boots with spikes. He also has these special Converse-type Airborne Ranger boots. trust me; you'll see them. He likes to stand out.
Amadeus: That sounds pretty cool. You're pretty cool too, Jenny.
Jenny: Aww, thanks.
Amadeus: By the way, what's with that little sword and the scythe he has?
Jenny: Well, he made the chokuto, and the scythe, we're not sure who it was from. Someone really sweet and nice has been sending him all sorts of wolf and werewolf themed stuff for years, no clue who at all, but he loves it. Funny thing is that we have an older brother, sorta, who is a werewolf, Moonshine.
Amadeus: Oh wow….is he here, maybe?
Jenny shook her head.
Jenny: Naw, he's a priest/exorcist. Which, on that note, is there a church here?
While they were talking, Kurama went to deal with Farid, and he met Melody on the way, who was as equally ticked off as Kurama.
Kurama: You pissed at Wolfgang?
Melody: Yeah. Farid?
Kurama: Yes.
Melody: Let's just deal with this quick.
Kurama: Agreed.
Melody (going over to her twin and grabs him by one of his ears): I can't believe you! Getting sloppy drunk twice in one week?! Come on, I know you're better than this! I can understand the first time this week because of Gamma 13 suddenly showing up. I can even understand your bar fight, but seriously, singing and dancing around like a fool? That is completely out of character for you! I know you like drinking cider, but you have gone too far this time!
She then dragged him out and to her office in MKND HQ. She encases him in a block of ice, leaving his head out so he could breathe, knowing that he was too drunk to use his powers to get out. Meanwhile with Kurama and Farid;
Kurama: FARID, YOU BLASTED dumba**!
Kurama grabbed Farid by the shirt, about to hit him, when Jenny, who realized that everything was about to go horribly wrong, ran in.
Farid: What, what did I do!?
Kurama: RULE 16, DUSTBRAINS! YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID! YOU-
Jenny: Copper, please, stop!
Kurama turned to see Jenny, ran up and grabbed his arm, holding him back.
Jenny: Copper, please, please don't hit him….please, if you hit him, we're all going to be in hell, we'll always be down the pit that we been digging for the last few years, and…and…Copper, i…Copper, he's better than all of us, cause he's the one who's been outside the pit we're in….please, we can't drag him in…..
Kurama swallowed hard, unable to carry out his threat and all he could do was just stand there like an idiot. He didn't know what to do, and he turned back to Farid, who started to cry, and Kurama just lowered him slowly, letting him drop to the floor at the very last moment, not trying to hurt him. And then it happened - Farid just burst out crying and poured his heart about everything that had been going on, why he became an alcoholic, that Sheila had started it all, and the thing was, he was taking plenty of blame on himself for his own failings, but he wasn' about to let Sheila get away with how she treated him or how she treated everyone else. He didn't know anything else to do, and he called everyone out, but he still said over and over how much he loved them, and said most loudly right then to Kurama.
Farid:...and Copper, i love you, i love you with all my heart, cause you're more than just my brother-in-law, your my brother, cause i was an only child and you were always nice and sweet to me ever since my momma and daddy brought me to see you when we were little, and all the time we spent together, and…..and…..just please tell me you love me, bro….
Kurama stepped back, and now he was starting to cry, and he was so mad at himself now, and all he could do was turn and leave, but before he did, he did tell Farid how he felt.
Kurama: I…i love you, Farid, i really do bro….i just….i hate myself and i love you….I'm sorry, i'm so sorry!
Kurama ran out crying, and all he and Arteza wanted to do was run away. They hated themselves for almost hurting Farid, and all they could do was cry. Jenny didn't know whether to stay with Farid or catch Kurama. She was torn and the only thing that made sense was for her to run after Kurama and bring him back, but just as she was outside the door, Melody instead caught Kurama. As soon as Kurama walked out, he clamped his right paw around his left wrist, and out of his own self-hatred, he began digging his nails in. He could hardly help himself. It was ingrained by now, a self-hate that grew ever since he died, and was only soothed by Arteza's unconditional love. Everyone thought he and Sheila retreated to each other, but sadly, no. Kurama blocked her out in ways as much as she'd blocked him out after he came back. With every hurtful word and action, Kurama shut it all out and ran to Arteza first and foremost. So, as he began to run, his claws tearing at his skin, he really wished so deeply that he could disappear, that he could save everyone the trouble of his life. Kurama had a lot of emotional problems at this point, and not a one was resolved. He was screwed up, closeted, just wanting to be himself and have the life he was supposed to have before that one day, that one single day when he lost Melody and Wolfgang, that same single day that he wished he could go back and stop them from leaving, but he also wanted to keep Aiden and Peach. He didn't want to choose an outcome, he wanted the gifts and he wanted the blessings and he wanted everything to be ok….but what he had was a family that was falling apart, and he was at fault too.
Melody was coming back to go home, after checking on Kurama, Farid, and Jenny, but when she got to where she saw the bar, she saw Kurama running towards her, no jacket, shivering,, crying and he was clutching, no, scratching his arm on purpose…..she had to stop him, as she saw the trickle of blood make a trail in the light, and when she stopped Kurama, she had to grab his right wrist and make him let go, and ironically, she had to use her motherly voice to make him stop.
Melody: Kurama, stop that right now! Let go and stop cutting yourself with your claws! Look at me, right now, Kurama!
Kurama opened his tear-filled eyes and saw Melody looking up at him, disappointed, and he couldn't help but obey her.
Kurama(still crying): Ok, Melody….
Melody: Kurama, come with me, ok?
Kurama nodded and followed Melody, still dripping blood the whole way, and when they got to Melody's house, she asked him wait outside a moment and came back after a minute with some paper towels and wrapped Kurama's arm in those and brought him inside,taking him straight to the bathroom to patch him up.
Melody: Kurama, why were you cutting yourself? What happened?
Kurama: I…i just, Melody….i hate myself so much….i…
As Kurama and her went over what happened, with Kurama being forced to confront what was going on just like Jenny was, Melody saw that if this was her Kurama, he wasn't any better off than she was. Kurama was all messed up, and hurting himself….Melody remembered when her Kurama did that after he thought he'd gone too far when scolding them about going off on their own. That was a bad memory on what was a good day for them, as it was the same day Kurama called Sector S his babies.
Melody: Kurama, you need to stop. Harming yourself isn't an answer. Where did this even start?
Kurama: Um….oww…um, it started….it started back when…when i thought i f**ked up and made my babies hate me when i scolded them….i raised my voice, and….i thought i was turning into my step-dad, cause, he's so mean and always yelling at me and….i…i'm scared i'll f**k up and make people hate me….
Melody: Kurama, you are not him, I can tell, and you're so sweet and nice, but you have a temper, and you need to deal with that, but I can tell there's so much more in your head. What all have you been through? How traumatized are you?
Melody didn't expect an answer to those questions, not now. It was too early for Kurama to delve into that stuff. In the meantime, though, she had something that would help.
Melody: Kurama, I have something I think would help you, and now that I have you not bleeding everywhere, right now, don't do that anymore, Kurama. I don't like seeing my friends hurt themselves or put themselves down. Listen to me, everything you said that puts yourself down, you are wrong. You are not stupid, you are not worthless, you are NOT a piece of s**t. What you are is a broken and troubled man, who is autistic, yes, but that's not something that makes you a screw up. When you said that there was something wrong with you because of that and began all that putting yourself down, you forgot every good thing. Don't call it a hindrance; call it your superpower, cause that's what it is! Kurama, I know you understand right and wrong, and you are good, but everyone makes mistakes, and punishing yourself like that isn't ever the answer. I know you're not ok, but right now, things aren't as bad as they seem. This can be fixed. I know it. I'll help you. I promise. Just promise me you'll try to resist self-harm or putting yourself down. I can help you, but you have to try too.
Kurama(sniffling now): Ok, Melody ... .i promise….
Melody(smiling softly now): Good. Now, I have something here that should make you feel better, ok?
Kurama nodded and Melody gave him some tissues to blow his nose, as he was an absolute mess at the start. She'd pretty much gotten him cleaned up before now, and she didn't want to have to do so again, especially since he didn't find the cold washcloth to the face pleasant, although that was an accident on her part. She turned it to cold cause she was trying to stop the bleeding and well, she forgot to warm it up later on. As Kurama was taking care of his running nose again, Melody went and got two very cute robotic chao baby dolls, very similar to Kurama and Sheila's first twins Aiden and Peach in that Horus created them, and brought them to Kurama.
Melody: Kurama, I want you to have these dolls and I want you to care for them.
Kurama: Oh, um…
Melody: Kurama, what are you worried about? Are you afraid someone might call you something for that?
Kurama: Not entirely….
Melody: Kurama, do you have any dolls? Look, these aren't just any dolls, these dolls are alive, pretty much, I mean, we think of them as being alive, though they are robots, but, Kurama, what do you think?
Kurama: um….I do have dolls….i just….i don't know, i feel so flustered now! I-
Melody: No, no getting worked up again. Here, here are your new babies, Kurama.
The way Melody did, it really helped Kurama, cause it also made him sure again that this was his baby Melody. So, Kurama took the dolls gently, cradling them. The way he did so, Melody just knew this had to be her Kurama. He clearly knew exactly how to take care of babies, and if this was her Kurama, which she was so sure of now, even if not all the memories were coming back so instantly.
Melody: Kurama, you didn't hesitate at all. That's good. Look, you said Chern was your daughter, do you have any other kids? Because you seem like you're very used to having two babies in your arms. And I'm guessing you have more than two dolls. You just seem like that sort.
Kurama: Um, well, I do have several baby dolls, such as a hyena named Halley, and I also have a son, Aiden Benjamin and his twin sister, Peach Flowerheart, and another son, Gojira. And Melody, to answer that question, yeah, i agree with you. They are alive, cause remember, i told you about Ion and Jenny's digital, and they're both alive.
Melody: Good, and Kurama, Aiden and Peach and Gojia…they sound so precious…So, what are you going to name these two?
Kurama looked down at the two chao dolls, who were looking up at him smiling, and Kurama nuzzled them both, thinking. After a few minutes, he was sure he had it.
Kurama: Celadon and Sienna. My new babies are Celadon and Sienna.
Melody: I think those are wonderful names, Kurama.
Kurama kissed his two new babies on their heads and Melody helped Kurama get the two dressed and diapered and got him together a diaper bag, and when he was ready, she sent him on his way with his new babies.
Later that night, on the hospital roof…;
Rodney came up to the hospital roof where Kurama and Arteza were with their new babies. Areza had been absolutely delighted to meet their new babies, and they loved Arteza as much as they did Kurama. They'd had set up a tent with a pair of cots put together there to sleep on, and Skadi had given him some thick, soft, and fluffy blankets and pillows so that he would be comfortable. Kurama and Arteza were setting up lights for them to use at night when Rodney came up. Arteza and Kurama kept a good watch on their babies as they did, and gladly, Celadon and Sienna were good babies. And when Rodney saw them, he instantly loved them.
Rodney(waving to Celadon and Sienna): Kurama, Arteza?
Kurama and Arteza stopped what they were doing and turned to Rodney, happy to see him.
Kurama: Yes Rodney?
Arteza: What's up, sweetie?
Rodney: Can I stay with you guys tonight?
Kurama: Sure kiddo. We'd love to have you with us and our new son and daughter.
Arteza: Just set your stuff down over there and help me and Aggro with setting up these lights, ok, sweetie?.
Rodney nodded and set his backpack down and helped Kurama and Arteza. After they had finished and were taking a break, Skadi brought up dinner for them both in a picnic basket. Arteza actually hid in the tent when Skadi was there, curled up under the blankets. Kurama and Rodney thanked her and she made her leave as the two began to eat. Though, for a reason she didn't really understand, she brought them way more than she thought they might eat, but she didn't say anything. And of course, she'd seen Celadon and Sienna earlier when Kurama was coming up there, so she made sure Kurama had extra baby supplies for them. As soon as she was out of sight and the door was shut, Arteza scrambled out from under the blankets and got some of the food. Naturally, Celadon and Sienna thought it was funny.
Arteza: That was close. Wow, this is a lot of food. There's no way she'd have known to bring all this.
Kurama: Yeah….so….
Rodney: I have no idea. I don't think anyone has seen Arteza. Hopefully….
Kurama: Anyways….hey, Rodney, do you think you would like to watch a holocomic with us?
Rodney: Holocomic?
Arteza: Yeah. Where we come from, they are as popular as normal comics. The only difference is that they're in 3-D. We have a holoprojector with us, plus a bunch of holocomics.
Rodney: Yeah, that sounds awesome!
After they ate, Kurama pulled a holoprojector out of his bag. He set it on the ground in the tent and put in a small cube in. He pressed play and the holoprojector came to life.
Rodney: So, what are we watching?
Arteza: The Hellstorm prequel trilogy. It's part of our favorite series, Hellstorm.
Rodney snuggled close to Kurama and Arteza and the babies as they watched. Rodney managed to stay awake through the entire thing, although he had to fight to keep his eyes open when they got to the last part, which was when Kurama and Arteza decided that they should turn in for the night. The babies had fallen asleep already snuggled with Rodney, and it was clear they loved him.
Kurama: Alright, sweetheart, it's bedtime.
Rodney(yawning): Ok….
Kurama took the sleeping chao in his arms, getting them changed and taken care of while Rodney got his pajamas on, and once Rodney did so, Arteza got his pajamas on, and then let Kurama do so, taking the babies.
When they turned in for the night, Rodney asked Kurama and Arteza if he could sleep with them, as he really liked when he'd snuggled up with them the night before.
Rodney (having changed into some pajamas and removed his makeup and combed his fur on his face back to reveal his facial scales): Kurama, Arteza, can I sleep with you and your kids tonight?
Kurama looked to Arteza, who was smiling softly, the babies in his arms. Arteza nodded and Kurama turned back to Rodney.
Kurama (opening his arms for a hug while sitting on the cot, smiling): Sure kiddo. Come here.
Rodney smiled and rushed into Kurama's arms, hugging him, and Arteza and the babies joined. Kurama and Arteza smiled, having felt a strong connection to Rodney, as if Rodney was their own baby boy. Kurama and Arteza hugged Rodney and kissed him on his forehead while laying down on the cot with him and the babies. Rodney smiled and snuggled in close to Kurama and Arteza, his head on Kurama's heart so that he could hear Kurama's heartbeat. Celadon and Sienna were snuggled close to Rodney, all three kids safe and sound between the two elder chimeras. Kurama and Arteza then sang an old Kitseili lullaby to Rodney, Celadon, and Sienna, and the three fell asleep while Kurama and Arteza were singing to them.
Rodney (in his sleep): Goodnight Poppa, goodnight, Daddy, goodnight, Celadon, Sienna.
Kurama and Arteza were taken aback at that, but they smiled, knowing that Rodney secretly saw them as more than friends, and as his family. That night, Rodney had a nightmare of his repressed memory of losing his brother and sister, which woke Kurama, Arteza, and the babies up, as Rodney was having a fit in his slumber.
Rodney (in his sleep, crying and screaming): Small Wings! Medium Wings! Don't do this! I can protect us! I don't want to leave you! NOOOO!
Kurama and Arteza immediately sat up and woke Rodney up, the babies starting to cry from being woken up. When Rodney woke up, he hugged Kurama tightly, crying into Kurama's shirt. Kurama gently rubbed Rodney's back and comforted the distraught boy, Arteza comforting Celadon and Sienna.
Kurama (rocking Rodney while comforting him): There, there, baby. It's okay baby. It's okay. Poppa and Daddy here for you. Poppa and Daddy here for you. Just let it out for us. Just let it out.
Arteza(rocking Celadon and Sienna): Oh, our precious babies, it's all ok. It's all ok.
Rodney cried for a long time, and burned himself out in Kurama's arms while Kurama comforted and sang to him. Of course, Arteza was able to calm the twins faster, since they were just unexpectedly woken up. Kurama and Arteza then laid back down and went back to sleep, hugging Rodney and the babies tightly. They had no idea that a chimera girl who was flying around the city, getting a feel for it, making spots of interest for when her brother was finally released from interrogation and the MKND standard protocol for former legionnaires who wanted to escape Eggman's tyranny, had heard Rodney's nightmare outburst. She followed the screams she heard, and discovered a tent had been set up on the hospital roof. She carefully landed on the roof and walked into the tent, managing to avoid the traps that were set up as a security precaution, seeing the face of her big brother, Big Wings, sad and crying in his sleep, in the arms of a strange adult, along with another adult and two baby chao. The girl crept closer to the two, and slipped a note into her brother's arms in such a way that none of the sleeping figures woke up. She then promptly left and went back to rejoin her other brother back in MKMD HQ and told him the news. When Kurama, Arteza, the babies, and Rodney woke up the next day, Rodney noticed the note in his arms, and he read it, and instantly recognized his little sister's writing, as the note only had two words on it, which were, "We're here.".
Rodney: Small Wings…. She's here?! With Medium Wings?! I gotta find them!
Kurama: Hold on there Rodney. They might look drastically different from when you saw them last, plus it will be hard to track them down by their handwriting.
Arteza: Yeah. We need to find a way to find them in such a way that we will know 100% for sure that it is them. Okay kiddo?
Rodney (nodding): Okay. Well, to start off, I know that Medium Wings liked machine guns like the three of us. And me, Small Wings, and Medium Wings all liked the Power Rangers tv show. And Medium Wings is a dragon/ hedgehog hybrid and Small Wings is a kalong/dragon hybrid.
Kurama: Okay. I am sure we can make that work for us. Now care to tell us about your nightmare last night?
Rodney gulped and told Kurama and Arteza everything, how he used to be so close to his siblings, but he couldn't find them after they forced him through a warp ring to get him to safety. Rodney managed to find his way back to where he was separated from them, but couldn't find any evidence that would shed some light onto his sibling's whereabouts, and how he became determined to find them, and how he saw the MKND as the necessary key to finding them. By the time Rodney finished, he was in tears again, and Kurama picked him up and cradled him.
Kurama: It's okay baby. It's okay baby. That's all in the past. That's all in the past. You will see them again.
Arteza: That's right. You will see them again, we promise.
Rodney(nodding as he looked at Kurama and Arteza): Kurama, Arteza, can we just stay in this tent and watch holocomics today? I don't really feel like facing the world today. I don't wanna get my heart crushed when I can't find them again.
Kurama: Sure Rodney.
Arteza: We can definitely do that.
Skadi then came up to the roof, with breakfast for Rodney and Kurama and the babies, and once again, she had no idea why she brought more than necessary, but she did. She carefully came to the tent entrance and Kurama saw her shadow, which had Arteza trying to find space to hide, though the babies were giggling and all, and well, Arteza failed, hiding under the beds, but ending up in an uncomfortable position, while Kurama was trying to carefully shield Rodney's face by making it look like he was still sleeping, as he was sure Rodney didn't want anybody else to see what he really looked like yet. Kurama came out of the tent and saw that Skadi had two more picnic baskets.
Skadi: I hope you two didn't mind, but I made breakfast for you two. I thought it would be nice for you two to have a nice homemade breakfast today. Of course, I made more than enough again.
Kurama: Thanks for all of this Skadi. That's really sweet of you. And I really liked the dinner you brought us last night. I haven't had a meal like that in a long time.
Skadi (rubbing the back of her neck, blushing): Well, Fists does brag that I do make the best spaghetti and meatballs in all of Mobius a lot.
Kurama: He's right to brag, you are a good cook. Right on my brother Rail's level of cooking. And that's a compliment on the highest order.
Skadi (handing Kurama the baskets and removing the cooler that Kurama only just noticed on her tail): Thanks. I made sure you both got a healthy breakfast, and I made sure that this food is rich in phosphorus, as Jenny informed me of your dietary needs because of your powers, and I have some smoothies that I made special for you two to drink with your breakfast along with regular drinks too. Gotta keep you two healthy after all. Especially Rodney. He works so much that he forgets to eat and drink most of the time. That's why I wanted to make sure that at least he was eating.
Neither Kurama nor Skadi saw Rodney blushing madly underneath the blanket Kurama covered him with when Skadi was talking about his eating habits.
Kurama: Don't worry, I'll make sure he eats. By the way, would you be able to bring us lunch and dinner too today? Rodney doesn't feel well emotionally, and he just wants to stay with me in the tent today.
Skadi: That won't be a problem! Did you have any preferences for what you wanted for lunch and dinner, or not?
Kurama: Surprise us. I'm sure whatever you bring will be good.
Skadi: Okay, and did you two want me to send you two snacks as well?
Kurama: Sure. By chance you wouldn't mind sending a lot of chocolate for the snacks, wouldn't you?
Skadi: That's no trouble at all! And I'll do you one better. I'll get Melody to make the snacks. She's the best baker here in Care-A-Lot. Melody would have her own bakery here, but she's far too busy with her job and everything, but she does bake when she gets the chance. I am sure that if she doesn't have any freshly made, she'll have some snacks laying around her kitchen.
Kurama: Okay. By the way-
Kurama was about ask Skadi if they could talk privately, when she saw Arteza's tail sticking out from under the cots and she heard him trying to shush the babies, and of course, Kurama was trying to pretend that nothing was going on, moving slightly to keep Skadi from seeing in the tent.
Skadi: Kurama, is there someone else in there?
Kurama: Uh-
Arteza: Crap!
Arteza had twisted wrong and hurt himself, and Kurama, and Skadi evaded Kurama, going in and instead uncovering Rodney, she checked under the cots and saw Arteza, who just looked at her in embarrassment and pain, as his leg was in a really bad position.
Skadi(surprised instead of upset): So you're the reason I keep making extra food! But who are you?
Arteza: Um…..
She turned back to Kurama.
Skadi: Kurama, just please, tell me the truth.
There was an uncomfortable silence, and then Kurmaa went and got Arteza out from under the cots and they sat down.
Kurama: Skadi…..look….i um….i like guys, y'know, but i also like women….s**t….Skadi, i um….i'm bisexual, and this….this is my husband, Arteza.
Arteza: Yeah, hi. Um….
Skadi smiled broadly and hugged them both, purring softly.
Skadi: Guys, don't be embarrassed! If you guys love each other, then I'm so happy!
As this had been going on, Rodney had managed to help Kurama and Arteza by getting the babies and slipping away to get them changed without Skadi seeing him, so he missed what they said next.
Skadi: But I have to ask; does Sheila know?
Kurama: Uh….she kinda knows super well….like….
Arteza: Skadi, um, ok, how do we put this…..i'm Kurama ... .we're both bisexual….and Sheila knows us in both senses of the word ... .not trying to be raunchy or nothin', just…..
Kurama: We're both her husbands.
That surprised Skadi, as she'd never heard of a marriage like that.
Skadi: Wow, so, you're both Kurama, but…
Arteza: I'm also my own person, mainly his subconscious, so there's enough divergence so that we're two in one….
Kurama:...but he didn't come into being until after me and Diesel were married.
Areza: I kept hidden for 4 years, until a few months before now.
Skadi: So, you two are afraid of being outed as Bi, or with Sheila not around, gay.
Kurama: Yeah. I mean, we wouldn't really care if someone said we were gay, just, it's only half right. Technically, we are, just, well, oh gah, there's too many ways to be technical about it.
Arteza sighed.
Arteza: Ok ... .so….
Skadi: Ok, so, just tell me- how did you two even start this? When did you even figure out you were into guys?
Kurama: Oh gah, I mean, I was 15 and I had a crush on this cute gazelle dude, and well, I still do, I mean, y'know….
Kurama told her a very sanitized version of events, both him finding out he had a crush on Rehzi and his and Arteza's beginnings, and to help that, he showed her his safe drawings of Rehzi, all of which Rehzi definitely had more clothes on than normal in.
Skadi: Huh, he is cute, I can see why you'd have a crush on him. What's he from, anyways?
Arteza: Oh, um, ultra-obscure comic, s-super old like from a different p-planet, and it's super violent!
Skadi: Guys, why are you so nervous? What he heck is- Rehzi is from some comic that's definitely not appropriate is it?
Kurama and Arteza really freaked out at that, nearly keeling over.
Skadi: It's fine, guys, at least you drew such nice and wholesome pictures. I mean, well, I'm saying the ones of Rehzi in fights are wholesome, but comparatively, at least you can let everyone see those. Y'know, you coulda just told me. I know you're trying your best not to talk about stuff like that considering my questions, trying to make it PG.
Kurama: Oh….we're sorry, Skadi.
Arteza: Yeah, we're sorry, Skadi.
Skadi: Look, Rehzi's from an adult story, right?
Kurama: Yes. But we like Rehzi, and we drew these cause there weren't enough safe pics of him.
Skadi: Thank you, that's all you had to say. Now, again, nothing against your crushes on him, I get it, so, since you can draw so well, could you draw some nice pictures for us to put up here at the hospital?
Arteza; Yeah, we can do that.
Skadi: Good. Now, there's something else I'd like to ask you- see, now that there's you and Kurama here, I have a larger and more or less unbiased sample for which to test new dishes for the hospital chefs to make, so, how would you two like all my recipes? I'd love to have more insight into them.
Arteza: Oh, well, we very much do love to cook!
Kurama: Yep!
Skadi: Then when I come back later, I'll bring them, ok?
Kurama and Arteza nodded happily, relieved about all that, and by now, Rodney was coming back with the babies, and he managed to slip past Skadi with them, courtesy of Kurama, who needed to talk to her in private. Meanwhile, Arteza had it all well in hand with the kids.
Kurama: Skadi, can I talk to you in private?
Skadi: Okay. Follow me.
She led Kurama down to one of the examination rooms on the top floor of the hospital and locked the door behind them.
Skadi: What did you need to talk to me about?
Kurama: Listen, don't say a word to anybody about what I am going to tell you, okay? Swear to me?
Skadi: I swear on my word of honor, and when somebody says that, it means that they are bound to uphold their promise. It's the most solemn promise we can make. And when I make a promise, no matter if I swear on my word of honor or not, I always keep my promise. Always.
Kurama: Good. Listen, Rodney lost a younger brother and sister years ago. And Arteza and i want your help finding them.
Skadi: Okay. Any chance they are koalas like Rodney?
Kurama: No. Rodney and his siblings were half siblings. His brother was a hedgehog with wings and his sister was a Kalong with wings. And both are the same age as Rodney. Any chance you may have seen two mobians matching that description?
Skadi (realizing something): …! S**T! Drago is Rodney's brother! He's at MKND HQ with his sister! Drago's currently going through standard MKND procedure with all of those who have turned on Eggman if they were once legionaires! And his sister is staying with him just so that he isn't alone!
Kurama: Okay. I want you to get DNA samples from them as soon as you can. Me and Tezzie want to make sure they are indeed related to Rodney.
Skadi: I already have their DNA. They wanted me to see if their lost brother is in the MKND database. I haven't gotten around to it yet, but that was on my agenda today.
Kurama: Good. Come tell us as soon as you get the results.
Skadi: Yeah, about that. I can do the tests today, no problem. But I am going to get the results of those tests a few weeks from now.
Kurama: Just get us the results as soon as you can.
Skadi: You got it, commander. But can you promise me something in return?
Kurama: Depends on what that promise is.
Skadi: It's one your husband needs to come down here for.
Kurama: Right. (to Arteza over the radio) Honey, can you come down here? Skadi has something to talk with me and you about.
Arteza: Right. I'll ask Rodney to keep an eye on the kids.
Kurama: Good. Thanks, sweetie.
Kurama and Skadi waited a few minutes, then Arteza came in, having snuck down and evaded everyone there.
Areza: Ok, so….
Skadi: I want you to promise me that you and Arteza will be Rodney's fathers. He doesn't have any family and is by himself most of the time. You're the only people I have ever seen him get this emotionally close to. Be his fathers for me. He needs a good father in his life, and if he has two and they're bisexual, better and fine in that order.. And when you find your wife, make sure she's a good mother to Rodney too. Rodney NEEDS this, guys. You're Rodney's solid rocks in this sea of life now,both of you. I just hope you're the right people to be Rodney's fathers in the long run.
Kurama (kneeling and putting his arms on Skadi's shoulders along with Arteza): That was already a given.
Arteza: Believe us, we already love Rodney as our own son. We're not going to let anything come between us and him.
Kurama: That's right. We promise the two of us and Shelia will be the best parents we can to him.
Arteza: We swear it on our word of honor. And Skadi, we will move heaven and earth to keep that promise. Whatever it takes, we'll do it.
Skadi (smiling): I know you will. Now you gotta get to Rodney back on the roof before your breakfast gets cold, and I have work that needs to get done.
Kurama: I got you.
Arteza: See you at lunchtime?
Skadi: You know it. Did you want the snacks before lunch or after?
Kurama: Whenever you can get them to us. Just leave them outside the tent. We'll get them.
Arteza: And like, just promise us you won't say a word about us, ok? Diesel isn't ready for the world to know she has two husbands and that they're intimate with each other.
Skadi nodded and the two left the room. Kurama and Arteza quickly returned to the roof, where they ate breakfast with Rodney and the babies, making sure Rodney ate his healthy breakfast and that Celadon and Sienna had their breakfast as well. After they finished, Kurama and Arteza cradled Rodney, Celadon, and Sienna as they watched holocomics together. After the first holocomic was over, Kurama checked outside and saw that there was a stack of bakery boxes outside the tent. Kurama smiled and brought the boxes into the tent and began eating sweets with Rodney and Arteza while they watched another holocomic. They spent all day together and their bond that they shared grew even more. When they turned in for the night, Arteza rocked Rodney to sleep in his arms while singing a lullaby to the kids with Kurama, who had the twins this time. That night, Rodney had a peaceful slumber, which relieved Kurama and Arteza greatly. And just as well, the babies slept well too.