poka, Jacklethekitsune, Novus Umbra, GalexiatheChao, 01sonamy0, ultimateCCC, IHeartSonAmy: Eek! Fast update, I know. I'll say more at the end of the chapter. By the way, the title was supposed to be a pun on 'lost and found' but the structure of the chapter is backwards. You'll see...

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Chapter 7: Found and Lost

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"It's awful strange that someone would just leave a drive in a pile of leaves like that," Espio muttered to himself as he studied the small gray box. It certainly wasn't the type of thing one could just go and buy at a local store; the drive was obviously very high tech and maybe even custom made. But if it was so valuable, then why did its owner just leave it to rot in a forsaken corner of the forest? Odd.

"I know," Charmy's way too high-pitched voice broke the chameleon's thoughts, but that was nothing new. The bee used his wings to flutter around the Espio's head, his yellow eyes gaping at the computer drive. "I wonder whose it is?"

"I'm sure a trip back to the agency to check it out will tell us," the third member of their group, a large but very unintimidating crocodile, said confidently.

"It's probably Eggman's since we found it near-" Charmy's voice was cut off as he crashed squarely into Vector's pointy back, who for whatever reason had decided to randomly stop in front of Charmy.

"Hey, what's the big idea?" the bee protested after peeling himself off of Vector.

"Shush!" Vector hissed, one of his green arms pointed to beyond the row of bushes in front of them. "Look!"

Espio and Charmy followed his gloved finger, but upon seeing the shocking sight Vector was pointing out, their eyes grew as wide as saucers. The three detectives immediately hit the deck, awkwardly and not very subtly hiding. Their distinct heads peeked over the bushes, gaping with open mouths at something none of them had ever thought they'd see.

"Do you see what I see?" Vector hissed in his quietest voice, which was around 60 decibels.

"Knuckles and Rouge?" Charmy said incredulously.

About 30 or so feet away, the famous echidna and bat were in each others arms, kissing very deeply. Espio wanted to cover Charmy's eyes lest the boy lose his innocence, but when the bee zipped upwards to get a better look, he figured it was already too late for that.

"Yuck," Charmy said way too loudly, gagging like a school boy. "…who'd a thunk they'd ever get together? I don't understand this icky love stuff."

"I always knew it would happen," Vector said, raising his head up proudly. "With my finely toned detective skills, I figured out way in advance that those two would get together. I'm not surprised at all!"

Espio sighed at his erratic colleagues and tore his gaze away from the new couple.

"Vector, I really think we should just move on," he said in a serious, business-like tone to his boss. "Remember last time we did something like this?"

Simultaneously, the the Chaotix all flashback to that day not so long ago, when their spaceship had malfunctioned, leaving the detectives lost in space with a broken ship. Luckily, they managed to come across the Blue Typhoon and it's incredibly brilliant captain, who was willing to fix their ship for them. Left with nothing to do, Vector had decided to "repay" Tails by trying to hook him up with Cosmo, whom the fox was obviously crushing on. Unfortunately, all the crocodile's plans had failed miserably, and one involving Knuckles and bad makeup had backfired severely. Needless to say, playing love detective had left a slight bad taste in all of their mouths. Not that they weren't willing to do jobs involving love again, but certainly not any ones involving Knuckles.

"You know, I think we should actually listen to Espio this time," Charmy said, tearing his gaze from Knuckles and Rouge, who were still kissing.

"That'd be a first," the chameleon quipped.

"Let's go," Vector agreed, and the 3 detectives continued back to the agency to check out the mysterious drive.

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Twirling yellow-orangish tails ceased from their speedy helicopter-type function to finally regain their more bushy appearance. The foxes weight was shifted to red and white striped shoes that sunk softly into the muddy ground right outside his workshop. His blue eyes were lifeless, though, as he pulled a shiny, cold metal key out of his glove to unlock the place and slip inside.

To do...what? Where had he not failed today?

He sighed as he looked around, mentally listing his options. Fix up the X-Tornado? Not while he was feeling so uninspired. Find out more about Metal Sonic? Hmph, he didn't get the information he needed. Go visit someone? Huh, Sonic was busy with his girlfriend, Knuckles too, and he couldn't bear to see Cream right now, not when the rabbit would just be so cheery...

Nope. It would just be another boring day in the life of Miles Prower. Another day of just feeling sorry for himself, letting his mind go back over and over of that day. Wishing that somehow, he could have prevented it, could have done something different. Somehow.

His eyes fell on the only sunny corner of the building, squinting at the dust particles dancing in the bright rays that illuminated the only living thing in the workshop save himself.

I'm just a glutton for punishment, aren't I?

As if they had a mind of their own, his red and white shoes carried him over to the plant nestled on top of the table. But it had no words for him, no smile, no laughter, no gorgeous blue eyes. It just stood there, it's little sprout almost mocking him by how lovely, how delicate it was. It reminded him of her too much.

Still, Tails was taking good care of the plant, if only because he felt obligated. It had grown pretty rapidly over the past week since… well, since he'd planted it.

Trying to remember if he'd watered it yet today, Tails went over to one of his computers that had the info he was keeping on the plant. His fingers flew across the keyboard, trying to find the files...they weren't there, on this computer. Huh? It hit him like a flash as he then remembered he'd moved them onto an external drive -

He froze as the realization of what he'd done hit him. That was the same drive that he'd used for the Metal Sonic info and was now lost.

A fuzzy orange and white face fell into his gloved hands as anguish flooded his heart.

This is so not my day. What's wrong with me? I'm never this disorganized. Never. I always knew just what I was doing... I just...wanted to... do what was right... so why does it hurt... so much?

"Hey Tails."

Sonic? Oooooh, why did he seriously have to bother him when he was at his most intense, most emotional moments? The fox didn't move from his position. "Sonic, just leave me alone," he said softly, hoping the hedgehog would take the hint. "Please?"

Gentle footsteps headed in his direction, slowly getting louder. If Tails had been alert, he would have noticed there were two sets. "What's wrong, buddy?"

What's right, Sonic?

Slowly, he turned around and lifted his head, hoping his expression would convey his desire to be alone more than words could. Unfortunately, all that did was give Tails a glimpse of not just one, but two very concerned looking hedgehogs, staring at him and holding hands. Sonic was with Amy. With.

A sudden anger filled Tails, and he exploded. "What's wrong! What do you mean what's wrong? I lose all my files and make a total fool of myself by leaving the girls behind and you have the guts to march in here and ask what's wrong? I've had to listen to you and Amy go gaga over each other and now even Knuckles has a girlfriend and all I have is a PLANT!"

His rage saturated words echoed off the half-finished machines of the workshop. There would have been a steady silence if his breathing wasn't so heavy.

Sonic's jaw dropped to the floor at this outburst. Tails was never this upset. Never. The fox had always been one of Sonic's most emotionally stable friends. He knew the little guy was upset over what happened, but he didn't think it'd be affecting him this much...

"And I was the one who killed her! Me, Sonic! I'm the murderer! It's not fair!" Tails started shaking, his whole body now affected by his emotional overkill.

"Tails-" Amy said gently.

"NO!" he snapped at one shocked pink hedgehog. "I don't wanna hear it, okay? You two have each other, just leave me alone!"

Shameful tears now clouding his vision, Tails ran off into a side room, slamming the door behind him so fast it almost caught his tails in the threshold. Sonic immediately took off after him but Tails had been too fast even for the fastest thing alive. Sonic played with the door handle, but it caught on the lock, leaving the hedgehog with a wall between him and his hurting best friend.

Darn.

Sonic leaned up against the door. "Tails, if it makes you feel any better, you didn't kill Cosmo. I did." He paused, then considered something. "Well, Shadow helped."

The only response was quiet, muffled sobs coming from the other room. Sonic sighed. What could he do? He just didn't know. He'd tried to tell Tails that there really was nothing anyone could do, so he'd just have to get over it, but now he saw that that hadn't helped Tails any. The fox was just too emotionally invested in the situation. And he hadn't been blessed with Sonic's carefree, worry-free attitude. Or atleast he didn't have the lifestyle to develop it. While part of him felt lucky for this trait, another part of him felt guilty. How many times had he simply left people hurting, just because he didn't want to deal with it?

Almost by instinct, he looked back at Amy, who was frowning in his direction. Sonic never would have considered that getting with Amy would have yet another side effect: making Tails more upset by reminding him what would never be his.

So there's how many strikes against this relationship Sonic?

He steeled his expression. Even if there were a hundred, they're not going to make me give her up. Nothing will. Cause she has my heart, and love makes no sense...

Amy attempted a light smile in his direction, trying to cheer up Sonic. She could tell the hedgehog was in one of his very rare pensive moods, and didn't look too happy. The girl went over to the plant that had grown from Cosmo's seed Sonic had miraculously found. She remembered that day so perfectly, just like everyone else did. The way Cream and Cheese had gripped her, sobbing just as much as she was. But neither of their sadness could match Tails' anguish.

Amy couldn't even imagine being put in that situation. If she had been given that choice, the world or Sonic... what a toughie. But as her green eyes studied the delicate little plant and Tails' words echoed in her mind, Amy decided right then and there, that she would choose Sonic. The world could be harsh, could be evil, and though it was mostly good, Amy knew that there was no way she could live without her crush, her boyfriend, her hero. He was the one thing that kept her going, kept her sane (and somewhat insane). Ironically, he was the one thing that made her feel safe. And most of all, he had her heart. So Amy would stick with him, no matter what. Because ultimately, love was a choice. And Amy had made hers.

She'd been so lost in her thoughts that Amy barely noticed a strong arm wrap around her shoulders, comforting and reassuring her. Amy leaned against Sonic, nuzzling into his furry chest for strength.

"We all miss her," Amy whispered sadly.

Sonic soothingly stroked her quills before planting a kiss on her forehead. "Yeah. Tails most of all."

"What should we do to cheer him up?"

The blue hedgehog sighed, his breath ruffling Amy's bang quills. "I don't know that there's much we can do."

Amy frowned. "But Sonic...we can't just let him keep crying and being upset like this." she paused, wracking her brain for ideas. "Oh, I know. Why don't we have a party... and invite everyone? We can have games. And food. That'll help him forget maybe." Ideas for the party flooded her head, excitement replacing some of her sadness.

Sonic nodded. "That's a good idea. A party'll be fun anyway." A smile finally overcame his lips as a pleasant thought entered his head. "But on one condition."

"What is it, Sonic?"

Sonic felt heat on his muzzle at the memory, and now regretting he'd said anything. Darn... what would Amy think of him now?

Amy looked up at him, and had to smile at a glimpse of his red cheeks. He was adorable when he got all shy.

"You... have to wear... that dress," he said cryptically, hoping Amy got his drift.

Amy beamed. She knew exactly what he was talking about. "Of course, Sonic."

"Great," he winked at her, relieved that she'd kept that gorgeous gown after all this time. The girl looked even more stunning than usual in it. "Now we need to tell everyone…I'll tell Knuckles and Rouge."

"I'll tell Cream and Vanilla. Oh, and the Chaotix, too. They'll help lighten up the party."

Sonic nodded and smirked, glad for a lighter moment, but had to look back at the closed door Tails had run into.

Amy followed his gaze. "Maybe we should wait until he calms down."

"Right." Sonic straightened himself, loosing his grip of Amy so the girl now stood in front of him. He smiled at her. "Well, let's go tell everyone then." He was about to leave when he thought of something. "Wait, where are we going to have the party?"

"We could use my house." Amy shrugged.

Sonic cocked his head. "You sure?"

"Yeah. It was my idea."

"Alrighty then. I'll be over later to help. Now, do you need a ride anywhere? To Cream's maybe?"

Amy giggled and leaned forward to kiss him right on his sweet lips. "Oh Sonic, you're such a sweetie."

"Heh," Sonic laughed awkwardly, but took that as a yes and cradled Amy bridal style to run and announce Operation CUT: (Cheer Up Tails) to all their friends.

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The Chaotix are in this story purely for comic relief from the otherwise very somber Tails moments. Don't worry, there is going to be plenty more fluff and humor in this story. Trust me. ^_^

The biggest thing I added to this chapter were Sonic and Amy's thoughts about Tails' situation. I sorta wanted to portray that it'd make them think a little harder about their relationship and maybe cut down the mushiness a tad, yet still not regret anything, and decide to stick with the other no matter what. Because yes, love is a choice. Anyway, I'll stop preaching now.

And I hope you all caught not just the Sonic X allusions, but the Sonic 06 one! ("If I had to choose between the world and Sonic...I'd choose Sonic!")

I hope you all see now why I wanted to rewrite this thing. My idea was good, but there were so many things I didn't explore that I could have. I'm having a lot of fun with this, and hope you all are liking it! ^_^ And sorry for the previous technical difficulties, hopefully this site has fixed those now.