Path of the Hunters [PART 4] (NSFW)

Nova took note of Dart's expression, laughed. "Not even able to crawl yet, and he's being harassed by his sister. Poor guy."

Cross chuckled, running a hand over the boy's hair. "Looks like Dart's gonna have a tough time growing up, huh?"

"Don't worry. I'll make sure Aurora here doesn't kill him, or vice versa."

Aurélie laughed, nuzzling her son. "We will see 'ow well that works."

"Well, I think they're both adorable." Star scratched Dart behind the ear and, as much as he didn't want to like the person who'd complimented his already aggravating sister... it just felt too nice. His tail started to wag.

Nova smiled, nuzzled the girl in his arms. "That's Star," he cooed. "She's gonna watch over you two, while we're gone. You be nice to her, okay? And try to ease up on your brother."

She yipped and began licking his face almost desperately, hoping that announcement didn't signal their departure.

Dart's leg started to kick and he barked happily as Star continue to scratch and pet him.

"I think we'll get along fine," the hedgecat mused.

"Yeah, let's hope so," he managed through his laughing. "Relax, kiddo! We're not leaving yet!"

Star reached over, stroked Aurora's fur softly. "Mm..." She settled on a spot behind her ear parallel to the wonder her brother enjoyed and started to scratch. The yipping quickly turned into pleased gurgles.

Nova sighed, relieved. "Gotta remember that spot. Thanks, Star."

"No problem. It comes with the territory." Pleased now, the girl went back to lapping at her father's face. "She's... really affectionate."

"Oui."

"That's puttin' it lightly. She'll probably be wailin' her head off, while we're gone. Unless she takes a likin' to ya."

Star lifted a brow and looked down at the girl. "Mew."

The pup blinked, then her tail started wagging wildly. "Arf! Arf!"

"Problem solved."

"Come on, Nova," Sol said, walking out of his room, Mani and Yue at his heels. "What's not to like about her, huh?"

"Well there's..." He stopped on his next word, thought for a moment. "...Damn, I got nothin'."

The hedgecat purred, thoroughly amused. "Thank you."

Trip started to dart behind Cross's leg as reflex, but he managed to stop himself. Shyly, he waved at Yue.

Yue nearly run out to meet the kit, but kept her cool. Smiling, she waved back at Trip.

Sol gave Star a small salute. "Us hedgecats gotta look out for each other, eh?"

"Whatever," Nova said, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, you feeling better, Mani?"

The hedgefox gave a wry smile. "Yeah..."

"Did she get sick?" Trip wondered.

Star shook her head. "Sort of. It's okay, sweetie."

Mani sighed heavily, averted her gaze.

Sol turned to her. "Mani, try to relax. It's okay-"

"No! It's not okay!" she snapped, tears streaming. "Why should every other human have to pay for their evil!? It's not fair! But I can't help it..." She broke into sobs into her husband's shoulder, who comforted her with soft words and a gentle embrace.

Trip looked worried, hugging Cross's leg. "Dad, did I say something bad?" he whispered.

"It's not you," Cross said reassuringly, stroking the boy's head. "This is something that's been going on for a long time, before you were even born."

Yue hated seeing her mother like this, and it showed in her pained expression. She did all she could, hugging Mani's leg, nuzzling softly.

Star sighed quietly, glancing down when Aurora started to yip. The mood had changed so suddenly - she didn't understand what had happened.

Cross sighed. Mani was in no shape to go on such a long trek to Europe. She would most likely get someone killed... "Mani, Sol, I have a new mission for you two. You're going to come with me, to the space colony ARK."

The two looked up, Mani's tears quieted down to small sniffles. "ARK?" Sol asked. "Why are you goin' up there?"

"I have some research I need to do. The archives up there are important to this research."

Mani wiped the tears from her eyes. "Does it have to do with the android project?"

Star smiled. "At least you won't be on your own."

Aurélie nodded. "This is fine. The fewer people that go to Europe, the better."

Mani nodded. "All right. If it means furthering our research..."

"Count me in," Sol said. "Been a while since we've seen our old brawl buddy, Shadow."

Cross chuckled. "Yeah. Also Sol, you mind bein' my Best Man?"

Sol raised an eyebrow, looked over at Star... Yup, she was wearing the ring. "...Yeah, why not?"

The hedgecat smiled widely. "Cool!"

Sol smiled at the hedgecat. "So, what do ya think of the ring, Star? Crafted it myself."

"Oh, stop bragging, Sol," Cross chided.

"It's what I do."

She smiled, gazing at it. "I think it's gorgeous, actually. I'm surprised you, of all people, could have made it," she teased, sticking out her tongue.

"One of my secret talents." Sol polished his knuckles on his shirt, Mani laughing softly. The made the hedgecat smile-she was feeling a little better now. "Who do ya think made Nova and Aurélie's rings?"