Hello everyone! It's time for another chapter of Nightstalkers! I'm still super excited to continue this story! But enough of me talking, let's get to reviews!

Perturbo: Thanks! I was going for a bit of an Archie feel to them so it's good to see that you caught that! This story is very very loosely based on the Archie universe!

Ieju: I've been having fun writing these characters so far as well! They've all definitely got their own quirks and personality, so it's been a blast getting to write them!

Void Reader: Thank you for the review! It's always super nice to see a new face! The setting is certainly a bit bleak isn't it? As for Eggman, you'll just have to read to see!

AndTails: Awesome, thank you! It's nice to see you enjoyed it! It's certainly a very different take on it, and the Nightstalkers are quite the unique threat!

Singerj199: Thank you for the compliment! It's certainly an interesting concept for sure! Hopefully you'll enjoy it!

Haloixix13: The theme is certainly a unique one! I've got some big things planned for this story, so you'll certainly be getting a lot more of it!

Let's get started!

Nightstalkers

Godspeed

Sonic gently opened his eyes, the darkness of night still piercing through the windows of the barracks. Sitting upright in his bed, he slowly made his way to his feet. He figured he might as well check on how Tails was doing on his night watch. Slipping on his boots, cloak, and gloves, he made his way outside into the frigid air.

Ascending the stairway up to the tall wooden walls, arriving at the top, he spotted the pair of tails sticking out from under the fox's cloak as he sat, watching out into the darkness for any potential attack that might come. The small clouds his breath was making gently floated off as the kitsune noticed his presence.

"Oh, hey Sonic. What are you doing out here? It's not your shift yet…"

"Just coming up to see how you're doing bud, need anything?"

"I'm alright, but thanks…"

The duo sat in comfortable silence, snow gently falling around them and settling on the top of the fortified walls and on their cloaks. Sonic could still feel some of the cold through the rip in his cloak from the scuffle earlier today. As he thought about the encounter, his eyes wandered to the bandages around the fox's arm.

"Tails, I'm just worried…"

"About what?"

"Well, earlier today… You almost got yourself really hurt… Luckily it wasn't that bad but, I just don't want anything happening to you…"

"I'm alright Sonic, I promise."

"Still, normally you're better than that… I just want to know if something is on your mind recently?"

The fox sighed, the cloud it formed from his breath punctuating the silence that followed until he spoke. "I- I've just been thinking about my mom…"

"Tails… That's perfectly alright, do you want to talk about it with me? Maybe it'll help."

"It's been so long you think I would be over it by now…"

"Buddy, getting over something like that is…"

"I know… But still, I just- I want to be better. Just sort of put that all behind me… You don't get bothered by your parents do you?"

"I mean… Not really anymore… But still, for me, it's been ten years. I've had time."

"I have as well, and still I just can't get over it…" The fox responded, if Sonic didn't know better, he thought he would have seen the brief flash of moonlight reflecting off of a single falling tear.

"Tails, it's only been four years for you. Just… It's perfectly fine to be upset. Losing anybody to those things hurts…"

"I know that…" The kit continued, anger starting to seep into his voice. "It's all my fault, if I just hadn't been so stupid maybe she'd-"

"Tails stop, you're only making things worse."

"Well it's true! It's my fault my mom's dead! It's all my fault…" Tails could be heard sobbing at this point, completely overwhelmed by his own sorrow. Sonic quietly made his way over to the fox, pulling him into a hug in an attempt to comfort the distraught kitsune.

"Tails… If you don't want to watch tonight, I can do it. Just go and get some rest."

"Why couldn't I just be normal…"

Sonic eyed the pair of appendages that stuck out from under his cloak, "Don't say that bud, you're amazing just how you are. Come on, let's get you to bed."

The hedgehog gently led the fox to the stairs, starting the kit back down as he returned to take charge of the post. He didn't like guard duty, but if it meant Tails could get some sleep and didn't have to deal with his thoughts and inner demons all alone up here, he was willing to take over.

Sonic sighed, there just had to be something he could do to help. Tails was clearly still very shaken up about what had happened in his past, and he occasionally experienced attacks from his memories like this. What exactly had occurred in his past however still remained difficult for Sonic to know, every attempt to get him to open up quickly made him turn into a sobbing mess. The fox didn't like to give details about what exactly had happened, only that it had been his fault, or that at the very least, he blamed himself for it.

Sonic figured that if the fox never wanted to open up, the least he could do was be there for him, and eventually the kit would come to terms with it himself. Giving him a shoulder to cry on did seem to help him somewhat, and he seemed to be slowly getting better over the four years since he'd arrived at the sanctuary after he lost his mom. These emotional attacks happened less and less frequently now, which was always an improvement. Still, he wished there was more he could do.

The hedgehog's ears perked up as he heard someone ascending the stairs to the wall. As he glanced over he spotted Sally's usual light blue cloak against the dark backdrop.

"What brings you here?" He asked.

"I'm sure you know, it's Tails… Look, I know I'm not the best with him, and he really needs help right now. I'll take your spot for the night, besides, you already did your watch today."

"You don't have to… I mean-"

"Sonic, would I be up here if I didn't want to?"

Sonic smiled, "Thanks Sal, I owe you one."

"Not a problem, now just go see what you can do."

The hedgehog quickly made his way back down to the barracks, where he found the kitsune still obviously upset judging by the occasional sniffles from the top of their bunk.

"Tails, it's alright." He spoke quietly, removing his outfit at the door. "I'm here if you need anything."

"Do… Do you mind if maybe you could just stay up a little longer?" The kit commented.

"I'll stay up as long as you need."

"Thanks Sonic…"

"No problem, now get some sleep."

There was a short silence before Tails spoke again, "Sonic… We're family, right? I mean… Not a blood family but…"

"Of course! You'll always be my little buddy."

"Thanks… Goodnight Sonic…"

Sonic stayed awake, laying on his own bottom bunk until he heard the fox's breathing steady and he was sure he was fast asleep. The hedgehog himself was also quite tired, and soon he joined his surrogate brother as he gently drifted off to sleep.

-X-

Sonic and Sally both filed into the large open council chamber. With the events of last night in the back of their minds, and with the new daylight coming through the windows of the room, the duo sat down in preparation for the meeting.

Sonic pulled back the hood of his cloak, the damage it'd sustained yesterday had been repaired, leaving only a patch as any indication it'd even occurred. Eyeing the other Mobians as they entered the room, he sighed, waiting impatiently for the meeting to start.

Tails had seemed fine once the morning had come, and as such was currently on guard duty, allowing him and Sally to attend the meeting. Apparently, Elias had managed to get Sonic's proposal onto the schedule, but how it would go and how they would present it was certainly a question.

Eventually, the seven Mobians that formed the Knothole Council filed into their seats up front, Elias took his seat among them at the head of the chamber. Fiona followed behind the group, carrying the papers that listed the schedule for the day.

The other Mobians present quieted down as Fiona spoke. "This Council is now in session. Head Councilman Elias presides over this meeting to discuss upcoming proposals for the sanctuary of Knothole. To begin our first article of business, a proposal by Sonic the Hedgehog, Sally Acorn, and Miles Prower for an expedition to discover more about Nightstalkers and how they might be better combated, or perhaps prevented in their entirety.

Sonic's eyes widened, Elias had put them first. Well, this was certainly about to be interesting.

"The Council would like to call the presenting party to the floor."

Sonic and Sally made their way out of their seats and made their way before the seven members of the Council.

Fiona glanced at the two of them before continuing, "Please state your proposal to the Council."

"We'd like to discuss the idea of an expedition to the nearby Angel Island sanctuary." Sally began, "We have very little information about where exactly these Nightstalkers come from, or how they can be combated, there may even be a chance of new information coming to light about how they might be able to be neutralized altogether. We would like to request permission for us three Freedom Fighters to make the expedition over to Angel Island in order to figure out more about the biggest threat to our sanctuary."

Fiona nodded once they'd finished, "Does the Council have any discussion before we take it to a vote?"

"Well, I for one say it's insane." One of the Mobians, a large brown bear, said, "I mean we're already being threatened enough as is and now we want to send some of the only people qualified to defend this city away for who knows how long!?"

"It isn't that long of a trip to be fair Christopher." Another Mobian, this time a white fox spoke. "Besides, I quite like the idea of sending them, any information we can get is valuable."

"It's suicide if you ask me." A gray cat chimed in. "I mean what are the odds that they don't come back?"

"High," The bear from earlier commented.

"Oh come on you two," Another Mobian spoke, this time an owl. "This is some of the Freedom Fighters we're talking about, surely if anybody's prepared it's them."

"And who will protect the city while they're gone?"

"We have others you know."

"Yeah, three of them! Three Mobians defending the entire city on their own? Are you seriously considering this?"

"I do see the risks," A fifth Mobian, a brown rabbit added. "But I also see just how much this could be of help. The issue is if it's worth it ultimately. Elias, do you have a comment?"

The Head Councilman was seemingly contemplating over their discussion. "No comment."

"Very well, shall we take it to a vote?"

The others nodded in agreement.

"Each Council member raises their hand as they speak their vote," Fiona spoke. "We will begin with Christopher and continue left."

"Nay."

"Ay." The owl from earlier spoke.

"Ay." The fox added.

"Nay." The cat continued.

"Ay." The rabbit spoke, smiling at both Freedom Fighters in approval.

"Nay." The sixth Mobian, a gray colored wolf who had remained silent during the debate added.

"Three to three…" Fiona mused, "Head Councilman Elias, it would seem the final say falls to you."

Elias sighed, he'd been considering the idea all of last night and this morning and was silently hoping it wouldn't come to this. He wanted to send somebody out, but being Freedom Fighters, including his own sister, he wasn't sure if he could quite bring himself to do it, much less assure himself the city would be fine in their absence. Still, any additional intelligence they got could go a long way… After wrestling with his thoughts for a moment longer, he raised his right hand. "Ay."

"The notion passes," Fiona commented, "The expedition will prepare tonight and leave in the morning. Sonic, Sally, you may be excused to return to your posts."

With a few grumbles of protest from the Council, the two made their way back outside into the cold afternoon air. Sally let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. "That… Was way too close."

"Oh come on Sal, I knew it would work."

"It passed by one vote…"

"But it did pass, didn't it?"

Sally sighed, "I suppose you're right. Come on, let's go tell Tails."

The two made their way between the wooden homes until they reached the barracks and ascended the stairs nearby to the top of the wall. Tails' attention quickly turned to the both of them. "So, how'd it go?" He asked.

"It passed, barely, but it passed," Sally answered, causing the fox to smile.

"So we're going on a trip then?"

"It seems so bud!" Sonic interjected, "What do ya say to that?"

"When do we pack?"

-X-

That night the three of them prepared anything they would need for the upcoming trip. Tails volunteered to carry a satchel containing their food rations, fire starting equipment, materials to use to patch any damage to their outfits, and a few medical supplies just in case. While they didn't expect to get hurt on the way there, it was always nice to be sure.

The trip was expected to take only a couple days to reach Angel Island, where they hopefully could resupply for the return trip. As such, the one satchel would satisfy them for now, packing more than was necessary would only slow them down.

Getting rest for the night would also be quite important, though the watchtowers needed to be guarded, as such, Sonic had volunteered to take the first watch position for the night. As he sat contemplating the journey ahead, he found himself excited, but also he couldn't help but feel a bit of concern at their trip. It had been his idea sure, and he was still happy to have the opportunity. But with the monsters getting worse and worse with each passing day, it would be dangerous.

Still, it wasn't like they couldn't handle danger. They were the Freedom Fighters after all, if anybody could do it, it was them. He allowed himself to relax, things would be fine, it was just a quick trip there and a quick trip back. Things would be fine.

-X-

Sally yawned as she awoke, finding Sonic still asleep in his bed. Tails was nowhere to be found, but that was of no real concern. He and Sonic had planned to both take shifts during the night. The fox was certainly atop the city wall as of now, but he should be returning soon and leaving the post to the other group of Freedom Fighters.

Sally was a bit concerned about leaving the three newer members to protect the city themselves, but Amy, Bunnie, and Cream could handle themselves. They certainly had the skills to, it wasn't like they hadn't been trained like the rest of them, but the idea of leaving the city all to them was daunting. Still, it would have to be done, the prospect of new discoveries was simply too great a prize to give up.

Getting dressed in her usual light blue cloak with fluffy white trim, she smiled. The cloak had been a gift from Elias, just as his cape had been a gift from her, she quite liked the cloak, and it was quite warm as well. Donning a pair of similarly colored boots, she made her way outside and up the staircase to the wall. Tails was there as expected, still wearing the usual cloak, boots, and gloves she was used to, all colored in a deep shade of brown. Not that he needed his outfit much considering his thick fluffy winter fur kept him quite warm either way, a headband kept his large drooping bangs out of his face. The blaster pistol he'd built for himself sat holstered in a belt on his waist, also attached to the belt was a few refills for the weapon, along with some small tools for repairs.

"Hey Sally," He spoke as he noticed her presence. "You all ready for today?"

"I think so, how about you?"

"Other than the satchel down in the barracks, yeah!"

"Awesome, well, just hang out up here a little bit longer alright? We'll be heading out soon. Just make sure you keep yourself warm."

"I'll be fine, make sure Sonic's all ready before we go!"

"I will. See you in a minute Tails."

She waved goodbye to the kitsune as she made her way downstairs entering into the barracks again, she found Sonic just finishing getting dressed for the day, the usual brown boots and cloak, along with the white gloves he usually wore were familiar by now.

"You ready?" Sally asked.

Sonic smiled, "You know I'm always ready."

The chipmunk grabbed the satchel bag Tails had mentioned earlier, it was sitting at the foot of his and Sonic's bunk, so she naturally assumed this to be the one. Checking inside, her suspicions were confirmed, as she found all the things needed for the trip. Holstered on the side of the bag was a tranquilizer pistol, along with a pair of extra darts prepared for it. Sally had questioned him about it last night, Tails mentioned that it was mainly for other less than friendly Mobians they might encounter on their journey, it wasn't for Nightstalkers, not that the dart would even pierce deep enough to be effective against them anyways.

While it wasn't essential, Tails did seem somewhat convinced of its necessity, he was the one carrying the bag however so she had eventually relented and allowed it to come with despite her suspicions it would simply be dead weight.

Heading back outside, and with Sonic trailing behind, she was met by Elias. Fiona followed behind him just a bit, her black colored cloak standing out against the normal snowy backdrop.

Sally called to Tails, who after spotting the four of them, descended the stairs to the wall to meet them down outside the barracks. He grabbed his bag from her and slung it over his shoulder.

"Well," Elias spoke as the kit arrived. His blue council uniform standing as a beacon against the sunrise in the sky. The red cape behind him lazily flapped in the morning breeze. "I figured I'd say some words before you leave."

The three Freedom Fighters listened intently as he continued, "You three have done a great service to this city so far, and I hope that you'll continue to do so in the future. For now though, focus on keeping yourselves safe, it's dangerous out there, but I trust you already know that. Please, watch out for each other, and come back in one piece."

The trio nodded in agreement, Sally was the first to speak up. "Thanks, I'll be sure to keep these two in check while we're gone, you can be sure of that."

"I already suspected you would. As for you Sonic, I know you like to have your heart lead you, but please use it to keep everyone safe."

"Can do." Sonic quickly responded.

"And you Tails, I know this is probably quite stressful, but I'm sure you'll do wonderful, and you'll certainly have a story to tell when you return."

The butterflies in the kit's stomach prevented him from speaking, he simply nodded his head in agreement.

As Elias turned to leave, he gave a quick salute. "Godspeed Freedom Fighters."

The trio returned the salute as they made their way to the city's gate. Tails took a glance back over at the city, really the only home he'd known for a long time, as he did, he noticed Fiona glancing over at them. She gave him a soft smile, causing the fox to turn bright pink with embarrassment. However, he quickly shook off the feeling as the group reached the exit to the city and stepped out into the cold unknown.

Alright everybody! That's all for now! Hopefully you're all enjoying this story so far, I know I am! Let me know what your thoughts were in a review! I'll see you all next time!