Sage:
Skidding into a cave, the bike shut off. A steady stream of curse words flooded from my lips, Sunshine's attempt to marry me haunting me. Shuddering at the thought of her being my wife, the concept of it shook me to my core. Focus, I yelled at myself. Pulling the medical pack out of my bag on my bike, my gun still rested in her palms. Cutting off the dress, my breath hitched at the severity of her wound. Placing my jacket over her shoulders, the material hugged her hourglass figure. A chill ran up my spine, a flash of pink armor flashed out of the corner of my eyes. Her hand grabbed my wrist, her eyes fluttering open. Rough groans escaped her lips, her fingers refusing to let go.
"Here take your gun, and fight Sunshine. I designed her suit." She explained foggily, taking the needle from the medical bag. "Aim for her chest. The electrical shocks should paralyze her. I can stitch myself up." Sliding my gun to me, the blue light glowed brighter the moment I touched the handle. Kissing her clammy forehead, my mind flickered all of the types of guns that existed in the world. Her speed would prove to be a factor, Arty cursing with each stitch. Her footfalls pounded towards me, a short range weapon proving to be my only choice.
"Code name Hell's Angel." I commanded hotly, the gun shifting into a large pistol with an endless supply of bullets. "Aim bold and true." Finishing up her stitches, her quaking fingers tied a perfect knot. Resting against the cave wall, her staff doubled in size. Struggling to her feet, she collapsed to her knees. Wincing in pain, her staff clattered to the ground. Shrinking back down to its normal size, a growl rumbled in her throat. Shoving it back into her boot, fear widened her eyes as Sunshine popped up in front of me. My breath abandoned me, her ax inches from my face. Gripping the handle, my boot slammed into her chest. A crater formed underneath her the moment she crashed into an abandoned farmhouse. Arty popped up behind me, a wire gun glistened in her hands. Getting onto her haunches, her hands quivered as she aimed for Sunshine. Pulling on the trigger, the barbed wire slammed into her shoulder. Blood dripped from the wound, her hand holding her shoulder.
"Fuck you, Artica!" She screamed vehemently, attempting to rip it out. "Fuck!" Lightning traveled down the wire, Arty's hair and tail floating behind her. Her eyes narrowed, my gun aimed for the center of her armor. Yanking back the safety, my finger wrapped around the trigger. Arty's eyes widened with shock at her knowledge of who she was. Grabbing my hand, she lowered my gun. Yanking the princess towards her, she slammed her down on the ground. Digging my heel into her chest, her armor cracked off. Embarrassment burned her cheeks, the ivory silk slip barely covering her petite body. Cocking her head to the right, Arty coughed up another glob of blood.
"Did you really think you could outwit me, Princess Sunshine?" She taunted impatiently, kicking her up in the air. "I designed your armor. I know its weak spot. I tested at the top of every subject, ultimately beating out a robot. So how about you tell me everything you know. You are just a rotten brat." Kicking her up in the air once more, Arty's hand caught her by the throat.
"Just kill me already!" Sunshine pleaded, coughing up blood. "My father will just do it if I go back home with this failure of an attempt." Setting her down, tears welling up in Sunshine's eyes the moment Arty embraced her tightly. My heart melted at the sight of her aiding another lost soul, her ears dancing in the gentle breeze.
"I can't do that. I think you are awesome and powerful." She admitted honestly, lifting up her chin with her finger. "Your father is a monster, and kept trying to bribe me to do his bidding when I was the police chief. Besides, you almost beat me. How could I throw that all away? I plan on taking him down and putting you in his place." Ruffling the top of her hair, her real smile made us both blush a deep red, Sunshine shaking her head wildly.
"I can't because he tells me that I am too soft, and an idiot to actually care about the poor people." She protested bitterly, sinking to her knees. "He always says that the rich should stay rich, but I don't think that. I just want to help everyone! Why does he have to be so stupid! So I thought if I could capture you that he would finally accept me." Rolling her eyes, Arty crouched down to her level. Cocking her head to the right, confusion dawned on her face as Arty flicked her in the forehead.
"Stop feeling sorry for yourself, and join me in my team to take down the system." She offered kindly, helping her up. "What you just said makes you the best a leader could be. Always remember that. Power doesn't make a decent leader. Sure you can throw your weight around, but what does that accomplish at the end of the day? People live in fear now, and that only lasts a while. My plan is to take over without the people rioting. If they riot, they will kill them on the spot. Do you see where I am going? Oh shit, my stitches popped again. We need to head back, I promised a kid that I would spend the day with him. He really is special to me. I still remember the day I saved him. Do you want to hear the story while Sage stitches me back up?" Rolling my eyes, this was the typical Arty that I loved. Humming to myself, she barely complained as I stitched her up. Sunshine played with the hem of her slip, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"I suppose so. But do you know what they say about you in the capital?" She blurted out awkwardly, her fingernails digging into her thighs. "They say that you are the murderer of the prison warden. I don't see it. You didn't kill him did you?" Regret flashed in Arty's eyes, a tortured sigh escaped her lips. Tears welled up in her eyes, her fangs biting into her bottom lip.
"I did kill him but he would rape me every day during those two years that I was in jail." She admitted brokenly, claws growing from her fingernails. "I lost it and ripped out his throat with my fangs. Then I ripped out his heart with my bare hands, the guards coming in on me stabbing him over and over again with his letter opener. It wasn't my best moment. They didn't even bother to ask me why I did it! I didn't get a chance to explain myself! It was self defense, I promise." Both of our jaws dropped open, her eyes refusing to meet our shocked face. Struggling to her feet, tears flooded from her eyes. Her claws dug into the ground, a tortured smile struggling to remain on her face.
"Anyway, sorry about your shoulder. I will fix it when we get to our destination." She continued in a defeated tone, her hands crossing. "You guys can leave me if you w-" Sunshine smashed into her legs, stopping her from moving anywhere. Dragging Sunshine along the ground, she attempted to scurry up her legs.
"Watch the damn stitches!" Arty snapped venomously, Sunshine refusing to let go. "I show you one ounce of kindness and you are already humping me like a damn dog!" Jumping to her feet, the crack of Sunshine slapping her face stunning me. Grabbing a hold of her shoulders, Sunshine shook her violently. The whole scene seemed comical, a small smile curling on my lips.
"You are the fucking idiot in this situation!" She yelled passionately, embracing her warmly. "You were raped for two years before you snapped! I would have killed him the first night, and you know it! You could have run, but you choose to help people instead everyday. You risk getting caught just to save people from their executions. The citizens think you are a hero, the kids always wanting to be you. Don't let a little self defense murder get you down. I think you are awesome." Tears soaked her shoulders, Arty arms dangling at her side lifelessly.
"You really think that?" She stammered oddly, gazing up at Sunshine warmly. "Can I call you Sunny instead? Sunshine seems too pretentious." Seeing her like this reminded me of a small child who had just been scolded, the broken look in her eyes shattering me to pieces. Red and blue lights flashed in the city, my strong arms tossing her over my shoulders. Of course she would feel guilty about killing her rapist, my fists clenched tightly.
"This moment is lovely and all, but we have to go." I urged impatiently, my fingers typing in the code to change my bike. "Add a sidecar, Sirius." A whirring sound echoed in my ears, a silver sidecar clicking out of the side of my bike. Sunny hopped into the side car, her pink ax resting on her lap. Humming to herself, Ary was trying to forget her sadness for just a moment.
"Let's go, 'kay." Sunny chirped cheerfully, crimson burned her cheeks. "Arty, I meant everything I said. Don't you forget that you will always be my hero." Rolling her eyes, she flipped herself onto my bike. Sitting down in front of her, something else was eating at her. A single snowflake shimmered in her hair, my engine roaring to life. Speeding into the night, the tension in the air only grew the rest of the way home. Arty never smiled like the first time she rode on my bike, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. Pulling up to the entrance of the bunker, she leapt off before either one of us could say anything. Her tail was the last thing I saw, Sunny chasing after her. Hiding the bike in its spot, Arty was already in usual black armored sweatshirt and leather skirt. Mouse was screaming at her for bringing another person into the bunker, Arty tossing her around. Clutching her side, Mouse jumped onto her back. The two of them couldn't be any more of the opposite of each other, a wicked grin appearing on my lips once more.
"You can't do that much with those stitches." She teased cruelly, yanking on her ears. "Just tell me where you think she will be sleeping?" Arty's eyebrows twitched irritably, a wicked grin darkening her face. Maniacal laughter erupted from her lips, Mouse yanking away a bit harder.
"You just got yourself a roommate!" She retorted triumphantly, tossing her off. "Don't you know it's rude to play with someone's ears without permission?" Mouse rested on her stomach, her legs kicking in the air. A Cheshire Cat grin spread cheek to cheek, her finger playing with her hair. Sarcastic words sat on the tip of her tongue, just waiting to be released.
"I bet you wouldn't mind Sage yanked on your ears and tails. I heard that it makes you wetter." She teased gleefully, my hand grabbing Arty's shoulder. Wrapping my arms around her waist, the scarlet on her cheeks telling me that it was true. A dark cloud hovered over my head, Mouse shrinking back at my death glare. Being my little sister didn't excuse her poor behavior, Sunny skipping over to Mouse.
"I am so excited to be your roommate." Sunny exclaimed jovially, Mouse's face flushing a deep red. "Why are you blushing?" Hiding my smile behind my hand, she had met her crush. For years she had loved girls, my parents refusing to accept it. Hopefully Sunny enjoyed the company of girls as well, fury seething in my eyes at the new laws forbidding relationships between the same sex. Arty popped up behind me, my new outfit swinging in her hands. Pulling me into our room, she stood outside of the door as I changed. Stepping out, the lightly armored sweatshirt felt a lot more comfortable than the tuxedo. Checking her watch, the time read twelve twenty in the morning. Pulling a pair of gloves over her hands, my arms catching her from falling. Clammy sweat drenched her skin, a fever burning her cheeks. Attempting to squirm out of my arms, my strength kept her in check.
"You will get some rest damn it!" I barked furiously, her body dangling limply in my arms. "You need to sleep and let me disinfect your wound. I can't live without you!" My words broke her further, her head bowing in shame. Mumbling under her breath, her body quivered. Cupping the sides of her head, teardrops crashed to the floor.
"I'm not wo-" She began, my arms spinning me around. The tortured expression on her face broke my heart, the memory of the abuse flooding back to her. The only other time I saw her like this was when we failed to save a whole village of children from a kidnapper. Think of something to say to her to free her from her current panic attack. Why was I so bad at this? Why did she make me feel this way?
"I would have killed him for you." I promised sweetly, her face softening. "I would have been your hero. All you ever had to do was ask instead of just charging forward regardless of your condition." Wiping away her tears, her sad smile dimmed her face. Her gentle snores had swept her off to dreamland, a relaxed grin dancing across my lips. Laying her down on the bed, her hand wrapped around my wrist. Her eyes fluttered open groggily, her fang hanging over her bottom lip.
'"Please stay with me." She pleaded softly, pulling me onto the bed. "I don't want to be alone anymore." Facing me, her forehead rested against my chest. Gripping my sweatshirt, fresh tears poured from her eyes. Sobs wracked her body, my arms wrapping around her shoulders. Hooking her arms around my neck, her fangs brushed the nape of my neck. Sinking into my skin, goosebumps popped up on my skin. Gulping down my blood, her stomach wound sealed shut. My vision blurred, her hands cupping my face. Kissing my lips tenderly, something felt off. My heart beat rapidly, my hand clutching my chest. Breathing grew harder, each gasp taking more out of me. Falling off of the bed, panic quivered in her eyes.
"No, no, no!" She cried out, pacing back and forth impatiently. "What did I just do?" My lips parted to speak, darkness sweeping me into his rough arms.
My black mind space taunted me, scarlet covering my hands. A black rabbit hopped in front of me, its red eyes staring up at me. His fluffy tail wiggled, its ruby eyes blinking rapidly. Hopping into my arms, the paw smacked me across my face. Confusion dawned on my face, my mind wondering if this was a dream.
"This isn't a dream." A deep voice thundered, the lips of the bunny moving. "I am Shadows, your demon guide. The question is will you accept me. Let me explain, your stupid humans found us demons. Instead of killing us or leaving me alone, they trapped us all. Well at least our essences. Why else do you think all of the half breeds have red eyes? Funny thing is Miss Arty bit you. One of the little things known about the experiment is that it is contagious through a bite between lovers. Quick quiz, what did she just do?" Rubbing the back of my neck, Shadows bit my hand. What the hell was up with this tiny rabbit! Who did he think he was! No one bit me without permission, well Arty just did.
"Jesus Christ, you fucking dick!" I cursed bitterly, attempting to shake the damn rabbit off. "I will do whatever to stay by her side. Was that really the only reason she didn't want me to date her back then?" Releasing me from his fucking bite, he rested on my bleeding palm. Narrowing my eyes in his direction, another reason rested in his offer. What would he have to gain from me?
"Let's make a contract, my dear friend." He proposed curiously, cocking his head to the left. "You will let me devour all of your humanity, and you get to live. If you don't accept it, you die. The options are that simple. Say yes, and you get to see her. If you wish to accept, then hold up your right hand." Raising my right hand, she was all I needed. His paw pressed against mine, a strange black circle appearing on the back of my hand. A blast of black energy blasted me on my back, the tiny black bunny hopping up to my face. His onyx cotton ball tail tickled my nose, his fangs still dripping with my blood.
"The contract is done." He announced coldly, sitting on his haunches. "Now wake up."
Jerking awake, a frightened Arty gazing down at me. Teardrops crashed onto my face, her hair hanging around her face like a curtain. Her hands cupped my face, her lips kissing mine feverishly. Collapsing onto my chest, guilt poisoned her sweet gaze. Passing me a beat up handheld mirror, her eyes refused to look into mine. A quick glance at my reflection caused me to toss the mirror into the wall, the glass shattering all over the floor. Feeling the sides of my head, two dark green rabbit ears hung on the side. Knocking Arty to the ground, the room spun around me. My black lips reflected back up at me, my one red eyes clashing with my left sage eye. Collapsing to the floor, Arty pulled my head onto her lap. Playing with my ears, a fit of laughter burst from her lips. Her mind sought the silver lining in the storm clouds, her fingers tracing my lips. Shivers of bliss shot up my spine, my heart begging for more moments like this.
"You look so sexy to me, your ears turn me on more." She chirped cheerfully, kissing my forehead. "I am sorry that I did this to you. I didn't know that this would happen. I hope you can for-' Getting on my knees, my lips locked with hers passionately. Cupping her face, the guilt had melted away. A wave of relief crashed over me, the serene look on her face pleasing me.
"Okay, then." I sang out happily, not caring what I looked like to anyone else. "As long as I turn you on." Collapsing into my arms, her snores told me that she once again was slumbering in my arms. Dragging myself to the nearest wall, sweet slumber soon swept me away.