Epilogue

Several days later things had settled down and life had resumed a fairly normal pace. Rumours had been flying around the city of Mobotropolis for quite some time but no-one made any attempts to deny or agree with any of them. Manic and Sonia had been accepted into the Royal Circle of friends and although they still didn't feel at ease totally they at least felt accepted. More so by some people.

"Ok there you go." said Tails, "Try it now."

"Ok thanks Tails." said Manic.

Manic placed a small yellow and red slab of metal down on the ground. It floated slightly above it. He jumped on and leaned forwards. The slab shot forwards at some speed. Manic curved it round and headed back to Tails. He stopped just in front of him and got off.

"Perfect." he said.

"What did I tell you?" said Tails.

"I must hand it to you. You really are the mechanic. I had to leave my board in my reality when it collapsed. I never thought I'd get another one."

"Well there you go."

"Sonia lost her motorbike too you know. You should build her one."

"Who says I'm not?" said Tails tapping his nose.

"Well thanks again Tails."

"Anytime. Catch you later."

Tails walked off and Manic sat down on a bench. He ran his hand over his new board. It was almost identical to his old one but with a few modifications he had insisted on. He leaned back and looked up at the sky. It was then that he felt something pulling on his quills. He turned round to see Lavender standing behind him. Lavender quickly put her arm behind her and pretended to be doing nothing.

"Hello." said Manic.

Lavender gave him a smile and stared to stare at his hair.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Your hair's cool." she said.

"Thanks." said Manic.

"Wish I had hair like that."

"Well if you want I could……"

Manic leaned over and whispered in Lavenders ear. She giggled and nodded.

-----------------------------------------

"I tell you it still warps my brain." said Sally.

"That makes two of us." said Sonic.

"Make that three." said Amy.

"I never thought you'd say that." said Sonic.

"Well even an Acolyte can't understand everything!"

"True. Anyway, where is everyone else?" asked Sally.

"Bunnie took Sonia on a tour of the city. If you want them I'd try the most expensive beauty parlour in town." said Sonic.

Amy gave a short laugh.

"And the other?" asked Sally.

"Knuckles had to go back to the Floating Island. His duty as guardian is more important than anything to him. Miles and Alicia are having a bit of quality time together near the river." finished Sonic.

"This event certainly brought them closer together." said Sally.

"It has. I think the idea of losing each other really struck home hard. They have always fought but have always loved each other."

"That's a point." said Amy, "Anyone seen Lavender lately?"

"Nope." said Sonic, "Thought she went out with Tails?"

"She did but he came back a little while ago without her. I wonder….."

"….where she is?" said a voice.

Everyone turned to see Manic coming towards them.

"You seen her?" asked Amy.

"Better. I've been with her all afternoon." replied Manic.

"Well where is she?" asked Amy.

"Right here." said Manic pulling Lavender into full view.

Sonic just keeled over laughing, Sally had to steady herself on a small wall to avoid doing the same. Amy was just staring at her daughter.

"Lavender! What……what….what…" she stammered.

"What mom?" replied Lavender.

"What did you do to your hair?!"

Lavenders hair certainly had changed. The three flicks of hair on her head had been jelled so they stuck upwards and then flopped down in front of her face. The large plat she normally had down her back had been undone and her hair formed into four large quills that stuck straight up and flopped slightly at the end. Her style was virtually identical to Manic's.

"She uh……had a small style change." smiled Manic.

Amy just continued to stare. She just couldn't believe it.