Chapter 6: Recuperation

"So how did you know it was me" asked Cream, as the Earthquake traveled automatically through the tunnels of Stardust Speedway.

"I recognize your shape and form anytime anywhere" Sonic replied, "So thought of a name?"

"I was thinking of Flavor."

"I like it. Surprised I hit a woman?"

"A bit, but she wasn't exactly a nice woman, and besides you taught me by example that desperate times call for desperate measures."

The Earthquake then stopped at the basement under the mansion. Waiting outside were Tails with a medical kit and Cream's worried parents.

"Um, I can explain this" Cream said awkwardly.

After explaining what had happened and having Sonic's wounds healed, Vector finally sighed. "I'm disappointed, but I know things like this are too big for me to judge. You can work for Sonic for now Flavor."

"What?" Vanilla snapped. "Don't I have a say in this Vector?! I am not going to stand by while my little girl is risking her life!"

Getting on his feet, Sonic spoke "I know you're worried but we need all the help we can get."

Vanilla, calmer now replied "Sonic I appreciate what you're doing but you should never have come back. You don't know how much the world has changed."

"Things have also gotten worse Vanilla. I promise you two things: I'll fire her if anything goes wrong and I'll lay down my life before that happens."

"Alright. You win."

"So how did it go with the Witchcarts?"

Vector then turned the T.V. on saying "See for yourself."

The news report stated that eighty-three Witchcarts, including the old witch herself were rounded-up.

Upon her arrest Witchcart addressed "The werehog is a coward whose bones I've broken. Now my army will come to storm every last city on this satellite. They will raise this world and taste it's blood. Prepare for war."

Sighing, Sonic at last said "If this is war then we need a plan."

The next day, duck Governor Wetherby Quack sent a message to the people alongside his weasel Lieutenant governor Alex Claw and human police Captain Helen Yang.

"This whole Witchcart situation is the result of commissioner Vector's acceptance of the werehog's terrorism. It is for that reason that Captain Helen Yang will succeed Vector upon his retirement one week from now. She stands firmly against the werehog and will strive to arrest him. Furthermore after this conference, I intend to negotiate with Lady Witchcart, to settle this feud once and for all."

In mere hours, nearly everyone was hopeful for this meeting. Believing diplomacy will convince the Witchcarts to stand down.

Leading Quack through the cell block of police HQ, Vector could feel the governor's nervousness.

"You sure about this Governor? I could be by your side."

"No. The polls say I have to resolve this matter once and for all."

Opening Witchcart's interrogation room, Vector left Quack inside. Only to him scream from inside. Opening the door, Vector and Ray watched with horror as Witchcart bites Quack's throat out.

Leaving the corpse to slump down on the floor, she bellowed "There will be no bargaining! No surrender! We will not stop until everyone fears our names!"

"Get her out of her" Vector told Ray as she laughed madly and sadistically.

Fear engulfed the Little Planet. Although Claw still believed some members of the Witchcart "organization" could be reasoned with. Sonic had a much different plan.

"You've been through a lot. You're head wasn't clear at the time" said Tails.

"You have a right to be concerned but Cream has grown-up very much since we first met her. She's smart. Brave. With her help I can end the Witchcart problem forever. It all comes down to the old crone herself. They worship her. I tried to be as savage as her, but I need to outsmart her instead."

"Have you forgotten what happened with Amy?"

Sonic did remember. The army of miniature Death Eggs. The explosions that took many lives and disfigured others.

"I'll never forget Amy. She was a good soldier and a good friend. She honoured me. But the war goes on" Sonic finished as he transformed. "Flavor" he called out and she appeared.

"It will take some time to train you, but you're first assignment is tonight. Tamper with it anyway and you're fired. Understand?"

"Yes sir" she said.

At Collision Chaos, Focke-Wulf and Bearenger were leaving the casino when a rabbit Witchcart arrived.

"Well hello little girl" Focke-Wulf exclaimed, "What brings you here?"

"I've got a message from Lady Witchcart" the young rabbit said, "We're supposed to meet the rest of the clan at the mud puddles of Palmtree Panic to prepare for the attack. Attendance is mandatory. Spread the word" before walking off.

"You heard the lady" said Bearenger, "Let's go!"

As she was walking away, the rabbit smiled. "They fell for it" she spoke through her radio. "Don't get cocky" said Sonic, "There are more than a thousand left to go Flavor."

To be continued