Another two weeks passed, and it was the day of Sonic and Sally's gender reveal party. Sonic and Sally, along with King Max, Queen Alicia, Jules, Bernadette, Sir Charles and Rosie were in the large main ballroom waiting for their guests. The whole room was decorated with blue and pink balloons and bunting, tables lined the walls with drinks and food, including a large cake decorated in blue and pink frosting. Also in the middle of the room were two large black balloons which contained either pink or blue confetti to confirm the genders.
Sally stood with Sonic wearing a loose light blue silk dress as well as her old blue sleeveless vest and her long hair was draped delicately over her right shoulder with her tiara sitting neatly on her head. Sonic was dressed in casual blue jeans, darker than his fur and a white shirt with his golden crown on his head and was holding his wife's hand. Sally smiled and stroked her stomach as she felt the babies move again.
"Oh, by Mobius I'm so excited!" she gushed as she looked at Rosie who smiled at her knowingly. She had been the one to put the party together after being given the answers to the question everyone had about the gender reveal and had arranged the party, from the balloons to the finger food.
"Me too my dear Sally!" the chipmunk grinned. "Oh, my golly you and Sonic have a big surprise coming!"
Sonic turned to Rosie and raised an eyebrow giving his signature smirk. "And of course, you won't let us in on it?"
"Of course not, son!" Jules cut in. "That would ruin the whole point!"
"Patience my boy," Max spoke up from his wheelchair. "You'll get the chance to find out!"
"Oh, I'm just as hyped as the kids," Bernadette smiled.
"As we all are," Sir Charles said. "We've been waiting for this day for a long time."
"I do hope the others arrive soon," Sally said. "I can hardly wait." She gasped as she felt the twins kick. "Neither can the littles," she added before patting her stomach. "Shhh babies, patience."
Sonic placed his hand on his wife's belly. "Looks like they're excited too!"
Max smiled warmly at his daughter and son in law and raised his hand to wave. "Granddad can't wait to meet them."
"Grandmother as well!" Alicia added.
Just then the doors opened, and a bulldog servant appeared and bowed to them. "Your majesties, highnesses, Lord, Lady, Sir Charles, Miss Rosie." He addressed them individually. "The guests are arriving."
"They're here!?" Sally exclaimed to which the servant nodded.
"Arrived a lot quicker than we thought they would." Sonic said and Alicia agreed.
Max gestured with his hand to the servant, and he turned to the doors and opened them. No sooner did he do so than Elias and Megan entered with Alexis in her pushchair followed closely by Bunnie and Antoine, all carrying balloons and wrapped gifts for the couple. It was no surprise they were the first to arrive since they already resided in the castle.
"Here we are!" Megan announced happily as she went to greet everyone.
"Oooohhhwheee! The big day is here!" Bunnie cheered as she went to Sally and embraced her tightly and Antoine and Sonic shook hands.
After a couple of minutes, Amy, Mina, Rotor and Tails arrived, then Knuckles, Julie-Su and Lara-Su appeared along with the Chaotix. Lara-Su was chatting happily along with Charmy who buzzed above her and would take her hands and lift her off the ground a few times making her giggle.
Shadow, Rouge, and Omega soon joined them. Shadow was holding a green Chaos Emerald showing he had obviously chaos controlled himself and his fellow GUN agents to the castle. Instead of their military uniforms since this was a more relaxed event, Shadow was dressed in smart black trousers and a red short sleeved shirt, Rouge was wearing a cat suit that had dark grey bottoms, a pink and white heart shaped corset top with matching gloves and white boots with hearts on the toes.
Last to arrive were Vanilla, Emerl, Cream, Cheese and Chocola and Dulcy, though the young dragon caused a few people to chuckle as her bottom got stuck in the doorway. Dulcy wiggled and pushed herself whilst looking at everyone sheepishly.
"You okay Dulcy?" Julie-Su asked concerned.
"Almost got it!" Dulcy replied then pulled herself through with a pop and without breaking the doorway.
The dragon brushed herself down and chuckled. "I think I need to lose a few pounds there!" she commented, wiggling her bottom.
"At least you were able to get inside!" Knuckles laughed.
"Yeah! At least!" Dulcy agreed as she chuckled along with everyone else.
"Here we are!" Mina cheered in a sing song voice.
"Todays the day!" Amy sang.
"Party! Party! Party!" Lara-Su squealed as she jumped up and down. Knuckles smiled and placed his paw on his daughter's head prompting her to calm down and Rouge laughed at how cute Lara-Su looked.
After greeting everyone with hugs, fist-bumps, handshakes and kisses, Sally addressed everyone. "My dear friends, I'm so glad you could join us on this wonderful day."
"Same can be said for myself," Sonic agreed. "We've been looking forward to this day as much as you."
Everyone cheered in agreement and Sally spoke again.
"We're so glad you've all made the journey to come here, especially those who have travelled further than others." So saying she glanced at Shadow, Rouge, and Omega having travelled from Central City on the other side of the planet, who saluted and nodded. Sally also smiled at Knuckles, Julie-Su, Lara-Su and the Chaotix who had travelled from Angel Island and at Dulcy who had travelled from further afield as well.
"You're all here, not only because you are members of my Royal Council, and our dear friends who have helped us in our time of need during the war against Robotnik, but also because of the roles you will all play in our children's life."
"Of course," Knuckles spoke up. "No way would we miss something this important."
"Yeah!" Charmy piped up. "What he said!"
Vector rolled his eyes at Charmy then smacked the young bee across the back of the head making him roll over in mid-air making a few people laugh.
"Charmy, what are we to do with you..." Espio sighed.
Sally ignored that incident and looked back at everyone. "And I'm sure you've all been betting the genders?"
Everyone cheered in agreement.
Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Just out of curiosity...what's the biggest bet going?"
"Sonic!" Tails exclaimed yet he laughed.
"Just curious is all!" Sonic shrugged.
Sally shook her head and giggled. "Okay. All boys?"
A sea of hands went up, including Rotor and Rouge.
"I see," Sally mused. "A fair few."
"And all girls?" Sonic asked to which another set of hands went up, including Shadow, Bunnie and Amy.
"And boy and girl?" Sally added. The remaining few raised their hands, including Cream, Tails and Omega.
Rouge looked at Omega and Shadow. "So, you've bet both girls!" she said to the black and red hedgehog."Omega's bet a boy and a girl, and I bet two boys!"
Shadow nodded. "Let's see how this goes hmm?"
Rouge nodded. "Yes well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed."
Sally looked at everyone then she and Sonic turned to the black balloons. "Well Sonic and I won't keep you waiting any longer! Let's find out!"
"Yeah lets!" Sonic agreed.
"About time," Shadow muttered and folded his arms and Rouge just chuckled at him.
Meanwhile, everyone murmured excitedly.
"Fingers crossed everyone!" Amy called.
"And toes!" Cream added.
At once everyone did so, Max did it with difficulty with one hand as well as held Alicia's hand with his other. Elias and Megan held hands, as did Jules and Bernadette, Bunnie and Antoine. Rosie started to giggle excitedly.
"Ready Sonic?" Sally asked as she held up her pin.
"Ready Sal!" Sonic winked. "Let's do it to it!"
Sally nodded. "One…Two…Three!"
Sally then jabbed her balloon, and it popped revealing blue confetti. Everyone cheered loudly and Sally gasped with joy.
"A son!" she cried.
"Oh wow!" Sonic breathed, feeling the happiness rise within him."Oh Boy…. oh man!"
"Oh yes Sonic!" Rosie giggled while pointing at the floored hedgehog. "A Mini you!"
"One of the babies is a boy!" Tails cheered happily spinning his tails and lifting himself into the air whilst Cream did a little dance on the spot.
"Nice one! A boy!" Rotor said while clapping his hands happily.
Rouge grinned hopefully and looked at Shadow with a toothy smirk. "If the other one is a boy, I win!"
Shadow acknowledged her with a nod as well as a look of slight surprise on his face at the gender of the first child.
Max smiled with tears in his eyes. "A grandson!"
"Your own mini you Sonic!" Bernadette squealed as she clapped her hands and looked at her son who looked shell shocked but very happy.
"Atta Boy son!" Jules cheered "A grandson!"
Amy meanwhile looked slightly disappointed as she lost the bet, snapping her fingers but clapping and cheering immediately afterwards, happy for Sonic and Sally, yet she was curious that Sonic hadn't revealed what was in his balloon. "What have you got Sonic?"
Charles meanwhile, as happy that he now was about to get a great nephew, also was curious. "Ah yes Sonic, what about your balloon?"
"Yeah! Come on Sonic!" Rotor shouted. "Pop your balloon!"
And soon the room was filled with chanting.
"Pop it! Pop it! Pop it!"
Sonic grinned. "Alright!" he said holding up his pin. "Here we go!"
The hedgehig twirled the pin a few times in his hand, building anticipation before finally popping his balloon and as he did, pink confetti spilled out.
Sally clapped her hands in excitement. "A daughter!"
"A girl!" Mina exclaimed.
"Yay!" Amy squealed as she jumped and punched the air. "A girl!"
"oooohhhhhwheee!" Bunnie spun around joyfully. "A little cowgirl!"
Max smiled with tears in his eyes. "A granddaughter!" he gasped, and Alicia hugged him with happiness.
"Aww!" Bernadette gushed. "A little mini-Sally!"
"A boy and a girl!" Charles cheered.
"Oh wow!" Jules gasped.
"Aww I'm so happy!" Dulcy cried as she clapped her large paws. "I can't wait to tell mother!"
"Oh, elders be praised!" Julie-Su cried.
"Oh my gosh!" Megan sobbed joyfully. "Isn't this amazing?"
"Way to go you two!" Elias yelled waving his hands.
"Yay!" Rosie cheered. "Congratulations you two!"
Omega waved his clawed hands triumphantly. "I win!"
Shadow and Rouge looked at each other and then up at the giant robot in disbelief.
"Did we just loose to him!?" Rouge demanded gesturing at Omega with her thumb.
Shadow folded his arms crossly and narrowed his eyes at Omega who waved his hands in victory. "It would appear so. Lucky guess."
"Chumps!" Omega said to which the hedgehog and bat glared.
"Oh, shut up!" they snapped but Omega just laughed in a robotic tone.
Sonic meanwhile couldn't believe it and stood there as his eyes filled with happy tears, at the realization he was going to have a son and a daughter. Sally ran up and cupped his cheeks.
"We're having both! Oh, Sonic we're having the best of both worlds! A son and a daughter!" she hugged him tightly around the neck and Sonic hugged her back.
Sonic nuzzled his wife.
"A boy and a girl!" he said. "This is so awesome! I can't believe how lucky we are!"
Sally nodded as tears fell from her eyes. "I know!" she said nuzzling Sonic's nose. "So overwhelming but I'm so happy!"
As the happy parents to be embraced, everyone else continued to cheer and clap. Amy and Mina hugged each other emotionally, Julie-Su and Knuckles embraced joyfully, and Dulcy wiped a few happy tears away.
"My Goodness!" Alicia cried "This is such a joyous and special moment!"
"Praise this day!" Max said.
Bernadette hugged Jules close and wept happily. "Oh Jules, I'm so happy for our baby hog!"
"So am I, Bernie!" Jules agreed. "We're gonna have a grandson and a granddaughter!"
"Awww!" Vanilla gushed, looking at the happy soon-to-be grandparents. "Don't they deserve it?"
"They look so happy mother!" Cream smiled then looked at Tails who agreed with Vanilla.
"They sure do! I'm so happy for them both!" said the fox.
Antoine meanwhile hugged Bunnie. "I is so happy for our dear friends!"
"Same here Sugar-twan!" Bunnie replied. "I can't believe I'm going to be an auntie to a boy and gal!"
"Feelings mutual!" Amy added as Mina nodded in agreement. "Oh, I can't wait to meet them!"
Rotor clapped his hands again. "Congratulations you two!"
Rouge grinned as she watched Sonic and Sally basking in the happiness of knowing the genders of their children. "Aww they look so happy!"
That they do," Shadow agreed as a small smirk came to his face.
"Such happiness, it makes me feel warm inside!" Omega added.
Sally kissed Sonic again and stroked his cheeks. "Now we know what we're expecting" she said as she placed her hand on her belly. "Shall we get back to the celebration?"
She then giggled as she felt the babies move within. "Our son and daughter seem to agree!"
Sonic laughed and stroked his wife's belly. "Well, if the babies say so, then let's get back to it!"
Both the ground squirrel and hedgehog turned to the crowd and before long everyone was walking up to them and handing them their gifts. "It's present time!" Mina sang happily.
Sally gushed as she looked at the many presents and wondered how they were going to get through them all. Elias and Megan stepped forward and presented them with a white basket filled with basic baby essentials, which included diapers, onesies, white and cream baby towels, lotions, powders, and a couple of stuffed teddies with a label on the front of the basket saying, 'Blessed Twice'.
"Just a basket of the basics!" Megan said.
"Aww thank you!" Sally smiled hugging her sister-in-law and Sonic shared a manly hug with Elias.
"Those bears are so cute!" Bernadette gushed.
"Aren't they?" Jules added, smiling proudly.
"You think that's cute?" Amy asked then stepped forward with her gift and everyone gasped as well as chuckled as they saw the pink hedgehog carrying a small brown basket with two stuffed toys in it. "Check these out!"
Sonic and Sally gaped when they saw that the toys were stuffed plushies of themselves. The one that looked like Sally even had her trademark blue vest and boots.
"Oh Amy!" cried Mina. "You didn't!"
"Oh, she did!" Bunnie exclaimed.
"Wow!" Tails gasped as he looked. "So cool!"
"Oh my!" said Megan.
"Amazing!" Alicia mused whilst Max just blinked in surprise.
"Amy…." Sally cried as she took the basket. "Oh, my Goodness!"
"They look exactly like Sonic and Sally!" Jules stated.
Sonic grinned. "Awesome! Look Sal! Check out Little Us!"
"Oh, wow Amy!" Sally cried with tears in her eyes. "They're so cute! Thank you so much!"
Amy grinned proudly. "I got them done at the New Build-A-Bear Factory in the city! It's so the kiddies can still have mummy and daddy close when you're busy with your royal duties!"
"Aww thanks Amy!" Sonic exclaimed then picked up the plushie of himself. "Hello there handsome!" He laughed to which Shadow rolled his eyes and Knuckles just shook his head.
Bernadette gushed as she looked at the plushies and turned to Jules. "Our baby hog as a plushie! I want one!"
Jules chuckled and kissed his wife on her forehead. "I'll keep that in mind."
Meanwhile Rouge smirked and looked at Shadow and Omega. Shadow noticed her gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"I wonder if I should get plushies made of you two," Rouge chuckled, placing a finger under her chin as she pondered the thought. "You'd both look very cute."
Shadow narrowed his eyes and Omega looked like he would have a glitch. "Don't even think about it," he replied to which Rouge laughed.
Knuckles and Julie-Su then stepped over and gave Sonic and Sally two pairs of Babygro's, one set was white with writing that said, 'Sometimes you pray for a miracle' the other one was said on the front 'Then you get two.' The other set was grey, and both said 'Drinking Buddies' with milk bottles underneath.
"They're perfect," Sally said with a warm smile on her face. "Thank you.
"
"Yeah, thanks you two!" Sonic said giving Knuckles a fist bump.
"I got something too!" Lara-Su squeaked, and the Prince and Princess looked down at the smaller Echidna who held up a painted rock. Sonic took it and he saw it was hand painted with two red hearts and a couple of runes in them.
"Aww Lara thank you!" Sally said kneeling to Lara-Su and giving her a kiss on her head. "It's lovely!"
"I painted it myself!" Lara-Su said proudly.
"You got skills kid!" Sonic praised. "It looks awesome!"
"Did I do Good Uncle Sonic?" Lara-Su asked hopefully.
"You did more than good kiddo!" Sonic smiled.
Lara-Su grinned and squealed "Thank you!" "
You're a talented girl!" Sally added to which Julie-Su smiled, proud of her daughter.
A loud cough was soon heard from Vector as the Crocodile walked over with something attached to his chest, yet no-one could see since Espio, Cream and Vanilla were standing in front of him.
"Ahem! Your highnesses!" Vector said. "Myself, my boys and Vanilla also want to present you with a couple of gifts!"
"We all chipped in," Espio added.
"And we do hope you enjoy them," Vanilla smiled. "As well as find them useful!"
She along with Epsio and Cream then stepped to the sides to reveal Vector who turned around wearing a baby carrier on his front with Charmy sitting in it as well as hold the second one in his right hand.
"Ta da!" both the bee and crocodile cheered, and everyone laughed hard.
In fact, Sally giggled so much she thought she would burst, and Sonic had a few tears in his eyes.
"Well look at that!" he chortled.
"Ma Stars!" Bunnie exclaimed.
Shadow meanwhile face-palmed at how ridiculous Charmy and Vector looked whilst Rouge held her stomach laughing. It didn't help when Charmy said loudly. "You know the babies are gonna love it! Because I do!" He waved his arms and kicked his feet about and everyone was hysterical, except for Shadow who groaned loudly, and Knuckles sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Alright Charmy!" Vector said as he grabbed the top of Charmy's head and pulled him out the carrier. "Get outta there! You've had your fun!"
"Aww boss!" Charmy complained.
"How does Knuckles and Julie-Su put up with those morons?" Shadow asked as he looked at Rouge who was trying to get her breath back from laughing so hard.
"Used to them I guess!" she managed to say in between breaths.
Once everyone had calmed down, Bunnie and Antoine stepped forward with their gifts.
"Sally Girl! Sugar Hog! Antoine and I have a few gifts too!" Bunnie grinned and she held up a basket of soft toys as well as three cream colored baby grows one pair said, 'Double Trouble,' another pair that said, 'I Was Planned,' the other said 'I Was A Surprise,' and the third said 'Twice the Love' on one and the other 'Double The Blessings!
"They're beautiful!" said Sally as she hugged Bunnie and Antoine.
"Oh, but that's not all suga!" said Bunnie, a cheeky smile on her face. "My darlin T'wan wanted to add something extra especially for Suga hog!" She turned to a confused looking Sonic and Antoine gave the hedgehog an evil smirk.
"Oh yeah? What is it?" Sonic asked raising an eyebrow as he took the bag.
"Have a look Suga-Hog!" Bunnie gestured and Sonic opened the bag to have a look whilst Sally looked over curiously.
Everyone else also leaned in to look. Sonic reached in and he pulled out a book along with two babygros.
"We felt they would suit you well Sonic," Antoine said.
The babygros were a light coffee color, and one had a picture of a hot dog with the word 'Perfect' above it, and the other a picture of chilli mince with the word 'Together' above it.
Everyone looked and cheered as they saw it referenced Sonic's favorite food and almost the only thing he ate.
"Nice touch," Rouge said, grinning.
"That suits Sonic perfectly!" Rotor agreed, clapping his hands.
Sonic gave his signature smirk and gestured to himself. "Yep, that's me alright!" he grinned then he noticed the book and had a look. "And... what's this?"
Sally also had a look and she saw it was parenting book, with a cartoon drawing of a male dog holding a baby and looking rather clueless and the title read 'The Ultimate Guide To Being A First-Time Dad, For Dummies!'
"Not that you'd need it, but it should help?" Antoine said in a sheepish tone.
At once everyone burst out laughing, Elias, Knuckles, Megan, Julie-Su and Rosie laughing the hardest of all.
"Perfect!" Julie-Su spluttered.
Sonic stared at the front cover and blinked his wide green eyes. "What the...for dummies!?"
Shadow smirked as he held back a laugh. "Oh, this is too good."
Tails covered his mouth as he snickered, Vector chortled, and Dulcy rocked back on her heels giggling.
Knuckles then spoke up. "I think he needs it! Especially after that nappy changing escapade with Alexis!"
As he heard that Sonic went bright red and he turned to see his parents, his in-laws, and Uncle Chuck beside themselves with laughter. "Oh, and this is funny to you all!?"
Jules snickered. "Yeah! Kind of is son!"
"Afraid so Sonic my boy!" Max agreed.
"Oh man, I can't!" Rouge chortled and Amy and Mina hugged each other they laughed so hard.
Sonic frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh yeah go ahead, laugh it up!"
Sally shook her head at Bunnie and Antoine and turned to Sonic stroking his cheek. "Don't let it get to you hun. We all know you're gonna be the best dad ever."
Hearing Sally everyone agreed in unison, yet Elias and Knuckles looked at each other.
"Let's just hope he remembers Rosie's nappy changing 101!" Elias laughed.
"Hopefully it goes better than his first attempt!" Knuckles smirked.
Julie-Su nodded in agreement. "I'm sure he'll be fine! Practice makes perfect!"
As the party went on, Sonic and Sally were gifted by their guests as well as some that had arrived from those absent by the servants, with many soft toys, Babygro's, a crib, a playpen, accessories, and essentials, and before long, Rotor, Shadow, Omega and Rouge were the last to give gifts.
Sally looked at an area of the room filled with the many gifts and turned to everyone. "Wow...Guys, this is just amazing. Sonic and I can't thank you enough for your generosity."
"Means a lot to us both that you guys took the time to do this for us!" Sonic added.
Everyone cheered and nodded as well as raised drinks to their good health.
"You're our dearest friends!" Bunnie said.
"And you've got our support all the way!" Amy added.
"Yet I still got my gift to give!" Rotor spoke up.
"As do Shadow, Omega and I," Rouge chimed in.
"Oh yeah?" Sonic asked.
Rotor nodded. "Yep!" The walrus clapped his hands and a couple of servants appeared from the side of the room and pushed a large object covered with a white cloth which no-one had noticed until now. "This is a little something I've been doing as a side project ever since I found out about the babies."
"Wow…" Cream said, curious as to what was under the cloth.
"A little something?" Mina blinked. "I wonder what this could be?"
.
"I wonder indeed." Bunnie agreed.
Everyone started to edge closer to look, as Rotor gulped and pulled on his collar nervously. "Man I hope this one doesn't blow up on me…" he said under his breath.
"Hmm, wonder what we have here?" Shadow mused as he, Rouge and Omega stepped closer, and Rouge pulled out her compact so she could record it like she did with Rotor's last invention.
"Guess we'll find out!" she said as she activated her device.
Rotor stood up straight and cleared his throat. "Your majesty's, highnesses, lords, ladies, friends, I'd like to share with you all and present to their Royal highnesses and parents to be…"
"Get to the point Walrus!" Charmy called out impatiently to which Vector bonked him on the head with his fist.
"Shut up Charmy!" he growled.
The bee rubbed his head and glared.
"Yes, be quiet you obnoxious pipsqueak," Espio said.
Knuckles meanwhile rolled his eyes as he looked to Julie-Su and whispered, "What are we gonna do with them?"
"I don't know," Julie-Su replied. "Half the time I think they're more of a handful than our Lara at times!" She chuckled and looked at Lara-Su who had been quiet and good whilst watching the gifts getting handed out.
Rotor cleared his throat again. "Your highnesses, in honor of your son and daughter, I present this special gift!"
He clicked his fingers, and the two servants removed the cloth, and everyone stared in confusion at a large metal box before them.
"Ooo...okay?" Sally mused raising an eyebrow.
"A box?" Amy asked.
"A big silver box?" Lara-Su said curiously and started to walk over but Knuckles stopped her.
Sonic scratched his head. "Hmm, okay I'm interested. What you whipped up this time pal?"
Rotor grinned. "Ah ha! Well, you're about to see! But may I ask everyone to stand back?"
At his request, everyone did so, and Rotor took a deep breath.
"Okay...here it goes!"
He pressed a red button on the side of the box and stepped back as it started to open up. "Don't fail me now..." he said under his breath.
Bernadette watched then turned to her brother-in-law. "Did you know anything about this Charles?"
Charles shook his head. "No, this is all new to me."
"So even you don't know?" Jules said rubbing his chin. "Rotor must have whipped this up in secret then."
"Wow!" Bernadette quipped "That boy does work hard and does well to surprise us!"
Max said nothing as he watched, wincing slightly as his rheumatism got to him and Alicia held his hand in an act of comfort.
At everyone's amazement, the box soon opened to reveal what looked like a long treadmill, yet it had three loops in it, almost like what a toy racing track would look like.
Everyone gasped as they gazed upon it.
"Oh wow," Rouge gasped. "I've never seen anything like this before, not even in the GUN gym and training rooms!"
Shadow was silent as he stared.
"Oh, I say! Rotor! This looks amazing!" Sally said excitedly. "What is it?"
Rotor grinned and gestured to the three looped treadmill. "This Sally is a treadmill with added loop de loop! So, your kids can practice their running with daddy!" "Yes!" he thought happily "So far! So good!"
Sonic was delighted and he felt like a kid at Christmas as he looked at this invention. "Oh wow, I like! I like a lot! Man, why didn't I have one of these back in the day?"
Bernadette chuckled as she looked at her son. "Well, no one thought of something like this Sonic, not when you were a baby hog!" she said to which Jules nodded in agreement.
"Nope, didn't have a genius like your friend there!" the older hedgehog pointed to the walrus.
"You like it Sonic?" Rotor asked, which seemed invalid since the prince was grinning from ear to ear.
"I think it's amazing Rotor!" Sally praised. "Well done! It's really something! But I must ask..." she added in a worried voice as well as placed a hand on her swollen stomach, "...is it safe?"
"That's what I'd like to know as well, Rotor," Max agreed giving the walrus a sideways look.
"Oh yes your majesty!" Rotor answered quickly, a bit of sweat forming on his forehead. "Safe as houses I assure you!"
He then felt Sonic pat his shoulder.
"I believe you bud!" he winked. "And I'm sure the Littles will love this when they're old enough to use it!"
Rotor felt confidence rise in his belly then he had an idea. "Cool! Well, if you wish your highness, you want to give it a try?"
Sonic's eyes lit up and his smile got wider. "Really? Oh, I am so down!"
At the same time, Rouge nudged Shadow. "You could if you wish? Just to give it a safety test?"
Shadow groaned and looked at his partner. "Must I?"
"Only if you want to?" the bat responded.
Omega spoke up. "I suggest doing so, so the babies are safe. Safety is a priority and you, Shadow, match Prince Sonic's speed."
"You're encouraging him too Omega?" Rouge asked, rather pleased that the giant robot was siding with her.
"Affirmative," Omega answered.
Shadow rolled his eyes and sighed annoyed. "Very well..."
Rouge laughed. She was used to Shadow's grumpy attitude and patted his shoulder. "Aww, don't look so gloomy! You might just enjoy it!"
"Alright, alright!" Shadow groaned and walked over to the treadmill much to Sonic and Sally's pleasure.
"Shadow? You're going to join Sonic for the safety test?" Sally asked.
"If a GUN Agent can give it a test to see it's safe, I'll be soothed!" Max spoke up.
"As will I," Alicia chimed in.
Rotor clapped his hands excitedly. "Right! Well, if you Sonic and Shadow get on the treadmill, as it's big enough to accommodate you side by side, we'll be able to show everyone how it works!"
"Be careful, okay?" Sally cautioned her husband.
"No worries!" Sonic grinned. "This'll be a piece of cake!"
"You too!" Rouge said, winking at Shadow. "You're the best runner, in my opinion partner! Go get 'em!"
The black hedgehog couldn't help but smirk as he heard her encouragement.
Rotor stood by the controls where Sonic and Shadow stood and started to fiddle with them. "Okay you two! Take your positions here at the start area! and we'll get going!"
Jules chuckled as he watched. "Heh, this ought to be good!"
Bernadette agreed as she held her husband's hand. "Yeah! I just hope it's safe!"
Everyone else went silent and watched with bated breath and crossed fingers.
"Okay, here goes!" Rotor muttered and he pressed a button on the starting point and the treadmill started to move, slow at first. "Starting at a walking pace!"
At that happened the belt of the treadmill moved and Sonic and Shadow started to walk along with it. Everyone looked eager wondering what was going to happen next yet some, especially Sally, her parents and Sonic's parents and Uncle Chuck looked a little concerned.
Rotor looked at the two hedgehogs as they walked together on the treadmill. "You both okay there?"
"Yep, all good bud!" Sonic reassured the walrus whilst Shadow silently nodded.
"Okay!" Rotor replied. "I'm gonna up the pace now!" He pressed a button and the treadmill started to speed up. "Here we go!"
Sally watched in worry as the treadmill speeded up and the two hedgehogs started to run faster. Meanwhile Lara-Su got excited as she watched.
"Can I go on it after Sonic and Shadow? Please! It looks like fun!" she pleaded.
"We'll see baby," Knuckles replied as he held his daughter close. "First things first, and that's making sure it's safe."
"Aww...okay daddy..." Lara-Su sighed.
Rotor watched the hedgehogs run then slowly started to speed up the belt. "Okay you two! Taking it up a notch!"
"Yeah! Go for it!" Sonic yelled, desperate to enjoy the ride whilst he could.
"If you say so!" Rotor called and he started to up the speed. "See how fast you two go through the loops!"
"Go Shadow!" Rouge and Omega cheered together and everyone else joined in with cheering both Sonic and Shadow.
As Rotor sped up the treadmill, both Sonic and Shadow begin to run through the loops and before long all everyone could see was a blue blur and a black and red blur running over the treadmill and through the loops. Everyone clapped and cheered for the hedgehogs whilst the elders watched in awe.
"My goodness, look at them both go!" said Alicia.
"Very impressive!" Sir Charles praised.
"Go baby hog go!" Bernadette cheered.
Sonic and Shadow continued to run through the track, matching one another the entire away before the two of them came to a stop near where they started to everyone's cheers and applause.
Rotor punched the air in triumph. "Yes! A success! It worked!"
Sally walked over holding her belly and smiling. "Wow! Sonic! How was that?"
"What a rush!" he cheered as he jumped off the machine. "That was awesome!" He turned to Rotor, giving him a thumbs up. "Well done bud!"
"You loved it Sonic?" Rotor asked. "Great! How about you Shadow?"
"Yes! How about you partner?" Rouge asked as she came over along with Sally.
Shadow Looked back to the track and rubbed his chin analyzing it. "Passable," he said in a calm professional voice. "As I ran through it, I didn't see any problems or faults."
"That's good to know!" Rouge grinned.
"Awesome job Bud!" Sonic praised, patting Rotor hard on the back. "You outdid yourself with this one! When the littles are of age, they're gonna have fun breaking this bad boy in!"
Rotor blushed and grinned harder. "Aww thanks Sonic! I'm so glad you love it! And you Shadow?
Shadow simply nodded. "I agree, you've done a good job."
"Thanks!" Rotor replied.
Sally looked at the treadmill then at Sonic and gave a playful frown. "I'll have to keep an eye on Sonic with this thing. He might burn it out before these two pop out!"
Everyone couldn't help but laugh at Sally's statement.
Sonic gave a mock dramatic gasp. "Oh, come on, Sal! Would I do such a..."
He was cut off by everyone yelling "Yes!" at the same time and Sally laughed harder making Sonic frown.
Seeing now that the two hedgehogs had tested the treadmill Lara-Su struggled in her father's paws. "Can I have a go? Please! Please! Please!"
Knuckles looked at his wife. "What do you think Love?"
Julie-Su smiled softly. "I think it'll be alright, as long as she's careful."
That pleased the young echidna and she trotted over to the treadmill and jumped onto it.
"Don't worry you two," Rotor assured the two echidnas. "I'll have it at a slower pace, just to be safe."
Knuckles nodded in thanks. "Alright," he said then looked at his young daughter. "Be careful Lara."
"I will!" Lara replied then started to skip on the treadmill as Rotor turned it on at a slow pace.
Rouge smiled at the sight then nudged Shadow. "We still got our gifts to give."
"That's true," Shadow agreed as he picked up a paper bag he had next to him.
"Then let's not hesitate," said Omega before the trio walked over to Sonic and Sally.
Sonic and Sally were surprised at the fact there was another set of gifts, but they smiled as Shadow handed them the paper bag and Rouge gave Sonic a couple of gold envelopes.
"Aww thanks you three!" Sally smiled as she reached into the bag and pulled out two twin Babygro's. One pair of the Babygro's said 'Born Together, Friends Forever' the other pair said, 'Womb Mates To Room Mates'.
"Oh wow!" Sonic exclaimed as he looked at the Babygro's. "Thanks guys!"
Rouge smiled and nodded. "They were just too cute to resist. And I think you'll like what's in those envelopes."
"Oh?" Sally mused then saw Sonic open them and she gasped. Inside the envelopes were vouchers, one for a full spa weekend at one of the top 5-star Spa Hotels outside Mobotropolis and the other is for a professional family photoshoot for after the babies were born.
"Whoa, nice!" said Sonic, a huge grin appearing on his face. "Thanks, you three!"
Shadow crossed his arms and gestured to Rouge with his head. "It was Rouge's idea. Thought that you both would enjoy it."
"Thank you! We'll put these to good use after the munchkins pop out!" Sally smiled.
Rouge grinned in happiness and Shadow looked to her and gave a small smirk and wink.
About an hour later the gender reveal party was in full swing, with the drinks flowing and the food is being enjoyed and everyone was in deep conversation, the topic mostly on the future prince and princess. Lara-Su after having a go on the new treadmill played with Alexis under the watchful eye of Rosie and Megan whilst Sally and Sonic sat on a chaise together and Shadow and Rouge discussed Rotor's new invention and gift to the Prince and Princess.
Sally stroked her belly and watched everyone with a smile. "This has been so wonderful Hun. We've been blessed with a son and a daughter, and everyone's been so generous."
"Yeah," Sonic agreed as he felt his wife's swollen stomach and grinned every time he felt a kick. "Today's been perfect. Couldn't have asked for it to go any other way."
Sally nodded and she looked over to Lara and Alexis and imagined her and Sonic's babies playing with them. "Now that we're aware of the genders, I've been thinking a little more on names..." she said.
"Oh yeah!" Sonic agreed. "That is something we should definitely talk about and make a decision on now huh?"
"I did think of one name for our son," Sally quipped.
"Did you?" Sonic asked. "What did you come up with?"
Sally looked at her husband with a dreamy yet sad look on her face. "Tommy..."
As soon as Sonic heard the name of a dear friend who had lost his life in the war against Robotnik a sad smile came to his face as well.
"After Tommy Turtle..." Sally informed softly.
"My dude Tommy..." Sonic said with a sad chuckle, remembering his long-departed friend.
"I always think of him," Sally admitted as she stroked her stomach "And many others who can't be here, but we'll always remember them. They would be proud to see us now."
Sonic smiled in agreement. "Yeah, I think they would too. And I can't think of any better name for our little guy."
"Looks like we got our little boy a name," Sally said happily. "Now for our daughter..."
Sonic tapped his chin as he thought hard.
"I did have a couple in mind, but if you have an idea...?" Sally asked.
"Do you have any suggestions?" Sonic asked.
"I have a couple," Sally began. "Alyssa or Julayla?"
At the reminder of Sally's long past mentor, Sonic smiled. "Julayla...That sure does take me back."
Sally wiped a tear from her eye as she remembered her mentor as a child, which Sonic noticed and gently wiped away.
"Sorry," Sally said feeling pleasure at her husband's gentle finger on her face. "I still feel emotional when I think about her, and I still keep that acorn and ring she gave me on her deathbed." As she spoke, she held up her hand where on her middle finger next to her wedding finger was the very ring Julayla had left her before she passed.
"I don't think you've gone a day without wearing it?" Sonic said as he observed it.
"No, I haven't," Sally replied. "It's just a way of keeping her close, ever since she passed."
"I understand" Sonic said as he nuzzled Sally gently.
As Sonic and Sally talked, Rouge stood with Shadow as she fiddled with her small compact computer sending the video footage she had taken of Rotor's invention to the commander at GUN as well as the president. "Okay...and sent..." Rouge confirmed as she hit the send button. "If the commander and president aren't impressed by this, I don't know what will make their eyes pop. That treadmill was impressive."
"Yes, it was," Shadow agreed "Quite the invention."
Rouge turned to Shadow and chuckled as she nudged him. "You looked like you were enjoying yourself on it!"
"If you want to put it that way," said the black hedgehog. "I was merely helping test it out, as you suggested."
"Admit it Shad, you had fun!" Rouge laughed.
Shadow rolled his eyes in response. "Yeah yeah, whatever."
Rouge gently punched Shadow's shoulder and was about to speak again when her compact bleeped. "Wow! That was quick!" She exclaimed as she opened in, and she and Shadow looked at the screen and she saw both Commander Abraham and President Nathanial appear. "Mr President! Commander!"
"Evening sirs," Shadow added also saluting.
"Good evening Agent Shadow, Agent Rouge," Abraham replied saluting back.
"How're things?" Nathaniel asked. "I take it that you both are still at the gender reveal of the prince and princess's future children?"
"We are, yes sir," Rouge answered.
"Very nice, are you enjoying yourselves?" Abraham asked.
Rouge nodded. "It's been really amazing, and Sonic and Sally loved the gifts we gave them. Topaz will be delighted to know as well."
"That's very good news," Nathaniel replied then he frowned. "Hmm, I don't see Agent Omega. Is he still present there too?"
"Indeed," Shadow agreed then he looked over and he saw Omega amongst the kids, playing with them and carrying them on its hefty shoulders which surprised him.
"Let's just say he's indisposed at the moment." He said and tapped Rouge's shoulder to point out their teammate and the bat looked over to see Omega entertaining the children. Alexis was gurgling happily, and Lara-Su was cheering and laughing.
"Aww! So adorable!" she gushed and took out her phone to take a few pictures. "That's going in the album!"
Abraham smiled as he watched. "Well, I'm glad all's going well over there, and that the parents to be doing fine."
"That they are," Shadow agreed.
Nathaniel smiled too but then looked serious. "On to business, we did we receive the information you sent us regarding Sir Charles and Rotor's invention."
"Oh yes?" Rouge asked hopefully.
"It was impressive, I have to say. Along with that treadmill you sent information on as well." Abraham said.
"Indeed. I can see it being a very valuable asset," Nathanial agreed.
"Nice!" said Rouge, grinning. "Well, that's what I…. I mean...we..." she looked at Shadow. "...thought, so what do you propose Mr. President? Commander? Do you think Rotor should demonstrate his invention to GUN? Both inventions?"
Nathaniel nodded. "Yes, I'd like to see an up-close demonstration if it can be arranged."
"Really?" Rouge grinned "Sweet! Is it safe to tell Rotor and Sir Charles?"
"Yes, by all means." Nathanial smiled.
"Great!" said the bat excitedly. "And before we go, when do you wish the demonstration to be held?"
Nathaniel thought for a moment. "Well, it has been a very eventful couple days for them. Perhaps a few days break will do them some good beforehand."
"Okay," Rouge agreed. "Well, we'll inform Rotor and Sir Charles anyway and we'll tell them of a date later on?"
"Sounds good to me." Abraham said.
"Understood," Shadow chimed in. "We'll get on that right away."
"We'll be in touch again soon!" Rouge added.
Abraham saluted. "Enjoy the rest of the evening and we'll speak to you soon!"
Shadow saluted along with Rouge as the white bat ended the call.
Closing her compact, Rouge turned to Shadow. "Well, that's good news. We better find Rotor and Sir Charles."
Shadow nodded in agreement and both GUN agents went to find the two Mobians, but they stopped as they saw Sally clapping her hands to gain everyone's attention.
"Just a moment, I think the princess is going to make a speech," Rouge said.
At the same time, everyone went silent and turned to Sonic and Sally.
"My dear friends and family, I just want to say, Sonic and I are thankful that you have come today, and we appreciate and are thrilled with all your amazing gifts!"
Everyone cheered and clapped.
"But also," Sally continued. "I wish to take this moment to think of others who cannot be here today."
Everyone sighed as many knew of those who had lost their lives, not just during the War against Robotnik but the Great War before that.
Sonic then stood next to his wife. "So, if you will, please join us in a moment of silence?" he requested and at once everyone bowed their heads and stood for a two-minute silence.
As they did so, all took the time to remember those fallen. Sonic and Sally thought of Tommy Turtle and Julayla. Vanilla thought of her late husband and Cream's father. Max, Alicia, Bernadette, Jules, and Charles also thought of those who didn't survive in the Great War. All the while everyone made silent prayers to those who never made it home in both wars.
After the two minutes had passed, Sally looked up and spoke. "May they forever rest in peace, Amen."
"Amen," everyone said in unison.
After everyone resumed their conversations and celebrations, Shadow and Rouge soon located Sir Charles who was talking with King Max.
"Ah, Agent Rouge, Agent Shadow," Sir Charles smiled.
Rouge nodded and saluted along with Shadow. "Shadow and I received a call from the president and the commander regarding you and Rotor's invention."
"Did you now?" Sir Charles asked.
"Yes sir," Shadow nodded. "And we have a message to give you from them."
"Oh? I'm listening," Sir Charles said hopefully, and Max also smiled.
"They're requesting to see your and Rotor's invention in person," Shadow reported to which Max gasped happily.
"They are? That's amazing!" he said.
"They were impressed by both the drones and the loop de loop treadmill," Rouge said.
"So much so that they'd like to see it in person," Shadow added.
"Truly?" Charles asked clapping his hands. "Excellent!"
"I know!" Rouge grinned. "I'm really pleased they approve and wish to see them."
"I'll have to inform Rotor of this!" Sir Charles exclaimed.
"I can't wait to see his reaction!" Rouge agreed.
"Same. That boy worked really hard and put his all into this," Sir Charles said.
Shadow looked around and he soon saw Rotor Standing with Sonic and Sally and pointed him out. Rotor stroked Sally's stomach and spoke softly to the babies within.
"Hey babies!" he cooed. "It's Uncle Rotor!"
Sally giggled and put on a high voice. "Hello! Thank you for the amazing gift, Uncle Rotor!"
Sonic snickered as he watched. "Oh, they're gonna have a ball on that thing!" he said happily. He looked up and saw Sir Charles approaching them along with Shadow and Rouge. "Oh hey Unc!"
Rouge bowed. "Hello, your highnesses. We've come to speak with Rotor."
"Really?" Rotor asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Indeed, my boy," Sir Charles grinned happily. "We have some incredible news to share with you."
"Oh wow? Really? What is it?" Rotor asked.
Rouge gave a smirk and crossed her arms. "The president and commander are very impressed with your inventions. So much so, that they wished for you to give them an up and close demonstration of it."
"What?!" Rotor said in shock. "For real?!"
Sally's jaw dropped. "Oh wow! That's amazing!"
Rotor cheered. "Oh boy! This is fantastic!"
Sonic smirked and patted Rotor on his back. "Wow, that's awesome bud! Way to go!"
"Yeah! Well done, Rotor!" Sally smiled and hugged Rotor. "I'm so proud of you!"
"I can't wait!" Rotor said joyously before looking to Shadow and Rouge. "When do we go to GUN to demonstrate?"
"The commander and president wanted us to inform you both that they would schedule a time and place after tonight's festivities are over and done with," Shadow informed.
"Sweet!" Rotor grinned yet before he could say anything, a couple of loud bangs were heard as a couple of balloons burst, and the whole room went silent, then Alexis and Lara-Su started crying in distress from the sudden noise. At the same time Sonic who had been holding a glass of punch dropped it in shock and the liquid spilt over his white gloves and over Sally's stomach staining her dress. Sally at the same time gasped and winced as she felt the babies within kick.
"Geez! What the heck was that!?" Sonic said then saw his gloves and his wife's dress stained with his drink.
Megan meanwhile quickly knelt down to pick up Alexis and held her close as she sobbed. "Shh shh, there there baby…." She murmured rocking her.
Julie-Su did the same and hugged Lara-Su to her, Knuckles going over to assist.
"What made those balloons pop suddenly?" Amy asked.
"No clue," Mina spoke.
"Hmm, it does happen sometimes. Just randomly," Tails said while shrugging.
"Made a horrible noise those, the poor kids." Cream commented as she looked at Megan and Julie-Su comforting their children.
Sally looked down at her stained dress and felt the babies move more within her, wincing slightly as they did so. "I the noise scared the Littles too..."
"Easy there guys. It's okay," said Sonic in a soft tone as he placed his hand over Sally's stomach and looked at her. "Sorry about that Sal. Are you okay?"
A smile appeared on Sally's face as Sonic soothed not only her but their babies. "I'm alright Hun. It's okay, it was an accident."
Rotor took a couple quick breaths and placed his hand over his chest. "Made us all jump, that did..."
Charles nodded in agreement. "At least we're all okay, that's the important thing."
"Still, sure was a nasty shock," said Sally.
Julie-Su cradled Lara-Su close in her arms. "I think it's time you got to bed now Lara. You've had a lot of sugar and excitement."
Lara-Su sniffled and held onto her mother.
"I agree," said Megan as she as she gently rocked Alexis. "It's way past time for them to be put in bed."
Omega lifted its head. "Time for the little ones to be off to bed?"
Elias nodded. "Indeed. Thank you for entertaining them, Omega." A soft chuckle came from him. "Who knew you were good with kids?"
"Yes Omega," Julie-Su said, smiling at the robot. "Thank you so much."
Lara-Su looked at the robot with teary eyes. "Thank you Mr. Omega for letting me and Alexis ride on your shoulders..."
"Yes, you're a natural Omega," said Megan, giving Alexis a small kiss on her head.
Omega looked to Lara-Su, seeing that she was holding one of her hands up to it. ln response, the robot held out one of its clawed hands, letting the young echidna shake it softly.
Rouge grinned and leaned over to Shadow. "Maybe I should get him to help in the daycare area of Club Rouge."
Shadow looked to his robot companion and then to Rouge. "That'd be a sight to see."
"Yeah, well you saw him," said Rouge, chuckling. "As Megan said, he's a natural."
Shadow crossed his arms over his chest. "Color me surprised. Never would've seen it coming. All I've ever know him to have a passion for his blowing things up and fire."
Rouge laughed. "True, but yeah, he definitely surprised us today."
Sally smiled. "You know Rouge? I may be borrowing Omega after the twins are born."
"Yeah!" Sonic added. "Big guy could come in handy!"
Rouge chuckled and looked to Shadow. "What do you think partner?"
"Well, if what we saw is any indication, Omega could be quite the sitter," the hedgehog answered.
Rouge nodded. "Very well." She turned her attention back to Sally. "He's all yours whenever you want him. Not all the time, though. Being a valuable member of the team and all."
"No worries, Rouge," Sally said, smiling. "We won't steal him...much."
She, Rouge, and Sonic couldn't help but chuckle at the princess's snarky remark. Even Shadow couldn't help the brief chuckle that escaped his lips. Once things had settled down, they returned to conversing and having a good time with their friends and family and enjoying the rest of the evening together.
