Chapter one

Impromptu danger

Two weeks have passed since Nathaniel escaped the seal and started causing trouble again; Sapphire, Shadow and their friends are still coming up with ways to get Nathaniel back to where he should be.

"Has anyone come up with anything else we can do?" Sapphire asks, becoming frustrated

"No, not really." Sonic responds, bluntly

Soon after, Emerald senses something coming towards the building.

"There's something coming towards the building, folks." Emerald informs

"Where's it coming from?" Shadow asks

"I don't know."

Soon after, Lucinda enters the house, rousing Sapphire's concerns.

"Lucinda? What're you doing here?" Sapphire asks

"It's Nathaniel, there's something you need to know." Lucinda answers

""What is it, Lucinda?" Shadow asks, concerned

"Nathaniel can sense residue from his target's powers from miles away; that's why he's been showing up at the hospital a lot."

"What does this mean for Scourge and Amy?"

"They'll need to be sealed up, so that they don't get hurt."

"Why me as well?" Amy asks, anxiously

"Because you're Scourge's girlfriend and Nathaniel will want you out of the way so that he can take Scourge."

Without another word, Scourge and Amy join Lucinda.

"Where will they go?" Rouge asks

"In Mephiles' former seal; where Scourge's power can't be detected."

Soon after, Lucinda leaves with Scourge and Amy. A couple of hours later, Emerald rushes everyone out of Rouge's house as it is destroyed, with Rouge devastated.

"I saved for this house, and the gems…" Rouge says, defeated

"Come on, Rouge. You can stay at our place." Sapphire responds

"Are you sure?"

"We don't mind, Rouge. Just go with Sapphire to safety." Shadow responds

Sapphire and Rouge then race to Sapphire and Shadow's house; Emerald then joins Shadow.

"Are you okay, father?" Emerald asks, concerned

"I know how much work went into the house; I helped decorate and cover some of the rooms in the gems Rouge saved up for." Shadow responds, bluntly

"Let's go somewhere else. I'm sure you have somewhere else to stay."

Soon after, Shadow and Emerald go to the cave as everyone else heads home. Shadow and Emerald soon arrive at Shadow's former home.

"Is this where you used to live, father?" Emerald asks

"Yes, before I moved in with Sapphire. I slept on the ground, nearest the lit up gemstones." Shadow answers

"That doesn't sound comfortable."

"It isn't. I don't have any beds here."

"Don't worry, father. I've got it covered."

Emerald then uses her powers to make beds out of the crystals inside the cave chamber; Shadow is impressed by this.

"Where did you learn that?" Shadow asks

"Topaz and I were out one time and got trapped in a temple for two days; we had to learn how to survive with limited resources and making beds out of the available materials was part of it." Emerald responds, adding "I think we should get some sleep; it's starting to get late."

Soon after, Shadow and Emerald go into their beds and sleep for the night. As for Rouge, she can't sleep as Sapphire enters the room.

"Hey, are you okay, Rouge?" Sapphire asks

"I can't sleep nor stop thinking about the house." Rouge answers

"Don't beat yourself up about it; I'm sure we can find or build a new one."

"That house was the perfect size, everything fitted perfectly in all the little spots I gave them."

"Tell you what, once I work it out, I'll rebuild your house; with everything inside as it was. If I can't work it out, I'll draw up plans and work with the others to build a new house, gems included."

"You'd do that? It's not your fault."

"Even so, you need somewhere to live; it's the least I can do for you."

"Thank you, Sapphire; it's greatly appreciated."

"That's what friends are for Rouge."

Rouge then hugs Sapphire, taking her by surprise.

"Anyway, I think you should get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow."

Soon after, Rouge lays down and starts going to sleep as Sapphire leaves the room, going to bed herself. Morning comes and goes, afternoon takes its place and everyone is in the village square, looking for Nathaniel and his group of thugs. Sapphire is quick to notice someone running into the woods and follows them. Sapphire then hides behind a bush and watches on, to notice the person handing something over to one of Nathaniel's thugs; she listens into their conversation.

"Remember, say a word, you're dead. Got it?" The thug threatens

"Y-yes, Mark." The individual responds

The thug, assumingly named Mark, smacks the individual round the face.

"That's master, to you. Now get lost."

Soon after, the individual runs back home as Sapphire quietly follows them. After a while, Sapphire reaches a dangerous, vermin infested house. Without realising, Sapphire rustles the leaves in the bush that she's hiding in, causing the individual to walk towards her.

"Hello, who are you?" The individual asks, frightened

"Sapphire Hawthorne, what about yourself?" Sapphire answers

"Leighla-Rose Cocker Spaniel. But you can call me Rose."

"So, Rose. Let's head to your place and talk there."

"This is my place."

"Oh, okay. Let's… head to my house instead."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure; you shouldn't be living in a place like that."

Without further discussion, the two women head to Sapphire's house and enter, catching Rouge's attention, of whom recognises Rose.

"Leighla, what're you doing here? I thought you lived in that house wreck." Rouge asks

"I still do, Sapphire invited me here." Rose responds

"Sapphire, a word, if you please."

Soon after, Sapphire and Rouge go to Sapphire's bedroom, closing the door behind them.

"You do realise that Nathaniel and his thugs are using her a mule for their dodgy activity, right?" Rouge asks

"Wait, so this is why she lives in that… wreck." Sapphire responds

"Yes, they force their mules to live in house wrecks, to ensure that the mules are close to where their hideout is. This hideout is always changing location so that Nathaniel and his thugs don't get tracked down."

"How do you know how these gangs work?"

"I've watched them in action and stolen from a few of these gangs."

"Anyway, what'll happen when they're done with Rose?"

"She'll be made homeless, like the other mules that have been used by Nathaniel and his thugs."

"What can be done?"

"Not much; there's not much space here and everyone else's homes don't have much space either."

"If you're worrying about where I'll live, I'm going back to my parents later today and telling them everything that's happened." Rose responds

"You don't think they've had something to do with this, do you?" Sapphire asks

"Maybe not, maybe so; I still care for them."

"Why don't you spend the morning here? Have breakfast and get yourself warmed up."

"Are you sure?"

"Those thugs couldn't care less about your health; they just want someone to carry out their criminal activity. We, however, do care; Sapphire even more so." Rouge responds

"Okay, I'll stay for the morning. Do you have somewhere I can sleep for an hour?"

"Umm… I've got the couch; that's about it."

Leighla-Rose then sits on the couch, quickly getting comfortable.

"This is way better than sleeping on the floor. Thank you, Sapphire."

"It's all good, Rose. Sleep well."

Soon after, Rose lays down, falling asleep as Sapphire and Rouge look at each other, unsure of what to do as Shadow enters with Emerald.

"Hey, babe. Who's the new girl?" Shadow asks

"That's Leighla-Rose Cocker Spaniel, she's here resting up before she reunites with her parents." Sapphire responds

"Something about this seems off; I'll go and track down Leighla's parents to find out what's going on."

"Thank you, Shadow. We've been trying to find out whether Rose's parents have something to do with this."

Shadow nods, leaving for his mission.

"Wait, I've met Leigha's parents. They were very shifty when Leighla was with them and they didn't seem to want anything to do with her, for some reason."

"That doesn't sound good to me, not at all."

Soon after, the two women go their separate ways: Rouge upstairs to her bedroom and Sapphire to the bookcase. A few hours pass and Shadow returns, seemingly concerned. Sapphire is quick to notice.

"Hey, has something happened?" Sapphire greets, asking

"I've overheard a conversation between Leighla's parents; they don't want anything to do with her. They're the ones that set her up with Nathaniel and his thugs as a mule." Shadow responds, bluntly

"Oh, does this mean...?"

"Unfortunately, yes this means that Leighla is homeless and doesn't have anyone to turn to."

"What shall we do? We can't just send Leighla on her way."

"Leighla can't live here either; there's not enough space."

"What do we do?"

Then, Rouge comes downstairs, with an idea.

"Why not Sonic's shack? He always has some extra space there." Rouge proposes

"Sonic's shack was destroyed as well as your house, remember?"

"That's true… What about the cave that Shadow stays at sometimes? There's always space there."

"Emerald is staying there with Shadow. Do you know where Lucinda is?"

"Did someone call my name?" Someone says

Rouge and Sapphire follow the voice to notice Lucinda stood at the front door.

"How do you always know when to show up?" Sapphire asks

"I don't know, coincidence perhaps. What's needed, anyway?" Lucinda responds, asking

"Leighla needs somewhere to stay and we're hoping that you've got a spare bed for her." Rouge answers

"Sure, I've got six of them; Leighla's welcome to stay for as long as she needs. What's the situation like?"

"Leighla's parents have disowned her and thrown her into being a crime mule for Nathaniel's thugs; thus making Leighla homeless."

"Okay, I didn't think it was that bad. I'll let Leighla live with me since her parents won't take her back."

"Thank you, Lucinda; this is a huge help." Sapphire responds

"Anything for my friends. Hopefully, I'll make a new one whilst Leighla stays with me."

"I'm sure we'll make great friends. Say, are you Lucinda Calico?" Someone says

Lucinda turns to the voice and notices Leighla walking towards her.

"Umm… yes, I'm Lucinda Calico. And you are…?" Lucinda responds, asking

"I'm Leighla-Rose Cocker Spaniel. But you can call me Rose or Leighla; whichever's best for you. So, I've heard you have a place for me to stay, since my parents won't take me back."

"Yes, I've got a spare bedroom that you can call your own. All you have to do, is pick one."

"How come you have lots of bedrooms, anyway?"

"I bought a seven-bedroom, six-bathroom house so that I could accommodate and take care for those that need someone to call home or to take refuge if they're trying to get away from trauma of some sort; I'd paid for it from my work's salaries."

"How long did you save for?"

"For around five years, before the promotion six months ago."

"That's amazing. Anyway, thanks for this, do you want me to repay you? I don't have much."

"No, I offer my services for free since I work as a doctor. Anyway, let's be on our way, shall we?"

"Let's."

Soon after, Lucinda and Leighla leave Sapphire's house and continue their conversation. As for everyone else…

"Sapphire, you don't think there are more people like Leighla, do you?" Rouge asks

"Yes, there are plenty more; far too many to fit into Lucinda's house. Nathaniel and his thugs have destroyed so many homes; repairing the town is going to take at least six months." Sapphire responds

"But, won't this happen again?"

"If Nathaniel keeps getting let out of that seal, yes, the destruction will reoccur, very often. We need to find a way of keeping him where he belongs."

"You'll need a stronger seal; my former seal is too weak to take Nathaniel's full power." Someone else responds, spooking everyone

Everyone then turns around and notices Mephiles 'stood' behind them.

"Man, will you quit doing that?!" Shadow shouts, unimpressed

"No can do, it's something I do; Silver seems to like it, though. Anyway, back to this Nathaniel issue. We need to find a way of making a seal strong enough to withstand a blast from Nathaniel's powers." Mephiles says, bluntly

This silences the room, as no-one has an idea of how to make a seal or who to ask to help.

"I think I can help with your troubles." Mephiles says

"How can you help? All your powers have done is cause destruction." Shadow responds, sceptically

"True, but I've learned how to control my powers since then and also learned how to use them to make things. I could put you in a seal, if you want."

"No, Shadow believes you, Mephiles. Save your powers for the real task." Sapphire responds, soon evilly glaring at Shadow adding "That wasn't needed, Shadow."

Instantly knowing what'll happen next, Shadow keeps his mouth shut. Without further discussion, Mephiles gets to work in making an invisible seal, strong enough to withstand Nathaniel's powers; he then places the seal, in the woods, close to where Leighla used to live.

"So, where did you put it?" Sapphire asks, concerned

"I've put it close to an old house wreck, why?" Mephiles asks, confused

"That's where Leighla used to live before moving in with Lucinda; she'll more than likely want to return to the house wreck and collect some things. Are you able to change it's location?"

"Yes, but I've got to make sure that there isn't someone trapped inside or anywhere near the seal. I'll be back soon."

Soon after, Mephiles leaves as Sapphire turns to Shadow.

"Shadow, a word, if you please." Sapphire says, bluntly

Soon after, Sapphire and Shadow go to their bedroom, closing the door behind them.

"Why did you say that, Shadow?" Sapphire asks, unimpressed

"I was only stating what happened." Shadow responds

"And I'm sure that Mephiles doesn't want to be reminded; he's put a lot of effort into redeeming himself and ensuring that he doesn't relapse. Sure, his past actions are unfavourable, but you've got to see past that and get to know the new Mephiles. The one that cares about the safety of both strangers and those he cares about."

"Okay, I'll try and see past his mistakes; it's not a guarantee, though."

"I know that, I'm not expecting you to be able to get to know Mephiles straight away; I want you to put those grudges behind you, slowly so that you don't do something you'll regret."

Soon after, the pair hug each other.

"I love you, Shads."

"I love you too, Sapph."

Shadow then kisses Sapphire's forehead before the pair separate and go downstairs. As for Mephiles, he's reached the location of his seal to discover Leighla trapped inside; Mephiles frees Leighla and destroys the old seal.

"Thank you… what's your name?" Leighla says, asking

"You're welcome, my name is Mephiles the Dark. You must be Leighla, the one Sapphire speaks so fondly of." Mephiles responds, saying his name through gritted teeth

"Yes, I'm Leighla. Say, what was that seal doing there?"

"I was trying to catch Nathaniel; I didn't know that you would come back here. So, why did you come back here?"

"I used to live in the house wreck before moving in with Lucinda; I'm collecting some possessions that I'd left behind."

"Do you want some help? To make up for the mistake."

"Yes please, thank you. Say, how come you've said your name through gritted teeth?"

"Because I hate it and no-one, anywhere will let me change it."

"I don't know why you'd want to change it, but I think it suits you; you're dark, obviously but I think your name is amazing."

"Thank you, Leighla; you're the only one that's ever said that."

"Really? What about Sapphire?"

"We've been friends for a while and she was the one that encouraged everyone to like me for who I am now and not my past."

"I'm guessing your past isn't all too great."

"No, and I'd rather not talk about it."

"That's fine with me; you don't have to say if you don't want to."

"Thank you, Leighla."

"You're welcome, Mephiles."

Soon after, the two new friends get to work moving possessions from the house wreck to Lucinda's house. After a short while, Leighla's possessions are at Lucinda's house, in the living room as Lucinda enters the room.

"Okay, I knew you had possessions; I didn't know you had this many." Lucinda says, surprised

"Yeah, they're all gifts and clothes from my aunts and friends back… home… Anyway, I'll get to putting these away." Leighla responds

Leighla starts putting her possessions away as Mephiles pulls Lucinda to the side.

"What's up with Leighla, she looks upset." Mephiles asks

"Leighla was disowned by her parents this morning and is being forced to find her feet again; that's one of the reasons why she was living in that house wreck. The other reason is Nathaniel and his thugs; they're jerks for putting people like Leighla through something like that." Lucinda answers

"What did they do?"

"They basically forced Leighla to be their mule; they even sexually and psychologically abused her if she did something wrong or didn't do something."

"Wait, how old is Leighla?"

"Leighla is seventeen and bisexual; another reason why they put her through the abuse."

"Nathaniel and his thugs need putting in their place."

"It's not Nathaniel that needs putting in his place, it's those thugs; Nathaniel needs sealing up because he's destroying Station Square and what's left around it, excluding Sapphire's house, for some reason…"

"Sapphire has links to Scourge and could know where he is. Nathaniel is keeping her alive and her house intact so that he can get answers out of her, through any means necessary; even if it means raping her again, like in hospital."

"We need to warn Sapphire and Shadow, before it's too late. Mephiles, could you give them the warning whilst I help Leighla?"

"Sure thing, Lucinda."

"Thank you, and see you soon."

"You're welcome and see you soon, Lucinda."

Soon after, Mephiles transports to Sapphire's living room, arousing her concern.

"Mephiles the Dark, could you tell me why you've come in without knocking first?" Sapphire asks, concerned

"You're in danger, from Nathaniel; he's keeping you alive and your house intact so that he can get answers out of you about Scourge's whereabouts, even if it means raping you again." Mephiles warns, bluntly

Shadow soon joins Sapphire, becoming agitated.

"What can be done?" Shadow asks, unimpressed

"There's only one thing that can be done; stay on high alert until this threat is contained." Sapphire responds, scared

Soon after, Sapphire goes upstairs to her bedroom and stays there, closing the door behind her.

"This is the last thing Sapphire needed to hear; she's been high alert for the past three days and not been sleeping." Shadow says to Mephiles

"There's nothing I can do unless I know where Nathaniel is; without his location, I can't seal him up and prevent more destruction." Mephiles responds

"There's got to be something that can be done."

"If there is, I can't help; I'm in charge of sealing him up and need to keep myself focused."

Without further discussion, Mephiles and Shadow go their separate ways. As for Emerald, she's out making invisible traps and placing them where Nathaniel is most likely to run over. Six hours later and satisfied with her work, Emerald returns to Sapphire's house to notice Shadow and Mephiles standing on opposite sides of the room.

"Is everything okay, father?" Emerald asks, concerned

"No, Nathaniel is keeping your mother, Sapphire, alive and her house intact so that he can try to get Scourge and Amy's location." Shadow answers

"Isn't Nathaniel the same man that raped my mother?"

"Yes, he is; what's worse is that we don't know where he is."

"That problem should be solved soon; I've set traps over the routes that Nathaniel uses most. Only Nathaniel will activate them, regardless of whether he has a twin or not; he won't be able to detect them, either."

"However not?" Mephiles asks, approaching Emerald

"I've used a specific part of my power that not even the most skilled Spellcaster can detect; that part of my power I've been using to protect Muriel, Topaz and the other family members from harm since it can't be detected by anyone."

"How long will it take until we've captured Nathaniel?"

"It varies, dependent on how defiant and sneaky the suspect is; it could be a week, it could be six months. We've got to wait until I get a signal from one of the traps, saying that it's caught Nathaniel and he can't escape the trap."

Soon after, the room falls silent; Sapphire soon comes down and notices the tension.

"Is everything okay?" Sapphire asks, tiredly

"We've got some good news and bad news." Shadow responds

"Start with the good news."

"Emerald has set invisible traps that only Nathaniel can activate."

"And the bad news?"

"None of us know how long it will take." Mephiles responds

"So, how long would we be waiting, at least?"

"At least one week; up to six months, mother." Emerald responds

"At least we'll be able to put Nathaniel where he belongs, that's all that matters to not only me, but the rest of Mobius."

Without further discussion, Emerald teleports to Shadow's cave chamber as everyone else turns in, hoping that Nathaniel won't cause more trouble before his capture.