Last time on Sonic the Hedgehog, during a sparring session to teach Sonic a lesson, Rei tells of the origins of her blindness. She and a couple of her friends were hired to infiltrate the Southern Barons' base camp and sabotage their supply line. Unfortunately, it was a trap set up by Warlord Kodos, who had set them up as pawns to be killed and sent back to the Kingdom of Acorn in order to initiate a war. By using the gunpowder at the base camp, Rei was able to blow up Kodos' plans, but in turn blinded herself due to the proximity of the explosion. After this trip to memory lane, she senses that her team and Sonic's friends may be in trouble, and puts their lesson on hold.

With Team Tiara, Tails and Rosie were brought to Tiara's home, which doubled as a bakery of sorts. A very humble bakery with all manner of sweets and gourmet on display behind a glass just below the counter. It was enough to make even Rosie drool.

Rosie: "Goodness! Such a display of treats! Even the castle isn't this full of sweets."

Tails: "Um… C-Can I have one?"

Tails turned to Tiara, who was just giggling at the two's reaction.

Tiara: "I can ask my dad for you, Tails, but those are just displays. Basically fake food. But my dad is a really great cook, so he can get you a snack lickity split!"

As Tiara mentions her dad, a hunched over manx cat with a very long beard and mustache and very bushy eyebrows. He wore an apron under his beard and a pair of disposable gloves.

Tiara: "Speaking of… Hey, Dad! I'm home!"

Tiara's Dad: "So you are, Tiara! Glad to see ya! Who're your friends?"

Tiara: "Oh these are new trainees who're here to train in teamwork! They're here to help deliver… the thing."

Tiara's Dad: "No need to feel so secretive, my dear. You can tell 'em!"

The older man walks up to the duo and gives a polite bow.

Tiara's Dad: "Howdy! The name's Gazebo Boobowski! I'm the local baker in this here city!"

Tails: "Running a city in a place called 'Genocide City'?"

Gazebo: "Sounds weird when you say it out loud, doesn't it?"

Gazebo says, not breaking his polite smile. Tails and Rosie shrug to each other.

Tails: "I'm Miles Prower! But everyone calls me 'Tails'! Nice to meet you!"

Rosie: "Rosie Woodchuck. A simple, but friendly, servant to her royal highness."

Gazebo: "Her royal highness, eh? Well, hope you do her proud, Rosie. Anyway, nice to meet you both! I'm guessing you two are helping out ol' Rei?"

Rosie: "Yes we are. She told us to come help with delivery. Do you know her?"

Tiara: "Yup! When I was much younger, a thug once took me hostage for ransom. My dad was about to give away all of our family earning needed to even open our store…"

Gazebo: "But by the time I got there, the big jerk was put onto the ground by a blind rat, who was keeping my little Tiara calm, almost like she were a mother herself. Once she noticed me, she let Tiara go. I offered all my money to her right then and there… but she humbly rejected it, saying 'Your little girl's safety is reward enough for me'. I've owed her my life ever since."

Tiara: "And I became apart of her World Knight's guild under her guidance, becoming something of a Freedom Fighter myself."

Tails: "Wow. No wonder Jen trusts Rei…"

Rosie: "She does seem nice at least, if a bit hotheaded."

Gazebo lets out a hearty laugh at that before realizing that he was wasting time just yammering away.

Gazebo: "Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to just waste time… Here! Let me go get that package for you kids!"

As Gazebo leaves to the other room, Tiara leans against the counter as she smiles at Tails and Rosie.

Tails: "So what package are we delivering?"

Tiara: "Well… I guess you guys can know. But no telling the others until it's delivered. We're delivering… a wedding cake for Antoine and Bunnie!"

Rosie: "A wedding cake!?"

Rosie had stars in her eyes as she got very excited. Tails, being as young as he is, simply tilts his head as he looks at Rosie's excitement, then turns to Tiara.

Tails: "I… get the excitement for a wedding cake… But didn't Rei say that Bunnie and Antoine are married already?"

Tiara: "Yeeaah… Dad was away when they married last month… When he heard that they married while he was on his business trip-"

Gazebo: "Well, of course I wouldn't just leave them without a wedding cake. Better late than never I always say!"

Gazebo comes out of the backroom with a tall box. He was quite careful with it as he places it on the counter.

Tails: "Whoa… That is tall…"

Gazebo: "Yes it is. But only the best for the newly weds. For your teamwork test, you two have to make sure it stays balanced as to not ruin the cake."

Rosie: "O-Oh my… I used to stack books on my head to practice balance, but… This makes my nerves go crazy."

Tails looked at the box, placing his hand under his chin… before an idea popped up in his head.

Tails: "Actually, the solution couldn't be easier!"

Rosie turned to Tails with a confused look… until the fox started flying off the ground, reminding her of his ability. Rosie picked up on what Tails was suggesting and smiled.

Rosie: "I get it now. Alright, Tiara. I think we're ready then."

Tiara: "Oookay! Next stop, the police station!"

Rosie nods before beginning to lift the box containing the cake, Tails flying up to balance the box as Tiara walked with Rosie out of the store. But as they left, just around the corner of the store, Bark stood just out of sight…

With Team D'Coolette, Sally and Tekno were with the married couple as the chief of police, a Mobian Pitbull, was explaining the mission to them.

Chief: "It should come as no surprise, but the thief, Fiona Fox, has been seen stealing from several jewel stores. Despite our force's best efforts, we cannot apprehend her. Your mission, should you accept, is to find and detain her. Any questions?"

Sally: "Just one. What does she look like? Are there any eye witness accounts?"

Chief: "That's two, young lady! …But they are very important. Unfortunately, we only have a vague image of a slim, teenage fox girl with what seems to be a bright colored bow."

The police chief shows a… clearly more detailed photo caught in a security camera. The only thing obstructed was the thief's face, but she was otherwise completely in frame; a red fox wearing a black top, matching loose pants, and a bright yellow bow on her head. Sally and Tekno look to Bunnie and Antoine, who both shrug.

Bunnie: "Forgot yer glasses again, sir?"

Chief: "Oh… Um… I might've forgotten my specs… They were on my dresser and then um…"

The chief started to ramble on about how he lost his glasses, getting so distracted that he didn't see the group leave with the photos of the thief. Stepping outside, Tekno observes the photos with Antoine as Sally and Bunnie planned out where Fiona would strike next.

Sally: "So she steals jewelry, right? Classic thief behavior I guess… Are there any jewelry stores she commonly robs?"

Bunnie: "No particular pattern, but she does target the priciest possible stores."

Sally: "Then it might be in our best interest to go there then. Wherever is richest."

Tekno: "Hold that phone for a moment, princess. I have a better idea."

Bunnie and Sally look at Tekno and Antoine as they finish examining the photos.

Antoine: "Upon closer examination… We have determined zat not all ze jewels were stolen."

Tekno: "At least… From what we can see. In fact, it looks like she was after something specific."

Sally: "Really? Like what?"

Tekno: "That's what me and Antoine aim to find out. If you two share a radio then we'll get back to you on what we find out."

Sally and Bunnie look to each other before giving an understanding nod.

Bunnie: "Sounds like a plan. A'right, everyone. Let's move!"

The two pairs immediately went on their way, Antoine and Tekno to the recently robbed shops, while Sally and Bunnie went to the more exquisite shops of city… In the shadows, a certain Jerboa was listening in.

With Team Tiara, the trio continued walking down the streets with their delivery. Thankfully for Rosie and Tails, Tiara took them down the street with the least amount of traffic in the way, so there was room to walk and not accidentally bump into anyone. But as they walked, Bark was following them, keeping to the shadows. Seeing a dumpster next to him, he sees an opportunity to strike.

Bark: "Hng!"

Bark lifts the dumpster over his head before chucking it at the trio. Tails is the first to see it.

Tails: "Rosie! Tiara! Look out!"

Tails drops his side of the cake before flying to grab Rosie and yoinking her out of the way of the flying dumpster. Tiara jumps away on her own as the wedding cake is flattened by the dumpster.

Tiara: "Ah! Tails! Rosie! You two okay!?"

Rosie: "Ugh… I am. Thanks, Tails."

The trio stand back up, but as soon as they did, Bark steps out of the shadows, looking quite smug.

Tiara: "Why… you… THAT WAS A WEDDING CAKE FOR BUNNIE AND ANTOINE, YOU STUPID BEAR!"

Tiara was understandably fuming now as she stomped her foot angrily. But Bark just shrugs.

Bark: "...It's a flat cake now."

Tails quickly grabs Tiara by her shoulder, reassuring her that they got her back. Tiara takes a deep breath and nods.

Tails: "So who is this guy?"

Tiara: "No idea. A brute who needs an attitude adjustment."

Rosie: "We'll provide one then."

Bark cracks his knuckles through his gloves before gesturing the trio to 'bring it'. Tails and Tiara rush at the polar bear, with Tiara going for a jumping kick to the head. Bark blocks with his glove before using her as a battering ram to smack Tails away like a fly. Rosie fires off a blunt arrow to smack Bark's hand, causing him to drop Tiara, who slams a kick to under Bark's chin.

Tiara: "Ugh… I feel sick from him swinging me like that…"

Tails: "This guy's not just big; he's pretty tough too."

Rosie: "You two keep attacking! I'll provide cover!"

The two nod before they both start charging up a Spin Dash. Bark braces himself, but has to block prematurely as Rosie fired another blunt arrow. Tiara and Tails launch at the polar bear, bouncing off each other before Tiara slams right into Bark's stomach and Tails hitting him in the face. Bark is knocked back by the force of the duo, but he quickly grabs Tails and uses him as a shield against Rosie's next arrow before slamming him on top of Tiara, then kicking them both away.

Tiara: "Guh… Even that barely did much…"

Tails: "No, that winded him. He's just durable."

Bark glares at the trio with a scowl. Even if he could handle the fox and cat by himself, it's a different story with their long range support. So he decides to start running.

Tiara: "Hey! Get back here! You are not leaving without paying for the cake!"

Tiara starts to dash after Bark, leading to Tails and Rosie to quickly pursue as well. Bark smirks as he starts leading them to where he needed to.

Sally and Bunnie soon arrive at the scene not long after Team Tiara had left, seeing the dumpster and flattened cake and box. Bunnie investigates the cake and sighs.

Bunnie: "No doubt, there was a struggle here not even a minute ago…"

Sally: "That's not good… But knowing Tails and Rosie, I think they can handle themselves."

Bunnie: "Yer right about that. Add Tiara to that list and ya got yerself a great team."

Bunnie's radio goes off immediately after stating that. She takes it out and turns it on.

Bunnie: "Bunnie here."

Antoine: "Bunnie, mon darling! We found a most intriguing discovery."

Tekno: "There is a pattern. A strange dragon pendant, one with a blue and a green jewel at the center."

Sally: "Dragon pendants? Why those specifically?"

Tekno: "No clue. But five bucks says a red one is somewhere."

Bunnie: "A blue and green jeweled dragon pendant… I recall Relic diggin' up some ol' relics like those from the Northstar Islands. She donated one to the Museum of Mobian History."

Sally: "Then that's where we regroup!"

Sally and Bunnie make a run for the museum, hoping they weren't too late.

At the museum, on a day in which the museum was closed, a figure drops from the open skylight and lands on the floor, hiding from security. That is until she saw no security around. Rather strange, but she shrugged and quietly snuck to the glass case containing the dragon pendant. As she slowly lifted the case, the sound of a gun clicking to a 'ready to fire' state made her pause.

Fang: "Boy you were awfully slow. I took out the security and manager here long before you skedaddled your way over here. Fiona Fox, I presume?"

Fiona: "A bounty hunter. Are you after the reward?"

Fang: "Eh, you're small fry compared to some bigger fish. But money's money. That said, my decision can be swayed."

Fiona: "...How so?"

Fang: "These pendants… They good for something?"

Fiona: "Supposedly. Maybe treasure. Why?"

Fang: "We make a deal. If you join my gang, and you split the treasure between me, you, and my boys… I might be willing to look the other way. Otherwise, I knock you out, cash you in, and take the pendants anyway. Either way, I get my money."

Fiona took a moment to look at the situation. She didn't exactly see a way out of it without causing a potential scene or attracting the police. She slowly turns to face Fang before sighing.

Fiona: "Fine. But you so much as try to double cross me, and I will shove that gun so far down your throat, you'll be talking in bullets. Got me?"

Fang: "Yeah yeah. Keep your tail from twisting over it."

Though Fang was showing some bravado, he was secretly sweating bullets over Fiona's threat. And the fact that she could mean it doesn't help. But as Fiona was about to reach for the pendant, the doors to the museum's entrance get knocked down as Bark barges in.

Fang: "Wha!? Bark!? What are you doing here!?"

Bark: "..."

Fiona: "Uh… Friend of your's?"

Bark glares at Fang before turning back to the entrance as Tiara, Tails, and Rosie rush in.

Tiara: "You ruined my dad's cake for the D'Coolettes! Now I'll ruin your face!"

Fang: "...Yeesh, what's got this broad's hair in a twist?"

Tails: "Uh… Tiara? We're supposed to be the good guys here…"

Tiara: "O-Oh… right… Got a bit carried away there…"

Team D'Coolette soon enter the building, with Antoine pulling out a saber and pointing it at the fiends.

Bunnie: "Hold it right there! Dunno what's going on, but you two are comin' in for questionin'... While you, Fiona Fox, are under arrest."

Fiona: "Crap… I was hoping to avoid the police…"

Bark grabs a nearby display case and tosses it at the group, but Sally quickly brings up a barrier to block it. Antoine charges with Tiara and Tails in retaliation as they go after Bark, with Rosie providing support. Bunnie and Sally jump over Bark and land in front of Fang and Fiona.

Sally: "Hope you don't mind us barging into this date."

Fang and Fiona took a step back from the duo as they glared.

Fang: "Well!? Do something!?"

Fiona: "You're the one with a gun! Be a man and shoot them!"

Fang: "I have a delicate face and I'd rather not get punched!"

Bunnie: "I guess this is what they call a 'break-up'!"

Bunnie hops in before swinging a kick at Fiona, separating her from Fang as Sally confronts him. The princess goes for a low sweep, but Fang bounces off his tail to avoid the attack, raining down bullets from above, which Sally blocks with a barrier.

Fang: "Ugh… I hate when girls block me."

Bark starts to get a handle on the trio fighting him as he kicks Antoine aside, then slams Tiara and Tails together, tossing them both away. Tekno, who's been to the side for a bit, catches Tails and Tiara in midair.

Tekno: "Hey, guys. Need a lift?"

Tails: "Yeah! Thanks, Tekno!"

Tiara: "Antoine! Mind keeping Bark busy?"

Antoine: "Fine, but please do not keep me waiting!"

Antoine immediately jumps at Bark, slashing his saber at the polar bear.

Tiara: "Tekno? Drop me. When I give the signal, we team attack!"

Tekno: "Alright. Ready, Tails?"

Tails: "As I'll ever be!"

Tekno drops Tiara, allowing her to charge up a Spin Dash as they waited for an opportunity. Bark puts up a decent fight, dodging Antoine's sword, but he quickly counters a thrust stab by side stepping and giving Antoine a left jab, followed by a right uppercut, sending Antoine back.

Tiara: "NOW!"

Tekno began to spin while holding Tails, tossing the fox at Bark with extreme force. Tiara launches at Bark as well with her Spin Dash as Tails curled up into a ball. The polar bear braces himself, but the impact was too much for him to handle, causing him to fly across the room and crash onto the wall.

Tiara: "Alright!"

Bunnie and Sally smile as they quickly dealt with Fiona and Fang. Bunnie slams a gut punch on the fox before grabbing her tail and throwing her; Sally blocks another bullet barrage from Fang before slugging him on the nose, then jumping behind him to back kick him, sending him flying at Fiona and crashing into her.

Fiona: "Gah!"
Fang: "Gh!"

Bunnie cracks her knuckles as she approaches Sally, the two exchanging a fist bump as they glared at Fang and Fiona.

Fang: "Can I call off the date…?"

Fiona: "Only if you pay for alimony…"

Sally: "Alright, it's over. Your muscle's beaten and you've got no hope of beating all of us."

As Fang and Fiona stand back up with an angered scowl, the two suddenly hear classical music play. Fang then smirks as he knew what was coming. The heroes all perk up at the sudden music before turning to see a dancing green woodpecker enter the scene. The dancing bird spins in, placing a bomb to the sound of the music. After this, he takes a bow in front of Fang… before his bombs go off at the same time, sending the heroes flying back from the force of the attack.

Fang: "'Bout time, Bean! Where were you!?"

Bean: "I got lost in a world of sweet ice creamy goodness! Do you like rocky road?"

Fang: "I'll give you rocky road for being so late! Now let's get out of here!"

As the group were about to leave, a blue stream jumps into the building and slams into Fang, knocking him over. Sonic had finally arrived on the scene.

Sonic: "Sup? Hope I didn't miss too much of the action."

Fang: "Ugh… What now!? Can I not get a break!?"

Sonic: "I'll give a few for messing with my friends."

The other Freedom Fighters shake their heads and soon recover from Bean's sneak attack, causing Bean to panic as he steps away. But then the back doors swing open, Rei stepping in to block the exit.

Rei: "...Hello, Jet. Or was it Nack?"

Fang: "It's Fang! I haven't used Jet or Nack in years now!"

Rei: "...Eh. Too many names to remember. But you might want to just give up. We have you surrounded. And quite overwhelmed."

Voice: "Heads up!"

A wall of the museum crashes down as Amy, Julie, and Relic finally catch up to the scene. Fang's eyes widen as his jaw drops.

Fang: "...Oh this isn't fair…"

Bean: "Wait… How'd you escape that dungeon…?"

Relic: "Never underestimate the mind of an archeologist."

Amy: "Yeah! And I'm ready to deliver some pain after what you did!"

Julie: "Save some for me, Amy."

As Rei looked at the trio, she nonchalantly pulls out her gun and shoots Bark behind her as he tried to sneak attack her, pinning him to the wall with her goop bullet… without even looking at him.

Rei: "Final warning, Jet."

Fang glared at Rei, then at the Freedom Fighters behind him, then at Team Relic just to the side. He then gets an idea.

Fang: "Alright. You win. I guess I should hang up my hat and quit."

As Fang approaches Bean with his hands up, he quickly grabs the woodpecker, pulling out a bomb from his… somewhere… and pulls out a bomb that resembled an alarm clock. Rei knew exactly what the 'ting ting' the bomb emitted out meant, but she was too slow to react as Fang tossed it into the air, the bomb exploding with powerful soundwaves that stunned Rei from her sensitive hearing. Fang then tossed Bean at Sonic, who was disoriented at most from the intense sound waves, knocking the hedgehog down before Fang bolted past Rei and out the exit. Fiona yelled at him, but her yelling was drowned out by the loud ringing in everyone's ears. But it wouldn't be long before the police would arrive to arrest the ones who didn't escape.

Later, after everyone's hearing was recovered (and Rei was checked out for possible irreparable hearing damage), the Freedom Fighters assembled for Rei's analysis.

Rei: "Now… Allow me to state this… You all failed. Horribly, I might add. Team Relic could not bring back the treasure from the ruins; Team Tiara' delivery was ultimate destroyed; and though the thief was caught by Team D'Coolette, another thief escaped."

The harsh criticism stung to some of the group. It was true though; they did fail their tasks, even if it wasn't totally their fault.

Rei: "However. Each of you showed incredible teamwork and ingenuity. Each of you worked off each other's stronger points. Some of you even risked your lives to protect your teammates. And that in itself should be congratulated and honored. And so I call this training exercise a success! Congratulations, Freedom Fighters; you have passed my test!"

The Freedom Fighters perked up at that before starting to cheer, hugging each other as they congratulated each other over their success.

Rei: "Now! Just because you all succeeded today does NOT mean you get to slack off! I expect each and every one of you to improve on yourselves and on your teamwork! And if I catch you slacking, then I will not be merciful in my punishment! AM I UNDERSTOOD!?"

Everyone: "Ma'am, yes, ma'am!"

Rei: "Good! Then get your asses to Boobowski's Bakery and party until dawn! That's an order!"

The group saluted before immediately heading off to Tiara's home in order to celebrate their victory. But Rei stayed behind as she sighs, smiling a bit as she hears their voices fade away.

Rei: "They got a lot to learn… But they'll get there. I believe in that much…"

Rei then walked away, heading back to her own home to rest up.

Meanwhile, flying above the ocean, Fang was on his personal hover bike, the Marvelous Queen, as he raced away from Genocide City, having made a barely clear get away.

Fang: "Ugh… That was too close. But hey, I got away scot free. And… I got me a little souvenir."

Fang smiles as he had snagged the dragon pendants Fiona had on her person, smiling as he had snuck his hand into her pocket when they clashed into each other thanks to Bunnie and Sally. He tucks away his prize in a compartment of his bike as he lets out a laugh.

To be continued…