Wrote by JOSH. (LORD_FORD_BREAKER@YAHOO.COM)
LEGAL STUFF: Sonic and the gang are all copyrighted to SEGA and Archie
comics. The Highlander series/movies are copyrighted to whoever owns it.
RATED R for blood, graphic violence and occasional swearing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- Invasion halted? Author's note: I tried to make each character's speech the way they would really say things but if it comes out wrong in some places, sorry. Rating is the same as before but this has a suggestive dialogue in it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Knuckles and Julie-su had taken off right after telling the Chaotix what Sally needed. Knuckles remembered hearing about a crash on the island many years ago. It was never looked into so he figured it would be the best place to start. Things went well for the first day but the forest got denser as they went farther in the next day. "I could have sworn that we would have gotten there by now." Knuckles said holding a limb aside for her to pass. "Don't let it get to you Knuckles. Sally knows that your trying your best to find them." "I know Julie-su. Thanks for coming with me, I'm not sure I could make it without you." "Oh yeah like that's possible. You could have easily done this with out me." "Probably but I like prefer knowing that your ok. I could have sent you with the Chaotix but I'd worry that you'd get hurt." "I wouldn't have went with them." "I know that's why I have you here." They were still talking as Archimedes popped up in front of them on a fallen tree. "Archimedes what are you doing here?" Knuckles said in surprise. "We've got a new problem. Robotnick is planning to send all of the robotozied Mobians into the Great Forest to find and finish off the Freedom Fighters." "Great. Figures that blow hard would try something like this." "It gets worse. Sally and them are evacuating Knothole right now. Tomorrow Robotnick begins the invasion. Since Sally and the rest of them won't fight them robotozied Mobians they are retreating. Several of them are going to try and stall them so Knothole can complete the evacuation but they don't think it will matter." "What do they want us to do?" Julie-su asked leaning against the fallen tree. Knuckles was still standing with his arms crossed. "Apparently the Sword of Acorns can restore there free will so getting the sword is more important right now. Grab my hand and I'll take you to the Chaotix. The sooner we help get the sword the sooner you can find the Acorn family and get back to your duties." Taking his hand they vanished.
After Knuckles and Julie-su left the Chaotix argued about where they should start. "Well until the extra help shows up, where do you think we should all start?" Mighty said. "Start? Start what?" Vector said rubbing his side from he landed on a limb when Julie-su pushed him down. "Start the search for this Mammoth guy." Mighty said shaking his head in frustration. "Well I can go and get my friends and we can look around from the air. With our speed and flying height we can cover more ground." Charmy said scratching his chin. "Great idea Charmy. Hopefully you'll find him before we do. Good luck." he said watching him take off. "So were do you think this guy could be?" Espio asked sitting on a tree limb. "Well being that big he would have to be in area's not lined with dense forest." They continued talking, thinking, and arguing till Remington showed up. "Great. And Knuckles said they get along well." "Hey there Remington." Mighty said coming over and shaking his hand. "Knuckles has already explained the situation. I can spare these twelve to help find this Mammoth Monguel. I'll monitor everything from back at the city. Since I didn't think any of you had communication devices like these." he said pointing to a headset on one of the Echidnas. "I brought a few for you to hand out to whoever's going." Opening a bag he explained how they worked and to stay on channel twelve. "We did an aerial scan for Chaos Emerald energies and found several places that have low energy emissions. There on this map here. This one circled is the Islands Choas Emerald and this is energy put out from the city. These others are unknowns." "Thanks Remington. Hopefully this won't take long. Alright let's check this one here and then go here and here and so forth." Mighty said. "Like a circle pattern." Espio said. "Right. If were lucky he'll be on the first couple area's if not it will take a couple of days to finish this search." "Then let's get to it!" Vector said putting the headphone com unit over his walkman's.
The day was almost over and they had only covered three of the sites on the map. They found small shard's of what was once a Chaos Emerald at one time. The Echidnas from the city took the shard pieces. They were a couple of miles from the next site and since night was approaching they decided to set up camp. A few of the Echidna's were sitting around the camp fire with the Chaotix while the other's were sleeping. One of the female's was talking to Mighty in a low voice. The others weren't paying attention when they got up and left. Mighty heard Vector say something about how he heard rations were bad but liked what he was eating. "What did you want to talk about?" Mighty said to the lady with him. "I was wondering what you were going to be doing when this was over?" she said looking at the sky. "Not sure. Probably be helping Knuckles as usual. Why?" he said putting his hands behind his head. She stopped and turned to him. Not noticing she stopped he walked into her but instead of falling down she grabbed him into a deep kiss. Mighty at first swung his arms around then let them fall to his side. This lasted quite awhile before she let him go. "Wow...." "After this is done I want to take you out, show you the city, maybe more." "Okay lady whatever you say." he said in a dazed state. "Name's Suzanne." The next morning came with a chill in the air. A slight frost was on the ground including the nearby flora. Shaking the cobwebs from there heads they set back out. The next site on the map ended up being a large tree that had a large chuck of an Emerald imbedded deep in it's roots. This Emerald had enough power in it to attract attention to anyone looking for a power source. Relaying this info to Remington, he charted it for further study later and told them to continue on. The sixth area on the map proved to be what they were looking for. Unfortunately for them he knew they were coming.
Mammoth Monguel was sitting in a chair he made from using the Emerald in him to manipulate the ground. It was more smooth rocks than dirt but he liked it that way. Once he learned that they had been coming for him, or more to the point the Sword of Acorns, Mammoth made the chair and waited for them to arrive. He wasn't expected them to have taken so long though. Seeing them emerge from the forest but still failing to hide from him he chuckled. "So you have finally come rodents. Once your out of the way I will have no problem getting the Chaos Emerald from its chamber. Too bad that guardian isn;t with you. Oh well can't have everything.....yet."
"That must be him." Espio said looking from the brush. "I'll tell Remington we found him." One of the Echidnas said pulling out his radio. "How should we approach him. He's huge." Vector said turning down his walkman. "Bout time you turned that off. Any louder and Robotnick would hear it." Mighty said. "It wasn't that loud." Vector exclaimed. "Oh really. My hearing was starting to fade away. If you hadn't turned it off I would have needed divine intervention to get my hearing back!" Mighty said raising his voice. "Knock it off. Any louder and he'll know were here." Espio hissed.
"Come out from the woods you miserable beings. I already knew you were coming." Mammoth said standing up. He pointed his cane at their position and let out a blast of energy. "INCOMING!" Espio said jumping for cover. Everyone scattered as the beam of energy hit the brush blowing it and a good size of the ground into the air. "HAHAHAHAHA! And you think you have a chance of getting this sword. Foolish weaklings!" he said firing off another blast. "Everyone attack!" The Echidna patrol opened fire with there plasma pistols while the Chaotix rushed him from the side. Charmy was coming over the area with a small swarm of other bee's when he saw the attack start. Seeing the huge mammoth sending blast after blast at them infuriated him. Turning to his small squad, "Attack from above make sure he really feels it!" Mighty was trying to go for an upper cut when Mammoth smack him aside with his left hand. Mighty crashed into a large tree feeling the trunk crack under him. Shaking the feeling of passing out from him he got up quickly dashing back in. Vector managed to get behind him and crank his walkman to full volume. The sound was so great everyone except him grabbed their ears. Mammoth screamed dropping his cane. Swinging around quickly he backhanded Vector sending him into a stream. Vector landed in the water with a large splash. Darkness took him before he hit the water. Espio managed to blend in with his surroundings until Vector made that obnoxious noise. Noticing the chameleon so close he tried to stomp on him. Espio grabbed the large foot holding him there for a moment. Pushing with all his might he got the overweight mammoth to fall. Mighty watched him fall. Running faster he caught the mammoth between the eyes before he could block it. Mighty felt a crack as he impacted, whether it was his hand or Mammoths head he couldn't tell. Mammoth grabbed Mighty really tight. He was about to squeeze the life out of him when pain flared up everywhere on his head. "AAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Swiping at the bees stinging him he let go of Mighty as he got to his feet. Mighty landed several feet from the patrol. Suzanne rushed over to him. "ENOUGH! YOU SHALL NOT BEAT ME!" he yelled sending out a wave of energy from his body. Charmy and his group were sent flying into the side of a hill. There was sickening crunches as several of them slammed into rocks and small trees. Charmy landed head first into a dirt mound. Espio was thrown back but managed to get back up and deliver a hard punch to his knee with a sharp rock. Blood spurted as he pulled it out. He pulled back to thrust it in again when Mammoth hit him broadside with the sword. He could feel several bones brake as he crashed through a tree. Sorry we couldn't get it Knuckles he thought before passing out form pain. Suzanne was checking Mighty as things were getting worse on the field. The rest of the patrol came out and continued firing at him when he tossed Espio away. Suzanne heard Remington's voice over the radio but ignored it. Mammoth brought the sword back and swiped it in front of him sending another energy wave into the patrol. The wave exploded throwing them all into the air. When the dust settled none of them were moving. Suzanne tried to pull Mighty away from Mammoth's sight. "NO ONE SHALL LEAVE ALIVE!" he said pointing the sword at them.
Knuckles and Julie-su appeared in a clearing with Archimedes not there. Looking around they didn't see him. Knuckles was about to say something when he heard an explosion. "That must be the fight. Luckily I know where we are and why Archimedes set us here. Come on I need help moving this boulder here."
Suzanne watched him point the sword at them Covering Mightys body she waited for the end to come. Instead of feeling pain she felt a loud thud. Looking up she saw Mammoth was on his back.
"NO ONE SHALL LEAVE ALIVE!" he said pointing the sword at them. He watched her cover the pathetic creature that punched him earlier. Just as he got ready to fire a spiked fist caught him in the face. Several teeth came flying out along with blood. Landing on his back he felt another hit catch him in the stomach. Knuckles jumped into the air going for a more vulnerable spot when Mammoth caught him in the side with the sword. He managed to hit the ground on his feet but just barely. "So the wretched Guardian of this Island has finally come out to play. Once your finished the Chaos Emerald will be mine." he said sending a wave at Knuckles. That's just what I need. Knuckles thought as he opened the backpack he was carrying. The energy wave hit him with a blinding light. Mammoth had to shield his eyes as the light got brighter. After the light vanished nothing was were Knuckles had been standing. "Now back to you two." he said turning back to the others only finding them not there. "No matt...AAAAAAA!" Hyper Knuckles came down on the back of his head with a double handed attack. Blood came out from where the spikes of his glove smashed into his head. He started smacking into his head more as Mammoth tried to knock him off. Blood was running down Mammoths head as Knuckles kept pounding. Mammoth sent another wave out from his body sending Knuckles flying off him. Knuckles dodged Mammoths swings as he tried to cut him with the sword. Occasionally Mammoth would fire a blast at him only to miss or get it sent back at him. Mammoth sent a large charged blast of Chaotic energy at Knuckles. Seeing no way to avoid it Hyper Knuckles used ever ounce of power he had to push it back. The explosion sent Knuckles into the stream nearly landing on Vector. Mammoth was turned head over heels and thrown into the trees. Pushing downed trees off him he got up quickly noticing the sword was missing from his hand. Knuckles saw that the explosion didn't hurt Mammoth. It only blew off that white suit he wore except for the top half of his dress pants. The injuries he sustained earlier had quit bleeding but his head and knee still hurt. Seeing the sword lying in the dirt he went after it. Knuckles noticed this and tried to go after it. As they both got close to reaching it, it vanished. "WHAT?! WHAT SORT OF TRICKERY IS THIS?" Mammoth yelled picking up Knuckles. "WHERE IS THE SWORD?!" Knuckles was trying to respond when he noticed something behind Mammoth. When he smiled Mammoth got madder. "Whatever you think is funny will soon turn to sorrow. I'll make sure you die slowly for you troubles." "HEY FATSO!" "WHAT!" Mammoth said turning around quickly. "NO!!!!!!" he yelled seeing a small two tails fox with a red cape flying in front of him. Pulling his fist back Tails gave him a punch in the face that sent him flying through the stream and into the side of a mountain. Blood was dripping from where one of the missing tusk had came out. His knee was bleeding again since it broke on some fallen tree he slammed across and well as from several large cuts he took flying through the forest. He tried to stand but his knee wouldn't let him. Building a charge of energy into his hand he got ready to unleash it when Turbo Tails stopped and fired a blast of his own above Mammoth. The explosion sent a avalanche of dirt and rocks down on him. His hand once glowing green stopped and fell weakly onto the rock. When the dust cleared all that was showing was his hand. Turbo Tails brushed his hands together and headed back with sword in hand to Knuckles. As Turbo Tails hit Mammoth, Knuckles managed to force his way out of his grip causing his to fall on his side. Julie-su came running out after Knuckles hit the ground. "KNUCKLES!!!!!" Almost sliding the last couple of feet, Julie-su grabbed Knuckles into a tight hug. "Julie-su I'm alright just a little banged up. But if you don't stop squeezing me I wouldn't make it." "Sorry Knux." she said letting go and helping him to his feet. "We need to get help here right away." "I found a com unit near Mighty and some girl named Suzanne. She had already called for help sometime ago." "Help me over to Mighty and then go get the others for me okay." "Sure. I don't want you hurting yourself anymore then you already have." Finally getting to Mighty and the Echidna girl they saw the other's were there as well along with Tails in a red cape. "Hey there Tails. What's with the red cape?" Knuckles said sitting down.' "It's Turbo Tails. I'd stay and chat but Knothole needs my help. Thanks for helping get the sword back." Turbo Tails started taking off when Knuckles called out. "Hey Tails. Tell Sally were still looking for her family." Giving Knuckles a thumbs up he headed off at a speed that made everyone, still standing nearly fall over.
Amy woke up to falling off the couch. "Ouch." she said rubbing her head. Remembering where she, "I wonder if Sonic is still asleep." She slowly crept into his and Tails room only to find no one there. "Where is he? Probably got up to help with the work." Heading out she noticed that it was still slightly dark. Looking at her watch she saw it was 6:53. Well everyone will be up soon so might as well go help make breakfast. Walking in she found Antoine cooking again. Bunnie was helping, or more like kissing him. "Those two aren't going to get any cooking done at this rate." She got some coffee completely ignoring them and sat down. "Either of you seen Tails?" Antoine and Bunnie jumped when they heard her. "Mon an mi Amy. Pleaze don't bez scaring mez like thatz." "I declare girl. You nearly made me jump clean out of my skin." "Sorry. I thought I made enough noise coming in and getting coffee." "That's ok hon. Now what was it you asked?" "Have you seen Tails yet?" Coming out of the kitchen Bunnie explained to her what happened with Tails when his grandfather came along. "Do you think he'll be back?" "Oh yeah. Tails wouldn't leave here unless it was really serious and then he'd just ask sugar-hog for help anyway to get it over with so he could come back." "Great." she said with a smile. "Your interested in that two tailed cutie huh?" "Yeah....wait I mean no...um..." "Don't worry I would tell him or anyone else. We'll just keep it between us girls." "Is it that obvious?" "It is now. Since you didn't instantly go after Sonic when you came I knew something was up." "I've seen that Sonic has no real love interest in me. Sally took his heart long ago. I came back to see if he had changed but..." "Sally will always be the one Sonic wants. A lot of girls have had to accept that." "Were you one of them?" "Nah. I think sugar-hog is cute but not my type." They both laughed as others started coming in. "Strange, Sally usually is here first to make sure everyone's ok. She must be trying to wake Sonic." "Sonic wasn't in his bed this morning. He must have gotten up early and left. I figured Tails and him were out doing something but if Tails is elsewhere then Sonic must be somewhere else." "Hmmm." Bunnie said rubbing her chin. She closed her eyes thinking when an idea popped into her mind. The thought made her get up quickly startling Amy and a few others. "Sorry. Just remembered something I left on in my hut." she said running out.
Bunnie creped up to Sally's window and peered in. She almost yelped out loud seeing Sally and Sonic asleep together. "Oh my stars! I wonder what other new things I'll learn today." she whispered to herself as she walked around to the door. Knocking on the door she had to bite the inside of her lip to keep from smiling. Knocking louder she then tried to keep from laughing. Great. I'm going to have to go in there and wake them up. Knocking once more she opened the door. "Sally you up yet?" She yelled waiting for a response. Bunnie was about to walk in when she heard a thud. Rushing in she saw Sally standing next to the bed seeming nervous. "Are you alright Sally-girl? You look like you were about to see a ghost." "Fine Bunnie...ahem..a just fine." Bunnie tried to keep a straight face but was failing. "What's wrong with your mouth did you burn yourself?" Sally asked seeing Bunnie biting her lip. "No...hehehe....I'm just......hehehe fine." "Is something wrong? You rushed in rather quickly?" "Well I knocked several times and no one answered so when I opened the door and yelled I heard something hit the floor. I thought that you or...or you knocked off you lamp and might have hurt yourself." She glanced at the end of the bed seeing Sonics shoes as they were slowly being drawn under the bed. She closed the door as Sally asked why. "I can't lie to ya Sally-girl. I know Sonics here." Sally signed as she sat down on the bed. Sonic crawled out form under it looking sheepishly. "If you want to keep this a secret hon, I won't tell anyone." "We actually were going to tell everyone that were getting married. Officially will do it quickly and then later we were going to have a big ceremony when thing got calmed down enough." "MARRIED Sally-girl. Sure took you long enough to ask sugar-hog. You've been hanging on her forever." Sonic smiled and couldn't think of a think to say as he put his shoes on so he just said, "Your right Bunnie." "Do you want me to tell them your coming or wait for you to tell them." "I'll tell them Bunnie, but thanks anyway." Sally said getting her vest and boots on. "Okay Sally. I'll be waiting for you two then." "Oh wait Bunnie, can you go get Focus. It was partially from his help that we finally told each other our true feelings. " "No problem Sally. I'll be right back with him. Do you want me to tell him?" "Not yet." Bunnie said bye to Sonic who still looked embarrassed as she walked out. "We have nothing to worry about Sonic." Sally said putting Nichole in her boot. Walking over she kissed him as he got up from the bed. "Now try and look like everything's normal. Were getting married." "I know and when I thought about how this day would be I didn't expect this." "Well this is just the formal part. Later come the party part." "Cool Sal." Sonic said feeling better. After a quick hug they headed out.
Bunnie was still thinking about Sonic and Sally being together finally when she walked up to the door. Knocking several times she waited. Not this waiting game again. I'll just go in and hope he's not walking around bare. Opening the door the first thing she saw was a note attached to the table lying on its side. Scanning the rest of the room she saw he wasn't in the bed or behind the door. As she picked up the note she noticed Geoffrey was tied to the table legs on the other side. "Geoffrey!" she exclaimed coming around and tearing the ropes off him. After the gag came out of his mouth he cried out, "That no good overlander did this to me. After I spotted him taking his sword from Sally's hut and getting his gun back he knocked me out and tied me here when I came spying on him." "I should've known that Yank couldn't be trusted. He was just waiting to turn on us." Bunnie said in anger crushing the note. "Wait Bunnie. That note is important. As much as I hate to admit this he's not a traitor. Even though he is an overlander he does have honor." "What?" she said in surprise. "Read the note." he said walking to the bathroom. Uncrinkling the note Bunnie read it.
Dear Freedom fighters, I'm sorry if this loses your trust in me but even though I come from a universe where this is all suppose to be fantasy, I vowed to fight for those wronged and being wrong by evil in any form a long time ago. I'm going to finish this war for you so no others have to be killed. I have taken back my sword as you probably have found out by now and since Rotor didn't destroy my gun I have it to. The Sword of Acorns will do what I said it will but I figured if I could get you to go after it, I would have ample time to go do what I'm doing now. I ask that you don't send anybody to come stop me since I've made up my mind and what I'm going to do will get other's killed if there nearby. Maybe I'll see you all later but most likely I'll go out in a big bang taking Robotnick with me. Thanks again for your hospitality and what friendship you provided even though you considered me as the enemy sometimes. Hopefully things work out well and you all get your life back.
Sincerely Focus Trinner
P.S. Tell Geoffrey I'm sorry for tying him up and tell Knuckles I'm sorry I never had a chance to meet him.
Bunnie couldn't help but cry as she ran out of the hut heading for the mess hall.
Sally and Sonic had already told everyone that they were getting married and were going through the formal part of the wedding ceremony, preformed by Rosie, when Bunnie ran in. Rosie stopped for a moment looking at Bunnie. "Is everything alright?" "Oh ah yes I'm just crying for those two." Bunnie said seeing others in the room also crying. Sally could tell something was up but knew Bunnie wanted to tell her in private and since Focus hadn't showed up with Bunnie she figured it had to do with him. "Anyway where was I, oh yes, Sally Alicia Acorn do you take Sonic Maurice Prime to be your lawfully wedded husband, through richer and poorer, sickness and health, for better or worse till death do you part?" "I do." "And do you Sonic Maurice Prime take Sally Alicia Acorn to be your lawfully wedded wife, through richer and poorer, sickness and health, for better or worse till death do you part?" "I do." "Then by the power invested in me by Princess Sally I now pronounce you husband and wife you may..." They were already kissing and Rosie figured she saw them start right after Sonic said I do. "kiss the bride." Everyone got up applauding and shouting with joy. Turning to the crowd Sonic noticed that even Tails had made it back and was standing in the with the sword. He was clapping and had a big smile on his face as well. Sally seemed to have noticed it too since she raised her hand silencing the crowd. "First thing I want to say is that I should have done this along time ago, I want everyone to still call me Sonic not Prince or King or Sir." he was about to go on when Sally whispered something into his ear. "I knew that. Tails please come forward." Tails eyes grew wide as he came forward. Seeing Amy looking at him he relaxed at bit. Tails handed the sword to Sally. Sally said thank you and then handed it to Sonic. "Tails, even though this was a job for an adult we congratulate you for getting this back for Sally. If Knuckles and the Chaotix were here they would be getting the same reward you are going to get, only Sally would be doing it. Kneel Tails." Tails was growing excited as Sonic was talking. When Sonic mentioned Knuckles he remembered what Knuckles said. Tails hesitated for a moment before kneeling. Sonic placed the sword on Tails shoulder then brought it over placing it on the other shoulder as he said, "Rise and be known as Sir Miles Prower." Handing the sword back to Sally, Sonic started asking Tails about his adventure. Sally dismissed everyone to get back to work. Most of the them were congratulating the three on there achievements as they walked out. Once everyone had left Tails gave a quick run down of how he got the sword. Bunnie was still crying as she came forward. Rotor and Antoine were listening to Tails story when they noticed her walk up. "Whatz iz a matter Bunnie?" Antoine said putting an arm around her shoulder. Tails was finishing telling Sally what Knuckles said when they all noticed Bunnie still crying. "Bunnie I know that this is a happy occasion but if you keep crying you won't have anything left for the real ceremony." Sally said sitting next to her. "I'm not crying for that." she said handing her the note. "Focus did something to you didn't he." Sonic said rising with anger. "I shou...Rotor go get a..." "No Sonic he didn't do anything cause he's not there." Bunnie said crying less. Sally had just finished the note and was starting to cry. "Sal what it is?" he said taking the note from her. Sonic skimmed it before reading it aloud.
Dear Freedom fighters, I'm sorry if this loses your trust in me but even though I come from a universe where this is all suppose to be fantasy, I vowed to fight for those wronged and being wrong by evil in any form a long time ago. I'm going to finish this war for you so no others have to be killed. I have taken back my sword as you probably have found out by now and since Rotor didn't destroy my gun I have it to. The Sword of Acorns will do what I said it will but I figured if I could get you to go after it, I would have ample time to go do what I'm doing now. I ask that you don't send anybody to come stop me since I've made up my mind and what I'm going to do will get other's killed if there nearby. Maybe I'll see you all later but most likely I'll go out in a big bang taking Robotnick with me. Thanks again for your hospitality and what friendship you provided even though you considered me as the enemy sometimes. Hopefully things work out well and you all get your life back.
Sincerely Focus Trinner
Sonic left the last part out since he didn't have to do with them. "Geoffrey said he left really early this morning and had his mind made up like he wasn't coming back." Bunnie said through another rack of sobs. "Somebody should go and stop him." Sonic said dropping the note. Me and Tails will go and try to find him while you continue the evacuation. "Wait Sonic. What if the sword really does what Focus said it can do. What if it can restore their free will." "I can do that Sally." "What?" Sally said dropping the sword. "What's wrong Sal?" Sonic asked touching the sword. "I think it spoke to me." "That's not pos....Focus said the sword would talk to you didn't he." "Yeah he did." she said taking the sword back. "I can help Sally." "It does talk." Sally said sitting back. "I didn't hear anything." Tails said poking the sword. "It only talks to me for some reason." "What should we do then Aunt Sally?" Tails asked tightening his glove. After thinking for a moment she came up with a plan. "Tails can you use your new power anytime?" "Not all the time. But I can still use it right now." "Good, then you can try and find Focus while me and Sonic use the Sword of Acorns on the robotozied Mobians. The rest of you help finish getting everyone out of here and the bring the rest of the core members back here to do a last stand if need be." "Yes Princess." they said heading out. Tails congratulated them one more time before heading out. Standing outside the door Tails felt the power deep in him and brought it to the surface turning him into Turbo Tails. Waving goodbye to the others around he flew off. As Sonic got ready to leave Sally retrieved the note placing it on her dresser. Sonic came in complaining about missing a ring but ignored it when he saw her ready to leave. Picking her up in his arm they headed out.
Rotor was finishing moving a large machine out when he saw the box that he had put the gun in. Picking it up he found a note, the rest of the clips and some drawings. Rotor was going to show the note to Sally when he noticed it was addressed to him. Dear Rotor, I figured if I was, luckily, stuck in this universe then I'd like to see about building the vehicle I had drawn up on the enclosed sheets. It shouldn't be to hard since I built one just like it a couple of time before so if Uncle Chuck can get the parts maybe we can have fun making it sometime.
"Hey Uncle Chuck come look at this." Rotor said pulling out the drawings. Seeing them up close he noticed that they were schematics fro a vehicle just like Focus said. "What's a matter, something stuck?" "I wanted you to see these." he said showing them to him. "Hmm. This is interesting. Strange thou considering it inferior to everything Robotnick has. It's certainly not a weapon. Maybe we can make it for him." Knowing that uncle Chuck didn't know about the note he explained what Focus had done. "Poor lad having to be drug into this war and sacrificing his self for us." Rotor put the plans back in the box and set it on the large machine then went back to work.
The evacuation was going better than expected. Within three hours everything would be transferred up to the secondary base exactly ten miles east of Knothole. Since everything was being transferred underground anyone in the air would notice nothing going on. Chuck was pushing the last of the larger objects through the tunnel when Geoffrey came by. "Uncle Chuck, the core Freedom Fighters are going to stay at Knothole and hold it as long as they can. Sally has placed me in charge till she returns. I'm going to set off the explosives in five minutes. Since this is the last thing we need to get out of here lets get it moving so were not trapped in here when the roof comes down. Wait, did anyone get that contraption that makes those power rings?" "Yeah. Bunnie got it earlier. It's already at the second location." "Good. Then let's get going."
Back on the Floating Island, Knuckles, Julie-su, Remington, and a few guards were headed back to the area Knuckles was going to check on in the first place. Flying in small hover cars from the city they can upon a crash site. "Whoa. When I heard about this supposed crash I didn't think much of it. But it's hard to believe no one found this. It's huge." Knuckles was saying as he looked at a very large and broken aircraft. "This must have been flown all over Mobius." "After all these years I'm surprised you never noticed it Knuckles. With all the traveling you did on this Island you should have at least seen it." Remington remarked following Knuckles inside. "This part of the Island is rather dense in forest so I tried to avoid it unless I really needed to go here." Knuckles said going into a hole in the plane. "This thing must have held a 100 or more Mobians at one time. There's still things lying around." "Nothing of importance that I can see though, just clothes and a few childrens books." Remington remarked looking around. "All right the rest of you go looking around to see if there's any survivors. You two though search the plane but be careful this thing is unstable." he said to the guards with him. Knuckles and Julie-su went outside to look around the plane to see if there was anything of interest lying around while Remington helped look around in the plane. Knuckles noticed something strange about some rocks he saw sticking out of some weeds as he came up under a broken section of the wing. Pushing them aside he found several grave sites. "Julie-su. Help me count these and see if there are any with the name Acorn." "There might be survivor's then. Hopefully." Julie-su said seeing the grave stones. Half an hour of searching lead them to finding 34 grave sites. Lots of them were royal guards. Luckily none had the name Acorn on them. Finding nothing in the plane that helped in any way Remington and the other two came out to expand the search. One of the Echidnas found what looked to be a trail up the mountain side. Hiking up the hill took three hours but paid off when they found a cave. "Look there's someone in here." Knuckles glided up quickly to the trooper who had found a survivor. "Were are they?" "They rushed into the back of the cave. Probably to tell the others that help arrived." "Stay here. I'll go in and see if it's safe. They probably haven't seen anybody for years and might act hostile." "Yes sir." Walking in slowly Knuckles noticed that there was a small beam of light coming from a crack in the wall. Going through he encountered several spears being pointed at him. "Whoa. Hold on, were here to help." Knuckles said holding his hands up. "Oh really. Who sent you?" Some bruised wolf said pulling his spear back. "Princess Sally Alicia Acorn." "Sally's still alive!" a voice from far behind them cried. "It might be a trap you highness. Stay in there were its safe." "I'm tired of not knowing what's going on. If they came to help good, if not then I want to know why there here before anything happens understood." the voice said coming around the corner. "You must be Queen Alicia Acorn. Sally sent me to find you. We would have been here sooner but we had to get the Sword of Acorns first." "You seem familiar. What is your name?" "Knuckles." "Knuckles, son of guardian Locke." "Yes, except he's gone and now I'm guardian." "Is Sally with you?" "No unfortunately she's still in Knothole." "Guards stand down. Inform the others we are leaving and get our things together." Turning back to Knuckles, "I assume that you have other's with you." "Yes they are waiting for me tell come get them." "Good. I've waited a long time to get out of here. The sooner the better."
Knuckles came back out telling Remington the situation and what Queen Acorn wanted done. Remington relayed orders for the units be brought with him to help get things ready for the cargo plane that would be landing soon. Night was a couple hours away when everything the Queen needed and everyone was loaded in. It would have went quicker but they had to all walk at least half a mile to the craft since the nearest viable landing area was a small clearing. Taking off they headed for the city to refuel and get the Queen and her group cleaned up before heading to Knothole in the morning.
Robotnick and Snively had been doing very little except waiting for all the robotozied Mobians to get in place. Everything was going according to plan except for one piece, Uncle Chuck. "Have you found that Uncle of Sonic's yet?" "No sir. I think he managed to get his memories back and left." "No matter. We'll have my creation I was making take the lead." Robotnick pushed a button on the arm of his chair. Several minutes later a robotic version of Sonic walked in. "Meet Metal. He's programmed with every bit of data I have on Sonic. As much as I would like to have Sonic here to witness my triumphant victory I've decided to just kill him and have Metal bring his body back if there's anything left. Metal you have your new orders. Now GO GET SONIC!"
"YES MASTER ROBOTNICK."
Metal was standing next to several Swat-bots and behind them was around a thousand robotozied Mobians in a line reaching a mile wide. Robotnick was standing in front of him saying something but something in his programming was telling him this was wrong. He shoved it aside as Robotnick spoke to him. "Metal when you locate Knothole, capture all Mobians try no to kill unless necessary. I insist on having Princess Sally brought to me fairly unharmed but not dead or YOU'LL BE. As for Sonic bring me his body, dead." "YES MASTER ROBOTNICK." Robotnick yelled for them to go. He watched with delight as all of the robotozied Mobians walked into forest heading for Knothole. "Sending ten Swat-bots with Metal isn't enough but it won't matter." Climbing back into his hover-unit Robotnick laughed as he headed for his head quarters.
Focus watched from the trees as Robotnick ordered the mass of robotozied Mobians head off in the general direction of Knothole. He had a clean shot at Robotnicks head, but waited. It ticked him off to see Robotnick fly away and know that he still had to wait for his 'army' to go by. The wait ended up taking all day as the final row of the robots passed by. Waiting several more minutes to make sure they had gone he jumped down heading into Robotropolis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- Invasion halted? Author's note: I tried to make each character's speech the way they would really say things but if it comes out wrong in some places, sorry. Rating is the same as before but this has a suggestive dialogue in it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Knuckles and Julie-su had taken off right after telling the Chaotix what Sally needed. Knuckles remembered hearing about a crash on the island many years ago. It was never looked into so he figured it would be the best place to start. Things went well for the first day but the forest got denser as they went farther in the next day. "I could have sworn that we would have gotten there by now." Knuckles said holding a limb aside for her to pass. "Don't let it get to you Knuckles. Sally knows that your trying your best to find them." "I know Julie-su. Thanks for coming with me, I'm not sure I could make it without you." "Oh yeah like that's possible. You could have easily done this with out me." "Probably but I like prefer knowing that your ok. I could have sent you with the Chaotix but I'd worry that you'd get hurt." "I wouldn't have went with them." "I know that's why I have you here." They were still talking as Archimedes popped up in front of them on a fallen tree. "Archimedes what are you doing here?" Knuckles said in surprise. "We've got a new problem. Robotnick is planning to send all of the robotozied Mobians into the Great Forest to find and finish off the Freedom Fighters." "Great. Figures that blow hard would try something like this." "It gets worse. Sally and them are evacuating Knothole right now. Tomorrow Robotnick begins the invasion. Since Sally and the rest of them won't fight them robotozied Mobians they are retreating. Several of them are going to try and stall them so Knothole can complete the evacuation but they don't think it will matter." "What do they want us to do?" Julie-su asked leaning against the fallen tree. Knuckles was still standing with his arms crossed. "Apparently the Sword of Acorns can restore there free will so getting the sword is more important right now. Grab my hand and I'll take you to the Chaotix. The sooner we help get the sword the sooner you can find the Acorn family and get back to your duties." Taking his hand they vanished.
After Knuckles and Julie-su left the Chaotix argued about where they should start. "Well until the extra help shows up, where do you think we should all start?" Mighty said. "Start? Start what?" Vector said rubbing his side from he landed on a limb when Julie-su pushed him down. "Start the search for this Mammoth guy." Mighty said shaking his head in frustration. "Well I can go and get my friends and we can look around from the air. With our speed and flying height we can cover more ground." Charmy said scratching his chin. "Great idea Charmy. Hopefully you'll find him before we do. Good luck." he said watching him take off. "So were do you think this guy could be?" Espio asked sitting on a tree limb. "Well being that big he would have to be in area's not lined with dense forest." They continued talking, thinking, and arguing till Remington showed up. "Great. And Knuckles said they get along well." "Hey there Remington." Mighty said coming over and shaking his hand. "Knuckles has already explained the situation. I can spare these twelve to help find this Mammoth Monguel. I'll monitor everything from back at the city. Since I didn't think any of you had communication devices like these." he said pointing to a headset on one of the Echidnas. "I brought a few for you to hand out to whoever's going." Opening a bag he explained how they worked and to stay on channel twelve. "We did an aerial scan for Chaos Emerald energies and found several places that have low energy emissions. There on this map here. This one circled is the Islands Choas Emerald and this is energy put out from the city. These others are unknowns." "Thanks Remington. Hopefully this won't take long. Alright let's check this one here and then go here and here and so forth." Mighty said. "Like a circle pattern." Espio said. "Right. If were lucky he'll be on the first couple area's if not it will take a couple of days to finish this search." "Then let's get to it!" Vector said putting the headphone com unit over his walkman's.
The day was almost over and they had only covered three of the sites on the map. They found small shard's of what was once a Chaos Emerald at one time. The Echidnas from the city took the shard pieces. They were a couple of miles from the next site and since night was approaching they decided to set up camp. A few of the Echidna's were sitting around the camp fire with the Chaotix while the other's were sleeping. One of the female's was talking to Mighty in a low voice. The others weren't paying attention when they got up and left. Mighty heard Vector say something about how he heard rations were bad but liked what he was eating. "What did you want to talk about?" Mighty said to the lady with him. "I was wondering what you were going to be doing when this was over?" she said looking at the sky. "Not sure. Probably be helping Knuckles as usual. Why?" he said putting his hands behind his head. She stopped and turned to him. Not noticing she stopped he walked into her but instead of falling down she grabbed him into a deep kiss. Mighty at first swung his arms around then let them fall to his side. This lasted quite awhile before she let him go. "Wow...." "After this is done I want to take you out, show you the city, maybe more." "Okay lady whatever you say." he said in a dazed state. "Name's Suzanne." The next morning came with a chill in the air. A slight frost was on the ground including the nearby flora. Shaking the cobwebs from there heads they set back out. The next site on the map ended up being a large tree that had a large chuck of an Emerald imbedded deep in it's roots. This Emerald had enough power in it to attract attention to anyone looking for a power source. Relaying this info to Remington, he charted it for further study later and told them to continue on. The sixth area on the map proved to be what they were looking for. Unfortunately for them he knew they were coming.
Mammoth Monguel was sitting in a chair he made from using the Emerald in him to manipulate the ground. It was more smooth rocks than dirt but he liked it that way. Once he learned that they had been coming for him, or more to the point the Sword of Acorns, Mammoth made the chair and waited for them to arrive. He wasn't expected them to have taken so long though. Seeing them emerge from the forest but still failing to hide from him he chuckled. "So you have finally come rodents. Once your out of the way I will have no problem getting the Chaos Emerald from its chamber. Too bad that guardian isn;t with you. Oh well can't have everything.....yet."
"That must be him." Espio said looking from the brush. "I'll tell Remington we found him." One of the Echidnas said pulling out his radio. "How should we approach him. He's huge." Vector said turning down his walkman. "Bout time you turned that off. Any louder and Robotnick would hear it." Mighty said. "It wasn't that loud." Vector exclaimed. "Oh really. My hearing was starting to fade away. If you hadn't turned it off I would have needed divine intervention to get my hearing back!" Mighty said raising his voice. "Knock it off. Any louder and he'll know were here." Espio hissed.
"Come out from the woods you miserable beings. I already knew you were coming." Mammoth said standing up. He pointed his cane at their position and let out a blast of energy. "INCOMING!" Espio said jumping for cover. Everyone scattered as the beam of energy hit the brush blowing it and a good size of the ground into the air. "HAHAHAHAHA! And you think you have a chance of getting this sword. Foolish weaklings!" he said firing off another blast. "Everyone attack!" The Echidna patrol opened fire with there plasma pistols while the Chaotix rushed him from the side. Charmy was coming over the area with a small swarm of other bee's when he saw the attack start. Seeing the huge mammoth sending blast after blast at them infuriated him. Turning to his small squad, "Attack from above make sure he really feels it!" Mighty was trying to go for an upper cut when Mammoth smack him aside with his left hand. Mighty crashed into a large tree feeling the trunk crack under him. Shaking the feeling of passing out from him he got up quickly dashing back in. Vector managed to get behind him and crank his walkman to full volume. The sound was so great everyone except him grabbed their ears. Mammoth screamed dropping his cane. Swinging around quickly he backhanded Vector sending him into a stream. Vector landed in the water with a large splash. Darkness took him before he hit the water. Espio managed to blend in with his surroundings until Vector made that obnoxious noise. Noticing the chameleon so close he tried to stomp on him. Espio grabbed the large foot holding him there for a moment. Pushing with all his might he got the overweight mammoth to fall. Mighty watched him fall. Running faster he caught the mammoth between the eyes before he could block it. Mighty felt a crack as he impacted, whether it was his hand or Mammoths head he couldn't tell. Mammoth grabbed Mighty really tight. He was about to squeeze the life out of him when pain flared up everywhere on his head. "AAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Swiping at the bees stinging him he let go of Mighty as he got to his feet. Mighty landed several feet from the patrol. Suzanne rushed over to him. "ENOUGH! YOU SHALL NOT BEAT ME!" he yelled sending out a wave of energy from his body. Charmy and his group were sent flying into the side of a hill. There was sickening crunches as several of them slammed into rocks and small trees. Charmy landed head first into a dirt mound. Espio was thrown back but managed to get back up and deliver a hard punch to his knee with a sharp rock. Blood spurted as he pulled it out. He pulled back to thrust it in again when Mammoth hit him broadside with the sword. He could feel several bones brake as he crashed through a tree. Sorry we couldn't get it Knuckles he thought before passing out form pain. Suzanne was checking Mighty as things were getting worse on the field. The rest of the patrol came out and continued firing at him when he tossed Espio away. Suzanne heard Remington's voice over the radio but ignored it. Mammoth brought the sword back and swiped it in front of him sending another energy wave into the patrol. The wave exploded throwing them all into the air. When the dust settled none of them were moving. Suzanne tried to pull Mighty away from Mammoth's sight. "NO ONE SHALL LEAVE ALIVE!" he said pointing the sword at them.
Knuckles and Julie-su appeared in a clearing with Archimedes not there. Looking around they didn't see him. Knuckles was about to say something when he heard an explosion. "That must be the fight. Luckily I know where we are and why Archimedes set us here. Come on I need help moving this boulder here."
Suzanne watched him point the sword at them Covering Mightys body she waited for the end to come. Instead of feeling pain she felt a loud thud. Looking up she saw Mammoth was on his back.
"NO ONE SHALL LEAVE ALIVE!" he said pointing the sword at them. He watched her cover the pathetic creature that punched him earlier. Just as he got ready to fire a spiked fist caught him in the face. Several teeth came flying out along with blood. Landing on his back he felt another hit catch him in the stomach. Knuckles jumped into the air going for a more vulnerable spot when Mammoth caught him in the side with the sword. He managed to hit the ground on his feet but just barely. "So the wretched Guardian of this Island has finally come out to play. Once your finished the Chaos Emerald will be mine." he said sending a wave at Knuckles. That's just what I need. Knuckles thought as he opened the backpack he was carrying. The energy wave hit him with a blinding light. Mammoth had to shield his eyes as the light got brighter. After the light vanished nothing was were Knuckles had been standing. "Now back to you two." he said turning back to the others only finding them not there. "No matt...AAAAAAA!" Hyper Knuckles came down on the back of his head with a double handed attack. Blood came out from where the spikes of his glove smashed into his head. He started smacking into his head more as Mammoth tried to knock him off. Blood was running down Mammoths head as Knuckles kept pounding. Mammoth sent another wave out from his body sending Knuckles flying off him. Knuckles dodged Mammoths swings as he tried to cut him with the sword. Occasionally Mammoth would fire a blast at him only to miss or get it sent back at him. Mammoth sent a large charged blast of Chaotic energy at Knuckles. Seeing no way to avoid it Hyper Knuckles used ever ounce of power he had to push it back. The explosion sent Knuckles into the stream nearly landing on Vector. Mammoth was turned head over heels and thrown into the trees. Pushing downed trees off him he got up quickly noticing the sword was missing from his hand. Knuckles saw that the explosion didn't hurt Mammoth. It only blew off that white suit he wore except for the top half of his dress pants. The injuries he sustained earlier had quit bleeding but his head and knee still hurt. Seeing the sword lying in the dirt he went after it. Knuckles noticed this and tried to go after it. As they both got close to reaching it, it vanished. "WHAT?! WHAT SORT OF TRICKERY IS THIS?" Mammoth yelled picking up Knuckles. "WHERE IS THE SWORD?!" Knuckles was trying to respond when he noticed something behind Mammoth. When he smiled Mammoth got madder. "Whatever you think is funny will soon turn to sorrow. I'll make sure you die slowly for you troubles." "HEY FATSO!" "WHAT!" Mammoth said turning around quickly. "NO!!!!!!" he yelled seeing a small two tails fox with a red cape flying in front of him. Pulling his fist back Tails gave him a punch in the face that sent him flying through the stream and into the side of a mountain. Blood was dripping from where one of the missing tusk had came out. His knee was bleeding again since it broke on some fallen tree he slammed across and well as from several large cuts he took flying through the forest. He tried to stand but his knee wouldn't let him. Building a charge of energy into his hand he got ready to unleash it when Turbo Tails stopped and fired a blast of his own above Mammoth. The explosion sent a avalanche of dirt and rocks down on him. His hand once glowing green stopped and fell weakly onto the rock. When the dust cleared all that was showing was his hand. Turbo Tails brushed his hands together and headed back with sword in hand to Knuckles. As Turbo Tails hit Mammoth, Knuckles managed to force his way out of his grip causing his to fall on his side. Julie-su came running out after Knuckles hit the ground. "KNUCKLES!!!!!" Almost sliding the last couple of feet, Julie-su grabbed Knuckles into a tight hug. "Julie-su I'm alright just a little banged up. But if you don't stop squeezing me I wouldn't make it." "Sorry Knux." she said letting go and helping him to his feet. "We need to get help here right away." "I found a com unit near Mighty and some girl named Suzanne. She had already called for help sometime ago." "Help me over to Mighty and then go get the others for me okay." "Sure. I don't want you hurting yourself anymore then you already have." Finally getting to Mighty and the Echidna girl they saw the other's were there as well along with Tails in a red cape. "Hey there Tails. What's with the red cape?" Knuckles said sitting down.' "It's Turbo Tails. I'd stay and chat but Knothole needs my help. Thanks for helping get the sword back." Turbo Tails started taking off when Knuckles called out. "Hey Tails. Tell Sally were still looking for her family." Giving Knuckles a thumbs up he headed off at a speed that made everyone, still standing nearly fall over.
Amy woke up to falling off the couch. "Ouch." she said rubbing her head. Remembering where she, "I wonder if Sonic is still asleep." She slowly crept into his and Tails room only to find no one there. "Where is he? Probably got up to help with the work." Heading out she noticed that it was still slightly dark. Looking at her watch she saw it was 6:53. Well everyone will be up soon so might as well go help make breakfast. Walking in she found Antoine cooking again. Bunnie was helping, or more like kissing him. "Those two aren't going to get any cooking done at this rate." She got some coffee completely ignoring them and sat down. "Either of you seen Tails?" Antoine and Bunnie jumped when they heard her. "Mon an mi Amy. Pleaze don't bez scaring mez like thatz." "I declare girl. You nearly made me jump clean out of my skin." "Sorry. I thought I made enough noise coming in and getting coffee." "That's ok hon. Now what was it you asked?" "Have you seen Tails yet?" Coming out of the kitchen Bunnie explained to her what happened with Tails when his grandfather came along. "Do you think he'll be back?" "Oh yeah. Tails wouldn't leave here unless it was really serious and then he'd just ask sugar-hog for help anyway to get it over with so he could come back." "Great." she said with a smile. "Your interested in that two tailed cutie huh?" "Yeah....wait I mean no...um..." "Don't worry I would tell him or anyone else. We'll just keep it between us girls." "Is it that obvious?" "It is now. Since you didn't instantly go after Sonic when you came I knew something was up." "I've seen that Sonic has no real love interest in me. Sally took his heart long ago. I came back to see if he had changed but..." "Sally will always be the one Sonic wants. A lot of girls have had to accept that." "Were you one of them?" "Nah. I think sugar-hog is cute but not my type." They both laughed as others started coming in. "Strange, Sally usually is here first to make sure everyone's ok. She must be trying to wake Sonic." "Sonic wasn't in his bed this morning. He must have gotten up early and left. I figured Tails and him were out doing something but if Tails is elsewhere then Sonic must be somewhere else." "Hmmm." Bunnie said rubbing her chin. She closed her eyes thinking when an idea popped into her mind. The thought made her get up quickly startling Amy and a few others. "Sorry. Just remembered something I left on in my hut." she said running out.
Bunnie creped up to Sally's window and peered in. She almost yelped out loud seeing Sally and Sonic asleep together. "Oh my stars! I wonder what other new things I'll learn today." she whispered to herself as she walked around to the door. Knocking on the door she had to bite the inside of her lip to keep from smiling. Knocking louder she then tried to keep from laughing. Great. I'm going to have to go in there and wake them up. Knocking once more she opened the door. "Sally you up yet?" She yelled waiting for a response. Bunnie was about to walk in when she heard a thud. Rushing in she saw Sally standing next to the bed seeming nervous. "Are you alright Sally-girl? You look like you were about to see a ghost." "Fine Bunnie...ahem..a just fine." Bunnie tried to keep a straight face but was failing. "What's wrong with your mouth did you burn yourself?" Sally asked seeing Bunnie biting her lip. "No...hehehe....I'm just......hehehe fine." "Is something wrong? You rushed in rather quickly?" "Well I knocked several times and no one answered so when I opened the door and yelled I heard something hit the floor. I thought that you or...or you knocked off you lamp and might have hurt yourself." She glanced at the end of the bed seeing Sonics shoes as they were slowly being drawn under the bed. She closed the door as Sally asked why. "I can't lie to ya Sally-girl. I know Sonics here." Sally signed as she sat down on the bed. Sonic crawled out form under it looking sheepishly. "If you want to keep this a secret hon, I won't tell anyone." "We actually were going to tell everyone that were getting married. Officially will do it quickly and then later we were going to have a big ceremony when thing got calmed down enough." "MARRIED Sally-girl. Sure took you long enough to ask sugar-hog. You've been hanging on her forever." Sonic smiled and couldn't think of a think to say as he put his shoes on so he just said, "Your right Bunnie." "Do you want me to tell them your coming or wait for you to tell them." "I'll tell them Bunnie, but thanks anyway." Sally said getting her vest and boots on. "Okay Sally. I'll be waiting for you two then." "Oh wait Bunnie, can you go get Focus. It was partially from his help that we finally told each other our true feelings. " "No problem Sally. I'll be right back with him. Do you want me to tell him?" "Not yet." Bunnie said bye to Sonic who still looked embarrassed as she walked out. "We have nothing to worry about Sonic." Sally said putting Nichole in her boot. Walking over she kissed him as he got up from the bed. "Now try and look like everything's normal. Were getting married." "I know and when I thought about how this day would be I didn't expect this." "Well this is just the formal part. Later come the party part." "Cool Sal." Sonic said feeling better. After a quick hug they headed out.
Bunnie was still thinking about Sonic and Sally being together finally when she walked up to the door. Knocking several times she waited. Not this waiting game again. I'll just go in and hope he's not walking around bare. Opening the door the first thing she saw was a note attached to the table lying on its side. Scanning the rest of the room she saw he wasn't in the bed or behind the door. As she picked up the note she noticed Geoffrey was tied to the table legs on the other side. "Geoffrey!" she exclaimed coming around and tearing the ropes off him. After the gag came out of his mouth he cried out, "That no good overlander did this to me. After I spotted him taking his sword from Sally's hut and getting his gun back he knocked me out and tied me here when I came spying on him." "I should've known that Yank couldn't be trusted. He was just waiting to turn on us." Bunnie said in anger crushing the note. "Wait Bunnie. That note is important. As much as I hate to admit this he's not a traitor. Even though he is an overlander he does have honor." "What?" she said in surprise. "Read the note." he said walking to the bathroom. Uncrinkling the note Bunnie read it.
Dear Freedom fighters, I'm sorry if this loses your trust in me but even though I come from a universe where this is all suppose to be fantasy, I vowed to fight for those wronged and being wrong by evil in any form a long time ago. I'm going to finish this war for you so no others have to be killed. I have taken back my sword as you probably have found out by now and since Rotor didn't destroy my gun I have it to. The Sword of Acorns will do what I said it will but I figured if I could get you to go after it, I would have ample time to go do what I'm doing now. I ask that you don't send anybody to come stop me since I've made up my mind and what I'm going to do will get other's killed if there nearby. Maybe I'll see you all later but most likely I'll go out in a big bang taking Robotnick with me. Thanks again for your hospitality and what friendship you provided even though you considered me as the enemy sometimes. Hopefully things work out well and you all get your life back.
Sincerely Focus Trinner
P.S. Tell Geoffrey I'm sorry for tying him up and tell Knuckles I'm sorry I never had a chance to meet him.
Bunnie couldn't help but cry as she ran out of the hut heading for the mess hall.
Sally and Sonic had already told everyone that they were getting married and were going through the formal part of the wedding ceremony, preformed by Rosie, when Bunnie ran in. Rosie stopped for a moment looking at Bunnie. "Is everything alright?" "Oh ah yes I'm just crying for those two." Bunnie said seeing others in the room also crying. Sally could tell something was up but knew Bunnie wanted to tell her in private and since Focus hadn't showed up with Bunnie she figured it had to do with him. "Anyway where was I, oh yes, Sally Alicia Acorn do you take Sonic Maurice Prime to be your lawfully wedded husband, through richer and poorer, sickness and health, for better or worse till death do you part?" "I do." "And do you Sonic Maurice Prime take Sally Alicia Acorn to be your lawfully wedded wife, through richer and poorer, sickness and health, for better or worse till death do you part?" "I do." "Then by the power invested in me by Princess Sally I now pronounce you husband and wife you may..." They were already kissing and Rosie figured she saw them start right after Sonic said I do. "kiss the bride." Everyone got up applauding and shouting with joy. Turning to the crowd Sonic noticed that even Tails had made it back and was standing in the with the sword. He was clapping and had a big smile on his face as well. Sally seemed to have noticed it too since she raised her hand silencing the crowd. "First thing I want to say is that I should have done this along time ago, I want everyone to still call me Sonic not Prince or King or Sir." he was about to go on when Sally whispered something into his ear. "I knew that. Tails please come forward." Tails eyes grew wide as he came forward. Seeing Amy looking at him he relaxed at bit. Tails handed the sword to Sally. Sally said thank you and then handed it to Sonic. "Tails, even though this was a job for an adult we congratulate you for getting this back for Sally. If Knuckles and the Chaotix were here they would be getting the same reward you are going to get, only Sally would be doing it. Kneel Tails." Tails was growing excited as Sonic was talking. When Sonic mentioned Knuckles he remembered what Knuckles said. Tails hesitated for a moment before kneeling. Sonic placed the sword on Tails shoulder then brought it over placing it on the other shoulder as he said, "Rise and be known as Sir Miles Prower." Handing the sword back to Sally, Sonic started asking Tails about his adventure. Sally dismissed everyone to get back to work. Most of the them were congratulating the three on there achievements as they walked out. Once everyone had left Tails gave a quick run down of how he got the sword. Bunnie was still crying as she came forward. Rotor and Antoine were listening to Tails story when they noticed her walk up. "Whatz iz a matter Bunnie?" Antoine said putting an arm around her shoulder. Tails was finishing telling Sally what Knuckles said when they all noticed Bunnie still crying. "Bunnie I know that this is a happy occasion but if you keep crying you won't have anything left for the real ceremony." Sally said sitting next to her. "I'm not crying for that." she said handing her the note. "Focus did something to you didn't he." Sonic said rising with anger. "I shou...Rotor go get a..." "No Sonic he didn't do anything cause he's not there." Bunnie said crying less. Sally had just finished the note and was starting to cry. "Sal what it is?" he said taking the note from her. Sonic skimmed it before reading it aloud.
Dear Freedom fighters, I'm sorry if this loses your trust in me but even though I come from a universe where this is all suppose to be fantasy, I vowed to fight for those wronged and being wrong by evil in any form a long time ago. I'm going to finish this war for you so no others have to be killed. I have taken back my sword as you probably have found out by now and since Rotor didn't destroy my gun I have it to. The Sword of Acorns will do what I said it will but I figured if I could get you to go after it, I would have ample time to go do what I'm doing now. I ask that you don't send anybody to come stop me since I've made up my mind and what I'm going to do will get other's killed if there nearby. Maybe I'll see you all later but most likely I'll go out in a big bang taking Robotnick with me. Thanks again for your hospitality and what friendship you provided even though you considered me as the enemy sometimes. Hopefully things work out well and you all get your life back.
Sincerely Focus Trinner
Sonic left the last part out since he didn't have to do with them. "Geoffrey said he left really early this morning and had his mind made up like he wasn't coming back." Bunnie said through another rack of sobs. "Somebody should go and stop him." Sonic said dropping the note. Me and Tails will go and try to find him while you continue the evacuation. "Wait Sonic. What if the sword really does what Focus said it can do. What if it can restore their free will." "I can do that Sally." "What?" Sally said dropping the sword. "What's wrong Sal?" Sonic asked touching the sword. "I think it spoke to me." "That's not pos....Focus said the sword would talk to you didn't he." "Yeah he did." she said taking the sword back. "I can help Sally." "It does talk." Sally said sitting back. "I didn't hear anything." Tails said poking the sword. "It only talks to me for some reason." "What should we do then Aunt Sally?" Tails asked tightening his glove. After thinking for a moment she came up with a plan. "Tails can you use your new power anytime?" "Not all the time. But I can still use it right now." "Good, then you can try and find Focus while me and Sonic use the Sword of Acorns on the robotozied Mobians. The rest of you help finish getting everyone out of here and the bring the rest of the core members back here to do a last stand if need be." "Yes Princess." they said heading out. Tails congratulated them one more time before heading out. Standing outside the door Tails felt the power deep in him and brought it to the surface turning him into Turbo Tails. Waving goodbye to the others around he flew off. As Sonic got ready to leave Sally retrieved the note placing it on her dresser. Sonic came in complaining about missing a ring but ignored it when he saw her ready to leave. Picking her up in his arm they headed out.
Rotor was finishing moving a large machine out when he saw the box that he had put the gun in. Picking it up he found a note, the rest of the clips and some drawings. Rotor was going to show the note to Sally when he noticed it was addressed to him. Dear Rotor, I figured if I was, luckily, stuck in this universe then I'd like to see about building the vehicle I had drawn up on the enclosed sheets. It shouldn't be to hard since I built one just like it a couple of time before so if Uncle Chuck can get the parts maybe we can have fun making it sometime.
"Hey Uncle Chuck come look at this." Rotor said pulling out the drawings. Seeing them up close he noticed that they were schematics fro a vehicle just like Focus said. "What's a matter, something stuck?" "I wanted you to see these." he said showing them to him. "Hmm. This is interesting. Strange thou considering it inferior to everything Robotnick has. It's certainly not a weapon. Maybe we can make it for him." Knowing that uncle Chuck didn't know about the note he explained what Focus had done. "Poor lad having to be drug into this war and sacrificing his self for us." Rotor put the plans back in the box and set it on the large machine then went back to work.
The evacuation was going better than expected. Within three hours everything would be transferred up to the secondary base exactly ten miles east of Knothole. Since everything was being transferred underground anyone in the air would notice nothing going on. Chuck was pushing the last of the larger objects through the tunnel when Geoffrey came by. "Uncle Chuck, the core Freedom Fighters are going to stay at Knothole and hold it as long as they can. Sally has placed me in charge till she returns. I'm going to set off the explosives in five minutes. Since this is the last thing we need to get out of here lets get it moving so were not trapped in here when the roof comes down. Wait, did anyone get that contraption that makes those power rings?" "Yeah. Bunnie got it earlier. It's already at the second location." "Good. Then let's get going."
Back on the Floating Island, Knuckles, Julie-su, Remington, and a few guards were headed back to the area Knuckles was going to check on in the first place. Flying in small hover cars from the city they can upon a crash site. "Whoa. When I heard about this supposed crash I didn't think much of it. But it's hard to believe no one found this. It's huge." Knuckles was saying as he looked at a very large and broken aircraft. "This must have been flown all over Mobius." "After all these years I'm surprised you never noticed it Knuckles. With all the traveling you did on this Island you should have at least seen it." Remington remarked following Knuckles inside. "This part of the Island is rather dense in forest so I tried to avoid it unless I really needed to go here." Knuckles said going into a hole in the plane. "This thing must have held a 100 or more Mobians at one time. There's still things lying around." "Nothing of importance that I can see though, just clothes and a few childrens books." Remington remarked looking around. "All right the rest of you go looking around to see if there's any survivors. You two though search the plane but be careful this thing is unstable." he said to the guards with him. Knuckles and Julie-su went outside to look around the plane to see if there was anything of interest lying around while Remington helped look around in the plane. Knuckles noticed something strange about some rocks he saw sticking out of some weeds as he came up under a broken section of the wing. Pushing them aside he found several grave sites. "Julie-su. Help me count these and see if there are any with the name Acorn." "There might be survivor's then. Hopefully." Julie-su said seeing the grave stones. Half an hour of searching lead them to finding 34 grave sites. Lots of them were royal guards. Luckily none had the name Acorn on them. Finding nothing in the plane that helped in any way Remington and the other two came out to expand the search. One of the Echidnas found what looked to be a trail up the mountain side. Hiking up the hill took three hours but paid off when they found a cave. "Look there's someone in here." Knuckles glided up quickly to the trooper who had found a survivor. "Were are they?" "They rushed into the back of the cave. Probably to tell the others that help arrived." "Stay here. I'll go in and see if it's safe. They probably haven't seen anybody for years and might act hostile." "Yes sir." Walking in slowly Knuckles noticed that there was a small beam of light coming from a crack in the wall. Going through he encountered several spears being pointed at him. "Whoa. Hold on, were here to help." Knuckles said holding his hands up. "Oh really. Who sent you?" Some bruised wolf said pulling his spear back. "Princess Sally Alicia Acorn." "Sally's still alive!" a voice from far behind them cried. "It might be a trap you highness. Stay in there were its safe." "I'm tired of not knowing what's going on. If they came to help good, if not then I want to know why there here before anything happens understood." the voice said coming around the corner. "You must be Queen Alicia Acorn. Sally sent me to find you. We would have been here sooner but we had to get the Sword of Acorns first." "You seem familiar. What is your name?" "Knuckles." "Knuckles, son of guardian Locke." "Yes, except he's gone and now I'm guardian." "Is Sally with you?" "No unfortunately she's still in Knothole." "Guards stand down. Inform the others we are leaving and get our things together." Turning back to Knuckles, "I assume that you have other's with you." "Yes they are waiting for me tell come get them." "Good. I've waited a long time to get out of here. The sooner the better."
Knuckles came back out telling Remington the situation and what Queen Acorn wanted done. Remington relayed orders for the units be brought with him to help get things ready for the cargo plane that would be landing soon. Night was a couple hours away when everything the Queen needed and everyone was loaded in. It would have went quicker but they had to all walk at least half a mile to the craft since the nearest viable landing area was a small clearing. Taking off they headed for the city to refuel and get the Queen and her group cleaned up before heading to Knothole in the morning.
Robotnick and Snively had been doing very little except waiting for all the robotozied Mobians to get in place. Everything was going according to plan except for one piece, Uncle Chuck. "Have you found that Uncle of Sonic's yet?" "No sir. I think he managed to get his memories back and left." "No matter. We'll have my creation I was making take the lead." Robotnick pushed a button on the arm of his chair. Several minutes later a robotic version of Sonic walked in. "Meet Metal. He's programmed with every bit of data I have on Sonic. As much as I would like to have Sonic here to witness my triumphant victory I've decided to just kill him and have Metal bring his body back if there's anything left. Metal you have your new orders. Now GO GET SONIC!"
"YES MASTER ROBOTNICK."
Metal was standing next to several Swat-bots and behind them was around a thousand robotozied Mobians in a line reaching a mile wide. Robotnick was standing in front of him saying something but something in his programming was telling him this was wrong. He shoved it aside as Robotnick spoke to him. "Metal when you locate Knothole, capture all Mobians try no to kill unless necessary. I insist on having Princess Sally brought to me fairly unharmed but not dead or YOU'LL BE. As for Sonic bring me his body, dead." "YES MASTER ROBOTNICK." Robotnick yelled for them to go. He watched with delight as all of the robotozied Mobians walked into forest heading for Knothole. "Sending ten Swat-bots with Metal isn't enough but it won't matter." Climbing back into his hover-unit Robotnick laughed as he headed for his head quarters.
Focus watched from the trees as Robotnick ordered the mass of robotozied Mobians head off in the general direction of Knothole. He had a clean shot at Robotnicks head, but waited. It ticked him off to see Robotnick fly away and know that he still had to wait for his 'army' to go by. The wait ended up taking all day as the final row of the robots passed by. Waiting several more minutes to make sure they had gone he jumped down heading into Robotropolis.