Sonic Echoes II
Thumbnail Credit: Sonic SatAM-Season 2-The Doomsday Project
Special Thanks to wingwolffly ("Wild Fox"): For giving me the inspiration to give this work the TLC it deserves.
This story takes place shortly after the ultimate victory over Dr. Robotnik and the destruction of his Doomsday Project. If you haven't seen the series yet, I would recommend the episodes "Sonic and Sally" and "Sonic Boom" from the first season, as well as "Drood Henge" and "Spy Hog" from the second.
This is a part of a multi-story project of mostly childhood favorites, so I can't promise consistent updates. I do appreciate feedback of all sorts, and I hope you enjoy how things wrap up here! This gets into some pretty ambitious territory.
UPDATE-5/20/2022- I added an crucial additional scene for Nicole in ACT II that was forgotten in the first draft, as well as some additional scenes for Antoine in ACT III. I also cleaned up some minor errors throughout the story as well.
UPDATE- 5/30/2022- I finally fixed the formatting to reflect the rest of my stories. I may flesh this out but consider this the 2.0 version of this story. I've also added scenes and dialogue to flesh out the motivations of Robo-Sally in this story, as well as make her a little more well-rounded in general.
ACT I
Prologue
Rainfall peppered all of Robotropolis as a red cloaked figure ran through its streets, using the limited visibility to hide their movements. Spotlights of a nearby Swat-Bot cruiser passed overhead, allowing little clearance to dart between. One nearly caught the cloaked one as it dove into cover, waiting for the patrol to finish its rounds.
Its destination, an inconspicuous pile of metal and refuse, beckoned across the street. Knocking on the mass of trash in a telltale pattern, the small hill began to rise of it's own volition!
A light flickered on inside the newly formed cave entrance as the figure darted inside. Therein lied a cozy little base, complete with a weathered cot, a dusty computer, as well as numerous maps and data lining the walls. Taking off the hood, the owner revealed herself as a auburn-haired chipmunk, drenched through to the core. The leader of the Freedom Fighters stopped to wring her cloak and make a pass on her abundant hair.
She stopped suddenly as she heard a voice out of a particularly darkened corner of the room. "Princess Sally. What can this old bucket of bolts do for you this fine evening?" Stepping out of the shadows, a light blue robotic hedgehog with an equally robotic gray mustache greeted the young chipmunk, now pulling out a gray square object from her vest pocket. Usually, she kept it in her boot but the oncoming rain forced her hand. Grimacing, she took her blue footwear off to dry near the cot.
She handed over her gray trusted companion, affectionately named Nicole, to the old robot. It was a small handheld computer that had been with her through numerous adventures over the years. The elderly hedgehog ran his metallic hands over the frame of the device, red mechanical eyes running over her features. "You still haven't told me why you brought her here. Is something wrong, Sally?"
Reflecting on the times they shared together, she could no longer hide the pain and worry she felt. "Uncle Chuck. It's bad. I figured since you were the last one to work on Nicole you might just be able to help her!" The chipmunk opened the device, and her monitor flashed and showed numerous vague patterns. After a few agonizing moments, it ended with a flashing "X", signaling that her systems have crashed.
"Looks like a memory overload. Give me a minute, I'll see what I can do..." The hopeful glance he got from the young lady teased out a comforting expression from him. "Who am I to turn down a royal order?"
–
Nicole had always fascinated Sir Charles, who had often showed amazement at its capacity for learning and mimicry. She was like an infant learning to walk accelerating to a full blown student in a manner of days. AI had made great strides before and since, and a lot of his works in developing roboticization was derived from the basic fundamentals that made up Nicole's "DNA". While that technology ultimately proved to be quite the blemish to his reputation, the little computer continued to spark his curiosity.
Regrettably, he now had to deliver the hardest news to the young lady that stood before him now. She had grown up into quite the capable leader, although he always thought of her as the apt pupil from ten years ago... The two seemed to mirror each other in that respect! It was just as astonishing the way that the chipmunk constantly referred to Nicole as a friend as well; not merely a tool to be used. She represents an ideal I had along time ago, before the war...
This made the current situation all the more difficult for him. The young lady had probably guessed that the news wasn't good, fixing him with eyes full of deep sadness. He had a hard time hiding his own emotions, even when roboticized. "Sally. Nicole is suffering from a techno virus of some sort, and unfortunately I can't trace the origins of it, or even where to start in order to restore her to full functionality! I don't know what to say..."
The young princess gasped, cupping her mouth with her right hand. "Oh...Nicole!" Tears threatened to form but she quickly shook them away, now staring at him with renewed determination. "No. Uncle Chuck, there must be something we can do! If we all put our heads together, we can save her from this virus! We have to...!"
Charles smiled at this sentiment; the youth of today always carried the hope for the future after all! However, there were facts that needed to be ascertained before any further progress could be made. An important question that needed to be answered. "Sally, we need to trace the origins of the virus; perhaps we will find our answers there."
"That should be simple, I think..." Hand placed firmly under chin, Sally snapped her fingers as a realization dawned upon the young princess. "That's it... The old computer we hacked into with Robotnik's secret logs! Sonic mentioned that my double mentioned a fail-safe that was planted in that system!"
Uncle Chuck eyes widened as he suddenly went rigid in horror. "A...double you say?"
He recalled a strange memory, from a week ago, that seemed strange at the time, but now was beginning to make sense. It was not a good feeling. "Now Sally, until today I believed you paid me a visit just after your final operation against Robotnik! You came here in a black cloak that time."
Pointing to the fabric laying on the ground he stated, " Since you came in a red cloak this time, I just assumed you lost it and borrowed Rosie's instead. I'm not so sure that's the case now." I've heard of this duplicate before. Why didn't you tell me she was still around sooner?
Sally took several steps back in terror, hands clasped over her mouth as it began to dawn on her what happened. "No. I didn't. Don't tell me..."
The old hedgehog watched as the chipmunk hurriedly began to put her clothes back on! "Judging by your reaction, it looks like we have our source. Hurry back and let the others in Knothole know the situation!"
Handing Nicole back to her, he motioned to the little computer with a firm frown and stared up at her with a concerned look. "Keep her close to your side at all times. If she had indeed tampered with Robotnik's logs, that badnik must be tracking her even as we speak! There's no doubt that she might come looking for it." He paced over to an inconspicuous part of the wall and tapped it lightly. It opened into a secret passage, leading out through the rear of the base. "Now, I've got some spy work to do!"
Chapter 1
"I'm waiting...!" Sonic peered out the window, as the rainstorm progressed into a thunderstorm, barely flinching as strikes sent vibrations throughout his hut. Lightning's real close. I hate being cooped up like this, but I promised I'd look after Tails if it got real bad! The errant light put him in a peculiarly introspective mood...
Knothole had been in a state of panic since they got back from their mission. The hole in Antoine's hut became the talk of the town first. Then numerous Mobians came forward, having witnessed the Princess in weird locales all throughout the Great Forest! The gang coming back all banged up afterward only served to fuel the fire further, and Sonic was stuck with the task of assuring them that they were safe from harm. Man, why did I get stuck with PR duty? I'm not exactly a people hedgehog!
Deep down, he knew why he got saddled with the duty. Sonic was the ever popular "Hero" of the Freedom Fighters, and already had a lot of clout from being part of the task force that took out Robotnik! He also had an ear for gossip, which he got more than a fair share of recently.
The one that really got under his skin was their talk about Tails. How they brought an "obviously" injured child with them on a life endangering mission. He tensed his hands as he recalled the numerous questions he was subjected to concerning the young fox's safety.
The kid was perfectly fine. I was the one who took most of the beating! Sonic thought as he ran his hands over tender spots on his chest and quills. That Sally-bot was no slouch and definitely left an impact on him, in more ways than one! In fact, that kit literally pulled him out of the fire that time!
Said little Mobian was also commiserating with him inside, with his head cradled in his hands. The young fox made his presence known, launching upward as he finally broke the silence. "I'm worried about Aunt Sally too, Sonic. We all are!" Tails gazed down at him with wide eyes and brow knitted with worry, waiting for the hedgehog to say something. Anything.
Sonic raced over to his little bro, catching him as he came down to land. Setting him down, he gestured outside frantically as another bolt of lightning struck in the distance. "Then I say storm or no storm, we find her and figure out what's going on! This hedgehog does not like to be left in the dark!"
Tails remained crestfallen, sadly stating, "I know Sonic. I feel the same way, but Sally's right. I did push myself too hard. We all did." The blue one peered over at his flying limbs, which still moved a little haphazardly. "Don't worry. My tails are fine! No prob!" He gave the hedgehog a little thumbs up soon afterward.
His words only served to remind the blue hedgehog of the injuries they suffered during their last adventure. It didn't stop him from shadow boxing for the little guy. "Yeah, that bad bot slapped me around a bit, but nobody keeps a good freedom fighter down forever!" Suddenly, a horrid shrieking broke the silence! One that was all too familiar to the both of them...
–
"What is it Antoine? Ah told you I'd keep an eye out for that nasty ol' thing runnin' around as my bestie! You're safe here with me, my little muffin!" Bunnie had her hands cupped over her massive ears, with obvious bags under her eyes from her constant vigilance. The coyote's house was last stop in her rounds through the entirety of Knothole. She knew once she arrived, she was pretty much stuck there whether she liked it or not!
I let you go off on your own again, but perhaps that was for the best this time 'round! She wasn't much help to Sally-girl in her condition, as Rotor was still scraping around for parts to repair her damaged kickers.
Even so she had one limb that could even the odds when trouble came knocking! "If she comes poking around here again... POW! I'll send her flying to the moon, sugar!" The anxious rabbot then turned to the window, rapping the fingers of her good hand on it in a rhythmic pattern. "Ah just wish this little ol' storm would let up already!"
That did little to calm Antoine's nerves. In fact, her mentioning the Sally-bot made it worse... "I am sorry, mademoiselle! This one just had zat horri-ble nightmare again!" He wrung his hands dramatically for effect. "My princess, now roboticized, taking -me-, ze bravest and most capable Freedom Fighter to join her as a fellow metallic menace!" His close call with that tin terror a few days prior clearly left a mark on him.
Bunnie sauntered over to the loyal guard of Knothole, now shivering in his pajamas in bed, and proceeded to fluff his pillow and adjust his covers for maximum comfort. "Yes, Antoine. You're the bravest of all of us, that's why you'll be the last to be taken down by that hunk of junk." You can be such a child sometimes! It reminds me of how Sally feels when dealing with the little fox fella!
"Really?" Antoine gazed at her tearfully with eyes widening into saucers.
The young half-metal lady giggled and softly said with a smile, "Sugar-Twan, Ah was the one who trained you in self-defense after all, my little king-fu master!" She reached out to pinch his cute little cheeks. "Don't you forget it!"
The young coyote, brimming with new found confidence, cleared his throat audibly and hopped out of bed! "Then it is you who should be resting her eyes at zis very moment, Bunnie. Let zis loyal servant be ze one who protects you at this very moment!"
She shrugged her shoulders, and pointed toward his entryway, a garish wooden patch covering up the hole left by that Sally-bot. "Be my guest, Twan."
Suddenly there was a deafening knock at the door! Antoine shrieked once more than blushed afterwards. Bunnie turned to him with a frown and put a non-metal finger to her lips, shushing him quietly. Don't worry your little ol' head Antoine. This rabbot has got this!
Chapter 2
"Easy Bunnie! It's just me!" Sally, now absolutely dripping from head to toe, stepped into Antoine's hut. She shook herself vigorously once she had doffed the red cloak. Nicole was strapped to her thigh this time, as her vest was also quite damp. A single red light was the only sign of life in the metallic instrument.
Bunnie gave the soggy chipmunk a quick hug, giving her some much needed warmth. "Oh Sally-girl, y'know I was on high alert the whole time you were gone." The rabbot then gestured to the still shivering coyote beside her. "Even Antoine was helping me keep an eye on Knothole, bless his heart!"
Having gained control of his faculties, the loyal guard stepped forward and gave Sally a light bow. "Yes, my princess. I knew that you would come back unarmed from your dangerous mission eventually. Zis one has never doubted you for a second." The salute he performed afterward looked especially silly, considering how he was dressed.
She giggled heartily correcting the young coyote, "You mean un-harmed, Antoine! Well, I knew dodging patrols on the way to Uncle Chuck's base was going to be difficult, given how our recent antics have we stirred up the hive, so to speak." The area around the lab was still in complete lockdown when she passed by last. She worried for the old hedgehog's safety, but he definitely would be able to blend in a lot better. However, she also had some talents of her own...
Sally, proud of her quick thinking, grinned confidently as she tapped her head. "Well... One can slip through the cracks if they're quiet, and this one knows a thing or two about stealth!"
"I was wonderin' why you didn't bring you with me, Sal!" A voice suddenly shouted, causing her to shudder! One of a certain blue hedgehog... "So I'm not stealthy huh?" The chipmunk spun around as she saw the blue blur in the doorway, a sneakered foot tapping impatiently.
Here we go again. "Yes, Sonic..." Sally replied, hands firmly set on her hips. "Your penchant for it is so well known, it completely gives you away!"
Sonic was up to the challenge, rapidly running in place to make his point. "Who needs stealth when you're too fast for the naked eye!"
Bunnie and Antoine settled in for the show...this was going to take a while. They noticed a young fox enter the hut as well and waved to Tails, who flattened himself against the wall to sneak around the dueling lovers...
The auburn-haired lady stomped up to his face with a pointing finger at the ready. "Oh please Mr. Priority One Hedgehog, don't give yourself too much credit!" Even with Robotnik gone, you're still a badnik magnet! Speaking of which... "Let's not forget to mention that secret admirer of yours as well!"
This caught Sonic off-guard and he felt a headache coming on. He did not want to think about her again! "Oh man. Sal, I prefer my partners to be flesh-and-blood, not metal and murderous!"
Clearly offended, Bunnie raised her steel hand to clear the air and got up to stand between the two. "I think we said enough for today, sugar-hog, this metal one says so! Sal, you need to settle too. Ah know you're just taking your frustrations about Nicole out on Sonic! Nothin' gets past this rabbot!"
Shaking herself out her rage, Sally lamentably looked at the hedgehog next to her, clearly despondent and also a bit embarrassed. As she looked up at him, she was now the recipient of a quilly apology hug. "Yeah, sorry about that. Kinda guessed you had something on your mind, Sal."
Taking out her handheld once more, everyone gathered around her and the defunct device, as the tiniest of sparks flew out of Nicole. Sally began to tear up as she gave them the diagnosis. "Sorry Sonic, Uncle Chuck didn't have good news for me. At all. ...And it's gonna get a lot worse!"
–
The storm raged on outside Antoine's hut, as Sally finished her story. The rest of the group gasped as one. "Oh zat is terri-ble, Princess!" The coyote added, "She 'as been one of our most useful tools in fighting Robotnik."
Bunnie chimed in, "More than a tool, she was yer friend Sally-girl. If that hunk of bolts did anything to her..."
The blue blur was boiling with anger the entire time and finally spoke up. "Oh, you gotta be kidding me!" Sonic cried, throwing his hands up in the air, "Don't tell me she planned this out too! This hedgehog is no fool, Sal!"
Despite his bluster, this badnik was beginning to get to him. It wasn't just the fact she had Sal's looks and mannerisms down. There was something about that Sally-bot that he couldn't pin down; something different. He had been told about Robotnik's INFILTRATOR project, but that definitely wasn't the whole story!
"Sally, that rust brain put on a bad act when we first fought against her! It only worked because we all thought it was you being all exhausted and stuff!" Sally regarded his erratic gestures with concern and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Sonic, she knew how to manipulate you and hone in on your weaknesses. Its something a leader has to know about her team to keep them safe and now she uses that as a weapon!" Sonic knew Sally was referring to the "brains" line specifically. There was long talk about the nightmare incident afterward, which had helped him to get over his fear somewhat.
"I found out she was talking to Uncle Chuck as well. When he told me..." The hedgehog's mood immediately shifted and he jumped out of his seat, sweating.
"She was that close..." He stared into the void and wiped the perspiration from his brow. "I don't believe it, he's too smart to be fooled by one of Robotnik's badniks! Even one that looked just like you, Sal! No way!" Suddenly, her threat was no joke as she knew where he lived. "If she hurts Unc..."
Sally rushed over to comfort him, and a single gloved hand met hers. "Believe it, Sonic. You said so yourself, she's new and improved now. Unfortunately she's also the one we need to track down to get our answers about Nicole..."
Sonic balled his hand into his fist, now brimming with determination. He started tapping his feet and pointed at Sally saying, "We'll get her back for what she's done, count on it!" He looked around the room to see who would be willing to keep up with him.
Antoine had already fallen asleep, with Tails slumped at the foot of his bed. Only Bunnie had remained, as hearing about Nicole's situation left her on the edge of her seat, and she was finally ready to say her piece. "This whole deal has left me itchin' for a rematch with that no-good schemin' witch!" She pounded her good fist in a metal palm and gestured inward. "Count me in as well! Even battered an' bruised, this bunny bot still has some butt to kick!"
Sally had anticipated this and knelt down to grab a leather pouch from an inner pocket of her cloak. Contained within were some choice parts for the rabbot's battered metal limbs, causing her long-time friend to break into a massive smile! "I think it's time we paid a visit to Rotor, Bunnie!"
Chapter 3
The storm began to whip into a frenzy, as the group of three left the safety of the hut. The torrents of rain and the electric threat from above did little to hold them back. There was no time to waste!
As the Freedom Trio arrived at Rotor's home, they began to hear loud noises of a struggle within! Sonic motioned for Sally and Bunnie to flank the doorway, with a sinking feeling beginning to overtake him. "Let's hope what's going on in there is NOT what I'm thinkin' is going on!"
–
Rotor was sweating bullets as the wrench found it's mark, staving off a viscous leak with a precise weld. He took the time to seal any remaining cracks, wiping his brow when the task was done. "Good, I think we're done for now... Now let me go!"
A brown furred arm, bent backwards at an odd angle pointed directly at his head, with eerie blue energy pulsing from it's tip, "You always were the best repairman in Knothole, Rotor. I appreciate you fixing my vocal modulator as well."
Oh man, what kinda mess did I get myself into this time!? "I don't know what your planning this time, you tin turncoat!" A curt laugh was all he got in response.
Rotor gasped as she launched out of the chair, stretching her repaired limbs. The Sally double turned to him and gave a knowing wink, as her voice regained its far more accurate and soothing tone. "If you want me to be in a charitable mood, you need to calm down and give me what I desire. We'll start with that roboticizer of yours, and go from there."
Suddenly, the door was forced open with a kick, with the silhouette of hedgehog in its frame! "Yo Rote, what's going on...?"
Careful Sonic, she's got some kind of trick up her sleeve! The robotic duplicate moved around to the walrus' back, keeping her finger trained on his head. "Oh man! Rotor!"
"One wrong move, Sonic and he'll be an ex-mechanic! Same goes for your friends as well. I see the both of you hiding... Bunnie Rabbot and...", her voice slowly turned into pure venom, "...especially you, Sally."
The three slowly came into the house with hands raised above their heads. The Sally-bot watched them intently, scanning for any sudden movement and scowled. "Shame...the young boy is not with you. I was anticipating a lovely reunion!"
The chipmunk coming up on Sonic's left didn't mince her words. She didn't know what she wanted with Tails, and tried to divert the robotic double's attention. "Leave him and Rotor alone, you impostor. Your fight is with us!"
The Sally-Bot cackled at this with eyes staring straight into the souls of the ones who dared to challenge her. She then proceeded to back up to Rotor's deroboticizer and used her free arm to wrench it from it's mooring, bracing it on her shoulder! "I'm glad you decided to show up in time to attempt a rescue, it gives me the opportunity to show you a new shocking new trick!"
With this, her voice devolved into a metallic growl, and Nicole's various indicators began to light up in an array of colors. "Nicole! What's going on?" Sally cried, tapping furiously on various buttons.
–
Suddenly, a massive static buildup formed on the device. A massive shock filled the room and knocked them out cold! "Now, I'll take what's rightfully mine. It makes a wonderful birthday present." The Sally bot picked up and appraised the fizzled out computer with a confident smile.
"Although..I can't have just one. Coming Rotor?" She scanned the room and quickly found the unconscious walrus. Grabbing his arm, the duplicate drug him along the ground towards the open door. "Oh you don't have to answer right away, my little mechanic."
Stepping over the rest of the unconscious bodies, she couldn't help but notice a golden circular object resting in Sonic's hand. A power ring. "...And that makes three."
The Sally-Bot leaned down, wrenching the circular object from the sleeping hedgehog and proceeded to give him a peck on the cheek. "Unfortunately, the boy has stay here for the time being. I'm currently at max capacity."
She gazed off through the window toward Tails' hut; now deep in thought. That was a fancy trick you pulled off back at the factory, little fox. If my hunch is right, you'll come of your own volition soon. When you do, I'll make sure you bring what is necessary to make me complete.
A malevolent grin spread across her metal lips as she left the workshop. The storm began to wane as she tucked Rotor under her arm. When we meet again, things will be very different between us. Count on it!
Chapter 4
Morning came to pass in Knothole, but the skies were still overcast from the storm prior, blotting out the sun. It was all too fitting for the mood overtaking the small village.
Sally was openly sobbing at this point, as Bunnie and Sonic tried and failed to comfort her.
The hedgehog gripped his head as the events replayed in his head and gritted his teeth. This is too much, Sal. She really got one over on us this time! "Don't worry. We'll get them both back. It won't be long before we take out that no-good badnik once and for all!"
Bunnie placed her good hand on the chipmunks shoulder, rubbing it gently. "Yeah. Rotor's made of tougher stuff than most of us Freedom Fighters. Nicole has been through all sorts of nastiness too. They'll both will be waiting for us when we get there, Sally-girl!" Only silence and muffled sobs replied to her words of comfort.
The auburn-haired one wrenched herself away from the rabbot's hand, as Tails and Antoine joined up with the rest of the remaining group. She grasped at her hair as the weight of recent events completely overtook her.
"No, I should have seen this coming! That's what she does right? She knew my weakness when it came to Nicole..." Her voice broke as she choked back tears. "No...anybody who needed to be saved! When their lives are on the line, I would be blind to anything else!" Sally once again gave into her sobbing as she punched the ground.
This tore at the hedgehog's heartstrings, but there was one thing that bot didn't take with her! Tails is still here, Sal. That's gotta count for something, right? The words caught in his throat, unable to find a good opening while she carried on.
"Aunt Sally." Tails replied and reached out towards her hesitantly. "All we gotta do is talk to Uncle Chuck. He'll know what to do!"
Suddenly, Sally looked up at the young boy with a mixture of fear and concern on her face, now stained with tears. "Tails. I already did that, and look where it got me!"
She rose from her feet and paced toward the young fox. "Rotor's gone. Nicole too! We don't where they went and got nothing else to go on!"
At her sudden outburst, Sonic became concerned for his companion and moved closer with one arm outstretched, "Whoa Sal. This ain't like you..."
With a voice of strained desperation, she then gave an abrupt order to the child before her. "Tails, I don't want to lose you too! You need to run home and stay there!"
The amber fox's eyes flooded with tears, and could not meet her gaze. "I..can't."
Sally grabbed his head and stared him deep in the eyes, giving him the most serious look he had ever received. He returned the glare with a fearful gaze. "That is a direct order. Go. Home."
The young fox jerked away from the apoplectic chipmunk, as a loud sob erupted from his body. He ran home as fast as his feet could take him!
"Wait! Tails...! Come back!", the blue hedgehog cried out, but the young boy did not respond. "Big guy..."
He looked over at Sally, now crumpled to the ground in total defeat, heaving with the remnants of her despair. "I'm sorry Tails... I'm so sorry!"
Antoine then gave Sonic a quick salute, as his instincts began to kick into high gear. "I'll look after ze little one, Sonic. You take of ze princess, oui?" He paused before he ran off, addressing the despondent group with a surprisingly comforting look. "Ze darkness will recede in time, non?"
The blue blur nodded quietly and stared as the coyote ran off to fulfill his duty. "Good job, Ant. Didn't know you had it in ya." He turned to the despondent chipmunk, who cleared her throat as the last of her tears hit the ground. At least for now.
Bunnie and Sonic propped Sally to her feet as the clouds began to clear away. The rabbot was the one being firm now. "We know you're hurting Sally-girl, but we need to go soon if we wanna catch up."
"Come on, Sal. This ain't like you to get worked up like this." The hedgehog cut to the quick as usual.
Sally sniffed and attempted to rub the hurt out of her eyes, nodding in agreement. "I am so sorry... You're right. She hurt all of us, and now it's time to fight back!" With their confidence renewed, the three walked off into the distance toward their most personal mission yet.
All of a sudden, the leader of the freedom fighters broke off from the group, wiping her eyes one last time. "The flight will have to wait. I have one fox who really deserves an apology right about now."
"Yeah. Give him a hug for me too if you can." The hedgehog left her to her "mission", as a well of determination built within him. He silently brought his hands up, balled into fists. Don't worry Tails, we got this. Then we can chill and have a big ol' vacation when this is all over. I got just the thing in mind.
–
"I will leave ze situation in your hands, Princess."
"Thanks, Antoine." Being left alone with her thoughts, Sally Acorn rapped on the doorway belonging to the one that she had raised pretty much throughout his childhood. She needed to make right by Tails this time.
"Come in.", a small voice weakly replied, devoid of emotion.
Stepping into his domicile, her eyes scanned the room, seeing a hockey stick and spent power rings resting on a pole. Numerous mechanical parts and unfinished machines were scattered across the floor.
All of these things contained memories of the past, present and future.
Her sight finally came to rest on the boy, tucked away in his bed and facing away from the door. "Tails. I..come to say that, I'm sorry. For everything."
She did not receive a reply from the figure in the bed. The chipmunk eyes were now trained on the wooden floor, not wanting to meet his gaze. "I just want to make the future bright for you, for all of us. It's just really hard for me—for all of us right now..."
Her eyes traveled upward toward Tails. "I hope you'll forgive me."
Tails responded to this plea by pulling the cover over his head, and Sally once again began to feel tears running down her cheek. "I'll make it up to you. I swear it..."
Sally's last words rang out in the silence and she left him alone at last, closing the door behind her. Clenching her fist, she felt her will to fight return, looking upward at brilliant sun rays as they began to poke through the endless clouds.
END OF ACT I