Chapter 2 – New Relations
Sonic blinked heavily as he walked into the bedroom. Sally was already there brushing her hair in front of the mirror. Sonic yawned.
"Oh what a day." he said.
Sally stopped brushing her hair and looked at him.
"You spent the day lying down and you're this tired?" she asked.
"Well……..but……..alright. Yes I am."
Sally just smiled at him and returned to brushing her hair. Sonic walked over to the bed and sat down heavily.
"Well back to the meat grinder tomorrow." he said.
"Sonic! It's not that bad." said Sally turning round again.
She put the brush down and brushed her hand through her hair.
"Well maybe it is." she said with a shrug.
"It may be tough but it's rewarding." said Sonic.
Sally nodded in agreement.
"You know it seems weird to be back here. I find it hard to believe that it's been thirteen years since we defeated Snively and Robotnik." she said.
"That's true. Thirteen years eh? I can still remember playing games with Tails out there."
"Things have certainly changed since then. We have accomplished so much."
Sally sighed deeply and then smiled broadly.
"Well we'll be back to it tomorrow. I gotta say. I miss this place sometimes." said Sonic.
"So do I." said Sally with a smile, "So do I."
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A small crowd had gathered around a table in a bar in the eastern part of Mobotropolis. At the table sat a grey female wolf and a male beaver. The two stared at each other. In front of each of them sat a number of small shot glasses. Several of them were empty and sat upside down on the table. The others were full of a clear liquid. The wolf picked up a glass and rolled it around her finger for a second. She then looked the beaver straight in the eyes and downed the glass. She slammed it down on the table upside down and blinked.
"You're turn." she said with a strong Russian accent.
The beaver shakily picked up the glass and braced himself. He quickly down the contents and slammed the glass down. The crowd started to get excited. A number of them started to pass money to one another. After a second they went quiet. The wolf picked up another glass and without a seconds hesitation downed it. The beaver was looking worried now. He shakily picked up another glass and wobbled. He quickly down it and then sat there. The crowd went silent for a moment. The beaver blinked and then collapsed over sideways, falling off his seat and landing on the floor. He started snoring. The wolf picked up another glass and downed it casually. She got up and looked down at the beaver with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh well. Guess I win again." she said.
The crowd erupted into cheers and some started to dance around. The wolf rolled her eyes and headed over to the bar. She sat down on a stool. A cat came over to her.
"Well you did well there missy. Here's your winnings." he said handing her a small wad of money.
"Thank you." said the wolf.
She took the money and slipped it into a small pocket in her trousers. The bar owner, a goat, walked up to her.
"That was quite a show you put on there em….what did you say your name was again?"
"Petya. Petya Hertzagovanov." replied the wolf.
"Right. Well that was quite a show. I don't think I've ever seen Stuart beaten before."
"There is always a way to beat someone. You just have to find there weakness. And this…." said Petya reaching into her rucksack and pulling out a bottle of vodka, "…..this is not mine."
She removed the top and took a swig. She put the top back on and returned it to her rucksack. Across the room a number of beaver eyed her.
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Tails groaned as he rolled out from under the Whirlwind 2. He got up and picked up a cloth off the workbench. He wiped his brow.
"Bunnie? Bunnie?" he called.
There was no answer. Tails shrugged and walked over to another bench. He picked up a spanner off it and then noticed a small piece of paper that was under it. He picked it up. There was a note on it.
"Dear Tails. I had to go. Unlike you sugah I can't stay up to the crack of dawn tinkering with things. I left at about 7.00pm but by the time you notice this it should be at least 11.00pm. If I were you I'd go home. Bunnie."
Tails laughed slightly.
"Ha. Eleven o clock. Yeah right. It's only…."
Tails looked at his watch and almost keeled over.
"……ONE O CLOCK IN THE MORNING!"
He dropped the note and ran out of the workshop grabbing his gillet and hat as he went.
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Amy pushed open the glass doors that led onto the small balcony of the apartment. However much Amy loved Mobotropolis she missed the quietness of Little Planet. Thankfully Tails and she hardly used this apartment. She looked out over the city and then looked at her watch. It read 1.15am. Amy shook her head and walked back into the apartment, closing the doors as she went. She walked out of the room and along a corridor. She came to a door and stopped to listen. There were heavy snoring sounds coming from the other side. Amy pushed open the door and walked in. Inside T2 was lying in bed snoring. Amy walked over to him and shook him.
"T2? Hey T2? Wake up." she said.
Slowly and rather groggily T2 woke up. He stared at Amy for a second.
"Oh what time is it?" he said glancing at the bed side clock, "1.15am!"
"Sorry to wake you T2, but Tails hasn't come back yet. I was wondering if you could go out and see if you could see him?"
"Heh? Oh sure. No problem." said T2 rather irritated.
He hauled himself out of bed and sleepily walked from the room.
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Petya got up off her stool and picked up her backpack. The bar was pretty empty now and the bar owner was wanting to shut up for the night. Petya slowly walked out of the bar and down the street. Behind her a group of three beaver exited the bar and followed her. One took off down a side street and the other two followed Petya. Petya continued on.
"Now to find somewhere to spend the night." she said to herself.
"How about the hospital?" said a voice.
A beaver stepped out in front of her. Petya heard something behind her and turned to see two more beaver behind her.
"Now then. We'll be taking back your winning if you don't mind." said the beaver.
The beaver closed in around her making a circle. Petya looked from one to the other.
"Somehow I don't think so." she said.
"Oh but we insist." said the beaver taking a step forwards.
Petya took a step backwards and raised her arms up.
"KI-YA!" she screamed.
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Tails flew over the city as fast as he could.
"God Amy's going to kill me coming back this late. How could I lose track of time so badly?" he said to himself.
He looked down at the city. The lights were very bright and the city always looked beautiful at this time of night. Suddenly a loud scream caught his ear. He quickly glanced over to where the sound had come from. He could see someone surrounded by three other figures. He decided to investigate.
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The first beaver advanced on Petya. She quickly spun to the side and brought her hand upwards, striking him across the face. He fell over on his back and hit the ground with a thud. The second one came at her. She stepped toward him and caught his punch. She swung it around putting his arm into a lock and held him there. The third came at her with a punch. She caught it and swung the second beaver around into the third. They collided heavily and fell to the floor. The first beaver was back on his feet now and he rushed at Petya. She turned and deflected the attack. She didn't notice the third beaver getting up behind her. He got out a small knife and rushed at Petya. Suddenly he was hit by a huge ball of orange fur. He was sent flying across the street and hit the opposite wall hard. Petya downed the first beaver and glanced across as Tails uncurled and shot her a glance. Petya nodded at him and they both took up a fighting stance. The second beaver jumped to his feet and glared at Tails. Tails glared back at him.
"I suggest you leave." said Tails.
The beaver backed away slightly and then turned and ran down the street followed closely by his other two friends. Petya relaxed and turned to Tails.
"Thank you for your help." she said with a smile.
Tails nodded at her.
"You're welcome. What did they want?"
Petya gave a smile.
"I beat them in a competition and they wanted my winnings."
"Well they shouldn't be back any time soon. What's your name?"
"Petya. Petya Hertzagovanov. It's nice to meet you…erm…Mr?"
"Prower. Miles Prower. But call me Tails."
Petya raised an eyebrow and smiled broadly.
"Miles Prower! Your escapades have reached even my little corner of Mobius. You're quite a legend."
Tails blushed heavily.
"Well…..I ….thanks." said Tails, slightly embarrassed.
"Where did you learn to fight like that?" asked Petya.
"I've recently started training in martial arts." said Tails.
"Really. What grade are you?"
"Brown."
Petya just smiled.
"Well you've got a way to go before you reach my standard." she said.
"Ok what are you?"
"Black. Third dan actually."
Tails jaw nearly hit the floor. He stared at her for a moment and then seemed to compose himself.
"So where are you staying?" he said changing the subject.
"Staying? I don't know. I was in the process of finding somewhere right now."
"Hmm….you won't find anywhere at this time. Everything will be booked up solid."
Tails thought for a moment.
"Why don't you come and stay at my place?"
Petya raised an eyebrow and stared at him.
"It's ok. I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind."
Petya seemed to relax slightly. She thought for a minute.
"Well…..I suppose so. Ok then."
"Great. Its a few blocks over."
Tails turned and headed off with Petya following him.
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Amy was pacing around the living room staring at the floor. She glanced up at the clock, it read 1.30am. She shook her head again and continued to pace. Just then there was a knock at the door. She sighed and went to answer it.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"Tails." came a reply.
Amy unlocked the door and opened it. She looked a bit shocked as she did.
"Who is this?" she asked.
"Oh sorry. Amy meet Petya. Petya my wife Amy." said Tails.
"Nice to meet you." said Petya.
"You too. Err Tails, what is she doing here?"
Tails explained about how he had met her.
"I see." said Amy, "Can you excuse us for one second Petya?"
"Of course." replied Petya.
Amy grabbed Tails by his gillet and yanked him off to one side.
"Do I have to remind you that we are already three people over our limit? Not only is T2 staying here but so is Miles and Alicia and now you want to put up another person?!" said Amy quite astonished.
"Amy. She's got nowhere to go. She can sleep on the couch if were out of beds."
"Yes well…….." Amy sighed and blinked, "…alright then. But just for tonight."
"Alright." said Tails.
He went back to Petya and motioned for her to come in. Petya removed her rucksack and walked in. Tails showed her to the living room. As he turned round Petya stared at him. Tails couldn't understand what the matter was."
"Petya?" he asked.
"If you don't mind me asking? Why do you look like you've been swimming in oil?" she said.
Tails looked down at himself. His arms, legs and face were still covered in engine grease from earlier in the day. Damn he thought to himself. It mustn't have shown outside. He blushed.
"I….err….was busy in my workshop. Excuse me while I shower." he said quickly and ran off.
Petya watched him leave and then sat down in a chair. Amy came in with three cups of tea. She set them down on a small table and then sat down herself.
"Where did Tails go?" she asked.
"He went to get a shower." replied Petya looking around the room, "Nice place you have here."
"Thanks. We don't use it much. We actually live on Little Planet."
"Little Planet! You mean the Miracle World?" said Petya quite astounded.
"Yes." replied Amy.
"Wow. I've always wanted to go there. What did you say your name was again?"
"Amy."
Petya nodded and then suddenly stared at her. Amy raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me. What is it?" she said.
"You mean Amy as in Amy Rose? As in Amy Rose the Acolyte?" said Petya.
"Yes."
Petya let out an amazed sigh and slumped back into her chair.
"Two legends in the same night." she said to herself.
Just then they heard a key in a lock sound and then the outside door opening. A few seconds later T2 appeared in the room.
"Hey Amy. I checked around but couldn't seeeeeeeeeeeee……….hello?" said T2 as he noticed Petya.
Petya shook her head slightly. She stared at him for a second before looking back at Amy.
"But didn't Tails go for a shower?" she asked.
Just then Tails came in from the other side of the room holding a towel. Petya stared at him and then back to T2.
"Either I had too much alcohol tonight or I'm seeing double." she said.
Amy stood up and smiled.
"Actually you're just seeing double. This is T2." she said indicating towards T2, "Tails is that one. T2 meet Petya. Petya this is T2."
Petya got up off her chair and shook T2 hand.
"You look so much alike." she said.
"We should do too." said T2, "I'm Tails' identical clone."
Petya was finding it hard to take in. Amy noticed.
"Look it's late. There will be plenty of time for introduction tomorrow." she said.
"Too right." said T2, "I see you got back Tails. Amy woke me up to come and find you. And now I'm going back to bed. Good night."
T2 spun on the spot, smiled over his shoulder and walked off.
"So where do I sleep?" asked Petya.
"Well we don't have any spare beds. It'll have to be the couch I'm afraid." said Tails.
"No need to apologize. I am quite used to sleeping rough." replied Petya.
She turned and picked up her rucksack. She opened it and pulled out a lamp and then a large sleeping bag. She lay the sleeping bag down on the sofa and turned back to them.
"Well I'll see you in the morning then." she said.
"Righto." said Tails, "Come on Amy. I'm shattered."
Amy shrugged at Petya and followed him out of the room. Petya watched them leave and then sat down on the sofa. She removed her sandals and stared out of the large bay windows at the city. She blinked and then quickly got up and closed the curtains. She returned to the sofa and sat down. She took another quick look around and then reached into her rucksack. She removed a small stone tablet and brushed her hand across it. There were some markings on the tablet.
"When the two become one the path shall be revealed." she read quietly to herself.
She sighed and slumped her head.
"Eight years." she said quietly, "Eight whole years. I promise you my family, I will find it. I will!"
She put the tablet away and got into her sleeping bag. Slowly she fell asleep.
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The sun was starting to rise as Sonic and Sally left the small hut in Knothole. A small craft had landed in the main square of the village to take them back to the city. Sonic looked back at the hut.
"Well good bye quiet life." he said turning to face the craft.
"Don't look so glum Sonic." said Sally.
Sonic shrugged as he boarded the craft. Soon afterwards it took off flying back towards Mobotropolis.
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Petya slowly woke up and yawned. She slowly sat up and stretched.
"Oh Petya you're awake. Fancy a bit of breakfast?" said Tails.
Petya looked over the back of the sofa. In the small kitchen at the back of the room, Tails was shifting between different pans. Petya then became aware of the smells floating around the room. She closed her eyes and sniffed deeply.
"What are you cooking?" she asked.
"Erm…let's see now." said Tails as he shot to one pan and removed it from the cooker, "We got….bacon, eggs, a few tomatoes, sausage, and some fried bread. ARGH!"
Petya watched as he darted to another pan and hastily stirred the contents. Petya ducked back behind the sofa and slipped her sandals on. A few minutes later she stood up and walked over. She sat down on a chair at the breakfast bar.
"You might want to watch yourself. They'll be here any moment." said Tails.
"Who?" asked Petya.
Just then there was a dual cry and a patter of feet. Miles and Alicia slid into the room smiling broadly. They looked over at Tails and then stopped dead as they noticed Petya.
"It's ok guys. Come on in." said Tails.
Miles and Alicia walked into the room and sat down.
"Are these your children?" asked Petya.
"No. This is Miles and Alicia, my friend Sonic's kids. Miles, Alicia this is Petya. She was staying the night here." said Tails.
Miles and Alicia smiled at Petya and then started to watch Tails eagerly. Petya blinked.
"You mean Sonic as in Sonic the hedgehog?" asked Petya.
"Yep." said Tails not paying much attention to her as he almost burnt the sausages.
Petya looked at the ceiling and sighed. She was sitting next to the kings children preparing to have breakfast with them. She couldn't believe it.
"Amy." yelled Tails, "You ready for breakfast yet?"
"Almost Tails. I'm just seeing to Lavender. Be there in a sec." came Amy's reply.
A few minutes later Amy walked into the room followed by Lavender. Petya suddenly felt herself soften. She smiled broadly and sighed. Lavender saw Petya and looked a bit nervous. She ran behind Amy's legs and peeked out from behind her.
"It's ok Lavender." said Amy pulling her out, "This is Petya. She was staying the night."
Lavender stepped out from behind Amy and walked over to Petya.
"Hello." she said quietly.
Petya smiled at her.
"Hello there." she said softly.
Lavender smiled at her and then suddenly turned and ran off. Petya's gaze followed her for a moment and then turned back to the bar. Amy had sat down and Tails was busy serving up the breakfast.
"She's so cute." said Petya, "Is that your child?"
"Yes." replied Amy, "She two years old at the moment."
Suddenly Miles and Alicia leaped from there seats and ran off. Tails, Amy and Petya glanced over at their plates. They were virtually licked clean.
"I only served them a minute ago." said Tails astounded.
"Hey there you guys! What's for breakfast?" cried T2 as he entered the room and sat down, "Sorry I'm late. Slept in."
"Whatever." said Tails serving T2 some breakfast.
Finally he sat down himself and started to eat.
"So Petya." he said, "What brings you to Mobotropolis? I take it your not from around here."
"No I'm not." replied Petya, "I come from the northern continent. We don't often here of goings on up there. Very remote."
"I'll say." said T2, "Nothing but icebergs and snow."
"Not quite. We have some fairly large cities but nothing like this place. Most of the area is covered with pine trees. Very beautiful in the summer." replied Petya.
"So what you doing here?" asked Tails.
Petya looked at him for a moment and suddenly became a bit nervous.
"Petya?" asked Tails.
"Oh nothing. I am searching for something. For many generations my family has been searching for it. My search has brought me here. I…….I cannot say any more."
A silence fell over the table. Finally Amy spoke.
"So Tails. You ready for this afternoon?" she said changing the subject.
"You bet Amy. I spent all of last night making sure the Whirlwind 2 was ready."
Petya was puzzled.
"I'm sorry but what is happening and what is this Whirlwind 2?" she said.
"Oh sorry Petya." said Tails, "I'm an anti gravity racer. The new season starts today. The Whirlwind 2 is my racer."
"I've heard of that." said Petya, "Anti gravity racing huh?"
"Yep. Tails is the best around too." said T2 with a smile.
"Well I used to be. I don't know about now. Remember I haven't raced in six years." said Tails.
"Why is that?" asked Petya.
"Well I haven't had a racer to race in. My last one was destroyed. I'm going over to the circuit in a while to check her out. Want to come?"
Petya shrugged.
"Why not. I had planned to explore the city but this sounds interesting."
"I'll be taking the kids back to the palace later on this morning." put in T2, "Sonic and Sally should be back soon."
"You're going to meet the king and queen?!" said Petya staring at him.
"Yeah." said T2, "It's no big deal you know."
"I'm sorry. It's just so surprising. Where I come from rules are quite strict and people of importance wouldn't think of just allowing people to walk in on them." said Petya.
"Well Sonic and Sally have always been very open to people. I think that's why they are liked so much." said Amy.
Just then there was a loud crash and a cry. Amy gritted her teeth and groaned slightly. She slowly got up and looked at T2.
"The sooner you get those kids out of here the better." she said and walked off to investigate the noise.
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"Father!" cried Miles and Alicia as they ran into the room.
Sonic bent down to hug them both and was almost knocked over. He steadied himself.
"Hey kids. Miss me?"
"A bit." said Alicia.
"Nope." said Miles.
"Well whatever." smiled Sonic, "Sally's in there if you want to see her."
The children released him and ran off. Sonic stood up and looked at T2. He was leaning against the wall smiling.
"Thanks for looking after them T2. Were they any trouble?"
"Well a bit. Don't ask Amy that by the way."
Sonic rolled his eyes.
"What did they do?" he asked.
"Oh nothing. Demolished a room in Tails and Amy's apartment…….erm twice."
"Oooh those kids."
"Hey it's alright. No problem."
"Well thanks again T2."
"So how was your trip?" asked T2.
"Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. A lovely break."
"Well Knothole is like that. I'll be glad to get back."
"When do you leave?"
"Oh sometime tonight. I'm in no rush really."
"So anything interesting happen recently?" asked Sonic.
"Nothing much. Tails came home with some wolf last night but that it."
"Wolf?" asked Sonic.
"Yeah. She was being attacked and Tails helped her out. She stayed the night at his apartment. Her names Petya."
"That place must have been really crowded last night."
"It sure was."
"So. Where are Tails and Amy today?"
"Down at the grav circuit with Petya."
"Oh cripes! I forgot. I was going to go down and watch the race. When does it start?"
"Not for a few hours."
"Thanks T2. Catch you later."
Sonic turned and walked off. T2 watched him leave before turning away.
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"Hello racing fans and welcome to the first race of the season!" roared the tanoy.
The crowd in the grandstand erupted into cheers. Gravity racing had become more popular in recent years and the grandstands were now twice as big. The circuit had also been improved. The surface of dirt had been replaced by metal sheeting. The competitors also had there own workstation built under the starting grid. Most of them were open and the platform holding the racer raised to track level. Tails' grid slot was still empty and the covering doors still closed.
"This season sees the return of Tails to the racing world." said the tanoy.
The crowd cheered again.
"This race is set to be a real stormer as racers old and new compete……"
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In the underground workstation Tails was sitting in the Whirlwind 2. He was making final checks before the race. Amy, Lavender and Petya were standing nearby. Petya had been eyeing the craft since they had arrived.
"Remarkable." she said.
"Yes Tails really is the creator." said Amy.
"Tails is going to race. Tails is going to race!" chanted Lavender as she skipped around the floor space.
Suddenly Tails started the engines. A loud roar filled the room. Lavender shrieked and ran to Amy's side. The engine noise subsided and stopped. Tails looked over the side of the cockpit.
"I think you better scat out of here. I'm about ready to activate the pre race sequence." He said.
"Ok Tails. Good luck." said Amy, "Come on we better hurry."
They quickly left the room. Tails watched them leave and then turned to the radio.
"Race control this is bay six. I'm ready for lifting procedure." he said.
"Roger bay six. Commencing lifting procedure and good luck."
"Thanks race control. Bay six out."
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"……and we are only a few minutes from the start of the race. However it looks like Tails may have a problem. His racer is still missing from the circuit."
A murmur spread through the crowd. Amy, Lavender and Petya were just sitting down. Petya was observing the seats.
"Are all the seats like this?" she asked leaning back into a large seat.
"No. Just these ones." said Amy.
"Whys that?" asked Petya.
"Because it's the Royal Box!" shrieked Lavender standing on her chair to get a better look.
"THE ROYAL BOX!" cried Petya almost choking, "How come were allowed in here?!"
"Sonic said we could use them. He doesn't attend every race but I'm surprised he's not here actually." said Amy.
"Did I hear someone mention my name?" said a voice.
Amy turned in her chair and smiled as Sonic appeared behind her.
"Sonic!" she cried getting up and giving him a hug, "Glad you could make it."
"Hey I wouldn't miss the first race of the season." he said with a smile
"Sonic!" cried Lavender.
"Hey there Lav!" cried Sonic scooping up the small fox as she ran over to him, "How you going?"
"Way past!" cried Lavender.
Sonic smiled.
"You've been spending too much time with Miles."
Petya was virtually welded to the spot. She stood there staring at the scene. Sonic finally saw her.
"And you must be Petya. Nice to meet you." said Sonic grabbing her hand and giving it a shake.
Petya just stared at him for a second. Finally she shook herself and tried to speak.
"It's…….I……you……….your highness." she managed to say as Sonic let go of her hand.
"Call me Sonic." said Sonic sitting down, "So how's Tails doing?"
"He's doing well." replied Amy sitting down next to Sonic, "He hasn't taken up his grid spot yet though."
"Really." said Sonic looking down on the track.
Petya, half stunned, slumped into a chair on the other side of Sonic. This is just unreal she thought to herself. Just then the tanoy spoke again.
"And it looks like Tails is ready to start. Here he comes!"
Everyone looked at the track. A small hatchway slowly opened in the track. Out of it rose a section of replacement track with Tails' racer perched on it. The crowd gasped. There was a whistling noise and the engines roared into life.
"And the pre race sequence has begun. We have a go for engine start."
The air physically shook as the engines of sixteen racers flared up.
"One light. Two lights. Three lights and………………GO!"
The sixteen racers shot from the starting grid, Tails racer making up two places before the first corner. Sonic, Amy and Lavender started cheering along with the crowd. Petya just sat there still lost in thought. If you can't understand them, join them she finally thought. She leaped from her chair cheering.