The day after Cream's emotional reunion with her mother, the pair had retreated to Helen's house. Vanilla had been happily accepted by the Birnbaum family and had quickly made herself useful. Meanwhile, Team Chaotix came by the Kent household again, this time knocking on the front door. Keith answered the door this time, looking at the trio with trepidation.

"What are you three doing here?" He asked.

"We're here to apologize for our less then professional behavior the other day," Vector explained. "And would happily offer our services in repairing any damages we might have caused."

"Well, you did end up breaking our coffee table, and you broke the window when you tackled Kat."

"Then allow us to start there," Espio offered. "It will be like we were never here."

"I don't know…"

"Please..." Charmy begged, flying up to Keith's face. "If you don't let us make up for it, Vector's gonna be pouty for a month!"

"Alright, alright." Keith pushed Charmy away. "Just give me a little space, please."

"You won't regret it!" Vector promised as he walked into the house, Charmy and Espio following not far behind.

"I already do..."

…

Back at Sand Blast City, Sonic and the President met up with the governor of the city, E. Pluribus Fink. The two were talking cordially, with the President promising aid and commerce, as well as discussing a conversion of Mobian Rings to dollar bills. While they discussed, Sonic slipped out, meeting up with Bunnie and Antoine. He told them about his meeting with Robotnik, and expressed his opinions on the doctor's supposed reluctance to return to evil.

"I can't be the only one who thinks something up, right?" Sonic proposed.

"Oh no, sugar," Bunnie assured him. "Eggman's definitely up to something."

"Zhere is no way that Eggman would just repair the moon for free, no matter what happened."

"Right," Sonic agreed. "The only question now is what he's cooking up."

"I think the only way to know is to wait and see," Bunnie insisted. "I'm sure everyone's on high alert, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I know it ain't your strong suit, but you need to be patient."

"You're right, it isn't my strong suit. I hate waiting around for something bad to happen, not when I can stop it."

"What do you expect to do?" Antoine asked. "Attack the moon itself?"

"I dunno… I just… I hate feeling so… so… Helpless."

Bunnie placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't stress about it, Sonic. There ain't nothin' you can do right now. But when the time comes, we'll be here to help you. Promise."

Sonic perked up, giving her a smile.

"Thanks Bunnie. I really needed to hear that."

"You can alway count on us, mon ami," Antoine assured him.

Sonic shot the two a thumbs up, then the President came walking over.

"We're finished for today," He declared. "Thank you for accompanying me, Sonic. I'm sure if I'd come with the secret service, things would have been a bit more exciting."

"No problem, Mr. President," Sonic reassured. "Gave me a chance to catch up with some old friends."

The President smiled at both Bunnie and Antoine.

"Any friends of Sonic are friends of mine."

…

Back at the Kent house, Team Chaotix was hard at work, trying to repair the damage they'd caused. Surprisingly, they were doing a good job. Vector's strength led to him being able to easily lift up the new window pane, fitting it where it belonged. As he worked on that, Charmy painted the window sill, his wings letting him reach the higher places. Finally, Espio worked on fixing the coffee table. He had several pieces of lumber lined up neatly and a box of nails in his hand. He jumped up into the air, throwing the nails like kunai knives. They landed in precise places, and a flurry of blows hammered the nails in better than any hammer as he landed, giving a small bow.

As he landed, he heard a slow clap emanating from off to the side. He turned, seeing Kat standing there, watching with a very impressed expression on her face.

"That was beyond awesome," she commended.

"Thank you," Espio replied.

"You're… Espio, right? The guy I hit with my bat."

"Yes… that's me."

"Yeah, sorry about that. I legit did not see you. Still trying to figure out how I missed a weird purple mobian… what are you anyway?"

"A chameleon. And the reason you didn't see me is because I was camouflaged at the time."

"Camouflage?" kat repeated. "As in… invisible?"

"Exactly."

Kat's eyes went wide.

"That is so cool! What else can you do? How did you do all those tricks with the nails earlier?"

"I'm a master in throwing weapons like kunai. Hitting smaller targets with expert precision."

"Wow. You're like a real-live ninja."

"Indeed I am."

"He's also full of himself," Charmy commented, much to Espio's irritation.

"Oh lay off buzz-boy!" Kat called out. "Hey Espio, I still owe you for the bump to the noggin. I know a good chinese place downtown with some of the best fried dumplings around. You interested?"

"Sure," Espio replied. "Let me finish with this table first though. It would be incredibly rude for me to leave in the middle of a task."

"Take your time," Kat insisted. "I can wait."

"Hey, what about us?" Vector asked.

"Yeah, we want Chinese too," Charmey griped.

"Well, as my dad always says, 'want in one hand and spit in the other and see which one fills up faster'," Kat told them.

Both of them looked confused before Charmy tried spitting in his own hand.

"Gross!" Kat shouted. "It means suck it up, buttercup!"

"Well why didn't you say that?! Now I got spit in my hand!"

Charmy looked down at his hand before wiping it on Vector's snout.

"Hey!" The croc shouted. "Do I look like a hand towel?!"

Charmy just laughed, flying out of reach as Vector attempted to swat the bee. He ended up tripping, falling right through the freshly repaired window. Glass sprayed everywhere as both Espio and Kat shielded themselves.

"Uh… sorry!" Vector called out.

"On second thought, I am rather hungry," Espio declared.

"Good thinking. My trucks on the curb."

…

At Tails' workshop, the fox was making some tune-ups to the X-Tornado. As he worked, Sonic was pacing around the place, babbling to the room.

"You know, it's hard to concentrate with you pacing like that," Tails commented.

"Sorry, it's just this whole Eggman moon thing has got me on edge."

"It has us all on edge, Sonic. He roboticized half the moon, but so far, nothing's happened. Maybe he really was starting to feel remorse after ARK."

"Seriously? This is Eggman we're talking about here. He doesn't know the meaning of the word!"

"Sonic, you saw him. He helped us."

"He was saving himself. That's it."

Tails sighed, pushing himself out from under the X-Tornado.

"Listen Sonic, fretting about this isn't gonna change anything. Why don't you go for a run and try to clear your head."

"Yeah… good idea."

Sonic took off running out of the workshop, leaving Tails more than a little concerned for his friend.

…

Knuckles poked his head into the Winters apartment, looking around. Al was sitting on the couch watching a baseball game, glancing over when he heard the door.

"Hello Knuckles," he greeted.

"Hey Al, is Kat here?"

"No, I haven't seen her all day. Aren't you two usually glued at the hip?"

"She headed off early today before I woke up. She's been gone all afternoon."

"Have you tried Keith's house? She's most likely there."

"I'll give it a try."

Knuckles ducked back out and Al returned to his game, smirking.

"Wonder what she's up to this time."

…

At the chinese restaurant, Kat and Espio were sitting at a booth, an array of dumplings before them. Kat was struggling with the chopsticks, eventually just resorting to stabbing the small morsels. Espio was much more refined, using them with practiced precision. Kat watched, somewhat envious.

"Okay, is there anything you can't do at this point?"

"Find a way to mentally block Charmy's annoyance."

"That is a toughie. Me, I use music."

She reached into her satchel, pulling out an I-Pod.

"Stick these earbuds in, turn on whatever tunes you want, and the world is drowned out." She paused, looking Espio over. "Though, do you even have ears?"

"I do, they're just… small, and on the sides of my head."

"Right. In that case, you'll need headphones. That'll make it even easier to drown out annoyances. There's an electronics store just down the street, and the Sonic budget is still in place. We can get you something."

"I'd like that."

…

Meanwhile, Sonic's run around the Mystic Ruins led him onto the bridge towards Station Square. As he came through the city, he spotted a familiar blur of red heading down the road. He skidded to a stop, seeing Knuckles looking around with a worried and annoyed expression.

"Hey there, Knuckles," Sonic greeted. "What's up?"

"It's Kat. She's completely vanished. She's not at her apartment, she's not at the Kent house, and when I tried to ask those idiots if they'd seen here, they just grumbled about spit and Chinese."

"Maybe she went for Chinese food."

"Well, I checked that place she likes, but she wasn't there. She's acting seriously weird and I don't like it."

"Take it easy, Knux. Kat's fine. You've got nothing to worry about."

"I just… I don't like it, okay? She's never left me before aside from school, and the place is still closed until next week. It feels…. Weird."

Sonic just rolled his eyes in response.

"You're getting all worked up over nothing."

"Hey, I have every right to be worried! She's not anywhere I'd expect her to be, and I can't find her!"

"Knuckles, just calm down. If you keep freaking out like this you're just gonna..." he paused for a moment, then let out a groan. "Wow, is this what I've been like all day?"

"You're still bugged about the moon?"

"Well, yeah. But, as everyone's been pointing out to me, there's nothing I can do." He took a breath. "But, I can help you with your problem."

"Oh? How so?"

"Well, let's think. She went to lunch, but there's no way she'd eat alone, and since Keith's overseeing Vector and the rest of Chaotix, she'd have to be with someone else in the group. I know Tails is in his workshop, so what about Amy?"

"Her diner's open, so she's there."

"Cream and Helen?"

"Take-Your-Daughter-To-Work day. Cream was going on and on about it yesterday, remember?"

"Oh, right. Well, I can't think of anyone else."

Knuckles thought for a moment, then it hit him.

"Hang on, Espio wasn't at the house when I stopped by."

"You think she's with him?"

"She's gotta be. When I get my hands on that ninja boy-"

"Take it easy Knux. You honestly think Kat would go anywhere with him if it was against her will?"

By the time Sonic looked up, Knuckles was already gone. Sonic sighed, shaking his head.

"What a knucklehead."

He then took off after Knuckles.

…

Kat and Espio walked out of the electronics store, a bag containing small I-Pod and a pair of headphones in hand.

"Thanks again for these," Espio told her.

"Hey, no sweat. I'm just glad the guy was willing to help us get you set up. Now whenever Vector or Charmy get to be too much, just pop on your headphones and you'll be good."

"Excellent. It will be nice to hear some peaceful sounds at home for once."

"Is your home in Sand Blast City?"

"No, I room with the team."

Kat winced.

"Oh man… How the heck did you end up with those two anyway? You're like… their polar opposite."

"Eh, it's a long story. They're not 'too bad', but they sure can get on your nerves sometimes."

"Heh, I'm pretty sure that's the same for all friends. I mean, Knuckles and Sonic bicker almost all the time. Sometimes, Keith and I have to physically separate the two."

"A surprising feat, given their strength."

"Hey, I'm no slouch when it comes to a brawl," Kat reminded him. "I kicked your collective butts, didn't I?"

"That you did. And I still have the bump on my head to prove it."

The two just laughed.

"Just don't expect me to go easy on you next time," Epsio warned.

Kat snorted.

"Oh, you were going easy on me, were you?"

"Indeed, had I been using my full power, you would not have gotten off as easily."

He gave her a light punch to the arm.

"Hey!"

The two looked up and saw Knuckles barreling towards them.

"Get away from her!" He yelled, ramming right into Espio.

Kat jumped to the side as the two Mobians went crashing to the ground. Espio's bag went flying, Kat quickly catching it as the chameleon attempted to shake off the irate echidna.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Espio questioned.

"I don't know what you pulled, but it ends now!"

Knuckles punched Espio, who then kicked Knuckles hard in the stomach. He went flying back as Espio flipped back onto his feet, wiping his mouth.

"You're not making any sense. What exactly is it that you think I've pulled?"

"You just stay away from her! You hear me?!"

"Hear, yes. Understand, not so much."

Knuckles growled and charged again, but Espio jumped out of the way, landing a kick on Knuckles' head. The echidna grabbed his leg before he could get away, swinging him into a lamp post. By now, a small crowd had gathered to watch the fight, with Kat just watching in stunned confusion. At that moment, Sonic ran right up to her, coming to a sudden stop.

"Hey, Kat. Where've you been all day?"

Kat blinked, turning to him.

"Sonic, what's wrong with Knuckles? He just up and attacked Espio? Is there something I'm missing?"

"He's been looking for you. Said you left before he woke up, never came home, and he had no idea where you were."

"No idea where I- I left a note!"

At that moment, Knuckles ripped a decorative tree out of the sidewalk area, attempting to swing it like a bat. Espio quickly kicked through it, splitting it in half. Before the fight could go any further, Kat quickly stepped in. She grabbed Knuckles by the scruff of his neck, lifting him up off the ground.

"Okay, enough! What's gotten into you, Knuckles?!"

"That chameleon did something to you! He's trying to take you!"

"Knuckles, did you not see the note I left this morning?"

Knuckles paused, looking confused.

"Note?"

"Yes, note. The paper taped to the door saying I was going to find Espio to apologize for yesterday and that I wouldn't be back until late?"

Knuckles remained silent for a moment, thoroughly embarrassed. He did indeed remember seeing a paper on the door, but had paid it no mind when he went out searching for Kat.

"I… might have missed that."

"So it seems I was attacked for no reason," Espio remarked, dusting himself off. "And you uprooted a tree for nothing."

"Hey, you're the one who was getting all chummy with Kat!" Knuckles snapped, his anger returning in full force as he flailed in Kat's grip. "Why were you even hanging around her for so long?! How long does it take to apologize?!"

"She was taking me to chinese dinner, where we had a pleasant conversation, then she was kind enough to help me purchase a… Eye Pod...

"I-Pod," Kat corrected.

"Right, I-Pod."

"But why?!" Knuckles exclaimed. "Kat is my friend! MY! FRIEND! Not yours!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Kat let out. "Knuckles, calm down. I'm allowed to have more than one friend. Besides, Espio wasn't doing anything wrong. We were just talking about his ninja training and how insufferable Chaotix is, and just stuff in general. Why are you so worked up?"

"I just… got worried. I'm not used to having friends, and I was worried that…"

He trailed off, just sagging in her grip. Kat took a breath, then gently set Knuckles back down.

"Knux, you're not gonna lose me. I mean, I literally moved onto your island so we could hang out more and you wouldn't be alone. I've followed you into battle more times than I can count, and you seriously think I'm just gonna drop you like that for some random Mobian I just met? No offense, Espio."

"None taken."

Knuckles let out a breath before turning to Espio.

"Sorry for trying to clobber you, Espio."

"Apology accepted. However, you only landed a single punch, and I believe you did more damage to the sidewalk than to me."

"So, you got lucky. Big deal."

"Luck had nothing to do with it."

Knuckles growled again.

"You are making it really hard to be remorseful, pal."

"How much longer until they're punching each other again?" Sonic remarked.

"My guess, a few more seconds," Kat answered.

"Perhaps you're right," Espio agreed, taking his bag from Kat. "I best leave before I cause this hothead to lose his temper again."

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Good day."

Espio walked off without answering.

"Hey! Get back here! I'm not done with you!"

He tried to run off, but Kat grabbed him by the scruff of the neck again, holding him away from her body so he wouldn't accidentally hit her.

"We should get out of here," she declared.

"Agreed," Sonic replied as the two walked off, Knuckles still struggling in Kat's grip.

…

Later that evening, Espio returned to the Chaotix headquarters, where Vector and Charmy were both sagged on their chairs in exhaustion.

"I can't believe they made us fix the window again," Charmy whined. "We never even got to break for lunch!"

"You said it, Charmy!" Vector declared. "Meanwhile, Espio gets all chummy with the wild child and gets treated to lunch!"

"Sorry to disappoint," Espio replied.

"Did you at least bring leftovers?" Vector questioned. "We're starving!"

"Sorry, there wasn't that much left."

"Oh come on!" Charmy cried out. "We worked hard all day! You just had to build a lousy table!"

As Charmy ranted, Espio reached into his bag, pulling out the headphones. He slid them on, turning on the music and letting out a sigh. Charmy's rant was reduced to little more than muffled noises as Espio sat down to meditate, a smile on his face.