In A Just Cause: Resolutions

by Edward Becerra
____________________________

   "reH tay' ghot tuqDaj je." (One is always of his tribe)
      - tlhIgan proverb.

   The following morning, in the coyote village, was very quiet. Kickaha,
Sally and David were all sleeping late. The coyotes were going about
silently, for fear of waking them. Sally and David woke later that morning.
Kickaha, however, slept on through the day and into the night.

   When the moon rose, Kickaha finally awoke, and left the lodge. He limped
for the bluff when David had found him earlier. And he sat there for the
remainder of the night, staring at the moon.

                                    ***

   "I thought I'd find you here, Kicker."

   Kickaha opened his eyes to look at David. He gave a sad smile. "I suppose
I've become rather predictable. But then, I always seemed to head for this
bluff in the past, whenever I was confused or hurt. Now that I'm back here,
it just seemed natural to... "

   David nodded. "Yeah. Old habits are hard to break." He looked at the
crutch at the coyote's side. "You want some help getting back to the lodge?"

   He shook his head. "No, thank you. But there _is_ something I'll need
your help with. One last task that remains undone."

   "What's that?"

   "Later, Dave. Right now, I've got to talk to the village."

                                    ***

   Dave looked on, puzzled. After Kickaha had spoken to some of the coyotes,
a group of them had headed for the bluff and were hard at work building some
sort of scaffolding. He couldn't figure it out.

   Sally walked over. "What are they building, David?"

   "I don't know. Kicker talked to some of them, then they started building
that." He waved his metal arm at it. "And none of them will tell me what it
is, or what it's for."

   Sally spotted Kickaha slowly limping towards them. "Maybe Kickaha will."
She looked at the tired expression on the coyote's face. "Or maybe not."

   Kickaha came straight to the point. "Dave, can you take me back to the
meeting place of the Pack? I can't manage a hovercycle very well right now,
with just one leg."

   "All right. But I want to know what's going on."

   "I know. You'll see as we go along. And anything you don't understand,
I'll explain. You have my word of honor."

                    ***********************************

   The hovercycle settled down near the mountainous cleft where the Pack had
met. Kickaha limped inside, followed by David.

   Without the Pack, the cleft seemed dark and empty. Only one thing marred
it's quiet grandure. And the coyote headed straight for it.

   The remains of Burning Stone.

   "I'm sorry to ask this of you, David." Kickaha said pensively. "But
despite his crimes, he was a member of the Pack. He deserves an honorable
passing. I have to take his body back to the village."

   David nodded. He bent and lifted the body, throwing it over his shoulder.
He carried it out to the cycle, followed by Kickaha, who carried the severed
head.

   David lashed the remains to the cycle, then helped Kickaha aboard. then
they headed back to the village.

                                    ***

   When they returned, several coyote warriors were waiting. They silently
took the body from David and carried it up the bluff, placing it on top of
the scaffolding they'd erected. Then Kickaha slowly limped up the the bluff
himself, with Burning Stone's head held in his free hand.

   David followed him, curious.

   Underneath the scaffolding was a pile of brushwood. Kickaha set the head
down for a moment. He reached into a pouch at his belt and scattered a
handful of powder onto the pile. The he picked up the head and placed it on
the scaffold, next to the body.

   "I never meant it to end this way, 'Stone. I didn't _want_ to be the
warleader. I would have been happier if they _had_ chosen you." His voice
shook. "I never thought that you needed it so much that you'd do this to
yourself..." His voice broke for a moment, then he drew a deep breath and
went on. "It's not for me to judge you, 'Stone. That remains for Mother
Earth and Father Sky. But whatever else, know this. I hold no grudges. Go in
peace, friend of my youth."

   *Friend??* thought David, confused.

   Then Kickaha pulled a phaser from a vest pocket and set the brushwood on
fire. The bonfire roared and the flames began to slowly consume the corpse
of the roboticized ghila monster.

   Kickaha gradually made his way down from the bluff and back to the lodge,
with David close behind.

                                    ***

   Slumped in an armchair, Kickaha took in the curious looks both David and
Sally were giving him.

   "Before you ask, yes. 'Stone and I were friends, as cubs. The ghila tribe
was one of the tribes that trained me. That's how we met. We were good
friends, once. Then, when it became know that the reason for my training was
that I'd been chosen as la'quv..." He shrugged. "The jealousy began to eat
away at him. And in the end, it all went so terribly wrong." He closed his
eyes, lost in distant memories.

   "I'm sorry," said Sally. "I didn't know..."

   "There was no way you could know, Princess." He opened his eyes and
looked over at David. "But it's funny, you know? We all seem to make our own
personal monsters. David and Robotnik, Ryan and Packbell, even Antoine and
Snivley. Fate is strange, that way. And now Kickaha and Burning Stone."

   "At least your monster is finished, Kicker. I still have Robotnik to deal
with."

   A haunted look entered Kickaha's eyes. "Over? Is it ever really over? I
don't know, David. I took Stone's head, but I didn't hit him _in_ the head.
And when I put his head on the pyre, I noticed something."

   "What?"

   "It had been opened. Not a wound, but an open access port, behind one
ear. Someone had gotten to his body before we did."

   "You don't think..."

   Kickaha looked at the two of them with a odd expression. "I really don't
know. Yet, somehow, I feel that this isn't the last we'll see of Burning
Stone..."

                                    ***

   "You can't leave them without a leader, Kickaha."

   "I know that, Princess. Yet I can't remain here. This isn't my home. Not
anymore." He sighed. "What am I going to do? Abandoning them would be
dishonorable. Remaining... that's impossible."

   Sally looked hesitant, which suprised him. He'd never seen her look
anything but confidant. "There might be another solution, but it depends on
you. And how you feel about it."

   "Like it or not, these people are my responsibility. I _must_ care for
them. My personal feelings aren't part of this." He looked at her straight
on. "I learned that from you, my princess."

   "Then there is a way. But it won't be easy."

   "It never is. But go ahead. What's the idea?"

   Sally told him. She was right. His first instinct was to reject it out of
hand. Yet, after thinking about it for a while, he was forced to admit that
it was an almost perfect solution. Everyone got what they wanted, the tribe
would have a leader, and Kickaha could return to his wife and home.

   But it still left a sour taste in his mouth.

   "You're right, Princess. It seems that it's the best possible solution."
He grinned suddenly. "But it's definitely going to shock some people! This
could be fun after all."

                                    ***

   "Runs Far, I want you to assemble the tribe. I am calling a council of
our people tonight. Make certain all are there. From the youngest child, to
the oldest elder."

   Runs Far had been rather humble, ever since Kickaha had shoved his
shotgun into the other coyote's belly for insulting Sally. So now he simply
asked when the council was to take place.

   "At sunset, Runs. And my friends will be attending as well. I want it
know that they will be there." He pointed a well-sharpened claw at the
supercilious coyote. "And if anyone chooses to offend my friends, they
offend me. I'll settle such an offence in the circle. Let everyone know
that, as well."

   "Yes, joH." Then Runs Far scurried away on his mission.

   "You know, there's something about him that reminds me of Antoine." said
David.

   "You think so? I hadn't noticed." Kickaha scratched at the scar on his
forehead. "Come to think of it, he _does_ have the same sort of snooty
attitude, though. Heh! Maybe we ought to introduce the two of them."

   "No!" said Sally. "I don't think Mobius could stand that much attitude in
one room. The universe might come to an end."

   David and Kickaha laughed. "You're probably right, Sally." grinned David.
"One Antoine is enough. Knothole couldn't survive two of them."

   "I don't even want to think of what could happen." Kickaha shuddered. "It
would be utter chaos." He blinked. "But before I forget, I want to thank you
again, Princess. Your idea was... perfect, just perfect."

   Sally smiled. "It was obvious, Kickaha. A few years settling disputes in
Knothole helped, though."

   He nodded. "Perhaps. But I don't envy you that experience. I wasn't meant
to be a ruler. Even in combat, I was always a loner. I'll be glad when I can
put this behind me."

                    ***********************************

   That night, all of the tribe had gathered around a bonfire in the center
of the village. Kickaha was the last to arrive.

   "Jon Quick Kills, stand before me."

   The younger coyote approached nervously.

   "I defeated you in the circle, Jon. Yet you took the chance of coming to
me, breaking the law of the circle and risking your life. Why did you do
that?"

   "The tribe needed you, joH. There was no one else. It had to be done."

   Kickaha looked at the tribe. "Will any deny his courage?"

   No one spoke. Kickaha continued. "You are young yet, cub. Yet none deny
your bravery, and you have shown that you care for the people. Youth is
something that time always cures. And you have proven that you can listen to
the wisdom of age and experience." He chuckled. "Something that I took
_much_ longer to learn."

   He turned to the old shaman. "Walks, are there any of the people whose
wisdom you would trust to guide this one?"

   Walks With Stars nodded silently.

   "Good. Windsweet Grasschild, stand before me."

   The young she-coyote stood fearfully.

   Kickaha looked at her, gently. He pointed at Jon. "I have seen the way
this one looks at you. Do you share his feelings?"

   She stared down at the ground. "I... I am destined for you, joH."

   "No, child, you are destined for the leader of this tribe. And that is
why I must know. Do you care for this one?"

   A soft whisper. "...yes..."

   He smiled. "As I thought." He turned to Jon. "Boy, behold your mate."

   Jon's jaw dropped. "But.. I am not..."

   "I cannot remain here, boy. My destiny lies elsewhere. You have proven
yourself. You will guide this tribe for me, ruling in all but name. Listen
to those more experienced than you. Let the wisdom of age temper the
rash eagerness of youth. And always remember. The people depend upon you.
Their welfare is your guiding light; their safety, your foremost concern." 

   He grinned. "Now, one last thing remains." He waved to David, who brought
his a package wrapped in leather. He peeled back the wrappings, exposing a
bat'leth.

   "Carry the honor blade of this tribe with courage and nobility, Quick
Kills." He passed the blade to Jon, then turned back to the others. "As your
chief, I pronounce the mating of Windsweet and Quick Kills. Do any speak
against this?"

   The tribe cheered.

   "Good. I give my former lodge to the family of Windsweet, as her gift
from her new mate. It's large, but I think you will soon fill it with a
loving family."

   Windsweet blushed, and Kickaha laughed. "Go to him, child. Give him all
your love. And remember, leadership can prove a heavy burden. He will need
you. You must always be there for him." She dashed across the circle and
flew into Jon's arms before he could finish speaking.

   Sally, standing behind Kickaha, smiled. As she had told him, everyone had
what they wanted most, and all were satisfied.

   Kickaha cleared his throat with a rumble. "This council is over. Let
those who would object to it's actions speak now, or remain silent."

   No one spoke. "Good," said Kickaha. "Now, let's all get some sleep."

                    ***********************************

   The next morning, all their gear was packed up and loaded aboard the
hovercycles. Kickaha was the last to mount up.

   Sally looked at him. "Will you miss them, Kickaha?"

   He sighed. "A long time ago a very wise person taught me something, my
Princess. He said, `When the ship lifts, all bills are paid. No regrets.'
Never any regrets. I understand that, now. I did what had to be done." Dave
helped him onto the cycle. "Now let's go home."

                                    ***

   As they cruised over the empty plains towards the Great Forrest, Sally
noticed that Kickaha hadn't said a word for the entire trip. He was a quiet
person, usually, but this was a bit much, even for him.

   "Are you all right? You look... I don't know. Lost, perhaps."

   He blinked. "Lost... that's a good word for it, Princess. Almost all my
life has been shaped by the tribe. Either by my duty towards it, or my
rebellion against it. Now that's come to an end. My destiny may lie before
me, but I have no idea what it is." He looked down. "There's my lodge. I
think I should go home, now. With your permission, Princess?"

   She nodded. "But remember to go see Sir Charles and Rotor tomorrow. You
need to replace your leg."

   He looked at the stump where the bionic leg had been and gave it a rueful
glance. Still clumsy without it, he awkwardly guided the cycle down to the
clearing, coming to a bumpy landing. The noise brought Nightsky rushing out.

   "<My love, you are...>" Then she noticed his missing leg. "<You are hurt!
What has happened??>"

   "<It is a long story, my one. A very long story.>" He laughed tiredly.
"<For right now, just hold me. Hold me tight, and promise you'll never let
me go.>"

   "<Always, my love. Forever.>"

   And she helped him from the cycle and into the lodge.

                    ***********************************

   A day later, Kickaha was in Sir Charles' lab, where the elderly hedgehog
was fitting him with a replacement leg. After a few tests, Charles had him
stand and walk on it.

   "Looks like it's working fine, Charles. Thank you." He scratched at the
knee. "Odd... still itches, though. The last leg did the same thing when
Dave attached it."

   "It's likely psychosomatic," said Sir Charles. "If you don't pay any
attention to it, it will go away, eventually."

   "You're probably right."

   "But that's not the real problem, is it?"

   The coyote shrugged. "No." He frowned. "You're pretty perceptive. You
would have ended up a shaman, if you'd been born to the Pack."

   "You're trying to dodge the question."

   "I suppose I am." He looked Charles in the eye. "How did you deal with
the thought that your good friend Julian Kintobor had become the monster Ivo
Robotnik?"

   "It wasn't easy. It's Burning Stone, isn't it? I overheard Sally and
David's report to King Acorn."

   Kickaha's shoulders sagged wearily. "Yes. He had himself willingly
roboticized out of his hatred for me. Just to have revenge on the Pack and
on me. It began with me. And now it ended by my hand. I keep thinking that
there I could have saved him, that there was something else I might have
done." He shook his head. "Doesn't the hatred and fear ever end, Charles?
Doesn't it ever come to an end?"

   Charles shook his head. "It only ends when we let it end, my friend. When
each of us decides that the need for vengence isn't as important as the need
for peace. And that's something you can only decide for yourself. Ivo has to
do it for himself; no one else can. And that was true of Burning Stone." He
shook his head. "Let it go, son. Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow. The
troubles of today are enough."

   There was a long silence. Then the coyote nodded. "You're right, Charles.
Thank you. Sometimes, I forget." He turned toward the door, then looked back
at Sir Charles. "Your're a good friend and true, Charles. That's rare. May
Fortuna see you through to the end of this sad war, my friend. And may the
Great Spirit bless you." Then he headed home to his wife.

   And as he walked, Sir Charles could hear him sigh to himself, "At least
it was in a just cause..."

                                    ***

   In Robotropolis, Packbell was reporting to his master. He carried a small
package in one hand.

   "The spy you set on the Pack has reported back, Dr. Robotnik." He handed
the package over. "This arrived with him. You said you wanted to see it
right away."

   Robotnik snatched the package from Packbell's grasp without a word. He
tore off the wrapping, revealing a small box which he ripped open. Dumping
the contents on a table, he extracted a small circuit board. On the board, a
small red LED flickered fitfully.

   Turning to a nearby console, Robotnik slipped the board into an empty
slot. A screen lit up. A graphic design appeared on it, with the words
"-> FINAL PROTECTION MODE <-" below it in flashing red letters.

   "You won't get away from me that easily, fool." he muttered. "You _owe_
me, and you WILL pay in full!" He watched power read-outs rising from
emergency levels. When they finally reached nominal, he smiled.

   "You _will_ serve my son and I faithfully," Robotnik said with a cruel
smile. "Won't you... Burning Stone."

-----------------------------------

Now for the legal stuff.

Sonic the Hedgehog, Princess Sally, Knothole, 
et cetera, (c) by Sega of America 
Davey Crockett, Blood and Metal, and The Wild Pack
(c) 1995 David Gonterman [DGONTERMAN@aol.com]
Packbell (c) by David Pistone
Kickaha, Nightsky Windrider, Jon Quick Kills,
Burning Stone, Runs Far, Windsweet Grasschild, and 
all other characters (c) by Edward Becerra