Good morning!

Gatekeeper here,

So I guess life decided to make this chapter a little harder to publish, but not to worry! I know (kinda sorta maybe) what I'm doing and I'll continue to update and move along the story. Thank you for your patience. If you have any suggestions, comments or wisecracks feel free to post them here!

EDIT: Just changed a word near the end so that I'm still talking about the same place.

Sincerely,

Gate Keeper

Chapter 14: Of Sally, Sorrow, and Surprise

"You're joking." Said Shadow.

Eggman sighed. "I wish I was, Shadow. But she's the only one with the connections, influence and funds to procure and use this kind of equipment."

"You're telling me that this Sally Acorn, who leads Mobius, is willing to kidnap and potentially murder the same people she is in charge of to end you?" Shadow elaborated.

Rouge hopped off the chair arm and placed her hand gently on Shadows' arm.

"I don't want to believe this either sugar, but we can't ignore this." Rouge said gently.

"Indeed." Eggman added, "People often become clouded when they gain power. If she has started down the path I did, we need to stop her."

"But how? It isn't like we can just march up to the Palace and accuse her!" Shadow retorted.

"You all seem very focused on Her Highness, but can't we also talk to the man who actually tried the assassination?" Called Stone from the bed.

Rouge, Shadow and Eggman all jump a little, having forgotten about Stone.

Rouge pondered his point, cradling her head with her hand. "You got a point there hon, we need to have more info on all of this."

She shook her head and stretched out, before stifling a yawn of her own. "But we can wait; I missed my beauty sleep and that, dears, is unacceptable." She turned away and waved her hand. "I'm off, I'll see you two later when we can discuss this in detail." With that she walked out of the house. Shadow filed after her, giving Eggman a nod before heading out the door.

Eggman sighed and sat down in a chair next to Stone.

A moment of silence passed before Eggman spoke again.

"How did it come to this, Stone? It's almost like I'm back to fighting Sonic again! Was… was all this even a good idea in the first place?" Eggman said.

Stone pondered for a bit, humming in thought. "I would say the better question is, did you find it valuable?"

"Absolutely." He replied without hesitation.

"Then I believe you have answered your own question. Tell me, why did you not inform The Rabbits of your theory on their attacker? I do not like lying, even if it puts others at ease. It makes my mouth taste of ash. I would feel better knowing that it was for a sound cause that I did something so distasteful."

Eggman took off his glasses and massaged his nose before responding. "It's because I… am afraid. With Shadow, Rouge and I, I am confident in our ability to fight. I know that we all can do what needs to be done. We also don't have much to lose, being mercenaries and villains does wonders for keeping you private life minimal. But Vanilla? She's admired, respected, and she has Cream. I can't ask for her to go farther than what she's already been forced to do. We are soldiers here and she's…"

"A soldiers wife?" Stone supplied.

"Yes." Eggman nodded.

"And what about Cream? Has she not fought you before, no?" Stone asked

Eggman looked at Stone sadly and said "yes, but she isn't a soldier. She hopped on too late to deal with that. Besides, she has her mother with her. She can't be brought in and not have Vanilla know."

He sighed, stretching his arms out before returning,

"And besides, this is an old man's war. I don't know how much you have heard about my previous exploits, but I originally came here as a refugee. I fled from my home and came here and started working under King Acorn, Sally's father. I eventually betrayed him and took over Mobius. She was part of the Freedom Fighters along with Sonic and Tails."

He furrowed his brow as he continues. "While I'm certain that she is behind the attacks, based on the evidence we've gathered, I'm not entirely convinced that she would actually do it. Sally has always kept her people's welfare a top priority and seeing her work with criminals and use items that would kill or damage her own citizens is disconcerting."

Stone turned to face Eggman better and said "Surely this kind of thing would not go unnoticed by other officials? If it is really such a change from her usual state then it would be difficult to conceal."

Eggman smiled sadly "That's what people thought about me, too. It wouldn't be too difficult if she happened to have compatriots around her. It truly is amazing just how much someone can hide if they know how to do it."

Eggman stood up. "However, I have to agree with Rouge; we need more information before our next move. I shall let you rest, please inform Clink if you need anything. I know my house isn't as cozy as the cabin but I hope you feel welcome all the same."

Stone smiled "Thank you Julian, and good luck on your search." He then turned over and closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep.

Eggman gathered up his suit jacket and left the house, closing the door gently behind him. He walked briskly along, going to buy a drink to take with him as he decided to walk to Sniveley's statue. The crisp summer air felt great as the warm summer rays were counteracted by fresh breeze, creating an atmosphere for a perfect summer day.

After purchasing a drink he made his way to Eastern Park. He sat down at the same bench he had used when arriving in Mobotropolis.

The same bench he met Cream and Vanilla on.

It was during this pondering that two Mobians,a red quilled hedgehog and a white feathered eagle in black suits and sunglasses, came up to him. The hedgehog cleared her throat to make Eggman look at her, startled by her entrance.

"Mr. Kintobor?" Seeing Eggman nod, she pulled out a sleeve protected badge, "I'm Agent Ridge with the Mobius Intelligence Agency. We'd like to ask you to come with us."

Eggman, every bit the savvy businessman, raised his eyebrows and said. "Oh."