Angel: Hi everyone. So, news time. On the 20th, I will be leaving on a trip to Haiti and I'll be gone for a week or two. I'm not taking my laptop with me, as this is a family trip and it will be treated as such. When I return, I will be working on a new story for TMNT! Not sure if you guys know or not, because I forgot to address it, but there is a poll out on my profile right now for TMNT movies about which one I should do. For those of you who have read my TMNT stories, you are allowed to review your vote if you don't have an account. I'll probably work on whichever story wins when I come back, but if there's not enough votes, then I'll extend the poll for who knows who long.
Ichabod: That's right, I'm back once more, and ja better believe I'm better than ever! That Eggman might be hardboiled, but you guys make him crack up! Heck, Doctor Kintobor shouldn't have tried to eat a rotten egg for lunch to begin with...if he didn't, he never would've spilled that soda...and then Eggman would never exist!
Sophia: Fate works in strange ways...if Eggman was not around, Sonic would not be Sonic and I would not be me. And there would be no reason to stay around in Station Square for as long as we have.
Bajy: Great job here! I love it! Epic and awesome! I think the episode 'That's What Friends Are For' is coming up next, it's also another favorite episode of mine. You did a good job on this chapter! Looking forward to reading more soon!
Angel: Working on this episode just brought back the memories for me. It's been so long since I've watched it, and I still remember what happened.
Guest: That was so cool I can't wait to see the next one it's my favorite including the safari and ocean diving adventure
Angel: I know what you're talking about, but I don't remember the episode names right now.
GreenD109: Nice chapter, not only they beaten Eggman, they got two emeralds in the process. But I'm confused as to why would Knuckles have an inferiority complex?
Angel: I think it's because of how strong he perceives himself to be and because of Sonic. I don't know myself.
Guest: Wow cool story and I wonder what will happen next
Angel: Wonder no more!
At the White House, a newspaper has been posted about the status of Eggman's base. 'Eggman Base Destroyed! Citizens Cheer Great Victory!' "This is great news, Mr. President, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Now you're sure to be re-elected," Jerome Wise, the president's aide, looks away from his paper.
"I don't know about that," the president says uncertainly, Jerome giving a confused look. "I'm not the real hero of this story. Look closer."
"Huh?" Jerome looks at the other paper to see Sonic and Sophia on the front page. He looks at the other paper, starting to panic when the president is nowhere to be seen. "SONIC AND SOPHIA!" He angrily throws the papers away, turning on the TV to Sonic and Sophia on the news. Jerome yells in agony. "If we don't act fast, sir, they'll elect Sonic and Sophia as co-presidents!"
"Huh? I'll have to find myself a real job," the president places a hand on his face. Jerome growls and approaches him, slamming his hands on the desk.
"We got to do something right away!"
"Now now, let's not overreact about this, just stay calm," the president tries to assure him, but it doesn't work. Jerome paces around.
"Ahh, think, think! There must be something we can do. Ah, that's it, I know!" He slams his fist against his palm.
"Hm?" The president raises an eyebrow.
"It's a brilliant idea! We'll host a black-tie charity ball in celebration of our recent victory!" Jerome cheers in delight.
"Yes, but what does a victory celebration do to solve our Sonic and Sophia problem?" The president wonders.
"We're going to make Sonic and Sophia the guests of honor! We'll invite the media, get in a couple of photo ops, that kind of thing." He could just imagine it now. "It'll be in all the papers, all over the cable news talk shows. The president, Sonic, and Sophia, the dynamic trio battling together against the forces of oppression. Once the voters see that you, Sophia, and Sonic are buddies, your approval rating will go through the roof! There's no way you can lose, your re-election will be a sure thing! I'll have the staff get started, we'll make sure all the television reporters get personal invitations to the free buffet tent." Jerome storms off, the president giving a worried look. He sighs and sags his head at Jerome's antics. Sometimes the aide could go too far.
At Chris' house, Sonic speeds off to go on a run. Chris steps outside, holding something. "Hey Sonic, a letter came for you and Sophia!" Sonic jumps over the gate without a single word, gone.
Chris examines the letter further and gasps. "It's from the president!"
Chuck sits down as the others are gathered around him, Sophia holding the letter as she stands in front of them.
"You are cordially invited to a black-tie charity ball."
"Hm. Sounds interesting," Chuck comments.
"It's addressed to Sonic too, but it says right there you can bring as many friends as you two want," Chris explains.
"Well then, in that case, I say we dust off our best party duds and make it a date," Chuck declares.
"Yeah!" Everyone else cheers.
"I bet they'll serve lots of yummy food there," Amy thinks in bliss. "I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Ahhh..."
"Me too," Tails sweats sheepishly.
"If they do not have my sweets, then it will not be a fun event for me," Sophia crosses her arms with a huff. Just then, Sonic pushes the door open, having returned.
"I'm back."
"Hey Sonic!" Chris rushes up to him. "Guess what? You won't believe it! The president's giving a party and you're invited!"
"I am?" Sonic asks.
"Mhmm. And all of us get to go too! It'll be fun!" Chris exclaims.
"When is this party?" Sonic wonders.
"On Thursday," Chris answers.
"Oh dear," Sophia frowns. "Thursday you say?"
"Can't make it," Sonic waves it off.
"Ah! Why can't ya?!" Chris asks in disbelief.
"Sophia and I promised Helen we'd hang out," Sonic explains, Sophia nodding.
"Yes, and as a princess, I must take my promises seriously."
"Helen? You mean the girl in my class?" Chris asks, wondering how the two even know her. Well, Sophia knew her from school, but she doesn't often have the chance to talk to Helen that often as Danny and Frances. And as for Sonic, he had no idea how they knew each other.
"Yeah, that's the one. She's a friend of ours," Sonic replies.
"I didn't know that," Chris says in confusion.
"We met her over at the lake."
Two blurs passed by the lake, on a run. They turned their heads to the left and skid to a stop, seeing Helen's wheelchair stuck in the mud. "Oh," Sonic and Sophia rushed over to her.
"Hi there," Sonic greeted as he helped her.
"Hello," Sophia waved.
"Thank you. Oh! You're Sonic, aren't you? And Sophia from school," she guessed.
"You've heard of me?" Sonic asked in confusion.
"Of course," she answered, placing a hand on herself.
"That's pretty cool. What's your name?"
"Oh. Sonic, this is Helen from school. Helen, this is my friend Sonic the Hedgehog," Sophia introduced them.
"Pleasure to meet ya! A friend of Sophia's is a friend of mine!"
Later, they stood at the lake, looking out to the view. "I come out here a lot. I love to look at that island," Helen explained her reason for being there. Sonic and Sophia leaned against the wheelchair.
"That one over there?" There was a lone island in their view.
"Mmhm. My father says it's filled with the most beautiful flowers. All different kinds. He always promises he'll take me there, but he...he's always busy," Helen gave a look of lament, hanging her head.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll take you there one of these days," Sonic tried to assure her.
"Yes, he seems like a man who keeps his promises to the very end," Sophia nodded.
"I don't know. My dad doesn't seem to ever have enough time for me. I'd go myself, but..." She didn't finish her sentence, as the answer was clear to Sonic and Sophia. The two friends glanced at each other before turning to Helen.
"You really wanna see that island, Helen?" Sonic asked her seriously.
"Of course I do!"
"Then we're gonna take ya," Sonic promised. She gasped as they held hands, touched by their promise.
"Yes...we will. As a princess, I vow to let you see those flowers. I would give up my title for it!" Sophia gave a serious look.
"Sophia!" Helen giggled. "No need to risk that! But thank you. And when we see each other at school, I'll never forget your promise."
Sophia smiled, the two girls pinky promising.
"We promised," Sonic repeats to Chris. "Oh, we got a lot of work to do," Sonic speeds off with Sophia, Chris staring at them in surprise. They appear near Chuck and Amy. "Hey Chuck, I need some life jackets and a boat."
"Check over in the storage room," they speed out the door, but Sophia comes back, a sheepish look on her face.
"Well...maybe I shall stop by later on in the event because of my partnership with the president," she offers. "Goodbye!" She follows after Sonic.
Chris blinks slowly, surprised that the two would turn down an invitation from the president, the highest ranked man in Station Square.
Two puffs of smoke go off in the sky above the White House, the party having already started. Jerome looks over on the festivities. "Okay, now if everything goes according to plan, Sonic and Princess Sophia should be arriving any minute, then we'll have them meet the big guy and watch them go crazy."
"They're here!" Someone announces.
"Ha ha, it's time!" He rushes out the door. The press are already outside taking pictures of the incoming limo. A red shoe steps out before revealing herself as Amy in a red gown that has long white sleeves. Her red shoes are heels and the dress opens up at the left leg. They all gasp at Tails, Amy, Chuck, Chris, Cream, and Cheese. All of them are dressed for the occasion, Jerome pushing the reporters and photographers away. He has a big grin on his face.
"Here's our guests of honor!" His grin turns into confusion as he sees no Sophia or Sonic. "Hey, where are Princess Sophia and Sonic?"
"Not coming," Chuck reveals dismissively. "But Sophia said she'd stop by."
"Whaaaaa?" Jerome shouts in shock.
"To the buffet!" Chuck declares, the others running after him happily.
"Yeah, well, if Sonic and Sophia aren't showing up to this clambake, I'm getting out of here," the press start to leave.
"The station better pay for my parking."
"Aaaaah!" Jerome steps in front of them, stopping them from moving any further. "Please don't go yet! Sonic and Sophia will be here any minute, I promise! Why don't you hang out at the buffet table awhile? Please!" He turns to three guards. "Hey, don't stand there! Go and find Sophia and Sonic and bring 'em over here pronto!"
"Yes sir!" They run off to go find them.
Ella is vacuuming the first floor, before someone barges in. "Oh!"
"This is official government business. We need Sonic and Sophia immediately!" The first guard demands.
"Who you think you are, barging into this house?!" She places a hand on her hip. "You Mr. Bigshot important to knock, huh? Well too bad Sophia and Sonic aren't here!"
He raises an eyebrow. "You'd better not be hiding them, ma'am."
"Don't tell me what not to do, Big Shot! Now get out! I got my cleaning," she waves them off. The guard growls, clenching his fist.
"That's it! Alright, we're searching the whole place!" He shouts in anger.
"Tanakaaaa!" Ella calls out, Mr. Tanaka opening the doors behind her. He steps up to him.
"Don't get in our way, buddy."
"Stand back, Ella. This time it is my turn to clean out the house!" Tanaka yells as he lunges forward, kicking the guards out of the house. They run off in fear.
The president gives a worried look at the table as Jerome is on the phone.
"What do you mean, they're not home?!"
"Next time I take your advice, don't let me," the president replies.
"I'm gonna get Sonic and Sophia here if it's the last thing I do!" He shouts back. "Connect me to defense. Mr. Secretary, sir, we have an emergency. We need to fully mobilize all troops. Get me Princess Sophia and Sonic! They're ruining my party!"
The military planes take off to go look for them, a satellite being used to track them. The location closes in on a random part of the city. "Request has been entered, sir. All systems go. Beginning search."
"This won't be easy. Our targets move at 700 miles per hour. Stay alert." A few seconds later, a pink and blue blur is captured on screen.
"Targets spotted."
"Yeah, where?"
"S 13 district."
The planes take off to follow the signal. "Targets are moving north at approximately 400 miles per hour," a pilot reports.
"Just don't lose sight of them!"
"We lost sight of them." The sergeant falls down slightly at the news.
"Well, you better find them in a hurry!" He shouts, the planes passing right by Sonic, Sophia, and Helen. They all look up at the sky. Sophia is wearing her dress meant for the party. She's meant to resemble a ballerina as she wears a pink gown with a glittery top, a purple poofy skirt, and a pink tiara. Her curly hair is pulled to the right, with a bow on the opposite side. Her shoes aren't seen, but they're heels to match her top. The three look up at the sky.
"Sure is noisy up there. You both stay here. I'll go get the boat, okay?" Sonic speeds off, Sophia moving her skirt away.
"Are you sure you don't wanna change, Sophia?" Helen asks her. "You can just run off and go get your clothes so you don't mess up your beautiful dress."
"I am perfectly fine," Sophia shakes her head with a small smile. "Even if it got messy, I am quite capable of cleaning it with my supplies," she holds up her purse. "A first aid kit, a stain cleaner, fabric, and more."
"Wow! You're prepared for any situation," Helen looks inside the purse in surprise.
"Now then, freshly squeezed juice, anyone?" Jerome offers to the press. "Hey! Running low on hors oeuvres! Ah, they better find that hedgehog and princess fast."
Sonic speeds back to the Thorndyke mansion, not noticing a van watching from outside the gates. "I think I just spotted one of them." The cameras zoom in on an infrared image of Sonic and Ella talking. "It's Sonic. We've located only Sonic up at the Thorndyke residence. No sign of Sophia."
The planes fly above the mansion. "Down there!" Sonic can be seen with a boat. "Okay, you know what to do."
"Alright," the passenger aims a tranquilizer gun and Sonic turns to the plane, giving an annoyed grunt. He fires and Sonic jumps up, kicking it towards the plane. The man shouts in surprise as the smoke pellet goes off. Sonic gets away.
"We almost had him, sir, now he's traveling north on the freeway," the surveillance agent gives a dismayed look. Sonic speeds on the freeway, looking behind him to see planes and police cars.
"This is getting on my nerves!" He jumps off the freeway.
"Might as well grab some lunch. We'll never catch him anyway," one of the cops shrugs. The planes still go after him.
"What do you mean, he's off the freeway? What's that? The lake?!" The sergeant exclaims.
Helen and Sophia look on at the lake, waiting patiently for their friend. He reappears next to Sophia, making her skirt fly slightly. "I'm back."
Helen and Sophia giggle at him. "You ready?"
"Mmhmm."
At the White House, the sun is starting to set as the press are getting impatient. "When are they gonna be here?!"
"Are they coming or aren't they?!"
"Now fellas, I assure you, Sophia and Sonic are on the way, just be patient," Jerome tells them, though he was starting to become nervous and frustrated on the inside. "How about a little salami?"
Sonic is rowing the boat, Sophia and Helen sitting across from him. "Just a little bit farther," he reassures.
"I'm so excited!" She exclaims in glee, hands clasped. Sophia and Helen are wearing life jackets over their clothes. "I've dreamed of seeing this island for so long, Sophia and Sonic!" Her excitement turns into dismay. "I wish my father could've come with me. If only he didn't have to work so hard, we could be together more." She thinks of her father, who works at a grocery store.
"Listen Doug, you've been working a lot of hours lately. I could hire someone part-time, to make it easier," the manager offered.
"No need to, sir. I don't mind the hard work. Plus I need the hours."
"Alright then, they're yours."
"You can count on me, sir," Doug winked at him.
"Almost there," Sonic looks back at the approaching island before gasping.
"Sonic? Whatever is the matter?" Sophia asks in confusion.
"That," Sonic points up at the sky. Sophia gasps in shock to see the military planes. Sonic growls in annoyance and frustration.
"Who are they?" Helen asks in perplexment. They have to cover themselves from the wind of the planes. As the get closer, Sonic shouts as he holds out a hand. If they got any closer, the boat might tip over. One of the planes fires a grappling hook.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Sophia demands as she looks up. The boat starts to be pulled towards the plane.
"Alright, let's pull that baby ashore." They continue to pull, Sonic turning to Helen and Sophia.
"Girls, are you okay?"
"Mmhm," Helen nods. "We're fine."
"Good!" He pulls the hook off, putting on the handlebar of Helen's wheelchair. "Hang on tight, okay?" Sonic takes Sophia's hand, taking her along with them.
"Whoaaa," Helen says in surprise as they approach a cliff. Sonic undoes the hook, making them fly across. They land, but the chair tilts down. "Ah!"
"Well, we almost made it."
"Whoa!" They all shout as they fall backwards. Sophia plants her feet against the cliff, pushing them back up and placing them safely back on the cliff.
"Oh my," Sophia wipes the sweat off her forehead. "Remind me to never attempt that again."
"Thanks, Sophia," Sonic smiles at her, turning to a shaking Helen. "Don't cry, Helen, you're alright now."
"Yes, we are perfectly safe," Sophia places her hands on Helen's shoulders from behind. But Helen's not crying, she's laughing. Sonic and Sophia give a confused look, the princess moving away slightly.
"Sorry, it's just that, well, I feel so alive! I never thought somebody like me could have such an adventure."
Sophia smiles while Sonic gives her a wink. "When Sonic and I are both around, there is never a dull moment, is there?"
Sonic turns to the planes, which continue to advance. "These guys just don't give up, do they?"
"Why are they after us?" Sophia looks angry. "I sincerely hope I did not do anything to offend even the president to make him send his planes."
"Helen, are you up for another adventure?" Sonic offers, to which Helen smiles at.
"Of course!"
"Alright!" Sonic and Sophia speed off into the forest.
"The targets appear to have left the forest, commander."
"Good, we'll be waiting on the other side. Quick, send a squadron out there now!"
"Roger."
Jerome laughs nervously as he holds the salami, Chris turning around. "This is boring. Wonder what Sonic and Sophia are doing?"
The moon is out as it is officially night time. And as predicted, the military planes were still looking for the two speedy companions. The plane lands in front of the other soldiers, the hatch opening up. Soldiers are deployed with flying objects.
"I really do love my mom and dad," Helen speaks as they've stopped to take a break, "They're so good to me. That's why they work so hard, so that I can have everything I need. They make sure I have the best doctors, the best medicine, even this wheelchair must've cost 'em a lot of money. There's only one thing I want more than anything, though," she hangs her head. "And that's to spend more time with them and have more fun," she looks up with a smile. "But I had lots of fun today, Sonic and Sophia! I've never been so excited in my whole life!"
"Life with Sonic has certainly been entertaining," Sophia gives a small smile. "And I know how you feel, Helen. My parents are often away as well. But if you just tell them the truth, surely they will understand."
"Maybe I will...thank you," Helen murmurs. Sonic looks away for a second before turning to the girls.
"I have a feeling we're all in for a little more excitement."
They give a confused look. "Wait a minute..." Sophia cups a hand around her ear before frowning. "Yet again? This is surely changing my mind about stopping by for a visit from now on." Sonic and Sophia see the lights from the flying devices approaching.
"I'm ready if you both are!" Helen exclaims in preparation.
"Okay," Sonic and Sophia turn to her.
"Go!"
They speed off into the forest, the military chasing after them.
"Think we can beat them?" Helen asks in excitement.
"Piece of cake! Now hold on tight!" Sonic speeds faster and Sophia throws her shoes off, picking up her skirt and running faster. One soldier shouts as he crashes straight into a tree, defeated. The other three continue pursuing the trio. Helen shouts slightly in surprise as Sonic makes a sharp left. As one of the soldiers tries to turn, he goes too fast and crashes. Sonic, Helen, and Sophia end up on a path once they emerge from the flurry of trees.
"Ha! Thought you'd catch us, did ya?" Sonic asks smugly.
"Sonic, up ahead!" Helen warns as they approach a rock wall. Sonic skids to a stop sharply, luckily not getting harmed in the process. They all look up at the distance between the top and the bottom. Sonic turns around in annoyance as three more pilots approach.
"Here they come!"
"No need to worry, dear friend," Sophia curtsies slightly as Sonic backs up. "I will meet you at the top." Her wings appear from her back.
"Why can't you just fly us up there?" Helen asks in confusion.
"Believe me when I say, you shall see. You wanted adventure, did you not?" Sophia winks as she jumps, flying to the top.
"Ready?" Helen asks Sonic.
"Here goes!" He speeds up and runs up the wall, speeding out of sight. The soldiers yell in surprise, crashing into the wall. The trio look down at the damage. Sonic and Sophia look up at Helen before they all laugh.
"I see why you didn't want to fly us now!" Helen laughs, "Thanks for letting me have that thrill, Sophia!"
"I am a princess, and as such, I aim to please," Sophia bows before they all gasp in shock as they've found the meadow of flowers. They seemed endless as they were so many...Helen smiles at the sight.
"Dad was right, Sonic and Sophia. They're the prettiest flowers anywhere!" It's an adoring sight to them all as the land seems very large. Some of the petals float away, but to them, it made the experience all more meaningful.
"I'll pick some for ya, Helen," Sonic offers, bending down.
"Don't!" Helen interrupts, Sonic confused. "Leave them just as they are. I want to come back someday with my mother and father."
"I get it. That way it'll be just as beautiful," Sonic says in understanding.
"Sophia..." The princess turns to Helen. "Maybe you could bring your parents here with me when they come back!"
Sophia smiles at the sight. "Deal. I would want them to see these flowers too...you know, back at the castle, we have a field just like this one..."
"Oh that sounds wonderful!" Helen smiles too at the thought.
Suddenly, two grappling hooks latch on behind them, Sonic and Sophia looking back in surprise. They look down to see the soldiers climbing up.
"These guys just don't quit!" Sonic exclaims in disbelief.
"All of this for a mere party?" Sophia narrows her eyes in annoyance. "How rude and persistent is the man who sent them."
"We can't let them up here!" Helen insists. "If we do, they'll ruin all the flowers!"
"Not if we can help it!" Sonic turns to her.
"Excuse me!" They look to see Sonic and Sophia near the forest, away from the meadow of flowers. "Over here!"
"There they are!" They jump down from the ropes. Sonic and Sophia speed away as they use the flying devices to pursue the three.
"Those guys are faster than I thought!" Sonic exclaims, shouting in surprise before he skids to a stop. Sophia gasps and helps steady the wheelchair as they're trapped by a body of water below. "Bummer." He shouts again as he sees the soldiers pointing their hooks at them. Sonic growls at them and Sophia looks equally conflicted as the distance seems too far to fly them. They turn around to see a helicopter approaching from behind. Sonic turns to them, annoyed more now than ever.
"Alright Sonic and Sophia, let's go. You're wanted by the president, and don't pull any funny stuff."
"I'll go, but you gotta catch us," Sonic replies smugly.
"How dare you barge up here and demand us to go with you," Sophia narrows her eyes, placing her hands on her hips.
"Alright, you asked for it!" The helicopter readies its defenses, Sonic and Sophia backing up. "Fire!" They all fire at the same time, Sonic moving out of the way. Sophia jumps up, looking down as all of the grappling hooks get tangled into a knot. Sonic encircles Helen, grabbing her bridal style and running up the ropes to the helicopter. Sophia, while the soldiers are distracted, grabs the wheelchair.
"Hey!" The pilot tries to grab Sonic, but falls out of the helicopter.
"Call me!" Sonic calls out as the pilot falls into the water.
"Can you fly this thing?" Helen wonders.
"Well, I usually leave the flying to Tails, but I'll sure try," Sonic answers.
"No need," they turn to Sophia holding up Helen's wheelchair. "Tails has taught me his ways. Move aside, please."
"Okay!" Sonic gives her a thumbs up and moves out of the way. Sophia gets to work and detaches the hooks so they can get away.
"Hey, you almost forgot something, Sophia!" Sonic presses a button from the stick and grabs something from the trees. Something locks on and Sonic reveals Sophia's thrown away shoes. Sophia just chuckles and moves the plane safely. Helen looks down and smiles.
"Oh! Sonic, Sophia, the flowers!"
The sight looked even more wonderful from above, looking like almost like a white cloud. Helen looks in awe as Sophia flies away.
"Well, I guess our adventure's over, Sonic and Sophia," Helen says, looking out the window.
"It would seem that way, yes," Sophia murmurs.
"Guess so," Sonic looks at her as he's standing between the two girls. "Did you have fun?"
"Sure did!" Helen smiles at him.
"It's getting late. We should take you home," Sonic offers.
"But Sophia, Sonic, aren't you supposed to go see the president?" Helen wonders curiously.
"After what he put us through?" Sophia scoffs at the thought. "I may attend political meetings with the man, but I am afraid that after today, I am in no mood to meet with him."
"Sophia's got a point. That guy can wait," Sonic replies in annoyance.
"But I feel awful if you didn't get to see him because of me," Helen says in guilt. "Please go see him. I'll even go with you."
"Since you put it that way," Sonic smiles slightly. "Sophia?"
"As much as I do not want to...since you asked," Sophia grins at Helen. "We shall go. But I will not like it."
Sonic and Helen laugh at her attitude.
"What's that? They did? The what? The chopper? What now?" Jerome looks away from the phone as he hears the incoming chopper, shouting in surprise to see Sophia, Sonic, and Helen. All of their friends gasp in shock, Jerome looking in glee. "It's Sonic and Sophia! They came after all! They're here! They're really here!"
The president approaches them, offering his hands. "Great to finally meet you, Sonic. And how wonderful it is to see you again, Sophia."
"Yes, but in the future, please refrain from using force," Sophia deadpans, "There was no need for the planes, soldiers, and grappling hooks."
"Ha ha. It won't happen again," The president chuckles nervously, since he couldn't really control what his aide does.
They shake hands with him. "Now, hold that right there!" Jerome stops them. "Hurry, hurry! Reporters, photographers, this is the moment you've been waiting for!" He shouts in panic as they're too tired from the long wait and have fallen asleep. "NOOOOOO!" Jerome falls to the ground, everyone else laughing. Helen looks especially happy.
"So there we were, in the middle of all these beautiful flowers. All of a sudden, we look down and saw the men climbing toward us!" Helen is telling the story of her exciting adventure with Sonic and Sophia. "Before I knew it was happening, Sonic, Sophia, and I were roaring into the forest and the men were following us on these strange flying bicycles, but we were way ahead of them! And then we came to a cliff, looking way down over the ocean! And this helicopter came so they could take Sophia and Sonic to the president and they shot off this rope with a claw in the end, but Sonic grabbed me and-oh, Mama?" Helen offers her plate. "Could I-"
"Alright," Her mother interrupts, taking the plate. "I don't think I've ever seen you eat like this."
"So anyway-"
"Now now, hold on, honey," her father interrupts. "I'm gonna get a refill too. With a story as fascinating as this, I'm gonna need my energy," he laughs as he walks away.
"Hurry back, Dad, and I'll tell you about the helicopter!" She calls out. "Sonic grabbed me out of my wheelchair and he carried me all the way up the rope!"
"Alright, alright," her father chuckles as he steps into the kitchen. "Our little girl's had quite the adventure."
Her mother has tears in her eyes with a small smile. "Do you hear? She's so changed. She sounds so...so happy. I just want...to be there for her. Spend more time with her." She starts to cry.
"Yeah, I've been working too many hours lately," Doug agrees. "I haven't spent enough time with the family. Let's plan a day trip to that island Helen loved so much, what do you say?"
"Oh," she chuckles happily at the thought.
"Mom, Dad, what's taking you so long?" Helen calls out.
"We're coming, honey!" Doug says.
"Sorry dear. Your father and I were having an important discussion," they decide not to go into too much detail.
"Hurry, I'm coming to the most exciting part! So anyway, we got into the helicopter-"
"Helicopter? I've never been in one."
"And I'll bet you flew it all the way to the president," Doug says in amusement.
"No fair Dad, you're ruining my story!"
Little did she know that Sonic and Sophia are resting in a tree not too far from Helen's home. They both have a smile on their face, glad that they were able to fulfill Helen's wish and that she got what she wanted after all.