Greetin's weary travelin readers! (work with me here bros, I am runnin out of random material I guess).

Hey guys, I'm back! Hope you've all been well. FINALLY on Spring Break (if you count good Friday and a weekend a 'break). I've got some big news that I don't know how you'll react to. So, let's put more positive in front of the negative (said the girl with no positivity what so ever).

News: Since I've been very busy with school work lately, projects and club activities as well, I haven't been catchin' up on my writin. In fact, I am so behind, that I have decided this action: I'm ending the story. Now now, before you make faces and start yelling at me, look. I was thinking about this a lot yesterday on my way home. This is the 24th chapter. Do you know what chapter I'm writing right now? 27. (technically speaking, I was lazy and didn't feel like writing the last few lines in the 26th chapter ^^;;). And so, I see that I need to end the story faster than I had planned. I've been working on this for almost 3 years, most of my high school life. And I have other stories I want to work on (if you haven't already seen them on my profile which you should so totally be thinkin about lookin into). I wanted to make this story 30 chapters long... And looking at it from 24 chapters you'd say, "Girl are you crazy you can do it, it's only 6 more chapters!" I know, but by the time I actually finish, it might be too late. Plus, my boyfriend (who actually read my story till maybe around the 5th or so chapter then gave up which doesn't make me sad DX), said I should've ended this story a bit ago. Maybe I should have, it is getting quite long. But, he doesn't like readin so I blehed him. So, in shorter terms, I'm going to post this chapter, then take a break so I can finish writing this story and get to work on other ones. Gosh, I thought I was going to talk less .-. Sorry guys. If that confused you, don't worry, ya ain't alone.

Anonymous Reviews:
Christian Ape99- I'm glad I always your support. Glad you stuck along this long.

Ivy characters belong to me.

Chapter 24: Challenge Accepted

"I can't believe that he would do something like this... That old... ughhh!" Ivy was mad. No, she was steamed. NO, she was mad that she was so steamed and therefore was equally pissed. Why would her commander do such a stupid thing?

"Ivy...It's um...time." She heard her slightly younger sister say behind her timidly. Ivy looked over her shoulder to eye the girl. She was just as beat as she was. Ivy looked down at her now well bandaged arm and sighed.

"Alright Merly...let's get going..." The female captain ushered the other out of the room. She herself followed suit. They had arrived at the base about an hour ago, no thanks to Ron and his stupidity. They almost died, all of them!

"You're not gonna do...anything Ivy-like are you?" She asked as they walked out of Ivy's room and headed to the elevator. Ivy's face drew a blank as she pushed the down button but it reverted back to the one filled with anger.

"Oh, I can't keep that promise. Whatever happens, happens my dear.." Ivy said with a grin that was from the devil as the doors close. Merlinda sighed.

"One day Iv, you'll see what kind of serious damage you can cause..." Merlinda said, like she was tired and annoyed at the same time with Ivy.

"Sorry Sis, but I don't think that day would come. Especially at this moment. We're going through more important crap than dealing with my issues and-"

"Um ladies, would you mind getting out of the elevator? You don't want to be late, or miss this." Oh, it was Miskit. Ivy looked up at him. and when she looked behind him she instantly blushed. For behind him was the last person she wanted to see her, especially like this.

It was Raldo, smiling slightly as if he was trying to not laugh as the really red fox.

"Don't you dare try to freaking laugh at me!" Ivy said without thinking. That was when Raldo broke into a soft laugh. Ivy hated herself for loving it.

"now now Ivy, there's no reason to be pissed and use such harsh language against me, right~?" He said softly, trying to take a step towards her. Ivy reacted quickly.

"NO, stay away from me! I'm suppose to be pissed, especially with you! All of this shit is your fault!" And with that, she ran past the guys, purposely shoving into Raldo as she headed down the hall.

"You didn't need to do that you know.. You know how Ivy feels about all this crap.. Meet us down there and don't make things any worse than they already are." Merlinda shot Raldo a look he should recognize when she was upset. She also gave Miskit a look that probably meant she trusted him to keep the peace just as she rushed off to catch up with Ivy.

"I'm guessing I'm going to be in the dog house with those two for awhile, huh?" He chuckled, but his face was full of seriousness. Miskit didn't reply. He just started to walk away slowly from the wolf.

"What else would you call it?" Came his final reply, and Raldo could hear and practically see the smugness in his voice and face. Miskit was enjoying this. Quite much.

XxX

"Oh, Captain Ivy, and Miss. Jones... you two are... early... Why-"

"That is not important Ron, just let the girls in..." A voice that was dark but feminine spoke out from behind Ron. He instantly grimaced, and moved out of the way so the girls could walk in.

Only a bit deeper in the room did they see a life sized hologram of the High Commander Jade who, was dare I say, was smiling slightly.

"Welcome ladies. I've been waiting for this moment all day. It is grand to finally meet you both." She said with another Jade smile, though her eye showed no amusement in it what so ever. Merlinda instantly bowed respectfully. Ivy hesitated. She couldn't believe that Jade, the High Commander, was speaking to her and looked glad (more or less) about it.

"Um, the pleasure is all ours Ma'am..." Ivy said finally slowly bowing. Jade's face drew back to a serious one after that.

"Keep her around Commander Ron, she gives me this feeling... Positive of course..." She smirked, letting them all know not to comment on what had been said. "Where are the other two? You said that my own captain and some man in your facility went along with these two. Where are they?" Jade's eye was sharp on Ron, who immediately looked uncomfortable.

"They should be on time... these two came early remember? I am quite sure that you heard me say those-"

"ENOUGH, Ronald. I did hear you, but I'm a bit pressed for time here. Show me some respect and don't forget your place so maybe I'll give you some." Jade interrupted the male commander, a low rumble deep within her throat which made Ron shut up.

"Forgive me..." He said after a minute..

"This is so awkward... and so wrong..." Is the only thing that Ivy could say to herself. Merlinda did hear that and shook her head in agreement. "Ohh guys, please hurry up and get here!" Ivy whined in her head.

"My my Mistress Jade, I wouldn't think I would see your beautiful self until I returned to your side. It is good to see you earlier than that." Speak of the devil, the charmer and the friendly lover walked in at the best moment possible. Raldo's face didn't change from it's charming warm glow while Miskit looked like he was about to puke.

"Oh, Lieutenant Miskit. You look enough to be a promising young man... And my dear boy Raldo... you can say that I believe..." Jade's voice was suddenly quieter than it used to be.

"Um...yes... Anyway, we have brought you four in here today to discuss something important... The issues that are occurring..." Ron started. "I, am a bit disappointed on your actions... Ivy, you are the main cause of it... Raldo had his moments as well... And even though you two didn't do anything, you didn't do anything about them... I was hoping, if not praying that you would be the most powerful, and unstoppable... team. And now look at you, one of you is injured! That, I can see at least!... I just can't stand to believe-"

"Commander, that's enough..." Jade spoke. Ron looked back at Jade. "Yes, they had their moments of distractions and failures... But, they did what most of the others could not do. I, for one, congratulate the four of you on your excellent performance." Performance... That word just didn't sit right with Ivy. But, she'll decide about that later. Now was the time to at least take in a 'complement' from the high commander herself.

"Thank you Ma'am... But I am hoping I am not pushing any buttons when I ask this: Why are you talking with us really?" Okay, good moment's gone. Ivy was questioning the high commander. Ron and Raldo looked appalled. She would dare question the mighty Jade?! But, to their surprise, she thought nothing of it. She actually smirked.

"My, nothing gets past this one... But, to answer that, it was due to a bit of free time surprisingly and I wanted to discuss something with you..."

"Discuss! Like a raise and a higher rank!" Is what she wanted to say so badly at the moment. "Interesting. What?" Is all she could say then.

"Glad you feel that way. I want to discuss about what you did when I sent the orders to attack." Jade said plainly. What... did she say? Ivy must of misheard her, for it sounded like she said...

"You... You said it... You were the one that told them to do all of this?" "I can't believe it... I thought it was Ron who gave the others the orders to reek havoc on-why?" "Yeah, why?" Ivy apparently didn't have to wait for Jade to even admit that it really was her. She frowned.

"Why? Why? Why my dear child, how could I not? Obviously you don't know the girl like I or even Raldo does... She may not look nor act like it, but she's a goodie child. Zera doesn't like people, but she likes to protect the innocent. If she heard the place that she was getting use to and could even call home is up in fear and so many other things, she'll play the super hero. The perfect time to catch her off of her guard and bring her back so she can do-" Jade let herself be cut off.

"That doesn't make this any better! Innocent people are lost, confused, hurt, and panicking! What would they think of us, you, then?" Ivy said. Uh oh... She's being hysterical. Merlinda was caught in between to what to do.

"It was a simple price to pay I would say. I don't even know why you bothered to be these people military or however you put it. They should trust you in your decisions anyway. They seem like they can take care of themselves."

"Not children! Not old people! Not drunk people! I don't care if it's to capture the Project, I just don't want to bring innocents into this! They've done nothing!" Ivy shouted. She didn't care if she was one of the most important people in the organization, you just don't do that type of crap to people! Jade didn't seem fazed by Ivy's shouting.

"Captain, may I remind you of two things: A, you did involve and endanger an innocent while away on your mission. B, some of the innocent, aren't so innocent. That blue hero pest and his pesty little organization have been trying to stall us since Day 1 of her arrival. Don't tell me this all grew on you, did it? Being all 'oh no, instead of doing my job I should protect the widows, the orphans, and the blah blah blah.. Heh.." Jade's voice got a pitch higher, as if to laugh and mock her. Jade may not laugh but she does know how to mock people. Quite well.

"...Maybe it has..."

"..." Jade just looked at Ivy, long and hard with her devil eye. She moved closer to Ivy. "Well, don't. You're a soldier, a perfect captain at that. You shouldn't or ever be having these, these... feelings things on your missions dear." She sounded disgusted; she even looked it too. Ivy grinded her teeth together. She just about had it.

"With all due respect High Commander Jade, but I honestly don't give a flying damn about what you say or want me to do. I do my job my way, and I still get it done in perfect harmony. So I bid you good day. And as for the rest of you," Ivy turned herself to face the others staring at her in full fledged horror. "I wish you all the best of luck with this evil insane woman." And Ivy stormed out with nothing else to say.

"Ivy, come back!" Everyone was surprised at who shouted at the retreating fox, even the shouter themselves was shocked.

"Raldo." Jade's voice was sharp. Raldo would have jumped if he wasn't already numb with fear...ish pain. His eyes looked up and her and he immediately regretted doing that action. He wanted to cry or crawl in a corner and rock back and forth. Jade's colorful eye was staring him down like a kid who just got lucky by killing a fly like a ninja.

"Yes, my-"

"DON'T..." She sighed, as if this one small meeting was draining her from this dimension. "Don't associate with Ivy for the time being. I will be talking to her myself. But what I want from you, and your accomplices now, is to listen." Jade said simply. Merlinda's ears perked up a bit. Raldo was immediately intrigued.

"Tell us, what exactly are you brewing in you mind that's always full of- um, brilliant ideas." That was probably the most awkward save (if you could even call it that) that he had with Jade. Jade didn't say anything for a long moment, as if she was debating is she should strike him down or not.

"Well, Commander Ron, I might not let you have a 'taste' of this 'brew' that I have. I might only share with these three due to your un commander like behavior."

"But you can't tell them to do something without my knowledge. I have to know what my own are doing, you know that." Ron was too quick to respond. Jade glared at him for a moment, then her face uncurled.

"Yes... I know that Ron. You must learn how to take a joke..." Jade said, the tone of her voice was something... unrecognizable. The male commander only made a sour face.

"Yeah, for you know exactly how all of those goes..."

"Then forgive myself High Commander Jade. Please, you may continue to speak of your plan now." Ron said, his face showing his upmost and fake respect he has for Jade, but his eyes show how he really felt. Jade knew this, and she didn't care. She could and did it right back at him.

"Thank you... It's very simple, but I know it can become drastic when it has to: Since we already know she likes to play hero and the chaos would draw her out like a moth to a light when she catches whiff of it, I only want you three to complete this part..." She paused. "Perhaps not Raldo since he manages to screw up a simple capture and return. You'll just be there to keep her calm since she has grown a likeness to you which you can't deny saying so." Raldo felt a grumble in his throat, and anger somewhere in his body as to being dubbed useless by his own commander in front of the people that shouldn't need to hear it. Glad Ivy left then, he definitely couldn't live with her hearing that. Jade pretended that she didn't see this. And this made her eye sparkle with glee. She wanted him fired up for what was about to come. "You'll have to weaken her well enough for her to return to G.U.N. Then, after she's prepared, return her home."

"Wait, what?" Merlinda blurted out. Jade looked at her, almost fiercely. "You want us, to bring her to you? Pardon my French Commander Jade, but have you lost your fucking mind?!" Merlinda questioned the most powerful person she knew. Somehow through that, Jade was... Jade smiling.

"I might have lost my fucking mind when a certain brat had started to grow up..." She sighed, "But, that is not important to the issue we all know of. I know that might be a bit harsh, but she will move soon; she can't help it. And she can't help what's all about to come to her..." the hologram turned away from them, as if she was thinking this over. "...And she deserves it all too..."

"Um... Commander Jade?" This was the first time everyone has heard Raldo sound scared. Commander Ron could speak personally on the subject. When his nephew was no more than just a boy, he had the silly yet kinda adorable fear of coconuts. His voice could go up an octave if he was nervous or trying to prove to his parents that he wasn't afraid of the spinning fruit on the floor. Commander Jade finally looked back at her captain.

"What is it Raldo?" He tone came out surprisingly bored, unlike her tone just a minute ago.

"What if..." He was already crossing the line; Jade hated hearing the line 'what if', but this had to be said. "Say, what if Sonic and the others try to get in our way? What are we suppose to them?" He asked, slightly ducking near Merlinda when Jade would explode.

"Simple: You take them out." She didn't. He looked up at her, shocked.

"Come again?"

"I know you can hear me Captain, wolf ears are perfect. I give you the order to take them out."

"Permanently? But-"

"NO you fool! I would never give you the order to do something so risky and idiotic. Getting rid of national heroes is suicide!" Jade snapped, but it was only for a moment, as she went back to her calm state once she noticed the feel of a vain popping from her forehead. "I only meant, you have the full right to take down anyone, even them, if they stand in our way. I want you to break them..." She said it in the most simple way, but her voice made it sound like it was death.

"Oh... I see... Yes Ma'am, I understand..."

"Glad you see it my way and understanding. Are there anymore questions that must be answered?" She waited for someone to speak up. Everyone was just too afraid to ask anything. "No more? Really? Great. Now I shall leave all of you to your work and preparations. Commander Jade, out." And with that, her image dissolved until nothing was there anymore. Silence filled the room for a good, long time.

"My my, this must be my lucky day... I have to go face the mini demon but is still a big demon... I bet you I won't make it back alive facing wither of them." Raldo said quietly, now walking and about to leave.

"Whoa wait, what are you talking about? Who are you talking about? Who is a little demon? Of who?" Merlinda had to keep asking questions. Why would he talk like this?

"I'm talking about Zera... being the smaller demon but is still just as powerful as the real demon... Jade..." And with that he left the room, leaving the others in wonder on what the next move of Raldo McDemin would be.

XxX

"I can't believe that woman! Why would you do such a thing? innocent people are scared to death out there, slowly losing their minds and trust in us... Not even I would do something so... I can't even describe it..." Ivy was storming down the halls of G.U.N, quite upset that the high commander had practically lost her marbles.

"You feelin' alright there Cap'n?" A voice that she seriously did not want to hear or see at this moment called out to her. It was Roger, and she wasn't gonna stop her pace just to talk to him.

"Busy." She grumbled, having a very hard time to keep her temper down. And knowing him, she'll lose it soon if he followed her. Maybe she should run a bit faster so he wouldn't catch up.

Not that that had mattered. He strode right beside her in a matter of seconds.

"Oh, that's too bad. I'm not too busy to see you, Ivylin.~"

"That isn't my name, and you know it Roger. Don't you have a job to do?" She asked him slowly, feeling her own ears burn with red. She doesn't want to deal with him now, she can't deal with him right now...

"My only job right now is to watch you work~. So, where are you headed?" And he made the gravest mistake of the day, probably his entire life.

He grabbed her from behind; held her arm.

She immediately nailed him down to the ground, teeth bared and ready to bite, kill. The smile he actually had flew off his face.

"Never touch me in any sort of manner. Understand?" She looked at him, seeing the oh so delicious fear playing in his eyes. "Good. Now back to your post." She got off of him with a hiss, and left to her new destination without another word. Roger, was practically melted to the floor.

"My my, being out in the field can sure change a woman." He somehow managed to chuckle as he pulled himself up. "Wow..." Was all he could say as he started to walk in the opposite direction.

A certain type of smile now at his lips.

XxX

"Um, Captain Ivy!... What a lovely surprise. Er... why are you here exactly?" Dr. Martinez was actually surprised to see one of her daughters, especially this early. She had heard of the tram's early return. She was instantly concerned for their well being. Ivy was standing, more like hovering, over her mother to see what they were working on today.

"Just felt like stopping by." She said simply, her eyes never leaving her mother's hands. This is the... well, not exactly the first time, but the first time in awhile that Ivy had freaked out her mother. She sighed when she realized what was going on.

"Georgia, please take care of this for me, I'm going to gave a quick meeting with the captain." Of course, she didn't wait for an answer from her of course, as she dragged her captain of a daughter out of the room.

"...I really think these people are strange.." Was all Georgia could say as she tended to Dr. Martinez's work.

"Ivy honey, what is the matter with you?" Dr. Martinez sais as soon as they could have some privacy, which was in an empty conference room. Ivy looked at her mother dead in the eyes.

"I thought I knew what I wanted... what I wanted to be... Jade ruined that for me..."

"Whoa, hold up, you're talking about Jade right? Commander Jade? The High Commander Jade?! You spoke with her?!" This was probably the worst news she heard all week. She hasn't met with the female commander before if her memory served her right, but she heard the rumors about her. And if Ivy talked with Jade... "You didn't get fired, did you?" She asked, fear gripping at her motherly heart. Ivy actually smiled the first time today.

"No Mom... I think I actually... interested Jade with my argument, attitude, and of course my classic charm..." Of course, she was smirking now, but her eyes... just didn't seem to match.

"Then... what happened honey? Why are you acting like you're out of it?" She tried to ask Ivy carefully but worry took over. Ivy stared at her for a good long moment, looking like she didn't know herself. Maybe she didn't.

"I can't follow my dream..." She said it simply. Her mother was frozen. Ivy... giving up on her dream? No, no, that wasn't something her daughter would say or even think. This just isn't...Ivy.

"Why?... What did she do to you?" She tried to ask.

"She was the one Mom... She was the one that gave out the order to go and attack them... Give them all hell and raise a panic... And I wanted to be her... Heh, I guess maybe I am like her..-"

This was when a cold hard Hispanic slap came upon her cheek.

"Don't you dare think such things young lady! You and that evil woman are nothing alike! You have an actual heart, while she just has a beating hole of darkness!" Was she being hysterical? In a way no, she was a parent after all. It was almost funny. Ivy let out a dry chuckle.

"Please Mother, I think that slap was a bit unnecessary..." She let that hang in the air for a moment, then turned to go sit in one of the empty black chairs. "We do similar things, and have our similarities. I, we, like to do things our own way. We like to take risks and love the life of thrills... We're both dangerous... And that is something we both can't escape..." She leaned deeper towards the back chair, almost slumping.

"Ivy..." What else could she say? she couldn't prove all of those wrong... "...But, you're the one who all of that for good, you're still the one that has the pure heart, the one that's friendly, the one who actually has friends... Hell, you can just care Ivy!" Her mother exclaimed.

"Yeah, I know."

"THEN WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU MAKING THIS SEEM LIKE A BAD THING!?"

"I don't know."

"YOU KNOW DAMN WELL KNOW WHY YOU ARE ACTING LIKE THIS!"

"I'M SCARED!" Absolute silence. "... I'm scared Mom, almost terrified... What is happening out there is my fault... I feel like I just killed someone that I hadn't meant to..." Ivy stated, fingers trembling on the arm rests of the chair. Dr. Martinez smiled slightly.

"Oh, my hija..." She held her daughter's shaking hands. "None of this is your fault...No." She had to think that one over. If they wanted to go into depth and detail with it, then yes, it was the small team's fault that all of this chaos was happening. But they weren't, so she wasn't going to make Ivy anymore depressed than she already was.

"I just feel... guilty... What can I do to make it stop?" She looked down at the mother kneeling in front of her, now holding her hands tightly. Now Dr. Martinez smiled.

"Well, I know you might yell at me for this, but there's only one thing you can do..." She waited for Ivy to grow her curious face. "Just do what you do best."

"...You're right, I am going to yell at you. WHAT I DO BEST GOT ME INTO THIS SITUATION IN THE FIRST PLACE!" Ivy didn't hesitate to do so. And her mother took the shouting and the bit of spray to her face with the calmest one she could make.

"Ivy, I may have not been with you on that mission, but I know you and know how you act. You weren't fully being you... And I think we both know why that is but I don't want to say it so you would be embarrassed and smack me upside my head." Ivy's dry chuckle came up again. "The point is, I know you know what you have to do. You just had a hard time seeing it." And then she stood up, allowing the female fox to stand up as well.

"Okay okay Mom, I get it... Thanks." She said, now feeling awkward and weird about this scene now. Lily just smiled.

"Of course. What else is a mother for?"

"Feeding me, and to not tell people what goes down." Ivy said with a classic smirk, her confidence and herself finally back as she walked out the door. Of course, she was asking a rhetorical question, but it made her feel better that she knew her Ivy was back.

"Yeah, that's why I'm here Ivy..."

And they both knew they were both here for each other for so much more than that.

XxX

"Ivy! Oh... um, what are you doing here?" Raldo was the first to speak after the five minute stare down the two had been in, and they both knew how awkward it was.

Ivy didn't know why he was here, what he wanted, or why he would even ask her such a stupid question. All she knew was that she wanted him out. Now. But instead...

"You've got 2 minutes to explain why you're in my room and snooping through it as well." Was all she could say without losing her temper. Again. She leaned against the door frame, waiting somehow patiently though her eyes spelled out murder against the male wolf.

"How in the world am I suppose to explain this when I don't even know how I ended up like this?" Raldo was in a serious pickle, trapped in a jar of peanut butter. Extra crunchy then when Ivy eats him alive. He was just wondering around when he wanted to go and check up on Ivy. He didn't even knew were her room was exactly, or how he knew it was unlocked. He just walked in and saw that she didn't run in here. He was actually was about to leave the female's room, when the smarter part of him told him to stay. It was the perfectly perfect opportunity to do some digging on Ivy Martinez. So, he was forced back into the quarters and did some snooping. At least, he tried to until the owner of the room came barging in. Oh, who was he kidding? He was the barging in person.

"One minute and counting. Use it wisely." She growled at the male wolf, eyes now narrowing. She was soon going to attack him, he knew it. He guessed it was better to come clean.

"I was worried about you after you ran out of the meeting. I wanted to go after you but Jade forced me to not associate with you. When it was actually over, I went looking for you. I thought you would be in your room. But when I saw that you weren't and didn't have the blankest idea where else to look, I just decided to wait in here till you returned. I got a bit bored, so I decided to entertain myself... I'm still not lying when I say this Ivy, but you really are the most interesting woman I have ever met." Okay, so that wasn't the complete truth talking and he added that last line to try and throw her off guard. Instinct of charm and trying to not get caught doing a job taking took over his mouth. But... it's still a good thing somehow. Ivy, now having turned her head turned away from him to the redish color on her face, chuckled.

"Alright, I guess I can forgive and forget and choose to believe you..." She said softly, now walking closer to the male captain and sat at the edge of the bed, opposite to him. Awkward silence filled the air.

"So, pigtails huh?" Raldo managed to chuckle out, then broke out into full laughter when Ivy leaned over to punch him in the arm, at least playfully.

"Shut up!" She squealed like an actual girl. "That was so back in the kid days!"

"And even a bit during intermediate school. But it's okay, I think you were cute when you where little and even now, despite being completely scary and a tough cookie." Oh gosh did that really come out of his mouth? Ivy's smile completely vanished.

"Oh..heh, is that what you really think of me? This whole time I was wondering what you really thought of me, and now I know...Thanks.." She said quietly.

"No no no no no, I didn't mean to say that! God, I'm such an idiot!" "Ivy look, I-I, didn't mean it like that! I mean, you are all those thing, but that's not all I think of you! You're also very clever, kind, friendly, mysterious,...beautiful..." Okay, he let that one slip when he hadn't meant to. But, it seemed to have made Ivy feel better. Her cheeks turned a rosy color.

"I'm beautiful?... Really?" Not only did she sound nervous, but she also looked it too. Perfect, she let herself be vulnerable to him. Time to strike.

"Yes... very. Like I said before, it's your eyes that are the most hypnotizing about you.." He said softly. Funny thing was, he doesn't know what he was doing now. He stroke her cheek gently, letting everything else around them melt away. He scooted closer to her. And, by surprise, she got a little closer.

"Hmm...That's actually sweet of you...Raldo..." She smiled slightly and let it stay, her eyes never leaving his.

"Hey you actually smiled at me instead of growling at me! It's cute.." He let his thumb trail over her slightly parted lips. "Especially these... and the smile you never let me see.

"Ra-raldo...I um-" She tried, but she actually stuttered, making her eyes widen a bit and the cheeks glowed.

"No need to talk... I know what you mean..." How in the hell was she suppose to respond to that? She looked at him again.

"Kiss me.." She whispered, now realizing how close they got to each other, and how incredibly stupid that was. Raldo was just looking at her with unreadable eyes. Her face blew up. "No, no, I-I'm sorry, I d-didn't mean to-"

Of course she couldn't finish her rambling sentence when her lips were captured in what she could say was honestly the best kiss of her life. Mainly because she didn't do a whole lot of kissing in her time. Merlinda certainly wasn't lying.

"Knock knock." Speak of the devil. The poor captains nearly had a heart attack when they heard that sweet evil voice. Raldo jumped away from the female fox. Merlinda the leopard stared them down, trying her best to not flip out on the two. "So, this is where you've been hiding Iv, and where you ran off to Raldo." Merlinda said, her voice as cold as ice.

"Merly, this isn't what it looks like! Nothing was going on, I swear!" Ivy started, trying to not just crawl on her knees and beg for mercy. Raldo just remained on the bed, completely immobile. Ivy kept walking closer to her best friend, hoping if not praying that her friend wouldn't strangle her and... Raldo. Her eyes sure were spelling it out.

But to her surprise, she just smiled. "I believe you kid. I can see that nothing happened here." She was playing dumb and they both knew it. "But I can't accept the fact that you had to walk out of the meeting like that. You missed something pretty important.. But, we'll fill you in along the way. Meet up with Misky in the Training Facility and he'll tell you everything." She didn't want to hear Ivy say anything so she swatted her on the bottom to make her get out of the room faster. Once she was sure Ivy was in the elevator, she glared at the man sitting on her sister's bed. "Next time (if I even let there be a next time), close and lock the door behind you. Don't think I don't know what kind of game you're playing at kid." Merlinda hissed at her old friend.

"Do you now? Know what I'm playing?" He knew he shouldn't have said anything, especially like that, but he was pissed at Merlinda for ruining his moment of magic. He only made it worse when he smirked up at her.

"Oh yes, now I'm the new player...again..." Now she smirked over her shoulder at him when she knew she got a good stab at him. "Just... stay away from her." And she slipped out of his sight. He chuckled.

"So she knows she was in my game...Hmm...I guess she hasn't out used her usefulness for me... I like this..." He said to himself. He slowly stood up, and decided to go join the others.

XxX

"I can't believe that just happened! That was a kiss, a first kiss with Raldo! And then my paranoid of a sister had to ruin the actual and probably only romantic moment I had with that wolf... Oh, that was a kiss..." Ivy sighed to herself, replaying the memory over and over, touching her lips to think there was still a tiny taste of him there.

"My my, look at who finally felt like joining the team. Feeling any better?" Miskit's voice popped Ivy's bubble of imagination. Maybe she should pop him... No, that wouldn't solve anything.

"Um yeah... Sorry about that... This won't be bad, would it?" She asked, though she knew the answer already. She just wanted to hear it to be sure.

"I think you know...So I won't say it. But, I must tell you that we'll be heading out soon. Jade's orders, so you know you really can't ignore them. You're not dealing with Ron anymore, if not for the moment."

"Oh, is this a challenge, eh?" Ivy immediately snapped into action. "So Jade doesn't think I can handle it out there if it's just his orders, hmm? Oh Commander Jade, you don't even realize who you just challenged. So, I accept your little challenge." Her eyes grew a dark shade, making her look more devilish. Miskit didn't know if she was talking to him, or just having her moment of job crazy.

"Yeah, sure. She was challenging you Ivy. Hope you win then." He chuckled for a moment. Ivy was a bit silly when she was serious about something. Of course, he saw the look and color of her eyes warned him that Ivy was about to come out.

"I always win kid, one way or another I always do. Jade isn't the one who does."

"Well, glad you have the spirit to go out there and fight the good fight since that's what we need right now." Raldo stepped in, walking over to the other two. Merlinda came in a minute later, the evil aura around her had somehow disappeared.

"Oh yes. I don't think Miskit told you everything. Since the Project is also like a hero, we'll be on the scene to take her down and out... We have to prepare her for Jade...We'll be shipping her to N.U.G..." Merlinda explained the plan to her sister.

"Really? We'll be going to N.U.G? Well then Jade, I hope you'll pay us to ship your present. Of course, it's free if we don't get it to her in under two days. Hah piece of cake."

"You sound so confident Ivy. You're not even concerned about what should happen if we fail?" Raldo questioned the fox captain.

"No! What are you crazy? If you think about the bad stuff, then that would throw you off guard and not complete your goal. And you can't be too confident for you will fail." Ivy stated.

"Well... Thanks for the advice then, Miss. Ivy..." He was a bit stunned. That was him, he was always too confident or thinking too negatively. Was that the flaw, his flaw? "Now I know how it feels to not feel prefect..."

"No prob. Now, onto more important things. We gotta figure out where they took her and bring her to Jade."

"I thought we were going to catch her in the hero act?" Merlinda questioned her sister. Ivy finally smirked at her.

"Yes, but I have a better idea. An...Ivy idea if you will. And this should surprise you guys, this plan doesn't involve so much violence! Ain't ya proud of me?" Ivy said with a half smile. The others didn't have anything to say to that. "Look, it's quite simple. We let her be the hero, help the people, blah blah blah. Then, when all seems well and she's too tired to move we follow her to the little hideout they have. That's when the real mission begins."

"Clever, dare I say it." Raldo said after awhile. Hey, someone had to say something.

"Thank you captain. Now, we just need to figure out one thing out before we actually ship out: Where do you think they went when they flew off?" She may have been asking everyone this question, but it was Raldo who was being asked the question. Like it's been said before, Raldo knows about the Project the best. The wolf's ears twitched.

"Hmm... they didn't seem to actually move in any certain direction. They kept going... up.." Raldo said, fingers now grabbing his chin. Merlinda looked at him like he had grown 5 heads.

"What? So you're saying that they flew up to their flying base? Oh Raldo, don't make me laugh. Seriously, that has to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard come out of your mouth. And I have heard plenty of-"

"Miss. Jones, there is no reason to pick on the male captain. He actually is onto something."

"I am?"

"He is?" Both Merlinda and Raldo were surprised that someone like Ivy would say that. She never said someone was above her, or admit that someone was right, and she especially wouldn't call her best friend by the last name she didn't want to keep.

"They kept headin' upwards! And they didn't stop... Something is up there for them... And we're going to find out soon enough..." Ivy seemed to be plotting by herself now. "Raldo, I'm putting you in charge I hope you know what I'm trying to do here." She eyed Raldo, hands on her hips. He looked back down at her, then smiled slightly.

"As you wish my Captain. Pray tell, what are you going to do?" He dared to ask her. She chuckled darkly.

"Little ol' me? Why, don't worry your pretty little head about that. All I'm going to do is what I do best. Now hurry up, I don't think we can wait anymore in this God forsaken building. They'll be moving pretty soon. Mush my puppies!" Ivy said as she ran out of the Training Facility.

"Puppy, huh? What a cute nickname.." "..Alright guys, let's ship out. We don't want to disappoint our captain." Raldo said calmly, and walking out just the same. Merlinda looked over at Miskit, who seemed to be sharing the same facial expression.

"You notice it too, right?" Miskit said, now fully facing the leopard.

"Yeah, I do." Was all she could say.

"Is there something going on between these guys?" Miskit dared to ask. My, that was probably the worst question to ask her right now. She blinked.

"Dude, there are plenty of things going on between the two of them. And I won't say it, a lady doesn't kiss and tell." She said slyly, now smirking a bit. Miskit felt his face grow hot.

"I-I thought the phrase was 'a gentleman never kisses and tells'. What are you saying then?"

"All I'm saying is I won't say anything until they do. I'm basically sealed up. Now come one, the 'new' captain must be waiting for us." Merlinda said, now trotting after her old friend. But that was one thing that still stumped the male panda.

"Why would Ivy, the captain, let someone else take charge? Especially Raldo?" Knowing he would figure out better if he was with his comrades, he dashed after everyone else.

Why did e have to be the slowest animal of the group?

XxX

"What are you doing here? Are you sure you know what the captain wanted?" Miskit asked when he caught up with the others. Raldo let them follow him into Lab 3. No reason in his mind at least.

"Why else would I be here if I wouldn't? I'm doing something Ivy would do: Pay a visit to our friend Dr. Martinez and trick her into giving us something useful."

"Why do you always assume that Ivy tricks or steals things from Dr. Martinez? There's this thing called asking nicely? I'm pretty sure you haven't heard it since its only been around for a couple hundred if not thousands of years." Merlinda said, glad that it made Raldo at least look bashful and guilty.

"What else can I not assume from her? She always seems to surprise me, if not catch me off of my guard..." Did he really just say that? And out loud, to people? Merlinda didn't have any emotion on her face.

"But isn't that the best thing you can know about her? That she surprises you? It's more helpful than you realize- Oh hi Dr. Martinez!" Merlinda smiled sweetly at her secret mother. She even hugged her. Raldo saw the Ivy subject was done and over with to talk about with Merlinda but he saw a new one.

"Why do you get to hug her? Thought that isn't a thing here." Raldo felt like there was something her. Merlinda glared at him while the female doctor just chuckled.

"Oh hush Raldo, a hug never killed anyone. Besides, why shouldn't she? She's like a daughter to me, a second child I could never have." She said, now letting go of the female leopard. "Why are you guys even here anyway, I thought you had work to do." She asked, looking almost puzzled.

"We came here on Captain Ivy's orders. I was wondering if that little device you gave Ivy on our last mission has finished charging? I know for a fact that she brought it in here to you." Raldo stated, now taking a step closer to the women.

"Oh yes. It just finished a half hour ago, It was loud but since it was becoming empty in here, I'm sure it doesn't matter or bother anyone." She said as she walked over to a couple of desks and grabbed the black box to hand it over to the wolf captain. His face drew puzzlement.

"What do you mean, 'it was becoming empty in here'? what exactly is going on?" He asked sharply, eyes now narrowing. The good doctor suddenly felt nervous under his stare, like he had meant to harm her in some sort of way. Good thing she had her daughter and a friend to be her witnesses to her death.

"Didn't you here? Ivy called out most of GUN out for the mission. They're mobilizing as we speak."

It took me nearly all day,(due to eating, cleaning, watching the little one, and talking), but I finally finished it! Man, I am really tired. Let's see our results for today, shall we?

# of words: 8,335
# of pages:30

So, I guess that's it for now. I hope you all will enjoy your spring break (mine just started...and it's only a weekend plus a day) and not be driving insane by school. Just 60 so or less days to go guys, we're almost free.

Cyya guys when I get back! Ari~