Chapter 10:

"SONIC! I was so worried about you!" Amy had come up behind him and tackled him in a hug. "Oh man! Amy please!" I giggled as I watched her and then turned my attention to Cassie. "Would you try my cookies? This is my first batch!" I look at the decorated sweets. "Well…ok." I take one and take a big bite out of it. "Wow Cassie! These aren't half bad! Keep it up!" I say encouragingly as I finish the snack. "OH! Cookie!" Sonic said once he was out of Amy's grip. I laughed as he picked one. "Mmm-hmm! These are good!" Amy walked over. "If you like Cassie's, you'll love mine. There made with love." She whispered. "Uhm…" Sonic mumbled uncomfortable. "Oh Claire! You ready?" I smiled. I knew he needed to get out of the situation. I had on my pink dress and pink shoes. "Common! Let's go!" I grabbed Sonic's hand and trotted down the hall. "Bye guys! Have fun!" Amy called out. "Be careful!" I heard Cassie. I sighed. Sonic chuckled and picked me up swiftly, and ran out the door. We decided to walk in the town for a while, before we went to the rink. "Oh! These look good!" I whispered. They were selling some type of candy. "Sonic, do you want-" I stopped when I saw he wasn't behind me. "Sonic? Where did he go?" I walked over with my candy and then saw Sonic at another stand. "Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs! Here!" I started laughing when Sonic came back over with two of them. "I got you one! What's that?" Sonic said looking at the candy. "It's some type of Candy, here." I broke it in half and handed it to him. "Oh, I got you one of these." I smiled. "Thank you!" I love hotdogs. Sonic ate his in one bite, as for me, I ate it more delicately. "This is good. Where did you get it?" "Back down there. They said it was some type of foreign flavor. Oh Sonic look!" I run to the side to see prank gags. Sonic walks over and grins. "A flower!" "Wait Sonic that isn't-" SQUISH! Sonic was then sprayed in the face with water. "Ahh!" I couldn't help but laugh at him, but soon myself was sprayed. Sonic began laughing at me, and then we started a water fight. "Hey! Hey! If you like it pay for it! Don't use it over and over!" We both stop still laughing. "Here sir." I say handing it to him. "Thank"-SQUISH! I gasp and put my hand over my mouth. Sonic looks at the man and starts laughing un-controllably. We walk away giggling trying not to get into more trouble. "Hello young lady! Would you like to have a dance with your lover?" A round man said with a guitar. "My what?" I said surprised. "Hey Lad! How about you take your pretty lady for a swing at things?" Sonic looks confused at the man. "Here let me show you!" he said laughing. He gave Sonic the guitar and grabbed my hands. "Now, swing your girl round and round! Swing her till she hits the ground!" he let me go and I put my hand on my head. "Oh jeez I'm dizzy..." Sonic was about to get me when I was then given the guitar. "Now your turn!" "I'd rather not-What!" the man grabbed Sonic and spinned him around like me. He threw Sonic at me and Sonic and I were going around like crazy! "Whoa!" "That's the spirit!" the man laughed playing the guitar. We ended up crashing into the big man and he caught us both. "Well done! I think you both are naturals!" I groaned. "Oh jeez I think that hot dog is going the wrong way…" "The world wont stop spinning!" Sonic mumbled. "Walking is hard! I-" I look over and see Sonic who had just ran into the wall. "Oh!" I run over and end up falling next to him. "Oh gosh." Sonic gets up and steadies himself. He then helps me up. "Well…now that we got that over with, lets keep going." I say trying to lead.

Once we felt better, we walked over to a interesting tent. "Would you look at that! These are amazing." Sonic whispered as he looked at some rings. "Those are called wish rings. You make a wish on one and they say they can come true." I whisper as he looks at them. "Really?" I smile. "I don't believe in them. But, I also didn't believe all this was real. So I guess anything is possible!" I laugh. Sonic grins. "Hello, can I help you with anything?" I turn around and see a young woman wearing a lot of jewelry. "Oh, were just looking." Sonic said still looking at the rings. "Excuse me, but may I say, your fur color is an extraordinary blue!" the girl says looking at Sonic curious. Sonic looks at me and then the girl. "Oh, uhh thanks!" "I see great fortune in you. Would you like for me to read your future?" The girl says talking to me. "Sorry, I really shouldn't-" "Please! I must reveal the unknown secrets of your past present and future! Your friend can come too." Sonic was next to me. "How about we just check it out?" he said smiling. I nod. We both sat down across from her. "Ok, you my dear…are in great passion…for someone you have yet to know dearly." Yet to know dearly…hmm. "He is close in friendship, but you will soon realize he loves you." I look interested at her and then she says, "And you my boy. You have a admirer. She is very lovely indeed. She is as pink as a rose." His ears slant back. "Amy?..." the woman laughs lightly. "I would think different my boy." He looks at me and turns red. He then looks at her. "oh." I start giggling at him. "My mind has blurred. I have no more to tell."

"That was interesting." I whisper as we leave the tent. Sonic was being pretty quiet. "We should get something to eat soon, don't you think?" Sonic didn't answer, but was just about to walk in to a pole. "Sonic!" I grab his arm. I looked worried at him. "Sonic, what's bother you?" I ask stopping him. He looks at me surprised. "Huh? Oh I'm sorry Claire. I was just thinking." "About?" he looks at me with a frown. "You seemed worried enough about it that you didn't even realize where you were walking." He smiled and took my hand making me walk. "Well. There are a lot of things I am thinking over. I was thinking about Eggman. I was wondering what I was going to do about lunch. I'm thinking Amy is going to kill me if she thinks I…Oh wait." He stopped. I looked at him confused. "Thinks what?" He frowned looking away. "Its nothing." I look at him funny. "What are you worrying about?" I hated to think Sonic was upset about something. Sonic didn't say anything but growled. "Is it me?..." he spins around. "No! Its not you, well I mean…no its not you. Its me." I frown worried. "Do you feel sick? I can get-" I was about to get some water when he stopped me again. He was smiling with that smile I loved. "No I am not sick." I turn back at him. "Oh, well that's good. Then what's wrong?"

Sonic's P.O.V. What's the matter with me? "Sonic!" I look at Claire who was extremely worried. I smile. "Oh! Lets go eat!" She looks at me confused. "Oh, alright." We were walking down to the dinner, when Claire noticed something important. "Sonic, do you see that man?" She grabbed my arm and shifted me to the left. "That man?" She nodded and frowned. "He looks like Eggman. You don't think he would come do you?" I don't like that thought. If it was him, I would be able to get him taken care of in a flash. I really don't want to handle him. Taking her hand I have us walk away. "Hopefully it isn't. I am not in the mood to fight with that old bag." Claire started giggling to herself, causing me to grin. "So Sonic, why are you not at Mobious? How did you get to my world?" I look up to Claire who was smiling curiously. Grinning, I give it a brief point. "I think Chaos Control had happened by who knows what. I guess we just got here that way." I said waving my hand. "Oh." "What about you? What do you usually do around here?" she got a bored expression. "Not much goes on around here. People come and go like the wind. We have festivals once a month for different occasions. My school is very demanding, and usually expects me to do my best and be my best everywhere. I don't mind that much though. When you got friends around things just sort of ease up." I smiled as she talked for a while. I nod. "We have that happen a lot too. Only its more of battle than education." She grins. "Hello, can I get your order?" I look up to see a fair brunette smiling at us. "I will have your special, with a water." "Same with me." "Are you sure Sonic?" I nod. "Why not? I might as well try something new!" "Very well then." The waitress says casually.

"Hey Sonic…do you think Shadow is ok?" I'm a little surprised she is asking about him. "We usually don't stay in contact…but knowing him, he is fine. He can be dependent on what he wants done." Claire looked down in thought, and pulled out her chaos emerald. "I remember the moment he caught my eye. He seemed so confused and hurt. Its as if he didn't want to have anything to do with Eggman. But, he never explained why he was with him in the first place." I sighed with a smile. "Shadow can be a bit stern, but he does have a heart for things. He saved my friend Chris before…that's something I'll never forget." Claire seemed so sad by this conversation…I hated that. "Claire, want to see something cool?" she made a curious glance and nodded. Taking my napkin, I began folding it. Claire leaned over to get a closer glance. "And…WA-LA!" I held out a paper origami bird. She laughed a bit. "Wow! That's neat! Where did you learn to do that?" "Cream actually. She can make almost anything out of simple items. Such as, a napkin." She began laughing again. She was cute when she did that.

It was an hour later, and we both decided to head to the Ice skating rink. Everything was going well, except…"This is so hard!" Claire said shaking grabbing onto the rail. We had just gotten on the ice and she was having a hard time going. "Common Claire! Give me your hand and I can teach you." She smiled and reached out. "Ok, now just push off and glide." She tried and tripped onto the ground. "You ok?" I said pulling her up. She was smiling. "I'm good! Here, let me try this once more…" I started laughing to myself as she attempted to go again. "Hey! I think I got the hang of this!" She said smiling. I let go of her and she did a perfect glide and turn. "Nice!" She skated back and halted in front of me. "Why thank you!" she said smiling proudly. The music started playing and it was fast. Grinning to myself, I took off in speed to show off. Thankfully, it was only me and her and two other people. I did a quick jump and landed. On my back. Claire gasped and skated over.

You were great until the crash!" Claire said grinning. She grabbed my hands and yanked me up, only to cause her to slide underneath me, and I do a flip over her. "Ow." We say together. "Hahaha!" we both start laughing again. Once we stand up again, and there in front of us was some dude with brown hair. He looked like a some type of athlete. Bad news to me. "Hey Claire! Long time!" he gave her a hug. I growled under my breath. 'Hey, what can I say? She is my friend.' "Hi Jack, this is my friend Sonic." Jack looked at me glaringly and shook my hand tightly. Returning it, I smile flatly. "Nice to meet you Sonic." I nod not saying anything. "Oh, I am going to get my gloves ok? I will be back." I watch as Claire skates off. Now its show time. "Well, it seems your playing my girl like a harp." "What?" He does not own her…"If you haven't noticed, I am the top dog around here. Here's the thing, stay away from Claire, or I will make you." He glared harshly. I smirked to myself. "Sorry Pal, I don't take orders from jerks. And another thing, Claire is not your girl. I don't know your past with her, but nothing more is going on from there." Jack growled at me. "Who do you think you are?" I crossed my arms. "I'm Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog. Got a problem with that?" Before he could answer, Claire skated up to us. He put on that false smile. "Hey Claire! I hope this isn't a problem, but I was wondering if you would like to skate around a few times? Just to catch up on things." She frowned a bit but said, "I guess that will be alright-" "Good! Lets go!" I watched as he grabbed her arm and pulled her to his side. I gritted my teeth at this. Looking around slyly, "So I guess your doing the summer camp again?" Jack asked as he held Claire's arm. She shook her head bored. "No. I am actually visiting some friends." I skate around and zoom past Claire and Jack on the ice, and back before they knew I was there. He then tripped and fell over, but Claire stood up. Grinning I skate over happily. "Well, sorry about that Jack, but Claire and I have things to do." She took my hand and began pulling me something hastily. "Sonic! I thought I heard-" Unfortunately, I couldn't hear her because Jack was yelling at us, but Claire didn't seem to really care at the moment…

Claire grabbed my hand and ran out the door. She looked around and then said at me frowning. " is at the ship!" her eyes seemed angry and worried at the same time. "How do you know?" I said surprised. She yanked her sleeve up to revel a techno-watch. "Tails gave this to me to stay in contact. He just called me, they need help!"

Cassie's P.O.V.

"Ahh! Get me out of here!" I screamed angrily as I was locked inside the closet. "You let me out right now Eggman! Or so help me I will personally-" "Will you just shut up little brat?" "You don't tell me to be quiet! You open this door!" I began banging on the door and kicking the handle like mad. I continued yelling hoping someone would hear me. This is crazy! I cannot and will not stay in here! I began beating and stomping on the side of the door, trying to loosen the hinge. "This is getting me no where…" I whispered.

Flash Back:

"Wow Cassie! This looks wonderful!" I looked at Amy who was admiring my dish. "Thanks! Its certainly not as good as yours, but I think I did pretty well for my first time." Amy nodded happily. "Are you kidding? Its great! You should be really proud!" I blushed a bit. "Oh well…you know." We both started laughing. Tails and Knuckles walked in while discussing the planes function. "Hey guys! Want to try a sample of my pasta?" Amy said holding hers out. Tails looked at it with interest, while Knuckles looked…well, disgusted. "Err, I'd rather not. Thanks anyway." He said a bit awkwardly. "What do you mean? I didn't poison it…" Amy said offended. "No Its not that! I just don't want to eat right now." I bit my lip and sighed. Tails had his ears slanted back as Amy and Knuckles argued. I looked at him and smiled. "Would you like to try mine?" I whispered smiling. I then held it out to him. His ears shot up as he grabbed a fork and got a little. "Wow! That's really good! Could I have a bowl of that? Please?" Tails was very excited and he quickly got himself a big serving from it. I smiled pleased. I loved making food, and not only making it, but where people enjoy it! "Well, if its such a big deal I wouldn't have offered you it anyway!" we both looked at Amy who was leaving the room and Knuckles who was following her trying to explain. I sighed and shook my head. "Sometimes I think those two could actually-" I stopped when a big eruption was sounded outside of the ship. I looked over at the window which had a crack in it. Tails and I scrambled to the door and locked it shut. "Eggman's here!" Amy yelled as she put up shields. "Quick! Call Sonic and Claire!" I yelled as I saw robots were barging into the back door. Tails began dialing his watch, as I pushed the door back. "Claire! Claire! Eggman's invading! We need-" The sound of the sirens cut him off. "Evacuate!" Knuckles demanded at me and Amy who were still trying to keep the door shut. "Oph!" I was shoved against the wall by the force of the robots, and Amy was sent tumbling into me. "Ahh!" I let out a yelp as I was grabbed by the throat. Opening my eyes I saw a dark black machine, and on it, was Dr. Eggman. "Well! If it isn't my old friend!" I began choking for air, as I felt the pressure increase. Eggman opened the closet door and tossed me in like a rag doll. I coughed a bit, but soon gained my sight. "Wait!" I cried as the door was shut and locked. I then saw the light from underneath the door frame disappear, so they must of barricaded me in. "Why you little pest! Get in there!" "Ahhh!" I heard Amy scream as she was shoved into the second closet from mine. "Back off Eggman!" Tails had tried to attack, but in affect, was knocked down the stairs. "Tails! Tails!" Knuckles yelled as his little friend was trapped in the basement. "HOHOHO! This just keeps getting better and better!" Knuckles anger was raised to a point where he would explode. "Gra!" he sent many plummets into the robots, but they were stronger then him…and they knocked him unconscious I believe. Tears of hurt and fear dropped down my face as I listened to the sounds behind the door. "Ahh, here we go! Two emeralds for me!" Wait…Emeralds! "No! No! You cant do this! Let me out!" Dr. Eggman was stealing our emeralds! Claire's and Mine! "Dr. Eggman you let me out this very second!" But he was already gone. I sunk down in the closet, and just put my head in my hands. I sure hope Sonic got that message…

End of Flash Back.

Claire's P.O.V. We raced back to the ship. Sonic was carrying me, as I continued to try to contact them. "There not answering! I'm worried something bad has gone on there." I whispered looked ahead. "Oh no…" We were now in front of the ship, and it was in ruins…Sonic set me down and I ran inside. I looked around and was just in shock at what happened. "Sonic!" I cried looking at the mess. He was beside me in an instant, and we began searching. "Cassie! Cassie! Where are you?" I said walking in the south part of the ship. "Claire? I'm in here!" "Claire let me out please!" Spinning myself around, I run to the door and began shoving the large dresser that was blocking it. "There!" Once I unlocked the door, Cassie charged out furious. She gave me a hug and began complaining. "Ok! Just hold on! Lets get everyone else first." I said as I began getting Amy's door opened. Sonic walked in with Knuckles and Tails right beside him. "Are you boys okay?" Cassie asked as she looked at Tails bruised head. "I'm alright. Tails got knocked around a bit, but he should be fine." Tails nodded. "Eggman got stronger, and I wasn't even ready to battle. I don't know how the shields crashed." Sonic patted his shoulder with a smile. "Don't worry buddy. Eggman might have the upper hand on things, but I know we can figure this out." Amy got out finally, and smoothed down her dress. "Speaking of which, the emeralds are gone." She said upset. My mouth dropped open. Cassie bit her lip and looked at me and Sonic who were staring down. "That means he has five now…I'd hate to think of what power he can come from that." I whispered looking at Knuckles who was thinking. "Sonic…I'm sorry…" Cassie said quietly. Sonic sighed but said smiling, "Hey guys, lets not get to upset. Things happen. For one, it isn't your fault Cassie. Dr. Eggman must have been planning this…So don't beat yourself up. We will get them back." Knuckles nodded. "He's right. There is nothing we can do about it now. Dr. Eggman is most likely long gone from here." We all agreed there is no point in being miserable over this, but to take action when we get the chance.