Chapter 11

Love's Protection

The morning sun shone brightly in the sky, the day was just starting for most inhabitants of Mobius, as it was only eight-thirty in the morning.

The luminescent rays shed light on one particular abode, that being the shared home of the fox and his flower, though instead of the rays peaking through the bedroom windows causing them to stir, rather the light shining on them was through the living room window. And yet, even that seemed to have no effect as the two had fallen asleep together on the couch, they had stayed out far longer than either had originally intended as they were enjoying themselves too much. By the time they did manage to make themselves return, they had been so tired that they'd simply lied down on the couch together and fallen asleep. Though the suns rays had no affect on the sleeping couple, Tails' phone did, as it suddenly started to ring, causing both to jump up in surprise.

"Who could that be?" Tails wondered aloud, yawning and turning to the clock to find the time "It's only eight-thirty!"

Reaching over and picking up the phone, Tails yawned one last time before answering.

"Hello?" he asked groggily

"Tails? It's Amy, we need you at my place now"

"What? Why? Can't it wait Amy?"

"NO IT CAN'T WAIT! KNUCKLES WAS BEATEN UP AND THROWN THROUGH MY WINDOW LAST NIGHT!"

Tails jerked away from the phone to spare his vulpine ears any further agony, Amy really did know how to force someone awake. Taking a moment, Tails took note of her words.

"Wait! Did you say Knuckles was beaten up!?"

"Yes! Now get here pronto!"

"R-right, we'll be there soon"

Hanging up, Tails turned towards Cosmo, who had just finished stretching and was looking at him curiously.

"Is everything okay Tails?"

Shaking his head, Tails answered.

"Apparently not, Knuckles is hurt and Amy needs us to go to her place"

A look of worry appeared on Cosmo's face as she gasped.

"Oh no! I hope he's okay!"

"Don't worry, Knuckles had been through far worse, he'll be okay, but right now I suppose we should get going"

The trip to Amy's home was rather quick, as soon as they arrived Tails and Cosmo noticed Sonic was there as well.

Sitting down across from Knuckles, (who was simply too stubborn and proud to let the full extent of his injuries show) Tails decided to ask the obvious question.

"Knuckles, what happened?"

Looking back at the fox with a somewhat agitated face, Knuckles gave him a, "Are you serious?"look before answering.

"I got beaten, that's what!"

Rolling his eyes, Tails clarified "I mean, who did this to you?"

".…Metal Sonic"

The room fell dead silent, Sonic and Amy were already aware of the whole story, but for Tails and Cosmo, this was a new, shocking revelation.

"WHAT!? But that's impossible! He was destroyed! H-how-"

"Apparently Egghead wasn't entirely truthful about not scrapping him, no shock there" Sonic interjected.

"And to make matters worse, he's Neo Metal Sonic again" Amy added.

While this was going on, Cosmo sat silently, taking in this information. According to Tails, Metal Sonic was on of the most dangerous foes they'd ever faced, even rivaling the metarex! If he had returned…

"Great, just great, I suppose he's after the emeralds then?" Tails asked in frustration.

"It's likely, but he already has the master emerald, that's why he attacked me" Knuckles answered.

"Oh no…that put us at a severe disadvantage" Tails said

"Also he's already acquired most of the bio data from us, and to top it all off he's merged with leftover metarex technology" Sonic continued the stream of bad news, glancing over to Amy and Knuckles, clearly worried about a certain other piece of information they had yet to share.

"What!?" Came another shocked reply, this time from Cosmo.

"How can there be any metarex technology left!? All of them were completely destroyed!" Cosmo asked, visibly shaking.

"Apparently Eggman salvaged some of the leftovers after the final battle before we started back towards Mobius, I'm guessing he was planning to use it for future robots" Amy answered scowling at the treacherous nature of the doctor.

Cosmo was visibly becoming more distraught at the idea that anything of the metarex could be left and still haunting them. As Tails wrapped his arm around her for comfort, Sonic, Amy and Knuckles exchanged one more look of worry before deciding it best to tell them.

"And…there's one more thing.." Sonic began.

"What?"

Sonic found himself unable to deliver the bad news as he looked into his brothers worried eyes. Seeing this, Knuckles decided to do so for him.

"Neo told me that while he was able to get some enhancement out of the metarex tech, to unlock it's full power he'd need…"

"What?" Tails pressed desperately "What does he need?"

"...Cosmo's bio data, he said he'd be coming for her to get it, as it requires seedrian bio data to be fully used"

Now there was silence, deader than dead silence. Cosmo looked terrified, though as per her selfless nature she was less concerned for herself, and more for those she cared about who might get hurt trying to protect her.

Looking at the two hedgehogs and echidna, she noticed to sheer concern in there expressions but noticed they weren't divided between them. Looking over at her love, Cosmo saw Tails in an almost trance like state, his eyes wide and his body stiff.

As for the fox, this was all too much, just when he had finally managed to move past the trauma of losing Cosmo with her help, suddenly he learns one of their deadliest enemies had returned and was after her after he'd just gotten her back.

And just like that, old demons and wound were reopening.

"No" Tails whispered just on the edge of hearing.

"No no no NO! This can't be happening, not again! NOT AGAIN!"

Seeing Tails flying into trauma fueled hysteria, Cosmo was quick to act, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace.

"It's okay Tails, It's okay, I'm here"

Tails continued sobbing, attempting to calm himself though still having trouble.

"Please, this can't happen again…I can't lose you again Cosmo"

"You won't Tails, I'm never leaving you again"

The others watched this scene unfold with deepest sympathy, they themselves having witnessed firsthand how much losing Cosmo had devastated Tails, they shuddered to imagine what losing her again would do to him. No matter the cost, they had to ensure they never had to find out.

After Tails had managed to compose himself, the group sat in silence for a moment, attempting to assess the situation. Finally, Tails had an idea.

"What about Eggman?"

Looking up, Sonic replied. "Dunno, we haven't heard from him, and it seems like Eggman isn't involved in whatever Neo's planning"

"Then we should pay him a visit, we know Eggman had the leftover metarex tech Neo's using, so it's obvious he's been there" Tails said.

"Yeah but what can he do to help us? Especially when he can't even control his own robot?" Knuckles interjected with a slight snarl, irritated that the doctor's carelessness had endangered them once again.

"Information. Eggman built him and programmed him, not only that, but he witnessed Neo's most recent transformation and any information is useful information anymore"

Sonic stood up, looking determined and slightly on edge.

"I'll check it out, knowing him he's likely planning a counterattack on Neo for betraying him so he won't even expect me"

"Wait, there's one more thing"

Everyone turned to look at Knuckles, who looked unnerved.

"I…can't sense the master emerald anymore"

"What? How? Even when it was shattered you could sense it" Amy asked in shock.

"Perhaps the emeralds core energy has been drained, and if that's the case then we don't have time to waste, because Neo will have gotten much more powerful" Tails summarized.

As he said this, Sonic and Cosmo in particular took notice of how much more frightened he appeared. Sonic then spoke up.

"Tails, I need to speak with you. Alone"

Tails looked up at him in surprise, then nodded, getting up and following Sonic out the front door.

After the two had walked a fair distance from Amy's house, Sonic spoke.

"Tails, you're easily the smartest of us, but that's not going to do anyone any good if you allow fear to mess with you"

Tails hung his head, speaking softly "I know Sonic, its just- I just got her back and already someone is after her. Not just anyone but Metal Sonic! I..I can't lose her again Sonic. I can't."

"None of us are going to let that happen bro, not this time. Neo won't lay one metal claw on her."

Seeing Tails was slightly reassured, Sonic decided to try and lighten the tone a bit.

"And besides, who better to keep her safe then you? I mean, you faced Shadow to protect her and he didn't even manage to touch her. She's safe with you bro"

Tails' cheeks tinted slightly, but he smiled nonetheless.

"Thanks Sonic"

Giving his trademark thumbs up, Sonic answered.

"No problem. I'm gonna head towards Eggman's place to see what he knows. I suggest you take Cosmo home and put that big brain of yours towards thinking up a way to take on Neo."

"Will do, thanks."

Nodding, Sonic sped off into the distance, leaving Tails standing there glancing back at Amy's house, a look of fierce determination on his face.

"I won't let him hurt you Cosmo, I promise"

The walk home was a silent one, Tails deep in thought and an uneasy atmosphere pervading. Cosmo could see the worry on Tails' face though but wasn't sure if she should say anything and thus deciding to simply let the subject go.

Upon arriving at their shared home however, Cosmo was about to speak up when Tails almost immediately began making his way towards his workshop, with it being apparent he was doing so absentmindedly.

"Tails…Tails!"

Tails turned looking like he'd just been awoken.

"Wha? What is it?"

"I know you're worried Tails, but please don't stress yourself over me"

Walking up and taking her hands in his, Tails spoke back.

"How could I not Cosmo? One of our most dangerous enemies is after you. An enemy that took everyone together and Super Sonic to beat and has now become even more powerful! I..I have to protect you…I cant let him hurt you."

"Tails…I know you'll keep me safe. I trust you to. If anyone has the brilliance to do so it's you. You're worrying too much though"

Tails hung his head.

"I'm just scared of failing to save you again. I-I'm not sure if I'll be capable enough."

"Of course you are! You kept me safe from Shadow not through strength, but intellect. You need to believe in yourself. As much as I believe in you" Cosmo spoke softly, stroking Tails' fur as she did so.

"I'll try Cosmo. I promise you I'll keep you safe"

Cosmo smiled. "I know you will"

After that, the remainder of the day passed by somewhat peacefully.

Cosmo stayed inside for the day due to the lingering threat, instead devoting her time to Tails' workshop, her boyfriend (like all geniuses) being somewhat terrible at keeping the place from being cluttered.

She made sure to stay out of Tails' way though, as it was clear the young inventor was, for lack of a better phrase, "in the zone". within a few hours he had made massive improvements to the houses security system as well as set up a five layered defense grid, complete with defenses capable of stopping an army of death egg robots.

It was clear Tails was practically prepared for war.

After a few more hours, at about roughly eight, Cosmo decided it was time to pull Tails from his work and have dinner. It took a bit, but after pointing out to him that his efforts had effectively turned their home into a nigh impenetrable stronghold, he conceded.

Though not before activating all systems.

Over dinner the air was far less tense than before, with the two having a pleasant conversation not unlike the ones they had on the typhoon or after Cosmo's return. Suddenly the phone rang, with Tails picking up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Tails, it's Sonic. I just wanted to check in on you and Cosmo. You guys doing okay?"

"Yeah, I admit I was a bit of a wreck, but Cosmo talked me out of it. Now I've got this place all sorts of prepared, Neo isn't getting in here"

"Good to know! See? I told ya she couldn't be any more safe so long as she's with you!"

"Heh yeah…hey wait! Why did you call to check on me? Usually you'd just run over here."

"Well, right now I'm back at Amy's place. She, Knuckles and I are still discussing a few thing about all this and also about my visit to Eggman's place"

"What did he say?"

"Nothing. He wasn't there."

A sudden shiver raced down Tails' spine.

"You don't think…Neo killed him. Do you?"

"Doesn't seem like it, if he did there'd be evidence. Metal's not exactly subtle. But I'm not dismissing it either."

"Perhaps he's making Eggman help him?"

"Maybe, or maybe Eggman's helping him willingly, like I said we're not ruling anything out just yet."

Suddenly a loud crash was heard on Sonic's end, followed by screaming.

"Sonic!? is everything okay?" Tails asked worriedly.

"Yeah, Knuckles just not over one of Amy's things and broke it. Look I gotta go defuse this mess, I'll talk to you tomorrow, see ya."

"See ya"

Tails could hear Sonic calling to Amy to put down her hammer, just before he hung up.

Walking back to the table, he saw Cosmo looking expectantly at him.

"It was Sonic, he said Eggman wasn't at his base, so either Neo's done something to him or he's working with or for him."

"Oh, well I hope he's alright"

"I'm sure he is, Eggman is surprisingly resilient"

The two then finished their meal and began to get ready for bed.

As the guest room had was not quite finished, Tails being the perfectionist he was when it came to his love, they were still sharing his bed. After crawling in together, Tails turned off the lamp and jumped slightly as Cosmo snuggled close to him.

"heh, y-you're really comfy aren't you?"

"Yes. You're fur is so soft. I know there's no place I'd rather be then here with you"

"I feel the same, I'll always be here for you Cosmo. I love you"

"I love you too Tails, always"

After that Tails and Cosmo drifted off to sleep peacefully in each others arms.

While at Amy's house the picture was far less adorable and instead more tense and frustrated.

"Can we please get back to the important topic? Y'know the one about the Evil robot duplicate of me that's after Cosmo and want's to kill us all?" Sonic very nearly shouted, his usual cool attitude rapidly receding into anger as he tried desperately to get Amy and Knuckles to stop fighting so they could focus on the urgent threat.

He didn't want to admit it, but he was already very worried himself. Not for himself or Amy or Knuckles no, he knew they could defend themselves. No, he was worried for his little brother and his girlfriend. Tails could hold his own most of the time against any number of badniks and even various low to mid tier metarex, but against Metal Sonic he'd stand little chance in a straight up fight.

And then there was Cosmo.

She couldn't fight, and if Tails wasn't able to protect her-

No. He wouldn't think like that. He wouldn't let his bro lose her again, he wouldn't dare to imagine what it would do to him, and he certainly wouldn't doubt Tails' ability to keep her safe.

Instead he'd focus on the bickering friends in front of him.

"GUYS! Enough already! We need to stay focused!"

Knuckles and Amy sat opposite each other while Sonic stood in between them to prevent any cheap shots. The pink hedgehog and the red echidna looked away from each other pouting like children.

"If you couldn't find Eggman he's probably working with Neo, you know how he is!" Knuckles mumbled while still being audible.

"And you know, Neo's whole thing is moving beyond all limitations, including his creator!" Amy said in much the same manner.

"Yeah, well I don't see you offering any better ideas on where he could be."

Fire flashed in Amy's eyes and just as it seemed Sonic would have to hold her back for the sixth time tonight, they heard the doorbell.

Everyone exchanged curious stares before Sonic silently made his way over to the front door.

The day had already been taxing enough as it was with all the strange and ominous events and information, so the last thing Sonic expected to find at Amy's door after finding Eggman's base empty was the fat scientist himself. His clothes were tattered and torn, his mustache was unkempt and unruly and he was clearly exhausted. Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun were also there, looking scuffed and in the two taller robots case, dented slightly.

As Sonic stood there confused and slightly shocked, Eggman spoke.

"Hello Sonic. I need your help"

Well there we go. The plot thickens and the confusion deepens.

What could Eggman's sudden appearance mean? What's Neo Metal Sonic's next move? What did Knuckles break? Find out next chapter! (though not that last one) See ya!