THE FLOWERS OF VICTORY
Far in the island, Doctor Ivo Robotnik or Dr. Eggman was having a huge and nasty outburst.
"AAARRRGGGHHH!" Eggman impacted his fist in the panel watching several videos in the screen. Taken by his robots before the blue hedgehog and his friends destroyed them. First the hedgehog ruined his plans in getting his Chaos Emerald back, stopping the attack on the city and now, thanks to him and the echidna he lost the Master Emerald.
From behind, Decoe and Bocoe were whispering.
"He sure is in a rage." Decoe said.
"I knew it was a bad idea to go to that island." Bocoe responded.
"The Doctor was very pleased after seeing the picture of that huge emerald that brought one of our robo-explorers."
"But he didn't expected to be guarded by a red echidna." Bocoe pointed.
"Or that the blue hedgehog would appear." Decoe concluded.
"I wonder if it would be considered good or bad luck." Bocoe thought.
"I will go for bad. After the red mobian discovered he was tricked by the Doctor." Decoe responded.
Suddenly, both robot squeak and ducked a wrench that ended breaking something in the back.
"Would you just shut up already?! " Eggman screamed to them and turned to the screen seeing the video of his last encounter with Sonic.
"It's all you got, Eggman?"
"GRRR! I hate that hedgehog!" He tapped the console and several videos appeared of the time he was in Knothole. And the one when Sonic save Sy and Thomas from the missile, called his attention. He only knew Sonic for a while, but he learned that hedgehog would do anything to protect those who were close to him.
"Mmm…" He held his chin in thought. " Well, Sonic. It's time I spy a bit more about your life." A creepy grin formed in his lips as an evil plan was forming in his mind.
"Breakfast is ready!" Thomas's screams were heard throughout the house. The old scientist opened the kitchen windows so that the black smoke could get out.
Sonic, Tails, Jade and Jody were sitting around the table looking with disgust, awe and distress their breakfast. Burnt eggs, black toast, dry bacon and more food that was spoiled by the bad cooking of Thomas.
"Hurry up and eat before it get cold!" Thomas said as he checked the pancakes burning in the pan.
"I'm not hungry." Tails smiled nervously in intent of getting off. "I'll give the Tornado another check. See you later!" He ran out of the kitchen.
"I didn't know it was possible to burn juice." Jody thought aloud as she shook lightly the vase with the dark orange liquid.
"It isn't." Omochao came floating holding an extinguisher in case something got on fire. "It was the juice extractor that burnt." Jody looked back to the orange juice and saw pieces of metal floating in the surface.
"For once, I'm glad I have school." Jade mumbled then faked a sweet smile. "Sorry Grandpa, but it's getting late for school. I'll have lunch at school."
"Oh! No need, Pumpkin. I have your lunch right here!" Thomas took a paper bag but when he turned, Jade was nowhere to be seen.
"She forgot her lunch… Oh, well." He left the bag and took a plate with a pile of burnt Pancakes. "More for us."
"I will have just an apple." Jody responded taking it from the fruit basket.
"I'll retire too. I'll eat something on the way" Sonic stood up but Jody grabbed his arm.
"Where are you going?" Jody asked angry.
"To go running. What else? He said relaxed and Jody stood up glaring at him.
"You are staying here." Sonic was about to reply but Jody didn't let him. "Maybe you forget but just a couple of days ago, we found a floating island with a echidna that gave us information to find seven Chaos Emeralds that Eggman wants to use to take over the world. So you are going to do research with me until we find how to get them before he does." She stared serious and Sonic returned the look. But then smiled.
"It will be alright." Jody shocked for his answer. "We'll find the Chaos Emeralds before you know it." With that Sonic left the house running. Jody sighed frustrated and sit again on the chair. She just couldn't understand how that hedgehog could take everything so easy.
She heard the front door opening and saw Margaret carrying a few bags from the market.
"Thomas!" Margaret yelled seeing the kitchen and smelling something burning. "What have I told you about cooking?"
"But I am improving, honey!" He tried to justify but when Margaret grabbed one of the hotcakes and crumbled, he sighed in defeat. "Okay, You win… At least I did not blow up the kitchen." He walked to the dumpster and pulled the whole dish.
"Thomas!" She cried at first but decided to calm down. "Now I know why Sonic and Jade left early." She commented remembering about how she saw them running from the house.
"Sorry, Maggie." Thomas kissed her cheek. "I was just trying to give you a hand. You are full handed with the preparation of the party."
"Party?" Jody thought as she ate the apple.
"Thanks, darling. But you can help by cleaning the living room." Maggie said sweetly as she put the groceries out.
"Understood." Thomas took the cleaning equipment and ran out the kitchen. Omochao came to the table and started to put the dishes away one by one.
"What party?" Jody suddenly asked.
"Oh, that's right. We haven't met yet." Margaret said a little embarrassed and started to put away the groceries. "Today is Vanilla's birthday. Cream's mother. We were planning to make her a surprise party for a while now. After what happened in the last days, it would be and opportunity to relax. And it would be a great opportunity for you too."
"For me?" She asked disinterested.
"To meet more people." She explained. Since Sonic and the others met Jody, she's been isolated from them. Locking herself inside the house doing nothing but research of the Chaos Emeralds.
"And why would I need that?"
"Because you never know when you need a friend, my dear." Margaret smiled sweetly.
Jody stayed silent to not answer back for respect to Margaret. But she wasn't interested in the idea of having friends. She did not need them nor wanted them.
"Oh, dear!" Maggie's voice made Jody come back to realty. "I forgot to buy the flour and candles for the cake." Then she turned to Jody with a sweet smile. "Would you mind go and fetch them for me?"
"I-I…" Jody stammered for the request.
"Thanks, my dear!" Maggie said before she could say no. "Here you go." She gave her a list and her coin purse. "The money I gave you should do."
Jody stared annoyed then she sighed knowing she had no choice. Maggie and Omochao escorted her to the front door where Thomas was wearing an apron because of cleaning the living room.
"Where are you going?" Thomas asked Jody.
"To the market." She simple said.
"She is going to buy some stuff I forgot." Maggie informed him.
"Oh! If that's case, Omochao! Please go with her." He walked closer to them and leaned to Omochao. "And watch her." He whispered.
"Aye! Aye!" Omochao affirmed.
Jody sighed when she heard them but she just along with Omochao.
As everyday, Knothole was full of life during the morning. Except of Jody, who was walking in the market wanting to finish the shopping she was sent to, so she could continue searching for the Chaos Emeralds.
"What else we need?" Omochao asked.
"The only left is the cake's candles." Jody responded checking the paper bag.
They entered to a small shop and Omochao flew between the shelves until he found he candles. He took a little box of pink candles and flied back to Jody in the cash register.
"That would be all?" Ask the owner of the store.
"Yes." Jody answered and she gave him the money and Omochao handed the candles.
Once she got the change of the money, she left the store and someone yelled her and Omochao.
"Hey, Omochao!" They looked and saw the sheriff walking to them.
"Good morning, Sheriff. How are you doing?" Omochao greets back.
"I'm fine and ready for the party." He exclaimed excited and then he noticed Jody. "You there… You must be Jochebed. I heard a lot of you from Thomas and Margaret. Nice to meet you at last." He extended his hand to her But she didn't took it. She just stared at his hand and then looked his face wither her emotionless gaze.
It wasn't long after she left walking away ignoring Sy and soon Omochao flew after her.
The road back home was really quiet, not that it bothered Omochao. Jody kept walking until a humming called her attention. Looking at the side of the road she saw a meadow of flowers and spotted a familiar little rabbit.
"Deja vu." Jody mumbled realizing it was Cream picking up flowers again. "She shouldn't be at school?" She asked Omochao.
"Because she is in a lower grade and her classes finish early." Omochao answered.
"Why she is picking up flowers this time?"
"Maybe is the present for her mom."
"Flowers to a mother…"
"What you give to your mom on her birthday?" Omochao asked innocently. But she remained in silence and continued her way back to the Birch's house.
"Was it something I said…?" Omochao commented to himself.
In the mountains of Greenhills, Sonic was admiring the great view. He inhaled deeply making his chest rise and released it into a scream.
"HELLO!" And the word echoed in each inch of the mountain and Sonic chuckled. He loved to do that. Then his attention went down to a small meadow with beautiful flowers. He smiled widely and ran down to them. He knew today was Vanilla's birthday and he needed a present. So he picked up a flower and smelled its delicate scent.
The bell of the school announced the end of classes. Jade along Amy was taking her stuff from their locker when they spotted Vanilla coming out of a classroom.
"Vanilla!" Jade closed her locker and ran to meet her.
"Hello, Jade." The older rabbit greet her back. "Is something matter?"
"Nah… Just my grandmother asked me to remember you of the tea invitation at our house."
"Of course." She giggled softly. "But I have a to do a few things first. You go ahead and I will be in my way as soon I finish."
"Alright. See ya then." Jade left and joined Amy.
"Does she suspect anything?" Amy asked smiling excited.
"Not a thing." Jade winked. "Let's go so we can help with the decoration."
Vanilla watched her go and then she turned and walked to the other side. Neither of them noticed the little bird-robot that was watching them outside the window.
The doorbell sang in the Birch's house. Margaret opened the door to receive more guests.
"Sy. " She greeted the Sheriff who was accompanied with Milly and James. "Glad you guys came."
"Thanks for inviting us." The female chinchilla said holding a gift.
"I just came for the cake. Ow!" James said and Sy slapped him in the back of his neck. "Just joking." He snapped rubbing his sore spot.
"Come in. Make yourself at home." Margaret said amusedly.
They entered to the living room where other guests were. Peggy Sue was chatting with her boyfriend, Ted, when she spotted them.
"Hello Milly." Peggy waved at them. When they join them, Peggy hugged tightly the young chinchilla. "You look great. How far are you?" She pointed to her belly.
"Four month the next week." Milly responded as they ended the hug and put a hand in her midsection.
"That's wonderful."
"Where's Amy?" Sy suddenly asked noticing that she was nowhere to be seen.
"She and Jade are up finishing with the decoration of the party. But it won't be long until Vanilla arrives soon."
"Talking about girls," Milly looked around. "Where is the new one?"
"Over there." Ted pointed to the kitchen where Jochebed was sitting in the table reading a book with another pile of them by her side.
"What is she doing?"
"As far as I know she is collecting information."
"About what?" James asked.
"That's the peculiar. She was looking for legends that include jewels since she arrived. But a couple of days ago, she asked everything that had information of Mystic Ruins." The group looked curious wondering what the girl was looking for.
"Ted, you talked to her." Peggy said. "How is she like?"
"Oh! Well…" They stared at Jody looking for the right words. "She is so… so…"
"Serious." James said creep out.
"I was going to say reserved. But that word fits too."
"Now, guys." Milly interfered. "Remember that we are all strangers to her. Everyone would act like that."
"You might be right." James agreed. But after staring at her, all alone, quiet and with a face lacked of any emotion, they looked at each other in concerned.
Jody put away the book she was reading and took other. Meeting Knuckles in Angel Island was a big help. They now knew there were seven Chaos Emeralds to collect. However, that doesn't mean they know how to find them. Jody remembered how their emerald reacted before crashing in Angel Island, even before they found the Master Emerald. Maybe that was the connection. But assuming wasn't enough. She needed to find a way to get the rest before Eggman.
"Chao chao!" Her thoughts were interrupted by Cheese who appeared suddenly in front of her. Jody ignored him and went back reading. Then Cream appeared at her side holding a crown of flowers.
"Hello, Miss Jody." Cream greeted. Jody looked at her and went back to the book. Cream came closer and peeked at the page. "What are you reading?"
"Mystic Ruins." She simple answered without looking at her.
"Oh, Ok. " Cream smiled tenderly and since she didn't moved a muscle, Jody was forced to see her.
"Is there is something I can help you with?"
"I finish Mom's present!" Cream responded cheerfully showing her the crown. "Do you think she will like it?"
In that moment Amy appears in the doorframe of the kitchen and listened to them.
"Have you given her crown of flowers before?" Jody asked her.
"Yes." She responded softly.
"Did she like them?"
"Yes…"
"Then she would like this one as well." She said her cold conclusion.
"Cream." Amy came in and smiled at her. "Why don't go and help Jade with the dishes?"
"Sure." She smiled back. "Come on, Cheese."
"Chao." When they left the kitchen Amy glared at Jody. She didn't liked how cold she treated her friend.
"You know," She hissed trying very hard to not shout. "A simple 'she will love it' would have been nice. She is just a little kid." Jody just turned back to the book. Amy couldn't believe her coldness towards others.
"Amy!" Jade called her. "Can you come for a second?"
She breath out and looked at Jody.
"We haven't done." And left leaving Jody alone. Jody thought for a moment if she what she sad to Cream was really bad, but she didn't cared. She wasn't there to be liked by people anyway.
Vanilla was finally on her way to the Birch's house. She wouldn't say anything, but she knew why they asked her to meet at Jade house. He giggled at little, never trust a secret to Amanda from the fruit store.
Suddenly a shadow covered her making her halt. When she looked back what she saw made her gasped in fear.
Sonic was running in the road holding a bouquet of flowers getting closer to the Birch's place. He stopped right in front of the door and checked the flowers to see if they were in good state. Then he opened the door.
"SURPRISE!" Tails, Amy, Cream and everybody yelled surprising Sonic. Except Jody who was leaning on the wall away form the crowd.
"Why, thanks." Sonic smirked. After everyone saw it was Sonic and not Vanilla, they moaned in disappointment.
"Sonic!" Amy squealed in glee and ran to hug him.
"Sonic…" Jade yelled. "We wasted the good scream on you."
"Pardon me." Sonic looked around. "So Vanilla hasn't arrived yet? I wanted to come luxury late."
"There is a point there." Margaret said worried. "Is not common from Vanilla to be this late."
"Nah. Probably the work in the school took her more than expected." Thomas assured. Sonic was about to comment something when a sound called his attention.
"Do you hear that?" Sonic asked and they stopped the chat and saw him walk to a window and open it for completely. He peeked out and turned clearer, like the sound of a rocket. Immediately he pulled his head inside and then a little humanoid black robot flew inside the house with a green back with the name Eggman. Everyone become mute when the robot landed in the coffee table.
"I'm looking for Sonic the hedgehog." Bokkum said.
"Present!" Sonic said proudly. Then the robot brought out a mini TV and put it over the table in front of him.
"You have a message." Bokkum pressed the interrupter of the TV. "Here it is."
Everyone come closer as the image started to form in the screen. All the room was filled by a simultaneous gasp as the image of Gerald Robotnik appeared in the screen.
"Eggman." Sonic exclaimed.
"Good day, Sonic the Hedgehog." The awful face of the mad scientist was grinning of ear to ear. "I hope you are having a wonderful time in your party. Too bad Ms. Vanilla will miss it." The image change to Vanilla trapped inside a gigantic sphere.
"Mom!" Cream screamed in tears. Everyone else in the room gasped in horror. Even Jody started surprise.
"If you want the guest of honor back, come in to the south of Greenhills in six hours with the Chaos Emerald." The screen showed a map of Greenhills and a mark appeared in the east part. "You know what is the prize." All the people were so focus on the message that didn't notice Bokkum sneaking to the window.
"I'll be waiting." That was the last words before the message ended with a small explosion. Everyone screamed as a big cloud of smoke fill the room and the entire one with in it. The smoke made everyone cough and when it dispersed, the decoration was ruin, the people dirty and the bouquet that Sonic was holding was on fire.
"Hey!" Tails coughed. "Where the robot go?" Bokkum was already flying away laughing like a little devil.
"Forget about him, Tails." Sonic told him. "We have bigger troubles." When he finally noticed the bouquet in flames, he squealed. Jerked the flower to the floor and stomped over it to put out the fire.
After they cleaned the mess of the explosion, the Sheriff sent all the guests back home knowing that there could not be a party when Vanilla was in danger and they couldn't get involved.
"I'm not sure about this." Peggy Sue was standing in the front door with Ted ready to go. "I'm still thinking you should come home with me."
"Cream needs me right now." Amy responded concerned. "I can't abandon her."
"Don't worry, Peggy." Ted put his hand over his girlfriend's shoulders to smooth her a little. "Thomas already said they would look after her."
"But…"
"Come on. I'll walk you home."
"Alright." She to looked to her baby sister. "Call me as soon you know something."
"I will." Peggy kissed her in the forehead and they left. Amy closed the door and returned to the living room.
The only ones who were in the living room were Sonic, Tails, Thomas and Sy, looking concerned but serious. Amy, Jade and Margaret were comforting Cream in the sofa who stopped crying hugging Cheese. Jody was leaning on the wall and didn't say a word since then.
"So Robotnik wants this… Chaos Emerald in exchange of Vanilla." Sy began.
"I'm afraid so, Sy." Thomas said seriously. Everyone was concerned and cream burst into tears again.
"Don't cry, Cream." Amy tried to comfort her. "Everything will be fine."
"That's right!" Sonic said confident. "Your mother will be here in a blink!"
"Listen to Sonic." Tails came in front of the little rabbit. "We will rescue her."
"There won't be a we." They all looked at Sy. "Me and my comrades will take care of this situation." Sy refused to let some kids getting involved on something so serious.
"But we want to help." Amy said.
"Sorry kids, but I don't want more civilians near that maniac."
"Not big deal." Sonic said with a smirk. "I will take of Eggman. Like last time."
"Last time was just luck." Sy told him.
"What happen in Station Square was luck too?" Sonic responded in confident.
"Those were you?!" Sy exclaimed in awe and frustration.
"Sonic! Zip it!" Jade glared at him who just shrugged in innocence. Sy took a deep breath and let it go slowly to not loose control.
"Let's go to our main problem. Thomas." He directed to the old scientist who was cleaning the mess of the explosion with Maggie. "You told me that this jewel it is dangerous."
"Not exactly." Thomas responded. "It depends of how the energy it's used for. I wasn't able to improve in the investigation of the emerald but-"
"The emerald will stay in the garage." Everyone turned perplexed to Jody. She was still leaning on the wall but listened to the whole conversation.
"Um... I appreciate the concern of my investigation but-"
"I'm not." She said coldly. "I refused to see Eggman with the emerald on his hands."
"It's not your call you know." Jade snapped angrily.
"It's my emerald."
"And is Cream's mom!" Amy shouted.
"I'm afraid I agree with her." Everyone gasped and looked shocked at Sy.
"But Sy…!" Tails yelled.
"I'm sorry, Tails." Sy interrupted the little fox. "But Robotnik is already dangerous as he is, I'm not willing to put gasoline to the fire."
"What about my mom?" Cream asked tearfully. The Sherriff came closer to Cream and kneeled in front of her.
"We will bring her back. One way or another. I promise you that."
"I still insist, Sheriff." Sonic repeated. "I'm the hedgehog for this job." Sy stood up and turned to him.
"There's only one little problem… You. Are. A. KID!"
"I'll be fifteen soon." Sonic responded.
"I don't care!" He exploded. "And I don't care how many times you fight this Eggman, Robotnik or whatever he is called. As long as you live in my town you follow my rules!"
Silence came after that. Sonic wanted to reply, but he couldn't fight with the Sherriff. After Margaret saw the discomfort in the kids' faces, she walked to them.
"Dears, why don't you take Cream to the kitchen and gave her something to drink."
"Sure… Whatever…" Sonic responded annoying hating to be treated like a kid, just like the rest. But without any protest, Sonic along Tails, Amy, Cream, Jody and Jade left.
"Now," Sy sighed taking off his hat and rubbing his head. "Back to the problem."
As the grown ups were discussing the situation of how rescuing Vanilla, Sonic and the others gathered in the kitchen. Amy guided Cream to a chair as Jade went for milk, while Tails and Sonic took a sit as well meanwhile Jody just stood still in a corner.
"Here you go, Cream." Jade gave her a glass of water and the little rabbit began to take little sips.
"Better?" Asked Amy.
"Yes… Thank you." Cream nodded.
"I can't believe Sy just kick us out." Sonic complained.
"Technically he is right, Sonic." Tails commented. "We are just kids."
"Most of us." Jade replied.
"It's the same." Tails rolled his eyes. "We are still minors and he is just trying to protect us."
"Whose side you are?" Amy replied.
"That question goes more to her." Jade pointed irritably to Jody.
"Me?" Jody responded disinterested.
"How could you do it?" Jade stood up and glared at her. "It's my emerald?" She imitated with a more raw voice.
"Jade is right." Sonic said. " That was cold, even coming form you."
"I'm not here to sympathize nor be friendly. I'm here to get the emeralds before Eggman. And I won't give it to him." Jody responded.
"But…She is my mom." Cream replied softly. Jody crossed her arms and look away.
"Whatever happens to her, it's not my problem." She said coldly. Cream stared at her and started. Without saying anything Cream left the room followed by Cheese. Everyone looked sad at the door where Cream left. Even Jody.
"Cream!" Amy went after her.
"Come back, Cream!" Jade followed them as well.
"You owe Cream an apology!" Tails snapped.
"I'm being realistic." She said without remorse. "You really want to give Eggman a weapon to conquer the world?"
"No but-"
"You have to see the bigger picture."
"Maybe so." They turned to Sonic. "But is that what you would really do? Would you really put the emerald before your mother's life?"
Jody glared at him with her eyes full of hate and anger but she remained in silence. She left the kitchen leaving Sonic and Tails alone. Whatever Sonic said, it hit Jody deeply.
Jody went into Jade's room and shut the door behind her. Since the day she arrived it has been her room as well. Even Thomas, put another bed aside the window. At first Jade didn't liked the idea and it stills bothers her but at the end she even helped to makes some changes so both bed could fit without troubles.
She crawled over her bed and sat in the fame of the window looking out. She didn't knew what came to her. Why she reacted like that? Why those words stroke her so hard? Her mother… She hasn't thought in her for years. Leaning over her hand, she closed her eyes and thought of what Sonic said.
"Will I do it?"
"Then is settled." Sy said. "We'll leave as soon Milly and the rookie comes back with the rest of the team."
"Are you sure want to do this?" Thomas asked concerned. "Remember what happens the last time."
"Yes." Sy responded as he remembered his last encounter with Eggman. "But I have to try anyway. This time we know what we are facing."
From the frame of the kitchen's door, Amy, Cream and Jade heard everything.
"He just doesn't get it, does he?" Jade whispered to the two mobians girls. Sonic and Tails disappeared minutes ago.
"We wasted a lot of time already." Amy said frustrated. "I say let's take business in our own hands."
"I second that motion, sis." Jade agreed. And before Cream could protest they went through the back door of the kitchen.
In a beautiful field of flowers, a young man was sitting peacefully resting in a big tree while reading a book and humming a nice song.
"Mommy!" The cheerful voice of a child took her attention. Looking ahead, she saw her daughter running towards her with his arms full of flowers and a big smile on her face.
Suddenly, the girl tripped pulling flowers. She sat on his lap and began to cry..
She smiled and left the book. She is stood up and walked to her little daughter. She knelt in front of her and picked her up holding her tenderly in her arms.
"There, dear." Her mother comforted her until Jody stop crying. "It's alright, Jochebed. Mommy is here. And I always be here." Jody looked up to her mother and returned the warm smile. The little girl hugged her mother as she started to sing a little lullaby.
"Little flower, hear my voice
I am here, don't be scared
Little flower, don't you cry
My love for you can fill the sky
Allow the hope, faith and love
Be the guardians of your heart
Little flower, do not forget
I'll be always there..."
Jody awoke from her sleep and realized she wasn't in a field of flowers, but still sitting in the frame of the window.
"When did I fell at sleep?" She thought as she rubbed her eyes. Then she froze when she remember her dream… Or memory? Jody had not had any memory of her past from a long time, especially from her parents.
She sighed in distress and jumped out the window onto the floor with agility. After wiping the dust off, she thought of her dream and images of Cream crying arrived to her mind. Eggman was a coward to use a child's mother as bait to get what he wanted. He could not get away with it.
Sonic was staring at the window in Tails' room seeing the sunset. It was time to meet Eggman and deliver the emerald. Even if he had to disobey Sy's orders, he wouldn't stay and do nothing. He left the room and looked for the laboratory followed by Tails.
"I'm not sure about this, Sonic." Tails warned him. "I don't like the idea of going behind Sy's back."
"Come on, buddy. We will take the emerald, go for Vanilla and come back before they even notice." Sonic opened the door and the two came in. But Sonic froze when he noticed the container was empty.
"The emerald! It's gone!" Tails exclaimed.
"Someone took before we did." Sonic affirmed.
"Where is the Chaos Emerald?" Sonic and Tails looked behind and saw Jody behind them.
"Dunno. We just arrived. "Tails ran to the container and inspected the data.
"But who could have take it?"
"Sy and Jade's grandparents are still inside. So they are out of the suspect list." Jody told Tails. Sonic thought of whom else could have taken the emerald. Then he noticed something.
"Where are Amy, Cream and Jade?" Sonic thought.
"They wouldn't, would they?" Tails became nervous.They ran to the garage and saw Thomas's pickup wasn't there.
"Great." Jody said in exasperation. "Now we don't just need to rescue Vanilla, but also them." Sonic and Tails stared at her surprised of what she said.
"Don't get any idea." She said coldly. "I'm just going for the emerald."
"Whatever you say." Sonic smirked.
Sy was in the phone talking to a partner of the police station,
"Is the team reunited? Good. As soon you are ready come to the Birch's resident." With that he hung the phone and turned to the old couple and Omochao. "The only thing we can do is wait until they arrive."
Suddenly they heard the sound of an engine turning on.
"Do you hear that?"
"Is sound… Like a plane." Thomas concluded.
"They wouldn't…" Sy didn't wasted more time and ran out the house along with Thomas and Margaret. They followed the sound to the garage.
"My truck is gone!" Thomas yelled and they went outside.
The propellers of the Tornado started to move. Tails was on the pilot sit, Jody on the back one and Sonic standing from the wing.
"Hurry up!" Jody hissed from the back sit.
"I know!" Tails yelled as he checked all the instruments.
"KIDS!" Sy's screams made them look back and tails started moving the Tornado.
"It's now or never, Tails!" Sonic shouted as Tails pull the control stick to elevated the plane.
"Come back here! Or I'll arrest you!" Sy yelled at them, but it was too late. The Tornado was already in sky. "Come back!"
"Let them go." Both men turned shocked to Margaret. "I know they will come back safe and sound. I trust in them." She said calm and smiling to the sky.
"But-!"
"She is right." Thomas agreed smiling. "Besides, Sonic is with them. And he never gave us reason to doubt him."
Sy took off his hat and ran his hand into his hair. They watched how the Tornado disappeared in the sky.
In the east part of Greenhills, Amy was inside Thomas' pickup looking a map that had a place marked with an X.
"Are you sure that's the place, Jade?" Amy asked to the teen back the wheel, with Cream in the middle holding Cheese.
"I have eidetic memory, of course I'm sure!" Jade responded with confidence. Amy rolled her eyes and returned to the map.
"I hope Mom is alright." Cream said to Cheese.
"Chao Chao." Cheese looked up her sad.
"Don't worry Cream." Amy said tenderly. "She will be fine."
"And better when we took her away from that egghead." Jade said confidently and suddenly the truck shook wildly.
"What was that?!" Amy screeched on panic as she held Cream and Cheese. Jade tried to take control of the wheel but it was useless. The girls screamed as the vehicle felt to it's side.
"Ow…" Jade opened her eyes slowly. She didn't feel anything broken but she gasped as she looked for the others. "Cream! Amy!"
"I'm fine." Amy said rubbing her head.
"We are fine, too." Responded Cream and Cheese.
"What a relief…" Jade said. "Amy? Think you can open the door?"
"I'll try." Amy took off her belt and very careful reach up for the door; lucky she was able to open it without difficulty. She sat on the edge and helped Cream to get out with Cheese, then Jade pull herself out.
"Man…" Jade mumbled as she saw the pickup. "Grandpa is going to kill me."
"This is the less of our problems." Amy said in panic. The others knew what she meant when a giant yellow crab-like robot appeared in the distance with a dozen of peons-robots.
"Uh oh!" Jade exclaimed as she put Cream behind her and Amy brother out her hammer.
"It's nice you decide to respond my message." Looking up they saw Dr. Robotnik in his hovercraft but this time he had something attached at the base. A transparent sphere holding a prisoner.
"Mom!" Cream cried in tears seeing her mother inside the sphere.
"Cream!" Vanilla cried back. "You have to escape now!"
"How touching. A mother and her daughter reunited." Eggman mocked and looked around searching for someone. "Where is that blue vermin?"
"We are the only ones!" Amy stepped forward and showed the Chaos Emerald. Eggman almost squeal in delight at seen it. "Let her go!"
"I will." Eggman smiled evilly. " After you handle the emerald."
"Amy." Jade whispered at her friend. "I'm not so sure about this anymore…"
"Neither am I." Amy agreed. "But there is not other choice." Amy stretched her arm back, ready to throw it when they heard a plane getting closer.
"There they are!" Tails exclaimed when he spotted the girls.
"We are too late!" Jody realized when saw Amy's next movement.
"AMY! WAIT!" Sonic screamed but like Jody said, it was too late. Amy threw the emerald to Eggman and caught it.
"Finally! You are back with daddy!" Eggman told the emerald.
Sonic jumped from the plane and as soon he touched land he ran in front of Eggman.
"You got the emerald!" Sonic shouted. "Now let Vanilla go!"
"Mmm… No." Eggman said.
"WHAT?!" Everyone in the ground exclaimed.
"I will conserve her for future negotiations." He grinned evilly and snapped his fingers sending the robots to attack them.
"If that the way you want to play then is fine to me!" Sonic smirked and ran forward directly to the robots.
"That cheater!" Amy grunted in fury and she launch to the robot as well, hinting them to her hammer.
As Jade took Cream back the truck, a gun fell in front of them. Jade took it and inspected.
"Do you know how to use that?" Cream asked her.
"Well…" The gun suddenly shot a laser leaving a small hole in the ground. Jade smirked and turned to the little rabbit girl. "I'm going to find out. Stay here."
"But-"Jade left before Cream could protest.
Cream and her little Chao peeked, seeing how the redhead ran to take cover behind one fallen robot and started to shoot.
"What a reckless brat." Eggman growled softly seen Jade was able to hit a few of his robots. Then the sound of a motor made him look to his side. He squeaked noticing the Tornado was flying directly to him. The craft ducked in the last minute.
"I won't surrender for reckless brats! Bring down that plane!"
As soon he yelled his command, some robots pointed to the sky and shot their lasers or bazookas in intent to bring down the plane.
Tails was doing a good job dodging the attacks but Jody knew it wouldn't last.
"Tails! Fly as close to the ground as you can then get out of here!" She shouted.
"What?!" Tails screamed shocked without looking back.
"Just do it!"
Tails grunted and did what she told him. As soon the Tornado was closer to the robots, Jody stood up and jumped off the plane taking her dagger and embed in the head of one of the robots.
"Show off!" Jade yelled at her as Jody took off the dagger and jumped down as the robot felt.
As Jody kneeled behind a knocked robot, she saw the Tornado flying away of the battlefield.
Sonic was fighting against the peon-robots and the big one as well. The crab robot was throwing punches at Sonic, but he dodged each one of them and in the process the big robot destroyed a few of the red ones.
Cream and Cheese peeked to the battle, looking up she saw her mother still inside the bubble, as Eggman was laughing hysterical as he viewed the Emerald.
Cream grunted in anguish and worry. Then she noticed a path between the fallen robots. Taking a deep breath she go for it.
Sonic yawned as he fought the crab robot. Suddenly the robot stopped and raised both arms aiming to Sonic.
"Come one! What are you going to shoot me know? Your fists? Lasers? Missiles?"
The robot's hands felt reveling several radial saw.
"OK… That's kinda cool." And the robot shoots the saws.
Amy was doing a good job in her own hitting a robot and when the robot fell, more robots surrounded Amy.
"Ha! Who's next?!" She yelled proudly.
"AMY!" Amy's heart skip at hearing Sonic's voice.
"Sonic!" She turned in glee and smiling, but it banished when Sonic ran to her as he was being chased by thousands of circular saws.
Amy yelped when Sonic picked her up and continued running.
Jody saw the flying saws launching in all directions. Even Jade who was crawling in her spot, tried to not loose the head. But the robot was mainly aiming to Sonic; in the way it hit some of the red robots as well.
In that moment, Jody saw Cream and Cheese passing thought the fallen robots going right to Eggman.
"Perfect!" She muttered to herself and ran after her.
The metallic crab was still launching saws to the hedgehog. Meanwhile, Sonic was running with Amy in his arms. He ran passed where Jade was hiding and left Amy with her.
"Having fun?" Jade joked.
"Hmph!" She looked away from her pounding. "Where's Cream?"
"I left her behind the truck."
"She isn't there anymore!" Amy squeaked when she peeked.
Jade peeked as well and squealed in panic when saw Cream running out in the field.
"CREAM!" She was about to run after her but she hide when some remain red robots shoot at them making them hide back.
Cream was running until she got where Eggman was.
"Mom!" Cream called her mother.
"Cream!' Vanilla cried in panic at notice her.
"Oh. The little rabbit is trying to help her mama." Eggman mocked cruelly.
"Please. Let my Mom go." Cream pleaded in tears.
"Boo. To bad." Eggman grinned evilly as a couple of robo-peons appeared in front of her.
Cheese cried in panic and fled to Cream arms, and stood in the same spot trembling.
The robots aimed her ready to shoot when Jody appeared from aside. Jumping, she launched to one of the robots and embedded her dagger in the chest. When she pulled it out sparks came out. When Jody saw more robots coming she picked up Cream and Cheese and started running.
Sonic kept running from the saws when he noticed Cream was about to be attacked. But he relaxed when he saw Jody saving her. Now that his friends were save, he could get serious.
So Sonic braked and turned around. He grabbed a saw that was flying to him like a Frisbee and threw it back hitting the head of the robot. Then he ran and rolled in super speed and tackled the robot.
Jody hided behind a rock and inspected if there wasn't any more peon-robots left in the field. She saw Eggman shouting to his crab-robot and her eyes came to a bazooka not very far from her. After analyzing the situation an idea came to her mind.
"I'm going out." Jody said.
"Huh?" Cream looked up at her.
"You and Cheese stay here."
"But I want to go too!"
"No! You are staying!" Jody said firmly.
"I want to help!" Cream yelled angry.
"I don't need your help!" Jody said almost screaming making Cream jump. Then Jody's eyes softened a little and said softly. "I need you safe."
Cream eyes widen in amazement and Jody ran out to the open field.
Amy and Jade saw how Sonic was having a good time beating the robot, leaving it without arm. Then they noticed Jody running to the opening.
"What is she doing?" Jade asked.
"I don't know." Amy responded and she ran to Jody with Jade behind.
Jody was trying to lift the bazooka but it was too heavy to lift it by herself.
"What are you planning?" Jody heard Amy and looking back she saw her with Jade running to her.
"Help me lift this!" Jody commanded.
"Wha-"
"Just do it!" She interrupted Amy was about to protest. "Trust me!"
Amy shut her mouth and glanced to Jade to see if they should trust her, but not having another option, they helped her to move the bazooka.
Eggman was too busy admiring the emerald that he didn't noticed what the girls were doing. Meanwhile, Sonic decided that it was time to finish the battle so he ran away and returned in full speed until he was rolling and tackled the robo-crab destroying it.
Sonic stood up and proud of his work he smirked.
"You keep surprising me, Sonic." Sonic turned to Eggman, but he didn't looked upset about his robot. "Maybe you defeated my robot. But in the end, I'm the winner." He showed the Chaos Emerald.
"I'm wouldn't be so sure about it." Sonic smirked.
"Huh?" Eggman looked down and saw what Sonic meant. The girls lifted the bazooka over the rests of a robot as support and aimed directly to Eggman.
"WHAAA!"
Jody pulled the trigger and the missile was shot hitting between Eggman's hovercraft and the bubble that was holding Vanilla. The bubble broke into a thousand pieces and Vanilla fell to the ground. But in a blink, Sonic jumped and caught her before she could hit the ground. Because of the explosion, Eggman let go of the emerald and while falling, Cheese flew and caught it.
"Chao! Chao!" Cheese yelled happy.
"Nice catch, Cheese!" Jade praised the chao.
"No! My emerald!" Eggman screamed in anger. The emerald was taken away and all his robots were destroyed. Knowing he didn't have a chance to win, he escaped in his hovercraft disappearing in the sky.
Sonic set Vanilla on her feet and she heard someone running to her.
"Mom!" Cream ran in tears towards her mother.
"Cream!" Vanilla turned to see her daughter. Cream launched herself to her mother's arms. And they hugged each other crying in happiness and Cheese flew around them dancing and singing happy.
Everyone looked feeling touched as Cream was reunited with her mother. Even Jody felt happy for both of them, but didn't show it.
Sonic came closer to the girls and lifted his thumb to them.
"Good idea with the bazooka, girls." He winked.
"It was Jody's idea." Amy said and Sonic looked at Jody but she turned away.
"Don't make a deal a out it." She said coldly.
"Thank you, for rescuing me." Vanilla smiled and letting go of Cream, she bowed in gratitude. "All of you." They smiled at Vanilla, and then they heard someone yelling.
"Sonic! Guys!" Tails landed with the Tornado when he saw the battle was over. Got out of the plane, ran to them and sighed seeing they were all safe. "Glad you guys are safe."
"Of course we are. I was here after all." Sonic joked.
"What happened to the-" Cheese flew to Tails and handle the emerald to him. Tails sighed in relief. "I guess it's over."
"Oh, no." Sonic replies and everyone looked him. "There's one more thing we gotta do."
Confetti cannons shot over Vanilla and Cream inside the Birch's living room with all their friends smiling and laughing.
"Congratulations!" Everyone was not only celebrating Vanilla's birthday, but also her rescue thanks to Sonic and his friends.
"I knew you would return with Vanilla. You all did well." Margaret told Tails and Jade.
"I'm so happy you think that. I was worried we would be in troubles." Jade smiled.
"Oh, you are grounded." Thomas responded making Tails and Jade to moan. "But we are very proud." He smiled at them.
"And told you I could handle it." Sonic said in confident to Sy. The Sherriff looked down at him and rubbed his head.
"Not make me take out the handcuffs."
Sonic chuckled as he tried to comb his fur then noticed Jody standing far from everyone. She turned away and left the house. Confused, Sonic followed her outside and found her seating in the bench resting in the wall, gazing the flowers in Margaret's harden.
"What are you doing out here?" Sonic approached to her. "The party is inside."
"I don't belong in there." She responded emotionless.
"Of course you do. You helped save Vanilla so you can enjoy the cake." He tried to make a joke but when she didn't answer he became serious. "What's bugging you?"
"Nothing." She could feel that Sonic didn't believe her. It took her a few second until she put her thoughts together. Her eyes stared to the ground until she knew what was bothering her.
"I didn't mean to make Cream cry." She finally said. "My mind was only on keeping the emerald away from Eggman that I didn't understood that she is a little girl. I suppose I forget what it feels like."
"Feels what?" Sonic asked, but again it took her a while to answer. She gazed to the sky and stared at the stars.
"Wanting your mom back." She said without thinking. Sonic could sense sadness in those words and wondered what she meant.
"Oh well." She shrugged. "I wouldn't blame her if she never wants to be near me again." She tries to look like she didn't cared.
"I would 't come so fast in conclusions if I were you." Sonic smirked.
Jody looked confused and the door opened showing Cream looking for someone and when she saw Sonic with her, she smiled.
"There you are!" Cream said cheerfully and ran to Jody holding a beautiful crown of flowers. "Here. I made this for you Miss Jody." Cream offered the crown to her.
Jody stared surprise at the gift, unable to believe what Cream said.
"F-For me?"
"Of course. Would you like to try it on?" Cream asked innocently.
Jody's eyes became wide in surprise and didn't know what to do. She looked to Sonic and he nodded at her, telling her that it was ok. She looked back to Cream and knelt so she could put her the crown. When Jody felt the flowers on her hair, she could feel her cheeks blushing a bit.
"Cream… I…" She didn't know what to say.
"It fits you perfectly!" Cream said in excitement. "Now I will give Mom her flowers!" She smiled at Jody again and ran excited inside the house.
"What just happened?" Jody asked unable to understand.
"Way to go Jody!" She looked to Sonic. "Cream just give crowns flowers to the persons she really like."
"She… Likes me?" Jody asked amazed. She touched the flowers over her head. It was hard to believe she would receive a gift from Cream after how she treated her. But the childish yet gentle gift of Cream made her smile. But if Cream made crowns to the ones she liked…
"Then…" She looked at Sonic and smiled fun. You too?"
Sonic just smirked and raised his thump up to her.
Vanilla kneeled so Cream could put her flower crown over on her mother's head. The rest of the party applauded to them as Sonic and Jody joined them from the door. Then mother and daughter shared a big hug as they laughed of happiness.