Hello my dear readers! :)

As I promised, I was quicker with the new chapter. To be honest, it was quicker than I thought. ^_^

I hope you'll like this chapter, I personally think it turned out quite good. :)
Enjoy reading it. And please, review my work. I would really appreciate it. Thank you! ^_^

-o-o-

Chapter 7: The Biggest Chance

Above the endless blue of the Mobian Ocean, lighted by the weak lights of the rising sun, a blue two-engine hydroplane flew through the sky. One of it's passengers was Skye, who sat on the pilot's seat of course. His companion, Sonia occupied the seat of co-pilot, and was just showing her suprisingly good talent of navigating.
"Turn 23 degrees to South, and keep that way until we arrive." she ordered
"Roger that, ma'am." joked Skye, and turned the plane to the correct way. "You're a perfect navigator, you know. I'm really impressed."
Sonia reddened after hearing his compliment.
"Thank you. I travel quite lot, and I like to know the route I'm taking. You could never know. I've never been this way, however. Where are we going?"
"You'll see soon. You'll like it." he winked at her.
They both waited for that day excitedly. They finally had the chance to be together again. It's been weeks of waiting for them. But this time, they were both free for the day. The Acorn Council didn't have meeting, and the members of the military group got a day-off too. They decided to play it safe, and spend the day somewehere out of town, where they wouldn't be disturbed. Skye knew the perfect place for this opportunity. He smiled, when their destination came into sight.
"Well, we are here." he said.
The princess looked through the windshield curiously, and saw the group of three small islands. The biggest of them was covered with green forests, and it's two big lakes were connected by a river. It was a beautiful place. What's more, it was somehow very familiar for the girl, though she was sure she'd never been there before. Then she began to remember.
"Wait a second! Isn't this..." she began to ask.
"Welcome to Cocoa Island!" Skye announced.
Now she remembered. This was the island, where Tails built his own little workshop, and lived some exciting adventures. He remembered all of Tails' stories very well. She simply adored them.
"Your father told me about this place. I can't believe you're actually taking me there." she said happily.
"I told you, you'll like it. We're landing right away."
Skye pushed the control forward, and the plane began to slope. He put it down on the surface of water smoothly, and drove it to the coast of the island. After stopping the engines, they both unclasped their seatbelts, and went to the back of the plane to pick up their backpacks. Then they stepped out from the plane through it's door, which opened to it's wing. Skye jumped down from the wing to the sandy ground, put down his backpack, then took the girl's too. After that, he offered his hands to help her down of the plane too. The girl crouched on the edge of the wing and put her hands on his shoulders, while Skye held her waist. Sonia jumped down from the wing, and the boy put her down slowly. They didn't release each other immediately. They held each other for a short time, and merged into each other's gaze.
"Uhm... Will you show me your father's workshop then? I'm really curious of it." asked Sonia with flushed face.
From that, Skye also came back to reality. He released the girl, and answered shyly.
"O-Of course. My pleasure. It's not far from here."
The both picked up their bags, and walked to the way of the mentioned house.

After a bit long but pleasant walking, the pair arrived to that particular wooden house. Sonia was amazed by the thought of Tails building this whole thing alone, when he was still a kid. She was always sad, when she thought of all the hardnesses that Tails, her parents, and all the other elders had to go through, when they were young. She was thankful for the possibility of living a happy and carefree childhood, what could be thanked for the olders' sacrifices. Seeing the house, it didn't look like it was too old though. To tell the truth, it seemed to be quite well maintained.
"Does Tails still come here?"
"No, dad doesn't really come here anymore. I come here sometimes, when I'm on a trip."
Skye opened the door, and they were unexpectedly welcomed by the cloud of dust that stormed up by the wind.
"It seems like... you weren't here... for some time" said the girl in middle of coughing.
"Yeah, even I can't remember when was the last time I was here." he replied while he scratched the back of his head. "But it's a small house fortunately, so I'll clean it up in no-time."
"I'll help you out, just open the windows, please."
Together they began to clean the small house. They dusted all the furnitures in the room. Not like there was much to dust: an old computer, a bench with well organised tools that seemingly weren't used by anyone for a long time, and a bunk bed. The latest item was a bit odd for her. She didn't remember Tails ever mentioned he visited this island with anyone else. Except for Antoine and Bunnie D'Coolette whom wanted to spend their honeymoon here, but it absolutely didn't turn out as they planned it.
"Why's a bunk bed needed here?" she asked while taking the sheets out to dust them.
"Oh, we've vamped it up with Simona, when she came here with me for the first time. We needed something we both could sleep on.." Skye replied simply.
The girl feared from that answer. She didn't like to accept it, but the suspicion of Melody and Belle about Simona being in love with Skye made her anxious.
"Do you travel a lot together?" she tried to chart their relationship inconspicuously.
"There was an intenese period, when I went to a lot of places in a row. It's dangerous to fly alone when you're tired, you know. So she accompanied me." they both went on with their work, as Skye continued. "She didn't like the excavations at all, but she helped a lot with my researches. This military project is also her's a little. And Switch's of course, since most of our equipment are invented by his plans."
"I guess you three are very good friends."
"Yeah. I didn't have any other friends in Downunda. I'm glad they've accepted to join my group. It's good to know I have real friends nearby."
The princess was relieved a bit by Skye's words. So he was thinking about Simona only as a friend. It's reassuring, but she shouldn't take it easy too much. Maybe her girlfriends were right, and she should really speed up a bit. After finishing with the sheets, she contentedly acknowledged that they were done with cleaning.
"Well, it was indeed easier with your help. Thank you." the fox boy smiled at Sonia. "So, what would you like to do now? This island is not too big, but it has some cool places."
The princess wiped her forehead. By that time the weather was quite warm, and they were both feeling hot from working.
"I saw earlier from the air there's a lake not far from here. I would gladly cool myself in it." she answered alluringly.
"Fine by me." he smiled back.
They got their backpacks, and headed to that particular lake.

While they neared to the lake, Skye was talking about one of his team's actions.
"So, it wasn't easy to land on the rooftop of a tower block, but at least we could try out, how precisely the DRAGONLFY could be landed."
"Wow! To be honest, I would never thought they would make so many use of your team in such a short amount of time. It's impressive."
"Well, yeah. It's not bad." he reacted a bit disappointed, and Sonia knew why.
"Oh, come on! You should be proud, and glad there are no bigger problems."
"Yeah, you're right." he said with embarrassed face.
Skye really enjoyed the princess' company. Her positive attitude could instantly dispel all his doubts.
"Wow, that's beautiful!" cried out Sonia, and ran forward to the lakeside.
While the boy caught up with her, she already dropped her pack and shoes. Skye drew a big breath of the fresh air.
"Now that's really something! I can't wait to jump in it. Listen, I stand away so you can easily... change." he didn't get stuck in his words accidentally.
As he looked at the girl's way, all he could see was how she took off her sleevless vest and skirt, and in a blink of an eye she stood there wearing only a cute small purple bikini. If Skye would be some kind of elastic creature, his jaw would hit the ground for sure. However, his mouth gaped hugely by the beautiful sight. Sonia didn't overlook his reaction.
"You know, if you stare like that, your nice blue eyes will pop out of your head." she said playfully, while stepped closer to him. "And by the way..." she went on temptingly, and put her hand on Skye's chest. "You're slow!" she pushed him a bit, and the next moment he found himself in the cool water.
He was quite surprised by the girl's action, but he needed to be cooled down already. However, Sonia laughed really hard on the situation.
"If you would saw your expression!" she howled, and after stoppet laughing, she dived into the water.
Skye looked smilingly as she enjoyed the coolness of the water.
"Don't tell me it didn't feel good to fall into it." said Sonia, still laughing a bit.
"This was mean from you." he replied playfully.
"Sure. A race to the river? If you beat me, I'll let you take revenge." she said, and started swimming to the way of the river.
Skye quickly dropped out his wet vest and boots, so he had only his shorts on.
"You'll regret calling me slow!" he said with wide grin, and swam after the girl.

After nearly an hour of joyous swimming and bathing, the pair were lying in the grass, enjoying the warmness of sunlight. Lying not too close – but close enough – beside each other, they were peacefully stared at the sky, and talking.
"So Lara-su is totally enchanted by the fact she'll get married soon. Maybe the only case I saw her this enthusiastic was after she received the Guardian title." Sonia told.
"I think this is what happiness does with most people. And people in love are usually happy." Skye smiled to his partner, who returned the gesture.
"Yeah. But when it comes to sentimentalism, that's my province usually."
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. You should see how wholehearted I am, when I'm raging about my brother." she joked.
"That's not nice, you know. Why do you hate him so much?"
"That's not the case." she answered, being a bit suprised by the boy's serious reaction. "It just makes me mad, he's the crown prince despite he's the younger child. He has nothing that is needed to be a king. He's disrespectful and stubborn, he knows nothing about etiquette..."
"Don't take me wrong, but I think your dad was a similar type, when he became the king." cut in Skye.
The princess sat up, and looked back at him strictly.
"How dare you talking about your own king like this?" she asked leaning above him, while she kept one of her hands on her hip and she leaned on her other one.
The girl's sharp look didn't make Skye uncertain. In fact, he found it rather cute.
"Relax. I would never tell him this into his eye." he joked, then stretched himself as he continued. "After all, he has changed for good during the past years, hasn't he? I'm sure Manik could grow up for the role too." meanwhile he stopped stretching, and put his hands behind his head and continued looking at the sky. "And if not, you are clever enough to correct his failures. So in a sort of way, you would be in charge. And then, who knows?"
While the girl listened to his words, she turned her reddened face away from him. Skye wasn't typical muscle-man, but he had some nice muscles on his upper body. And he was so handsome.
"Or is it possible I'm not right in this issue?" he snapped her out from her daydreaming.
She looked back at him for a moment, slightly shook her head, then with a big sigh she lay back down. However, without her being aware of it, she put her head onto the boy's muscular upper-arm. They both were suprised by this, but they didn't look at each other. After staring at the sky for a few silent minutes, Sonia thought she should change her position. It seemed like Skye kind of expected it though, because he stretched out the arm she lay on, held her shoulder with it, and pulled her a bit closer to himself. A wide grin appeared on her face by the gesture. It was such a nice feeling to snuggle to a man who made her feel safe. She sighed once again, but becaouse of satisfaction this time.
"Unfortunately, you are not exactly right." she said finally. "Dad's still being stressed all the time because of his position. He cover it up well in front public, but this is just his play. He doesn't like this situation at all."
She held a little break in her speech, while she began playing on the boys fluffy chest with her index finger. As she went on, she didn't looked at the sky anymore, but only stared at the distance.
"You know, sometimes I see on my mother, how sad she is for being unable to help dad in this problem." she told sadly.
"They love each other. That's what really matters, right?" replied Skye, and he hugged her closer to himself.
"Yeah, you're right." she said dreamily, meanwhile she stroked the boy's chest with her palm already. "I dream of a love as strong as their's."
Abruptly, Skye's heartbeat slightly increased, and he was breathing quicker. The princess felt it too, and she sat up from the boy's embrace in her worry. She didn't release his chest though.
"Are you not feeling well?" she asked worriedly.
Skye took a deep breath, and he sat up too. He took the girl's hand into his.
"I'm all right, just... I've really wanted to tell you something for some time..." he said a bit nervously. "So... you know..."
This time, the princess' heart began to reace, and her eyes widened. Oh, my gosh! He's about to confess! – she thought. She'd waited for this moment since their first date.
"To tell the truth, I..." he gulped a big, and finally looked into the girl's eyes, as he prepared for maybe the biggest confession he'd ever done in his life. "I've never met a girl like you before... You're really special... And I..."
Sonia was ready to jump onto the neck of her love. A few months before, she didn't believe she would live this moment in the near future. And now in front of her, there was a man who was able to captivate her heart, and he was about to confess his love for her.
"I honestly... and really very..." he had to gulp almost after every single word.
The girl's smile became wider and wider. This boy was so cute when he was embarrassed. In her soul, she was prepared for her very first loving kiss. However, fate had different plans for their togetherness once again.
*BEEP-BEEP-BEEP*
An awfully familiar sound ringed in the princess' backpack. Sonia's face became sullen in a moment, and the boy was totally interrupted in his speech too.
"Oh, what a familiar situation." she muttered angrily, and reached for her bag to answer the call.
She felt really angry. She knew for sure no matter who was calling her, she would give some of her mind. She finally found the device, and picked it up agressively.
"Yes?" she said with unusual anger in her voice, then after hearing the person on the other end of the line, her face softened. "Oh, hi dad! Why did you call?"
So it was Sonic who called the girl. Skye soured totally. If Sonic was after his daughter that much, then it really might be possible that nobody wanted them to be together. His worries just became more intense by seeing the worried expression that appeared on the girl's face.
"But why? Is there something wrong? ... I see... Okay, we're going back soon... Okay, I'll tell him... Bye!" she hung up her phone, and looked at Skye anxiously.
"It was your father? Something's wrong?" he asked nervously.
"The Council summoned an emergency meeting. And you have to participate in it too."
The boy relieved a bit. So, it wasn't what he thought. At the next moment, his adrenaline level rose up. Finally, a serious mission could be in view. He jumped up from the ground, quickly grabbed all their stuff, and pulled the girl away with himself.
"Let's go quickly then! We don't have time to waste." he said firmly.

A little bit later, they were already on their way back to New-Mobotropolis. They didn't talk much during their trip. The girl only navigated, and the boy followed her instructions without a word. Then, when the silhouette of the city came into view, Sonia sighed.
"By the way, dad said he's sorry for disrupting whatever we did." she said with bittersweet smile.
"How mindful of him." the boy replied calmly.
However, his soul was relieved by the fact Sonic didn't mind their dating. But for now, his whole mind was on what the Council wanted to tell him.

After arrival, Sonia hurried home to get changed into her official clothes, then headed to the Town Hall immediatelly. It really annoyed her she couldn't find out what was the case. Even her virtual assistent NICKI couldn't inform her about it. As she walked through the hallway to the board-room, she saw Skye's three officers, Simona, Switch, and the wolf boy (she still didn't knew Panzer by then) as they waited before the council-chamber. It really had to be something serious, if they were also called in. Right before she stepped into the room, she saw as Skye hurriedly arrived.
"Thank goodness! He made it in time." she said to herself.
She stepped into the board-room, where all the other council members were ready for the meeting. Sonia sat on her place next to her mother. Sally looked her smilingly.
"If we're done here, I hope you'll tell me everything." she whispered to her daughter.
"I would have much more to tell, if we weren't interrupted by all of this!" the girl complained.
"I'm sorry, dear. You'll see soon, what's this about."
Before Sonia could say anything more, the four soldiers were called into the room. Skye came in front, his men behind him. Skye firmly stepped before the council members, and his officers stood beside each other behind him. All of them saluted to the people in front of them.
"At ease!" ordered Jacques D'Coolette, and they waited for the details with hands behind their backs..
"Tails please, inform them about the situation." said Sonic
Tails stood up from his seat, cleared his throat and got down to business.
"Well, as the most of us here know it, we and our allies send spies to the coast of New-Megaopolis from time to time to observe if anything happens over there." Skye was suprised by hearing this, but he listened with unchanged face. "Since we don't know what stayed in that city after the fall of the Eggman Empire, we don't want to risk that someone bad would seize the place. During the last few years, we didn't experience anything important. However, the spies who are standing off at the city right now, noticed something unusual that takes place somewhere in the center of the city." Tails then nodded to Jacques to continue, and sat back down.
The young coyote remained in his seat while he spoke.
"Since we don't want our spies to risk their soundness, we entrust you to take your team, get into the center of New-Megaopolis, and find out what's happening there."
Skye looked back the council members dumbfoundedly. Every one of them sat there without a flinch on their faces, in exception of one person. Sonia's face was pale and scared. It was like she saw a ghost just a moment before. She obviously was really worried. The boy felt sorry for her, but at that moment, he had to concentrate on the issue he stood there for. He drew himself up, and answered firmly.
"We took note of your order. Our team will be ready to depart tomorrow at early dawn."
Tails nodded to his son proudly, though he was also worried in his soul by the situation.
"All right." he said finally. "We've already sent every information to the HQ. Get ready for mission!"
"YES SIR!" the soldiers said in unison, saluted, and walked out of the room.
Sonia felt like she was about to fall down from her chair. Just a little time before, she and Skye were about to confess their feelings for each other. But at that moment, as she saw her love walking away, she had the unpleasant feeling that might be the last case she saw him. Around her, the other council members already left their places, but she just sat there dumbfoundedly, and tried to elaborate everything she heard just before. Abruptly, a pair of strong hands touched her shoulders. She looked up, and saw Tails standing behind her with a smile on his face.
"Don't worry. He's a smart boy, he can look out for himself. The best you can do for him right now is to encourage him before he departs." he finished his sentence with a wink, then headed out of the room.
The princess thought about what Tails said. He was right. Worrying wouldn't help anything at all. Instead, she had to make her almost official boyfriend sure of her will of supporting him wholeheartedly.

Skye and his teammates hurried to their HQ with quick and firm steps. Meanwhile the fox boy instructed his men.
"Panzer, you let the others know about the situation. Meeting in the hangar tomorrow at 0400 hours. Everyone rest up well."
"Copy that, commander!"
"Simona, plan the route. Get every single information about New-Megaopolis. I don't care if they are official information or urban legends, I need every details."
"I'm on it."
"Switch, you control the mechanical preparations. You know our equipment the best. Everything have to be in perfect condition."
"Okay."
Right after this, they reached the entrance of the base. Skye stopped, turned to his officers, and spoke up with confident smile.
"Guys, here's the biggest chance to prove ourselves. I'm counting on you. Let's do this!"
"YES SIR!" the three said and saluted in unison once again, then everyone headed to do their own job.
However, Simona stopped beside Skye, put her hand on his shoulder, and shook it encouragingly.
"You can be proud of yourself. Now you can show those top dogs, what you really established."
"It would have never worked out without you and Switch." he smiled at her.
The girl smiled back, then headed out to accomplish her commander's order. Skye looked up to the sky that was already swam in the orange light of the setting sun.
"Tomorrow, we'll reach a new level." he said to himself, and stepped into the building, to organise the preparations of their first real mission.

-o-o-

I hope you enjoyed it. :)
So, things begin heating up. What will happen at the mission of Skye and his team? You'll see soon. :)