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Disclaimer: The following is a work of fan fiction based
on the world of the Saturday morning cartoon Sonic the Hedgehog commonly referred
to as SatAM.
Sonic the Hedgehog, Sally Acorn, Lupe, the Wolfpack, Doctor Robotnik, and
the planet Mobius are © to DiC, Archie, and/or SEGA and are used without permission.
Bookshire Draftwood is © himself and is used without explicit permission.
Carmen Rosemary and Barren are © to John Roberts and are used with permission.
Edward Markus is © to Jordan 'Scott' Dickey and is used with permission.
Kaige the Red Dragon, Tamara DeClaws, and Centerpoint Village are © to me.
I am making no profit from this story. No Mobians were harmed in the making
of this story, although one was stretched out pretty good.
Red and Gray
A Sonic the Hedgehog World Fan Fiction
Written for the FUS SatAM Preggers Art and Story Contest
By
Bryan “Kaotix” West
“I need you to loan Kaige to the Wolfpack for a week or two, Tamara,” Sally spoke from the small audio/ video transceiver that sat in the Control Hut of Centerpoint Village.
Tamara, a lovely calico cat and leader of the Centropolis Freedom Fighters, regarded the princess with a raised brow for a moment before looking over at the Red Dragon who was her second-in-command. Kaige had folded his arms over his chest and regarded the princess with an uninterested look. If the princess wouldn't have been able to hear him, he probably would have let out a loud irritated snort.
She looked back at the monitor. “May I ask why, Sally? It must be something very important because you know Kaige doesn't like to leave the village for long periods of time.”
“It is. Robotnik is building some sort of installation near the Great Unknown that is uncomfortably close to where the Wolfpack resides. That area is very flat and there are not a lot of places for them to hide while they do recon and try to take it out. Kaige has some unique talents with dealing with large numbers of SWATbots. I believe they will be most helpful with this mission.”
Kaige finally spoke up. His deep gravelly voice carried the tone of his displeasure of the idea. “Why not send the blue hedgehog? Surely, he could be just as effective as I would, if not more. He is faster, smaller, and would have an easier time of keeping out of sight than I.”
Sally shook her head. “That is not possible. Sonic is needed here as we have a big mission at the same time. We are going to try to figure out what exactly that installation is being built for, and if Robotnik has built anything else without our knowledge.” Sally looked at the dragon for a moment before breaking out into a grin. “And don't call me 'Shirley'.” That had broken the ice a bit and chuckles were heard all around.
Sally regained her composure. “I know this is sudden, but somehow Robotnik has built this thing right under our noses and nearly has it complete. We have to do these missions at the same time otherwise it may be too late. Please, Kaige. I know Lupe and her pack are too proud to ask for help themselves, so I'm asking for them. Help them find out what the installation is for and take it out.”
Kaige closed his eyes for a moment. Those who were close to him knew that Kaige was now in deep thought over it. The princess waited patiently for the dragon's answer. After a few seconds, Kaige opened his eyes and looked at Sally with a serious look on his face. “I do not like the fact that I will be leaving the village for so long, but I do not see any other alternative. You have my word, Princess. I will aid the Wolfpack in any way I can.”
The squirrel on the monitor looked relieved. “Thank you, Kaige. Lupe may be a bit cold as I have pretty much done this despite her protests, but she will be helpful and her mind will be on the mission. Do not be offended by her, please.”
Kaige offered up a mischievous grin. “Don't worry about that. The ol' dragon charm should get her to warm up to me.” That earned him an elbow to the ribs from Tamara and a mock glare. He snorted and laughed a bit before returning his attention to the amused princess. “When do you want me to leave?”
“As soon as you can, Kaige, preferably tonight. We need to get this done as quickly as possible.”
Kaige stood in his hut getting his gear together. Kaige usually packed pretty light and this time would be no different. The Wolfpack would have all the gear critical to the mission, so all he needed to bring with him were things he thought he may need. Among the items was a head set radio with mic that Eddie had cobbled together for him a while ago. It made it easier for him to keep radio contact with others while in flight or carrying heavy loads.
“I got the extra batteries all charged up for ya, Big Red,” Eddie, their local wolf mechanic said as he opened the door to Kaige's hut. “Should be enough to last you the duration of your mission and then some.”
“Thanks, Ed.” Kaige smiled and took the batteries from Ed and put them in the pouches of his gear belt. He then took some spare explosive charges and placed them in the other free pouches. Never know when you might need to blow something up. Another item was a pair of dragon-sized binoculars which was also placed into a pouch. He clicked the belt around his waist and got it situated comfortably. “So I finally get to see some of your family members, huh?”
Ed smiled and shook his head. “They're distant relatives, Kaige. Not exactly what you would call close family. However, I do know they tend to play rough, so watch out for yourself.” Ed winked at the larger dragon.
“You don't play much more rough than I do. I'm ready for some action. Centropolis has been too quiet lately and I'm itching to scrap some bots.” Kaige put on his headset and checked it to see if it was working correctly. Satisfied, he removed it and placed it in the last empty pouch. “I think that's it. Lupe should have everything else we need for the mission.”
“Good luck, Kaige.” Ed said as the dragon straightened.
“The Ancient Walkers have looked out for me this far. I think they'll watch over me a little longer,” Kaige said with a grin and gave the wolf's shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Thanks, Ed.”
A small but excited voice rose up from the doorway. “Can I go with you to see the Wolfpack, Big Red?!” Kaige turned to see the excited little fox Barren nearly jumping up and down in the doorway. Behind him stood a pretty female koala, named Carmen, who had her paws on Barren's shoulders.
“Not this time, Barren.” In response to the little kit's pout, Kaige added, “I'll try to bring ya a little souvenir though. See if I can get Lupe to let me have one of her pack's hatchets.”
“Really?! Cool!” Barren jumped up and down again a few times in excitement before Carmen got him to calm down again.
“Kaige, haven't you gotten him enough dangerous toys?” Carmen asked with a shake of her head and a smile.
“One cannot have enough sharp instruments to handle carelessly,” the dragon said with a wink. “Besides, I don't know if I'll be able to get one. I-”
Kaige was broken off when Carmen walked over and hugged him. She only came up to the bottom of his rib cage but the hug she gave him was as if it came from someone twice her size. “Be careful, Kaige. Please.”
Kaige gently hugged her back. “I will, Carmen.” He then lowered his head and whispered into one of her big fluffy ears while he gently played with the other. “I can't disappoint my little sister by not coming back.”
Carmen nodded and blinked a few tears away before replying. "Yeah, well, you better or this little sister is gonna hunt you down and kick your bum no matter what sorry state it's in."
Kaige laughed and turned back toward Barren. “Ok, little guy, I need you to watch over the village while I'm gone. Obey Carmen and Tamara.” Then almost as if it was an afterthought, he added, “Oh, and make sure Eddie and Carmen keep their paws off of each other!” That last one caused Carmen to give Kaige an absolutely evil glare. Eddie, true to his nature, blushed so bright you could see it through his fur and tried to his face in his paws.
Barren, on the other hand, gave his usual response. “Ewwwww!”
Kaige got a good laugh at the expense of the two and gave them a wink just to let them know he was kidding. He then sobered up. It was time to go. “Take care, you guys. I'll be back in a week or two.”
After a hug for Carmen, a handshake for Ed, and a head ruffle for Barren; Kaige headed toward the outskirts of the village. He pulled his headset out and thumbed it on. “I'm leaving, Control.”
The warm voice of Tamara called back to him. “Acknowledged. Take care of yourself, Kaige. Come back to us safe and sound.”
“I'll do my best. See you in a couple of weeks.” Kaige thumbed the headset off and placed it back in its pouch. Now outside the village boundaries, Kaige spread his wings and with a few strong flaps got himself aloft and into the star-filled sky. Within moments he was heading toward his destination in the Great Unknown to meet up with Lupe and her Wolfpack and to deal with whatever Robotnik had planned.
The black night hid Kaige's rather large form well. There was no moon tonight so unless one was observing the sky closely, there would be relatively no chance of Kaige being seen.
Kaige was a bit different then that of Dulcy. While Dulcy had a typical dragon shape, Kaige and those of his species of Red Dragon held a more anthropomorphic shape like most Mobians. Standing, he was six and a half feet tall and 10 feet long from his end of his snout to the tip of his tail.
Kaige was definitely the odd one out among the inhabitants of Centerpoint village. But they didn't mind and neither did Kaige. The villagers loved Kaige ever since Carmen and Tamara had found him badly injured in the Great Forest and brought him back to nurse him back to health roughly ten years ago.
Kaige's previous home was that of a large volcano that rested a few hundred kilometers south of Great Forest. Kaige was fourteen years old when Robotnik found his home and attacked it with legions of his SWATbot soldiers. His parents, Lord Talon and his mate Corina, were caught by complete surprise by Robotnik's forces. An event that Kaige blames himself for to this very day due to his bringing home an injured Mobian black fox that turned out to be a bounty hunter working for the fat overlord. Kaige was badly injured escaping from the battle that ensued and barely made it to the Great Forest before falling through the forest's canopy and crashing to the ground. If not for Tamara and Carmen finding him soon after, Kaige would have died that night from exposure, his injuries, and dehydration. They allowed Kaige to stay after it was learned that Robotnik had captured his clan and roboticized them. As far as Kaige knows, he is the only free member left. He now fights beside his new family of Mobians to one day throw Robotnik over and free his clan from the dictator's control.
Kaige gazed at his watch for a moment. He was making good time to the rendezvous spot. He had never been in the Wolfpack's actual home before, but had dropped off supplies to them before such as med-kits that Carmen had put together, various gadgets from Eddie, and new encryption codes used by the Freedom Fighter Network. He never met Lupe before either as she was never at the meeting point when he arrived. It was either Canus or Reynard. Kaige never stayed long either. Just enough to rest and rehydrate himself before heading back. The wolves always made sure to bring him food and water when he arrived.
Kaige had heard stories about Lupe though from the princess and from Canus and Reynard. He was looking forward to actually meeting the iron-willed alpha female that led the Wolfpack. If she was anything like half the stories he had been told, she would be quite a fascinating person indeed.
Kaige saw the rendezvous point just ahead. He decreased his altitude and slowly came in. He landed between two rock formations. His eyes scanned the immediate area for anyone around. He knew his contacts were around. He just couldn't see them yet. The dragon stretched his wings for a few moments before folding them behind his back again. He walked toward one of the rock formations and sat down to wait for his wolf friends to decide it was safe enough to come out and get him.
It was not long before he saw two pairs of eyes moving along the shadows of the canyon walls. With making nary a sound, the two male wolves cautiously approached the dragon. Kaige saw that it was once again Canus and Reynard. He had hoped Lupe would be one to meet him, but knew he would meet her soon enough.
“Greetings, Kaige. It is good to see you again. I just wished it was under better circumstances.” Canus clasped Kaige's claw into his own paw. Canus was just a little shorter than the dragon. Reynard was the smallest of the three in the canyon but not by much.
“Likewise, Canus, Reynard, I am glad that you both are well,” Kaige said with a nod. He then gave them somewhat of a sheepish grin. “I was hoping to finally meet Lupe.”
Reynard and Canus shared a grin before the smaller wolf spoke up. “Well, hope no more. She is waiting for us inside with the rest of the pack. They are all looking forward to meeting the Red Dragon from Centerpoint Village.” Reynard fished in a pouch that hung from his side and pulled out a small remote control. “If you would be so kind as to follow us, we'll go meet them. Once we are inside the caverns, stay close. One not familiar with our home can get lost quite easily, and we have traps set for those who we do not wish in our home.”
“I'll keep that in mind,” Kaige said as Reynard pointed the control at the canyon wall and pressed a button. Within moments, a section of the rock face shifted back and slid to the side. “Impressive,” Kaige said simply as the trio made their way into the cavern home of the Wolfpack.
Canus pulled a torch from the wall and reached into his pouch to get a lighter. Kaige stopped him. “Allow me.” Kaige tilted the torch up and and took a small breath. A moment later a small stream of fire shot from his mouth igniting the torch and lighting the tunnel they were in.
“Show off.” Reynard said with a laugh.
Canus just quietly chuckled and pointed down the tunnel before speaking. “This way, Kaige, and please stay close.”
The walk deeper into the tunnels was quiet. Neither one of the wolves spoke and Kaige didn't bother to start up a conversation. He was busy trying to memorize the different turns they were taking, but soon found it too confusing to keep up with. He decided that it must have been pure luck that Sonic, Sally, and Antoine didn't become hopelessly lost in the caverns before Reynard found them.
For the most part, Kaige was starting to feel a little homesick for his volcano home. His clan had deep convoluted caverns as well that helped confuse would be invaders. Only the members of his clan knew them well enough not to get lost. Kaige swallowed a bit and tried to keep his mind on the here and now. He began to hear soft murmurings from ahead and within moments his wolf guides led him into a large room with symbols and drawings on the walls that Kaige didn't understand. In the center of the room was a small fire pit with a warm fire within it. Around the fire sat the rest of the members of the Wolfpack and on the opposite side of the entrance stood the imposing yet feminine form of Lupe.
All eyes in the room were upon Kaige as he stood proudly under their scrutiny. Lupe's steel blue gaze seemed to burn a hole through him. 'No wonder she is the leader. She could probably stare down Robotnik, himself!' Kaige thought as he matched Lupe's gaze. For a moment neither moved, and the Wolfpack members shifted uncomfortably. After a moment Kaige broke the gaze and the silence. “Kaige Dragon reporting for duty as requested, ma'am!” He spoke with a grin and bowed his head lightly in respect to the Chieftain. When he raised back up, he noticed Lupe had a faint smile on her face that soon broke out into a full grin.
“Welcome, Kaige of the Volcano Valley Clan, to our home,” Lupe said with a formal tone, “our home is your home.” She slowly walked around the fire pit and the other seated pack members to stand in front of Kaige. She offered him her paw which he took and lightly kissed her knuckles.
“It is an honor for me to stand in the presence of you and your pack, Lupe of the Wolfpack. I hope I can be of some service to you.”
“I'm sure you will, Kaige. I would like to introduce you to the rest of the pack. You already know Canus and Reynard.” She said indicating the two who had brought Kaige in. At Kaige's nod, she turned to two identical twin pink female wolves. “These two twin trouble makers are Leeta and Lyco,” Lupe said with a motherly smile. “They are quite mischievous so watch your back.”
“A pleasure to meet such lovely creatures.” Kaige said laying on the charm to the sisters.
The two wolves in question blushed in response to his words and politely bowed. They both spoke a shy “hello” in unison and settled back down watching the dragon with interested eyes.
Lupe then turned to the last member of her pack, a dark furred wolf who seemed to have a deep frown tattooed onto his muzzle. “And this grumpy old wolf is Diablo. He is actually quite nice once you get to know him, usually.” Diablo's response was a simple grunt and the folding of his arms over his chest. Kaige chuckled a bit because Diablo reminded the dragon of himself at times.
“A pleasure to meet you all,” Kaige said with a small bow to the members of the Wolfpack. “I look forward to our working together.”
“To tell you the truth, Kaige,” Lupe started, “I wasn't pleased to know the princess was sending us help. I'm sure the Princess told you.”
“I know the feeling, Lupe, so I won't take it personally.” Kaige said remembering the 'help' the princess had sent his group for the Lieutenant Project mission. “I have learned, however, that the Princess doesn't send us anyone without careful consideration and that her judgment can be trusted.”
“Indeed,” Lupe said with a nod. “Now, you must be tired and hungry from your trip. So please join us. We have much to discuss.”
“Food. Now you're speaking my language!” Kaige said earning a laugh from all around even the stoic Diablo. The dragon joined the wolves around the fire and they all began eating to their stomach's content and telling stories of their various adventures.
“You actually threatened to bite Nack's head off?!” gasped Leeta in unbelief as Kaige told some of the highlights from the Lieutenant Project mission.
“And I meant every word of it to,” Kaige said while nodding and grinning. “That weasel is a piece of work, I admit. However, I still don't trust purple ball of fuzz, and he knows it.”
Lupe was oddly quiet letting the others converse and share as they finished their meal. She watched and listened to the dragon intently. Kaige had noticed what she was doing, but chose to ignore it for now. He was having too much fun telling of his escapades to someone other than a young fox cub.
After the meal was done, Lupe stood and addressed the the group. “Now that we have all had our fill, let us get down to business on why you were sent to us, Kaige.” The Red Dragon nodded and settled back down as he watched Lupe activate a small device on a nearby table. An image appeared above the fire of the installation that Robotnik was building in the Great Unknown. It was imposing complex. The gray metal walls stood out from the brown and tan ground around it. “The complex that Robotnik is constructing is approximately an hour's walk from here. There is a lot of SWATbot activity around it and so far we have been unable to approach it. The risk of being caught has been too great.” She stopped when Kaige caught her attention. “Yes, Kaige?”
“Do you know what it is there for? Why Robotnik would build something like this so far from his resources?” The dragon asked as he studied the hologram before him.
“No, we don't. The Princess' spy in Robotropolis knows nothing of its function either. Whatever it is and whatever it is for have been kept a very good secret by Robotnik. But we do know that it cannot be for our good or for the good of the Great Unknown.”
Reynard spoke up next. “Maybe it is some sort of observatory? The Great Unknown holds many secrets such as the perpetual lightning storm. Maybe Robotnik is interested in knowing what is going on out here.”
Lupe nodded thoughtfully. “That may be the case. But for some reason I doubt Robotnik would waste his resources building this and assigning so many of his SWATbot units to guard it just to watch lightning. Speculation aside, our job is to infiltrate the installation, find out what exactly it is for, and then if possible, take it out. This is where you come in, Kaige.” Lupe said as she gazed at the dragon. “You are going to be our distraction. Your job is to use your specific talents to dramatically decrease the number of SWATbots in the area, so the rest of us can infiltrate the installation.”
“Finally, some action,” Kaige said while cracking his knuckles and grinning.
“I'm glad you approve of your assignment,” Lupe said with a smile. “We will aid you for a while as we have plenty of satchel charges to do our own brand of damage. After the exterior has been effectively cleared of most hostiles, we will make our way inside where Leeta and Lyco will access the mainframe and try to glean whatever information the can find from it about the installation's purpose. Diablo will be watching their backs as they do so. Canus, Reynard, and myself will be laying remote detonated charges within the complex to take it out once we are all clear. Kaige, you will be watching our backs as we do that since the interior will probably be heavily guarded as well.”
Lupe deactivated the hologram projector making the image fade away. “To help in keeping Robotnik from noticing us, the Knothole Freedom Fighters will be running a raid coinciding with ours. They will be gathering information on this and any other installations that Robotnik may have set up without our knowledge.” She paused and looked at her timepiece. “It is nearly dawn. Our mission will begin at dusk tonight so that we have the cover of darkness to aid in our approach. I suggest we all get plenty of rest and make sure our gear is ready to go. You are all dismissed.”
Kaige stood and stretched letting his wings open and shake for a moment before relaxing them again. The wolves watched their dragon friend curiously for a moment as he did so until Kaige noticed them. “Oh like you guys don't ever feel like giving yourself a good, satisfying stretch, he said with a tired grin.
Lupe spoke up to the two twins. “Leeta, Lyco, please show our guest to the bed we have prepared for him.” When they both nodded, she turned back to the dragon. “I hope you don't mind sleeping with the pack members as I know you are usually accustomed to having your own space.”
“I won't mind just as long as you don't mind my snoring,” Kaige said with mischievous smile.
Reynard spoke up and said jokingly, “You can't be any worse then Diablo. He snores loud enough that it causes landslides in the canyon!”
“I do not snore!” Diablo yelled back with indignation.
“If it's not you, then Robotnik has another pod burrowing under the ground!” Reynard retorted. Canus stepped in between them before they could get another squabble going and separated them.
Leeta and Lyco approached the dragon shyly. “Please follow us, Kaige.” Lyco said softly. “We know you are very tired and need your rest.”
Kaige gently hooked an arm around one of each girl's arm. “I'll be happy to follow you two lovely ladies anywhere.” The twins blushed again from the dragon's complement as they led him to where he would sleep that night. Kaige saw the different bedrolls from the other members of the pack. Kaige noticed there was one less then the number of Wolfpack members. He then realized that as alpha female, Lupe would have her own area to sleep in. Along the outskirts of the room was a larger bedroll that the Wolfpack made for Kaige.
“Here you are, the rest of us will be joining you soon. We have to make sure all the torches are put out and that our home is secure,” Lyco said softly.
Kaige bent down and unrolled the bedding. “Thank you, girls. I guess I'll see you again in a few hours.” The twins left the room and Kaige settled into the bed. He rested his head on his arms and had just started to drift off, when he felt a furred paw touch his shoulder. He looked up into the blue eyes of Lupe.
“I wish to thank you for coming, Kaige. I do not think we would be able to pull this mission off without you.”
Kaige smiled and nodded. “You would do the same for us, Lupe. Think nothing of it.”
Lupe returned an enigmatic smile. “I suppose I would. Sleep well, Kaige.” She idly ran her paw through the short mane along the back of his neck.
“You too, Lupe.” Kaige said with a yawn and settled back down as Lupe slipped out as the other pack members came in.
Reynard was right about one thing. Diablo did snore loud enough to cause an earthquake. When Kaige finally drifted off to sleep, he was greeted by dreams of a certain blue-eyed female wolf.
Kaige awoke a few hours later. His eyes snapped open and he looked around quickly before he finally realized where he was. He calmed back down and stretched quietly as to not awake the sleeping wolves. He wasn't going back to sleep again anytime soon. The dragon quietly slipped out of his bed and headed back to the main room. The fire was still lit giving him enough light to see by. He looked around for a moment getting a closer look at the markings on the walls. He turned when he heard a voice.
“Does our history interest you, dear dragon?” Lupe said softly from the other side of the fire. Her blue eyes watched him with amusement. She was sitting cross-legged before the fire smiling at him.
Kaige nodded. “Indeed, it does. My people wrote our history along the walls like this. It makes me homesick. I hope I'm not disturbing you-.” Kaige halted when a thought occurred to him. “Shouldn't you be resting, Lupe?”
Lupe shook her head. “I can never sleep before missions. I worry too much for my pack. The dreams that result disturb me.” She sighed a bit as she looked into the fire. “So instead I come here and pray to the Ancient Walkers to protect them.” A small smile played on her lips as she regarded the dragon once more. “Now shouldn't you be asleep, Kaige?”
Kaige smiled as he approached Lupe and sat crossed-legged beside her. “I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. Your caves are too unfamiliar for me to sleep restfully for very long.” He shrugged a bit while his tail idly twitched beside him. “Besides, I do not need much sleep. So, feel like talking any? You could tell me about these dreams.”
“They're stupid dreams. My pack is captured in them and roboticized before my eyes. Nothing I do saves them. It happens over and over and over again,” she sighed in frustration. “It's stupid, I know.”
Kaige shook his head slowly. “No, it is not stupid. I have had dreams like that and worse before. I still do sometimes.” He grinned and shifted a bit. “I have an idea. I do this for Barren when he has bad dreams.” He patted his lap. “Lie down on your side and put your head in my lap.”
“What?” She looked at him like he had grown a second head.
“I assure you, Lupe, that my intentions are purely honorable. Trust me.”
“Okay, ” she said with an unsure look on her face. She shifted her position and laid down next to him and placed her head on his lap. She nuzzled against the black shorts he was wearing for a moment. “Now what?”
“Now you relax and leave everything else to me.” She looked confused for a moment but let out a slow breath before closing her eyes. Kaige slowly ran his claw down her side. His talons gently trailing through her fur and against her skin. The wolf tensed again as she felt his touch and it took a while for her to relax again. Finally, she 'Mmmmed' a bit as she grew more accustomed to it.
“That feels good....” Soon, Lupe let out a small sigh of contentment and relaxed fully before finally falling asleep. She slept peacefully there with her head in his lap as Kaige watched over her and gently stroked her. There would be no bad dreams for her today.
Several hours later she awoke. In her grogginess, she could quite figure out what was going on. She knew she was in the fire pit room, but she was lying on the floor with her head on some sort of cloth over something smooth and slightly soft. There was also the very pleasant sensation of something stroking her side. She turned her head and looked up into the smiling face of Kaige. She then remembered what had transpired a few hours ago.
“Sleep well, Lupe?” Kaige asked as he gazed down at her.
“Mmm.... Yes, I did, Kaige.” The truth was she hadn't slept that good in a very long time. Knowing that she had someone there watching over her had helped her get the restful sleep she needed. She smiled shyly and did something that caught Kaige by complete surprise. She sat up a bit and took Kaige's snout in both her paws and gently kissed him. “Thank you, Kaige,” she said after she broke the kiss.
“You-you're welcome, Lupe,” Kaige said a bit flustered. He hadn't expected that at all and the look Lupe was giving him now was making him even more nervous. 'Wow. What was that for?' he thought as her fingers played along the underside of his chin. 'She must have been needing this.' After a moment of hesitation, his arms gently wrapped around the wolf hugging her to him. He lowered his head to her's again and they shared a longer kiss this time. The emotions and sensations that neither of them had felt in a very long time swam over their forms.
It all stopped at the sound of a very deliberate cough from the entrance. The two of them broke away instantly and saw Reynard standing there grinning like an idiot. “Oh don't stop on my account!”
Kaige instantly let go of Lupe and she flopped down with an 'oof' onto his lap. “I... err... we-” Lupe gave Kaige a look for dropping her, and he instantly shut up and looked like a child who had got caught with his paw in the cookie jar. He mumbled a soft “Sorry.”
She looked back at Reynard and gave him an embarrassed smile. He could see the blush in her ears. Reynard just waved a paw letting them know it was alright. “I saw nothing.” He said telling them that he would keep what he saw a secret and then left the room again. Kaige and Lupe looked after him and then looked at each other.
“The rest will be up soon,” Lupe said softly.
“You're right. I'd hate to see what the others would do if they saw us like that.”
“Diablo would throw such a fit!” Lupe said while laughing. She gave him a light peck on the side of his snout before standing up and adjusting her leotard. “Thank you.” She then slipped out the entrance and headed to her own room. Kaige spent the next few minutes composing himself.
Kaige whistled softly as he observed the installation through the pair of night vision capable binoculars that he had brought with him. He could see several squads of SWATbots patrolling the outside of the facility. He also could make out at least one hover unit on the roof. What worried him was that he had no idea how many more were inside. He slid back down from the outcropping of rocks to where the Wolfpack was waiting.
“You weren't kidding. Robotnik's got this place defended pretty well. And our approach isn't gonna be easy. There's nothing to hide behind between here and that complex. It's all flat barren ground,” Kaige said as he put his binoculars back into his gear belt.
“Those SWATbots and the hover unit are your first priority in taking out. We will help as much as we can, but we will be making a beeline for the entrance and trying to get inside,” Lupe said while she and the others made a last minute check of their gear.
Kaige pulled out his headset from his belt and slipped it on his head. He thumbed it on and did a quick test with Lupe's radio to make sure they were on the same frequency and encryption. Satisfied, Kaige was about to leave their hiding place to start his part of them mission when Lupe grabbed his arm.
She stood up on the very tips of her toes and whispered into his ear. “Good Luck, Kaige. May the Ancient Walkers protect you.” She then gave him a small kiss on the cheek and stepped back with a small smile on her face. The other wolves looked on with confused faces, except for Reynard who was busy stifling a laugh.
“You too, Lupe,” Kaige replied with a wink and grin. The dragon then slipped around the rocks and out into the open of the star-filled sky. He could see the lightning flashes from the perpetual storm behind the installation. It seemed that Robotnik carefully picked the spot to be just outside the known range of the storm. If Kaige and the wolves were smart, they would keep outside of that range as well. He gave his wings a few beats to get himself aloft into the air as quietly as possible. He couldn't waste time sneaking up on foot. The chance was too great that he would be seen before he was even near the place. He flew low to the ground, but as quickly as possible toward the installation and a group of SWATbots that he designated as his first target.
Lupe watched Kaige's movements through her binoculars. She smiled faintly to herself as she saw the gracefulness that Kaige had in the air. She lowered her binoculars from her eyes when Diablo coughed a little to get her attention.
“Mind telling me what that was about a few minutes ago?” Diablo asked referring to the kiss that Lupe had given Kaige.
Lupe just smiled more and lightly reproved him. “Mind on the mission, Diablo.” She said nothing more on the subject.
Diablo let out an irritated “harrumph” and sat back down beside his gear. The twins looked at Canus who only shrugged and Reynard wouldn't say anything. They knew something was going on that Lupe wasn't telling them and that it had to do with their dragon guest. However, such things would not remain secret among such a tight group. They would wait, and it would eventually become known.
Kaige silently flew up behind the squad of SWATbots that patrolled the furthest away from the base. He set down on the ground directly behind the last SWATbot of the group. He snuck along behind them for a moment before grabbing the SWATbot from behind and quickly snapping its domed head off before it could send out a signal warning the others. Kaige lowered the now disabled and headless robot to the ground quietly before making his move on the next one in line. This one however noticed the missing signal from the one Kaige had taken down. It turned to see what had happened to its comrade and got a visor full of Kaige's fist as it slammed into its metallic face disabling its optical circuits. It was not deactivated however and quickly sent a signal back to the installation and in turn to all the SWATbots located at the facility. Bright Search lights immediately popped on and focused on Kaige's last known position. Within moments he was nearly blinded by the lights.
Kaige's cover had been blown. He had to work fast now. He picked up the blind and flailing SWATbot and tossed him into the rest of the squad knocking a few down. The dragon then charged forward and grabbed the arm of another bot that was preparing to fire at him. A twist of the wrist and a yank later the SWATbot had literally been disarmed. Sparks flashed from its stub as it tried to comprehend the damage it had taken and compute an alternative course of action. The poor robot didn't have the chance as Kaige quickly swung around and delivered a roundhouse kick to it's head knocking it off its feet and felling it into a crumpled heap on the ground. Kaige looked up in time to see more SWATbots heading his way. He allowed himself a small smile and yelled into his headset. “Time to move, Lupe! I got their attention!”
Lupe immediately motioned her pack forward. “Let's go! Kaige has done his part! Now to do ours!” The Wolfpack grabbed their gear and ran around from behind the rock formation and toward the installation. Up ahead they could see the bright red flashes of laser fire that they knew were being fired at Kaige. 'Be careful, Kaige!' Lupe prayed silently.
The wolves made their way toward the entrance to the building. Kaige was doing an effective job of drawing attention toward him and away from any sneaky infiltrators that may try to get inside the facility. Leeta spied the searchlights that were staying focused on their dragon friend and decided to give Kaige a helping hand. She picked up a good-sized rock and tossed it at one of the lights as hard as she could. The light shattered with a loud crash. Instantly a couple search lights started roaming toward their location.
“Oops!” Leeta cried as she saw what she had done. The Wolfpack pressed themselves against the wall, but it was too late. A searchlight had spotted them and some of the SWATbots that were heading toward Kaige turned and came back. To make matters worse, one of the hover units lifted off the landing pad on the building's roof and circled around to attack the wolves.
Kaige was busy ripping the head off another SWATbot when the commotion near the installation caught his attention. He let the decapitated bot slid to the ground and slump over. “By the pit! Now what?!” Kaige yelled as he saw a hover unit make its way toward the Wolfpack. He ducked a laser bolt and shoulder blocked the offending SWATbot before hoisting it into a fireman's carry on his shoulders, spinning it around to his front, and slamming it down face first into the ground as hard as he could. It was a move Kaige liked to call the Dragon's Bane. Barren absolutely loved the move, and Kaige loved doing it to the SWATbots. The SWATbot's torso and head split open and sparked heavily. “I can't play with you guys anymore. Gotta go give the wolves a bit of assistance.” He picked the SWATbot back up and slung it forcefully into the last couple of bots that were around him. He then spread his wings and quickly flew back toward the complex.
Canus didn't hesitate. The large blue wolf pulled a satchel from his shoulder pack and swung it around. When he got it going the speed he wanted, he released it and sent it hurtling toward a group of SWATbots that were heading toward him and his friends. It hit the lead bot and exploded violently throwing the other members of its squad to the ground like mere toys and disabling them. Lasers hit the wall around the wolves as more SWATbots approached. Each wolf took a satchel charge and slung them at the bots. Soon the battle field looked like a scrap yard.
“Everyone okay?” Lupe asked as she did a quick scan of each Wolfpack member. They all nodded back to her. “Good, then let's get-”
“HALT, FREEDOM FIGHTERS!” The booming monotone voice came from a hover unit that hovered too far away to be hit by the wolves' satchel charges. “SURRENDER OR BE TERMINATED!”
Lupe looked at her fellow wolves. They wouldn't have a chance against the firepower the hover unit had out in the open like this. She shook her head lightly toward her pack members and slowly raised her paws up in the air. The rest of them did the same. 'Where are you, Kaige?' she thought silently.
The hover unit suddenly veered to the side as if it were hit hard by something. A loud clang reverberated echoing against the rock formations along the edge of flat plain. The SWATbot flying the ship spun it to its left to see what had collided with the hover unit's side. Lupe nearly jumped for joy when she saw an angry Kaige clinging to the side of the hover unit. His talons cut deep scars into the metal as he clung onto the craft, his tail whipping back and forth angrily like an irritated cat's tail would. With a quick motion, he pulled a explosive charge from his gear belt, activated it, and slapped it against the hull of the ship. He released his grip from the side and dropped to the ground below and ran toward the wolves.
“Hit the dirt!” he yelled as he dove toward the ground. The wolves followed his lead as the charge Kaige stuck to the side of the hover unit reached the end of its default timer setting and exploded. The hover unit was nearly ripped in half by the explosion. The left hind quarter was gone, only a gaping hole remained. The fuel cells were the next to go as the ship's systems were unable to deal with such damage. The rest of the ship soon exploded in a spectacular fireball raining pieces of hot debris around Kaige and the wolves.
Kaige pushed himself up to his knees and sat back on his haunches for a moment. “Anyone hurt?”
The wolves slowly picked themselves up and tried to shake the ringing from their ears. They checked themselves over and everyone was just fine. Diablo was the first to speak. “Did you have to wait so long before taking that hover unit out?”
Kaige just grinned. “I was busy.” Diablo just stared back at him in unbelief. Kaige looked over at Lupe. “I believe the first mission objective has been completed, he said with a faint smile.
She returned his smile. 'Kaige would make a perfect alpha male.' she said to herself with almost a sigh. Out loud she answered, “Yes. So let's get inside and take this place out.” Lupe walked over to the door and pulled out a knife with a long slim blade. She placed the sharp point under the the edge of the doors control panel and slowly worked it in until she could pry the cover off. It popped off and hung from the wires. “Leeta, get this door open.”
Leeta nodded and went right to work on the wiring and circuit boards inside. After a few moments of examination, the young female wolf cut a few wires and spliced them together. The doors unlocked and slid open with a soft groan. Kaige was impressed. Leeta was as adept at this as Eddie was back home.
The group warily entered the complex and proceeded down the hallway to what they hoped was the main computer room. Leeta made short work of another door and they all filed into a large room with consoles along the walls. The only robot in the room was a lone tech-bot that was installing a console. It was not programmed to deal with threats so it ignored the wolves and the dragon as they quietly advanced toward it. Kaige grabbed the egg-shaped robot and and slung it against the back wall. The poor robot flailed and beeped erratically as it crashed to the floor before being silenced by a crushing stomp to the head from Kaige.
The wolves quickly surveyed the room to make sure there were no hidden cameras or traps. Surprisingly, they found none. “We must have found out about this place before Robotnik could get the security fully prepared.” Reynard observed.
“It appears so,” Lupe replied. “Lyco, see what information you can get from the computer. We need to know what this place is for. Leeta, help her. Diablo, keep an eye out for any surprises.” The three wolves nodded and got to work on the main computer console. “Canus, Reynard, and Kaige, follow me. It's time to lay the charges.”
The three wolves and the dragon cautiously walked down another corridor. Along its sides were open panels, loose wiring, and other signs that the installation was still being built. The came to another door. Kaige looked at the door's access panel. It was another that required an access code. Leeta couldn't help with getting the computer information and help them get any of these doors open at the same time. Kaige hesitated for a moment before smashing his fist through the panel and ripping a large knot of wires from it. The panel sparked, the doors unlocked, but the door remained closed. Kaige wedged his talons into the door and slowly pulled it open. When he got it about halfway, the door's mechanisms gave out and allowed it to slide open the rest of the way easily.
Within the new room was a giant cylinder with several large cables connecting to it. The four Mobians looked up in wonder at it for a moment. “What is it?” asked Canus as he slowly edged around it.
“If I didn't know better, I would say it was some sort of storage battery,” Kaige said.
Lupe approached a console at the base of the cylinder. With a few taps she accessed a diagram of the cylinder before them. “Well, Kaige, it looks like you may be right. It is some sort of storage cell, empty at that.”
Reynard spoke up next. “But what would Robotnik want with a giant empty battery?”
“I don't know, Reynard. Maybe Lyco will be able to tell us.” Lupe pressed another button and a wall raised up. On the other side of the portal was a whole row of the same sort of cylinders lined up on a conveyor belt. Around them were grabbing arms used to pick them up and move them onto the platform where the first cylinder was located. “For now, we need to get those charges placed.” Reynard nodded and threw Kaige a small pack. The dragon opened it up and saw small remote detonators. With these, they would be able to blow the place up from a safe distance with a small remote control.
The four Mobians worked quickly placing charges in strategic points in the large room. Kaige moved into the the corridor with the large conveyor belt. It was dark in there and he didn't notice the shadow that moved behind him A robotic arm raised and prepared to fire its laser when something whistled through the air and deeply embedded itself in the back of the robot's head. Kaige turned in surprise to see a SWATbot crash to the ground before him with a hatchet stuck in the back of the its head. He looked up to see Lupe still in her throwing pose as she quickly surveyed the rest of the dark corridor. She finally relaxed. “You okay, Kaige?”
“Um. Yeah, I think so,” Kaige said slowly. “Thanks.” He smiled and gave Lupe a wink before pulling her hatchet from the robot and handing it back to her.
“Anytime, fly boy,” She said with a small smile. She reached up and kissed him again before slipping away quickly back into the room with the first cylinder. “Watch your tail this time, Kaige, and finish getting those charges set!” she called back to him.
Kaige watched her for a moment. 'I'll get you yet, my dear little wolf.' Out loud he replied with a playful sarcastic “Yes, ma'am!” The dragon placed one last charge toward the back of the corridor before joining back with Lupe, Reynard, and Canus. “I have a couple more charges for the main control room. When this place blows, it'll be like New Year's Eve in Mobotropolis!”
The four of them quickly went back to where Lyco, Leeta, and Diablo were working on the computer. “What have you found out, Lyco?” Lupe asked as they entered the room.
Lyco looked up from the console. “Quite a bit, Lupe.” She tapped a few buttons and brought up a schematic of the installation. “This complex is in effect a giant battery charger. It is designed to draw electricity from the perpetual lightning storm in the Great Unknown and store it.”
“Robotnik's gonna try to catch lightning in a bottle?” Kaige said with a laugh. “Doesn't seem his style.”
“No, it doesn't,” replied Leeta. “However, he may be needing replenishable energy for something big. Maybe something with Doomsday?” The group went silent at the name of Robotnik's personal project. Kaige was about to reply when the console beeped urgently. It was an incoming message. Leeta looked up at Lupe, “It's from Robotropolis.”
Lupe gazed at the console for a moment before answering. “Well, it would be rude to not answer it wouldn't you think?” Leeta and Lyco shared a grin with each other. Leeta reached forward and pressed the accept button and the monitor came to life.
“-ech bot # 1426 respond or I'll have your processor torn out! I want a report on the status of the Energy Siphon! Finally, you stu-” The fat overlord's face took up the entire screen. He was in an irritable mood. He didn't like to be put on hold by his own creation and was about to threaten the robot with dismantlement when he realized the tech-bot wasn't in the room. Robotnik's angry gaze grew into a hateful scowl as he saw the Wolfpack. ”You....”
Lupe spoke up. “Yes, us, Robotnik. Don't tell me you're surprised to see us.”
Robotnik just grew angrier at her insolence. His red eyes shined brightly and the flab on his chin swung wildly as he yelled at the monitor. “You, dirty bitch! How did you and your mangy group of mutts break into my facility?! The defense perimeter was designed to keep you out!”
The wolves all growled at the word 'bitch.' If there was a word you did not say to a Mobian canine, that was the word. They absolutely loathed that word. Lupe composed herself before addressing the angry tyrant in an infuriating calm voice. “Easy, Robotnik, we had help.” She looked to her side as Kaige stepped into view of the camera. The dragon and the evil doctor stared at each other for what seemed an eternity. They had seen video records of each other but never had the 'pleasure' of meeting face to face like this.
Dr. Robotnik's face turned a dark shade of purple and a few veins popped out in his forehead and neck as he stared at the dragon who had become increasing trouble in Centropolis. If the dictator was angry before, he was outright ballistic now. Kaige grinned showing two rows of sharp white teeth. “Careful, Doctor, you'll give yourself a stroke.”
Robotnik nearly exploded with rage. “I HATE you, Dragon! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”
Kaige's grin grew and grew. “Well to tell the truth, I'm not that fond of you either, blubber for brains.” He spared a gaze down at Lyco who was sitting at the console. The clever pink she-wolf was recording the conversation on a small disk. “Just think of what we're about to do here as just a picture of what's waiting for you. You're going down, Robotnik. It's all a matter of time.”
Robotnik finally calmed down but not by much. He leaned toward the monitor, his tone was low yet full of spite. “I'll deal with you, Dragon, personally.”
“I look forward to it.” Kaige was about to say another biting remark when the lights in Robotnik's control room flickered and then the screen rocked.
A loud monotone warning blared over the speakers. “HEDGEHOG: PRIORITY ONE! DETAIN BY ORDER OF ROBOTNIK!”
“What?! Not now!” the doctor bellowed. Another explosion rocked the control center and the screen went to static. “Snivel-” The transmission then cut out.
“Oh that felt good,” Kaige said before breaking out into a laugh. “I owe that Hedgehog a chili dog.”
Lyco held up two disks. “I recorded the whole thing.” She said with a grin. “This other disk holds all relevant information concerning this installation: schematics, logs, and the like.”
“Good,” Lupe said. “Then let us finish the mission and remove this eyesore from our land.” She nodded toward Kaige, and the dragon placed his remaining detonators around the perimeter of the control room.
The Wolfpack and Kaige were now back behind the protective rock formation. They each peered over it awaiting the show that was about to take place. Kaige pulled the remote for the detonators from his pack and handed it to Lupe. “Would you like to do the honors, my dear?”
“Why thank you, Kaige,” she said sweetly as she took the remote from him. Her thumb rubbed over the button as she relished the moment before mashing it down. Distant rumbles were heard as explosions erupted inside the Energy Siphon. Finally, the chain reaction started and the complex began to blow apart. Large fireballs exploded from the sides trailing from the battery room to the main control room until finally the entire complex itself went up in an impressive fireball that was so bright it made the surrounding area look like it was daylight. Debris flew hundreds of feet into the air drawing attention from the perpetual lightning storm. Lightning arched through the debris cloud striking the ground where the complex once stood shaking the ground even more and making loud thunderous echoes across the plain and canyons. When all was said and done, a charred crater and blackened and melted debris were all that remained of the installation.
The Wolfpack erupted into cheers and celebration, hoots and hollers filled the night sky as they were finally rid of Robotnik's latest plot. Lupe watched on with a faint smile until Kaige walked up from behind and gently turned her toward him. It was her turn to be taken by surprise when he kissed her fully and deeply in front of the others. Reynard let out with a playful whistle and the twins clapped and squealed. Canus laughed heartily. Diablo, as usual, just 'harrumphed' and folded his arms over his chest as he watched on. The dragon and wolf hugged and kissed for as long as their lungs held out. Well, Lupe needed a breath first. Kaige had a large set of lungs and could have held it for a while longer. She finally pulled back and panted. She took his claw into her both of her paws and looked up at him with sparkling eyes. “Let us return home.”
The Wolfpack had a celebration back at their cave home. There was plenty to eat and drink and lots of laughter. Even the sourpuss Diablo was a little lighthearted. Kaige and Lupe were missing, however. They were alone in one the long tunnels that crisscrossed the Wolfpack home.
“Do you accept, Kaige?” Lupe said as she looked at him with a serious contenance. “This is not something that can be taken lightly. As alpha female of this pack I need a strong alpha male. I can not allow a male weaker then myself to be my mate. My chosen must face me in The Challenge.”
“What is this Challenge?” Kaige asked.
“A test of strength and prowess, pitting the alpha female against the would be alpha male. In order for the alpha female to be taken as a mate, she must be subdued by the male. The pack needs a strong alpha male. I have chosen you because no other male has proven worthy. I believe you will.” She reached up and traced her fingertips along the dragon's snout.
“I accept your Challenge, Lupe.” Kaige said solemnly. He knew exactly what he was getting into and he welcomed it. He lowered his head again and kissed her and they held each other for several minutes listening to the other wolves enjoy themselves.
Lupe finally released the dragon and lead him amidst the others. She stood tall and proud as she addressed them. “I have led you these many years to the best of my ability, and I hope to lead you for many more years. However, I cannot continue to do so alone. An alpha female needs an alpha male. It is the way of the pack that there should be two alphas. For a long time I have not found one worthy to face me in the Challenge, that is until the past few nights. I have chosen Kaige and he has agreed to face me. If he proves himself worthy by defeating me in the Challenge, he will be alpha male of the pack.”
Canus spoke up with concern filling his voice, “But, Lupe, though we doubt not Kaige's abilities, he is not a wolf. How would he become alpha male?”
“It would not be the first time the alpha male of the Wolfpack was not a wolf himself. Our history has several precedences in times of need to seek out one of another species to be alpha male. All of them proved themselves worthy and all of them proved to have the same spirit as the wolves. I believe Kaige has a wolf's spirit. The Ancient Walkers sent him to us when we needed him, when I needed him. Are there any that would disprove of this?” Lupe looked each pack member in the eyes. None of them spoke out. “Then it is settled. Let the Challenge begin.”
The Wolfpack members cleared to the sides of the room to watch leaving Kaige and Lupe in the middle staring at each other. The rules for the Challenge were simple. Subdue your opponent. Injury was possible but the wolves were a particularly tough breed so it was rare. If anything was hurt, it was usually the pride of a defeated male. The two circled each other for a moment. Kaige had the height and strength advantage, but Lupe was quick and agile. Lupe made the first move attacking Kaige with a flurry of kicks and punches. Kaige brought his his large arms and deflected her blows easily until she caught him in the side of the snout with a roundhouse. His head whipped to the left with the impact. He faced her again snarling and advancing on her. He reached out to grab her but she nimbly jumped away. This was going to be a lot more interesting than fighting a SWATbot. Lupe had instinct and years of honed skill. This would be a very worthy challenge for the dragon.
Lupe advanced again, but Kaige was ready for her this time. When she kicked, he grabbed her foot instead of just deflecting it and pulled her off balance. His tail whipped around and snagged her foot that was on the floor and pulled bringing her off her feet and crashing onto the ground with a small yelp. Lupe quickly kicked free of his tail and tried to kick his claws from her leg, but they would not budge. Kaige held on with his vice-like grip. She snarled and twisted and turned but to no avail, the dragon would not let go. He pulled her toward him quickly lifting her up into the air. His claws slid up her body putting her into a fireman's carry on his shoulders. Before she could react she was spun around as he whipped her around to his front and delivered a slower more controlled Dragon's Bane then he would on a SWATbot. He did not wish to hurt her, only stun her. The wolf bounced off the ground getting the wind knocked out of her. As she wheezed trying to catch her breath, Kaige got on top of her pressing his weight against her back and twisting her arm behind her. For the final touch, he leaned forward and closed his jaw around her neck. She instantly tensed at the feeling of his teeth gripping her. It was not enough to hurt her but enough to hold her still. After a few moments like this, she relaxed and ceased struggling. He had defeated her. “I yield.”
Kaige immediately released her and helped her into a sitting position. “Are you alright?” He asked afraid that he might have hurt her.
“I am a bit winded but alright,” She said with a smile as she finally caught her breath again. “You have proven yourself worthy, Kaige.” She nuzzled under his chin affectionately. She then looked at the other members of the pack. “Leave us.”
The Wolfpack members filed out of the room as Lupe requested. Reyanard gave Kaige a thumbs up and Canus bowed his head in respect toward the dragon. Diablo grudgingly gave his respects as well. Kaige did something that he failed to be able to do himself. The two twins giggled and gave Kaige a wink as they left the room.
Lupe and Kaige sat there holding each other for a few minutes before Lupe shifted out of his lap. She stood before him and backed a few feet away. “You have proved yourself worthy by besting me in the Challenge. I know for sure now that the Ancient Walkers sent you to me.” She reached up with one paw and deftly unclipped the clasp behind her neck. Kaige watched her leotard fall forward and then down to the ground baring her body to him. She stood before him proudly. She was more beautiful than he could ever imagine, strong and feminine. “Alpha male, take your female.”
Kaige stood and walked toward her taking her paws into his larger claws. “I accept my alpha female.” Kaige tipped Lupe's muzzle up gently with a talon and kissed her. His claw ran over her back and pulled her form against his. He could smell her heat and arousal. Her scent filled his nostrils working its magic on his own body. Her paws tugged at the black shorts he was wearing slowly pulling them down and releasing his own arousal. She gasped as she looked down. Kaige was a healthy boy larger than any wolf she had seen. She gave Kaige a mischievous grin as she slid down to her knees.
For the next couple of hours they cared for nothing else other then each other. Two pairs of eyes watched them from the entrance. If Kaige and Lupe had been paying attention, they would have heard the hushed giggles.
'Ever since Kaige came back to Centerpoint Village from his outing to the Wolfpack two months ago, he has been acting very strangely,' Carmen mused as she wrote a bit in her diary. 'He keeps disappearing suddenly for days at a time and refuses to say where has been or what he has been doing. I'm going to find out what's going on if I have to drag it out of him!' She put her diary and pen down on her desk and stood. The koala stood and marched out of her hut with one purpose in mind, to get Kaige to tell her what he was up to.
It was still early morning. Carmen was an early riser and enjoyed the cool morning air. Kaige, however, was not and was still in his hut asleep. He had reappeared last night and went directly to his hut barely mentioning a hello to anyone. Carmen brought up her paw to his door and knocked forcefully. She heard some movement inside, but nothing more. Fed up, she turned the handle and pushed the door open revealing the spartan hut Kaige called his own. Kaige was lying on his stomach on his mat still asleep with a cover over him.
“Wake up, Kaige. You have some explaining to do,” Carmen said while tapping her foot impatiently. Kaige only grunted and turned his head away from her. “Don't you dare try to ignore me!”
Kaige groaned and pulled the cover over his head. “Come on, Carmen. I've had a long night.”
Carmen smirked to herself. If you wanted information out of Kaige sometimes it was best to ask him when he was tired. He would sometimes give you small bits of information without realizing it. This was one of those times. “And what were you doing to make it a long night?” She asked in a singsong voice.
“I was- Nothing. I was doing nothing.” Kaige's sleepy mind finally realized what Carmen was trying to do. She snapped her fingers. She almost had the dragon. Carmen looked down at the dragon and huffed as he tried to dose off again.
“Oh no, you don't!” She grabbed the covers and pulled them off of him revealing the half-awake naked dragon.
“Carmen!” Kaige's eyes snapped open as he tried to grab for the covers.
“It's not anything I haven't seen before, Kaige.” She sighed while pulling the cover out of his reach. As the village nurse, she had given Kaige several 'full' physical examinations. There was still a lot about his physiology that she didn't understand, but she was slowly learning more and more. A scent caught her nose. It was a new scent but definitely female and it was all over Kaige. She now knew what he had been doing but not who.“Who have you been with?” She said with a mischievous grin. Looks like Kaige had found himself a female companion somewhere and was too shy to tell the rest of them about her. Well, she was gonna get it out of him or else!
Kaige groaned. “I knew I should have washed in the river before coming back here. I was too tired.”
“Tired from what?” the koala asked. The grin grew wider. She was getting closer and closer to the answer.
Kaige reached over and grabbed his black shorts and pulled them on. “Nothing to worry about, Carmen.” He stood up as much as he could in his hut and walked toward his door. He stopped when he felt Carmen grab his tail and pull.
“Why are you being so secretive?” the koala said with a small lip wobble. “I'm your little sister, but you're treating me like an outsider. Do you not trust me anymore?” Tears started to form in her eyes. Kaige's refusal to talk to her was hurting her.
Kaige turned when he heard the soft sob and stared at Carmen. He faced legions of SWATbots without fear. He had looked Robotnik in the eye and grinned. He had flown into danger without a second thought to his own safety. But what sort of defense can you have toward the tears of a female koala? Whatever reluctance and resistance to telling her what he had been doing crumbled that instant.
“Lupe,” he said as he slouched in defeat. “I've been with Lupe.”
Carmen eyes nearly bulged out in surprise as she released Kaige's tail and fell to the floor. “How?! I mean, you're so... and... But...” She babbled incoherently.
Kaige smiled faintly as he sat down beside her. “Let's just say that wolves are a tough breed of Mobian. I'm alpha male of the Wolfpack and Lupe is my mate. I didn't know how you would react so I kept it a secret. I doubt, however, I would be able to keep it a secret for much longer.”
Carmen sat there absorbing the information he was telling her. 'Why would he have not been able to keep the secret much longer?', she wondered, 'unless....' “She's pregnant, isn't she?” Carmen asked with unbelief etched all over her face. Kaige just simply nodded. The unbelief changed to a look of mock anger. “You tell me and Eddie to keep our paws off of each other and then you go and knock up the leader of the Wolfpack?!” She pounced the dragon and tickled him mercilessly. They both laughed madly as they tickled each other and tried to prevent the other from tickling them. After a few minutes they laid there worn out and gasping for breath.
“Just think of it this way,” Kaige said with a grin. “You'll be an aunt.” That caused a big smile to come to Carmen's face. She would be looking forward to that. “Also, I wouldn't trust anyone else to take care of Lupe and our child during this time and afterwards. I don't know what to expect during her pregnancy and definitely not during the birth. Please tell me you'll help us.” Kaige looked at her seriously.
“Kaige, I would be honored,” She said hugging him tightly, “just as long as I get to babysit every once in a while!”
Word spread quickly in the village in the months to come. When Kaige finally convinced Lupe to come to Centerpoint so that Carmen could look after her and the baby, whispers flew even more. Lupe was now near the end of her second trimester and was showing her condition quite well. Kaige was growing more and more protective and only let very few come near his mate. Most curious folk were warded off with a growl. However Lupe would often rebuke Kaige and get him to let them near. She understood his reasons though. Her father was much like this when she was born from what her pack has told her.
Lupe grinned as she ran a paw lovingly over her protruding belly. Their child was growing just fine thanks to the constant care Carmen had been giving her. Despite being unhappy about leaving her home for the birth, she understood that with their unique circumstance it was best to have someone who best understood both wolf and dragon physiology. She and Carmen had become quick friends. She now knew why Kaige was so fond of his little sister. The koala was very sweet and caring. Plus she learned some things about Kaige that her mate would never have told her.
Carmen learned some new things about Kaige as well. She knew he was very caring but the level of gentleness and love he showed Lupe mirrored how she felt with Eddie. Carmen also enjoyed another female to gossip with as she examined the wolf. Carmen had a new found respect for the leader of the Wolfpack. Anyone that could handle Kaige like Lupe did deserved it. She finally got the nerve to ask Lupe one question in particular. “So what was Kaige like?” The connotation of what she was asking was obvious.
The wolf just broke out in a wide grin and giggled like she hadn't done in years. “I'll just say that Kaige has many talents and lots of stamina!”
Barren was really curious about the she-wolf and the baby that was growing within her. Many times the little cub could be found pressing his ear to Lupe's belly listening and feeling the baby within her. Lupe stroked his head happily. The young cub was absolutely crazy about her and her mate and she was becoming very fond of the cub herself. When Kaige returned not with just one but two hatchets for the young fox, Barren was ecstatic. Lupe personally made both of them. One was a dulled hatchet for the cub to play with and learn to use. The other was more ceremonial in look and the craftsmanship was outstanding. It was also very sharp. Kaige had explicitly told Barren that this one was not to be played with. It was a gift to Barren from the Wolfpack and should be treated with utmost respect. The fox obeyed and put the ceremonial hatchet on a mantle and kept it clean. The other duller hatchet was nearly always with him. When Lupe came to stay in Centerpoint for the duration of her pregnancy, he personally thanked her with a hug.
The weeks went by quickly but not quickly enough for Lupe. Her pregnancy was in its last stages and was becoming more uncomfortable. Walking was hard on her feet so she spent most of the time with them up on a stool when she didn't absolutely have to go somewhere. She thought of her mate fondly. He had been good to her in the past nine months. Kaige was always around when she needed him. He never complained or griped at her sometimes sudden mood swings. She loved him and he loved her.
“Mmm... Kaige, that feels good.” Lupe said with a contented smile. Her dragon was busy massaging her tired and swollen feet with utmost care. If Lupe was a cat, she would be purring loudly right now.
“Glad you approve, Love,” Kaige said grin. They were in the medical hut for probably the last check up before the birth. Carmen had gone through some great lengths to borrow Bookshire's ultrasound machine, and Kaige had a fun time getting it back to Centerpoint from Knothole. It wasn't a big machine, but it was very heavy. Lupe lightly kicked at Kaige when the dragon stopped massaging and started tickling the underside of her foot. He quit after she shot him a glare.
“Just think. We'll finally be able to get a sneak peek at our baby.” Kaige said as he gently set her feet down on the bed and moved to her side. He nuzzled and kissed her neck as his claw searched out her paw and clutched it tightly. The other claw caressed her belly gently. They both smiled when they felt the baby kick. Kaige moved his head down and kissed and nuzzled her belly. “Hello in there. I bet you're ready to come and play with your mommy and daddy, aren't you?” Kaige said in a soft voice. The baby kicked again and Kaige grinned proudly as he felt it. “It'll be soon I promise. Then you'll have a whole new world to explore.“ He slide back up to Lupe's head and kissed her. She wrapped her arm around his neck and held him there as they shared the moment of perfect contentment. They broke apart when Carmen entered the hut and politely coughed to get their attention.
“All ready?” Carmen asked with a sly smile as she watched Kaige get a bit flustered at getting caught again.
“Yes!” Lupe said. “I'm ready for all of this to be over!” She ran her paw over her belly. “And I think our child is to!”
“Well, I have the machine all hooked up and ready to go. Kaige, if you would be a dear and help your mate with her clothing, we'll get started.” Kaige nodded and did as the koala requested. He unclasped Lupe's leotard and gently pulled it down over her until it was below her belly. Leeta and Lyco had made her some looser maternity leotards that showed off her pregnant belly quite well and helped make her more comfortable. Wolf females were quite proud to be pregnant with their mate's child. They liked to show it off and let everyone know about it instead of hiding it.
Carmen put some special slime like substance on the ultrasound probe and turned the machine on. After letting it warm up she pressed the probe against Lupe's belly and began to slowly move it around. The three of them were transfixed on the screen showing the baby inside Lupe. It was definitely a wolf as they could make out the nose and ears and it looked to be in perfect health. They could see its arms and legs as it moved and kicked. Then Kaige saw something that made him light up.
“Is that what I think it is?” Kaige asked as he pointed to a spot on the screen. Carmen moved the probe into a better position. Sure enough, it was what Kaige thought it was.
“A wing?!” Carmen exclaimed. She quickly moved the probe to the other side of Lupe's belly and moved it up and down some. “And here's the other one! I don't believe it. This wolf's got wings!
Kaige broke out into a big grin as he looked from the monitor to Lupe. She was grinning just as big. “Figures, your DNA wouldn't just be recessive. I guess it had to manifest itself in some way.” Kaige went back to her and they nuzzled and kissed each other quietly. Their baby, while having two extra fully formed appendages, was as healthy as can be. Kaige's physiology probably helped in that regard as well, giving the baby a strong immune system along with the two wings. Carmen wrote down a few notes on a pad, turned off the machine, and left the two soon to be parents alone. She was grinning as well. She couldn't help it. This was going to be an interesting baby!
Lupe cried out as another contraction took place. Kaige carried her as fast as he could to the medical hut where Carmen was waiting. They had been eating breakfast with Barren and Tamara when Lupe's water broke. Kaige immediately sent Barren to tell Carmen it was time. The baby wanted out! The young fox obeyed immediately and shot off as fast as he could.
Carmen held the door open to the medical hut as Kaige carried Lupe in. He set her gently down on the birthing chair that the koala had ready and helped her out of her leotard. Tamara had come in right behind them and led the wide-eyed fox cub out. This wasn't the time for a biology lesson.
“Breath, Lupe! Just like I showed you,” Carmen said as she got some towels and hot water ready. Lupe started to do her breathing exercises amidst the contractions that were growing in frequency. Her tail went rigid behind her as she went through another contraction. Kaige was by his mate's side holding her paw and supporting her. He looked as if he were scared to death for Lupe.
Carmen quickly examined Lupe. “Oh my, this may be a quick birth. The baby is wasting no time at all! Push, Lupe!” Lupe gasped and bore down on a particularly hard contraction and then did her breathing exercises again. Tears of pain streamed down her face as she bit back a curse. When the next contraction came she bore down again. She gripped and squeezed Kaige's claw as hard as she could to help deal with the pain. Even with the dragon's strength, he looked to be in pain from it, but he never said a word.
“Ah, Kaige! I'll never let you touch me again!” Lupe yelled as another contraction hit her and she bore down again. Kaige just grabbed a cold, wet cloth and dabbed Lupe's forehead with it.
“I can see the head!” Carmen cried as the baby started making its way out the birth canal and into the world. “Just a few more pushes, Lupe!”
Lupe just grunted in response and pressed down again. She was going to kill Kaige when this was over! It wouldn't matter that this was her idea in the beginning. It was his fault! Lupe gave a few more pushes that caused her to scream out in pain and then heard the cry of a cub fill the hut. Any thoughts of doing Kaige harm were forgotten at that sound. She carefully sat up with Kaige's help as Carmen cleaned the wolf cub of the blood and other mess and made sure the windpipe was fully clear.
“Here's your son,” Carmen said as she carefully handed the exhausted newborn wolf to his equally exhausted mother.
Lupe smiled tiredly as the little wolf began to nurse. She kissed her cub's head and then looked up to her mate as Kaige watched the baby with the pride and joy only a new father could have. After making sure both mother and baby were cleaned up and okay, Carmen allowed Kaige to cut the umbilical cord. He did so very carefully afraid that he may hurt his son even though he knew the cub wouldn't feel it.
“Want to hold your son, Kaige?” Lupe said with a smile. Kaige nodded and carefully picked up the small cub in his claws. The wolf's wings batted a bit in the air and the cub grew fussy and let out a healthy wail until he heard his father's deep voice.
“I would love to.” Kaige said. The cub settled down and opened his big beautiful green eyes and looked at his father. “My son....” As Kaige looked back down at his little son in his arms, the dragon began to cry, tears streaming down his face unchecked.
“Something wrong, Kaige?” Lupe asked in concern.
“No.” Kaige said never taking his tear-filled eyes off the little bundle of winged fur in his arms. “He's perfect. He's absolutely perfect.”
The End
Author's Notes: Well, there you have it. This was my first
fan fiction venture and I must say I enjoyed every minute of writing this.
I hope you had just as much fun reading it.
This story would not have been made possible without the help and encouragement
of several of my friends. I would like to thank Illys, Chalcara, John Roberts,
and Jim Doe for helping me along and giving me feedback. Without you guys
I would never have gotten this done. In the case of Illys, I would have never
gotten it started since she was the one who convinced me to write a story
for my own contest. So if you hated it, blame her. :P Also, I thank John Roberts
and Jordan 'Scott' Dickey for allowing me the use of their characters which
are seen with Kaige along with other characters in RPG's on Jim Doe's message
board which can be found at http://neowebhog.proboards12.com/index.cgi.
Secondly, I would like to thank Ben Hurst and the other writers and artists
that brought us SatAM and created the great character that is Lupe.
Thirdly, I would like to thank the good folks at www.satamsonic.com,
www.trarr.net, and www.knothole.info for just being there and
being the good friends that they are. You guys are great!
Worship the Lupe for she is hot.