Beyond the Nightmares: Reloaded

by RhythmChimera7793

This is an updated version of a co-written story with Klingonfox150 on Deviantart simply titled "Beyond The Nightmares" WARNING: This story contains EXPLICIT chapters and events. Read at your own risk.

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Fights and Resolves

This takes place a few days after the whole Farid and Wolfgang getting sloppy drunk. Specifically this starts in Melody's office. It should be noted that both hedgehogs are mad at each other when yelling.

Melody: GET OVER IT ALREADY BRO!

Wolfgang: WHAT IF HE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH?! AND HE REALLY DID TURN OUT TO BE JUST LIKE HIM?!

Melody: NO! THERE IS NO WAY THAT HE WOULD EVER DO THAT! I BELIEVE IN HIM WHEN HE SAYS THAT HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT! AND KURAMA SAYS SO TOO! SO, I BELIEVE KURAMA!

Wolfgang: YOU KNOW THAT IT IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY THAT HE IS JUST DECEIVING US LIKE BARRETT DID, RIGHT?! WHAT IS STOPPING HIM FROM DOING THE SAME THING?! AND WHAT DOES KURAMA KNOW ANYWAY!? HE'S PROBABLY TRAINING HIM TO BE WORSE!

Melody: ENOUGH! IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY SUCCESSOR THEN TAKE IT UP WITH HIM! STOP COMING TO ME WHINING LIKE A BABY ABOUT WHO I CHOOSE TO TAKE OVER THE MKND! AND SHUT UP ABOUT KURAMA!

Unbeknownst to the twins, Jenny was inside of Melody's computer, analyzing her files on there, trying to find any connections to the Melody she knew in the past. Jenny recorded the argument the two were having and sent it to Kurama and the other adults of Gamma 13 currently based in Care-A-Lot. Amadeus then awkwardly knocks on the open door, and Melody tells him to come in.

Amadeus: Good, both of you are here. Now I can ask both of you at the same time

Wolfgang (stilling his anger): What did you want bro?

Amadeus: Can I bring Joey over here so we can hang out with Apollo?

Melody and Wolfgang (in perfect unison): NO!

Amadeus: What?! Why?!

Melody: It is for three big reasons. First off, it is not a good time to be introducing any humans to Gamma 13 right now. Second, you and Joey together alone, cause just as much trouble as what Kurama tells me he had to deal with from Farid. And finally, third reason, when you two team up with Apollo, the three of you cause as much trouble, possibly even more, as when Wolfgang and Farid got drunk together a few days ago! Remember the last time both me and Wolfgang agreed to let the three of you hang out? We are not going to watch the three of you so that you do not get into any mischief like that again! Do you even realize how bad it got?

Amadeus: That's not fair! The three of us will be good, I promise!

Melody: NO!

Amadeus: But!

Melody (Putting great emotional emphasis on the Kitseili and slamming her hands down on her desk while suddenly standing up): Let me put this another way for you, oh, frak No!

Amadeus: But!

Wolfgang: We said "NO" and that's final!

Meanwhile, Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney were working, Kurama and Arteza heard Melody swear in Kitseili. They fell off the chairs they were sitting in, laughing. At this time, Celadon and Sienna were being taken care of by Folsom, since it would be safer for them than in Rodney's workshop.

Kurama: Oh, man. Now, that is funny!

Areza: Guess Melody learned a new trick from us, eh Rodney?

Rodney started laughing, and just as Kurama got back up, Amadeus then just stormed out grumbling. He went to where Rodney was in the basement with Kurama and Arteza finishing work on the cloaking device, working out the malfunction in it along with adding special engravings that helped channel ambient energy into it for better efficiency. Before he got down there though, Arteza hid, as they didn't need more trouble from Amadeus discovering him.

Amadeus: Hey Rodney, can I borrow that cloaking device you have? Don't worry, I am only borrowing it for a short amount of time. I promise to return it as soon as I see you again.

Kurama raised an eyebrow, feeling like something was off. Rodney looked at Kurama, who took a moment before speaking.

Kurama: Why would you need this? You're not an MKND agent.

Amadeus: Um, for reasons…

Kurama: What "reasons"?

Amadeus: I've got some real hush-hush business on the other side of the planet, like, a mission from Melody and Wolfgang, y'know? I really can't talk about it, and I'm really sorry, guys.

Kurama: Fine.

Kurama nodded, and Rodney handed the device over.

Rodney: Just make sure it is not damaged. We just fixed it.

Amadeus: Sure. Thank you!

Kurama: And don't mess up the engravings! Yo, we just finished them!

And with that he rushed off, and Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney got to work on the other devices, Arteza having rushed out from his hiding place as soon as the coast was clear.

Kurama: alright. so, personal teleporter. Well, I think we can improve the precision with some of our void-style tech.

Arteza: Yeah, I…Wait. Me and Aggro have something that can help us.

Kurama reached into the big pouch at the small of his back. He pulls out a device rather like a large canister.

Kurama: This should do the trick.

Rodney: What is it?

Kurama and Arteza grinned.

Kurama: 45mm X-15 Slipspace grenade.

Arteza: Uses void energy to rip a hole in space-time. Compact ultimate destruction of everything within 40 feet of its explosion.

Rodney's eyes grew big with excitement, and a smile came across his face.

Kurama: We can sacrifice this to improve some of our stuff. Help me take it apart.

Arteza: Oh, honey, While we're at it, let's sync this to your Slip-Jump so that Rodney can follow us. That way, we can move around faster.

meanwhile…

Jenny was walking through the streets of the residential area of Care-A-Lot. She was taking in all the beauty of the houses she saw while walking around, though, like all of Gamma 13, she was still armed. She hoped not to have to use her M-3227L rifle, as she hadn't fired it in a few days, but if she needed to, she'd do her job. She then noticed a nice and quaint house at the end of the street, with a wire gate, and large outdoor toys, perfect for infants and toddlers. As Jenny approached, she saw Fists was slumbering in a covered hammock, with Shard sleeping on top of him, both enjoying the day, since it was clear and still. Of course they were bundled up properly, as Skadi would have got Fists otherwise. Jenny then saw Skadi walk out of the house, rolling her eyes, as she was holding a jar of her special custom sunscreen. Skadi walked over to Shard and Fists, unscrewing the lid off the jar and took a small amount of the sunscreen out and began to rub the back of Shard's neck with the stuff. Shard looked at her, slightly waking up from her touch with the cold sunscreen.

Shard (sleepy): Mommy…?

Skadi (smiling at her baby): Go back to sleep baby. I was just putting sunscreen on you so you wouldn't get sunburn. I don't want my favorite baby boy getting hurt unnecessarily.

Shard nodded, and Skadi gently put sunscreen all over his face Skadi also made sure to leave a little glob of sunscreen on his small nose. Once she was finished putting sunscreen on Shard, Skadi put sunscreen on Fists, only getting his face, as he remained asleep the entire time she was putting sunscreen on him. Skadi managed to sneak a kiss from Fists as he slept. Fists smiled at her kiss, which led to him dreaming of him and her out on a truly romantic date, and the two of them making out. Skadi also left a glob of sunscreen on Fists's nose as well. When Skadi turned around, she saw Jenny, slightly leaning on the fence, smiling at seeing the interaction Skadi had with her family.

Jenny: Cute family you got here.

Skadi: I know. I don't know what I would do without them.

Jenny: You three seem to click as a family.

Skadi (nodding): come in. The gate's open. We can talk inside, so as to not wake the boys. I would offer you refreshments, but you are an AI, so you don't have a need for them.

Jenny: Sure. And just because I don't really need any refreshments, doesn't mean I don't want food and drinks.

Skadi: How does that even work? You are a walking physical hologram.

Jenny: I can use the food and drinks as energy to maintain my holographic body. Although I don't really need to worry about my energy usage.

Skadi: Okay. Would you like some cookies and biscotti to go with your tea?

Jenny: Sure.

Jenny followed Skadi inside, clicking her rifle on safe and slinging it over her back, and she noticed that there was a small patch of the wall in the living room that was white, compared to the light lavender color of the walls of the rest of the room.

Jenny: Hey Skadi?

Skadi: Yes?

Jenny: Why is there a white patch in the wall, compared to the rest of the room?

Skadi (getting the tea and food): We haven't gotten around to painting that over yet.

Skadi then entered the room with the tea and refreshments, setting them on the coffee table, and the two began to talk.

Jenny: So, how did that white patch in the wall happen?

Skadi: That happened when we first moved in. I was going to give Shard his first bath in this house, when he escaped the bathroom, when I had everything ready, and was about to set him in. I had just taken off his dirty diaper, and was tying it up in a little bag, when he just crawled out of the room. I had to chase him all around the house, trying to catch him. Shard kept knocking things into my way, and when I finally cornered him near that wall, he dodged between my legs, as I lunged at him. I missed Shard, and wound up getting my head stuck in the wall!

Jenny (giggling slightly): I guess Shard HATES getting baths?

Skadi: Yep! Since he used to be a robot, Shard always uses the excuse that he might rust when put into water.

Jenny: I probably would too if I used to be a robot then turned into an infant.

Skadi: Yep. Want to see our family album?

Jenny: Sure.

Skadi got up and got the family album, and showed Jenny all sorts of pictures, especially when Skadi showed her Shard's baby pictures when he was practically a newborn. Jenny smiled at the pictures, thinking about how cute Shard was.

Jenny: Y'know, I wouldn't mind watching Shard for you and Fists. Gives me a chance to interact with him more. Shard seems to be an interesting infant, since he is reported to be the only infant able to talk when he was practically a newborn. I bet that makes it a lot easier on you for parenting him.

Skadi: It definitely is. He is practically a good baby angel. And he lets us know if he feels overwhelmed with anything, we do with raising him. Right now, he doesn't like being pushed around in the stroller anymore. He wants to be pushed around in the pram. I guess Shard is still in shock over what happened when we first met. And I think he is still a tiny bit afraid of Farid and Kurama. How about you all watch him tomorrow and bond together? I think Shard would love to have more aunts and uncles who love him.

Jenny: That is intriguing. I will talk to the others about setting up a date to babysit Shard. I am sure Kurama wants to spend some time with Shard, but I want to make sure he is not overly anxious. Though, at this point, I think he might be fine. I mean, he does have two new kids, with Celadon and Sienna, and he's already got four kids anyways, and well, man, Kurama's always been amazing with kids. I mean, I've heard a thousand stories about him taking care of his cousins when they were little and all.

Skadi: Then he'd definitely do great taking care of Shard. And who knows, that might be even better for the both of them. Plus, he could play with Celadon and Sienna.

Jenny: That he would. Though, Kurama hasn't been around that many kids in our line of work that haven't been abused and hurt terribly. Like, even his son Gojira has been through hard stuff.

Skadi: Wha happened to Gojira?

Jenny: Poor thing was orphaned when these things called Bastard Dogs killed his family. See….

As Jenny told her what happened, Skadi could see how much Kurama and Arteza adored their children, as she was very sure that those four already knew about Arteza. The two then continued to talk for hours and hours, with Skadi showing Jenny all sorts of family photos, until it was time for Jenny to leave back to the base for the night, to keep an eye on Barrett, and Skadi had to begin cooking dinner for herself and her family. Jenny, when making sure Barrett had gone to bed for the night in his cell, after securely tucking the boy in (at Kai's request), attempting to show him some kindness and pity, looked through the digital copy of Skadi's family photo album, which Skadi said she could do and keep, smiling at all the pictures, and how Skadi, Shard, and Fists just clicked as a family. Something bothered her, and Jenny checked the first family photo of Skadi, Fists, and Shard, taken the moment they had gotten Shard back to their apartment, and was all cleaned and bandaged up. Jenny noticed the strong resemblance that Fists had to Kurama, with the manner Fists held Shard in the picture, as that was how Kurama used to hold Melody and Wolfgang when they were infants. This made Jenny want to examine Kurama's DNA again and compare it to Fists's. She pulled up both Kurama and Fists's medical files, and compared their DNA, discovering that they were somehow half-brothers. Jenny decided to keep this fact to herself, deciding to let Kurama and Fists figure that little bit of information out for themselves, but made a note to keep an eye on Fists, Skadi, and Shard. Jenny did not want to lose more family members than they had lost in the past few years.

While this was going on, back with Amadeus, earlier that day…;

Amadeus rushed off to Earth and brought Joey back to Mobius, against his older sibling's wishes and having lied to Kurama and Rodney, and Arteza by extension. Joey was using the cloaking device, which was why nobody saw him as they walked out of the HQ and into Care-A-Lot. Once there, Joey deactivated the device and handed it back to Amadeus, who quickly returned it to Rodney, keeping his word. When he returned to Joey, both of them went and met up with Apollo, and together the three of them ended up getting into some kind of trouble, and unfortunately for them, Melody found out first. She immediately went to Care-A-Lot, and saw the trouble and giant mess that they had caused as well as the three culprits in the middle of it all.

Melody (Fuming with anger): AMADEUS!

Upon seeing her, in her raging fury, the three began to run for their lives.

Joey: Dude, you told us that your siblings would be okay with this!

Apollo: Yeah, you said and I quote, "They are perfectly okay with us hanging out together!" You lied to us man!

Amadeus: LESS LIP, MORE ZIP!

And with that, Amadeus grabbed his two best friends' arms and blasted away with his super speed, while Melody gave chase. Apollo activated a warp ring, and the three jumped through it, safely coming out in one of the many dense forests on Angel Island. They almost forgot to close it, and when they did, they saw Melody inches away from the warp ring, really, really, ultra ticked off. That scared them mentally because they knew what would have happened if she had caught them. They stopped there to take a breather. Melody meanwhile, just skidded to a stop, and began to cuss the three out in the MKND language mixed in with English and the one Kitseili word that she had learned from Kurama. Everyone around her just backed as far away as they could, as they could tell just from her shouting that she was beyond mad. And just as well, Kurama wasn't happy either, as he'd been lied to right to his face.

Apollo: We should be safe here. Melody has no direct jurisdiction here. It is a good thing that Fists is in charge of the MKND here on the island.

Joey: Please tell me that your brother said it was okay for the three of us to hang out.

Apollo: What do you think I am, stupid? Of course I got him to say it was okay, and in front of others as well! You were the one who dropped the ball, Boldheart! You could have asked them when they were in a good mood, or you could have even tricked them into giving you the green light! WHAT HAPPENED?!

Amadeus: I guess that I caught them at a bad time?

Joey: I figured as much. Why else would you have me use a cloaking device when we crossed over from Earth to Mobius. Next time, tell us the truth about if they say it's okay or not. As it is right now, we have to hide from your sister, and probably your brother, for the rest of our lives!

Amadeus sheepishly puts his hand behind his head.

Amadeus: Actually...

Joey (Stressed out): Oh no. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. NO! What is it? Just exactly who else do we have to hide from?

Amadeus: Gamma 13. They are not part of the MKND, so Melody can send them to chase us down. Let me tell you, it will not be pretty if they catch us. That much I can guarantee. And oh Chaos ... I lied to Kurama…I told him and Rodney I needed it for a mission…it's Rodney's…..

Apollo and Joey just looked at him, facepalming themselves. Apollo sighed, knowing they were completely screwed.

Apollo: How about we hide with the Master Emerald. One thing's for sure, if we are there with it nobody, not even Gamma 13, can get near us because my cousin and big brother are very protective over it.

Farid: That is if you think you three can make it to there before I catch you.

The three kids jump in surprise/fright when they hear Farid's voice. They look up to see him in a tree, playing with a handful of sand. He was making it into all sorts of shapes, from pyramids to small sculptures.

Amadeus: Fa...FARID! What are you doing here?!

He melted into sand, materializing in front of them as he talked.

Farid: Relax. I have been here awhile, getting my head together. Don't entirely know if anyone else is pissed at me, but I know Kurama isn't and neither is Jen. Fists took pity on me and let me hide here and clear my head. From what I overheard, you three must have made Melody royally pissed off. It sounded like you managed to make her just as mad as when Jenny gets ticked off. And y'know…

Farid's smile faded, as he shook his head.

Farid: You lied to Kurama, Rodney, Melody, and Wolfgang in one go, and you caused a hell of a lot of chaos. You three should be ashamed of that, and Amadeus, you especially should be ashamed of lying to Kurama and Rodney about why you needed the cloaking device. And …..

Farid lit into them pretty thoroughly, especially scolding Amadeus for his part in it. By the end, he had only one question.

Farid: Now, are you going to go back and deal with this?

Joey (Getting an Idea): How about we all go and hide on Earth, particularly in Australia?

Farid: NO! Did you not listen to me?

Amadeus: Dude, that is literally the second place they would look for us if they found out we made any world jumps. The first place they would look would be the Green Hill Zone. I think it would be beneficial for all of us if we hide with the Master Emerald.

The others agree that being with the Master Emerald would be the best option for them all to hide. By now, Farid had decided he'd just call Kurama in a bit, tell him what was going on. Otherwise, he'd play along.

Farid: That's definitely better than my idea.

Amadeus: What was your idea?

Farid: Hiding at Camp Care-A -Lot.

Joey: You wanted to hide at a summer camp? That would've worked.

Amadeus: Camp Care-A-Lot is not a summer camp. It's a refuge city for kids. By the way, we just call it Care-A-Lot.

Farid: Not what I'm talking about.: And no, it is not a fun place. The name "Care-A-Lot," is very misleading, at least in this particular case.

Joey: Then what is it?

Amadeus: Care-A-Lot is now Gamma 13's new base on Mobius.

Farid(sighing): Guys, Camp Care-A-Lot is the name of the Gamma 13 base itself. We didn't rename the town. We called the base that cause Care-A-Lot is where we ended up. We're stationed right outside the town.

Joey: Ok, what is Gamma 13? You keep talking about them? and who's Kurama?

Amadeus: Gamma 13 is some kind of big-deal elite special-forces unit. Ask Rodney. He hangs out with their leader, Kurama, a lot nowadays.

Farid: Kurama is my brother-in-law who has lots of guns and has powers. Like, we call him "The king of nightmares". And don't ask Rodney! He'll tell Kurama and then both of them will be pissed!

Joey: Oh gah, they'd kill us for this!

Amadeus: He's not wrong…. But Rodney wouldn't kill us….

Farid: Look, if we just hole up with the Master Emerald, we can wait this out. Maybe my wife Sophie and Kurama's wife Sheila will find Care-A-Lot while we're here. That should let us come back unnoticed.

Apollo: Wait, how do you know Rodney wouldn't kill us? He's Kurama's best friend! Of course he'd kill us!

Farid: And For Your Friggin' Information, Apollo, Kurama can find us no matter what! He's been around us; that means he can hunt us down by our emotions! And not even your brother or your cousin can stop him! Fists got lucky the first-time cause of Wolfgang's stupid whistle!

Farid felt somewhat stupid going through all of that, but he was sure this would let him stay close so that he could get them back and deal with the trouble. And it certainly did, although he'd need to sneak off for a moment to call Kurama.

later while hiding…

The four of them were sitting near the shrine, in a camouflaged hide that Farid had made. They'd all be amazed at how good Farid was at that, though, he took it humbly, cause even if he was proud of his work, he knew he didn't need to let it go to head.

Joey: So, Farid, is Gamma 13 like the KND or something?

Farid: Hell no. We're way scarier. Like, I was in the Negevan Army before I met Kurama, and he was in the Miyaran Marine Corps. Kurama's way tougher than me, at least physically, since I'm more of a scout . And honestly, he's way smarter than me, at least when it comes to strategic warfare, history, and science; except computers. Me, Sheila, and Jenny are the best with computers. But I mean, we all have college degrees and got them when we were still in highschool, more or less, since none of us actually went to a normal school. But, you wanna know what's weird?

Apollo: What?

Farid: His emotions. He's an empath; like, he reads people's hearts through their emotions. The thing is, his emotions are whacked the heck out. and he's so grim. like I'm always trying to make him laugh, but it almost always backfires on me, though, he does have depression, and he's autistic, don't repeat that one!, But, yeah, I really care about him; he's my brother. I've gotten myself in a lot of bad situations, but Kurama's always been there for me. Well, that was until everything went to hell…... but, the emotional stuff is the biggest thing. like, I've seen him crying like a child, and we had an incident like that a few months ago when some know-it-all jerkwad on the Alliance council screamed at him for not wearing his dress uniform to some dinner we had to go to. We were told we could go casual. but this jerkwad just had to yell at him after he'd had a really bad day. I barely managed to cheer him up. and then there was the incident with Barrett here. I thought Kurama was gonna kill Barrett right then and there. it actually scared me, all the anger that was coming off of him. He's not exactly stable emotionally, but he's the best team leader I've ever known.

Joey: So, what's wrong then?

Farid: Well, to answer that, we have to go back several years. The shift happened about four, five years ago. When all hell broke loose. See, we've lost several family members. Both of my parents are dead, and so is my Uncle Yami. All I had left was my Aunt Hathor.

Apollo: How'd they die?

Farid: In combat against terrorists when I was 14. But four years ago, my brother Jian betrayed us. He tried to kill Kurama. Kurama thought he had killed him, but he came back. He torments us now, always just out of reach. For four years, we slid down, becoming broken, angry, cold, wrathful…the list goes on. But we did our jobs, faithful soldiers of the Alliance that we are.

Farid didn't mention Kurama's death, as he couldn't bring himself to. He'd been broken-hearted when that happened, and he was certainly on Kurama's side.

Amadeus: My parents died while I was a baby. I never saw them die. Melody did. She said our mom died in her arms.

Farid: Wait a minute. Didn't you post a recording of yourself that requested that the Shadowwalkers come back to Mobius?

Amadeus: Yeah. Wait a minute. How did you know about that video?!

Farid: Your video found its way to Charybdis, along with Melody's video.

Amadeus (looking hopeful): Does that mean you know who the Shadowwalkers are?

Farid(with a hitch in his breath): Yes. My parents were part of that team, along with my Aunt Hathor, along with our boss, Grim, and Kurama's mother Sarin and his stepfather, Alec. And that doesn't even count our Aunt Maria and Uncle Dusty.

Amadeus, Joey, and Apollo gave each other funny looks, and Farid picked up on it.

Farid: What's with the looks? Did I say something wrong?

Apollo: No. You didn't. We just know another hedgehog whose best friend was named Maria. She was a human girl by the name of Maria Robotnik. And she is related to our Eggman, but Eggman had no part in our friend's creation. She sacrificed her life to save our friend. He was sealed away in a capsule, asleep for 50 straight years.

Farid: Yeesh! And I thought Kurama had issues with being in stasis for eight months straight. What is this hedgehog's name anyways? And what did you mean by "creation?"

Amadeus: Our friend is named Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog. He's a genetically engineered hedgehog, and is supposed to be the "ultimate lifeform," or something like that. And to be honest, he's an edgy emo kind of guy, but he does have a nice and cuddly side to him. But he only shows that side to us, Melody, and the rest of Sector S though.

Apollo: Don't forget about Hope Kintobor. He does show his softer side to her too. And Hope looks like a younger Maria Robotnik. Please don't ask us further about Maria Robotnik. If Shadow finds out that we told you or anyone else about her he will kill us! Maria is a very sensitive topic for him, and he goes flying off the handle about her! She was a true friend to him, and he cared for her deeply.

Farid: Okay, I am not going to have somebody else new trying to kill me! I already have enough death threats coming from my wife and the rest of my team over the last four f**kin' years!

Amadeus: Yeah. Good call. Farid, can you tell me more about the Shadowwalkers? I want to know more about my parents. I want to know who they were so that I can figure out who I am. Because right now, I have no idea who I am or who I'm meant to be!

Farid: Okay. The Shadowwalkers were the predecessor to Gamma 13….

After Farid told the story, he let Amadeus process it while he slipped out, saying he just wanted to look around, which he did, but still, he had to call Kurama. He found some cover and when Kurama picked up, of course he asked about the chaos back in town and where Amadeus was.

Farid: Dude, he's here with me on some island, near a shrine, dunno where, exactly, cause Fists let me come here without telling me s**t, so i can clear my head, y'know, but anyways, the kids are here, and holy s**t,, bro, Amadeus really is that kid we saw in the video.

Kurama: Oh man….

Farid told Kurama everything, and just before he hung up, Kurama let Farid know everything was ok between them.

Kurama: ….and hey, Anubis, i love you, dude.

Farid smiled softly, a tear rolling down his cheek.

Farid: I love you too, Copper. I'll see you back at home, okay, man?

Kurama: Ok, bro. I'll see you there. Hey, if you have a chance, wanna have lunch with me, Rodney, and the kids sometime?

Arteza had suggested that, as he wanted Kurama and Farid to spend some time together, though, he had no idea that Farid would be the second one to keep their secret for a while.

Farid: Dude, I'd love to! Just tell me when you guys are ready, ok?

Kurama: Ok.

Back in Care-A-Lot;

Melody: I can't believe it. He went and did what Wolfgang and I specifically told him he couldn't do! I made it very clear to him, very loudly, that he could not bring Joey here right now!

She was busy anger ranting to Rodney and the rest of Sector S while helping clean the mess Joey, Amadeus, and Apollo had made. They all could tell that she was mad, as well as Wolfgang. As a result, everyone did their best to not make them even more angry. Kurama did his best to stay as far away from the two hedgehogs as he could. He did not want their anger infecting him, making him mad. but unknown to everyone, Kurama was being eaten alive by regret, as was Arteza, as at this point, they were feeling like s**t for how they had gotten so mad at Barrett.

Meanwhile, Back with Melody and Gamma 13…

Folsom: Hey Melody, you seen Farid? That lame-brained comedian was supposed to watch Barrett. It's his shift. and Kurama can't, cause we know he's got his hands full with Rodney. and look I'm not gonna ruin Kurama's good mood. I'm telling you, I've never seen Kurama happy like this. Since his best friend betrayed us, he's been a broken mess and Sheila's not much better. It's like he got his best friend back or somethin'. Thanks for getting him to take Rodney under his wing. He needed that.

Melody: wow. I'm glad to see I could help him as well as Rodney. And, no I haven't seen Farid. Though, you need to follow Jenny and Kurama's example and be nicer to Farid…wait. If Farid's gone, who's watching Barrett?

Folsom: Kai is. He's got Barrett shackled up with a neural control collar and all. If he does something stupid, the collar causes him to experience a sensation of pain. It's the tech used in the military prisons back in our world.

Melody: Huh. Smart. Is it working?

Folsom: watch this. Cadet Lisunov, front and center!

Barrett looks up from his position beside Kai Shin. he starts to cuss Folsom out, but it's cut off abruptly when he grits his teeth and holds his head. Melody cringed at that, as it was a bit harsh.

Folsom: I said, front and center, Cadet Lisunov!

panting, Barrett walks over to Folsom and Melody. he stops in front of them and grudgingly salutes Folsom.

Barrett: Cadet Lisunov, reporting for duty.

Melody: I'm impressed. Has Kurama been involved in his training at all?

Folsom: Hell no. Kurama is ultra-pissed at him for hurting Rodney. Plus, Barrett's actually scared of Kurama right now. I mean we're gonna fix that problem when we can, but I've got a job to do. Kurama put me in charge since he teamed up with Rodney.

Melody: Makes sense. I have heard talk of an 'Army of Two'. That's them isn't it?

Folsom: Look, you said "Train Rodney." You might as well've said "Turn Rodney into a Marine.'' Speaking of those two, Melody, can I have a word with you?

Melody: Sure.

Folsom: As you were, cadet.

Barrett grudgingly salutes Folsom and walks back to Kai Shin, who kneels and pulls him close, speaking to him in a kind voice. Barrett has his head down and his hands clasped behind his back.

Kai Shin: Look, I know this isn't easy. but you want to be a better person, right?

Barrett: Yes, Commander Reed.

Kai Shin: Look, you'll get through this, and you'll be a Gamma in no time. just give Kurama and Rodney space; let them figure out their anger. they'll apologize. but in the meantime, I want you to stay by my side. I won't let you get hurt. look, you're getting a second chance. promise me you won't waste it. and look, I know you don't like Folsom; but give him some slack. He's gonna be hard on you, but he doesn't have Kurama's anger problem. He's married to a drill sergeant; he's using what he learned from her. He cares about you. So do I. We all do. You're just adjusting to military life. it's not like the MKND. we're trained to kill. That means that punishments are harsher too. If you work with me and not against me, I'll be able to help you. When the rest of the team gets here, it'll be better. Ok?

Kai had absolutely no idea that he was wrong, that in the end, their biggest problem wasn't their drunken jackal, but their jealous echidna. Folsom was exceedingly jealous of Farid, and if he could get Kurama on his side, he didn't care if Farid was mad or anything. Folsom had a real heart problem, and yeah, he did have harsh parents, but they didn't abuse him like Sheila's parents abused her. Yeah, the Dragunovs were stern, but they weren't terrible. Folsom, well, he was an a**hole, and yeah, he wasn't evil, but still, he was a jealous a**. Nobody but Farid saw it, though, as f**ked up as everyone was. Amidst all this, Barrett looked at Kai Shin with a sad look.

Barrett: Ok.

Kai Shin drew Barrett into a hug.

Kai Shin: Look, you've been doing good. just keep it up. and you don't have to call me Commander Reed. Look, I'll be honest with you; Reed is not my real last name. It's Kreiger. And, when it's just us, you can call me Kai.

Barrett put his arms around Kai Shin.

Barrett: Thank you, Kai. and I promise I won't waste it.

Meanwhile with Melody and Folsom…

Folsom and Melody walk a short distance away, out of earshot of the others.

Melody: So, what did you want to talk about?

Folsom: You see it don't you.

A knowing smile came over Melody's face.

Melody: I don't know what you're talking about.

Folsom: So, you do see it. it's crazy isn't it. Those two are like father and son.

Melody: Yeah, they are.

Folsom: And I'll tell you this; I think Rodney is his son. I don't know how I got that idea; call it intuition, call it a shot in the blasted dark, I don't know, but Rodney gives off the same weird emotional energy. exact same wavelength.

Melody: You don't mindread, do you?

Folsom: No, why? What the crap. You think Kurama is Rodney's for-real dad too, don't you?

Melody: Yes. It's the eyes.

Folsom: What, like the same eye color or… Rodney has the Kyofu-thingy, Empathic Spiral, doesn't he? And you've seen Kurama's eyes. Dang. Rodney's an Avro. But how?

Melody: I don't know. But I have an idea. test their DNA. You get Kurama's and I'll get Rodney's. Then we take the samples to Skadi. Deal?

Folsom smiled. Folsom figured he might could get Rodney on his side too, get his love as much as he did Kurama's.

Folsom: Deal. And look, I say we keep this to ourselves. No one else needs to know. You don't say anything, I won't. I wanna see how long it takes them to realize it. Got it?

Melody: Got it. And Folsom; I know you didn't sense anything like that. You saw something didn't you.

Folsom: What do you think?

Melody: You did. So, what was it?

Folsom: I saw Kurama comforting Rodney. Rodney was crying his eyes out. I don't know what about, but Kurama was crying too. I left immediately. Since that, I've done everything not to let anyone ruin this for them. I can tell Rodney needs a dad. Heck, a mom too. And look, Sheila's gonna be freakin' ecstatic about Rodney.

If only Melody knew that Folsom was a lying jealous a**... And if only Folsom knew that Rodney had two dads….

Melody: You think?

Folsom: Definitely.

Meanwhile with Skadi, Shard, and Fists…;

Skadi was holding Shard in their house, letting her son sleep in her arms, listening to her heartbeat. Skadi had her arms around Shard defensively, wanting to protect her baby in case Melody and Wolfgang had accidentally turned into inky silhouettes and turned evil again. Fists was at her side, trying to calm her down, while worried himself. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to protect his family if Brother and Sister did happen to manifest in Melody and Wolfgang again, and that scared him to his very bones. The three stayed in the house for the duration of the time Wolfgang and Melody were mad, worrying about how they would protect their baby if there came to be another war between kids, like in the MKND War of 3390.

Just as well, with Kurama and them, when Farid brought the kids back, of course, the first thing Kurama did was scold Amadeus for what he did, not as badly as Farid did, but still made it clear how upset he was. When that was over, well, Melody and Wolfgang didn't even bother, as they felt the kids got plenty of flak from Kurama and Farid. None of the three kids were pleased that Farid had turned them in, but they couldn't really do anything about it and they knew they messed up. After sending the kids home, Farid was about to leave, but Kurama stopped him.

Kurama: Dude, hold up.

Farid turned back, and Kurama walked up and hugged him tightly, nuzzling him.

Kurama: I told you I loved you, you silly jackal.

Farid: I know, Copper. I know.

Farid nuzzled him back, and just as they broke the hug, Kurama kissed Farid on his head, something he'd always done, showing Farid he loved him as his little brother.

Farid: Dude, you haven't done that in a long time ... .we really back to being bros, aren't we?

Kurama: Yeah, we are.

Two days later, Farid had lunch with Kurama, Rodney, and the twins, and afterwards, when they said something about taking a nap, Farid asked if he could stay.

Farid: You ok with that?

Kurama: Dude, of course! You just wanna snuggle up and wrap my tails around you like a blanket like when we were little, don't you?

Farid: Yeah, cause dude, that was a good memory, cause remember how we'd all pile up together and wrap your tails around us?

Kurama: Yeah, I do. I very much do.

When they did lay down, Farid did wrap Kurama's tails around him, but in the end, he laid his head on Kurama's chest, hugging him. Farid had always been treated by Kurama in a loving way, and Farid never really thought a thing about snuggling up with Kurama, since he was his older brother, especially now since Sarin officially was his mother. And the thing was, Rodney was reminded of his bond with his brother with how Kurama and Farid cared for each other. This was a good moment, but of course, Folsom wasn't happy. He was by himself now, having seen Farid go up there and watched them a bit.

Folsom: Oh come on! That jackal is ruining it for me! He's supposed to love me, not the jackal!

Folsom wanted all the attention and keeping the status quo was the only way for him to get that. But Jenny and Melody were ruining it, and the thing was, Folsom couldn't do anything about that. If he said anything, oh, he'd be in big trouble.

This happens a week before Tara arrives…

It was later in the evening and Kurama and Rodney were finishing up some welding to improve some of the buildings, while the rest of Gamma 13 and Sector S were finishing the general cleanup. Arteza was out of sight, hidden plainly among a bunch of Kurama clones all dressed in work gear with respirators, helmets and shemaghs over their faces. No one but Skadi and Rodney even knew. The building that Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney were working on just so happens to be Susan's apothecary and pharmacy shop. While they were working, they saw Melody pulling out her S.C.R.A.M. and entering the empty building. Kurama and Arteza noticed that, Kurama remembering about what Tara told him about Horus's prototypes back in the day.

Inside the shop;

Melody: Hey Big Brother. What's up?

Nigel: Nothing much. Just fought off the Delightfuls again. But that is not why I called. I called because Joey was supposed to be home yesterday. Number 4 is acting like it is not bothering him, but he has been freaking out when he thinks nobody is looking. I know that he is supposed to be with Amadeus, you, and Wolfgang on Mobius.

Melody: Actually, Joey and Amadeus are not with me or Wolfgang. They are currently in hiding.

Nigel: Oh no. What did those three do this time?

Melody: How did you know Apollo was with them?

Nigel: Whenever both Joey and Amadeus are together on Mobius, they always hang out with Apollo, and together those three always get into trouble. I remember exactly what happened the last time they hung out on Mobius together. By the way, did your Number 908.7654 ever regrow all her fur from them accidentally dropping acid on her and then setting her on fire?

Melody: No. Leica is still practically wearing a fake fur suit while it is still growing back. And it was specifically a more acidic form of Mega Muck that Susan had been experimenting on that they dropped. Poor thing. But you do make a fair point.

She then proceeded to tell Nigel exactly what Amadeus did from the beginning with disobeying her and Wolfgang, and what followed suit.

Nigel: THEY DID THAT?!

Melody: Yep! Gladly, they came back on their own, apologizing and all. Don't worry Nigel, I am definitely coming home with Wolfgang and Amadeus. Make sure to tell the rest of the team we are coming home. By the way, I really need to talk to you and Abby in person, in private, once I get back. I had another nightmare, and it was the worst one that I had yet. I think somebody or many people are going to die soon. I think that I may very well be one of the ones who winds up dead just from the dream alone.

Nigel: You are right. The three of us need to talk about this event, it sounds very bad. Did you talk to anyone else about it?

Melody: Thankfully, no. Listen, it's easier to tell you in person what has been happening lately. And by the way, you might have to cover for me a lot in the KND right now. Things are so busy here that I might not be able to leave Mobius for several days at a time. Good luck with your missions and I will see you soon.

Rodney, Arteza, and Kurama finished their work, as the rest of both teams were finishing as well, and they are putting their stuff away when they see Melody walking out of the store, a bit calmer than when she went in. She didn't really pay attention to all the Kurama's not after the first few minutes, as she welcomed the help.

Kurama: Yo, Rodney, Tezzie, looks like Melody's got all that anger out of her system. Maybe.

Rodney: Uh-huh. Big frakkin' maybe.

Arteza: Yeah.

Kurama: Wanna get somethin' to eat?

Rodney: Yeah. I'm starving.

Arteza: Same here.

Kurama: Me too. you wanna pick this time, Tezzie?

Arteza: Naw, I say Rodney can pick.

Rodney: sure. wanna go train after that?

Kurama: yeah. sounds good to me.

Arteza: Yep! Let's check in with Melody and go.

Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney walked over to Melody, Arteza

Kurama: Hey, Melody, you good now?

Melody: Yeah, I'm ok. You guys did a good job cleaning up.

Rodney: Thanks.

Arteza: Thanks, yo.

Kurama: Though, this would be way easier with Sheila and Tesla here.

Rodney: Yeah. Having two combat engineers would make this a breeze.

Melody: True, but for now, 30 Kuramas works just wonderfully!

Kurama: Uh-huh. Anyways, me and Rodney, and my clone are gonna get something to eat and go train. If you need us, call us.

Rodney: Later.

Arteza: Later, yo.

Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney walked off to go eat, Kurama releasing the other 27 clones.

Melody: That's my Ku. I know it. He loves his clones like their his brothers.

If only Melody knew he'd married one of his clones and doing said clone….

Later, while Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney are eating….

Kurama: Man, those three sure did a number on this place. There was a time when I thought that only Farid would be able to cause that much destruction and trouble…..now….oh holy s**t…,I did not expect that though.

Arteza: Nope.

Arteza was super careful not to let anyone see his face, only showing his muzzle so he could eat.

Rodney: You should have been here for the last "ordeal." That was a WAY worse mess to clean. Too many kids had to be hospitalized with what they pulled. So, you used to put up with this kind of crap from Farid?

Kurama: was always getting drunk and embarrassing me, but s**t…..

Arteza: Honestly, we're starting to wonder about that.. But, you know what's bugging us?

Rodney: What?

Kurama: What's up with the cider? It makes Farid and the other kids drunk, but it doesn't affect me or the others on my team. I mean, it's not alcohol.

Arteza: That's right. We tested it. and we drank 4 mugs of it each after the incident. Which, I'll say it's pretty good.

Kurama: True, It's no Argent Moon, though. And that stuff really makes Farid drunk.

Rodney: Huh. I drink the cider and it doesn't affect me. Not only that, but I noticed that it does not affect Melody either. That's a mystery to me; how in the world does the cider affect Wolfgang and not Melody? They're twins for crying out loud! By the way, what's Argent Moon?

Kurama: It's this exotic sort of fruit wine from the Kitseili homeworld, Fortress. It's the only drink I like, besides a similar Tigrahn drink, Blue Flame, and well, oddly, I like a mix of Jack Daniels whiskey and Coca Cola. Didn't affect me, and like I said it's not alcohol….

ArtezaL 'Cept for the Jack and Coke. Damn, that's good. But anyways, I've tested it. But it does affect anyone who isn't Kitseili or Tigrahn. Like, I have a chemistry degree. and I know what alcohol does. The only stuff that affects me is this Dravian stuff Kai brews. that stuff makes Kai buzzed; but me, I drink it and I get only half as bad Wolfgang on cider.

Arteza: Yep. I mean, I like the taste, it's just I don't have a good track record with it. I haven't drank it since the "Incident".

Rodney: What "Incident"?

Kurama: I'll tell you later. Now, if you're not affected by the cider, then you've got it made like me. And speaking of Argent Moon, all this talk of it has me wanting to raid Kai's stash.

Arteza: You know those other 3 water bottles he carries?

Rodney: Yeah. he keeps a stash of it in them, doesn't he?

Kurama: Yes, he does. He always splits it with me and Sheila.

Kurama and Arteza got up and Rodney followed suit.

Kurama: Come on Rodney. Let's go back to Camp Care-A-Lot and see if we can find Kai's stash. Oh, and don't worry; we keep a hidden stash of cider at the base.

Arteza: Yeah, we don't think it would be a good idea to see if you can get drunk off of Argent Moon since you are so young right now. You can drink the cider instead.

Rodney: Ok. that sounds fun.

Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney went back to the base. Finding no one else around, they started looking around the base, checking everywhere for Kai Shin's stash.

Kurama: Huh. if it's not in the war room, it must be in the armory.

Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney checked the armory, eventually finding Kai Shin's stash of Argent Moon in a box of grenades.

Kurama: Good thing he labels them in Dravian.

Arteza: Oh, crap. I just thought of something.

Rodney: What?

Arteza: What if Farid comes in and sees us with the cider and Argent Moon…..he's trying to get sober…; oh! idea! We build a bunker outside of Care-A-Lot. I say we go about a mile outside the village.

It didn't take long for Kurama, Arteza,and Rodney to build their bunker and were sitting in it drinking shortly after. They had a mix of show tunes, classical music, and grunge playing, perfect for them.

Rodney: This is nice. good music…

Kurama: a good drink…

Arteza: And best friends.

kurama: And the best part is: We're safe here, Tezzie won't get seen, and we can relax.

Arteza was laying on Kurama, he and Rodney cuddling with Kurama. In the bunker, they didn't have to worry one bit.

Rodney: Might be a good idea to make a bunch of these and spread them around. never hide in the same bunker twice.

Arteza: Which means peace. perfect. I love it. Plus, I won't get infected by all the anger coming off of Melody and Wolfgang.

Rodney: so, what about the "incident"?

Kurama smiled and shook his head. Arteza giggled, snuggling closer to his husband and son.

Kurama: So, 2 years ago, it was my birthday and I had drunk that Dravian stuff. I didn't know it would affect me. It didn't affect Sheila. so, I had a glass of it. This led to the "incident", where Farid put an apple on his head and I threw white phosphorus-coated knives at it. I hit the apple, but I also set Farid's hair on fire. He started running around screaming, and I'm just floating there with my gravity powers, laughing like an idiot. why he agreed to let me do that, I don't know. Then, he stepped on Sheila's tail while running around, and that caused her to get mad and hit him on the head with her hammer. After that, he had a bald spot on the top of his head for about a year; so, he wore the same hat every day. Ironically, the hat he wore was one of my wide-brim jungle hats. So now, I mostly skip that stuff and just stick with Argent Moon and now cider.

Rodney: Please tell me you have a picture of that.

Kurama: Of course, I do. I can laugh about it now.

Arteza: Quite true.

Kurama pulled up the pictures of his twenty-second birthday and showed Rodney. The three of them start laughing. When they calmed down, Rodney picked up one of the metal water bottles.

Rodney: So, let me guess; this bottle with the hazard stripes is that Dravian drink.

Kurama: Yeah. I really like the taste, but I can only drink a shot. Me and Kai agreed on it. If I want more, he and Sheila limit me to 2 glasses. It's the third glass that causes trouble. Samantha has the same limit. when we get together, me and her drink. A lot.

Arteza: Now, we drink Argent Moon and Blue Flame, mostly. third glass of Liquid Steel, and Kurama and her run videogame simulations on the hardest difficulty. When us and her drink a bottle each of Liquid Steel, that's the Dravian stuff, we get, well, hyper-violent drunk. like, go out and kill everything on the battlefield, leave nothing standing violent.

Rodney: You know, I've seen Melody with some sort of drink that affects her kinda like how this Dravian stuff affects you. She only drinks it when she is in one of two moods, celebration happy, or downright sad and depressed. She calls it Chaotic Stars, and she let me have some of it one time, and it made me drunk.

Kurama: I wonder what effect it will have on me...

Arteza: Not sure….

Rodney: Funny, all this talk about Chaotic Stars makes me want to raid Melody now. Wanna go and trick her into telling us where she keeps her stash?

Kurama and Arteza: Sure, let's go!

The three of them go off and find Melody, who was busy talking to Fists. Joey and Amadeus were back at it again, and stupidly, they went right back to their last hiding spot. This time, they'd been planning on pranking Farid and Kurama for turning them in and all, but that got derailed, from the start, and now they had to scrap that completely.

Melody: Fists, I need you to go get Joey and Amadeus for me. I know that if I or Wolfgang tried to get them, they would just run away and hide in a brand new place. Which, would you be ok with Farid coming with you? He brought them back last time and I think he'd be helpful this time.

Fists: Sure. Are you guys going to be okay, or do I have to go and knock Barrett's lights out first so that he won't try to escape and follow me in order to steal the Master Emerald? I know that he is still under Gamma 13's watch, but I remember how deceitful and tricky he can be. I still hate him for that whole "Fur Dye" incident, and would not put anything past him.

Rodney (who was near them, listening): What was the "Fur Dye" incident? I never heard that one before.

Kurama and Arteza(who was back to being dressed up where his face was hidden): The f**k?

Fists: It happened when Barrett was still a good friend of ours, before he turned traitor. Long story short, the jerk put rainbow dye in my fur shampoo, I used it, and I ended up looking like a freaking clown. What made it worse was that it would not wash out at all, so I ended up having to look like a freaking clown until it naturally faded out of my fur. It was only after the fact that I found out Barrett was the one who put the dye in my shampoo in the first place!

Rodney: How long did you look like a clown?

Fists: SEVEN FREAKING WEEKS!

Skadi (coming over to the three, giggling): Want to see what he looked like? I kept photos, and they are hilarious! All he needed was a bulbous fake nose, stupid clown clothing, and a freaking rubber chicken to complete the outfit!

She then started laughing uncontrollably, falling on her butt, remembering just how stupid Fists looked during the whole "Fur Dye" incident. Melody and Rodney started laughing too, having the same mental image of what Fists would have looked like. Kurama, Arteza, and the rest of Gamma Thirteen hear about the incident and start laughing, except Kai Shin. Fists just rolled his eyes and went off to get the three troublemakers, Farid in tow. Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney then managed to trick Melody into telling where her personal Master stash of Chaotic Stars was, and they rushed off to drink some, although, she actually knew what was going on and let them have their fun, as they had been putting up with a lot lately. As for the twins, Jenny had them, so everything was ok. Rodney refrained from drinking Chaotic Stars, as he did not want to get drunk, and stuck to cider. And he observed Kurama and Arteza, who had gotten buzzed off it, and Rodney had to stop them before they drank more to see how many bottles it would take to get him drunk. Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney took an entire case of Melody's Chaotic Stars stash and hid it in Kurama, Arteza, and Sheila's soon to be room, in a special secret compartment that Rodney helped Kurama and Arteza make for it, as Kurama and Arteza intended to put it in a hidden safe where the Chaotic Stars were hidden. They decided that it would be a great test-run to see if the hiding place would work. After Kurama and Arteza weren't buzzed, the two of them and Rodney worked together, and made several concentrated capsules of Chaotic Stars for Kurama, Arteza, and Rodney to carry around with them.

A few days later; Kurama felt like it was time to show Barrett, who'd made a lot of progress, that he'd forgiven him and gotten past what happened. Kurama was at the base and saw Kai Shin and Barrett sitting together on an ammo crate, talking. Kurama had a box in his hand, smiling softly, and walked over to them.

Kurama: Hey guys. Barrett, I have something special for you.

But before Kurama could even give it to Barrett, he got nervous and hid his face from kurama. He started crying, holding onto Kai Shin tightly. Kai shook his head and Kurama drew back, shaken and sad. He dropped the box and walked away quickly. Kai Shin saw it and picked it up and looked in it. It had patches for Barrett's rank and name, along with dog tags, and a Gamma 13 pin in it. He put it in his pocket.

Kai Shin: (in thought) I need to hang on to these. Kurama's come full circle now. He's seen the result of his actions, and he doesn't like it. I just hope to Chaos he makes the right decision. seeing Barrett like this broke his heart. When he finally gets his head on straight, I'll give it back to him, so he can give it to Barrett.

Kai had no idea that for the last few days, Folsom had been wanting Kurama to come to him about everything, especially if he was going to feel bad about scaring Barrett, since Folsom could use that as an opportunity to comfort Kurama. Though, he wouldn't be able to since Kai and Farid would be the ones to comfort Kurama.

later that evening, with kurama…

Kurama walked into the Lucky Seven, Arteza with him once again dressed up to hide in plain sight. He ordered two ciders, went to a table all the way in the back and put their heads down, Arteza's arm around him. He turned on his music player and they just sat there, sipping on the cider every so often. Melody came in, and hearing familiar music, she found Kurama and his clone(husband) sitting in the back with their heads on the table, Arteza holding his hand.

Melody: Hey, are you ok?

Kurama: Frak no. but thank you for asking, Melody. Too many bad things have happened. Barrett pissed me off once by hurting Rodney, pissed me off twice by lying to you about Rodney, and then by Amadeus and his friends. You know I've been mad before; been pissed off before; even felt raw hatred. Now, I'm so mad I actually want to cry ... .cause i hate myself again…..

Melody sat down beside Kurama, partly wondering why he had a clone with him, but figuring that maybe he thought it would help.

Melody: Kurama, just tell me what's wrong.

Kurama picks his head up and looks at Melody. He looked as though he'd been crying. He sighs deeply.

Kurama:I just….i realized…..i'm nothing but a worthless piece of s**t bully…..i all i've done is take all my aggression out on Farid and everyone else who can't it, and i….that's all i've become….There's nothing in me worth anything anymore…..I all i ever do is f**k up and push my close family around when i'm mad and make them hate me and i do the same to my close allies, and ... .and…..i'm becoming as much of a bully as the ones that hurt me when i was a kid…

Melody: Is that why you have all those rules?

Kurama: Some, not all, cause Rule 16 is "Don't embarrass me or else." And i just keep randomly deciding that they break it cause i'm the one who's mad…..

Tears began running down Kurama's face, and he bit his lip, his sharp canine fangs starting to draw blood.

Kurama: and I…crap! I saw Barrett the same way and I just got so mad and even though I was trying to help Rodney, I went too far!

Melody: So, this is what's eating you, making you harm yourself….. That's why you're upset.. You're pissed off at yourself. Wolfgang told me you called Barrett, a "Jian". You're saying you think he's like 'Jian'. I heard you scared him pretty bad. You went too far, Kurama.

Kurama: I did. I... it's just, I really do just feel so protective of Rodney. When Barrett hurt Rodney, I just couldn't stand by and watch. I tried to shoot Barrett, but he moved Rodney in front of my crosshairs. if I had pulled the trigger, Rodney would have died. I was so pissed off at him, and when he stole the Journal and blamed Rodney, my anger rose to the same level as when Jian broke into my house and tried to kill me and Sheila. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I need to talk to Barrett. I need to make it right. Barrett isn't as bad as I thought, but I was so worried about what he could become. And then after a few days, I wasn't mad at him anymore. I had seen how much he improved from working with Kai, and I wanted to give him a welcome gift, since he's joined Gamma 13. Like, I wanted to make it official and give him his rank and all. But when I went to give it to him, he started crying and hid from me. It jarred me so badly, I dropped the box and ran away. That's when I came here. I need to stop this before it goes any further. Thank you, Melody, from the bottom of my heart.

kurama downed the cider and left. Melody just watched as he left. But the thing was, it took her a moment to realize that Kurama calmed down way too fast, even by his standards. In the time it took for her to realize it, Kurama was outside with Arteza, who had his claws on Kurama's arms, and Kurama's on his, the two just standing there in the snow with no jackets on..

Kurama: Just let's make it quick ... .but…..

Arteza: I know….it needs to hurt….

Melody's heart sank when realized Kurama and his clone were about to cut each other's arms, and they were about to seriously injure each other.

Kurama and Arteza: 1….2….

Melody: STOP!

Melody ran up and shoved them apart, the two Kuramas falling flat on their butts, and both just looked at her, their claws having scraped each other's arms, and there was a very light trickle of blood from both, the sound of the drops hitting the ground louder than anything in the whole world right then.

Kurama: Wh-why did you s-stop us?

Melody: Because I told you, self-harm is never the answer, and because I clearly wasn't finished. Do you really want to punish yourself like that? Are you a masochist?

Kurama: N-no…..

Melody: Then what?

Kurama: i ... .I just wanna be gone…..

Melody: You want to be gone…..do you want to leave….or die?

Before he could say a thing, Melody cut him off.

Melody: I won't let you leave, and I won't let you die. And you, do you have anything to say for yourself?

Arteza could hardly speak, his mouth running dry.

Melody: You wanted to die with him, didn't you? The two of you want to bleed out….to punish yourselves….because of all that. Would you have ripped each other's throats out if that didn't work? How far would you go because you hate yourselves?

Kurama and Arteza didn't have a good answer for that, and Melody already knew anyway, so he made them get up and come home with her, to patch them both up and lecture them. Of course, Arteza wouldn't let her see his face, and even buried his head in Kurama's chest, refusing to let her see it or anything, until she finally made him and Kurama let her clean them up.

Melody(in a stern and motherly voice): Boys, right now, sit up and let me get you cleaned up, or I will get Jenny down here!

Kurama and Arteza: Yes ma'am!

Melody: And you, take that helmet and shemagh off right now, mister!

Arteza: Y-yes, ma'am…

As Arteza did, sitting on the side of the tub with Kurama, Melody saw his orange fur with purple quills spilling out from underneath his helmet and when she saw his eyes, she saw he was more than just a clone….

Melody: What's going on here?

Kurama swallowed hard, afraid to tell her, and Arteza felt the same way, but Melody just stood there, waiting for an answer.

Melody: Well?

Kurama: Um….Melody…..i….we….

Arteza: I ... .um…

Kurama:and Arteza: Melody…..this is my husband. We're bisexual and we're married to Diesel as well. And he's me….

Melody: Wait….Kurama, you married your own clone?

Kurama: Uh-huh….

Melody: Alright, look, let me clean you two up and then you can tell me, ok?

The two nodded and Melody got the water warmed up and wet a washcloth, starting with Kurama.

Melody: Kurama, I'm sorry again for the last time, I didn't mean to put a cold washcloth on your face. I know you have sensory issues due to your autism. So, tell me, what's your husband's name?

Arteza: My name's Arteza….they call me Tezzie.

Melody: That's a good name. Now, when I get you boys cleaned up and you tell me all this, I want you to go and deal with the problem, alright?

Kurama and Arteza: Ok.

Melody: Now, I can understand why you're so secretive about your sexuality, you're worried about people knowing about your marriage since it's connected. Look, I have no problem with you liking both men and women. There's nothing for you to be ashamed of. Though, do you have a preference?

Kurama: Not really…..I um, well, really just swing both ways….

Arteza: Uh-huh.

Melody: That's perfectly ok, guys. You love who you love, and that's just fine with me. You're both adults.

When she finished getting them cleaned up, they told her what she needed to know, and she made it clear, having her special journal to Princess Luna out where Kurama and Arteza could see it.

Melody: Look, guys, I will keep your secret no matter what, as I can keep lots of secrets and have to for now, but when the time is right, some in plain sight, you'll know, just like with you telling me about your sexual orientation.

As she said that, she hinted at the journal, which Kurama and Arteza's eyes had naturally been drawn to when they were brought inside and now again since they were in Melody's living room. The two of them had been so curious about it, and they knew it definitely wasn't the MKND journal, that was for sure. But what sort of book it was, well, they'd find out soon, and well, they'd never want to remember how. But right then, with those two staring at the book in a sort of trance, Melody had to bring them back.

Melody: Boys!

Kurama and Arteza looked back at Melody, who expected that.

Melody: Like I said, don't worry about your secret, ok? Just go about your lives.

Kurama and Arteza nodded, and just as Kurama got his phone out to check the time, he dropped it while the screen was lit up and the gold picture of Rehzi that was his lock screen was right there for Melody to see. Seeing the picture, she was curious, as she thought it was a very nice picture and she picked up Kurama's phone, looking at it.

Melody: Oh wow…this is such a nice background, who's this, Kurama?

Melody really did like the picture, as it was a very sweet picture of Rehzi, and Kurama and Arteza looked at each other before looking at Melody, unsure of what to say. When she saw their faces, well, she had an idea.

Melody: Boys, is this someone you like?

Kurama: Ummm…..Melody ... .Can you keep another secret for us?

Melody: I can.

Arteza: Um, Melody, that's Kurama's first guy crush, Rehzi.

Kurama nodded.

Kurama: I've had a crush on Rehzi since I was 15. That's when I started questioning if I was straight.

Kurama didn't really wanna say any more, as Melody didn't ask the questions Skadi asked, so he wasn't volunteering. And Melody was ok with that.

Melody: I understand, Kurama. Was this something you ever hated yourself for?

Kurama nodded.

Kurama: I was always so scared if anyone found out how they'd react to me being Bi, and it took time for me to reconcile myself. Tezzie is the reason I don't hate myself for having those feelings. When I started my relationship with Tezzie, I just….i felt ok. But…

Arteza: We've always felt like outcasts because of, well, being the same person essentially. How do you explain being in a relationship with your own clone? There's not really a way to say that and not sound weird or wrong.

Melody: I understand. It's definitely different. But it's not wrong. My same cousin I told you about, the one who's autistic, he can make clones just like you, and if I remember correctly, he loved each and every one of his clones. But I'll tell you this, he wasn't a narcissist. He was the sweetest and most loving guy, and I know you two are just like him. So, remember everything I said. Ok?

Kurama and Arteza: Ok.

Melody: Good. Now, I think you two need to get going, and here's your phone back. By the way, you picked a very handsome guy to have a crush on, Kurama.

Kurama blushed, looking at Arteza, who was just as embarrassed, but Melody simply hugged them, reassuring them.

Melody: Guys, really, he's very cute, and although he's not my type, I can certainly see why you have a crush on him.

Kurama and Arteza smiled softly, and when they left, Arteza's identity was hidden once again and he was holding Kurama's hand, and they had two things to do: One, fix things with Barrett; and two, fix things with Farid. When they arrived at Barrett's cell, Kai Shin greeted them. He saw the bandages on Kurama's arms, wondering what he did.

Kai Shin: You ok, man? You look are you all bandaged up?

Kurama: I realized what I did. I went too far. I punished myself.

Kai Shin: You punished yourself? Wha...no, you-

Kurama: I cut myself with my claws. And he helped me. I asked him too.

Arteza only nodded, Kai wondering why Kurama seemed to treat the clone in front of him more like a separate person than any other clone before.

Kai Shin(rubbing the back of his neck):Um, yeah, so, I'm glad you're gonna make this right. I heard the kid crying in there. It wasn't fake. but I think we should move this to the war room.

kurama nodded and went to the war room and sat down against the wall with Arteza. Arteza still had Kurama's hand in his, refusing to let go. Kai Shin opened the door to the cell. Barrett was sitting against the wall. Kai Shin walked in and knelt down in front of him.

Kai Shin: Hey, Barrett.

Barrett, with tears running down his face, looks at Kai Shin.

Kai Shin: Look, I have good news. Kurama wants to see you. don't cry. He's not mad at you anymore.

Barrett: Why would he want to see me? I'm just a piece of crap to him.

Kai Shin: Yeah, that's why. It's been eating him alive, what he said to you. He was angry, that's a fact; but to be fair you pissed him off. twice. but you're not the only one who pissed him off. our little brother Farid pissed him off tonight. and when you started crying, that's when he had a breakdown. He realized that he went too far, and it broke his heart. That's what he wants to talk to you about.

Barrett; is this for real? He said he'd kill me.

Kai Shin: again, that's what he wants to talk about. look, I'll be there. ok?

Barrett remembered how kind Kai Shin had been to him.

Barrett: ok.

Barrett stood up, and taking Kai Shin's hand, walked with Kai Shin to the war room. Barrett saw Kurama sitting against the wall, playing with his lighter. Kurama was singing softly and crying, Arteza staying by his side.

Kurama: Search for the answers I knew all along, I lost myself, we all fell down. Never the wiser of what I've become, alone I stand a broken man. all I have is one last chance, I won't turn my back on you. take my hand, drag me down, if you fall then I will too. and I can't save what's left of you…

Kurama's voice broke and tears streamed from his eyes, falling in massive drops to the floor. Barrett saw the bandages and wondered what had happened to Kurama, and then he saw the staining on the bandages where the blood was soaking through.

Kurama: S-sing s-something n-new, I-I have N-nothing left…

Barrett looked to Kai Shin for reassurance. Kai nodded and walked over with Barrett. Barrett looked at Kurama. he sat down beside Kurama and took Kurama's hand in his.

Barrett: I'm sorry for everything I did. I…I don't want you to hate me.

Kurama: (crying) Barrett, I don't hate you. I forgive you. I…was wrong. I went too far, I never saw what I was becoming. and I don't want you to hate me or be scared of me. I…I just…I was protecting Rodney. He…he's like a son to me. I feel like Rodney needs me. it's my frakkin' one-track mind. I get so involved, that I don't see what goes on around me. See, when you were caught, I read your emotions. but I was so mad, my own emotions blinded me, and I thought you had the same heart as my former best friend Jian. He hurt me so bad when he betrayed my team. He was my best friend since I was 5 years old and he introduced me to Sheila, who became my wife. The three of us had been best friends ever since. It was four years ago that he betrayed us. He broke into my house and tried to kill me and my wife. We fought and me and Jian shot each other. I shot him in the head. I hated that. I hated having to carry my best friend out in a body bag. Me and Sheila have been hurting ever since. My twin sister Samantha was the only one who could comfort me that night. I cried in her arms the entire night. After that, Saami and her husband Exile moved in with us, because we were so broken. I just didn't want Melody to have to carry you away in a body bag because she had to kill you. I just wanted to scare you. But I was wrong, and I should have walked away and went straight to find Rodney. I never should have stayed. I just…i want to die because i know what i am, a bully.. None of you need me. I can't control my emotions, I don't even deserve to be in command of Gamma Thirteen…I…That's why i cut myself…..

Barrett suddenly hugged Kurama tightly, and Kurama dropped the lighter.

Barrett: Please don't go, Kurama! I don't want you to die! I want to be a Gamma; and if you leave, what about Rodney? I don't want Rodney to be hurt again. I forgive you, Kurama. I hurt everyone and it's my fault that you got angry.

Kurama put his arms around Barrett.

Kurama: Barrett…thank you...I promise you I won't ever get angry at you again. I crossed the line, and I'm so sorry. I know that I can't go back, but I can become a better person. but I can't do this alone. And Barrett, it's not your fault at all,it's all mine.

During this Kai Shin went and brought Rodney. As Kai Shin walked into the war room with Rodney, they saw Barrett hugging Kurama, Arteza by his side, holding onto Kurama. Kai sat down in a chair and sighed deeply. He motioned for Rodney to come over to him. Rodney walked over to Kai Shin.

Kai Shin: Rodney, I think it's time you make things right between you and Barrett.

Rodney nodded.

Rodney: Yeah, you're right, Kai. I was angry and in pain.

Kai Shin: We all cross the line sometime and we can't take back what happened. But we can make it right. Rodney, Barrett's been trying to make it right, but he needs you to show him that you forgive him. Here, take this.

Kai Shin took the box out of his pocket and handed it to Rodney.

Kai Shin: Give it to Kurama; he knows what to do with it.

Rodney walked over to Kurama, Arteza, and Barrett.

Rodney: Kurama, Kai said you dropped this.

Kurama looked at Rodney and smiled thinly. Rodney sat down with Kurama, Arteza, and Barrett. Rodney and Barrett sat on either side of Kurama as he took the box and opened it. Arteza, though, stayed completely silent.

Kurama: Barrett, this is for you. you can already see that I gave Rodney his, but now you're a Gamma. Both of you are members of Gamma 13's Alpha Squad. This proves it.

Kurama pulled out the dog tags and put them around Barrett's neck. He also handed Barrett the patches. Smiling thinly with a pained heart, he picked up the shiny new pin and put it on Barrett's jacket.

Barrett: So, I'm really a Gamma now?

Kurama: Yes, you are. Now, all you need is for Kai to sew the patches on for you. and Barrett, you are never sleeping in that cell again. we'll get you a room set up. and I'm guessing Rodney has something to say too.

Rodney: I'm sorry Barrett. I really wanna be friends. and especially now that we're Gammas.

Barrett: Rodney, I'm the one who should be sorry. I was a sucky friend back then, when we were younger.

Rodney: Past is past. Kai taught me that. we both crossed the line, and we both did wrong. but now we can make it right. so, friends?

Barrett: Friends.

Kai Shin: and with all that settled, I believe it's time for bed. I'm burned out with all this.

Kurama: Kai's right. Tomorrow, we need to start training together, get some teamwork going. Starting now, it's the four of us together. All we need now is Sheila and Khalilah to round out our fireteam.

Rodney: And nobody will be able to stop us.

Barrett: Not now, not ever.

Kurama (in thought with Arteza): I just wish Samantha and Diesel were here. We'd really be unstoppable. And they'd be proud.

Before they went to bed, glad to be in their own room finally now instead of on the hospital roof, Kurama asked Farid to sit down with him and his clone(Arteza). They went through their whole thing, Kurama going over what Melody told him and what happened, and Farid and Kurama were finally able to makeup completely, the two having been trying to talk about it for days. And so, when Kurama and Arteza did go to bed, they were so worn out that they just stripped down to their underwear and crawled into bed, kissing before snuggling up and wrapping their tails around each other.

The next day;

When Kurama and Arteza woke up that morning, they found themselves more well-rested, though there was some stuff weighing on their hearts still, but they'd heal in time and so would their family, or at least part of it. Folsom, on the other paw, was utterly pissed that Farid had made up with Kurama, and he wanted to hit both of them at that point. He didn't care, he was just so jealous of Farid, and now, he was going to do whatever he could make Farid feel like s**t, and he had an idea - Sheila! If he could get her on his side, she'd force Kurama back to him and he certainly didn't mind sharing Kurama with Sheila.

Kurama: Well, that was a rough day yesterday, huh, honey?

Arteza: Yeah, but at least we made it to the other side.

Kurama and Arteza kissed deeply, and when they broke the kiss, they went and showered, getting ready for the day. They decided that from then on, Arteza was going to hide his appearance every day, because he was sick of staying in Kurama's head. They just didn't know how to explain why a constant clone was around. Sharing a bed? Oh, that was normal. Kurama fell asleep cuddling with his clones all the time, but no one ever thought "He's having sex with that one." They just saw that he loved his clones. Holding hands with his clones? Normal. Kurama would hold his clone's hands without thinking, and if he was upset, it wasn't rare or odd if Kimba or Farid held Kurama's hand to calm him down. So, when they got dressed and went to join the others, they didn't think that much of it, but they did question why the clone was hiding his face mostly.

Kurama: Uh, yeah, so….

Fortunately, Kurama and Arteza were needed right then by Rodney, so the question got dodged, though for how long, they didn't know. As for Barrett, well, Melody would make up with him.

Melody: Kai, I need to talk to Barrett.

Kai Shin: Why do you want to do that?

Melody: Kurama had a point back when we talked in the Lucky Sevens bar a few days ago. For years, I have been having problems with my anger, ever since Barrett went bad. I want to make it right with him, since I believe that I was the reason he turned rogue.

Kai Shin: That seems reasonable. I'll go get him. Did you want to do this in your office?

Melody: That would be great. Thank you.

Kai Shin brought Barrett to Melody's office, and Barrett just stood in front of her desk, nervous. Kai Shin was just standing in front of a wall, looking at all of the pictures Melody had hung in there, and he noticed that lots of them had a cutout of Barrett on top of almost all the pictures.

Kai Shin (In thought): Melody must have really missed Barrett and really wanted him to still be around after their fallout. Why else would she have these pictures like this?

With Melody and Barrett;

Melody simply made Barrett sit down in one of the chairs in front of her desk while she played around with some things on her desk.

Melody: Hey, Number 13.

Barrett: Hey, Number 7.

Melody: Look, I'm sorry for everything that I did and didn't do to you all those years ago. I was a terrible teacher, as well as being a terrible supreme leader of the MKND. I crossed so many lines back then, that I ended up hurting those close to me. I should have never been leading my own sector or leading the entire organization. In fact, I could not even show my face to the MKND or in public for seven months straight because I was so ashamed of myself.

Barrett: Number 7, listen, I'm sorry too. I turned on you and everyone else here. You were a great teacher, and I was a jerk. I still remember when you saved me back when Eggman captured me and the rest of the kids in the village I used to live in. When you found out that I was an orphan, you just took me in as your brother and tried your best to give me family love. I was the one who went too far.

Melody: I'm glad you saw the error of your ways. I know that you are trying to make up for your mistakes, and I want to make up for mine. Do you think we can help each other out with that?

She got up and held her hand out to Barrett in a handshake. Barrett got up and shook her hand.

Barrett: Don't worry. We can help each other out as much as we need it. Does this mean that we are friends again?

Melody just goes around her desk, and over to Barrett. She just hugs him with tears in her eyes.

Melody: Of course it does. I missed you SO much, Crystalheart.

Barrett (hugging Melody back): I missed you too, Noteheart.

The two then share a moment together, rekindling the fire that was once their friendship. The two then break apart, embarrassed.

Melody (wiping away some tears): Well that escalated quickly.

Barrett: Yeah, it did.

Melody: Want to go out and look at the ocean and drink some Chaotic Stars like we used to do at sunset?

Barrett: As long as Commander Reed comes with us, it's a deal.

Kai Shin: It's okay with me. I want to try whatever this "Chaotic Stars" drink is.

Melody: It's a special drink that I brew myself. It affects me in the exact same way that the cider here affects Wolfgang. Just promise me that you two will stop me from doing anything as stupid as Farid, when I get drunk.

Kai Shin: You got it.

Melody: Number 13, why don't you take Kai to the place we used to hang out a lot while I go and get us the Chaotic Stars.

Barrett: No problem.

Later that evening with Barrett, Kai Shin, and Melody;

Melody is shown wheeling a wagon with two full crates of Chaotic Stars.

Melody: Here we are. Did you guys want ice in your drinks, or did you want them warm?

Barret and Kai Shin look at each other then look back at Melody.

Kai Shin: Warm is fine with us.

Melody: Suit yourselves.

She then tossed each of them a bottle of the drink, while creating a tub made entirely out of ice. She placed several bottles of Chaotic Stars in the tub and just created a lot of snow to cover all the bottles to make them cold. She however created her own stein of ice and poured a bottle into it while sitting down next to Barrett and Kai Shin.

Melody: Here's to becoming better people.

Kai Shin: Here's to second chances and new friendships.

Barrett: And here's to a better tomorrow.

All three in unison: CHEERS!

While this was going on, with Kurama…;

Kurama was out getting various ingredients from the farmers' market area of New Care-A-Lot, where the kids were very kind, and kept giving him things, as well as helping him out, which Kurama was grateful for, as the recommendations were really intriguing to him. He managed to get 2 brand new sets of kitchen knives, along with some new cutting boards, and some really well-made hot-plates, and some new cookbooks to add to his massive library he had at home. With all the new gifts, Kurama decided to give some of the many things he got that day to Arteza, since Arteza didn't really have that much stuff to call his own because of hiding his existence from the rest of the world, and sharing the stuff Kurama had. Kurama decided to stop off in a shop whose building design was a present, and the shopkeepers were extremely helpful and wrapped up what he wanted to give to Arteza for him, and they helped him pick out some brilliant tags for each gift, which Kurama would fill out later in private. And thanks to some recommendations, Kurama found a brilliant, and large enough penthouse condo that was up for sale, and Kurama bought it, as he felt like he didn't want to always have to spend time on the hospital roof, since he and Arteza were still scared of hospitals. Sure the hospital in Care-A-Lot didn't really scare them as much as others did, but they were still slightly frightened of the hospital. And thankfully, because Skadi had bumped into him while he was out shopping, she helped him with buying the condo and all. After the purchase of the condo…

Kurama: Thanks for helping out with that Skadi. I would have been sunk if you hadn't come along.

Skadi (with a giggle): You're welcome Kurama. And besides, a roof is no place to stay and live for long periods of time if you're stranded in a strange world! And it's definitely not a good place to raise young infants. There's always a possibility of them doing something stupid and falling to their deaths when you aren't looking at them!

Kurama couldn't help but laugh with her, as what she was saying was so true, and his worry about Celedon and Sienna doing that, although very slim, was still a prevailing thought on his mind. It didn't matter that they had wings, and he had seen them manage to hover a little bit when he and Arteza were playing with them, as one wrong thing could happen with their wings, or they could be swept off the roof by the wind, and they'd be dead.

Skadi: Don't worry. You and your clone will still be able to come back to the roof of the hospital and camp out there whenever you want. I'll make sure that your setup isn't disturbed.

Kurama: Thanks for that Skadi. It'll be nice just to have my own place with him so we can raise the babies safely, with the danger element removed.

Skadi nodded, and that was when the two of them noticed a girl slinking around, with what appeared to be a large duffle bag full of stuff, and the muzzle of a rather dangerous, and nasty, sniper rifle was poking out. That made Kurama go into panic mode, and he asked Skadi about the girl, pointing her out. When Skadi saw her, she gasped in horror, recognizing that it was the very girl that she had treated due to one of Amadeus, Joey, and Apollo's previous incidents.

Skadi (rushing off after the girl): Oh no. Kurama, we need to stop her! She is probably going to kill Joey, Amadeus, and Apollo!

Kurama (rushing off with her, equipping some of his airsoft guns): Okay, but why does she want them dead?!

Skadi: Well, the short version is they brutally mauled her during one of their previous incidents!

Kurama: Okay, I want details after we catch her!

Skadi: Agreed!

Kurama knew this was going to be bad if they didn't catch her, and with his Laylax Schrodinger rifle and ICS L86A2 machine gun, plus his AW Custom HX26 "Match King" Compact Hi-CAPA pistol, he set to heading the girl off. By now, she'd seen them and started running, and well, it was only a matter of time before she started shooting back. For now, well, she was moving fast, even with all the crap she was lugging around. The girl, a Thylacine, Number 908.7654, real name Leica, was a very good agent, and now, well, her skills were being put to use in the worst way.

Kurama: Skadi, stay behind her, I'm gonna try and stun her!

Skadi: Just be careful, Kurama!

Kurama: Right!

Just as well, before he went ahead, Kurama took one of his airsoft sniper rifles out and tossed it to Skadi, who caught it, along with a gas-powered revolver as a sidearm.

Kurama: Skadi, take these and cover me!

Seeing what Kurama had given her for this job, an Echo1 / Nemesis Arms "VANQUISH" airsoft sniper rifle plus an Elite Force H8R revolver, Skadi grinned and headed for the rooftops to find a sniping position.

Skadi: Thanks! I'll give them back when we're done!

Kurama nodded and rushed ahead, taking aim with his Schodinger rifle, and he squeezed the trigger, running lightning chakra through the BBs. The burst missed Leica though, and well, this led to her and Kurama getting into a battle there in the street.

Kurama: Yo, kiddo, stop, this isn't the answer!

She didn't respond, being so pissed off about Amadeus and his friends, and all she wanted was revenge. That's what Kurama saw on her face and he hated that he was going to have to shoot her, but he was glad it was just an airsoft gun. Having to actually shoot her with a real one would have torn his nerves and his husband's nerves all up. But Leica wasn't making it easy, and she was often using the duffle bag as a shield.

Kurama: S**T!

As they fought, kids everywhere were trying not to get shot by Kurama, and they knew he wasn't trying to hit them, but still, it was scary as hell since the BBs were electrically charged and the collective discharge on impact when a burst hit was kinda frightening for them.

Kurama: Get inside, everyone, get your butts inside and don't give her any meatshields!

Kurama didn't want to use his canid side, but with some of the kids, who were staunchly going to stay, so he barked at them.

Kurama: I SAID GET INSIDE NOW!

That made them do so, and Kurama would apologize later for doing that, but right now, he needed to deal with the girl who was losing her mind. He kept on shooting, and when he was out of ammo in his current mag in his rifle, he was just in time to duck around a corner into an alley, evading a shot from Leica's rifle. It was a loud crack, and Kurama knew the rifle was a .338 Lapua Magnum, same as Farid's signature one.

Kurama: F**k, that's gonna hurt if it hits me!

Leica wasn't trying to hit Kurama, or Skadi, cause she also took a shot at Skadi and forced her to duck down.

Skadi(over her S.C.R.A.M.): Dammit! Kurama, can you take a shot?

Kurama(over the radio): Sorry, Skadi, can't! She's got me pinned here as much as you're pinned. I don't wanna take a round. And now-

Right as Kurama spoke, Leica changed positions and now she was firing at them with an MP5, and Kurama knew she had to desperate to have gotten ballistic weapons like an MP5A3 and a Haenel RS9 .338LM rifle.

Kurama:(over the radio): Skadi, where the f**k did she get these?

SkadI I don't f**king know! Those are real f**king 9mm bullets!

Kurama growled in frustration, and when the shooting stopped, he popped out from the corner and switched to his pistol, firing 6 shots at Leica while she was reloading. She got hit 3 times, but that wasn't enough, and he kept going, but she moved behind the cover of an overturned table at a cafe. Kurama swore and switched to his rifle again, taking cover behind a market stall, bracing his rifle on it. When Leica popped up to fire at Kurama again, he just let loose and dumped the whole mag at her on full auto. That startled her, and it made her drop back down.

Kurama: Stay down, I mean it!

Kurama knew he couldn't do this forever, especially since his ammo counter was nearing zero. And when it did, Kurama heard the click that told him he needed to reload. He ducked down and reloaded, knowing it might be best now to switch to the L86A2. Swapping out, he unfolded the bipod on the drum mag fed machine gun and took aim, forcing her to move again when she tried to hit him with a burst of 9mm bullets from her MP5.

Kurama: You're so hard up on revenge that you're willing to get your a** shot just to do so, man, you need to chill out! Those three deserve to get their butts kicked, not get shot!

Kurama hoped that he could reason with her first, but if reason failed, he'd start pushing her into making mistakes. That, well, would end up actually being both a bad idea and the best choice. He was just going to hate what happened as a result. As the battle raged on, had to try his other tactic, and at the same time as this was going down, Arteza was putting Celadon and Sienna down for a nap, Rodney helping him.

Arteza: There we go, now-

And then he heard that first shot, the ,338. Arteza instinctively dropped to the roof and grabbed Rodney and the babies.

Arteza: What the s**t was that? Who the hell's shooting?

The sounds of gunfire increasing, Arteza was getting worried for his husband, and so was Rodney.

Rodney: Oh no, Kurama was out shopping today!

Arteza: F**k! Rodney, you stay here!

Just as Arteza got up, the kids being told to hunker down there, Melody met him, having been coming up onto the roof to talk to him and Kurama.

Melody: Arteza, you heard those shots, right?

Arteza: Yeah, and I don't like this at all!

Arteza decided to take the faster route and rappelled down the side of the building, taking Melody with him. Kurama and him had done that in case of an emergency, and right now it was just such an emergency. Just as well, Kurama was also calling for backup and Arteza got the call on the way down. All of Gamma 13 there was rushing into action, and they were all worried about Kurama and all the kids, well, nearly all, considering Folsom was just worried he would lose a chance to get on Kurama's good side. Thing was, he wasn't getting that.

Farid: Dammit, what the f**k is going on?!

Melody: I'm not sure, but Kurama's in trouble!

They'd caught each other at the right time and were heading there together, and with all of them, Kurama and Skadi would have plenty of assistance, but well, it wouldn't do them much good. It didn't matter that both Gamma 13 and Sector S were there, it was still going to go very wrong.

Kurama: Hey, come on, just try and hit me! You couldn't hit a f**king PLANET!

That started it. That got her mad and she actually started really aiming at Kurama, mostly at his arms and legs to cripple him. She knew that if she shot him with the .338 hollowpoints she'd do a lot of damage, and she didn't want to really hurt him but she was just so mad. And of course, she would keep shooting at him with the MP5 everytime she had to reload her sniper rifle.

Leica: Just back the hell off, dammit! This is between me and those stupid f**kers!

She fired two shots in quick succession, one at Kurama and one at Skadi, getting way closer now than before. But Kurama could tell she was between actually wanting to just stop him and make Skadi leave, and Skadi confirmed it.

Skadi: Kurama, Leica's getting a lot closer with those shots, and I know how good she is!

Kurama: I can tell, yo, and damn, is she good! Hell, I'd recruit her if she wasn't losing it right now!

Skadi: Maybe you should when we get this s**t fixed!

Skadi growled, trying to line up the crosshairs of the 1-10x scope Kurama had on the sniper rifle, but Leica hardly flinched when Skadi shot her this time, as Skadi had only managed to hit her in the shoulder. Skadi was trying to hit one of her pressure points, but it wasn't what she hit this time.

Skadi: Crap.

By the time everyone got there, well, Leica finally had Kurama. Kurama had his pistol out and was rushing her, firing at her, and well, it wasn't working, and Skadi rushed down with Kurama's revolver, clicking the safety off and thumbing the hammer back, and right as Leica shot Kurama in the knee, Skadi, who was behind Leica, fired as well. The BB hit Leica at the exact same time that the bullet struck Kurama. When the bullet smashed into Kurama's knee, he dropped, screaming, and Arteza, well, he didn't disappear. He dropped at the same as Kurama, bleeding from where Kurama had been shot and he was screaming too. And crazily, when Leica shot Kurama, Kurama actually nailed her in the forehead with a BB, the shock of that combined with Skadi hitting her pressure point. That was rough to finally knock her out, and well, Melody and everyone were freaking out. It took Skadi telling them all to just stop that got things in order, and they rushed Kurama and Arteza to the hospital, taking Leica as well.

Melody: I can't believe she went this far….

Skadi: She's pretty screwed up, I'll admit, but…I think she has a chance. It could be that she needs someone like Kurama now.

Melody: So, you think I should cut her loose?

Skadi: I'd say so. Give her Kurama and them to train. She'll do better there than here.

Melody: And that's your recommendation?

Skadi: Yes. It's the only way. She's not ok, but she's not lost.

Melody nodded and looked past Skadi at Leica, and she sighed and shook her head. Back with Kurama and Arteza, they were knocked out as well, the pain driving them insane. Both were sleeping now, and they refused to be seperated, and Skadi just told the doctors to put them in a double bed together, cause they would start flipping out otherwise.

Skadi: Look,, the way he cares for his clones, if you separate them, they're going to be upset and depressed. He needs his clone to be here with him.

All of the doctors understood what she was saying, yet they didn't entirely understand the reasons. Or well, all but one. When they were leaving, one of her top doctors, Erron the Ibex, was the last one and Skadi asked them to stay.

Erron: Yes ma'am?

Skadi: Erron, I want you to be the only one taking care of these two and nobody else. Look, I trust you not to say a word about this.

Skadi very carefully and quietly explained what was going on with Kurama and his clone, telling Erron he was under strict orders not discuss Kurama and Arteza's care or condition at all with anyone but her or Melody, as Melody and her had to confide in each other what they knew, and well, they both were thinking that things really had changed in the last 5 years.

Skadi: Do you understand the seriousness of why I'm asking you to stay quiet? This is very sensitive intel and the number of people who can even know is extremely limited.

Erron: I understand, Ma'am. I won't say a word about Mr. Kurama and Mr. Arteza's relationship.

Skadi: Good. Those two need a lot of encouragement and support. They really don't feel safe enough to come out, and if that secret got out before they were ready, that would be it, they'd begin denying it like crazy.

Erron nodded, and with that, he began caring for Kurama and Arteza. Two days later, after surgery, when the two young men woke up, Erron was there on Kurama's side, reapplying the bandages to his knee.

Kurama: Huh…? Wha….owww!

Erron: Mr. Kurama, please, stay still. I'll be done in a moment.

Erron worked quickly, and when he was done, Arteza had woken up, his knee throbbing and aching.

Arteza: Where the f**k am i….? Kurama honey…..where…

Arteza looked over at Kurama, who groaned in pain as Erron finished with the bandages, having injected a local painkiller to help Kurama stop hurting. Arteza took a moment to notice Erron, and both he and Kurama were slow on the uptake with what was going on.

Erron: Mr. Kurama, how are you and your husband Mr. Arteza feeling today? By the way, I'm your personal caretaker, Dr. Erron.

Kurama: Uh…um, i ... .I'm really sore and my knee still hurts, but not as bad now….

Arteza: Um, same here…..um…..how…..?

Erron: Miss Skadi told me, as I'm the only one entrusted with your care, to ensure your secret is kept. It was the only way that she could have the two of you be able to stay together. Otherwise we would have had to keep you in separate beds. She didn't want to do that. And as far as anyone else here knows, you have to be with your clone, some odd thing they don't really understand.

Kurama: But, you understand, cause Skadi told you, right Erron?

Erron: She did, and I fully understand why you're afraid. But you don't have to worry one bit while you're here. And hopefully you won't be here much longer.

While Erron was talking to Kurama and Arteza, Rodney came up to see them, and well, Skadi and Melody stopped him.

Melody: Rodney, can me and Skadi talk to you? It's nothing bad, it's just that we have to get on the same level about this.

Rodney: About what?

Melody and Skadi had him follow them to Skadi's office, where they locked the door.

Melody: Ok, look, we know that the Kurama clone is his husband, Arteza. We know they're gay or bi.

Skadi: Or as I was told, Bisexual. But look, either way…..

Rodney: As far as I was told, they're gay.

Melody: Ok, so, with that….We keep our mouths shut.

Skadi: Erron knows as well, so there's that, but I trust him.

Rodney: Oh yeah, I know Erron. He's really good. I like Erron.

Skadi: I know, and I know that Kurama and Arteza will love him.

Melody raised an eyebrow, as did Roney, but for different reasons.

Melody: You picked Erron because he's an orphan. You wanted Erron to bond with them.

Skadi: Good fortune….well, in a messed up way…..s**t, i didn't want this to be the way i found him a family, but at least Erron will be happy.

Rodney smiled, thinking that if it was possible that Kurama and Arteza would adopt Erron, maybe they'd adopt him.

Rodney: Yeah, he's gonna love them.

Melody and Skadi smiled at Rodney and nodded, hugging him. After they broke the hug, Rodney went up to see Kurama and Arteza, and when he did, Erron was helping Kurama and Arteza get situated.

Rodney: Hey, guys.

Kurama: Hey Rodney.

Arteza: It's really good to see you, Rodney.

Erron: So…..

Rodney: Ok, so, Melody and Skadi told me that they know, and Erron, we're cool, We're all on the same level.

Erron: That's good.

Kurama: I agree. It's very good.

Areza: Yes, it certainly is.

And so, over the next 3 days while Kurama and Arteza were there, Erron got to know them better, and just as well, they got to know his story, which broke their hearts to hear. It was their last day, and they were going to be discharged, so Erron was coming to do that and give them a once over before they went home.

Erron: So, todays the day. You two get to go home.

Kurama: Yep.

Arteza: Yeah, back to the roof and the base.

Kurama: Uh….well…..

Arteza looked at Kurama, wondering what was going on.

Arteza: Honey?

Kurama: Well, my love…..i have a special surprise for you, and well, our little hospital stay put it off. Um, I'll show you when we get out of here, ok?

Arteza could tell it wasn't something dirty the way Kurama talked, but that made him more intrigued. But he could certainly wait, as it was clearly worth it. So, Erron got on with the once over and well, before they left, Erron asked something of them.

Erron: Mr. Kurama, Mr. Arteza…..you know my story…..and the time we spent together ... .um... .would you be my parents?

Hearing that just melted their hearts and Kurama and Arteza just picked Erron up and hugged him tightly, giving him several kisses and nuzzling him, making him laugh.

Kurama: Erron, you won't ever be alone again, cause you'll be our son now!

Arteza: That's right, baby!

Erron was so happy, and just as well, Skadi came by just in time.

Skadi: Erron, you can take the day off to be with your parents.

Erron: R-really, Ma'am?

Skadi: Erron, it's completely fine, Look, we're not having a rush day or anything. Oh and by the way, I think it's time to deal with Leica.

Kurama: Well, no time like the present. Is she still here?

Skadi: Yep, and Melody's giving her a piece of her mind. Rodney's waiting to have a go at her too.

As Erron had been giving Kurama and Areza their once overs, Melody had done just that.

Melody: Alright, this is how it goes; Leica, you have crossed a MAJOR line! YOU F**KING KNEECAPPED THE LEADER OF GAMMA 13, OUR KEY ALLY IN F**KING EGGMAN OVER FOR GOOD, AND NOW HE'S BEEN THE HOSPITAL WITH HIS CLONE, HAVING TO HAVE SURGERY CAUSE YOU SHOT KURAMA WITH A CHAOS F**KING DAMNED .3338 LAPUA MAGNUM! WHERE IN THE S** DID YOU EVEN GET THAT AND THE CHAOS DAMNED MP5A3?!

Lieca knew that she'd f**ked up, and she really didn't mean to shoot Kurama where she did, and moreover, she'd never had used the .338 for that. She wasn't stupid. She knew exactly what a .338LM was for, why her rifle had a 32 inch barrel, and why she had to go through so many backchannels to get it, but she still had so much anger at Amadeus and them for how they hurt and humiliated her. Once Melody was done blowing her out, Rodney came in and well, she started apologizing, and well, he blew her out.

Rodney: Leica, what the damn f**k? Why the f**king hell did you shoot Kurama and his clone?

Leica: But, he kept taunting me, pissing me off!

Rodney: I don't give a f**k if he taunted you, he did that stop you cause you were trying to kill Amadeus, Joey, and Apollo!

Leica: Look what those a**holes did to me!

Rodney: Then why didn't you just f***king blow them out? They deserve getting their a**es kicked, not be killed! And this was just too far! What if you killed Kurama, huh? Could you f**king live with yourself if you kill him? Oh what am I saying, you're just trying to kill everyone who gets in the way of your stupid as revenge plan!

Leica: But I didn't mean to shoot him there! I was trying to cripple him with a flesh wound! I was aiming for his leg, the upper part, off to the outside! He was just supposed to go down like that, not have to get surgery cause i kneecapped him!

This went on for a while, and eventually, Rodney finally shut it down and left. Of course, he visited Kurama and Arteza, who asked him to come with them when they left, which he agreed to. When Kurama and Arteza went to see Leica, she was crying, and Skadi went in first with Erron to get her to listen to them about Kurama and Arteza coming to talk to her. Skadi had already passed on Melody's request to Kurama and Arteza, as she had a new s**tshow to deal with. But Skadi had also passed on the message that she'd talk to Kurama and Arteza in the morning. When Skadi and Erron had Kurama and Arteza come in, Skadi stayed while Erron went back outside with Rodney.

Leica: Wha-what are you doing here….?

Kurama: Leica, we're here to do what Melody wanted us to do. Look, we'll take you in, but, yeah, you're completely discharged from the MKND. And right now, you better be thanking heaven that you didn't get decommissioned. You really did f**k up, but Melody knows that Skadi's right about you being able to heal with us. We're all screwed up. So, look, you either have no job, no purpose, and just be stuck in limbo…..or you let us heal you. Your choice.

Arteza: My husband is correct. Yeah, you shot him and it wounded me, and we probably shouldn't have taunted you, but it was the only way to stop you. My husband needed the shot.

Skadi: And in the end, I was the one who nailed you, though ... .you had a welt on your forehead cause Kurama shot you there. Little parting gift. By the way, Kurama, here's your guns back.

Skadi had them with her anyways since she needed to get them back to him, though the last few days had been so busy that she only now had the chance. Kurama took them and nodded, checking the disc mag in the revolver.

Skadi: I, um, I borrowed it while you were out because of a mission. But I reloaded the mags and put in a fresh gas cylinder. I didn't screw it in though. Farid says you don't like to unless you have a feeling you need to. And here's your AutoKey tool.

Author/editor's note: The AutoKey tool is a motorized hex key tool that Kurama invented for airsoft gun maintenance, especially for CO2 powered airsoft guns like his revolver, where the gas cylinder is in the grip. It's much faster and is preset to stop when it encounters resistance.

Kurama: No harm no foul. You save the day with my airsoft guns?

Skadi: Yep.

Kurama leaned down and gave her a kiss on her head.

Kurama: I'm proud of you, Skadi.

Turning back to Leica, he sighed, waiting on the answer from the very disturbed Thylacine girl. They just stood there, waiting, for roughly half an hour before she said anything.

Leica: Fine…..i'll go with you….i'm dead anyw-

Kurama: Leica, don't you even say what I think you're gonna say, young lady!

Kurama in an instant had gone into his stern fatherly mode, knowing that she needed that. Naturally, Folsom had to take his chance right now, as he crossed paths with Melody coming to visit Kurama last as everyone did that morning, Erron and Skadi being extremely careful everytime, and well, it was a good thing Arteza was disguised, cause Folsom, well, burst in just as Kurama and Arteza were talking about giving Leica a spanking. They literally had just gotten themselves together when it happened.

Folsom: Kurama, you don't need to do that.

Kurama and them turned to see Folsom, who really wasn't supposed to be there, and well, actually, Kurama didn't entirely want him there. He was starting to get wary of Folsom, since Farid had mentioned how mean Folsom was to him, and well, Kurama didn't like the vibe Folsom gave off. He was giving off an ultra-low vibe of…something Kurama and Arteza couldn't pin down, like….like he was gonna ask Kurama for a favor in return for something,

Folsom: Look you're too emotional and tired now to do that, here I'll handle this for you.

Kurama: Uh…ok….

Kurama had a very good reason not to trust Folsom, one he realized too late. Folsom actually ended up spanking her harder than Kurama would have, and it only upset Kurama more, and well, he was speechless, cause Leica was wailing after Folsom finished spanking her, making Kurama and Arteza rush and hug her and comfort her, and well, Folsom was gone before Kurama and Arteza could say a word, acting like he just saved Kurama and Arteza from the emotional pain. On the contrary; Kurama didn't know what to think of Folsom, but the first thought that popped into his head was…

Kurama: How could he be so harsh on her?

Kurama and Arteza had cringed when he started, but that just at first cause, well, they couldn't bring themselves to do it right then, but at the end, they were just horrified by how he spanked her harder and that he raised his voice at her. He sounded like what Sheila said her dad was like, spanking and punishing her for what weren't even real offenses like just wearing something different or buying something for herself. Skadi, well, she was stunned, and Erron and Rodney didn't know what to think when they saw him walk out, like he'd done a good deed. But oh no, he'd done no such thing, and well, he'd get his one day, because his jealousy was going to turn everyone against him. Back with Leica and them, Kurama held her close, and he asked Skadi if she had something to take the sting out, cause Folsom had gone way too far, and gladly, Skadi had just what he needed. So, Kurama asked Leica if he could put some of the gel Skadi gave him for this on her.

Leica(wailing: Yes, just please make it stop hurting!

Arteza: Shhh, shhhh, it's ok, baby…it's ok….

Skadi stepped outside during this, closing the door. When she did, Rodney and Erron asked her what happened.

Skadi: Folsom went way too far spanking Leica, Kurama and Arteza would never have done that!

Rodney: Oh man…..what the hell is wrong with him? He came out looking he was f**king proud of himself, like he did a good deed or some s**t.

Skadi: I don't know, but I don't think Kurama and Arteza like him anymore.

Erron: Folsom's scary! I don't like him!

Back in the room, Leica laid over over Kurama's shoulder, which was easier for her since Folsom had bent her over his knee when he spanked her and even if Kurama could have more easily applied the gel to the red marks on her butt like that, he refused to traumatize Leica any more. Arteza was doing his best to calm her down, and Kurama was really getting mad at Folsom for leaving those red marks on Leica's butt. When Kurama got the soothing gel on Leica's sore rear, he got her situated again and just started rocking her, Arteza getting Skadi and them. Erron and Rodney came in, and they all three tried to help comfort Leica, being on her side. When they eventually did, Kurama suggested Leica live with him and Arteza, as she'd be safe and Folsom wouldn't be around. And Leica jumped at that, cause she was really scared of Folsom now. So, to that end, when they left, Kurama took Areza and Erron, plus Rodney and Leica and picked Celadon and Sienna from Jenny, and this was when Kurama showed Arteza their new penthouse condo.

Kurama: Ok, honey, just a few more steps…..

Kurama had him use a bandanna to blindfold himself, taking advantage of the existence of them having times of separate memories that they could sync as soon as possible, and when they were inside, he revealed the surprise.

Kurama So, what do you think, honey?

When Arteza saw their new condo, which was beautifully furnished, he was ecstatic, hugging and kissing Kurama, and well, he was even happier when Kurama gave him his gifts, and well…..

Rodney: Uh, yeah, we'll just take the living room, guys.

Rodney knew where it was going between the two, and so did Erron and Leica, so they took the babies and set them up on the floor in the living room, since they weren't really tired right then and would fold out the couch later. Yeah, Kurama picked this one cause it was not only big, but there was enough space to keep the master bedroom away from everywhere else. There were plenty of rooms and the plan was unique, an experiment, and well, a mistake too, cause the layout had been read wrong, yet…..it was wonderfully perfect for adults. So, Kurama and Arteza, well….they had a very good time.