CHAPTER 1: THE JOURNEY BEGINS
It was a peaceful morning on Mobius, and the sun was shining as bright as ever. Over by Knothole, Fiona Fox was standing outside, wondering about her place in the world.
"sometimes I wonder if I was meant to be a freedom fighter" Fiona Thought. "I mean sure I've done some things in my past that I'm not particularly proud of but it seems that whenever I try to start fresh with someone, I always get the raw end. I've been feeling like an outcast lately, and everyone has been too quick to judge. Especially Sally...I know she means well but I just wish for once she can see things through my perspective, to make her understand how I feel."
Suddenly She heard someone calling out her name, She looked around and noticed that It was Tails trying to catch up to her.
"HEY FIONA! WAIT UP!" Shouted Tails
"Oh Hey Tails." Fiona Said with a gentle smile "What's up?"
"Do you have a sec, "I wanted to talk to you about something." Tails Said
"Sure, what's on your mind?" Fiona Asked curiously.
"Well first of all, I wanted to apologize for the way I reacted when I found out that you and Sonic were together." Tails Answered. "I guess it's just when I met the real you for the first time, it reminded me of your Robot duplicate. Anyway I hope you're not mad."
"Aww Tails, it's okay." Fiona said" You have nothing to apologize for, in fact I was just like you when I was your age. I used to have a crush on a guy who lived across the street from me, and he was the same age I am now. The point is, Crushes comes and goes, I'm sure you'll find the right girl someday. Heck with your talents, you can attract any girl right now if you could."
"Well thanks Fi." Tails said as he blushed and giggled a bit "I guess I never thought of it that way. "After our latest adventure, I had some time to sort out my feelings a bit and I hope it doesn't sound weird when I say this but, have always been more like a big Sister to me, you tend to look out for me from time to time, you help me out sometimes, and you're also very kind."
"Oh, Tails..."Fiona Said as she kneeled down and and gave him a warm hug "That means so much to me. I never had any siblings growing up and the fact that you would even consider me to be a big sister is really touching. Come to think of it, you've always been like a little brother to me, you always make me smile, and you always help me when I needed it."
"Thank you Fiona, I'm glad you feel that way, and It's no problem" Tails said as he hugged back "I'm just glad you're around, and I'm glad you think of me as your little brother. I almost forgot, I was able to fix your wrist communicator."
Tails searched his bag and took out the communicator and handed it to her. It was a small wrist watch like device with a big screen with different buttons on it.
"That's great news!" Fiona said "It broke a couple weeks ago when I tried to infiltrate Dr. Eggman's Base during a scouter mission"
Fiona took a closer look at the communicator and noticed a few things.
"I'm glad to see it's in working order But I noticed there some new features on here." Fiona said as she continued to look at the communicator.
"Oh I added a GPS System, and a Distress signal, and it can even detect some nearby energy sources." Tails explained "I thought it would be helpful for your next mission."
"I have a feeling it will help a lot." Fiona said "Thank you!"
"You're welcome Fiona." Tails Said "I'm just happy to help, see you later."
And with that, Tails took off while Fiona Waved at him. She walks up to a tree stump and sat down.
"Tails is such a sweet kid." Fiona Thought "one of these days I'm going to do something nice for him in return."
Just then Sonic speeds by and notices Fiona sitting down.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Sonic asked as he sat down next to her.
"Oh hey Sonic" Fiona said "I'm just reflecting on a few things...this might be a silly thing to ask but how do you try not to let the past affect you?"
"That's a good question, Fi "Sonic responded "I guess what really helps is to have a good perspective, when you really think about it, the past is like a shadow. it follows you but it doesn't define where you're going."
"That's an interesting thought." Fiona Said
"Yeah, but I learned that hanging on to regrets or bad memories just slows you down." Sonic Said "And you know me, I like to keep things fast and free."
"Well they don't call you the fastest thing alive for nothing." Fiona said as she laughed a bit "But sometimes it's not always easy letting things go, it can be hard at times."
"That's true enough" Sonic said gently "But it's not about pretending those things never happened, it's about learning from them and using them to become stronger. Every mistake, every loss, it's a lesson. And those lessons makes us who we are."
"So you just move on?" Fiona asked.
"Yeah, more like moving forward" Sonic said "There's always another adventure waiting, and another challenge to tackle. If I let the past hold me back, I could miss out on something amazing right in front of me. And believe me, I had my share of bad memories.
"I never thought if it that way" Fiona said "You make it sound so simple."
"Well it's not always that simple." Sonic said "but it helps that I have people like You, Tails, Sally, Amy, and even Knuckles to help me stay on track. We look out for each other and that's all that matters.
"Thanks Sonic!" Fiona said as she kissed him on the cheek "that's just the kind of pep talk I needed."
"Anytime Fiona!" Sonic said "Just remember that we're all in this together, no matter what the past throws at us, we can handle it. well time for me to juice and jam!"
Sonic runs off while waving goodbye to Fiona who waves back. And with that Fiona goes back on reflecting her thoughts.
"I'm glad there's a few people who appreciate me with all my faults." Fiona thought "Sonic may be a bit of a rascal but at least he has a good heart, and that's what I love about him. I don't think anyone with a good heart would've abandon me on purpose, but still it's going to be one heck of a challenge to let my past go."
As Fiona continues to reflect on Sonic's advice, she notices 3 Mobians heading up hill. One was a Jack Russel Dauschund mix Mobian, the other was a raccoon Mobian and the third was a Frog Mobian.
"I told you we were lost!" Said the Jack Russel Mobian" We've been wondering around this part of the forest for almost an hour!"
"Man, how can we be lost?" Ask the Raccoon Mobian "I told you I know this path like the back of my hand!"
"And would the back of your hand be a slice of Peach Cobbler?" Asked the Jack Russel Mobian jokingly. "Face it, we're lost!
"I'm scared!" Said the Frog Mobian "I hope we can find someone to help us!"
"I hope so too." Said the Jack Russel Mobian "I don't know anyone who would live around here."
"Excuse me, may I help you with anything?" Fiona asked as she came up to the three Mobians.
"Oh Yes!" Said the Jack Russel Mobian "We're lost and we were hoping for-"
The Jack Russel Mobian stopped for a moment and took a closer look a Fiona, and the other two joined in.
"Fiona, is that you?" The Jack Russel Mobian asked as if he knew her before.
Fiona was shocked for a moment, surprised that the Jack Russel Mobian knew her name, but then took a closer observation at the 3 Mobians, with a curious demeanor.
"How do you know my name?" Fiona asked "Come to think of it, you look really familiar, have we met somewhere before?"
"It's me, Milo!" The Jack Russel Mobian responded "We used to be to hang out when we were kids. In fact here's a photo."
Milo took out a photo from his wallet and handed it to Fiona . She took a closer look at the photo and after a while, a strong feeling of happiness started to kick in.
"Oh my Goodness!" Fiona Shouted Happily" Milo it is you! I haven't seen you in years!"
Fiona ran up to Milo to hug him, and Milo hugged her back!
"And you remember Zeke?" Milo Asked as he pointed to the Raccoon Mobian.
"Long time no see, Dudette!" Zeke said in a calm manner as he hugged her.
"Oh yes, Zeke! You were always such a calm and mellow guy" Fiona said as she hugged back.
"And you would be crazy if you didn't remember me." Said the frog Mobian "I even had the necklace you gave me for my birthday a long time ago."
Fiona took a closer look at the necklace. Attached to it was a locket, Fiona looked at the locket and had the inscription "Kimi and Fiona 4Ever" on one side. She took a look at the other side and noticed a photograph of the frog Mobian and Fiona standing in front of a house doing a friendly pose. And suddenly, it all started coming back to her.
"Kimi! My goodness, I missed you so much!" Said Fiona as she's filled with emotion while hugging Kimi.
"I missed you too!" Kimi Said as she hugged Fiona Back! "You were my greatest BFF, I enjoyed playing with you when we were younger!"
"This is really amazing" Fiona Said happily "I didn't think I would see you again after all these years!" I knew you guys moved away a long time ago, but we would always try to keep in touch"
"That's true!" Kimi said, "I still have the doll that you sent me for my birthday about year after I moved."
"So how is everything?" Fiona asked "We have got to catch up!"
"I totally agree dudette" Zeke responded "But first can we stop somewhere to rest? A guy can only walk for so long"
"I can call up Sonic and Tails to see if they can help" Fiona said
"You know Sonic and Tails?" Kimi asked in amazement. "Sonic is really amazing! And Tails is a bit of a cutie."
"Oh believe me, they're nice guys!" Fiona said
Just then a few inches a way from where Fiona and here friends were standing a warp ring appeared. From that warp ring emerged Scourge the Hedgehog, the evil counterpart of Sonic.
"Allright time to make my move." Scourge thought.
However Scourge noticed the group that was talking to Fiona which caught him off guard.
Looks like I came in at a bad time." Scourge thought "I know I can hide in those bushes and when she comes around I can grab her to get her attention, then I can start my plan."
And So Scourge jumped in some bushes behind him then hides. Meanwhile Fiona had just finished contacting Sonic and Tails for assistance.
"Allright they should be on their way." Fiona said
"Oh great, maybe they'll bring us something to eat." Zeke said
"Always thinking with your stomach huh?" Asked Milo while laughing before turning his attention to Fiona "So Fi, how has life been for you? I have noticed that after a couple years we stopped hearing from you."
Fiona was nervous to answer the question, She had a checkered past resulting from the time she was imprisoned and didn't want her friends to know about it, for she was afraid that if they knew, then they would leave her. As Panicked as she was, Fiona had to think fast.
"Oh well things have been fine." Fiona said nervously "I do feel bad about not keeping in touch, I had a lot going on, especially with the whole Robotnik Takeover that was happening at the time."
"Oh Yeah, we have all been there" Zeke Said "Total Bummer..."
"That was scary..." Kimi Said "I was scared to keep in touch too, because if that meanie found out where I lived just by getting my letter, well I would've croaked!"
"Yeah, well It's a good thing Sonic and the freedom fighters came along and put an end to him!" Zeke said"
"Yeah! Really good!" Fiona said
"True indeed but regardless, right now all that matters is that we're together again!" Milo said "And Fiona, it's really great to see you again after all these years, you look really beautiful."
"Well thank you!" Fiona said as she was blushing.
"I'm gonna head over here so I can keep a watch for Sonic and Tails!" Kimi said. "That way once they arrive, I can let you know right away."
"Good Idea Kimi" Milo Said "We could use a good lookout"
"Hey!" Zeke Said "I'm just as good as a look out as Kimi!"
"Oh please, the last time you volunteered as lookout you got sidetracked by that Burger Stand in Central City!" Kimi Said.
"Well you can't expect a guy to keep a watch on things on an empty Stomach" Zeke said as everyone laughed.
Kimi started to head over near the bushes to keep a watch for Sonic and Tails when Scourge Grabbed her from Behind. Scourge took a moment to notice that he grabbed the wrong person.
"What the?!" Scourge Exclaimed
"Sonic? Is that you?" Kimi asked curiously "I knew you were fast but I didn't think you were THAT fast.
"uhh...Yeah kid" Scourge said "whatever you say"
"Oh Goodie" Kimi Said "So why are you hiding behind that bush? Are you hiding from someone? And why are you green? I know I bet you're trying to hide from your fans! That's understandable, considering that you're the biggest hero on Mobius, you probably have a whole bunch of fans after you so you try to-"
"QUIET!" Scourge exclaimed "Sorry, you're right about the whole fan thing, but I'm here for an entirely different reason listen can you keep a secret?"
Kimi Seemed a bit skeptical, but Scourge assuming that she thinks he's Sonic with green skin and a motor jacket as a disguise would provide a perfect opportunity, so Scourge peeps out of the bush to point out Fiona to Kimi.
"Sure, okay!" Kimi said
"See that Fox over there?" Scourge asked "I'm trying to convince her to join my side."
"Okay I'm confused..." Kimi said "Fiona is already on your side, Sonic! So what's your point of convincing her? Oh my goodness...are you going to propose to her?"
Scourge seemed a bit annoyed and nervous with this at first but he kept his cool.
"Let me explain something to you, kid" Scourge explained "Fiona is...how do I put this...one of those easy targets, always full of fear and self doubt. So I'm trying to get to her embrace the darkness of those traits, which will make her the perfect candidate to carry out my plan to rule this planet."
At this point, Kimi knew something weird was going on, She knew that Sonic wouldn't be type of person who never use anyone for his own selfish goals. She was also concerned about Fiona due to the fact that they haven't seen each other in so long, so She was getting concerned about Scourge's true intentions.
"But that still doesn't make any sense." Kimi said "You and Fiona are on the same team, so there's no need for any of this...I'm sorry but this just doesn't add up! I mean what do mean by ruling this world? This place is already run the famous Acorn Family. Anyone who's anyone would know that? And one more thing, Why isn't Tails with you? Surely if Sonic goes somewhere, Tails is usually the one who follows."
At this point Scourge started to get really frustrated with Kimi and her bombardment of questions.
"ENOUGH!" Scourge Yelled "LOOK, CAN'T YOU SEE IT'S ALL ABOUT MANIPUATION!? MY PLAN IS TO GET THAT FOX TO JOIN ME SO I CAN USE HER AGAINST THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS, BECAUSE THEY WOULD BE CRAZY TO FIGHT AGAINST SOMEONE WHO WAS ONE OF THEIR OWN. THEN ONCE MY PLAN SUCCEEDS, I WOULD NO LONGER HAVE ANY USE FOR HER! WHATEVER HAPPENS AFTER THAT IS ON HER!"
This confirms Kimi's suspicions, now she was really scared about Scourge would do to her, especially now that he revealed his true intentions to her. But she was more scared of what he will do to Fiona if he actually succeeded.
"Wait a minute!" Kimi said in an angry tone "You're not Sonic! I can see that now, he would never do anything so foul and downright rotten! I won't let you hurt my BFF"
"Kimi is that you screaming your lungs off or is it someone else?" Zeke asked from far away "Is everything okay?"
Kimi hearing Zeke's voice, tries to struggle to break free but Scourge tries to hang to her to ensure that she'll never tell Fiona what he told her. Zeke notices Kimi's arm reaching out of the bush. thinking she's stuck, he rushes over there to pull her out. after a brief Struggle, Zeke manage to pull Kimi out of the bush while revealing Scourge in the process, which catches him off guard.
"Woah!" Zeke exclaimed "Did Sonic get a bad case of food poisoning? That happened to me once. I had to-"
"Zeke, that's not Sonic!" Kimi said with tears in her eyes" It's some imposter trying to hurt my BFF!"
Zeke did his best to calm Kimi down, however Scourge gets up and begins staring down at the two.
"Hey back off, Man!" Zeke Yelled.
"Guys! What's going on?" Milo asked as he caught up with Zeke and Kimi with Fiona following him.
Fiona notices Kimi in distress and Zeke comforting her and begins to wonder why, that's when she noticed Scourge standing right in front of them.
"It's you!" Fiona Exclaimed "What are you doing here?"
"Wait, you know that guy?" Zeke asked "He tried to hurt Kimi"
"In a way, yes" Fiona answered as she begins to turn her attention to Scourge "Now I'm not gonna ask you again, what are you doing here?"
"Hey!" Scourge said "I just thought I drop by for our usual chat and all that noise, just to see how you're feeling and-"
"Don't listen to him! " Kimi exclaimed "He's trying to use you!"
"What!?" Fiona said in a shocked tone.
"Okay calm down, Kimi. "Milo said calmly" Now start from the beginning"
At this point Scourge begins to flee however he was stopped by Zeke by holding him in a headlock.
"Don't even think about it you Knock off!" Zeke Said
"Kimi, it's okay" Milo Said "Now what happened?
"Well while I was on the lookout, this green Sonic guy grabbed me!" Kimi explained "At first I thought it was actually sonic in disguise, but then I realized something was off. He said he was going to manipulate Fiona into joining him because he said she was full of fear and doubt, making her an easy target."
Fiona couldn't believe what she was hearing,
"Babe, don't listen to this tadpole!" Scourge begged "She obviously has a huge imagination!"
At this point Scourge continues to struggle against Zeke, however Milo Joins in and hold Scourge's legs to prevent him from escaping.
"Don't you dare lay your hands on her you punk!" Milo Yelled.
"Kimi...please continue..." Fiona said she put her hand on Kimi's shoulder.
"Thank you..." Kimi said "He said something about once his plan has succeeded, he would no longer have any use for you...He wanted to use you to battle the freedom fighters because he knew they would never attack one of their own. It was like he wanted to poison your mind or something like that..."
Fiona was shocked at what Kimi told her. Prior to joining the Freedom Fighters, she always felt that whenever she trusted someone, she would always get betrayed in the end. However She knew that Sonic didn't intentionally betray her when she was left imprisoned, and she knew that Tails would never do anything to hurt her, and most of all She knew it wasn't her childhood friends' fault due to the fact that they had to move at a young age, so it was out of their control.
"Thank you Kimi..."Fiona said with tears in her eyes.
Fiona started to walk slowly toward Scourge, with a mixed feeling of sadness and rage. Kimi, Milo and Zeke, watched her with curiosity and concern, wondering what she was going to do to to Scourge. By the time she walked up to him, She clenched her fist and gave him a really strong punch in the stomach, knocking him down.
"Woah!" Zeke exclaimed "way to pack a punch!"
"YOU JERK!" Fiona Yelled "I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REBUILD MY LIFE FOR A LONG TIME AND YOU GO AHEAD AND DO THIS!"
"If you let me explain!" Scourge said weakly "I can try to-"
"SAVE IT!" Fiona interrupted "WHAT WAS IT THAT YOU PLANNED TO DO WITH ME!? HUH?! THIS WHOLE TIME I WAS JUST SOME PAWN IN YOUR SCHEME!? AND YOU WERE GOING TO PASS ME ASIDE WHEN YOU WERE DONE!? YOU KNEW I HAD A BAD PAST AND YOU WANTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT...YOU WANTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME!"
This news caught Milo, Zeke, and Kimi off guard, they haven't been in touch in the recent years and start to wonder if there was more to Fiona then meets the eye. None the less they still saw her as their friend and tried to do their best to keep Scourge at bay.
"Listen, there's much more to it then that. We could've ruled together!" Scourge began to explain but was held by both Zeke and Milo to keep him from speaking.
"Enough of your lies" Milo yelled "You've done enough!"
"I can't believe I even listened to you!" Fiona said sadly "I thought things would be different...but I can see I was wrong...wrong about you!"
"Ooh...talk about harsh! "Zeke said" Tough luck green dude!"
"Oh Fiona..." Kimi said as she began to walk up to her "I'm so sorry..."
At this point Tails came flying in to see what the commotion was, he looked around and notices Fiona feeling upset so he comes to check on her.
"Fiona what happened? "Tails wondered" I heard yelling and I thought someone was in danger!"
Tails looks around and notices that Milo and Zeke was holding Scourge to prevent him from escaping!
"Wait Scourge is here!?" Tails exclaimed in shock "Fiona what's going on?"
Fiona took a moment to let everything sink in, then after she broke down crying on her knees. Tails comes up to comfort her.
"Oh Tails..." Fiona cried as she started to sob "I've done a terrible thing!"
Tails walks up to hug Fiona in Comfort as Kimi joins in.
"Fiona, did Scourge try to hurt you?" Tails asked.
"Wait, so that's who he was?" Kimi exclaimed in shock "Oh the nerve, I can't believe I mistook him for Sonic!"
"I never meant for this to happen" Fiona said sadly.
At this point Sonic arrived onto the scene, he looked around and sees that Milo and Zeke has holding Scourge while Kimi and Tails began to comfort Fiona. She looks up and notices Sonic.
"Sonic...I'm so sorry..." Fiona said as she continued crying.
"Fiona are you okay? Who hurt you?" Sonic asked with concern.
"Dude I think I'm seeing double." Zeke said
"That's the real Sonic!" Milo said.
"That's a relief!" Zeke said.
"Excuse me, Sonic..." Kimi said "But apparently this green guy Scourge was planning to use Fiona for his own personal gain, then toss her aside when he was done. He has been trying to manipulate her..."
Sonic was shocked upon hearing this, he knew that Scourge was a bully but he wasn't aware that he was capable of pulling a stunt like this, especially to Fiona, for Sonic knew she was struggling with the inner darkness of her past.
"Ok Scourge!" Sonic said Angrily "You need to go!"
Sonic grabs a warp ring and opens a portal to send Scourge back to Moebius by having Milo and Zeke toss him in there. Sonic then proceeds to walk up to Fiona and kneels to her level.
"It's okay, Fiona." Sonic said calmly "I'm here, now please tell me what's going on."
"Sonic..." Fiona began "When Scourge started to flirt with me a long time ago, I thought it was you because he looked exactly like you at the time."
"Ah yes, the old Mistaken identity routine." Zeke said "That happens to me alot."
"This isn't about you!" Kimi said sternly.
"But nothing happened I assure you." Fiona said "However I never knew that he turned green."
"I just thought it was food poisoning" Zeke said
"Actually he had a negative reaction with the Master Emerald that caused him to look that way" Tails explained "Sonic explained that to me once."
"Now that's just freaky!" Zeke said
"Please don't be mad" Fiona begged "I swear I didn't know what Scourge was capable of!"
"Man, this feels like something out of one of those soap operas" Zeke said.
"You're telling me" Milo said in agreement.
Sonic took a moment to let this all sink in, then he placed his hand on her shoulder to assure her that she will be okay.
"WHY IS IT THAT EVERYTIME I TRUST SOMEONE, THEY ALWAYS TURN ON ME?!" Fiona Cried as she continued sobbing "AM I THAT WEAK!? AM I THAT EASY OF A TARGET!? IT'S LIKE THEY TAKE ONE LOOK AT ME AND SAY HEY THERE'S SOMEONE I CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF!"
Fiona kept on crying while hitting her fists against the ground, with everyone around her growing more worried. However Sonic kept his cool and wrapped his arm around Fiona.
"Fiona, look you're a lot of things." Sonic explained calmly "But weak or an easy target certainly isn't one of them. And I think the problem is, you're having trouble overcoming your fears and self doubt which is why Scourge was after you in the first place. I'm not mad at you, I'm just glad you're okay, I promise I will help you get through this."
"I will help you too, Fiona!" Tails chimed in
"Us too!" Zeke and Milo said
"And Me too, Fio! "Kimi said "I may not know what happened since we last saw each other but you're still my BFF and nothing will ever change that. You remember when we made that pact?"
"You mean the BFF Pact where came up with the motto that symbolizes our friendship?" Fiona asked.
"Yeah" Kimi said "Around the bend!"
"Friends till the end!" Fiona finished as she remembered that motto fondly "How can you guys be so forgiving?"
"Fiona, I know that you're a good person" Said Sonic "It just sounds to me that you made some wrong choices and met up with the wrong people. Bean, Bark and especially Scourge aren't exactly the right kind of people to associate yourself with anyway, and I feel responsible for this because if I haven't left you behind all those years ago, none of this would've happened."
"Sonic that's so sweet of you to take responsibility" Fiona said "But I stopped blaming you for that incident a long time ago."
"I appreciate that but even so I still regret it" Sonic said "but it's not too late for you to make a change."
Fiona took a moment to think about what Sonic said about making a change. After giving it a thought, it became obvious what she needed to do.
"you're right Sonic..." Fiona said as she calmed down "It's clear what I need to do...please gather the other Freedom Fighters and all our other friends, and have them meet me at Freedom HQ. I need to make an announcement."
Sonic, Tails, Milo, Zeke, and Kimi, Looked at each other and nodded in agreement and proceeded to gather the other Freedom Fighters. Meanwhile Fiona proceeded to get up and started to head back to Knothole while reflecting on the events that had occurred.
"It's hard to believe that Sonic, Tails and my old friends are willing to stick with me despite everything that happened..." Fiona Thought "someday I will do everything I can to repay them...Mark my words!"
A few hours later everyone was gathered at Freedom HQ where the area was filled with anticipation.
"Oh yeah we never had a chance to introduce ourselves." Milo said "I'm Milo, and these two are Zeke and Kimi." We were old friends of Fiona's from we were kids."
"Well despite the circumstances it's nice to meet you guys! "Sonic said.
"Like wise dude!" Zeke Said "Just before you and Tails arrived, Fiona really slugged the living daylights out of that Scourge guy! He didn't even see it coming!"
"I could only imagine!" Said Sonic as he laughed.
"I'm a big fan of yours Sonic!" Kimi said "It's always so cool seeing you run around at the speed of sound. And Tails I'm a fan of yours too, you always come up with such great inventions.
"Thanks, Kimi!" Tails said "We appreciate it!"
During the discussion Sally Acorn and the other Freedom Fighters walked up to Sonic and the group.
"Did Fiona said what this was about?" Sally Asked curiously "It's just that she's been acting suspicious lately and the fact that she knew Bean and Bark raises some questions."
"I know what you mean, Sal." Sonic replied "but she felt that this was important and she needed to get it off her chest."
"Well let's hope she doesn't try to pull any fast ones!" Amy Said as she grabs her hammer "Otherwise she's going to be really sorry!"
"Easy, Amy!" Sonic Said "Let's not do anything rash!"
"Look! Here she comes now" Tails said
Fiona started to walk up to a podium grabbing everyone's attention. Fiona took a deep breath. She was nervous but she knew she had to go through with it.
"Everyone, thank you for coming." Fiona said "Now I'm sure everyone is wondering why we brought you all here. Well the fact is I have something to confess and I'm afraid that If I didn't go through with this, I would regret it."
"It's okay, Fiona...Go ahead" Sonic said
"all right, here goes" Fiona began "Before I joined you guys, I have made some poor choices and met up with people who would always turn on me in the end."
The crowd begins to chatter out of concern of where Fiona was going with this speech
"I have done some stuff that I'm not proud of such as petty stuff" Fiona continued. "And the people I trusted would use me for money, power, and things that I can't even mention..."
"I'm quite concerned about the last part." Espio said.
"Yeah me too" Vector added "This calls for an investigation!"
"No one should ever be taken advantage like that, no matter what the circumstances!" Mina Mongoose said.
"True, but that doesn't excuse her for these past actions." Espio added
"This is getting ridiculous if you ask me" Ash Mongoose said.
"Show some respect, Dude!" Zeke said.
"Easy there, Zeke,"Milo said "This isn't easy for any of us! Everyone is just trying to figure this out"
"I know" Zeke said "But still, I hope she's going to be okay."
"We all do" Kimi said.
"Myself included" Mighty added
The crowd was increasingly concerned at this point, however Sonic and Tails comes up and did their best to calm the crowd down.
"Hold on everyone, no need to panic" Sonic said as he eases the crowd "We should all hear her out."
"Thank you Sonic" Fiona Said "Ever since then, it's been hard for me to trust anyone out of fear that I would get burned again, and it's been giving me nightmares. Just today, I found out that Scourge has been trying to manipulate me into joining him for his own selfish goals."
At this point Fiona started to break down in tears with Sonic and Tails comforting her.
"however, thanks to Sonic, Tails, and my Old friends Milo, Zeke, and Kimi, I was able to make a decision" Fiona said as she started to cry. "I have decided to leave Knothole to confront my past. I'm going to do whatever it takes to correct my mistakes. I feel that this is the only way to help me move on..."
The crowd begins to chatter in confusion and shock.
"The fact that she's willing to own up to her mistakes and correct them is somewhat inspiring." Espio noted.
"Believe me it wasn't easy decision for me to make." Fiona continued "But I don't want to risk hurting you all, and I never meant to bring this upon any of you. I don't expect your sympathy or anything like that. It's just something I wanted to get off my chest."
"Oh, Fiona...I had no Idea" Sally Said.
"The poor dear..." Bunnie Said "I wish we could help!"
"That's all I wanted to say..." Fiona Said "Thank you for taking the time to listen, and I'm very sorry to cause all of this!"
Fiona ran out of the Room crying, leaving the whole room in a buzz about what happened.
"Man that was tense" Milo said "I had no idea she went through all that."
"Why didn't she just tell us?" Kimi asked as she shed a tear "We could've helped her"
"I think she was afraid that we would abandon her if we found out." Tails replied "There must be something we can do."
"I think there is." Sonic said "come on you guys, we need to come up with a plan."
"Sounds good to me!" Milo Said "We need to let her know that she's not alone."
"You're right!" Kimi said in agreement
"Let's roll!" Tails chimed in
And so Sonic, Tails, Milo, Zeke, and Kimi left Freedom HQ and headed over to his place to come up with a plan. Meanwhile, Fiona came to her home and jumped into her bed, still in tears. Her mind was still on the events that occurred and how she managed to address it to Sonic and the other freedom fighters.
"This wasn't easy for me, and I can't really imagine how the other freedom fighters must think of me at this point." Fiona Said to herself "But deep down, this is something I knew I needed to do. I will miss my friends dearly and especially Sonic and Tails and even my old childhood friends, but rest assured I will return once I'm ready to own up for all the wrongs I've committed."
And So Fiona calmed down and began to focus on preparing for her journey. The next day, Fiona came out of her home with her bag packed and wearing a new set of clothes.
"Well this is it..." Fiona Thought "Time for me to head on my journey so that I can finally find peace within myself."
Just as Fiona started to head out, she notices Sonic Along with Tails, Milo, Zeke, and Kimi waiting for her.
"What are you guys doing here?" Fiona asked curiously.
"Well after much consideration!" Milo said we have decided-"
"We want to join you!" Kimi Exclaimed!
Fiona was surprised at this announcement! She didn't think anyone would come up to her before her departure, but still she didn't want to risk putting her friends' life in jeopardy.
"This is very nice of you, but I'm sorry but this all to dangerous!" Fiona said "This is something I need to do alone, I don't want to put you in any more danger."
"That's just it, Fiona." Sonic Said "You don't have to do it alone. No matter what happens, we're all in this together. Besides You're talking to a guy who faces danger on a regular basis."
"True" Fiona Said "But this isn't your basic everyday battle with Dr. Eggman, this is a journey to confront the inner darkness of my past. facing it head on, so I can move on with my life, otherwise it could consume me and I might end up doing something I would regret."
"Look we may not know the full story but this is also a chance for us to catch up" Milo Said "Plus I have always wanted to see a freedom fighter in action."
"Me too!" Kimi said
"Maybe we might learn a thing or two" Zeke said
"Wait, so you're serious?" Fiona Asked "You guys are really willing to do this for me? Even though you're aware that there's some risks involved? Even though I have done some bad things, you're still willing be by my side?"
"Let me put it this way, we wouldn't be here right now if we thought otherwise!" Sonic answered.
"Plus you always looked out for everyone, so it's time we do the same for you!" Tails added.
"Well thank you..." Fiona said "Thank you all! This really means a lot to me!"
"Well when you get right down to it, we're Freedom Fighters through and through" Sonic said "And I gotta say, I'm definitely digging the new clothes"
"Thanks" Fiona Said "I was getting tired of wearing that leotard jumpsuit, it kinda made me look like I was a backup singer for a retro band. So I figured if I'm going to make a change, I might as well make a change to my wardrobe as well."
"Hey if it works, it works!" Sonic said with a thumbs up.
"Yeah, who are we to complain?" Milo added
Just then Sally catches up to the group hoping to speak to Fiona before her departure.
"Excuse me guys, may I have a moment with Fiona?" Sally asked
"Of course, Sally, go ahead. "Sonic replied as he, Tails, Kimi, Milo, and Zeke backed up to give them some privacy.
"Oh...hi Sally..." Fiona Said.
"Look, I just want to apologize about what happened when Bean and Bark broke in, I shouldn't been so quick to judge" Sally said. "If I knew a little bit more, I could've handled the situation a lot better."
"Look, it's not your fault" Fiona Said "I know you meant well, it's just that I have always been scared to talk about my past because I've dealt with betrayal a lot before joining the team. I should've been more open."
"I understand that!" Sally said "regardless, I hope this journey of yours will give you the closure you need to help you move on and leave the past behind for good."
At this point sally offered Fiona a handshake.
"well...Thank you Sally..." Fiona replied "I hope so too."
Instead of taking the handshake Fiona went in to Hug Sally who hugged back.
"Oh Sorry..." Fiona Said "I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed."
"it's okay, I understand, Well I wish you Best of luck." Sally said gently with a smile as she walked away waving goodbye while everyone else waved back.
"Well, shall we go?" Zeke said "all these goodbyes are making me hungry!"
"All right Let's go!" Fiona shouted proudly
"On to a new adventure!" Sonic said "Let's do it, to it!"
Everyone laughed as they set off on their Journey to help Fiona conquer her darkest fears. And Fiona knowing that she doesn't need to be alone feels a sense of confidence that she will succeed, and so the Journey Begins!
END OF CHAPTER 1