Chapter Three

Yet another day passed, and Tails and Kaolin were enjoying some relaxation at their home with their close friend, Ray the Squirrel. He had dropped by to see their abode for the first time, as well as to converse. Hours after the Prowers' wedding, Ray had been called for an important assignment, and the bushy-tailed ally hadn't seen them since. This was something he had anticipated every day during that three week period.

Soft music was playing over the house speaker system, and the television was on, though at a low volume. Tails and Kaolin were sitting on the couch, talking with Ray, who was on a recliner. All of them were enjoying hot spiced tea, an appropriate response to the uncomfortably cool weather outside.

"I really like the setup. You guys did a good job on this place," complemented the squirrel, who cautiously sipped his steaming beverage.

The couple gave their thanks, and Tails replied, "Yeah, it's taken some work, but we're getting things the way we want here. Oh, I must show you the workshop out back, as well as the project I'm working on."

After burning his tongue, Ray said, "Ow...yes, I'd like to see. I always love seeing the stuff you build."

As everyone stood, their attention was drawn to the television. It was another news alert, which stated that a large bomb had gone off in one of Shauland's cites. The camera panned around the scene, showing the flaming ruins of a small office complex. Fifteen people were confirmed dead, with many more still inside the destroyed structure. Images of terrified civilians were shown repeatedly as the reporters discussed the situation.

"That's terrible," commented Tails, "Must be the doing of an ally of that slave group we took down." They said a quick prayer for the families and friends of those who lost their lives, as well as those who were still trapped within the wreckage, and proceeded outside to Tails' workshop.

The golden-orange fox led them inside and to a large holding vault, and after a few turns of the knobs, a couple of buttons pressed, and three handles turned, he opened the heavy, reinforced steel door. The lights on the ceiling activated automatically, spilling a blue-white glow upon the contents. They walked past various shelves with assorted gadgets scattered about, until they came to the end, where there was a partially-built mechanical suit in a thick glass case.

After Ray asked what it was, Tails responded, "That is a power suit I'm building. If it goes according to plan, it should act as a strength-assistant and shield. It's...taking some time, heh."

"I bet," commented the impressed Ray as he carefully looked it over, eyes wide with intrigue.

Tails grinned, and continued, "As soon as I finish this and work out all the bugs, I'm building one for Kaolin as well."

Excitedly, Ray inquired, "Will it have jets and pulse weapons and DEATH LAZORZ and grappling hooks and other destructive things?!"

Both Tails and Kaolin started chuckling, and Tails replied, "No no no, it's just a power suit. I might add a wrist gun later on, but it will only serve to add strength and protection for the time being."

Ray nodded, and added, "I see. It's looking very good. I'm sure it'll turn out nicely, just like everything else you make."

Tails thanked him, and the three exited the vault. Ray was given a tour of the rest of the workshop for a few minutes, which ended when they sat at a small table and began another conversation.

A few hours later, the trio returned from the workshop after having occupied themselves with an invigorating game of ring-toss. They had shared memories of past experiences as well, and smiles and laughter were abundant. That joy would soon be trampled by what they were about to see on the television.

The leader of Shauland was in the middle of another speech, discussing the day's terror attack. He offered words of consolence, and a promise to bring the perpetrators to justice. As he spoke, one of his aides approached him and whispered into his ear. His look became even more stern, and said, "My friends, I have just received word concerning evidence of the transgressors. It appears that the bomb belonged to the people who were released from our custody just a day ago, the Freedom Fighters." A pause ensued a the leader appeared to struggle with sadness, and gasps and low speaking could be heard in the small crowd of reporters.

Tails, Kaolin and Ray were in a state of utter shock, mouths agape, and eyes wide. They listened as it appeared as though the speech was about to resume.

Shauland's leader continued, "I am...troubled by this news. Apparently thirty-five people was not enough for them. I hereby send an urgent plea to the leaders of the United Federation to detain those criminals so they may be brought to our courts. These...monsters...must be brought to justice."

Tails' expression became that of intense irritation. He shook his head slightly, pursed his lips briefly, and said, "It's time for a group meeting."

Shortly thereafter, the Freedom Fighters met at their headquarters in the city of New Knothole to discuss the growing problem. At the same time, the leaders of the United Federation were having talks with the leaders of Shauland. They demanded to see the evidence proving the Freedom Fighters' hand in the attack, but the Shaulandic officials were hesitant and frequently revisited their statements of how time was of the essence and justice needed to be served. As the talks continued further, the Shaulandic officials became increasingly agitated and issued very subtle threats of sending a small task force to apprehend the Freedom Fighters. Both sides eventually agreed to resume the discussion later, after the situation could be assessed more thoroughly. During the hiatus, Shauland began rallying support from other nations, particularly the ones with gullible or currupt leadership. They knew they wouldn't get more unless there was more evidence, not only to pin the "attack" on the Freedom Fighters, but to show the world that the United Federation was just as corrupt.

Hours after Shauland's leader made the speech, the Freedom Fighters made a public announcement in an attempt to clear their organization's good name. Aside from the people in the United Federation, it fell mostly upon deaf ears. Eventually, Shauland fabricated more "evidence" against the Freedom Fighters and the United Federation, and presented it to the world community, thus inciting more opposing sentiment. It got to the point where Shauland was accusing the United Federation of spying, among other things. Even other countries were starting to get in on the bandwagon of blame, but it wasn't just directed at the United Federation, but its allies as well. Accusations of spying and claims of attempts to topple governments were frequent as Shauland's goal to gather support from other nations grew ever faster.

That week was a very heated week, culminating in sporadic bouts of gunfire on the borders of various nations, primarily between the more fanatical groups of opposing sides. Chaos was abundant, just as the Shaulandic leader desired.

It was as if the planet was going crazy.

----

Notes: The party's just getting started. Stick around for the final chapter, coming soon! Thank you for reading, and please review!

----

Canon Sonic characters and places © Sonic Team, Sega
Kaolin, story, original characters and organizations, etc © NuclearCookout