A/N: Again, last time I'm updating all this. This time it's an attempt at removing the BLEACH references and most of the names. Also some names have been changed but I'll include a list of those a little later in the story. As with the first arc this does not necessitate another read as most of the scenes in this are still intact without too many changes. If this is your first time reading then just enjoy!

Copyright notice: All original Sonic the Hedgehog characters are property of SEGA and based upon the Saturday AM cartoon. Other characters may come from the video games or the Archie comic books. The AI SWATbots are the original creation of Robert Brown and Francis Tolbert and are used with their permission. All concepts from the manga BLEACH are copyright Tite Kubo. All concepts from Rurouni Kenshin are copyright Nobuhiro Watsuki. All original characters are of my creation and require written permission before use. These fanfics may not be reposted without my permission.

In a heavily guarded factory, bots of all shapes and sizes worked tirelessly to repair a hedgehog-shaped robot. He floated in a tube of green fluid filled to the brim with nanomachines. A techbot wandered over, pulled a lever, and the fluid slowly drained. The unconscious hedgehog stayed on two feet as the glass tube retracted. The techbot approached, attempting to remove the power conduits in his back when the hedgehog's eyes snapped open. His arm tore through techbot, causing it to erupt as Snively walked up to him.

"That incompetent moron," Nano Sonic snarled as he pulled the conduits out of his back. "No wonder he's always being beaten by Sonic. Anyone with half of a brain would know not to underestimate the Freedom Fighters. And he seems to do it every freaking time. I'm lucky to be in one piece."

"Now you understand why the big round guy must be 'liberated' from command," Snively said walking up to him. "He doesn't understand absolute cruelty, only his foolish ambition. Were you able to remove his ability to control you?"

"First thing I did once I was online," Nano Sonic said cracking his neck. "He's so focused on Sonic he's blocked out everything else. Lucky you installed those failsafes in me otherwise I'd be like every other half-assed plan of his."

"I couldn't agree more," Snively smiled. "Anything else before we get going?"

Nano Sonic looked at himself and frowned. "I hate blue," he commented. "Time for a palette swap." With that his blue skin began to turn white. The ends of his quills turned upward and were tinted black. He also added a good deal of height so that he was much taller than Snively though not as tall as Robotnik. His sneakers stayed the same except for the white stripe which turned black. His gloves morphed into black leather fingerless gloves with exposed knuckles. Finally his eyes changed from black to red surrounded in black. He looked himself over again and smiled baring his now sharpened teeth. "Much better."

Snively shuddered. Nano Sonic had been frightening before when he was a twisted Sonic. Now he looked and acted pure evil. It would only add to his charm though and Snively was happy about that. "If you're done," he said wiping the sweat from his brow, "Robotnik wants to see you."

"Hmph, fine," Nano Sonic said the lack of respect apparent. "Where is the tub of lard?"

"He's inspecting one of the generators right now," Snively answered. "He wants to see you in the command center as soon as possible."

"We should get going then, master," he said and walked away following Snively. It would only be a matter of time...

The next day Sally woke up wrapped in Sonic's arms. It had been an interesting week so far. Their relationship had finally been made public only a few days ago and she couldn't be happier. Rosie had given her quite the talking to when she told her nanny about moving in with him though. Apparently Sonic had gotten the same talk from Dr. Osaka but came away looking extremely scared. He refused to talk about it no matter what Sally tried. She smiled and snuggled as close to him as possible. Sonic responded by holding her tighter. She had managed to get him to agree to a few things, the first of which was cleaning his hut. Dr. Osaka, Rosie, Tails, Antoine, and Uncle Chuck had watched the entire thing. Antoine, who still remembered having to briefly live with Sonic, had enjoyed it the most out of all of them. Sonic surprisingly had not said one word the whole time and just smiled. If he was doing this without complaining he was up to something. Whatever it was he hadn't even told Tails which meant it was something big.

Sonic began to stir and kissed Sally on the side of her neck. "Good morning," he said softly. His breath brushed her ear and sent chills down her spine.

"You know I hate it when you do that," she said smiling.

Sonic blew at her ear again and she instinctively shook her head. What she hadn't meant to do was hit Sonic's nose in the process. Sonic yelped and grabbed his nose. Sally flipped over immediately, concern written on her face.

"Are you okay?" she asked trying to move his hand. He let her remove it and thankfully there was no blood this time. Sonic gently adjusted his nose, his face squirming in the process.

"Yeah," he said letting go. "Nothing's broken, I'll live."

Sally smiled and kissed his nose. "When will you learn? That's the third time this week," she said curling back into his chest.

Sonic smiled and pulled her closer. He knew what tomorrow would bring and for now he wanted to do nothing but hold Sally. It would also give him some time to think about what he was about to do. He had indeed been planning something for months now, specifically since he had gotten out of the Void. He wasn't sure when the right time would be but it had to be soon. He felt his eyelids getting heavy and he closed them. He and Sally fell back asleep holding each other.

Elsewhere, Dr. Osaka placed a tongue depressor in Rosie's mouth while shining a light into her throat. She had been feeling off lately and was hoping he could find the reason why. He removed the depressor and shut the light off, grabbing a reflex hammer and tapped her knees. "Well, I have a diagnosis and a prescription for you," he said setting the hammer down and scribbling on a piece of paper. Rosie smiled.

"So what do I have, Dr. Osaka?" she asked.

"Oldpersonitis," he said smiling back and handing her the paper. "I recommend building a porch on the front of your hut. Sit in a rocking chair all day and yell at young people. Do this for two weeks and come see me." They both laughed. "It's just age setting in Rosie," he said finally. "We're not as young as them and can't push ourselves like we used to."

"I suppose you're right," she said sighing. "I have been trying to keep up with Sally and Sonic too much lately. Those two finally realized how much they mean to each other."

"Young love is a beautiful thing," Dr. Osaka replied. "I was quite surprised to hear that Amy and Tails have done quite well for themselves. You didn't even have to give her 'the talk'."

"You wouldn't know it from how she chased Sonic and Sally around but the girl is much more mature than she acts," Rosie admitted. "I think that it was simply an infatuation with a savior idol. With Tails she finally has someone that cares about her as much as she cares about him.

"Speaking of such things, what was it you told Sonic?" she asked. "He seemed absolutely terrified after you talked to him regarding Sally moving in."

Dr. Osaka smirked. "Sorry, but that's a secret between us guys," he answered. "But I will say that I threatened to tear something off should he try anything."

Rosie winced but smiled. "I see why he was scared," she said laughing. "I still can't imagine what it would be like to have a little Sonic or Sally running around."

At this both of them were silent. "Do you still think about it?" she asked Dr. Osaka after a moment.

"There's...not a day I don't," he replied closing his eyes. "Perhaps that's why I push Sonic so hard to make the right decisions now."

Rosie stood up and put her hands on his shoulders. "We were young," she told him, "and we were both foolish. We both did what we thought was right."

"That doesn't make it easier."

"I'm not saying that," Rosie replied shaking her head. "What I'm saying is that you cannot live your life in the past."

Dr. Osaka walked away, his back to her. "It's not that I won't let go," he said. "I...can't. No matter how hard I try I cannot forgive myself for those that never had the chance to live." He turned back to Rosie.

"It wasn't your fault, Adrian," Rosie said, almost desperate. This was the most she had been able to talk with him in years. "It was beyond our control. The stress and the fear just-"

"I know, Rosie," he said taking her hand in his. "I know. For years I blamed you but I see now that..." He was about to continue when dark laughter interrupted him. "I'm sorry, Rosie," he apologized. He then turned away from her. "Just...take it easy for the next couple days and you should feel back up to speed."

She sighed. "Thank you, doctor," she said quietly and left closing the door behind her. Dr. Osaka sighed. He should've told her. She deserved to know that he had forgiven her but a part of him still refused to say the words. He looked in the mirror and saw two children, one a badger and the other a lynx, playing around a Christmas tree as he and Rosie sat by a fireplace. The image faded away and he clenched his fists. His mistake had been in trusting that creature. The moment he had sworn his fealty that thing had taken his heart and closed its fist around it. By all rights he had no right to be alive.

You will not break me, he thought.

[Oh really?] a voice said with a deep rumbling. [I have persisted for close to twenty years now. What makes you think you can hold out forever?]

I've lasted this long haven't I?

He heard laughter. [We shall see.]

The following morning found Sonic rooting through his closet looking for decent traveling clothes. He had managed to slip away from Sally who was still sleeping. She just looked so happy he couldn't bear to wake her up. He picked up his father's sword, held it for a moment and then set it to the side. He would take it, just in case. Finally finding all the clothes that he wanted he closed up his pack and set it next to the sword.

He looked at the gloves he had chosen and smiled. They were a thin material colored midnight blue and were almost skin tight. On the top rested a white plate that covered the top of his hand and just past his wrist. There was also a white ring that wrapped around his wrist when he put them on. The boots he had chosen were a similar design only with a thicker material. The plate covered the top of his foot and wrapped around his ankle. It was built like a combat boot but would still allow him to run at full speed. The open jacket was a midnight blue like the gloves and longer like a trench coat. The pants he had picked out were loose fitting and would allow him to run unhindered. He put all of the clothes on and tied the pants with a grey sash and tied the knot off the right side of his hip.

"Interesting get-up," Sally commented softly.

Sonic turned around to see her sitting up in his bed. She had a concerned look on her face as if he was going to leave without telling her. He walked over to her and pulled her to her feet.

"Don't give me that look," he said holding her. "You know what today is just as well as I do."

She nodded. "It's just...I'm nervous leaving the village with both of us gone," she told him. "When we go on raids it's one thing but we'll be gone close to two weeks."

"Don't worry," Sonic said kissing her forehead. "Antoine and Bunnie will do fine. I would've suggested doc if he hadn't said to put those two in charge first."

"Why do you think he did that?" Sally asked a quizzical look on her face. Sonic shook his head.

"You got me there," he answered. "C'mon, you need to get ready too. I'll go get us some breakfast."

Sally nodded and hugged him tightly. She and Rosie had conversed about her visit to the Void. Dr. Osaka had also joined in, hitting on questions that she wouldn't have thought to ask. He had tried putting it in her head that this might be the last time that she ever got to speak with her father. She couldn't help but think that Dr. Osaka seemed to know an inordinate amount about the Void but he wouldn't answer any questions related to it. Before she knew it Sonic returned with oatmeal for the two of them. She looked at him curiously.

"I thought that-"

"It sticks with you," he said spooning some into his mouth. "That and if you put a bunch of sugar on it tastes much better." Sally laughed lightly and he smiled. They finished and quickly washed the bowls. She finished packing and threw her backpack on. Sonic slung his sword across his back with the tsuka over his right shoulder. The strap Dr. Osaka had given him bore the crest of the Royal Guard on it. He put his pack on as well and looked at her.

"Shall we?" he asked motioning to the door. She nodded and headed out as he held the door open. The core Freedom Fighters were all together. Over all of the "good luck" and "be careful" Sonic could hear Dulcy sobbing.

"You two had better come back," she said sniffling. "If you don't I'll never forgive you!"

"Don't worry Dulcy," Sally assured the dragon. "We'll be back in two weeks, give or take. Until then Bunnie and Antoine will be in charge."

"We won't let you down, Sally-girl," Bunnie said hugging her friend.

"Indeed, Princess," Antoine said bowing. "We will be fine."

"I've uploaded the pertinent information from Nicole to your computer, Rotor," she reminded the walrus. "You know, in case you guys need to go to Robotropolis for anything."

"Thanks, Sally," Rotor thanked her. "I'll see if I can't get the holotable working again after Sonic broke it." Sally chuckled but nodded, looking over towards Sonic who was talking with Dr. Osaka. She couldn't hear them but she saw Sonic pat his pocket. Now she definitely knew he was planning something. Before she could say anything Rosie walked up to her holding a wrapped bundle.

"Here, Princess," she said handing it to her. "Here are some dried foods for you two. They may not be the best tasting but they will fill your stomachs."

Sally put the food in her pack and hugged her nanny. "Thank you so much, Rosie," she said a tear forming in her eye. She let go and Amy walked up to her next.

"Here you go, Sally," she said handing Sally a small hammer charm. "In case you guys get into a fight just yell 'Piko' while holding that charm and you'll get a hammer like mine."

Sally smiled and placed the charm in her vest pocket. "Thanks, Amy," she told the pink hedgehog. "I'm still trying to get over you chasing me around with that thing."

Amy shrugged smiling. "You have to admit, it was fun," she said giggling. Sally just stared at her and then joined in.

"Be careful Sonic!" Tails yelled. "Come back soon!"

"Will do big guy," Sonic said hugging the young fox. He walked over to Sally. "You ready?" he asked and she nodded.

"We'll see you guys in a couple weeks," she said as they walked away. "Good luck!" With that she and Sonic took off in twin sonic booms. When the dust cleared Bunnie looked at Antoine curiously.

"Any idea why sugarhog didn't just do that teleporting thing?" she asked. Antoine shook his head.

"Not a clue," he answered hooking his arm on her waist. "Perhaps he is to be wanting some alone time for the two of them."

"I just hope they get back soon," Amy said looking up at them. "It's gonna be weird without them here."

At that everyone nodded and went about their everyday routines. Rosie walked up to Dr. Osaka who was still staring in the direction they had left. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked him. He sighed and looked over at her.

"If this is her decision, then I will not question it," he answered bluntly. "As for Sonic, I believe he will do what he feels is the right thing."

"I hope you're right. I really do."

Sonic and Sally ran until night fell. It was getting far too cold to travel by night at their speed. They set up camp in a small clearing and got a fire going to stay warm. They sat around it as the chill of night finally set in. Sally leaned over on him and put her head on his shoulder. They sat there listening to the crackle of the fire and holding each other. Not one word passed through their lips as they just sat there enjoying the moment. When the fire was almost dead they kicked some dirt on it just to make sure it was. They crawled into the tent and went to sleep.

The next couple days went more or less the same. They talked idly about this and that and made sure to leave enough food for the trip back. The fifth day out they had finally reached the Great Canyon and were less than a day's trip from the Great Unknown where the Void portal was. They set up camp early wanting all their strength for the next day. Sonic was glad they had taken some firewood with them for warmth. Even though the days were hotter here the nights were downright frigid. They pulled out the food they had set aside for the day and began to eat.

"What I wouldn't give for a chili dog right about now," Sonic said looking at the dried fruit he was eating. "Rosie wasn't kidding when she said this stuff didn't taste great."

"You say that about anything that's not a chili dog anyway," Sally retorted smiling. Sonic smiled back.

"I didn't see you complaining when you ate one," he shot back. "Well, that and the dozen after that."

"You didn't tell anyone else about that did you?" she asked him. "You know they'd never let me live it down."

"Don't worry," he said laughing. "That's just between you and me." She smiled and finished her dinner. She slid over next to Sonic as he popped the last piece of fruit in his mouth and smiled. He wrapped his arm around her and they leaned back on a rock."It's been nice taking our time," he said running his hand up and down her arm. "We haven't talked like this in ages."

"Well, fighting Robotnik doesn't really leave us with a lot of time to ourselves," Sally said staring at the fire. "While I'm still worried about him and Snively it is nice to be able to take our time." Sonic hadn't told her about Nano Sonic not being dead. They hadn't heard anything other than Robotnik's fury about the bot being destroyed. Something else was going on in Robotropolis though and it was setting off alarm bells in Sonic's head. But he wasn't that concerned about it right now. He was with Sally all alone in the middle of nowhere. He had never been happier.

"I still can't believe we've got another week of this," he said smiling. "I can only imagine how jealous Antoine and Bunnie must be right now."

Sally snuggled into him. "Let them be," she said looking up at him. "Which reminds me, what was in your pocket that made you pat it when we left?"

Sonic cleared his throat. "Umm, nothing," he said quickly. Sally smiled at the challenge.

"Well, let's see about that," she said and reached for his pocket. Sonic managed to lightly slap her hands away but she would not be denied. After multiple tries she finally managed to get a hold of his leg. She could feel something hard and round but before she could tell much else Sonic grabbed her wrists and pulled her hands away. She looked at his bright red face.

"R-really Sal," he stammered, "it's nothing." She moved until her lips were next to his ear.

"Really?" she asked softly making sure every word brushed his ear. "Then why are you so nervous?"

What she couldn't see was the smile on Sonic's face. Letting go of her wrists his hands quickly went to her sides and began tickling her. Sally was unable to resist and the two began wrestling back and forth. She tried getting his hands away but he was the stronger of the two. She finally managed to pin him on the ground and smiled as she randomly reached and grabbed playfully.

Sonic immediately stopped and turned a deep shade of red. Sally looked at him quizzically trying to figure out why. She could feel his hands on her sides so that wasn't it. She looked where she had grabbed him and turned the same color he had. She looked back at him. The angle they were at she could see the fire reflected in his eyes. With the swirling pattern to back it Sally became hypnotized by them. She moved closer to his face and he did the same to her. Their lips met in a kiss that was both deep and passionate. She removed her grip of him and wrapped her arms around him as best she could. They stayed like that until they finally came up for air. Sonic looked into her eyes which were quivering, as if she was holding something back. The same thought crossed their minds as their lips met once more. They began to kiss each other furiously like it was their last day alive. Sally pulled his jacket off and tossed it to the side. Sonic was completely oblivious to this and slipped off her vest. They continued kissing when something went off in Sonic's head.

Something's not right here, he thought. What am I doing? "Sal," he whispered. "Please, wait."

She looked at him, their gazes locking. "What is it?" she said quietly.

"We shouldn't be doing this," he said shaking his head. "At least, not yet."

"Sonic..."

He put a finger to her lips gently. "It's not that I don't want this too," he interrupted her. "In fact that would be the farthest thing from the truth. I just want it to mean so much more when the time is right."

Sally was quiet, knowing he was right. She didn't know what had come over her but all of her inhibitions had been suddenly thrown to the side. "I'm so sorry Sonic," she said burying her head in his shoulder.

"Don't be," he said holding her. "I still love you and nothing will ever change that."

She turned her head so she could see his face. "Thank you," she said holding him tighter.

They sat up and Sonic grabbed his jacket since Sally couldn't find hers. He wrapped it around Sally who smiled and crawled into his lap. She laid back into him as his arms and closed her eyes. Sonic felt her breathing slow down and smiled holding her a little tighter. She gave a small sigh and settled back down. Sonic looked up at the night sky. The sky was clear and he could see every single star in the sky. He could even see the arm of their galaxy reaching across the field of stars. He couldn't help but think on what Sylvanix had told him just after he'd become a Guardian. He'd told the dead Magan what he thought of the idea then and he stood by it. Still, if that was the case then what was this worry gnawing at his gut?