PoC: Disclaimer time as usual. PenFullofChaos819 doesn't-

Silver: HOLD IT! What about your promise?

PoC: Eh? What promise?

Silver: To give me a chance at the disclaimer! Come on, don't tell me you forgot!

PoC: ? Oh right… I did sort of agree to that didn't I?

Silver: *Nods excitedly* Uh-huh uh-huh! So can I then? Pleeeeease?

PoC: Alright, but make it snappy. We've only got about a hundred-forty words tops before the chapter starts.

Silver: Gotcha! Ahem! Joy to the Pen! He claims no rights. His plot contains no holes! All characters within~ are owned by Sega~ Don't sue him for their use. Don't sue him for their use. Don't suuuue, don't sue him for their use!

PoC: 0_o Silver…that's enough.

Silver: He makes the rules, for all that's his! And takes great care to say: That nothing here within~ is used to make a profit~ He writes for fun alone. He writes for fun alone. He wriiiites, he writes for fun a-lone.

PoC: Ugh… Stop it already… We get it…

Metal: No by all means Silver, continue. I really think Pen wants to hear the rest of your festive tribute *shuts down own hearing*.

PoC: Do you two exist only to torture me?

-l-

A Chance Encounter

-l-

Okay… THAT didn't go well, or at least she thought it didn't. He hadn't done anything to abuse her for it, which he wasn't known for anyway, but she had hoped he would've been at least mildly interested. Instead of being flustered or getting all upset by her 'harmless' advances, he had just walked off like always leaving her stranded in her moldy cell.

Sighing at her ever-consistent bad luck, the bat slumped down to a more comfortable position. Her clothes were in an unspeakable shape despite the fact that she hadn't been a hostage for a whole week. Next time she hoped her captor would at least allow her time to take along a change of wardrobe, or so she pouted rather jokingly. It was necessary to make light of the little things, so that the big looming dark ones didn't leave her in despair. She knew it was unfair to ask Sonic and Tails to move any faster than they already were, but this place was having a vile toll on her. This was by no means the first time she'd been held prisoner; however, it was never in a place of such squalor. For here the very floor started to cling to you if you spent too much time in one position. That aside, she did have to admit that this Maasawd had been more than patron-like for a steel-hearted kidnapper. It was odd though. She had figured he must've had a thing for her otherwise he wouldn't have been so kind. But after he showed a complete and utter lack of interest her finest flirting, the likes of which would've made even the straight-laced Tails blush, she was back to square one on figuring him out. He remained his silent, almost somber self regardless of the circumstances.

"I'm running out of things to keep myself preoccupied." the nocturnal woman groaned, at last realizing she had nothing left to try "Please guys… Please tell me you're on your way…" she prayed softly, unaware that someone had been watching her the whole time.

L

*Maasawd's POV*

L

It was finally time to leave. Spying on her was not worth his time and he knew it. Still, he couldn't find it in him to be uncaring of her unpleasant surroundings.

"The more time I spend with her, the more I'm sure we've met before." Maasawd insisted, inwardly hoping this meant his memories were returning to him.

"I wonder if she knows something about me? But would it be worth asking her? What if she tries to interfere? No, I can bring her down by force if she does, so isn't it worth a shot?" he the figure kept these jumbled thoughts to himself, and good thing too as someone's heavy footfalls were headed his way. The dark one turned cautiously to confront the intruder, but he lowered his guard immediately upon seeing who it was.

"Do you still have the girl?"

Maasawd looked at the newcomer with little interest "Yes…" upon hearing a harsh grunt of dissatisfaction; the dark figure specified his answer "Yes I do. She's in this cell." he pointed to the same place he'd been peering through a moment ago.

"Good. So I can assume that Tails will be coming for her. But what of Sonic?"

The cloaked figure replied to his question "He's still in this world, despite your predictions to the contrary." he made sure to emphasize his smugness "Apparently you don't fully understand what you're dealing with, anymore than Sonic himself does." his rude jab didn't seem to have any noticeable effect, but deep down he knew his insult had struck home.

"I don't believe you understand Maasawd. My plan is working out even better than I had hoped for. All we have to do is make sure that he and the rest of his band arrive with emeralds."

Maasawd chose this moment to ask "And then you'll uphold your end of the deal? You'll tell me everything I wish to know?"

"All in good time, my dear Maasawd, all in good time."

L

*Aboard the Mobile Agency*

L

This was one trippy place and no lie. Sonic had never seen or heard of anyone crazy enough to do what this otherworldly croc had done. It takes real guts or maybe stupidity to strap engines and crude mechanical implants onto a small set of living/working quarters. Then again, if this Vector was anything like his, Sonic knew that guy was more than nutty enough to try something of this magnitude. The bigger question was how the hell did he design it? Tails appeared to be just as shocked as he was when he first laid eyes on it, so he knew it couldn't have been one of those 'favors' of his. And if it had, the hero was certain his buddy wouldn't make anything as crude as this, not even if he was handicapped. Even the wooden panels underfoot felt like they were going to break apart under his light step, making his faith the contraption shakier by the second. To make matters worse, the whole of the ship seemed to teeter off axis without warning. One such time resulted in Sonic nearly tumbling into some bolted-down furniture. A specific instance of this could've been prevented with a little help from this best bud, had he not been overly eager to catch a certain vixen that is. Aside from his crumbling state of security aboard this ship, the hedgehog had to roll his eyes at how strange those two were acting.

"Man, you'd think I left them alone for too long or something." he grunted and rose to his feet, with a little aid from a nearby Espio "Seriously, what did go down in that swamp? I thought those two were having a lot of problems. What the heck could've changed so darn quickly?"

Though these were all subconscious thoughts, a voice behind him cut in as if it had been addressed directly "Feeling some jealousy?" the serpentine-like voice asked "You may as well get used to it. This is what happens when women come between best friends. I would know."

Sonic grimaced at what the chameleon was suggesting. He knew something was off about the way his fox-friend was behaving, but surely that couldn't be it. Tails and he were closer than most blood-brothers. No silly 'relationship' would even come between their unbreakable bond…right?

Crossing his arms, the ex-ninja let out a restrained chuckle "You know you're quite bad at hiding both your feelings and your true nature." Sonic tried hard not to overreact at the purple mobian's words, but it was quite a large shock to contain, especially when he added "Just because Vector and Charmy are easily fooled, don't think I'm deceived too. The only reason I haven't shoved my blade through your heart is because Miles trusts you. So long as you understand that, then I suppose I could overlook your deception…for now." he warned with spine-chilling apathy, as though the murderous act wouldn't have left him even the least bit remorseful.

It had certainly reminded Sonic that this was NOT the Espio he knew. This one was colder, harsher, and far more proud of himself. Where the other one valued moral honor above all else, this one seemed ready to lay it aside whenever he felt like it. It gave new meaning to his claimed assassin background. This reality check was sobering to say the least, if not plain scary.

"So I guess I should show you all around, eh?" Vector called out, immediately grabbing everyone's attention "There isn't a lot of room as you can see, but we always keep enough extra stuff on board to support up to eight people. Certainly helps on the job." he explained, leading the newly joined trio into what appeared to be the living quarters. Though small looking from the outside, Vector's team had somehow managed to fit a full-size table with plenty of space to get in and out of the secured chairs around it. Each and every decoration, amenity, and object was well-secured regardless of how off-centered the ship was. The homely touches were in great enough supply to make Amethyst pay a compliment to Vector for what he'd done with the place. Tails meanwhile was inspecting the integrity of the ship's interior, finding it to be surprisingly up to his standards. In all, it was much like riding on a small boat or vessel; once you got your sea-legs everything would be smooth sailing.

"This is really kind of you Vector." Tails said with sincerity "I mean especially considering the kind of risk you run having us along."

"Huh? Risk? Nobody said anything about no risks! Don't tell me someone's after you?" the crocodile jumped up and down in mock terror, causing his recently invited guests to all gulp and/or gasp softly in nervousness. A moment later the big-hearted fool was laughing his head off "Aw shucks I was only pulling your tail! No need to get all serious on me! I know about that crazed mask-wearing freak that's been chasing ya."

Sighing relief after the ill-timed joke, the fox then asked "Then I suppose you would also know that he might end up attacking this ship. I figure you should be aware of that before you take us anywhere." the vulpine didn't want to ruin their chances for a free ride, but nor did he want to drag more potential victims into the already fine mess they were in.

"Ever the worry-wart, eh fox-guy? That's why you and I don't get along so well. It's 'cuz you think too much! Just chill out for a change and give us a chance to earn our pay." he advised, showing some previously-hidden friction between himself and the fox. Tails knew how much this arrangement must've annoyed Vector, but he wasn't going to let his questionable past with the group interfere with their much needed alliance.

"Sounds like a plan." he rested simply on that note, hoping to avoid any hint confrontation in front of Sonic and Amethyst "It's getting pretty late, do you suggest we power down and rest here for the night?"

The croc turned his back and smirked "Why do that when we've got an auto-pilot on this baby? Besides, she's much smoother to rest in when she's on the move. I'm aware this thing's idle is pretty rough, too rough for the delicate company we have." making a light-hearted pass at the only female on board, earning a gritty scowl from Tails "So I guess I should be heading up to the bridge. Espio will show you to your rooms."

"I will?" the stealthy lizard asked irritably, but received no reply from the thick-headed crocodile. Knowing Charmy was rather useless on the matter, the pride-bound mobian knew he wouldn't be able to slink his way out of this one. Still too stubborn to get the task done, he rudely left the guests standing for quite some time. Tails figured anything he said would serve to enrage the edgy assassin, and Sonic was still hesitating from his cryptic threat. Just when progress seemed hopeless, one member of the three finally decided on some action.

"Um Mr. Espio is it?" Amethyst asked as helplessly as possible "Would you be gentlemanly enough to show us where we can get some rest? You see, we've been traveling so far and are really tired out. So would you be so kind?"

Sonic and Tails both covered their faces to hide how obviously contrived the act was. Even so, both internally admitted they would crack under that kind of pressure. Sonic got up the courage to look the chameleon in the eye, thereby catching a glimpse of his proud façade breaking.

"Well I…uh…" Espio stumbled with his words, seemingly succumbing to the 'little miss innocent' act that was so expertly played on him "I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble for me to say…" all three waited eagerly for his reply "To say… No." he deadpanned, revealing that he hadn't fallen for the snare.

Groaning at the unexpected failure, the group gave shrugs and faceplams to express their annoyance. Amethyst was no exception, but unlike her male counterparts, she had a plan B for such an occasion. Walking right up into the camouflaged fighter, she put her nose mere inches away from his horn, causing the stout-hearted ninja a slight twitch of discomfort.

Narrowing her eyes in a very sultry manner, the vixen brushed her hand dangerously across his scaly cheek "Maybe you didn't hear me the first time…" she purred softly, before gradually pinching a painful grip down on the ex-ninja's face, eliciting a strained grunt from his lips "I said we really need a place to rest NOW! Listen up tough guy; we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Take. Your. Pick." at each phrase she added an extra tug for increased persuasion.

Still stuck in the agonizing hold, Espio did manage to get out "Right this way miss." as he pointed to a descending set of stairs. Releasing him from her grasp, the vixen thanked him and offered a swift peck on his sore cheek, before motioning the men to follow them.

Sonic gaped at the sheer incredulity of the awkward situation. Now he was quite sure he didn't understand the slightest thing about women's logic. Thankfully he wasn't alone, as Tails was wearing a similar look of confusion.

"I don't get it. Did Ame almost kill Espio, only to turn around and cheat on me with him?" he blinked slowly, not even liking the way his words tasted on his tongue "Should I be jealous, amused, or downright lost?" Tails asked somewhat rhetorically of the nearby hedgehog.

"Try for a mix of all three and call it a day." Sonic advised, knowing this was just one more reason he chose to dodge the complexity of relationships altogether.

Choosing to heed his best friend's good call, the two picked up their gear and headed down to the lodging below.

L

*Later in the evening*

L

He couldn't sleep, go figure. He'd been nearly worn out from the weight of stress and physical strain ever since they had been driven out of the apartments. Anyone else would think his eyes would be too heavy to keep open after all the excitement he'd had.

Yet t when it came time to rest, the blue blur was gripped by insomnia's clammy hold. Feeling his forehead confirmed that lukewarm temperature that comes along for the ride with most illnesses. That was the last thing he needed right now; to fall ill on the eve of completing their mission.

That got him thinking though. What was his mission exactly? To save Rouge of course, but what comes after that? Should he just wait to be eaten up by the world that so badly wants him gone? Or should he struggle to find a way back to his world before it's too late? What if his world is getting eaten up the same way? Worse, what if it's already erased by the time he figures out how to get back?

"Ugh… I don't want to think anymore. Just stop thinking, Sonic." he told himself, firmly attempting to block out these daunting questions. They weren't making his stay any easier, and even if he did have the answers what could he do about it? It's not like he could stop his world or this one from imploding. The secrets behind this big mess now lay with Shadow and Robotnik, and Shadow is probably dead or lost along with his other self.

"That just leaves ol' Eggy himself." the cobalt champion narrowed it down "Without tubby's help, I doubt I'll ever be able to see my little bro again." he instantly regretted thinking this, as his homesickness started to return. What he wouldn't give to be smacked silly by the 'good' Knuckles, or glomped by the love-struck Amy, or most of all hugged by his 'other' best friend.

He couldn't stand worrying like this any longer. Slipping on his shoes and sneaking away, Sonic hoped to find some solace elsewhere in the ship. Traveling past a curled up Charmy, who was clinging comically to that same hardened ex-ninja's leg, the hedgehog had opened a path out to the ship's front porch.

Letting his thoughts fade into the cool of the night air, Sonic suddenly pulled out something else he used to calm his troubled mind. Reaching into his sack, which he kept well-guarded for a good reason, he drew forth one of the legendary gems.

Though much was different about this world, the emeralds seemed to be the same. Like in his world, he could lift almost any pain or heartache off his shoulders with a simple gaze into the glowing stone. It brought him complete ease to see the gem's warm, almost affectionate, light in his hands.

"Sonic…"

Now that didn't relax him very much, but he was used to it by now. Though he tried hard to hide it from Tails and Amethyst, Sonic had been hearing that voice in greater clarity with each new emerald they collected. It was, however, the first time he could understand what it was saying with no issues.

"Sonic, please don't fear me…"

"I don't… At least not anymore." he said back, sucking a staggered breath "Now that I can sort of understand you, will you tell me who you are and what you want?" he asked the gem, assuming it's origin was that of the Chaos Emerald.

"Good… I'm sorry I frightened you before." the voice apologized "I was concerned for your safety, but I now know you can take care of yourself without my help."

Inwardly, the hero loved how pure that voice sounded, almost as though it was the polar-opposite of chaos, but outwardly, he was angered by how it refused to answer his questions. Trying his hardest not to snap at the 'person', he said with some restraint "Look are you going to answer me or not? In case you hadn't noticed I'm a little lost and upset right now, and I could really use some encouragement."

On the air, he could hear a stifled gasp or sigh, almost as though the person was struggling with their own emotions "Oh Sonic… I feel your sadness and your pain. Your desperation wounds me down to my very core." the person gasped again, as though feeling more of the blue hero's tension "I unfortunately don't have the answers you seek. I've fallen into a deep slumber ever since my power was exhausted to cast a mighty spell. The spell I speak of is known to you as Chaos Control, named after the establishment used to harness my strength."

Sonic could feel the truth in the voice's words, but he still wished there was more to the tale than that. Regardless, the hedgehog was pleased to notice that he now recognized the speaker "I understand. It may not make sense to my head, but somehow my heart says I can trust you. Can't I…Tikal?"

"So you've figured it out…" the girl who was indeed this universe's Tikal said "I was wondering how long it would take you. Hedgehogs aren't the brightest of species I suppose."

Sonic grinned at that remark. To see the day he'd get jabbed at by the gentle Tikal, it was monumental indeed. He had many reasons to wonder how this Tikal ended up bound to the Chaos Emeralds instead of the Master Emerald, but he just as soon would leave that explanation for another day. Their conversation had actually relaxed him enough to be ready for sleep.

"It's been a really short talk, but I'm thankful for it." he said politely to the invisible echidna "I hope we get some more time to talk later. I still have a lot to ask you about this world." yawning briefly, the hedgehog poked out a sly smirk as he threw in "And anyway, I like talking to cute girls, even if they've been trapped in a rock for some thousand years or whatever."

Tikal giggled at the hero's poor attempt at a pass "Are you always this cumbersome around women, or am I simply fortunate?"

The hedgehog dropped his head in faux depression "I guess my technique is a bit rusty."

Laughing again and, in Sonic's imagination, rolling her eyes, she replied with a quick "Goodnight Sonic." before fading back into the silence of the emeralds.

-l-

End of Chapter Twenty-four

-l-

Late, but I don't care. This was troublesome, and took some added time to finish.

DanceDream: Vector's not the smoothest guy around, so it really fits him well. What? Mysa liksin the Espio-man XD. Yes I love Sonic that must torture him! At last my scheme to you is revealed! MWAHAHA! I liken myself to a trickster. With me you should expect the unexpected, but you'd be foolish to even expect that! I mean-wait what? Yup, Tails just can't control himself. ? Eh? Remember when we first saw him? He's always been cocky! XD I know! I love them so much I just had make them part of the main action! How many balloons you ask? Uhh…three and a half? No wait, that's cups of sugar to get the moon. Uh, shoot I need to rethink this now XD. Amethyst is really nice, but she has a cunning side too, as evidenced in this chap. I'm very glad to hear that! Hopefully you'll keep feeling that love anytime you have trials. Still, never be afraid to ask for my prayers if you need them. There is great strength in numbers (late title-drop I know)!

Ghostkid33: I don't think I heard from you last chap! :( Hope I get to see you on this one.

Serenity: Better be ready to boil your ears out. Poor Silv can't sing for squat I'm afraid. But hey, who wouldn't want Metal for Christmas? XD Tails is still a rambler, even in his maturity. That's my favorite part about this! I wanted make those two a most unique pair for rivals. Aww *blush* you flatter me so.

Infamousplot: Not much in the way of progress I know, but I think this is a good chap. Now let's see if it can withstand your powerful scrutiny! XD JK! You always have nice things to say :).

KoTwz10z: Tails is sneaky git indeed. Yep, I could see Ame thinking "So my super-cool boyfriend is going up against an all-powerful ninja? Yep, he's dead meat." XD Shadow would be great help, wouldn't he? *Bears this in mind for future chaps*. Sonic X inspired house-ship! Glad you liked it!

Kindra Mckleen: Taken entirely from Sonic X. I can't resist putting in something utterly ridiculous when comes to the Chaotix! Thank you! I'm glad you saw the humor in that scene! It wasn't meant to be serious at all.

Sierra Zanimalini14: You really think that? *Blush* Well… Thank you very much! I know I make Tails too tough sometimes *sweatdrop*. I've got to keep my fan-like of him in check. Heh, I'm kind of cruel to hedgie in this, aren't I?

Super Shadix 520: I'm glad you appreciate it. Yes Tails and Espio have a certain rivalry going. In fact, it's very much like another rivalry in the "prime" universe (hint, hint).

Sparkling-nexis137: I believe we discussed much at length already, but I can still thank you again for the review! :D

prowerboy: Horrid puns are always welcome in the Sonic universe! And yes, Tails is simply awesome like that.

Until next time!