I still own none of the Sonic characters.
Good Riddance
Cream had done it.
She'd beaten Metal Tails.
The fight had been hard, due to both the robot's uncanny resemblance to her dear friend and its sheer strength. Indeed, more than once, the wily machine had cruelly prodded the young lapine's emotions and insecurities with jabs aimed at not only her but her willingness to help her friends, her reluctance to resort to serious violence, and even her mother's concern. Poor Cream sometimes even found herself shedding a tear or two as a result.
The rest of the Metal Series proved just as difficult, particularly Mecha Sally for obvious reasons. Right from the get-go, Cream quickly came to understand the hesitation and anxiety from which Sonic and friends had suffered themselves during their fight against their roboticized comrade...as well as their drive to return the mechanical princess to normal.
And the city...What would happen to the city if she and her team were to fail? Mr. Sonic, Tails, and Amy were counting on Team Freedom to beat Eggman and his forces back.
No, not just them...so were all the citizens—the council members, Rosie... Vanilla...
No, she couldn't think that way! Everything was going to be alright in the end. Everyone was going to be safe in the end...And why...?
Because Team Freedom will succeed...After all, if Rotor and his team would fall, who would be left to save the city in time?
After all, robots aren't perfect. And just like their creator, the Metal Series robots, for all their strengths, were not without their weaknesses.
So with the aid of Cheese and the occasional pick-me-up from Rotor and Big, the young Mobian, with new vigor and resolve, defied Metal Tails' emotional assault and managed to help her team drive Eggman's robotic forces away from New Mobotropolis.
Never did Cream ever hear cheering as raucous and encompassing as the shouts, whistles, and whoops that followed the silence in the wake of the Doctor's retreat.
"Alright, Team Freedom...!"
"They did it!"
"I never doubted them for a second!"
The greatest, brightest smile to ever grace the young girl's face would have put the Master Emerald's luster to downright shame! Understandably, her teammates were no different in their jubilance.
Rotor, "Ha, ha, nice job, everyone...! You all did wonderful out there!"
A huge, round, purple tabby cat blushed darkly at the praise.
"Gosh, I guess we really are good Freedom Fighters, after all, huh, Cream?"
The addressed bobbed her head enthusiastically, still dazed that she had just had a part in saving her home. "That we are, Mr. Big! Thanks to all of us, the city's safe now!"
Now all there was left was for Team Freedom to regain contact with Team Fighters—and perhaps along with a secret team Cream had heard sparse rumors about—and take down the mad doctor for good!
Then maybe...she'd be one step closer to bringing him back.
She no idea, though, that she was a few steps closer to that goal than she thought.
Especially after Rotor received a visit from a certain Grandmaster later that night...