The Fragile (Complete.) - Loonatics Unleashed Online message boards

Stylediva127 · MagykWire

RE: The Fragile (5/20/08 - Chapter 20's up.)

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

Next chapter nao plz.

I'm gunna be working on your picture in art next lesson. =3

Just gotta ink it then colour it in on the computer. 8D

Dragon Wing · Gone

!!

Now I HAVE to start crackin' on this chapter.

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

You do!! Coz the more I read, the more I'm inspired. And the more I'm inspired, the quicker the colouring process will take! 8D

Dragon Wing · Gone

I finally have it guys. Chapter 21.

This is pretty much -the- chapter. The stories not finished by any means, but this is -the- chapter.

Chapter 21: Explosions in the Sky

Rev was caught up in a flurry of emotions. Ecstasy, of course, because the Regenerator had worked. But now another rather nasty thought crawled up in the back of his mind. Duck’s heart was beating, sure, but does that necessarily entail a full recovery? What if he was a mute, now? What if he was physically paralyzed? Mentally impaired? So many things could have gone wrong. After all, the DNA had been scanned only after Duck had… and anyway; the machine hadn’t been fully tested. Perhaps these insecurities were foolish, but they seemed legitimate. After all, permanent, irrevocable damage would be a catastrophe to the welfare of the team, and it couldn’t be-

“Oh God, I can’t breathe! Someone, anyone, get me out of here!”

Rev gasped and looked towards the MRI machine. Inside, he saw Duck struggling.

“I don’t like enclosed spaces! I’m claustrobalophobic! Mommy! Mommy!”

“Don’t worry Duck I got ya!” Rev shouted in his direction. He dashed over to the unit and pulled the patient’s table out of the tunnel, freeing Duck from his circular prison.

“Man, what a lousy day! I keep having all these blackouts! Duck, you’re cracking up, get a hold of yourself! A superhero must retain his bold, fearless, sexy demeanor,” Duck muttered, rising from the table, not yet noticing Rev.

“Oh Duck you haven’t changed a bit!” Rev cried in relief, rushing over to Duck to give him a spine-crushing hug.

“Hey, hey! Take it easy on the feathers, spazzy! Where’d you come from, anyway? Why am I here? Why won’t you ever let go of me?!” Duck protested.

“Oh Duck we all thought you were a goner but now you’re safe and alive and kicking and all that matters and I know we’ve had our differences in the past but all that matters is that you’re still here and man after what you just did you’ll always have my respect!” Rev still clasped Duck in a hug.

“Wait, wait, hold on a second,” Duck forced himself out of the hug. “Just what’s going on here? What did I ‘just do’? How did I get here? I mean, the last two things I remember was going down to… ahem, some place… and then all the sudden there was all these noises and then you were on top of me! And then, before I can do anything, I wake up in a tiny round box, and then, kablammo, you’re hugging the stuffing out of me! Now, listen buddy,” Duck looked nervous, “do you have some sort of ‘thing’ for me? Well, I don’t blame you, of course, I mean, who wouldn’t… ahem, but that’s beside the point! Look, it could never work out. I mean, I don’t swing that way, and I didn’t think you did either, but-“

Rev shook his head rapidly. “No no no stop right there I don’t want to hear anymore of that!” Rev sighed with a tremor of glumness. “No it’s got nothing to do with me it’s… you seriously don’t remember what happened?”

“Look, I told you, the last thing I remember was you on top of me. Something may have happened after that, but I really don’t know what.”

“Oh,” said Rev. How was he supposed to tell Duck that he died to save Lexi’s life? It’s not something one would just bring up in any sort of conversation.

Rev’s attention was suddenly diverted by an abrupt bang from the lab’s entrance. There he saw Tech positively sprinting into the room from the door. Without haste, the coyote ran over to his work desk, punched in a few lines of code, and instantaneously a blinding light appeared at the end of the room. Tech and Rev had forgotten to shut the balcony opening when they had last occupied it. But now there appeared what seemed like a transparent green-glowing film – very similar to the matter that the Loonatics’ shield used. Then Rev realized – the whole tower was encased in a shield.

The other three Loonatics not yet in the lab soon followed - Ace first, then Slam, and finally Lexi, straggling along. She still seemed quite overcome with emotion, or at least shock. It wasn’t surprising she was taken aback at the sight of Duck alive. She, of course, was only the first to be astonished at the sight.

“Duck!” Ace shouted, the first to speak after Tech’s arrival, “our hero of da day, you’re alive!”

“Um, yes I am? And… did you just call me the hero of the day? Okay, I really must have missed something here.” Duck now seemed too confused to thing of any sort of witty repertoire.

“You mean,” Ace said slowly, rather startled, “you don’t remember… what happened?”

“No, I don’t!” Duck shot back rather irritably. “All I remember is blacking out a couple of times and waking up with rooster boy here all over me twice! But, frankly, I’d like some answers.”

Slam evidently didn’t take much of this in. “Grbblb bear hug!” he shouted, and stampeded towards Duck. Before Duck had time to resist, Slam had swept Duck into his arms and nearly squeezed the life out of him. Again.

“Looser… looser!” Duck choked out before Slam finally let him down. “Geez, what’s with you people tonight?!” Duck brushed off his shoulders.

Tech evidently didn’t take that in. “Yes, I was afraid such a thing might happen,” he started, “short term memory loss. I had estimated beforehand that anyone brought back to life through the regenerator would permanently forget the amount of time preceding their death equal to the amount of time they spent deceased. I just didn’t think it was very relevant. But, I guess sometimes it is.”

“Wait, I was dead?” Duck shouted. “Okay, now I really want some answers here!”

A resounding boom from outside the tower interrupted Duck’s demand. The floor shook, the lights flicked and the security breach alarms rang out.

“Sorry, later Duck,” Ace said, “right now we have to deal with some bad guys.”

“They’re trying to break the shield,” Tech said, scanning some computer screams hastily. “They won’t be able to, of course, but they could still do some damage to the building nonetheless. We have to hurry.”

From the far side of the room, Lexi sighed. She felt dejected by the fact that Duck didn’t remember his sacrifice. She longed to tell him what he had done for her, but at the same time was weary of the thought. She couldn’t tell him now anyway; their lives, as well as possibly their planet was at stake. She would have to wait.

Nevertheless, what he had done confirmed his feelings for her - mutual feelings.

“Okay, Tech, what’s your master plan?” Ace asked.

“Well, chief, remember when I said I didn’t know diddly about wormhole technology?” Tech asked.

“Very clearly.”

“Well, that kind of bothered me, so I’ve been reading up on it as much as I can. And now I’m really glad I did, because I think it’s the only way we can deal with these guys.” Tech immediately turned back to his work desk and started tapping at multiple keyboards with a speed on Rev could top.

“Well, what do you plan to do?” Ace further questioned.

“I’m going to hack into the wormhole network – which, trust me, isn’t easy to do,” he replied, still typing, “then I can open up a new mini-circuit wormhole system and make it do whatever I want. And the plan is –“ Tech continued, with a tone of excitement in his voice, “to make a wormhole appear right outside this building. The wormhole will work as a vacuum to suck up all flying objects in the air – AKA, the villains – and pretty much send them away.

“Now, here’s where it gets really neat. I’m setting it up so each object that gets caught in the wormhole gets purged out in a different location. And let me just emphasize right now that these locations won’t be anywhere near each other. No, sir, I’m programming it so that each location opens up absolutely no less than five hundred million light-years away from here. That is a long way away. And each location could open up anywhere beyond that distance.”

“Wow,” Ace said, “I’m impressed as usual, Tech. And this distance…”

“Will undoubtedly unsure that none of those flying hooligans out there ever make it back to Acmetropolis. It’s simply physically impossible.” Tech finished.

“Sounds good,” Ace closed. Silence then befell the group. It was now that they realized how fast everything was happening. It was a mere day ago when Shannon was still missing. Now she was – hopefully – still in the security room a few floors below. Tension filled the room once again. Even Duck was quiet now, as he came to realize, although he didn’t know exactly what was going on, the situation was very serious. Rev and Ace now stood by Tech’s side, watching him work his hacking magic. The rapid-fire click-clack of the keyboard was the only sound any of them ever heard for what seemed like hours. Then, with a final confident strike of the enter key, Tech crossed his arms triumphantly.

“The wormhole will open up in five minutes approximately 150 yards southwest of this very room. I indicated the coordinates very precisely.”

“That’s great Tech, but, 150 meters? Is that a little close?” Ace asked worriedly.

“Oh, no need to worry about that, Ace. Wormholes are very localized in their targets. The tower’s safe, and so is everything on the ground.”

“Uh…” Rev interjected. “I really really hate to bring this up at a moment like this I mean I know you worked really hard on what you just did Tech but wouldn’t that mean all of those super villains out there would have to be packed into one space in order for this to work?”

Tech’s ears drooped. “Crap. Let me get the surveillance cameras up.” Tech said hurriedly, and got a few pictures up on the screens of the outside of the building. Sure enough, the twenty or so villains, some still wounded from previous battles, were pretty scattered on all sides of the tower.

“Eh,” Ace said, “think you can set up any more wormholes, Tech?”

“Not easily, chief. In, fact I don’t think I could set up so many opening in one-“

Tech’s answer was cut off by precipitant roar of an engine from outside the balcony opening. All six team members had a good view of the clearing – and the sight they saw was unmistakable. Vincent was about 30 yards from the tower, riding some sort of airborne moped, probably of his brother’s design.

He did not look pleased. In fact, he seemed rather distraught. He seemed to be eyeing the rest of the villains furiously. Distantly, the team could here him shout.

“You still haven’t gotten even one of them? Really? Twenty against six isn’t good enough? Do these shields really hinder any effort to destroy them at all? Fine, you know what? F-ck it. The first one of you lot who kills one of them, just one of them, gets my brother’s entire work desk. It’s likely worth millions, maybe billions, and beyond that, it’s extremely powerful. You can do nearly anything with it. I don’t even care anymore. I don’t want power or wealth. You can have it, I’ll wrap it in a nice box for you, even, - just kill one of them, goddamn it.”

The engine of Vincent’s moped flared up again. Vincent took off and slowly disappeared over the fading horizon.

“And there’s the icing on the cake,” Lexi said sadly.

Ace sighed. “How much longer, Tech?”

“Three and a half minutes now,” Tech replied.

“Are you sure you can’t just set up a bunch of wormholes?”

“Even if I could do it within an ample amount of time, chief, I don’t think those guys out there would fall for the same trick more than once. They’d undoubtedly be weary after that.”

The hopeful mood the room once held was completely destroyed. Everything seemed hopeless. If they were to go outside and simply fight them, they’d be destroyed. If they sat in here, protected by shield forever, either the villains would eventually break through the security members or they’d go on to terrorize the city. There weren’t any viable options. The Loonatics glanced at each other in silence, as if hoping to find answers in each others’ eyes. None came.

“Well, team,” Ace spoke finally, “I really don’t know what’s going to happen here. You’ve all done good. Not just tonight, but for as long as we’ve been a team. Whatever ends up happening, we did the best we possibly could. Not just for us, but for Acmetropolis. There’s no reason to beat ourselves up.”

The others nodded slowly. However, a fire lit up in Rev’s eyes.

How many times had he been told to stay back at Headquarters while most or the rest of the team went out to fight their battles? How many times had his lack of any real offensive powers prevented him from doing all that he wished to do? How many times had he simply had to sit aside and watch the rest of the team finish all the battles? If anyone thought he was simply going to sit aside once again and watch their world come tumbling down, they had another thing coming.

He wasn’t going to let it all fall apart.

“One minute left,” Tech said glumly, staring out of the balcony.

Another resounding boom hit the side of the building once again.

“Deactivate the shields Tech,” Rev said with utmost determination.

“What, are you crazy? We can’t-“

“Just for a second Tech deactivate the shield.”

“Rev, why would you-“

“Trust me Tech I know what I’m doing.” Rev stared at Tech with such resoluteness the coyote had never seen before. He couldn’t deny him now. He had a plan, and he was sure it’d work.

Tech punched a few keys at the keyboard, and the green film barring the balcony’s opening vanished. “Hurry,” Tech said, and Rev flew off out of the laboratory and into the night.

Rev looked behind him and saw that the shield had regenerated almost immediately. But that didn’t matter to him now.

“Hey super freaks! Not your best night is it well here’s a nice roadrunner ripe for the catching but you’ll have to act fast because no one’s ever really had that much luck catching a roadrunner before meep meep!” Rev shouted as loud as he could, and sure enough, he caught the attention of every single villain in the sky.

Then the race was on.

Fantastic colors flashed all around them – presumably weapons or special powers from the perpetrators. Those who didn’t use weapons simply leapt at him, all to no avail. Rev darted in and out so rapidly that he was practically untraceable.

And, boy, was he having fun.

Quickly, Rev estimated the location 150 yards southwest of Tech’s laboratory; his GPS powers certainly helped in this matter. Once he had pinpointed the exact location, Rev flew in circles around the future opening, slowly but surely drawing everyone in. All of the villains were ravenous for a fresh kill, of course, being promised a work desk that would be extremely useful in their malevolent endeavors. Within seconds, all twenty were within a good fifteen-yard radius of the opening.

It was a matter of seconds now.

“Well I want to thank you guys for nice little game of tag tonight,” Rev spoke, still darting in and out to dodge incoming attacks. “But I’m afraid it’s time for you to leave so don’t forget to write!”

As if on cue, the air around them became distorted in disturbed. Hurricane-force winds began to circle the area. It was invisible at first, but then it adopted a yellowish green color. Everyone looked up. This ‘wind’ extended into the sky as far as they could see. They slowly felt themselves being pulled up, and then faster, then even faster until there was nothing left to see.

And then, silence.

There seemed to be no evidence of what had just happened.

No longer did any malicious spirits plague the skies.

And no altruistic spirit was left behind, either.

He had gone with them.

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 00:34, 2008-06-11

Akira_Cat · Your local cat

RE: The Fragile (5/28/08 - Chapter 21 is here. Beware.)

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

RE: The Fragile (5/20/08 - Chapter 20's up.)

CassidyCoyote · Techie 4 life

RE: The Fragile (5/28/08 - Chapter 21 is here. Beware.)

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

REEEEEEEEEEEEEV!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

He can't be gone in the wormhole! He can't! cry

And cut it out with the freakin cliffhangers already!!! furious

PSS:
Thank you soooo much for making Rev say MEEP MEEP! I have been waiting for him to say that for like ever! That totally just made my day!!! biggrin

-- Edited by lovegreenanred at 18:38, 2008-05-28

Dragon Wing · Gone

Thanks for all the feedback as usual. =D Even if a couple of ya'll's faced are permanently contorted to a morbid "D8" shape.

Yes, it's true, Rev went through the wormhole. V_V

But yes I've also wanted Rev to say "meep meep!" Thus it's in there!

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

Please ma'am, may I have some more?

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

*incoherent, whiney babble*

Duck: ... I think... I think Slam's been far too influential on her.
Slam: ^__^

I... I want Rev back. ;__;

Dragon Wing · Gone

I once considered renaming this "The Sad Tale Of Poor Rev".

Oh and btw guise I know I may have told a couple of you (Emily, Serenity) that I would finish of Tech and Rev's Night Out after I posted... the chapter I just posted. But I sorta really want to get this story finished so that might not happen just now. D:

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 23:54, 2008-05-28

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

...

It fits. D:

Dragon Wing · Gone

Ahhhh I made a post edit but I would have made it here if I saw your post! Oh well.

And it does fit V_V

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

TT__TT

I_See_Your_True_Colours · MagykWire

Me:

Next chapter please!

Lexi: *glomps me* evileye

Me:

Rach Runner · Beast

*REAL CONVERSATION ALERT*

Me: (talking extremely fast) .......Cause Rev and tech built this regenerator thing that brings people back to life, but Duck doesn't remember the accident, and then these bad guys were attcking but Tech had a sheild around HQ, then Rev asked him to drop the shield for a second and Rev ran out there and lured the bad guys to where the wormhhole was gonna be...but...but.....but.... He got sucked into it, too.... and....and..and... HOLYCRAP, WHAT HAPPENED TO SHANNON??

Rachel: WHo's Shannon?

Me: Rev's girlfreind, actually ex-, cause she dumped him

Rachel: WHAT????

Me: Remember my theory? Either Shannon's evil or she's being hypnotized!

Rachel: ............... oh.

-------------------------------------

..... *skips away mysteriously*

CassidyCoyote · Techie 4 life

Yeah, that was supposed to be me, but I forgot Rachel was the last one on here.......
...

BACK ON TOPIC:

..... REEEEEVV!!!!!

Stylediva127 · MagykWire

Next chappe please!

I_See_Your_True_Colours · MagykWire

Me: COME BACK REV!!

Spyro: But your not a Revvie.

Me: Who cares? REV!!!!

Dragon Wing · Gone

For technical reasons I can't get the next chapter up until I get my old regular PC back. Which is Monday. Or Tuesday for you Aussies.

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

I'll say it again, take your time ^_^
Icy: HUUURRRRYYYYYY!!!!!
Me: Ignore her, she hasn't had her ice cream today.....
Icy: REEEEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVV!!!!!!!!

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

Tuesday??? BUT THAT'S FOREVER AWAY!!!!!!!!!

Dragon Wing · Gone

And here it is.

Chapter 22: …And Then There Was Silence

Naturally, the rest of the team had watched the entire scene go down. The initial cheers that emanated from the laboratory were nearly deafening. In an instant, their crisis was completely averted. Everything would go back to normal. And then the horrible realization dawned upon them all.

“Where’s Rev?”

Lexi had been the first to notice. And as soon as she stated her observation, the triumphant mood withered away as quickly as it had arrived.

“Well,” Ace said, “he’s a pretty fast guy. Don’t ya think he could have flew out of there in time?”

“Grblbbl yeah,” Slam nodded.

“Oh, we’re all worrying about nothing,” Duck said confidently, “in a few seconds, Blather Beak will be back telling us every little detail of that adventure.”

“I guess so,” Lexi said, still anxious.

Tech, however, merely looked down and shook his head.

“What’s up, Tech?” Ace asked.

Tech sighed and straightened up. “He was right in the middle of the event horizon when it formed. Right in the ****ing middle.”

The team never heard Tech swear to such a dramatic extent before. They became tense; such wording had a tone only a serious situation could merit.

“What’s that mean, Tech?” Lexi asked, shaking.

“It means that… Look, when you’re in the event horizon, there’s no turning back. It doesn’t matter how fast, strong or powerful you are. You’re trapped.” Tech walked hastily across the room and sat down in the nearest chair, with his head slumped down.

Lexi looked like she had just taken a blow to the head. “…So, that means he’s…”

“Gone,” Tech said, “out the window, all done, see you later.”

Silence enveloped the room for a few treacherous seconds. Ace finally broke the silence.

“Well, there’s gotta be some way we can get him back! I mean, he’s not dead; he’s just somewhere else. We can do a search!”

Tech chuckled cynically, not averted his glare from the table before him. “Five hundred billion light-years? At the very least? You’ve gotta be kidding. That’s physically impossible.”

“Well,” Ace argued, “can’t you track where those wormholes went, or something? We can set up another wormhole to take us to wherever he is, and then you can set up a wormhole there in advance to take us back, or something-”

“Yeah, couple of problems with that chief. First off, as I said before, it’s extraordinarily difficult to make a wormhole appear in the same place in such a short amount of time. Second, even if I could, it’s impossible to track where wormholes go when you randomize their locations. So unless you propose searching the entire universe outside of a 500 billion light-year radius, we’re out of luck.”

“Why are you so convinced that we shouldn’t do anything? He’s your best buddy, after all!” Duck interjected angrily.

Tech was rather taken aback at Duck’s confrontation but nonetheless he remained adamant, head still down. “Because, sometimes… Sometimes you just have to eat your losses. There’s no use starting some grand rescue mission built on false hope. That’d just make everything worse in the end.” Tech looked up, now fiery. “So just give it a rest. I won’t hear any more of it!” Tech slammed his fist on the desk.

From there on, there was only silence. They wanted to contradict Tech, wanted to say he was wrong, say he was being ridiculous. But what could they possibly say?

“No,” Tech continued abruptly, “we just have to come to grips with the fact that…” Tech stopped, his eyes suddenly shut tightly. He trembled slightly, then stood up, fixing his composure. “Shannon should still be in the security room,” he said unnaturally casually, “I might as well break the news to her and… yeah…” On that note, Tech positively stormed out of the room and did all he could to slam the sliding doors behind him.

“Wow,” Ace said slowly, “I’ve never seen Tech so messed up like that.”

“Well, can you really blame him, Ace?” Lexi said, overcome with emotion, “I mean he just lost someone he really, really cares about. We all did, really, but probably not quite as much as him. I mean, how much time did they spend together? Did Tech ever spend that much time with anyone else?”

The remaining three didn’t know quite what to say to Lexi. Ace gave it a shot. “No, I guess not. But the way he just accepted his loss like that, that was just…”

“Well when you lose someone that close, you get all screwed up and start thinking and doing things that you thought you’d never do! Trust me, I know; it also happened to me briefly not a half hour ago!”

The silence that ensued was absolutely piercing this time. Ace looked to Slam and vice versa. Duck shot a look straight at Lexi. Lexi looked down, abashed.

Ace cleared his throat. “Well, there’s a lot of extra work that comes with this,” Ace said awkwardly, “tell the city council the situation is under control and that we may have lost a hero. Call Rev’s parents… There’s a lot of stuff to do.”

Slam nodded sullenly. In a way, Slam looked the saddest of them all – scarred in such a way that it appeared he would never be quite the same again. Many had idly wondered how Slam would respond to situation – their questions were undoubtedly answered. Without saying a word to anyone, Slam slowly made his way out of the room, whimpering slightly.

Ace then sighed and followed suit, presumably going to his office to work on the tasks he listed. But who knew?

Duck and Lexi remained. Alone. Duck still gazed at Lexi. After a few moments, Lexi finally looked up.

“Do you really not remember what you did?” she asked.

Duck shook his head. For once, he was at a loss for words.

“Well, it had to do with your… your temporary passing. And, well, it told me everything.” A silent tear ran down Lexi’s cheek, yet she gave a small smile.

“What do you mean?” Duck spoke quietly, a little taken aback at Lexi’s behavior.

Lexi said nothing. She walked slowly to Duck, put her hands on his shoulders, and gave him a supple kiss on the cheek.

“That’s what I mean,” she whispered.

Duck was positively stunned, but not unsatisfied.

Lexi sighed once more sniffed and left the room just as Ace and Slam had. Duck, seeing no use in staying, departed for his room as well, feeling as though he was swimming through the air.

____________

Tech hastily punched in the combination for the locking doors to the security room and on his command, they hissed open. Sure enough, he found Shannon inside, asleep at a desk.

Tech entered the room and shook Shannon’s shoulder.

Shannon looked up groggily, and jolted awake at the sight of Tech and stood up.

“Is it all over? What happened? Did you get Duck back?” she asked rampantly.

“Yeah, we got Duck back,” Tech said, “everything’s under control.”

“What happened, exactly?”

“No time to explain,” Tech replied curtly.

Shannon shuffled her feet for a moment. “Tech?”

“What?”

“I… I was just thinking over some things, and I… Oh Tech, I was such a bitch! How could I have possibly dumped Rev like that, as soon as I escaped? Of course it wasn’t his fault I was captured! It never was and never will be! And he’s such a sweet, sweet guy too and he has such a good heart. How could I do that to him?! I don’t deserve him. He deserves better. But God, I want him back so badly.”

Tech had not expected this outburst. Nevertheless, he was unmoved by it.

“Well, we don’t get what we want. And that’s life.” Tech seemed extremely irritated.

“Whoa, I’m sorry if I offended you or something,” Shannon asked, backing of slightly. She being a roadrunner did not want to be too close to an angry coyote. “You really think, though – and if not, that’s fine – that there’s no chance?”

“No, there’s not,” Tech snapped, “and I’ll tell you why. In an effort to save all of us, which worked by the way, Rev sacrificed himself. So he’s gone.”

“… What?”

“Do I need to spell it out for you? He’s not here anymore. He can’t see me, he can’t see you, he can’t see any of us and none of us can see him.”

Unable to control himself, Tech sprinted at the table and kicked it over with utmost fury.

Shannon was white with a combination of horror and shock.

“The exit’s right there, you’re free to go.” Tech said, panting in the aftermath of his outburst.

Shannon couldn’t move. She seemed paralyzed.

“I said go,” Tech repeated.

The three words jolted Shannon back to reality. Without a moment to lose, she shuffled out of the room.

Tech sighed remorsefully, hating himself. Had he become a monster? He picked up the desk, put it back in its original position and without thinking, exited the room.

He made his way back to living quarters, made a B line for his laboratory, which was now vacant. He hastily disengaged the shield, which was still on, and made his way out into the balcony.

The cool night breeze whipped about his face immediately. It was amazing. There seemed to be no evidence of anything happening that night. The only clue that anything had occurred was presented by the fact that he stood alone.

The stars in the night sky were very faded by the luminous city. Nevertheless, a few bold, determined stars still shined through. Stars with an unstoppable will. They would hang in the night sky for what would seem like all eternity, providing the universe with their own protection.

Tech looked back down to earth, sighing hopelessly. Already it was upon him. Every single thing reminded the coyote of him – the streets below, the buildings towering above. He wasn’t even quite sure why.

Tech extended his left arm out beside him. A mere few hours ago he would have felt ruffled top-feathers, a beak, or a lyrca suit. Now, only air met his fingertips. And only air would ever meet his fingertips.

It was quite astounding how much truth there was the phrase ‘you never know what you had until it’s gone’. All that was left were the memories of what was, and even more painful, what could have been. What could have been? He’d never know now. Each of his memories –however fond or cheerful - was a dagger, stabbing at the very core of the common, wishful belief that the innocent and good-hearted flourish forever.

He was not technically dead. Or at least not necessarily. He still lived on somewhere, incomprehensible miles above. But how could be happy there? Alone in a dark universe… it was almost worse than death.

From the balcony, Tech could see the Acme Institute. However much he loathed his attendance there, he owed so much to it. Not just for the knowledge he attained but also for the companionship it made, years ago, uniting two natural enemies as one. It was the place where the wave finally broke. But with tonight’s events, the wave was receding back.

But Tech was helpless to do anything about it now. The tides must flow, as the moon demands them.

It was kind of like when Tech broke a vase when he was little. No matter how much he pouted, he could do nothing to fix the vase; all he could do was clean up his mess.

Well, the pieces lie shattered now. And all he could do was pick up the pieces.

Before departing back inside, Tech took one last gaze into the sky. His eyes watered.

“You did good,” he whispered proudly.

When the silence beckons,
And the day draws to a close,
When the light of your life sighs,
And love dies in your eyes,
Only then will I realize
What you meant to me.

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

RE: The Fragile (6/3/03 - Chapter 22 has entered our lives.)

CassidyCoyote · Techie 4 life

*Sobs* That was soooo sad. I really hope that's not the last chapter.....

............ Is it?

Akira_Cat · Your local cat

Oh... God...

That combined with a farewell to my performance studies group after our practical exam is setting tears into my eyes. I'm trying as hard to hold them back as much as possible without anyone else in the computer room staring at me strangely. You really know how to make an emotional chapter Dragon Wing. Great job.

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

Rev..but *sniff* he can't *hicup* can't be *sob* Rev....WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Edited by lovegreenanred at 18:05, 2008-06-04

-- Edited by lovegreenanred at 18:06, 2008-06-04

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

Um… Wait a second…

Question: Didn’t Sypher take Duck’s egging ability? And if he was sucked into a wormhole, wouldn’t that mean Duck will never be able to use his power orbs again…

D8

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

REEEV"S GOOOONE!!!! WAAAAAH! AND SO IS MASTER---Mastermind.......Mastermind's gone too.........HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! In you're face Mellon Head!!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!! XD XD XD XD XD

Dragon Wing · Gone

XtreamCrazy wrote:

Um… Wait a second…

Question: Didn’t Sypher take Duck’s egging ability? And if he was sucked into a wormhole, wouldn’t that mean Duck will never be able to use his power orbs again…

D8

You win the prize for noticing that. But also Tech said something in chapter 16 (briefly) regarding such matters.

I got all the bases covered ;)

Next chapter when college is off my brane. It could be tonight but it'll more likely be tomorrow.

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

YAY! Can I win Duck nao!? 8D

“Well, technology is growing at such a rapid rate these days,” Tech pondered, “that I think someone might be able to genetically recreate our powers and splice them into any test subject. Hell, I might even be the one that does that. But when that happens, we’ll be rather obsolete.”

Was that it? I seeeeeeee. So will this be one of those things that will just go without saying or will it be featured in the epilogue?

Dragon Wing · Gone

I'm not going to answer that!

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

BUT WHYYYYYYYYYY???

Dragon Wing · Gone

All in due time.

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

CLIFFHANGER!!!! furious

Dragon Wing · Gone

Long chapter, guys. But I think it's worth the read.

Chapter 23: So Long, Lonesome

Days slowly dragged past. Everything seemed so much slower. The reason for this phenomenon, of course, was unmistakable.

It was hard for everyone to come to the realization that Rev couldn’t come back. Many ideas for rescue plans were suggested, but almost all of them were simply rehashed versions of other old, impossible plans. But giving up the ghost was not easy. Hanging on to the possibility of the roadrunner’s return was simply the most convenient way of preventing reality from dawning on them. However, they eventually had to come to terms with fact that it was physically impossible for Rev to return, being sent so far away. The knowledge loomed over the team like an oppressive black cloud.

Tech seemed to be hit hardest by the storm. He withdrew to his laboratory almost all hours of the day and, even stranger, got little done. It seemed like every device around him was a subtle reminder of Rev. He frequented the lab quite often, after all, especially during the final days. But for some reason, Tech didn’t want to be anywhere else.

The events of that night did not go unnoticed by the world beyond the laboratory walls. Ace had informed the city council of everything after it happened, up to and including Rev’s sacrificial departure. Naturally, his loss became the media’s gain. Stations and newspapers headlined the fallen Loonatic, the “speedy bird”, the “enthusiastic ‘tic”. Rev Runner – the revered hero who sacrificed himself for the benefit of us all. He enjoyed this type of food, that type of music, and did all of this in his free time. He will truly be remembered forever. Audiences everywhere tuned into to mourn his loss for five minutes or so, then went back to discussing their plans for later on that night, tomorrow, or the next thirty years. Plans that Rev could never be a part of now.

Tech in particular was disgusted by these facts, sure, but in a way he envied everyone. They didn’t have to care. They weren’t being forced to care. They just went on about their business. There was nothing stopping them, after all. Tech, meanwhile, was stuck thinking about the whole matter, then trying to keep his mind off the situation, and finally being reminded of it all over again. It was a hopeless cycle.

A memorial service was planned for Rev the next day. The team as a whole thought the media coverage of Rev’s departure didn’t do him justice, so they only hoped that the service would finally offer the best closure their could possibly be. Still, none of them could be too enthusiastic about it. Only Duck and Lexi still seemed somewhat normal – as to why that was, the rest of the team wasn’t quite sure.

Tech, meanwhile, was a complete and total recluse. He shut himself inside his lab all day – barely even coming out for eating – all while getting nothing done. And as time went on, he only seemed to grow more miserable. It came to a point where he cut off all conversation from the rest of the team.

Now Ace finally decided he should do something about it.

Ace quietly knocked on the door to Tech’s lab. No answer.

“Tech, it’s Ace, can I have a quick word?”

Still no answer.

“Come on, pal, you can’t stay in there forever. I promise I won’t talk about what they’ve been saying on TV.”

A few seconds passed and the door finally slid silently open. Tech wordlessly invited Tech in, and both walked towards the nearest desk and sat down.

On desk stood a single metal wire bent into a curly-Q. Ace snickered jokingly at the object.

“So this is what you’ve been working on for the past few days? No wonder you’ve been so hard to reach.”

Tech merely turned away.

Ace sighed. “Look Tech, you’ve just been through a really huge loss. We all know that, because we all have too. I know it must really hurt right now-“

“Oh, do you?” Tech shot back, standing up, “Let me ask you something, Ace, how many good friends do you have? On second thought… don’t answer that.” Tech sat back down.

“Message received, Tech,” Ace said sadly. “But let me ask you this. Would Rev had done what he did to have you mope around like this?”

Tech stood straight back up and opened his mouth to say something, paused, and then sat back down sighing. He knew Ace had a point.

“I thought so. Now just one more follow up question for ya.” Ace paused, and then spoke more quietly, “what would he have wanted you to do?”

On that note, Ace silently got up and left the laboratory, leaving Tech to his own mulling. Of course, Tech knew exactly what Rev wanted.

The Loonatics had just finished up a practice simulation, which was ultimately a success due to the efforts of everyone except Tech. Tech, of course, merely tested out a new shield, and sat through the whole simulation eating a sandwich.

Ace, Lexi, Slam and Duck had gone out about their business, leaving Rev and Tech alone. That was fine – this pairing was quite typical.

Rev, of course, was a train wreck. He was fixing to ask out a girl he liked, Shannon, and was naturally horrifically jittery.

Tech put a hand on Rev’s shoulder. “Look, she’s not going to reject you. You get along really well, right? And besides, what’s to reject? You’re a really sweet guy who would give the shirt off your own back, you’re always loyal to your friends, and above all, you’re just a cheerful person to be around.”

“Heh heh kind of sounds like you want to ask me out Tech,” Rev jested. “Okay fine I’ll do it. Tonight even!”

“Sounds like a plan,” Tech said smiling, “well, good luck to you, I’m off.”

“You know, Tech,” Rev interrupted, “a little relationship wouldn’t be the worst thing for you either.”

“I told you,” Tech sighed, “it’s just not for me. The only girl I’ve ever gone out with ended up being a short, evil, bloated-headed super villain who has tried to kill me more than once.”

“Pfft don’t let one bad breakup get you down.”

“That wasn’t merely a ‘bad breakup’, Rev. And I just don’t feel I could connect with someone that intimately. Science is my girlfriend.”

Rev rolled his eyes, as he had heard that line more than once. “Well whatever my assertion still stands and I think you’ll reconsider your position some day.”

“We’ll see,” said Tech dully.

“Well okay I’m off I’m really going to do it Tech oh man am I nervous but if you really think it will go well I have no reason not to do it!”

“It will go well. Now just go get her.”

And get her he did.

Some weeks later, the pair once again found themselves alone.

Tech didn’t know Rev had any knowledge of the balcony he had built in his lab, despite all of the time he spent in there. Nonetheless, here they were, looking out over the city like the guardians they were. Tech looked at the roadrunner beside him and sighed. He couldn’t stand seeing him so down. There was something in the eyes that nearly killed him. Nonetheless, Tech tried to break the ice.

“So,” the coyote began, “you found about my balcony.”

This caused Rev’s head to turn. “Yeah,” he replied, smiling slightly, “actually I found out about it a few months ago.”

Well, okay. But that wasn’t going anywhere. Tech had to get to the heart of the matter. After some questioning, he finally found out the source of the problem.

“Shannon pretty much broke it off with me,” Rev said sadly, “she said that we can still be friends and stuff, but that she doesn’t feel safe in a relationship where she could get hurt again.”

Tech was at a loss for words. Then Rev asked a question that nearly killed him.

“Tech, am I being selfish in wanting her back?”

How could someone lead someone as pure of heart as Rev into asking a question like that? Driven suddenly by anger, the coyote went off on what amounted to a short rant. Rev seemed somewhat comforted by it, actually, but some sadness still remained.

“Now I can see why you’re so reluctant to get in a relationship, Tech,” Rev said with a sad smile.

Tech would have loved to hear these words some weeks ago. But now they nearly broke his heart.

“Now, I’m not sure about that,” Tech said, “I think I was a little premature in saying that. I think the main reason why I’m so disinclined to the prospect of a relationship is because I simply can’t seriously see myself being in one,” Tech admitted. He couldn’t believe he was telling someone this. He had never trusted anyone enough before.

Rev seemed to almost forget about his own problems and focus now on Tech.

“Aw come on Tech you’re a very eligible bachelor. I mean you’re smart you’re probably handsome you’re funny when you want to be and not to mention you’re very fuzzy.”

Tech laughed slightly. “And obviously my level of fuzziness accounts for everything.” Tech sighed. “I don’t know, I guess when I just think of being involved with someone, there’s this indisputable ‘not for you!’ message that rears it’s ugly head in the back of my mind.”

“Well if you really feel that way I don’t think I can change your mind on that. But, Tech, sometimes not all ‘relationships’ have to be romantic, you know? You could have a perfectly good platonic relationship with someone. Anyone, even! Whether it be a neighbor a classmate a child a senior citizen a bank teller if you really connect with them and feel happy around them even if it’s not romantic in the slightest it can be just as good, if not better!”

Tech analyzed these words for a bit. Was Rev secretly hinting at their own relationship? It would have been fitting. “Yes,” he said slowly, “I suppose you’re right.”

Rev had always been right.

He knew exactly what he was supposed to do.

___________

The following afternoon, the Loonatics were getting prepared for the ceremony. As per tradition, they dressed mostly in black and white. The team silently looked over the itinerary for the day in the middle of the Living Quarters. Well, all except one.

“Where’s Tech, anyway?” Lexi suddenly asked.

“I dunno,” Ace shrugged, “he just told me he had to go somewhere real quick and he’d meet us there.”

“Poor guy,” Lexi commented, now putting on her shoes, “I’m wondering if he’ll really show up at all. He hasn’t been taking too kindly to all the coverage of Rev lately.”

“Well, none of us have been satisfied,” Ace nodded, “but, yeah, he was especially broken up about it. He actually seemed fairly optimistic the last time I saw him, though.”

“Hmmm…” Slam said, scratching his chin.

Lexi giggled. “I think Slam might know what’s going on.”

“Are you kiddin’? He’s probably just wondering what’s on the after-service menu,” Duck interjecting, gesturing towards Slam.

Slam growled and lightly smack Duck upside the head.

“Hey! I was just joking around! You know I love you, buddy!” Duck exclaimed.

Ace and Lexi giggled as the former started to step towards the elevator.

“Are you guys ready to go?” their leader asked.

Slam moved over to the elevator to join Ace. Duck and Lexi, however, remained behind.

“You two can go down right now,” Lexi said, “I have to talk to Duck about something really quick.”

“Suit yourself,” Ace replied. He and Slam stepped into the avatar and waved goodbye to them as the doors started to closed.

Now alone, Lexi faced Duck.

“So when do you think we should tell them?” Duck started.

“Give it a couple of more weeks,” Lexi said smiling, “with Rev gone, the whole team’s going through a lot right now. If we spring the news on them now that we’re going out, I think their brains might explode.”

“Heh, especially Ace’s,” Duck agreed.

“Oh well, it’s fun to keep a secret,” said Lexi, nudging Duck, “unless you go blabbering to everyone as usual.”

“Feh! Would I ever let you down?”

“You have before.”

“Well then, madam, I will make a conscious effort not to! In fact, I promise to reform my ways! You see, Lex, moments before my death, I saw my life flash before my eyes-“

“You don’t even remember it!”

“Nevertheless,” Duck continued, “I have looked into my past and have seen ugliness! Oh no, no more of that! I shall no longer live to grovel and self-gratification, spend indeterminabable amounts of times looking at myself in the mirror or let everyone know of their inferiority! No, Lexi, I’m a changed man.”

“We’ll see,” Lexi giggled, “but even if you don’t change, you know, that might be cool with me. Maybe.”

“You know, you’re not so perfect yourself, missy.”

“And that’s what makes us so great,” Lexi said, granting Duck a kiss on the bill. “And now I think it’s time to meet up with the others.”

“Sounds fair,” Duck said, walking towards the elevator, “but you know something?”

“What?”

“One day, I’m going to find out how I died.”

“Oh, that might happen sooner than you think. And by the way,” Lexi adopted a more serious tone.

“Yes?”

“I know why you were at the orphanage that night,” Lexi spoke softly, “I’m really sorry you couldn’t find your parents.”

Duck looked at Lexi in surprise. How could she have known? Duck didn’t really know what to say to this, so he merely nodded. Lexi looked back at him with a tone of lament in her eyes.

“Well,” Duck said after a few seconds of silence, “shall we?”

Lexi regained her composure and smiled, “certainly.”

Lexi joined Duck in the elevator, holding hands for the time they could have privacy, and descended.

The stage was set directly in front of city hall, the same location the Loonatics had received medals of honor for service before. It was quite a grand set-up – the stage was surrounded by bright red torches, burning ferociously, while pictures and poses of Rev glared down at the crowds from a gigantic backdrop behind the stage. One the stage was a single podium and three chairs set to the side. Occupying these chairs were Rev’s parents and his brother Rip. Ma Runner in particularly looked quite teary.

The entire congregation had just about arrived. The Loonatics sat up in the front row as special guests of honor. Well, all except one.

“I knew Tech wouldn’t show up,” Lexi commented, sighing.

“Well, I don’t know how much you can blame him. All of this might have been too much for him,” Ace said.

“Well, I know, but still, he should have come for his -“

“Sorry I’m late, guys.”

Surprised, the four turned to face the coyote that had just arrived. They figured that even if Tech did arrive, he would come just as vacant and somber as he had been. To the contrary, they were surprised to find him relatively chipper. It was also then that they noticed the bundle of blankets he was cradling in his arms.

“No problem, Tech,” Ace said, “at least you’ve made it… what do you go there?”

“Guys,” Tech said with repressed anticipation, “meet Laena.”

Tech held out the blankets for everyone to see.

“Oh my God!” Lexi squawked.

Inside the bundle lay a sleeping baby roadrunner. Much like Rev, she had blue plumage and purple tail feathers and topknot. She looked so peaceful.

“Whoa! Tech, did you snap and steal someone’s baby?” Duck asked.

“No,” Tech said, “I just adopted her from the orphanage. She’s mine. But let me tell you, it’s not easy for a coyote to adopt a baby roadrunner. I swear, if my name wasn’t Tech E. Coyote, they never would have let me.”

The others, meanwhile, continued to gawk at the infant. Slam in particularly seemed delighted.

“Grrbblb may I?” Slam finally asked.

“Um, sure,” Tech said nervously and handed Laena to Slam. Slam balanced the bundle in his arms and slowly rocked it. Much to everyone’s surprise, he seemed to be quite natural at it. After a few moments soft coos emanated from the blankets. At this point, Slam handed her back to Tech.

“Thank you,” he said.

“No problem,” Tech replied, still surprised. He looked down at Laena, who was now staring back at him. “Well, she’s awake now, but at least she’s peaceful.”

“She’s beautiful, Tech,” Lexi further commented.

“Yeah, she is. And it’s a good thing she’s peaceful, cuz the ceremony’s about to start,” Ace said.

“Oh, right,” Tech exclaimed and he took his seat, still holding the baby.

The mayor of Acmetropolis walked out onto the stage. She was a rather stout, stocky woman but very determined in her job. She stepped behind the podium and lowered the microphone.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We all know why we’re here. As you very well know, Acmetropolis is kept under the watchful eye by the team known as The Loonatics. Comprised of Ace Bunny, their leader, Lexi Bunny, Danger Duck, Slamacus Tasmanian, Tech E. Coyote, and formerly Rev Runner. And as you all know, we are here today to celebrate the life and the triumphs of Rev Runner.

If there was ever a soul on this planet you could always trust it was Rev Runner. His ambition was nearly as big as his heart. Always eager to please, he would do nearly anything to make sure those around him were as comfortable and happy as possible. But at the same time he was ruthless in the face of enemies. Although he had little offensive power in battle, he would always make sure to do everything he possibly could to ensure a victory for the good guys. Never a slacker, Rev could always be depended on.

Rev showed his inner strength and grace in his final battle with the Loonatics. As you all know, The Loonatics were recently under siege by a group of twenty super villains, and headed by on Mr. Vincent Cavanagh, who is still in pursuit as we speak. For a short while, so I’m told, everything seemed helpless for the Loonatics and for the city. That is, until Rev swooped into action and lured every single one of the super villains into a wormhole set up by Mr. Coyote all by himself. To run fearlessly into the face of danger as he did shows an incredible amount of bravery and perseverance.

Unfortunately, in luring the perpetrators into the wormhole, he sacrificed himself and became trapped in the wormhole himself. Now he remains hundreds of billions of light years away into the sky, solitary in the vast expanse of the universe. Though he may never step foot upon this planet again, we will always feel his presence here, through the well being of our city and the goodness of our hearts.

And such is the legacy of Mr. Rev Runner. He was always willing to prove himself to those he loved, and now none of us can deny the ability and strength he’s always had. No, we will never forget Rev, or his inner beauty. We should look upon him as an example of what we should all strive to be – tough, kind-hearted, brave, and most of all, a child at heart.

Thus, without further ado, I bestow the Medal of Honor in Rev Runner’s name to his loving family.”

Applause filled the square as the family of three roadrunners stood up to retrieve the medal. Ma Runner was crying now, and the two males seemed a bit teary as well. Pa Runner shook hands with the mayor, took the medal, and climbed off stage with the rest of his family to sit with the rest of the audience.

“And, additionally, I actually have one more medal to give,” the mayor continued.

Surprised, the audience and the Loonatics sat up straighter.

“As we know, self-sacrifice is one of the key traits of a hero, as we have seen through Rev Runner. And now it is my pleasure to say that Rev Runner was not the only hero on that fateful night. When a teammate was in trouble, helplessly surrounded by perpetrators, one individual immediately stepped into action and gave his life to preserve her own. Thankfully, the brilliant Mr. Coyote and Rev Runner himself created a device that is equipped with the ability to bring deceased individuals backed to life, and thus, this heroic individual was saved. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the grand sacrifice this hero imposed. Therefore, it is only just for me to give a second Medal of Honor to this hero, Mr. Danger Duck.”

Duck stared wide-eyed, stunned as the audience behind him roared with applause. Beside him, Lexi pinched his cheek. “I put in a good word for ya.”

Lexi pushed Duck out of his seat. Duck initially stumbled up to the podium, but then regained his composure as soon as he received the medal. Danger Duck was back.

Duck took the microphone. “Thank you, thank you one in all. You know, I’ve always considered Rev an idol of mine, and I liked to think he had a little to do with this. But it really all started back when I was a child. You see, back when I was six, I-“

The mayor pulled the microphone away. “Thank you again, Danger Duck. We’re all proud of you.” She smiled, used to Duck’s ways.

Sheepishly but with satisfaction, Duck got off the stage and sat back down next to Lexi.

“And with those words,” the mayor spoke, “let the ceremony begin.”

As if on command, fireworks immediately illuminated the sky and 3 jet engines roared overhead. The entire audience gaped at the spectacular display of lights and colors that filled their eyes.

Tech, however, averted his eyes from the sky. Quietly, he imaged Rev sitting next to him, poking fun at how the city council goes overboard with everything, but nonetheless being amazed by the fireworks just as any child would.

Tech looked down into Laena’s eyes. She softly cooed, watching the display in the sky. In her eyes Tech found something that he thought he’d never see again – hope.

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 03:45, 2008-06-09

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 03:45, 2008-06-09

XtreamCrazy · BUT MY CHEESE WILL GET COLD. D8

RE: The Fragile (6/9/03 - Chapter 23 lives forever.)

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

Ohmygodohmygodohmygod!!!!! I'm bauling! I am truly bauling right now. Tears are going to wreck my keyboard....

I can't put it any more perfectly then Xtreme. She just said it all. But is this the end? Rev never comes back? This is more depressing then that October fanfic.

Great chapter!Why the hell aren't you a published writer!?

CassidyCoyote · Techie 4 life

*sobs* so much sadness and cuteness in the same chapter!

And, AH HAH! Another person who (hopefully) shares my belief that Tech would be an excellent father! Even an adoptive father!

And Laena was too cute! *snuggles*

I has been inspired to draw! Just for you!! *glomps*

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

And even though I have no way of putting my art on this site at the moment I'm going to do the same as Cassidy! ^_^

Dragon Wing · Gone

So much general positive response =O

I'm sorry I made you cry for those who did. =(

This isn't the last chapter, for those who are wondering. There will be two more - probably short chapters, but still two more.

Serenity: More depressing than October? ...yes it probably is. It's hard for me to discern how emotional it is because I've been planning it for months. I hope your keyboard's okay. =(

I've actually never tried to get any of my works published. I actually don't know how that all works.

Cassidy: I do actually see Tech turning over a page and becoming a really caring father, when put in the situation. I wouldn't have let him adopt a child if I thought he was going to be a bad father. =D

OMG art! =D Thanks so much! *snug*

Emily: Well, what can I say? XD Well, we chat enough on MSN to the point where you get me, right? Right.

This story WILL be finished before Sunday, June.. 15th?

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

The keyboard will live ^_^

Dragon Wing · Gone

RE: The Fragile (6/9/03 - Chapter 23 livvvveesss.)

lovegreenanred · Avril lover

Icy: Come on Serenity...don't cry! You promised me you wouldn't cry...
Me: I'm *sniff* not crying.....WAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

We luvs U Angela! May all your fanfics be as brilliant as this one! I think you have just made the perfect LU fic in history ^_^

Icy:........she's still crying.....-_-;

Dragon Wing · Gone

Crap. Immediately after I made that post one of my bandmates called me (I play keyboards in a band) and said we were having a ZOMG surprise practice! So that took up a good 6 hours of my time (but we laid down an awesome hardcore demo so it was all good.)

But unfortunately that means I'm extremely delayed now and will probably only get one chapter out tonight. But the final one will probably be posted up tomorrow. Not much of a loss, right?

Dragon Wing · Gone

I have the chapter in question done.

But for my own personal reasons... and other reasons that are overall beneficial to this whole mess...

I'm not going to post it yet. >:D

Akira_Cat · Your local cat

Aaaw

! Laena! What a cute name. And I am guessing although she's a roadrunner like Rev, she represents a beggining of a new relationship. Even if Rev won't be able to come back, Tech has someone who is like our beloved roadrunner.

In fact, depending on how you end your story, after I've done my fan fic "Loonatics Unleashed G", if you end your story how you end it, I may do another one based on this story you got. Because you've given me an idea.

Dragon Wing · Gone

Okay, posting this now. This ended up being one of the most... I don't even know... things I've ever written.

Epilogue

Chapter 24: Seven Years

Seven years - you assured me that I'd be fine if I complied. I only pushed the way off to fight you and I'm sorry, but I'm not sure. Getting this off my chest, the story ends.

And thus the revered hero continued his life on Acmetropolis through another.

Everything changed after the fateful memorial service day, as would be expected. Tech was now the first parent of the Loonatics. As such, accommodations were made. In future missions, Ace made sure that Tech always got the least intensive assignment. After all, Laena was the coyote’s top priority now, and she should have been treated as such. And she was.

A few weeks into the adoption, Rev’s old room was turned into a nursery for Laena. Tech objected to the notion at first but ultimately decided that Rev would have been delighted to give up his room for such a darling new life. It was Tech’s own way of continuing his legacy, after all.

Laena brought out a side in Tech that none of the others had seen before, except in dealing with his ‘toys’ - pure, unadulterated affection. If anyone had any doubts that Tech could never spread his affinity for machinery to sentient beings, they were put to rest. Tech spent hours at a day in the nursery when he could, and would otherwise carry the roadrunner around with him everywhere. It was as if she was his own biological child, but in a way, she was even more.

Of course, Tech knew fully well that she couldn’t reside in the tower for the whole of her childhood. Thus, the coyote started one final project before going on hiatus – genetic recreation of the Loonatics’ powers. Neither Tech nor anyone else before did heavy research on the subject since it was potentially dangerous business in the wrong hands. But now Tech saw the necessity of it. The Loonatics, already shorthanded without Rev, would be even more shorthanded without Tech. Sometimes replacements were needed.

Tech used to scanner of the regenerator to enter his own DNA information into the database, and then using various biological journals and databases obtain a template DNA profile of a normal anthropomorphic coyote. Of course, manually comparing each profile would be nearly impossible, given the sheer enormity of genetic information presented, so Tech quickly coded a program to locate where the information was dissimilar. Thankfully, the answer lied in the very first chromosome. The chromatin was formed in such a way that it altered the active DNA to perform extremely abnormal tasks – the origination of their powers. The radiation must have caused some sort of mutation to occur in this specific spot, which evidently was most susceptible to alteration. Quickly, Tech did a DNA comparison of Rev’s scan and a normal roadrunner’s, then Duck’s scan and a normal duck’s. The results were consistent – first chromosome, weird chromatin. Each chromatid was abnormal in a different way, of course, which would explain why they all had different powers. Interestingly enough, the DNA could be further altered to create all sorts of new powers -–but testing of this would be dangerous and mostly uncontrolled, so Tech put it off.

Nevertheless, Tech was soon able to recreate his powers with a little microbiology and tiny tools. From then on, it was a matter of being able to transfer the powers to a being without them – which was done, eventually, with a simple capsule. And the experiment was complete. All in all, it was pretty easy.

Tech officially announced his hiatus from the team as Laena approached the age of two. He would be back as soon as Laena was old enough to independently fend for herself. But in the mean time, he had a child to raise.

Tech also informed the team that he had created two pills that would grant the user powers – one for Tech’s powers and one for Rev’s powers (which he had thrown in for good measure).

“You could easily find someone to replace both Rev and I with them,” Tech announced, “so long as you get them to the right people. Of course, keep those pills well protected in the mean time – those could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. But anyway, you’re all free to touch my ‘toys’ now. I probably won’t be able to invent anything else until I come back, so make the most of the stuff we’ve got in the mean time.”

And thus, the team said goodbye to Tech – a temporary farewell, anyway. Replacement trials were held for Tech and Rev in the mean time. The ‘winners’ were two humans – a bleach blonde man in his early 20’s, who attained Tech’s powers and redheaded girl in her late teens who inherited Rev’s powers. It was almost surreal seeing humans a part of the team, but they seemed determined and loyal enough. And perhaps their integration would bestow upon the team a needed symbol of anthro-human unity.

Tech never made a huge effort to get to know the two of them, however – he had other things on his mind.

----------------------------

Laena was now seven years old. She lived a relatively normal childhood, considering she was a roadrunner adopted by a coyote. She and Tech lived in a nice, comfortable flat in the city. It was not overtly expansive, but comfortably spacious with all the furniture neatly arranged. It contained a kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large living room with a gigantic window looking out onto the Acmetropolis skyline. Right in the center of the view was the Loonatics’ famous tower.

The two of them occasionally had visits with the team, of course, including the two replacement members, whose names were apparently Robert and Melissa. They were nice enough people – Melissa was particularly good with Laena – but they seemed a tad bit ****y with their new position. Hopefully Robert wouldn’t have too much of a problem with resigning when the time came for Tech to rejoin.

But the moments Tech really lived for nowadays were when Laena would come home from her 2nd grade schooling. She seemed to be making a lot of friends – she had a few of them over at times – and she always brought home superb marks. Perhaps some of Tech’s genius rubbed off on her. But more importantly, she was extremely friendly and sociable, if not a bit overtly talkative at times. Although the two were unrelated, Tech could see a lot of Rev in her.

On one particularly cozy April night, Tech sat in his armchair by the fireplace reading a scientific journal (he had never given up his love of technology). He had just put Laena to bed and – a joy she was – she could become quite exhausting. What Tech needed at this point was a little bit of relaxation time.

Then, of course, there was a knock at the door.

Tech sighed and put down his magazine. These visits were quite common – people wanting autographs. At first Tech was flattered that he had admirers, but now it was all just old.

“I’m coming,” he spoke quietly.

‘Don’t they know I have a child in bed right now?’ Tech muttered to himself as he opened the door.

Sure enough, a gawking fangirl. She was a rather geeky looking anthropomorphic fox, whose tail was wagging rapidly.

“I - I’m sorry, Mr. Coyote, but-but… you’ve j-just always been s-sort of a… h-hero of mine, and I heard you live here so I just wanted to stop by and say hi… c-could I have an autograph?” She stammered.

Tech already had a pen out. “Sure,” he said, smiling, and hastily signed a piece of paper the girl was holding out. “And what’s your name?”

“Oh! I’m Cassy, b-but you don’t have to make it out to me if you don’t want-“

“Already did,” Tech said, poking the paper with a final period.

“Oh, wow, you’re so nice! Thank you, sir!” Cassy shouted, and to Tech’s amusement, she ran away before he could say goodbye.

Tech closed the door and went back to his armchair. ‘Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em,’ Tech murmured to himself as he was about to take a seat. He stopped himself quickly – the seat was already occupied.

“Daddy, I couldn’t sleep, and I heard some noise so I got out of bed,” Laena said looking up at Tech.

“Well, that’s no good,” Tech said, “it’s 9:32, well past your bedtime. Now, you have to be refreshed for school tomorrow morning for the spelling bee. Sleep works wonders.”

“Do I really have to go to bed?” Laena asked with pleading eyes.

Though it was extremely tempting to concede, Tech had finally learned to resist the eyes. “Yep, sorry, sprout. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it in the morning.”

“Ookkayy,” Laena said begrudgingly, “but before I do… can you tell me a story?”

“Another story? I don’t know, I-“

“Please?” Laena hit Tech once again with the pleading eyes. This time, Tech had to give in.

“Okay, okay,” Tech chuckled, “a story ye shall receive. Which one do you want this time?”

“Ooh! Ooh!” Laena bounced up and down excitedly, “tell me the one about Rev the roadrunner!”

“That one? I must have told you that one a hundred times-“

“I… uh… forgot a lot of it!” Laena clearly wasn’t going to be dissuaded.

“Alright, then, the story of Rev the roadrunner.”

“Goody!” Laena shouted and she propped herself comfortably and attentively in her seat.

Tech sat down in a chair adjacent from Laena’s seat, and he began to tell his tale.

“Alright, as you should know, Rev started out as a normal, everyday roadrunner just like you. He had lots of friends and loved ones, was very bright, and simply loved life. But, of course, in his late teen years, he hit some hard times. He had to work for a low-paying, over-demanding boss who yelled at him a lot. Soon he found himself too busy to do any of the things he wanted or pursue his studies, and he didn’t get into the college he wanted to go. For a while, things seemed pretty hopeless.”

“But things got better, right?” Laena stated more than asked, grinning widely at the coyote.

Tech smiled. “You bet they did. A great meteor hit the planet, and Rev was very close to the site of the crater. But this meteor did strange things-“

“It made him go really really fast like this! Zooooom! And it also let him make maps of things in his head and fly!”

Tech laughed. “Well, if you can tell the story better than I can, then maybe I shouldn’t.”

“No! I mean, uh, the meteor made him uh eat lots of pizzas and become really, really fat, like this! Blargh!” Laena spread her arms out and puffed out her cheeks.

Tech chuckled. “No, that was Slam. Okay, so you need a reminder. Rev attained the power of super speed, the ability to locate anyone on a moment’s notice and, yes, the ability to fly. He eventually joined a team with five other anthros who also had powers.”

“And you were one of them, right daddy?”

“I sure was. And let me tell you, it was some stressful times. But we always had time for fun – especially Rev. Rev was just the kind of guy who you couldn’t bring down – always determined, happy and friendly. He talked a lot – more than you even – and sometimes that annoyed people.”

“I know what that’s like!” Laena said somewhat proudly.

“Hehe, yes you do. But Rev was ten times as talkative! But when people saw past his fast beak, they really saw him for who he was. Just a kind, caring guy who would do anything for his friends.

“Now, Rev was the only one on the team who didn’t really have any attacking powers. So he was forced to be on the sidelines a lot. He didn’t want to upset his friends, so he always obeyed them, but secretly he always yearned to be a bigger part of the team. Eventually, something happened to Rev that had never happened before – he became depressed.”

“Aw, poor Rev!” Laena said worriedly.

“Indeed, poor Rev. Things weren’t going well for him. Someone he cared about deeply was kidnapped, and he began to be a little sloppy on the team, which didn’t make the boss very happy. Then, of course, when the person he cared about came back, she immediately rejected him.”

“Boo! Hiss!” Laena said angrily.

“But then, one night, a really evil man released twenty super villains onto Acmetropolis!”

“Oh no!” Laena shouted in horror.

“And it didn’t look like they could be defeated. One of our team members actually died!”

“No, he couldn’t have!” Laena interjected desperately.

“But he was eventually saved by Rev himself with a device he helped me make.”

“Yay, you and Rev!” Laena cheered.

“But the super villains were still out there, and still undefeatable.”

“But you set up a wormhole thing to take them all away, right? To make them all go whoosh?”

“That’s right. But, sadly, it was very hard to get them all into one place when it happened.”

“But that’s where Rev the roadrunner saved the day!” Laena shouted enthusiastically.

“You bet, sprout. He finally decided that he wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines anymore, and step up and save the day. Within a few seconds, he had them all lined up in just the spot he wanted while dodging gunfire and other bad stuff. And he succeeded! All the heroes were gone!”

“Yay!”

“But, sadly, in doing this, Rev sacrificed himself. He got sucked into the wormhole too.”

“No!” Laena cried desperately.

“It’s sad, but true. But now, the whole entire city of Acmetropolis is thankful for him. Without his sacrifice, the whole city might be under the regime of unstoppable super villains. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest hero’s Acmetropolis has ever known. And that’s how Rev, a normal roadrunner, went down in history.”

“Yay!” Laena shouted, clapping her hands.

“And now, it’s off to bed with you,” Tech said playfully sternly.

Tech walked Laena to her room, helped her into bed and tucked her under the sheets. Flipping out the lights, he bid her goodnight, when once again she interjected.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah, sprout?”

“Were is Rev now?”

Tech scratched his chin. “Somewhere far, far away. Where exactly, I’m not sure,” Tech pondered what he was about to say. “But do you know what I like to think?”

“What?”

Just then, Tech heard another knock on the door from the living room. Yet another fangirl.

“I’ll be out in a minute!” Tech shouted behind him, and then refocused on Laena.

“Well? What do you like to think?”

“I like to think that, well, he’s sort of watching over us from the stars right outside your window. Just making sure we’re okay. He still cares about all of us deeply.”

Laena gazed dreamily out the window. “So he’s kind of watching us from up there like our guardian angel or something?”

“If you would like to think of it that way, yes,” Tech smiled.

“Daddy, do you think Rev’ll watch over me and make sure I do okay at the spelling bee tomorrow?”

Tech chuckled once more. “He’ll be rooting for you, sprout.” Tech leaned down to give Laena a kiss on the forehead.

“Good night, daddy,” Laena said sleepily.

“Good night,” he whispered. He tiptoed out of the room and quietly shut the door.

“I’m coming,” he said tiredly to the visitor in the hall as he walked to answer the door.

What waited behind the door was hardly another fangirl.