The Portal Part One

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Disclaimer: I don't own the BMFM or anyone from that show. I do, however, own . . . Mari, Mandy, Snowfall, Ice, Greyruff, Goldeneyes, Ironclaw, Sharptounge, and Tracer. I don't own ShimmerWing or Varitos, they are (C) to ShimmerWing and are used with permission. I make no money from this and do so only for my, and other's enjoyment.

Rated R for gratuitous violence generally found in horror flicks - of which, surprisingly, I am not a fan of - and the occasional swear word.

The Portal

Part One

By Goldenmane

***************************

Mari sat by the window, looking out. Halloween was one of her favorite holidays, Mardi Gras being the other. Those were the only two times of the year she could walk amongst the humans without her helmet on, and not get a second glance.

Though this year she had an extra benefit to Halloween. She could share it with her daughter, Snowfall. They had been out earlier, hitting every store they could. Mari had stashed the candy and other assorted goodies away. Just for safety's sake. The guys were on their way over, Charlie included, and she didn't want the candy eaten by the guys.

Mari sighed, watching the kids playing outside. Snowfall seemed content to lie in her arms. The costumes, she thought, seemed to be getting better and better. Even now, she saw two adults, judging by their height and build, walk down the street in costumes she could have sworn were real.

"Hey, Mandy," she called. "Get a load of this. I think they're a little too early."

Mandy went over to the window. "Nice costumes. Hope that armor is foam rubber latex, or that'd be heavy."

"What I'm impressed about is that one with the wings," Mari said, indicating a female who had dressed as a humanoid bird with metal wings, talons and beak. "I'd stake Ice on the fact they were real."

"I do have to admit they do look real. Even down to the rippling in the fur on the other one. Musta cost a fortune to make those," Mandy said. "I hope if their going to a costume contest, they win first prize."

Mari only nodded. "Looks like company's here at last," she said, rising. She hefted Snowfall onto her right hip, going to the door as four bike engines cut out. She opened the bay door, waiting as they wheeled their bikes in. She had made it clear that she didn't want them scaring Snowfall again, like the last time they came blazing in.

"Did ya see those two?" Vinnie asked excitedly.

"You mean the three in the bird and wolf costumes, yeah," Mari said. "Quite a piece of work."

"But they looked so real," Charlie said. "And knowing you guys . . . "

Mari only shrugged. "They didn't look like they meant business. And besides, people are getting better and better at designing costumes."

They all decided to let the matter drop, for now, instead the guys went to the tv and flipped it on. Charlie sighed, looking toward Mandy. She only shrugged while Mari chuckled.

"Not every mouse is so uncouth," Mari said with a dramatic flourish.

"All right!" Vinnie yelled. "They're gonna show a marathon of Jason movies."

"Then again, there are some that can break even that mold," Mandy said, laughing.

Mari shifted Snowfall. "If they're gonna be that loud, I may head out with Snowfall and bunk somewhere else. They'll keep her up and she gets crankier than usual if she doesn't get her rest."

"Like someone else I know," Charlie said. "So, how is she doing? Vinnie doesn't talk about her much."

"Growing like a weed," Mari said. "Quick learner, too. Sometimes I think she inherited my empathic abilities. She seems to outguess me at times. But at least she's not hyperactive."

"Oh, man. Just look at all those guts splattered on the walls," Vinnie nearly cried, leaping out of the seat.

Mari only smiled, sighing. "It's still early. I think I'll take Snowfall out for some fresh air."

"Shouldn't she have some time with Vinnie?" Charlie asked.

"Right now he's planted in front of the tv, and I don't want her watching that stuff. She'll have nightmares," Mari said.

She grabbed Snowfall's coat and miniature helmet and let Mandy help her dress Snowfall. When the guys asked where she was going, she said for some peace and quiet. She grabbed her own jacket and helmet and left the Changing Times.

Mari walked down the road some ways, cutting along the back alleyways to the other side of town. She froze, free hand going to her laser when she heard a rustle in the leaves. She turned, grimacing.

"If I didn't have my hand's full, you would be dead," she said, waiting for Vinnie to catch up.

"When I looked up and you were not there, I wondered where you'd gone. Mandy said for a walk and I tried to track you," he said.

"Not too hard with an armful of child," Mari said. "I was hoping you could spend some time with her. She's missed you."

"What about you?"

Mari half shrugged. "There are times when I could've used help, but I guess all these years of being alone, I've learned to fend for myself. Rely on me and me alone."

"You didn't answer my question."

"Of course I missed you. I miss all of you. We're such an ever-growing extended family that it can get kinda lonely," Mari said, handing Snowfall to Vinnie. "If you really want the truth."

They walked for some ways before returning to the Changing Times. Mari handed Snowfall over to Vinnie, saying she would be right back. She had to get something for Snowfall for Halloween and hadn't yet. He tried to force himself along, but she refused, heading out into the dark.

Vinnie silently closed the door, turning. He couldn't help get the odd feeling out of his soul and glanced down at Snowfall. She seemed content and he wondered if he was developing his own 'sixth sense', as Mari sometimes described her abilities. Instead he went into the other room and began to play with Snowfall.

Darkness. Solitary darkness. From the darkness peered two red eyes. Hungry eyes. The eyes of a predator.

Greyruff scanned the area below him. Searching. He silently withdrew a data pad, his gaze skimming the words. He had a job to do. Someone he had to find. Someone he had to kill.

He returned his feral gaze to the city below, crouched on the roof-edge of a building, a mere shadow in the night.

His eyes flared briefly once. His new boss had not been wrong. There, far below, stood his first quarry. Someone his new boss wanted dead.

Greyruff signaled to his partner, a brief flash from his data pad. The sign it was time to move. Time to fulfill their mission.

He watched. A feral grin crossed his features. Ever so silently Ironclaw glided down, not a rustle to any of his feathers, the metallic quills flared briefly as Ironclaw changed directions.

Greyruff watched with a primeval satisfaction as Ironclaw sunk his metal talons into both of their quarries shoulders, carrying her aloft. He enjoyed, or rather he thought both of them, the screams of pain from their victim. Greyruff signaled Ironclaw to drop the female as the half metal bird flew near. He knew their victim struggled despite the pain. Despite the fact they bled to death.

"Release them," Greyruff growled.

Ironclaw shrieked once, a grating avian noise, before dropping their victim with a thud to the roof below. He clicked his iron beak as he landed, wings folding neatly behind him.

"Scratch one rodent problem," Ironclaw said. "Any more from this time?"

Greyruff flipped through the data pad entries, crossing off the name of their latest victim. "We've got more to exterminate. Records say not here, another Terran city, but the readings say they are here. Scout first before we head to the location they call Chicago."

Ironclaw nodded. "Give me a new set of coordinates and we're there."

"Let's try the north west portion of this area. If one is around, there may be more," Greyruff said.

Ironclaw rased his iron taloned hands, speaking in a halting language. His hands began to glow as a portal, a rip in space appeared before them. "What about the rodent? She's still breathing?"

Greyruff looked over his shoulder. "She's where no one will find her, and after the damage you did to her, she'll be dead before morning."

They passed through the portal, closing it behind them.

Mari waited. Waited until they had gone. When she could hear no sound she weakly moved her arm, trying to reach the pocket CB Mandy had whipped up for her. She cursed when she could not reach it. Her shoulders ached from the puncture wounds and her vision swam before her. A single thought crossed her mind before she passed out.

Snowfall

A small portal opened. Just wide enough to let the female feline to pass through. She quickly sniffed the area. Ironclaw and Greyruff had been there, of that she could smell. But something else. Something more.

Blood. A fresh kill.

She sought out the no doubt latest victim of Ironclaw and Greyruff, surprised to find the mouse alive, though unconscious.

"Now," she half purred. "What am I going to do with you?"

Sighing she hefted the slender mouse into her arms, opening a portal back to her base. Once through, she closed it, calling out: "Tracer, medkit, stat."

Tracer rounded the corner at a full run, skidding to a halt in front of Goldeneyes. He began to trace colored symbols in the air with a claw. *They struck again?* he mentally asked.

Goldeneyes nodded. "We need to get her patched up. She may have heard something. Some little bit of information that can help us beat Greyruff."

Tracer signed again. *Find the bastard and kill him for me. Rip his traitorous throat out.*

"I'll be taking someone with me to track them down," Goldeneyes said, opening a portal. She sent her mind in search of a partner from the base, finally selecting someone who would be a match for Ironclaw.

*Shimmer, meet me down on Terra. I'll give you the coordinates when I can.* Goldeneyes sent.

The mouse began to stir, whispering. "They're here still."

Goldeneyes looked toward Tracer. "That's where we'll be. The Terran city of Detroit." *Shimmer, got that?*

*Loud and clear. Meet you there.*

Tracer only waved his white-furred hand at Goldeneyes, ushering her through the portal, returning himself to patching the mouse up. If he could.

Mandy had spent the rest of the evening, with help, more or less, putting up the Halloween decorations. The time had slipped by and she couldn't help but worry. Mari had been gone along time. Very unlike her. Especially since the guys had come for a visit.

"I'm going out," Vinnie said at last.

A chilling howl outside the window froze them in their tracks.

"But there aren't any wolves in Detroit," Mandy said. "Unless those two weren't trick or treaters."

"I'm going to check on Snowfall," Vinnie said.

They heard an ear-piercing metallic avian scream followed closely by the roar of a rather large beast. Vinnie had not even gotten the chance to move when two large winged bodies smashed through the window. Charlie screamed.

The half metal bird-man rose to a crouch. The dragon-lady followed suit. Outside they could hear yowls and hissing of a cat.

"Don't get that walking furball near me," Vinnie nearly cried.

"Yeah," Modo said. "But who are the good guys?"

Mandy paused, a laser in her hand. "We might know soon enough."

"How are we gonna stop them?" Vinnie asked.

"You can't," Mandy said.

The dragon-lady leapt up, tracing symbols in the air. The eagle flinched once before beginning to trace its own symbols. The eagle formed a shield to protect itself from the dragon's energy blast, slipping underneath. The bird-man flipped to lash out with a metal wing, catching the dragon-lady off guard.

"Quarry . . . " the eagle hissed, lunging for Vinnie.

Vinnie leapt to the side just as an explosion engulfed the area where he once stood. He rose, laser aimed toward the bird. "I don't know who you are, but no one blasts the Biker Mice."

The dragon dropped to a low crouch, dark green blood dripped down the side of her face. "Give up now, Ironclaw."

"Never, reptile," Ironclaw hissed. "Quarry is quarry if the pay is good. And I intend to collect."

The shimmering dragon spread her wings, calling out. "Gilbaz erival harironclaw erival."

Ironclaw paused, leaping to the sky. When the metal feathers failed to respond, he landed in a crouch. "Not so easy, reptile," Ironclaw said, opening a portal and slipping through.

The dragon-lady rose, looking back and forth between Throttle, Modo, Vinnie, Charlie and Mandy. "I suppose you'll need an explanation."

Mandy nodded.

At a feline scream, the dragon-lady turned. "Hold on. I'll be right back." She leapt through the shattered window.

They waited, jumping when a cat-woman burst through the door, a wolf-man snapping at her heels. She turned, fired a strange beam toward the wolf-man, dropping to her knees. The dragon-lady soon followed, cursing in another language when a glowing portal opened beneath the wolf-man.

Vinnie paused, calming Snowfall. Something definitely was wrong. He was near a cat and he hadn't sneezed. His allergies should be in full swing by now. Yet he did not have so much as a sniffle, let alone full blown sneezes.

The dragon-lady went to the cat-woman, helping her to her feet. "I'll make this as quick an explanation as possible. I'm ShimmerWing and along with others, Goldeneyes included, we are a group of warriors from many worlds, many times who dedicate ourselves to remove criminals and unsavory life forms from worlds. We finally tracked Ironclaw and Greyruff here. Why, we didn't know."

Goldeneyes looked up. "We had an idea they were out to assassinate someone here, but not who. I'd say you," she indicated Vinnie, "But they must have made a mistake earlier. I just brought in a female white mouse in critical condition. Tracer is tending to her now."

"Mari?" Vinnie said in shock. "Where is she?"

"Back at our base," ShimmerWing said. "If you agree, we might be safer taking them with us. At least we can give them some protection there until we subdue Ironclaw and Greyruff."

Goldeneyes nodded. "Anyone else close to you?"

Vinnie paused. That's when he realized something was wrong. "Snowfall!"

Mandy paled, leading the charge to Snowfall's room. They stopped, searching every inch of the room.

"God don't let them have her," Mandy said frantically.

"Hold up," Throttle said, rising. Snowfall clung to his neck, eyes wide with fright, though no tears fell.

Mandy rushed over. "Thank God you're all right." When she tried to take Snowfall, she refused, her grip tightening around Throttle.

"I take it as a no," Mandy said, backing away. When Vinnie moved to take his daughter, she eagerly switched, burying her head into his chest. "Well I'll be," Mandy said, glancing toward Charlie.

Charlie said nothing.

"I'll open a portal for us," ShimmerWing said. "Just walk through with whatever you'll need for a short stay. We have food and shelter so you're all set there."

"I'll get our bikes," Modo said, Throttle following.

"We can't just leave Earth," Charlie said suddenly. "If you guys go, then who'll stop Limburger and Brie?"

Vinnie walked over to her. "Sweetheart, if we get killed by these maniacs, then there'll be no one to help anyway."

Charlie turned her back to him, arms crossed. He only shrugged, soothing Snowfall. They walked back down the stairs where Throttle and Modo waited with the bikes. Ice among the missing.

ShimmerWing opened a portal to their base and everyone filed in. Once on the other side, she told them to stay there and wait until she deposited Goldeneyes. Goldeneyes commented she could make her own way to the infirmary, and when her legs gave out, relented to ShimmerWing.

"Look," Throttle began. "If you're going to the infirmary, and Mari is there, why not we come too?"

ShimmerWing half shrugged. "Leave your stuff there and follow me, then."

They followed, stopping when they entered the infirmary. Bent over Mari was a white wolf, tracing abstract symbols with its talons.

"What news, Tracer?" ShimmerWing asked, setting Goldeneyes down.

*She is a strong one. She will heal soon,* Tracer sent. *Goldeneyes ok?*

"All it is is a case of getting hit in the head," Goldeneyes said. "Nothing to worry about. Just heal her first."

*I'm going as fast as I can,* Tracer paused, looking up. *Are they part of their little hunt as well?*

Goldeneyes nodded. "Seems like it. I can't say for sure, but since they attacked, and labeled another as quarry, then they may only be after white mice."

Tracer nodded. *Have you told them yet?*

"Told us what?" Throttle asked.

Tracer furrowed a brow. *Shimmer?*

ShimmerWing turned, folding her wings closer to her body. "What I didn't tell you is that Greyruff and Ironclaw are working for another boss, not their usual, though I know Sharptounge is in the general area of Terra. He tried, once, to open a portal to a dimention I'd rather he not."

"All because Halloween is a 'power day'," Mandy said softly. "The time when the spirit world and the mortal world come together."

"Sort of. Sharptounge is a master mage, and he knows he can use the innate Terran energy on the night you call Halloween to open a portal to a dimension that could allow several ancient, very bitter, warrior-mages to emerge into your direction. If they do, then no world will be safe. And several of us will have to disappear. Maybe forever," ShimmerWing said.

"What do you mean, 'disappear'?" Charlie asked.

ShimmerWing bowed her iridescent head. "I'm from the direction Sharptounge wants to open. I know one of the warrior-mages who would come through. He killed all of my people. Only because I was young and good at playing dead did he miss me. I fled, accidentally opening a portal to your direction. I have wandered the galaxy for untold generations, helping those I could."

"Then you found here and a greater cause to aid," Throttle said.

ShimmerWing nodded. "Varitos is a dangerous person. He is responsible for shattering the Five Silver Kingdoms. Of that I know. My memory is not complete of the whole battle, only that I am the last DragonMage and Varitos will more than likely kill me if he finds me."

"Then we can't let this portal open," Throttle said. "But how do you open this portal? Is it like the others?"

"No," ShimmerWing said. "It takes more energy that is used to open a simple personal portal. No. Sharptounge will need a great energy. Energy he can get from the natural changes to your world at this time of year."

"And what is this Sharptounge?" Mandy asked. "Since all of you have humanoid animal forms, what's theirs?"

"Snake," Goldeneyes said softly.

Tracer rose, straightening his back with a very audible crack. *I've done what I can. Now all we do is wait. And I tend to you now, Goldeneyes.*

Vinnie walked to Mari, still cradling Snowfall. He put an instinctive hand to his throat when he noticed the jagged furless scars on Tracer's throat. He quickly returned his mind to Snowfall when she tried to get away. When she began to reach for her mother.

"Momma's gonna be ok," Vinnie said softly. "She has to be."

"So?" a voice from the darkness said softly. "Did you kill them?"

Greyruff smiled, his sharp fangs gleamed in the sole light above them. "You ordered us to kill the white mouse, and we did. But you never said if they were male or female. There is a male left that we can go back and get."

"He is the key. Kill him and you shall have your pay."

Ironclaw nodded. "Just to let you know, that reptile was there. Her and that feline Goldeneyes."

"That is an unexpected surprise. Right Sharptounge?"

Sharptounge slithered from the darkness into the light. "You two kill that rodent. Bring him to me. I may be able to gather enough energy to finally open the portal. Then, my master, we shall see the beginning of a new Empire," Sharptounge said, turning toward the darkness from whence he came.

They could hear a rustle in the darkness, then a low chuckle. "If that dragon-whelp is here, then I can finally fulfill my pledge. Finally destroy the last remnant of the Five Silver Kingdoms."

Sharptounge only bowed his head, opening a portal to Earth.

Vinnie paced. That was the only thing he could think to do. Everyone had been given quarters to sleep in, yet he refused to go. Refused to leave Mari's side. She had shown no signs of improvement and he began to worry. Snowfall had finally relented that her mother would not wake up and hold her and had finally fallen asleep, though he would not let her out of his sight. Not with a threat lingering over their heads.

Finally, he sat with a thud, arms crossed, in a chair near her bed. This had made the second time she had been badly hurt, and he knew that her body couldn't take much more damage before she may never heal.

He breathed deep, trying to calm himself. He wanted to see if he could do what Mari could do. Sense what goes on in other people. He had no real idea how she did it, only what little she could say. He knew it was hard for her to put into words what she really couldn't identify. All he could get from her was that, through a process she called grounding and centering, and casting her mind 'out', she could sense emotions and the general state of people.

He tried hard, finding nothing but darkness when he closed his mind. He cursed, rising. What did he think he could accomplish by trying something Mari had said, as far as she knew, was an ability only she had? Why was he even trying in the first place?

When Snowfall began to toss and turn in bed, he went to her, soothing her. She awoke, immediately asking to be picked up. He cradled her to his chest, returning to his seat. He smoothed her hair, talking softly to her. When she quieted, he tried again. Tried to calm himself down. Tried to get the anger and confusion out of him.

Somewhere, faint, he could have sworn to have heard a voice. Calling to him. He opened his eyes, thinking Mari had woken up, but nothing had changed. And the voice had vanished.

He closed his eyes again, concentrating. He could feel two presences in his mind, neither of which seemed threatening. From the shadows of his mind walked a figure of ethereal beauty, carrying a small child.

'Mari?'

She nodded. 'Never figured I'd see you here. I didn't know you had the ability as well?'

'I tried once, but couldn't. This time I was holding Snowfall. Could she be doing this?'

Mari only shrugged. 'I have no idea. But I do want you to know one thing, I will be all right. That, I can sense. Only that my poor old body needs time to recoup. Besides, what happened?'

'There were these creatures, some good, some bad. Apparently the part metal eagle-man by the name of Ironclaw was the one who attacked you. Goldeneyes found you and Tracer healed you.'

'I knew something was being done, but I couldn't tell what.' Mari paused. 'You can't stay here forever, and I know you don't know how to get back. I'll lead you and please, don't try this unless I'm conscious and with you. You could get trapped out here and not get back.'

'How do you know?'

'I learned it while I was down in New Orleans,' Mari said as they walked. 'Good ol' Renaud taught me a lot about magick. Said it was the only way he could explain what I do.'

Mari soon stopped near a faintly glowing hole in the 'wall'. 'Step through and you're there.'

'Can't you follow?'

'When it's time, I'll be back, just not now.'

Vinnie looked sadly back to her before walking through the light. He leapt to his feet at the sound of air rushing and found himself unsteadily holding Snowfall. He sat, stunned, looking at Mari. Now, though she hadn't moved, a faint smile seemed to grace her lips.

Shaking himself of the memory, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.

Throttle found himself unable to sleep. Not surprising after the day's events. He rose, wandering the halls. ShimmerWing had told him that as long as he could see a blue mark on the walls or floor, he would be all right. Any other color, or lack thereof, and he would be in territory they preferred he not visit. For safety's sake, they had said.

He found himself checking on the others, even though he felt they were safe here. He was the leader, as he had told Ishiryo months before, and he felt it his responsibility, his duty, to check on them.

Modo slept soundly, as did Mandy. Vinnie's room was vacant and so was the small bed set up for Snowfall. Throttle hesitated at Charlie's door. Maybe that's where Vinnie and Snowfall were, and if so, he wouldn't want to bother them. But something kept bothering him. Something wanted him to check.

Slowly he opened the door finding Charlie quite awake and sitting on the edge of the bed, crying. When she looked up, he started to close the door, a blush to his cheeks, though he stopped. Something in the way she looked made him open the door and enter, closing it softly behind him.

"Any news?" Charlie asked.

Throttle stood there. "No."

Charlie shook her head. "Why?"

Throttle went to her side, sitting carefully in the bed beside her. He could find no answer to her question.

"Why does life have to be so unfair?"

"Life was never meant to be fair," he said at last. "If life was supposed to be fair, then there wouldn't be a war on Mars. And our lives would be different."

Charlie looked up at Throttle, pausing. "Sometimes . . . Sometimes I wonder what it would've been like if you guys hadn't crashed here."

"Limburger would have taken over in an instant."

"I know that. But what if Limburger or the other bosses hadn't come to Earth in the first place? Where would we all be then?"

Throttle paused. "Home. In the arms of the ones we love."

"But what if you can't even do that?" Charlie asked, clasping her hands before her.

"I know where this is going, and it's none of my business," Throttle said, rising.

Charlie stopped him with a hand on his arm. "I just need someone to talk to. Someone who understands."

Throttle hesitated before sitting. "What Carbine and I have is different from what you and Vinnie have. First of all, ours is a long distance relationship. Both of us know we may never get back together. Never see each other except over the vid screen or on the occasional visit," he paused. "But you two can see each other whenever you want. If you really want to get to the heart of the matter, talk with Vinnie."

"But he's with her."

"He's with his daughter and her mother. You can't blame him for being worried. Mari did take a beating," Throttle said.

"She'll always be there. Always be in his mind, even if he is with me," Charlie said, looking long and hard into Throttle's eyes, even though she couldn't see them, hidden by his field specks.

He sighed. "That's something you should take up with him. With both of them. I can't help you there."

"No. I just needed someone to talk to. Someone who'll listen. Someone who's . . . been there before."

Throttle rose, walking to the door. "Go to him and talk. That's the only way you'll clear things up."

He walked out, closing the door behind him. He sank against the wall, sighing. He removed his field specks and rubbed at his weary eyes. He paused, turning. He fumbled with his field specks, gasping. "Carbine?"

"I'm not alone. Apparently whoever attacked you, ShimmerWing thought might come after us, so she brought us here," Carbine said. "From what she said, apparently Modo had wondered if they'd search Mars for anyone close to you guys and so here we are. Rimfire and Stoker are still with ShimmerWing."

Throttle went to her, hugging her. "I was just thinking about you. But I didn't think there was a danger. From what I know about these two, they're only after the Earth, not Mars." He turned to her. "But I'm glad you're here. We can now catch up on some . . . unfinished business."

"Oh really?" Carbine said casually. "And that would be . . . ?"

Throttle chuckled, leading her back to his quarters. "Old times, new lives, the mess a war can bring to relationships."

"Oh . . . that type of business," Carbine said, a grin on her face. "Then by all means, lead away."

As he opened the door to his quarters, he couldn't help but wonder about Charlie, at the same time worrying about Mari. Yet when Carbine turned and kissed him, all other thoughts were pushed aside.

Charlie sat and thought about what Throttle had said. Then after she heard voices outside her door, one distinctly belonging to Carbine, she had decided to go on his advice. She had nothing to lose by confronting Vinnie. Nothing except the love she felt for him.

When Throttle and Carbine had disappeared, she waited a few more minutes, composing herself. She carefully opened the door, walking down the hall to the infirmary. She peeked in. Vinnie sat in a chair beside Mari's bed, asleep, Snowfall sleeping in his arms.

She turned and stopped, seriously considered going back to her room.

"Charlie?" Vinnie whispered.

She jumped, turning. "I . . . didn't want to disturb you."

"You'd never disturb me, sweetheart," he said, shifting Snowfall. He rose, placing his daughter back in her bed. He covered her before returning to Charlie.

She stood, staring at Mari. She then turned to look at Vinnie. He had changed. Now that he had a daughter, something had definitely changed in him. He seemed more calm, less reckless. In a way, Charlie chuckled to herself, he seemed more mature.

"I kinda talked to her in her mind," Vinnie said softly. "I think Snowfall was the reason why I could. But she said she'd be all right. That she'd be back when she could. That we'd have to wait."

"Don't you mean 'you'?"

Vinnie turned to her, hugging her from behind. When she tensed, he released her, a confused look on his face. "No. She means a lot to all of us. And I want her to be there for Snowfall."

Charlie turned, looking him in the eyes. He seemed sincere enough, but she couldn't excuse him for what he did. Couldn't find in her heart the will to admit she wanted to be with him even after he had fathered a child with someone else.

"Come on," he said suddenly. "We should go somewhere else to talk."

"You can't leave Snowfall."

Vinnie hesitated. Instead he led her to a far wall where Snowfall was still in sight, but not Mari. "I know why you're so different," he started to say, faltering for words. "And you're right to be mad at me. But haven't I made it up?"

"What you did can never be forgiven," Charlie said softly, but with an air of force. "No matter what you do, no matter what you say, I can't believe you really mean it. Especially when Mari enters the conversation. Or when you go to visit Snowfall. I can't believe you'd rather be with me, a human, when you could have a mouse for a mate."

"Mari is the whole reason for this," he said. "And Snowfall needs to know who her father is."

Charlie turned, stopped by Vinnie. She glared at him for a moment before averting her eyes.

"I'm not the one letting her come between us, you are," Vinnie nearly hissed. "I don't know how many times I'll have to say I'm sorry before you finally believe me, but it's true. I do love you. You and only you."

Charlie looked at him, a tear formed at the edge of her eye. He sounded so sincere, but she couldn't bring herself to believe. "What about Snowfall?"

"Of course I'll love her. She's my daughter. My only child. And I'd be there for her in an instant." When Charlie frowned, he paused. "Just like I'd be there for you."

She started to protest when he bent suddenly, placing the tips of his antennae against her forehead. She stiffened as images flooded into her mind, her body tingled with a multitude of sensations. All the while she could hear a voice. Vinnie's voice. Talking softly to her.

'This is a part of me I'd never share with anyone. Mari doesn't even know. But I want to prove to you, once and for all that I really do love you.'

Then, as soon as they started, the images and sensations faded. She opened her eyes. Vinnie looked drawn, and she would have sworn he was a paler shade of white than before. His breathing was labored and ragged and he leaned heavily against the wall beside her, eyes closed, his head on his arm, tears coursed down his cheeks in a silent cry. Even his tail did not move.

Charlie started to speak. Wanted to say something. Instead she laid a hand on his arm, startling him. "Thank you," she whispered.

"That's what you'd call my 'soul' . . . what makes me who I am. My hopes. My dreams," he panted. "I wanted to share it with you the only way I knew I could . . . And have you understand."

"But . . . It tired you out. You didn't have to do it," Charlie said softly, running a hand over his cheeks, wiping the tears away.

He took her hand in his. "I did. If only to let you know how I really feel. You know I'm no good with words."

She began to cry, letting him hold her. "I didn't want to believe you'd go to her. But every time you talked about her or Snowfall I wanted to kill her. I hated her so much for what she represented."

"But it's over now. Isn't it?"

Charlie only nodded, her throat choked with tears.

When they heard a large thump, they both jumped, breaking the embrace. Vinnie went to check on Snowfall, instead finding Mari on the floor, trying to stand.

"Guess I'd better watch out for that last step," Mari half chuckled. "Quite the doozie."

Vinnie went over, lifting her back onto the bed. He jumped visibly when Charlie laid a hand on his arm. He blushed.

"Told ya I'd be back when the time was right," Mari said. "And I'd say by the look of it, you two finally have reconciled."

Charlie began to blush as well. "I . . . guess you could say I had my 'eyes opened'," she said, looking toward Vinnie.

"Good," Mari said. " 'Bout time. So? Was Snowfall any trouble?" she paused, looking around. "And where am I?"

"It's a long story," Vinnie said. "I'll tell you in the morning. Let's just say that someone want's to get rid of any white mice on Earth. They came after me after they got you. But we're safe here at a base we have no idea where it is. Only that someone want's to destroy the Earth, and we don't know who."

"Nice and condensed," Mari chuckled. "And I think you just told me what I need to know. Now, if you two don' t mind, I'll get some rest. Would you two mind keeping an eye on Snowfall?"

Vinnie looked toward Charlie.

"Sure. Just rest and heal," Charlie said, much to Vinnie's surprise.

He gathered Snowfall once more, soothing her when she woke. Charlie and he left Mari to sleep and headed for his quarters. When Charlie stopped him, leading him onto hers, he smiled his trademark smile. Things seemed to start looking better, he thought. Even if some half metal bird was trying to kill them.

Sharptounge backhanded a crate, smashing it. "Master will not be pleased when he finds the rodent is gone."

"No doubt that reptile, ShimmerWing took him and the others to a safe place," Ironclaw said. "But if they are not here you can begin to harness the power uncontestedly. And when the others come, then we can hunt down the mouse and the reptile and kill them at our leisure."

Sharptounge nodded. "Go and secure food. You know how tired I get when I try to open this portal. This time I want a good supply of food."

Ironclaw shrieked once before taking off, scouring the city for a likely victim.

Sharptounge settled himself, connecting his consciousness with that of the planet. He had never had a love of Terra, or her of him. Every century when he tried, she had refused, never yielding her power to him. This time, though, he had the advantage. He had the 'upgrade', he considered it, by Varitos that boosted his own mage abilities. Now he could beat Terra and open the portal.

Now they could finally rule.

Mari rested in her bed, smiling at Snowfall as she played with some toys ShimmerWing had brought her. Though she had said she was fully healed, Tracer wanted her to rest more. Just to make sure, the wolf-man had sent to her.

He sat across the room from her, his golden gaze never leaving Snowfall.

*She's a beautiful child.*

"She's the only thing I have left," Mari said softly.

Tracer looked up. *What about her father?*

"He belongs with another. What we did . . . was without thinking. But what we did is done and nothing can take it back. I don't regret it. Not after what I've had for a life," Mari said.

*The war we've monitored on Mars?*

Mari shook her head. "My children died at the battle of Monument and my mate died shortly thereafter."

Tracer nodded his head. *Life can be cruel.*

"Is that how you lost your voice?"

Tracer paused. *Treason of the highest kind.*

"Not you?"

*Greyruff, once, was a part of us. Fought with us. Then, something happened,* Tracer paused. *I guess you could say something changed his heart. He left one day, and I followed. When I confronted him and learned he had sided with the enemy, he attacked me, clawing my throat out.* Tracer returned his gaze to Snowfall.

Mari nodded. "Life sometimes like to jump up and kick you a good one. Is that why we can only stay in the blue areas?"

*We won't take any more chances. When someone that close to us can be corrupted . . . but we will never give up helping those in need. It's our duty.*

Mari silently sighed. "Duty can have its way of getting in the way. Turbo and I tried to put our lives on hold during the war. But it can't always happen. Phoenix and Blaze were born during the early days of the war, and died during the last few years."

*Some of us put off relations, while others didn't. Life, for most of us, was looked at as brief. We needed to make the most of it with what we had. And we did. I've helped deliver many new lives here,* Tracer said, rising. *I'll be back to check on you later, right now I need to stretch my legs.* He looked up from Snowfall to Mari. *You will behave, won't you?*

Mari chuckled. "If you mean 'will I still be here when you get back?', yes. Just not maybe in bed."

Mari could sense Tracer tried to chuckle, instead he smiled, walking out the door. She waited, making sure he wouldn't return before gently easing out of bed to crouch beside her daughter. Snowfall immediately ignored her toys, plastering herself on her mother's chest. Mari hugged Snowfall tightly, careful not to hurt her.

"How you doing?" a voice asked suddenly from behind.

Mari jumped to her feet, reaching for her laser. She half smiled, chuckling. "Gods, Stoker, scare a poor mouse, will ya?"

"Thought I already did?"

Mari straightened, shifting Snowfall. "I feel better, but I'd really feel better if we really knew what was going on here. I know what Tracer told me, and from what Vinnie filled me in on, but I still find something wrong. Something doesn't feel right."

"I've . . . heard about your abilities. Rock used to tell me how you could second guess almost anyone. How good are your abilities?" Stoker asked.

"Good enough," Mari said. "Why?"

Stoker only shrugged. "Just wonderin'."

Mari wanted to press further, instead remaining silent.

"So?" Stoker said, changing the subject. "How is Snowfall?"

"As good as can be expected," Mari said. "I know she'll never replace Phoenix or Blaze, but at least she is mine."

Stoker started to speak, then stopped.

Mari looked up, noting the look on Stoker's face. He seemed to be fighting his conscious, or so she could feel. Something he might want to tell her, but couldn't.

"Look," he said at last. "I've got to go. Just . . . just don't give up on the memory of what you had on Mars. Ok?"

Mari only nodded, confused. She watched Stoker leave, moving to sit on the edge of her bed. Snowfall seemed content to play on the bed with Mari. She couldn't help but look back toward the door.

She returned her gaze and thoughts to Snowfall. "Whatever will be, will be," she whispered, kissing her daughter on the forehead.

Vinnie lay silently on his bed. Not even his tail dared to twitch. His thoughts swirled around him like a mist. He thought about last night and the long talk he had with Charlie. Thought about what Mari had said, once, about how he acted on a first impulse because he was too afraid to recognize the truth.

He then thought about Snowfall. Charlie seemed quite content to have her around. To play with her. To help feed her. She didn't seem so angry as she did when he went to Detroit. He did have to admit one thing. She did have a reason. A valid reason. And the fact he couldn't get Mari out of his mind compounded matters further. He knew what Mari had said about going back to Turbo if she ever found him alive, though things kept pointing to the fact he really was dead. Not just lost somewhere in space.

A momentary feeling of guilt overcame him when he thought deeply about Mari. He did love Charlie, that he finally had admitted. Though some part of him still thought about Mari and what they had once shared. Shared a love neither of them would forget. Snowfall would not let either of them forget what they did. And what it had meant to them.

Sometimes he couldn't get Mari out of his mind. Couldn't think of anything but her. How things could have been different if he had not had Charlie in his life. If Mari had not had Turbo. Then another name intruded into his thoughts. A name he had not thought about in years.

Harley.

He had vowed, along with Throttle and Modo, to find Harley and make Mace pay for what he did. But that was in the past. They found nothing while they roamed the galaxy. No sign of either one of them.

Vinnie then turned his thoughts back to Mari. She had commented enough on how similar they were, color aside. In height and abilities, and even, it seemed, in mannerisms, they were a perfect compliment to each other. The only thing Mari had, that he didn't, were her sending and empathic abilities. He could 'send', but only by touch. Mari also seemed to contain her adrenalin rush during a battle. From what he had seen, she did not tense up like he did. Instead she remained calm and cool despite the heat of battle.

That was one thing he liked about Mari. She fought with them. Had fought on Mars. Charlie only once fought along side them, but only under the guise of the Masked Motorcyclist. And when she had gotten hurt, Vinnie felt as if the world would end. He didn't want to see Charlie get hurt. Not then, not now.

He sighed. Everyone had gathered in a form of mess hall and ate, and in a small case between Stoker and him, a wrestling match. Charlie had sat beside him, sometimes resting her hand on his thigh. She had helped him with Snowfall never once seeming mad.

Though all during breakfast he couldn't help but worry about Mari. When he had talked with her in her - or his, he still was confused about that - mind, she had said she would be back when the 'time' was right. And she had come back to them right after he had proven his love to Charlie. He couldn't help but feel the timing, and the fact that she had eaten breakfast in her room, refusing any visitor except Snowfall and Tracer, that she must know something he didn't.

*Come to the infirmary, immediately,* Tracer sent urgently.

Vinnie leapt to his feet, racing down the hall, though not alone. He slowed, letting the others pass when Charlie called his name. He noted the worry on her face, though said nothing.

When they entered the infirmary, he sought out Mari and Snowfall. She sat on the edge of one of the beds, Snowfall cuddled in her lap, her gaze intent on Tracer.

ShimmerWing and Goldeneyes stood beside Tracer, grave looks on their faces.

"Sharptounge is indeed on Earth. We have located the general direction of his portal," ShimmerWing said solemnly.

"What are we waiting for?" Throttle asked. "Let's get down there and stop them."

Goldeneyes shook her head. "You would be no match for them."

"They blind sided me," Mari said. "If I had the chance to defend myself, things'd be different."

ShimmerWing paused. "Go then. But take care. I suggest that all white mice remain here, since you seem to be the intended targets."

Mari nodded, snuggling Snowfall closer.

"Charlie, Mandy, if you wouldn't mind sitting this one out?" Throttle asked hesitantly.

"My pleasure," Charlie said, leaning closer to Vinnie.

Mandy raised a tentative hand. "I'll stay here, but remember, Ice is still down there. Somewhere."

Throttle nodded. "We'll keep an eye out for her. Let's rock."

"Keep safe," ShimmerWing said, opening a portal to Detroit.

"And ride," they chorused, dashing through the portal.

*I've had your bikes transported down to your location,* Tracer sent. *They're waiting for you.*

Mari half nodded. "Now all we do is wait."

"And hope," Vinnie quietly added.

Through the streets of Detroit they raced, Throttle and Stoker in the lead. So far they had seen little out of place. Even radio reports seemed scarce. Only once did they hear of a 'demon' terrorizing the city, later to be changed to a serial killer in a bird costume.

"Seems like he's staying in a general radius near the Changing Times," Throttle said.

"Any plans?" Stoker asked.

"Hit 'em hard and hit 'em fast. We'll be staying in a group so that flying piece of scrap metal can't catch us off guard," Throttle said.

Stoker only cringed, gunning his bike's engine.

When they neared the Changing Times, Carbine shouted a warning. Throttle looked up in time to see a blur of light in the sky before a rain of laser fire began to dance around them.

They broke, still keeping each other in sight, returning fire. Stoker cursed his luck when Ironclaw seemed to target him, herding him from the others. He had all he could do to keep the half metal bird man at bay, watching helplessly as Carbine and Modo had to break off pursuit when a second attacker destroyed Carbine's bike.

Stoker dodged several missiles. He leapt from his bike when Ironclaw swooped down, rolling and firing. His bike spun on one wheel, adding it's own firepower. Ironclaw seemed to be weakening and Stoker knew he couldn't let up.

An explosion off to his side knocked him down, winding him. He looked up, noticing Ice as she blasted her way in front of him, Greyruff and another humanoid lizard after her. She spun, firing, not able to dodge in time when the lizard woman fired a beam. Soon his own bike was similarly disabled and he now faced all three alone. He rose, unsteadily, laser in hand.

"It may not be our quarry, Tallena, but this old rodent'll do well enough," Greyruff said.

"I'll show you old," Stoker began. He leapt sideways, firing. He headed for the nearest building, running directly into one of Ironclaw's metal wings. He dropped to his knees, trying to orient himself. Something hard hit him in the back then he could feel several sharp objects pierce his body.

He soon blacked out.