Chapter 2 - Truth
The derobotization of the Mobians went like clockwork, and soon there wasn't a Robian to be found. Families were now hugging each other, glad to no longer be trapped in metal shells. Even Bunnie was glad to be without a metal arm and legs.
Anthony watched as the last of the citizens came out of the Deroboticizer, and smiled as he sensed the feelings of immense happiness and relief coming from the people. Everyone even got to meet the Arcadians and offer their thanks, and several seemed particularly interested in meeting Anthony...especially after hearing about his willingness to roboticize himself to face Robotnik.
King Acorn came up to Anthony, after he managed to break away from the excitement and settled into the celebration that started. "I've just authorized a permanent portal to be set up outside of Knothole. I've even spoken with your reality's version of me."
"I see," Anthony said. "So, does this mean that Ani-Mobius will want to join Arcadia?"
"Indeed," King Acorn said. "But, until some portals similar to the ones interconnecting the six Arcadian worlds can be found on ours, it will be somewhat unofficial. I am considering making Ani-Mobius, as you call it, part of the Ani-Earth union until such portals can be found, seeing as how your only connection to here is through Ani-Earth."
"I see..." Anthony said, and then picked up a couple of drinks that were being handed out in celebration, handing one to King Acorn. "Then, I shall propose a toast...to the freedom of Ani-Mobius, and to our new found alliance."
"Hear hear!" King Acorn said, as he clinked glasses with Anthony. As Anthony settled into the celebration, he saw Tails, the Arcadian version, walk up to him.
"Anth, the Arcadians are going to head back," Arcadia Tails said. "We're going to see if we can spare some workers to help with any rebuild effort here."
"Sounds good, Tails," Anthony said. "I'm going to stick around for a little bit, check on a couple of things before I head back. Can you tell the others?"
"Will do!" Arcadia Tails said, and ran off to find the others.
"What do you still need to check out?" King Acorn asked.
"Just a couple of minor details," Anthony said, "just in case you had anything else for me to do while I'm here. Speaking of which..." Anthony was now looking over towards a mongoose woman, who appeared to be looking around for something. "I wonder what she's looking for?"
King Acorn looked where Anthony was looking and said, "Not sure...I believe that was one of those who was recently deroboticized."
"Hmmm...I'll go see if I can help," Anthony said, and walked towards the mongoose's location. As soon as he reached her, he asked, "Can I help you with something?"
The mongoose was startled and looked towards Anthony. "Oh...Gamemaster! Um...perhaps you can. I haven't seen my daughter anywhere..."
"Your daughter?" Anthony asked, and suspected he knew who she was talking about. "What's her name?"
"Her name is Mina Mongoose," she said. "I'm her mother, Tina."
"Well, Tina," Anthony said, "as it so happens, I know where she is. She's currently living on Ani-Earth with her boyfriend, Shadow. Shadow was that black hedgehog you probably saw earlier. I can take you to her if..."
"Yes, please!!!" Tina said without any hesitation.
"Alright, follow me, Tina," Anthony said, and led her towards the Ani-Earth portal.
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On the other end of the portal, which turned out to be located at the Masaki home, Anthony found Washu tooling around some device. Anthony was curious to what Washu was doing.
"Hiya, Washu," Anthony said. "What are you working on there?"
"Oh, just something wanted to make for Arcadia's benefit," Washu explained. "It's based on that communicator VanVranken had, one that could communicate between dimensions. So far though...all I've been able to receive are Russian radio programs...so, it'll be a while..."
"I see..." Anthony said. "Washu, have you seen Mina anywhere?"
"I believe she's out back with Shadow," Washu said, "and they've been quiet for a while."
"Alright, I'll go check," Anthony said.
"Who's this female mongoose you've brought?" Washu asked. "I don't recognize her..."
"Hello, my name's Tina Mongoose," Tina said, introducing herself. "I'm Mina's mother."
"Ah, welcome to the Masaki home, Miss Mongoose," Washu said.
"Come, Tina, let's go see your daughter," Anthony said leading Tina towards the back.
As soon as the two of them had rounded the corner leading to the back of the home, they saw a rather interesting sight. Mina and Shadow were resting underneath one of the trees, and had their arms around each other as if they were embracing.
"Aw..." Tina said, "you know, I hate to wake them up like that but..."
Anthony sensed something in Tina when she said that. "What are you plotting?"
"Just watch..." Tina said, and then crept up towards the pair. As soon as she was close enough, she said in a loud and overly motherly voice, "MINA DIANE MONGOOSE!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?"
Both Mina and Shadow jumped up awake at that voice, and when Mina saw her mother standing there, she rushed over and embraced Tina in a tight hug. "Mom!" Mina said, talking between tears. "I don't believe it! It's really you!"
"Yes, and thank Destiny I'm no longer a robot," Tina said. "Oh, it's so good to see you again..."
As the two continued to be reacquainted, Anthony walked up to Shadow. "I assume you told Mina about our success in Ani-Mobius?"
"You bet," Shadow said. "Though I think you bringing her mother here made her a lot happier."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then his attention was peaked when he heard Tina say, "You should come back to Ani-Mobius and see what's happened! I'm sure all your friends will want to see you!"
Mina began to look scared as soon as Tina had said that, and stammered, "I...I cannot..."
"What?" Tina said, confused. "Mina, why not? What's wrong?"
"I...cannot say...you wouldn't believe me..." Mina said.
"Should I tell her, Mina?" Anthony said, speaking up. After Mina nodded, Anthony told Tina, "Miss Mongoose, the reason Mina doesn't want to return is because she's afraid of Princess Sally. Mina had kissed Sally's boyfriend, Sonic...a simple misunderstanding and Sonic told Mina he was already taken. However...Sally took the kiss the wrong way and..." Anthony paused before continuing, wondering how Tina would take the information. "...attacked your daughter."
"What?!?" Tina said, shocked at what she just heard. "I can't believe she would do that! Even if she is the princess, she has no right...!"
"I know," Anthony said, and then took a thoughtful pose, "and perhaps it's time something is done about it."
"What are you suggesting?" Shadow asked.
"Have Mina face her fear," Anthony said, and then turned towards Mina. "Mina, you and your mother should come back to Ani-Mobius. I can protect you if necessary, but hopefully Sally cooled down during the time you were gone from Ani-Mobius."
"I hope you're right, Anthony," Mina said, "but I doubt it. You didn't see how angry she was."
"I hope I'm right too..." Anthony said, "because I don't want to risk ruining the new alliance if I have to confront Sally myself..."
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On Ani-Mobius, Sonic was busy running...all three of them. Ani-Mobius Sonic decided to race with SegaSonic and Arcadia Sonic to see how the three of them compare. So far, all three of them have lapped Knothole five times, and were still tied. Finally, all three decided to stop.
"Alright, WHEW..." Arcadia Sonic said. "I think we can call this a draw...I mean, we ARE all the same guy!"
"I hear ya..." Ani-Mobius Sonic said.
"Well, thanks for the exercise, Ani-me!" SegaSonic said. "Arcadia-me and I better head back...our women will probably wonder what happened to us!"
"Alright...catch you guys later," Ani-Mobius Sonic said, "because I WANT a rematch!"
"You got it!" Arcadia Sonic said, and then he and SegaSonic ran off.
After the other two Sonics had left, Ani-Mobius Sonic decided to head back to his home, already smelling the chili dogs he planned to have. However...he saw something else that caught his eye...a familiar mongoose escorted by Shadow, Anthony, and another older mongoose.
"Mina?" Sonic said. "Is that you?"
"Sonic!" Mina said. She was then surprised to see Sonic rush up to her and hug her.
"Man! It's great to see you again!" Sonic said. "Where have you been?"
"Living on Ani-Earth," Mina explained as soon as Sonic had released the hug. "In fact, I've been living with my new boyfriend, Shadow."
"Oh yeah..." Sonic said, looking towards the ebon hedgehog. "Lucky guy..."
"Thanks," Shadow said.
"So, why didn't you come and visit?" Sonic said. "A lot of the guys missed you, even at the celebration after Anth here turned Buttnik into scrap!"
"Well...after you told me off after kissing you that one time, I kinda felt too embarrassed to see you again," Mina explained, though Anthony knew she was lying. "I'm glad I found Shadow though."
"Mina...you're my friend!" Sonic said. "What happened was a misunderstanding, you didn't need to run from me! Heck, I'm sure Sally understands that too!"
"I'm not so sure about that..." Mina said, beginning to show worry.
Sonic noticed this. "Mina, what's wrong?"
Before Mina could answer, Sally joined the group. "Sonic, are you done running with your other selves?" Suddenly, she noticed Mina talking with the group, and Anthony could sense Sally trying to keep her rage in check. "Oh...I didn't realize you had company..."
"Yeah, Sal..." Sonic said. "Mina came back to see how things were now that Buttnik's no longer a factor. Turns out she's been living on Ani-Earth with her boyfriend, Shadow."
"That's good to hear," Sally said, with what Anthony could sense was fake friendship. "I'm glad to see you managed to avoid some of the problems going on..."
"Me too," Mina said, "though I wish I was here to help."
"Don't worry about it," Sally said. "At least you can come back home to a Buttnik free world. Come, let's join the others. The Freedom Fighters decided to stage an impromptu reunion for a private celebration."
"I'll see you later then," Tina said. "I still need to put in for housing in Knothole."
"Alright, Mom!" Mina said. "I'll see you and Shadow later!"
As Shadow and Tina walked towards Knothole's housing office, Anthony sent them a telepathic message. *I'll keep an eye on them...I'll follow you until Sally thinks I'm out of earshot and double back.*
Anthony watched as Mina, Sally, and Sonic walked off. Sonic, of course, sped ahead leaving the two girls in the dust. As soon as Anthony sensed Sally's thoughts that he was out of earshot, he ducked into a patch of woods to the side, activated his Descendancy Powers, and used the Fade power to become invisible. From his concealment, he saw the drama unfold.
"Sally," Mina said, unaware of Sally's feelings, "I'm glad you're no longer mad. I was hoping I could come home again without worrying about you, and be assured I won't make the same mistake with Sonic like I did."
"I'm sure of that," Sally said. Suddenly, she pushed Mina down on the ground and showed a look of anger on her face.
"Sally! What...?" Mina started to say.
"I told you to stay away from Sonic," Sally said angrily. "You are NOT welcome here and never will be. Just go back to Ani-Earth with YOUR hedgehog, and there won't be any problem!"
"But...this is my home too!" Mina said. "You can't...!"
"Perhaps you need another lesson," Sally said, cracking her knuckles, "and I can because I'm princess of Mobius."
"Not for long if you treat your subjects like that, Sal," Sally heard a voice say. Sally turned towards the source and saw Anthony's Descendancy form materialize out of thin air.
"Gamemaster?!?" Sally said. "How...?"
"Never mind that now, Sal," Anthony said, deactivating the Descendancy form. "Just listen. I don't care if you are princess, you have NO right treating Mina like that. What happened between her and Sonic was a misunderstanding, and even Sonic understands that. So I suggest you leave her alone."
"Gamemaster," Sally said, "if you want to ensure our continued peace between Ani-Mobius and Arcadia, I suggest you leave now. This has nothing to do with you."
Anthony drew his sword and rested the blade against the shoulder of his red armor. "It is if an innocent is in trouble. Sally...I don't want to have to tell your father that I had to prevent you from killing Mina over simple jealousy."
Sally smiled an evil smile. "It will just be your word against mine, Gamemaster...and you are just a guest here, so I doubt you'll be trusted over me."
Anthony realized she was right. "Perhaps...but if you do anything to Mina, I won't hesitate to act." Anthony then thumbed the blade of his sword. "Understood?"
Sally realized Anthony was serious and decided to back off. "Very well..." Sally then turned towards Mina menacingly. "Stay away from Sonic...subject." Sally then ran off to meet Sonic, leaving Mina and Anthony behind.
"I knew Sally still didn't like me," Mina said. "Perhaps I should head back to Ani-Earth..."
"No, Mina," Anthony said. "We are going to make sure it's safe for you to come back here. This your home, and you deserve to come here too!"
"Anthony, don't," Mina said. "It's not worth risking the end of our new alliance with Ani-Mobius over me. What were you thinking?!? Drawing your sword at Sally like that!"
"I wanted to make sure Sally understood you were off limits as well," Anthony said. "As for why I'm doing it...you should know me better than that. I won't let any villain hurt the innocent...and right now, Sally's being the villain."
"But, what can you do?" Mina asked. "You don't have proof!"
"Then I'll just need to get proof," Anthony said. "And, I'll need to get help..."
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"No way! NO WAY! You're wrong, Anth!"
Anthony was telling Sonic about how Sally attacked Mina and that's why Mina hadn't reappeared on Ani-Mobius. "I wish I WAS wrong, Sonic. Unfortunately, I just had to prevent Sally from attacking Mina again...and, I'm ashamed to say I had to draw my sword to show Sally I meant business."
"Anth...you're nuts!" Sonic said. "Sal is NOT that jealous, and I told her I told off Mina after she kissed me. So she has no reason to attack Mina!"
"Sonic, I'm sorry, but she still hates Mina," Anthony said. "I wish I had proof..."
"Well, until you do, don't bug me with such stories, Anth! I still don't believe you!" Sonic said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, me and Sal have a date..." Sonic then ran off, leaving Anthony to ponder these events.
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The next day, Anthony was busy talking with Mina, Tina, and Shadow in Tina's new home in Knothole. They were talking about recent events, and Anthony had a plan in mind.
"I know it's a bit risky," Anthony said, "but it may be our only chance to expose Sally for the cruel person she is. Or...it may make her rethink her position and try to make some type of peace."
"I don't know, Anthony," Shadow said. "I don't want to put Mina in any more danger, especially after what happened with her and Sally yesterday."
"I know, which is why I won't go through with this unless Mina agrees," Anthony said, and then turned towards Mina. "Mina, what say you?"
Mina thought for a moment and then said, "Alright, I'll do it. As long as it means this entire situation will end."
"Alright," Anthony said, "in that case, let's go over the plan again..."
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King Max, Queen Alicia, and Princess Sally Acorn were all talking in the throne room about new additions to be made to Knothole, including the possibility of an information center to provide the people with information about Arcadia at any time. Just as they were talking, Antoine came in. "Your majestees? Meess Mina Mongoose wishes to see Sally."
"Oh?" Sally said, curious to know why Mina wasn't scared of her after her encounter yesterday. "Let her in."
Antoine nodded and showed Mina in. Mina bowed towards all three before being addressed by Sally. "What do need, Mina?"
"Well, I haven't seen Sonic recently, and I knew you visit him frequently, so I wondered if you could pass along a message," Mina said.
"Of course," Sally said, trying to keep up appearances. "What message?"
"Just tell him I'm going to be staying in Knothole for a couple of months, helping my mother with getting resituated with her new home," Mina said. "That way, if he ever wanted to see me, he knows where I am."
"I see..." Sally said, and then smiled as a plan entered her mind. "Mina...why don't you and I meet later? It's been a while since we've seen each other, and we could talk for a while. You can even tell me about Shadow while I tell you about Sonic." Sally said that last part with a sly smile.
Mina took that as her cue and giggled slightly. "Sounds like fun...I even have some stories about Shadow that will make you laugh. Where should we meet?"
"The Ring Lake, around 4?" Sally asked.
"Sounds good! I'll meet you then!" Mina said, and then bowed towards the king and queen. "By your leave, majesties."
"I'll escort you out, Mina," Sally said, standing up. "The guards aren't exactly personable here..."
As Sally walked Mina out the door, she whispered to her, "Don't think I'm going to make small talk, Mina. I told you to stay away from Sonic."
"I intend to, Sally," Mina whispered back, "but I was also hoping we could find a way to make amends. We were friends at one point."
"Perhaps, but your advances on Sonic changed that, even if it was a misunderstanding," Sally said. As they reached the exit, the two girls noticed Anthony approaching, and Sally finished with Mina with a fake friendly voice. "I'll see you at 4 at the Ring Lake, Mina!"
Anthony looked surprised at that statement, and then turned towards Mina. "What? You're meeting her? Mina...after yesterday..."
"I'll be fine, Anthony," Mina said. "We're just going to talk, and I can handle this myself. Do NOT go there!"
"Mina..." Anthony said, acting concerned.
"Anthony, do NOT appear there," Mina said, and then ran off.
Anthony sighed, and then turned his attention towards Sally. "PLEASE be civil with her..."
"I will, you can trust me," Sally said with a devilish smile. "Why are you here, Gamemaster?"
"I need to speak with your parents. Are they available right now?" Anthony said.
"They are...but don't think you'll be able to convince them I attacked Mina," Sally said. "They're still upset with you after hearing you drew your sword at me."
"Well, this is concerning something with Arcadia, actually," Anthony said. "As for that incident, I doubt they'll believe my story anyway, so I wasn't going to pursue that."
"I see...well, in that case, they're in the throne room," Sally said.
"Going to come along to gloat when they browbeat me?" Anthony asked.
"Nope...I have to get ready with my meeting with Mina tonight," Sally said, and then walked off towards her room.
Anthony smiled as Sally walked off and thought, "Perfect. Now for phase two of my plan..."
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At the Ring Lake, Mina waited for Sally, wondering what fate had in store for her. She hoped Sally would be willing to make up and be friends again, but she still felt like it was a lost cause. Eventually, she saw Sally approach the lake.
"Sally," Mina said, addressing the princess, and then looked around. "No guards?"
"I convinced Daddy I didn't need them," Sally explained. "Mom even had to explain to him about a woman's need for privacy...and besides, I don't want anyone around for what's going to happen here."
Mina began to look scared again. "Wh...what are you talking about?"
Sally looked straight into Mina's eyes and said, "Simple...I'm going to finally teach you a lesson for coming back to Mobius. I don't want you here, Mina. As long as you're here, there's a chance Sonic might not have as much time for me."
"Why?!?" Mina said. "I have Shadow now...I won't come between you and Sonic!"
"True...but do you love Shadow for who he is?" Sally said. "Or do you just love him because he reminds you of Sonic? Mina...I wish it didn't come to this, but this is my kingdom and Sonic's my man, so I can't have you sticking around to interfere with my happiness! Maybe this will teach you to stay on Ani-Earth!" With that, she rushed forward to attack Mina, and Mina shielded herself...
...only to notice Sally get blocked by some kind of force and knocked backwards.
Sally stood back up from being knocked back and pounded on whatever barrier had appeared. "What type of trick is this? How did you do this?"
"She didn't do it," Sally heard a voice said, and turned towards the voice and saw Anthony walking out of the woods.
"YOU!" Sally said, shocked at Anthony's appearance.
"Yes...me," Anthony said. "I was afraid you would try something like this, so I decided to make sure you didn't harm Mina."
"How DARE you!" Sally said, rage increased. "I'll make sure you are banned from my kingdom for this, Gamemaster!"
"I don't remember us giving you the kingdom yet, Sally," Sally heard another voice say, and froze when she recognized it as her mother, Queen Alicia. He then looked and watched as King and Queen Acorn walked out of the same hiding place...and became more horrified when she also saw one other person walk out...
Sonic.
"Sally...I am ashamed of you," King Acorn said, showing his anger towards his daughter. "I can understand being afraid of losing your boyfriend...but this is NO way for a princess to act!"
"I'm even more ashamed, Sal," Sonic said. "You know, when Anthony convinced the king and queen to come here to prove his story, and then convinced me, the LAST thing I wanted or expected was for him to be right!" Sonic's anger became more apparent as he continued. "How COULD you, Sal?!? You knew you were the only girl for me and I had already told Mina that! You had no reason to do what you did! Dammit, Sal...even though she was out of line then she was STILL my friend! Unlike you..."
Sally seemed shocked at that last part. "Wha...what are you talking about?"
"I mean we're through, Sal," Sonic said. "I want nothing to do with you now! I thought we were friends...but I don't know you anymore! You used to be the kind girl who read bedtime stories to Tails every night, the kind person I grew to love as more than a friend. Now...you've become this overly-jealous person who can't stand me even being just FRIENDS with another girl! I deserve better than that!"
"But...Sonic..." Sally said, "I love you..."
"Well, I don't love you, Sal...not anymore," Sonic said, and then took Mina by the paw. "Now, if you'll excuse me, YOUR HIGHNESS, I'm going to bring Mina home." He then ran off leaving a very teary-eyed Sally to start bawling at his departure.
"Come, my dear," King Acorn said, guiding Sally towards the palace, "you and I are going to have a little talk about your behavior." As King Acorn led his daughter away, Queen Alicia turned to Anthony and said, "It seems you were right, Anthony...I'm sorry for the problems my daughter has caused."
"It's alright, your majesty," Anthony said. "You'd...better see to your daughter."
Alicia nodded and walked off, leaving Anthony at the Ring Pool. He sat down and looked at the pool and thought, "I was right...but this is one time I wish I wasn't..."
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That evening, King and Queen Acorn were busy talking with Sonic, Shadow, Mina, Tina, and Anthony. "I am sorry for what my daughter did to your daughter, Miss Mongoose," King Acorn said, addressing Tina. "You have my deepest apologies, and my assurance that this won't happen again."
"Thank you, your majesty," Tina said. "I just wish the situation was different..."
"As do I..." King Acorn said. "I am now forced to search for my lost son, Elias. Even though he left because he felt Sally was best suited to lead, I cannot let her lead the kingdom after what she has done. Hopefully, he will get the message I sent throughout the kingdom."
"Then it is a good thing I didn't travel too far," the entire group heard, and all looked towards the entrance to the throne room and saw Elias standing there, with his travel cloak still on. "I came back as soon as I had heard..."
Queen Alicia immediately jumped up from her throne and hugged her son tightly. "I'm just glad you are home...Goddess, how we've missed you...Why didn't you just tell us...?"
"I tried," Elias said, breaking the hug, "but you wouldn't listen. However...things are different now..."
"Yes..." King Acorn said, sullenly, "I only wish this didn't happen...she had the potential to be a good leader..."
"Where is she now?" Elias asked.
"She was still crying in her room last time I checked," Alicia said. "I think, after Sonic decided to no longer be her boyfriend, she's coming to terms to what she did..."
"More than you know, Mother," a voice said, bringing all people present to attention. Everyone turned towards the source and saw Sally, still looking as if she was crying. "I'm glad you are all here...I was hoping I could say something, to you especially, Mina."
All were silent as Sally continued. "I...just wanted to say, I'm sorry, to all of you. It wasn't until Sonic broke up with me that I realized just how jealous I was acting. The last thing I wanted to lose the respect of my friends..." Sally then looked towards Mina. "...ALL of my friends. I...know it will be a while before you all trust me again, and I won't press you or beg you to forgive me. I just wanted you to know..."
"Hey, Sal..." Anthony said, "we understand. No one's immune to their emotions, and sometimes the worst can come out because of them. Like me with the Dark Gamemaster..." Anthony shuddered a bit as the images of that event replayed in his mind.
"I see..." Sally said, and then looked sadly toward Mina. "Mina, you're the one I should apologize to the most...can you ever forgive me?"
Mina looked towards Sally and saw that Sally almost had a pleading look in her eyes. She walked up to Sally and then did something surprising...in the form of a sisterly hug. "Of course I can...hell, it was partly my fault too."
"Thank you..." Sally whispered as she returned the hug. After the hug was broken, Sally felt herself being hugged from behind and felt a kiss on her cheek. She looked towards the source and saw Sonic. "Sonic? Wha...?"
"That's the Sal I knew..." Sonic said. "I figure you deserved another chance, since you apologized to Mina..."
"You...you mean...?" Sally said, stammering a little.
"Yeah...I forgive you too, Sal," Sonic said, and then drew Sally into a tight hug as Sally began to sob heavily onto Sonic's shoulder.
Anthony watched the entire scene unfold, and then turned towards Max, Alicia, and Elias. "I'd better take my leave now, your majesties. It seems all the loose ends have been tied up here."
"Very well, Gamemaster," Max said. "Until next we meet..."
Anthony made a farewell bow and then walked out of the throne room and out of the castle. As he walked towards the portal, he saw Ashura and Crystallis running towards him. "Anth," Ashura said, "we just heard about Mina! Is she...?"
"She's fine," Anthony said. "Sally is busy apologizing to her as we speak, and all involved are trying to reunite their broken bonds of friendship."
"Good," Crystallis said. "I guess Mina's going to live here again now?"
"Doubt it," Anthony said, "I think SHADOW might still have an issue with that."
"True," Ashura said, snickering a little. "Well, I think this calls for a celebration..."
"I agree," Anthony said, noticing a small automated chili dog stand, "and I think a sample of the local chili dogs are in order..."
The derobotization of the Mobians went like clockwork, and soon there wasn't a Robian to be found. Families were now hugging each other, glad to no longer be trapped in metal shells. Even Bunnie was glad to be without a metal arm and legs.
Anthony watched as the last of the citizens came out of the Deroboticizer, and smiled as he sensed the feelings of immense happiness and relief coming from the people. Everyone even got to meet the Arcadians and offer their thanks, and several seemed particularly interested in meeting Anthony...especially after hearing about his willingness to roboticize himself to face Robotnik.
King Acorn came up to Anthony, after he managed to break away from the excitement and settled into the celebration that started. "I've just authorized a permanent portal to be set up outside of Knothole. I've even spoken with your reality's version of me."
"I see," Anthony said. "So, does this mean that Ani-Mobius will want to join Arcadia?"
"Indeed," King Acorn said. "But, until some portals similar to the ones interconnecting the six Arcadian worlds can be found on ours, it will be somewhat unofficial. I am considering making Ani-Mobius, as you call it, part of the Ani-Earth union until such portals can be found, seeing as how your only connection to here is through Ani-Earth."
"I see..." Anthony said, and then picked up a couple of drinks that were being handed out in celebration, handing one to King Acorn. "Then, I shall propose a toast...to the freedom of Ani-Mobius, and to our new found alliance."
"Hear hear!" King Acorn said, as he clinked glasses with Anthony. As Anthony settled into the celebration, he saw Tails, the Arcadian version, walk up to him.
"Anth, the Arcadians are going to head back," Arcadia Tails said. "We're going to see if we can spare some workers to help with any rebuild effort here."
"Sounds good, Tails," Anthony said. "I'm going to stick around for a little bit, check on a couple of things before I head back. Can you tell the others?"
"Will do!" Arcadia Tails said, and ran off to find the others.
"What do you still need to check out?" King Acorn asked.
"Just a couple of minor details," Anthony said, "just in case you had anything else for me to do while I'm here. Speaking of which..." Anthony was now looking over towards a mongoose woman, who appeared to be looking around for something. "I wonder what she's looking for?"
King Acorn looked where Anthony was looking and said, "Not sure...I believe that was one of those who was recently deroboticized."
"Hmmm...I'll go see if I can help," Anthony said, and walked towards the mongoose's location. As soon as he reached her, he asked, "Can I help you with something?"
The mongoose was startled and looked towards Anthony. "Oh...Gamemaster! Um...perhaps you can. I haven't seen my daughter anywhere..."
"Your daughter?" Anthony asked, and suspected he knew who she was talking about. "What's her name?"
"Her name is Mina Mongoose," she said. "I'm her mother, Tina."
"Well, Tina," Anthony said, "as it so happens, I know where she is. She's currently living on Ani-Earth with her boyfriend, Shadow. Shadow was that black hedgehog you probably saw earlier. I can take you to her if..."
"Yes, please!!!" Tina said without any hesitation.
"Alright, follow me, Tina," Anthony said, and led her towards the Ani-Earth portal.
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On the other end of the portal, which turned out to be located at the Masaki home, Anthony found Washu tooling around some device. Anthony was curious to what Washu was doing.
"Hiya, Washu," Anthony said. "What are you working on there?"
"Oh, just something wanted to make for Arcadia's benefit," Washu explained. "It's based on that communicator VanVranken had, one that could communicate between dimensions. So far though...all I've been able to receive are Russian radio programs...so, it'll be a while..."
"I see..." Anthony said. "Washu, have you seen Mina anywhere?"
"I believe she's out back with Shadow," Washu said, "and they've been quiet for a while."
"Alright, I'll go check," Anthony said.
"Who's this female mongoose you've brought?" Washu asked. "I don't recognize her..."
"Hello, my name's Tina Mongoose," Tina said, introducing herself. "I'm Mina's mother."
"Ah, welcome to the Masaki home, Miss Mongoose," Washu said.
"Come, Tina, let's go see your daughter," Anthony said leading Tina towards the back.
As soon as the two of them had rounded the corner leading to the back of the home, they saw a rather interesting sight. Mina and Shadow were resting underneath one of the trees, and had their arms around each other as if they were embracing.
"Aw..." Tina said, "you know, I hate to wake them up like that but..."
Anthony sensed something in Tina when she said that. "What are you plotting?"
"Just watch..." Tina said, and then crept up towards the pair. As soon as she was close enough, she said in a loud and overly motherly voice, "MINA DIANE MONGOOSE!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?"
Both Mina and Shadow jumped up awake at that voice, and when Mina saw her mother standing there, she rushed over and embraced Tina in a tight hug. "Mom!" Mina said, talking between tears. "I don't believe it! It's really you!"
"Yes, and thank Destiny I'm no longer a robot," Tina said. "Oh, it's so good to see you again..."
As the two continued to be reacquainted, Anthony walked up to Shadow. "I assume you told Mina about our success in Ani-Mobius?"
"You bet," Shadow said. "Though I think you bringing her mother here made her a lot happier."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then his attention was peaked when he heard Tina say, "You should come back to Ani-Mobius and see what's happened! I'm sure all your friends will want to see you!"
Mina began to look scared as soon as Tina had said that, and stammered, "I...I cannot..."
"What?" Tina said, confused. "Mina, why not? What's wrong?"
"I...cannot say...you wouldn't believe me..." Mina said.
"Should I tell her, Mina?" Anthony said, speaking up. After Mina nodded, Anthony told Tina, "Miss Mongoose, the reason Mina doesn't want to return is because she's afraid of Princess Sally. Mina had kissed Sally's boyfriend, Sonic...a simple misunderstanding and Sonic told Mina he was already taken. However...Sally took the kiss the wrong way and..." Anthony paused before continuing, wondering how Tina would take the information. "...attacked your daughter."
"What?!?" Tina said, shocked at what she just heard. "I can't believe she would do that! Even if she is the princess, she has no right...!"
"I know," Anthony said, and then took a thoughtful pose, "and perhaps it's time something is done about it."
"What are you suggesting?" Shadow asked.
"Have Mina face her fear," Anthony said, and then turned towards Mina. "Mina, you and your mother should come back to Ani-Mobius. I can protect you if necessary, but hopefully Sally cooled down during the time you were gone from Ani-Mobius."
"I hope you're right, Anthony," Mina said, "but I doubt it. You didn't see how angry she was."
"I hope I'm right too..." Anthony said, "because I don't want to risk ruining the new alliance if I have to confront Sally myself..."
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On Ani-Mobius, Sonic was busy running...all three of them. Ani-Mobius Sonic decided to race with SegaSonic and Arcadia Sonic to see how the three of them compare. So far, all three of them have lapped Knothole five times, and were still tied. Finally, all three decided to stop.
"Alright, WHEW..." Arcadia Sonic said. "I think we can call this a draw...I mean, we ARE all the same guy!"
"I hear ya..." Ani-Mobius Sonic said.
"Well, thanks for the exercise, Ani-me!" SegaSonic said. "Arcadia-me and I better head back...our women will probably wonder what happened to us!"
"Alright...catch you guys later," Ani-Mobius Sonic said, "because I WANT a rematch!"
"You got it!" Arcadia Sonic said, and then he and SegaSonic ran off.
After the other two Sonics had left, Ani-Mobius Sonic decided to head back to his home, already smelling the chili dogs he planned to have. However...he saw something else that caught his eye...a familiar mongoose escorted by Shadow, Anthony, and another older mongoose.
"Mina?" Sonic said. "Is that you?"
"Sonic!" Mina said. She was then surprised to see Sonic rush up to her and hug her.
"Man! It's great to see you again!" Sonic said. "Where have you been?"
"Living on Ani-Earth," Mina explained as soon as Sonic had released the hug. "In fact, I've been living with my new boyfriend, Shadow."
"Oh yeah..." Sonic said, looking towards the ebon hedgehog. "Lucky guy..."
"Thanks," Shadow said.
"So, why didn't you come and visit?" Sonic said. "A lot of the guys missed you, even at the celebration after Anth here turned Buttnik into scrap!"
"Well...after you told me off after kissing you that one time, I kinda felt too embarrassed to see you again," Mina explained, though Anthony knew she was lying. "I'm glad I found Shadow though."
"Mina...you're my friend!" Sonic said. "What happened was a misunderstanding, you didn't need to run from me! Heck, I'm sure Sally understands that too!"
"I'm not so sure about that..." Mina said, beginning to show worry.
Sonic noticed this. "Mina, what's wrong?"
Before Mina could answer, Sally joined the group. "Sonic, are you done running with your other selves?" Suddenly, she noticed Mina talking with the group, and Anthony could sense Sally trying to keep her rage in check. "Oh...I didn't realize you had company..."
"Yeah, Sal..." Sonic said. "Mina came back to see how things were now that Buttnik's no longer a factor. Turns out she's been living on Ani-Earth with her boyfriend, Shadow."
"That's good to hear," Sally said, with what Anthony could sense was fake friendship. "I'm glad to see you managed to avoid some of the problems going on..."
"Me too," Mina said, "though I wish I was here to help."
"Don't worry about it," Sally said. "At least you can come back home to a Buttnik free world. Come, let's join the others. The Freedom Fighters decided to stage an impromptu reunion for a private celebration."
"I'll see you later then," Tina said. "I still need to put in for housing in Knothole."
"Alright, Mom!" Mina said. "I'll see you and Shadow later!"
As Shadow and Tina walked towards Knothole's housing office, Anthony sent them a telepathic message. *I'll keep an eye on them...I'll follow you until Sally thinks I'm out of earshot and double back.*
Anthony watched as Mina, Sally, and Sonic walked off. Sonic, of course, sped ahead leaving the two girls in the dust. As soon as Anthony sensed Sally's thoughts that he was out of earshot, he ducked into a patch of woods to the side, activated his Descendancy Powers, and used the Fade power to become invisible. From his concealment, he saw the drama unfold.
"Sally," Mina said, unaware of Sally's feelings, "I'm glad you're no longer mad. I was hoping I could come home again without worrying about you, and be assured I won't make the same mistake with Sonic like I did."
"I'm sure of that," Sally said. Suddenly, she pushed Mina down on the ground and showed a look of anger on her face.
"Sally! What...?" Mina started to say.
"I told you to stay away from Sonic," Sally said angrily. "You are NOT welcome here and never will be. Just go back to Ani-Earth with YOUR hedgehog, and there won't be any problem!"
"But...this is my home too!" Mina said. "You can't...!"
"Perhaps you need another lesson," Sally said, cracking her knuckles, "and I can because I'm princess of Mobius."
"Not for long if you treat your subjects like that, Sal," Sally heard a voice say. Sally turned towards the source and saw Anthony's Descendancy form materialize out of thin air.
"Gamemaster?!?" Sally said. "How...?"
"Never mind that now, Sal," Anthony said, deactivating the Descendancy form. "Just listen. I don't care if you are princess, you have NO right treating Mina like that. What happened between her and Sonic was a misunderstanding, and even Sonic understands that. So I suggest you leave her alone."
"Gamemaster," Sally said, "if you want to ensure our continued peace between Ani-Mobius and Arcadia, I suggest you leave now. This has nothing to do with you."
Anthony drew his sword and rested the blade against the shoulder of his red armor. "It is if an innocent is in trouble. Sally...I don't want to have to tell your father that I had to prevent you from killing Mina over simple jealousy."
Sally smiled an evil smile. "It will just be your word against mine, Gamemaster...and you are just a guest here, so I doubt you'll be trusted over me."
Anthony realized she was right. "Perhaps...but if you do anything to Mina, I won't hesitate to act." Anthony then thumbed the blade of his sword. "Understood?"
Sally realized Anthony was serious and decided to back off. "Very well..." Sally then turned towards Mina menacingly. "Stay away from Sonic...subject." Sally then ran off to meet Sonic, leaving Mina and Anthony behind.
"I knew Sally still didn't like me," Mina said. "Perhaps I should head back to Ani-Earth..."
"No, Mina," Anthony said. "We are going to make sure it's safe for you to come back here. This your home, and you deserve to come here too!"
"Anthony, don't," Mina said. "It's not worth risking the end of our new alliance with Ani-Mobius over me. What were you thinking?!? Drawing your sword at Sally like that!"
"I wanted to make sure Sally understood you were off limits as well," Anthony said. "As for why I'm doing it...you should know me better than that. I won't let any villain hurt the innocent...and right now, Sally's being the villain."
"But, what can you do?" Mina asked. "You don't have proof!"
"Then I'll just need to get proof," Anthony said. "And, I'll need to get help..."
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"No way! NO WAY! You're wrong, Anth!"
Anthony was telling Sonic about how Sally attacked Mina and that's why Mina hadn't reappeared on Ani-Mobius. "I wish I WAS wrong, Sonic. Unfortunately, I just had to prevent Sally from attacking Mina again...and, I'm ashamed to say I had to draw my sword to show Sally I meant business."
"Anth...you're nuts!" Sonic said. "Sal is NOT that jealous, and I told her I told off Mina after she kissed me. So she has no reason to attack Mina!"
"Sonic, I'm sorry, but she still hates Mina," Anthony said. "I wish I had proof..."
"Well, until you do, don't bug me with such stories, Anth! I still don't believe you!" Sonic said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, me and Sal have a date..." Sonic then ran off, leaving Anthony to ponder these events.
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The next day, Anthony was busy talking with Mina, Tina, and Shadow in Tina's new home in Knothole. They were talking about recent events, and Anthony had a plan in mind.
"I know it's a bit risky," Anthony said, "but it may be our only chance to expose Sally for the cruel person she is. Or...it may make her rethink her position and try to make some type of peace."
"I don't know, Anthony," Shadow said. "I don't want to put Mina in any more danger, especially after what happened with her and Sally yesterday."
"I know, which is why I won't go through with this unless Mina agrees," Anthony said, and then turned towards Mina. "Mina, what say you?"
Mina thought for a moment and then said, "Alright, I'll do it. As long as it means this entire situation will end."
"Alright," Anthony said, "in that case, let's go over the plan again..."
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King Max, Queen Alicia, and Princess Sally Acorn were all talking in the throne room about new additions to be made to Knothole, including the possibility of an information center to provide the people with information about Arcadia at any time. Just as they were talking, Antoine came in. "Your majestees? Meess Mina Mongoose wishes to see Sally."
"Oh?" Sally said, curious to know why Mina wasn't scared of her after her encounter yesterday. "Let her in."
Antoine nodded and showed Mina in. Mina bowed towards all three before being addressed by Sally. "What do need, Mina?"
"Well, I haven't seen Sonic recently, and I knew you visit him frequently, so I wondered if you could pass along a message," Mina said.
"Of course," Sally said, trying to keep up appearances. "What message?"
"Just tell him I'm going to be staying in Knothole for a couple of months, helping my mother with getting resituated with her new home," Mina said. "That way, if he ever wanted to see me, he knows where I am."
"I see..." Sally said, and then smiled as a plan entered her mind. "Mina...why don't you and I meet later? It's been a while since we've seen each other, and we could talk for a while. You can even tell me about Shadow while I tell you about Sonic." Sally said that last part with a sly smile.
Mina took that as her cue and giggled slightly. "Sounds like fun...I even have some stories about Shadow that will make you laugh. Where should we meet?"
"The Ring Lake, around 4?" Sally asked.
"Sounds good! I'll meet you then!" Mina said, and then bowed towards the king and queen. "By your leave, majesties."
"I'll escort you out, Mina," Sally said, standing up. "The guards aren't exactly personable here..."
As Sally walked Mina out the door, she whispered to her, "Don't think I'm going to make small talk, Mina. I told you to stay away from Sonic."
"I intend to, Sally," Mina whispered back, "but I was also hoping we could find a way to make amends. We were friends at one point."
"Perhaps, but your advances on Sonic changed that, even if it was a misunderstanding," Sally said. As they reached the exit, the two girls noticed Anthony approaching, and Sally finished with Mina with a fake friendly voice. "I'll see you at 4 at the Ring Lake, Mina!"
Anthony looked surprised at that statement, and then turned towards Mina. "What? You're meeting her? Mina...after yesterday..."
"I'll be fine, Anthony," Mina said. "We're just going to talk, and I can handle this myself. Do NOT go there!"
"Mina..." Anthony said, acting concerned.
"Anthony, do NOT appear there," Mina said, and then ran off.
Anthony sighed, and then turned his attention towards Sally. "PLEASE be civil with her..."
"I will, you can trust me," Sally said with a devilish smile. "Why are you here, Gamemaster?"
"I need to speak with your parents. Are they available right now?" Anthony said.
"They are...but don't think you'll be able to convince them I attacked Mina," Sally said. "They're still upset with you after hearing you drew your sword at me."
"Well, this is concerning something with Arcadia, actually," Anthony said. "As for that incident, I doubt they'll believe my story anyway, so I wasn't going to pursue that."
"I see...well, in that case, they're in the throne room," Sally said.
"Going to come along to gloat when they browbeat me?" Anthony asked.
"Nope...I have to get ready with my meeting with Mina tonight," Sally said, and then walked off towards her room.
Anthony smiled as Sally walked off and thought, "Perfect. Now for phase two of my plan..."
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At the Ring Lake, Mina waited for Sally, wondering what fate had in store for her. She hoped Sally would be willing to make up and be friends again, but she still felt like it was a lost cause. Eventually, she saw Sally approach the lake.
"Sally," Mina said, addressing the princess, and then looked around. "No guards?"
"I convinced Daddy I didn't need them," Sally explained. "Mom even had to explain to him about a woman's need for privacy...and besides, I don't want anyone around for what's going to happen here."
Mina began to look scared again. "Wh...what are you talking about?"
Sally looked straight into Mina's eyes and said, "Simple...I'm going to finally teach you a lesson for coming back to Mobius. I don't want you here, Mina. As long as you're here, there's a chance Sonic might not have as much time for me."
"Why?!?" Mina said. "I have Shadow now...I won't come between you and Sonic!"
"True...but do you love Shadow for who he is?" Sally said. "Or do you just love him because he reminds you of Sonic? Mina...I wish it didn't come to this, but this is my kingdom and Sonic's my man, so I can't have you sticking around to interfere with my happiness! Maybe this will teach you to stay on Ani-Earth!" With that, she rushed forward to attack Mina, and Mina shielded herself...
...only to notice Sally get blocked by some kind of force and knocked backwards.
Sally stood back up from being knocked back and pounded on whatever barrier had appeared. "What type of trick is this? How did you do this?"
"She didn't do it," Sally heard a voice said, and turned towards the voice and saw Anthony walking out of the woods.
"YOU!" Sally said, shocked at Anthony's appearance.
"Yes...me," Anthony said. "I was afraid you would try something like this, so I decided to make sure you didn't harm Mina."
"How DARE you!" Sally said, rage increased. "I'll make sure you are banned from my kingdom for this, Gamemaster!"
"I don't remember us giving you the kingdom yet, Sally," Sally heard another voice say, and froze when she recognized it as her mother, Queen Alicia. He then looked and watched as King and Queen Acorn walked out of the same hiding place...and became more horrified when she also saw one other person walk out...
Sonic.
"Sally...I am ashamed of you," King Acorn said, showing his anger towards his daughter. "I can understand being afraid of losing your boyfriend...but this is NO way for a princess to act!"
"I'm even more ashamed, Sal," Sonic said. "You know, when Anthony convinced the king and queen to come here to prove his story, and then convinced me, the LAST thing I wanted or expected was for him to be right!" Sonic's anger became more apparent as he continued. "How COULD you, Sal?!? You knew you were the only girl for me and I had already told Mina that! You had no reason to do what you did! Dammit, Sal...even though she was out of line then she was STILL my friend! Unlike you..."
Sally seemed shocked at that last part. "Wha...what are you talking about?"
"I mean we're through, Sal," Sonic said. "I want nothing to do with you now! I thought we were friends...but I don't know you anymore! You used to be the kind girl who read bedtime stories to Tails every night, the kind person I grew to love as more than a friend. Now...you've become this overly-jealous person who can't stand me even being just FRIENDS with another girl! I deserve better than that!"
"But...Sonic..." Sally said, "I love you..."
"Well, I don't love you, Sal...not anymore," Sonic said, and then took Mina by the paw. "Now, if you'll excuse me, YOUR HIGHNESS, I'm going to bring Mina home." He then ran off leaving a very teary-eyed Sally to start bawling at his departure.
"Come, my dear," King Acorn said, guiding Sally towards the palace, "you and I are going to have a little talk about your behavior." As King Acorn led his daughter away, Queen Alicia turned to Anthony and said, "It seems you were right, Anthony...I'm sorry for the problems my daughter has caused."
"It's alright, your majesty," Anthony said. "You'd...better see to your daughter."
Alicia nodded and walked off, leaving Anthony at the Ring Pool. He sat down and looked at the pool and thought, "I was right...but this is one time I wish I wasn't..."
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That evening, King and Queen Acorn were busy talking with Sonic, Shadow, Mina, Tina, and Anthony. "I am sorry for what my daughter did to your daughter, Miss Mongoose," King Acorn said, addressing Tina. "You have my deepest apologies, and my assurance that this won't happen again."
"Thank you, your majesty," Tina said. "I just wish the situation was different..."
"As do I..." King Acorn said. "I am now forced to search for my lost son, Elias. Even though he left because he felt Sally was best suited to lead, I cannot let her lead the kingdom after what she has done. Hopefully, he will get the message I sent throughout the kingdom."
"Then it is a good thing I didn't travel too far," the entire group heard, and all looked towards the entrance to the throne room and saw Elias standing there, with his travel cloak still on. "I came back as soon as I had heard..."
Queen Alicia immediately jumped up from her throne and hugged her son tightly. "I'm just glad you are home...Goddess, how we've missed you...Why didn't you just tell us...?"
"I tried," Elias said, breaking the hug, "but you wouldn't listen. However...things are different now..."
"Yes..." King Acorn said, sullenly, "I only wish this didn't happen...she had the potential to be a good leader..."
"Where is she now?" Elias asked.
"She was still crying in her room last time I checked," Alicia said. "I think, after Sonic decided to no longer be her boyfriend, she's coming to terms to what she did..."
"More than you know, Mother," a voice said, bringing all people present to attention. Everyone turned towards the source and saw Sally, still looking as if she was crying. "I'm glad you are all here...I was hoping I could say something, to you especially, Mina."
All were silent as Sally continued. "I...just wanted to say, I'm sorry, to all of you. It wasn't until Sonic broke up with me that I realized just how jealous I was acting. The last thing I wanted to lose the respect of my friends..." Sally then looked towards Mina. "...ALL of my friends. I...know it will be a while before you all trust me again, and I won't press you or beg you to forgive me. I just wanted you to know..."
"Hey, Sal..." Anthony said, "we understand. No one's immune to their emotions, and sometimes the worst can come out because of them. Like me with the Dark Gamemaster..." Anthony shuddered a bit as the images of that event replayed in his mind.
"I see..." Sally said, and then looked sadly toward Mina. "Mina, you're the one I should apologize to the most...can you ever forgive me?"
Mina looked towards Sally and saw that Sally almost had a pleading look in her eyes. She walked up to Sally and then did something surprising...in the form of a sisterly hug. "Of course I can...hell, it was partly my fault too."
"Thank you..." Sally whispered as she returned the hug. After the hug was broken, Sally felt herself being hugged from behind and felt a kiss on her cheek. She looked towards the source and saw Sonic. "Sonic? Wha...?"
"That's the Sal I knew..." Sonic said. "I figure you deserved another chance, since you apologized to Mina..."
"You...you mean...?" Sally said, stammering a little.
"Yeah...I forgive you too, Sal," Sonic said, and then drew Sally into a tight hug as Sally began to sob heavily onto Sonic's shoulder.
Anthony watched the entire scene unfold, and then turned towards Max, Alicia, and Elias. "I'd better take my leave now, your majesties. It seems all the loose ends have been tied up here."
"Very well, Gamemaster," Max said. "Until next we meet..."
Anthony made a farewell bow and then walked out of the throne room and out of the castle. As he walked towards the portal, he saw Ashura and Crystallis running towards him. "Anth," Ashura said, "we just heard about Mina! Is she...?"
"She's fine," Anthony said. "Sally is busy apologizing to her as we speak, and all involved are trying to reunite their broken bonds of friendship."
"Good," Crystallis said. "I guess Mina's going to live here again now?"
"Doubt it," Anthony said, "I think SHADOW might still have an issue with that."
"True," Ashura said, snickering a little. "Well, I think this calls for a celebration..."
"I agree," Anthony said, noticing a small automated chili dog stand, "and I think a sample of the local chili dogs are in order..."