Sonic the Hedgehog :: Lines of Trust
Part 2 :: The Right Stuff
Sonic heard a knock on his hut door early the next morning. He gave a loud grunt as he rolled over in his bed, signaling that the person knocking could come in.
"Heya, Sugarhog." It was Bunnie. "Sally's up. Just thou-" But before she could say anything else, Sonic was gone from his hut and his blankets were still trying to settle back down to his bed, "-you'd want t' know," Bunnie finished in a sigh.
Sally was put in her hut after being looked over, and was sentenced to...a day of bedrest. Of course, it seemed like to confinement to Sally: she didn't have time for bedrest! She had things to do! What if Robotnik was able to make a move while she was even out this long?
Picking up Nicole from her bedside, Sally punched a few buttons and Nicole responded, "YOU HAVE A MESSAGE, SALLY."
"Display message." Nicole promptly displayed the holographic text. Sally began to read it aloud softly. "'We're sorry the mission did not go as planned, but you at least got one cargo unit. That should definitely be enough. I only have four of my party left...most of them died of their injuries over night. You did your best.' -Xavier Rune." Sally instantly felt her stomach drop to her knees, and that something dense was lying on her chest. Suddenly, a passion-rage filled her. Why couldn't anything go right?! Why couldn't this ONE thing go a little according to plan?! If it wasn't for her, they could've gone last night to where Xavier and his party was and saved his presently dead!
So fitful in her anger and disappointment, anger and disappointment kept from years of failure, Sally sat up and threw Nicole at her hut door. She couldn't take this anymore! They were failing too much now! She was failing too much now...
Her door opened and Sonic came in, catching the airborne Nicole before it collided with his head. "Whoa, Sal! I swear I helped out with harvest this mornin'!"
Sally let out a sigh, and maybe smiled a little. "Sorry, Sonic. I wasn't aiming at you."
"Coulda fooled me..." Sally giggled half-heartedly. It was half-empty, like she was looking for some reason to laugh to try to resume some type of her usual self. Sonic caught this. Of course, it's easy to spot a difference in anyone you've been around for over six years.
"What's up, Sal?" Sonic inquired as he pulled up a stool next to her bedside.
"It's nothing," she dismissed quickly. Then, "Sonic, you're not going to go through with Robotnik's request, are you?"
"Huh? What request?" Sally sighed.
"You know, where he asked you to not bother him until he gets whatever finished."
"I dunno," he said, as if not bothered by saying yes or no.
Sally gawked. How immature! "What do you mean 'you don't know'?"
"I mean I dunno if I shouldn't let him. I mean, the last toy he made was kinda fun..." He reminisced on his race with Robotnik's metallic cat, as he [somehow] reclined in his stool.
"Sonic!" Sally scolded disbelievingly. "This is serious! What if it's a trap?"
Sonic came up from his reclined position and had his hands on his knees, as if to brace himself from his friend's lack of confidence in him. "Sal, are you sayin' that I'm not faster than anything ol' Ro-butt-nik throws at me? Maybe you need a little more rest. I mean, come, on! We're talkin' about the world's fastest hedgehog here..."
Sally gave an irritated sigh. Clearly, she was quite done with his mindless arrogant attitude that he just added for show, ALL the time. "SONIC! This is not a game!" she almost yelled. Then, "Try to be serious for just a minute, Sonic."
"You're askin' fer a leg there, Sal..."
Another reluctant sigh on Sally's part. "Sonic, just promise me you won't oblige to Robotnik's request," she pleaded in a defeated tone.
Sonic blinked a few times. "Obli-what?"
Sally's head went into her hands as she started to shake it, as if embarrassed someone had saw Sonic's ignorance. "Why do I even try talking to...?"
"Because ya love me!" he answered with a wink. Sally rolled her eyes.
"Just promise me you won't do what Robotnik wanted."
Putting on another smooth face and tone he replied, "Sal, you know what ever ol' 'Buttnik-"
"Just promise me, Sonic," she forced out earnestly.
"Yeah, yeah. I promise." He only quit his playfulness when he saw her eyes behind her earnest plea. It hurt him to see Sally that scared. However, he wasn't able to for long. There was a knock at the door and Bunnie made her way in.
"We're all ready t' go. We'd best be movin', Sugarhog."
Sonic said "later" to Sally and headed for the door. Yet, just as they were about to shut the door, they heard a "wait" from Sally. Turning back, they saw Sally sit up and put on her boots. "Y'all sure you're ready t' be doin' this, Sally?" Bunnie inquired cautiously.
"Bunnie, I'm fine. I'm as rested as I can be for now," Sally insisted. "Besides, it'd be nice to get some fresh air." And she started toward the door of her hut, readjusting her vest, when Sonic stepped in front of her path.
"Ya ain't goin', Sal," he stated stiffly.
"C'mon, Sonic. I'll be expected to show up anyhow, so there's no reason for me not to go," she reasoned. But as everyone knew, it was hard to reason with a rash hedgehog.
Sonic's eyes narrowed as he folded his arms over his chest arrogantly. "No. Ya ain't."
Sally pinched the sinuses on the bridge of her nose, as if to ward off any stress-related headaches. "Sonic," she managed sweetly. "Yes, I am."
Sonic let out a contemptable "hn" at her obvious ignorance to her present state of health. "You're in no condition," he stated simply, as if she had no chance to make a worthy rebuttle.
"That's besides the point!" she again tried reasoning. However, it was more like she was trying to reason with herself. She still felt drained, and knew Sonic was right. But Sally'd be darned if she'd let Sonic know that. "I'm going and there's nothing you can say to stop me from going!" Sally stomped her foot for good measure, to make sure that it got across to Sonic's usual thick head.
Sonic's brow furrowed even deeper, and he set a look toward Sally. He dared her to try and defy him. "I ain't lettin' ya' leave."
Giving a very reluctant sigh, Sally said, " Bunnie, would you mind leaving us alone for a moment?"
Bunnie, startled that one of them had remembered she was there, had fumbled out the door as quickly as Sally had made the request. She then turned to leave Sally's hut when Rotor came up. "What's the hold up?" he asked.
Crossing her arms, she closed her eyes and shook her head disapprovingly. "A whole lotta drama, Sugar. A whole lotta drama..."
Twenty to thirty minutes after Bunnie stepped out, Sally exited her hut, looking more than upset, bothered and furious, marching past Bunnie and Rotor to the cargo unit's direction. Moments later, Sonic exited Sally's hut, much in the same condition as Sally, except he seemed to be verbally seething, if not muttering obscenities out of utter frustration. In a low voice, straining to keep his cool, he said, "C'mon guys. Let's go."
Bunnie and Rotor jumped at that and scurried over to the hover unit without delay.
Rotor and Bunnie felt extremely uneasy during the ride to the Eastern Pentacles. There was an incredibly thick cloud of tension in the air; Bunnie could've swore she couldn't see right.
Bunnie couldn't help but feel bad about the whole situation. She was sitting in back of the cargo unit with Sally (Rotor had recently put in two more seats so the cargo unit could fit more passengers). The furries of Knothole were used to Sally and Sonic's quarreling, however, one's of that calibar which just happened shook them to the core. Sonic was only looking out for Sally's well-being. Her current state since the past few days was having the most effect on Sonic, even if he'd never openly lay claim. On the other side, Sally was just keeping everyone else besides herself in mind when she decided to come; that's just how Sally was. So when Sonic tried to keep her back, she felt offended and insulted.
So, their actions were completely on que and fit to a tee. It was the severity of the situation that made the fight that much more extreme. Meaning, besides their starkly contrasting characters.
Rotor, luckily, didn't have the time to linger on such thoughts, even though he sat right next to a very sulky and blue hedgehog. Rotor was currently driving the cargo unit and was glad for the distraction from the thick tension in the air. Ultimately, Rotor thought that they'd get over it soon enough. At least, it happened every other time...
"How much longer, Rote?" Sonic asked in an exasperated tone. Then, he said purposely not as low, "I'm gettin' bored waitin' for an apology."
Sally gave a fixed glare at the back of Sonic's seat. "Me? Apologize to you? HA! I'm not the one who started it!"
"Guys...?" Rotor tried gently.
Sonic said cooly, "Yeah! And there's someone cooler than me!"
"Aw, Sonic. That's very mature of you to finally take responsibility for your actions." Sarcasm was clearly dripping off of Sally's tongue.
"Guys..." Rotor advanced more sternly.
Twisting around awkwardly in his seat, he faces Sally. "And what does that- "
"Guys! Stop fighting!" Rotor finally got in by yelling. "Besides, we don't want to look factioned to these guys. They called us for help, so it wouldn't look professional if we can't help ourselves."
Sonic and Sally looked pretty humbled, if not guilty as they got up to get out of the cargo unit. "Alright, Rotor. Keep the cargo unit ready, just in case we need an emergency lift." Of course, they didn't expect a whittled down group of Freedom Fighters to be liable for rebellion, but Sally always went into anything with that much discretion. They were in a war, you could never have enough discretion. Yet, Sonic said the plan was "way uncool" because they would be treating fellow Freedom Fighters criminals. Of course, that was followed by a little light debate.
Sonic was the first one out of the unit, followed by Bunnie and then Sally. As soon as Sally stepped out, they noticed a little group rummagging out of the cave of the Eastern pentacles. Ther was a wolf out in front of the group. Sally concluded that he must be Xavier, the one who sent the S.O.S. After him was a three-horned owl, a golden retreiver, a black bat, a cheetah, and buffalo.
They all looked really dirty, AND beaten up, which added a touch of aggressiveness to them. Overall, the three small Freedom Fighters felt quite uneasy about the situation. "Good thing I told Rotor to stay back," Sally thought.
Xavier, the grayish-white wolf stepped up from the group to approach Sally. "Ah Princess Sally, you came just in time," he said contently. However, his tone changed when he began the next part. "We, we...uh, just got done burying our comrades."
Sally inwardly cringed. She knew the Mobian customs for funeral, but they still had an impact on her. If no family of the person's was around or alive to bury them, whoever they are affiliated with was to bury them. She gulped, as if afraid to hear more bad news of her people. "Who, are the others with you?" Sally braved cautiously.
Xavier wavered a bit. "Oh, Princess, excuse my rudeness. This here, is Hector." He pointed to the three-horned owl who wore a pair of small circular glasses and a simple black vest. Hector was a beautiful shade of mahogony and brown. "This is Gannon." Xavier then pointed to the golden retreiver who had a black turleneck and a navy vest on. Gannon also sported a shoulder strap that carried some kind of gun on his back. "This is Remus." Remus was the black bat, and he looked everything but benevolent. Perhaps all dark creatures seemed suspicious? In any case, all he wore was a bare of simple pants. "Over here is Hunter." The cheetah gave a small head nod, but remained quiet. He hadn't any clothes, but he did have a belt on that carried boomerangs on either side. "And this, is Alec." The last creature was the giant, and don't forget burly, water buffalo. He looked like he could crush all of Knothole in ten minutes or less! Alec didn't have anything on; not like he needed it. If you had anything on, it would probably make him look even bigger muscle wise.
Sally stepped up after her and the others stared at how menacing Xavier's 'comrades' looked, as well as intimidating. Smiling, she began. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. This is Sonic," at the beckon of his name, he immediately did some poses that clearly stated to himself that 'I'm cool', "and this is Bunnie." Bunnie was a little too intimidated to say much, so she shyly waved her furry hand.
Xavier cringed at the sight of Bunnie, for she had partially roboticized body. "Are you sure you can trust anything roboticized?" he sneered spitefully as he turned up his nose at the bunny.
Bunnie immediately went on the defense, all of her shyness gone. "Wha? Well Ah do believe y'all is askin' for it." Sonic quickly jumped and locked Bunnie's arms by putting his under hers and trying to pull her back. However, it was hard since Bunnie was partially roboticized. "Whoa, Bunnie!"
Sally put on a protective defense as well. "Excuse me, Mr. Xavier. You asked for our help, and it's extremely impolite to be rude to your hosts," she practically scolded in a very authoritarian way. "We want to help you. Please do not make us think otherwise." Ah, now she felt better. All of that anger and frustration from earlier with Sonic was finaly out. Perhaps not at him, but hey, who's perfect?
Xavier suddenly looked really confused, and remorseful. "I'm sorry, Princess. But the horror I just went through... My own men... Roboticized... They killed my other comrades!" He suddenly went to the ground, as if relieving his helplessness all over again.
Sally felt a pang of discontent. "I'm sorry," she started sincerely. "However, we should probably get you all back to Knothole."
The ride back was uneventful and filled with a nervous quietness. However, the eventful part was when Xavier's group introduced themselves to Knothole. Every suspicion and earlier stereotype they held was instantly out the window when they started to speak. Hunter, the cheetah, sounded extremely armed with battle tactic strategies. And Gannon, the retreiver sounded extremely philosophical. And Tails' favorite, Alec the buffalo, was as gentle as a mother to everyone. Hector the owl, was quite wise, and Remus just wanted to have a good time. They were a spirited bunch, even if they were small, and everyone in Knothole was happy to welcome them.
Sally found it easy to talk with Hunter. He was easily on the same brainwave as herself, and he made so much sense as well. However, she didn't tell him everything. Afterall, if the new arrivals were to be Freedom Fighters, they'd still have to be initiated.
Sally was currently in her hut, speaking with Hunter. "That's great!" he said. "Having a spy in Robotropolis has to be a big plus. I bet you guys have made big dents in Robotnik's city with Sir Charles in there."
"Unfortunately, it's made everything that much more complicated. We're afraid Uncle Chuck may be turned out with Robotnik's heightened security measures," Sally told him.
"Well that's definitely understandable," Hunter scratched his chin with his kitty paw. Then, "Has Robotnik ever left Robotropolis? Perhaps then you can make the biggest hit."
"Yes, he has. But the only time he did was when we went to get the cargo units. Uncle Chuck said he left when we were getting ready to get them," Sally began to be down again, revisiting something she didn't want to. "It would have been the best time to try and shut down his main generator again, if only for a few hours. But we had to get to you guys," she told him earnestly. "It was important to not loose anymore Freedom Fighters to this war."
Noticing Sally's low demeanor, Hunter got up and went over to Sally and put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't be so down about it. I'm sure we'll be able to do something to put Robotnik offline."
Just then, Sonic entered Sally's hut, and saw Hunter's paw on her shoulder. Glaring at the cheetah, he said, "I wanted t' speak with ya', Sal..."
Sally stood up from her chair. "Could you please excuse us, Hunter?"
"Of course." He then headed for the door, but he could've swore he saw Sonic burning holes right through his being.
As the door closed, Sonic jumped on his que. "...But before I do, I just have t' ask just what went down in here?"
Sally gave her regular reluctant sigh at Sonic's antics. "We were talking about the last mission," she stated simply, if not irritably.
"Then why was he all up on ya' like that?!" Sonic asked increduously.
"Sonic!" Also in an increduous tone. "You don't own me! Besides, you're seeing things that aren't there."
"Don't you start getting smart with me!" Sonic commanded ignorantly. "I know a move when I see one!"
"Sonic, just drop it! We need to be thinking about what our next move is going to be, anyway."
Sonic would have continued his assault, but a mechanical homer flew through Sally's window. She let it perch her shoulder and she took the note that it was carrying. She read a little and then said, "Sonic, it's from Uncle Chuck. He says that whatever Robotnik got from Iron Gate is being worked on, but Uncle Chuck hasn't been assigned to the project and he can't get anywhere near it to find out what it is." Sally read some more and then relayed, "He also says that as little people as possible should go, because the security's pretty tight."
Sonic put on a smooth grin as he started toward the door. "Guess that's my que. Since I'm the fastest, I'll be the one who's going..."
"I'm going too," Sally added. "If the security is that tight, Nicole would be a big help."
"Sal, you don't need t' go! And with ya-" Sonic was stopped by Sally's infamous authoritarian glare, and deadly tone. "I am going, whether you like it or not. Is that clear?"
Sonic shrugged her off, in an attempt to not look phased. "Whatever."
Sonic and Sally were making their way through the streets of Robotropolis. However, they were still only making their way through the streets because the place was crawling with SWATbots. It was like everyway they turned around, they'd see at least three behind them!
Ducking behind a scrap metal heap, they hid until another group of them were gone. "I never thought ol' 'Buttnik had it in 'em. Just look at all of the bot-butts he was able to make!"
"We'll have to come back and shut down some of his plants," Sally decided determinedly. "If this keeps up, we won't be able to sneak in anymore."
Sonic peeked above the heap and saw nothing; not left or right, or up or down. "It's cool, Sal."
The were running on foot, at regular speed. Sonic had tested a SWATbot earlier for motion sensor mode. And the verdict was guilty. Thus, if Sonic went too fast past a huge group of SWATbots, they'd pick him up. However, Sally managed to find Robotnik's flaw early on with the program: he only programed them to pick up motion from up to mach 1 and up.
As the peeked around another corner, they saw a SWATbot on the other side of the building staring straight at them. But all he did was walk away as if he was staring through air. Both furries gawked. "Did you just-?"
Sonic answered with a smug grin. "Oh yeah... Guess they finally know who's boss 'round here."
Sally rolled her eyes. "Ugh. No, Sonic. Robotnik's up to something."
However, Sally was swayed to believe he didn't hear what she just said when he stated, "Chill, Sal. I was just pullin' yer leg. Of course, what I said before should be coming anytime." Sally just shook her head disapprovingly.
"So I guess since they've seen us, we can just...invite ourselves in?" Sonic played. He then turned his head when he didn't hear an immediate protest from Sally. Sonic saw her prying open an air vent with Nicole's laser. "Aw, air ducts again?" he protested playfully as he made his way toward Sally. "They ruin my gel job..."
Uncle Chuck had told Sally that Robotnik was working on the 'Iron Gate Project' himself, so that meant that whatever he brought back was in the main control room. Or, the 'most dangerous territory' of Robotropolis.
As they came up to a vent where they had a clear view of the whole control room, Sonic and Sally noticed that the lights were extremely dimmed, with no SWATbots, AND no Snively or Robotnik. "I don't like this, Sonic," Sally stated in a foreboding tone. "It's too suspicious not to be a trap."
Sonic paid no mind to her as he carefully undid the vent in the duct they were in. "Chill, Sal. Robotnik probably saw a chilidog machine that was givin' away free samples." He chuckled lightly as he made his way down the the rope from his pack. Sonic had lasso-ed a nearby pipe, and became parallel to it, as he used his feet to make his way down.
"Sonic, this is serious!"
"So is moi's finding a chilidog machine," Sonic mused to himself. In any case, he made his way to the odd-shaped box in the back corner of the control room. It glowed a light green glow, and it gave Sonic an eerie feeling of foreboding as he neared it. Sonic felt a somewhat familiar feeling rise through his chest, which led down to his stomach and made it knot. 'Must be those chilidogs from earlier,' Sonic assured himself that it wasn't fear that took hold of his body.
Sonic gulped loudly as he finally approached the box. Hesitantly, he reached to open the top where he saw a shift in the 'lid'. Suddenly, he pushed it hard, and it went flying into the wall. The result was an echoing bang fill the room. However, Sonic wasn't phased by it. He was still in awe that he found nothing in the box.
"Sonic, let's go! Before we get caught!" Sally whisper-yelled from the duct.
As Sonic turned to leave the box, he saw a pair of red, glowing eyes near the entrance of the room. Then he heard a raspy, low, menacing voice say, "I'm afraid it's much too late for that, Princess..."
Sonic stood defiantly as Sally gaped in horror...
Part 2 :: The Right Stuff
Sonic heard a knock on his hut door early the next morning. He gave a loud grunt as he rolled over in his bed, signaling that the person knocking could come in.
"Heya, Sugarhog." It was Bunnie. "Sally's up. Just thou-" But before she could say anything else, Sonic was gone from his hut and his blankets were still trying to settle back down to his bed, "-you'd want t' know," Bunnie finished in a sigh.
Sally was put in her hut after being looked over, and was sentenced to...a day of bedrest. Of course, it seemed like to confinement to Sally: she didn't have time for bedrest! She had things to do! What if Robotnik was able to make a move while she was even out this long?
Picking up Nicole from her bedside, Sally punched a few buttons and Nicole responded, "YOU HAVE A MESSAGE, SALLY."
"Display message." Nicole promptly displayed the holographic text. Sally began to read it aloud softly. "'We're sorry the mission did not go as planned, but you at least got one cargo unit. That should definitely be enough. I only have four of my party left...most of them died of their injuries over night. You did your best.' -Xavier Rune." Sally instantly felt her stomach drop to her knees, and that something dense was lying on her chest. Suddenly, a passion-rage filled her. Why couldn't anything go right?! Why couldn't this ONE thing go a little according to plan?! If it wasn't for her, they could've gone last night to where Xavier and his party was and saved his presently dead!
So fitful in her anger and disappointment, anger and disappointment kept from years of failure, Sally sat up and threw Nicole at her hut door. She couldn't take this anymore! They were failing too much now! She was failing too much now...
Her door opened and Sonic came in, catching the airborne Nicole before it collided with his head. "Whoa, Sal! I swear I helped out with harvest this mornin'!"
Sally let out a sigh, and maybe smiled a little. "Sorry, Sonic. I wasn't aiming at you."
"Coulda fooled me..." Sally giggled half-heartedly. It was half-empty, like she was looking for some reason to laugh to try to resume some type of her usual self. Sonic caught this. Of course, it's easy to spot a difference in anyone you've been around for over six years.
"What's up, Sal?" Sonic inquired as he pulled up a stool next to her bedside.
"It's nothing," she dismissed quickly. Then, "Sonic, you're not going to go through with Robotnik's request, are you?"
"Huh? What request?" Sally sighed.
"You know, where he asked you to not bother him until he gets whatever finished."
"I dunno," he said, as if not bothered by saying yes or no.
Sally gawked. How immature! "What do you mean 'you don't know'?"
"I mean I dunno if I shouldn't let him. I mean, the last toy he made was kinda fun..." He reminisced on his race with Robotnik's metallic cat, as he [somehow] reclined in his stool.
"Sonic!" Sally scolded disbelievingly. "This is serious! What if it's a trap?"
Sonic came up from his reclined position and had his hands on his knees, as if to brace himself from his friend's lack of confidence in him. "Sal, are you sayin' that I'm not faster than anything ol' Ro-butt-nik throws at me? Maybe you need a little more rest. I mean, come, on! We're talkin' about the world's fastest hedgehog here..."
Sally gave an irritated sigh. Clearly, she was quite done with his mindless arrogant attitude that he just added for show, ALL the time. "SONIC! This is not a game!" she almost yelled. Then, "Try to be serious for just a minute, Sonic."
"You're askin' fer a leg there, Sal..."
Another reluctant sigh on Sally's part. "Sonic, just promise me you won't oblige to Robotnik's request," she pleaded in a defeated tone.
Sonic blinked a few times. "Obli-what?"
Sally's head went into her hands as she started to shake it, as if embarrassed someone had saw Sonic's ignorance. "Why do I even try talking to...?"
"Because ya love me!" he answered with a wink. Sally rolled her eyes.
"Just promise me you won't do what Robotnik wanted."
Putting on another smooth face and tone he replied, "Sal, you know what ever ol' 'Buttnik-"
"Just promise me, Sonic," she forced out earnestly.
"Yeah, yeah. I promise." He only quit his playfulness when he saw her eyes behind her earnest plea. It hurt him to see Sally that scared. However, he wasn't able to for long. There was a knock at the door and Bunnie made her way in.
"We're all ready t' go. We'd best be movin', Sugarhog."
Sonic said "later" to Sally and headed for the door. Yet, just as they were about to shut the door, they heard a "wait" from Sally. Turning back, they saw Sally sit up and put on her boots. "Y'all sure you're ready t' be doin' this, Sally?" Bunnie inquired cautiously.
"Bunnie, I'm fine. I'm as rested as I can be for now," Sally insisted. "Besides, it'd be nice to get some fresh air." And she started toward the door of her hut, readjusting her vest, when Sonic stepped in front of her path.
"Ya ain't goin', Sal," he stated stiffly.
"C'mon, Sonic. I'll be expected to show up anyhow, so there's no reason for me not to go," she reasoned. But as everyone knew, it was hard to reason with a rash hedgehog.
Sonic's eyes narrowed as he folded his arms over his chest arrogantly. "No. Ya ain't."
Sally pinched the sinuses on the bridge of her nose, as if to ward off any stress-related headaches. "Sonic," she managed sweetly. "Yes, I am."
Sonic let out a contemptable "hn" at her obvious ignorance to her present state of health. "You're in no condition," he stated simply, as if she had no chance to make a worthy rebuttle.
"That's besides the point!" she again tried reasoning. However, it was more like she was trying to reason with herself. She still felt drained, and knew Sonic was right. But Sally'd be darned if she'd let Sonic know that. "I'm going and there's nothing you can say to stop me from going!" Sally stomped her foot for good measure, to make sure that it got across to Sonic's usual thick head.
Sonic's brow furrowed even deeper, and he set a look toward Sally. He dared her to try and defy him. "I ain't lettin' ya' leave."
Giving a very reluctant sigh, Sally said, " Bunnie, would you mind leaving us alone for a moment?"
Bunnie, startled that one of them had remembered she was there, had fumbled out the door as quickly as Sally had made the request. She then turned to leave Sally's hut when Rotor came up. "What's the hold up?" he asked.
Crossing her arms, she closed her eyes and shook her head disapprovingly. "A whole lotta drama, Sugar. A whole lotta drama..."
Twenty to thirty minutes after Bunnie stepped out, Sally exited her hut, looking more than upset, bothered and furious, marching past Bunnie and Rotor to the cargo unit's direction. Moments later, Sonic exited Sally's hut, much in the same condition as Sally, except he seemed to be verbally seething, if not muttering obscenities out of utter frustration. In a low voice, straining to keep his cool, he said, "C'mon guys. Let's go."
Bunnie and Rotor jumped at that and scurried over to the hover unit without delay.
Rotor and Bunnie felt extremely uneasy during the ride to the Eastern Pentacles. There was an incredibly thick cloud of tension in the air; Bunnie could've swore she couldn't see right.
Bunnie couldn't help but feel bad about the whole situation. She was sitting in back of the cargo unit with Sally (Rotor had recently put in two more seats so the cargo unit could fit more passengers). The furries of Knothole were used to Sally and Sonic's quarreling, however, one's of that calibar which just happened shook them to the core. Sonic was only looking out for Sally's well-being. Her current state since the past few days was having the most effect on Sonic, even if he'd never openly lay claim. On the other side, Sally was just keeping everyone else besides herself in mind when she decided to come; that's just how Sally was. So when Sonic tried to keep her back, she felt offended and insulted.
So, their actions were completely on que and fit to a tee. It was the severity of the situation that made the fight that much more extreme. Meaning, besides their starkly contrasting characters.
Rotor, luckily, didn't have the time to linger on such thoughts, even though he sat right next to a very sulky and blue hedgehog. Rotor was currently driving the cargo unit and was glad for the distraction from the thick tension in the air. Ultimately, Rotor thought that they'd get over it soon enough. At least, it happened every other time...
"How much longer, Rote?" Sonic asked in an exasperated tone. Then, he said purposely not as low, "I'm gettin' bored waitin' for an apology."
Sally gave a fixed glare at the back of Sonic's seat. "Me? Apologize to you? HA! I'm not the one who started it!"
"Guys...?" Rotor tried gently.
Sonic said cooly, "Yeah! And there's someone cooler than me!"
"Aw, Sonic. That's very mature of you to finally take responsibility for your actions." Sarcasm was clearly dripping off of Sally's tongue.
"Guys..." Rotor advanced more sternly.
Twisting around awkwardly in his seat, he faces Sally. "And what does that- "
"Guys! Stop fighting!" Rotor finally got in by yelling. "Besides, we don't want to look factioned to these guys. They called us for help, so it wouldn't look professional if we can't help ourselves."
Sonic and Sally looked pretty humbled, if not guilty as they got up to get out of the cargo unit. "Alright, Rotor. Keep the cargo unit ready, just in case we need an emergency lift." Of course, they didn't expect a whittled down group of Freedom Fighters to be liable for rebellion, but Sally always went into anything with that much discretion. They were in a war, you could never have enough discretion. Yet, Sonic said the plan was "way uncool" because they would be treating fellow Freedom Fighters criminals. Of course, that was followed by a little light debate.
Sonic was the first one out of the unit, followed by Bunnie and then Sally. As soon as Sally stepped out, they noticed a little group rummagging out of the cave of the Eastern pentacles. Ther was a wolf out in front of the group. Sally concluded that he must be Xavier, the one who sent the S.O.S. After him was a three-horned owl, a golden retreiver, a black bat, a cheetah, and buffalo.
They all looked really dirty, AND beaten up, which added a touch of aggressiveness to them. Overall, the three small Freedom Fighters felt quite uneasy about the situation. "Good thing I told Rotor to stay back," Sally thought.
Xavier, the grayish-white wolf stepped up from the group to approach Sally. "Ah Princess Sally, you came just in time," he said contently. However, his tone changed when he began the next part. "We, we...uh, just got done burying our comrades."
Sally inwardly cringed. She knew the Mobian customs for funeral, but they still had an impact on her. If no family of the person's was around or alive to bury them, whoever they are affiliated with was to bury them. She gulped, as if afraid to hear more bad news of her people. "Who, are the others with you?" Sally braved cautiously.
Xavier wavered a bit. "Oh, Princess, excuse my rudeness. This here, is Hector." He pointed to the three-horned owl who wore a pair of small circular glasses and a simple black vest. Hector was a beautiful shade of mahogony and brown. "This is Gannon." Xavier then pointed to the golden retreiver who had a black turleneck and a navy vest on. Gannon also sported a shoulder strap that carried some kind of gun on his back. "This is Remus." Remus was the black bat, and he looked everything but benevolent. Perhaps all dark creatures seemed suspicious? In any case, all he wore was a bare of simple pants. "Over here is Hunter." The cheetah gave a small head nod, but remained quiet. He hadn't any clothes, but he did have a belt on that carried boomerangs on either side. "And this, is Alec." The last creature was the giant, and don't forget burly, water buffalo. He looked like he could crush all of Knothole in ten minutes or less! Alec didn't have anything on; not like he needed it. If you had anything on, it would probably make him look even bigger muscle wise.
Sally stepped up after her and the others stared at how menacing Xavier's 'comrades' looked, as well as intimidating. Smiling, she began. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. This is Sonic," at the beckon of his name, he immediately did some poses that clearly stated to himself that 'I'm cool', "and this is Bunnie." Bunnie was a little too intimidated to say much, so she shyly waved her furry hand.
Xavier cringed at the sight of Bunnie, for she had partially roboticized body. "Are you sure you can trust anything roboticized?" he sneered spitefully as he turned up his nose at the bunny.
Bunnie immediately went on the defense, all of her shyness gone. "Wha? Well Ah do believe y'all is askin' for it." Sonic quickly jumped and locked Bunnie's arms by putting his under hers and trying to pull her back. However, it was hard since Bunnie was partially roboticized. "Whoa, Bunnie!"
Sally put on a protective defense as well. "Excuse me, Mr. Xavier. You asked for our help, and it's extremely impolite to be rude to your hosts," she practically scolded in a very authoritarian way. "We want to help you. Please do not make us think otherwise." Ah, now she felt better. All of that anger and frustration from earlier with Sonic was finaly out. Perhaps not at him, but hey, who's perfect?
Xavier suddenly looked really confused, and remorseful. "I'm sorry, Princess. But the horror I just went through... My own men... Roboticized... They killed my other comrades!" He suddenly went to the ground, as if relieving his helplessness all over again.
Sally felt a pang of discontent. "I'm sorry," she started sincerely. "However, we should probably get you all back to Knothole."
The ride back was uneventful and filled with a nervous quietness. However, the eventful part was when Xavier's group introduced themselves to Knothole. Every suspicion and earlier stereotype they held was instantly out the window when they started to speak. Hunter, the cheetah, sounded extremely armed with battle tactic strategies. And Gannon, the retreiver sounded extremely philosophical. And Tails' favorite, Alec the buffalo, was as gentle as a mother to everyone. Hector the owl, was quite wise, and Remus just wanted to have a good time. They were a spirited bunch, even if they were small, and everyone in Knothole was happy to welcome them.
Sally found it easy to talk with Hunter. He was easily on the same brainwave as herself, and he made so much sense as well. However, she didn't tell him everything. Afterall, if the new arrivals were to be Freedom Fighters, they'd still have to be initiated.
Sally was currently in her hut, speaking with Hunter. "That's great!" he said. "Having a spy in Robotropolis has to be a big plus. I bet you guys have made big dents in Robotnik's city with Sir Charles in there."
"Unfortunately, it's made everything that much more complicated. We're afraid Uncle Chuck may be turned out with Robotnik's heightened security measures," Sally told him.
"Well that's definitely understandable," Hunter scratched his chin with his kitty paw. Then, "Has Robotnik ever left Robotropolis? Perhaps then you can make the biggest hit."
"Yes, he has. But the only time he did was when we went to get the cargo units. Uncle Chuck said he left when we were getting ready to get them," Sally began to be down again, revisiting something she didn't want to. "It would have been the best time to try and shut down his main generator again, if only for a few hours. But we had to get to you guys," she told him earnestly. "It was important to not loose anymore Freedom Fighters to this war."
Noticing Sally's low demeanor, Hunter got up and went over to Sally and put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't be so down about it. I'm sure we'll be able to do something to put Robotnik offline."
Just then, Sonic entered Sally's hut, and saw Hunter's paw on her shoulder. Glaring at the cheetah, he said, "I wanted t' speak with ya', Sal..."
Sally stood up from her chair. "Could you please excuse us, Hunter?"
"Of course." He then headed for the door, but he could've swore he saw Sonic burning holes right through his being.
As the door closed, Sonic jumped on his que. "...But before I do, I just have t' ask just what went down in here?"
Sally gave her regular reluctant sigh at Sonic's antics. "We were talking about the last mission," she stated simply, if not irritably.
"Then why was he all up on ya' like that?!" Sonic asked increduously.
"Sonic!" Also in an increduous tone. "You don't own me! Besides, you're seeing things that aren't there."
"Don't you start getting smart with me!" Sonic commanded ignorantly. "I know a move when I see one!"
"Sonic, just drop it! We need to be thinking about what our next move is going to be, anyway."
Sonic would have continued his assault, but a mechanical homer flew through Sally's window. She let it perch her shoulder and she took the note that it was carrying. She read a little and then said, "Sonic, it's from Uncle Chuck. He says that whatever Robotnik got from Iron Gate is being worked on, but Uncle Chuck hasn't been assigned to the project and he can't get anywhere near it to find out what it is." Sally read some more and then relayed, "He also says that as little people as possible should go, because the security's pretty tight."
Sonic put on a smooth grin as he started toward the door. "Guess that's my que. Since I'm the fastest, I'll be the one who's going..."
"I'm going too," Sally added. "If the security is that tight, Nicole would be a big help."
"Sal, you don't need t' go! And with ya-" Sonic was stopped by Sally's infamous authoritarian glare, and deadly tone. "I am going, whether you like it or not. Is that clear?"
Sonic shrugged her off, in an attempt to not look phased. "Whatever."
Sonic and Sally were making their way through the streets of Robotropolis. However, they were still only making their way through the streets because the place was crawling with SWATbots. It was like everyway they turned around, they'd see at least three behind them!
Ducking behind a scrap metal heap, they hid until another group of them were gone. "I never thought ol' 'Buttnik had it in 'em. Just look at all of the bot-butts he was able to make!"
"We'll have to come back and shut down some of his plants," Sally decided determinedly. "If this keeps up, we won't be able to sneak in anymore."
Sonic peeked above the heap and saw nothing; not left or right, or up or down. "It's cool, Sal."
The were running on foot, at regular speed. Sonic had tested a SWATbot earlier for motion sensor mode. And the verdict was guilty. Thus, if Sonic went too fast past a huge group of SWATbots, they'd pick him up. However, Sally managed to find Robotnik's flaw early on with the program: he only programed them to pick up motion from up to mach 1 and up.
As the peeked around another corner, they saw a SWATbot on the other side of the building staring straight at them. But all he did was walk away as if he was staring through air. Both furries gawked. "Did you just-?"
Sonic answered with a smug grin. "Oh yeah... Guess they finally know who's boss 'round here."
Sally rolled her eyes. "Ugh. No, Sonic. Robotnik's up to something."
However, Sally was swayed to believe he didn't hear what she just said when he stated, "Chill, Sal. I was just pullin' yer leg. Of course, what I said before should be coming anytime." Sally just shook her head disapprovingly.
"So I guess since they've seen us, we can just...invite ourselves in?" Sonic played. He then turned his head when he didn't hear an immediate protest from Sally. Sonic saw her prying open an air vent with Nicole's laser. "Aw, air ducts again?" he protested playfully as he made his way toward Sally. "They ruin my gel job..."
Uncle Chuck had told Sally that Robotnik was working on the 'Iron Gate Project' himself, so that meant that whatever he brought back was in the main control room. Or, the 'most dangerous territory' of Robotropolis.
As they came up to a vent where they had a clear view of the whole control room, Sonic and Sally noticed that the lights were extremely dimmed, with no SWATbots, AND no Snively or Robotnik. "I don't like this, Sonic," Sally stated in a foreboding tone. "It's too suspicious not to be a trap."
Sonic paid no mind to her as he carefully undid the vent in the duct they were in. "Chill, Sal. Robotnik probably saw a chilidog machine that was givin' away free samples." He chuckled lightly as he made his way down the the rope from his pack. Sonic had lasso-ed a nearby pipe, and became parallel to it, as he used his feet to make his way down.
"Sonic, this is serious!"
"So is moi's finding a chilidog machine," Sonic mused to himself. In any case, he made his way to the odd-shaped box in the back corner of the control room. It glowed a light green glow, and it gave Sonic an eerie feeling of foreboding as he neared it. Sonic felt a somewhat familiar feeling rise through his chest, which led down to his stomach and made it knot. 'Must be those chilidogs from earlier,' Sonic assured himself that it wasn't fear that took hold of his body.
Sonic gulped loudly as he finally approached the box. Hesitantly, he reached to open the top where he saw a shift in the 'lid'. Suddenly, he pushed it hard, and it went flying into the wall. The result was an echoing bang fill the room. However, Sonic wasn't phased by it. He was still in awe that he found nothing in the box.
"Sonic, let's go! Before we get caught!" Sally whisper-yelled from the duct.
As Sonic turned to leave the box, he saw a pair of red, glowing eyes near the entrance of the room. Then he heard a raspy, low, menacing voice say, "I'm afraid it's much too late for that, Princess..."
Sonic stood defiantly as Sally gaped in horror...