Evil hides in the strangest places...

Disclaimer: I own nothing but OCs

Chapter 1: Something Happens

What a beautiful day. That's what I thought when I started out on my walk. Sonic had recently told me I needed to strengthen my legs after last time we went on an adventure. I had injured one of my tails during a battle and I wasn't used to walking for so long. Sonic ended up bringing me back home and let Knuckles finish the mission. Which he did of course, but it was a close call. I didn't want to let him down again so I started taking long walks in the morning. It was enjoyable, once my legs stopped hurting from walking so much and I could enjoy the scenery. But on this particular day everything changed.*

I was taking my usual route through the park when I saw a side trail I had never noticed before. I decided I could use a change from the monotonous routine. As I headed down the path I looked around and saw that the path turned up ahead. When I finally made it to the bend I walked around it and stared in awe. Ahead of me the trees became sparser as the trail led down to a beautiful valley. It was filled with many varieties of flowers while bushes lined the outer edge. In the center was a shockingly clear blue pond, sunshine sparkling on the surface. A lone tree stood by the pond, a tall oak creating a pool of shade beside the crystal water. I decided then and there that I would use this as a private relaxation spot. A place to get away from it all. Somewhere only I knew about. I never wondered why it was so empty. Why I was the only one who knew about it. Usually I'm a very logical person, thinking things through before I make a decision. I don't know what it was about that place. It was just so perfect. Too perfect...

A few days later...

"Hey Amy, have you seen Tails?" I asked.

"No, why?" Amy answered.

"I can't find him anywhere. He's not in his lab, or taking one of the planes for a spin. I don't know where else he would go. You have any ideas?"

"Maybe he's just hanging out with some friends. Don't worry so much."

"You know I can't help it. He's my bro. I get worried."

"He's growing up. Give him some space. You know he can take care of himself."

"You're right, but I still don't like it."

"Of course you don't. I don't expect you to, but you need to calm down. You're acting like the world's about to end."

"I am not!"

"Yes you are. Now go do something important and let me finish my book."

"Fine." I said, dashing off. "Wait... did I just voluntarily go talk to Amy... I am worrying to much!"

"Sonic!" I heard Knuckles yell from up ahead.

"What is it?" I asked, skidding to a stop in front of him.

"I've given you plenty of time, so... WHERE ARE MY DIGGING CLAWS?!" He yelled at me.**

"Oh... um... I... I'll find them..." I stuttered.

"YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FOUND THEM YET?!"

"Isn't that what I just said?"

"Go... find... them... NOW!" He commanded.

"Okay." I said, running off to look for them. I was actually grateful for the distraction. It helped keep my mind off of Tails. Where could he have run off to?

By the time I found them Tails would be back, I was sure of it. But this story is getting to serious so we're going to switch over to Espio's perspective.

While Sonic was searching for the digging claws...

"Hey guys! Someone's coming!" Charmy shouted.

"Huh! What? Someone's coming!" Vector exclaimed, waking suddenly from his doze.

"Yeah! They're headed straight for the house!" Charmy confirmed.

"Really? Great! Finally some business!" Vector said happily.

"Yippee!" Charmy whooped, flying in celebratory circles.

"Guys, keep calm or they might leave." I warned.

We all waited for the doorbell to be sounded. Sitting in silence, hoping they weren't just someone passing by. Again. Vector yanked open the door as the doorbell sounded, surprising the rabbit standing on the doorstep.

"Hello, and welcome to the Chaotix detective agency!" Vector welcomed, before realizing who it was. "Cream?"

"Hi Mr. Vector!" Cream said cheerily.

"Uh, hi. What are you doing here?" Vector asked confusedly.

"Oh. Well I'm worried about Tails." Cream answered.

"What's wrong?"

"Well he was supposed to show me one of his new projects he's been working on today. I went over to his house, but he wasn't there. I asked Sonic, and he says he hasn't seen him in the past few days."

"So you came here... why?"

"We're detectives, remember?" I stated.

"Oh yeah! I mean, I knew that. So you want us to find him for you?"

"Yes, please. I'll pay of course. There's no need to bother him, I just want to know if he's okay." Cream told us.

"We'll find him." Vector promised.

"You bet we will! We're the Chaotix!" Charmy added.

"Do you have any idea where he might be?" I asked.

"Well, I haven't seen him in a while... but he did start going on walks through the park every morning recently." Cream offered.

"So we'll start there." I said.

"Come on guys, we better get started!" Vector said, dashing out the door. Cream stepped to the side, barely managing to avoid being trampled by the excited crocodile.

"Let's solve this mystery!" Charmy exclaimed, flying straight into the wall by the door. "Oops. Coming Espio?" He said as he flew out the door.

"Be right there." I called after him, locking the door and turning to Cream. "My apologies about the others' behavior." I told the young rabbit before running after them.

*Yes, I know that Tails does run a lot during the games, but technically he uses his twin tails as a propeller to run fast, and most of the time he hovers just over the ground.

**What is he talking about? This is a reference to my previous story. If you have read it you should remember Knuckles was upset with Sonic because he had lost his digging claws last time they met.

A new adventure begins! What happened to Tails? Will he ever be found? Will Sonic ever find Knuckles's digging claws? Anything could happen next! AHH! A PIANO IS FALLING FROM THE SKY! Could this be any more unoriginal? THUD! Probably not that though...