FoxyCryptid

I tend to write from the idealistic end of the spectrum so it seeps in. As for Frost/Isa, my intention is that he was definitely smart, but at the same time so arrogant and narcissistic it was his downfall as shown by the way he clearly failed to realize Melinda was leagues about him in skill level and had so far only been held in check by his intimidation tactics. There's an epilogue to this wrapping things up, and then possibly another slice-of-life story.

“I’m here, you son of a bitch.” Melinda spat the words as she stepped out of the shadows. “I’d say I was worried, but I knew you care to much about the worthless mortals you surrounded yourself with. Especially the mutant brat you consider a son,” Isa didn’t bother standing up from the crate he sat on. “Watch yourself, Isa,” She didn’t bother hold back her anger and her voice dripped with venom. “Or what? I know you won’t attack and risk endangering those two brats,” Isa looked up and gave a wicked smile, and call me Frost. I’ve grown to like that name far more. “If you’ve hurt him, I swear to God…” she clenched her fist until her knuckles ached. “They’re fine, I assure you,” He finally stood up, “I figured I’d wait until you got here before starting the party.” The rage continued to build away inside her as she watched him lean down and reach for something next to him. Her eyes were drawn to what at first appeared to be a pile of random junk covered by a cloth. The realization of what it really was hit her as she saw something moving under it and she ripped it off the reveal MIles and Cream tied up, blindfolded, and gagged under it. Miles was closest to him and he reached down and ripped the duct tape off his mouth. “Mom, is that you?” His said, confused. “Yes, I’m right here and I’m going to get you both out of here, somehow. Just hold in there.” “You seem optimistic,” Frost finally stood up and stepped around behind them, ripping the tape from the girl’s mouth. “Aunt Mel?” Her voice shook. In one fluid movement he reached down and jerked the blindfolds off both of them, “Won’t be needing these anymore. I wouldn’t want to miss out on the show.” Melinda locked eyes with the two children. Cream was obviously on the verge of tears and she could tell by MIles bloodshot eyes and uneasy expression that he had been crying as well, even if he tried to hide it. “Let them go,” she stepped forward, only to have Frost quickly circle around and block her path. “Ah, but I thought we could have a little fun first?” He beamed, “I just have so many ideas that I don’t even know where to start.” A looked of realization spread over his face and he reached under his coat, drawing his sword. Melinda flinched as he approached her and placed the blade’s tip to her throat. “I could start with you and make them watch,” he lifted his foot to step closer, but then backed off and turned around while rubbing the side of his neck, “I’m not giving you chance to try that trick again.” With one fluid motion he spun around and sliced across her stomach, sending her to her knees gripping the wound, “maybe if you’re a good girl and let me have my fun, I’ll let them go.” “Mom!” Miles shouted. Cream merely held her eyes shut and sobbed. Before Melinda could speak, Frost once again pressed the point to her throat and used it to force her to look up at him. “You really do have such beautiful eyes. I know they say an eye for an eye, but I can’t bring myself to starting cutting on them,” He smirked and lowered his weapon. “I swear, someone will come after you if you kill me. Especially if you hurt either of them,” blooded dripped from her mouth. “Like they have a chance,” Frost kicked her square in the stomach, sending her sprawling on her side, “Besides, it just means I get to have more fun.” Without warning he brought the sword down on one of her now out-stretched hands, impaling it. “Damn you,” she hissed as he ripped it out. “I’m sure that happened a long time ago,” He grabbed her hair and pulled her to her knees. She felt the cold edge of the blade against the neck and fought back a tear as the realization of her fate hit her. The revelation that it would happen not 20 feet from Miles and Cream, and that they would be left to his mercy with her gone because the chances of him keeping his word were slim, yet he would also kill them if she fought back She had failed them and played right into his hands. “Please,” she almost whispered. “What’s that, are you begging?” He laughed and and stepped aside where both her and the children could see each other. “At least let them go and let me say goodbye,” tears began to stream down her face. “Why should I, keeping you apart only makes it more fun. No last hug from mommy or auntie Mel to remember her by. Watching you dye as you beg me for mercy will the way they remember you” he pressed the blade closer, “although, these displays of emotion amuse me enough I guess I can let you live long enough to say goodbye from right here, so long you keep entertaining me.” She looked up and noticed Miles barely holding it together while Cream buried her face in her hands and wept. Tears streamed down her face, but she forced a smile and spoke clearly despite the pain. “Miles, I need you to listen carefully.” She said. “Okay,” His voice shook. “First I need you look up at me, please, Miles.” She hoped Frost was enjoying this enough to let her finish. He looked up at her, and she locked eyes with him. “I know it’s hard, but please give me a smile. It would mean the world to me if that’s the last thing I saw,” she spoke with a soothing voice. “I’m scared,” he barely spoke above a whisper. “So am I, that’s why I need you do this for me.,” she took a uneasy breath, “Do it for me, okay?” “I love you, mom,” A smile forced it’s way across his face. It hurt her, it hurt her bad knowing this was the last time she’d ever see it. The last time she’d hear him say those words. She only prayed someone would show mercy on her and allow her soul to go free, so she could at least watch over him from the next world instead of being trapped inside this monster like some kind of sick prize. “Miles I love you to. I love you more than anything and I always will. That’s why I want you to close your eyes, and remember me like this no matter happens, let me smiling at you right now and only crying because I love you so much be your final memory of me, just like I’m going to close mine and let your smile be my last memory of anything,” she watched for a moment for him to close his eyes tight, before closing her own and letting her head hang as the blade pulled away, “Goodbye, kiddo. Tell Cream goodbye for me and that her Aunt Mel loves her.” She braced herself, but the strike never came and instead she heard pacing footsteps, causing to her open her eyes. “Damn it, I can’t do it. My pride won’t let me,” Frost was visibly frustrated, “I need to know I can beat you.” Melinda took a deep breath and let the relief wash over her before speaking, “I’ll only fight you if you let me turn them loose and send them to safety,” she said. Frost barely held back the frustration in his voice. “fine, do as you want and meet meet in the hangar next door and we’ll finish this.” She watched him leave and waited for the slam of the side-door before approaching the kids. “Can I open my eyes?” Miles said, his voice still shaking. “It’s clear, for now,” She crouched down and drew her knife, thankful Frost wasn’t smart enough to take her stuff, “hold still a minute.” Being careful as to not cut him, she set to work cutting his hands and feet free of their bindings and then moved on to Cream. “Aunt Mel,” she said quietly, tears still streaming down her face. “I’m right here, honey,” she finished cutting the ropes and Cream quickly threw her arms around her. “Why did he want to hurt you like that?” she sobbed, “Why do you have to fight him?” Melinda fell silent and just sat there rubbing the girl’s back for a moment before finding the words to speak, “a long time ago I caught him hurting someone, a kid not much older than you named Max, and I fought with him over it because he wouldn’t stop” “So you were trying to protect Max?” Cream sniffed. “Just like Mr Sonic and Tails protect people from Eggman and it makes him angry.” “Yes, just like that.” she answered. “So you have to stop from hurting anyone else, now?” Cream looked up at her. “I have to try my best,” Melinda pulled away and patted her on the shoulder before turning to Miles and holding out her arm, “Come here a minute.” MIles complied and scooted over her to give her a hug. She held him tightly and took a moment to breathe and enjoy the moment, like the calm in the eye of a passing storm. “Oh God, I thought you were done for,” he finally said, breathing heavily. “Don’t get too comfortable, you still have to get her out of here and somewhere safe,” Melinda said, rubbing his back. “But I don’t want to leave you here,” he said. “I know, and I know you’re scared but Kai’s waiting for you to at the church and she’s gonna need your help getting there,” Melinda said, “Holy Ground, remember?” “Immortals can’t hurt anyone, there.” Miles’ answered. “Right,” she nodded, “there’s also one last thing.” Melinda carefully removed one of her arms from around MIles and reached out for Cream, coaxing her into the hug as well. Once again, she fell silent and just held them both for a few seconds before finding the words. “No matter what happens, I want you both to know I love you, okay?” Melinda teared up a little as she spoke, “Miles, you know the drill in case..” Melinda trailed off at the last sentence, the thought to painful for her finish. Even then, she could tell by his arm tightening around that he understood. “Don’t think that way, Mom!,” He said frantically, “I know you’ll win, because you have to. You’re too strong to lose to someone like him.” “There’s always a risk, and I just want to make sure you know that you can depend on your friends and that Kai will be there,” Melinda said. “That doesn’t matter right now, though. It doesn’t matter because you’re gonna win and come back for us,” Miles said. “Yeah, Aunt Mel, please promise us that you won’t..” Cream barely choked out even that much. “I can’t lie to either to you and say I’m not in any danger, but I can promise you both that I’m going to give it my all and fight as hard as I can,” Melinda said, hugging them both tighter. “Okay,” Miles said, taking a deep breath, “I love you, Mom. Just please try to your best to come home safe.” “Just try to stay calm, okay? It doesn’t do any good to worry about what might happen, just to be prepared,” Melinda directed her attention to Cream, “Cream, are you listening?” “Yes,” Cream squeaked and hugged her tighter, “and I love, you.” “You know Kai, right?” Melinda asked. “Yes, he’s a friend of my mother. He’s really nice,” Cream answered. “He’s also one of my friends, an immortal like me,” Melinda said. “Is that why he’s so smart?” Cream asked. “Something like that,” Melinda chuckled, “Miles is going to take you to the old church, he’s already there and he’ll protect both of you.” “I’m scared, but I trust you and I trust Tails so I’m be okay,” Cream said, “I also know that Mr Kai is a good a person.” Melinda held onto them for a while longer before finally loosening her grip, “You both ready?” Melinda asked. “Yes,:” they both said almost in unison. The three broke apart and Melinda suddenly had an idea as she noticed Miles’ still worried expression and remembered something he told her about the night of the car wreck. She shrugged off her coat and haphazardly folded it up. “Here, hold onto this for me,” she handed the coat to Miles, who held it close to his chest, and leaned into to whisper in his ear, “Don’t be embarrassed to hug that thing like a teddy bear if that’s what it takes to stay calm. Your mental state is more important than your pride and Kai is the last person that would judge you.” The coat was something she knew symbolized her to him because it was the one thing thing that always stayed the same no matter how much she radically changed her dress or appearance. It was the same coat she used to let him cuddle up under on the coach when he was little and they watched TV, and always remained a part of her because it was not only a way to conceal her weapon, but just as much of a security blanket to her because of those memories attached to it. “Thanks,” he whispered back. “Now come on, Mr. Hero, it’s time to go escort the girl the safety,” Melinda smiled and ruffled his head fur. “Okay,” he smiled and began to help Cream up with his free hand, “Come on, Cream. I’ll hold your hand, would you like that?” Melinda continued to smile as she watched them make their way to main door. Even on foot the church was only about 30 minutes away so she assumed they’d be fine. The night was over for them, but she still had one last thing to finish before she could follow, and she prayed silently that whatever guardian angel watched over immortals would see her through the rest of the storm and deem her fight just. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I’m here, let’s finish this,” Melinda held her sword so tightly her hand ached and rubbed against the wood beneath the leather wrappings of the handle. She stood strong despite the fear gripping her, all doubt was erased from her mind and she silently promised that it would end here. “You’re afraid, aren’t you? I can taste it in the air,” Frost took a step forward and drew a deep breath. “Are you going to fight, or stand around talking all day?” She readied herself, spreading apart her feet and holding her sword in front of her body, ready to either strike or defend. “I just want to savor it for a moment, enjoy the anticipation before I come in for the kill. Let the feeling build up to that final climax and surge of power,” he closed his eyes and spoke the words almost like they were a twisted form of poetry. “You’re sick, you know that?” Melinda spat “You still love to pretend you’re so different from me, I guess the little talk we had the other day fell on deaf ears, and I was so hoping you’d come around see things my way. Set yourself free like I have,” He said. “Are going to shut up and attack me, or are you enjoying the sound of your own voice a little too much?” Melinda smirked. “So eager to die, I wonder if a part of you enjoys your pain as much as I do,” he stepped forward and closed the distance. “Who said anything about me being the one dying tonight?” She said. In one fluid motion she stepped forward and struck for his good leg, but he dodged the blow with a quick jump back and countered by lunging forward and swinging his blade down, an attempt she easily blocked and and deflected by catching the blow against the flat of her own sword and and forcing it away. An attempt to run him through easily side-stepped and and countered with a swing from the side towards her mid-section, which she easily flicked her blade up up to block once again before before twisted around behind him. She followed up with a swing towards the back of his exposed shoulder, but he managed to shift his stance enough to reach up with his cybernetic arm and grab her blade. “You know, these things aren’t for show and I guess I really should thank you for putting me on the waiting list. I never dreamed that someday we’d have this amazing technology that let me get replacements for the old ones that were better than the real thing,” He turned to face her and forced her back where he could stand right up against her and hold his sword to her neck, “losing your edge? Getting soft?” “No, but you’re getting stupider to giving me this opening,” In one violent movement she drove her knee straight into his groin with all the force she could muster, sending him sprawling backwards and clutching himself. “Son of a bitch,” he groaned in pain and attempted to straighten himself, “you sure fight dirty for someone that likes to play little miss guardian angel” “I may try my best to play the hero, but I’m no saint and I have no delusions about honor being of any use against butchers and cowards like you. Honor is only for for friends and real warriors.” she lunged forward and and sliced him across the stomach before he could guard and sent him to the floor. “You’re so much like me, maybe you’d be less bitter if you stopped denying it” He spat out the blood collecting his his mouth. “I’m nothing like you,” Melinda swung for the kill, but he implanted his cybernetic foot into her stomach lifted her over his head, sending her flying with a powerful kick of his leg. She caught herself and quickly rolled back onto her feet just as he jumped back up. “You keep saying that, but you haven’t been able to give me one good reason to believe it,” he wiped his mouth with his sleeve and idly examined the blood staining the white fabric, “there’s something romantic about the way blood so quickly corrupts and stains the color white, don’t you think? It say’s something so poetic about how fragile and useless purity is.” “Give me a break,” Melinda groaned. “It’s true, it’s such a useless measure that’s changed so much from era to era, that’s I’m glad I stopped caring about petty human morality. I mean, isn’t so tiring watching the very concepts of good and evil change right before your eyes? Shifting so easily from saint to sinner in the eyes of this world?” Frost said, “It’s so much simpler just to live by your own rules and live for your own pleasure.” “I’ve learned to find it quite inspiring, the mortals find a way to keep growing and learning right from wrong, bettering themselves with each passing generation as I grow alongside them. It’s comforting to see all the evils that were once encouraged by mankind's ignorance fading into distant memory,” Melinda stepped forward, ready to strike, “I also don’t deny my sins anymore than you do, but the first difference between us is that I’m ready to answer for them.” “Like I give a damn, anyway. Keep holding on to your self-righteous delusions,” Frost lunged forward and threw a punch with his cybernetic arm, which she dodged and let narrowly slip by her head where she pinned his arm without letting go of her sword. “You’re the only delusional one here, too blind to see that you’ve done nothing more than poisoned yourself with hate and sadistic self-indulgence” she drew her dagger and stabbed it into his stomach before twisting it and bringing her muzzle to his ear, “Which brings us to the second thing that what really separates us, I have a son that I love dearly, and friends that I love just as much. That means unlike you, I fight for love and that’s a kind of strength you could never understand.” “Go to hell,” he spat as he fell to the ground. “I hope I don’t, I have too many people waiting for me upstairs, and that’s what I pray to be forgiven for what I have to do,” she raised her sword over her shoulder and swung with closed eyes, landing the final the blow and listening as his body hit the ground with a thud. A white mist drifted up from his remains and enveloped her as the static began to build in the air like the tension before a storm erupts, “I’m not afraid, you can’t consume me when I have so much giving me strength. No amount of darkness can snuff out love’s light.” All at once the the room erupted with energy and she fell to her knees as the storm tore the room apart and her world with it. Light fixtures shattered into a rain of sparks and wooden crates splintered into flames as if consumed by hellfire. “I won’t give in,” despite the lifetime of twisted memories rushing their her head she forced herself think of Miles, and to think of all her friends. Her memories fought to burn through his and she struggled her hardest to concentrate on them and the voices drowned out his hateful screams. “Mom!, this is my favorite part of the movie!.” “Aunt Mel! I finally baked something all by myself today!” “Come on grandma, age before beauty,” “Wow mom, you’re just like a real-life superhero!” “Happy 29th birthday!” “I guess now that we’re alone I should say happy 1100-and-something since we’re not sure on the whole year thing. I love you, mom.” The conflict within her heart reached it’s peak as the sprinkler system finally cut loose and soaked her, like the apex before a storm ends and one final and recent memory floated the surface, one symbolizing the true extent of her love, his smiling face showing through the tears when she was using what she thought her last moments to comfort him. “I love you, mom.” “Miles I love you to. I love you more than anything and I always will. Goodbye, kiddo” Just like that, it was over and and the world once again went silent save for the hissing of a few remaining fires being quenched. She just sat and thought about how oddly soothing the cold water was, almost like some kind of baptism washing away the last of her doubts. It was finally over.

I like 80s Glam-Rock/Hair Metal and Pop, but if you want to go back further I also like old rock (like Creedance), and outlaw country (Johnny Cash sort of stuff). Not much for Golden Oldies unless it's part of the atmosphere somewhere (ie: 50s music at a car-show)

Only two more to go, and both are already written and just need last minute clean-up so it shouldn't be long. ------------------------------------------------------- Night had fallen by the time the two headed for home, leaving them alone on the empty streets with nothing but the glow of streetlights for company. “Man, I still can’t believe you got the high-scores on all those cash-in games they made about Sonic and me,” Miles happily walked along next to his mom, his tails wagging behind him. “Maybe I’m just that awesome,” she grinned, “and I guess the free home copies the developer always sends us may have helped.” “I didn’t think you played those, I kind of assumed they collected dust after me and Sonic played through them once or twice for fun.” “What, you think I’m too old to play with toys?” she feigned a hurt expression, “aren't I allowed to have fun?” “It’s not that, it’s just that I didn’t think liked video games as much as I did outside of those racing ones,” he gigled, “If I knew we could’ve played a lot more together” “I need something to do when you leave me all alone and go save the world,” she gave a playful grin, “besides, it’s kind of cute seeing that little sprite of you flying around the screen and beating up robots.” “I mean, the graphics aren’t even that good and..” he blushed. “Ah, come on. That cute little cartoon of you is almost as adorable as the real thing,” she teased. “You like to embarrass me, don’t you?” he smirked, still blushing. “Hey, it’s a mother’s job,” she chuckled, “besides, you know I only do it because I love you.” “I guess I’d miss it if we didn’t tease each other,” he chuckled. “It beats being ser-” she was cut off before she could finish by a loud boom and a splitting pain in her skull before everything went black. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I think she’s waking up,” unmistakably Amy’s voice, laced with something between worry and relief. “Tails’ told me immortals could come back from almost anything, I guess he wasn’t kidding.” Sonic’s voice, carrying a mixture of shock and excitement. “She’s just lucky it passed completely through, if our healing factor actually has to kick out foreign objects it takes far longer and consumes a large amount of energy to heal,” Was that Kai? “Thankfully that only happens when a small object like a bullet interferes with healing an inherently fatal wound like one to the heart or brain.” “You mean like a battery?” Sonic asked. “Not exactly, I mean as in the bodies natural resources. Calories, nutrients, sugars. Anything the body metabolizes for energy,” Kai answered, “Our life-force maybe borderline magical, but our bodies are still flesh and blood that can be strained just like yours” “Wait!? Someone shot me?” her mind realed as she managed to find her bearings and put together what had happened, “Oh God. Miles was right next to me. Is he okay?” “Melinda, are you okay?” Amy asked. “It’s Miles okay?” she groaned, sitting up and rubbing her head. She watched as everyone in the room traded uneasy looks and and Kai took a deep breath. He was holding back anger and she could tell it. “I heard the gunshots and when I investigated I found you dead with Miles nowhere to be found, Knuckles is out looking for him but there’s something you should know,” “I’m already sitting down, so spill it,” she was nearly going into shock, to numb to really be upset or angry at any of this. “Cream is also missing and I found this stabbed into your heart,” Kai pulled out an all too familiar object and she froze. It was unmistakably the same knife Isa had used on Maxwell two centuries ago and an even more familiar blue ribbon was tied around the handle, the one usually tied around Cream’s collar. “Oh God,” she felt the tears burning her eyes as she dug her nails into her palms, drawing blood that dripped over her fingers. Every fiber of her being screamed out in fear, anger, and pain. Isa had them both and now she would have to face him to have any hope of saving them. He had backed her against the wall and now she had to fight just like a cornered animal. “Kai told us everything, well I guess told me and Knuckles everything since Sonic already knew it all except him being an immortal,” Amy stepped forward, “I guess this is your fight, but we’ll do everything we can to at least track him down.” “Yeah, no one messes with my little bro or kidnaps defenseless little girls on my watch, and we’re going to do every we can to help save them,” Sonic looked at her with a look of determination and anger that she rarely saw from him. “Thank you, but promise me one thing” she forced a smile and tried to hide her eyes, “promise you’ll keep your distance if you find him. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.” “I’ll try, but using this on him myself is pretty tempting,” she reached back and pulled out her hammer, “and it’s gonna be even more tempting if I find out he hurt Cream.” “I have no objections,” Sonic smirked, “I know a ticked off mother protecting her son is something far more scary than I could ever be.” “I just pray we find them in time,” she glanced up at Kai and her voice grew quiet as she continued, “I can’t lose them like this.” “I’m sure we will and by this time next weekend Cream will be shopping with Amy, and you and I will be taking Miles on that camping trip we talked about.” he smiled. “I pray you’re right,” she cracked her neck and leaned forward, “I guess it doesn’t do us any good to be pessimistic, we need a plan for finding them.” “He didn’t leave a note or anything, just that thing and Cream’s ribbon,” Amy spoke with disgust. “Yeah, if he wants you so bad why didn’t he leave a trail?” Sonic asked. “I guess he’s just trying to screw with me and make me sweat, the bastard’s a sadist like that,” she sighed, “he wants me to have to hunt him.” “I’ve never met him and he already makes my skin crawl,” Amy shuddered, “creep.” “Trust me, you’d call him worse after being introduced,” Melinda cracked her knuckles, “He’s one of the worst people I’ve ever met, Mobian or Human, and that’s saying a lot when you’re pushing 1200.” “He makes Eggman look like a saint,” Sonic added, “something about that look of joy on his face when he almost broke you.” “If there was such a thing as a demon in a flesh and blood body, it would be him,” Melinda sighed, “I remember looking into his eyes and seeing nothing but hatred reflected in them, so hauntingly beautiful on the surface but concealing nothing but darkness underneath.” “The worst of it is that he doesn’t look much older than me,” Sonic mused, “I wonder if he was born evil or whatever killed him that young broke him.” “I don’t know anything about his past, nor am I sure I want to know how deep the trail of blood goes,” Melinda idly watched the cuts in her palm fade away. “It doesn’t matter. A man like that is long past atonement,” all eyes shifted to Kai as he spoke and Melinda noticed a look somewhere between pain and anger on his face, “You spent even longer with my tribe than I did, so I’m sure you know we considered the needless spilling of innocent blood a point of no return, especially the blood of children.” “I guess I was just surprised because I’ve rarely seen you even start to get angry,” she looked down, “I guess none of this can be easy for you, either.” “It isn’t,” he sat in silence for a moment, “I’ve always considered Miles like a younger sibling in some ways, and I also promised Vanilla ’d make sure Cream got back safely.” “I guess Tails has one heck a family for back-up then, doesn’t he?” Sonic smiled, “A 1100 and some year old Scotswoman, a blue hedgehog that can run faster than a 747 can fly, and a nearly 250 year old Wolf-Pack warrior.” “Don’t forget me and my hammer,” Amy smirked, “Knuckles is pig-headed, but I’m sure he cares as well.” “I guess that’s a hell of a cavalry, huh?” Melinda gave a soft chuckle, “I guess it’s time we rescue those kids and I know where to start for help. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You sure this a good idea?” Amy looked up at the worn down old house in front of them, “I mean, The Chaotix have no idea what’s going on and we don’t have time to explain.” “Also, I’m not sure they could find money in a bank, let alone a deranged immortal serial killer and his hostages,” Sonic chimed in. “I’ll have to take your word for that since I’ve only met Vector in passing, but every extra pair of feet helps and he seems trustworthy despite his faults,” she stepped forward, “besides, I have a cover story.” “Cover story?” Amy questioned. “Which reminds me, as far they’re going to know I’m my sister, Melissa McLeod from down south that moved here to look after Miles” “Is that why you’ve been dressing like you’re going to cut a Country CD?” Sonic asked. “I dunno, I think the tomboy look suits her,” Amy added. “Sonic: yes, I’m surprised you noticed,” she turned to Amy, “and thank you, Amy. I also think Red suits you well, but we all have more pressing matters than my fashion choices.” “Right,” both Sonic and Amy said in unison. “Let’s get this show on the road,” Melinda took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Several moments passed before the door lock clicked and it creaked open to reveal a nearly 6ft tall crocodile with a large gold chain around his neck. “Hello, Ms. Prower, need some-” the color suddenly drained from Vector’s face and he kept mouthing words that never came out, words Melinda could make out to be things like “ghost” and “dead” “Oh, OH! ah’m so sorry for scarin’ ya’ll like that. Melinda Prower was mah sister and ah I guess ah’ve been told ah’m the spittin’ image of that girl. Name’s Melissa.” she smiled, glancing back and noticing the horrified expressions of the hedgehogs and the barely concealed amusement on Kai’s face. “Phew boy,” Vector sighed with relief, “I was about to have a heart attack.” “ah do forget sometimes. Ah guess ah’m slow to react because it’s hard to accept mah poor sister is gone,” she looked down and rubbed her shoulder. “It can’t be easy. I really can’t imagine what that poor kid going through and I’ve been meaning to pay my respects,” Vector frowned, “I don’t what I’d do if I lost my ma and I’m no hatchling.” “That’s sort of why ah came to y’all, mah poor nephew gone and got kidnapped along with his friend Cream and-” she was cut off. “WHAT!? Everyone get in here and let me get Espio. Some creep grabbing kids ain’t gonna happen on my watch,” Vector ushered them inside while stealing a quick glare at Kai, “ESPIO! WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM!” “There’s no need for shouting, Vector. I’m right here,” Espio called. Melinda followed the voice to a nearly invisible form in the corner and her eyes sparked with curiosity when she recognized it as a natural form of camouflage some species of mobian are born with. “GAH!” Vector jumped, “Would ya stop scaring me like that?” “Maybe you should learn to be more perceptive, Vector,” Espio shimmered as his body faded into it’s natural colors of purple and tan, “You ARE a detective and an enemy spying on you so easily would not end well.” “So familiar,” Melinda found herself staring into Espio’s golden eyes and trying to place him, unable to explain to herself how it felt like an old memory even though he was mortal and clearly around Sonic’s age. She looked over and noticed Kai looking at him the same way. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.” Vector said, “but I guess that means we don’t have ta repeat ourselves.” “Correct, I heard everything and I suggest Melissa tell us everything she knows. It might aid us in assisting them.” Espio stood and approached the group, holding out his hand to Melinda, “I am Espio, pleased to be of service on such an honorable mission.” “Melissa McLeod, pleased to meet y’all,” she shook his hand and noticed a look of curiosity flash by when he heard the name.” “May I say that’s a beautiful name, one of my ancestors was called that,” he smiled. “Maxwell?” the image of the green chameleon when he was Espio’s age briefly flashed through her mind and for a second she was looking into his golden eyes, eyes the same color as this kid’s, “You’re his descendant, aren’t you?” “Thanks,” she caught herself smiling and tearing up, “I really can’t thank y’all enough for helping hunt down mah dear nephew and that sweet little girl” Her eyes wandered to Kai and she noticed the look of realization on his face, he had figured it out just as quickly as she had. “It’s no trouble at all, just tell us everything you can,” Espio said. “Not much to tell y’all, ah took the poor dear the video arcade tah help cheer him up and some lowlife wacked me good upside the back of the head. He was nowhere tah be found when this gentlemen and some of Miles friends found me.” Melinda said. “And Cream, was she there as well?” Espio asked. “No,” Kai spoke up. “Vanilla called me upset because she had gone missing and I was out looking for her when I found Melessa.” “How do we even know the two are connected? There could be two whackjobs out there.” Vector said. “No, I found this discarded near her,” Kai pulled Cream’s ribbon from his jacket pocket, “the kidnapper must have dropped it.” “Any ideas who it might be?” Espio asked as he took the ribbon and examined it “Ah do have this low-down skunk of an ex-beu that ah I wouldn’t think to good ta get back at meh like this.” she spat, “That weasel would rob his own mother at gunpoint.” “What does this scumbag look like?” Vector asked. “Little taller than meh, white, fur, white clothes, and the bastard only had one eye that’s a cold blue. The varmint also has some of them there fancy phoney body parts, a leg and an arm.” “Cybernetic implants?” Espio asked. “Yeah, them fancy thangs. The dumbass lost the real ones in a street race,” she smirked, “never could keep track of his thangs” “That couldnt’ve been cheap,” Espio said. “His parents were rich folk,” Melinda said, “I guess they bailed him out of trouble one too many times instead of letting him learn.” “I’ll check every dirty hole in this city for him, you have my word,” Vector saluted “The Chaotix are on the case.” “Then let’s move out, the cavalry is ready to come riding in!” Sonic spoke up from behind Melinda, attracting everyone’s stares, “What? I’ve always wanted to say something like that and it’s hard to make it sound cool when you have only have like two teammates.” Everyone merely groaned in response. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I know where this road leads, but I don’t know if I can face him again,” Melinda finally spoke up after hours of walking with Kai around the grimy back-streets of station square searching for any sign of Isa. “You already defeated him once, I’m sure he’s no more a match for you now than he was then,” Kai answered as he peeked inside a window. “It’s not that, it’s just... I know it has to end this time and I’m sure I can, nor if I want to,” she looked down, “not if it means becoming like him.” “You could never be like him,” Kai answered without turning around, “He’s nothing but a butcher and you’re a warrior protecting innocent lives.” “Maybe now, but I’m afraid of what taking his head might awaken inside me,” she signed, “I can’t deny that everyone has darkness in their heart, whether it be a faint shadow or unrelenting blackness like his.” “That’s why you hesitated the first time, wasn’t it? You were afraid of seeing into his heart when you took his quickening,” Kai looked back at her. “Yes, like i said. The hatred and evil I saw in his eyes was horrifying because it was so absolute and he was confident in it. Not a shred of remorse or compassion,” she felt the fear set in. “You thought it would break you,” Kai turned around. “I mean, how do I know it wouldn’t consume me and make me like him? How do I know I’m stronger than him?” she felt tears flowing down her face, “I don’t want to lose myself to him and risk hurting anyone like that” Before she could say anymore Kai wrapped his around her and pulled her close, where she buried her face in his chest. She couldn’t hold back anymore. “As I said before, you are nothing like him and nor could you ever be. You have to trust yourself, and trust your friend of almost two and half centuries,” he spoke softly. “How do I know I can? What stands between me and him?” she choked, “especially if he’s hurt them and driven me that much further over the edge?” “I know because love can drive out even the deepest darkness, and I know there’s more of that within you than he could ever snuff out,” he gently tightened his grip. “How do I know for sure, though?” she managed to choke out. “Melessa,” he voice was soft, yet firm, “I saw the kind of mother you were to Maxwell, and the kind you are now to Miles and how much love them both. You would do anything to protect them.” “Kai..” “but more importantly, you were there for me when I was a pup found by the tribe. You were often the one to tuck me in at night and the one who held me when I had nightmares,” he closed his eyes, “and even more importantly, you were the first thing I saw when I woke up from my first death and remained my teacher and friend for the last two centuries.” “I loved you like a son, and I still do.” she smiled and looked up at him. “...and you’re like a mother to me. That’s why I have so much faith in you,” Kai finished. Of course they both knew that, but it had largely become an unspoken bond over time and was the the thing she needed to hear that made the final piece of the puzzle click, and gave her the strength to fight on and put an end the monster that haunted her nightmares. “Thank you, Kai.” she hugged him one last time before they broke apart, “I still wonder how it’s always me needing advice from you.” “I guess I have a talent,” he smiled. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Noone’s here, yet.” It was nearing nightfall and Kai had insisted Melinda head home, where everyone had agreed to meet at dark while he kept looking. He said she was the pivotal member of the team and if any of them had information to bring back it would be best for her to be there to receive it. “What’s this?” her foot collided with something as she approached the door and she knelt down to find a package, “A part Miles ordered? Feels like someone dropped it, to. It’s wet. I guess I’ll finally have to talk him into standing to that moronic delivery service when this is all over” She froze as soon she got the door open and the light from inside glinted off the red stain, blood. “Oh God,” her heart skipped a beat and her hand shook as she opened the unsealed flaps. The thing inside made her drop the box and nearly her lunch with it as she collapsed and sobbed. Miles’ head. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melinda awoke in a cold sweat to the sound of a ringing phone and thanked God it had just been another Nightmare, while at the time cursing fate for deciding it was time to rub more salt in her wounds. She had stumbled in to wait for the others and must have passed out in her chair. Willing her heart stop beating like a drum, she dug out her phone and read the Caller ID, it was Kai and she quickly answered. “Find something?” she asked hopefully. “Yes, and all because the talk we had with Rouge bore fruit,” he said. “I don’t understand,” “She noticed him dragging Miles off when she was flying overhead and followed when her conscience got the best of her. She trailed him to an old warehouse at the docks and managed to track me down a few minutes ago.” “Which one?” she asked. “She said it’s got a large pentagram graffitied on the door, you can’t miss it,” Kai answered. “So I guess this is it, even if I could be walking into a trap.” she took a deep breath, “it’s all about the end one way or the other.” “Are you ready to face this?” Kai asked softly. “Yes, it’s all clear to me now and I’m ready as I could ever be.” “Then good luck, Melissa. I’ll be waiting at the church,” Kai said. “I’m going to try to send them there before the fighting starts, somehow. Keep them safe,” “Of course.” he said calmly, “between me and the holy ground they’ll be safer than a pup in his mother’s arms” “Thank you, hopefully I’ll see you when it’s over,” she stopped for a moment and thought before speaking. “I love you, Kai.” “I know you will, take care and I love you as well.” *beep* It was time. the storm had come and she was ready. rEAD to answer the call and do whatever it took to save her son and to save Cream, and to make sure Isa never claimed another victim.

Guys, calm down. This is whole write-up is complete and extraordinary here-say with no sources, name given to the supposed lawyer, or qoutes from the actual bill (of which the leaked version we have is ancient)

Just finished Penumbra: Black Plague to kick off the October horror-binge, I'm gonna try to get around to starting Amnesia: A Bay for Pigs tomorrow.

You done the equivalent of asking a parent to chose their favorite child. I loved MGS2 for it's message about passing the torch and how important the free exchange of ideas is. I loved MGS3 because Subsistence was the first MGS game to use the third-person camera and marked an evolution in gameplay. Young Ocelot was also awesome. I loved MGS4 because of the beautiful way it wrapped up Snake's story. I'm loving MGS5 for it's beautiful graphics and bringing the open-world concept into play.

The best part is that it's only had around medium-high settings, roughly the equivalent to what it runs at on the PS4 and the game's default settings. The Fox Engine is just that amazing. I can't imagine how it will look was I upgrade to a 970 and can really push it.

The final climax begins next chapter and that should tie into the last two chapters I wrote ahead of time.

The stars shone like pin pricks of sparkling light piercing through the deep black of the clear night and Melinda stared up at them, barely noticing the cold wind cutting through her night clothes as her troubled mind tried to find rest. For centuries the blanket of night had been where she found solace because the stars and moon were a constant, and no matter how much everything else radically changed around her they remained the same. Tonight however, even that was not enough to chase away the darkness creeping on the edges of her mind and the self-doubt eating away at her. Was Isa right? Despite the blood on her hands she had tried her best to live by the code of never killing mortals outside of the battlefield or has a last resort of protecting herself and others, but that enough? Was she merely lying to herself and hiding from some monster inside? More importantly, did facing him again awaken that monster and would she be risking losing herself to it if she faced him for the last time and put an end to his cruelty for good? Before she could think about it much longer, the sound of the sliding door creaking open attracted her attention. “Hey Grandma, thought I’d check up on you before I left,” Sonic walked up next to her and stretched his arms, looking up at the sky, “it’s one heck of a night.” “Yeah, it’s beautiful and I was hoping it would take my mind off things,” she smiled. “It was him, wasn’t it?” Sonic asked. “Who?” Melinda asked in confusion. “It was that one-eyed creep from the other day that attacked you, wasn’t it?” Sonic wore a look of determination. “Yes,” she sighed, “and the bastard made the same threats all over again.” “Who the heck is he? What kind of horrible thing did he do to make you do that to him?” Sonic asked. “His name is Isa and it all happened around 200 years ago” she took a deep breath, “I heard this horrible screaming and when I ran to help I found him torturing this poor kid named Maxwell. He had cut the kid up pretty bad and took one of his eyes as final screw you after I took his arm off.” She noticed Sonic’s shocked and disgusted expression out of the corner of her eye and took that as a plea for a happy ending. “I left Isa there at the mercy of whoever found him and took the kid back the hotel, where I patched him the best I could with 1815 medicine and supplies K-,” she stopped herself, deciding to keep Kai’s immortality to herself for a while longer, ”my friend borrowed from the general store. It turned out he was an orphan and I raised him like my own son after that” “How come you never tried to get him locked up somewhere?” Sonic questioned, “he sounds like some kind of monster.” “Then what? Wait for the secret to be blown once they notice after about 20 years that he’s not getting any older? Immortals and the mortal legal system don’t mesh well.” she smirked. “Then how do you stop someone like that? I heard what Tails said, but even if there’s a way to take one of you guys out it seems like sinking to his level,” Sonic shook his head. “You know, Sonic, I admire your code of honor and I wish so much I could live by it despite my nature as a soldier and a warrior.” Melinda mused, “I’d love to turn away from all the bloodshed”. “but you can’t, because there’s immortals like him that won’t stop hurting people until the end,” Sonic looked out over city lights in the distance, “I understand that much, but it just seems wrong.” “I know, sometimes I even wonder if I’m really any different than him,” Melinda looked down, hiding her eyes, “maybe I’ve just been lying to myself to justify the blood on my hands” “You’re nothing like him,” Sonic said firmly, startling her, “I won’t even pretend to understand all this and I don’t know if I ever will, but I do understand one thing.” “Sonic…” she trailed off. “I can see how much Tails loves and how much you love him, and I’ve seen how Cream always runs for her Aunt Mel the minute she sees you. No kind of monster or bad person I’ve ever faced could love that deeply or even hope to be loved back that way.” Sonic looked over at her. “Oh, Sonic,” she started to tear up. “I know that you only do what you have to in order to protect people, and in that sense we’re almost two sides of the same coin,” Sonic smiled, “especially to protect him, just like any good mother would.” The icy wind turned the warm tears now flowing down her face cold and she felt something clicking into place deep inside like his words were burning at the darkness, threatening to drive it back. She couldn't deny her fears still lingered, but she felt determined that she would make peace with them. “Come here, you!” She crouched down and threw her arms around Sonic. “Hey! feeling a little affectionate, Grandma?” Sonic teased as he wrapped his arms around her, returning the hug. “Even if you’re a pain in the ass sometimes and even if I’m stabbing myself on your quills, I still love you, you sawed-off little blue pincushion,” she squeezed him tighter, nearly lifting him off the ground. “You’re strong for an old lady, you know that?” Sonic laughed, “what’s gotten into you?” “You’re the one that keeps calling me Grandma, do Grandmas have to have a reason pass out hugs now?” she laughed Then they both laughed until they fell over and tumbled apart, backs flat against the cold wood of the deck. They laughed and laughed until they couldn’t laugh anymore and had to catch their air before even daring to sit up. “So tell me, is being so weird an immortal thing or is that just you?” Sonic took a deep breath. “Hey, I’m a mom. It’s my job to occasionally weird-out my son and his friends.” she panted. She was meant with sudden silence and looked over the see Sonic blushing and staring up blankly, obviously troubled by something as he sat up and rested his hands on his knees. “Is something wrong? She sat up as well. “No, nothing at all,” he smiled nervously and ran his hand through his quills, “I guess I’m just tired.” “You can always use our couch, or even drag some spare bedding upstairs to Miles room and camp out on his floor. You two are practically brothers and I’d doubt he’d mind,” Melinda yawned, “it is getting late, after all.” “Thanks for the offer, but it’s to nice a night to sleep indoors.” he was smiling, but his red cheeks gave away that something was troubling him, “I think I’ll find some nice, soft grass and sleep under the stars.” “I guess that would be tempting if the last hundred years or so hadn’t spoiled me to a soft bed and warm bedroom,” she sighed and stood up, stretching her arms and making her way to the door. “It’ll be a while before I get used to hearing you say things like that,” he chuckled and followed her. “It’s been about four years now since I had that talk with him, and Miles still sometimes forgets I’m not actually in my 20s, so don’t feel bad,” she slid open the door, “The other day he was so tired he looked at me and asked what I wanted for my 30th birthday three times before he realized why I was giggling and went bright red.” “I’d honestly have trouble swallowing 30 if I didn’t know, let alone over 1100.” Sonic stepped inside. “Yeah, I’ll have to do something about that on my next ID. Maybe move the year up by a decade and say I’m my little sister,” she smiled, “Oh, and Sonic. If you ever need to talk to someone about anything, I’m here.” “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” he smiled. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melinda sat down a large plate of pancakes with a dull clink and made her way to the fridge to fish out the milk and orange juice. It had been such a rough night she got the urge to attempt a decent breakfest for her and Miles to make up for it. As if on cue, she heard footsteps behind her just as she turned around. “Good Morning,” she smiled as she watched Miles pull out a chair and sit down. “Morning, mom. It’s nice to see you didn’t set off the fire alarm this time,” he teased. “I told you I can cook real food every once in awhile,” she laughed. “It does smell good,” he smiled, reaching over with a fork and pulling a couple onto his plate. “I’m glad you approve,” she kissed him on the head as she filled his glass with milk. “Thanks,” he giggled and reached for the syrup, “I take it you managed to sleep good last night?” “I slept great after I had a little talk with Sonic before he left, I swear that kid is wise beyond his years,” she smiled, pulling food onto her own plate and reaching for the orange juice. “I guess he had to grow up fast, since he lost his parents so young,” Miles took a bite of the now syrup drenched pancakes, “these are good.” “I had forgotten, could that be why he reacted like he did last night?” she took a drink, “I can’t imagine, I was already around 20 when I bought the farm for the first time and got thrown out of town.” “Er, why did they throw you out? I’d think they’d consider a dead person waking up some kind of miracle,” Miles looked up from his food with confusion. “You would think that and it would be sound logic, but I don’t think 9th century villagers wanted to take chances when people woke up from several stab wounds and an axe to the skull,” she groaned, “thinking about still gives me a migraine.” “Were you mugged or something?” he asked, “I don’t think you ever told me about the first time.” “Don’t really know, I just remember getting jumped and tore up. Don’t even know who they were, but I assume you’re probably right and they thought I had something valuable.” She shoveled a fork full of food into her mouth, “but regardless, that’s how I found out I have the healing factor of a cartoon character and that I’ll always look this good.” “Mom!”, he choked, trying not to spit out his drink, “You almost made me be blow milk out my nose.” “Well, it’s true. Sonic did think I was your sister,” she chuckled. “You have a really dark sense of humor, you know that?” He emptied his glass and she reached over to refill it, “Thanks.” “You should try it, it helps take the edge off,” she smirked, “I mean, you’ve seen me walk off horrific injuries so many times there has to be a point where it became like black comedy.” “It still worries me when something like last night happens, but I guess some of those times were pretty funny in hindsight, like when I walked in on you calmly eating cereal with an arrow jammed in your shoulder.” he gave an uneasy smile. “Kai said that poor hunter came to the church looking for God after seeing me walk that one off,” she smiled and sat her fork on the empty plate. “I almost panicked until you just told me to grab a snack and come watch some TV with you like nothing was wrong,” he giggled, “I can’t can’t shake the really gruesome stuff, though.” “You’ll learn to deal with it, eventually,” she reached across the table and ruffled his head-fur. “As long as you try not to actually die again, I think I’ll be okay.” he drained his second glassful and tossed his fork down with a clink. “Trust me, I try my best already,” she smiled, “Say, would you like do something today? Maybe head down to the arcade?” “Sure,” he grinned from ear to ear and his tails bounced around happily. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sounds of souped-up racing engines blared from the machines’ speakers and the light from the screens cast a soft glow on both Melinda and Miles’ faces in the dimly lit room. “Player Two Wins!” a digitized voiced declared. “I forgot how good you are, doesn't that make it 10-to-6 now?” Miles stretched his arms and leaned back in his seat. “Hey, most of those have been close,” Melinda chuckled and nudged his shoulder, “wanna go another round? “Do we still have quarters?” he asked. Melinda merely grinned and lifted the coat pocket she had stuffed with $100 in quarters and shook it, letting it jingle. “Looks like you planned ahead for a full day,” he gripped the wheel, “let’s have a couple more races and see if can close that gap.” “We should do this more often,” she finished inserting the coins and gripped the wheel, steeling herself as the countdown began. “This is pretty fun,” he scooched forward and stuck his feet on the pedals. “RACE!” the game shouted. Miles took the lead right out of the gate with his mom close on his tail. Despite her efforts he blocked any of her attempts to pass and easily won the first lap. “Oh, it’s on now,” she teased, twisting the wheel and jamming the accelerator to squeeze past him and take the next lap. “It’s not gonna be that easy,” he laughed. The two spent the final lap in a struggling for control as they weaved and dodged past each other until finally the finish was in sight with Melinda in the lead. She was ready to savor her victory until Miles managed one last maneuver to dart past her just as they reached the goal. “Player One wins!” “Maybe you can me some driving lessons,” she teased, “that was a hell of a save.” “I learned from you, remember?” he chuckled, taking his hands off the wheel, “you know, I really do enjoy spending time with you because we don’t seem to do stuff like this much anymore” “Maybe we should start before you get to old to hang out with mom,” she reached out and ruffled his head-fur. “You know never that’ll never happen,” he smiled, “you’re to cool for me to ever be ashamed of,” “Am, I now?” she gave a playful smile. “Sure,” he lowered his voice and leaned closer, “even if you are unbelievably old.” “Come here, you.” she put her her arm him and pulled him close, playfully roughing up the fur on his head a bit harder. “Hey!” he giggled, “you’re the one that told me to all be honest with you!” “I guess I did, didn’t I?” she smiled and hugged him. “Love you, mom,” he hugged her back. “I still love you, to. Even if you can be annoying,” she winked, causing him to laugh even more, “now how about we get in a couple more races before they throw us off the machine?” “You’re on!”

Anyone else pick-up Phantom Pain? It really is one of the best games in years and The Fox Engine looks gorgeous

Mostly that I'll wind up alone.

Have two things I remember dearly form my childhood that are all but forgotten because there's been no DVDs of them here in the states.

I honestly got lucky and the sky was just obscenely clear over my house during the eclipse. You can see up there that even the stars were bright enough for my camera to pick up.

Happened to be peaking when I got back from fishing, so I lugged out the DSLR and Telephoto lens for some good shots.

The Fox Engine is obscenely well-optimized like the Source Engine was, so that's a bad example. There's still plenty of games runnng at sub-1080p native resolution and locked at 30FPS.

It would be sort of a fantasy/light-horror/humor thing with a tone similar to a Saturday morning cartoon and I already have profiles for three characters, sorry about the horribly errors but these are hasty and unedited. The forum also did some weird things to it because I guess it hates apostrophes

You act like I'm saying things that I'm clearing not. It's ultimately up to each individual how they choose to game and I'm only stating the objective strengths of the PC platform and that the number of platform exclusives is shrinking for about everyone but Nintendo. Hell, I even plan to get a PS4 and WiiU as soon as the price drops a bit on all that stuff second-hand because I'm a collector. It could replace them just like a car can replace a truck. The key thing here here is which thing comes on-top in the benfits-to-sacrifices ratio for each person.