In the castle in the present timeline, Sonia looked amazed by what she was hearing so far. "Wow, so you were running from the military?"
"Yes...and please don't ever do that yourself," Sonic said. "Never even give them a reason."
"Still, that was pretty gnarly," Sonia said. "You showed those authorities dimwits who's boss!"
"Sonia!" Amy scolded, nervously turning to Sally. "She's just joking about the authority thing."
It took Sonia a second to realize what she said, completely trying to change her wording, "I meant their authority, you know, the ones that actually thought my dad was bad. I totally respect your authority Aunt Sally. You're my favorite Queen after all."
"Thanks sweetheart, I'm glad I can be a Queen you respect," Sally said.
"It's more that I love you, than me respecting the crown though," Sonia said.
"Uh...that's sweet of you to say," Sally said, feeling a bit bashful. "You should always respect any authority though."
"Within reason," Sonic said, earning a glare from Sally.
"What does that mean?" Sally asked.
"Not all authority is worth respecting, even you should know that," Sonic said.
"Sonic, I'm Queen, you really think I wouldn't respect authority?" Sally asked.
"Well you certainly didn't respect Eggman's authority the time he took over Mobius," Sonic said. "I know for sure you would not have respected Dark Oak if the Meterax took over the galaxy."
"Uh...well," Sally sheepishly rubbed her head. "When you put it that way-"
"Plus, even you knew that G.U.N. was wrong to incriminate Sonic for crimes he didn't commit," Amy said.
"Face it Sal, you've got a rebellious spirit, that's why you formed the Freedom Fighters in the first place," Sonic said.
"I did it to save people," Sally said.
"Because you knew that those in charge weren't helping anyone," Sonic said. "You technically broke their laws by doing so."
"But...those laws weren't just," Sally said.
"Still laws nonetheless," Sonic said.
Sally's looked a bit troubled, the Queen doing her best to shake it off, "Sonic...maybe you shouldn't say this stuff in front of Sonia. You don't want to give her any bad ideas."
"Geez Sal, give me some credit here," Sonia said. "Not like I'm gonna think you're one of the bad guys or anything. You're good, just like my parents."
"Just try to avoid my bad situations, like the one I'm telling you about," Sonic said. Hopefully I can keep you out of trouble. Better yet, your mother can keep you out of trouble, she's better at that than I am."
"Well that's a statement we won't debate," Sally said.
"Sally!" Sonic nearly shouted, feeling slightly annoyed.
"I'm just teasing," Sally said, taking her leave. "I'll leave you three alone for a bit."
"Aw, can't you stay?" Sonia asked.
"I'd love to sweetheart, but I have to check with the others," Sally said. "I have to be absolutely sure that whatever Robotnik is planning won't come to fruition."
"I thought you left that to Lanolin?" Amy said.
"She's handling the meeting, I have to meet with some others," Sally said.
"Sally, we have time," Amy said. "Don't worry about what Robotnik is doing. Sonic already handled the robots, so it's not like we're in immediate danger."
"There is always immediate danger, you can't be too careful," Sally said. "My father wasn't careful and it nearly cost us. I can't afford to make any mistakes."
"Well...at least try to make it fast, one reason we come here is because we like your company," Amy said. "You've been so busy lately that we don't hang out like we used to. I kind of miss that."
"I do too Amy, but if I can keep everyone safe and happy, then I need to prioritize that," Sally began making her leave. "If you need something, one of my maids or servants can get it for you. Otherwise make yourselves at home." Sally glanced briefly at Sonic, muttering to herself. "If you can at least."
Sonic's ear twitched as Sally made her exit, the hedgehog looking a bit annoyed. "I'm gonna go grab some water."
"I'll call the help then," Sonia said.
"I can do it myself," Sonic insisted, immediately dashing off.
Sonia scratched her head in confusion, "Well he just left in a huff, he must be really thirsty."
"Yeah, sure honey," Amy said, a twinge of worry passing through.
"So...what else happened?" Sonia asked. "After dad got arrested I mean."
"Uh...lets wait for your daddy to come back first," Amy said. "Stories are more fun when he's around."
"Alright..." Sonia said, impatiently tapping her foot. "What's taking him so long though? He should have been back by now."
"Sonia, he just left," Amy said.
"He's got super speed, it shouldn't take him this long to get a drink," Sonia said.
"Your daddy doesn't do everything in super speed, honey," Amy said. "He likes to take his time with things."
"Alright fine...I can wait," Sonia said, still tapping her foot. "Ugh...it's been forever though."
"Sonia, it hasn't even been a minute," Amy said. "You have some scrolls, read through those until he returns."
"Oh yeah," Sonia said, pulling them out. "Here's the first one, Sonic's Station Square Mission."
"What is it with Sally and the word 'mission'?" Amy said. "Eh, guess that's just how she sees things. One of many perspectives."
While this was happening in the castle, Tails had led Cream and Mina into the Sol Dimension, the group stepping onto an island.
"Here we are, the Sol Dimension," Tails said, pointing to the distance. "There's Blaze's castle."
"It's so pretty," Cream said, awing at the sight of the Imperial Palace. "I love visiting the Sol Dimension."
"Same...though I haven't really been here that much," Mina said. "Not compared to either of you at least. I'm too busy touring, and I spend most of my free time in Mobotroplis."
"Don't you get vacations?" Cream asked.
"I never know where to go, the last time I took a vacation I went to Casino Park," Mina said. "Things kind of got boring fast, and Melody wasn't having much fun."
"It's all about know what to do once you're there," Tails said. "Just avoid gambling."
"I actually tried once, lost a lot of Mobiums that way," Mina said. "My old manager was really ticked off."
"Have you seen Ash lately?" Tails asked.
"Yeah, he was pretty chummy at Casino Park with Breezie," Mina bitterly said. "They can have each other though, not like me or Ash really had anything."
"Sorry things weren't working out for you," Tails said.
"I'm fine, I have my daughter and that's all I need in my life," Mina said.
"Right, Melody..." Cream was tempted to ask Mina about the father of her daughter but didn't have the nerve. "She seems to be happy of course."
"Sure is, like I said before, she's got Manik to keep her company," Mina said. "He's a good boy, even when he tries to be tough. But it just adds to his charm."
"He's one proud kid," Tails said. "I just wish he and Skye got along better."
"Boys bicker, but they'll grow out of it," Mina said. "Anyway, we should focus on why we came here, don't want to keep Lanolin waiting."
"I honestly couldn't care less if she waits, I don't do things on her schedule," Tails said.
"Miles!" Cream scolded. "You shouldn't say things like that."
"Sorry but to be fair, Lanolin is way too bossy at times," Tails said. "I know she's a leader but she really needs to learn how to talk to others. No one's going to do what she says if she doesn't show respect."
"I admit she sounds bossy, but she has reason to be," Cream said.
"Cream, there's never a good reason to be that bossy," Tails said.
"It might depend, honestly," Mina said. "But I will admit, Lanolin does go a bit overboard at times."
"Any reason?" Tails asked.
"I can't say for sure," Mina said. "I'm not even sure why Sally picked her as a successor. I still say that Antoine and Bunnie should be second in command. Antoine's got the mind of a tactician while Bunnie has the charisma to motivate others. Instead Sally chooses not only the bossiest girl to help out but her other main assistant is a punk who's main role is to be a jerk to others."
"I take it you mean Fiona with that last one," Tails said.
"Exactly, the fact that Fiona gets to call shots too is a bit concerning," Mina said. "Sally just loves having Fiona by her side. I don't get it either, Fiona really ticks her off."
"I don't think Fiona is that bad, and she really does care about Sally," Cream said.
"Fiona's just dealing with some childhood trauma," Tails said. "She was taken hostage by Eggman after all, and then fell into thievery before joining The Freedom Fighters."
"We all suffered because of Eggman though, why does Fiona get special treatment?" Mina asked.
"Let's not turn this into a competition. It doesn't matter who suffered more, what matters is trying to be understanding of others," Cream said. "I know it's not easy when that person is so rude, and Fiona does need to fix her bad attitude, but that's why I think everyone needs to take a second to really get to know one another and build a better bond. See each other less as allies in a war and more like best friends who treat each other like family."
"It works for us," Tails said. "Me, Sonic, Amy, Cream, Knuckles, Rouge, we're not soldiers who joined a common cause. We're all friends, one big family. Yeah we do have to fight together, that's practically inevitable, but we try to keep a bond after the fight is over. Don't you do that with Sally? Or Bunnie?"
"Sometimes, Bunnie and Antoine do come on tour at times," Mina said. "They along with their kids keep me and Melody company. But, I can't say that everyone shares this mindset. Even when the threat is gone, Sally stays diligent. I kind of admire that about her, she's so strong willed and I guess it inspires others to be diligent."
"Sally is strong, and an amazing woman," Tails said. "But, she needs to step down a bit and relax as well. It's not fair to her that she has to hold such a burden."
"That's the Queen's job though, if she doesn't do it, who will?" Mina asked.
Tails was about to answer when he actually stumbled a bit, "I can't say since I'm not Royalty. But I guess it's a good thing that we're here, maybe Blaze has a better idea."
"Is Blaze even a good example? She always seems so cold," Mina said. "Ironic given her powers."
"She's just shy at times, but even she likes going on adventures," Cream said. "I think she's done a better job at finding a balance between her duties and her personal time."
"We can ask her right now, follow me," Tails said, flying off.
"Wait up dear!" Cream said, flying after him.
"Don't leave me behind!" Mina said, speeding after the two.
This did not go unnoticed by a certain echidna from a tower in Blaze's castle, scoping out with her binoculars. "Well this is a surprise."
Inside the Palace, Blaze was seen sitting at a table, seemingly bored while Marine was showing off a new map she had recently designed.
"I'm telling ya, there's a treasure just south of Seagull Beach on an unknown island," Marine said, drawing her finger down while Blaze looked on with disinterest. "It may take a day or two to get there but the trip will be worth it when we're loaded with riches!"
"Riches?" Blaze asked, still apathetic to this whole thing. "Marine, I live in a castle, the same castle you stay in as well. We have riches already."
"Eh...yeah, you're right," Marine said. "I was just trying to spice it up a bit for a new adventure to get you out of the castle for a bit."
"I appreciate that, but I'd like to know for sure that you got the right information," Blaze said. "If you don't know the whereabouts of this island, you're just going to get lost. You might not even find anything."
"I'm willing to take that risk," Marine said. "So, what do you say?"
"I'll...think about it," Blaze said. "I have to make sure the castle is properly guarded."
"That's why you got Julie, she can watch over things," Marine said.
"Someone mention me?" Came the voice of Julie-Su, this getting the attention of Blaze and Marine.
"Heya Julie, got something to report today?" Marine asked.
"Yes, it looks like you have some visitors," Julie-Su said.
"Visitors?" Blaze asked. "Anyone we know?"
"Crikey! It might be Captain Whiskers and his men! He knows I was snooping!" A worried Marine said. "He's going to make sure he gets that treasure first! We gotta make a run for it!"
"Wait, you got this map data off of Captain Whiskers?" Blaze asked.
"Uh...kind of," Marine sheepishly admitted. "Hey that's how you know it might be real."
"It's not Captain Whiskers," Julie-Su said. "It's some friends of ours."
"Friends?" Blaze asked.
At the main hall of the castle, Blaze and her friends had made first contact with the visiting Mobians.
"Tails!" Marine ran over to hug her twin tailed friend. "Good to see ya, mate! Been too long!"
"Hey Marine, good to see you too," Tails said, returning the hug.
"Blaze!" Cream greeted, bowing to the Sol Dimension's ruler. "I'm so happy to see you."
"Same to you Cream," Blaze said, doing her own bow.
"Hey Julie-Su, how's it going girl?" Mina asked.
"Just the same old stuff," Julie-Su said.
"I'm a little surprised to see you all here," Blaze said. "What brings you to this dimension?"
"Here for another rousing adventure?" Marine asked.
"Well, in a way," Tails said. "It depends on whether you consider assisting the Freedom Fighters as an adventure."
"The Freedom Fighters?" Blaze asked. "So did Queen Sally send you?"
"Not directly, but this is to assist her," Tails said. "Eggman's been causing trouble in Mobotroplis for the last few weeks, and to make matters worse, he may have assistance. Sleet and Dingo are believed to be part of this, and Nagus was confirmed to be there."
"Sonic took down a bunch of the robots, and thanks to him and some of the Freedom Fighters, Eggman's forces were pushed back, for the time being," Cream said.
"Sally's been really stressed out about this, and we're worried that if Eggman is recruiting help, it may not just stop at Nagus, Sleet and Dingo," Mina said. "There's a lot of potential allies he could have, either on Mobius or even on Earth."
"Hm...so you're not sure who Eggman has by his side at the moment?" Blaze asked.
"No, but even Eggman on his own can be a serious threat," Tails said. "Especially when he has robots and artificial intelligence like Metal Sonic and Sage by his side."
"I know we're not presenting a lot information, and it's possible that we're overcompensating on our side," Mina began. "But we're really worried about what Robotnik has planned. Sally won't admit it, but he's really hard for us to stop on our own. We can barely fend off someone like Nagus, to have him and Robotnik together with those clever bounty hunters, and possibly much more...it doesn't really instill a whole lot of confidence in us."
"I see where you're coming from," Blaze said. "If you need my assistance, then I will gladly come to your aid."
"Really?" Mina asked. "Just like that?"
"Things have gotten a bit dull around here, I don't mind going to Mobotropolis for a bit," Blaze said.
"Same, it'd be good to bust some heads," Julie-Su said. "Plus I kind of miss talking to Sally."
"Also, if Eggman takes over Mobius, I can't imagine he'd stop there," Blaze said. "He could easily come to this Dimension."
"We appreciate this," Tails said, then focused on the raccoon girl. "What about you Marine? Want to join us?"
"Well...I was hoping to search for some treasure but..." Marine nodded her head. "I'll go to Mobotropolis myself. Blaze and Julie would be lonely if I weren't there."
"Oh yes, it would tear me apart," Julie-Su playfully teased.
"You love me, and you know it," Marine said, winking at the Echidna.
"I just need to let my guards know," Blaze said. "Hopefully I can ensure this dimension is well secured in my absence."
"Sally can send in some assistance herself as an act of good will," Mina said.
"Hopefully this won't take long and you girls can come back ASAP," Tails said.
"Of course, with Blaze and Sonic working together, old Eggman's going to get cracked and scrambled," Marine said.
"I look forward to that," Julie-Su said. "I just need my gear."
"You girls take your time getting what you need, we'll meet you back at the portal," Tails said. "It's right outside the castle."
"You left it outside?" Julie-Su asked.
"Well yeah, it seemed kind of rude to just open it in here," Tails said.
"Go to it immediately, last thing I want is for The Dark Legion to notice it," Julie-Su said.
"The Dark Legion?" Marine asked. "Julie, they haven't shown their faces in ages, not since that Lien-Da girl disappeared. You got nothing to worry about."
"She disappeared?" Tails asked.
"Several months ago, we thought she might have been killed in battle but we never found a body," Julie-Su said.
"That's suspicious, seems like you might have your own troubles here," Tails said.
"So if you help us out with Robotnik, then we'll owe you one," Mina said.
"Not that we wouldn't help out anyway," Cream said. "That's what friends are for."
"Well said Cream," Marine said, pumping her arm. "Blaze, Julie, let's get ourselves ready for a fight!"
"I'll run to the portal and let Lanolin know," Mina said, immediately dashing off.
"I swear, every time I see that girl, she just gets faster," Julie-Su said.
"Still not as fast as Sonic, but she's getting there," Blaze said.
"Given that Sonic gets stronger and faster on a regular basis himself, it might be a harder gap to close," Tails said. "But that's why the rest of us train hard, so we can keep up with Sonic and be by his side."
"I get that feeling, I work hard to be at Blaze's side too, get that nice rush of wind in my face," Marine said. "It took a while for me to not get tired so fast, but I've gotten better since we first met at least."
"I tried super speed thanks to some cybernetic upgrades, it helped but I don't know if it's my thing," Julie-Su said.
"It's not for everyone, it took Sally a while to get used to the Extreme Gear, but she eventually stopped throwing up," Tails said. "Anyway, I'll let you girls get ready, Cream and I will wait for you near the ring's entrance."
"Give us a few minutes, we won't keep you too long," Blaze said, making her leave with her two friends.
"Go at your leisure," Tails said, then turned to his wife. "Let's fly Cream."
The two flew out of the castle, taking to the skies of the Sol Dimension. Both took a moment to glance from their position, seeing an endless land before them, and the blue seas that Marine calls a second home.
"This place is beautiful," Cream said. "Sometimes I wish we could live here."
"I know what you mean, but in theory, staying in a dimension outside of our own for too long could result in an incursion," Tails said. "It would destroy this world and ours."
"I thought the only danger was the Sol Emeralds leaving this world?" Cream said. "What gave you the impression that it had to do with people?"
"It's a theory I heard about from a Sorcerer on Earth," Tails said. "He's talked about this type of subject too."
"But when Fiona went to stay in the Anti Zone, nothing happened," Cream said.
"I don't think she was there for that long," Tails said. "At least not long enough, and given how she alternated between there and here as much as she did, it could have prolonged the incursion."
"It still feels like there's not enough to go off of," Cream said. "I suppose it doesn't matter, I wasn't being serious about moving here. While I think this place is pretty, and I like the idea of living close to Blaze and Marine, I'd miss our friends back home, along with my mother."
"I know what you mean, I'd miss Sonic, Amy, Sally and everyone else," Tais said. "Plus I don't think Skye would want to relocate either. He'd miss everyone, especially Sonia."
"Far be it from us to keep our little guy away from his best friend," Cream said.
"That would be terrible," Tails said, flying down near the ring. "But at least we can visit at our leisure."
"Oh yes, that's just as great," Cream said, landing beside Tails.
"Hey, sorry for putting a damper on your idea," Tails said. "Living here would actually be nice, I just want to make sure it would be a safe decision."
"It's fine honey, it's good to look at things from multiple perspectives," Cream said.
"I just hope you don't think I do it a lot," Tails said. "I don't want to be that kind of guy who focuses more on logic than fun."
"You aren't though, you're usually very open minded to things and you have that love of adventure that makes you want to try those things," Cream said. "But a little caution is good too."
"Sonic taught me to live life to its fullest, Sally taught me that some dangers aren't worth the risk," Tails said. "I'm just trying to find balance between the two. Not just for my sake, but also yours."
"Miles dear, you know not to worry about me. I'll follow whatever path you go," Cream pulled her glove off to show off her wedding ring. "That is the promise I made to you after all."
Tails did the same, pulling his glove off to show off his ring, "I know, this ring means more to me than anything. It's a reminder that I always have something to fight for. I'd do anything in my power to keep you safe."
"That's sweet honey, but you know you don't have to worry that much about me," Cream said. "I'm pretty capable of protecting myself. But I appreciate that you feel so strongly, I really picked a great guy."
"At least you think so, but we both know my life hasn't been that great when it comes to romance," Tails said.
"Come on, you've had plenty of luck, a lot of girls did like you," Cream said. "And I know you had your eyes on other girls too."
"Yeah...one girl I loved nearly ended up staying with a bunch of villains," Tails said. "Another girl I loved...I couldn't protect her."
That last part tugged at Cream as well, knowing full well who Tails was referring to, "You tried your best that day. Cosmo would want you to be happy. That's why she did what she did. If she could see you now, see the man you've become, the loving father and husband, she'd know she did the right thing. I just hope you're not living with a lot of regret in your heart. It can poison you if you're not careful."
"Yeah, I know, and I won't lie, I do feel like I've messed up on occasion, and there are a few things that I do regret," Tails admitted. He then brought Cream close to him, keeping one arm behind her back as he gently stroked her face with his free hand. The two were locked in eye contact, both their faces turning shades of red. "But marrying you is not one of those regrets. It's one choice I have always felt confident about, regardless of how many other choices try to make me feel like I'm a failure. I will always fight by your side, because you are everything to me. I will protect the best thing to happen to my life."
"Miles..." Cream was practically speechless, the girl then turning away in embarrassment. "I don't know what to say."
Suddenly Tails started to worry as he backed away, "Uh, that wasn't too much was it? Was I being weird?"
"Of course not, it's great when a husband says such things to his wife, it makes her feel special," Cream said. "I'm the one being weird, we've been married for so long yet sometimes I feel so shy around you."
"Don't worry about it," Tails said. "I think it's cute when you get all shy. It makes you so much more lovable, and it also makes me want to be there for you even more."
Cream giggled a bit, glancing back up at her husband, "You're so sweet, Miles. I love you."
"I love you too, Cream," Tails said, then brought Cream in for an extended kiss.
In the middle of their passion, Mina had stuck her head through the ring, "Hey, you two-" She saw the fox and rabbit couple sharing their kiss with one another, Mina awkwardly backing away, a blush of her own on her face mixed with jealousy and a reminder of her loneliness.
"Are they there?" Lanolin asked.
Mina nodded her head as she turned away, "Yeah...they are."
Lanolin stuck her head through the portal, seeing Tails and Cream with their extended kiss. "Ugh, seriously?" She stepped through and karate chopped Tails's head, much to his annoyance.
"What was that about!?" Tails shouted.
"Need I remind you that we're in the middle of a bad situation!? You can make out with your wife on your own time, right now you're on Freedom Fighter duty," Lanolin said.
"Excuse me, but-" Tails's attempt to explain himself was brushed aside.
"I don't have time for your crap, you and your wife need to get through this portal and make yourselves useful to your Queen," Lanolin said, turning back into the castle.
Tails gritted his teeth in annoyance, "Who does that girl think she is!? Just because she's Sally's protoge doesn't mean she can just boss us around like this!"
"I'm not too thrilled about this either, but we do need to check in with Sally regarding Blaze," Cream said.
"Still though..." Tails grumbled. "I do agree that we should check in with Sally, but only because I want to, not because Lanolin told me to."
"You go on ahead, one of us needs to meet with Blaze," Cream said.
"Something Lanolin didn't even bother to ask about, some protégé," Tails grumbled.
"Don't let it get to you. Now off you go," Cream said, kissing his cheek before leaving him to his current goal as he stepped through the portal. Once alone, she let out a large sigh of annoyance as she crossed her arms in a pout, "That sheep girl needs to learn some manners though. I better not ever see her mistreating Miles like that again either."
Elsewhere at Eggman's base, Eggman's robots Orbot, Cubot, Bocoe, Decoe, Scratch, Grounder and Coconuts were all gathered around and playing some cards, all the while a nearby Sage worked intently on the Eggnet.
"You look awfully busy, Sage." Scratch said. "The old boss has got you working hard."
"It must be done, if we wish to conquer Mobotroplis at least," Sage said. "Granted our conquest of this planet will not simply end by bringing down the Crown City. Repercussions must be made to ensure any uprising will not be a problem as it was during the Phantom Ruby plan."
"I remember that, the only time we really tasted victory," Cubot said. "Too bad it didn't last."
"Even if it didn't last, it still proves that with better planning, our father can take this world as his own," Sage said.
"We should do better this time around, especially with Sage's assistance," Orbot said. "Out of all of us, she is arguably Eggman's best creation."
"Don't say that out loud, don't want the boss thinking we're more useless than we are," Scratch said. "Kind of surprised he even keeps us around."
"Don't be, you all serve your purpose well in your own ways," Sage insisted.
"She's got a point," Orbot said. "If we were useless, Eggman would have done away with us at any time."
"Worse, he could have done to us what he did to those old E-Series robots," Bocoe said.
"You mean the ones trying to find the frog that swallowed the Chaos Emerald?" Cubot asked, the robot looking worried. "Man, thinking about that gives me the willies."
"To be fair, most of them were kind of dumb," Scratch said. "Even Grounder wouldn't be dumb enough to bring back a purple frog. And he screws up more than any of us."
"Hey! I'm not a screw up!" Grounder said.
"Of course you are, why do you think Robotnik asks me to take charge during a mission?" Scratch pointed out. "I'm the one making plans."
"Ones that get us trashed," Grounder said.
"Because you're too much of a Bolt Brain to follow basic orders!" Scratch said.
Grounder got in his brother's face, "Well maybe if your orders actually made sense..."
"You want a thrashing!?" Scratch asked, rolling his sleeves back.
"Bring it, beak face!" Grounder said, putting his drills up.
"Please, don't fight," Sage said. "Remember, we're all on the same side."
"Oh let them, you know how brothers are," Orbot said. "They fight for a bit and get it out of their system."
"It's how it's always been," Coconuts said. "Don't worry about them kiddo, you get back to your planning or whatever."
"Very well...speaking of brothers, where is Metal Sonic? "Sage asked.
"He's doing some target practice with The Hooligans," Orbot said. "I just hope he doesn't accidentally vaporize them."
"Sleet and Dingo are supervising," Decoe said. "Rather, Sleet's supervising while Dingo does whatever it is he does."
"Metal would be a lot better to hang around if he actually talked more," Coconuts said. "For the most part, he's all business."
"Last time he had a personality, he tried taking over everything," Bocoe said. "I don't want to relive that."
"Eggman sure did not take any more chances with his other robots," Cubot said. "Probably why we weren't given any special abilities later on."
"Well in the end, we're merely assistants," Orbot said. "We help him build things or, less effectively, try to capture Sonic."
"And those Freedom Fighters," Coconuts said. "Too bad our plans tend to fail, then we get stuck with a bunch of lame chores as punishment."
"It's no wonder the boss doesn't respect us," Scratch said. "Kind of makes a chicken wonder why any of us still exist."
"That's a worrisome thought, Sage outclasses us in several ways, I figured Eggman would have eventually decommissioned us," Orbot said.
"Father wouldn't do that, he cares about us...at least he tries to," Sage said.
"You have no trouble saying that, the boss is nicer to you than us," Scratch said.
"I've always been a bit jealous if I'm being honest," Decoe said.
"Scratch and Grounder sure were back in the day, they hated you," Coconuts said.
"That's a bit of a strong word," Scratch said.
"Do not worry, whatever happened then, it's irrelevant now," Sage said. "I am just happy to be with all of my brothers."
"Aw, stuff like that really makes it hard for any of us to hate you," Cubot said. "You're one of Eggman's best put together machines too."
"The only other robot he put that much care in was Metal Sonic," Coconuts said. "Yeah he turned on us briefly but Eggman really values his strength when under his control."
"There's also those old E-Series robots," Decoe said. "He certainly had high hopes for Gamma and Beta. Obviously both of those turned out to be failures in the end."
"You know, there is that one other robot he built back when he lost his memory," Orbot said.
"Oh yeah, he called himself Mr. Tinker or something," Coconuts said. "He built that one girl, Belle."
"I remember Belle, she's my only known sister," Sage said. "Such a shame that she never had interest in joining us. She seemed quite loyal to our father."
"Belle was not loyal to Doctor Eggman," Orbot said. "She was loyal to Mr. Tinker. When Eggman came back, Mr. Tinker might as well have been dead."
"Still...she's family, regardless of whether our father calls himself Eggman, Robotnik or Mr. Tinker," Sage said. "Sonic's friends follow him through thick and thin, she should follow us."
"Sonic does have loyal friends," Cubot said. "Remember that story the boss was telling us about G.U.N.? He went to jail because Shadow framed him for something, and then they busted him out."
"Kind of jealous of that type of loyalty," Scratch said. "Meanwhile we got stuck with not only Shadow, but that bat girl too, and she ended up double crossing us."
"That is why we need to be better, and stay with each other through it all," Sage said, then noticed an oncoming visitor. "Rosy, you look troubled."
"Yes, and it's Scourge's fault," Rosy said, the girl angrily clenching her fists. "No, scratch that! It's that stupid Surge's fault! She dragged my sweet Scourgey away from me!"
"Scourge and Surge left?" Sage asked. "Where did they go?"
"I don't know, they just said they wanted to cause damage," Rosy said. "I offered to go but they ditched me! Scourge would rather spend time with that hussy than me!"
"Uh...maybe you shouldn't say stuff like that," Scratch said. "You don't want to upset Surge's creepy friend with the water powers."
"I'm not afraid of him, next time I'll bash his skull in!" Rosy shouted, bringing out her spiked hammer.
"Let's not bash any skulls in," Orbot pleaded. "But I am concerned about Scourge's little venture, we should go and check on him, make sure he's not doing anything he shouldn't be doing."
"I will go and find him, with some assistance," Sage said, disappearing from sight.
"And she's off," Coconuts said. "Hey Rosy, why don't you join us for a game? Get your mind off of your troubles."
"Sure, what kind of game? Is it violent?" Rosy asked. "Do I get to make anyone beg for mercy?"
"Uh...no," Orbot said. "Just a nice game of cards."
"...Sure, why not," Rosy said, taking a seat. "Deal me in boys."
Back in Acorn Castle, Sonic had returned with some water bottles to the room that Amy and Sonia were present in, the latter reading through the scrolls, namely the Station Square Mission.
"Hey, I'm back," Sonic said, handing some bottles to his wife and daughter. "Here you go, good to stay hydrated."
"Thanks hon," Amy said.
"Water, fitting for this scroll I'm reading," Sonia said, taking the bottle. "Something doesn't add up here."
"What is it?" Sonic asked.
"It says here that you were annoyed by mom getting distracted a lot," Sonia said. "Is that true? Did you find her annoying?"
"No, I was more worried than annoyed," Sonic said.
"Aw, you were worried about me," Amy playfully teased. "It's one reason I was almost never scared after I met you. Because I knew you'd always be there to save me, like a guardian angel."
"But I couldn't that time, you got captured by that robot," Sonic said. "Somehow I wasn't fast enough to rescue you."
"But you did your best, plus it's a big reason why I wanted to get stronger, so you wouldn't have to worry," Amy said. "That and it's easier going on adventures with you when I can keep up. I didn't want to slow you down."
"I wouldn't have minded slowing down for you," Sonic said.
Amy looked unsure about that statement, "That's a familiar saying, and I know I'm not the first girl you've said that to."
"Huh?" Sonic asked.
"Sonic, if you could slow down, you'd still be living in this castle," Amy said. "I kept up because I want to meet you at your level, where you're the happiest. At this point, I don't like slowing down much either, unless I need to manage my bakery."
"Doesn't that Jewel girl handle most of your business though?" Sonia asked. "With her smarts, you probably don't even need to be there."
"I'm her boss, I have to make sure she's not overwhelmed," Amy said. "Plus Jewel multitasks with helping Sally. So I gotta make sure she doesn't overwork herself. But thankfully the Chaotix help her from time to time, especially Charmy."
"Gee, wonder why?" Sonia said in a teasing tone.
"Anyway, I like adventuring, so you never needed to slow down for me," Amy said.
"Yeah, fast is best," Sonia said. "Now then, I believe you two owe me more of a story. What happened after dad got arrested?"
"Well, I got thrown in some prison owned by G.U.N.," Sonic said. "And unfortunately, I had no way of getting out. Not yet at least."
"You would have escaped, but I didn't want to leave you trapped any longer than I had to," Amy said. "Which meant, another trip."
Seventeen years prior at the Hazuki Estate, Peter was explaining the situation to Sonic's friends. "So that's what happened. Sonic apparently stole that Chaos Emerald and thus, a warrant was placed for his arrest."
"This doesn't add up, why would Sonic attack a military base and steal from a national bank?" Amy asked.
"Well, we do need the Chaos Emeralds to go home," Sally said. "This was a poorly planned strategy on Sonic's behalf though."
"Are you saying that Sonic actually stole the emerald?" Amy asked.
"It's possible, Peter did say it was a speedy hedgehog, there's even video proof of it," Sally said. "Isn't that right Peter?"
"It was broadcasted on TV by the news media," Peter said. "At least in America, I'm not sure if it reached Japan though."
"How did you come across it?" Sally asked.
"I have connections to back home just in case I need to return to New York," Peter explained.
"Hey everyone, it's being broadcasted here too!" Tails said, having put on a TV. "It's a story about Sonic and The Chaos Emerald, just like Peter said."
"Wow, this really is big," Peter said. "Not too surprised given Sonic's recent popularity after saving the day in Station Square."
"If they know he's a hero, why would they be so quick to accuse him of theft?" Ryo asked.
"Maybe because that's him on TV, with the Chaos Emerald," Sally said, gesturing to a hedgehog on screen.
"Wait a minute," Ryo glanced further. "That doesn't look like Sonic."
"He's right," Cream said. "That's not Mr. Sonic."
"Are you sure? How many hedgehogs like that exist in this world?" Sally asked.
"But that's clearly not Sonic," Ryo said. "Sonic's a blue hedgehog, that one there is black."
"That and even without the colors, he's got a different quill style, and some chest fur," Peter said. "Sonic doesn't have chest fur."
"Not like that at least," Tails said. "But you're right about one thing, that is not Sonic."
"Which means someone set him up!" Amy said, summoning her hammer. "And when I find that imposter, I'm gonna flatten him!"
"I keep forgetting you can do that," Sally said. "Where does it even come from?"
"Classic hammerspace," Ryo said.
"I let Johnny and Rainbow Dash know about the situation, they're gonna go and help Sonic," Peter said.
"And so are we!" Amy said. "We're gonna find Sonic and free him!"
"Don't get carried away," Ryo said. "First you have to figure out where he's heading."
"The TV says 'Prison Island'," Tails said. "A top-secret location owned by G.U.N."
"If it's secret, then why is it being broadcasted on TV?" Peter asked.
"Hey it works for us," Tails said. "Now we know where they're taking Sonic."
"Alright, let's go bust him out of prison!" Amy said, turning to the door. "Charge!"
"Amy Rose! Will you take a few seconds to think things over!?" Sally scolded. "You can't just go and break someone out of prison! That's against the law!"
"I hate to agree with the Chipmunk Princess here, but she's not wrong," Peter said, earning a glare from Sally. "This is a legal matter, granted it's government stuff but still risky."
"But Sonic's innocent, so he shouldn't be there in the first place!" Amy said.
"Look, I know it sucks being framed for something, it happened to me once," Peter said. "But breaking Sonic out of prison might make him look bad."
"We'll take that chance," Tails said. "We know that Sonic was framed, if anything this newsfeed should prove it."
"I don't even understand how anyone mixed Sonic up with whoever that is," Ryo said.
"Not enough people eating carrots," Amy teased, earning an annoyed reaction from Ryo. "Bet you're happy with your eyesight now, huh?"
"Cute..." Ryo said.
"I still think this is a risk," Sally said. "If we don't do things by the book-"
"Screw the book, we're doing things our way," Amy said. "Right Tails?"
"Exactly!" Tails said, then noticed Sally's look of disappointment. "If...that's alright with you Sally."
"Tails! Your best friend got framed! Are you gonna just let these people get away with it!?" Amy scolded.
"R-right, I'm not!" Tails said, trying to avoid Sally's gaze.
"Well just hope Peter here doesn't decide to get you both arrested as well," Sally said.
"I wouldn't do that to Amy or Tails," Peter insisted. "Technically I should stop you, but this is all kind of suspicious. I don't personally know G.U.N. either, so for all I know, this is one big corruption."
"Even so, this idea is risky," Sally said. "No one is doing anything until we plan this out."
"Come on Sally," Amy said. "What about Sonic? Aren't you worried?"
"Of course I am, that's why we do this right," Sally said. "I'm laying down the law here. No one is to act without my say so."
"...Alright," Tails said. "We'll do what you say, Sally."
"Good, now then Peter, I may need a rundown of your world's laws so I know what we can work with," Sally said. "You mentioned being framed yourself, how did you prove your innocence?"
"I had a really good lawyer," Peter said.
"Okay...this lawyer, any chance he's available?" Sally asked.
"He might be, I gotta go back to New York for that," Peter said.
"So that's it, we're just gonna wait for this lawyer?" Amy asked. "That's so lame!"
"I don't want to hear it, young lady," Sally scolded, then focused back on Peter. "Now, what else can you tell me?"
"You know...why don't you and I go talk someone private," Peter said. "Uh Ryo, can you take me and Sally somewhere to plan? A quiet room may allow us to think a lot better."
"Sure, I can do that," Ryo said.
"Alright, me and Sally will go," Peter said. "Amy, Tails, why don't you two get some fresh air. Might help you clear things up. Taking a break can help set things right."
Amy looked confused until she saw Peter winking at her. The girl nodded her head, "Alright Peter. Tails and I will do that." She then took Tails by his hand. "Lets go little buddy."
"Uh, alright," Tails said as Amy led him outside.
"Alright, while the kids play, you and I can continue our chat, Peter," Sally said.
"Sure," Peter said. "Ryo, lead the way."
"Follow me," Ryo said, leading the duo away.
Cream had a suspicion something was happening, and opted to follow Tails and Amy.
Outside, Amy waited until the coast looked clear before pulling Tails aside to speak to him in private, "Ready to go save Sonic?"
"Huh? But Sally said not to," Tails said.
"Tails, you and I both know he shouldn't be in there. We should free him and make his imposter regret framing Sonic," Amy said.
"I know but..." Tails looked unsure. "I don't want to upset Sally."
"Tails, think about it this way, if you pull this off, Sally will be too proud to be upset," Amy said, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Sonic needs you. If the situation were reversed, you think Sonic would wait?"
"No, he'd already be on his way to free us," Tails said.
"Exactly, we owe it to do the same for him," Amy said. "Now let's get flying. California awaits."
"Alright, maybe while we're there, we can find the Bryant siblings," Tails said. "They might know where to go."
"Good idea," Amy said. "Let's hurry before Sally spots us."
"Are you two going away?" Came Cream's voice, the girl standing nearby the two.
"Yeah, we're going to rescue Sonic," Amy said.
"Can I come too?" Cream asked.
"Cream, it's dangerous, you might get hurt," Tails said.
"But I want to help save Mr. Sonic, just like he saved me when I got captured by Doctor Eggman," Cream said. "I've even been practicing fighting moves with Ryo."
"I know, but you're still learning," Tails said. "It's just not safe, and we're going to worry about you too much."
Cream looked disappointed by this decision, "But..."
"Cream, listen," Amy said, bending down a bit to meet the rabbit at eye level. "Stay here and get stronger, so next time we need to do something like this, you'll be more than ready. Plus, I feel better with you here. Not just because you'll be safe, but I trust you can keep Ryo safe too."
"...Okay," Cream said. "Just promise that after I get strong, you'll take me on an adventure."
"Sure, I'd love to have you with us," Tails said. "It doesn't even have to be dangerous, we can go somewhere nice."
"Maybe after this is over, Tails can take you to Twinkle Park, Cream," Amy said.
"That sounds fun," Cream said.
"Where's Twinkle Park again?" Tails asked.
"Across from where the Emerald Coast Hotel is," Amy said, offering a coy smile to Tails. "I think you two will have extra fun together."
"Um...alright?" Tails said, not sure what that was about.
"Now let's get flying," Amy said. "Should we take the regular Tornado, or the X-Tornado?"
"Actually, there's a new plane I want to try out," Tails said. "I call it, The Cyclone."
"You really love building new planes," Amy said.
"Uh...it's not weird, is it?" Tails asked.
"You know I would never think you're weird," Amy said, affectionately pinching Tails's cheek. "You're way too cute to be weird."
"A-Amy!" Tails said, the boy blushing a bit. "I'm not cute! I'm supposed to be strong!"
"Okay, if you say so, tough guy," Amy teased. "Seriously, it's great that you build planes. You build a lot of great things that really help us out. It's easy to see why Sonic likes having you around."
"I guess I am useful to have for adventures like these," Tails said.
"That and you're really cool, I respect a smart guy," Amy said.
"Oh, you really think I'm cool?" Tails asked, the boy feeling a bit flustered. "Like, for real?"
"Of course, anyone who's good friends with Sonic must be a great person," Amy said. "Plus you're just so nice to be around."
"Wow...thanks," Tails said. "I think you're really cool too."
"Aw, you're sweet," Amy said, pulling Tails into a hug. "I promise that when me and Sonic are together, you'll still be a big welcome in our lives. After all, I would never keep Sonic away from someone who admires him just as much as I do."
"I never had a doubt about that," Tails said as Amy released the hug. "Now lets hurry before Sally catches on."
"This is kind of exciting, like we're breaking the rules," Amy said.
"Well we are staging a prison break," Tails said, leading Amy to his Cyclone. "We're gonna have a lot of ground to cover too once we get to California."
"That's no problem for us," Amy said, checking out the Cyclone. "Wow, nice plane."
"Thanks. As you can see, it doesn't really have a back seat," Tails said. "But, I know that's no issue for you."
"You know me well," Amy said. "Let's fly!"
Tails took a seat on the plane while Amy sat on the wing. He activated everything he needed to as the plane began to take off. "Alright, ready for take-off Amy?"
"You bet I am!" Amy said.
"Let's fly!" Tails said, immediately taking off and hitting the air.
From below, Cream looked up in amazement, seeing Tails flying his new plane brought awe onto the girl. "Tails is really cool, isn't he Cheese?"
"Chao!" Cheese agreed.
This didn't go unnoticed by many in town, especially Nozomi, the girl waving the plane off, "Looks like Tails and Amy are off on another adventure. To have that freedom must be quite nice."
This didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the Hazuki Estate, especially Sally as the Princess looked on in disbelief. That same disbelief slowly turned into anger and frustration. "Tell me those two didn't actually just...UGH! I am going to give them SUCH a talking-to!"
"I gotta say, their loyalty to Sonic is commendable," Ryo said.
"They're as thick as thieves," Peter said.
"That comparison is in REALLY poor taste at the moment!" Sally said.
"What now?" Ryo asked.
"Now..." Sally marched over to where the planes were. "I'm going to join them in California!"
"Need me to come with you?" Peter asked. "We're still talking laws and stuff."
"What's the point?" Sally said, jumping into the X-Tornado. "They're already going to cause trouble, I might as well go and make sure they don't do too many stupid things."
"Are you flying?" Peter asked. "You know how to use this plane?"
"I practiced with Tails and supervised him the whole way, even gave him some pointers," Sally said. "I can fly this thing no problem. Do you trust me to be the pilot?"
"Well I'm not much of a pilot so I'll trust you," Peter leapt into the backseat, "You know, Tails is a tough kid, he did fight one of Eggman's machines on his own. Amy's tough too, she utterly destroyed one of Eggman's stronger robots. I think you should give them a bit more credit."
"They're only kids, they shouldn't be fighting," Sally said, turning on the plane. "It's not safe for either of them."
"I can understand that worry, but I can also relate to them too," Peter said. "When I was ten, I bravely faced off against a Hammer Drone robot. Let me tell you, it was pretty reckless, but I did it anyway. Thankfully Iron Man was there."
"You're just proving my point that it's not safe for kids," Sally said.
"Well Tails and Amy are definitely stronger than me as a kid," Peter said. "Honestly they could be my level even now, maybe more."
"I'm still not taking any chances," Sally said, readying the plane. "Prepare for liftoff."
"Think Tails has any movies installed on this thing? I'm not a fan of airplane rides without a decent action movie," Peter said, much to Sally's annoyance. "I'd even settle for some peanuts."
"Don't make me eject you," Sally warned as she began to navigate the plane off the impromptu landing strip. She drove by Cream and the Hazuki Family, lifting the case. "We'll be back as soon as we can."
"Please take care, good luck on your mission," Ryo said.
"Bring Mr. Sonic back safe and sound," Cream pleaded.
"I will honey," Sally said. "Until then, remember to mind Mr. Hazuki."
"We will take care of her as we have done before," Iwao insisted, bowing to the Princess. "Take care, my friends."
Ryo, Ine, Fuku and Cream all performed bows of their own as Sally flew off, the latter waving afterwards alongside Cheese.
Despite her support, Cream couldn't help but feel a bit teary eyed, which Ryo quickly noticed, "Cream, what is wrong?"
"I know they mean well, but I don't like being left out of this. Sonic is my friend too, I want to be there for him," Cream said.
"The best thing you can do is stay safe, he'll be happy knowing that when he comes back, he'll be able to see you again," Ryo said, kneeling beside the girl. "Tell you what, tomorrow we'll go into town and buy the necessary ingredients to make a cake for Sonic. Does that sound good?"
"Okay..." Cream said.
"Chao, chao?" Cheese asked, to Ryo's confusion.
"I'm sorry, I do not understand chao," Ryo said.
"He wants to know if it can be chocolate," Cream said.
"Oh, of course," Ryo insisted. "Anything you want."
"Okay," Cream said, looking back toward the X-Tornado. "Come back soon."
Back in the future, Sonia couldn't help but chuckle, "Wow mom, disobeying Sally like that? Kind of a gutsy move."
"I know, and I don't condone disobeying authority, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do," Amy said. "Sonic needed help and I wasn't going to stand around and do nothing."
"Well it sounds like Sally followed you right afterwards," Sonia said. "I bet she was not happy when she caught up."
"That's an understatement," Amy said, then took note of their visitor. "Hm? Do you need something, Antoine?"
"Sorry to bother you Miss Rose, but Empress Blaze has arrived," Antoine said. "Since you and Sonic are good friends with her, Bunnie suggested I fetch you."
"Aw, that's sweet of you to do for us, Antoine," Amy said. "But, I don't think Blaze calls herself an Empress, she still goes by the 'Princess' Title."
"I will take that into consideration," Antoine said. "Come along."
In the throne room, Blaze had stepped through the portal, along with Marine and Julie-Su, the three led by Tails and Cream.
"Welcome to the Acorn Kingdom," Tails said.
"It's a pleasure to be here," Blaze said, taking a look around, taking note of all the Freedom Fighters. "It's good to see you all, it's been a long time."
"Sure has, so great to see you hon," Bunnie greeted, bringing Blaze into a hug, one that was awkward for the cat.
"Um, thanks," Blaze said, somewhat returning the hug.
"Good to see ya, Bunnie!" Marine greeted, getting her attention.
"Marine, you made it too!" Bunnie said, rubbing her head. "Such a pleasure to have ya."
Fiona rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Of course she had to come too."
"It can't be helped," Lanolin said. "At least Blaze didn't bring that airheaded boyfriend of hers."
Julie-Su took note of both girls, "Hey Lanolin, still being a junior Sally Acorn?"
"What's that supposed to mean!?" Lanolin asked.
"And Fiona...glad you didn't betray us again," Julie-Su teased.
"Real cute, you're one of the reasons I left The Freedom Fighters the first time around," Fiona reminded, then took note of the Hedgehog family. "Not the top of the list though."
"Here we go again..." Sonic lamented. He ignored everything and made his way over to Blaze as she was chatting with Tangle and Whisper.
"We're so glad you're here! How's the Sol Empire? I bet being a Princess or Empress or whatever is super fun!" Tangle said.
"You work with Sally, does she have fun in her work?" Blaze asked.
"A little, she does enjoy being Queen," Tangle said.
Whisper glanced curiously at her friend, "Are we seeing the same Queen? She does not look like she has fun."
"She's just not expressive," Tangle said.
"Yo Blaze," Sonic greeted.
"Blaze!" Amy ran over to hug her friend. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too Amy," Blaze said, again feeling awkward.
"Sonia!" Marine walked over to the kid. "Wow, you're a lot bigger than I remember."
"I am a growing girl after all," Sonia proudly stated.
"Got that right, gonna get nice and tall soon," Marine said.
"Got that right yourself," Sonia said. "So, you three came, huh? Is Silver here?"
"He's back in his own timeline right now, he keeps busy a lot," Blaze said.
"That guy's gotta learn to work less, and make more time for his special lady," Marine teased, much to Blaze's annoyance.
"Don't start with me on that," Blaze said. "Silver has his duties and I have mine."
"Did you at least tie the knot with him?" Sonia asked.
Blaze didn't answer right away, instead opting to pull her glove down lightly, just to show off her ring.
"Aw, so pretty," Amy said, pulling her glove down as well. "Kind of looks like the one I have too. Though mine has a bit of Chaos Energy."
"It does? How?" Marine asked.
"Thanks to Tails, he can almost replicate a Chaos Emerald," Amy said.
"Since when?" Sonia asked.
"It's a long...actually, it's part of the story we're telling you now," Amy called to the fox. "Tails! When you're done, we're telling Sonia about the first time we went to Space Colony ARK."
"Oh right, didn't Rouge want to be part of this storytelling as well?" Tails asked. "She was there with Shadow and Eggman after all."
"That's right! We should go fetch her," Amy said.
"Ah can handle that," Bunnie said, taking the teleporting ring. She then showed off her finger, "Since we're sharing our wedding rings though, figured ah would share mine too. Not fancy as either of yers, but it's the thought that counts."
"Antoine gave it to you as a sign of his true love, it's as fancy as it gets," Amy said.
Sonic pulled his own glove off to check his ring, which is also powered by Chaos Energy. The ring, like his bracelet, meant a lot to him, leaving the hedgehog admiring both for a bit.
"Tails crafted the one I have," Cream said, showing it off. "He got the materials he needed from the Lylat System, thanks in part to some friends he made there."
"The Lylat System?" Sonia asked. "What's that?"
"Now that is a whole other story," Amy said. "But we'll get to it soon."
"Nice rings!" Tangle said, running over to see them and accidentally knocking into Sonic, causing him to drop his bracelet. "Sorry Sonic!"
"Accidents happen," Sonic said, looking at the ground. "Crap, where's my bracelet?"
"Ahem..." Lanolin said, getting their attention. "Are you just about done flashing your rings? This is a Throne room, not an engagement party."
"Oh you're just jealous because you don't have one," Marine said.
Lanolin's eye twitched, "Neither do you, little brat."
"I'll get mine soon, once Charmy realizes how good of a prize I am," Marine said.
"Charmy?" Lanolin asked, laughing to herself. "Charmy may be a little scatter brained at times but even I think he can do better than you. Not that it matters, he's got his eyes on a better woman."
"Huh? Who?" Marine asked.
Lanolin gestured to the side, "Here she comes now."
Walking in was the group of The Chaotix, Sally and lead organizer, Jewel the Beetle. "Thank you for meeting me so quicky, my Queen."
"It's no trouble, if anything I should be thanking you for your hard work," Sally said. "When this is over, take a nice vacation. I hear Apatos is nice around this time of year."
"I can ill afford a vacation now, Amy Rose still needs me to help her with her bakery," Jewel said.
"Just don't overwork yourself, it's not fun," Sally said, then noticed the new arrival. "Oh, Blaze!" She ran over to bow to her fellow royal, "It's great to see you."
"Same with you Queen Sally," Blaze said, bowing herself. "I understand you needed my assistance."
"Yes, it's a rather unfortunate situation," Sally admitted. "I really hate to bother you about it but-"
"It's no bother at all," Blaze insisted. "I hear it's trouble with Doctor Eggman."
"Yes, he along with some allies are posing a threat to my castle," Sally said. "It's been like this for weeks, thankfully Sonic destroyed most of the robots."
"We helped too!" Tangle said, gesturing to herself and Whisper.
"Yes, my Freedom Fighters did their part as well," Sally said.
"Well with me here, we'll get this done faster," Blaze said.
"I appreciate that," Sally said. "I don't suppose Silver is here too? His powers would really come in handy."
"He's busy I'm afraid," Blaze said.
"Blaze and Silver got married," Sonia said, getting a blush out of the cat girl.
"Sonia! Don't just blurt out other people's business like that," Amy said.
"To be fair, you were all flashing your wedding rings like trophies," Fiona commented. "Not like it's a big secret."
"Another one jealous she ain't got a ring," Marine said.
"Hey, I can get a ring, when I find a man worthy enough to give me that ring," Fiona said.
"Wonder when that'll be?" Marine teasingly asked.
"I swear I'm gonna slap the shit out of you," Fiona warned.
"Geez, are things always tense with you?" Marine asked. "Seems like anytime I come here, someone's upset about something. It's like Julie but multiplied."
"Hey!" Julie-Su said in annoyance.
"You know I love ya, Julie, but you need to smile more," Marine said.
"I gotta speak to Blaze about some stuff," Sally said. "Amy, why don't you, Sonic, Sonia, Tails and Cream go wait a bit."
"I'm gonna fetch Knuckles and Rouge," Bunnie said. "Sonia wanted to see them."
"Knuckles?" Julie-Su asked.
"Is that gonna be awkward for you?" Lanolin asked.
"Uh, no, it's fine," Julie-Su said.
"Be right back," Bunnie said, heading through the portal.
As she left, Sally took a look around, "Where did Sonic go?"
"He's here," Amy said, seeing Sonic looking for something on the ground. "Sonic!? Something wrong, dear?"
"I dropped something," Sonic said. He eventually found the bracelet, but it was in the hands of his son, who had just entered the room.
"What's this thing?" Manik asked, looking to his father. "Is this yours?"
"Yeah, it's a bracelet Amy made for me," Sonic said, this catching Sally's attention.
"More seashells though? Why exactly?" Manik asked.
"These are special," Sonic said. "There's a symbolism to these things, wanna hear?"
"I'll pass," Manik said, handing the bracelet over. He then noticed the new company the castle had. "Blaze?"
"Manik, don't address her so casually," Sally warned.
"No it's fine," Blaze reassured, then turned to the young boy. "It's good to see you again, Manik."
"Yeah, likewise," Manik said. "Hey mom, Melody's getting hungry, is there anything she can eat?"
"Manik, we have a whole cafeteria, have the staff make something for you," Sally said. "I'm gonna be busy now, official Royalty Business."
"Is this about Robotnik?" Manik asked. "Any chance I can be part of it?"
"No, now go get your food," Sally said.
"Come on mom, a Prince needs to take care of his Kingdom," Manik said.
"I said no, don't argue with me on this," Sally said.
"You should listen to your mother, son," Sonic said.
"Oh shut up, don't tell me what to do old man," Manik snapped.
"Manik!" Sally shouted, angrily marching toward her son. "That is no way to speak to your father! Now apologize!"
"What for!?" Manik asked, though one glare from his mother shattered any building ego. Reluctantly he turned toward Sonic, "Sorry father."
"It's all good, little guy," Sonic said. "Just try to mind your mother's wishes. Things are dangerous out there."
"Yeah, whatever," Manik said, making his leave. "I'll go get Melody some food then."
Sally grumbled in annoyance, "That boy sometimes."
"Um, Queen Sally," Lanolin said. "If I could say, maybe letting your son in on this isn't a bad idea."
Sally glared at Lanolin, "What are you saying!?"
"I mean no disrespect and I would never tread on your status as his mother," Lanolin insisted. "But, he clearly wants to take after you in some ways, and as Crown Prince of Mobius, teaching him about certain things now will surely do well for the future."
"Lanolin, if I let him stay, he's gonna think I'm letting him fight," Sally said. "I would really rather he not get any wrong ideas."
"Still, it might be good to compromise," Lanolin said.
"He's pretty good with a sword, at some point it might be a good idea to let the twerp actually go on some missions," Fiona said.
"He's too young for that," Sally said.
"So was Tails," Fiona said.
"Don't start with me on Tails, I already went through all that with Manik," Sally said. "Now I would appreciate it if you didn't entertain the idea of my son fighting, is that understood?"
"...Alright fine," Fiona said.
"Whatever you command, my queen," Lanolin said.
"My, how loyal of a subject you are, Lanolin," Antoine coyly commented.
"I appreciate you all coming up with suggestions for Sally," Sonic said as he slipped his bracelet on, followed by his glove. "But let her or me have the final say in our son."
"Mostly her since you're never here," Fiona said.
"You really love bringing that up, don't you?" Sonic said.
"Can we please focus on the task at hand?" Sally said, then focused on Amy. "Go make yourselves comfortable again. We'll catch up later."
"Sure thing, Sally," Amy said.
With that, the adventure team made their leave, heading to another room, all the while Fiona glared at them with venom in her eyes.
"Gee, wonder if I knocked that bracelet off by mistake when I bumped into Sonic?" Tangle said. "Glad he found it just fine, he seemed worried."
"For good reason, that bracelet is very precious to him," Sally said. "If it was an accident Tangle, then I wouldn't worry."
"Alright then Sally," Tangle said. "So, tell us the plan."
In the other room, Sonic sat down with his family and friends, feeling a bit awkward. "It really is not easy talking to Manik sometimes. But honestly, I just don't know what to do regarding that kid."
"Well...as much as I hate to agree with Fiona, and she could have worded it better but, she's right in that you really don't come here that much," Amy said. "I know it's not malicious but you and Sally separated when Manik was really young, that might have negatively affected his opinion of you."
"I get it, I should be there, not out of obligation either, but because I should want to spend time with my son," Sonic said.
"You try to though, when you're here you're nice," Tails said. "You, Amy and Sonia always have presents for him, don't you?"
"To be fair Miles, presents only get you so far," Cream said. "But, I will also say that while I feel sorry for Manik, he's too old to be acting the way he does."
"Yeah, he is being bratty about this, and it doesn't help that he's surrounded by others who probably have less than kind things to say about Sonic," Tails said. "Especially Lanolin and Fiona."
"Yeah, Fiona just hates me, and Lanolin...I don't get her at times," Sonic said. "Probably got my son against me."
"This is why I tell you to visit more," Amy said. "I know this place isn't full of happy memories for you, but at the same time, if Manik doesn't think you care about him, he's going to grow even more resentful. He may be a brat, but he's your brat, Sonic."
"I know Ames, but I just don't know how to talk to him," Sonic said.
"Well, you're gonna learn," Amy said. "After this Eggman situation is over, we're going to mend the peace. No more putting it off, it's been eight years, you owe this not only to Manik, but to Sally too."
Sonic grumbled in annoyance, "Again, Amy, it's not that simple."
"Nothing in life is simple, Sonic," Amy said. "I love your carefree nature but sometimes, you gotta face your problems."
"How many times are you gonna tell me this?" Sonic asked.
"As many times as I need to get it through your stubborn skull!" Amy said, then taking her husband by the hand. "Sonic, you know you're not doing this alone, I'm here for you."
"So are we," Tails said.
"We're your family too," Cream reminded.
"Exactly, and we have to be there for family, even ones that seem estranged," Amy said.
"...Geez, you never let go of a grudge," Sonic said. "One of my favorite things about you, Ames."
"I know," Amy said, kissing Sonic on the cheek.
Sonia smiled in appreciation at how kind her mother was to her father, grateful her parents were so happy together. This made her really sympathize with Manik, knowing he comes from a more broken family, one she wants to help fix.
"Look, think it over Sonic, right now let's try to unwind a bit," Amy said. "We still owe Sonia a story."
"Story you say?" Came Rouge's voice as she along with Knuckles and Bunnie walked into the room.
"Hey, you made it," Sonic said.
"Yeah, sure did," Knuckles said. "Seems like a big gathering outside, what's going on?"
"Eggman's causing trouble again," Amy said. "Some robots were stationed around Mobotroplis, but Sonic destroyed them all."
"With some help," Sonic said, gesturing to Bunnie. "Our favorite cowgirl here took out a bunch."
"Just doing mah job," Bunnie said. "Speaking of, ah should get back."
"Aw, can't you stay?" Cream asked. "We don't get to see you much."
Bunnie was about to protest but deep down, she'd rather be in the room she was in than out there. "Ah suppose ah could stay fer a bit, Sally's just recapping stuff with Blaze. If she needs me, I'm in here."
"Thanks Bunnie, seeing you always puts a smile on my face," Tails said.
"Well ain't you the sweetest," Bunnie said, rubbing Tails's head. "Ah still can't get over the man you've become. Still seems like the other day you were a youngin' at Rosie's house."
"Yeah, things really changed," Tails bashfully stated.
"Ah just wish little Skye were here," Bunnie said. "Ah take it he's with Vanilla."
"Yeah, she's watching over him, we'll bring him by next time," Tails said. "I bet he'd love to spend time with Jacques and Belle."
"For sure, mah kids love Skye," Bunnie said.
"Belle? Isn't she a robot?" Sonia asked.
"That's another Belle," Tails said. "Funny how that worked out."
"Well Antoine picked the names, and he said 'Belle' is perfect for a beautiful little girl," Bunnie said.
"It fits her," Tails said. "Where are your kids?"
"They should be around the castle, Jacques likes to see the guards training, he's learning how to use a sword just like his daddy," Bunnie said. "Belle is probably off shopping somewhere, she knows her way around the city."
"Aren't you worried with those robots around?" Sonia asked.
"She'll call me if she needs help, but she's got her own little robot arm thanks to Rotor, and she knows how to use it," Bunnie said.
"I bet she's a good shot, just like her mother," Rouge said.
"Got that right," Bunnie said. "So, what's this about a story?"
"It's one about when we first met Shadow and the fight on Space Colony ARK," Sonic explained.
"Classic story," Rouge said. "We told Sonia about Chaos and Station Square, so I guess she's learning about the next big adventure Sonic had."
"It's a good one fer sure," Bunnie said.
"So how much did you tell Sonia?" Knuckles asked.
"We told her about Sonic getting arrested and how me and Tails reacted to it," Amy explained. "Next is when Tails and I arrived in California."
"Where we met Jacky and Sarah," Tails said.
Back in the past, Tails and Amy stepped foot in San Francisco, the two looking around together.
"We'll need to look for some clues on Sonic's whereabouts," Tails said.
"Let's split up, you go that way, I'll go this way," Amy said, making a run for it.
"Amy wait!" Tails called, much to his annoyance. "And there she goes. Hm...wonder if I can find that imposter?" He brought out a Yellow Chaos Emerald that he received after the Station Square incident. "These things act like magnets to each other; makes for a good radar."
"Tails!" Johnny called, the hero landing beside the boy along with Rainbow Dash. "Glad you're here."
"Johnny, Rainbow Dash, wow what great timing," Tails said.
"Sure is, we got trouble," Johnny said.
"It's about Sonic being arrested right? Peter told us," Tails said. "He said Sonic got framed for stealing a Chaos Emerald."
"Yeah, by some hedgehog named Shadow," Johnny said. "I don't know who he us, but Sonic fought him briefly after escaping G.U.N."
"Sonic escaped?" Tails asked.
"For a little, then he got caught again," Rainbow Dash said. "He should be on Prison Island."
"Do you know where it is?" Tails asked.
"Grab your plane, and join me and Dash," Johnny said as he and Rainbow Dash took to the skies.
"On it," Tails said, hopping onto his Cyclone.
Meanwhile Amy was searching another part of town, getting distracted by the sights. "Wow, that Cable Car looks like a fun ride!" The girl then slapped her head a few times, "Focus Amy, save Sonic now, ride Cable Car with him later! Sonic was around here, I just know it. I'll find him and set him free!"
"Amy Rose?" Came the voice of Jacky Bryant.
"Jacky! It's so nice to see you again!" Amy greeted. "Have you seen Sonic by any chance?"
"Yeah, some goons just arrested him for stealing something," Jacky said.
"That's why I'm here, you gotta know that he was framed by another hedgehog," Amy said. "I know it might sound hard to believe-"
"No I believe it, I think I saw that hedgehog," Jacky said. "It got really weird."
"Wanna help me free him?" Amy asked.
"You mean fight against a shady and potentially sinister government group?" Jacky asked. "Wouldn't be the first time, let's find Sarah and get to it."
"Great! Just follow my lead, I can take us to Sonic," Amy said. "Our red string of fate will always lead us straight to each other."
"Wow, red string, that's deep stuff," Jacky said. "Follow me."
Later, Tails was flying over the ocean alongside Johnny and Rainbow Dash, getting close to his destination, that being prison island. "There's no mistake about it, that's the island up ahead. A secret military base that's reinforced and super strong."
"You seem well informed," Johnny said.
"I heard about this place on TV," Tails said.
"You heard about a secret island on TV?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Isn't that kind of strange?"
"Funny, Peter said something similar," Tails said.
"Yeah he would point that out," Johnny said. "Is he still back in Japan?"
"For now, I imagine he'll be here soon though," Tails said.
"He should be, he's been totally flabbergasted by this whole thing about Sonic being a villain," Johnny said.
"I find it hard to believe that Sonic would rob a bank, even if it is a Chaos Emerald," Tails said. "Even more, I don't think he would destroy military buildings. I know he's innocent, and I'll prove it. Hopefully then Sally will...huh?" Tails noticed trouble down below.
"What's up?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking down as well. "Oh no way."
Standing on the base was Eggman with his allies in not only Orbot and Cubot, but also Shadow and Rouge.
"Alright, on with the show," Eggman said. "Shadow, Rouge, you both know what to do."
"Got it doctor," Shadow said. "Let's-"
"Oh Sonic! I thought I'd never see you again!" Amy said, hugging Shadow from behind. "Thank goodness you're okay!"
Shadow slowly turned around, grinning at the girl with Rouge also eyeing the situation with a devious smirk of her own.
"Wait, you're not Sonic! You're that imposter!" Amy said, taking a step back.
"My, how perceptive of you, Amy," Eggman said, getting the girl's attention.
"Doctor Eggman!?" Amy shouted in disbelief.
"Your timing is impeccable, I will deal with you myself!" Eggman said, turning to Shadow and Rouge. "You two, get on with the mission!"
"Roger," Rouge said as she and Shadow carried on with the mission while Tails looked up from the sky.
"It's Amy! Looks like she ended up getting here before I did," Tails furrowed his brow at the troubling development. "She's not the only one. Eggman's here too! What is he up to!?"
"Why is that girl even here? This isn't a place for kids," Johnny said. "Not counting you Tails since you're actually useful."
"Now's not the time to question this, I gotta save Amy!" Tails said as he pressed a button. "Transformation!"
Suddenly his plane had begun turning into what looked to be a battle mech, much to the amazement of Johnny and Rainbow Dash.
"That was badass, bro," Johnny said.
"Let's save Amy!" Tails said, flying down to help his friend.
Amy tried to run but found herself trapped at the edge with Eggman cornering her. "Give up it, Amy!"
Fortunately for Amy, Tails had landed between her and Eggman. Tails was not her usual hero, but she was happy to see him come to her rescue nonetheless.
"I'm so glad you made it, Tails!" Amy said.
"Not alone," Johnny said, flying down with Rainbow Dash by his side.
"We got this Amy!" Tails said, readying for a fight.
"You don't have anything!" Eggman shouted, firing some lasers at the group, but Tails was quick to fire back himself, getting a hit on Eggman's machine.
"Why you! Hold still!" Eggman shouted, blasting Tails back. Johnny flew in to attack but he too took a hit from the scientist.
"That all you got?" Johnny asked, then took another blast to the face.
"Still think you're-WHOA!" Eggman got knocked back thanks to Rainbow Dash, but one zap from his robot stunned her a bit.
"I'll stop you!" Amy rushed in to attack, Eggman was quick to blast her as well, and then blasted Tails's robot, the boy firing back and damaging Eggman's machine.
"Give it up!" Tails said, about to fire again, but his Cyclone began to malfunction. "Huh!?
"Aha!" Eggman was about to fire, but his machine wasn't working either. "What!?"
"Looks like it short circuited," Orbot said.
Eggman grumbled in annoyance, not wanting to deal with more, he opted to make his leave. "This time I'll let you go, but the next time we meet, you won't be so lucky!"
"Yeah, you better run," Johnny said, the hero getting back on his feet. "That blast hit harder than I thought it would."
"Same," Rainbow Dash said, dusting herself off.
"Wow, you did it Tails!" Amy said, running to the Cyclone. "And you found the island, I knew you could."
"Amy, if you knew I could, why didn't you just wait for me?" Tails said.
"Why are you even here? It's dangerous!" Johnny scolded.
"I'm sorry, I just really needed to save Sonic as soon as possible," Amy said, Tails shrugging it off while Johnny and Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance. "Listen, Eggman's definitely up to no good. He was with that imposter hedgehog that framed Sonic after all."
"That seems obvious," Johnny said. "Kind of low of Eggman to frame Sonic but whatever, we'll trash him like before."
"I'll go on ahead," Tails said, heading off on his machine. "Maybe get this machine fixed up on the way."
"Hey wait Tails, we were supposed to save Sonic together!" Amy said, following her friend.
"This isn't a game!" Johnny called, rolling his eyes. "Geez, that girl's gonna get hurt."
"Gotta admit, she's pretty brave," Rainbow Dash said.
"That's why I'm worried, she seems like the type that's too dumb to distinguish bravery from stupidity," Johnny said, then had a sudden realization. "For some reason, I feel like Reed has the biggest grin on his face."
"Yeah, we're getting all mature now, it totally sucks," Rainbow Dash said.
"Amy!" Came a voice from behind. Johnny and Rainbow Dash turned around to see Jacky Bryant and his sister Sarah. "Where'd that girl go?"
"No way, Jacky Bryant!?" Johnny asked.
"Sarah Bryant too," Rainbow Dash said.
"I know you two, you were both at Station Square where that water monster trashed the place," Jacky recalled as he met up with the two.
"That's us, what brings you to Prison Island?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Amy found me and my sister and asked us for assistance," Jacky explained. "We offered to bring her, but it looks like she ran off."
"Wow, I'm surprised you two know about this place," Johnny said.
"We have experience with shady government stuff," Sarah said.
"Remember that big car accident I had in my race years ago?" Jacky asked. "Well...it was no accident."
"Thought as much, you're way too good to have crashed like that," Johnny said.
"Long story short, my investigation led me to Judgement Six, and a whole bunch of really terrible things that followed," Sarah said. "Being brainwashed into attacking your brother is not a pleasant experience."
"Kind of interested in those details but right now, we should focus on finding Tails and Amy," Johnny said.
"We got trouble first," Rainbow Dash said, gesturing to some G.U.N. Beetles and Hunters.
"Pfft, this is nothing," Johnny said. "Come on, lets clear the way and help Tails."
The boy himself had broken inside the base, fixed up his machine and fought through the entirety of Prison Lane. His actions helped make it easier for the others to follow, especially Amy as the girl stuck close to him.
"We're almost there, I can feel it," Amy said, whacking some robots away.
"Figured, security is getting tighter," Tails said as he blasted some robots. He saw some beetles heading his way, all of them aggressively firing. "Amy, I'm gonna hold these enemies back, you go on ahead."
"Are you sure?" Amy asked.
"Of course," Tails said, tossing a card to her. "That card should free Sonic, hurry Amy!"
"Alright, I'll be right back Tails!" Amy said, running on ahead.
While in his prison cell, Sonic was impatiently pacing and tapping his foot, still irritated by the situation. "I gotta find Shadow, and soon. Getting off this island will be tough, even if I could break out, I'd need to find a plane or something. I'll keep a ear out for the next helicopter or something and then-"
Suddenly Amy came crashing down from the vent, surprising the hedgehog. "Have no fear, Amy Rose is here!"
"Huh?" Sonic asked.
"It's my hero greeting, aren't I just like Spider-Man?" Amy asked.
"Uh...yeah," Sonic said. "That fear line reminds me more of that blonde hero from Japan."
"So, how does it feel to be saved by me in all my splendor?" Amy asked. "Pretty great huh?"
"How did you get here?" Sonic asked. "More importantly, why are you here?"
"You can thank Tails, he helped me get here. Same with Jacky and Sarah, I ran into them in San Francisco," Amy said, showing off a key card. "Looks like you really need my help, so I'd make sure you're fully grateful, mister."
"I'm in here because of that imposter of a hedgehog," Sonic said. "I figured while I was here, I could even garner some clues about that guy's identity."
"Oh you mean that black hedgehog?" Amy asked.
"You saw him!?" Sonic asked. "Where did he go!?"
"If I tell you, will you marry me?" Amy asked.
"No way," Sonic dismissed.
"Aw, kind of thought I had you there," Amy said, heading to the card reader.
"Yo Amy! Did you find him!?" Jacky called.
"Sure did Jacky! I'm freeing him now!" Amy said, having used the card.
"Hey Jacky!" Sonic called.
"Good to hear from you Sonic! Don't worry, you'll be out of this place soon!" Jacky called.
"You should know, that imposter is with Doctor Eggman," Amy said.
"So Eggman's behind this," Sonic said. "I'll put a stop to it."
Amy glanced around the cell, seeing a bunch of formulas, "What's with these scribbles? Did you make these Sonic?" Upon not hearing an answer, she turned to see that Sonic had left, much to her annoyance. "Seriously!? Wait for me, Sonic!"
Meanwhile Tails and Johnny were blasting any oncoming G.U.N. robots, until Sonic showed up and immediately destroyed them with his homing attack.
"Sonic! You made it!" Tails said.
"Yo Sonic, how was the clink?" Johnny asked.
"Not a bad place for peace and quiet, but the view was terrible," Sonic joked. "Anyone have a way off the island?"
"It shouldn't be too hard, I can just fly out of here, and I would hope that Jacky and Sarah have a way to escape as well," Tails said.
"We do, though with this many robots, that might be tricky," Jacky said.
"I'll go clear them out, give us an easier chance to escape. Maybe even find Eggman in the process, along with that fake hedgehog," Sonic said.
"Sure thing Sonic," Tails said, turning to the others. "Alright, let's do what we can to help."
"Hell yeah," Johnny said, everyone making their leave, apart from the Bryant siblings.
"Where's Amy?" Sarah asked.
"Here I am!" Amy said, having finally caught up. "Looks like there's more robots."
"I can take them, then find that other hedgehog," Sonic said.
"Oh yeah, he's on this island too," Johnny said. "We'll clear a path, you go and kick that faker's ass."
"Faker?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Well he's pretending to be Sonic," Johnny said. "It totally works."
"Just hurry Sonic," Jacky said.
"You got it!" Sonic said, speeding off toward the Metal Harbor.
In the present, Sonia had a quick question to ask, "So...how did Rouge get there?"
"I can explain that, it started when I met my future hubby over here," Rouge said, gesturing to a slightly bashful Knuckles.
On Angel Island, Knuckles was tending to some Chao, getting fruit out of the trees for some newborns.
"There you go, eat up," Knuckles said, allowing the Chao to eat. He had been alone for a few months, and while he likes his solitude, he couldn't help but think about his friends. "Wonder how Sonic and the others are doing? Hope they're adjusting well. Then again Sonic and his buddies love their adventures, to them this is probably a vacation. I just hope that...huh?"
He looked up and saw that the Master Emerald was flying away, the Jewel in the hands of Rouge. "This treasure's all mine!"
"Hey! Get back here with that!" Knuckles shouted, chasing after Rouge.
The Echidna followed the bat for miles, eventually catching up to her in a dessert, the two fighting over the Master Emerald.
"Ugh, you just don't know when to quit, do you!?" Rouge shouted in annoyance.
"What are you even talking about? This is my emerald!" Knuckles said. "This emerald has special properties that neutralize the energy of the Chaos Emeralds and...what the!?"
From nearby, Eggman had taken the Master Emerald using his Egg Mobile to carry the jewel. "This is quite an excellent find."
"You thief!" Rouge accused.
"You're one to talk," Knuckles commented.
"I came here following the signal of the emerald, imagine my surprise that it's the Master Emerald," Eggman said.
"Eggman, so you're back for more huh?" Knuckles asked.
"Oh so that's Doctor Eggman," Rouge noted.
"Boss, don't we just need the Chaos Emeralds?" Orbot asked.
"Oh I can make use of this baby too," Eggman said as he aimed to fly off. "Farewell fools!"
"I don't think so!" Knuckles shouted, jumping up to break the Master Emerald into pieces, much to Rouge's dismay.
"Uh...that water monster isn't going to come out again, is he?" Cubot worried.
Rouge angrily grabbed Knuckles by his shoulders, "What did you just do to my Emerald!?"
"Get off me!" Knuckles said, pulling himself away. "I did that so the Master Emerald wouldn't get stolen, I can restore it even if it's in pieces. By the way, that's not your emerald!"
"Oh well, I'll just return to my base then," Eggman said.
"Well that was anti-climactic," Cubot said.
"Wow, surprised you knew such a big word," Eggman said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Rouge looked to the distance, plotting out her next move, "Personally, I despite anyone who takes any jewels from me. All the world's gems are mine to keep!"
"Oh yeah? We'll see about that, Bat Girl!" Knuckles said, venturing off to Wild Canyon while Rouge flew off to Dry Lagoon.
Back in the present, Sonia seemed dazzled by this information, "Wow, that's so neat. So you went on separate adventures?"
"Yeah, I searched a lot of places for the emeralds, some old and some spooky," Knuckles said.
"My places were pretty and charming," Rouge said. "As for how I met Eggman..."
Shadow had recently stolen the Green Chaos Emerald, treading through a Radical Highway as he made his escape from G.U.N. By luck or by chance, he managed to frame Sonic for what he done, not that he cared, he know that no one could stop him.
However Shadow was haunted by the past, recalling running through Space Colony ARK while his dying friend Maria placed him in an escape pod.
"Shadow...I beg of you, do it for me, for this planet" Maria implored as she sent him off. "Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog."
"Maria..." Shadow snapped out of his Flashback. "I still remember what I promised you, for the people on this planet. I promise you...Revenge."
Seconds later, Eggman had arrived with his robots, all of them looking around in curiosity.
"So...this is ARK," Scratch commented. "Kind of old...and roomy."
"Place needs a new decorator," Orbot said.
"I've been waiting for all of you," Shadow said. "Now I will show you the glorious achievement that the fine scientist Professor Gerald has created."
"So surreal seeing a hedgehog that isn't Sonic," Orbot said.
"Is he just as fast?" Coconuts asked.
"Not now," Eggman said as Shadow operated a computer.
"The ARK is an early Space Colony created by mankind, but not many people know that this place had a research facility where weapons of mass destruction were being created," Shadow said. "This is one of them, a weapon strong enough to destroy the entire planet. The Eclipse Cannon."
"Did he say...destroy an entire planet?" Orbot asked.
"Is this my grandfather's legacy?" Eggman wondered.
"It's been deactivated for some time now," Shadow said, placing the emerald in the machine. "To reactivate it, we need a large amount of energy."
"So that's why you nabbed the Chaos Emerald," Eggman noted. "I was curious when I saw you on TV."
"Exactly, to reactivate this machine, we need the seven Chaos Emeralds," Shadow said. "With that, you will have the ultimate power of destruction to do what you will. Then, the world could be yours."
"Mwahahaha, I like that plan," Eggman said. "I will get the Chaos Emeralds, use the machine to threaten the world and create a legacy of my own!"
"You expect it to be that easy?" Came a voice. Up above, Rouge was hanging upside down, listening in on the conversation.
"Who's she? How did she get in here?" Orbot wondered.
"That's what I'd like to know," Eggman said.
"I've got a great idea, how about a deal?" Rouge asked as she flew down. "When you grabbed that huge emerald, you mentioned something about tracing its energy. That means you must have a radar of sorts. Would I be able to borrow it?"
"What's in it for me?" Eggman asked.
"I have an idea where the other emeralds might be," Rouge said, taking out a Blue Emerald. "I may not look it, but I'm quite the treasure hunter."
Eggman looked impressed that this girl found a Chaos Emerald, even Shadow saw some worth in her.
"Very well, you may join us," Eggman said.
"So it's a deal," the bat lady said. "My name is Rouge the Bat by the way, but you can just call me Rouge."
With that, a new alliance was created, and the plan to take over the world for Eggman commenced.
