The Skulk was hurrying through the forest.
Modern turned to assess the health of the others. No one was without multiple scrapes and bruises.
The least hurt was Classic, whom Modern had protected. The reasoning was simple- if something happened to Classic, Modern would cease to exist, as Classic was the younger Modern.
The most hurt was Sat AM who had pushed AoStH out of the way of a crumbling building. It had fallen on Sat AM instead. AoStH and Classic were helping Sat AM keep up, and even though it was obviously difficult, none of them had complained.
Zooey flew overhead as a crow with orange stripes under her wings.
Looking over the skulk, Modern felt an overwhelming sense of love and compassion for each of them. They had survived 10 attacks together in the Village. This last time they were forced to flee.
Modern was shocked that all his friends had been reduced to stone splinters, but he knew he couldn't let that get in his way. He needed to keep the Skulk alive.
"I think we're far enough away," Modern said, "we can camp here."
Everyone was relieved.
"Finally," Boom muttered.
Classic and AoStH sat Sat AM down against a tree. He sighed, leaned back and closed his eyes. Modern had AoStH watch Sat AM while he organised the others in setting up camp.
Knowing Modern's pain,Classic stayed by his side, the two silently morning while they worked.
_______________________________________
The ARK was in an uproar.
"How is the Tails Trapper Sonic Stopper Container down?" AoStH Robotnik asked.
"How did you come up with that ridiculous name?" Classic Robotnik asked.
"That's beside the point!" AoStH answered.
"Where is the generator located?" Boom Eggman asked Modern Orbot.
"In the Modern Village and on Angel Island," Orbot responded, "the one on Angel Island hasn't turned on yet."
"Why not?" Sat AM Robotnik asked, a threatening tone in his voice.
"Because the Tails have camped on the border of the Modern and X Universes," Orbot replied without flinching, "we need to push them into the Modern Universe first."
"Oh, well in that case..." Sat AM started.
All grinned evilly, turned, then yelled,
"Robots, attack!"
X/Modern Universe Border
Sat AM woke up as the ground started to tremble. He froze in shock of the wall of robots headed for camp.
There was yelling and movement as the other foxes got ready to fight.
Modern, however, was watching grimly. Sat AM could see Modern didn't think fighting now, so soon after the last Village Battle, was a good idea. Plus, the shock of his friends' deaths had to be getting to him.
"Fall back," Modern called, and Sat AM was relieved.
AoStH and Classic helped him up and they followed the others in a retreat. Sat AM heard an electrical buzz start up.
"The force field was down," he realized, "we were out of the Modern Universe."
"Drat," Modern muttered.
"Are you kidding me?!" AoStH burst out.
"Oh well, nothing we can do about it now," Boom sighed.
The Skulk camped where they were.