Chapter 3 - Justice and Compassion
A lone warrior found himself surrounded by several robotic warriors. The robots remained still as the warrior drew a sword from a scabbard on his back, and then charged once he assumed a battle stance.
The robots were literally being blown away by strange blasts emanating from the warrior's unarmed hand, while those that got too close were sliced in half by the strangely strong blade.
Finally the battle came down to the warrior and one robot. The robot drew a laser weapon and fired, only to have the blast be reflected by the warrior's sword. The warrior then came in close and sliced the robot into a pile of scrap and bleeding oil.
"Well done, Anthony."
Anthony looked at the robotic carnage around him. More than a week had passed since he recovered from his excursion to find Tails's and Amy's parents, and he was currently being tested to see if was fit to leave medical care.
Anthony turned towards the observation window where Bookshire and Dr. Light were watching the battle while consulting several instruments.
"How'd I do, Bookshire?" Anthony asked.
"Better than expected! Psionic depletion during that entire fight was only 16% despite the fact you were using your powers to fire Force Blasts as well as enhance your abilities. Looks like you made a full recovery!"
"Thank God!" Anthony said, relieved. "If I had to spend ANY more time in that damn hoverchair, I would have gone nuts!"
"Form the lack of activities?" asked Dr. Light.
"From the multitudes of Professor X jokes coming from David and T-Bone. I swear...after that last riff where David asked me about Lilandra, I nearly asked Protoman to reprogram his robotic arm to play Barney songs non-stop. Luckily, I'm not that cruel..."
"To say the least..." Dr. Light mused. "Protoman might have decided to do it anyway just for fun, even if you told him not to!"
Sally walked into the observation room and asked the doctors about Anthony's condition, then turned towards Anthony. "Anthony, I hear you're at full health now. I was wondering if you would meet me and my father in the throne room in about an hour."
"Why?"
"My father wanted to discuss something with you once you were fully recovered."
"Alright...see you in an hour then, your highness."
As Sally walked away, Anthony suspected there was something more to the meeting she asked about. Especially since she whispered something to Bookshire and Light before leaving...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an hour had passed, Anthony was walking towards the throne room. He had his armor on and had the Sword of the Gamemaster strapped to the back, expecting to take on the responsibilities of the Gamemaster once he was done talking with the king and the princess. He wondered what King Acorn wanted to see him about, especially after seeing Sally's actions in the training room. Hopefully he would find out soon...
Once he arrived outside the throne room, he noticed Antoine and Geoffrey guarding it as if something was taking place inside. Even more suspicious now, Anthony decided to stay out of their line of sight and use his Clairvoyance power to see what was going on.
He saw that nearly every hero from the five worlds, from Mario to Sonic and from Link to Megaman were waiting in the throne room on either side of a carpet that ran up to the throne, almost gauntlet fashion. King Acorn, Princess Sally, and Prince Elias were waiting near the throne in their finest regalia. All in that room were anxious in anticipation...
"Oh, I got set up good..." Anthony thought to himself. "Well, better not keep them waiting. But first, if this is going to be a royal affair, better dress right..."
Anthony activated his Descendancy Powers to cause the Master's Armor to appear, then walked up to the door to the throne room. Geoffrey and Antoine saw him approach, and opened the doors to the throne room as he walked up. As he entered he saw King Acorn shake his head...
"I should've realized we wouldn't have been able to keep this from a psionicist," King Acorn said, then stood up. "Anthony Bault, please step forward." Anthony walked towards the throne, stopping just as he reached the end of the carpet. "Kneel."
Anthony kneeled down in front of the king, placing an arm across his chest in a sort of salute. He then noticed the king remove the Sword of the Gamemaster from the scabbard on his back. Anthony suspected what would happen next, and then the king spoke again...
"One thousand years ago, a knight from Earth came to our worlds and gave his life so that we may all live. Today, one of his descendants, one who has shown great courage and heart, now joins our ranks as the hero and representative of his world."
"God, this is pretentious!" Anthony thought to himself. "Better suck it up, Bault...these guys want this ceremony for God, Destiny, or Farore knows what reason..."
The king continued, tapping the blade of Anthony's sword on each shoulder while speaking. "Anthony Bault, descendant of Sir Eric, I now officially knight you Gamemaster of Arcadia. May you continue to serve with honor and dignity. Arise!"
Anthony stood up, now noticing the king handing the handle of the sword to him. He took his sword, bowed, and then faced the crowd. He then did a Cloud Strife style victory salute, spinning the sword in front of him before placing it back in his scabbard, and then yelled, "Someone give me a 'Hell yeah'!"
The entire room yelled the phrase...then walked up to congratulate the newest hero of Arcadia.
"Congratulations, Anthony...or should I say, Gamemaster?" Link said. "So...what are you going to do with your new, and now official, title?"
"Hopefully keep busy," Anthony said, deactivating the Descendancy powers and reverting his armor to the red plate form. "After spending two weeks in a hoverchair, I could use some action."
"Don't you think you've already done enough?" Protoman asked.
"The only reason I accepted becoming the Gamemaster was to see what more I could do, Proto. So no, I don't think I've done enough and I very much intend to do more."
"Like a what?" Luigi asked.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll find something..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What do you mean, 'NO'?!?"
Anthony was having no luck getting the work crews to allow him to help with the rebuilding effort. He had asked several of those present, including the Mario Brothers and the Goron metalsmiths, if there was anything he could do, but...
"You've already done enough for us, Gamemaster," one of the workers said. "Let us take care of this. You just enjoy yourself now that you are well."
Anthony shook his head in disbelief at the workers not wanting an additional hand helping them. "And I thought I was an incurable workaholic," Anthony thought to himself. He walked off towards Vista Point to think and ended up seeing Mary Rose.
"Mary!" Anthony said, addressing the newly found mother of Amy. "I thought you'd be spending time with your daughter."
"I was. I can't tell you enough how great it feels to be back with her," Mary said. To his surprise, she then embraced the newly appointed Gamemaster and started crying tears of joy. "Thank you so much..."
"Hey, like I said, I was glad to do it. Especially to see Amy happy again," Anthony said, comforting Mary. "Now, where is Amy?"
Mary released the hug and wiped her eyes and then said, "She left not too long ago and is heading towards Minoc Grove to meet Wendy and Nina. She also mentioned something about wanting to get something for you..."
"Oh, she DID, did she? Well, I think I'll go catch up with her. She'll probably want to know I'm finally out of that hoverchair. I'll see you later, Mary. Device two, ACTIVATE!"
A jet sled appeared under Anthony's feet and Anthony sped off towards Minoc Grove. Mary just stood and watched Anthony's departure, showing complete admiration for the new Gamemaster.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy was in higher spirits than she had ever been before. Mobius was free and she got her mother back...and she had Anthony to thank for both. She was wondering what to get Anthony. She had seen a small selection of mystery books that he had brought from Earth in his possession, though she wondered how the heck to pronounce "Poirot", and thought about finding a mystery book by one of Mobius's authors. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when she stumbled into a deep hole.
As she recovered her senses, she looked at the hole she fell into. "What the...? Who dug this here?" she thought to herself, and started looking around for a way to get out. Suddenly, a bear trap like mechanism, sans the teeth, clasped onto her leg and a grating appeared on the hole opening.
"Oh no...Help! Help!" Amy yelled, hoping someone was within earshot, while trying to free her foot. She suddenly heard what sounded like water running and became more panicked when she saw the hole start to fill with water. "Great Destiny...HELP!!! SOMEONE HELP!!!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony was midway between Mobotropolis and Minoc when he stopped his jet sled. He thought he would run into Amy by now, considering Mary said she had left Mobotropolis not too long ago, and wondered where she could be.
Suddenly he sensed a feeling of absolute panic. He focused his powers and found a grating on the ground in the middle of the road. He then used his Clairvoyance powers to see beyond the grate, and was shocked when he saw Amy flailing around in the water.
"AMY!" Anthony said, pulling out his lightsaber from the side of his armor. "Hang on, I'll get you out!" He then activated the lightsaber and used it to cut open the grating. He then threw the cut away grate to the side and yelled into the hole. "Amy, can you swim out?"
"NO! My foot's caught in some trap on the bottom! Help...gargglll..." The water suddenly went over her head.
"NO!!!" Anthony said, afraid for Amy's life. "ARMOR, ACTIVATE!" The red plate armor covered Anthony's body and Anthony fired his grappler weapon towards a nearby tree and then jumped into the hole. The armor kept water from entering as Anthony used his free hand to free Amy's leg, psionically enhancing his strength to literally rip the bear trap off it's hinging. He then grabbed Amy and reeled in the grappler to pull them both out.
Anthony set Amy to the side and helped her as she coughed up nearly a quart of water and then took deep breaths of air. As Anthony's armor reverted to its deactivated form, he gasped for breath, relieved that he rescued Amy in time and worried what would have happened if he didn't make it.
"Amy..." Anthony said, "are you alright?" Instead of a verbal answer, Amy suddenly hugged Anthony, sobbing loudly and trembling out of fear.
Anthony hugged the young hedgehog back and tried to calm her down. "Shh...shh...it's alright. You're safe now..." He then stood up, carrying Amy, and activated his jet sled to take them both back to Mobotropolis.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Great Destiny...WHAT HAPPENED?!?"
Mary ran towards the incoming jetsled when she saw Anthony carrying her daughter, and noticed Amy crying as well. Anthony handed Amy to her and the young hedgehog continued to sob as she was embraced by her mother.
Sally and King Acorn saw the exchange and ran up to Anthony as he deactivated his jetsled. "Anthony, what happened?" Sally said. "Amy looks absolutely terrified!"
Anthony looked towards Sally and she saw almost an enraged look in his eyes. "Amy nearly got killed, Sally. Some...SICKO...placed a deathtrap in the middle of the road, and that nearly drowned Amy!"
King Acorn looked shocked. "Did you say drowned? Can you describe the trap?"
"Yes...apparently someone gets caught by a trap at the bottom of a ten foot pit which catches onto the foot. Also, a steel grating appears on the top, blocking any exit. Finally, the pit fills with water, drowning the victim." Anthony shuddered at that last part, thinking about what would've happened if he didn't make it in time. Mary, who overheard the description, also shuddered in fear for her daughter and held Amy closer.
King Acorn's reaction was somewhat more intense, as he collapsed on the ground. "Great...Destiny..."
Anthony saw this reaction and sensed something...namely recognition. "You...recognize that, your majesty?"
"Y-yes, but...I thought this world had seen the last of it." Acorn then looked up towards Anthony. "Gamemaster...what you described is called 'The Soaking'. It was once used as a form of punishment in this kingdom for capital offenses such as murder or treason to the crown. It was abolished long before my time because an accident with one of the pits nearly cost the life one of the previous king's soldiers. Now that tragedy was nearly reenacted..."
"Your majesty..." Anthony said. "I don't think that was one of the old pits. This looked like it was newly built."
"WHAT?"
"All the mechanisms looked new, as if it was recently built."
Acorn stood up and looked towards Mary. "You'd better take your daughter to Bookshire and have him look her over." Mary nodded and headed towards Bookshire's office, carrying Amy in her arms. King Acorn then looked toward Anthony. "I'll send my soldiers to where the pit is, Anthony. We'll get to the bottom of this."
Anthony nodded and then described where the pit was located. As Acorn and Sally walked off, Anthony stopped Sally to talk to her.
"Sal, I'd like you to get the Heroes Council together in my room in the palace to discuss this. Something tells me your father will need plenty of help to get to the bottom of this."
"Alright, Anthony. Are you alright?"
"A little peeved...but yes."
Sally walked off to find who Anthony wanted, but looked back in fear at Anthony as she walked off. Even without Anthony's powers, she sensed Anthony was more than a little peeved...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Heroes Council, as Anthony called it, consisted of the heroes of the worlds of Arcadia as well as the descendants of the Companions. It was something he had set up with the worlds as a group that would get together in case of problems, he himself counting as both a hero and descendant of Earth. This group included Mario, Luigi, Peach, Link, Zelda, Megaman, Protoman, Bass, Sonic, and Tails, all of whom were walking towards Anthony's room upon hearing from Sally.
Upon arriving they saw Anthony looking out of the balcony towards where King Acorn's soldiers were heading towards the pit location. They also noticed he seemed to be clenching onto the railing rather hard, as if staving off some fury.
He turned towards the group as they entered, and they all noticed the look of rage in his eye as he spoke. "I guess you all heard what some fucking sicko had done out on the road leading to Minoc Grove."
"We heard," Tails said, surprised at Anthony's use of language. "Is Amy alright? Better question...are YOU alright?"
"Bookshire's looking at her right now," Anthony said. "As for me...I'm just a little..."
"You LOOK pissed!" Protoman said, interrupting Anthony. "You should calm down!"
"Calm down?!? CALM DOWN?!?" Anthony's rage was now visible. "A friend of mine nearly got killed because of what that fucker did, and you're telling me to CALM DOWN?!?!?"
"ANTHONY!" Zelda yelled, trying to stop Anthony's tirade. "Stop it! Getting angry will not help! I know how much Amy looks up to you, but having a tantrum won't help!"
Anthony collapsed in a nearby chair and placed his head in his hands. "You're...you're right. I'm sorry. It's just...the thought of...if I wasn't there..."
Mario walked up to Anthony and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We know...but you did a save her and that's all that matters. Right now we need to concentrate onna who put that trap there."
Bass then spoke up. "I'm guessing you gathered us to help in the investigation?"
"You guessed right," Anthony said, calming down. "Whoever did that may provide a continuing threat to those going to Minoc. Normally I'd suggest using the transit gates between the Mobius/Earth and Mobius/Neo-Earth portals for travel as a way to avoid the road, but with so many people that may need to go to and from there it will cause one hell of a bottleneck."
"Not to mention the fact that the portals and gates currently have restricted access," Megaman continued. "All those people moving back and forth would cause more of a security risk than usual."
Everyone nodded, then Sonic spoke up. "Okay...so first thing we do is figure out what this guy was doing. I mean, he can't just be taking the time to place these pits for just grins and giggles, he must have a target..."
"I think I know who it is..." Anthony spoke up.
Everyone looked at Anthony. "Who?" Sonic asked.
"Julian Kintobor."
"Why Julian?" Peach asked. "I mean...I thought all of Mobius forgave him because of the circumstances involved."
"True...but two things point to him. First, the pit was about ten feet deep and wide enough to allow me to go in and rescue Amy with plenty of room to spare. That's sounds like overkill for someone of Mobian stature, but not for a portly human like Julian. Second, the pit was modeled after an old form of the death penalty used for punishment for capital crimes like treason...and what do you think his actions as Robotnik qualified as?"
Everyone nodded in understanding. "But, if that's true, why put the pit there?" Luigi asked. "Anyone could step into it by accident like Amy did."
"Unless...does anyone know what Julian is doing now?"
"Let's see..." Protoman thought. "After his recovery, King Acorn assigned him to basic soldier's duties, having him start from the bottom and work his way up as a way to make up for what happened over the last ten years. I think today he was assigned to patrolling...the...area...between...uh oh..."
Everyone looked toward Protoman as a look of realization appeared on his face. "Mobotropolis and Minoc Grove?" Anthony asked. Protoman nodded. "Thought so," Anthony continued. "OK, looks like we know what the situation is and it sounds like someone on the inside's involved. I'd like everyone to aid King Acorn in the investigation and keep an eye on Julian in case another attempt is made on his life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go check on Amy."
As Anthony walked out, everyone waited until he left and was a safe distance away. Zelda then turned towards Tails. "Tails, use your powers and summon Lutherain. I want to make sure Anthony can't sense what we need to talk about."
Tails activated his Descendancy powers and used the Magi's Wand to summon Lutherain, a falcon with telepathic abilities that was Sonia's familiar. He then drew upon Lutherain's powers to use a power similar to the Emote Barrier Anthony used a while back and shrouded the whole room in a protective field.
"Good," Zelda said, then addressed the crowd. "OK, I'm guessing you all know why I don't want Anthony to hear this..."
"You mean the fact he just acted like he was going to kill whoever built that pit?" Sonic answered.
"Exactly. I'm afraid he won't be able to help us in this state. After hearing how Amy was able to surprise him at the Power Ring lake while he was distracted by his fear, he may not have full control of his powers if he investigates this with us since his powers may be hindered by his rage. We need to get him away."
"I don't know, Zelda," Link said. "Anthony might object strongly to being left out, and I doubt we'll be able to keep him from taking part anyway..."
"Then we'll just have to distract him further," Peach said. "I'll go talk with Mary, Amy's mother. Perhaps she can find a way to keep Anthony occupied..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy was sleeping peacefully on one of the beds in the infirmary, even though Bookshire had to sedate her to do it. Mary was sitting in a chair half crying, half shuddering with fear over her daughter's safety. When Anthony arrived, Mary jumped up and embraced the new Gamemaster, whispering thanks for saving her daughter.
"It's alright Mary, your daughter is safe now. We'll find whoever did this," Anthony said, trying to comfort Mary. "What did Bookshire say about Amy?"
Mary calmed down and released her embrace. "No injuries, thank Destiny. But...she's so terrified about what happened, Bookshire had to sedate her in order for her to relax. She's sleeping now."
"Good," Anthony said. "Hopefully, she will have calmed down upon awakening."
Mary looked down in fear. "I'm...not so sure of that. As I hugged her before bringing her here, she whispered something...to the effect of not stepping outside again."
"I'm guessing," Anthony mused. "she's scared because Mobius was just freed and just when she thought she was finally safe...this happens. The thought of that must be disillusioning to her." Mary almost started to cry again upon hearing that when Anthony spoke up. "Listen Mary, we'll find this guy. We all didn't fight to free Mobius so some other sicko can terrorize the people."
Bookshire walked out just as Anthony finished talking. "Oh, Gamemaster, I'm guessing you're here to check on Amy?"
"Yeah...I heard you needed to sedate her..."
"She was quite frightened by what happened to her. I fear she may have nightmares for a while," Bookshire said, then turned towards Mary. "Mary, she'll need your support more than ever to get through this."
"I'm not surprised..." Mary said, then broke down into tears again whispering "Why?" This time, Bookshire comforted Mary.
Peach came in as this scene took place and talked to Anthony. "Anthony, how is Amy?"
"Sedated and asleep right now," Anthony said, then turning towards Mary and Bookshire. "Bookshire, tell me when Amy wakes up. I'll be in my room. Mary...don't worry, she'll be fine. She'll get over this." As he left the office he thought to himself, "I hope..."
After Anthony left, Peach walked up to Mary as she began to calm down. "Mary, I was wondering if you can help us."
"What do you need, your highness?" Mary asked.
"We're worried about Anthony, and wondered if..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony looked out from the balcony of his room to where the pit was located, angered by what almost happened to Amy. He was waiting for the report of what Acorn's soldiers found and hoped the Heroes Council could also find out something. His thought were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing her throat. Anthony turned around to see the faces of Wendy and Nina.
"We heard what happened to Amy and ran back as soon as possible," Wendy explained. "The road was crawling with soldiers to make sure no one else fell in any pits. Is Amy alright?"
"She's fine..." Anthony said. "Frightened as all hell, but fine."
Both girls breathed a sigh of relief, then Nina spoke up. "Do you think Bookshire will let us see her?"
"She may still be sedated...but it shouldn't hurt to ask. She would probably like the company. Go ahead."
As both girls left, Anthony turned back towards the balcony. He then heard someone else clearing her throat. This time when he turned around, he saw the face of Mary Rose.
"Mary!" Anthony said, surprised. "Nina and Wendy just left to go see Amy. Is Amy awake now?"
"Amy's awake, but...she started trembling again out of fear as soon as she woke up. Bookshire's keeping her under observation, but I told Wendy and Nina she would appreciate the company." She looked down before continuing. "Anthony, I'm worried. Even before we got separated by Robotnik's forces, I've never seen Amy this frightened. I wish I could take her mind off this."
"Well...I don't know what I can do. My powers cannot remove fear or other emotions..."
"No, it's not that..." Mary said, then looked in Anthony's eyes. "You've traveled through all five worlds of Arcadia, is there someplace you could take us? Someplace where we can stay for a while to help take her mind off this?"
Anthony was surprised by this request. "Mary...I know she's your daughter, but...I don't think running away from this will help. Even if it's for a little while."
"I know but...it's the only thing I can think of. Can't you help?"
Anthony pondered Mary's request, thinking about where would be the best place to "vacation" for these two. He needed someplace where they would not be bothered or feel out of place. He could only think of one location...
"Alright...I'll go make the necessary arrangements..."
Mary thanked Anthony and left to go see her daughter again. Anthony then turned towards a communications device that was set up in his room. The system used was recently created by Dr. Light and Chuck as a way to communicate between the five worlds of Arcadia, with the primary communication antennas located at the portal locations.
"Open communications. Target...Earth...Earth/Gardenia portal location..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The members of the Heroes Council were examining the pit and the surrounding area. Mario and Luigi found the plumbing system used to pump the water into the pit and were using a probe with a sensor on it to determine where the water originated from. Megaman, Protoman, and Bass were scanning the area for any additional information they could find.
"Hmmm..." Mario said, checking the sensor data. "Looks a like there's a tank located directly next to where this pit is. The probe did not a go far." He then yelled out to the bots. "You bots a find anything?"
"Only the pump for that tank I just heard you talk about," Protoman said. "There doesn't seem to be any other signs of anything other than the trap. Looks like the entire trap was built as a single unit then buried." He then breathed what could qualify as a robot's equivalent of a sigh of frustration. "This is going to take a while..."
Bass then said, "Unless this was an inside job like Anthony suggested..."
Mario and Luigi jumped out of the pit upon hearing that. "What do you mean?" Mario asked.
"Well...who else knew Kintobor was going to be out here? Only people within the King's inner circle..."
Everyone present nodded in understanding, then Sonic and Link walked up to the group. Well...Sonic ran up...Link was taking his time.
"Nothing within one hundred miles of the place," Sonic said. "We would've been back sooner but Link wanted to recheck everything."
"Hey! I was actually checking, Sonic here was speeding through," Link said when he arrived. "But he's right...no sign of anything."
Luigi then spoke up. "Bass has been a saying this might be an inside job, just like a Anthony said. In which case, we should a probably talk to the king to see who has a grudge against Julian still."
Sonic then smiled an evil grin. "I hope it's St. John. He's had a hatred for humans for the longest time and that guy has been getting on my case just because Sal chose me over him. I will take great pleasure in interrogating him..."
"Something tells me the king won't let you near him if that's the case, Sonic," Tails said, flying down and rejoining the group. "Nothing could be seen from the sky, guys. Of course, with all the trees in this area, it makes it hard to see."
"Kind of makes it hard to believe this area was a polluted wasteland not too long ago," Megaman said. "So...should we tell the king our suspicions?"
"Definitely," Bass said. "We should cover all angles, even the most unlikely ones."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In one of the recently built houses, Mary was busy packing some belongings into a couple of suitcases, including a weeks worth of clothing for herself and Amy. As she packed, she secretly hoped this "vacation" would help her daughter get her mind off recent events. She also wondered where Anthony would take them.
As for Amy herself, she was still feeling a little scared. Sitting on a couch, she was hugging her legs to her body and just staring at nothing in particular. Only the sound of someone knocking on the door interrupted her thoughts...and shocked her out of her wits.
Mary opened the door and saw Anthony standing there. "Oh...Gamemaster..."
"Mary, please call me Anthony," Anthony said. "Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes...Amy?" Mary said, calling for her daughter. "Let's get going now." She then turned back towards Anthony. "Where are we going?"
"Earth. There's a government safehouse where you and your daughter can stay without worrying about autograph hounds asking for your daughter's autograph."
"Where is it, and how did you manage to arrange our staying there?"
"It's located in Minneapolis. In fact...it's my home."
"Your home?"
"Yep. Ever since the Gardenia portal appeared there, it was converted to a government safehouse to protect it. My parents still live there, even receiving special benefits from the government for use of the house for Arcadia based use. They've already got one of the spare rooms setup for you and Amy and are expecting you."
"Good...I'll go get the suitcases..."
As Mary walked off, Amy walked towards the door where Anthony had just come in. She looked as if she had been crying, or at least trying to prevent herself from crying, and Anthony knelt down to talk to her.
"Hey Ames, are you feeling a little better now?"
"Not really..." Amy said, looking up at Anthony. "I'm still a little scared..."
"Well, that's to be expected, considering what you've been through. But, your mother hopes this getaway will help take your mind off it. You should like my hometown, plenty of things to do: parks, malls, fishing...er, oops..." Anthony caught himself upon mentioning that, and noticed Amy starting to cry out of fear again. "At least I didn't suggest swimming," Anthony thought to himself as he tried to calm Amy down, "but, GOD am I a dumbass!"
Mary came down with the suitcases as the scene was unfolding and watched as Anthony tried to calm down Amy. "What happened?" she asked.
"Ah...I was mentioning some of the things to do in Minneapolis, and I mentioned fishing, and, well..." Anthony said.
Mary nodded in understanding and picked up her daughter to try and comfort her. Anthony picked up the suitcases and the three of them headed out, meeting Zelda as they were leaving.
"Zelda," Anthony said, "I'm taking Mary and Amy to Minneapolis so Amy can hopefully get her mind off of recent events. I should be back shortly once I get them settled to help with the investigations."
"Oh, well you shouldn't have to worry, we can take care of the investigations," Zelda said. "Why don't you stay with them and help Amy? I'm sure Amy will be glad to have you there and besides...aren't you overdue with telling your family you've recovered now?"
"Hmmm..." Anthony said, sensing there was more to Zelda's request. "Alright. I suppose I AM a bit overdue in visiting my family since my hospital exit. Keep me informed with what you find."
Anthony, Mary, and Amy then started to walk towards the Mobius/Earth portal. Zelda breathed a sigh of relief and thought, "Good. Hopefully this should keep Anthony's temper out of the equation..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Julian Kintobor was told of the suspicions regarding the trap and wasn't taking the news too well. "I knew I wasn't totally forgiven..." Julian said. "I wish the king hadn't decided to put me back in his trust. This event proves there are still people who hate me, and the king may lose the people's trust as a result. Not only that, but that little girl nearly died..."
David was trying hard to convince his father otherwise. "Dad, c'mon. Mobius forgave you and they know what you are going through now that you realize what happened. Just because a few jerks still don't like you is no reason to blame yourself for what happened! Save that blame for whoever set the trap!"
King Acorn was also there trying to convince Julian. "Julian, even I knew it technically wasn't you who shoved me into the Void. I have even told my people the circumstances regarding the Retro Orbiting Chaos Converter, and they realize you were as much a victim as they were. Whoever's doing this is just bitter and refuses to listen and accept the truth. We'll find who did this. THAT person is the real one to blame."
"Very well, your majesty," Julian said, getting up from the chair he was sitting in. "Shall I return to duty?"
"No," King Acorn said. "I'm taking you off duty until we can find out who did this. Consider it a vacation. You and your son can spend more time together as well."
Julian nodded in understanding and stood at attention until King Acorn left. He then sat back down and turned towards David, who was at the moment placing a hand on his father's shoulder to help comfort him...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony was saluted by the portal guards at the Earth/Gardenia portal as he, Amy, and Mary exited the transit gate from Area 51, the Earth/Mobius portal location. "Gentlemen," Anthony said, rolling his eyes, "I'm a civilian, you don't salute me."
"Actually sir," one of the guards said, "your position as Gamemaster is considered equal to both an ambassador and a high ranking officer's rank in Arcadia. So you are to be treated accordingly."
"I see..." Anthony said, sighing in disbelief, then changed the subject. "Are my parents home?"
"No sir. They had to run out on an errand. The spare room next to yours is already prepared though and they are expecting your guests."
"Good," Anthony said, then turned towards the hedgehogs. "Alright, let's head upstairs."
Since the portal was still in the basement of the house, they had to climb two flights of stairs to reach where the room was located. Anthony led them into a room which featured a queen size bed, a desk, a double closet, and several cabinets. Anthony also noticed something else...a plush Amy Rose doll adorning the bed and propped up on the pillows.
Anthony giggled at the sight of this. "Looks like they got a gift for Amy," Anthony thought to himself, then turned back towards Amy and Mary and said, "I'll let you two get settled. I'm going to get set up in my room."
Anthony left the two hedgehogs so they can unpack and entered his room which was right next to theirs, hearing a gasp from Mary as she spots the doll and smiling upon hearing it. He removed his armor and sword and set them in the corner of the room next to where another sword was hanging on the wall, the very same sword he first used when he first entered Arcadia. He then set a duffel bag on his bed and unpacked the clothes he brought with him.
After unpacking, he collapsed on his bed, exhausted both physically and mentally. He was having a hell of a day, trying to deal with recent events both with his official title receipt and with what was happening with Amy. One nagging question came with him as well: Why did Zelda suggest he stay with them here? He sensed there was more to her request, but surely his powers would help figure out who did set the trap, and besides, he wanted to deal with whoever was the fucker who...
As Anthony clenched a fist in anger from his thoughts, he suddenly realized why Zelda sent him with the hedgehogs. His temper. He had become so angry with whoever set the trap that his rage had got the best of him, something that became apparent when he talked with the Heroes Council and yelled at everyone. He realized he would be no help in this state...and decided this vacation was just as good for him as it would probably be for Amy.
After resting for a bit and collecting his thoughts, he checked to see how Amy and Mary were doing. When he checked on his guests, he saw Mary currently sitting on the bed and hugging Amy, who in turn was hugging the doll.
"Hmmm...A private moment," Anthony thought. "Better leave them alone for a bit. I can show them around the house later." He then walked down the stairs into his home's family room and plopped down in one of the recliners, brandishing a remote he grabbed from off the nearby table and turning on the television. He then started flipping through channels.
"Reruns...golf...B-movie...George Bush...more golf...the HELL?!?" He checked a nearby calendar and saw it was Saturday. "GOD, I hate weekend TV! Guess I lost track of time in Arcadia." As he shut off the television, he heard the garage door opening, signifying that his parents had come home. He decided to greet them as they came in and walked up to the entry. Naturally, his parents were pleasantly surprised to see their son, and embraced him upon seeing him...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonic was pacing back and forth within one of the other rooms of the palace. He was kept out of the interrogations of the palace guards because of his feelings towards Geoffrey. He hated waiting...and hoped the interrogations would reveal something about the mindset of the guards towards Julian. His thoughts were soon interrupted by a familiar voice...
"You look bored, Blue..."
Sonic turned around to see the face of Knuckles. A surprise at best...
"Knux?!? What are you doing here?"
"Heard what happened to Amy and came to lend a hand with the investigations. The Chaotix and the Mobius/Gardenia portal guards are taking care of the emerald. Find out anything so far?"
"Nada Red..." Sonic said. "We think it's someone on the inside since whoever it was knew Julian's schedule. I kinda wish Anth could check them out, but..."
"But what?" Knuckles asked, slightly confused.
"You missed it, Red. Anth was totally pissed off by what happened to Amy. I've never seen him like this! Princess Zelda had him go with Amy to his hometown of Minneapolis to cool off, since his powers will probably be just as out of control with him in this state."
"Hmmm...I could have told you about that temper," Knuckles said. "Anthony showed it before showing me that fanfic. Never believed it would get this bad..."
The two of them then turned where Mario and Luigi came in. "Well," Mario said, "looks a like this investigation will take a while. None of the guards knew anything about the trap. One thing though, it a seems the information for how to make the trap can no longer be accessed."
"Huh?" Sonic said, confused. "What happened to it?"
"Looked a like it was purged from the library computers," Luigi said. "Recently too. Doctor Light is currently checking the computers, but whoever deleted the info was good....leaving a no sign as to his entry."
Knuckles scratched his head and mused. "So we're dealing with a computer expert as well..."
Sonic shook his head in disbelief. "Great, more waiting...Anthony may be in Minneapolis for a LONG time..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...and then Anthony came to our underground city and told us Miles and Amy were alive. When I finally saw her again...it was the greatest moment of my life."
Mary gave a caring glance towards her daughter after saying that while she, Amy, Anthony, and his parents were sitting down to dinner. She and Anthony's mother dominated most of the conversation...Anthony was too busy blushing from the accolades and Amy was busy picking at her food, lost in her own thoughts.
"I must say, Mrs. Bault..."
"Mary, please call me Toni," Anthony's mother replied.
"Alright, Toni. As I was saying, your son has really given us a lot of hope recently, and has done more than we could have possibly imagined. I...even owe him for Amy's happiness, and recently for her life..."
Anthony scratched his read nervously out of embarrassment as his mother spoke up. "Yes...I was told by Princess Sally about how Anthony had comforted Amy during a couple of difficult times for her. Amy and I also comforted each other during Anthony's hospital stay. I guess she wanted to thank Anthony through me for all he had done..." Toni then looked at Anthony, whose face was beet red by now, and giggled. "I think we'd better stop now, Anthony looks really embarrassed right now from all our talking."
"THANK YOU!" Anthony said. "I hate being the center of attention...even if I deserve the attention!" He then turned towards Amy. "Ames...you've been quiet all this time. You alright?" Amy responded by pushing away from the table and walking away.
Anthony sighed and shook his head as Mary went to check on her daughter. "Still shaken from recent events," Anthony explained to his parents. "Understandable I guess...considering what almost happened."
"Tony," Anthony's father, Bill, replied. "Why don't you talk to Amy? It might help her."
"Dad, she has her mother now. She doesn't need me anymore..."
"I disagree," Toni said, interrupting Anthony. "She still looks up to you as more than a friend and could use your help coping..."
"Yeah, but...there's something you don't know about Amy," Anthony said. "Amy tends to latch on emotionally to anyone she looks up to. It started with Sonic when he brought her from the ruins of her hometown to Knothole after it was destroyed. She was hoping to make Sonic her boyfriend, but became depressed when she found out he was already taken by Sally. Later she did the same with Knuckles...but he was too concerned at the time with guarding the Master Emerald to be involved in a relationship. I think she's on friendly terms with Tails now. But...after the events in Knothole where I had comforted her, she admitted to me she looked up to me like a father. This worries me..."
"Why?" Toni said, surprised by this last statement. "Tony...she was just showing her gratitude for helping her through some difficult times..."
"Yes," Anthony said, "I understand that. But, as I said, she doesn't need me anymore. She has her mother, her REAL family now, and to continue to latch on to me like that is...not normal for a girl her age, at least it doesn't SEEM normal to me. The best thing for me to do is to leave the two of them alone to reconnect as a family. Besides, after I calm down a little bit from what happened, I intend to help with the investigation. I feel I'm needed there more."
Anthony then noticed both of his parents were shaking their heads in disbelief. "What? What did I say?"
"Tony..." Toni started, "are you listening to yourself? You aren't sounding like the same person who helped Amy on Mobius...you are sounding like someone impatient to get to his next adventure. They have plenty of people doing the investigation right now, and Amy could use as much support to help her through this, so you're needed here more." She then looked Anthony straight in the eye and continued. "Besides, Tony...her love for you is perfectly normal. She sees you as a really close friend, someone she can turn to for support for things such as this, and that's not going to change even though she has her real family now."
"Besides," Bill said, adding to the conversation, "if you are going to be these worlds' Gamemaster, you have to understand not all heroic deeds require fighting. Right now, Amy needs the Anthony Bault that helped her emotionally in Knothole, the hero that existed before the title."
Anthony sat back in thought at this. "I see...you're probably right. I guess I WAS hoping for action as soon as I was better...just not this. I wonder though..."
Before his parents could ask what, one of the portal guards called from the basement. "Mr. Bault! You have a visitor!"
"Excuse me, 'rents," Anthony said, getting up from the table, "duty calls." Anthony then walked downstairs and saw Tails waiting for him.
"Hi, Anthony," Tails said.
"Hi, Tails. Any news on investigation so far?"
"None. We figure someone who knows Julian Kintobor's schedule was involved, which narrows it down to the palace's inner circle. Unfortunately, no one we interrogated showed any sign of hiding any knowledge about the trap. I even used my powers and, with Lutherain's help, sensed their thoughts. Still nothing. Also, whoever did it seems to have erased the information on how to make the trap from our database to cover his tracks."
"Hmmm...looks like this will take a while..." Anthony mused. "Say Tails, as long as you're here, why don't you see Amy? She's feeling kind of down right now and I'm sure she'll appreciate your visit."
"Actually..." Tails said, then stuck his head in the transit gate leading to the Earth/Mobius portal. After bringing it back out, several individuals came out of the gate. Namely, the Koopa kids, Nina, and Knuckles's sister Chuckles. "There are quite a few others who want to see her as well."
Anthony smiled upon seeing the group. "Alright, let's go see her..." He then led the group up to where Amy and Mary were and Amy was more than happy to see them. Wendy, Nina, and Chuckles even gave Amy sisterly hugs...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That night, after everyone in the household had gone to bed, Anthony found himself experiencing a nightmare. He saw himself trapped at the bottom of a pit similar to the one he rescued Amy from, and watched in horror as a steel grate appeared above and the pit started filling with water. As he struggled to get out, he found himself wishing the Gamemaster would show up. It was then he woke up, not afraid, but confused...
"What the? Why was I wishing for myself to show up in that dream? It was if..." Suddenly he realized that he wasn't experiencing his own nightmare, but was psionically viewing someone else's. "Dear God...AMY'S having the nightmare!"
Then, almost on cue, Anthony heard Amy wake up with a quiet gasp, and then listened as Mary tried to calm her down as she started sobbing in fear. Anthony wished there was some way to make her feel better, unfortunately he was unsure what to do. The next thing he heard was Amy telling Mary she was going to get a drink of water. However, instead of going to the nearby bathroom, she started walking downstairs, an action Anthony could plainly see from his bedroom door. Anthony decided to see what was going on.
Amy ended up going to the family room and was staring out one of the windows, seemingly deep in her own thoughts. Anthony walked up to her and sensed intense feelings of fear.
"Amy," Anthony quietly said, startling the young hedgehog, "if you're too scared to sleep because of that nightmare, why didn't you tell your mother?"
"I didn't want her to worry," Amy whispered so she wouldn't wake anyone up. "How did you know about...?"
"I picked it up psionically in my sleep...almost thought it was my nightmare for a while." Anthony said.
"Oh..." Amy said, then turned back toward the window.
Anthony realized he needed to do something then and there, even if it meant having Amy latch on to him like Tails did to Sally. "Amy, come here," he whispered, then he sat on a couch and motioned for her to sit next to him, which she did.
"Amy...I know you were scared about what almost happened to you, I would be too if it happened to me. But...you are safe now and no one is going to let what almost happened to you happen again. Not your friends, not your mother...and certainly not me."
"I know..." Amy said, then started to tear up. "It's just...I can't help..."
Anthony placed an arm around Amy and hugged her close to try to comfort her. "I know you can't help being scared, especially considering what you've been through. But that's what your friends and especially your mother are for, to help you through this. We won't let anything happen, and that's a promise!"
Amy took in these words and laid against Anthony, letting a few tears fall as Anthony continued to comfort her. Almost instinctively, Anthony began rocking Amy back and forth in an attempt to lull her to sleep. Eventually, as Anthony hoped, Amy fell back asleep.
Anthony carefully picked up the young hedgehog so not to wake her and carried her back up to her bedroom. Mary watched as Anthony brought her up. "Anthony?" she asked quietly. "What happened? Why was Amy downstairs?"
Anthony carried Amy over to the bed and laid her down. "She was still scared after a nightmare she had and didn't want to go back to sleep. I managed to calm her down though. She should sleep peacefully now."
Mary nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Anthony. I...can't tell you..."
"Let's not talk about it now, Mary. It's late. You just have a good night, alright?"
"Alright. Good night Anthony, and thank you again."
Anthony returned to his room as Mary placed the covers back over Amy. She then kissed Amy on the forehead and whispered, "May Destiny grant you pleasant dreams from now on, my princess..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning, Anthony woke up early, showered, and dressed before anyone else got up. He then walked down to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee for everyone. As the pot finished brewing, Mary entered the kitchen area.
"Good morning Mary," Anthony said, handing her a cup of coffee. "Did you and Amy have a peaceful night's rest the rest of the night?"
"Yes," Mary said, taking the coffee, "in fact she's still sleeping as we speak." She paused a bit before continuing. "I...can't thank you enough, Anthony. Not just for comforting Amy last night, but for everything. Reuniting us, rescuing her from that trap, comforting her in Knothole during those two difficult times...freeing my people...it's strange, one human caused so much pain, and another is helping to relieve it."
"Mary...please stop." Anthony said. "Freeing Mobius was the joint effort of all five worlds and trying to restore it is still a joint effort, not just my doing. As for helping Amy...there's no need to thank me. That I was happy to do. At the time, she had no one to help her like Princess Sally helped Tails, so it was the least I could do." Anthony then took a more serious tone. "I suppose you heard how she tried to latch on emotionally to Sonic and others."
Mary nodded. "Yes...and I sometimes I was around to help her through this and yet..." She looked up at Anthony before continuing. "...when I consider what you've done for her, I could almost swear I see her father's kind spirit in you."
Anthony was surprised by this comment. He then noticed Mary starting to have tears well in her eyes and realized that she was remembering her husband. He embraced the elder hedgehog to try to comfort her, even hearing her whisper a thank you from doing so. The event was witnessed by Anthony's father as he entered the kitchen.
"Tony...what's wrong with Mary?"
"Nothing," Anthony said. "She was thanking me for helping comfort Amy after she had a nightmare last night and said I reminded her of Amy's father. I think she's remembering those days..."
Bill nodded in understanding. By this time, she had finally calmed down and was wiping away her tears, and ended up startled after seeing him.
"Oh, Bill! I didn't..."
"It's alright Mary, I understand," Bill said. "Are you alright?"
"Yes...just remembering some happier times..." Mary said.
Amy was the next to enter the kitchen area. "Good morning, Amy," Anthony said. "Feeling alright this morning?"
"Yes," Amy said, then motioned for Anthony to come closer. As he bent down to Amy's level, Amy hugged him tightly and whispered a thank you to him.
"Hey, it was nothing, Ames," Anthony said. Mary smiled upon seeing this exchange, then Anthony continued. "So, do you feel any better from when you first came here?"
"Definitely," Amy said, releasing the hug.
"Good," Anthony said as he got up. "But just so you know, I don't want you getting a present for me because of this. That's how this trouble began and I'm already receiving more than my share of praise from Arcadia, and I don't deserve most of it!"
"Aw..." Amy said, disappointed. "That's too bad. You know, I was going to get you a Mobian author's mystery novel when I was heading to Minoc, seeing all those mystery books you brought with you to Mobius. By the way, who is, um, Poy-rat? Poy-rot?"
"It's pronounced, 'Pwa-row'," Anthony explained. "Poirot is one of Agatha Christie's best characters, a Belgian detective who manages to solve difficult crimes using just 'his little gray cells', as he calls them. These stories always have some type of plot twist near the end, especially in 'Peril at End House' where..." Anthony paused as a look of realization appeared on his face. "Oh my God...OF COURSE!!!!"
Everyone else in the room was shocked at this outburst. "Tony, what is it?" Bill asked.
"I think I just figured out who set that trap in Mobius!" Anthony exclaimed, then ran upstairs. When he came back down, he was in his armor.
"Where are you going?" Amy asked. "Back to Mobius?"
"Yes...I need to talk to the Heroes Council," Anthony said, then quickly kissed Amy on the cheek. "Thank you, Ames! You may have just helped me figure out who was responsible." He then ran downstairs towards the portal room.
"You're welcome?" Amy said, and she and the others looked at each other with confused looks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Nothing?"
The Heroes Council had assembled in one of the palace's meeting rooms and were listening to Dr. Light's findings. Unfortunately...
"Nothing," Dr. Light explained. "Whoever erased the records of the entry into the database made sure to cover all his tracks. We're not going to figure out who's responsible this way."
"Man!" Sonic exclaimed, showing his disappointment. "This guy could've made a good Freedom Fighter if he wasn't so hateful!"
"No kidding!" Zelda said, then sighed in disappointment. "Now I'm wishing we hadn't sent Anthony away. We could use..."
Suddenly they heard one of the guards outside say, "Sir, what are you doing back? Sir? Where are you going?" The next thing the entire group saw was Anthony burst into the room.
"Guys...oh good, you're all here!" Anthony said upon entering. "I think I..."
"Anthony?!?" Peach said, interrupting him. "What are you doing back? I thought you were going to visit your family for a while?"
"I plan on returning, but I needed to talk to you guys! I think I figured out who has it in for Julian...or at least narrowed it down to two."
The entire group was surprised by this statement, then Bass spoke up. "Okay...explain to us HOW you were able to figure it out when you weren't even here for the investigations and when we couldn't uncover anything."
"Simple...Amy gave me the answer," Anthony said, then noticing the confused looks on the group's faces. "OK, I'll explain. This morning Amy mentioned how when she was going to get a mystery book for me from Minoc Grove after seeing my collection of Poirot novels. That reminded me of something...In one of those novels, the murderer turned out to be...someone who was thought to be the intended victim!"
The group was still confused, then Mario spoke up. "Mama mia! Then you mean one of the people that could be responsible is...?"
"Yes, Mario. I mean that one of the people who could've set that trap is...Julian himself! He still blames himself for what happened to Mobius and probably meant to commit suicide in this manner. Appropriate, considering it was originally used as a punishment for capital crimes!"
The group understood what Anthony was saying, then Sonic spoke up. "Whoa, hold it! You said there were two, who's the other guy?"
"Reginald Snout, and this represents a second possibility. Reginald was angry with what had happened on Mobius and probably still blames his uncle for it. Not just for what happened to the people, but for how he was treated as Snivley. Plus, if what I read in the comic storylines and fan-fiction are correct, he's also good with computers."
Everyone present nodded in understanding at what Anthony was saying, then Zelda spoke up. "Okay, we'd better check this out. Tails, we'll need your Descendancy Powers again to check out Reginald."
"Got it," Tails said, activating the powers in question.
Zelda then turned Anthony. "Anthony, will you be able to check Julian with your abilities?"
"Yeah..." Anthony said, then addressing the entire group. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine now. Oh, and...thanks for worrying about me. You did the right thing sending me to Earth to calm down."
Zelda smiled at this and kissed Anthony lightly on the cheek. "It's alright. We were just concerned about you like you were for Amy."
"I know...and I appreciate it," Anthony said.
Sonic then spoke up. "Uh, Zelda, Anthony? We're waiting!"
Anthony shot a glance at Sonic. "Sonic...if I had a Mobium for EVERY time you've said that, I could probably buy this palace and retire off the rest. So STIFLE IT!" The group laughed at this exchange then left the room to find Julian and Reginald. Sonic was mumbling under his breath the entire way.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reginald Snout was busy checking something on one of the palace's library computers. With recent events taking place with the rebuilding, he decided to check on what could be done about a kingdom wide network connected to the other worlds of Arcadia.
"Yo, Reg! We need to talk!"
Reginald turned around upon hearing Sonic's voice and saw he was not alone. He was flanked by the three herobots, Megaman, Bass, and Protoman, as well as Tails, who was currently in his Magi robes and had Lutherain on his shoulder.
"Oh dear..." Reginald said. "I assume this is about the missing file on how to create 'The Soaking'?"
Protoman spoke up. "It's more than that. We were wondering what else you know about the trap, and if you had any suspicions."
"Well," Reginald said, looking nervously at Tails who appeared to be looking at him intently, "all I know is what I've been hearing lately. Is it true that whoever set the trap meant it for my uncle?"
"WE'LL ask the questions, Reg," Bass replied. "But to satisfy that query, yes!"
"Hmmm..." Reginald said. "I'm sorry, I wish I could help you, but I know nothing more than what I've heard."
Tails then spoke up. "Then why do I sense you're hiding something? You're nervous about something, and the feelings of fear I sense coming from you is intense."
"Er...well...I guess I'm just nervous that whoever's after my uncle may come after me next."
"It's not just that," Tails said, then turning to the group. "Guys, he is DEFINITELY hiding something!"
Sonic then went up to Reginald and grabbed him by the collar. "Alright, Reg...spill it! What do you know?!? Are you the one who set that trap?!?"
"No, I swear!" Reginald looked even more frightened than he ever was before, and then broke down. "ALRIGHT! I'll tell you! I was told to erase the file by the person who set the trap! He wouldn't take no for an answer!"
"Who, Reg?" Sonic asked with more intensity. "WHO?!?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mario Brothers, Link, Zelda, Peach, and Anthony went to see where Julian was. He was still in his room and was currently talking to David. Both the Kintobors were surprised to see the group come in. "Guys!" David said upon seeing them, "What's going on? Why are you here?"
Anthony took the initiative. "We need to talk to your father, Davie. You can stay if you want, but we need to ask him about the trap."
David was about to object when Julian spoke up. "It's alright, son. I'll be fine." Julian then turned towards the group. "What do you need to ask me?"
"We were a wondering if you knew of a anyone who still hates you," Mario said. "Right now, we're having a hard time finding anyone who fits that description, since most of a the people seem to have forgiven you."
Julian took a thoughtful pose and considered the question for a while before answering. "I'm not sure...personally I thought the entire planet still sees me as the enemy. But...if I was to single anyone out, it would be that skunk, Geoffrey St. John. He has given me bad looks on several occasions, despite the king's warnings. But, I doubt he was responsible. He doesn't seem to be the type to pull a stunt like that."
Anthony was concentrating hard on Julian while he was saying this. He sensed there was something Julian was hiding, sensing both fear and guilt, but couldn't quite figure it out, thinking the guilt could be residual from his feelings about what he did as Robotnik. He was about to ask another question after Julian was finished talking when he received a telepathic message from Tails. *Anthony! Reginald did erase the records, but he didn't set the trap!*
*Who did?* Anthony telepathically replied back.
*Let's just say...you owe Amy!*
Anthony understood and then asked Julian another question. "Julian, you said you can't think of anyone who would want to kill you?"
"No one...even though I expected the entire planet to want to see me dead," Julian said.
"Dad!" David said. "Stop talking like that! The people forgave you...phrack, the KING forgave you!"
Anthony then continued. "Not even...yourself, Julian?"
David and Julian were shocked by this question. Anthony then continued further. "Julian...your nephew just admitted you told him to erase the records. It's obvious you wanted to use that trap to kill yourself. Now the question...why? Why didn't you admit that you set that trap?"
David looked nervously at Julian. "D-Dad? Is he right?"
Julian fell into a chair and sobbed loudly, showing that what Anthony said was right. David then looked angrily at Anthony. "Damn you, Bault!"
"David, calm down!" Anthony said. "I'm guessing he was ashamed that his actions nearly cost another innocent life." Anthony turned back toward Julian. "Am I right, Julian?"
Julian nodded as he continued sobbing. He then looked up towards the group. "Every day I look in the mirror, I don't see the man I used to be. I see the tyrant that caused all the pain of the past ten years. I couldn't live with myself with what I have done, even if it wasn't my mind that was in control it was these hands that did the deeds." He then turned towards David, who by now was tearing up himself. "But, when I heard the pit was triggered and heard how one family was nearly torn apart, I realized how David would feel without me. That returned my reason to live, but I didn't want anyone to know what I had done. So, I hid the fact I built the trap and had Reginald fix the records to hide my access of them."
Everyone in Anthony's group looked at each other, wondering what to do next. Anthony then walked up to them as David tried to comfort his father. "Guys, tell the king what we just uncovered. Also...tell him not to be too hard on Julian." The group nodded in understanding, and Peach and Zelda were wiping away some of their own tears from what they heard Julian said.
As they walked out of the room and headed towards the throne room, Link noticed Anthony was walking out of the palace. "Anthony, where are you going?"
"Back to my family, Link," Anthony said. "There's something else I need to do..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Anthony walked upstairs from the portal room in his house, he was met by Amy, Mary, and his parents. All four of them had a confused look on their faces.
"Anthony, what happened?" Amy said.
Anthony sighed and told them all that happened with Julian and Reginald. All present were shocked by what they were told.
"Poor man..." Mary said. "To have to go through what he's going through..."
"I know," Anthony said. "Even though I managed to remove the Robotnik personality from his mind, the Julian personality is still haunted by what happened. Hopefully, after the recent events, he'll finally get help to cope."
Before anyone else could say another word, one of the portal guards called out. "Mr. Bault, you have a visitor. Prince Elias of Mobotropolis."
Anthony ran down to the portal room and saw Elias there. He seemed to have news. "Ah, Gamemaster. Just so you know, Father has been told of what happened and has decided to go easy on Julian as you suggested. His son, David, is also going to find some professional psychiatric help through your country's government."
"Good," Anthony said. "The man didn't deserve to be treated as a criminal."
"I agree. As you told him before, he was as much a victim as we were."
"Thank you your highness. I'll be back in Mobius shortly."
Elias took his leave as Anthony ran back upstairs to tell the others what had happened.
"Well," Mary said, "now that this terrible affair is over with, Amy and I should probably head back to Mobius."
"What's your hurry?" Anthony asked. "You packed for a week's stay, so there's no reason you should return right away. Besides," Anthony then turned towards Amy, "I was hoping to show Amy here the sights of my home city."
"Really?" Amy asked. "That's awesome! Mom?"
"Alright," Mary said.
"Good!" Anthony said. "Amy, why don't you get cleaned up a bit, and I'll take you out to one such sight?"
Amy started walking upstairs with Mary following close behind. Anthony's parents then looked at Anthony with a strange look. "Anthony..." Toni said, "I thought you were going to distance yourself from Amy?"
"I changed my mind. After I comforted her from that nightmare last night, I got to thinking that you were right, her feelings towards me aren't going to change. Besides...it's kind of nice having someone look up to me like Amy does...not as a hero or celebrity like most of Arcadia does, but as a close friend." Anthony then smiled what could pass as an evil grin. "Also, she was brought here to be cheered up, and I know the perfect way to do that..."
"What's that?" Bill asked.
"Well, let's just say both she and I should enjoy the looks on some of the store owner's faces when I take her to my favorite gaming stores at the Mall of America..."
His parents laughed upon hearing that, and Anthony could swear he heard Amy laughing from upstairs as well...
A lone warrior found himself surrounded by several robotic warriors. The robots remained still as the warrior drew a sword from a scabbard on his back, and then charged once he assumed a battle stance.
The robots were literally being blown away by strange blasts emanating from the warrior's unarmed hand, while those that got too close were sliced in half by the strangely strong blade.
Finally the battle came down to the warrior and one robot. The robot drew a laser weapon and fired, only to have the blast be reflected by the warrior's sword. The warrior then came in close and sliced the robot into a pile of scrap and bleeding oil.
"Well done, Anthony."
Anthony looked at the robotic carnage around him. More than a week had passed since he recovered from his excursion to find Tails's and Amy's parents, and he was currently being tested to see if was fit to leave medical care.
Anthony turned towards the observation window where Bookshire and Dr. Light were watching the battle while consulting several instruments.
"How'd I do, Bookshire?" Anthony asked.
"Better than expected! Psionic depletion during that entire fight was only 16% despite the fact you were using your powers to fire Force Blasts as well as enhance your abilities. Looks like you made a full recovery!"
"Thank God!" Anthony said, relieved. "If I had to spend ANY more time in that damn hoverchair, I would have gone nuts!"
"Form the lack of activities?" asked Dr. Light.
"From the multitudes of Professor X jokes coming from David and T-Bone. I swear...after that last riff where David asked me about Lilandra, I nearly asked Protoman to reprogram his robotic arm to play Barney songs non-stop. Luckily, I'm not that cruel..."
"To say the least..." Dr. Light mused. "Protoman might have decided to do it anyway just for fun, even if you told him not to!"
Sally walked into the observation room and asked the doctors about Anthony's condition, then turned towards Anthony. "Anthony, I hear you're at full health now. I was wondering if you would meet me and my father in the throne room in about an hour."
"Why?"
"My father wanted to discuss something with you once you were fully recovered."
"Alright...see you in an hour then, your highness."
As Sally walked away, Anthony suspected there was something more to the meeting she asked about. Especially since she whispered something to Bookshire and Light before leaving...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an hour had passed, Anthony was walking towards the throne room. He had his armor on and had the Sword of the Gamemaster strapped to the back, expecting to take on the responsibilities of the Gamemaster once he was done talking with the king and the princess. He wondered what King Acorn wanted to see him about, especially after seeing Sally's actions in the training room. Hopefully he would find out soon...
Once he arrived outside the throne room, he noticed Antoine and Geoffrey guarding it as if something was taking place inside. Even more suspicious now, Anthony decided to stay out of their line of sight and use his Clairvoyance power to see what was going on.
He saw that nearly every hero from the five worlds, from Mario to Sonic and from Link to Megaman were waiting in the throne room on either side of a carpet that ran up to the throne, almost gauntlet fashion. King Acorn, Princess Sally, and Prince Elias were waiting near the throne in their finest regalia. All in that room were anxious in anticipation...
"Oh, I got set up good..." Anthony thought to himself. "Well, better not keep them waiting. But first, if this is going to be a royal affair, better dress right..."
Anthony activated his Descendancy Powers to cause the Master's Armor to appear, then walked up to the door to the throne room. Geoffrey and Antoine saw him approach, and opened the doors to the throne room as he walked up. As he entered he saw King Acorn shake his head...
"I should've realized we wouldn't have been able to keep this from a psionicist," King Acorn said, then stood up. "Anthony Bault, please step forward." Anthony walked towards the throne, stopping just as he reached the end of the carpet. "Kneel."
Anthony kneeled down in front of the king, placing an arm across his chest in a sort of salute. He then noticed the king remove the Sword of the Gamemaster from the scabbard on his back. Anthony suspected what would happen next, and then the king spoke again...
"One thousand years ago, a knight from Earth came to our worlds and gave his life so that we may all live. Today, one of his descendants, one who has shown great courage and heart, now joins our ranks as the hero and representative of his world."
"God, this is pretentious!" Anthony thought to himself. "Better suck it up, Bault...these guys want this ceremony for God, Destiny, or Farore knows what reason..."
The king continued, tapping the blade of Anthony's sword on each shoulder while speaking. "Anthony Bault, descendant of Sir Eric, I now officially knight you Gamemaster of Arcadia. May you continue to serve with honor and dignity. Arise!"
Anthony stood up, now noticing the king handing the handle of the sword to him. He took his sword, bowed, and then faced the crowd. He then did a Cloud Strife style victory salute, spinning the sword in front of him before placing it back in his scabbard, and then yelled, "Someone give me a 'Hell yeah'!"
The entire room yelled the phrase...then walked up to congratulate the newest hero of Arcadia.
"Congratulations, Anthony...or should I say, Gamemaster?" Link said. "So...what are you going to do with your new, and now official, title?"
"Hopefully keep busy," Anthony said, deactivating the Descendancy powers and reverting his armor to the red plate form. "After spending two weeks in a hoverchair, I could use some action."
"Don't you think you've already done enough?" Protoman asked.
"The only reason I accepted becoming the Gamemaster was to see what more I could do, Proto. So no, I don't think I've done enough and I very much intend to do more."
"Like a what?" Luigi asked.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll find something..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What do you mean, 'NO'?!?"
Anthony was having no luck getting the work crews to allow him to help with the rebuilding effort. He had asked several of those present, including the Mario Brothers and the Goron metalsmiths, if there was anything he could do, but...
"You've already done enough for us, Gamemaster," one of the workers said. "Let us take care of this. You just enjoy yourself now that you are well."
Anthony shook his head in disbelief at the workers not wanting an additional hand helping them. "And I thought I was an incurable workaholic," Anthony thought to himself. He walked off towards Vista Point to think and ended up seeing Mary Rose.
"Mary!" Anthony said, addressing the newly found mother of Amy. "I thought you'd be spending time with your daughter."
"I was. I can't tell you enough how great it feels to be back with her," Mary said. To his surprise, she then embraced the newly appointed Gamemaster and started crying tears of joy. "Thank you so much..."
"Hey, like I said, I was glad to do it. Especially to see Amy happy again," Anthony said, comforting Mary. "Now, where is Amy?"
Mary released the hug and wiped her eyes and then said, "She left not too long ago and is heading towards Minoc Grove to meet Wendy and Nina. She also mentioned something about wanting to get something for you..."
"Oh, she DID, did she? Well, I think I'll go catch up with her. She'll probably want to know I'm finally out of that hoverchair. I'll see you later, Mary. Device two, ACTIVATE!"
A jet sled appeared under Anthony's feet and Anthony sped off towards Minoc Grove. Mary just stood and watched Anthony's departure, showing complete admiration for the new Gamemaster.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy was in higher spirits than she had ever been before. Mobius was free and she got her mother back...and she had Anthony to thank for both. She was wondering what to get Anthony. She had seen a small selection of mystery books that he had brought from Earth in his possession, though she wondered how the heck to pronounce "Poirot", and thought about finding a mystery book by one of Mobius's authors. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when she stumbled into a deep hole.
As she recovered her senses, she looked at the hole she fell into. "What the...? Who dug this here?" she thought to herself, and started looking around for a way to get out. Suddenly, a bear trap like mechanism, sans the teeth, clasped onto her leg and a grating appeared on the hole opening.
"Oh no...Help! Help!" Amy yelled, hoping someone was within earshot, while trying to free her foot. She suddenly heard what sounded like water running and became more panicked when she saw the hole start to fill with water. "Great Destiny...HELP!!! SOMEONE HELP!!!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony was midway between Mobotropolis and Minoc when he stopped his jet sled. He thought he would run into Amy by now, considering Mary said she had left Mobotropolis not too long ago, and wondered where she could be.
Suddenly he sensed a feeling of absolute panic. He focused his powers and found a grating on the ground in the middle of the road. He then used his Clairvoyance powers to see beyond the grate, and was shocked when he saw Amy flailing around in the water.
"AMY!" Anthony said, pulling out his lightsaber from the side of his armor. "Hang on, I'll get you out!" He then activated the lightsaber and used it to cut open the grating. He then threw the cut away grate to the side and yelled into the hole. "Amy, can you swim out?"
"NO! My foot's caught in some trap on the bottom! Help...gargglll..." The water suddenly went over her head.
"NO!!!" Anthony said, afraid for Amy's life. "ARMOR, ACTIVATE!" The red plate armor covered Anthony's body and Anthony fired his grappler weapon towards a nearby tree and then jumped into the hole. The armor kept water from entering as Anthony used his free hand to free Amy's leg, psionically enhancing his strength to literally rip the bear trap off it's hinging. He then grabbed Amy and reeled in the grappler to pull them both out.
Anthony set Amy to the side and helped her as she coughed up nearly a quart of water and then took deep breaths of air. As Anthony's armor reverted to its deactivated form, he gasped for breath, relieved that he rescued Amy in time and worried what would have happened if he didn't make it.
"Amy..." Anthony said, "are you alright?" Instead of a verbal answer, Amy suddenly hugged Anthony, sobbing loudly and trembling out of fear.
Anthony hugged the young hedgehog back and tried to calm her down. "Shh...shh...it's alright. You're safe now..." He then stood up, carrying Amy, and activated his jet sled to take them both back to Mobotropolis.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Great Destiny...WHAT HAPPENED?!?"
Mary ran towards the incoming jetsled when she saw Anthony carrying her daughter, and noticed Amy crying as well. Anthony handed Amy to her and the young hedgehog continued to sob as she was embraced by her mother.
Sally and King Acorn saw the exchange and ran up to Anthony as he deactivated his jetsled. "Anthony, what happened?" Sally said. "Amy looks absolutely terrified!"
Anthony looked towards Sally and she saw almost an enraged look in his eyes. "Amy nearly got killed, Sally. Some...SICKO...placed a deathtrap in the middle of the road, and that nearly drowned Amy!"
King Acorn looked shocked. "Did you say drowned? Can you describe the trap?"
"Yes...apparently someone gets caught by a trap at the bottom of a ten foot pit which catches onto the foot. Also, a steel grating appears on the top, blocking any exit. Finally, the pit fills with water, drowning the victim." Anthony shuddered at that last part, thinking about what would've happened if he didn't make it in time. Mary, who overheard the description, also shuddered in fear for her daughter and held Amy closer.
King Acorn's reaction was somewhat more intense, as he collapsed on the ground. "Great...Destiny..."
Anthony saw this reaction and sensed something...namely recognition. "You...recognize that, your majesty?"
"Y-yes, but...I thought this world had seen the last of it." Acorn then looked up towards Anthony. "Gamemaster...what you described is called 'The Soaking'. It was once used as a form of punishment in this kingdom for capital offenses such as murder or treason to the crown. It was abolished long before my time because an accident with one of the pits nearly cost the life one of the previous king's soldiers. Now that tragedy was nearly reenacted..."
"Your majesty..." Anthony said. "I don't think that was one of the old pits. This looked like it was newly built."
"WHAT?"
"All the mechanisms looked new, as if it was recently built."
Acorn stood up and looked towards Mary. "You'd better take your daughter to Bookshire and have him look her over." Mary nodded and headed towards Bookshire's office, carrying Amy in her arms. King Acorn then looked toward Anthony. "I'll send my soldiers to where the pit is, Anthony. We'll get to the bottom of this."
Anthony nodded and then described where the pit was located. As Acorn and Sally walked off, Anthony stopped Sally to talk to her.
"Sal, I'd like you to get the Heroes Council together in my room in the palace to discuss this. Something tells me your father will need plenty of help to get to the bottom of this."
"Alright, Anthony. Are you alright?"
"A little peeved...but yes."
Sally walked off to find who Anthony wanted, but looked back in fear at Anthony as she walked off. Even without Anthony's powers, she sensed Anthony was more than a little peeved...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Heroes Council, as Anthony called it, consisted of the heroes of the worlds of Arcadia as well as the descendants of the Companions. It was something he had set up with the worlds as a group that would get together in case of problems, he himself counting as both a hero and descendant of Earth. This group included Mario, Luigi, Peach, Link, Zelda, Megaman, Protoman, Bass, Sonic, and Tails, all of whom were walking towards Anthony's room upon hearing from Sally.
Upon arriving they saw Anthony looking out of the balcony towards where King Acorn's soldiers were heading towards the pit location. They also noticed he seemed to be clenching onto the railing rather hard, as if staving off some fury.
He turned towards the group as they entered, and they all noticed the look of rage in his eye as he spoke. "I guess you all heard what some fucking sicko had done out on the road leading to Minoc Grove."
"We heard," Tails said, surprised at Anthony's use of language. "Is Amy alright? Better question...are YOU alright?"
"Bookshire's looking at her right now," Anthony said. "As for me...I'm just a little..."
"You LOOK pissed!" Protoman said, interrupting Anthony. "You should calm down!"
"Calm down?!? CALM DOWN?!?" Anthony's rage was now visible. "A friend of mine nearly got killed because of what that fucker did, and you're telling me to CALM DOWN?!?!?"
"ANTHONY!" Zelda yelled, trying to stop Anthony's tirade. "Stop it! Getting angry will not help! I know how much Amy looks up to you, but having a tantrum won't help!"
Anthony collapsed in a nearby chair and placed his head in his hands. "You're...you're right. I'm sorry. It's just...the thought of...if I wasn't there..."
Mario walked up to Anthony and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We know...but you did a save her and that's all that matters. Right now we need to concentrate onna who put that trap there."
Bass then spoke up. "I'm guessing you gathered us to help in the investigation?"
"You guessed right," Anthony said, calming down. "Whoever did that may provide a continuing threat to those going to Minoc. Normally I'd suggest using the transit gates between the Mobius/Earth and Mobius/Neo-Earth portals for travel as a way to avoid the road, but with so many people that may need to go to and from there it will cause one hell of a bottleneck."
"Not to mention the fact that the portals and gates currently have restricted access," Megaman continued. "All those people moving back and forth would cause more of a security risk than usual."
Everyone nodded, then Sonic spoke up. "Okay...so first thing we do is figure out what this guy was doing. I mean, he can't just be taking the time to place these pits for just grins and giggles, he must have a target..."
"I think I know who it is..." Anthony spoke up.
Everyone looked at Anthony. "Who?" Sonic asked.
"Julian Kintobor."
"Why Julian?" Peach asked. "I mean...I thought all of Mobius forgave him because of the circumstances involved."
"True...but two things point to him. First, the pit was about ten feet deep and wide enough to allow me to go in and rescue Amy with plenty of room to spare. That's sounds like overkill for someone of Mobian stature, but not for a portly human like Julian. Second, the pit was modeled after an old form of the death penalty used for punishment for capital crimes like treason...and what do you think his actions as Robotnik qualified as?"
Everyone nodded in understanding. "But, if that's true, why put the pit there?" Luigi asked. "Anyone could step into it by accident like Amy did."
"Unless...does anyone know what Julian is doing now?"
"Let's see..." Protoman thought. "After his recovery, King Acorn assigned him to basic soldier's duties, having him start from the bottom and work his way up as a way to make up for what happened over the last ten years. I think today he was assigned to patrolling...the...area...between...uh oh..."
Everyone looked toward Protoman as a look of realization appeared on his face. "Mobotropolis and Minoc Grove?" Anthony asked. Protoman nodded. "Thought so," Anthony continued. "OK, looks like we know what the situation is and it sounds like someone on the inside's involved. I'd like everyone to aid King Acorn in the investigation and keep an eye on Julian in case another attempt is made on his life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go check on Amy."
As Anthony walked out, everyone waited until he left and was a safe distance away. Zelda then turned towards Tails. "Tails, use your powers and summon Lutherain. I want to make sure Anthony can't sense what we need to talk about."
Tails activated his Descendancy powers and used the Magi's Wand to summon Lutherain, a falcon with telepathic abilities that was Sonia's familiar. He then drew upon Lutherain's powers to use a power similar to the Emote Barrier Anthony used a while back and shrouded the whole room in a protective field.
"Good," Zelda said, then addressed the crowd. "OK, I'm guessing you all know why I don't want Anthony to hear this..."
"You mean the fact he just acted like he was going to kill whoever built that pit?" Sonic answered.
"Exactly. I'm afraid he won't be able to help us in this state. After hearing how Amy was able to surprise him at the Power Ring lake while he was distracted by his fear, he may not have full control of his powers if he investigates this with us since his powers may be hindered by his rage. We need to get him away."
"I don't know, Zelda," Link said. "Anthony might object strongly to being left out, and I doubt we'll be able to keep him from taking part anyway..."
"Then we'll just have to distract him further," Peach said. "I'll go talk with Mary, Amy's mother. Perhaps she can find a way to keep Anthony occupied..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy was sleeping peacefully on one of the beds in the infirmary, even though Bookshire had to sedate her to do it. Mary was sitting in a chair half crying, half shuddering with fear over her daughter's safety. When Anthony arrived, Mary jumped up and embraced the new Gamemaster, whispering thanks for saving her daughter.
"It's alright Mary, your daughter is safe now. We'll find whoever did this," Anthony said, trying to comfort Mary. "What did Bookshire say about Amy?"
Mary calmed down and released her embrace. "No injuries, thank Destiny. But...she's so terrified about what happened, Bookshire had to sedate her in order for her to relax. She's sleeping now."
"Good," Anthony said. "Hopefully, she will have calmed down upon awakening."
Mary looked down in fear. "I'm...not so sure of that. As I hugged her before bringing her here, she whispered something...to the effect of not stepping outside again."
"I'm guessing," Anthony mused. "she's scared because Mobius was just freed and just when she thought she was finally safe...this happens. The thought of that must be disillusioning to her." Mary almost started to cry again upon hearing that when Anthony spoke up. "Listen Mary, we'll find this guy. We all didn't fight to free Mobius so some other sicko can terrorize the people."
Bookshire walked out just as Anthony finished talking. "Oh, Gamemaster, I'm guessing you're here to check on Amy?"
"Yeah...I heard you needed to sedate her..."
"She was quite frightened by what happened to her. I fear she may have nightmares for a while," Bookshire said, then turned towards Mary. "Mary, she'll need your support more than ever to get through this."
"I'm not surprised..." Mary said, then broke down into tears again whispering "Why?" This time, Bookshire comforted Mary.
Peach came in as this scene took place and talked to Anthony. "Anthony, how is Amy?"
"Sedated and asleep right now," Anthony said, then turning towards Mary and Bookshire. "Bookshire, tell me when Amy wakes up. I'll be in my room. Mary...don't worry, she'll be fine. She'll get over this." As he left the office he thought to himself, "I hope..."
After Anthony left, Peach walked up to Mary as she began to calm down. "Mary, I was wondering if you can help us."
"What do you need, your highness?" Mary asked.
"We're worried about Anthony, and wondered if..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony looked out from the balcony of his room to where the pit was located, angered by what almost happened to Amy. He was waiting for the report of what Acorn's soldiers found and hoped the Heroes Council could also find out something. His thought were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing her throat. Anthony turned around to see the faces of Wendy and Nina.
"We heard what happened to Amy and ran back as soon as possible," Wendy explained. "The road was crawling with soldiers to make sure no one else fell in any pits. Is Amy alright?"
"She's fine..." Anthony said. "Frightened as all hell, but fine."
Both girls breathed a sigh of relief, then Nina spoke up. "Do you think Bookshire will let us see her?"
"She may still be sedated...but it shouldn't hurt to ask. She would probably like the company. Go ahead."
As both girls left, Anthony turned back towards the balcony. He then heard someone else clearing her throat. This time when he turned around, he saw the face of Mary Rose.
"Mary!" Anthony said, surprised. "Nina and Wendy just left to go see Amy. Is Amy awake now?"
"Amy's awake, but...she started trembling again out of fear as soon as she woke up. Bookshire's keeping her under observation, but I told Wendy and Nina she would appreciate the company." She looked down before continuing. "Anthony, I'm worried. Even before we got separated by Robotnik's forces, I've never seen Amy this frightened. I wish I could take her mind off this."
"Well...I don't know what I can do. My powers cannot remove fear or other emotions..."
"No, it's not that..." Mary said, then looked in Anthony's eyes. "You've traveled through all five worlds of Arcadia, is there someplace you could take us? Someplace where we can stay for a while to help take her mind off this?"
Anthony was surprised by this request. "Mary...I know she's your daughter, but...I don't think running away from this will help. Even if it's for a little while."
"I know but...it's the only thing I can think of. Can't you help?"
Anthony pondered Mary's request, thinking about where would be the best place to "vacation" for these two. He needed someplace where they would not be bothered or feel out of place. He could only think of one location...
"Alright...I'll go make the necessary arrangements..."
Mary thanked Anthony and left to go see her daughter again. Anthony then turned towards a communications device that was set up in his room. The system used was recently created by Dr. Light and Chuck as a way to communicate between the five worlds of Arcadia, with the primary communication antennas located at the portal locations.
"Open communications. Target...Earth...Earth/Gardenia portal location..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The members of the Heroes Council were examining the pit and the surrounding area. Mario and Luigi found the plumbing system used to pump the water into the pit and were using a probe with a sensor on it to determine where the water originated from. Megaman, Protoman, and Bass were scanning the area for any additional information they could find.
"Hmmm..." Mario said, checking the sensor data. "Looks a like there's a tank located directly next to where this pit is. The probe did not a go far." He then yelled out to the bots. "You bots a find anything?"
"Only the pump for that tank I just heard you talk about," Protoman said. "There doesn't seem to be any other signs of anything other than the trap. Looks like the entire trap was built as a single unit then buried." He then breathed what could qualify as a robot's equivalent of a sigh of frustration. "This is going to take a while..."
Bass then said, "Unless this was an inside job like Anthony suggested..."
Mario and Luigi jumped out of the pit upon hearing that. "What do you mean?" Mario asked.
"Well...who else knew Kintobor was going to be out here? Only people within the King's inner circle..."
Everyone present nodded in understanding, then Sonic and Link walked up to the group. Well...Sonic ran up...Link was taking his time.
"Nothing within one hundred miles of the place," Sonic said. "We would've been back sooner but Link wanted to recheck everything."
"Hey! I was actually checking, Sonic here was speeding through," Link said when he arrived. "But he's right...no sign of anything."
Luigi then spoke up. "Bass has been a saying this might be an inside job, just like a Anthony said. In which case, we should a probably talk to the king to see who has a grudge against Julian still."
Sonic then smiled an evil grin. "I hope it's St. John. He's had a hatred for humans for the longest time and that guy has been getting on my case just because Sal chose me over him. I will take great pleasure in interrogating him..."
"Something tells me the king won't let you near him if that's the case, Sonic," Tails said, flying down and rejoining the group. "Nothing could be seen from the sky, guys. Of course, with all the trees in this area, it makes it hard to see."
"Kind of makes it hard to believe this area was a polluted wasteland not too long ago," Megaman said. "So...should we tell the king our suspicions?"
"Definitely," Bass said. "We should cover all angles, even the most unlikely ones."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In one of the recently built houses, Mary was busy packing some belongings into a couple of suitcases, including a weeks worth of clothing for herself and Amy. As she packed, she secretly hoped this "vacation" would help her daughter get her mind off recent events. She also wondered where Anthony would take them.
As for Amy herself, she was still feeling a little scared. Sitting on a couch, she was hugging her legs to her body and just staring at nothing in particular. Only the sound of someone knocking on the door interrupted her thoughts...and shocked her out of her wits.
Mary opened the door and saw Anthony standing there. "Oh...Gamemaster..."
"Mary, please call me Anthony," Anthony said. "Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes...Amy?" Mary said, calling for her daughter. "Let's get going now." She then turned back towards Anthony. "Where are we going?"
"Earth. There's a government safehouse where you and your daughter can stay without worrying about autograph hounds asking for your daughter's autograph."
"Where is it, and how did you manage to arrange our staying there?"
"It's located in Minneapolis. In fact...it's my home."
"Your home?"
"Yep. Ever since the Gardenia portal appeared there, it was converted to a government safehouse to protect it. My parents still live there, even receiving special benefits from the government for use of the house for Arcadia based use. They've already got one of the spare rooms setup for you and Amy and are expecting you."
"Good...I'll go get the suitcases..."
As Mary walked off, Amy walked towards the door where Anthony had just come in. She looked as if she had been crying, or at least trying to prevent herself from crying, and Anthony knelt down to talk to her.
"Hey Ames, are you feeling a little better now?"
"Not really..." Amy said, looking up at Anthony. "I'm still a little scared..."
"Well, that's to be expected, considering what you've been through. But, your mother hopes this getaway will help take your mind off it. You should like my hometown, plenty of things to do: parks, malls, fishing...er, oops..." Anthony caught himself upon mentioning that, and noticed Amy starting to cry out of fear again. "At least I didn't suggest swimming," Anthony thought to himself as he tried to calm Amy down, "but, GOD am I a dumbass!"
Mary came down with the suitcases as the scene was unfolding and watched as Anthony tried to calm down Amy. "What happened?" she asked.
"Ah...I was mentioning some of the things to do in Minneapolis, and I mentioned fishing, and, well..." Anthony said.
Mary nodded in understanding and picked up her daughter to try and comfort her. Anthony picked up the suitcases and the three of them headed out, meeting Zelda as they were leaving.
"Zelda," Anthony said, "I'm taking Mary and Amy to Minneapolis so Amy can hopefully get her mind off of recent events. I should be back shortly once I get them settled to help with the investigations."
"Oh, well you shouldn't have to worry, we can take care of the investigations," Zelda said. "Why don't you stay with them and help Amy? I'm sure Amy will be glad to have you there and besides...aren't you overdue with telling your family you've recovered now?"
"Hmmm..." Anthony said, sensing there was more to Zelda's request. "Alright. I suppose I AM a bit overdue in visiting my family since my hospital exit. Keep me informed with what you find."
Anthony, Mary, and Amy then started to walk towards the Mobius/Earth portal. Zelda breathed a sigh of relief and thought, "Good. Hopefully this should keep Anthony's temper out of the equation..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Julian Kintobor was told of the suspicions regarding the trap and wasn't taking the news too well. "I knew I wasn't totally forgiven..." Julian said. "I wish the king hadn't decided to put me back in his trust. This event proves there are still people who hate me, and the king may lose the people's trust as a result. Not only that, but that little girl nearly died..."
David was trying hard to convince his father otherwise. "Dad, c'mon. Mobius forgave you and they know what you are going through now that you realize what happened. Just because a few jerks still don't like you is no reason to blame yourself for what happened! Save that blame for whoever set the trap!"
King Acorn was also there trying to convince Julian. "Julian, even I knew it technically wasn't you who shoved me into the Void. I have even told my people the circumstances regarding the Retro Orbiting Chaos Converter, and they realize you were as much a victim as they were. Whoever's doing this is just bitter and refuses to listen and accept the truth. We'll find who did this. THAT person is the real one to blame."
"Very well, your majesty," Julian said, getting up from the chair he was sitting in. "Shall I return to duty?"
"No," King Acorn said. "I'm taking you off duty until we can find out who did this. Consider it a vacation. You and your son can spend more time together as well."
Julian nodded in understanding and stood at attention until King Acorn left. He then sat back down and turned towards David, who was at the moment placing a hand on his father's shoulder to help comfort him...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony was saluted by the portal guards at the Earth/Gardenia portal as he, Amy, and Mary exited the transit gate from Area 51, the Earth/Mobius portal location. "Gentlemen," Anthony said, rolling his eyes, "I'm a civilian, you don't salute me."
"Actually sir," one of the guards said, "your position as Gamemaster is considered equal to both an ambassador and a high ranking officer's rank in Arcadia. So you are to be treated accordingly."
"I see..." Anthony said, sighing in disbelief, then changed the subject. "Are my parents home?"
"No sir. They had to run out on an errand. The spare room next to yours is already prepared though and they are expecting your guests."
"Good," Anthony said, then turned towards the hedgehogs. "Alright, let's head upstairs."
Since the portal was still in the basement of the house, they had to climb two flights of stairs to reach where the room was located. Anthony led them into a room which featured a queen size bed, a desk, a double closet, and several cabinets. Anthony also noticed something else...a plush Amy Rose doll adorning the bed and propped up on the pillows.
Anthony giggled at the sight of this. "Looks like they got a gift for Amy," Anthony thought to himself, then turned back towards Amy and Mary and said, "I'll let you two get settled. I'm going to get set up in my room."
Anthony left the two hedgehogs so they can unpack and entered his room which was right next to theirs, hearing a gasp from Mary as she spots the doll and smiling upon hearing it. He removed his armor and sword and set them in the corner of the room next to where another sword was hanging on the wall, the very same sword he first used when he first entered Arcadia. He then set a duffel bag on his bed and unpacked the clothes he brought with him.
After unpacking, he collapsed on his bed, exhausted both physically and mentally. He was having a hell of a day, trying to deal with recent events both with his official title receipt and with what was happening with Amy. One nagging question came with him as well: Why did Zelda suggest he stay with them here? He sensed there was more to her request, but surely his powers would help figure out who did set the trap, and besides, he wanted to deal with whoever was the fucker who...
As Anthony clenched a fist in anger from his thoughts, he suddenly realized why Zelda sent him with the hedgehogs. His temper. He had become so angry with whoever set the trap that his rage had got the best of him, something that became apparent when he talked with the Heroes Council and yelled at everyone. He realized he would be no help in this state...and decided this vacation was just as good for him as it would probably be for Amy.
After resting for a bit and collecting his thoughts, he checked to see how Amy and Mary were doing. When he checked on his guests, he saw Mary currently sitting on the bed and hugging Amy, who in turn was hugging the doll.
"Hmmm...A private moment," Anthony thought. "Better leave them alone for a bit. I can show them around the house later." He then walked down the stairs into his home's family room and plopped down in one of the recliners, brandishing a remote he grabbed from off the nearby table and turning on the television. He then started flipping through channels.
"Reruns...golf...B-movie...George Bush...more golf...the HELL?!?" He checked a nearby calendar and saw it was Saturday. "GOD, I hate weekend TV! Guess I lost track of time in Arcadia." As he shut off the television, he heard the garage door opening, signifying that his parents had come home. He decided to greet them as they came in and walked up to the entry. Naturally, his parents were pleasantly surprised to see their son, and embraced him upon seeing him...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonic was pacing back and forth within one of the other rooms of the palace. He was kept out of the interrogations of the palace guards because of his feelings towards Geoffrey. He hated waiting...and hoped the interrogations would reveal something about the mindset of the guards towards Julian. His thoughts were soon interrupted by a familiar voice...
"You look bored, Blue..."
Sonic turned around to see the face of Knuckles. A surprise at best...
"Knux?!? What are you doing here?"
"Heard what happened to Amy and came to lend a hand with the investigations. The Chaotix and the Mobius/Gardenia portal guards are taking care of the emerald. Find out anything so far?"
"Nada Red..." Sonic said. "We think it's someone on the inside since whoever it was knew Julian's schedule. I kinda wish Anth could check them out, but..."
"But what?" Knuckles asked, slightly confused.
"You missed it, Red. Anth was totally pissed off by what happened to Amy. I've never seen him like this! Princess Zelda had him go with Amy to his hometown of Minneapolis to cool off, since his powers will probably be just as out of control with him in this state."
"Hmmm...I could have told you about that temper," Knuckles said. "Anthony showed it before showing me that fanfic. Never believed it would get this bad..."
The two of them then turned where Mario and Luigi came in. "Well," Mario said, "looks a like this investigation will take a while. None of the guards knew anything about the trap. One thing though, it a seems the information for how to make the trap can no longer be accessed."
"Huh?" Sonic said, confused. "What happened to it?"
"Looked a like it was purged from the library computers," Luigi said. "Recently too. Doctor Light is currently checking the computers, but whoever deleted the info was good....leaving a no sign as to his entry."
Knuckles scratched his head and mused. "So we're dealing with a computer expert as well..."
Sonic shook his head in disbelief. "Great, more waiting...Anthony may be in Minneapolis for a LONG time..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...and then Anthony came to our underground city and told us Miles and Amy were alive. When I finally saw her again...it was the greatest moment of my life."
Mary gave a caring glance towards her daughter after saying that while she, Amy, Anthony, and his parents were sitting down to dinner. She and Anthony's mother dominated most of the conversation...Anthony was too busy blushing from the accolades and Amy was busy picking at her food, lost in her own thoughts.
"I must say, Mrs. Bault..."
"Mary, please call me Toni," Anthony's mother replied.
"Alright, Toni. As I was saying, your son has really given us a lot of hope recently, and has done more than we could have possibly imagined. I...even owe him for Amy's happiness, and recently for her life..."
Anthony scratched his read nervously out of embarrassment as his mother spoke up. "Yes...I was told by Princess Sally about how Anthony had comforted Amy during a couple of difficult times for her. Amy and I also comforted each other during Anthony's hospital stay. I guess she wanted to thank Anthony through me for all he had done..." Toni then looked at Anthony, whose face was beet red by now, and giggled. "I think we'd better stop now, Anthony looks really embarrassed right now from all our talking."
"THANK YOU!" Anthony said. "I hate being the center of attention...even if I deserve the attention!" He then turned towards Amy. "Ames...you've been quiet all this time. You alright?" Amy responded by pushing away from the table and walking away.
Anthony sighed and shook his head as Mary went to check on her daughter. "Still shaken from recent events," Anthony explained to his parents. "Understandable I guess...considering what almost happened."
"Tony," Anthony's father, Bill, replied. "Why don't you talk to Amy? It might help her."
"Dad, she has her mother now. She doesn't need me anymore..."
"I disagree," Toni said, interrupting Anthony. "She still looks up to you as more than a friend and could use your help coping..."
"Yeah, but...there's something you don't know about Amy," Anthony said. "Amy tends to latch on emotionally to anyone she looks up to. It started with Sonic when he brought her from the ruins of her hometown to Knothole after it was destroyed. She was hoping to make Sonic her boyfriend, but became depressed when she found out he was already taken by Sally. Later she did the same with Knuckles...but he was too concerned at the time with guarding the Master Emerald to be involved in a relationship. I think she's on friendly terms with Tails now. But...after the events in Knothole where I had comforted her, she admitted to me she looked up to me like a father. This worries me..."
"Why?" Toni said, surprised by this last statement. "Tony...she was just showing her gratitude for helping her through some difficult times..."
"Yes," Anthony said, "I understand that. But, as I said, she doesn't need me anymore. She has her mother, her REAL family now, and to continue to latch on to me like that is...not normal for a girl her age, at least it doesn't SEEM normal to me. The best thing for me to do is to leave the two of them alone to reconnect as a family. Besides, after I calm down a little bit from what happened, I intend to help with the investigation. I feel I'm needed there more."
Anthony then noticed both of his parents were shaking their heads in disbelief. "What? What did I say?"
"Tony..." Toni started, "are you listening to yourself? You aren't sounding like the same person who helped Amy on Mobius...you are sounding like someone impatient to get to his next adventure. They have plenty of people doing the investigation right now, and Amy could use as much support to help her through this, so you're needed here more." She then looked Anthony straight in the eye and continued. "Besides, Tony...her love for you is perfectly normal. She sees you as a really close friend, someone she can turn to for support for things such as this, and that's not going to change even though she has her real family now."
"Besides," Bill said, adding to the conversation, "if you are going to be these worlds' Gamemaster, you have to understand not all heroic deeds require fighting. Right now, Amy needs the Anthony Bault that helped her emotionally in Knothole, the hero that existed before the title."
Anthony sat back in thought at this. "I see...you're probably right. I guess I WAS hoping for action as soon as I was better...just not this. I wonder though..."
Before his parents could ask what, one of the portal guards called from the basement. "Mr. Bault! You have a visitor!"
"Excuse me, 'rents," Anthony said, getting up from the table, "duty calls." Anthony then walked downstairs and saw Tails waiting for him.
"Hi, Anthony," Tails said.
"Hi, Tails. Any news on investigation so far?"
"None. We figure someone who knows Julian Kintobor's schedule was involved, which narrows it down to the palace's inner circle. Unfortunately, no one we interrogated showed any sign of hiding any knowledge about the trap. I even used my powers and, with Lutherain's help, sensed their thoughts. Still nothing. Also, whoever did it seems to have erased the information on how to make the trap from our database to cover his tracks."
"Hmmm...looks like this will take a while..." Anthony mused. "Say Tails, as long as you're here, why don't you see Amy? She's feeling kind of down right now and I'm sure she'll appreciate your visit."
"Actually..." Tails said, then stuck his head in the transit gate leading to the Earth/Mobius portal. After bringing it back out, several individuals came out of the gate. Namely, the Koopa kids, Nina, and Knuckles's sister Chuckles. "There are quite a few others who want to see her as well."
Anthony smiled upon seeing the group. "Alright, let's go see her..." He then led the group up to where Amy and Mary were and Amy was more than happy to see them. Wendy, Nina, and Chuckles even gave Amy sisterly hugs...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That night, after everyone in the household had gone to bed, Anthony found himself experiencing a nightmare. He saw himself trapped at the bottom of a pit similar to the one he rescued Amy from, and watched in horror as a steel grate appeared above and the pit started filling with water. As he struggled to get out, he found himself wishing the Gamemaster would show up. It was then he woke up, not afraid, but confused...
"What the? Why was I wishing for myself to show up in that dream? It was if..." Suddenly he realized that he wasn't experiencing his own nightmare, but was psionically viewing someone else's. "Dear God...AMY'S having the nightmare!"
Then, almost on cue, Anthony heard Amy wake up with a quiet gasp, and then listened as Mary tried to calm her down as she started sobbing in fear. Anthony wished there was some way to make her feel better, unfortunately he was unsure what to do. The next thing he heard was Amy telling Mary she was going to get a drink of water. However, instead of going to the nearby bathroom, she started walking downstairs, an action Anthony could plainly see from his bedroom door. Anthony decided to see what was going on.
Amy ended up going to the family room and was staring out one of the windows, seemingly deep in her own thoughts. Anthony walked up to her and sensed intense feelings of fear.
"Amy," Anthony quietly said, startling the young hedgehog, "if you're too scared to sleep because of that nightmare, why didn't you tell your mother?"
"I didn't want her to worry," Amy whispered so she wouldn't wake anyone up. "How did you know about...?"
"I picked it up psionically in my sleep...almost thought it was my nightmare for a while." Anthony said.
"Oh..." Amy said, then turned back toward the window.
Anthony realized he needed to do something then and there, even if it meant having Amy latch on to him like Tails did to Sally. "Amy, come here," he whispered, then he sat on a couch and motioned for her to sit next to him, which she did.
"Amy...I know you were scared about what almost happened to you, I would be too if it happened to me. But...you are safe now and no one is going to let what almost happened to you happen again. Not your friends, not your mother...and certainly not me."
"I know..." Amy said, then started to tear up. "It's just...I can't help..."
Anthony placed an arm around Amy and hugged her close to try to comfort her. "I know you can't help being scared, especially considering what you've been through. But that's what your friends and especially your mother are for, to help you through this. We won't let anything happen, and that's a promise!"
Amy took in these words and laid against Anthony, letting a few tears fall as Anthony continued to comfort her. Almost instinctively, Anthony began rocking Amy back and forth in an attempt to lull her to sleep. Eventually, as Anthony hoped, Amy fell back asleep.
Anthony carefully picked up the young hedgehog so not to wake her and carried her back up to her bedroom. Mary watched as Anthony brought her up. "Anthony?" she asked quietly. "What happened? Why was Amy downstairs?"
Anthony carried Amy over to the bed and laid her down. "She was still scared after a nightmare she had and didn't want to go back to sleep. I managed to calm her down though. She should sleep peacefully now."
Mary nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Anthony. I...can't tell you..."
"Let's not talk about it now, Mary. It's late. You just have a good night, alright?"
"Alright. Good night Anthony, and thank you again."
Anthony returned to his room as Mary placed the covers back over Amy. She then kissed Amy on the forehead and whispered, "May Destiny grant you pleasant dreams from now on, my princess..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning, Anthony woke up early, showered, and dressed before anyone else got up. He then walked down to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee for everyone. As the pot finished brewing, Mary entered the kitchen area.
"Good morning Mary," Anthony said, handing her a cup of coffee. "Did you and Amy have a peaceful night's rest the rest of the night?"
"Yes," Mary said, taking the coffee, "in fact she's still sleeping as we speak." She paused a bit before continuing. "I...can't thank you enough, Anthony. Not just for comforting Amy last night, but for everything. Reuniting us, rescuing her from that trap, comforting her in Knothole during those two difficult times...freeing my people...it's strange, one human caused so much pain, and another is helping to relieve it."
"Mary...please stop." Anthony said. "Freeing Mobius was the joint effort of all five worlds and trying to restore it is still a joint effort, not just my doing. As for helping Amy...there's no need to thank me. That I was happy to do. At the time, she had no one to help her like Princess Sally helped Tails, so it was the least I could do." Anthony then took a more serious tone. "I suppose you heard how she tried to latch on emotionally to Sonic and others."
Mary nodded. "Yes...and I sometimes I was around to help her through this and yet..." She looked up at Anthony before continuing. "...when I consider what you've done for her, I could almost swear I see her father's kind spirit in you."
Anthony was surprised by this comment. He then noticed Mary starting to have tears well in her eyes and realized that she was remembering her husband. He embraced the elder hedgehog to try to comfort her, even hearing her whisper a thank you from doing so. The event was witnessed by Anthony's father as he entered the kitchen.
"Tony...what's wrong with Mary?"
"Nothing," Anthony said. "She was thanking me for helping comfort Amy after she had a nightmare last night and said I reminded her of Amy's father. I think she's remembering those days..."
Bill nodded in understanding. By this time, she had finally calmed down and was wiping away her tears, and ended up startled after seeing him.
"Oh, Bill! I didn't..."
"It's alright Mary, I understand," Bill said. "Are you alright?"
"Yes...just remembering some happier times..." Mary said.
Amy was the next to enter the kitchen area. "Good morning, Amy," Anthony said. "Feeling alright this morning?"
"Yes," Amy said, then motioned for Anthony to come closer. As he bent down to Amy's level, Amy hugged him tightly and whispered a thank you to him.
"Hey, it was nothing, Ames," Anthony said. Mary smiled upon seeing this exchange, then Anthony continued. "So, do you feel any better from when you first came here?"
"Definitely," Amy said, releasing the hug.
"Good," Anthony said as he got up. "But just so you know, I don't want you getting a present for me because of this. That's how this trouble began and I'm already receiving more than my share of praise from Arcadia, and I don't deserve most of it!"
"Aw..." Amy said, disappointed. "That's too bad. You know, I was going to get you a Mobian author's mystery novel when I was heading to Minoc, seeing all those mystery books you brought with you to Mobius. By the way, who is, um, Poy-rat? Poy-rot?"
"It's pronounced, 'Pwa-row'," Anthony explained. "Poirot is one of Agatha Christie's best characters, a Belgian detective who manages to solve difficult crimes using just 'his little gray cells', as he calls them. These stories always have some type of plot twist near the end, especially in 'Peril at End House' where..." Anthony paused as a look of realization appeared on his face. "Oh my God...OF COURSE!!!!"
Everyone else in the room was shocked at this outburst. "Tony, what is it?" Bill asked.
"I think I just figured out who set that trap in Mobius!" Anthony exclaimed, then ran upstairs. When he came back down, he was in his armor.
"Where are you going?" Amy asked. "Back to Mobius?"
"Yes...I need to talk to the Heroes Council," Anthony said, then quickly kissed Amy on the cheek. "Thank you, Ames! You may have just helped me figure out who was responsible." He then ran downstairs towards the portal room.
"You're welcome?" Amy said, and she and the others looked at each other with confused looks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Nothing?"
The Heroes Council had assembled in one of the palace's meeting rooms and were listening to Dr. Light's findings. Unfortunately...
"Nothing," Dr. Light explained. "Whoever erased the records of the entry into the database made sure to cover all his tracks. We're not going to figure out who's responsible this way."
"Man!" Sonic exclaimed, showing his disappointment. "This guy could've made a good Freedom Fighter if he wasn't so hateful!"
"No kidding!" Zelda said, then sighed in disappointment. "Now I'm wishing we hadn't sent Anthony away. We could use..."
Suddenly they heard one of the guards outside say, "Sir, what are you doing back? Sir? Where are you going?" The next thing the entire group saw was Anthony burst into the room.
"Guys...oh good, you're all here!" Anthony said upon entering. "I think I..."
"Anthony?!?" Peach said, interrupting him. "What are you doing back? I thought you were going to visit your family for a while?"
"I plan on returning, but I needed to talk to you guys! I think I figured out who has it in for Julian...or at least narrowed it down to two."
The entire group was surprised by this statement, then Bass spoke up. "Okay...explain to us HOW you were able to figure it out when you weren't even here for the investigations and when we couldn't uncover anything."
"Simple...Amy gave me the answer," Anthony said, then noticing the confused looks on the group's faces. "OK, I'll explain. This morning Amy mentioned how when she was going to get a mystery book for me from Minoc Grove after seeing my collection of Poirot novels. That reminded me of something...In one of those novels, the murderer turned out to be...someone who was thought to be the intended victim!"
The group was still confused, then Mario spoke up. "Mama mia! Then you mean one of the people that could be responsible is...?"
"Yes, Mario. I mean that one of the people who could've set that trap is...Julian himself! He still blames himself for what happened to Mobius and probably meant to commit suicide in this manner. Appropriate, considering it was originally used as a punishment for capital crimes!"
The group understood what Anthony was saying, then Sonic spoke up. "Whoa, hold it! You said there were two, who's the other guy?"
"Reginald Snout, and this represents a second possibility. Reginald was angry with what had happened on Mobius and probably still blames his uncle for it. Not just for what happened to the people, but for how he was treated as Snivley. Plus, if what I read in the comic storylines and fan-fiction are correct, he's also good with computers."
Everyone present nodded in understanding at what Anthony was saying, then Zelda spoke up. "Okay, we'd better check this out. Tails, we'll need your Descendancy Powers again to check out Reginald."
"Got it," Tails said, activating the powers in question.
Zelda then turned Anthony. "Anthony, will you be able to check Julian with your abilities?"
"Yeah..." Anthony said, then addressing the entire group. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine now. Oh, and...thanks for worrying about me. You did the right thing sending me to Earth to calm down."
Zelda smiled at this and kissed Anthony lightly on the cheek. "It's alright. We were just concerned about you like you were for Amy."
"I know...and I appreciate it," Anthony said.
Sonic then spoke up. "Uh, Zelda, Anthony? We're waiting!"
Anthony shot a glance at Sonic. "Sonic...if I had a Mobium for EVERY time you've said that, I could probably buy this palace and retire off the rest. So STIFLE IT!" The group laughed at this exchange then left the room to find Julian and Reginald. Sonic was mumbling under his breath the entire way.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reginald Snout was busy checking something on one of the palace's library computers. With recent events taking place with the rebuilding, he decided to check on what could be done about a kingdom wide network connected to the other worlds of Arcadia.
"Yo, Reg! We need to talk!"
Reginald turned around upon hearing Sonic's voice and saw he was not alone. He was flanked by the three herobots, Megaman, Bass, and Protoman, as well as Tails, who was currently in his Magi robes and had Lutherain on his shoulder.
"Oh dear..." Reginald said. "I assume this is about the missing file on how to create 'The Soaking'?"
Protoman spoke up. "It's more than that. We were wondering what else you know about the trap, and if you had any suspicions."
"Well," Reginald said, looking nervously at Tails who appeared to be looking at him intently, "all I know is what I've been hearing lately. Is it true that whoever set the trap meant it for my uncle?"
"WE'LL ask the questions, Reg," Bass replied. "But to satisfy that query, yes!"
"Hmmm..." Reginald said. "I'm sorry, I wish I could help you, but I know nothing more than what I've heard."
Tails then spoke up. "Then why do I sense you're hiding something? You're nervous about something, and the feelings of fear I sense coming from you is intense."
"Er...well...I guess I'm just nervous that whoever's after my uncle may come after me next."
"It's not just that," Tails said, then turning to the group. "Guys, he is DEFINITELY hiding something!"
Sonic then went up to Reginald and grabbed him by the collar. "Alright, Reg...spill it! What do you know?!? Are you the one who set that trap?!?"
"No, I swear!" Reginald looked even more frightened than he ever was before, and then broke down. "ALRIGHT! I'll tell you! I was told to erase the file by the person who set the trap! He wouldn't take no for an answer!"
"Who, Reg?" Sonic asked with more intensity. "WHO?!?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mario Brothers, Link, Zelda, Peach, and Anthony went to see where Julian was. He was still in his room and was currently talking to David. Both the Kintobors were surprised to see the group come in. "Guys!" David said upon seeing them, "What's going on? Why are you here?"
Anthony took the initiative. "We need to talk to your father, Davie. You can stay if you want, but we need to ask him about the trap."
David was about to object when Julian spoke up. "It's alright, son. I'll be fine." Julian then turned towards the group. "What do you need to ask me?"
"We were a wondering if you knew of a anyone who still hates you," Mario said. "Right now, we're having a hard time finding anyone who fits that description, since most of a the people seem to have forgiven you."
Julian took a thoughtful pose and considered the question for a while before answering. "I'm not sure...personally I thought the entire planet still sees me as the enemy. But...if I was to single anyone out, it would be that skunk, Geoffrey St. John. He has given me bad looks on several occasions, despite the king's warnings. But, I doubt he was responsible. He doesn't seem to be the type to pull a stunt like that."
Anthony was concentrating hard on Julian while he was saying this. He sensed there was something Julian was hiding, sensing both fear and guilt, but couldn't quite figure it out, thinking the guilt could be residual from his feelings about what he did as Robotnik. He was about to ask another question after Julian was finished talking when he received a telepathic message from Tails. *Anthony! Reginald did erase the records, but he didn't set the trap!*
*Who did?* Anthony telepathically replied back.
*Let's just say...you owe Amy!*
Anthony understood and then asked Julian another question. "Julian, you said you can't think of anyone who would want to kill you?"
"No one...even though I expected the entire planet to want to see me dead," Julian said.
"Dad!" David said. "Stop talking like that! The people forgave you...phrack, the KING forgave you!"
Anthony then continued. "Not even...yourself, Julian?"
David and Julian were shocked by this question. Anthony then continued further. "Julian...your nephew just admitted you told him to erase the records. It's obvious you wanted to use that trap to kill yourself. Now the question...why? Why didn't you admit that you set that trap?"
David looked nervously at Julian. "D-Dad? Is he right?"
Julian fell into a chair and sobbed loudly, showing that what Anthony said was right. David then looked angrily at Anthony. "Damn you, Bault!"
"David, calm down!" Anthony said. "I'm guessing he was ashamed that his actions nearly cost another innocent life." Anthony turned back toward Julian. "Am I right, Julian?"
Julian nodded as he continued sobbing. He then looked up towards the group. "Every day I look in the mirror, I don't see the man I used to be. I see the tyrant that caused all the pain of the past ten years. I couldn't live with myself with what I have done, even if it wasn't my mind that was in control it was these hands that did the deeds." He then turned towards David, who by now was tearing up himself. "But, when I heard the pit was triggered and heard how one family was nearly torn apart, I realized how David would feel without me. That returned my reason to live, but I didn't want anyone to know what I had done. So, I hid the fact I built the trap and had Reginald fix the records to hide my access of them."
Everyone in Anthony's group looked at each other, wondering what to do next. Anthony then walked up to them as David tried to comfort his father. "Guys, tell the king what we just uncovered. Also...tell him not to be too hard on Julian." The group nodded in understanding, and Peach and Zelda were wiping away some of their own tears from what they heard Julian said.
As they walked out of the room and headed towards the throne room, Link noticed Anthony was walking out of the palace. "Anthony, where are you going?"
"Back to my family, Link," Anthony said. "There's something else I need to do..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Anthony walked upstairs from the portal room in his house, he was met by Amy, Mary, and his parents. All four of them had a confused look on their faces.
"Anthony, what happened?" Amy said.
Anthony sighed and told them all that happened with Julian and Reginald. All present were shocked by what they were told.
"Poor man..." Mary said. "To have to go through what he's going through..."
"I know," Anthony said. "Even though I managed to remove the Robotnik personality from his mind, the Julian personality is still haunted by what happened. Hopefully, after the recent events, he'll finally get help to cope."
Before anyone else could say another word, one of the portal guards called out. "Mr. Bault, you have a visitor. Prince Elias of Mobotropolis."
Anthony ran down to the portal room and saw Elias there. He seemed to have news. "Ah, Gamemaster. Just so you know, Father has been told of what happened and has decided to go easy on Julian as you suggested. His son, David, is also going to find some professional psychiatric help through your country's government."
"Good," Anthony said. "The man didn't deserve to be treated as a criminal."
"I agree. As you told him before, he was as much a victim as we were."
"Thank you your highness. I'll be back in Mobius shortly."
Elias took his leave as Anthony ran back upstairs to tell the others what had happened.
"Well," Mary said, "now that this terrible affair is over with, Amy and I should probably head back to Mobius."
"What's your hurry?" Anthony asked. "You packed for a week's stay, so there's no reason you should return right away. Besides," Anthony then turned towards Amy, "I was hoping to show Amy here the sights of my home city."
"Really?" Amy asked. "That's awesome! Mom?"
"Alright," Mary said.
"Good!" Anthony said. "Amy, why don't you get cleaned up a bit, and I'll take you out to one such sight?"
Amy started walking upstairs with Mary following close behind. Anthony's parents then looked at Anthony with a strange look. "Anthony..." Toni said, "I thought you were going to distance yourself from Amy?"
"I changed my mind. After I comforted her from that nightmare last night, I got to thinking that you were right, her feelings towards me aren't going to change. Besides...it's kind of nice having someone look up to me like Amy does...not as a hero or celebrity like most of Arcadia does, but as a close friend." Anthony then smiled what could pass as an evil grin. "Also, she was brought here to be cheered up, and I know the perfect way to do that..."
"What's that?" Bill asked.
"Well, let's just say both she and I should enjoy the looks on some of the store owner's faces when I take her to my favorite gaming stores at the Mall of America..."
His parents laughed upon hearing that, and Anthony could swear he heard Amy laughing from upstairs as well...