Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Many Members Of Tails's Family ❯ Scruffy Abunai Ferrite ( Chapter 1 )

Legal Stuff:

I don't own any of the characters in this story. They are the properties of their respective owners.

Author's Notes:

This fic will explain the key points in the life of my fan character, Scruffy. They will be told from his point of view.

The Many Members Of Tails's Family

Chapter 1: Scruffy Abunai Ferrite

It was a chilly evening the day it happened. The war, that is. For a while now, my tribe had been involved in several disputes with a tribe of iguanas. It was the usual land possession argument. Things kept going from bad to worse as the iguanas broke treaties, and became more aggressive. We declared war on them, and they did likewise with us. For a lot of us, it wasn't about the land, but about revenge. The war lasted several generations, and mine was the last. I was born about five years before the end of it. My parents were both foxes, so I was, too. My mother was part of a supporting group from Japan. I don't know what business it was of theirs to interfere, but they did, and My father married her. He was a tank pilot, an American that claimed to belong to our tribe. His wife, and my mother, was a field medic. They both taught me everything they knew. Or at least they would have, if it hadn't been for that fateful day. Our tribe was prepared for a big assault on an iguana stronghold, and a victory meant that we might win the war. I can still remember how organized they all looked, with the troops in the front, the medics in the middle, all followed by a few dozen tanks. Me and some other kids were on the sidelines, watching them.

Me: Good luck Mom! Good luck Dad!

Other kid: Go Uncle Hubert!

Other kid 2: Way to go, big Sis!

We all cheered them on, but before the general could give the order to go, we all heard the nightmarish sound of aircraft. They came from behind a nearby mountain, and bombed us. There were so many of them, we couldn't react. The bombs fell and exploded, killing our forces. The troops scattered, and the tanks tried to return fire, but they were too late. They were all killed in the fiery blasts. Me and the others were the only survivors. Several days passed, with no subsequent attacks. We had been trained to survive in the event of something like this. One of the older kids led us back to the site, to see if we could scavenge anything. I couldn't find any of my mother's things, but I did find my father's tank; or at least, what was left of it. Underneath a mangled panel of armor was his trusty laser pistol. I picked it up, and fired it at the ground. Luckily, it still worked, so I took it. I found some leather straps, and made a holster and a belt for it. It wasn't the best quality, but it would suffice, considering that I had made it in just a few minutes. I had always seemed to have a knack for that kind of thing. I had just put it on when we heard the sounds. Laser fire was coming at us from nearby. Everyone looked over, and saw a dozen or so iguana troops headed for us. We ran for the forest, but they caught us all. All except me. I escaped imprisonment, and continued on, deep into the jungle. Eventually, I stopped to take a break.

Me: Iguanas…I hate them all!

I was alone in the dimly lit forest. I never quite realized that it would be my home for the majority of my life. I was only able to survive because of what my parents had taught me…and because of that pistol. Its internal generator kept it from running out of power. That weapon kept me alive. It kept me at the top of the food chain, killing my dinner, my hunters, and anything else that needed to die. I had a shelter and a routine set up, and I went about my days. The years went by as I perfected my skills. I would always try to kill many birds with one stone. (sometimes literally). For example, I would go swimming and get in some aquatic target practice at the same time. This served to develop my swimming skills, build up my muscles, keep me clean, and heighten my senses. One day, I was out hunting when I sensed something. I looked all around, using all my senses.

Me: <thinking> Five of them...jaguars…

They lunged at me, and I dodged them using a short, but instant dash technique that I had figured out over the years. Those cats had been getting smarter, though. I turned around and fired, killing two of them with head shots. I had to dodge again. I brought down two more. The last one came at me, and changed direction at the instant that I dodged. It landed a fierce swipe on my left eye. The pain was intense, and I killed the last one before passing out.

Later…

I groggily opened one eye, the only one I could open. I looked over and saw a big black patch over my left eye.

Me: <thinking> Oh great…

And here I am now, lying on this rickety medical cot. It feels like it's probably military standard issue.

Me: <looking around> Where am I?

I didn't see anyone else in the room. It was dark both inside and out, so I guessed that it was the middle of the night.

Me: <thinking> Wow…a room…Haven't been in one of these in a while…

I sat up and saw my gun and its belt and holster on the table next to me. I got off the cot, a little shakily at first, but getting steadier. I picked up my stuff, and put it on. I found some camouflage stuff in a nearby closet.

Me: These could be useful…

I put on some baggy pants, and was about to add the jacket, but I heard someone coming. I rushed out the door, running past a white bat in peace core gear and a native. I heard the bat mention something about `checking on the stranger', but I didn't stick around to listen. It was the middle of the night, and the stars were bright. I dashed through the treetops, following the North Star. I wasn't sure why, it just seemed right. I knew that I had to go somewhere, though, because I didn't want people asking a bunch of questions that I didn't want to answer.

Me: That was close…too close…

Over the course of the next month, I found my way to the Panama Canal. This is one of the places my father had told me about.

Me: Well, I know where I am, at least…

I continued north, into Mexico. I found a small town, and set up shelter. It was there I stayed for quite some time. I didn't know much Spanish, but I did manage to pick up some facts and stories about the land to the north, the USA.

Me: This place sounds pretty great…and my father's from there…

That was my destination. It took a few months, but I made it to the border and became a citizen. I entered into a place called New Mexico. It was a little confusing, but I eventually figured out that it was the name of a state, and that there were more states in this country. 50, to be exact.

Me: <thinking> It looks like I've got a lot of searching to do…

I drifted from state to state, and it got harder to find food. I stayed near forests, since I could find meals and peace more easily there. One day, I saw mountains far off in the distance. Something told me that I needed to go there…

Me: That's where I want to go…So that's where I'm going!

I rushed off toward the mountains, and eventually found myself in a place called Utah.

Me: Kind of an odd name…but something has guided me here…

I came across a big city, one unlike any that I had ever seen before. I wandered through its streets, and found a large complex of buildings--apparently belonging to a religion-at the heart of the city.

Me: What is this place?

Wandering inside the complex, I eventually found a building that seemed like a visitor's entrance of some sort. I went in. I was greeted by a polite person, one that seemed a little surprised at my appearance, but helpful nonetheless.

Clerk: Greetings…sir…Uh, welcome to the Salt Lake City Temple.

Me: Temple, huh? This place seems pretty modern for a temple.

Clerk: Well, this building isn't part of the temple itself, it's just a visitor's entrance. But if you need anything, just ask one of the staff members. They'll be glad to help.

Me: Thanks…I'll consider it…

I walked around, and saw a directory. I skimmed over the list, hoping to find a reason for being here. Then I stopped the word `genealogy'. There was a whole room dedicated to it. I remembered hearing that term somewhere before…

Me: <frustrated> What does this word mean…I know I've heard it before…

Someone nearby overheard me, and answered my question.

Staff member: That word refers to the study of one's family, usually past relatives. You'd be surprised at how far back someone can trace their family line.

I sensed an opportunity.

Me: What about living relatives?

Staff member: Well, I suppose it could find them.

Me: It?

Staff member: We have a massive database, which can now be accessed from computers, even the internet.

Me: <thinking> The internet? I remember hearing that every now and then…I wonder what that is…

Staff member: I can take you to it, if you like.

Me: <nods> Thanks.

He led me to an elevator, something which I had only used a few times before. When the doors opened, we stepped out into a large room. It had rows of shelves in the back, and several computers in the front. The staff member led me to a computer, and began typing a few things into it.

Staff member: Okay, we just need your name, and the names of your relatives, if you know any.

Me: Okay…

I had never used a computer before, but I learned quickly. It didn't take long for me to figure out the program, and the staff member seemed surprised at how fast I picked it up. Eventually, I found my place on my family tree. I then scanned it to see if I could find any living relatives. The only name on the list was `Prower'.

Me: Hmm…This could be something…

I researched it further, and found out that two members of this family were missing and assumed to be dead, and that one was still alive. I read the name from the screen.

Me: Miles Prower…It looks like this one's the only confirmed living member. Better check it out…

I learned as much as I could about this Miles fellow, and found out that he was a fox, like me, and lived in New York under the care of someone named Sonic.

Me: New York…Where is that?

I continued to delve into the amazing wealth of knowledge that this database contained, and I learned a lot. I was on that computer for several hours, and by the time I was finished, it was dark outside. I stood up from the computer, and looked around the room until I found a map. I remembered seeing maps when I was really young. I looked it over for New York, and found a city and a state. I guessed that since the city was in the state, that I should try there first. I then found where I was. I wasn't too happy to discover that it was all the way on the other side of the country.

Me: Figures…<sigh> Well, I better get going…

I left the building, and went east. I continued on late into the night, and found a stopping place at the foot of the mountains.

Me: <sigh> What am I doing? I don't belong here-I don't belong anywhere…I've only got one choice…I just have to keep moving.

I reached down and retrieved my laser pistol from its holster. I looked at it, I knew it well. With it by my side, I knew that nothing could stop me. I put it back, and went to sleep.

The next morning…

I opened my one eye, and looked around. The sweet smell of the mountain pine trees was strong, and the sun shone brightly in the sky. I sat up, and eventually got to my feet. I figured out which way was east, and went that way. Crossing the mountains again wasn't something I looked forward to, but I worked at it anyway.

Me: I'm going to make it through this…one way or another…

I didn't know what that other way would have been, but it seemed like a good thing to say to myself at the time, so I did. I made my way through the mountains, using my dash technique to cross the treetops. Every now and then, I would run out of trees, and have to cross a clearing. Such a thing didn't really matter, but once I had to deal with an unhappy bear.

Me: <sarcastically> Uh-oh…

The bear rushed at me, and I easily avoided it. The change of pace was nice. But I had somewhere to get to, and I wanted to get there soon, so I continued on. After a week or so, I found myself deep in the heart of the great plains. I kept moving, and was surprised at how much ground I covered each day, since I wasn't just wandering. It still took me several months to pass through it all. It often seemed like the wind would knock me down out there on the plains, but I didn't stop moving unless it was to rest. Once I even saw this giant black spinning cloud hitting stuff on the ground. This confused me, and it seemed to be very destructive. I just hope I would never have to deal with one of those up close.

Me: What is that thing?

I stood there and watched it. It didn't last long, and a few minutes after it was over, I continued my journey. It was starting to get cold again. I had noticed that the days had been getting shorter. It was becoming Winter again. This time, things were colder. I felt the need to find shelter soon. Time was running out, I felt it deep inside me. This only quickened my pace, as my survival instincts kicked in again.

Me: I should be getting close…I need to find out where I am…

I found a town in a place that was called Pennsylvania, according to the signs. I searched the library for a map, and discovered that I was very near my destination. I made my own map, and took it with me.

Me: Good, I'm almost there.

As I got closer, it started to snow. I had only seen this once before. Then it slowly went from a gentle flurry to a powerful blizzard. It was all I could do to hold on to the map. My speed was reduced by a lot, but I was pretty sure that I was nearing the city.

Me: Man…Sure is…cold…

I took out my pistol, and set the generator to charge mode. The gun got warmer, and would've overheated if it wasn't so cold outside. I kept it near me, and it kept me warm. Once again, I owed my life to this thing. No wonder my father never lost sight of it. I trudged on, moving quickly, I guess, but at a snail's pace compared to before.

Me: Maybe I should find shelter…

I knew all kinds of survival tactics, for all kinds of conditions. I quickly put together a small igloo, and crept inside. It was surprisingly warm in there, especially with my gun serving as a heater. I curled up, and fell asleep.

Next day…

I woke up, and found myself entombed in an icy prison. The door had frozen over, and I guessed that I was covered in a lot more snow now than I had been the day before. A normal person might have panicked, but I calmly picked up my pistol, and fired it several times at the door. It melted a way through, and when I climbed out, I found a sunny, cold day and several feet of snow.

Me: Well…At least the snow stopped…

I was again glad that I had my dash ability. Using it, I rushed along the top of the snow, without sinking in. I pulled out my map while still moving, and made sure that I was headed in the right direction. I kicked up a cloud of fresh powder behind me, and with my gun at my side, rushed on.

Me: Now we're really moving!

After a short time, I saw the skyscrapers of what I hoped was this city that I was looking for. I quickened my pace, and entered the outskirts of the city.

Me: This place looks pretty rough…reminds me of home…It's time to conquer this urban jungle.

I ran down the street, and entered an alley. I looked up at the buildings, rubbed my hands together, and said:

Me: <smirks> Looks like it's time for a little vertical dashing…

I jumped upwards onto a wall, and kicked upwards off of it onto the opposite wall. I repeated this until I made it to the top. I looked around at the city in front of me, the streets below, and the snow behind me. I noticed something on a far-off rooftop. It looked like another person…

And that's it for Scruffy's past. Please review!