Chapter 10: Relocation
Location: Station Square
Ten minutes later...
Heading along the traffic-filled thoroughfare, the mood within the interior of the limousine had grown sombre.
"Over the past ten years, my former laboratory assistant has managed to spread his evil influence across most of the globe," Nate began, finally breaking the prolonged silence, "I recently discovered that he's been excavating parts of the Mystic Ruins for some unknown reason."
"That's not good," Chris commented.
"During the Great War between the Kingdom of Acorn and the Overland, he defected and swore fealty to my father. He weaselled his way into became one of my father's advisors, serving in the position of Warlord," Sally added, "Following the war, he staged a coup against him and took over our capital, which up until a year ago, was still under his control."
"Who is this person that you speak of?" Chuck asked.
"He was born as Julian Kintobor, but changed his name to Dr. Ivo Robotnik," the diminutive Overlander explained.
"But we all just call him Dr. Eggman," Sonic stated, flashing a mischievous grin.
"Based on what you've described," Chuck stated, crossing his arms, "This Eggman character isn't someone to be taken lightly."
"Eggman's a grade A jerk," Bunnie announced, raising her mechanical left arm, "Ah'm this way because of him."
"I was curious...," the elderly Overlander said before trailing off.
"Eggman stole a device called the Roboticizer, my uncle designed it for medical purposes, but Buttnik uses it to enslave the population. Turning them into mindless robots that serve him
Another silence descended upon the interior of the limousine, broken only when Sally spoke.
"As you can see he's impacted countless lives."
"So you've been fighting against this Dr. Eggman for the past ten years?" Chris asked.
"It's only been four years since we actively started fighting back against the Eggman Empire. It was Sonic who inspired us to oppose him."
"Trashing Eggman's operations on South Island was fun."
"Only after he strip-mined most of the island for the material needed to construct the Death Egg."
"But I did keep the Chaos Emeralds out of his grasp," he reminded.
"Chaos Emeralds?" Chris questioned.
"You've never heard of the Chaos Emeralds?" Tails questioned, "Boy, you really do have a lot to learn, don't ya!"
"Each Chaos Emerald is filled with a magical power. So you could imagine what would happen if you found all seven of 'em," Amy explained.
"I was hoping you'd be able to use you government connections and get us a meeting with the mayor," Nate said, trying to steer the conversation back to the topic at hand.
"I've got a contact inside City Hall," Chuck stated, "I'll see if they can schedule a meeting with Mayor Bullyani."
The vehicle entered into the city suburbs, the buildings became more residential and less business.
"Mister Thorndkye, we've arrived," announced the dark-haired chauffeur.
"Thank you, Tanaka."
The vehicle passed through the gates of a luxurious-looking mansion, its sprawling grounds making the courtyard of Castle Acorn look tiny. There was a fountain positioned within the front yard, the sunlight glistening off its surface.
"Whoa! You live here?" Amy asked, turning her attention to Chris.
"It's nothing...really," the boy replied, trying to downplay the extravagance.
Pulling to a stop outside the front of the building, the group was greeted by a heavyset woman in a blue dress and an apron. She had burnt sienna skin and curly brown hair, while she appeared to have gone overboard with the lipstick.
"Hola!" she greeted, as the Freedom Fighters disembarked from the limousine.
"This is our housekeeper Ella," Chuck introduced, "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."
The group introduced themselves, and were promptly led into the interior of the overly large building. The interior was even more grandiose, with marble floor tiles and a pair of staircases that caved up to the second floor. Suspended above them was a large chandler, it numerous crystals glistening in the light.
"This place makes that hotel look cozy by comparison," Tails whispered to Sally.
As someone who dwelled in a castle, the chipmunk couldn't help but nod her head in agreement. Though Nate had explained to them that the Thorndykes were a wealthy family, nothing could've prepared her for just how wealth they were.
"You must all be hungry," Ella said, "I've prepared my special chilli soup if anyone's interested."
"That doesn't sound too bad," Sally admitted.
It was already past twelve in the afternoon, and hunger was beginning to affect those present.
"Excelente, please follow me."
Placing their bags on the floor to be moved into rooms at a later time, the group was led into the dining room. A large wooden table dominated the space, with another chandler hanging above it.
"Golly, this dining room is bigger then our whole house," Bunnie whisper to her husband.
Seated themselves, Ella and Tanaka quickly disappeared into the kitchen, returning minutes later with several steaming bowls.
"Thank you, Ms. Ella," Cream said.