I don't own Sonic or Sega.
13. Knothole Knockout
"Hi Ryko." said Sally.
"Your royalness." Sally rolled her eyes.
"I was hoping we could be friends."
"Do I have to bow, say 'princess' or kiss your royal boots?"
"No."
"Deal."
They were walking down the palace halls.
"What you're about to be told is completely secret and is a confidential black operation. Do you swear to not tell anyone what you hear in this room?"
"Swear."
"Alright. Please step in."
It was an ordinary room. Sally hit a button in her closet and a false panel opened up. They walked downstairs until they came to a table. It had the Knothole Freedom Fighters logo on it. They were all there; except for one.
"Where's Sonic?"
"I don't want him to know about this."
Ryko was interested.
"Fill me in on the plan."
"Speaking of missing, where is Sadie?"
"She got shot in the arm and is now residing in a hospital."
"Sorry." Ryko shrugged.
"You date an assassin that tends to happen."
"So you're an assassin?"
"The best."
"Then you might not be interested in what I'm about to propose."
"Are you kidding me? A black operation? Fill me in!" Sally smiled.
"Who do you see missing here besides Sonic?" Ryko looked around.
"Bunnie. Bunnie D' Coolette. " The Knothole Freedom Fighters were world renowned; Nikki was in a really small sub branch completely unknown; probably made up.
"Yep. The first thing we offer is membership to us." Ryko frowned.
"I work for G.U.N"
"I'm fully aware of that. They've gave the okay for you to become a member of us and we can snag you when we need you."
"I accept. This is awesome!" Sally smiled.
"Thought you'd like that. Anyways, the plan…" Ryko cut her off.
"First, I want the details from the subject's closest friend. Or, in this case, husband. Antoine D'Coolette." He nodded, understanding.
"Bunnie has been kidnapped."
"When?"
"Last night."
"So what are we going to do? We couldn't possibly have found them." the group muttered in agreement, giving away that Sally wasn't telling them something.
"Ah, but we have. She's off the coast of here."
"In the ocean?"
"That's right."
"I don't know, Sally-"
"Call me Sal."
She really needs me, thought Ryko.
"From what I've gathered, we're getting in a boat and attempting to rescue Bunnie without the general public knowing, and you need me to join the crew." Sally looked puzzled.
"How did you know?"
"Assassin."
"Alright. Well, I don't want you to be in the crew." She paused.
"I want you to lead it."
An outbreak ensued.
"EVERYBODY SHUT UP!" yelled Sally.
"I talked to G.U.N. From what they tell me, he has all the natural skills. I got his resume for all of you." She passed them around. In a few moments they all started looking impressed.
"I don't trust him." said Antoine.
"Well I do." said Amy Rose.
"Why aren't you captain, Sally?" asked Ryko.
"I thought someone would ask that. I don't want to disappear. Remember, this operation is to be completely secret."
"Alright, Sally-"
"Sal."
"When we're good enough friends. Sally, Do you really think this is possible?"
"I don't know who captured her."
"I do."
"He wouldn't!"
"He did, Sally."
"Who?" asked Antoine.
Ryko and Sally shot a quick glance.
"No one. Forget about it."
"Yes, nothing important."
"If you know who kidnapped my Bunnie and you aren't telling me…" Sally sighed.
"We have an idea and I'll tell you soon. For now, I gotta go. Ryko, you can talk with the group. Congratulations, until this mission is over you are the de-facto leader of the Knothole Freedom Fighters." She left.
"What's our ship like?"
"It's the best on the planet, built by me." said Tails, a smile on his face.
"Awesome. Does anybody know how to work it?" They all pointed at Tails.
"You will steer the vessel, than. I can give orders. What weapons do we have on it, Tails?"
"It's got cannons hidden in the sides of it and we have various fake distress flags. We have a machine gun and a grappling hook in the case we need to board another ship. It has a giant crossbow as well."
"Excellent. Is anybody a good navigator?" A hologram came from the center of the table; she had a badge that said "N.I.C.O.L.E"
"I can do that."
"Hey, your N.I.C.O.L.E! The robot!" said Ryko. N.I.C.O.L.E blushed.
"When you're done flirting with robot, we have work to do." Ryko raised his eyebrows.
"Do you have leadership problems, Antoine?"
"Yes, I do." Ryko smiled. Tails was nervous.
"Would you like to challenge the right to my leadership, Antoine?"
"As a matter of fact, I would."
"As you wish. You may keep your sword. I won't use anything." The got into battle position.
Antoine swung. Ryko grabbed his sword and disarmed him, sweeping his feet from under him. He stepped hard on his chest, pointing the sword at his neck. The others watched in awe.
"I ask again. Do we have leadership problems, Antoine?"
"N-No."
"Excellent. Tails, where exactly are they?" asked Ryko, still on Antoine.
"They're in the Triangle."
"Of course they are. Alright, we break up this meeting. Antoine, I want to talk to you alone." They walked out to the hall.
"You wanted to know who had Bunnie? I'm piecing together that you figured out me and Sally know."
"Yes, I did. Who was it?"
"You aren't going to like it."
"Who?"
"Ares the Mesmer."
Antoine paused.
"What?"
"I'm not repeating it again. He has a gang that does all the stuff he doesn't want to do. Did Sally tell you what happened to Sonic at the Acorn Stakes?"
"Yes, he was poisoned."
"They were the ones who did that."
"I see."
"Tell ya what." said Ryko, a smile on his face.
"I'll let you handle any,er, negotiating, I have to do." Antoine smiled.
"I'm starting to warm up to you."
"Thanks. Anyways, we need to get on the boat, eh? I better get ready. Go tell Tails to get everything ready on the boat for tomorrow. I have plan, that, should it work, might eliminate any fighting whatsoever. Meet me on the dock tomorrow."