Sonic: Roses and Acorns

by Masterob

Taking place in the Hero Academia: Enter the Spider storyline is the origin of Sonic the Hedgehog in this continuity. Sonic and his family reminisce about the past, and all of the heroic hedgehog's greatest adventures alongside his friends Tails, Knuckles, Amy and Sally. Features references to other franchises, especially within Sega.

21. Harsh Reality

Still not too far away, Amy and Sally continued sitting close together. Sally was resting her head on Amy's shoulder while holding her friend's hand.

Amy knew however that despite all she does to comfort Sally, there's only so much she can do for her friend on her own. It pained Amy to see Sally like this, a position that very few have seen her in.

"My poor Sally," Amy used her free hand to gently stroke her friend's hair. "I wish you had taken better care of yourself back then. Maybe now you wouldn't be so stressed out. I know you had to be the adult, but honestly, you needed affection way more than the rest of us. I wish I spent less time arguing with you back then, and more time hugging you."

"Amy..." Sally moved in closer, wanting to feel her friend's warmth. "Listen, this has been nice, and I love spending time with you. But I have to go back to the castle."

"No, it can wait," Amy said. "I just want us to be alone together for a bit."

"I know but, I just feel like something's happening at the castle," Sally said. She was about to stand but then felt Amy pull her back down.

"You're not leaving," Amy said. "Whatever's going on at the castle, Nicole can handle it. I don't get to see you much and I'm making the most of it."

"But Amy," Sally insisted.

"No 'butts' unless it's yours on the ground next to me," Amy said. "Better yet, I'd prefer it on my lap."

"Your what!?" Sally was pulled into a hug as Amy placed the Queen on her lap. "Uh...Amy?"

"Sorry Sally, but you need this," Amy said. "More than anything, I want to help you any way I can, even if I have to be tough with you."

"But Amy," Sally said.

"Sally, you'll thank me later," Amy said, gently stroking her head. "Please, just forget about the castle for a bit, and forget about being Queen for like five minutes. Preferably more. I don't want Queen Sally right now; I want my friend. A friend I love dearly. Please, give her to me just for a bit."

"...Okay," Sally said, giving in to Amy's request and resting her head calmly against Amy's shoulder as thoughts flowed through her mind. "I guess this feels nice...Amy's got such a warm and friendly aura to her."

"Sally...is it ever possible for you to take a vacation or something?" Amy asked. "I want to take you traveling with me and Sonic. I know Sonia would love it if you and Manik could join us too."

"I don't think I can take a break," Sally said. "My Kingdom needs me."

"Well, you need a vacation," Amy said. "If I have to pull you out of the castle, then I will. I respect that you're the Queen, and this world needs a good ruler. But your feelings matter too, and if you need to let Nicole or that Council run Mobotropolis, then so be it."

"That's good in theory, but the council doesn't work well without me," Sally said. "And the citizens don't fully trust Nicole."

"Do they trust Bunnie? Or Antoine?" Amy asked. "You can ask for help from just about anywhere."

"Even if I found a temporary replacement...what about Sonic?" Sally asked. "What if he doesn't want me around?"

"You leave him to me," Amy said. "I don't care if you're his ex or not, Sonic still has a responsibility to you and Manik. Besides, I want you both there, because I love you both. Sonia loves you both. I know Sonic's stubborn, but he does love his son, and he loves you too. It's a different kind of love, but it's still love nonetheless."

"Okay...and Amy?" Sally leaned up to kiss the girl on the cheek. "Thank you for always being there for me."

Amy began to feel a bit flustered, "Aw...you're too sweet, Sally." Amy then planted a kiss on Sally's forehead in gratitude. "I don't think I tell you enough, but I appreciate everything you've done, and for always wanting to be there for a simple girl like me. I feel so lucky to have you in my life."

"Believe it or not Amy," Sally began, nuzzling into Amy's neck. "But I think you've done more for me than even you realize sometimes."

"It's not a competition," Amy said while holding Sally closer. "I just love my best friend."

Sally felt at ease for the moment, but at the back of her mind, she had her worries. Even with Amy's love, they still lingered within. Sally only hoped that whatever it was, it could be dealt with.

A few miles away, Tails was flying closer to Mobotropolis. "I think I see the castle. We should be there soon."

"Aren't you able to fly faster?" Fiona asked.

"Last time I did, you threw up," Tails said. "This speed's fine, it's fast enough to get there without risking your health."

"Well, thanks for that courtesy," Fiona said.

"I hope you thought about what you're going to say to Sally," Tails said.

"I don't even know what to say," Fiona replied. "Honestly...oh shit!"

"Huh?" Tails turned around and spotted Fiona's source of worry. "Oh no way!"

Driving up were the trio of Alicia, Kit and Rosy, the latter forming a sadistic smile on her face.

"Tails! What a nice surprise!" Rosy summoned her spike-hammer, her eyes laser set on the boy. "Let's catch up a bit!"

She leapt into the air and slammed her hammer down, the fox boy barely dodging and landing to the side with Fiona still in his arms.

"Rosy!?" Tails shouted in disbelief.

"Aw, you remembered me, you're so sweet!" Rosy charged to attack again, with Tails flying upwards. "Hey! No fair flying up where I can't smash you!"

"Allow me," Kit said, summoning some water and using it to grap Tails by the leg.

"Yikes, not good!" Tails tried kicking but his other leg was grabbed as well, with the boy aggressively pulled down right afterwards, dropping Fiona.

"Ow..." Fiona said. The girl felt a shadow cast over her, then looked up to see a sinister Alicia. "Oh crap!"

"If it isn't Her Highness," Alicia pulled out her whip. "Did you miss me?"

"Alicia...how surprising," Fiona said, nervously standing up. "Listen, I know you and I weren't exactly friends but, any issues you might have had aren't with me."

"Oh really now? So you didn't just come in out of nowhere and try to usurp what was rightfully mine?" Alicia asked.

"To be fair, Scourge already took over Moebius," Fiona said. "I just went along with the ride. So if you have an issue, take it up with Scourge, not-"

"Quiet!" Alicia shouted, holding her whip near Fiona's neck. "One wrong move and your skin will tear."

"Hey, take it easy," Fiona said. "Look, I know I said some not so nice things but-"

"I said quiet!" Alicia kicked Fiona to the ground. "I don't want your excuses, not after the way you blatantly disrespected me! The nerve of a commoner like you coming into my Kingdom and acting like you're in charge."

"Hey, Scourge is the one who appointed me by his side," Fiona said, trying to stand up.

Fiona was kicked back down by an angry Alicia, "Do not remind me of that. I have no idea what he was thinking, bringing someone like you to my world!"

"Fiona!" Tails flew in to help but Rosy blocked his path.

"You're playing with me!" Rosy tried whacking Tails but the boy was able to dodge, but barely.

"Move Rosy!" Tails whacked the girl aside with his namesake, but Kit blasted the hero with water right afterwards.

"You will not be getting out of this alive," Kit warned.

"Tails! I'm coming!" Fiona turned to help but suddenly felt Alicia's whip wrapping around her leg, causing her to trip. "Whoa!"

"Don't you turn your back on me! You filthy harlot!" Alicia scolded. She then stomped on Fiona's back, twisting her foot.

"Fiona!" Tails again tried rushing to save her, but he found himself dodging Rosy yet again.

"It's rude to ignore a pretty girl like me!" Rosy swung again, and while Tails dodged, he was left open for a water blast from Kit. "So much fun." She turned around to where her ally was still stomping hard on Fiona. "Hey! Alicia! Save some for me! I want to smash Scourge's favorite toy myself!"

"Not until I've had my satisfaction," Alicia said, glaring over the downed Fiona. "You can't imagine how much I absolutely despise you. I will enjoy making you suffer."

"Being around you was insufferable enough!" Fiona snapped, then had her face stomped into the ground.

"Disrespectful wench," Alicia said as she continued to press harder.

"I'll save you Fiona!" Tails kicked Rosy away and flew toward his ally, but was suddenly engulfed in water.

"I can't let you leave..." Kit said, using his powers in an attempt to drown Tails.

"Hey! Lay off him you little freak!" Fiona knocked away Alicia and dashed in to grab Kit, but the Fennec was quick to blast her back.

This distraction did allow Tails an opening to escape and kicked Kit away. Just as he turned to save Fiona, he took a whack to the head from the side of Rosy's hammer.

"Ooooh, so close," Rosy said. Fiona went to grab her, but she took a blow to the stomach from the handle of the hammer, stumbling the fox backwards.

Alicia then kicked the back of Fiona's legs, knocking the girl to her knees. "I'm not done with you." The sadistic chipmunk proceeded to grab Fiona by her collar and tore off her clothes, leaving the fox in nothing but her fur. "Much better."

"What the hell are you-" Fiona then felt a sharp pain on her back. "FUCK!"

The vixen fell over as pain throbbed on her back. Alicia stood over in satisfaction, having just used her whip on the fox girl. "Pain is better when there's less restriction."

"You're crazy!" Fiona shouted, then took another lash to her back. "AAAHHH!"

"Naughty fox, didn't anyone tell you that it's not polite to address royalty in such a manner?" Alicia asked, then lashed again, hard on Fiona's back.

"GAH!" Fiona cried out in pain, then took another lash, tearing the skin on her back. "DAMMIT!"

"Yes, oh how I love hearing your cries of pain," Alicia said, bringing the whip close to her face as she sadistically licked her weapon. "It's so satisfying to my ears. It's just like old times, right Fiona?"

"Stop hurting her!" Tails stumbled over to help his friend but Rosy knocked him back over, the boy falling face first onto the ground.

Rosy walked over with her hammer over her shoulder and sat on Tails's back, glaring down at the boy. "Looks like you're not going anywhere, little foxy."

"Tails!" A worried Fiona tried crawling over, but she took another lash to her back, causing her more pain. "Enough already!"

"Sorry, this is never enough for me!" Alicia whipped Fiona again, the girl now struggling to breathe due to the pain she was feeling.

"Look, whatever I did or said to you, I'm really sorry!" Fiona pleaded. "Please, enough with the whips! You've made your point."

"I have? And what point would that be?" Alicia asked, whipping the girl again, causing more torture.

"That you're better than me! Alright!?" Fiona cried in humiliation. "You're the Princess and I'm...I'm..."

"You're what!?" Alicia asked.

"I'm...just a lowlife," Fiona said. "No one special."

"You're also a little whore!" Alica whipped Fiona much harder, the girl crying out in pain even more. "A useless bitch who seduced her way to the top of the ranks! You think anyone actually respected you!?" Alicia placed her knee on Fiona's back as she pulled on her hair, hurting Fiona even more to the point where tears were streaming down her eyes.

"Oh wow, is she actually crying?" Rosy taunted. "Guess she ain't so tough after all, what a faker."

"You and I may have once had common enemies, Fiona," Alicia said, pulling Fiona's head back enough to make the two have a form of eye contact. "But you were never one of us!"

Fiona's eyes widened in regret and terror as she was slammed face first onto the ground.

"Alicia!" Tails called, getting her attention. "You said what you needed to say. Now please, stop hurting her!"

"Stop? Why I've only just begun," Alicia said, glancing down at Fiona. "Hearing her cries of pain, it's magnificent. It brings back joyous memories."

"What memories!?" Tails asked. "What did you do to Fiona!?"

"I had to put this tramp in her place from time to time," Alicia said, slowly and sensually rubbing her hand down Fiona's bare back. "Sure I had to rough her up a little, but it was for a good cause." Alicia stopped at Fiona's tail, rubbing the top as softly as she could. "Of course Scourge never let me go too far with her, but getting a few hits in was worth it. This is much better, because now I can really make her bleed, with no Scourge to stop me."

"She's bleeding a lot too, I bet it hurts," Rosy taunted as Kit walked by her.

"Of course," Alicia said as she mounted over Fiona, bending down to speak next to her ear. "One time, I remember getting my first real hit on her. My whip across her face. Scourge didn't like that, apparently only he was allowed to rough her up. But I found it unfair."

"Super unfair," Rosy said.

"Maybe I'll take you back with me Fiona, it will be our little secret," Alicia said while rubbing Fiona's sides. "You and I can play together in private, it will be lots of fun." Alicia then bit Fiona's ear, the pain searing through Fiona's body.

"Fiona!" Tails began to power out again, but Kit wrapped his water around Tails's neck, crushing the boy.

"That looks fun Alicia, let me try," Rosy said, then bit Tails's ear herself, causing a sharp pain for the boy as he struggled to free himself from the water whip.

"You've been naughty yourself, Tails," Alicia said, sitting up and applying pressure on Fiona. "You and Sonic have not been nice to Kit here. You hurt his best friend, and tried taking him for yourself. Manipulation tactics at its finest."

"As if either of you could replace Surge," Kit taunted as he squeezed tighter, lifting Tails over Rosy. "I'm going to make you regret crossing us."

"N-no!" Fiona reached out. "Please, don't hurt Tails."

"You still haven't learned your place," Alicia said, standing up and whipping Fiona again, causing her to cry out even more. "Perhaps I need to make you suffer even more. What's a good punishment for a skank like you?"

"Hey, come on, now it's my turn to punish Fiona!" Rosy demanded as she held her weapon high. "I want to smash this bitch with my hammer!"

"Just let her do it Alicia," Kit said. "I'm tired of hearing this lunatic's mouth."

Rosy angrily turned to Kit, "What was that!? Do you want to get smashed too!?"

"Try it and you'll end up joining Tails and Fiona," Kit warned. "Now stay out of my...hey!"

Tails began flying upwards as fast as he could, trying to free himself from the water.

"Uh oh, he's trying to escape!" Rosy tried climbing on Kit. "I bet I can reach him if you give me a boost!"

Kit struggled to push Rosy away, "Get off me you little-"

"Watch out!" Alicia warned.

Unfortunately both Kit and Rosy were hit with an oncoming car, courtesy of Lanolin, an action that freed Tails from Kit's grasp. Antoine then barged out of the side door, aiming his sword. "Do not move a muscle!"

Alicia grumbled in annoyance, "If it isn't Antoine D'Coolette."

"Queen?" Antoine glanced at Alica before quickly coming to his senses. "You are not Queen Sally! You are Alicia!"

"Oh wow, you're smarter than you look," Alicia taunted. "Definitely a small step-up from Patch."

"Do not tell me that imposter is here as well!?" Antoine said.

"Fortunately he's not, that's one less headache for me," Alicia said, then glanced at Lanolin. "Oh, and I see we have company. Sally's faithful little sheep girl."

"You want some of this too!?" Lanolin sped at Alicia, the chipmunk dodging out of the way.

"Wow, is that anyway to treat your Queen?" Alicia taunted.

"You are not my Queen!" Lanolin shouted. "Don't you dare call yourself Sally Acorn you poor excuse of a Princess!"

"Hey you!" Rosy shouted, angrily walking over. "You have some nerve-"

Tails sped in and kicked Rosy in the face, then blitzed in and punched Kit to the ground. He turned his attention to the new arrivals. "Antoine! You're here! And Lanolin! For once I'm actually glad to see you!"

"What's that supposed to mean!?" Lanolin asked.

Tails turned his attention to Alicia, "Surrender! You're surrounded!"

"Oh please, you think I would give up that easily?" Alicia asked.

"Be grateful that's all I'm asking you to do!" Tails shouted, glancing for a second at Fiona. "Especially after what you did!"

"Aw, worried about your friend?" Alicia taunted, Fiona's presence finally being noticed by the now worried duo of Lanolin and Antoine.

"We know what Loyalty is, and you-" Tails sidestepped an oncoming Rosy, then hit her with an uppercut while disarming her and whacking her in the side of the head with her own hammer, knocking the girl back to Alicia. "Know nothing of Friendship."

Alicia picked Rosy up, holding her over her shoulder, "You're tougher than you look. Of course there's a reason why Robotnik seems more worried about those of you outside of Mobotroplis than within it."

"Princess Alicia, are you there?" Sage said over the radio. "Scourge and Surge have returned, please report back immediately."

"What a shame, looks like we need to call an end to this little reunion," Alicia said. "Kit! Let's go! Your nutty girlfriend is back!"

"I'm coming!" Kit used his powers to take back Rosy's hammer in water as he leapt onto the motorcycle. "Also, Surge isn't my girlfriend. She's more like a big sister."

"I really do not care," Alicia said.

"Hey! I'm not letting you go!" Tails flew in to stop the three, but he was blasted back by Kit, and knocked into Antoine.

"We could still just finish them off," Kit said.

"No, not yet. In time though, let them wallow in defeat for now," Alicia said as she turned away. "You be a good boy for your Aunt Alicia now, you hear me Tails? Don't disappoint me."

The dastardly woman sped off, leaving Tails irritated by his foe. "Aunt Alicia? What an insult. She's not the woman who raised me."

"Fiona!" Lanolin ran to her friend, seeing her disrobed and in pain. It horrified Lanolin to see a fellow Freedom Fighter treated in such a way. "What did they do to you!?"

"Good heavens," Antoine also ran to check on her, with Tails doing the same. "Was it Alicia!? Did she do this!?"

Fiona was too ashamed to admit what happened, so the girl did her best to deny it. "It's nothing!"

Lanolin turned her attention to Tails, "What happened to her!?"

"Alicia tortured her," Tails said. "I tried to help her, but Rosy and Kit were a stronger duo than I expected."

"Why was Rosy here!? She can't be working for Robotnik, could she!?" Lanolin asked. "Even Sally thought that was impossible."

"Guess it's not," Tails said. "We saw the proof that Alicia is working for Robotnik. Kit was a given since Surge is involved, and Rosy being with them is proof that she's part of whatever that mad doctor is plotting."

"Talk about zis later, right now Fiona needs first aid," Antoine ordered.

"I have some ointment in my medical pouch," Fiona said, gesturing to the pouch that was part of her clothes. "It might help."

"Why are you without your clothes?" Antoine asked.

"Alicia's a creep, that's why," Fiona said.

Antoine glanced over the wounds on her back, grimacing at the sight. Despite how he felt about Fiona, this was not something he could bear to see. "I hate seeing a woman treated like this."

"Fiona, which ointment is it?" Lanolin asked.

"The yellow pouch, it's good for scrapes and stuff," Fiona said.

"Okay, I'm adding it on," Lanolin said.

"Just be careful, that stuff can-YEOUCH!" Fiona arched her back in pain.

"Sorry! Did I do it wrong!?" Lanolin asked in worry.

"No, it just stings," Fiona said, trying to calm herself down. "Damn, I can't believe I let this happen to me."

"Do not worry," Antoine said. "We are here for you."

"Gee thanks, but that's not doing much to make the wounds go away, now is it!?" Fiona snapped.

"Fiona..." Tails scolded. "I know you're frustrated, but Antoine's just trying to be nice."

Despite her anger, Fiona slowly began to feel remorse for what she said, "I'm sorry, it's just...after everything that happened...I don't know if..."

Fiona began to sniffle as tears fell from her eyes. Her frustration built up again, from her earlier outburst with Whisper, the betrayal from Scourge, the fear of talking to Sally and now being assaulted like she did by Alicia. The frustrations were mounting and Fiona could not hold it in any longer. The vixen burst into tears, her shame finally taking full force.

"I screwed up so badly today! I can't face Sally after all that I did! She's gonna hate me!" Fiona cried while trying to hide her face. "I'm just not cut out to be one of you!"

"Hey! It's fine!" Lanolin insisted, hoping to calm the fox girl down. "Whatever happens can be mended. What matters is that you're alright."

"It can't be mended, you don't know how badly I screwed up!" Fiona cried.

"Fiona..." Lanolin tried reaching out, but the girl smacked her hand away.

"This is YOUR fault! I told you I didn't want to work with Whisper!" Fiona shouted. "Why did you put me with Whisper!?"

"I...well..." Lanolin had no confidence in her reasoning. "Statistically, you two should have yielded results."

"All it did was screw things up!" Fiona shouted. "I hate you for this, Lanolin!"

"Fiona! That's enough!" Tails scolded. "Don't yell at Lanolin for this, especially while she's treating your injuries. You made your choices today, not her!"

"Go easy on her," Antoine said. "She is clearly stressed."

"I know, but I can't let her act this way," Tails said.

"Even so..." Antoine turned to the vixen. "I do not know what it is you did zat would make you feel as though Sally would hate you. But you are clearly full of remorse, and Sally is very understanding. Please, do not feel as though you are not worthy over a mistake. I myself have made many mistakes, and Sally still keeps me around."

"Antoine, nothing you did could compare to what I did," Fiona said while wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Tails, what happened anyway?" Lanolin asked.

"He can tell us at ze castle, but we still have one big problem," Antoine said.

"What problem?" Tails asked.

"Bunnie is in danger," Antoine explained. "We ran into Metal Sonic on ze way. She stayed back to fight him off."

Tails's eyes widened in worry. "Metal Sonic!? Where!?"

"Several miles in that direction," Lanolin said, gesturing to where Tails needed to fly.

"I'll go help her," Tails said, taking to the air. "You two get Fiona back to the castle."

"Hold on, one thing I gotta know," Lanolin said. "Where's Whisper? Wasn't she with you?'

Fiona immediately winced upon hearing Whisper's name, something Antoine was quick to notice.

"Whisper took my X-Tornado and went back to the castle with Mina," Tails explained. "If you see Whisper, try to keep her away from Fiona."

"Huh? What for?" Lanolin asked. "Also, Mina? Where did she come from?"

"Long story, I'll explain later," Tails said, then immediately flew off.

"Mina was there?" Antoine asked.

"She tagged along," Fiona said, trying to stand up.

"Fiona, why did Tails want us to keep Whisper away from you?" Lanolin asked, causing the fox girl to wince again.

"We got into a fight...I don't think she wants to see me right now," Fiona said.

Antoine could not help but notice that Fiona was trembling a bit. Out of pity, he took off his coat and placed it around Fiona. "Here."

"Huh?" Fiona looked surprised by the gesture. "What are you doing?"

"You look cold," Antoine said. "Plus I am imagining that you are feeling underdressed."

"I'm a Mobian, I have fur, and I've gone natural before," Fiona insisted. "Besides, isn't this coat very special to you?"

"I am thinking that you need it more than I need it right now," Antoine said.

"Well...thanks," Fiona said, adjusting herself to properly wear the coat. "It feels nice actually."

"Come on," Antoine helped Fiona into the car, careful not to aggravate her injuries as Lanolin took the wheel with thoughts running through her mind."

"What could have happened? No way I miscalculated that badly?" Lanolin shook her head. "No, it was a perfect set up. Whisper probably screwed up somehow, and Tails probably did nothing to help the situation. That must be it. I just hope Sally understands, I hate letting her down though."

Lanolin drove off toward Acorn Castle, feeling even more lament. There was nothing she feared more than disappointing Sally.

Meanwhile Bunnie was still fending off Metal Sonic, doing her best to match his power and keep him at bay. "All these years and yer as stubborn as ever!" Metal tried to go for a punch but Bunnie was able to dodge, but barely. "At least you ain't running yer mouth."

Metal fired a laser from his chest, and though Bunnie blocked the attack with her metal limbs, she still took a brunt of the blast and crashed through several trees.

Bunnie sat up, feeling pain all over her body, "Dagum robot!" Metal Sonic flew in to attack again, but fortunately he was repelled by a surprising assist. "Huh? Knuckles!?"

"I got this Bunnie!" Knuckles said, speeding over and clashing with Metal.

While this was happening, Rouge had flown over and helped up Bunnie, "You alright there, hon?"

"Rouge?" Bunnie said. "I'm fine. Didn't expect to see you and Knuckles out here. Ah thought y'all were back at the castle?"

"We came to check on some friends," Rouge said, gesturing to Espio and Julie-Su.

"Metal Sonic!?" Julie-Su shouted.

"What an unfortunate surprise," Espio said.

Metal and Knuckles clashed throughout the forest, the two doing their best to one up the other in battle.

"You know, being like Sonic can be a blessing and a curse!" Knuckles said, still dodging the attacks. "You may have his speed, but you also have his punchable face!"

Knuckles parried a strike with one of his own, clashing against Metal and driving him back. Knuckles charged himself with electricity and dashed in with several more punches to the metallic being, readying himself for one final attack.

"SHIFT ROCK!" Knuckles punched Metal hard enough to send him crashing through several trees and out of sight.

"Golly...that Echidna's much stronger than ah remember," Bunnie said.

"He works out a lot," Rouge said. "Not that I've been slacking myself, but Knuckles already has that natural talent."

"Rouge! I'm going to find Metal Sonic!" Knuckles said. "Get Bunnie safely back to Mobotropolis!"

"Sure thing dear," Rouge said as Knuckles sped off. Rouge turned her attention to Bunnie, "You're not too hurt, are you?"

"I'm fine, just a little banged up," Bunnie said. "Still, I'm really glad y'all are here. You, Sonic, Knuckles, Amy and Tails are life savers."

"Don't think anything of it, we just like helping out our friends," Rouge said. "But, if Queen Sally has some extra jewels that she doesn't need..."

"Ugh, seriously Rouge?" Julie-Su scolded.

"Hey, she's rich, it seems fair," Rouge said.

"Wouldn't be the first time Sally paid Rouge in jewelry," Bunnie said. "It's fine, y'all are giving yer time to us, so it's the least Sally can do ah guess. She pays the Chaotix a hefty sum too."

"Loyal as I am to my Queen, we in the Chaotix agency do have debts to cover," Espio said. "Of course, accepting a reward should require humility."

"I don't even need the reward, I live with a Princess myself," Julie-Su said as she held out her gun. "I'm just in for the sport."

"Someone's confident," Rouge said. "It's easy to see why Lara likes you."

"She has good taste in role models," Julie-Su said.

"Bunnie!" Tails called, flying over to the current company.

"Over here Tails!" Bunnie called.

"This is a surprise," Julie-Su commented.

"Bunnie! You're okay!" Tails said, landing in front of the rabbit woman. "I'm so glad. When Antoine told me you ran into Metal Sonic, I got worried.

"Oh, you ran into Antoine?" Bunnie asked.

"Yeah, he sent me to find you," Tails said, then took a look around. "Rouge? Julie-Su? Espio? Wait, where's Metal?"

"Knuckles is giving him the chase," Julie-Su explained. "What about you? Weren't you with Fiona and Whisper?"

"I was, then we ran into trouble ourselves," Tails said. "A lot of it."

"Are they okay?" Bunnie asked.

"Well, they're alive," Tails said. "That's the best answer I can give."

"If that's the best, then I worry about what could be worse," Rouge said.

"I'll give you a rundown on the way to Mobotropolis," Tails said.

"Let's run," Espio said.

"Hey wait, I don't exactly have super speed," Julie-Su said.

"No problem," Rouge said, then lifted Julie-Su up by her sides into the air. "Hope you're ready to fly."

"Hey! Take it easy!" Julie-Su said, then was carried off by Rouge.

"Bunnie, can you fly?" Tails asked.

"Mah gear still works," Bunnie said while hovering in the air. "Let's get going."

Bunnie, Tails and Espio followed Rouge and Julie-Su on their way back to Mobotropolis.

Meanwhile, at the castle itself, Sonic was resting on the roof when he noticed the X-Tornado landing nearby. He looked down, expecting to see Tails, but only saw Mina and Whisper exit the plane.

"Wonder where Tails is?" Sonic said to himself.

Inside the castle, Nicole was escorting Tekno around, trying to gain more information regarding her arrival. "So, why did Rotor want you to come?"

"I'm not sure, he said it was urgent," Tekno said. "Something about a brilliant idea that will be beneficial to Mobotropilis."

"That's interesting," Nicole said, the girl now tapping her chin. "And does Sally know about this?"

"I don't even know," Tekno said. "I'm kind of going in blind, but I do trust Rotor. He's one smart guy."

"Oh yeah, he's amazing," Nicole said. "Single too."

"Uh, let's try matchmaking another time," Tekno nervously said. "So, what is going on with Robotnik?"

"He's forming an army of sorts," Nicole said. "Aside from his robots, he's got Scourge and Surge on his side. I think he also has Sleet and Dingo too. He definitely has Nagus."

"Whoa, he must be planning something big," Tekno said.

"Nothing we in the Freedom Fighters can't handle," Nicole insisted.

"Nicole!" Manik called, the boy stomping around the castle. "Nicole! Where are you!?"

"Manik! Don't shout!" Tangle scolded.

"How else am I gonna find her?" Manik asked, then called again. "Nicole!"

"I'm over here, Manik!" Nicole called over.

Manik finally met up with Nicole, "There you are, I've been looking for you." He took note of Tekno. "Who are you?"

"It's me, Tekno," the canary said. "I'm a friend of Rotor. And Amy Rose."

"Amy Rose..." Manik clenched his fist in anger.

"Uh...right, probably shouldn't have mentioned Amy," Tekno said.

"No, that's fine, maybe you can help me too," Manik said. "What can you tell me about a good luck charm she gave to my father?"

"Good luck charm?" Tekno asked.

"Some silly bracelet he wears under his glove," Nicole said.

"Oh, I see..." Tekno said.

"Apparently, that charm means more to him than his own wedding ring!" Manik said. "Specifically the one he had when he was still with my mother!"

Nicole glanced at the very nervous Lemur, "Tangle, did you tell him about that!?"

"Uh, yeah, it kind of slipped out," Tangle nervously insisted.

"...I'm gonna go find Rotor," Tekno said, quickly making her exit.

"Wait!" Manik was about to get Tekno back when Nicole stopped him.

"Manik, whatever you need to know, I can answer," Nicole insisted.

"So you know about the thing with my mother's wedding ring?" Manik asked.

"I do, it's one of those things I preferred not to have told you," Nicole admitted.

"Huh? Why wouldn't you?" Manik asked.

"I know things between you and your father are tough, and while I'm furious with him myself, I often hold back because I don't want to hurt you," Nicole explained. "But, I guess keeping it all a secret just isn't going to work. You deserve to know why your father left."

"Is it really a good idea to tell him, Nicole?" Tangle asked. "Crummy as the situation is, we still need Sonic to help us stop Robotnik."

Nicole huffed in annoyance, "I know that, and it pains me. How can we rely on someone who didn't even care enough to keep his promise? He promised Sally that he would always love her and be by her side."

"I know he did, I remember the wedding too," Tangle said, reminiscing on the day. "Sally looked so beautiful in her wedding gown, and Sonic looked great in his suit."

"He vowed to always be with her," Nicole said. "It didn't take long for him to break that vow. Mainly because he never loved her in the first place. No one realized at first, but in hindsight, so many things began to make sense."

"Like the wedding ring?" Manik asked.

"That was a big tip off," Nicole said. "Sonic had misplaced his wedding ring on multiple occasions, but never really worried much. Sometimes he didn't even want it on. The moment he lost his seashell bracelet however, that's when he turned the entire city upside down to find it."

"How did he lose it?" Manik asked.

"...I had my suspicions on Sonic's behavior for a while, so I purposely misplaced it to see if he would notice," Nicole said. "I was right on the mark. He valued that bracelet more than his wedding ring. Not too long after that incident, that's when Sonic and Sally split up, and he immediately went to find Amy Rose."

"How immediately?" Manik asked. "Did he wait?"

"It's Sonic, he never waits," Tangle said. "The day after the divorce was finalized, he had gone to see Amy."

"Amy used to live in this castle actually," Nicole said. "Her main task was looking after you, Manik."

"Yeah, I'm aware she used to babysit me," Manik said. "Mother has brought that up on many occasions."

"The way Sonic looked at her, even back then..." Nicole remembered how much Sonic seemed to admire Amy while she held Manik in her arms. Even in Sally's presence, Sonic only had his eyes on Amy. "I wouldn't be surprised if those two were together long before your parents got divorced, Manik."

"Whoa! Hold on!" Tangle said. "Isn't that a bit much? Sonic wouldn't cheat on Sally, would he?"

"If he did, wouldn't you know?" Manik asked. "You have eyes everywhere."

"Only in Mobotropolis, and Sonic spent plenty of time out of the city," Nicole said. "Though his Superspeed still makes tracking him difficult regardless."

"Still, I can't imagine Sonic actually doing something that scummy," Tangle said.

"Tangle, Manik, do either of you know the symbolism of a Purple Rose?" Nicole asked.

"Purple Rose?" Manik asked, the boy shaking his head. "I can't say that I do."

"I think I heard of it," Tangle said. "I know Sonic gave one to Amy. She told Bunnie about it and word got around."

"According to legend, each rose color symbolizes something," Nicole said. "The Purple Rose symbolizes love. Not just any kind of love, but rather, Love at First Sight."

"Where are you going with this?" Manik asked, his anxiety beginning to rise. "What are you trying to say!?"

"...That I truly believe Sonic never loved Sally," Nicole painfully admitted.

Manik's eyes widened in disbelief. While he had his suspicions, he could never bring himself to confront them. "No..."

"Sorry Manik, I never wanted to tell you this but, as Sally's son, you have a right to know," Nicole said. "Your father went from being one of our best heroes, to being our biggest shame."

"Yeah, and it sucks too," Tangle admitted. "Sonic was so fun to be around once. Now every time I see him, I just think about how he broke Sally's heart."

"A lot of us were disappointed," Nicole said. "Antoine was furious, Fiona had that 'I told you so' look, Mina began empathizing with Sally due to her own similar situation, Lanolin outright hated Sonic, even Johnny Storm had less than kind things to say."

"Johnny and Sonic were buddies once too," Tangle said.

"Yes, but I know he never liked Amy Rose all that much," Nicole said. "He even found the idea of Sonic liking Amy weird due to the age gap between the two."

"Uh, not to sound like I'm against you here, but Sonic's only three years older than Amy," Tangle said.

"Yes, but Sonic I believe was a teenager around the time he met Amy, who was still a preteen," Nicole said. "In Johnny's eyes, he can't imagine why Sonic would fall for a girl like that. Of course Johnny's frustrations with Sonic extended beyond Sonic, Amy and Sally. I think he still misses Cosmo, and wishes Sonic did more for her."

"Oh yeah, I miss Cosmo too," Tangle admitted.

"Cosmo...my mother's mentioned her," Manik said. "She seemed so happy, yet sad."

"Cosmo was a Seedrian we knew," Nicole said. "Everyone loved her, especially Sally. If I recall, Sally was practically ready to adopt her into our family."

"Cosmo was beloved by Tails too, I think he had feelings for her," Tangle said. "Johnny Storm also loved her, the two would spend a lot of time together. He was like that cool big brother to her."

"What happened to her?" Manik asked.

"She sacrificed herself during our battle with The Meterax," Nicole explained. "We had hoped that Sonic would be able to save her, we were even counting on it. Unfortunately, he failed her. What's worse is that right afterwards, he had nothing to say for himself. No apologies, no promises to improve, he barely said anything about Cosmo herself and what she did. He just stood there while everyone else grieved."

"Poor Tails was crying a lot," Tangle said, recalling the heartbroken fox. "Losing Cosmo was bad enough. But Tails's tears? He's usually so strong willed, even when he thinks he's useless, he still tries, and never gives up. The fact that he had no hope after Cosmo, that really hurt to see."

"All the while, Sonic did nothing to comfort Tails. Sally had to comfort him," Nicole's face twisted into anger. "Then Sonic had the nerve to tell Sally that she was babying Tails. Because it's so wrong to want to comfort someone that's clearly distressed. What's worse is that Amy Rose backed him up, she always took issue with Sally being a mother figure to Tails."

"That is pretty bad," Tangle said. "Sally really loves Tails, and it did seem like Sonic tried getting her to back off a bit."

"He probably wants Tails to be as emotionless as him," Nicole said. "At least Tails stayed loyal to Cream for all of these years. He's much more reliable than Sonic is."

"Ooh, are you praising Tails?" Came Mina's voice as she and Whisper came into the room. "I can definitely help with that."

"Mina? This is a surprise," Nicole said.

"Whisper! You're back!" Tangle said, running over to hug her friend. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"Yes, I am fine," Whisper briefly hugged back before Tangle separated. "How are you? I hope you were not too bored while I was away."

"I'm fine, I got entertained with some stories about that old Chaos Control thing that sent Sally and Sonic's friends to Earth," Tangle said. "Well, those stories were more for Sonia, but I still liked them."

"Anything good?" Mina asked.

"They mentioned the Sunshine Ball," Tangle said. "It was Robotnik's plan to hypnotize people."

"I recall that, Sonic ran off without saying anything and made everyone worried," Nicole said.

"Yeah, Sonic's like that," Mina said, then took note of a distraught Manik. "What's with him?"

"He's processing some stuff I had to tell him," Nicole said. "It was really heavy."

Mina walked over to Manik, kneeling down in front of the boy, "Hey buddy, you doing alright?"

"I don't know..." Manik said, the boy sounding lost and confused.

"Want me to find Melody?" Mina asked. "I bet she'd get a smile on your face. I know you definitely put a smile on hers."

"Right..." Manik replied, still processing everything.

Mina turned to Nicole, looking even more confused. "What exactly did you tell him?"

"I went into a bit of detail regarding Sonic and Sally," Nicole admitted.

"Uh, that always sounds like a bad thing," Mina said.

"After everything that happened today, this is not exactly what we need right now," Whisper said.

"Wait, what happened?" Nicole asked. "How did your mission go?"

"Yeah, also where's Tails and Fiona?" Tangle asked.

Whisper's face morphed from calm to furious, sporting a glare that sent shivers down the spines of Tangle and Nicole.

"I haven't seen her that mad since I suggested our team name with Lanolin," Tangle recalled.

"It might not be a good idea to talk about Fiona right now," Mina said. "Things did not go well on our little outing."

"How did they not go well on your...?" Nicole came to a realization. "Wait, your outing? You weren't assigned to Tails's team."

"Not officially, I just tagged along," Mina said.

"You WHAT!?" Nicole asked in disbelief.

"I figured they could use the back-up," Mina said. "Good thing too, we ran into some trouble."

"Mina, you can't just insert yourself into a mission!" Nicole said. "Sally is not going to like that!"

"Oh it'll be fine," Mina said. "I know Sally, we're tight."

"I know Sally too, and she's going to be unhappy," Nicole said. "But, we'll deal with that later. What happened out there?"

While everything was happening at the castle, Fang had escorted Trip further inside Eggman's base, with Scourge and Surge behind them, and Sage leading the way.

Trip took note of everyone they passed by, from The Deadly Six, to Sleet and Dingo, and even Nagus.

In no time, they were at Eggman's workstation, while the scientist was adding some extra features to an old machine.

"That thing looks familiar," Scourge said.

"It is father's Dragoon," Sage explained. "He has been adding some modifications for his upcoming battle with Sonic."

"He's still on that!?" Trip asked. "It's been years, why hasn't he given up yet?"

"Refrain from speaking unless spoken to," Sage said.

Trip huffed in annoyance, "So rude."

"Just be quiet for now," Fang whispered.

"You still haven't explained what's going on," Trip said.

"I will, I promise," Fang reassured.

"Father, we have a guest," Sage said, getting the attention of Eggman.

"Guest? What kind of guest?" Eggman turned his attention to the Sungazer. "Oh it's you...uh...I can't remember your name."

"I'm Trip!" the girl said. "You came to Northstar Island close to two decades ago and captured all the creatures there!"

"Oh yeah, you're the one who turned into a Dragon with the Chaos Emeralds," Eggman said, leaping down to face the girl. "What brings you here?"

"We kidnapped her," Surge boasted.

"What do you mean you kidnapped...wait," Eggman glared at Surge and Scourge. "Where have you two been!?"

"Looking for this loser," Scourge said while gesturing to Fang.

"Hey! Who are you calling a loser!?" Fang shouted.

"You," Scourge emphasized.

"Hey, don't talk that way to Fang!" Trip warned.

"Oh gee, did I hurt your feelings?" Scourge taunted. "How careless of me."

"Fang had taken it upon himself to leave this base, and it would appear that Scourge and Surge went after him," Sage said.

"Yeah, so we did you a favor, Egghead," Surge said.

"Watch yourself," Eggman warned, then focused on Fang. "And as for you, what's the big idea leaving like you did!?"

"I had some things to do," Fang said, keeping it vague. Trip however seemed very suspicious of her boyfriend's strange behavior.

"Am I going to have to enforce stricter rules here!?" Eggman asked. "I am being quite lenient with you, but you're really trying my patience here!"

"It won't happen again," Fang said.

"See that it doesn't," Eggman said, then turned to Scourge and Surge. "As for you two."

With a snap of his fingers, some robots had apprehended the chaotic green duo.

"Hey, you know if I wanted to, I could trash these robots before you can even blink," Scourge boasted. Suddenly he was zapped with high volumes of electricity, overwhelming the hedgehog as he nearly passed out from the pain.

"Try breaking free of that," Eggman said. "The electricity is specially designed to apprehend speedsters like yourself."

"Pfft, like that will be enough to stop me," Scourge bragged.

"Huh...honestly I expected you to be unconscious, it seems you're more durable than I thought," Eggman said. "No matter, to the cells with these two!"

"Like a cell will hold us," Surge said as she and Scourge were taken away.

"Glad that's taken care of," Eggman then turned his attention to Trip. "Now, what to do with you?"

"Fang?" Trip turned to the nearby Hunter. "What's happening?"

"She seems awfully chummy with you now," Eggman said. "What's the deal there?"

"The deal?" Fang had to think of something. "The deal...is that she wants to join us!"

"Huh?" Trip said in confusion.

"She got tired of her boring island life, so she wanted to come back to the Eggman Empire," Fang said. "Basically, I just recruited a new ally for you."

"That so?" Eggman asked. "I'm a bit surprised, things didn't end well for you last time when this one was involved."

"Maybe not, but I gotta admit, I like her spunk," Fang said. "Just give me a few minutes to explain what goes on around here."

"Hm, very well," Eggman said.

"Let's go, pal," Fang said while leading a confused Trip away.

Eggman seemed to have his suspicions however, "Sage, keep a close eye on those two."

"Yes father," Sage said, then made her leave while Eggman went back to work on his Dragoon.

Elsewhere Fang had led Trip far away enough, hoping to be out of earshot of the others. "I think we're alone."

"Fang, what's happening?" Trip asked. "What are we doing in Doctor Eggman's base? What's this about me joining him?"

"Uh, it's kind of a long story," Fang said.

"Talk, now!" Trip demanded while glaring at Fang. "You're hiding something from me, and I want to know what it is!"

"I gotta say, you've become much more confident over the years. You're no longer the shy little Sungazer I met back then," Fang said, trying to lighten the mood. "It's kind of adorable how much you've grown, not that I had a problem with you being shy but, I really like your feistiness."

"Fang, I know you're just trying to distract me, and it's almost working," Trip admitted as a blush appeared on her face. "But I'm serious. Tell me what's going on, and I want the truth."

"The truth? Well..." Fang nervously looked away, trying to think of something. "I can't tell her I've been working with Eggman, she'll never forgive me. But if I tell her I'm not, she's going to know I'm lying. I should have figured this could happen, but what can I do now?"

"Well!?" Trip asked, snapping Fang out of his thoughts as he prepared to come clean.

"Okay...I'll be honest," Fang said. "I'm...not really a salesman."

"You're not?" Trip asked, feeling very disappointed right now. "Did you lie to me Fang!?"

"I had no choice, if you knew what I was doing, I thought you would worry," Fang said.

"So you're working with Eggman!? Again!?" Trip shouted, getting in the Hunter's face. "You know how I feel about him! I can't believe you would do this! You told me you went straight!"

"I'm sorry but, I had to do this..." Fang said, the Jerboa getting worried about to come up with something on the spot. "Because it was an order from Queen Sally Acorn herself!"

"Huh?" Trip asked.

"Uh yeah, Queen Sally heard about Eggman's plan, so she came to me and asked me to do spy work," Fang said. "And who am I to turn down the Queen?"

"Queen Sally asked you to be a spy for her?" Trip asked, the girl getting suspicious again. "Wait, why would she ask you? Didn't you try to kidnap her once?"

"Yes, and I paid very dearly for it," Fang said, recalling the pain between his legs. "But...it's like this. Do you remember a fox girl named Fiona?"

"I know her, she's the obnoxious one who hurt Tails once," Trip said.

"Well I knew Fiona from before she was a Freedom Fighter, she was a thief, like me," Fang said. "So she's the one who suggested to Sally that I'd be perfect for a spy role. I've worked with Eggman before, and he would never suspect that I would betray him. So Sally offered me a hefty sum to join Eggman and provide her with some notes."

"How long has this been a thing?" Trip asked.

"Uh...like a month?" Fang said.

"And the Queen really trusted you?" Trip asked.

"Honestly, no one fully trusts me, that's why that fox runt...I mean, Tails was in Northstar Island," Fang said. "He and Fiona came to check on me to make sure I was doing my part. Unfortunately those speedy nutjobs followed us."

"That would explain why Tails was there," Trip said. "I'm sorry he doesn't trust you, but you have been at odds with him for some time."

"It's fine if he and his friends don't like me," Fang took Trip by her hand. "I just care that you like me."

Trip's face turned completely red upon Fang's flirting, but was quick to shake it off. "Also, are you really working with The Queen? Why wouldn't she tell me? Better yet why wouldn't Amy tell me?"

"Like I said, I didn't want you to worry," Fang insisted. "Plus I was afraid that you would get dragged into it. Obviously my fears came to pass, and you're in terrible danger. But, that's when my genius came to play. To keep you safe, you just need to pledge your loyalty to Eggman."

"Fang, I really don't want to go through that again," Trip said.

"I know, but it's the only way to keep you safe," Fang said. "I promise you won't have to do anything bad, and with any luck, that pesky rod-I mean, Sonic will stop Eggman himself."

"Well..." Trip replied.

"And maybe, you can do a little spy work too," Fang said. "Together, we can help put a stop to Eggman! What do you say?"

"...It does seem exciting," Trip said. "It's like a fun little adventure."

"Exactly, I did say I wanted to do something exciting with you, what better thing to do than destroy Eggman's Empire?" Fang said.

Trip eagerly nodded, "Let's do it then!"

"Yeah, Let's, um...Do it, To it!" Fang said. "As the Freedom Fighters would say."

"If you do this well enough, maybe you can join them," Trip said. "I'd do it, but I'm not cut out for that type of lifestyle. But you're tough enough to handle it."

"It depends on how much they pay," Fang said.

"Well you did bring me a lot of Mobiums, and Queen Sally must be wealthy, she's the Queen," Trip said.

"Well yeah, that's why I tried holding her for ransom once," Fang said. "We'll get to that later, right now you need to play the part, act like I convinced you to join us."

"Oh yeah, um...should I act tough?" Trip asked.

"Uh, no offense dear, but you're too cute to be intimidating," Fang said.

"Huh? I can pull off being intimidating!" Trip said. "Maybe if I had my armor?"

"Trip, that armor is a nuisance," Fang said.

"Hey, I gotta look the part," Trip said.

"Just don't try too hard, otherwise you'll blow our cover," Fang said.

"Hey! Fang!" Bean called. "Where are you!?"

Fang furrowed his brow in annoyance, "Oh great, it's Bean."

"One of your old friends?" Trip asked. "Does he know about Queen Sally?"

"First, he's not an old friend, he's just some annoying guy who likes hanging around me," Fang said. "Second, he doesn't know, no one does."

"Fang!" Bean called, the duck running over along with Bark. "There you are. I heard Scourge and Surge went after you after you bailed. Where'd you go? Did you knock over that Casino like you wanted to?"

"Uh...sure, I totally did," Fang nervously said, winking briefly at Trip, hoping to make it sound fake.

"Sweet! Did you bring back any cash?" Bean asked.

"Uh...no, the Freedom Fighters showed up and complicated things," Fang said. "Yeah, I think Breezy raised an alarm in the city."

"Bummer, those Freedom Fighters are totally lame, aren't they?" Bean said, then took note of Trip. "Wait, this girl looks familiar."

"Uh yeah, it's me, Trip," The girl said. "Fang's old buddy."

"Oh yeah! You look different without that goofy armor," Bean said.

"My armor's not goofy!" Trip shouted, getting in Bean's face and spooking him enough to jump into Bark's arms.

"Whoa! You're aggressive," Bean said. "I like that in a girl. You doing anything later?"

"Ahem..." Fang glared at Bean. "Keep it professional."

"Oh fine," Bean said, leaping off of Bark. "Wait, why are you here? You're buddy-buddy with Sonic and his stupid friends."

"Yeah...I was, but then I realized...that they um..." Trip felt terrible about this but she had to play the role. "They suck."

Bean stood there in confusion before bursting into laughter, "They do suck, don't they? What a bunch of losers."

"Yeah, totally, those losers," Trip nervously laughed along while feeling remorseful. "Forgive me guys."

"Let's catch up later, right now I gotta give Trip a tour, and remind her how things work around here," Fang said.

"Sure, catch you later," Bean said, then led his Polar Bear friend away. "Come on Bark."

Bark waved at Trip before leaving, the girl feeling relieved to be done with that.

"Bean's annoying, but Bark seems nice," Trip said.

"Bark's a decent guy, doesn't talk much though," Fang said. He took the girl by her hand, making eye contact right after. "Listen, if you don't think you can do this, just let me know. I can sneak you out of here."

"It's fine, I'd rather be with you," Trip said. "I can get through this."

"Yeah, you always could take good care of yourself," Fang said.

"That, and I know you'll be there for me if I need you," Trip said, then kissed Fang on the cheek. "We stay together, and we look out for each other."

Surprised as Fang was by her words, he was very quick to agree. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The two walked off together, though not without Sage having appeared nearby not too long ago.

"That Sungazer may be a detriment to father's mission," Sage said, then warped away.

At the castle again, Sonic was still on the roof. In time he spotted Lanolin's car parking with the sheep girl exiting along with Antoine and Fiona.

"Didn't Lanolin go with Antoine and Bunnie? Why is Fiona with them?" Sonic wondered. "She was supposed to be with Tails. Where is Bunnie anyway?"

Fiona spotted the X-Tornado, a wave of worry rushing through her as she was led inside the castle. Sonic had leapt down by this point, the hedgehog feeling worried and suspicious. He expected that a lot may have happened over the last few hours.

Inside the castle, Lanolin led Antoine toward the throne room where they were to meet up with Sally. Fiona however kept looking over her shoulder, something Antoine picked up on.

"Are you doing okay, Fiona?" Antoine asked.

"Yeah, just making sure we don't get ambushed or anything," Fiona said.

"Ambushed? Zat is very unlikely, we are safe here," Antoine reassured.

"Maybe you are, but I don't think I am," Fiona said.

"Stop overreacting," Lanolin said as she came up to the Throne Room. "Looks like Mina and Whisper are here."

Fiona's eyes widened as she took a step back, "Wh-Whisper's here?"

"Yeah," Lanolin could see Fiona trembling in fear, the fox girl looking ready to run. "Hey, what's with you?"

"I d-don't have to g-go in there, d-do I?" Fiona nervously asked.

"Fiona, what is it zat you are worried about?" Antoine asked.

"Is this about whatever fight you had with Whisper?" Lanolin asked.

"She got...really mad," Fiona said, the girl clutching tightly on the coat.

"Seriously? Since when have you worried about getting anyone mad?" Lanolin asked.

"To be fair, Whisper can be quite ze terrifying lady whenever she is angry," Antoine said. "I know because it is something zat I have seen for myself."

"So she got mad, do you think she's going to kill you or something?" Lanolin asked.

Fiona's lack of a response was one thing, the fact that she clutched the jacket tighter while turning away said another, and it spooked the duo.

"Fiona, tell me what happened," Antoine said.

"I...I can't," Fiona said.

"Fiona," Antoine gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "I need to know what happened. Please, you must be cooperating with me."

"...Alright, fine," Fiona gave in, and hoped she could explain it well.

Outside as Sonic looked over the X-Tornado, he heard more coming. To his relief, it was Tails, and he was joined by Bunnie, Rouge, Julie-Su and Espio. "Oh hey, you're back."

"Howdy Sugar-Hog," Bunnie greeted.

"Hey Sonic, you would not believe everything that's happened today," Tails said.

"I am kind of curious," Sonic said. "First Mina and Whisper show up in the X-Tornado, then Lanolin drives up with Antoine and Fiona, now all of you are coming in at once? Why does Bunnie look all beat up? And where's Knuckles?'

"Knuckles had to stay behind," Tails said. "We ran into trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Sonic asked.

"Metal Sonic, that's who," Came Knuckles's voice as the echidna glided in.

"Knuckles?" Tails said. "Weren't you just fighting Metal?"

"He snuck away," Knuckles said. "He knew I'd trash him."

"Well now that you're back, we can all relay what we must to Queen Sally," Espio said.

"Oh yeah, now we gotta overwhelm her with bad news," Tails said. "I hope the others got to soften her up."

"I don't even know if Sally's around," Sonic said. "I think I overheard Nicole saying that she left."

"She left?" Tails asked. "Where?"

"With mom," Came Sonia's voice.

"Sonia?" Sonic called.

Within seconds, Sonia had appeared out of thin air, surprising Julie-Su.

"Whoa, she can do that?" Julie-Su asked.

"She learned from her mom," Sonic said.

"...How?" Julie-Su asked. "How can Amy turn invisible? That doesn't make sense!"

"I taught her," Espio explained.

"Still, how!?" Julie-Su asked.

"Amy's a bit of a mystery sometimes, but that's hardly important at the moment," Tails said. "Point is that Amy can do it, and Sonia can too."

"...You Adventurer types are so unusual sometimes," Julie-Su said.

"They're just special, that's why we love'em," Bunnie said.

"Thanks Bunnie, you're pretty awesome too," Tails said. "Your cybernetics are the coolest thing since Iron Man's armor."

"Aw, you sweet little thing," Bunnie said while rubbing Tails's head.

Sonic turned back to his daughter, noticing her reddish eyes. "Hey kiddo, were you crying?"

"Huh?" Sonia shly turned away. "It's nothing. Don't worry about me, you should find Aunt Sally. She and mom went for a walk together."

"A walk in Sonic's family is basically a hundred mile dash," Bunnie joked, but focused more on Sonia. "But seriously, you do look kind of sad. What's wrong, Sweet Pea?"

"Nothing's wrong," Sonia said, unable to look at anyone.

"You know you can't hide anything from me, Speedster," Sonic said. "I may not be good with this stuff like your mom, but a dad knows his daughter."

"It's just something stupid that happened with Manik, it's no big deal," Sonia said.

"Oh fer Heaven's Sake!" Bunnie shouted in annoyance. "What did that boy do this time?"

"Nothing, he ran his mouth, and may have said something hurtful. But I know Manik and I know he's not going to say something mean on purpose," Sonia said. "I overreacted, but I'm fine now."

"Sorry hon, but if he said something that made you cry, he's gotta answer to it," Bunnie said.

Sonia sighed in defeat, "Just go easy on him. I don't want him hating me more than he does already."

"He shouldn't hate you at all! He should be lucky to have you!" Bunnie said. "Ah know why he feels the way he does, but he's old enough to know that some things just aren't okay!"

"Bunnie, I love that you care," Sonia began. "But please, don't be too hard on Manik. Regardless of a jerk he can be, he's my brother and I love him. I just need to figure out how to make him happy."

Despite her annoyance, Bunnie couldn't help but admire Sonia's compassion, "Well ain't you the sweetest thing, Sonia Rose."

"I gotta say Big Blue, you raised quite a level-headed daughter," Rouge said.

"Thank Amy for that, Sonia inherited her compassion," Sonic said.

"Well that makes sense, Amy's better at understanding others than you are," Knuckles commented.

"Funny, I don't remember asking you," Sonic sassed.

"And Sonic's plenty understanding," Bunnie insisted. "If anything he's a very good listener."

"Ahem..." Espio interrupted. "Let us not go too far off track. I believe Sonia mentioned that Queen Sally is away." He turned to the girl. "Do you have any idea where your mother took her?"

"I didn't see the direction, sorry," Sonia said. "But maybe they're not too far away. Mom really had to convince Aunt Sally to take a break from the castle."

"Chances are Sally ain't too far away then, knowing her she'd want to stay close by," Bunnie said. "One of us should go and find her."

Sonic awkwardly rubbed his head. While he was curious about his wife, he was hesitant to go and see Sally.

Fortunately for him, Tails stepped up, "I'll go get her."

"Wait," Sonia said. "Do we need Sally? Mom's been trying to calm her down, if she finds out something went wrong, it's going to make her worry more."

"Ah know, but she is the Queen and she has to know these things,," Bunnie said.

"Ugh, this sucks," Sonia said. "Being Queen is the worst, Sally always has to be stressed out about something. Can't you change the rules of this planet or something?"

"It's not that easy kiddo," Sonic said. "Besides, Sally can't help but be Queen, it's in her nature. If she's not in charge of something, then she'll freak out."

"Ah hate to say it, but Sonic may have a point," Bunnie said. "Sally's been raised as a Princess, if it just went away, then she may not know what to do."

Sonia sighed in annoyance, "Lousy Princess rules. Can she at least get a vacation?"

"She can take one whenever she wants, she has a council to help run the Kingdom," Bunnie said. "They're not pleasant to be around, it's the main reason Rotor quit back in the day. But they can do something."

"Wait, there's a council?" Sonia asked. "How come no one told me!"

"Did you ask?" Sonic pointed out.

Sonia stood there in disbelief, disappointment etched on her face, "This must be how Sally felt the one time daddy said that to her."

"One?" Knuckles said.

"Can it, Knucklehead!" Sonic scolded.

"I'm going to get Sally," Tails said, then immediately flew off.

"While Uncle Tails does that, I'm going into the castle to wait for Sally," Sonia said as she went up the stairs. "Because I guarantee that the moment she finds out about all this nonsense, she's going to need a hug, and I want first dibs."

"Uh, yeah, you do that," Sonic said as Sonia went inside. "Well she's got her mind set on something."

"It's adorable how much she loves Sally," Bunnie said.

"Ironic too," Julie-Su said. "Sonia is your second child, Sonic, but your first one with Amy. Yet she still clings to Sally like a mother figure."

"Well Sally does spoil her, even though Amy and I have asked her to dial it back," Sonic said.

"What's worse is that if me or Whisper try to instill some order, she just runs to Sally," Bunnie said. "Sally's gotta learn to say 'no', but she just don't want to."

"Well, no use worrying about it now," Knuckles said. "Come on, let's go inside and wait for Sally. Maybe even find out what's been going on."

Elsewhere, Tails had gone to find Sally, searching all around the perimeter of Mobotropolis. "Sally's gotta be somewhere nearby. Bunnie did say she wouldn't want to be too far away, especially during a crisis. Now where could she be?" Tails stopped to think, considering all the possibilities. "Sally likes places that are quiet, and places like that are usually out in nature. Like a Forest. Wait, she has a forest that she likes visiting, now what was it again?"

After some pondering, Tails came to a realization and immediately flew to where he believed Sally might be.

Near the Great Forest, Sally was still resting comfortably while in Amy's arms, even going as far as to take a little nap all the while the motherly hedgehog continued to comfort her friend.

"Sally's so cute when she's not stressed out," Amy gently stroked Sally's head, bringing more comfort to Sally.

Meanwhile Tails was flying around the area, calling for the Queen, "Sally! Where are you!?"

Bit by bit, this got Sally's attention as the Queen woke from her nap. "Huh? What?"

"Sally!" Tails called again.

"That sounds like Tails," Amy said, then called the boy. "Tails! Sally and I are over here!"

"He's back? I hope the mission went well," Sally said.

"Of course, Tails can handle anything," Amy said.

Tails flew over to the girls, relieved to have finally found them. "There you are...uh, you two look kind of close."

"Close?" Sally remembered that she was cuddled up with Amy, and immediately broke away from her friend, taking Amy by surprise. "Uh, it's nothing. But I am happy to see you Tails." Sally checked over the fox boy. "Did everything go okay? You're not hurt are you?"

"I'll be honest, things got kind of rough," Tails said.

Amy grew worried, she could already sense Sally's concerns growing. "Uh, it's nothing that can't be handled, right Tails?"

"It might require some planning," Tails said. "The good news is that we know more about who Eggman's working with. Nothing about an exact plan but we're getting somewhere."

"I should get back to the castle," Sally said. "Is everyone there?"

"They should be," Tails said. "But um, things really got bad so..."

"Let's not worry Sally with the vagueness," Amy said as she lifted Sally into her arms. "Come on, we'll hurry back to the castle."

Amy sped off with the Princess in her arms while Tails sighed in worry, "I hope things aren't going too badly over there."

Meanwhile at the castle, everyone was gathered in the throne room. Those from the missions, and everyone who was already present in the castle.

"What do you mean you assaulted Fiona!?" Lanolin shouted, glaring at a furious Whisper, who looked ready to start a fight. "She's your teammate!"

"She's a traitor!" Whisper shouted, gesturing to the frightened Fiona who was hiding behind a protective Antoine. "If it wasn't for her, Scourge would have been dealt with!"

"I can't believe you two got into a stupid fight when there's a serious situation going on!" Lanolin scolded. "Wasn't Tails supposed to keep things under control!?"

"To be fair, he did break the two up when Whisper lost it," Mina pointed out.

"Also, why were you there!?" Lanolin shouted at the pop star. "Sally did not give you permission to join Tails and the others on that scouting party!"

"Hey, they needed me out there," Mina said. "And I found out some information on my end regarding Breezy and Ash."

"No one cares about your stupid ex-boyfriend!" Lanolin shouted. "What you did compromised the mission!"

"Hey, this could have been avoided if you weren't being so bossy yesterday," Mina said.

"This is not what ah would call a productive meeting," Bunnie said.

"Hey, I need to get to the bottom of things," Lanolin said. "Maybe you missed it, but Whisper tried to kill Fiona!"

"Come on, Whisper wouldn't really try to kill her," Bunnie said.

"I would actually," Whisper admitted, glaring at the frightened fox as she stretched her fingers. "If Antoine was not in my way, then I would-"

"Do not say another word, unless you want to be removed from ze castle," Antoine warned. "Regardless of what Fiona did, what you did crossed ze line."

"SHE! BETRAYED! US!" Whisper shouted, trying to emphasize the point. "You would side with a traitor, Antoine!?"

"Do not misunderstand me, I am not thrilled to know what she has done," Antoine said, slightly glaring at the girl. "But, we must handle things ze right way. We will sort this out, but I need your word that you will not make another attempt at her life."

"...I want results," Whisper said.

"You'll get your results," Nicole interjected. "But I am with Antoine right now, you need to dial it back. You're lucky Sally isn't here right now."

"Once Sally returns, Fiona's days as a Freedom Fighter are numbered," Whisper said.

Now it was Tangle's turn to approach the situation, "There, see? You know Sally will do something, and you'll get the justice you want. Now try to take a deep breath, and don't let this get to you."

"Very well..." Whisper said while taking a step back.

With that handled, Nicole focused her attention on Fiona, walking toward the terrified vixen. "Don't mistake any concern for your health with forgiveness. I am not happy with what I just heard regarding you and Scourge. I can promise that Sally won't be either. To Whisper's point, don't expect to be a Freedom Fighter by the time this day reaches its end."

Fiona turned away in shame, still cowering in fear. Antoine felt both disappointment and sympathy for the girl.

Sonic stood in the corner, standing beside Blaze and Marine, lamenting how bad this situation was. "Geez, it's always something with them."

"It's easy to see why Silver hates being around this team," Blaze said.

Ray, Mighty and Cream stood around very awkwardly, unsure what to make of the chaos.

"Man, these guys are not harmonious," Mighty said. "No wonder Manik's a brat, this is who he hangs around."

"Don't say that aloud!" Ray scolded.

"He has a point, why do they need to be so stressed out all the time?" Cream wondered.

Manik also stood nearby, the boy joined by Melody, "How's your mom going to handle this?"

"I have no idea, but she's going to be furious," Manik said.

"I hope she doesn't banish my mom for this," Melody said.

"That's an overreaction, my mother wouldn't do that," Manik insisted. "Then again, this is really going to upset my mother, and she's unpredictable when she's mad."

It wasn't long before Sally had returned alongside Tails and Amy, already spotting the disharmony among her Freedom Fighters. "Oh boy..."

Tails had arrived as well, looking just as worried. "Geez, this is going to be much worse than I expected it to be."

Placing her fingers in her mouth, Sally blew a loud whistle to get everyone's attention. "Freedom Fighters! Front and Center!"

"Sally's back!" Ray said as a blush appeared on his face.

"Oh crap..." Fiona nervously muttered.

"Miles!" Cream flew over to hug her husband. "You're finally back."

"Sorry I kept you waiting," Tails said, then shared a quick kiss with Cream, much to the jealousy of Mina and Fiona.

"Sally!" Sonia sped in and hugged her. "I missed you!"

"I've only been gone for a little bit," Sally said.

"I know, but I still missed you," Sonia said.

"Queen Sally!" Lanolin ran over to the Mobian Ruler, then stopping short to salute her. "I have returned from my mission Your Highness!"

"At ease, Lanolin," Sally said, awaiting the sheep girl to calm her composure as she set Sonia aside. "First off, are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine," Lanolin said, showing herself off. "No injuries whatsoever."

"I'm happy to hear," Sally said. "Any status report?"

"Right, so I went with Antoine and Bunnie to the old Chemical Plant, as per your instructions," Lanolin began. "While there, we ran into two of Robotnik's old minions."

"Belle was not one of his minions," Bunnie corrected. "Just because Robotnik made her, don't mean she's evil!"

"Belle? You mean that wooden girl that Robotnik made when he had amnesia, correct?" Sally asked.

"Yes, she was there, alongside his actual former minion, Cassia," Lanolin said.

"Yeah! Cassia! My girl!" Tekno cheered, before realizing she spoke too loud. "Oh um, I mean..."

"Tekno?" Sally asked. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"I was invited over, hope you don't mind that I'm here," Tekno said.

"That's fine," Sally insisted. "I'm happy to have you here. Uh, I'll get back to you once I'm done here."

"Right, so we ran into them and they warned us that Metal Sonic had been salvaging at the site," Lanolin explained. "While there, we also discovered that there might be a bit more trouble than expected."

"What kind of trouble?" Sally asked.

"Seems like Robotnik's annoying nephew Snivley is still around," Lanolin said. "And he's with Starline and Lien-Da. Those three are up to something nefarious."

"Lien-Da?" Julie-Su said in surprise.

"Great, like Robotnik isn't enough," Sally lamented. "I don't suppose they're aligned with him?"

"They don't seem to be, they were actively avoiding Metal Sonic, and Snivley made it clear that he doesn't care about his uncle," Lanolin said.

"Well maybe he'll go after Robotnik and get squashed in the process, one less worry for me," Sally said.

"Well after that we left, but we had a run in with Metal Sonic," Lanolin said.

"Ah managed to hold him off while Antoine and Lanolin got to safety," Bunnie explained.

"Wait, Lanolin, you left Bunnie behind?" Sally asked.

"Well, yeah, I had to," Lanolin said. "She had a better chance to fend him off."

"You had to?" Sally asked in a tone that made Lanolin nervous. "Didn't you bring anything that could have helped? What about your Wispon?"

"I didn't want to take any unnecessary chances, my Queen..." Lanolin nervously explained. "After all, Bunnie is much more experienced than I am when it comes to combat, especially with a fiend like Metal Sonic."

"Lanolin, Freedom Fighters don't abandon each other!" Sally scolded. "This is why you prepare for a mission! You know about Metal Sonic, you should have come prepared!"

"Easy Sally, it was mah choice," Bunnie said. "Ah gave the order for Lanolin to leave while I held off Metal Sonic. It wasn't worth her or Antoine getting hurt. Ah had it under control."

"...If you say so, Bunnie," Sally said.

"Plus, Knuckles showed up, so it's all good," Bunnie said.

"I don't remember, did I send you out there Knuckles?" Sally asked.

"No, Nicole did," Knuckles explained.

"I figured they could work out in the field," Nicole explained. "It's a good thing I sent them if Metal Sonic was around."

"I see, well, Espio, did your team find anything?" Sally asked.

"Yes, we encountered Sticks," Espio explained.

"Sticks!?" Sally asked in surprise. "How is she?"

"She's fine," Espio said. "She has even confirmed the involvement of Sleet and Dingo regarding Eggman. Whatever hunch Mina had was true."

"Boo-yah!" Mina boasted with a fist in the air.

"Any other allies?" Sally asked.

"No one else," Julie-Su confirmed. "At least no one from Bygone Island."

"Sticks has been doing her own recon, she'll be fighting off Eggman's Forces from the wilderness," Knuckles said.

"Honestly, I would prefer it if she were here," Sally said. "It's so dangerous out there for a girl her age."

"Uh, Sally, Sticks ain't a little girl no more," Bunnie said.

"Right...of course," Sally said, then turned her attention to another she loved. "Tails? Is there anything you want to tell me?"

"Yeah, a lot," Tails said. The boy took a look around the room, spotted the still terrified Fiona, along with an angry Whisper. He had to brace himself for what to expect.

"Alright, I'm listening," Sally said.

"So, first off, Mina decided to come along on the mission with us," Tails confirmed, gesturing to the mongoose. "She wanted to help."

"That's cool with you, right Sal?" Mina asked.

"Depends on if you were an asset, or a liability," Sally said, her glare sending a shiver down Mina's spine.

"She was a big help, so please don't be mad at her," Tails said. "She even offered to check in on Breezy, and make sure she wasn't planning anything with Robotnik either. Seems like we have nothing to worry about there."

"Good, I'd rather not deal with Breezy myself," Sally said. "Then again, I could easily crush her if I wanted to, but she's not worth the effort."

"Wow, that's cold," Tekno said. "I like that about you, Queen Sally."

"Anything else?" Sally asked.

"We also ran into Fang," Tails said. "Turns out he's working for Eggman."

"Ugh, figures," Sally said. "What happened then?"

"Myself along with Fiona, Mina and Whisper followed him out of the city to Northstar Island," Tails explained.

"Northstar Island? Where Trip lives?" Amy asked. "Did you see her?"

"Yeah...turns out she and Fang are...well..." Tails had a hard time admitting it.

"They're dating," Mina confirmed.

Sally was understandably surprised, but not as much as Amy, who needed to to hear that again. "Mina, would you mind repeating that? It sounded like you just said that Fang is dating Trip."

"He is," Mina said. "Tails saw it too, right Tails?"

"He kissed her..." Tails said with a tone resembling disgust.

"Uh, not the romance story I was expecting to hear," Sonia said.

Amy could not believe this. She wants to believe that love is triumphant, but even she had a hard time believing that a girl like Trip would like a guy like Fang. "They're...dating? For real?"

"I couldn't believe it either, but apparently this has been going on for a while," Tails said.

"Trip's such a sweet girl, what's she doing dating someone like Fang?" Amy asked.

"Well she doesn't know he's a crook, he's been lying to her and saying he's gone straight," Tails said.

"That scumbag," Amy cursed.

"It is pretty low of Fang to do that to Trip," Cream admitted.

"So did Fang go to Northstar Island just to see his girlfriend?" Bunnie asked.

"Yeah, mainly since he robbed Casino Park," Tails said. "He gave her the money, claiming it to be legit."

"He's going to get Trip into trouble!" Amy said.

"Don't worry Amy, I'll vouch for her," Sally said. "Trip doesn't know Fang's still evil, so any consequence will not directly affect her."

"That's good," Amy said.

Sally turned back to the two-tailed fox. "What else happened?"

"Scourge and Surge ambushed us," Tails said.

"Ambushed?" Cream checked over Tails's body. "You're not hurt, are you?"

"I'm fine Cream," Tails insisted. "We managed to fight them off, but they got away, not only with Fang, but with Trip. I think they're holding her hostage now."

"Oh no! Now we gotta save Trip!?" Amy asked. She then brought out her hammer, "I'm ready to bust some heads!"

"Sweet! Go kick some ass, girl!" Tekno cheered.

"Amy will 'Kick some ass' when the time's right," Sally said. "We still need to find Robotnik's base."

"It won't be much longer," Tails said. "Robotnik doesn't like staying out of sight for too long. He's got too much of an ego for that."

"Tails..." Whisper said, getting his attention. "You forgot a key detail."

"Oh boy..." Tails lamented.

"What key detail?" Sally asked.

"Sally, brace yourself," Nicole urged.

Tails turned to the only other fox in the room, who was being comforted by Antoine and Bunnie before turning back to Sally. "One reason Scourge got away, is because Fiona helped him."

Sally had no immediate reaction. She turned briefly to Fiona, who was now absolutely terrified, taking a moment to register the situation. Sally then turned back to Tails. "So you're saying, is that Fiona sided with Scourge?"

"Yes, but only for a moment," Tails said. "Scourge got in her head and tricked Fiona into helping him. Then he broke her heart and hurt her himself. He left her feeling ashamed and humiliated."

Sally thought it over a bit more. She turned her attention to the group's mongoose. "Mina? Can you verify?"

"Yeah, Fiona made a mistake, but I know how she feels," Mina said. "Something about asshole ex-boyfriends just brings out the worst in us."

Sally turned her attention to group's wolf. "Whisper?"

"She turned her back on us!" Whisper said in a venomous tone. "I could have done away with Scourge, if not for what Fiona had done!"

"So...you were about to eliminate an enemy, and Fiona prevented that," Sally said. "Is that what you're saying?"

"Yes..." Whisper said, rage still building within her.

Nearby, Tangle was growing worried for her friend. She hoped that the revelation of Whisper's response would go unmentioned for now.

"Listen Sally, I know Fiona messed up, and I did give her a good talking to right afterwards," Tails said. "But she's already been through a lot. Scourge left her feeling like dirt, then Alicia came along to torture her with-"

"Alicia?" Sally asked.

"Yeah, your anti is part of this," Tails said. "On the way to the castle, she ambushed us along with Kit and Rosy."

"Rosy?" Sally asked, the girl immediately looking terrified. "You don't mean..."

"Amy's anti," Tails said, glancing at the now terrified pink hedgehog.

"No way, Eggman actually brought her along!?" Amy asked.

"And she attacked you!?" Sally asked.

"You didn't get hurt, did you!?" Cream asked, again checking Tails.

"I told you I'm fine Cream, she just got some lucky hits, nothing I can't take," Tails said, then focused on Sally. "But, Alicia tortured Fiona with her whip, and even humiliated her."

"I can verify that she had terrible lashes on her back," Lanolin said. "Her clothes were torn off too, hence why she's wearing Antoine's jacket."

"It was shameful," Antoine said. "That woman does not deserve to resemble you, my Queen."

"After that, I went to help Bunnie fend off Metal Sonic while Lanolin and Antoine brought Fiona back here," Tails finished explaining. "That's pretty much it."

"Well...quite an eventful day," Sally said. "So, let's review your performances, shall we?"

"Review?" Julie-Su asked.

"This should be interesting," Sonia said.

"Espio, so far I have no complaints," Sally said. "You and Julie-Su did your jobs well, and were able to obtain some useful information."

"It is an honor to serve you, my Queen," Espio said as he bowed to Sally.

"Knuckles, thank you for showing up when you did," Sally said. "Especially for Bunnie's sake."

"You got it," Knuckles said.

"Now...Lanolin," Sally turned to the sheep girl, who was nervously sweating.

"Y-yes, Queen Sally?" Lanolin replied.

"Given what Bunnie told me, your decision to leave her behind was understandable," Sally said. "Considering the circumstance, expecting you to fight Metal is asking too much. So I will not fault you for listening to an order."

"Oh, thank you my Queen," Lanolin said in relief.

"I do have to know, did you radio someone in the car?" Sally asked.

"Oh, I didn't have one on me," Lanolin said.

"...Next time, bring a radio," Sally warned. "Also, make sure you have gear when you know who's out there! If it was Robotnik or Nagus, that's one thing, but I'd like to think you can fend off Metal Sonic. Don't go to a mission underprepared again."

Lanolin was nearly in tears, her worse fear was coming true, the feeling of letting Sally down. "Yes...I will...and I'm sorry."

Despite how annoying she found Lanolin to be, Bunnie did feel pity for the girl. More than anything, Lanolin just wanted to impress Sally, and now she felt worthless.

"Bunnie, you're strong, but try not to engage Metal Sonic without anyone's notice either," Sally said.

"Sally, I've done stuff like this before, I'll be fine," Bunnie said.

"This is TOO big to take any chances with!" Sally said. "Especially now that I know Snivley's around!"

"Sal, it's just Snivley, he ain't as dangerous as he used to be," Bunnie said.

"Better safe than sorry," Sally said. "Especially with Starline and Lien-Da too."

"I still can't believe my sister's around, what the hell is she doing here?" Julie-Su wondered.

"At least she ain't back home," Marine said.

"Now, Mina," Sally turned to the Mongoose.

"Uh...yeah?" Mina replied.

"Regardless of how 'useful' you were, I never want to hear about you sneaking onto a mission like you did!" Sally said. "For all I know, you could have compromised it."

"I didn't though! I was super helpful!" Mina said. "I helped fight Scourge and Surge. And I even made sure we didn't lose track of Fang when we were in Casino Park."

"It's true, she even helped us escape the city when Breezy sounded an alarm," Tails said.

"What alarm?" Sally asked, earning a nervous reaction from Tails.

"Uh, it's nothing," Tails insisted.

"Tails!" Sally shouted.

Despite the urge to be quiet, Tails could not last against Sally's glare. Even Cream felt uncomfortable from her position, and anxiously held Tails's hand as he spilt his heart. "Mina got into a fight with Ash and Breezy sounded an alarm so her guards would catch us!"

"Tails!" Mina shouted.

"I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you Mina!" Tails said.

Mina's eyes widened in intrigue as a smile etched across her face, "Oh, I'll hold you to that. Fine, I confess Sally. I followed Ash and punched the jackass in the face. Breezy got all bitchy about it and decided to send her goons after me, Tails, Fiona and Whisper. But we handled it."

"You set off an alarm during a stealth mission!?" Sally asked. "Are you stupid or something!?"

"Hey, don't call me 'stupid'!" Mina warned. "I got some info out of Breezy, so it paid off. Revenge on Ash helps too."

"I really don't care about your love life, Mina!" Sally said. "Honestly, the fact that you compromised the mission over your ex-boyfriend is stupid!"

"You're one to talk, most of us have to deal with you moping over Sonic," Mina said. The girl immediately regretted it the moment Sally's pupils shrank as a quiet rage built within her. "Uh...by that I mean."

"YOU! OUT!" Sally shouted while pointing at the door. "NOW!"

"...You serious?" Mina asked. "Are you serious? I helped you out and-"

"GET OUT OF MY CASTLE!" Sally shouted.

Everyone was in shock, from Sonic who visibly jumped at Sally's yelling, Ray who looked concerned and even Sonia, who's never seen this side of Sally.

"I've never seen Aunt Sal this mad before..." Sonia thought to herself.

After processing Sally's reaction, Mina decided to oblige out of anger, "Fine! Let's go Mel!"

Melody turned to Manik and gave him a quick hug, "I'll see you later."

"Uh, yeah...see you," Manik said, awkwardly returning the hug before Melody broke away and ran off with her mother, who was storming away in a huff.

Amy rubbed her face in frustration as thoughts ran through her head, "And just like that, Sally's back to how she was, only worse."

"Let this be a reminder," Sally began. "Whenever I send out for a mission, no one is to go off on a whim! You run it by me or Nicole, anyone breaking that rule will face punishment including, but not limited to, termination from the Freedom Fighters. Is that understood!?"

"Yes Queen," the core Freedom Fighters said, along with Tails.

"Aunt Sal's really taking charge here," Sonia noted.

Sally huffed in frustration, doing her best to recompose herself. "Whisper..."

"Yes Sally?" Whisper asked.

Fiona grew curious as to what would happen now. She hadn't known about Whisper's outburst yet after all.

Sally stood before Whisper, and could tell that she was angry about something, a rage that matched what she was feeling, maybe more. "You seem unhappy, any reason?"

"I could have made things so much easier for you, if I hadn't been interrupted," Whisper said. "I could have caught Fang sooner if I did not have to indulge in Mina's pitiful revenge scheme. I could have ended Scourge, had Fiona not stopped me. I could have kept Trip safe, had these distractions not blocked my path."

"Whisper, you are one of my most reliable Freedom Fighters, I know you did everything in your power to do what you were assigned," Sally placed her hands on her shoulders. "I thank you for putting up with all of that just to serve your Kingdom."

"...I must confess to you Queen Sally," Whisper began. "I lost my composure after what Fiona did. When I saw her, I only saw Mimic...and I became fueled with rage."

"She didn't..."Fiona's fear slowly turned into frustration. "No...she...didn't!"

"I understand how you probably felt," Sally said. "The Freedom Fighters should trust one another, and I'm sorry you didn't feel like that trust wasn't there. I never want you to feel like you don't feel safe."

"Do not take the blame, the fault is not yours," Whisper said. "I will happily serve you, but some I just work better with."

"Right," Sally turned her attention to Tangle. "It might be better to keep best friends together."

"Oh, so do you want me on the next mission with Whisper?" Tangle asked.

"I don't have one in mind right now, but you can bet that you and Whisper will team next," Sally said.

"Awesome!" Tangle cheered. "Diamond Cutters reunite!"

"Two of you at least," Sally said, glancing at Lanolin. "I'm going to need a little talk with my protege soon."

Lanolin turned away in worry. "She's going to demote me, isn't she?"

"Still, Whisper, I couldn't help but notice Tails saying you and Mina left on the X-Tornado on your own," Sally said, earning a shameful nod from the wolf. "I'll let it slide considering the situation though. If you felt unsafe near Fiona, then-"

"She felt unsafe!?" Fiona shouted, unable to take this any longer. "I felt unsafe! She assaulted me after the fact! She wanted to kill me! Why are you trying so hard to defend her and justify what she did when she was just as bad as me or Mina!?"

Sally had no immediate response, not even to Whisper's hardened glare.

"Even now, she wants me dead!" Fiona gestured to Whisper as Sally began walking over. "She has that feral look in her eyes! It's the same look I had to see when she was cutting off my oxygen supply!" Sally got closer as Fiona continued to rant. "Now she wants to be this perfect little soldier girl for Sally!? When did she turn into Lanolin!?" Sally stopped just short of Fiona as she continued. "Honestly, this whole thing is-!"

In one swift motion, Sally slapped Fiona hard across the face, a strike strong enough to knock Fiona to the floor. Everyone looked on in surprise, amazed by Sally's tenacity. Tails grew worried for Fiona while Whisper could only flash a rare, cocky grin.

Fiona was clearly shaken up, slowly looking up at a very angry Sally. The intense expression on the Queen's face matched the condescending look of Alicia as Fiona briefly saw Sally's anti in her place.

Just like that, fear took over Fiona again as she began backing away, desperate to get away from the Queen. Sally wasn't letting her, she instead grabbed Fiona by the coat she was lent and pulled her in until their eyes were only inches apart.

Fiona could see the fury and rage in Sally's eyes. For the first time since Fiona could remember, she was very afraid of Sally, and what she would do to her.

Tails also felt fear for Fiona, and he wasn't the only one. Sonic couldn't believe the furious glare on Sally's face. Amy hated seeing Sally spiral down like this. Nicole was contemplating breaking this up. Manik looked terrified at how mad his mother looked. Even Sonia couldn't believe the rage she was seeing.

"I gave you a second chance..." Sally began. "When you left, I almost didn't want to let you back! I only gave you another chance because Tails cared about you enough to convince me!" She gestured to the boy. "He went on about how you're a good person deep down, and despite your mistakes, all you really wanted was a family!"

"Whoa...she's mad..." Tangle muttered.

"And I'll admit, maybe it was my fault you left, because I wasn't as nice to you as I should have been," Sally continued. "I judged you for your past and made you feel unsafe here, so you went somewhere you thought was safe, and it only resulted in more disharmony!"

"Easy Sal..." Sonic urged, hoping Sally would dial it back.

"I also felt bad knowing that you were with a crummy boyfriend who treated you like dirt! We all collectively agreed that even you deserved better, so we let you back in!" Sally shouted. "I let you live in my castle! I let you eat my food! I made sure you had a bed to sleep in! I did whatever I could to make you feel comfortable and welcome!"

"This isn't you, Sally..." Ray sadly commented.

"I gave you so much, and how do you repay my kindness!? Kindness you didn't really deserve!?" Sally shouted at an increasingly terrified Fiona. "You turned against me!? Against us!? The same people who took you in!? Sure you didn't always get along but I figured it was so much fucking better than how they were treating you on Moebius! Yet somehow, it seems like you'd rather be there! You'd rather be around someone who mistreats you, right!?"

At this point, Fiona was crying. She felt terrified of Sally's actions and barely able to speak.

Even Sonia, who never really liked Fiona, felt heartbroken by this. This is not the Sally she knows and loves.

"WELL!? ANSWER!" Sally shouted, scaring Fiona even more.

"Sally, zat is enough!" Antoine said. "You are scaring her!"

"I'll let her go when she answers my god damn question!" Sally shouted, glaring back at Fiona. "Do you want to be around people who mistreat you!? Because I can promise you that will happen! If you thought Alicia was terrifying then-"

"ENOUGH!" Antoine forcibly separated Fiona from Sally, the man glaring at the Queen he usually serves with pride. "You are behaving very unreasonably, Sally!"

"It's Queen Sally, Antoine!" Sally warned.

"Do NOT be pulling zat Queen card on me!" Antoine warned back. "I do not care if you are royalty. Mobius may look at you and see their Queen, and I respect you as ze Queen! But right now I am not seeing zat Queen! I am seeing a woman who is behaving in a very uncivilized manner! What Fiona did was bad but treating her like zis is NOT helping!"

"Antoine! Have you lost your mind!?" Lanolin shouted.

"Do not be starting with me!" Antoine warned. "I have put up with enough of your nonsense too! You are unfit to be a Freedom Fighter!"

"Hey! You can't treat me like that!" Lanolin said. "I'm one of Sally's best Freedom Fighters and-"

"Lanolin, do me a favor, and shut your mouth already," Sally warned, striking fear into Lanolin's heart. "Keep in mind that you still have to deal with me yourself later. Antoine's out of line right now, but he's not wrong. A lot of this is because of the choices you made!"

Lanolin turned away in shame once again, mentally cursing herself for speaking out like this and making things worse for her Freedom Fighter future.

"As for you, Antoine," Sally glared at the Coyote, who refused to back down. Sally still felt angry, but she had too much respect for Antoine, not just as a Freedom Fighter, or a Knight, but her childhood friend. "I will take your word for it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a mess to fix."

Sally began making her leave from the room, though not before Manik attempted to get her attention. "Um, mom, I need to ask you a quick question."

"Manik, I swear, if this is about that stupid wedding ring again!" Sally shouted, terrifying her son.

"N-no," Manik insisted, then realized that was a lie. "Well, kind of but we don't have to talk about it now, I just wanted to know when-"

"Manik, what happened was a LONG time ago!" Sally shouted, causing her son to wince and terrifying everyone around her. "I can't change the past! Stop bringing it up so much! Why can't you just be happy with what you have!? What more do I need to do to please such a bratty kid like you!?"

"SALLY!" Nicole came between the Queen and her son. "Don't you dare!"

"Nicole!?" Sally said in disbelief.

"Sally, I love you, and you know I would do anything for you," Nicole said. "But if you keep crossing the line today, even I won't forgive you for it."

Despite her rage, the moment Sally got another look at Manik, seeing the terrified look on his face broke her heart. She looked around the room, seeing everyone so terrified. What really got her were the teary eyes of Sonia.

It was now Sally realized just how terrible she's been to everyone, and just how horrible of a person she looked right now. "I...I gotta go."

Sally ran off in shame, furious not with anyone else, but with herself because of how she behaved.

Nicole felt bad for Sally, but she was not going to allow someone she calls her sister to be so cruel. She turned to face the terrified child beside her. "Manik?"

"I'm fine..." Manik said, turning away so no one would see his tears, the boy shutting his eyes just to stop them from flowing. "It's nothing."

Manik felt someone hugging him. Not an adult, but someone smaller. He opened his eyes to see Sonia hugging him. She looked just as terrified as well. Despite how he felt regarding the Rose side of the family, he couldn't turn away right now. He slowly returned the hug, trying his best not to cry.

"It's okay if you're sad, big brother," Sonia said. "You're not a lesser man for crying."

"I don't...need to..." Manik couldn't help himself, his tears began falling from his eyes as Sonia hugged him tighter.

The sounds of Manik's sobs were heartbreaking for Nicole, who herself was close to tears. Lanolin also felt empathetic, she herself wanting to give Manik a big hug. Tangle and Whisper looked at the boy in sadness. Fiona herself was heartbroken for Manik, she did not want him experiencing something like this. Bunnie's heart yearned for the boy. It saddened Ray to see Manik like this as well, knowing the woman he loved could be this cruel. Antoine felt malcontent at the moment himself.

"Hey, let's leave," Rotor said.

"Whoa, I forgot you were here," Tekno replied.

"Tekno, read the room," Bunnie scolded.

Jewel herself led everyone out of the room, leaving only the siblings. She looked back at Manik while trying not to cry herself. He was a dear boy to her, the son of the lady she admired.

Once in the hall, Tails took the opportunity to speak. "Listen, things didn't go well, but that's fine. We can try again and make things right, for Sally's sake. Given that she got some good out of this is a positive."

"She's really mad though," Tangle said. "You saw how she was."

"I know, but this is Sally we're talking about, she'll bounce back," Tails said. "However, all of you need to do your part. Whatever mistakes you think you made, review it and think of a way to better yourself. Remember, Robotnik is still a threat, and the best way to help Sally is to neutralize that threat!"

"Tails is right," Nicole said. "I know Sally, and I know she's already feeling terrible about all of this. Being a Queen is stressful to her after all. We need to lighten her workload."

"We'll figure something out," Lanolin said.

"I may have some ideas, assuming anyone's open to suggestions," Tails said.

"Of course," Nicole said. "We could use your knowledge Tails, you're just as familiar with Robotnik as the rest of us, if not more so."

"Oui oui, he is quite ze Freedom Fighter," Antoine said.

"I'm just doing my part for my Queen," Tails said. "Sally won't mind if I take over some leadership roles, would she?"

"She would love it, Tails," Nicole said. "If anyone's suited to fill her shoes, it's you."

"Do well enough and you'll have a full time leadership role," Tangle said.

"Whoa, slow it down," Sonic said. "Tails can't commit to a leadership role."

"How about you let him make that choice, Sonic," Nicole said.

"If I leave it up to him, he'll say 'yes', not knowing what he's doing," Sonic said. "He doesn't think straight when it comes to Sally, I don't want him taking on more than he can chew. Especially with Sally being the way she is right now."

"Oh, you do NOT get to judge Sally!" Nicole shouted.

"Yeah, all of zis is your fault!" Antoine shouted.

"How!?" Sonic asked.

"Here we go..." Bunnie lamented.

"Because you are the stupid fuel who left her raising a child by herself!" Antoine shouted.

"Sally's stressed because you make her stressed!" Lanolin said. "Then the rest of us have to deal with the aftermath while you're out goofing off!"

"You really let us down, Sonic," Tangle said.

"Hey! I am not taking responsibility for what Sally does!" Sonic said.

"Of course you aren't, you are a coward," Antoine said. "You hate responsibility, and avoid it at all costs."

"You know I'm a father, right?" Sonic said. "I have responsibilities!"

"You didn't do a damn thing when Sally yelled at your son!" Lanolin said. "Normally one parent helps the other! But you'd rather see Sally fall apart!"

"You're such a piece of crap..." Fiona commented.

"Wow, didn't take long for Fiona to get back to normal," Sonic said.

"Someone's sassy," Julie-Su said.

"You are so unpleasant to be around!" Antoine shouted. "How I wish Sally did not need you."

"Don't worry Ant," Fiona said. "It won't be for long."

Amy stepped in with her Piko-Piko Hammer, "I'm gonna need all of you to back off already! One more word about my husband and you'll get the hammer!"

"Seriously, y'all need to dial it back a bit," Bunnie urged.

"...Fine," Nicole said. "Tails, mind coming with us?"

"Sure," Tails said.

"Tails! You're really going to go along with it?" Amy asked. "After what they said about Sonic?"

"Well, maybe Sonic shouldn't be speaking on my behalf then," Tails pointed out.

"Miles..." Cream scolded.

"Not now Cream, I have work to do," Tails said. "Freedom Fighters, let's go!"

Tails led the group away, leaving only Sonic and his normal adventure buddies, including Mighty and Ray.

"Life at this castle is tough, huh?" Knuckles said.

"Such is the life of us Vagabonds," Amy said. "Still, I am worried about Sally. I tried helping her with her stress, but it didn't take long for things to go to hell."

"She'll be f-fine," Ray said. "But maybe we should try t-to talk to her more."

"I'll try..." Amy said. "Still, it's been so long since I've seen Sally like this. Honestly she hasn't been this bad since we first met."

"Oh yeah, you were telling Sonia about how bad it was," Mighty said.

"Yeah , I was," Amy said. "But, there is something I should tell her, right after she finishes comforting Manik."

Everyone looked back in the room, seeing that Sonia still had Manik in an embrace. The boy calmed down but he still felt terrible about what happened.

"Manik...I hope you know your mother just loves you..." Amy said.

She recalled the morning after her argument with Sally.

Back in Yokosuka, Sally was leading Ryo to the Tattoo Shop, though on the way there, Amy had run to stop them.

"Sally, Ryo, stop!" Amy said. "I can't let you do this!"

"Amy, he's not really going to join this gang," Sally said. "He's just looking for some information, that's all."

"I just feel like this is dangerous," Amy said. "Please Ryo."

"Amy, I have to do this," Ryo said. "Besides, shouldn't you be getting ready to leave? Jacky Bryant is heading to the airport."

"I can catch up on foot," Amy said. "I can run across water too after all."

"For as long as Sonic?" Sally asked.

"Well, I'm still learning, but I think I can make it," Amy said. "Besides, I can swim."

"Just let me do what I must," Ryo said.

"But..." Amy pleaded

"Stop it!" Came a familiar voice.

"That sounds like Nozomi," Ryo said.

"What's wrong?" Sally asked as she and Amy followed Ryo.

In a park, Nozomi was seen protecting a boy from Enoki and Tetsuya with Vanilla, Cream and Emerl nearby, the young rabbit worried for her friend.

"You've got guts, you must not know who we are," Tetsuya boasted.

"I couldn't care less who you are, there's no reason for you to threaten little kids!" Nozomi scolded.

"A tough girl, huh?" Enoki taunted.

"This little brat just hit my pal in the face with that toy!" Tetsuya said, gesturing to a toy plane.

"So we's gonna teach him a lesson!" Enoki said.

"Can't you just leave him alone?" Nozomi pleaded.

"Honestly, it was a simple mistake," Vanilla said, trying to calm the situation. "I think an apology will be enough."

"Hm...tell you what," Tetsuya began. "We'll take your idea..." The boy then eyed Nozomi with a perverse grin, "If this cutie comes to party with us."

The guy went to place his arm around Nozomi, but the girl elbowed him in the chest, "Don't touch me!"

"Don't fight it, babe," Enoki said. "We'll be gentle."

"Excuse me, this is very inappropriate behavior," Vanilla scolded.

"Back off, we're not interested in old ladies, especially ones that are freakish looking rabbits," Tetsuya said.

"Hey!" Cream shouted, getting their attention. "Don't talk to mama like that! And leave my friend alone! She doesn't want to go with you!"

"Stay out of this kid, this is between adults," Enoki said.

"Nozomi! Cream!" Ryo called as he, Sally and Amy ran over.

"Ryo! You're here!" Nozomi said. "And you brought Amy and Sally."

"Ugh, not these punks again," Amy lamented.

"Careful, it's that bossy gopher and the crazy rodent!" Tetsuya warned.

"I'm a chipmunk!" Sally shouted as she got into a battle stance.

"And I'm a hedgehog!" Amy said, adapting a boxing style.

"You looking for trouble?" Enoki asked, glaring down Ryo.

"Any time," Ryo replied.

"Why you!" Enoki went for a punch that Ryo parried, allowing the boy a chance for a punch to the ribs. Enoki turned to attack again but Ryo countered with an elbow to his face, then a couple of roundhouse kicks.

Sally took the chance to jump in and kick the boy in the chest, then landed to sweep one leg while Ryo did a spinning back kick to knock him down.

Tetsuya went for Amy, but the girl responded with a quick punch to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him as he keeled over in pain.

While this was going down, Emerl was busy observing, taking note of their fighting styles as information began to store in his memory.

"Wow, they're strong!" Cream cheered.

With the two bullies defeated, they slowly started crawling away.

"Both of you, stay away from my friends," Ryo warned.

"Next time, I won't go so easy on you!" Amy warned.

"Y-yeah, okay," Enoki said as he helped his friend leave.

"And stay out of trouble!" Sally warned as the two went out of sight. "Honestly, shame on those boys for behaving the way they do."

"Thank you for coming," Nozomi said.

"Yeah, thanks Ryo," The little boy said as he left.

"Nozomi," Ryo began. "You need to be more careful. Those guys could have hurt you."

"I wasn't worried about myself," Nozomi explained as she looked in the boy's direction. "I was worried about him."

"Those guys can't be reasoned with," Ryo explained.

"But..." Nozomi replied.

"She only wanted to help, Ryo," Cream said. "Sometimes you need to do the right thing."

"And it's pretty brave of Nozomi to stand up to those brutes," Amy said.

"I respect bravery, but I don't want anyone getting hurt for no reason," Ryo said.

"What should she have done?" Amy asked.

"She could have gone for help," Sally said. "If Cream's here, she could come find us."

"Come to think of it, even if we weren't here, I bet Cream could have taken those guys," Amy said.

"Wow, you really think so, Amy?" Cream asked.

"Amy, she's a little girl, she shouldn't be fighting," Sally said, then turned to the girl's mother. "Don't you agree, Vanilla?"

"Yes, I'd rather my daughter not fight," Vanilla said.

"Way to pull the Mom Card," Amy bitterly thought to herself.

"What's done is done, and no one got hurt," Ryo said.

"No one that deserved to at least," Amy said.

"Well I'm glad this has been resolved," Sally said. "Now Ryo, we should-"

"Wait, Vanilla said. "Please, Ryo. Tell me you're not going to do anything dangerous."

"...I can't make any promises," Ryo said.

"Vanilla, he needs this," Sally said. "He has to do what's right."

"Just now he seemed concerned about Nozomi," Vanilla said. "Ryo, what are you doing that's so different?"

"...I have to find the man who killed my father," Ryo said.

"I know you want justice, but you have people who care about you," Vanilla said.

"I don't want you getting hurt Ryo," Cream said. "You're like a big brother to me now. And...I love you."

Ryo felt his chest ache for a moment. Hearing such a wholesome line with that innocent tone really got to him. "Cream...I...you mean a lot to me too. You're very much my younger sister. The man who took my father from me...he hurt you too. I can't just leave this be, I have to do this."

"I'll be there, it will be fine," Sally insisted.

Amy huffed and pulled Sally aside, "Come with me!"

"Hey!" Sally said as Amy pulled her away.

"Oh boy..." Cream said as Emerl looked on.

Amy pulled Sally to the side, much to the Chipmunk's frustration. "You REALLY need to stop doing that!"

"Sally, I am begging you, please stop encouraging Ryo to do something dangerous!" Amy said. "You just sympathized with his concern for Nozomi. Please, understand how I'm feeling too! How we're all feeling!"

"Amy, I'm worried about him too, that's why I want to be there," Sally said. "I know it's risky but he needs closure."

"I just don't want him getting hurt," Amy said. She took a deep breath before continuing. "Or...you. I don't want you getting hurt either."

"Me?" Sally asked.

"You had some close calls yesterday, and I care about you both too much to wanna see anything bad happen," Amy said.

"I...I see," Sally said.

"Please, consider how I feel, how we all feel," Amy said. "Cream would be sad if you got hurt too."

"...Wow, pulling the cute child card," Sally taunted. "Okay, I'll talk things over with Ryo. If anything, I'll see if Sonic can come."

"Sonic's not here right now, he left earlier with Tails," Amy said. "I overheard them saying something about Eggman."

"Oh right, Bunnie went with them. This is probably because of Emerl," Sally said. "Okay, I'll grab Antoine, but I promise to be careful. Please trust me."

"Fine, but he is NOT getting a tattoo," Amy said.

"I don't think he plans to get one," Sally said.

"Amy!" Came Jacky's voice. "Are you around!?"

"Oh, Jacky's here? I thought he was on his way to the airport," Amy said.

"He probably wanted you to join him," Sally said.

"Alright, I guess I should go see him," Amy said as she was about to leave.

"Amy..." Sally got her attention. "Come back safe."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, but the road is calling to me," Amy said as she left.

"Sweet little Vagabond," Sally said. She then tapped her chin. "I hope you're safe too Sonic."

Elsewhere, Sonic and Tails spotted a metallic creature near the mountains.

"Is that a robot?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah, it's one of Eggman's," Tails said. "It looks familiar."

"Yeah...is that Gamma?" Sonic asked.

"Gamma? Who's that?" Bunnie asked.

"A robot Eggman built that Amy managed to befriend," Sonic explained. "Weird, she told me it was destroyed."

"Wow, between Emerl and this Gamma fellow, it sounds like y'all are good at befriending robots," Bunnie said. "Even ones built by Eggman."

"Speaking of Eggman, we really need to get a hold of him," Sonic said.

"Look..." Tails said, gesturing to a strange sight.

"Is that...another Emerl?" Sonic asked as it presented something to the fake Gamma. "It's got a Chaos Emerald!?"

"Wow, so pretty and green, just like yer eyes Sonic," Bunnie said.

"Uh..." Sonic couldn't help but blush, much to Tails's humor. "Thanks. Let's go."

Regardless of when, the adventures continue on.