It took a few days for Sonic to recover enough to move but the moment he was better he started helping with the repairs. Well, he tried to at least. No one wanted to push him just yet so many refused his help or left him to do easy tasks. Sonic was annoyed at not being able to do anything more but was grateful for everyone's care. Suddenly during one of his light cleaning duties, the mayor of the town came to him.
"Sonic how are you feeling?" He said with a joyful smile.
He was a little surprised to see the mayor but said in his usual cheerful manner, "much better. A little bored with all these little tasks but it's all good."
The mayor giggled at his chipperness. "That is good to hear." He then instantly got a serious tone. "Would it be possible to have a talk then?"
Sonic was taken aback by the sudden seriousness in his voice but said, "sure."
They then walked to a place where no one was working. It was probably the most damaged part of the town and was going to be one of the last to be fixed up.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Sonic said the moment they stopped walking.
"This." The mayor pulled out the gem Sonic found.
"Oh, that! What about it?" Sonic said.
"Do you know what this is?" the mayor asked.
"Nope. I found it around where I crashed during the…" Sonic couldn't finish. Rage instantly took over again just thinking about what Eggman did.
After a moment of breathing, Sonic asked, "so what is it?"
The mayor gave a deep long sigh. "Guess there is no use hiding it now. This is one of the legendary chaos emeralds."
"Chaos emerald? What's that?" Sonic said.
"This was what that madman was looking for. It is an emerald filled with unimaginable power. If in the wrong hands the world could fall."
Sonic was stunned silent. He never imagined he would just stumble onto something so powerful. He then thought of something. "Wow, wait? Did you say 'one of'? You mean there are more?"
The mayor nodded, "I'm afraid so. According to ancient texts, it is said there are 7 of them."
"And each one is as strong as this one?" Sonic was nervous to hear this answer. The mayor nodded with a grim expression. "Then Eggman might find them and come back."
"That is a high possibility." the mayor said. "It might be in our best interest to evacuate the town and move somewhere else. I wanted to get your opinion on this seeing as you fought so hard for us and this place."
Sonic was silent. He didn't know what to do. On one hand, if they stay and Eggman does find the remaining emeralds he would without a doubt return for this one. Then on the other hand they could leave but no one would be able to leave their home so easily. He was torn but then he thought of something.
"We will not be evacuating," Sonic said seriously.
"Are you sure?" the mayor asked.
"Yes, because I will find the remaining emeralds and stop Eggman." The mayor was stunned. He was not expecting Sonic to say that.
"Sonic that is too dangerous. You barely survived last time."
"I know but if I don't do it now not only would our home be in danger but everywhere would be. Someone has to step up now before Eggman can get even one emerald."
The mayor wanted to argue but the determination in Sonic's eyes just told him he made up his mind and he was not changing it. He gave a heavy sigh and said, "Fine, how do you plan to get started."
Sonic was stumped. "I…" he thought for a moment. "I am not sure."
The mayor burst into laughter. "Should have figured. Well give me a day and we can at least find you a mode of transportation."
Sonic nervously chuckled in embarrassment. "Thanks."
They then made it back to the town where despite many objections Sonic did heavier loads to help move things along. After all, he only had a day to get as much done as possible.
By the end of the day, everyone knew of Sonic's departure. Many cried, and many begged for him to stay but others wished him luck. By the end of the day, everyone stopped working and was chatting about the past and how much they would miss sonic. The chef, much to Sonic's surprise, was able to find and make Sonic's favorite food. Chili dogs! Sonic was thrilled and ate as many as he could. He then remembered the basket he left behind and apologized for forgetting it. The chef was not bothered even saying if he retrieved it he could keep it. Sonic did just that. In a second he was gone then returned before anyone could think about what happened. This causes a lot of laughs. And at this moment Sonic was filled with joy.
When night fell the town decided to just camp out where they were. By the time everyone was asleep Sonic was still awake deep in thought about what he was about to do. He didn't have a plan to find the emeralds, didn't know what he would do if he found them, and didn't even want to think about what he would do if he failed. All he knew was that he would find them somehow and until he did he would not give up. He then took one more final look at all the sleeping people he cared so much for and fell asleep with a smile.
The next morning Sonic was at the beach getting ready to go. Many people gave him little gifts like a compass, some food, a blanket, and others. The biggest gift though was a boat. Without Sonic even noticing many of the villagers got together and restored a small boat to give to Sonic for his journey.
Sonic was grateful but was also quite nervous since a boat would mean he would be on the water and he could not swim. Lucky for him one of his gifts was a lifesaver that he strapped to himself. He set up to go with everyone there to wish him luck and to give a final goodbye.
Once he was ready and on the water, he yelled, "thank you all for what you have done for me. I will never forget you. I promise." the town cried as Sonic left the beach.
Then when he was almost out of earshot he heard. "You better come back." Everyone was yelling this and Sonic, who had been holding back the tears let them fall, he yelled back, "I promise to return someday!"
He wasn't sure if they heard him but even if they didn't he promised himself he would return no matter what.