7. "The Prodigal Daughter"

Robotropolis Kingdom.

A once pleasant human-occupied city/state, formerly dubbed Mobotropolis; now, shrouded in darkness in the wake of Robotnik's hostile takeover. The land had fallen shortly after he, the mad scientist, captured and roboticized the true President of the city/state. Now he had the President's power, and his red Sol Emerald.

But it just wasn't enough. He wanted them all.

While sitting upon his throne, the mad doctor listened intently on the status report delivered to him by his one entrusted ally, an equally mad doctor of an albino echidna, Dr. Finitevus. The grayish-furred creature with the black eyes with glowing golden irises, draped in a black robe and donning black and gold bands on his arms and legs, topped with mummified hands and feet, addressed his commander on bended knee.

"My liege, we have news from the Acorn Kingdom: It seems that the princess Sally is alive and well, and leader of the resistance in that kingdom. They dub themselves Freedom Fighters. My mistress Lein-Da found them in the Knothole forest and attacked, leaving their camp in ruins."

But the human on the throne seemed most displeased. He impatiently tapped his iron fingers on the arms of his chair. "…You let her escape."

"We've managed to smoke her out, your worship! She and her band of rebels are on the run."

"You let her escape."

"She is most likely to run toward her castle in-"

"YOU LET HER ESCAPE!" SLAM! went his iron fists on the chair arms, nearly denting them.

Taken aback, Dr. Finitevus dropped his smile. "M-my liege, this is just a minor setback! The princess is surely going to flee straight to her castle, where we will be waiting for her!"

The oversized human with the long white mustache and burning red eyes somehow managed to lift himself up from his throne. He turned away from his ally and lumbered slowly to his gigantic computer monitor on a wall.

"Finitevus," he moaned softly, "I don't ask for much. All I want are the Sol Emeralds, and I've been told by many reliable sources- you included- that the purple emerald is being kept by the Acorn princess."

"Yes, my leader, I believe it still is."

"And yet, she still evades me even after your troops have found her. ARE YOU ECHIDNAS GOOD FOR ANYTHING!"

"Sir, it was only a scouting party that followed the tracking device we put on the mongoose girl. Now that we know for sure that she lives, I will send the whole troop to her castle and take the emerald by force."

Robotnik slumped over his computer laptop and sighed. "Oh… Those simple-minded creatures. Why are they still living among us higher beings, Finitevus? Why do the powers that be taunt me with their pitiful existence?"

"…Sir?"

"Why must I be the one who must perfect everything? Why me, alone? It's not so easy, you know… So many insignificant beings… So many to perfect with my brilliant designs."

"Sir, I understand your plight. We of the Dark Legion have dabbled into robotics almost as passionately as you do. Allow us to prove ourselves to you once and for all."

The giant man whirled himself around to face the albino animal with those awful red eyes. "THEY HAD BETTER NOT FAIL ME THIS TIME! One chance… Just one chance at that castle, that's all I'm giving you! After that, you're on your own. Do you hear me!"

"I understand, my liege. It shall be done." Finitevus kept his cool by genuflecting and walking out of the darkened room without even a flinch of fear.

This impressed even Shadow the Hedgehog, who was hiding in the airlock and eavesdropping on the conversation. He had managed to sneak in with the power of Chaos Control, if only to see for himself just what this Robotnik character was all about.

Now that he knew… he let out a small, humble shiver. Then he vanished.

Acorn Palace Zone, Acorn Kingdom.

Sonic and Sally were resting by a small moat that surrounded the castle's hill while their friends were driving toward them. With the back of her light blue vest singed and torn, Sonic took a moment to help clean her back wounds with leaves damped by water.

"There now, feel better?" he asked soflty as he placed a makeshift leaf bandage on her back.

"Yeah, that feels great," smiled Sally. "Where'd you learn to use herbal leaves?"

"Well, Tails and I had a few bouts back in our world with Eggman, and we kinda taught ourselves this sort of thing."

"He's very brave for his age."

"Tails? Heh, yeah, he's a tough one. Takes after me, I guess."

"And Amy… How old is she?"

"Thirteen, but don't remind her of that. She'll just get all huffy and threaten you with her hammer."

"And you?"

"I'm sixteen."

"Ah, I figured."

"What's that mean?"

"I'm just saying, you act your age."

"Oh… thanks?" He wasn't sure if she was complementing him or insulting him. Either way, Sally let out a small giggle.

"I'm sixteen, too."

"Ah, wow. I thought you were older, like twenty."

"Well, I guess it's just m upbringing. I didn't have much of a fun childhood; always learning about the laws and queenly etiquette, and I was never allowed to play with the 'common' kids."

"Sheesh! What happened if you ever got your dress muddy?"

"Oh, my mom would have such a fit!" She started to laugh. "One time I did it on purpose, just to see her reaction, and boy she did not disappoint."

Sonic joined in the giggling. "…You must've been hell to raise."

"No moreso than you, I imagine." Sally then elbowed his arm gently. "I mean, you seem to come off as this know-it-all daredevil-type guy."

"Yeah, that's just m upbringing I guess… Nah, that's a lie. I never listened to my parents." Then he mimicked his mother's girly voice: " Sonic, slow down! Sonic, don't touch that! Where were you, young hedgehog? Sonic, are you doing your homework? Don't make me come up there!'"

"Ho-ho, boy! Talk about raising hell; you were the devil incarnate!"

They both laughed for a minute before Sonic's giggles died down. "..Yeah… Those were good times."

"…So, how are they now?"

"…My parents?"

"Mm-hmm."

The blue hedgehog's smile slowly faltered, and his ears drooped downward in sorrow. "They, uh… they're not… with me anymore…"

Then Sally got the message and dropped her smile. "They… died?"

"Yeah… It's kind of a long, and… kinda sad story. I- I don't-"

The princess suddenly rested her white gloved hand on his knee to stop him. "It's okay, you don't have to tell me."

His green eyes crawled up to reach her blues. "…I'll tell ya, when I'm ready."

"Hey, guys? You okay?" called out Tails' voice in the distance.

"Oh, hey! They made it!" Sonic jumped to his feet. And waved down the two oncoming tech-mobiles "Yo, guys! Over here!"

The Scratch and Grounder vehicles parked themselves by the side of the moat, just by the bridge that led to the white, red-roofed palace. The travelers exited their vehicles either from the driver seats or from inside the cannon chutes. They were all so excited to tell Sonic and Sally about their latest adventure…

"Princess!" gasped Antoine as he ran to her. "Have you injured yourself?"

"It's okay, Antoine, it's just a bruise," she assured him.

"Mon Dieu! If your father knew I let you run off into danger like zat…"

Sonic tapped his foot. "What're you, her bodyguard?"

The coyote shot him a cold look. "As a matter of fact, 'edge'og, I am!"

Sally threw herself in between them. "Guys, come on, let's not start; we still have to face my parents."

"You're right, Sally. I should go straight away to ze King myself," declared Antoine.

"Not wit'out me, yer not," protested Bunnie, grabbing the coyote's left arm. She then tilted her head at the others; "Come on, y'all, we can face the king n' queen t'gether."

"I appreciate this, you guys," frowned Sally, "but I really should speak to them in private… it's kind of a family issue."

"Well, we're right behind you Sal-Gal," nodded Bunnie.

Sally gave her a nod back, and led the march up the hill.

Getting into the palace was the easiest thing the travelers would have to do that day; it was wandering around the many halls and staircases that would have proven difficult, had Sally and Antoine not been there as guides. The newcomers were captivated by the luxurious state flags that dangled from the ceilings, the stained-glass windows, the royal red carpeting (with matching curtains, of course), and rows of suits of armor standing guard in each main hall.

But one knight who wasn't a statue at all stood outside the closed doors of the throne room; he was a tall and handsome skunk, donned in a royal blue suit with golden medals on his chest, and armed with a pike.

Upon seeing the travelers approaching, his blue eyes narrowed. "Who goes here? State yer names an' business wit' the king n' queen."

Sally grinned, "Geoffrey, it's me! Sally!"

Geoffrey St. John blinked in surprise. "…Sally? Iz that you, Shiela? Blimey! Aren't you a sight fer sore eyes, girl!" He set aside his weapon to give his long-lost princess a big, warm hug.

Sally then turned to her friends; "Everyone, this is Geoffrey St. John, Captain of the Royal Guard."

"G'daye!" he saluted them, and they saluted back- all except Antoine.

"Hmm," hummed the coyote, "I see you've made yourself quite at home here, skunk."

"Ah, Antoine. I'd like to say I missed yer snobby lil' kiester, but then I'd be lyin'."

Antoine glanced over at Bunnie; "Vee used to be rivals for ze captainship."

"Ah," she nodded.

"Ev'r since you left," explained the skunk captain, "I had no choice but to take over. But it is good to see the two o' you alive."

Sally's tone turned serious as she said, "My mother and father… are they in there?"

"Oh, of course! Wait, lemmie introduce you to them first." Geoffrey then creaked the big doors opened and slipped inside, shutting them behind him quickly. There was a pause before he came creeping back into the hallway.

Geoffrey's face seemed most concerned when he returned to the hall. "Sally, they'll see you now… Good luck."

She gulped and took a big breath before entering through the doors. Before Sonic and the others could catch up with her, Geoffrey quickly shut the doors on them.

"Sorry, mates; personal business in 'ere. But you can all wait out here if ya like."

"Not much of a choice, huh?" sighed Knuckles, as he sat down beside a pedestal to rest himself.

Sonic then tiptoed over to Geoffrey with Tails in tow. "…Can we at least listen in?" asked the hedgehog in a whisper.

"Wot part o' personal business don'tcha get, mate?"

"Aww, come on. Please?"

"With cherries on top?" added Tails.

"I'd get in serious trouble if I were to open the doors right now," replied Geoffrey; as he said this, however, his foot started to push open one of the doors very slowly. "Why, I might even lose my badges, or worse, get kicked outta the guard like some common bloke. Oh, woulda lookit that? The door's slightly open. 'Ere now, you wouldn't let a poor ol' skunk like me get in trouble now, would ya?"

Sonic understood the ploy and grinned, "Your secret's safe with me, mate." He and Tails leaned their ears toward the crack in the doorway to listen in secretly.

"Sally!" cheered the queen as she ran to her daughter with open arms. "You're alive! Oh, thank heavens you- Augh! What happened to your tail!"

"I had it docked, mom," confessed the wayward daughter. "It was part of m training."

"Training? For what?"

"I told you before, I've joined the resistance against Robotnik. Antoine's been my tutor, and so far we've had a lot of success."

Queen Alicia then turned her daughter around to observe the wound on her back. Sally cringed slightly; "Oh, that. D-don't worry Mom, it doesn't hurt. Really."

"Training, tail-docking, and now injury…" muttered the words of King Maximillian, as he remained sitting upon his throne. He gazed upon Sally as though she were a total stranger. "Have we taught you nothing, child?"

"You taught me," she replied, "to be strong for m people, and that's what I intend to do. I want to fight by their side, to let them know that we're there with them."

"Your brother is already fighting this war," her father coldly stated; "I don't see how your foolish stunts will deter Robotnik and his legions."

The queen then whispered, "Your father has a point, Sally. Maybe you should stay here with us for a while, at least until it's safe for you and your friends to-"

Sally pulled away and sighed, "We'll never be safe, Mom, not until Robotnik is stopped once and for all! Look, there's something you two need to know: I've made new friends out there in the woods. They come from a different world, but they're willing to help us."

"Let them fight," exclaimed the king; "Your place is here in the palace!"

"But father."

"No buts, young lady! God forbid your brother falls out there, who will take his place as heir to the throne?"

"That's all you ever cared about!" huffed the princess.

Slightly offended herself, Alicia gasped, "Sally, watch your tone!"

"I'm sorry Mom, but this kingdom doesn't need our politics right now, it needs to be liberated. Half of our people have already been captured and roboticized; we must make them our top priority!"

The king then stood up. "Your top priority, child, is to keep safe that purple Sol Emerald… I trust you still have it?"

Sally placed her paw on her heart; "It's with me always."

"Do you really think we can allow you to run out there into danger while you still hold that precious stone! Sally, girl, if you insist on making yourself a living target for the enemy, then the least you could do is hand us that emerald!"

Sally paused to give it some thought, then protested, "No, father. This is just the place where Robotnik will be looking for it. If I keep moving, he won't know where it is."

The queen was clearly torn; she back away to give her daughter space, while glancing upward at her husband for answers.

The king then frowned, "Sally, this is your last warning. As your father, and as your king, I command you to surrender that emerald!"

Meanwhile, as the argument heated up, sonic and Tails remained by the doorway to listen in. They were so fixed on their listening, that they failed to notice a certain glove tapping their shoulders.

"Tails, stop tapping me," whispered Sonic."

"You stop," Tails whispered back.

"I'm not tapping you."

"Well, I'm not tapping you either."

"Then who…?" Sonic finally turned around, only to be looking straight into a pair of flaming red eyes surrounded by jet-black fur.

"Faker."

"GAH!" shouted an alarmed Sonic, nearly throwing himself through the palace doors and banged his head in the process. Tails quickly grabbed him before he could disturb the royal family, and picked him up on his feet. Then they both stared up at Shadow, who seemed to appear out of nowhere.

"Don't. You. Ever. Do. That. A-gain!" fumed Sonic to his doppelganger.

Perhaps to amuse himself, Shadow mocked Sonic's exasperation: "Well. I. Had. To. Come. And. Warn. You!"

"Warn us?" gasped Tails.

"Listen," hushed Shadow. "I just got back from Robotropolis- By the way, I've seen Robotnik. Totally creepy; the guy makes Eggman look like Santa Claus."

"That bad, huh?" frowned Sonic nervously.

"It gets worse," warned Shadow; "They know we're here, and they're sending a troop of echidnas on airships to this very place."

"What? When?"

"They should be here any moment now."

"Well, we gotta warn everybody!" He turned to the palace doors and dared himself to knock on them.

A sudden knock of the closed doors caught the royal family off guard.

"Sir Geoffrey?" called the king.

Sonic squeezed his head through the gap in the doors. "…Y-your majesty?"

"Sonic," gasped Sally.

"Who are you!" growled the king.

Sonic opened the doorway a little more to let himself be seen; "I'm Sonic the Hedgehog, and I've just gotten an alarming message."

"Take it up with the royal guard, stranger."

"But your majesty, it's important! Robotnik and the Legionnaires are coming!"

The king stood his ground. "The guards will handle it. Now be gone, trespasser!"

"It's alright Father," assured Sally, "he's my friend."

"Sal," gasped Sonic, "you gotta believe me! Robotnik's goons are coming this way. We have to get everybody out of here!"

Seeing as he was an honest person, Sally took the warning to heart. She turned to her king desperately; "Father, please. This is my chance to prove myself to you. We can fight the Dark Legion together."

"You'll do no such thing, young lady! GUARDS!"

Geoffrey St. John and Hershey the Cat came running in, armed with pikes.

The king commanded them, "A call to arms; let all of the knights know that we are on high alert. Let no one in this castle be without a weapon."

"Understood, yer majesty," replied Geoffrey with a bow. He and his partner then took off in a mad dash through the doors to sound the alarm.

Sally then ran to Sonic to say, "I don't care what m father says; I'm fighting with you."

"No complaints here, princess." He shook her hand in agreement. "Let's do it."

- NEW TEAM! -

TEAM HURRICANE:

Sonic (Speed-Type) and Sally (Speed-Type)

LOADING ZONE…