Finally, we have ourselves the final chapter for this story! A big thank you to everyone who has followed this story from beginning to end, and another thank you to those who have reviewed. Man, it feels good finishing a story... heheh.
This doesn't quite follow the game's ending for the two. I'm rather satisfied with it, but I hope you all find it enjoyable all the same.
Thanks again for reading. Have at it!
Theme 7: Sincere Gratitude
"We… We did it…"
"Yes, Espio. It's finally over… The future is once again at piece. And hopefully, it will forever remain that way."
"I am exhausted… and it has been quite some time when I had last went on an extraordinary adventure…"
"Aha, so you have done some of this stuff before. That explains why you were such a pro."
"Heh heh… I can say the same for you."
"I have been on a few myself, but this was one of the toughest I've ever had, but not quite the toughest. There is one that tops this, that too was also when I had to travel to this time period. But I could have sworn that I have done something like this before that time. Or, at least, that's what it feels like."
"I have never traveled through time before… What a rush!"
"Ha ha… I'm still sorta new at this, to be honest…"
"Well if it weren't for you, our world would have been in ruins… and there probably wouldn't even be a future."
"I believe I've made a similar statement…"
"And you probably have, but it's still nothing shy of the truth. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you… for everything…"
"…Espio… I…"
…
…
…
Words from a conversation he last held lingered during his sub-consciousness. Vaguely he remembered what happened before he became insentient. The last thing he saw was another pair of golden eyes locked to his, the last thing he felt was his head upon a lap, and gentle arms that held him close. But beyond that point, he had no recollection.
Robbed of their vison, amber eyes awoke to something white above. A white sky was something he had no recollection over. He felt himself laying upon something soft, as to what would be a guess as good as any. Within the white sky he noticed a rotating object, also something he did not remember seeing – as well as something he couldn't put his finger on as to what it could be. Only when his vision finally returned to him was when he was able to recognize what that object was…
A ceiling fan.
Gingerly he pressed his hands against the soft substance beneath him, which was found covering his body. His eyes wandered to the walls, where he recognized the shade of navy they had, along with the decorations that hung from them. Upon noting the bookshelves, the dressers, and other furniture within the room, he immediately knew his whereabouts. He was back home, in his bedroom. But how was he able to get home?
Just then he shot upright in his bed, his eyes lit up as he came to recognition.
"Espio!" A high-pitched squeal had reached his ears, just as a pair of arms were found tightly wrapped around him, all of which had left him hardly any time to react.
His eyes met with a pair of vermilion eyes, those that had a bright spark about them. "You're okay! You're okay! Vector and I were-"
"C-Charmy! I'm still sore!" the chameleon winced as the bee's arms became tighter with each word he cried.
"Oops… Sorry!" the small hyperactive child immediately released him – which was when Espio hugged his torso, until his hands felt something sturdy around him. Apparently his wounds had already been cared for, he thought, with the bandage he found firmly wrapped around his torso.
"Vector got worried when he couldn't contact you anymore. So he went to look for you while I stayed and held the fort." the bee explained. "He found you in the forest out cold, and in bad condition. Then he brought you back here – of course – and called the doctor… And that pretty much brings us up to date." he snapped his fingers. "By the way, the doctor said no heavy labor for a month from now, and to take the meds as described… Vector has everything on his desk."
The reptile nodded. "So other than that, I haven't missed much?"
"No, not really. But while you were gone all this time, Vector was really anxious… Oh!" Charmy's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had just remembered something. However, it even caught the chameleon by surprise. "What about the bad guy? Did he get away?"
Espio blinked, as his hand began to caress his forehead. Upon noting the chameleon's puzzled expression, the bee's tone became one of curiosity and concern. "You know; the guy that was responsible for the Chao disappearing… Don't you remember?"
However, the dazed expression remained on the chameleon's face. The two detectives spent the moment sitting in silence.
That is, before the bee began to snap his fingers, as if he struggled to remember something. "We even learned his name, too. What was it again? Uh…" he paused. "Um… Sullivan? Wait… uh… Slim? No… Something with an S… What was it? I know it was said a few times…"
"Silver?"
"No… Wait… Yeah! Yeah, that's him!" the bee, upon excitement, shot off the bed with his little wings fluttering. His finger pointed at the chameleon he asked, "You caught him, right?!"
His eyes grew, before a small bead of sweat graced his forehead. The reptile's hand reached behind him as it rubbed anxiously behind the top of his back. "Well… I did, but…"
"WOOHOO! Mission complete! We're gonna get paid! YAY!" the young detective's airborne summersaults instantly commenced, preforming them in every corner of the room as it seemed.
With a sigh, the chameleon shook his head. "No, Charmy. What I mean is…"
"Settle down in there, Charmy! You know he's still resting!" the bedroom door was shoved open further, practically slamming against the wall. The bee's monkeyshines came to a halt as the emerald crocodile marched into the room.
"But Vector! He's awake! See?" the bee exclaimed, pointing at the chameleon. "He just said he took care of that Silver guy, too!" With his jaw agape, Vector's gaze shifted from the young boy's to the older detective within the bed.
A toothy grin immediately took place on his mien. "Of course he did! It's Espio we're talkin' about, after all." he gave the chameleon a thumbs-up. "Great work, Esp! What would we do without ya?"
Another sigh was released from the magenta detective. "Well for starters, there wouldn't be all of this unnecessary praise." Both the crocodile and the bee exchanged puzzled expressions – something the chameleon expected. However, he hadn't expected for them to burst into laughter.
Or… maybe he should have.
"Yeah yeah, Espio. I get it. You're just being modest, nothing wrong with that." chuckled the crocodile.
He exhaled yet again, but his tone remained mild. "No, Vector, you don't get it." he removed the covers off of him and draped his legs over the bed's edge, sitting completely upright. "You're wasting your breath complementing me on something I haven't done."
Both of his fellow teammates paused with their mouths ajar. While Charmy was more so of shock and confusion, the leader seemed to be mainly puzzled – although his brows furrowed as his expression slightly changed into a scowl. "Whaddaya mean by that? You found the guy, didn't you?"
"Yes… I did."
"You found evidence proving him guilty… right?"
"Well… no. Not exactly…" the bee's posture slumped, his mouth having dropped completely opened as he planted himself upon the floor. The crocodile's expression changed into a heated glare, his bared teeth were clamped together while large hands shook as they tightened into fists. Even his right eye began to twitch uncontrollably.
The chameleon dropped his gaze to his lap. "I'm sorry." Exclaiming a rough swear, the crocodile held his head as he spun around in a circle. Charmy was left frozen in silence, as if astonishment detained all of his mobility. Espio kept his gaze within his lap, his hands folded tightly atop them.
"You can't be serious…" he heard the crocodile mutter, as he felt his harsh gaze resting upon him. From the sound of his tone, he still had an ounce of hope left within him, but seemed to struggle to believe in otherwise. "You… You're fucking with me, aren't you?"
"Because he's innocent, Vector." Espio stated, gazing up at the crocodile. "All this time, his intentions were good."
"And what's good about kidnaping Chao, Espio?" Vector contested, ire building in this tone. "This guy clearly isn't innocent. And you know we can't turn him in if we don't have the evidence needed."
At that point Espio had already climbed out of bed. He had his arms extended as he slowly made a complete turn. "Here Vector. Here's your evidence." he said harshly, allowing the crocodile to get a good view of his bandaged wounds. "I have received theses wounds during a battle with a large fiery beast – created by an evil scientist who wanted to destroy the world… He was using the Chao to create that thing. Silver was only collecting Chao to keep them from the hands of Eggman Nega – in attempt to prevent an everlasting disaster." Vector only released a loud and crazy laugh, a response Espio didn't expect to receive. But the crocodile wasn't amused with his partner's tale, as clearly shown in his tone. He, in fact, seemed like he was growing annoyed.
"What? Now you're acting as this guy's defense attorney? Or, did you forget that you're a detective trying to prove him guilty?"
"And maybe I did, Vector," the chameleon retorted. "after I saw with my own eyes what his true intentions were, something you did not see for yourself because you weren't even there."
"And how the hell does that help us, Espio? Have I already told you that I already spent the advanced payment on the rent?"
"So… we're not getting paid?" the young bee asked, his voice filled with disappointment.
"Even worst, we'll probably get sued – hence tainting the name of the agency even further!" at the chameleon, the crocodile harshly snapped, "Is that what you want, Espio? Regardless of how much you think this team is a flop as it is, anyway."
"No, of course not. And you're right, we're not perfect. But who is? It's also one of the many reason as to why we're like a family. You yourself know this, Vector, so don't say that I think any less of either of you." As he stared into the eyes of the crocodile, he firmly stated, "And I have no interest in what others may think… Originally, I thought you had the same mind."
"It's not that I care what other people think, even though I still think something like that is bad for business…" the Chaotix leader caught himself, clearing his through and shaking off whatever inappropriate feelings that were about to surface. "But you know what… that's a heart-to-heart for another time, as it's completely irrelevant towards the scenario at hand." With a sigh, the crocodile dropped onto the nearby computer chair. "I just wanna know what we're gonna do about this Silver guy."
"You don't have to do anything…" All three detectives had their attention pulled towards the nearby opened window, where only the head of a white hedgehog was in full view.
A hedgehog of which Espio recognized immediately, his standing quills and enthralling golden eyes are features he had yet seen on another hedgehog.
The bee shot up from the ground, his wings furiously flapping as his stinger lengthened. "It's him! It's the Chao stealer!"
Vector had already jumped to his feet and got into a fighting stance with his hands balled into fist. "If you think you can come in here and attack us, you got another thing coming… As a matter of fact, I like to see you try and make it through the window."
"No, no! I just wanted to attest my innocence!" the hedgehog exclaimed whilst waving his hands. "I can do that by justifying Espio's story."
"Oh yeah?" the Chaotix leader challenged, folding his arms over his chest. "Well, go on! If you're really innocent, now's the time to prove it!" Charmy mimicked the crocodile's posture as he still remained in midair. But when the hedgehog proceeded to climb through the window, both detectives resumed their defensive stances. Vector barked another warning. "Move another inch and you're gonna wish you never bothered showing up!"
"No, don't!" Espio cried, jumping before his fellow teammates. "Just let him show you…"
"Espio, move." Vector austerely ordered.
"No. I trust him."
"Well I don't, now move."
"He has my trust." repeated the chameleon in a firm tone. "He deserves the chance to prove himself – as you undoubtedly see. Grant him that." At that time, however, Silver had already climbed into the room – which the chameleon knew Vector saw. The crocodile's eyes studied the hedgehog for the longest, with his jaw slightly agape. Charmy also appeared to be flabbergasted, once again landing back onto the ground. Espio's gaze also rested upon the hedgehog, amber eyes filled with sorrow as they fell upon the wounds that were left untreated.
Silver turned to show them his back, where there was the deep crimson gash that was left by Eggman Nega's facsimile of Metal Sonic.
"His wound's still open…" the crocodile said, nearly inaudible.
As he turned completely around, they noticed the different spots of his fur that were stained with dried blood while small cuts on his muzzle tainted his peach skin. In his eyes he looked tired, and the chameleon couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"I have received minor injuries throughout our adventure." the hedgehog explained, his voice beginning to grow weary. "But the wounds that you see are greater and more severe came from our tussle with the beast – created by Eggman Nega with the Chao he collected – known as the Ifrit. The Ifrit gained its power by feeding off of Chao, hence Nega's need and capacity of the Chao in the first place. He is the reason for my agency here."
Golden eyes connected with the chameleon's, accompanied with a warm smile. "And Espio is the reason for my success."
"Silver…" Espio reached for his silvery companion, which he allowed – and Vector didn't seem to make any objections as he approached the hedgehog.
Silver allowed the gentle gloved hands to hold him by his shoulders, and merely gave a reassuring smile to the owner of the soft amber eyes that locked with his. Within a moment of silence – of which Charmy began to shift uncomfortably – the hedgehog found himself lost within those charming pair of eyes that did indeed have some tenderness within. Those same pair of eyes had him melting inside.
Oh Espio… he nearly murmured – or would have, had he not caught himself. "I'm okay."
"How long have you wandered like that?" the chameleon asked, removing his hands to better examine the hedgehog. "Silver, this is unacceptable."
"You were worst-off than me." he chuckled.
"But my injuries were remedied, yours were never treated."
"Espio, I'm…" his words trailed off when the chameleon took him by the arm and began guiding him towards the bed.
"I have proficiency in medicine. The least I can do is sew the wound on your back." he quickly remade the covers before forcing the hedgehog to sit onto his bed. "Don't move. My medical kit is around here somewhere…" the last sentence was mused aloud as he made his way towards the closet.
Silver found himself in defeat, especially with the aid of the excruciating sensation on his back. "Okay. But afterwards, I really must get going."
"But dontchya need to rest for a bit?" Vector, after swimming out of his sea of thought, asked – with the tone of his voice having changed to one of concern. "You look really sleepy."
"I'll get plenty of rest when I return home." Silver answered warily. "It's only proper. I wouldn't want to be a burden on you, first of all…"
"Rubbish." the emerald croc interjected. "It's the least we can do… or the least I can do, that is."
"An unnecessary gesture, but I appreciate it nonetheless." the hedgehog smiled. "I only came here to check on Espio, and to tell him 'thank you'."
Espio had finally finished digging through the closet as he came out with the aforementioned medicine kit, but had stopped midway towards the bed upon listening to his silvery companion's words. The short conversation between Silver and his boss had ended while Charmy remained mute as he hovered in the air, leaving the room in complete silence – save the buzzing coming from the bee's wings.
He continued making his way towards his bed, setting the kit down at the end. For a long time – or as it seemed – he stood there, as if deep within thought, amber eyes refusing to leave the medical kit. Finally, although suddenly, he was able to find his voice again. It was quiet, and perhaps detached, but it was there.
And with it, he asked, "Will the two of you leave us privacy?"
The young bee's gaze rested on Vector, who gave an understanding nod as an immediate reply. "Will do. C'mon Charms, how about we order a pizza for dinner?"
"OKAY!" the young one chirped in excitement, before zipping out of the room at full speed.
"But first, I better contact our client…" he murmured, scratching his head. On his way out of the room, the crocodile had gently closed the door, officially leaving the remaining two alone.
Silver watched as Espio opened the kit and pulled out all the necessities to properly clean the wound. He removed the wrap from an alcoholic wipe. "Before I stitch the wound I have to clean it, and it may sting a little." he held out his free hand, a small smile crossing his muzzle. "This is just something to help with that."
With his own smile, the hedgehog took his hand within his own, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Espio… for everything."
The detective firmly squeezed his companion's hand in response. "It was my pleasure, Silver."
EDIT: I forgot to mention about the reference to Sonic 06 at the beginning of the chapter (it's a rather weak one, I now notice, so I'll explain):
Silver believes he's traveled through time before the events of Sonic Rivals took place, but struggles to remember the events of Sonic 06, because - technically - it didn't happen. (At the end of the game, Elise blows out the flame - which was Solaris - hence destroying Solaris for good and erasing all of the events that took place during the adventure. And therefore; Sonic and Elise's encounter never happened, and Sonic and co. never crossed paths with Silver. That would explain why no one knew who Silver was - and vice versa - during the first Sonic Rivals. This leads me to believe that the Sonic Rivals Series is in fact cannon.)
How did Sonic 06 end up in Generations? At the end of the game - after time reversed - Sonic travels back to Soleanna to enjoy watching the festival, supposedly hinting that he remembers the adventure (or at least, that's what I read on the Sonic Wiki). I still find that a little strange, but I won't go too far into it.
Once again: if you've made it this far, you have my thanks. R&R
