A couple of days had passed by since Sonia heard the story of her father's heroics in Station Square against The God of Destruction, Chaos. The girl was sitting near a cliffside gazing out into the world, taking in the sight of the long stretching land.
"That's a lot of green and blue," Sonia said, taking note of the lands and the rivers ahead. Sonic and Amy stood behind the girl, also taking in the sights.
"Glad she's taking time to enjoy the view," Sonic said. "Guess she has a bit of nature lover in her."
"She does, the problem is-" As Amy spoke, Sonia sped off. "She has too short of an attention span."
"Yeah, guess so, come on," Sonic said, speeding after his daughter with Amy joining.
Sonia sped down below and came across something spectacular in her eyes. "Whoa!" She spotted a large flower bed nearby. "Sweet!"
She made her way through the flower field, gently as she could to not damage any of them while Sonic and Amy were right behind her.
"Wow, this place is gorgeous," Sonic said. "Seems like a spot Cream would definitely love coming by."
"Oh! Let's make a note of this place, we'll ask Tails, Cream and Skye to join us on a picnic," Amy said.
"That sounds like an awesome idea," Sonic said. "Actually, we can go and ask them now, we got time."
"Hopefully Tails isn't too busy," Amy said.
"Even if he is, he's good about setting time aside for his friends," Sonic said. "If it were Sally, then we'd never see her face for the next few days, if we're lucky."
Amy raised her eyebrow at the blue hedgehog, a little surprised at that jab. "Don't say stuff like that. I admit, Sally can work too hard at times, but she is the Queen, she kind of has to work hard."
"I know, I just feel bad that she's stuck at the castle all the time," Sonic said. "Of course she does this to herself, I haven't been able to figure out how to pull her away from all that."
"To be fair, I do suggest bringing her over to our house for dinner one day, you still haven't taken that offer," Amy said.
"Well like I said, she's always busy," Sonic said.
"Can't hurt to ask, this way when she is free, she can come by," Amy said. "Better yet, she'll bring Manik."
"Yeah, that's the other thing, he won't want to come," Sonic said. "And yeah, Sally could make him come but then he'd be so miserable, and I can just predict the awkward."
"Sonic, I get the feeling that you don't seem to want to be around your son at times," Amy said.
Hearing this did bother Sonic momentarily, "What makes you say that?"
"I've suggested seeing him a lot of times, and I even suggest bringing him over, yet you always seem against the idea of seeing him," Amy said. "Don't you love your son?"
"Of course...he's my little guy," Sonic said. "But you know how unhappy he gets when he's around us, especially you."
"I'm fully aware of that," Amy said.
"Then you understand why it's hard for me to suggest bringing him around with us," Sonic said. "Do you really think he'd be happy? He's better off at the castle where he doesn't have to see us."
"That's a terrible thing to say!" Amy said. "You should want to see your son!"
Sonic grumbled in annoyance, "Amy, why are you making things difficult?"
"I'm not trying to make things difficult, I'm trying to understand your mindset," Amy said. "I get why you think bringing Manik around is a bad idea, but shouldn't you be more eager to try rather than dismissive? You should want to have your son around."
"I do want him around, but I have to be real about this," Sonic said. "Amy, you see the best in others, and I really admire that about you. Honestly speaking, it's my favorite thing about you. But Manik...he's just so..."
"Sonic...you're not thinking less of your son, are you?" Amy asked.
"What? No!" Sonic grumbled in annoyance. "Look, how about we just focus on the flowers."
"Don't try looking for a distraction, Sonic," Amy warned. "And don't turn away from this."
"Amy...we talked about this the other day," Sonic said. "We agreed that you'd let me consider it."
"We also agreed that you can't keep running from this," Amy said. "Clearly Sally's still on your mind if you felt the need to compare her to Tails."
"Well you said 'busy' and it made me think of Sally being busy," Sonic said. "So busy that she can't help but stay locked in that dumb office for days and the moment I step out for some fresh air, I come back home to nagging because she's stressed out from how busy she was!"
Amy leaned back as she folded her arms, "Well that certainly poured out."
"...I don't even know where that came from," Sonic said.
"It's always been there Sonic, you just chose now to set it free," Amy said.
"...Look, can we move on?" Sonic asked.
"Sure we can, but it's just going to eat at you again," Amy said. "Because, and I will repeat myself, you can't outrun this."
"I don't get it, why are you so concerned with me patching things up with my ex? I thought you'd be happy with just the three of us?" Sonic asked.
"I am happy, Sonic," Amy said. "I'm happy I married you, I'm happy we have a daughter, and I'm happy that we're so close and go on so many fun adventures together! But that doesn't mean I won't stop thinking of our friends, and that includes Sally. You bottle things up so much that once your feelings start to overflow, they seep out bit by bit until they just tumble over and everything spills out."
"I don't like being angry, that's why," Sonic said.
"I know you don't, but holding onto your emotions isn't helping," Amy said. "Look, I know I said I wanted to leave it up to you but the longer this drags out and the more it affects you, I will have to start pushing you out of your comfort zone."
"Ugh, I hate that," Sonic said.
"Sorry, but as the wife here, it's my job to make sure my thick-headed husband doesn't worry himself into a fit," Amy said.
"Heh, what would I do without you?" Sonic nervously asked, internally lamenting his situation. "Me and my big mouth sometimes. Maybe I can buy myself a bit more time though."
"Mom! Dad!" Sonia said, speeding over. "Can I take a flower to Aunt Sally?"
"Huh!?" Sonic said, worried his plan to avoid facing his problems a little longer was falling apart.
"Well how about that, such great timing, isn't that right Sonic?" Amy asked, a coy smile on her face.
"Oh yeah, super great timing," Sonic lamented.
"Well, can I?" Sonia asked.
"Of course, in fact we should all bring something for Sally," Amy said.
"Super idea..." Sonic said, feeling the awkwardness.
"While we're at it let's bring something back for Manik too," Amy said.
"I picked up a really nice seashell recently," Sonia said, pulling it out. "Think he'll like it?"
"Oh...sea shells, reminds me of the time we went to Izu Peninsula," Amy said.
"Huh? When was this?" Sonia asked.
"Sometime after coming home from Station Square for the first time," Amy said. "It's one of my favorite stories. You know, I found a nice seashell too, I thought about giving it to Cream or Big, but I think I want Manik to have it."
"Dad, you got something for Manik, don't you?" Sonia asked.
"I think," Sonic checked his person, pulling out a rock. "I found this agate at the beach, I was gonna see if Tails could polish it up."
"Aw, I bet you were planning on giving it to me," Amy said.
"Actually, I was gonna give it to my mom the next time I saw her," Sonic admitted.
"Oh...actually that's really sweet too," Amy said.
"But I suppose I can give it to Manik," Sonic said.
"That's even sweeter," Amy said. "Come on, I think I see some roses among the flowers, Sally would love those."
"I was just thinking the same thing," Sonia said, following her mother to a rose bed.
Sonic shrugged it off, "Maybe it won't be awkward. In fact, maybe Sally's in one of her better moods. I'm sure everything will be fine."
Meanwhile at Mobotropolis.
"What do you mean no one's found Robotnik yet!?" Sally shouted while in her throne room. "He's a fat, bald man with a stupid looking mustache and a fleet of machines that look just like him only uglier! How is that hard to find!?"
"I take it your monthly friend is back," Fiona teased, then found herself under Sally's glare, the fox awkwardly turning away. "Mina said it."
"Don't even try!" Mina shouted in annoyance.
The room itself also consisted of a nervous Antoine, an awkward Tangle, a silent Whisper, an uncomfortable Rotor, and the only other one willing to speak up, that being Bunnie.
"Sally girl, have you been getting enough sleep lately?" Bunnie asked. "You seem kind of cranky."
"I'm fine, Bunnie, but I'd be better if this whole Robotnik thing was done with!" Sally said.
"Are we ever really done with Robotnik?" Fiona said. "No matter how many times we beat him, he just comes back for more. Half the time it doesn't even reach here because Sonic beats him to the punch."
"I'm fully aware, Fiona," Sally said. "Hopefully this time we can actually capture Robotnik, or get rid of him for good."
"Don't forget about Nagus," Bunnie said. "Not to mention that dastardly duo, Sleet and Dingo."
"Speaking of duos, how did everyone here lose track of Orbot and Cubot!?" Sally asked, still teetering on the brink of annoyance. "Those two share a brain chip! They should have been caught long ago!"
"Ever hear of dumb luck?" Fiona asked, then reeled back the moment Sally cast a glare. "Tangle said it."
"Hey!" Tangle shouted in annoyance.
"Queen Sally, perhaps you are overworked," Whisper said. "You need to take time to recollect yourself."
"I'll 'recollect' myself when Robotnik's been defeated!" Sally said. "We just need another plan."
"Or, you can call Sonic," Rotor said, everyone immediately wincing.
"Rotor, we've been over this, we don't need to bother Sonic," Sally said. "He's not a soldier, he's a civilian. We have The Chaotix in town at least."
"And they're not exactly having luck finding any traces of Robotnik," Fiona said, earning yet another glare from Sally. "It was Antoine."
"Clearly it was a woman's voice who said that!" Antoine shouted.
"Not very masculine then, are you?" Fiona teased.
"Watch it, missy," Bunnie warned. "Ain't no one talks about mah Antoine that way."
"Queen Sally, as much as it pains me to say this, Fiona may be right," Whisper said. "The Chaotix are capable detectives, but even if they find Robotnik, there's no guarantee that they will be successful in assisting us in his downfall."
"The Chaotix have experience against his robots," Sally said. "You should know, you've seen them in action. One of your first missions with us was against Neo Metal Sonic."
"Sally, may I speak?" Tangle asked.
"Sure, what do you have to say, Tangle?" Sally asked.
"I don't doubt your abilities against Eggman, I also don't doubt that we can find him on our own," Tangle said. "But, given that he hates Sonic more than anyone, wouldn't it make sense to bring him for that reason? Sonic will bring him out of hiding."
"I'm aware of that possibility, but that could also be what Robotnik wants," Sally said. "I don't want to risk bringing Sonic in only for Robotnik to spring some type of trap that gets him hurt...or worse."
"Worse? Come on, has Robotnik ever really got a good win over Sonic?" Fiona asked.
"Did you forget about the Phantom Ruby incident?" Sally asked. "Robotnik and that creep Infinite nearly killed Sonic, he was gone for a good long time too."
"Oh yeah, that's the time we really started up this whole Freedom Fighter business," Tangle said.
"That incident is a good reminder that we can't rely on only Sonic to protect us and treating him like a backup plan is in no way a good idea," Sally said. "We're more than capable of doing this ourselves."
"Well...if we can't get Sonic, can we at least contact Tails?" Mina asked. "He's just as capable, isn't he?"
"I second that Tails thing," Fiona said.
"Tails?" Sally asked. "Well, he might not be a bad choice either, but with Tails usually comes Sonic."
"We can just ask him to come alone," Mina said.
"Actually, maybe his wife can come too," Bunnie said. "Cream's a tough little rabbit, she can help us take down Robotnik."
"I suppose, but I'm still on the fence regarding Tails," Sally said.
"What's this about Tails?" Came the voice of Lanolin, the sheep lady entering the room along with the duo of Mighty and Ray.
"Lanolin, you made it," Sally said.
"Good to see you, Queen Sally," Lanolin greeted.
"H-hi Sally," Ray shyly waved.
"Good to see you, Ray," Sally greeted. "You too Mighty."
"Yo Ray!" Fiona said, walking over to bring the Flying Squirrell in for a hug. "Long time no see!"
"H-hi Fiona, how's castle life?" Ray asked.
"Oh, the same," Fiona said, rubbing his head. "You look great though, keeping yourself well groomed?"
"To the b-best of my ab-bility," Ray said.
"Well it's working," Fiona said, casting a glance at the Armadillo beside her. "Mighty..."
"Fiona..." Mighty greeted.
Tangle scratched her head in confusion, "It's so weird seeing Fiona being nice to someone."
"Well she and Ray have known each other since childhood," Whisper pointed out.
"So, having trouble with Eggman again?" Mighty asked.
"That's an understatement," Sally said. "It's more than just him too, he has allies by his side."
"Is that why I heard you mentioning Tails?" Lanolin asked. "What about Sonic?"
"I'd rather not involve Sonic in this," Sally said. "It's not his job to handle Robotnik."
"Seems strange to not have Sonic around to help, but between Ray and myself, we should be enough," Mighty said. "You leave this to us."
"Y-yeah, we're h-happy to help, Sally," Ray said. "Just l-leave it to us!"
"Not all alone of course, this is a team effort," Bunnie said.
"Got that right, but I trust my buddy Ray here to handle most of the trouble," Fiona said. "Especially as one of the only ones here who specializes in using the Chaos Emeralds."
"Oh! That's what we need!" Tangle said. "We should find the Chaos Emeralds! They can stop Eggman!"
"I have a few here, I've been collecting them to keep them in a safe place," Sally said. "But some are still scattered about. I meant to ask Tails to track them for me but I got sidetracked in my duties."
"Whisper and I can go look for them," Tangle suggested.
"Ray and I can help," Mighty said.
"Alright, we'll get this under control then," Sally said. "Let's just try to do this fast."
"Hey if you want fast, take Mina's idea and call Tails," Bunnie said. "You have a way to contact him directly, don't you?"
"Yeah, I do actually," Sally said. "Well I suppose it can't hurt, not like he has to bring Sonic."
"Um, excuse me," came the voice of Vector, the Chaotix leader making his way into the throne room.
"Vector, do you have anything to report?" Sally asked. "How is the search for Robotnik?"
"The old doctor may have left a few trails for us to follow, but there is something you should know," Vector said.
"What is it? Is it bad?" Sally asked.
"Depends on what you view as bad," Espio said.
"Just spill it, what's going on?" Fiona asked.
"It's Sonic...I think I spotted him coming this way with Amy and their daughter," Espio said.
Sally's eyes widened in disbelief, "Are you sure you saw that right!? Sonic's not actually coming here, is he?"
"Sure seems that way," Charmy said. "Taking their sweet time too, guess he's not exactly in a rush to get here."
"Charmy, don't word it like that," Vector said. "Sonic's just taking in the scenery, he is a nature guy, isn't he?"
"That he is, that sugarhog isn't always running at high speeds after all," Bunnie said. "He knows just as well as anyone, if not more that the best things in life are taken slow."
"Unless it's the direction away from this place," Fiona muttered to herself.
"Ah heard that," Bunnie said, gesturing to her ears.
"Oh good for you," Fiona sarcastically commented. "Look, go make sure if Sonic's actually coming here."
"That would be great if he is, he can help us out," Lanolin said.
Sally shook her head, "He shouldn't have to, Sonic's not a soldier."
"When has that ever stopped him?" Lanolin asked. "Sonic enjoys the thrill of battle."'
"Less of that and more that he's just naturally good natured," Bunnie said.
"Sonic would b-be able to find the Chaos Emeralds m-much faster than us," Ray said. "He can use them much better t-too."
"Oh good grief..." Sally lamented. "This is so far from what I wanted."
"Sally," Lanolin said, getting her attention. "Listen, why don't you just cool your head a bit. Since I'm here, I can do all the thinking for you. That is why you called me over after all."
"Yeah sure, just give me a chance to lie down for a few minutes," Sally said.
"We'll hold the fort for you, Queen," Lanolin said as Sally walked off.
As she walked to her room, she pulled out a device, "Nicole, mind contacting Tails?"
"Sure," Nicole said, immediately making the call.
At his house, while Tails is working on his plane, his Miles Electric went off, getting his attention, "Huh?" He turned the screen on, spotting his favorite Queen. "Oh, Sally, did you need something?"
"Hi Tails, I'm sorry to bother you but I might need your help with something regarding Eggman," Sally said.
"Oh, is he giving you trouble?" Tails asked.
"Kind of, how fast can you get here?" Sally asked.
"Not to brag, but given that I keep up with Sonic, it wouldn't take me too long to get over to the castle," Tails said. "But I would need to let Cream know."
"You can bring her if you want, Skye too," Sally said.
"Eh, Skye's not fond of the castle," Tails said. "It's fine, I can drop him off at his grandmother's house."
"If that's what you want," Sally said. "Get here when you can."
"Sure thing," Tails said.
"If you see Vanilla, tell her I said 'hi'," Sally said.
"I will," Tails reassured.
"...Also can you see if she has any extra cookies?" Sally asked.
"Sally...remember what Amy said about stress eating, do you want to gain weight again?" Tails asked.
"No...I still haven't even lost all of it," Sally said, awkwardly placing her hands on her hips.
"Hey don't worry about your figure," Tails said. "I'll be there soon."
"I knew I could count on you, Tails," Sally said. "Thank you."
"It's no trouble at all," Tails reassured.
Meanwhile with Lanolin, the sheep girl turned her attention to the others present. "Alright, if Sonic is coming here, might be better if someone out there goes to greet him and let him know what's happening."
"Maybe he knows, why else would he come here?" Mighty asked.
"Well fer starters, his daughter likes visiting Manik," Bunnie said.
"And Amy is good friends with Sally," Mina reminded.
"Well regardless, let Sonic know what's happening, and if he wants to help, that would be more than welcoming," Lanolin said.
"We shall meet him out front," Espio said.
"Alright, now let's catch each other up to speed regarding Eggman," Lanolin said. "What can you all tell me about what's been happening?"
Upstairs, Manik is gazing out of the window, the young Chipmunk looking even more bored, "I should be out there doing something. Instead I'm in here wasting my time." He heard a knock on his door, the boy turning. "Who's there?"
"It's me!" the door opened to reveal a mongoose. "Melody!"
Manik furrowed his brow in annoyance, "Ugh, and just why are you here?"
"Now is that anyway to talk to your future wife?" Melody teased.
"You not in no way, shape or form going to be my future wife!" Manik said.
Melody said nothing as she closed the door behind her. She walked over to Manik, stopping just short of him, her face inches away from his. Manik nervously looked to the side, his face turning red as some sweat dropped from his head.
"You are really adorable right now," Melody said, leaving a kiss on his nose.
"H-hey!" Manik awkwardly stepped away, trying to regain his cool. "What's with you?"
"Proving a point, you say that you don't want me around, but your actions prove otherwise," Melody said. "When I'm near you, that whole tough guy act goes down the drain, because deep down, you love the attention I give you."
"Hardly," Manik said. Suddenly Melody walked over again, placing her arms around him, keeping their faces inches apart.
"Hardly, huh?" Melody said, grinning at how much more awkward Manik got. "I really don't know why you feel the need to be tough. Personally, I like it better when a guy is more honest with his emotions. But I get it, boys do need to be strong for girls like me, and I know more than anything you want to be the strongest, because you are next in line to be king."
"I'm already strong, I just need...experience, that's all," Manik said.
"I bet you are talented," Melody said, pressing her forehead against Manik. "But even a strong man needs a lady by his side."
"Eh..." Manik tried turning away, but it seemed like the more he resisted, the more Melody did her best to prove her point.
"Don't you understand, Manik?" Melody said. "We have so much in common. We're both being raised by single mothers, and we've seen firsthand what that loneliness is like. I don't know how Queen Sally handles it, but my mom is very sad by herself. She wishes she had someone to hold her close, someone she could be with. I don't know who my dad is, my mom never told me, probably because it's such a bad memory for her. But that's why I want someone like you, Manik."
"Why me out of everyone?" Manik asked. "Is it because I'm a Prince?"
"I don't care about your crown, I just like who you are as a person," Melody said. "You want to be strong because you want others to be able to rely on you. Your motivation is to protect, and to be there for others. That's a great quality in a guy for me. I don't want to go through the loneliness my mom went through, and I know for sure she doesn't want me to experience that. I need a man like you, Manik."
"Well, I'm flattered," Manik said. "Still, I can't commit to you. I'm sorry."
"I know you won't say 'yes' right now, and that's fine, I mean given our ages, it's not like I'm in a rush to get married," Melody said, finally letting go of Manik, turning to face the window. "But, I am going to do everything in my power to win you over."
"You might be wasting your time, I mean you're not the only girl who's caught my attention," Manik said.
"Hm? That's an interesting way to word it," Melody said. "It sounds like I'm on your radar."
"Huh?" Manik shook his head. "No, wait, that's not what I meant."
"Too late, you gave me hope, and I'm going to use that hope to become your girlfriend," Melody said.
Manik sighed in annoyance, the poor boy having a defeated look on his face, "I need to choose my words more carefully."
"Manik, I just want you to know that I'm not using you as a crutch for my problems," Melody said. "If anything, I want to be a crutch for yours."
"What are you talking about this time?" Manik asked.
"I may not know a lot regarding your mother's marriage to Sonic, mainly since they split when I was too young to even know they were married," Melody said. "But given my experience, I know not having a father around must be a pain."
"Pfft, who needs him? He wants to walk out on me and my mom, let him," Manik said. "I don't need him to become a man. If I want advice on being a good father and husband, I can take notes from Antoine. He never walked out on Aunt Bunnie, and I know he never will."
"I don't know why Sonic divorced Queen Sally, and I don't know why my father left my mother," Melody said. "But...I promise you that if we get together, I will stick by your side, so long as you stick by mine."
"Well...not saying it will be you but...come the day I do get married," Manik began, willingly taking the girl by her hand. "My wife will always be able to count on me to be by her side. My children will always depend on me to raise them well too."
It was Melody's turn to blush, the girl shyly turning away, "You have quite a way with words, Manik Acorn."
Manik sheepishly rubbed his head, "I suppose. Listen, if you want to stay here that's fine. I have a new video game we can play."
"Oh really!? Wait is it that little handheld?" Melody asked.
"No way," Manik said, pressing a button, revealing a large TV. "I go all out with friends. Granted I don't have many friends that come here for whatever reason, but you make acceptable company I suppose.
"Wow, I'm acceptable, what an honor," Melody teased. "Wait, are you allowed to play? I heard you were grounded."
"It just means I can't leave the castle for a bit," Manik said. "Honestly my mom would prefer if I played video games or something rather than risk my life."
"As long as you don't get in more trouble," Melody said. "So, tell me. What other girl caught your eye?"
"H-hey, why are you asking that all of a sudden?" Manik asked.
"I want to know my competition," Melody said. "So, who is it? Oh, I bet it's Lara. I've seen you glancing at her butt."
"You can't prove that!" Manik shouted. "I mean...what kind of a boy do you take me for?"
"Heh, now I know what to improve on," Melody said. "What about Espio's little girl?"
"Not my type," Manik said.
"Bunnie's daughter?" Melody asked.
"She treats me more like a brother," Manik said.
"Speaking of siblings, how's Sonia doing?" Melody asked.
"Fine I guess," Manik said. "Still a pain."
"I don't doubt it, she can be full of herself," Melody said. "But she is cute, so I'll give her that."
"I guess," Manik said, thinking about his little sister. "She does have pretty eyes, and a nice smile. Boys are going to love her. They'll never love her more than me...wait what the hell am I thinking? She's nothing to me, she's just a symbol of everything miserable for me and my mother. Ugh, but why can't I just hate her and be done with it then?"
Melody had a feeling something was bothering Manik, the girl held his hand to hopefully ease him out of any discomfort.
Meanwhile Sonic, Amy and Sonia were nearing Mobotropolis. They kept a moderate pace as to not damage the flowers and other things they had for gifts to Sally.
Sonia checked her pocket, making sure the seashell was safe, and recalling something her mother said. "Hey mom, you said you collected seashells at a beach once. How significant was that exactly?"
"Oh, I love this story," Amy said. "Sonic, you remember that day, don't you?"
"Yeah, totally," Sonic said. "It was about a couple of weeks after fighting Chaos actually."
Years in the past, in light of the intense adventures at Station Square, Amy had an idea for her and her friends to take their minds off the drama.
"A beach day?" Ryo asked. "Amy, are you sure about that?"
"Station Square was really pretty, and I wanted to go to the Emerald Coast Hotel's beach, but we were so focused on the Chaos Emeralds that it feels like we didn't have a lot of time to have fun," Amy said. "I know we need to look for them, but I feel like we need a change of pace, and it's such a lovely day. So I figured we could go to the beach."
"Well, if you want to," Ryo said. "I'll call Nozomi and see if she has any suggestions."
"I look forward to it," Amy said, heading outside to the backyard. There she could see Tails working on the Tornado 2 alongside Sally while Cream and Cheese played near the garden and Sonic was resting on the rooftop.
She wished Knuckles was here, but she trusted he would be safe on Angel Island. Though for her, it wasn't a matter of Knuckles being safe, she just wanted all of her friends in one place.
Speaking of friends, she wondered how Peter was doing. He stopped by at least once to check on Amy but hadn't had a lot of time to do so. Though he did give her a radio to contact her if she ever needed him, which put her at ease.
"Hey everyone, I got some great news!" Amy said. No one seemed to notice, Sonic was still in his own thoughts, Tails and Sally were still working and Cream was still distracted by playing. "Guys?" Again no one noticed, to which she placed her fingers in her mouth and loudly whistled, getting their attention.
"Oh, Amy, when did you get here?" Tails asked.
"A couple of minutes ago, I was trying to get your attention," Amy said.
"Well, you have it, what do you need from us?" Sally asked.
"Well for starters, I just talked to Ryo and...we're going to the beach!" Amy said. This didn't really garner a lot of excitement, mildly annoying Amy. "Gee, don't everyone shout at once."
"We're sorry it's just that...the beach?" Tails asked. "Is there something there?"
"Is this for a mission?" Sally asked.
"Mission? No, this is for fun," Amy said. "We really need a beach day, to cool us off from the incident at Station Square."
"Uh...that doesn't seem necessary," Sally said. "We need to focus on getting those Emeralds so we can go back home."
"Yeah, I don't think we'll have time for the beach," Tails said.
"Oh come on, one day isn't going to hurt," Amy said. "We're on a whole new planet with so much to explore, doesn't that sound fun?"
"...Yeah you have a point," Tails said.
"I can agree with that too, "Sonic said, leaping off the roof of the shrine. "I'm down with going to the beach, as long as I don't have to swim."
"Don't wanna get your fur wet?" Sally jokingly asked.
"That doesn't bother me, but what bothers me is that I can't swim," Sonic said. "I'm cool with running on the water but that's where I draw the line."
"I find it hard to believe that you can't swim," Sally said. "I remember you swimming just fine when we were kids."
"That was in a kiddy pool, with your father's guards watching over us," Sonic said. "I can't actually swim."
"Well maybe you should have learned how to," Sally said. "In fact, maybe this beach day could have good use. I can use it to teach you how to swim."
"Or, you can just have fun," Amy said. "I mean does everything need a reason to be done?"
"Of course, you don't want to waste time, do you?" Sally asked.
"It's never a waste of time if you're having fun, Miss Sally," Cream said. "If you go to the beach, you can be happy, and that's always worth it."
"I know you think that Cream, and you should be having fun at your age," Sally said, rubbing her head. "But when you're an adult, you have responsibilities."
"Aren't you the same age as Sonic?" Amy asked.
"Technically I'm a bit older than he is," Sally said.
"By like three months," Sonic commented.
"Point is, you're basically a kid yourself, so you should also be trying to have fun," Amy said.
"I am not a kid, I'm a Princess who's too far away from her throne," Sally said. "This whole thing probably has my subjects worried and I need to be there to let them know it's alright! Plus my father's probably worried too and-"
"Sally," Amy interrupted. "I know you're worried, but obsessing won't help. This is why you need a day to relax, the stress is gonna get to you."
"...Fine, I'll think about it," Sally said.
"I can bring my tools, and my plane," Tails said. "We can keep working on what we're doing, so it won't feel like a total waste."
"That's great Tails, just so long as you try to join us too," Amy said. "A good soak in the water would do good to relax you and that big brain of yours."
"When are we going?" Cream asked.
"Soon, Ryo's trying to come up with a good place to go," Amy said. "Ooh! Maybe I should invite Fukuhara! All that time sparring with Mr. Hazuki must be wearing him out."
"Someone mention me?" Fuku asked, the live-in student of the Hazuki Dojo passing by.
"Ryo's going to take us to the beach," Amy said. "Would you like to come?"
"Sorry, but I have duties here," Fuku said.
"Don't be like that, you should totally come," Amy said. "Mr. Hazuki might like it too, same with Miss Ine."
"Don't count on it, sensei isn't always so outgoing," Fuku said. "I will admit, a trip to the beach might be nice though."
"I bet I can convince him," Amy said.
"Amy, maybe don't involve yourself in matters between Mr. Hazuki and his apprentice," Sally said. "If Mr. Hazuki doesn't think it's a good idea for his apprentice to run off to the beach, we need to respect that."
"What about what Fuku wants?" Amy asked, turning to the older man. "Do what makes you happy, Fuku-san."
"I'll try," Fuku said.
"What is 'san' exactly?" Sally asked.
"Hm? Oh, right. I forgot to tell you that when teaching you about the Japanese language," Tails said. "San and other terms are used to address someone, and the term used implies how close the relationship is."
"Exactly, 'San' is a formal way to address someone," Amy said. "Like I would say 'Ryo-san' when talking to Ryo, since I want to be nice to him."
"Hm...so what would you call Sonic?" Sally asked.
"Easy, he's Sonic-kun," Amy said. "Kun is a good term to describe a boy Sonic's age, it's like calling him a good friend."
"Appreciate that Amy," Sonic said.
"So, what terms do you use?" Sally asked.
"Eh, not sure if honorifics are my thing," Sonic said. "I don't think I need to give anyone a suffix to show that person their relationship to me."
"It just means he cares a lot about us already, no suffix can replicate that," Amy said. "Right Sonic?"
"Come on, it's embarrassing to admit it," Sonic said.
"Wow, didn't think the great Sonic the Hedgehog was capable of shame," Sally teased.
"Be nice Sally," Amy lightly warned.
"Well, how would you address Tails then, Amy?" Sally asked. "Or Cream?"
"I'd use 'kun' for Tails too, since he's a sweet young boy," Amy said, earning a blush from Tails. "Cream can get 'kun' too, but 'chan' seems to work better for girls."
"And how would you address me?" Sally asked.
"Since you're a princess, the proper term would be Sally-sama," Amy said.
"Well...how about if I wasn't a princess?" Sally asked.
"I guess 'san' works better, but you seem more like a 'senpai' since you're like my senior," Amy said. "Sally-senpai."
"Uh, wow...interesting," Sally said. "So, you would be...Amy-chan?"
"Aw, you're going straight for 'chan', that's sweet," Amy said.
"I'm impressed you figured this out so well, Amy," Fuku said. "Ryo-san must have taught you well."
"He does what he can, but I mostly read up on a lot of this myself," Amy said. "Japanese culture is so fascinating, I just love it!"
"It is nice, but it feels a bit different than what I'm used to," Sally said.
"What about American culture? You've been to the States after all," Fuku said.
"I've only seen California, so I can't comment too much," Amy said. "But the nicest American I know is Peter Parker. If he's the standard, then I think I'd love America just as much. He's a bit different than Ryo but he's just as sweet. I'd definitely call him 'Peter-kun'."
"Honestly, he seems kind of full of himself," Sally said. "That friend of his with the blonde hair also seems like a pain too."
"Johnny's not that bad," Amy said.
"What about Jacky and Sarah, what do you think of them?" Tails asked.
"They're nice too, and since they have a friend who lives here in Japan, maybe we'll see them come by," Amy said, then turned to Fuku. "You're a martial artist. Have you heard of someone named Akira Yuki?"
"I believe so, he's an instructor at Yuki Budokan, and a very competitive fighter," Fuku said. "He won a major World Fighting Tournament and is competing in the third one."
"I'd love to see something like that," Amy said.
"A martial arts tournament?" Sally asked.
"There's a lot of them you can check out," Fuku said. "I have a list of different types, I've thought about competing in one of them but, I'm still not too confident in my skills."
"How long have you been doing martial arts?" Sally asked.
"Ten years, feels like I haven't gotten far, but even Iwao-sensei says that there's always more to learn," Fuku said. "That's why he's hard on Ryo sometimes, he tends to be too lax and thinks he's a master despite his young age."
"That doesn't seem like Ryo, he comes across as a responsible young man," Sally said.
"He is, but even the most mature people have a flaw," Fuku said. "Anyway, I guess a beach day wouldn't be bad."
"Exactly, and if you have any friends you want to invite, then let me know," Amy said.
"Wish I could invite Akemi..." Fuku muttered to himself.
"Hm? You say something Fuku-san?" Amy asked.
Fuku quickly shook his head, "It's nothing, actually I should clean the Dojo for Sensei. Let me know about the beach."
"Sure, okay," Amy said as Fuku went inside. "Hm...I wonder."
"He seems like a nice boy, but he comes across as too nervous to be a martial arts student," Sally said.
"I think he's fine," Amy said. "For now, let's wait for Ryo."
Inside, Ryo is still talking with Nozomi, the girl having listed some beach ideas, one of which caught Ryo by surprise.
"Izu Peninsula? Nozomi that's over two hours away," Ryo said. "I don't mind taking them out for a beach day, but it needs to be reasonable."
"Well they do have super speed, they even got to America just fine," Nozomi said.
"Yes, they have super speed, you and I do not," Ryo said. "Also they did bring a friend over, I'm not sure if she has that same speed."
"Don't they know some heroes who can help?" Nozomi asked.
"You're asking me to contact pro heroes to take us to the beach, doesn't that seem weird to you?" Ryo asked.
"Can't hurt to try," Nozomi said. "Just talk it over with them, I'll be by in a few minutes."
"Aren't you working?" Ryo asked.
"Not today," Nozomi said.
"Okay, I'll let them know," Ryo said. "See you in a few minutes."
"Bye now," Nozomi said, hanging up.
Ryo had gone outside where everyone was still talking about various things. Amy likely hyped them up about the beach, and thankfully he might have an idea. "Excuse me?"
Amy excitedly turned around, "Ryo! Did you talk to Nozomi?"
"Yes, she suggested a great beach, but it is over two hours away by car," Ryo said.
"Oh is that all?" Sonic asked, leaping off the Dojo. "Not to brag, but we are pretty fast."
"Nozomi did acknowledge that," Ryo said. "Still, I am not as fast. I am only human after all."
"I can't run fast either," Sally said. "Unlike Sonic or his friends, I don't have special abilities."
"Well you're very smart if that means anything to you, Sally," Tails said.
"Thanks dear," Sally said, focusing back on Ryo. "But no one has to take me, I can stay behind."
"No way, you need to come too Sally," Amy said. "It's good for you."
"Hardly, what's good is getting back home," Sally said.
"Sally, if you don't come, I'm going to have to get Cream and Cheese to persuade you," Amy said.
"Huh? How?" Sally asked.
Cream walked over to Sally, holding Cheese in her arms as the two looked up at the Princess, both with big, watery eyes, "Please won't you join us, Miss Sally? It would make me very happy if you did. Being around you helps distract me from missing my mom too much."
Sally began to nervously sweat, out of all the things in life her father prepared her for, this was not one of them. She couldn't handle cute, it was too much for her to bear.
"Ugh...fine, you win," Sally said. "Just please stop with the eyes, I can only handle so much cuteness."
"I bet Tails gives you overloads," Amy said, getting a blush from the fox.
"Amy! Come on!" Tails said, turning away.
"Think you got him nervous there, Amy," Sonic said. "Tails, do you have the crush on Sally, or Amy?"
"Huh? Neither! I swear!" Tails nervously insisted.
"Sonic, be nice to Tails," Sally said.
"Yeah sorry, couldn't help but tease the little guy," Sonic said.
"Boys and their teasing," Sally said, then turned to Ryo. "Well aside from you. After all you seem very well mannered, Ryo."
"I do my best," Ryo said. "Manners are taken much more seriously in Japanese culture than most others."
"So, how are we getting to the beach?" Sally asked.
"Weren't you and Tails working on a plane?" Amy asked. "I think Tails called it the X-Tornado."
"Well yeah, but we haven't started on a test flight yet," Tails said.
"Now's a good of a time as any," Amy said. "If not, I can just contact Peter, maybe his friend Twilight can make a portal."
"Amy, you really should not contact them for something like that, save it for an emergency," Ryo said. "Nozomi predicted that as well."
"I agree with Ryo, let's use this responsibly," Sally said. "Wait, Ryo. Do you plan to come as well?
"If you want me to," Ryo said. "I think Nozomi also wants to come."
"I want you there, because you're my friend," Amy said, walking before Ryo. "Actually, you treat us as more than friends. It's only been a while, but you're starting to feel like family to me."
Ryo awkwardly turned away himself, "That's kind of you, thank you."
"We should be thanking you, Ryo," Cream said, bowing to the boy. "You've done a lot for us."
"I was taught to help others in need," Ryo said. "Nothing more."
It wasn't long before Nozomi arrived, "Hey, did Ryo tell you about the beach?"
"Just that it's two hours away," Amy said. "But we have a way to get there."
"My new plane, the X-Tornado, is capable of flying four people at once," Tails said.
"Oh, that's good, but there's more than four of us," Nozomi said.
"Sonic, didn't you have a plane?" Ryo asked.
"Two, my Tornado and the Tornado 2," Sonic said.
"Oh yeah, lucky that your plane happened to be on Angel Island, huh Sonic?" Amy asked.
"Guess I forgot to get it after the last adventure," Sonic said. "It worked out."
"Isn't the Tornado 2 still back in Tails's workshop in the Mystic Ruins though?" Sally asked.
"We still have my Tornado if we need more room." Sonic said. "Tails, you can fly the X-Tornado to bring Ryo and Nozomi."
"And Fuku-san," Amy said.
"Oh, did you want to come Fuku-san?" Ryo asked.
"If your father's alright with it," Fuku said.
"I can ask him," Ryo offered. "Give me a second."
Ryo went inside to speak with his father, Amy looking proud of herself. "Like I said, Ryo's a sweet guy."
"Hopefully Iwao says it's okay," Sonic said. "If so, he can fly with Tails, Ryo and Nozmi."
"What about me?" Sally asked.
"You can fly a plane, right?" Sonic asked.
"Yes, of course," Sally said.
"Then you can fly my plane if you'd like," Sonic said.
"Oh, are you sure?" Sally asked.
"Of course, I trust you," Sonic said, giving her a thumbs up. "You got this Sal."
"He called me Sal," Sally somehow felt much better about things. "Okay Sonic."
"Mind taking Cream and Cheese with you then?" Sonic asked.
"That's fine with me," Sally said. "But what about you and Amy?"
"I can run," Sonic said. "Amy...well that's up to you, I know you usually fly with Tails."
"I can fly on the Tornado," Amy said.
"There's only two seats," Sally said.
"Yeah, I know," Amy said, winking at Sally.
"Huh?" Sally replied.
A few minutes later, Iwao came outside, "Planning a beach day, are you?"
Fuku turned to his sensei as Ryo also came outside, "Yes, if that's alright with you sir."
"Fuku-san has been working hard, he could use a day at the beach," Ryo said.
"Hard work rarely allows for vacation," Iwao said. "It is a constant discipline; slacking can be costly."
"Sir, one day off won't hurt," Amy said.
"Amy, it's not for you to say," Sally scolded.
"I can if I want to, Fukuhara deserves a day at the beach with us," Amy said.
"Father, won't you consider?" Ryo asked.
"Hm, I suppose it's not the worst idea, actually it might be good to get out for a bit," Iwao said. "Just promise you'll get a little practice in, just to not be rusty."
"Thank you sir," Fuku said, bowing to his sensei.
"That goes for you too, Ryo," Iwao said. "Your form is still a bit sloppy."
"Huh? I practice a lot though, and I can protect myself well against thugs who tried to bully me or my friends," Ryo said.
"Do not rest on your laurels, you have talent but relying on talent is a fool's choice," Iwao said. "You must always stand to be better than you were at all times."
"Yes father," Ryo somewhat bitterly acknowledged.
"The rest of you, have fun, but be careful," Iwao said.
"Yes sir," Amy, Cream, Sally and Tails said.
"You got it," Sonic replied.
As Iwao went inside, Nozomi focused on the group, "So are we ready then?"
Tails hopped into the X-Tornado with Ryo sitting right behind him. Nozomi and Fuku were in the back as the fox readied the engine. "And take off!"
The plane hit the air as Sonic hopped into the Tornado, "Buckle up you two."
"Yes Miss Sally," Cream said as she and Cheese strapped themselves in.
Amy jumped onto the wing of the plane, "Alright, I'm ready to go."
"Uh, Amy, that doesn't look safe," Sally said.
"I'll be fine, now let's fly," Amy said.
Sally seemed unsure but trusted Amy enough to start flying as Sonic ran in their direction.
"Tails, you have the coordinates?" Ryo asked.
"Yeah, I shared them with Sally, and Sonic won't have trouble either," Tails said. "Now hang on tight!"
The planes went at great speeds with Sonic on the ground, eventually arriving at Izu Peninsula, everyone opting to go to a more remote part of the beach. Fortunately it was not as busy in this time of the season.
Cream was playing with Cheese in the water, Tails splashing nearby with his twin tails. Amy went diving near the reef, checking out all of the fish while Nozomi took a stroll alongside the waves, keeping an eye on the younger ones of the group.
Ryo stayed on shore, practicing some moves with Fukuhara, while also keeping watch just in case there was any trouble. Of course he figured there shouldn't be too much of a problem, but just in case, he hoped to avoid drama.
Sonic laid against a chair near an umbrella, enjoying the fresh air. Though he couldn't help but glance next to him, spotting Sally sitting on a beach chair, very much worried.
"You alright there, Sally?" Sonic asked.
"Who me?" Sally asked.
"Yeah, you're looking a little tense," Sonic said.
"Well, kind of," Sally said. "How can everyone just relax like it's nothing? We just fought a giant water monster a few days ago, we're still stranded on this world. We should be focused on our goals, not goofing off."
"Sally, take it from me, taking time to relax after a stressful event is not a bad idea," Sonic said. "I know you're worried about Mobius, and your father. But do you think he wants you to worry like this? Or would he be happier knowing you're safe?"
"Well, I don't think he'd be happy that I'm sitting here doing nothing," Sally said.
"You're not 'doing nothing', you're taking time to relax and enjoy yourself," Sonic said. "Believe it or not, that's not a terrible thing to do."
"...I just..." Sally wasn't sure what to say. "I'm really worried."
"Man, you really haven't changed much, have you?" Sonic asked, standing up and holding his hand out. "Come on."
"Huh?" Sally asked.
"You need to clear your head, best way to do that is by going on the move" Sonic said. "Come with me."
"...Okay," Sally hesitantly took Sonic's hand as she stood up.
"Yo Ryo! Sally and I are going for a stroll!" Sonic called.
"That's fine, just be careful," Ryo said, throwing a kick.
"You know, maybe I should be training with Ryo, it's a good use of time too," Sally said.
"Later, let's go," Sonic said, pulling Sally with him.
"Hey, easy Sonic," Sally said as he led her from the beach.
Amy could see this from the shore, the girl having a lot on her mind, "Weird, wonder where they're going? Maybe Sonic's taking Sally to do some sight-seeing. Lucky her, I'd love to do that with Sonic, but maybe she needs it more. That girl cannot chill for the life of her." She then spotted Nozomi kneeled over, looking at something. Her curiosity came over and she swam to the girl.
"This looks so pretty," Nozomi said, looking at a shell.
"Nozomi!" Amy called, getting her attention.
"Oh, hi Amy," Nozomi said.
"Are you collecting seashells?" Amy asked.
"Not exactly, just admiring them," Nozomi said, picking them up.
"I don't blame you, they're really pretty," Amy said.
"Seashells are a big part of many cultures," Nozomi said, picking some up. "These are called tiger cowries. They're a symbol of feminine energy. Women use them as good luck during childbirth."
"That's amazing," Amy said.
"It's also believed they give water energy, whatever that is," Nozomi said. "Maybe it makes others better swimmers or something."
"I bet Sonic could use something like that given that he's not comfortable around water," Amy said.
"Oh, look at that, a conch trumpet," Nozomi said, picking it up. "It's said that this creates a holy sound."
"Really? Can you play it?" Amy asked.
"Uh, I'm probably not suited for that," Nozomi said, then picked another one up. "The spider conch, wow, to think one washed up on shore."
"What does that do?" Amy asked.
"It's typically believed to be good luck," Nozomi said. "It has special properties that ward off evil."
"I can believe that, when I think of spiders, I think of Peter, and how he did everything to keep us safe in Station Square," Amy said. "He's such a sweetheart."
"I'm glad you made a good friend," Nozomi said.
"So, people like having seashells?" Amy asked.
"Yes, they make for good decoration," Nozomi said. "Cups, vases, necklaces, bracelets, you name it."
"Hm...could you help me collect some?" Amy asked.
"Sure, I'd love to," Nozomi said.
While this was happening, Sonic and Sally had wandered very far off, the latter looking worried. "Should we be this far away from the beach? What if Ryo gets worried?"
"We'll be fine," Sonic reassured. "I saw some cool stuff on the way over here, and I kind of want to show someone."
"Uh sure, what did you want to show me?" Sally asked.
"You'll see, come on," Sonic said.
The two climbed up a hiking trail, reaching the top of a cliffside, Sonic keeping Sally close to him to ensure some comfort and security for the girl. Once he was high enough, he gestured to the lands.
"Oh my..." Sally said. As far as she can see, there was just ocean and forest, a view that was breathtaking for the princess. She can see docks and piers, she can see settlements, all in all, it was a terrific view. "Wow, this does look nice. Nature sure looks beautiful, even on another planet."
"Hey Sal, check that out," Sonic said, gesturing to a large mountain in the distance.
"Wow, that mountain is huge!" Sally said.
"The first time I saw it was when I went to visit a city called Tokyo," Sonic said. "Ryo told me the mountain had a name. Mount Fuji."
"Wow, Mount Fuji huh?" Sally said. "It looks amazing."
"Earth has some pretty nice places, I want to check them all out," Sonic said.
"Is that why you're not eager to leave?" Sally asked.
"Well, I miss home, but while I'm here, I like having new places to explore," Sonic said. "Don't you want to do this, Sal?"
"I...I can't," Sally said. "I'm a princess, I can't just abandon my throne."
"No one said you have to, but you need to enjoy life too," Sonic said. "It's your right after all."
"I...I'm not sure," Sally said.
"Just think about it, okay?" Sonic said. "You owe it to yourself to be happy."
"Yeah, maybe," Sally said, still looking to the distance. The view was nice and filled Sally with joy, even more that she was sharing this moment with Sonic, a moment the girl wanted to last.
"What's Tokyo like?" Sally asked.
"Pretty cool, I'll take you there some time if you'd like," Sonic said. "I can introduce you to Beat and his Graffiti Gang."
"Uh, Graffiti Gang?" Sally asked.
"It's cool, they seem like good kids, they just want to Fight for Freedom," Sonic said.
"Fight for Freedom..." Sally commented. "Freedom Fighter..."
"What's wrong?" Sonic asked.
"Nothing, just got deja vu for some reason," Sally said. "Still, I do like this place, and I'd love to see Tokyo."
"We'll make that our next adventure," Sonic said. Suddenly he sneezed, taking Sally by surprise.
"Are you getting sick?" Sally asked.
"Not really..." Sonic said. "I hate to cut this short but I think we should check on our friends."
"Right, of course, we're way off course after all," Sally said.
A bit later on, Amy was seen trying to put the seashell bracelet together, but had her doubts.
"Is this going to come out right?" Amy wondered. "I want this to be perfect for Sonic."
"You're doing your best," Nozomi said, the girl reading a magazine while next to Amy. "Just keep trying."
"Hi Amy," Cream said, getting her attention. "Are you making something for Mr. Sonic?"
"Huh? Who me?" Amy hid the bracelet. "N-no way, I'm not doing anything like that."
Suddenly there was a rumble in the water not too far away, people seen fleeing for their lives as a giant octopus emerged out of the water.
"What in the world?" Ryo said.
"Uh, what's happening?" Fuku asked.
"A giant sea monster!" Cream shouted in worry.
Tails flew up a little, getting a better look, "That doesn't look like a marine animal...that looks."
"Mwahahahaha!" Came the voice of Eggman as he came down on his Egg Mobile. "This looks like the perfect spot to build my perfect sea Resort! It shall be called, Robotnik Sea Park!"
"Eh, I think Eggman Sea Park sounds more fitting," Cubot said.
"It's certainly catchier," Orbot said.
"Oh fine, if everyone's going to call me 'Eggman', I might as well embrace it and turn that name against them," the villain said. "Eggman Sea Park it is!"
Tails turned back to his friends, "It's Doctor Eggman!"
"Eggman!?" Amy asked.
"You got to be kidding me," Ryo said. "What could he be doing here?"
"I'm not sure, seems like a random place to strike," Tails said. "Unless he knew we'd be here."
"Doesn't matter, lets take him down," Amy said.
"Nozomi, Fuku, watch over Cream and Cheese!" Ryo said as he followed Tails and Amy.
"You got it!" Fuku said.
"Please be careful!" Cream said, unaware that Bokkun was flying over, a mischievous grin on the robot's face.
On the resort, Eggman was scaring away the beach go-ers while Scratch, Grounder and Coconuts set up signs.
"This is the perfect place to build an amusement park too! It will sell for millions!" Eggman said.
"That's what you think, Eggman!" Tails shouted.
"What!?" Eggman saw that Tails, Amy and Ryo were standing nearby, each of them ready for a fight. "Oh, it's you. Wow, didn't expect you to be here so fast, even with your speed."
"Did you come to ruin our vacation!?" Amy asked.
"Well not exactly, but if that's what I'm doing then..good!" Eggman shouted, laughing to himself. "Scratch, Grounder, Coconuts, destroy them!"
"With pleasure Lord Eggman!" Scratch said, facing off against the trio. "Fools, you are no match for-"
Amy threw her hammer at his head, immediately knocking him out.
Grounder angrily turned to the trio, "Hey! He wasn't finished-"
Tails flew in and kicked him in the face.
"That's it! You'se all gonna get it now!" Coconuts readied his coconut bombs. "Take-" Ryo kicked his bomb out of his hand, right into Eggman's octopus robot. "W-wait a minute!"
Ryo kicked Coconuts away, sending him flying into a beach umbrella.
"Must I do everything myself?" Eggman said. "E-38! Destroy them!"
The Octoron robot E-38 made its move as the three got into a defensive position.
"Amy, any chance you called for help?" Tails asked.
"We don't need it now, we can handle Eggman," Amy said.
Tails and Amy both lunged in to attack the robot, hitting it with fast and hard strikes. This did knock the robot back, but it still wrapped its tentacles around the two, trying to restrain them.
"You thought it'd be that easy huh? You fools! E-38, destroy them!" Eggman said.
"I don't think so," Ryo said, grabbing a beach umbrella and running over to vault himself on top of the robot.
"Ryo! Get Tails! I can break free on my own!" Amy called.
"You got it," Ryo said, focusing on Tails.
"Oh no you don't!" Eggman said as a tentacle tried to grab Ryo, but he used his umbrella to block it. This did leave him open to be grabbed by the ankle from another tentacle, holding him upside down.
"Hey! Put me down you creep!" Ryo shouted.
"Ryo!" Amy powered out of the Octopus's grip, surprising Eggman.
"Amy! Get Ryo! Quick!" Tails said.
"On it!" Amy said, leaping to help the boy, pulling him by his hands. "Let go of my friend, Eggman!"
"Not on your life," Eggman said. Seconds later, the robot was destroyed by a blue flash, taking Eggman by surprise. "What in the world!?"
Amy freed Ryo and helped him onto land with Tails flying by their side, the girl not realizing she dropped her seashell bracelet.
Sonic landed at the edge of the beach, shaking his finger in disappointment, "Disappointed in you Eggman. I thought you'd know by now not to play with water."
"Sonic, you little pest!" Eggman shouted.
"Robotnik!" Sally called. "You're seriously causing trouble again?"
"And you brought the annoying princess, that's just great," Eggman then flew higher. "Fine by me, I have a backup plan." He then spoke into a radio. "Bocoe! Decoe! Send in the E-39 robots!"
Emerging from the water were a bunch of construction looking robots, each of them banding together to create what looked like a giant serpent that towered over everyone.
"This guy really loves his robots," Ryo commented.
"No matter, we can-" Amy noticed the bracelet she dropped nearby. "My bracelet!"
"Huh?" Sally saw the shells. "Amy, is that yours?"
"I just made it, I gotta-" Amy went to grab it but Sonic quickly rushed to bring her out of the way before the giant serpent slammed its tail down, crushing the bracelet and horrifying Amy. "No!"
"So close," Eggman said. "But no matter, they're only delaying the inevitable."
"My bracelet..." Amy lamented, looking at the destroyed object. "It's ruined."
"Amy, it's fine, we can get you another one," Sally said.
"It was a gift though..." Amy said, the girl glaring at the robot. "I made that bracelet for Sonic! It was his good luck charm against the water you big, stupid jerk!"
"For me?" Sonic wondered, glancing at the shells.
Amy grabbed her hammer and started whacking the robot down to size, bit by bit, lowering its head down to her level.
Sonic looked amazed by her tenacity, as did Tails and Ryo. The most surprised was Sally, she did not know this little girl had it in her to fight a robot like this. But Amy made it look very easy.
"Hey! My robot! Someone stop her!" Eggman shouted.
Scratch, Grounder and Coconuts tried standing up, but Sonic was quick to blitz the trio.
Once the serpent monster was damaged enough, Amy finished it off with a hammer strike to the head, finally destroying the robot. She wasn't done, as she set her sights on Eggman.
"You think this is over you little brat?" Eggman shouted and pressed a button. "Huh? Why aren't the laser guns on my pod going off?"
"She might be the reason why," Orbot said, gesturing to Sally placing a scrambling device on his Eggmobile.
"Catch you later, Ro-butt-nik," Sally teased as she dropped down and used her grappling hook to swing back onto the beach.
"You had a grappling hook?" Ryo asked.
"Always come prepared," Sally said, placing her hook away.
"Did she seriously call me by such a juvenile name?" Eggman asked. "Like where did she even-?"
"Eggman!" Amy shouted, jumping over and whacking him down with her hammer. She then dived down and slammed the hammer again, the destruction of the pod causing a minor explosion in the water. Eggman had swam off, with Orbot and Cubot keeping him safely afloat.
"Eggman's getting away," Tails said.
"Wait, where's Amy?" Sally asked. All they saw were bubbles where Amy was, the girl having overexerted herself and knocked herself out from the blast.
"Amy!" Ryo shouted in worry. He was about to go swim out there when Sonic beat him to it, the hedgehog swimming after Amy.
"No way! Sonic's swimming!?" Tails asked.
"But, he told us he can't swim!" Sally shouted in worry as she tossed her vest off. "Sonic, Amy, I'll save you!"
She swam after the two as well, Tails debating if he should join too.
Fortunately Sonic had brought Amy above water and swam her to shore, with Sally assisting. Once on the beach, everyone checked on Amy for any sign of injury.
"I think she's fine, she just lost consciousness," Tails said.
"Thank goodness," Sally said, placing her hand on her forehead. "Still, that was very reckless of her."
"Sonic, you actually swam," Ryo said. "You're a hero once again."
"Yeah..." Sonic said, glancing over at the broken bracelet. "Amy made that for me, to help when it comes to water..."
"Come on, let's go get Amy somewhere to rest," Tails said. "Then we should check on-"
"SOMEONE HELP ME!" Bokkun shouted, flying away from an angry Nozomi.
"You get back here! How dare you throw a bomb at a little girl like that!" Nozomi shouted as she chased Bokkun.
"After him Cheese!" Cream ordered as she sent her chao after the little robot.
"...Let's get that settled too," Tails said.
As everyone went to calm the situation, Sonic alone went to pick up the bracelet. Upon fixing it, he placed it on his wrist, safely tucked away in his glove.
Back to the present, Sonic had lightly removed his glove to lay eyes on the bracelet, a sense of happiness emanating from the hedgehog.
"That was a nice story, mostly talk but it wasn't too bad," Sonia said.
"That beach day was very special to us, even with Eggman attacking," Amy said as they reached the archway leading to Mobotropolis. "Here we are."
Sonic looked dead set at the city, a sense of worry emanating within him. Suddenly he heard a voice calling out to him.
"Sonic!" It was Tails, flying over with Cream on the X-Tornado.
"Whoa, Tails, got the big plane?" Sonic asked.
"What brings you here?" Amy asked.
"Sally called me, she said she needed my help with something," Tails said.
"I got invited," Cream said.
"Uncle Tails! Aunt Cream! Mom just told me about the time you went to a beach and fought an octopus robot!" Sonia said.
"You mean that time we went to Izu Peninsula?" Tails asked. "That was quite the trip."
"Sure was," Sonic said. Suddenly members of Team Chaotix appeared at the archway. "Whoa, didn't expect to see you three."
"Hello Sonic, Queen Sally has been expecting you," Espio said.
"She's in hot water," Charmy said.
"Charmy, don't just blab about it," Vector scolded.
"Why? What's happening?" Sonic asked.
"It's Eggman, "Espio said. "Come, we'll fill you in on the way to the castle."
It didn't take long for Sonic and company to arrive at the castle, the hedgehog looking up in worry. He spent a lot of time in this castle. Not too many happy memories, though he wouldn't call all of it bad.
"This way," Espio said, opening the door and leading them down the hall.
The Freedom Fighters were all communicating with one another, Lanolin being front and center of the talk as most of the planning went through her. It didn't take her long to spot Sonic nearby. "Look who arrived."
Many of them glanced at Sonic, mixed opinions within them. Bunnie was happy to see her friends, Antoine couldn't help but worry, Fiona looked disappointed by the sight of Sonic, Ray and Mighty were curious, Mina was thrilled by the sight, Tangle was unsure about this while everyone else stayed neutral.
"Tails!" Mina said, running over to hug the fox. "I missed you so much!"
"Missed you too Mina," Tails said, hugging back.
"How's it going boys?" Bunnie greeted. "And you too, ladies."
"Sonic, Tails, it's been a while," Mighty said.
"Nice to s-see you Amy," Ray greeted. "Y-you too Cream."
"Very nice," Lanolin said.
"What's this about Eggman attacking?" Sonic asked. "I heard you needed assistance."
"Technically, we don't need your assistance, just putting that out there," Fiona said. "Any assistance you provide is your own choice."
"...Cool, I guess," Sonic said. "Good to see you too, Fiona."
"Yeah, sure," Fiona said.
"I swear this girl just flat out hates me," Sonic noted to himself. "Well still, if Sally needs help, then I'm here for her."
"Where is she!?" Sonia asked. "Aunt Sally!"
"Sonia, don't shout!" Amy scolded. "It's rude!"
"She should be around, I can get her," Tangle said.
"No need," came Sally's voice as she walked into the room, her gaze set on a certain hedgehog. "Sonic..."
"Uh...hey Sally," Sonic nervously said.
"Didn't expect to see you here again so soon," Sally said. "But you always were full of surprises. I don't suppose Sonia forgot something?"
"Not at all," Sonia said. "But, I have something for you."
"Huh?" Sally asked as Sonia presented some flowers.
"Ta-dah! I picked you a bouquet," Sonia said. "Do you like it?"
Sally looked down at Sonia, her adorable eyes being a lot to take in. All these years, Sally still has not been able to overcome cute. "I love it, sweetheart. These are nice flowers, but there's one I like the most."
"Really? Which one?" Sonia asked.
"This little blue rose," Sally said.
"Hm?" Sonia checked the flowers. "I don't have a blue rose; do you mean this-"
"I mean you," Sally said, placing a pair of kisses on Sonia's cheeks, and one on her nose. "My favorite rose of all. Sonia Rose."
Sonia nervously chuckled to herself, "Wow, you really got me all flustered there, Sal. But I am really cute so I don't blame you for the kisses."
"I remember when Sally used to kiss me like that," Tails said. "Good old, Funny Kiss."
"Yes, and it's all mine now," Sonia bragged.
"Hey Sal..." Sonic offered Sally a yellow rose. "I got something for you too."
"Oh...thank you Sonic," Sally said, taking the rose. "You didn't have to."
"Hey, you know I like bringing stuff back for you from my trips," Sonic said. "You don't see a lot of the outside world lately, so I'm bringing it to you."
"Dad told me he took you to see something called Mount Fuji once," Sonia said.
"He did?" Sally asked.
"You remember right? When we went to that beach sometime after defeating Chaos," Sonic said.
"...Yeah, I do remember," Sally said. "It was such a beautiful sight."
"Sounds like y'all had some fun," Bunnie said.
"Sure did," Sonic said.
"I got you some flowers too," Amy said, handing them over to Sally. "Hope it's not overwhelming."
"It's not, I appreciate it," Sally said. "Thank you all for your kindness."
"It's no trouble at all, Sally-sama," Sonia said.
Sally raised her eyebrow, recalling the Japanese honorifics, "Amy, did you teach her that?"
"Well I may have gone into a little," Amy said. "Guess Sonia wants to join in on the fun."
Sally rubbed her head, "I'm more of your senpai than a sama. You don't need to worship me."
"Yeah, but I want to, because you deserve it," Sonia said. "You work hard, and I love that about you. You're not just cool Sally, you're Way Past Cool. Someday I want to be as great as you are."
Sally had to resist the urge to cry tears of joy, "Well, that's nice. I love you Sonia."
"Love you too, Aunt Sal," Sonia said, offering a confident thumbs up.
"Oh brother..." Fiona lamented.
"So...what's this about Eggman?" Sonia asked.
"Oh right, maybe you should go and play with Manik while the adults talk," Sally said.
"Bogus, I want to help too," Sonia said.
"Sonia!" Amy shouted.
"Best do as she says, otherwise you'll run into trouble like Manik," Bunnie said. "Poor boy got himself grounded."
"Bunnie..." Sally scolded.
"Why? What did Manik do?" Sonic asked, the hedgehog now worried about his son.
"I'll explain it to you, but Sonia, please go see Manik," Sally said.
"Oh fine, but I have my ways of finding things out," Sonia said, then sped off.
"That girl sometimes, I swear..." Amy said, shaking her head. "So Sally, what's happening?"
"Yeah, tell us everything," Sonic said, ready to once again fight off Eggman and protect his friends.