Realm Sagas: Story 20: Father and Sons By: Chandra Rooney ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Legal stuff: Sonic & Knuckles, and all related characters are copy-right of Sega and Archie comics. KTE, and Bander are copy-right of KTE. Vampire Sephiroth is copy-right of Vampire Sephiroth. The Green Gibbon! is copy-right of GG! Adiemus & Kayla are copy-right of Adiemus Echemmyroo. Moon Echidna, Ashrire, Lirsage, Tonia, Leslie, Sailor Evil, and all other original realm sagas characters are copy-right of Chandra Rooney. All the characters and ideas presented are my own, unless otherwise noted. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter One: Location: KTE's home realm " The vampire bared his fangs. The young girl beneath him trembled. 'Leave the Maid alone,' he called out. 'Or you'll have me to deal with!' 'Please, sir, run and get help!" she cried. Large, green eyes. She was the oddest colored echidna he'd ever seen. A strange pale color. It was white, with a silver sheen. 'Don't trouble yourself, Miss, I'm all the help you need!' In one bold leap, he jumped down to face the vampire. 'I swore I'd hunt you to the ends of the world, and I have, Nagatock. Now, you face me, and have no where else to run.' " The elder red echidna paused. She took a sip of water, and cleared her throat. "I think we stop here, tonight, children. I grow tired." "No! Aw, please continue!" Several children called. They ranged in ages from six to twelve. Male and female alike. "Now, now, children," the red male stepped forward. "Agastha needs her sleep, just as much as you do." "Oh please Master David," one of the older boys protested. "Can't you finish the story?" Master David smiled. "No, you can wait till tomorrow night. Consider it a test of patience. Now, off to bed the lot of you. See how high the moon is? It's way past your bedtimes." With protests and groans the bonfire group broke up. The children went off to dwelling to dream of daring heroes, and wonder what tales tomorrow would hold. "It seems there are stragglers," Agastha gestured with her cane to two small boys who remained by the bonfire. Both appeared to be about five. One wore a brown hat, too big for it kept falling in his dark eyes. The other was nearly identical to him, except his eyes were a strange blue color. "I have not seen these two before," Master David remarked. "Do you know who they belong to, Agastha?" "No," Agastha replied. "I only know that they appeared mysterious a few nights ago, and have come ever since. I did not see Adiemus and Kayla tonight." "Nor did I. But it is a risk for them to leave the Void." He paused. "Still it's funny they didn't make the trip. They love your stories, Agastha." She stood, without assistance and made her way to a hut. "They are your stories, David. Put my heart at ease and see those two small ones make it back to where they should be." He nodded, and walked over. "Hello there." The one with the hat looked up. "Hellwo..." The other one continued to watch the dying bonfire. "You two realize how late it is," David paused. "Your parents must be worried. You should go home." The blue-eyed one looked up now. "Can't go home, mista. I don't live here." "We're waiting for Moon an Lir an Mista Gabe to come." the other one announced. "Missus Tonia and Missus Leslie know we come here to listen to the old lady." "Do the two of you have names?" "I'm k.a.," the blue-eyed one said. "I'm k.t.e.," the one with the hat added. "Wuz your name?" "I am called David," a pause. "Where are you staying? You really need to go back now." "I wanna stay," k.a. replied. "I like watchin the fire." "Tonia told us not to get separated," k.t.e. added. "So I stay too." David sighed. "Well, you have to go. I'm sorry." He extended a hand. "Come on, k.t.e., k.a. I'll take you back to your guardians." k.t.e. hopped up. "Oh-tay, mista David. We go. C'mon, k.a." k.a. pulled away reluctantly from the fire. He had his hands clamped together, as if holding something and not wanting it to get away. "Oh-tay." David put out the fire, and then they walked to the hut together. It was away from the rest of the village. A simple wooden house, four walls, and a roof. "We're stayin in there," k.t.e. announced. k.a. ran over to a bucket and uncupped his hands. "What've you got there, k.a.?" David asked. "Ashes," the small echidna dropped them into the bucket and swirled them around. "My Daddy taught me this..." "He carried those all the way from the bonfire?" "He does it every night," k.t.e. replied, peering in the bucket with k.a.. "Wuzzit say this time?" "It sez..." k.a. screwed up his face. "It sez dat..." "It says that two little echidnas are up way beyond their bedtimes." The silver male echidna, with the red streaks in his dreads finished. He crossed his arms, and frowned. But the stern look didn't chill his dark brown eyes. "LIR!!!!!!" k.a. and k.t.e. tackled him. "Ack! Whad I tell you about doing that?" Lirsage pulled k.t.e. off his green boot. "Do Tonia and Leslie know you two little night spirits are still running around?" "MOOOOON!!!!" k.a. ran over. "You came! You came!" The silver female, with the dark blue eyes, stood patiently as he bounced around her in circles. She was dressed in a black sleeveless shirt, a blue skirt, and black knee-high boots. "Do Tonia and Leslie know you've been playin in the fire, k.a.?" she asked once he'd calmed down. "Nope," k.a. smiled, and waved his soot-covered mitts. "I was showin k.t.e. a trick." "Into the hut, you're washin up and goin to sleep," Moon replied. "All good echidnas should be asleep." "You're not asleep!" k.a. argued. "It's broad daylight back home," Lirsage muttered. "Maybe their little internal clocks haven't adjusted yet." He chuckled, and smiled down at k.t.e. But when he looked up and saw David, the smile disappeared. "Dad?" "Lirsage," he smiled. "This is a pleasant surprise. These belong to you?" "Oh, yeah, they're ours all right," Lir nodded. " 'Ours'?" David looked from Moon to Lir. "Dad! Don't look at me like that! I was joking!" Lir exclaimed. "We just watch them. Right, k.t.e.?" No answer. "k.t.e.?" Lir bent down to where k.t.e. was leaning against him, and lifted his hat. He was fast asleep. "Perhaps we should talk in the morning," David paused. "It looks like you could use some rest yourself. Have a rough week?" Lir swallowed. "Dad, you have no idea..." Chapter Two: "We got em," Julie-su told Vampire Sephiroth. "The plan worked like a charm." "Are you sure this'll get the Realm Protectors' attention?" Green Gibbon! asked. "Trust me. It will get KTE's attention. And the others will support him," Vampire Sephiroth smiled. "Now, shall I introduce you to our guests?" He gestured to the 10 year old, short, pink echidnas. Their bright green eyes were unafraid. Wearing lavender dresses, and carrying crystals, they looked like they should be visiting relatives, not being held prisoner. The one with the dread ring that read 'Adiemus' spoke up. "Where's KTE?" she asked. "He was here a minute ago," the other one added. She was identical to the first, but her dread ring read 'Kayla'. "Green Gibbon!, Julie-su," Vampire Sephiroth smiled. "Allow me to introduce Adiemus and Kayla Echemmyroo." "What's an echemmyroo?" Julie-su asked. "Why, an echemmyroo is a cross between a winged echidna, a chameleon, and a kangaroo." Vampire Sephiroth paused. "An these two happen to be dear friends of KTE." "Oh, I get it," GG! nodded. "He'll come for them, and when he does, we get him." "Sometimes a simple plan is the best one," he replied. Addy kicked him in the shin. Vampire Sephiroth glared at her. "I was going to let you remain uncaged..." he paused, and rubbed his shin. "But I've changed my mind. Tie them up. Julie-su, you and Ember have first watch. I wish to speak with GG! for a while." "So you understand the potential of this crystal," Vampire Sephiroth finished. "And how acquiring it will no doubt lead to the destruction of the Realm Protectors." "Uh huh," GG! nodded. "And you understand what I want you to do?" "Uh huh. Find the Crystal Guardian and get the crystal." He yawned. "Can I go now?" "Go and get the crystal?" "Sure." Chapter Three: They walked to town the next day, k.t.e. and k.a. tagging along. "How long has he been like this?" Moon asked Leslie. "Umm...since we got here," Leslie replied. "Did you give him his sword?" Lir asked. "Yes, but it didn't do anything," Tonia answered. "Spell must've gotten too strong." He frowned. "Maybe we should undo it," Moon suggested. "I agree." Lir nodded. "I need to talk to KTE." He knelt beside the two small echidnas. "So what are you two going to do today?" "Play." Two voices answered as one. "While they do that, you can help me find the ingredients for the reversal spell." Moon smiled. "The herbs required can be found around here" he nodded. "But the more unique elements..." "Don't worry. I can find them." "We'll tag along with k.a. and k.t.e.," Leslie paused. "We're still trying to translate the language of the book." "Let's meet back at the hut in...3 hours?" Lir suggested. "Sure," Tonia nodded. "Till then," Moon called and turned back towards the hut. "Okay this is really funny," Addy cried. "But I think the joke's over. We've all had a laugh-" "-But now it's time to let us out!" Kayla finished. "Noisy, aren't they?" Ember Hedgehog remarked. "Yep." Julie-su snapped a pink bubble. "We should ask Vampire Sephiroth if we can gag them." Chapter Four: Lirsage put the last of the needed herbs in his sack. "Whew." "Need some help there?" a voice asked. He turned, and looked up {way up}. A red echidna as tall as a human being stood behind him. "No, I'm fine, thanks," Lir managed. "Who are you?" "Name's Bander." Bander extended a hand. "Lirsage." He winced. "Quite the grip you've got there, Bander." "Oh, sorry. Sometimes I don't know my own strength." Lir rubbed his hand. "Well, nice chattin' with ya, but I need to be somewhere." "Hold on," Bander stepped in front of him. "What's your rush?" "Look, I don't have time for this," he snapped. "I have to meet some friends of mine in five minutes." Bander pulled out a spear. "Uh, you're not going anywhere until you answer some questions." "If that's the way you want it," Lir sighed. He set the sack down. "But let's make this clear. You started it..." Moon stepped back through the realm portal. She had gotten all that they needed. A quick look showed Tonia and Leslie were back too. The blondish-brown fox was pointing at something in the leather-bound book. The blue hedgehog's face mirrored her excitement. "You've got it translated?" Moon asked, walking over. "Oh, hi Moon," Leslie smiled. "k.t.e. and k.a. are inside. Got what you need?" "Yep. What's with the excitement?" "It's this entry!" Tonia exclaimed. "It talks about the sailors before us!" Moon groaned. "I thought I asked that we not discuss that. We are *Realm Protectors* not Sailor Scouts." "But this talks about increasing scout powers..." Tonia protested. "Look, Moon. It's right here. The Power Crystals..." "Not another word." Moon waved a hand. "And please don't tell me that all that book has is about sailor scouts." "The Book of Shadows has information on all the Master Tools, and the first Protectors." Leslie began calmly. "And Gabe said it was my Master Tool." Moon's smile vanished. "Yeah, that's what he said all right." "You don't think it's funny he had it the whole time and didn't tell us?" Tonia asked. "Yeah, now that you mention that is it strange," Leslie paused. "Another thing. Book of Shadows...Gabriel *Shadows*. Weird. We've got to ask him about-" "Both of you shut-up!" Moon snapped. "It's a stupid book and there's no proof it's a Master Tool! It isn't important! We should be concentrating on getting the *real* Master Tools back! And healing KTE!" "Whoa.." Leslie blinked. "Don't you think we know that?" Tonia demanded. "And where do you get off yelling at us? *You're* the one who got captured in the first place!" "Well maybe if you had shown up when you were supposed to I wouldn't have!" Moon yelled back. "Don't you try and say this is our fault!" "Well what were you doing, huh? Playing sailor scout? When are you going to realize that you are not a sailor scout now! You're a Realm Protector! And you should be with the team!" "Well maybe I'd rather be a scout!" Tonia yelled. "At least then I wouldn't be following a ditz for a leader that can't even take care of herself! A leader who screws up her own spells!" "You wanna be a scout?" Moon narrowed her eyes. "Go ahead. Play sailor all you want!" She turned. "But I *do not* ever want to see a sailor scout again!" "That include your precious Tuxedo Mischief?" Tonia snarled. "It's really too bad you can't even keep tabs on your own boyfriend." "Well I guess I don't have to worry about it anymore, now do I? Seeing how he's dead!" She wiped at her eyes, embarrassed to be crying in front of them. "You want to leave? Fine. You go ahead. You go back to your home." A pause. "We'll all give up and go home. We'll let *them* win. Because you know what, Tonia? Gabe is dead! And you know what else? I *don't* care what happens anymore! I don't care if we never get all the Master Tools! I don't care if Sailor Evil and Sephiroth destroy all the realms!" "Moon you don't mean all that," Leslie began calmly. "You're just upset ri-" "Shut-up Leslie! Both of you, just shut-up!" Moon turned. "I *don't* care! You can both leave!" "Moon-" "Just leave me alone!" She screamed, and ran off. Leslie looked at Tonia. "Oh dear." Chapter Five: Lir stopped. Bander was right there. He could sucker punch, but he didn't. Something was wrong. "Lirsage," David came upon the clearing. "I was hoping to find you...oh, hello Bander." Bander looked down. "Oh, hello Master David. I was just-" Lir frowned. "Lir?" David took a step closer. "Son?" "Huh? Wha?" Lir blinked. "Oh, hey Dad. How long have you been here?" "Not long. Are you all right?" "Fine. I was just gettin the stuff we need to..." Lir trailed off and looked at Bander. "Well, y'know...help k.t.e." "KTE's in trouble?" Bander asked. "You know him?" "Sure. KTE and me are buddies." Bander paused. "Is he in trouble, Master David?" "No, nothing serious, Bander. Lirsage and his friend were just about to undo a little magick problem." David paused. "Magick?" Lir's eyes seemed to focus again. "You're KTE's friend?" "Yeah." "How old are you?" "What?" Bander looked over to David. "Is this guy..um..all there, sir?" "Should be," David nodded. "But then again, he is *my* son so you never can tell." "Your son?" Bander paled. "Uh, forgive me, sir. I didn't realize you were-" "Save it and answer the question," Lir replied. "I'm 14." "Close enough," Lir muttered oddly. "You wanna help KTE?" "Sure, he's my friend." "Then come with me." He picked up the sack. "Does this have something to do with the magick?" "Just come with me, okay?" The Green Gibbon! looked up at the cave. Then he looked down at the map. "Never could read this dang things," he muttered. "But this looks like the place..." He walked in. "Ding dong! Avon calling!" No answer. GG! smiled. "Good. No one's home." He hurried in. Tonia and Leslie were still standing there when they got back to the hut. "What's wrong?" Lir asked. The look on their faces was clear. "Moon...blew up at us," Leslie replied. "Then she took off." "Dammit," Lir muttered. "What did you say?" "Nothing!" Tonia snapped. "She went postal!" "She went to work for the post office?" Bander asked. "No she-" Tonia looked up and stopped. "Holy..." "Tonia, Leslie, this is KTE's friend Bander, and my father." Lir introduced. "Dad, Bander, this is Princess Tonia and Leslie Prower." "A pleasure, ladies," David bowed slightly before Tonia. "Your Majesty." "I'm going to find Moon," Lir replied. He set his sack down beside Moon's. "I can't reverse the spell without her. You guys hang here till I get back." "Bossy, isn't he?" Tonia muttered. Chapter Six: The Green Gibbon! looked at the alter before him. On it rested a Black Crystal. That was what Vampire Sephiroth had sent him here to get. He stepped forward. "Jeez, I'm getting really sick of playing fetch for him. This is the last time Soup Broth tells me what to do. The absolutely last time." He grabbed the black crystal. "Let's get the heck outta here-" A golden whip snapped at his wrist. "Return the Eclipse Crystal to the Sacred Alter at once!" "What the-" GG! blinked. "A *sailor scout*?!" The senshi's outfit was light green and blue. Her green skirt hemmed with blue, matched her green scarf. Her large blue bow was trimmed with green. Her knee-high blue boots, had a green stripe on them. Her brown hair was tied up with a ridiculously long light blue ribbon. She narrowed light blue eyes. "I am Sailor Paradise! Guardian of the Power Crystals!" She called. "And-" "No, wait, I know the rest of it," GG! interrupted. "On behalf of the Moon I will punish you!!!" He laughed. "Oh, punish away!" She cracked the whip. He jumped back. "Hey, do not take it so personally! I was kidding! Ouch!" "You will not steal the Eclipse Crystal!" Sailor Paradise cried. "I will-" "Save it!" GG! snapped. "I'm takin it and you're not stopping me! So nyah!" She eased back. "Very well. But you bring what happens down upon yourself." "Yeah, whatever." GG! turned and left. "This should get Soup Broth off my back for a while." "Moon?" Lir called softly. "Are you all right?" She didn't look up. Her hand continued to play in the water. He sat down beside her. "Moon, tell me what's wrong." "He's gone, Lir. That's what's wrong." He sighed, and nodded. "We have to let him go, Moon. Gabe is gone, yes, but we're still here." She turned. "I miss him, Lir." "I know. But he wouldn't want us to give up. If it was me, I wouldn't want you to stop living just because I was dead. It would be selfish." "That's assuming there's any sense of consciousness after we die," she paused. "We can't win now." "Oh, and why not?" "They have all but two of the Master Tools, and we don't know where they are." Moon paused. "Gabe always knew where to look to find them. He was like a guide. But we lost him." "Okay, so maybe we don't have the jump start we did before, but why worry?" Lir paused. "It seems that if we don't find them, they find us." "How true." They both looked up. A ghostly image of Vampire Sephiroth hovered before them. "What the hell?!" Lir exclaimed. "I have a proposition for you." The image changed to include two small pink echidnas tied to chairs in a ghostly room. "May I introduce Adiemus and Kayla Echemmyroo. I assume you know them." "Dammit!" Lir cried. "Dad said they hadn't been seen lately...how did you get them?" "That is not important. You will exchange your remaining Master Tools for them. Two Tools for Two Lives. A fair trade, wouldn't you say?" The image smiled. "I will await your response." The image vanished. "How?" Moon asked. "How can we respond? We don't know where they are!" "Yes we do." Lir paused. "They're in an old Dojo about ten miles from here. In the old village." "How do you know?" Moon asked, amazed. "The image showed a mural on the wall behind Addy and Kayla. I've seen that mural before. I trained there for nearly a year with my father." Lir stood. "It's a trap of course." "So what should we do?" "First, we go back to the hut and reverse the spell on k.t.e. Then, we regroup, bring everyone up to speed, and get it together. Trap or not, if Vampire Sephirjerk wants a response, we'll give im one." k.t.e. hopped up near David. "Hellwo! I remember you!" David was surprised, then smiled. "Oh, yes from last night, correct?" "Yep." k.t.e. was quiet for a minute. "So, what have you been up to, son?" David asked. "Me an k.a. played all day," he paused. "Why'd you call me 'son'?" David smiled weakly. "Did I? Oh, well..." The Green Gibbon! handed the black crystal to Vampire Sephiroth. "There you go, Soup Broth. What are you gonna do with it, anyway? I mean how do you use it?" "I don't," Vampire Sephiroth smiled. "But Sailor Evil does." to be continued....