Vanilla dropped several pieces of candy each in the group's sacks. She made an interesting suggestion they hadn't thought of before.

"You should put up a website for the film. It'll get the word out a lot faster."

"Huh," Tails realized, "Wonder why we didn't think of that. I'm pretty skilled in HTML and CSS. We can make it look pretty much however we want."

"When should we work on it?" Amy questioned.

"We'll be stuck inside 'til winter's over. May as well get it done while we're isolated. Least it'll give us something to focus on. I'll start working on a prototype tomorrow."

"Cool."

"You should hurry on before the candy's all gone." Vanilla interjected.

"You're right," Amy agreed, "Thanks, Vanilla. It was nice being able to visit."

"Feel free to stop by any time. I'm sure Cream will be happy to see you."

"We'll set a date soon," Sonic concluded, "Later, V."

"Later, guys."

Outside, Amy grew pensive, reflecting on an important decision the group had to make.

"We should bring Cream into the fold. She's sweet and kind-hearted, plus Vanilla knows she's safe with us. These days we need all the positivity and energy we can muster."

"Good point." Tails acknowledged.

"Our ideals should be passed on to the next generation. She's a prime candidate."

"A new type of hero." Sonic discovered.

"Yeah - one strong in mind, body, and soul."

"And a killer taste in entertainment."

"That, too."

"Then it's settled. Cream's one of us now, just like you."

"Next time, we should try the fusion dance. She's a bit smaller than me, but I think we can make it work."

"A hedgehog-rabbit with super strength and flight. Not bad."

Tails ran back and forth with his arms raised forward.

"Woosh!"

Sonic burst into laughter at his brother's childish antics. Amy smiled as well.

The group made their rounds in the city, eventually reaching Rouge's hideout. Their ears perked up when they heard Linkin Park blast from the other side.

"Hey, guys," the bat greeted jovially, "Finally decided to show for once, eh?"

"We just dropped by to see if you had any candy." Amy replied.

"We've got plenty if you wanna stick around for a bit. Looks like you've been out for a while from the look of it."

"We're gonna make dinner and marathon the scream movies before we turn in. Social gatherings aren't really my thing.'

"I gotcha. Wait here a sec."

Rouge went back inside to collect the candy bowl, leaving the group to speak amongst themselves.

"Sure you don't wanna stay for a song, Ames?" Sonic asked.

"I'll pass. listening to music and playing along at home's more meaningful to me. I'd rather push my boundaries than try to impress people."

"Spoken like a true artist."

"Figured you'd understand."

Rouge returned as soon as their discussion ended.

"Here you go, guys. I slipped in some extra chocolate since you seem to like that the most."

"Thanks," Amy said graciously, "I'm always down for a candy bar."

"You guys stay safe on your way home."

"Hey, Rouge?"

"What's up?"

"I know we don't talk very often, but if you're ever around, feel free to drop by. We can relax and unwind at my place."

"Sure thing, hon. It's a date."

"Cool. I'll let you get back to your party. Tell Knuckles and Shadow we said hi."

"I will. Later, sweetie."

"Later."

Back at the house, Amy followed through with her promise, cooking the group a warm meal to stave off night's chill.

"This is awesome." Tails expressed, wiping his mouth to clean off the excess.

"Glad you like it," Amy replied cheerfully, "It's one of my favorites."

"So," Sonic noted, "looks like we're finally expanding our ranks."

"Life is scarier than any horror movie could ever be," Amy revealed, "but we have one advantage movie characters don't."

"Oh, yeah?" What's that?"

"Things aren't scripted or pre-determined. We can make choices and change outcomes. I fully intend to exploit that power for all it's worth."

"Finding the chink in the darkness's armor."

"I know it's a heavy burden. It's not something I would want to force on you."

"We got your back. Like you said before - it's better to live life in a meaningful way than wander aimlessly for the admiration of others. I did that way too long already."

"Guess we're in this together."

"Yep. Looks like you're stuck with us. Better get used to it."

"Fine by me."

"A little piece of paper with a picture drawn floats on down the street 'til the wind is gone, and the memory now is like the picture was then. When the paper's crumpled up, it can't be perfect again."

-Linkin Park, Forgotten