Chapter 1-

"Hurry up and turn the senseless barrier to the maximum! We don't want him to pick up any strange readings," Dr. Luke ordered a young man of about twenty-eight who was standing next to him.

"Won't he pick up the barrier?" The young man asked.

"I honestly don't think so. The machine readings would be easier to pick up than the barrier. Besides, this base is located in a remote area. He probably even forgot this place used to be the Mystic Ruins. It's only trash now, excluding the surviving temple. Go on, quickly," he answered impatiently as he clicked a few buttons on the machine that was situated next to the tubes. The beeping stopped.

"Well, then why do we even bother to have a barrier? I never understood," the other complained as he fulfilled his task.

"Just in case. Better safe than sorry. Come on over here and help me. The others are still asleep so it's up to us to accommodate them. I'll open up the tubes one by one. All you have to do is take the Mobians over to the empty mattresses," he ordered.

"What mattresses?"

"The ones I placed near the table. You probably didn't notice, I only set them out recently. I didn't expect them to wake up any earlier than today. Go on, hurry up. The liquid from Shadow's tube is almost gone."

The young man now stood in front of the tube. He saw the liquid disappearing into a canal. Dr. Luke was probably saving the liquid somewhere. When he heard a low creaking noise his attention focused once more on the body inside the tube. Once the tube fully opened and the cords keeping his body still broke, Shadow fell on top of the young man. Quickly, he carried Shadow's body and placed it on a mattress.

"Go on Tom, I don't have all day. They're all awake you know? They're bodies are going to react in a while and they're all going to be confused. I can just predict Knuckles's reaction. Hurry up."

Tom repeated these actions six times. Finally all seven of them were lying on the mattresses: Shadow, Tails, Rouge, Amy, Sonic, Espio and Knuckles. Dr. Luke covered them with a blanket, leaving only their heads uncovered. Soon they would open their eyes. Feeling very anxious, Dr. Luke said to Tom, "Go wake up the others and tell them what has happened. But don't bring them in until I've called."

Five minutes later, almost simultaneously, the Mobians' eyes opened. In order to avoid further confusion or shock Dr. Luke immediately told them to remain covered, especially the females, because they were naked and their bodies had changed. Shock overwhelmed them anyways. So, before he got unjustly slapped by one of the females, he told them seven years had passed and their bodies had changed, but they had remained asleep. He allowed them a few minutes to process this. Then, he quickly told them what had happened. He told them about Dr. Robotnik's victory, how he saved them, and how Dr. Robotnik now ruled the world. Surprisingly, Tails was the first to talk.

"Where are the others?" Such an innocent question, but it broke the doctor's heart.

"They are in peace," he whispered. Then continued, "many have died since Egg—I mean Robotnik took power. Innocents and revolutionaries. Others have been brainwashed. We are hidden in my secret laboratory. Robotnik does not know of my existence or yours for that matter. He believes you are all… dead. We are currently situated in the Mystic Ruins… or what's left of it. We're underground. I apologize for the… ugly and not very comfortable accommodation. However, we do live quite well in comparison with the ones who live above us. They live in angst, fear—"

"So Eggman won. I can't believe he defeated us," Sonic said quietly.

Such a murmur caused all to stay very still and quiet. It was a fact, and the fact was still settling in. Dr. Luke, afraid that an emotional breakdown would happen very soon, said,

"It wasn't your fault, Sonic. He destroyed the Chaos Emeralds. This created an imbalance in the world. Even the Master Emerald malfunctioned. There was no way you could have won without the emeralds' power, even if you all fought together."

"Speaking of which, where is the Master Emerald?" Knuckles interrupted. The doctor chuckled.

"I knew you'd ask that. One of my friends retrieved it from Angel Island, which fell as you know, and successfully brought it here. You may see to it later."

"This is pathetic, how could that idiot defeat us?" Shadow complained. Espio simply nodded. Then realization hit him.

"You said your name was Dr. Luke, right?" Espio asked.

"That is correct."

"Could you be Luke, the one who sent the letter to the Chaotix Detective Agency?"

"That would also be correct. Unfortunately my theory was correct… and I am aware of how you tried to stop it, unfortunately we were all too late. This at least gave me time to prepare the lab. I sensed a catastrophe, so I somewhat anticipated your need of assistance… I was lucky enough to find you all and save you before another robot came to certify your death," he explained.

The doctor looked at Amy who had been sniffling all along. He was aware of the emotional moment, as well as a shock, but they needed to be strong. They had to find a way to defeat Robotnik. It was distressing to see the once active heroes with such unconfident faces. Dr. Luke knew defeating Robotnik would not be an easy task. So many people worked for him, trusted him, loved him. Let it be out of fear or influence, most survivors learned to accept and like Robotnik. But they had to be strong. Even if they were few they still had to try. Dr. Luke did not want to give up. For humanity, for Earth.

"Amy, you have to be strong," said Tails. "We all do. I know Cream…Vanilla…Vector… our friends are gone, but they're looking after us. They want us to defeat Eggman. Amy, please don't cry…" Tails tried to comfort her.

Dr. Luke decided it was time to wrap up the "information session". He called Tom, who immediately appeared with five other people behind him. A sixteen year old teenager called Tulip, a middle aged man called Jason along with what appeared to be his middle aged wife called Sophie, a man called Roy, and a seventeen year old teenager called James were all quickly introduced. Roy was Dr. Luke's brother, and James was their cousin. Jason, Sophie and their daughter were Dr. Luke's friends as well as Tom.

Sophie smiled at the Mobians and said, "I knew you'd be waking up soon so I took the liberty to get you all some clothes. There isn't much variety, but I did the best I could. Also I apologize if you don't like them… and if they look a little strange," Sophie told them after the introductions. She seemed very sweet, and received a few thank you's. Shadow and Espio remained silent.

"I think it's best for you to go get dressed. Amy, Rouge, please go with Sophie and try on your clothes," Dr. Luke suggested.

The underground lab, connected to underground sleeping/living quarters was quite spacious. The lab, being the largest room, was rectangular consisting roughly of 90m2. 20 of these 90m2 were dedicated to a research area where an extensive bookcase, desk, three computers and cabinets containing chemicals, test tubes, and other tools were located. Then there was the 25m2 area which was made up of all the tubes the Mobians had been kept in, along with the oval, grey machine which controlled the level of chemicals and rectangular oxygen bank. The remaining space was occupied with tables, two electricity generators powered by solar panels on the surface, a three meter long machine of a dull black color, which the Mobians didn't know what was used for, a refrigerator, a couch, a table and free space where the mattresses were placed. The whole room was of a grey color including the metallic bookcase and desk. Only the blue couch brought a little color to the room. A small corridor connected the lab to three different doors. One door led to the reasonably sized kitchen. The door in the middle led to the living quarters which consisted of five bedrooms. The biggest room was for Dr. Luke, Roy and James, another room for Sophie, Jason and Tom, the smallest for Tulip. A guestroom or how Dr. Luke liked to call it, a possible refugee/survivor room also existed along with the fifth room which was used as the medical room. Each room had a small bathroom and was linked to a shared 12m2 living room with a television and two couches in the back of the underground lab. The door on the left led to the water reservoir, storage room and laundry. All in all it was a fairly spacious secret underground laboratory with living quarters.

They quietly obeyed. All seven were still psychologically shocked, some more than others, after what had happened. It would take a while to get back to normal. Once they reached the guestroom Sophie opened the wardrobe and took out a few pieces of clothes. Then she organized them and presented them to the two females.

"This outfit is yours, Rouge," she pointed to the left, "and this one yours, Amy," and she pointed to the right.

Rouge's outfit consisted of a grey top with a rather noticeable V-neckline with a silver belt under the breast and shiny black pants. The outfit also included black gloves that ended a little after the elbow. The shoes were simple black boots. Rouge nodded, let go of the blanket that was covering her and began dressing.

Amy's outfit was different. It consisted of a white tank top, jean capris, a belted black leather jacket, white gloves and red tennis shoes with black shoe laces and a thick white line (like her old boots). It was different, but Amy followed Rouge's steps and began dressing as well.

When the two females were ready they looked at each other.

"You've grown. Leather suits you," Rouge complimented.

"Thank you. You look good yourself," Amy smiled.

"The boys are probably done dressing too. I heard Tom entering the room followed by them. They're in a room next to this one," Sophie said as she looked over the two females. "You both look good. I hope you like the outfits!"

"Thank you, they're wonderful. Really, thank you for devoting the time," Amy said.

They left the room. Sophie led them to the boy's chamber, but the door was closed. She knocked once, twice, and finally Tom answered. He claimed the boys were ready, but weren't comfortable in their outfits. Apparently they did not like wearing clothes, although their outfits consisted of little. Amy barged into the room, followed by Rouge. The males took no notice. They were all in a circle debating whether or not they would wear the outfits.

Tails was wearing a green trench coat with black buttons. He had matching tennis shoes which were half green half white. Around his waist he had a brown belt with pockets on the sides. This would probably be helpful. Knuckles was wearing an exact same trench coat but brown. He had brown hiking boots and around his waist he also had a brown belt, but on the sides it had especially designed gun pockets. Sonic was also wearing the same trench coat but blue, and had on his usual tennis shoes. Shadow was wearing a slightly shorter white trench coat, which was closed, and also had his normal hover shoes. Espio had the same trench coat as Tails but in a dark red color, and dark purple tennis shoes.

"You guys look cute," Rouge boldly said. This caught their attention. They turned towards the girls and sighed.

"We don't really like wearing clothes…" Sonic stated.

"Rouge and I aren't wearing our normal clothes, but hey, a change is always welcome," said Amy. "As long as it's a good change. You don't look bad."

"You don't look bad at all, Amy…" Tails said, but no one heard him because Dr. Luke entered the room with a box. He set the box on the floor and began handing what appeared to be glasses. Sun glasses. He gave Sonic a grey one with blue lenses, Espio a black one with purple lenses, Shadow a black one with white lenses, Knuckles a grey one with yellow lenses, Amy a grey one with red lenses, Rouge a black one with red lenses, and Tails a brown one with white lenses which were very similar to pilot goggles.

"What are these for?" Knuckles asked as he examined his.

Tails began explaining before Dr. Luke could say a word. "Contact. On the left, there is a device near the lens which allows us to communicate. This will probably only work for a determined distance and the glasses must be turned on. Which explains the very small button, which is of the same color as the rest of the glasses, on the temples. If you click it, the communicator will probably work. I know this because I've seen a pair of these before a few years back. There is also another button on the bridge, so if you're wearing the glasses and press them down with your finger, your nose will hopefully push the button. This will activate something… I need to try it and see," Tails began explaining before Dr. Luke could say a word.

"Very perceptive and intelligent, as I thought you'd be. They are indeed used for communication and only for over a twenty kilometer radius. If you click the button on the bridge information will appear before you, thanks to the lenses. You will be able to see any hidden enemies through heat waves and strange wavelengths among other things. Simply whisper your order and desire, and if the lenses were programmed to identify such a thing they will. These will be useful outside. The outside world has changed quite a lot, these glasses will be very handy," Dr. Luke informed.

"Tell me, Dr. Luke, what are you thinking?" Sonic asked.

"You're quite the idiot. He obviously wants us to kick Robotnik's behind. We failed last time; we need to find a way to do it this time. It's our last chance," Shadow spit.

"Shadow's right. We must find a way to stop him. The emeralds are gone, and we can't win against him without using something else. The emeralds made us stronger; we have to find something else that will. Until we find that something we need to observe Eggman, see his mistakes, know his security, know his moves, understand his tactics and find a way to ruin them. Even though currently we can't do any massive damage, we can annoy him by ruining his small plans or by having more people revolt. We need to be calm, confident, observant, and intelligent. Until we find a way to defeat him we can only do so much," Espio agreed.

"Precisely. Which is why I'm handing you these glasses. I could simply give you old glasses which are programmed to allow communication and other simple tasks, but I'm giving you these ones. I did not mention before, but I will now. One of the features when you click the button on the bridge is to disguise your appearance. Robotnik has cameras, spies, anything and everything out in the streets. If Sonic were to appear, even wearing clothes, he'd still be recognizable. Robotnik would kill him in two minutes. Now, if you click this button and say "disguise", your appearance will change. Knuckles, do not yell at me yet, but I added a small Master Emerald chip into each one of these." Knuckles grumbled a little but once he noticed that the doctor was staring at him he stopped.

Dr. Luke smiled and continued, "although the Master Emerald is malfunctioning it still allowed me to borrow some of its energy. This is what allows your appearance to change. Basically the first time you use the button and say "disguise" you think of a disguise. I would highly recommend you imagining yourselves as humans, seeing as it's the best disguise now that most Mobians have… left. The image will be stored, and every time you say "disguise" from then on that will be your disguise. The emerald allows this to happen due to optical illusion, it will 'control', in a way, how people see you. So you're not actually "disguised" but people, cameras, nothing will pick up your true self. They will simply pick up the illusion," Dr. Luke began, but when he saw their confused faces he said, "I'm sorry if this is very confusing, I'm trying to make this as simple as possible. This feature only works for around five hours. Just like the Chaos Emeralds couldn't hold Sonic's super form for eternity, neither can the chip hold your disguise forever. These will be useful when you go out on reconnaissance. Now, the reason for the clothes. You don't need to wear them inside the laboratory; however, if you go out you must wear your outfits. All of you have plenty of pockets where you can put gadgets I'm working on and weapons. Even when you are in disguise form those weapons won't show up, so you can still use them. People will only see you holding nothing but air."

The group heard and processed the information. Dr. Luke noticed their faces and decided they needed some space. They had grown physically, but their mental state remained the same… supposedly. They all seemed more mature though. The issues had definitely hit them. He signaled Tom and Sophie to leave the room. He left after them leaving the seven heroes alone with their thoughts.

Amy broke down seconds after they left. She sat on a bed and began crying silently. Tails sat next to her and hugged her. He shed two tears himself, but did not wish to show them. Rouge remained silent along with Espio and Shadow. Knuckles tried punching the wall while Sonic suppressed his desire to run and stop Eggman.

Small note: Espio knew who Dr. Luke was because 7 years ago the Chaotix had received a letter from a Dr. Luke with a theory about Eggman taking over the world. The group (Sonic and all the others) didn't manage to stop Eggman in time leading to the current present.

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Espio, Shadow, Amy, Rouge (c)SEGA, Sonic Team

Dr Luke, Tom, Roy, Jason, Sophie and Tulip belong to me