Chapter 14 - The Final Stop
The next morning found the Clan home in high activity. Anthony, Mary, and Amy were busy packing since the final stop was their home planet of Mobius. Jenna and Lars were also getting into their new Mastertech armor. The two of them had even opted to create a "uniform" to go with their armors...Jenna was wearing one of her white martial arts training gis with her armor, and Lars was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a green shirt with his. As soon as all were ready, they had gathered in the sitting room, where Olaf was waiting for them.
"Ah...I see you are leaving us, Anthony, Mary, and Amy..." Olaf said.
"Yeah, but you can expect to see us on a regular basis," Anthony said. "The transit gates will ensure we're just a hop, skip, and a jump away...and besides, we ARE clan."
"That's good to hear, cousin," Jenna said. "So, I assume Mobius is our final stop?"
"Yes," Anthony explained, "and this will be a different type of lesson. Instead of being trained in anything related to your powers or abilities...you will look first hand at one of the main reasons why I keep fighting."
"You mean...the effects of Robotnik's war..." Lars said, somewhat sullenly.
"Yes," Anthony said. "Learn well from what I will show you, because you will need to keep vigilant to prevent what I'll show you from happening again." He noticed the looks on both Jenna's and Lars's faces and said, "I understand your feelings...but this is a necessary lesson."
"Yes, I guess it is..." Jenna said.
"Don't worry, Jenna and Lars," Mary said. "You can also see how the six worlds are working together to rebuild Mobius as well."
"Yes, and that unity is something else you'll have to get used to as Gamemasters," Anthony explained.
"Well then," Lars said, getting himself ready, "shall we get going?"
"We shall," Anthony said, and then turned towards Olaf. "Patriarch, thank you for allowing us to stay here."
"It was my pleasure," Olaf said, and then turned towards Mary and Amy, "especially to meet the clan's two newest members."
"Thank you, Patriarch," Amy said.
As soon as they said their goodbyes, Jenna and Lars saying they would be back a little later, all five headed towards the transit gates...their destination: Mobius.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As soon as the group exited the portal to Mobius just outside of Mobotropolis, Jenna and Lars were surprised at the number of races taking part in the rebuild effort. Gorons, Zorans, Hylians, Nimbians, Bioroids, Mushroomers, and Floren joined the Mobians in what Jenna and Lars thought was the best display of solidarity they had ever seen. Of course...they also saw one other race that surprised them.
"Koopa Troopas?!?" Jenna said. "What the...?"
"The Koopa Klan finally made peace with the Mushroom Kingdom to aid in the fight against Robotnik," Anthony explained. "Bowser even came clean with why he was trying to kidnap the princess."
"I heard about that," Lars said, and then turned to Jenna. "I'll tell you about it later."
"We'll see you later, Anthony," Mary said, getting Anthony's attention. "Amy and I are going to head back to our home."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and watched as they walked off. "Speaking of which," Anthony said, "I'd better drop my suitcase off. Come with me, I'll show you where I live."
"You live on Mobius?" Jenna asked, confused. "I would have thought, as Earth's hero, you'd live on Earth!"
"Yeah, me too," Anthony said, "but Mobius insisted on giving me a house in thanks. You probably heard how I refused a statue..."
"...and destroyed all three attempts to make one," Jenna said. "That I HAD heard about..."
After a quick tour of Anthony's house, Anthony led the two towards the palace, where they were met by a salute and greetings by Geoffrey and Hershey. After finding out from Hershey where Sally was, Anthony led Jenna and Lars towards the throne room. Anthony noticed all four members of the Acorn royal family talking with each other over what Anthony thought was future plans for rebuild help with Ani-Mobius. As soon as the three humans entered the room, Sally looked up and noticed Anthony.
"Anthony, welcome back!" Sally said, and then noticed his two companions. "Are these your two students?"
"Yes, Sally," Anthony said, and then motioned for Jenna and Lars to step forward. "I'd like you to meet Jenna Larson and Lars Olson."
"Welcome to Mobius, Jenna and Lars," Sally said, extending a paw in friendship, and then acting surprised when she saw the two bow towards her.
"Thank you, your highness," Lars said.
"No need for that, Lars," Sally explained. "Any relative of Anthony is a friend of ours. Just call me Sally."
"Very well then, Sally," Lars said, shaking Sally's paw.
"You must be honored, being chosen for Anthony's training," King Acorn remarked, stepping forward to join the rest.
"Indeed, your majesty," Jenna said, "and it's certainly exciting to see all these worlds and well known faces for real. Though I am surprised we haven't yet seen..."
"Yo, Sal," the entire group heard a voice say, and all turned towards the door and saw Sonic coming in.
"You were about to say, Jenna?" Anthony remarked.
As soon as Sonic joined the group, his attention turned to the yellow and blue armored humans. "You must be Anth's students! Guess I don't need to introduce myself...seeing as how I'm apparently the 'hog on Earth!"
"Without a doubt, Sonic," Lars said, extending his hand in friendship. "The name's Lars Olson."
"I'm Jenna Larson," Jenna said, also shaking Sonic's paw. "I see the ego from the cartoons is real as well."
"Aw, man...did ya have to mention that?" Sonic said, and then turned towards Sally. "Sal...would you care to join me in a chili dog?"
*I see his love of chili dogs is real too,* Lars said to Anthony, telepathically.
*Yeah...to the point of addiction,* Anthony remarked back, causing Lars to have to stifle a giggle.
"Of course, Sonic," Sally said, and then turned back towards Jenna and Lars. "Hope you two enjoy your stay on Mobius."
"We will. Thank you, Sally," Jenna said.
As Sonic and Sally left, Anthony said his goodbyes to the rest of the Acorns and led Jenna and Lars out of the castle to continue the tour. As the three of them passed by Bookshire's clinic, all three sensed rather intense feelings...relief being the strongest one.
"What the heck?" Lars said, and then all three noticed Bunnie walking out of the clinic being comforted by Antoine. Tears seemed to be flowing freely from Bunnie as the two of them walked.
"Antoine!" Anthony said, getting Antoine's attention. "What's wrong with Bunnie?"
"Oh...Monsieur Bault..." Antoine said, "it iz nozing to worry about."
"A friend of mine is crying, Ant," Anthony remarked, "that tends to worry me."
After wiping away a couple of tears, Bunnie spoke up. "I'll tell him, Ant..." She then looked up towards Anthony. "I finally had it done, sugah..."
"Had what done?" Anthony said, and then noticed something. Bunnie's arm and legs were real. Even though the Kintobor mode robotization could create a pseudoskin that looked real, the joints of the robotic parts could still be seen somewhat. But...Anthony no longer saw those joints... "You had yourself fully deroboticized?"
"Yes..." Bunnie said. "Antoine convinced me to finally have that done..."
"So those tears were tears of relief...with the restoration of your limbs signifying how your planet was finally free," Anthony remarked.
"You could say that, sugah," Bunnie said, looking towards her arm.
"We understand, Bunnie," Jenna said, getting her attention. "I guess after having those metal limbs for so long, it would be a relief."
Bunnie looked up towards Jenna and said, "Yeah...um, you're one of Anth's students?"
"Yes, I am. The name's Jenna," Jenna said, and then knelt down, "and I'm free if you need a shoulder to cry on right now."
"Thanks, sugah," Bunnie said, and was drawn into a sisterly hug by Jenna.
"I zee zat ze ozzer members of Antony's family are just az willing to lend ze shoulder to cry on," Antoine said, and then turned towards Lars. "And what iz your name, Monsieur?"
"The name's Lars," Lars said, shaking Antoine's paw. "A pleasure to meet you, Antoine."
After the two shook hands/paws, Jenna finished comforting Bunnie and stood up. "Thanks, Jen," Bunnie said.
"It was no problem, Bunnie," Jenna said.
"Come, Bunnee," Antoine said, taking Bunnie's paw, "perhaps a treat of ze carrot cake will cheer you up, oui?"
"Alright..." Bunnie said, and walked away with Antoine.
This sight caused Lars to raise an eyebrow. "Anthony, are those two...?"
"Yes," Anthony said, interrupting Lars, and then turned towards Jenna. "That was a nice thing you did, Jenna."
"Well, it was my pleasure to help," Jenna said. "I could just imagine what she went through..."
"Yes...and I actually went through the robotization process...TWICE," Anthony remarked. This caused Jenna and Lars to look at him wide eyed. "Two different missions...best you don't ask."
"I'm almost afraid to," Lars said, and then noticed a path going into the woods. "Where does that path lead? Several people seem to be going in and out of it at a regular basis."
"That goes to Knothole," Anthony said. "It's currently used for temporary housing, and is also a memorial site."
"Memorial...this is part of that lesson you mentioned earlier, isn't it?" Lars remarked.
"Yes..." Anthony said, "though that incident with Bunnie gave you one facet of what happened. Come, let us head there."
Anthony then led Jenna and Lars towards Knothole.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After getting unpacked, Amy decided to meet up with her friends to show them her new armor. It didn't take her long to find them, as she saw Wendy O. Koopa and Sasami running up to her. She giggled when the two of them stared at her wide-eyed.
"Amy!" Wendy said. "Wha...what are you wearing?"
"My new armor," Amy said. "Anthony had it made for me since I was his apprentice. Watch this! Armor, ACTIVATE!!!" Amy was soon covered in the pink armor, and Wendy and Sasami became even more wide-eyed.
"Wow!" Sasami said. "You look AWESOME, Amy!"
While Sasami said this, Tails ran up to the three girls. "Sasami, Wendy...have you seen...?" He then noticed Amy. "WHAT THE?!?"
"It's me, Tails," Amy said.
"Wha...you were roboticized?!?" Tails said, and then grabbed Amy's armored wrist. "Come on...we've got to get you to Chuck!"
"Don't bother, Tails," Amy said. "ARMOR, DEACTIVATE!"
Tails did a double take as Amy was seen replacing the armored form. "Wha? Where did you...?"
"Anthony had it made for me," Amy said.
Tails gave a sigh of relief and said, "Don't scare me like that! I thought you were roboticized! Anyway...have any of you seen Anthony?"
"He's giving Jenna and Lars the grand tour," Amy said, and then concentrated with her powers. "Ah...they're in Knothole."
"Wow...you HAVE been learning, Amy!" Tails said. "I'll see you all later!" He then flew towards Knothole.
"So, Amy..." Wendy said, turning her attention back towards Amy, "what can this armor do...?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenna and Lars were just staring...looking at the large number of names that were etched in stone on the imposing wall in front of them. They were shocked that so many had died at Robotnik's hands...either from attacks or robotization toxins. It became too much for them to bear...especially for Jenna, as she collapsed on the ground and started crying. Anthony and Lars helped her up and Lars hugged her to comfort her.
"Now you see why I keep fighting," Anthony said, "to prevent something like THIS from happening again. I'm sorry to have to show you this..."
"It's alright, cousin," Lars said. "Still...it hard to believe...and yet, this goes to show just how real this is..."
"I know..." Anthony said, and then noticed Jenna had calmed down. "You alright now, Jenna?"
"Yes, I'll...I'll be fine..." Jenna said. It was then that her eyes noticed one name on the wall...Muttski. "What the...? Isn't this...Sonic's dog?"
Anthony nodded sadly. "Afraid so...Sonic still can't get over it sometimes. Muttski died from robotization toxins."
"...and yet...you let Robotnik live..." Lars said, looking at Anthony.
"I let JULIAN live, Lars...not Robotnik," Anthony said. He then explained the situation to them and they understood. "You see? Robotnik was technically killed by me."
"Good..." Lars said. "I just hope the ROCC died with him..."
"I'm sure it has..." Anthony said. It was then that the three of them saw Tails flying in. "Hi, Tails! What's up?"
"I need to talk to you," Tails said as he landed. "You won't believe what happened!"
"What?" Anthony said.
"Sasha showed me how you gave her a Descendancy Medallion," Tails explained, "and when we both called upon the Descendancy Powers to see what would happen...we ended up creating TWO Wands of the Magi!"
"The artifact weapons can be copied TOO?!?" Anthony said.
"Looks like it!" Tails said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. "You must be Anthony's students! I guess I don't need to introduce myself..."
"Of course not, Tails," Lars said.
Lars and Jenna then introduced themselves and shook Tails's paw. After the introductions, Tails then said, "Anthony, are you going to introduce them to...you know who?"
Anthony smiled as he realize who he was talking about. "Definitely...have him meet us at your house, alright? I planned to have them meet my namesake as well."
"Alright, I'll go get him," Tails said. "I'll catch you all later!" Tails then flew off.
Lars and Jenna gave Anthony a strange look. "Who are you talking about, Anthony?" Jenna asked.
"You'll see when we get there," Anthony said. "But first...let me try something..."
Anthony then drew the Sword of the Gamemaster from the scabbard on his back and concentrated on it similar to the way he concentrated on the Descendancy Medallion when he duplicated it. Within minutes, much to all three's surprise, Anthony was soon holding THREE copies of the Sword.
"Well, I'll be..." Anthony said, and then handed Jenna and Lars each one of the Swords. "There you go, guys."
Jenna and Lars looked at the weapons they were handed and looked at them in awe. "Wow..." Lars said. "Thanks, Anthony!"
"Not a problem," Anthony said, replacing his own Sword. "Come...let's get to Tails's house..."
All three then left Knothole heading back to Mobotropolis. Jenna and Lars were holding their Swords to their sides until they could get scabbards as well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the three humans returned to Mobotropolis, they noticed what appeared to be a mini air show going on near the town square. Several children were watching as Amy, in her full armor, was flying around using the retro rockets on the back. Anthony shook his head in disbelief at this sight, and then said to his two companions, "I think I gave her an ego like Sonic."
"Oh, let her have her fun," Jenna said. "She is still a kid, after all."
"Yeah, I suppose," Anthony said, and then noticed Mary nearing the area where Amy was demonstrating. "Besides, looks like her mother will keep tabs on her. Come, let's get to the Prower residence."
The three of them arrived at a modest home that was located close to the palace, and Anthony knocked on the door. They then heard what sounded like a baby's cry from within, and watched as Sarah Prower opened the door with young Anthony Prower in her arms.
"Oh...uh, did we come at a bad time, Sarah?" Anthony asked, noticing the fussing infant.
"No, it's fine, Anthony," Sarah said. "Miles told me what's happening and he's waiting inside...along with our special guest." She then turned her attention towards Jenna and Lars. "Sasha told me about the two of you. An honor to meet you, Jenna and Lars."
"Thank you, Mrs. Prower," Jenna said, and then looked at the infant fox in Sarah's arms. "Is this your child?"
"Yes...the first child born to Mobius since its freedom," Sarah said. "We even named him after the Gamemaster here."
Lars looked at Anthony and said, "So THAT'S what you meant by namesake!"
"Did you want to hold him, Jenna?" Sarah asked.
Jenna said, "Sure!" and Sarah carefully handed the infant fox to Jenna after Jenna put down her Sword. Jenna giggled as young Anthony Prower seemed to nuzzle her. "He seems to like me, Sarah."
"It due to what's called the 'Companion's Bond'," Anthony explained. "Apparently, the original Companions had a bond of friendship similar to that of the bond between siblings. That bond exists with the descendants as well."
"So...you're more than just a friend to Peach and Zelda," Lars said, "they're like your sisters?"
"Yep...in fact, little Anthony there, because of that Bond, thinks he's being held by a family member as a result," Anthony explained.
"I see," Jenna said, and handed the infant fox back to Sarah. "Well, he's definitely a cute one."
"Thank you," Sarah said, and then stepped aside to let the three humans in. "Come, our special guest is waiting for you."
Jenna picked up her Sword and followed Sarah, Anthony, and Lars into the home's sitting room. There they saw Tails, as well as who appeared to be a elder fox wearing flowing robes. The elder fox, upon seeing the three humans, said, "Ah...welcome Jenna and Lars. I've been anxious to meet you." He then noticed how the two of them were carrying their Swords and said, "Here...this should help you be a little more like the Gamemaster." He then waved his paw, and a shimmering light covered the two copies of the Sword. Within minutes, both were in their own scabbards and strapped to the backs of Jenna and Lars.
"Wow! Thank you!" Lars said. "Nice trick!"
"Thank you," the fox said. "I was afraid my magic became weak after 1000 years."
Jenna raised an eyebrow and turned towards Anthony. "1000 years?!?"
Anthony smiled and then spoke up, "Shall I make the introductions, Magi?"
"Be my guest, Anthony," the elder fox said, smiling slightly.
Anthony then gave an interesting smile of his own as he spoke. "Magi, meet Jenna Larson and Lars Olson, my two students. Jenna and Lars..." Anthony said, pausing dramatically, "...this is Magi Reynard Prower."
Jenna's and Lars's eyes widened and their jaws nearly dropped to the ground.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sir, I assure you, I'm fine," Alec said, talking to Sharpe with a doctor in close proximity.
"That's all well and good, Lieutenant," Sharpe said, "but I would still like to keep you under observation for a few days. We'll keep your medication coming, but the dosage will be lessened to the safe level."
"I understand, sir," Alec said.
"That's good," Sharpe said, and then turned towards the doctor. "He's in your hands now, Doctor." Sharpe then left the room.
The doctor turned towards Alec and said, "Alright, Lieutenant...I need to run some tests..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenna and Lars left the Prower residence with Anthony. Both of them still had looks of disbelief after meeting with Magi Reynard.
"I still can't believe Magi Reynard is still alive," Jenna said. "Still, it was great to hear about Sir Eric from a first hand account."
"I know," Anthony said. "He's actually King Acorn's new royal advisor."
"Appropriate, since he has over 1000 years of experience," Lars said. He was about to say something else, when the three of them saw T-Bone approach.
"Anth!" T-Bone said, running up to Anthony. "Glad I caught up with you..."
"Why didn't you use the new communicator?" Anthony said, raising his right armor gauntlet.
T-Bone facepalmed at that. "Forgot about that! Anyway, Sharpe said we may have a problem with Alec..."
"What kind of problem?" Anthony said, concerned.
"Seems he was taking an overdose of that medicine we just received information about from Doc Light," T-Bone said. "The doctor's looking at him now. So far, he seems fine, but we thought you might want to take a look with that psi of yours."
"Well...I had planned to show my two students Mobara and Angel Island..." Anthony said, looking at Jenna and Lars.
"I can show them around," T-Bone said. "I haven't gotten a chance to meet who might become two new Gamemasters..."
"Thanks, T-Bone," Anthony said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. "Jenna, Lars? This is Lt. Hernandez, code named 'T-Bone'. He'll show you around Mobara and Angel Island."
"OK, Anthony," Lars said. "Go see to Alec."
Anthony nodded and headed towards the Portal. T-Bone then turned towards Jenna and Lars and said, "Alright, Jenna and Lars. Where should we go first...?"
The next morning found the Clan home in high activity. Anthony, Mary, and Amy were busy packing since the final stop was their home planet of Mobius. Jenna and Lars were also getting into their new Mastertech armor. The two of them had even opted to create a "uniform" to go with their armors...Jenna was wearing one of her white martial arts training gis with her armor, and Lars was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a green shirt with his. As soon as all were ready, they had gathered in the sitting room, where Olaf was waiting for them.
"Ah...I see you are leaving us, Anthony, Mary, and Amy..." Olaf said.
"Yeah, but you can expect to see us on a regular basis," Anthony said. "The transit gates will ensure we're just a hop, skip, and a jump away...and besides, we ARE clan."
"That's good to hear, cousin," Jenna said. "So, I assume Mobius is our final stop?"
"Yes," Anthony explained, "and this will be a different type of lesson. Instead of being trained in anything related to your powers or abilities...you will look first hand at one of the main reasons why I keep fighting."
"You mean...the effects of Robotnik's war..." Lars said, somewhat sullenly.
"Yes," Anthony said. "Learn well from what I will show you, because you will need to keep vigilant to prevent what I'll show you from happening again." He noticed the looks on both Jenna's and Lars's faces and said, "I understand your feelings...but this is a necessary lesson."
"Yes, I guess it is..." Jenna said.
"Don't worry, Jenna and Lars," Mary said. "You can also see how the six worlds are working together to rebuild Mobius as well."
"Yes, and that unity is something else you'll have to get used to as Gamemasters," Anthony explained.
"Well then," Lars said, getting himself ready, "shall we get going?"
"We shall," Anthony said, and then turned towards Olaf. "Patriarch, thank you for allowing us to stay here."
"It was my pleasure," Olaf said, and then turned towards Mary and Amy, "especially to meet the clan's two newest members."
"Thank you, Patriarch," Amy said.
As soon as they said their goodbyes, Jenna and Lars saying they would be back a little later, all five headed towards the transit gates...their destination: Mobius.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As soon as the group exited the portal to Mobius just outside of Mobotropolis, Jenna and Lars were surprised at the number of races taking part in the rebuild effort. Gorons, Zorans, Hylians, Nimbians, Bioroids, Mushroomers, and Floren joined the Mobians in what Jenna and Lars thought was the best display of solidarity they had ever seen. Of course...they also saw one other race that surprised them.
"Koopa Troopas?!?" Jenna said. "What the...?"
"The Koopa Klan finally made peace with the Mushroom Kingdom to aid in the fight against Robotnik," Anthony explained. "Bowser even came clean with why he was trying to kidnap the princess."
"I heard about that," Lars said, and then turned to Jenna. "I'll tell you about it later."
"We'll see you later, Anthony," Mary said, getting Anthony's attention. "Amy and I are going to head back to our home."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and watched as they walked off. "Speaking of which," Anthony said, "I'd better drop my suitcase off. Come with me, I'll show you where I live."
"You live on Mobius?" Jenna asked, confused. "I would have thought, as Earth's hero, you'd live on Earth!"
"Yeah, me too," Anthony said, "but Mobius insisted on giving me a house in thanks. You probably heard how I refused a statue..."
"...and destroyed all three attempts to make one," Jenna said. "That I HAD heard about..."
After a quick tour of Anthony's house, Anthony led the two towards the palace, where they were met by a salute and greetings by Geoffrey and Hershey. After finding out from Hershey where Sally was, Anthony led Jenna and Lars towards the throne room. Anthony noticed all four members of the Acorn royal family talking with each other over what Anthony thought was future plans for rebuild help with Ani-Mobius. As soon as the three humans entered the room, Sally looked up and noticed Anthony.
"Anthony, welcome back!" Sally said, and then noticed his two companions. "Are these your two students?"
"Yes, Sally," Anthony said, and then motioned for Jenna and Lars to step forward. "I'd like you to meet Jenna Larson and Lars Olson."
"Welcome to Mobius, Jenna and Lars," Sally said, extending a paw in friendship, and then acting surprised when she saw the two bow towards her.
"Thank you, your highness," Lars said.
"No need for that, Lars," Sally explained. "Any relative of Anthony is a friend of ours. Just call me Sally."
"Very well then, Sally," Lars said, shaking Sally's paw.
"You must be honored, being chosen for Anthony's training," King Acorn remarked, stepping forward to join the rest.
"Indeed, your majesty," Jenna said, "and it's certainly exciting to see all these worlds and well known faces for real. Though I am surprised we haven't yet seen..."
"Yo, Sal," the entire group heard a voice say, and all turned towards the door and saw Sonic coming in.
"You were about to say, Jenna?" Anthony remarked.
As soon as Sonic joined the group, his attention turned to the yellow and blue armored humans. "You must be Anth's students! Guess I don't need to introduce myself...seeing as how I'm apparently the 'hog on Earth!"
"Without a doubt, Sonic," Lars said, extending his hand in friendship. "The name's Lars Olson."
"I'm Jenna Larson," Jenna said, also shaking Sonic's paw. "I see the ego from the cartoons is real as well."
"Aw, man...did ya have to mention that?" Sonic said, and then turned towards Sally. "Sal...would you care to join me in a chili dog?"
*I see his love of chili dogs is real too,* Lars said to Anthony, telepathically.
*Yeah...to the point of addiction,* Anthony remarked back, causing Lars to have to stifle a giggle.
"Of course, Sonic," Sally said, and then turned back towards Jenna and Lars. "Hope you two enjoy your stay on Mobius."
"We will. Thank you, Sally," Jenna said.
As Sonic and Sally left, Anthony said his goodbyes to the rest of the Acorns and led Jenna and Lars out of the castle to continue the tour. As the three of them passed by Bookshire's clinic, all three sensed rather intense feelings...relief being the strongest one.
"What the heck?" Lars said, and then all three noticed Bunnie walking out of the clinic being comforted by Antoine. Tears seemed to be flowing freely from Bunnie as the two of them walked.
"Antoine!" Anthony said, getting Antoine's attention. "What's wrong with Bunnie?"
"Oh...Monsieur Bault..." Antoine said, "it iz nozing to worry about."
"A friend of mine is crying, Ant," Anthony remarked, "that tends to worry me."
After wiping away a couple of tears, Bunnie spoke up. "I'll tell him, Ant..." She then looked up towards Anthony. "I finally had it done, sugah..."
"Had what done?" Anthony said, and then noticed something. Bunnie's arm and legs were real. Even though the Kintobor mode robotization could create a pseudoskin that looked real, the joints of the robotic parts could still be seen somewhat. But...Anthony no longer saw those joints... "You had yourself fully deroboticized?"
"Yes..." Bunnie said. "Antoine convinced me to finally have that done..."
"So those tears were tears of relief...with the restoration of your limbs signifying how your planet was finally free," Anthony remarked.
"You could say that, sugah," Bunnie said, looking towards her arm.
"We understand, Bunnie," Jenna said, getting her attention. "I guess after having those metal limbs for so long, it would be a relief."
Bunnie looked up towards Jenna and said, "Yeah...um, you're one of Anth's students?"
"Yes, I am. The name's Jenna," Jenna said, and then knelt down, "and I'm free if you need a shoulder to cry on right now."
"Thanks, sugah," Bunnie said, and was drawn into a sisterly hug by Jenna.
"I zee zat ze ozzer members of Antony's family are just az willing to lend ze shoulder to cry on," Antoine said, and then turned towards Lars. "And what iz your name, Monsieur?"
"The name's Lars," Lars said, shaking Antoine's paw. "A pleasure to meet you, Antoine."
After the two shook hands/paws, Jenna finished comforting Bunnie and stood up. "Thanks, Jen," Bunnie said.
"It was no problem, Bunnie," Jenna said.
"Come, Bunnee," Antoine said, taking Bunnie's paw, "perhaps a treat of ze carrot cake will cheer you up, oui?"
"Alright..." Bunnie said, and walked away with Antoine.
This sight caused Lars to raise an eyebrow. "Anthony, are those two...?"
"Yes," Anthony said, interrupting Lars, and then turned towards Jenna. "That was a nice thing you did, Jenna."
"Well, it was my pleasure to help," Jenna said. "I could just imagine what she went through..."
"Yes...and I actually went through the robotization process...TWICE," Anthony remarked. This caused Jenna and Lars to look at him wide eyed. "Two different missions...best you don't ask."
"I'm almost afraid to," Lars said, and then noticed a path going into the woods. "Where does that path lead? Several people seem to be going in and out of it at a regular basis."
"That goes to Knothole," Anthony said. "It's currently used for temporary housing, and is also a memorial site."
"Memorial...this is part of that lesson you mentioned earlier, isn't it?" Lars remarked.
"Yes..." Anthony said, "though that incident with Bunnie gave you one facet of what happened. Come, let us head there."
Anthony then led Jenna and Lars towards Knothole.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After getting unpacked, Amy decided to meet up with her friends to show them her new armor. It didn't take her long to find them, as she saw Wendy O. Koopa and Sasami running up to her. She giggled when the two of them stared at her wide-eyed.
"Amy!" Wendy said. "Wha...what are you wearing?"
"My new armor," Amy said. "Anthony had it made for me since I was his apprentice. Watch this! Armor, ACTIVATE!!!" Amy was soon covered in the pink armor, and Wendy and Sasami became even more wide-eyed.
"Wow!" Sasami said. "You look AWESOME, Amy!"
While Sasami said this, Tails ran up to the three girls. "Sasami, Wendy...have you seen...?" He then noticed Amy. "WHAT THE?!?"
"It's me, Tails," Amy said.
"Wha...you were roboticized?!?" Tails said, and then grabbed Amy's armored wrist. "Come on...we've got to get you to Chuck!"
"Don't bother, Tails," Amy said. "ARMOR, DEACTIVATE!"
Tails did a double take as Amy was seen replacing the armored form. "Wha? Where did you...?"
"Anthony had it made for me," Amy said.
Tails gave a sigh of relief and said, "Don't scare me like that! I thought you were roboticized! Anyway...have any of you seen Anthony?"
"He's giving Jenna and Lars the grand tour," Amy said, and then concentrated with her powers. "Ah...they're in Knothole."
"Wow...you HAVE been learning, Amy!" Tails said. "I'll see you all later!" He then flew towards Knothole.
"So, Amy..." Wendy said, turning her attention back towards Amy, "what can this armor do...?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenna and Lars were just staring...looking at the large number of names that were etched in stone on the imposing wall in front of them. They were shocked that so many had died at Robotnik's hands...either from attacks or robotization toxins. It became too much for them to bear...especially for Jenna, as she collapsed on the ground and started crying. Anthony and Lars helped her up and Lars hugged her to comfort her.
"Now you see why I keep fighting," Anthony said, "to prevent something like THIS from happening again. I'm sorry to have to show you this..."
"It's alright, cousin," Lars said. "Still...it hard to believe...and yet, this goes to show just how real this is..."
"I know..." Anthony said, and then noticed Jenna had calmed down. "You alright now, Jenna?"
"Yes, I'll...I'll be fine..." Jenna said. It was then that her eyes noticed one name on the wall...Muttski. "What the...? Isn't this...Sonic's dog?"
Anthony nodded sadly. "Afraid so...Sonic still can't get over it sometimes. Muttski died from robotization toxins."
"...and yet...you let Robotnik live..." Lars said, looking at Anthony.
"I let JULIAN live, Lars...not Robotnik," Anthony said. He then explained the situation to them and they understood. "You see? Robotnik was technically killed by me."
"Good..." Lars said. "I just hope the ROCC died with him..."
"I'm sure it has..." Anthony said. It was then that the three of them saw Tails flying in. "Hi, Tails! What's up?"
"I need to talk to you," Tails said as he landed. "You won't believe what happened!"
"What?" Anthony said.
"Sasha showed me how you gave her a Descendancy Medallion," Tails explained, "and when we both called upon the Descendancy Powers to see what would happen...we ended up creating TWO Wands of the Magi!"
"The artifact weapons can be copied TOO?!?" Anthony said.
"Looks like it!" Tails said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. "You must be Anthony's students! I guess I don't need to introduce myself..."
"Of course not, Tails," Lars said.
Lars and Jenna then introduced themselves and shook Tails's paw. After the introductions, Tails then said, "Anthony, are you going to introduce them to...you know who?"
Anthony smiled as he realize who he was talking about. "Definitely...have him meet us at your house, alright? I planned to have them meet my namesake as well."
"Alright, I'll go get him," Tails said. "I'll catch you all later!" Tails then flew off.
Lars and Jenna gave Anthony a strange look. "Who are you talking about, Anthony?" Jenna asked.
"You'll see when we get there," Anthony said. "But first...let me try something..."
Anthony then drew the Sword of the Gamemaster from the scabbard on his back and concentrated on it similar to the way he concentrated on the Descendancy Medallion when he duplicated it. Within minutes, much to all three's surprise, Anthony was soon holding THREE copies of the Sword.
"Well, I'll be..." Anthony said, and then handed Jenna and Lars each one of the Swords. "There you go, guys."
Jenna and Lars looked at the weapons they were handed and looked at them in awe. "Wow..." Lars said. "Thanks, Anthony!"
"Not a problem," Anthony said, replacing his own Sword. "Come...let's get to Tails's house..."
All three then left Knothole heading back to Mobotropolis. Jenna and Lars were holding their Swords to their sides until they could get scabbards as well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the three humans returned to Mobotropolis, they noticed what appeared to be a mini air show going on near the town square. Several children were watching as Amy, in her full armor, was flying around using the retro rockets on the back. Anthony shook his head in disbelief at this sight, and then said to his two companions, "I think I gave her an ego like Sonic."
"Oh, let her have her fun," Jenna said. "She is still a kid, after all."
"Yeah, I suppose," Anthony said, and then noticed Mary nearing the area where Amy was demonstrating. "Besides, looks like her mother will keep tabs on her. Come, let's get to the Prower residence."
The three of them arrived at a modest home that was located close to the palace, and Anthony knocked on the door. They then heard what sounded like a baby's cry from within, and watched as Sarah Prower opened the door with young Anthony Prower in her arms.
"Oh...uh, did we come at a bad time, Sarah?" Anthony asked, noticing the fussing infant.
"No, it's fine, Anthony," Sarah said. "Miles told me what's happening and he's waiting inside...along with our special guest." She then turned her attention towards Jenna and Lars. "Sasha told me about the two of you. An honor to meet you, Jenna and Lars."
"Thank you, Mrs. Prower," Jenna said, and then looked at the infant fox in Sarah's arms. "Is this your child?"
"Yes...the first child born to Mobius since its freedom," Sarah said. "We even named him after the Gamemaster here."
Lars looked at Anthony and said, "So THAT'S what you meant by namesake!"
"Did you want to hold him, Jenna?" Sarah asked.
Jenna said, "Sure!" and Sarah carefully handed the infant fox to Jenna after Jenna put down her Sword. Jenna giggled as young Anthony Prower seemed to nuzzle her. "He seems to like me, Sarah."
"It due to what's called the 'Companion's Bond'," Anthony explained. "Apparently, the original Companions had a bond of friendship similar to that of the bond between siblings. That bond exists with the descendants as well."
"So...you're more than just a friend to Peach and Zelda," Lars said, "they're like your sisters?"
"Yep...in fact, little Anthony there, because of that Bond, thinks he's being held by a family member as a result," Anthony explained.
"I see," Jenna said, and handed the infant fox back to Sarah. "Well, he's definitely a cute one."
"Thank you," Sarah said, and then stepped aside to let the three humans in. "Come, our special guest is waiting for you."
Jenna picked up her Sword and followed Sarah, Anthony, and Lars into the home's sitting room. There they saw Tails, as well as who appeared to be a elder fox wearing flowing robes. The elder fox, upon seeing the three humans, said, "Ah...welcome Jenna and Lars. I've been anxious to meet you." He then noticed how the two of them were carrying their Swords and said, "Here...this should help you be a little more like the Gamemaster." He then waved his paw, and a shimmering light covered the two copies of the Sword. Within minutes, both were in their own scabbards and strapped to the backs of Jenna and Lars.
"Wow! Thank you!" Lars said. "Nice trick!"
"Thank you," the fox said. "I was afraid my magic became weak after 1000 years."
Jenna raised an eyebrow and turned towards Anthony. "1000 years?!?"
Anthony smiled and then spoke up, "Shall I make the introductions, Magi?"
"Be my guest, Anthony," the elder fox said, smiling slightly.
Anthony then gave an interesting smile of his own as he spoke. "Magi, meet Jenna Larson and Lars Olson, my two students. Jenna and Lars..." Anthony said, pausing dramatically, "...this is Magi Reynard Prower."
Jenna's and Lars's eyes widened and their jaws nearly dropped to the ground.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sir, I assure you, I'm fine," Alec said, talking to Sharpe with a doctor in close proximity.
"That's all well and good, Lieutenant," Sharpe said, "but I would still like to keep you under observation for a few days. We'll keep your medication coming, but the dosage will be lessened to the safe level."
"I understand, sir," Alec said.
"That's good," Sharpe said, and then turned towards the doctor. "He's in your hands now, Doctor." Sharpe then left the room.
The doctor turned towards Alec and said, "Alright, Lieutenant...I need to run some tests..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenna and Lars left the Prower residence with Anthony. Both of them still had looks of disbelief after meeting with Magi Reynard.
"I still can't believe Magi Reynard is still alive," Jenna said. "Still, it was great to hear about Sir Eric from a first hand account."
"I know," Anthony said. "He's actually King Acorn's new royal advisor."
"Appropriate, since he has over 1000 years of experience," Lars said. He was about to say something else, when the three of them saw T-Bone approach.
"Anth!" T-Bone said, running up to Anthony. "Glad I caught up with you..."
"Why didn't you use the new communicator?" Anthony said, raising his right armor gauntlet.
T-Bone facepalmed at that. "Forgot about that! Anyway, Sharpe said we may have a problem with Alec..."
"What kind of problem?" Anthony said, concerned.
"Seems he was taking an overdose of that medicine we just received information about from Doc Light," T-Bone said. "The doctor's looking at him now. So far, he seems fine, but we thought you might want to take a look with that psi of yours."
"Well...I had planned to show my two students Mobara and Angel Island..." Anthony said, looking at Jenna and Lars.
"I can show them around," T-Bone said. "I haven't gotten a chance to meet who might become two new Gamemasters..."
"Thanks, T-Bone," Anthony said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. "Jenna, Lars? This is Lt. Hernandez, code named 'T-Bone'. He'll show you around Mobara and Angel Island."
"OK, Anthony," Lars said. "Go see to Alec."
Anthony nodded and headed towards the Portal. T-Bone then turned towards Jenna and Lars and said, "Alright, Jenna and Lars. Where should we go first...?"