Epilogue

Sally and Amy sat side by side on the small wall outside Amy's house. Both were resting their heads on their hands as they gazed at the sunset. The sun was just sinking below the horizon and rays of orange, red and yellow filled the sky. They both sighed.

"Dammit girls it's only a sunset!" said a voice.

The pair turned to see Sonic strolling up with a smile on his face.

"Only a sunset?" asked Sally.

"We have them every night." said Sonic, "What's so special about this one?"

"I dunno." said Sally, "But it is different."

"Hmm…" agreed Amy.

"So what's up for tomorrow?" asked Sonic sitting down next to them.

"Quite honestly Sonic I'm not too sure. We need to do something. We can't just sit here and let them have their way with our planet." replied Sally, "Problem is…"

"….that's exactly what we've been doing." finished Sonic.

The pair looked at each other.

"I know we all started out committed and everything and I for one still am but what can we do?" said Sally.

"I know what you mean Sal. Sonia seems much perkier now after you heeled her Amy. I've seen those two sitting together with Manic a lot recently but none of them seem to want to do anything. T2's been miserable for days now, guess he's still worried about Petya. Knuckles seems to be ok though." said Sonic.

"Seems everyone has settled down since a few days ago. Not least us three eh." said Sonic.

Sally and Amy nodded. Just then Amy stopped. She cocked her head and furrowed her brow.

"Do you feel that?" she asked.

"You're the one with powers Amy not us." said Sonic.

"There's something coming." replied Amy.

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

"Well this is the last stop we can make. We're running out of fuel." said Jet.

"If that's the case let's just hope they're here." said Links.

"They can't be in many other places if they aren't here. We've checked the Aquatic Ruins, Knotlake and the Great Unknown." said Bunnie.

"True but there is still a chance they won't be here." said Miles, "But let's hope they are. I don't fancy walking anywhere."

"Coming up on Never Lake." said Lavender, "Mother, please be here."

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

Sonic and Sally both watched as Amy stood puzzling with herself. Finally she snapped her head to the side and pointed.

"There is something coming! Look there, to the right of the sunset!" she said quickly.

Sonic and Sally both looked to see a small grey blob moving towards them. No mistake about it, it was an Earth transport.

"An Earth transport? What's it doing out here?" asked Sally.

"Never mind what its doing it could mean trouble. I'm going to round everyone up. You two get to the transporter and stand by." said Sonic.

He turned and shot off to find the others. Sally and Amy looked at each other and turned on the spot. They started to run towards the nearby transporter.

"Wonder why they came back?" said Sally.

"After the beating I gave them you'd think they'd stay away but then these humans are dumb." replied Amy.

They arrived at the transporter to find it humming as always. It wasn't long before an orange fox landed next to them.

"I heard from Sonic." said T2 as he brushed his fur down, "Wonder what's going on."

"Dunno." replied Amy.

They waited a few moments more and then Sonic, Knuckles and Manic ran into view. Amy quickly put her hand on the transporter.

"Chalk not coming then?" she asked.

"They said they'd be there as soon as possible." replied Manic.

"Right, let's go." said Amy with a nod.

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

Lavender was squinting out of the cockpit window. Since they had returned to Mobius she had begun to feel an energy source in the Vault that hadn't been there recently. It was growing stronger the closer they got to Never Lake too. She had an inkling of what it was but she didn't want get her hope up before she found out for real. The feeling felt like the Time Stones but that couldn't be possible could it? She looked down for a moment.

"Hey Lav." said Jet.

Lavender looked up to see Jet smiling at her.

"Don't worry Lav we'll find them." he said.

"Uh huh." replied Lavender, "I know but…."

Jet looked at her and sighed. He decided to leave her to it. She was obviously thinking of something and he didn't want to interrupt. He returned his attention to the console and flying the transport. He purred to himself as he stretched in his seat.

"Happy Jet?" asked a voice.

Jet turned to see Alindel had walked forwards and sat down on the console to his left. She was leaning back against the console on one arm and smiling broadly at him.

"I guess so mum. I mean it just amazing." he replied.

"I thought you might be shocked by the truth. But I never expected you'd be finding out like this. Of all the places on this planet that you could land you're found by Links! It's incredible."

"I'll say. I wonder what all the others are like."

"You mean like Miles and Alicia's parents right?"

"Well them and everyone else. Bunnie was telling me about a guy called T2 earlier. He sounds cool."

"Well I'm sure they'll accept you like everyone else. Just be yourself Jet."

"I know mum thanks."

"Anytime son."

Just then the console bleeped once. Alindel quickly raised her hand and looked at it as if it had been something she had done. Jet waved his hand at her.

"It wasn't you mother. I set it so the computer bleeped at me when we were nearing Never Lake." he said.

Jet got out of his seat and walked to the door out of the cockpit.

"Hey guys! We're nearly there!" he yelled down the corridor into the cargo bay.

Jet returned to his seat and started pressing a few controls. A moment later Alicia and Miles appeared followed by Bunnie and Links. They all clustered around the front consoles as slowly, through the darkness of the closing night, they began to make out a shimmering in the distance as the last of the suns rays reflected off the water of Never Lake. It was then that they noticed something else. It took them all a moment to register it.

"No way!" said Miles.

"Oh ma STARS!" said Bunnie blinking.

"That's not possible is it?" asked Alicia.

"I don't know how but…" started Links.

"…that's Little Planet!" said Lavender slowly.

Lavender suddenly felt a shudder pass over her. The feeling had been the Time Stones! Little Planet was back! Somehow it was back! And that could only mean one thing! The tips of Lavender's tails suddenly erupted into colour. The normal yellow became a mix of orange, yellow and red and pulsed so brightly it lit the dim cockpit like it was day time. A halo of light started to surround her as she started to breathe quickly.

"MOTHER!" she cried suddenly spinning to Jet, "JET! Jet land! Land now!"

Lavender was virtually blinding everyone with the light she was creating. Jet reached for the controls.

"Ok Lavender! Calm down I can't see anything." he replied.

Lavender quickly spun away from the window and closed her eyes. She made a joyous squeal and shook slightly as she clenched her fists to her chest. With a small outward cry she flew from the cockpit making for the cargo bay. Alindel just stared.

"Is something wrong with her?" she asked.

"Not in the slightest except being too excited for her own good." replied Links, "I'll follow her and make sure she doesn't pop an airlocks or anything just yet."

He turned and raced after Lavender. Miles and Alicia were now virtually glued to Jet's shoulder as he guided the ship in. They looked out of the window to see Little Planet now becoming clearer in the darkness. Never Lake was now virtually below them as Jet started to put the shuttle down on the east side of the lake.

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

"They're landing." said Sonic ducking back behind the rock he was hiding behind.

"Looks like they're trying to sneak up on us." said Knuckles.

"Still don't get why after our last meeting." said Amy.

"Well they obviously see us as a threat." said T2, "Maybe they were hoping to jump us in the night?"

"Possibly." replied Manic.

"Well whatever they're doing they're in for a shock." smirked Sonic, "We all set?"

"All set." replied everyone together.

"Good wait for my signal then."

The small group waited. They had arrived a few minutes earlier and Chalk and Sonia had just joined them. From where they hid they could hear the large shuttle slowly land on the soft ground next to the lake with a dull thunk. There was a hiss as the main cargo door slid open and then a moment of silence. The silence was interrupted by the sound of someone running on metal and then a small pause before a soft drumming sound filled the air. T2 raised an ear and listened with a frown. He recognized that noise but before he could determine what it was a cry split the air.

"MOTHEEEEEEEEEEEER!"

Amy suddenly jerked and blinked hard. The cry came again.

"MOTHER! ARE YOU HERE?!"

"What the…." said Amy, "….that sounds like….LAVENDER!"

Without warning Amy jumped to her feet and looked out from behind the cover they had. Hovering in flight not far from the shuttle was a small white kitsune. Amy's face literally lit up at the sight as she pole vaulted the rocks and sprinted towards her.

"Lavender!" she cried as she ran towards her.

The kitsune turned in flight and for a moment just starred. Finally she folded her tails, landed and ran to meet her mother. Amy and Lavender came to a crashing halt in each others arms. Both of them were close to tears as they squeezed each other.

"Lavender what….how?" asked Amy.

"Tell you later mum." replied Lavender quickly rubbing her head on Amy's side.

Amy looked over her shoulder and yelled.

"Guys come quick." she yelled.

Sonic must have taken the call literally as it took him but a second to reach Amy.

"Amy!" he said looking at her and then blinking as he looked at Lavender, "LAVENDER?!"

"FATHER!" cried a dual voice.

Sonic looked up just in time to see Miles and Alicia collide with him knocking all three to the ground. Miles and Alicia took a firm grip and started to hug Sonic hard. For a moment he had trouble breathing.

"Kids!" he said totally  shocked, "What….how?"

"Tell you later." replied Miles and Alicia.

It was then that Sally, Manic, Knuckles, Chalk, Sonia and T2 arrived. Manic came to a screeching halt and froze solid. Knuckles just blinked and starred. Chalk and Sonia glanced at each other and then to everyone's surprise Sonia Chalk suddenly fainted. Sonia had to act quickly to catch her but she did. T2 raced to Amy and Lavender and threw his arms round Lavender.

"My god Lavender!" he said rubbing the hair on her head, "We were so worried about you."

"Oh unky T2…" replied Lavender as she returned his embrace.

Meanwhile Sally was just taking a number of deep breaths. Sonic was still pinned to the ground by Miles and Alicia who were still hugging him. Sally felt a chill running down her spine as she watched them. Just then the two children looked up slightly and saw her standing there. Their faces lit up and they launched themselves off Sonic and into Sally. Sally bent down to be at eye level with them as they did and both fell into her arms. Sally started to sob slowly.

"Miles! Alic…Alicia!" she said looking between them.

"Mum." cooed Alicia in response.

Miles just sighed happily. Sonic got to his feet and went over to join them. Crouching down behind them he placed an arm round both children and closed his eyes. It was then that the sound of more footsteps were heard, this time accompanied by a small thunk sound every few steps. Manic, Knuckles and T2 looked up as the blue form of Links appeared out of the cargo bay. He stopped and folded his arms as he looked at them with a broad grin.

"Hello again." he said.

"Hey Links!" cried Manic, "So it was you who was behind all this eh?"

"Not quite. I did have help from other places." he replied.

"Like what?" asked Knuckles.

"Knuckles?!" came a hurried cry, "Is that you?"

"Bunnie?" replied Knuckles a little startled.

"It is you!"

Bunnie suddenly came pelting out of the shuttle making small happy gasps as she raced to Knuckles side and grabbed him. Knuckles was so shocked for a moment he didn't react but then he grabbed her and pulled her off him slightly. The pair looked at each other for a moment both staring into each others eyes.

"Knuckles you're awake! Ah'm so glad you're alright." said Bunnie finally.

"Bunnie I'm so sorry for leaving like I did three years ago. I should never have gone to investigate the Chaos Zone. I should have stayed with you and the others but my island…" said Knuckles.

Bunnie raised her hand and placed a finger over Knuckles lips. He stopped and looked at her again.

"Hush sugah. We'll have time for that later." she said.

Knuckles sighed and nodded slowly. Bunnie released him and quickly turned and raced back into the shuttle. Links' eyes followed her as she did, he knew what she was doing. It was then that Jet and Alindel appeared next to Links. Most of the group looked up as they appeared.

"Links who are they?" asked Sonia looking up from Chalk.

"Allow me to introduce Alindel Tiberius Lorien and her son Jet. Or should I say our son?" replied Links.

"Our son?" said Sally slowly.

"You mean..?" asked Manic.

Links nodded slowly with a smile.

"Hi." said Jet, "Hope you don't mind us barging in like this. We've had a nightmarish time recently."

"So true Jet." said Alindel.

"Course not!" said Sally standing up.

She walked over to where Alindel and Jet were standing and put her hand out.

"Sally Acorn at your service." she said.

Alindel did a small curtsy and glanced down for a moment.

"I've been told you are the queen. Honored to meet you." replied Alindel.

Sally chuckled slightly.

"Well I was until all this happened but for now just call me Sally and treat me like everyone else. Titles in this situation just get in the way." she said.

"Of course." replied Alindel.

Sally looked up at Links with a smile.

"Links you never told me you had a family." she said.

"Well until about a few hours ago I had no idea I did. I thought Alindel died over eleven years ago and I didn't even know Jet existed. But I'll explain it all later on. I have been hesitant about telling anyone but perhaps Lavender my past before but I feel more comfortable now."

"Of course Links, whenever you…"

"Holy smoke of hell!" cried T2 suddenly, "PETYA!"

Everyone spun to see Bunnie carrying the wolf out of the ship. Petya was still slightly curled and shook slightly as if chilled. T2 had already darted over to Bunnie she lay Petya down on the ground. T2 collapsed on top of her quickly placing his hand with the Power Stone in it in her hand. He took hold of her face gently with his other hand and started to brush it past her cheek. His eyes were already watering.

"Petya! Petya say something to me!" he said.

The wolf didn't respond and T2 sank his head into her shoulder. His hand glowed a bright yellow and then faded. He looked over at it.

"What did they do to you? I can't even feel the power of your stone Petya! I can't even recharge it!" he said before he looked up, "What did they do to her?"

"I'm not entirely sure T2." replied Links, "She was confined in some reverse energy field that was dampening her powers. I spent a brief spell in the same room and it was effecting me too. But not to the same degree."

"She is alive T2." encouraged Bunnie, "I was looking after her all the way back."

"Thank you Bunnie." replied T2, "Oh Petya! Petya my sweet."

T2 lowered his head to Petya's shoulder again and started to weep slightly. Amy looked at him sadly and then something hit her. All around her pairs had been reformed, however sad the reunion, but one was still missing.

"Where…..where's Tails?" she asked to no-one in particular.

Lavender released her slightly and looked up sadly at her.

"Did something happen to him?" she asked becoming slightly panicked.

Links slowly slip a small bag off his shoulder and handed it to Amy.

"Open it." he said slowly.

Lavender released Amy fully as she took the bag. Amy bent down and placed it on the floor before opening it. She looked inside and then took out the contents. A black cap, a pair of red and white shoes, a sky blue gillet and a pair or white gloves and stained with blood and dirt. For a moment she didn't respond. She merely moved the items of clothing around picking up each one and looking at it. Nobody around her was moving or talking and the only sound was the gentle weeping of T2. At length she looked up, her face quick turning the colour of her dress.

"Gone?" she asked slowly.

Links gave a single nod in response and dropped his head. Jet and Alindel were already looking at the floor. Bunnie was sat on a nearby rock looking at her feet with Knuckles sitting beside her with an arm round her shoulder. Sonic, Sally, Miles and Alicia had all stood up now and were sadly looking at each other. Manic had walked over to Sonia's side and was looking sideways sadly at his sister as she looked back at him. Chalk was still out cold. Amy looked back at the clothing and then started to cry slightly. The tears leaked from her eyes and fell to the ground occasionally landing on parts of Tails' clothing.

"No…" whimpered Amy slowly.

Amy made another whimper and her head collapsed to her knees.

"No….!" she said again.

Lavender started to cry now and knelt down next to her before hugging Amy. Amy made a swift move and brought Lavender into a full embrace before looking directly up.

"TAILS!" she cried at the sky.

Everyone around her remained silent lost in their own thoughts.