Um, hi. Yea, I'm not dead...again. I'm sorry that I haven't been here for Dio knows for how long. I've been busier than an employee on Black Friday. If ya don't know, school officially started, I'm officially in senior mode. It's been an interesting first two weeks I have to say. And, I hate to say this... I haven't been writing the last chapters of CTLD5... Don't kill me... Look I'm sorry but time once again hasn't been kind to me... I would've done it over my vacation, but I just couldn't seem to focus on it. So erm, let's get down to the news shall we? Hit it news me!

Yea, so like Ari was saying, she basically forgot about the story. Sure, it crossed her mind, but she utterly forgot about it and got busy (OI). So, now she wants to make up for her slacking. Here, (and if you know her,) on Youtube and DA as well. She's starting here cuz -.- why not she cares about this place the most. We are going to finish this story by the end of the year IF ITS THE LAST THING WE DO OR I WILL KILL HER! :3 I'm just kidding I can't force her to write, things happen and we can't control that. No promises on us. Thank you, now for the reviews!

Reviews:
Christian Wolf27- thank you for your continuous support and loving my story, I really appreciate it. And your support in me. Well, what's to flame? I mean, this is a fan sight so fans can pretty much do whatever the hell we want to, right? I dunno why people get so harsh about it, its were our fantasies of our favorite people roam. And as for the sequel, err, the plans for that are still unsolved so I have no promises for anyone, including myself. But thank you.

And now, the moment you and I have been waitin' for, CHAPTER 26! (be aware that I didn't realize that I didn't finish this chapter and made some stuff up along the way)

Ivy characters belong to Me
Sonic character belong to a nightmare (SEGA)

Chapter 26: It's About Time

"I can't believe we did it... We actually did it! We've single handedly took down and captured the Project!" Merlinda whooped. She was sitting next to the pilot who was steadily steering the helicopter, while the others were in the back watching the project. She hasn't stirred since they left her friends in the dust... She did feel a tad bit bad about everything. "But probably not as bad as Ivy does..." She glanced over her shoulder to look at her companions.

Miskit and Raldo were chatting it up like they've been friends forever. But Ivy... Ivy sat unmoving, like she was a statue. Her eyes only focused on one soul thing: The sleeping Project. She's been studying her for the past ten minutes. Maybe because this was the first time in their meetings that she wasn't avoiding or killing her. Now was the safest time to go and examine her. The sleeping form looked so peaceful and calm. Hell she looked innocent and pure. It didn't matter if she was in a net that could shock her to no end if she used her powers, she had managed to make herself comfortable in it. Her face looked a little twisted though. She still looked like she was in stress.

"The moment you feel bad for the enemy..." Merlinda thought. After all, she was just a kid... A kid with a crazy amount of power that should be contained... "But why is Ivy at her so harshly?" And of course, Merlinda slapped her helmet silly: Ivy wanted to interrogate her about her father. The horrible dream she had... It's still doubtful that the Project was even there or that wasn't even how her father died. But who could honestly know. "Just hope that this helicopter doesn't burst into flames from all this fiery tension..."

"We're just about to land on the base. Hang on tight." The pilot announced. Merlinda looked over to see the others tie down the girl, then go to their seats to buckle down.

"Let's hope that this goes well for the rest of us. If not, we're so doomed..." Merlinda muttered as they neared land. Crooked base. Named after how many messed up people have been put in there. It was truly a sad thing. It wasn't their fault that they were what they were... And Zera... "She just barely makes the cut."

"Thanks for the lift Mike." Ivy said with a small smile and a wave. Not surprising that Ivy knew pretty much everyone working at G.U.N, Mike waved back as he tended to his girl. Ivy lead the way off of the platform, Merlinda right behind her and the men carrying in the Project. She was no longer asleep, she was very much awake and alert. She probably was still a bit drained since those Chaos darts effect doesn't wear off in a couple more hours.

"Wow... I'd never thought I'd see the day when you all would do something right, for me... It's some kind of miracle.." Ivy grunted as she was greeted by Ron at the hanger doors, who had a smug smile on his face. Ivy didn't like his comment.

"If you had forgotten, Commander, that I always do my job right... Just not in a way that seems to please you. Now she's the proof to clean that up." Ivy said as she pointed to Zera. Even through the net anyone can see how much Zera tensed up and had pure hatred in her eyes, for they held Ron in them. He crouched down so he could be at eye level with her.

"Perhaps..." Was the only thing that Ron said to her, his focus completely on the small creature in front of him.. "Deadly, yet beautiful.." She really has grown since the last time he saw her. She may have been plotting his death, but she was still mesmerizing to him... In the strange and advantage way. "Do you remember me little one?" He asked. A hiss was his answer. "I'll take that as a yes." He stood back up, luckily not be stuck like that in a lock. "You may taker her inside and prepare her for The High Commander."

"Yes, Sir." Ivy said as she pushed past him. Merlinda didn't say anything, while the men struggled to pick up the hedgehog carefully. Ron didn't say anything about Ivy's behavior. Usually such attitude would have had her fired, but Ron was letting her off the hook tonight. He felt the struggles too, going around here. But that would all change soon.

XxX

"Of all the things that no good creepy ol- GAHH, I really can't stand him. He just loves to push my buttons!" Ivy was ranting as they walked down the halls of the base. Not much to look at. It was just like a grey prison, with all the cameras around every corner, guards on every level, and maniacs smiling at you as your team walks by.

"Oh he hehee, looks like the animal bug finally bit Ivy. Still lookin' pretty damn fine." That was Larxus, a prisoner her for about five years. He's here for murder and rape against a few officers that used to work at G.U.N... Good, innocent people... "Oh, and it looks like she caught us a new friend... A pretty young one..." Ivy ignored him. She wasn't about to unleash her burning anger on him, that just pleases him. It's also not put that Ivy would never put a girl in or next to a room with these fools, oh no no. She, was going in a special place.

"Oh Ivy, why do you take crap from Ron? And not just him, most of these men as a matter of fact." Ivy head the quiet voice of Zera. Ivy halted. So, the girl wasn't completely KO'd after all.

"Project 203-"

"Please, no need for formalities. You already know my name."

-... Zera, I don't see where my job is in any of your concern like that."

"But it does. After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. And I don't like it when my friends are suffering." She commented, causing Ivy to give her a look of bewilderment.

"What are you talking about?.. I work with the man he isn't-"

"Please dear, you can't fool these eyes nor anyone's ears for that matter." Oh, she sounds cocky to Ivy's ears. "I can see and hear your disgust about that fatty Commander of yours. You dislike him that much that you're willing to kill him. In fact, I bet you'd even let me do that for you." Ivy can just hear that grin grow. "Am I wrong?"

"Ivy swallowed. This young girl was spot on. How? Just how was she even in the knowledge of Ivy? Raldo has a bit of explaining to do. "Little girl." Already that smile has gone away, "I honestly don't know where in that messed up head of yours did that idea come from. But, you are somehow bright."

"Ivy, what are you-"

"It's fine, Merlinda. This between me and her. Guys, make our 'friend' here feels comfortable. She's going to detention level Z." That certainly gave Raldo a small heart attack.

"Ivy, are you insane?! That's where-"

"Hush Raldo, just do as I say. Miskit has no problem with the command, do you Miskit?" Ivy asked the silent panda bear, a very sharp gaze on his form. Miskit looked and nodded.

"Of course. I live to serve my captain." Was all Miskit said. Ivy nodded in approval. Raldo couldn't say anything to that. He looked down at Zera, who was surprisingly looking back at him with such innocent eyes. He knew she wanted answers and out, and her eyes showed that she knew that he knew. It left a dent in his evil guy heart.

"But not a big enough one to break his heart." He didn't act surprised when he heard her voice in his head. The girl can obviously read him like a book and hear the audio version of him too. He knew a thing or two about her as well.

"This game ain't over yet sweetheart.." He thought back to her. He saw the blaze of embarrassment that flashed in her eyes. Glad that silenced her. With a final nod, the two men carried the little lady down a couple halls and levels to feel like they were going underground. Perhaps they were.

"Your new home till you return to your actual home." Raldo said plainly, opening up the net to dumping out the living contents. She let out a groan when she hit the floor. Miskit picked her up only to have her slip on the floor again.

"None of this... Here nor there... will ever be... my home." She managed to say. Raldo couldn't look her in the eye. He examined the room again.

Pfft, like he could call it that. It had the look of torture all over it. The dark, hopeless room set depression on even him. This cell was specifically made for another hedgehog, but since the two were similar she can have his space. Deeper inside, there were many... instruments, lying on some tables. Some... weren't even clean from the last guy. Zera shivered on the inside. And then there was the pod. The pod in the other corner looked more like a casket, and the... other closed off lab section brought dread in him.

"Well, you'll just have to make it be Princess." Miskit said, his voice rude and unamused. Zera's eyes boiled in rage, but she didn't take any action. Miskit knew she was still drained and was glad for it. He leaned down at her level. stared her in the eye for a moment, and then placed something on her left wrist then her right ankle.

"What's... this for? I don't need no jewelry.." Her fire was coming back ever so slowly, and Raldo was starting to fear for Miskit's life. He was being... well, not Miskit. He's pushing buttons that no man should ever on a woman. Especially this one.

"Never seen these before? Wow, that surprises me. Trackers. Just to make sure you don't get any funny ideas of escaping. Like you could, this is one of those 'non escapable' prisons." Miskit laughed, glancing at Raldo for encouragement. He got no such thing, only the look of shame, sprinkled with some high class hatred.

"He isn't being fun anymore... And just when I thought we were becoming the good of friends..." "Well, Raldo, it looks like my work here is done, so-"

"You're damn right that your job here is done. You may report back to Ivy now, thank you." Raldo's tone was sharp and demanding, and Zera hated to even think it but she liked it when he was so.. dominant. "And don't even think that I don't have the right to say this. I'm just as much as your captain than Ivy is, don't forget about that." He stole the words out od Miskit's mouth. He didn't have to say anything. He just looked down at Zera again, stood up, and walked out of the cell without another comment.

Silence floated around the old friends like that odd fart that someone let out that stays around for a weird amount of time.

"You didn't have to do that ya know..." Zera said quietly, like she was back to being a shy 12 year old again. Raldo glanced over at her. She was actually crawling around the floor, observing everything in the room... cell... prison... lab... All four things she hated. He sighed.

"Just because we're supposed to be enemies, doesn't mean I'll stop caring about you. You know that, you always knew that." Dang, when and why has he gone soft for the kid?

"Niichan..." She said it like she was going to say more, but didn't. She called him brother... Big brother... So she still saw him as that. He couldn't have been any happier about it.

"You do realize that I can't forgive you though, no matter how much I care for you, right?" Wait, what? What crime was he guilty of this time? "Knowing that pause, you're wondering what you have done wrong. Sad, truly, but you are you so you have a small pass..." She turned to face him from where she was. In front of the pod. So she does know... "You killed him. perhaps not you directly, but you were still there.."

"Zera... that wasn't... No one can control what happened-"

"Perhaps if you all would've just left me alone, I might not of lost-" She stopped herself. Lost what?

"Maybe I should just let her be..." "I am sorry Zera... If I could've done something, I would've taken the fall..." Now being brave around her again, he started walking towards her. She made no look or sound in protest. Perhaps she's accepted her fate.

"Nonsense... somehow I would feel the same if it was you.." She sat on top of the pod, waiting for Raldo to get closer. Soon enough, she was finally at eye level with Raldo.

"Glad you still care about me." They both chuckled, in the way people like them could. "So, this is it. You ready and not willing to escape?" He smiled when he saw a shimmer in her eyes.

"Of course I'm going to escape." She giggled in a way Zera doesn't do in front of people she isn't exactly relaxed with. She got off the pod, landing in his arms. He caught her with ease. "He really is like a brother..." "Before you put me away, I just gotta say: Keep the wolf look. I think girls will love you. I know Ivy does." She said as he placed her in the pod. He blushed pink under her stare. What, was this all about?

"Ivy... I don't, um, understand. Why bring her up, and the liking of my appearance?" Raldo doesn't usually slip up on his speech like that, or normally this open with people. Just only, Zera and slightly Merlinda and Ivy... She patted his face to break him outta his mind.

"You'll see soon enough." She smiled in the weird way she does and laid back down in the pod "We both will... See you later!" She said as she closed her eyes. Raldo now had so much to say, so much to ask of her.. But he knew he would get those later.

"Yup... later..." He said softly, gently leaning over to kiss her forehead, then started to place all the required monitors on her. Giving her one last look, he closed the pod. Slowly, he walked away, his steps only echoing his despair.

XxX

"How long does it take to put a little girl away?" Ivy asked once Raldo joined up with the others. He looked at Ivy over his shoulder, then continued walking past the others. "Oi, I'm talkin' to you Raldo! Don't just think it's okay to ignore me like that and-"

"Miss Ivy, I find your attitude at the moment rude. Perhaps..." He turned around to face Ivy and the others, showing a face of anger he never makes in front of others. "I'm not in the mood for talking to you, ever think about any other reasons?" When he got no verbal response, he turned away. "Besides, I have more important things to deal with at the moment so if you may excuse me..." He walked on without another word, without another hint as to what's going on.

And that really pissed Ivy off.

"What the hell is that about? What's more important than orders, respect... me..." It felt like they had made at least a bit of a connection after the kiss... "Maybe I'm the only one that feels this way..." She thought, her ears even drooping a bit to show the emotion she was hiding inside. "What's that guy's deal anyway?" Ivy finally faced her companions, just to show that she wasn't deeply effected as to what just happened.

"This is Raldo we're talking about, heaven knows what the man is thinking." Merlinda looked at where Raldo was last seen. "Well who knows, maybe he's going to actually talk to the Commander.."

"What, why?" Ivy was instantly interested.

"What else to talk about but the path of his best friend."

"I didn't mean to take out my anger on Ivy... It's all aimed at my uncle... And she just happened to get in the way... I just hope Ivy isn't thinking the wrong things about me..." Raldo sighed as he continued walking down the corridor. Maybe after the little talk with his uncle he can go back to Ivy and clear things up. "Why do I care so much about Ivy's opinion of me? Is she... that dear, to me?" It's true, he found Ivy quite interesting and foxy (completely funny so laugh) and they weren't that opposite of each other... But he felt something behind those powerful eyes... Something dark.

And he didn't know what to do about it.

"Raldo, are you alright?" The familiar, lukewarm voice of his one uncle made him turn around slowly.

"Um, yes, I'm fine... I just needed to speak with you is all."

"Oh, ironic then, I needed to speak with you as well. Come, let's try to speak privately." The male commander directed his captain of a nephew away, now heading to a place Raldo was not familiar of. Coming down the same hall Raldo was walking, then went to the stairwell. Ron went towards the wall, then pushed a well hidden button and a door opened up. The men stepped inside. Clean and cut was everything inside. A nice desk, with a few chairs before it.

A mini hidden office. Classic G.U.N. "Now, what did you want to discuss." Ron said as he sat down at the desk, while Raldo slowly sat down in the chair closest to the desk. Raldo's fingers fidgeted in his lap, thankfully out of Ron's sight.

"Um... This is about... the Project.." Raldo started, fear and nerves slowly trying to take him over. Ron's eyes narrowed slightly. He held his hands tightly together.

"And? What about it?" He did not choose his words carefully.

"Her... But, my concern on her is what are the preparations so she may be brought to Jade. What are they?" Raldo said. Silence swallowed the men whole. Ron's face full of unknown tricks, the poor nephew's showing his inner fear.

"Well my boy." Both men knew this was just the start of trying to rile Raldo up. "I do believe that is non of your concern." So that was the card he played. He should know by now.

"This is pretty much all of my concern. I don't want to her that idiotic excuse again from you Uncle Ron." Oh lord, did he really just say that? To his uncle and a commander on top of that?! "Oh my gosh, I'm a dead man!" He glanced at the elder man.

His face was calm and relaxed, but his eyes said murder.

"Those... were some brave words, Raldo." Yup, his voice was just as cold and evil as his eyes. "Is there anything else you want to say to me before I can decide your fate, maybe with Commander Jade?"

Raldo's face was frozen, unsure of what his next move could be. And then his features relaxed, and his eyes gained back their mischievous sparkle. "I don't have much to lose now, now do I?"

"Actually yes Uncle Ronald, I do. You're wrong. I guess since your mind is getting older and filled with images of the High Commander, I need to refresh your old man memory. Everything that goes on and involves the Project, is my concern. If you've forgotten or chose to ignore, Jade is letting me be her eye and ears since she doesn't trust you. I don't, and I'm your frickin' nephew! SO when I return to her with information of this act, it certainly will be your head. I will ask someone about her preparations if you won't tell me now. And don't think that once I leave you can just inform those people in charge to not give me information. You know I wear the badge to get whatever I want whenever I want it." The smirk Raldo didn't even know he was wearing grew deeper with playful evil. "Face it Commander Ron, you just lost to a child. I'm untouchable. Do I, make myself clear?" That last line was practically sung.

Ron's face was boiling over, the blood at a melting point. His face has never been this red or look this pissed with the captain.

"Captain..." He finally managed to say with a hiss. Steam could be pouting out of his ears like a steam engine. "Captain?" He said again, but more like it was a question and was talking to himself. Raldo's lips twitched. Did he honestly break the Commander of Marnt? He didn't know what to do.

I'm removing you from your other assignment." Ron finally spoke again and looked at the male captain. Now he was giving him a look.

"Removal? What do you mean, removing me?" He asked him gently, now trying to keep the calm for both men. Wow, the Commander sure moves on his revenge fast. Ron hid his smile well.

"It means, I am taking you away from that 'special' mission I assigned you on." The older man's eyes looked dark again. He really had it in for the poor boy now.

"Oh..." The response was a mixture of calm and surprise. So it was pretty much bored. "Why?"

"Why else, my dear? I'm done with you, I've already finished it. You haven't been much use to me at all for it after all. Only at a moment." Ron leaned back in his chair as id he were relaxed and had no worries on his back. His hands found his lap and rested there.

Usually Raldo didn't care about this; and he honestly shouldn't. "Hell, I should be happy, I kinda felt bad about doing that kind of snooping!" But...

"You just don't want me involved after all. To get through me, they would find you. Ivy knows there's something off, about you and everything going on. How long will it take for them to find out the dirty work I wonder?" A happy smug smile graced Raldo's perfect muzzle. Ron's knuckles turned white from all the griping he was doing, and it didn't go unnoticed by his nephew. But, the Commander's face grew smug as well.

"Heh, these guys? Finding me out? Ah, I give them about 1 or 2... years." It was insulting. It was humiliating, and down right inhumane... Raldo feeling a bit out now with his current form... He forgot what it felt like to be human... Maybe the others thought about this and more as well. But the point was...

SLAM! PUNCH!

The first time in 15 years did Commander Ronald McDemin of Marnt feel actual fear.. and the actual numbness of a punch. His eyes glued on Raldo, unsure of what to do. He hasn't seen the man this upset since his brother's death. Nothing seemed to faze the man, until now.

"Listen to me you old bastard and you listen good. Think about who you're insulting here. The loyal men and women that respect you (surprisingly) and follow all your damn orders, no matter how idiotic or deranged they were they did it. And how do you repay them? Calling them useless, complaining about everything they do like a big bitch. It just makes my blood boil like the sun. You can never say that about anyone, ever again. Not Miskit, not Merlinda, and especially not Ivy. Do you understand?!" Raldo took in a well needed deep breath, finally calming down.

Ron was pretty much tongue tied. His nephew has the damn nerve to even think such things. But, he was honestly nervous that the wolf captain would kill him or worse. He was perfectly capable of any option they could think of.

"Y-yes.''

"Yes, what?"

"Um.. y-yes, Sir." He stuttered quietly, feeling like he's sinking into the seat. The darkness on Raldo seemed to vanish into thin air.

"Sir... Oh yea, I like the sound of that..." Raldo said nothing more and walked out of the room, door slamming and shaking Ron out of his wits.

"Oh, this boy is asking for war. Well, I'll be more than happy to give him one. Since his father's death, he hasn't been given discipline. As his uncle, I think it's my right to give it to him. The hell, he needs." And for the first time of this night, perhaps in years, he laughed; like he was happy and had nothing to stop him.

XxX

"Oh um Captain Raldo, Sir! Erm... What bring you here?..." A nervous man, Dr. Sharp to be exact, spoke to the male wolf. It's only been ten minutes since Raldo left his commander of an uncle alone in that secret little office. He had finally found the rest of his crew. He apologized to everyone though his eyes never left the powerful beautiful ones of Ivy. Though when he was about to leave them, he did get to sneak a kiss with Ivy (hopefully to both of their pleasures). He didn't even know why he did it, he just felt like... he had to. Ad he wished he could repeat it till it got-

"Um, Captain Raldo?" Sharp asked the silent one of the two. Raldo blinked and stared at the smaller other.

"Oh yes, hello. Sorry Dr. Sharp, I didn't mean to scare you like that. I'm just thinking about what you said."

"The simple 'what are you doing here?' raises a moment of long thinking? I guess he really is crazy. Um, what were you thinking?"

"To make you say what are you doing here would input that you wouldn't think I would come here. Since a certain someone doesn't want me down over here, aren't I correct? My 'supervision' thought I'm the bad guy.

"Gotta future Sherlock Homes her huh? Alright then... Creepy freak..." "Yes, the Commander gave strict orders to ban you to go in any of the labs, I'm sorry."

"You're sorry you say? Well, I'm glad to hear that. For I am sorry too." Raldo said gently, but Dr. Sharp saw a certain... spark in the wolf eyes, and it was soon going to catch fire.

"You're...sorry? What are you exactly sorry for?" He asked, feeling a shiver coming on.

"For this of course." Quick as a flash, the poor short man found himself being crushed between a wall... and a bigger, living wall. He felt like he was about to lose his ribs with this kind of pressure. He looked into the eyes of Raldo, and he still wishes he hadn't done that. He wasn't seeing the kind, great Raldo, no. He was seeing his alter ego,

Satan.

"If you don't let me in the lab, and tell me everything I want (need) to know, many things could happen to you. Like, High Commander Jade would most likely be angry enough to have you... 'removed'. Or, I could report you for denying orders from a captain and supervisor." He applied more pressure, causing the doctor to cough for his life, paling with every passing second. "And there is this. I don't want to go into anymore dark details, okay? You can make it all go away if you just do as I requested." The dark voice made Sharp shiver and he numbly nodded his head. And just like that he was released and fell to the ground in a wheezing heap.

"Oh, and don't speak to anyone about this. I will find out." He said as he helped the man up. Again, Sharp only nodded slowly.

"So, um.." He said once he was sure he had gained his voice back. "how much do you want to know and why again? Is it for High Commander Jade so she can approve? I'm sorry if I'm prying into some top secret or classified things, please don't kill me!" He whimpered and flinched, feeling another attack on. But, the wolf made no move to hit him.

"Sure, you can say something like that." He said calmly. "Now tell me the information I need, and I'll be out of your head and hair."

"Well, uh... We've only yet to even begin to approve some ideas on what to do with the Project. Erm... I believe that the main idea that everyone approved of was the blood sampling."

"Already I see injury." Raldo chuckled to himself. "Cut to the chase Doctor, I don't want the simple, kiddie things going on. I want to know the big stuff." He wasn't holding back what he was thinking. Sharp had a pause in his face, pressing his lips together.

"We're planning on freezing her."

Raldo nearly fell over"... What?..." He was doing his absolute best not to go into full blown rage and murder... and possibly into a crying storm. Surely that... freezing her wouldn't... kill her... Would it? "What do you mean? Is that why she was placed in the pod?"

"Well, yeah. Is that not to your liking?"

"Hell yes I don't like that idea! That's the girl I call my little sister you bastard!" "Um... just a bit. Couldn't they have come up with something more... practical, and not effect her like that?"

"It would be easier that way. She wouldn't be able to hurt anyone if she's in a frozen cube. We can't just waste all the darts on the project... But, I'm willing to listen to your ideas if something is better." Sharp said. That made Raldo smile... on the inside.

"I'm pretty sure that just... putting her to sleep would be best."

"To sleep? Really, is that honestly a sane idea?"

"And you think freezing is the greatest idea since sliced bread? What kind of world are you living in, cuz it certainly isn't here." "Well, in her sense, when she sleeps, she's on a basic shut down. She can sense what's around her, but won't react. In fact," He realized at his rhyme and memory, "She's basically shielding herself in sleep. No on can see or feel it, but its there." Now he was glad she told him one of her many secrets. Should feel guilty that he's revealing things that could harm her later but he needed to save her now.

Sharp looked at him like he was the craziest thing on the planet. Hmm... knowing him, he just could be. "So... how do you know that it's there if it isn't detectable?" Raldo smiled.

"You just know... I advise that. Freezing idea terminated, sleeping idea on the go. Do you agree? Yes? Ok, no need for further discussion. Ta ta then. Sharp, hope to see you again well and... smart." With not a second glance toward the man, he left with a smile.

"Man... what is wrong with that guy? He's acting like he's in love... with... her... Is he?... No wait, he's human, and older, so that's... pedophilia... with a younger animal... beasteality... Erm... But he knows that's bad... So, what is his relationship to that dastardly Project?

XxX

"I sense a disturbance in the force." Was the first thing he heard Ivy said. Gosh, did he love her sense of humor, though sometimes it was the harsh kind of humor that hurts your self esteem.

"Is it... A great force? Where all men tremble before it (him) and all women try to fall into its (my) arms?" He chuckled with a charming smile. Ivy smiled slightly, letting herself be completely swallowed by Raldo.

"Depends... who the woman is. Some women could fall, but others could be strong and avoid you." Her smile was still there, but her eyes showed some type of seriousness to them.

"Well, I don't care about any other women... Just one. And I hope she thinks the same of me, either now or later. But now is fine. I mean come on, I am quite adorable." And then he pulled the best puppy eyes a wolf can make. Ivy laughed. Man did he love her laugh. It was joyous, like it can make anyone overcome their day.

"Ehe, yeah, you're... cute." She giggled. "Man, what is up with me today? I don't laugh or giggle like that. Especially with Raldo. But I feel... care free?" Her face formed a frown, which made Raldo stop his cute face and grew concerned.

"Hey, are you okay Ivy? Did my cuteness ruin your mood?" He held her in his arms, his chest burning into her neck. She shivered and thankfully held back a moan. He was so warm. He felt good there... like he belonged there.

"I was just thinking about how good you feel against me?" She regretted everything as soon as she said those words. Her face heated up, as well as her ears.

"She's so cute when she's embarrassed" "Oh... really now? Well, despite my appearance, I'm quite the cuddly teddy bear." he grinned in that ever so charming way, causing Ivy's heart to skip a beat.

"Was that an invitation?" "GOSH DARN IT, WHY AM I SAYING EVERY SINGLE THING I'M THINKING?! It's like this hold... is forcing me to reveal myself."

"Only if you want it to be. I'm not going to protest." His chest rumbled against her and she squeaked, jumping out of his arms.

"I think you should've been a rabbit since you're very jumpy this evening." His eyes held something dark, but not the bad kind, no. It was more of... the playful dark. Surely, this was a turn on, right?

"Would I be cute as a bunny?" Ivy said seductively, getting her voice and confidence back. He smirked then.

"I think...," he started walking closer to her, "You would be cute as anything, Milady."

"Heh, still quite the charmer Captain. I admire that." She said, feeling her chest tighten when he was just towering over her.

"I admire many things about yourself Ivy." He stopped being playful and grew serious. I admire your wit, your care, your honor... your power.." He slowly let his tongue lick his lower lip. Ivy gulped and shivered.

"I must be seeing things... When Raldo said that, I saw something... glow in his eyes..." Ivy had this uneasy feeling... "And I just realized that he trapped me."

And then he trapped her in a passionate kiss.

"And you know what? Screw it all." Ivy let herself fall deep into this... thing, with Raldo, and she was damn sure she wasn't climbing back out of it anytime soon.

Raldo pulled away gently, causing Ivy to be pouting and even whimpering. Raldo chuckled lightly, his left hand raising up to touch Ivy's cheek and the thumb stroking her bottom lip.

"Why little foxy, you aren't saying that you wanted me to continue this, did you?" He smiled innocently when Ivy glared at him.

"Don't treat me like a child you wolf. Now, get back over here." And ivy leaned up to smash her lips against his. He certainly didn't see that coming, judging by the way his eyes are widened like that. Feeling like she had the upper hand on this one, she slyly let her tongue touch Raldo's lower lip and glide over to his one for a cute tap before departing. Raldo actually jumped and broke the kiss again, the small strand of saliva linked onto the two.

"Oh Ivy..." Never before had she heard Raldo sound so... incredibly sexy and alluring that she couldn't resist. She heard his want and need in that whine...

"Yes, Raldo?"

"You know, you aren't as innocent looking as you let people on. You're pretty daring for a little fox." And that's when Ivy smirked at him, that very special glint in her eyes. "Boy, you haven't even seen daring yet. If you wanna see daring hun, follow me.~" And Ivy backed away from the lust filled wolf, and walked away with her hips and tail swaying in perfect harmony.

"If I do a cliché wolf howl, you can not blame me if that happens, okay? You're just really there and my body can't take it!"

"Oh well, just deal with this site, Ral." She chuckled as she heard Raldo start to catch up with her.

"Trust me Ivy, the last thing I'm doing is complaining, believe me." He purred. Were wolves even suppose to purr? He decided to forget and follow the beautiful being.

"And I want to keep it that way." Ivy called back. This, was only the fun game of cat and mouse. Though who was really who, the duo didn't know nor care to.

"Ivy, where are we going?" Raldo asked. Ivy turned around to smile at him innocently.

"Well... Just somewhere private, it that's alright with you..." She said cutely. The magic didn't burn our. If anything, it grew hotter. And Raldo grew... perky. He blushed when Ivy noticed.

"It's perfect. And if that's the case. I think I found the perfect place for us. Come." He took her hand gently as he started to run down the corridor.

"I'm excited to see where this is going... But a bit scared as well. I don't want... this to go too fast too soon. I can't let something go wrong.." She held his hand tighter unintentionally, but she made a small gasp when he returned it.

"Here." He said after awhile. He pressed a hidden button on the wall, which opened up a small panel of buttons. Raldo typed in the code. And a door slid open.

"How... how did you know about this?" Ivy said as she peered into the doorway to see the little office. Raldo chuckled behind her.

"Oh, Uncle Ron isn't the only one who knows the secrets of this prison." He said as the door closed behind him. It grew dark for a second before the lights turned on. Truth be told, after the old Commander showed him the one secret office, he figured there would be more. After some snooping and spying he was right, which wasn't weird. It was only weird that he knew exactly what this building was hiding...

"Hmph, well, that's just a McDemin I guess.." She bit her lip as soon as she realized how bad that sounded. If that didn't push the passion away, she didn't know what worse statement she could have made. But surprisingly, that didn't phase him but he didn't comment. She turned her back towards him, looking at the desk.

" Dear, precious Ivy..." He whispered in her ear as he snaked his arms around her slim waist, causing the red to crawl back in her face this time. Nope, the passion is still with them.

"You.. and it pains me to say so, but you are too much for me..." He said quietly, Ivy scoffed at him.

"Raldo..." She found his hands and interlocked their fingers together. "You aren't out of my league, and I'm not out of yours. That shouldn't matter at all. What matters is-" She stopped. She took his fingers out of his grasp. Where was she going with this, what was she about to admit?

"What matters Ivy?" That damn innocent voice almost broke her. Almost. She spun around to face him, still allowing him to hold her. She looked into his eyes for a moment, then kissed him with honest passion. His thoughts were immediately lost.

"Who would've thought that I of all people, would be powerless against the greatest force of all..." he wasn't going to admit what is was, or if he even knew if it was what he was thinking of. He just knew that he liked this moment and was hoping it would never end.

And then he nearly howled as Ivy grabbed just the part of him that showed just how much he was enjoying this time.

"I-Ivy.." He managed to groan out. "For someone like yourself to do something like that isn't unexpected, but still... daring." He moaned when she gripped him a bit harder to a point to where it was a hissingly painful pleasure. He glanced down at her, and his eyes widened at what he saw.

Ivy's eyes were sparkling like starts, face as bright as a tomato. But studying her eyes again, he saw what he was hoping and fearing for.

Lust.

The poor girl was lost in lust, and seemed pretty embarrassed about it. Maybe she did want to stop this but was too far gone to say so. So... they were taking this too far...

"Ivy... do you-"

"No..." She finally said. "I mean, yes." She looked at him. "Please don't stop." Her eyes were begging if not pleading this. And despite his own logic, he just couldn't stop his own lust. And he couldn't turn down Ivy like that.

"Fair is... only fair.." Was the only thing he said before he, in a pretty fast motion too, slid his hand under her shirt and cupped her left breast in his hand. I never imagined... that they would be this soft." Whether he said that to himself or out loud, he didn't care. He squeezed the soft flesh and she instinctively yelped like a puppy.

"We are going too fast." Ivy said as she allowed Raldo to touch her in a sensitive place where no more than a few men have been... (okay, so she dreamed about those, it still counts when it comes to girls). And out of all of them, he was the upmost sweetest. She closed her eyes in bliss. A single tear shed.

Raldo, thinking he caused her pain, he let his hand leave her body and then them both gently put Ivy on the desk.

"Ra-Raldo?" It was barely above a whisper but in the quiet room it could be heard clear as day. She bit her lip as he closed in.

"Shh, it's alright... You can trust me Ivy..." he said as he kissed her forehead. She blinked, those words bringing her back to reality for a moment.

"Trust... Can I honestly trust Raldo with where we're going? Can I trust him with... that?" Her blushing intensified. "Can I trust him with anything? Everything?" Of course, her train of thought crashed and exploded as Raldo kissed her again. And just like that she didn't care anymore.

she trusted him, more or less.

They were in that hot makeout session for so long, it only felt like a minute when the alarm went off.

"Off all the bloody damn times to ring, you ding dong bastards..." Ivy heard Raldo curse under his breath as he rested his head on her chest. She only chuckled at how cute it was.

"Sorry Raldo, but duty calls. You can't be free all the time... Not in this place, anyway..." She sighed as she stoked his ear, which was an apparent weak spot for him. Going to have to put that down in the book...

"I know..." He mumbled, looking quite relaxed by her stoking. "But I don't wanna go!" He whined, sounding like a little boy again. Just so cute.

"No up, no playtime."

"So, I wonder what's going on?" Raldo perked up as he got off of Ivy and started to walk to the door. She laughed. With only a few words, she was like the ruler of the untrainable wolf. Then ever so slowly, her joy filled smile began to fade away.

"What... is going on?"

XxX

"RALDO! Land SAKES BOY, WHERE THE DEVIL HAVE YOU BEEN?! THAT GOES FOR TOO CAPTAIN IVY! DID YOU JUST HAPPEN TO NOTICE THAT ALARMS HAVE GONE OFF?!" Gosh, Ron was being hysterical again. This is really what he looks like when he turns into the little devil. Ivy kept calm.

"Sir with all due respect I-" She glanced over at Raldo who was surprisingly looking at her. What was she suppose to tell her commander? That before the alarm went off she was boning his probably only nephew? "And loving every frickin' minute of it- NO stop thinking those kind of thoughts!" Now both men had odd looks on their faces at the female captain's flushed facial expression. "Commander, the alarm just went off. Surely you just got here while the captain and I were on the other side of the base. Even you can't expect us to be as fast as Sonic to get here." Ivy's eyes were sharp on watching Ron.

"Fine.." He sighed. "Cut the noise, I think anyone with ears can be informed on what's happened." Ron looked run down and old, despite always being that. Now he just looked worse than that. He sighed again as he pushed his 'hair' back, then eyes the two before him.

"You two. Do you know, or even have the process to think, what that alarm went off for?" Ron said, looking from Ivy to Raldo thrice.

"I seriously want to joke about it being you couldn't find the bathroom.." "Something's gone wrong with the Project and you want us to kick butt?" Raldo's ears swiveled at the mention of the girl. Ivy didn't mean to say it like that. Ron was just getting to her again.

"Good, so at least you can think ideas." Ron commented, which rewarded him a glare from his nephew. They just spelled out evil. Planning to make sure that the commander didn't forget their earlier conversation. He couldn't. He cleared his throat.

"What exactly, is wrong with the girl?" Raldo's question came out as a growl, a very angry growl. Ron shuddered. Okay, choosing his words safely so he would get to live was going into play.

"Well, you see... Believe it or not, some idiot is trying to look cool and break out the Project." Ron said casually as if they were talking about the weather over a cup of tea, not about an extremely dangerous girl of no more than under twenty.

"What?! Who would be that dumb and insane to try and pull of a- oh, wait a second, it's the Sonic team, isn't it? That's pretty predictable."

"Actually Ivy, they aren't the ones trying to do it." A moment of silence.

"THEN WHO IN THEIR RIGHT BLOODY MIND WOULD TRY TO PULL A JAIL BREAK LIKE THIS?!" Ivy screamed.

"Oh, no..." Raldo grimaced inwardly as a certain thought, (more like a certain person) came to mind.

"Sir, Captain, if I may interject here." Raldo said. Ivy and Ron both had confused looks on their faces when Raldo said that. Raldo would have a heart to ask instead of butting into a conversation? Who knew.

"Um, yes, you may?" Ron said slowly, eyeing his young nephew, while Ivy was eyeing him for... well, for a completely innocent reasons of course.

"I already knew it wasn't the Sonic crew. This isn't their kind of work. I only know of one other creature... who would do something like this. Commander, I'm sure that Commander Jade has told you about her."

Ron's face drew with a complete blank until a crash rang out through the entire island. "Oh no.." Ron mumbled as he started to march down the corridor. Ivy looked at him, then Raldo.

"Raldo, what is going on, who is it?" She asked, worry in her voice. Raldo took Ivy's hands in his own.

"Let's just say... this is an old friend of Zera's... One I can't believe made it all the way out here..." He mumbled as another explosion happened, pretty damn close to them.

And finally, nearly after 3 weeks when I started typing this, I finally finished. All I wanted. Really trying to finish this story by the end of the year. We're nearly the finally folks, just two more chapters to go. Ain't much to say now. I'll be disappearing now and then (mainly for college things), but I'm trying my best to work. Wish me luck guys!

Words: 8,731

Cya later~

Ari