Sally, Larry, Hershey and Erma were all sitting at a table outside of Fresto's awaiting for their Pizza, Hershey was about to reveal the real reason behind her disappearance at New Mobotropolis.
Sally: Okay, Hershey, we're all ears.
Hershey: Okay, here goes...The reason for my little disappearance is because I have heard some disturbing news.
Larry: That can't be good!
Hershey: Oh Believe me, I couldn't believe it myself. I recently discovered that Geoffrey is forming an alliance with Ixis Naugus.
Larry: Ixis Naugus...the name sounds familiar...
Erma: He's a powerful sorcerer and a very dangerous one at that! Sonic and his friends battled numerous times!
Sally: Oh No...I've heard rumors about this but...are you sure this is true?
Hershey: It is! I overheard him a few months ago, saying something about giving Naugus the power he needed to take over new Mobotropolis.
Sally: This is very serious! I'm sorry you had to find out that way!
Hershey: Me too...I only want to know why would he do this?
Larry: And Geoffrey's your husband right? because I remember you sent me a letter telling me that you got married, in fact I have the pictures of your wedding you sent me. *To Sally* Even though we haven't seen each other in person for a long time, we still kept in touch.
Sally: I remember that wedding, It was really beautiful. you two looked really happy!
Hershey: Oh yes, We had a love so strong, but now I'm not to sure...
Sally: Well Whatever is going on with Geoffrey, I'm sure we can get to the bottom of it! Plus I'm sure Sonic and the other Freedom Fighters will help out too.
Hershey: I do feel relieved knowing this...Thank you
Larry: If you don't mind my asking, how did you stage your disappearance?
Sally: Yeah, it really seemed to convinced a lot of people, including Geoffrey.
Hershey: Well I just had some extra set of clothing, some scissors and a lighter. I had to make it look convincing you know
Sally: Yeah I get it, but does anyone else know you're alive?
Hershey: Well I did tell Elias, he had his own suspicions about Geoffrey as well, so he agreed to let me do this private investigation.
Larry: Elias? You mean the King of new Mobotropolis?
Hershey: The very same, and he happens to be Sally's brother.
Larry: No kidding! well this turning out to be an unusual day, but don't worry, rest assured me and the rest of the staff won't give you any special treatment because you're royalty. We treat each other like family royalty or not.
Sally: *Puts her hand on Larry's Shoulder* Well I appreciate that, Larry! Thank you! Please continue, Hershey!
Hershey: Thank you, so after I got Elias's permission I began my investigation, however just when I thought I was getting close, it's like Geoffrey doesn't leave any evidence behind and with no proof, I couldn't do a thing. It wasn't till we went on a mission together that staged my own death, and found a way to escape so I can continue my investigation.
Larry: *Gives Hershey Side Hug* Man, Hersh...I'm really sorry you had to go through all that. I'm sure this Geoffrey character is a nice guy, but to partner up with an evil wizard, that's nuts. Well I hope you find some answers.
Hershey: *Tears building up* Thanks Larry, I can't imagine what would motivate him to do this!
Erma: It's going to be okay, we're here for you!
Sally: We all are, if there's anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Hershey: Well since you offered, Sally, I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else about me being here, last thing I want is to have my cover blown.
Sally: I understand...very well. In the meantime, I'm just glad you're alive and well! I really missed you, Hersh!
Hershey: I really missed you too, Sal! And thank you for keeping this a secret, I don't know what will happen if Naugus were to find out but don't worry, I will tell Sonic though, he deserves to know, but I don't want to risk it.
Larry: Oh don't worry about that! Here in Floterna we have a special mailing system that can deliver mail from here to all other parts of Mobius without it being detected. After we eat I can take you to the post office, it should still be open.
Hershey: Sounds interesting, in that case how about we take a selfie together? A little something to remember this experience by.
Sally: Not a bad idea.
Erma: Count me in!
Larry: Here you can use my Phone.
And While the 3 girls and Larry took some selfies, the waiter came out with the Pizza along with some Chicken Wings and Garlic breadsticks.
Larry: Looks like the food's here, and not a moment too soon!
and so Larry and the 3 girls enjoyed their meal, and it wasn't long till they were done. Hershey was kind enough to pay the bill and Sally included a $5 tip. They left the Pizzeria to head down to the post office, and by the time they got there they spotted Emily, Misty, and Herman by the entrance. Emily looked around a bit and noticed Erma and ran right up to her.
Emily: Aunty Erma! *Jumped in for a hug* It's so great to see you!
Erma: Good to see you too Kiddo! I trust that you're doing well!
Emily: Oh Yes! I'm really learning a lot at the school! I even made some new friends, This is Herman and Misty!
Erma: Well it's nice to meet you two!
Herman: Thank you!
Misty: Thanks!
Hershey: Well I'm certainly glad to see you three kids, thank you for helping me contact Sally!
Herman: Pleasure's all ours!
Emily: We were happy to help!
Misty: I just hope we're not in trouble for all this.
Hershey: Oh not at all!
Sally: You kids did a great thing!
Larry: So you three were responsible for this joyous reunion? Well I gotta admit, you really made this occasion a day to remember!
Misty: well thank you, it's just that when we heard about you missing in action, I feared for the worst!
Hershey: Well I can assure you, I'm live and Kicking!
Sally: I hope to see you kids tomorrow!
Herman: Oh, you will, thank you Miss Acorn! And We're really glad you're okay, Mrs. St. John!
Hershey: Thank you, Hermie!
Erma: And you keep the good work, I know you'll be a great freedom fighter someday, Emily!
Emily: I won't let you down!
And so the kids left waving goodbye while Sally and the group headed inside the post office. the place was bustling with activity with everyone sorting out letters and packages. they arrived at the front desk to see a Mobian pigeon in charge of the place.
Larry: Girls this is Marvin, he's in charge of our post office here, and he happens to be Herman's dad too. Marvin, this is Sally the newest teacher for Freedom U, and her friends Erma, and Hershey!
Sally: Well it's a pleasure to meet Marvin, Your Son Herman is a really dedicated student.
Marvin: Why thank you! My son is really determined to reach new heights, and I'm not just saying that because he has wings, so how may I be of service?
Larry: I have something that needs to be sent out to New Mobotropolis but first I need to use your phone photo machine.
Sally: Phone Photo Machine?
Marvin: Oh yes, it's a device we have that can take any picture taken on a phone and converts it to a photo. It's really fast too!
Larry: Okay done, is there anything you girls want to write before I mail this off? *Takes out a piece of paper and envelope*
Hershey: I guess a small message wouldn't hurt.
And so Hershey, Sally and Erma wrote their own messages on the paper, Larry puts the message and the photo inside the envelope only for sally to put in the address, then hands it off to Marvin.
Marvin: Okay, you're all set!
Larry: Thanks Marvin
Sally: I wanted to ask you, how do you managed to keep mail undetected to prevent someone like Dr. Eggman from finding out?
Marvin: Oh that's simple, let me show you.
And so Marvin took the girls to the work room, they saw that they use drones which workers give the mail to, and then they input the destination for the address and the drone starts going underground.
Marvin: and so you see, we use special drones which allows them to travel underground through these tunnels, making it a lot easier for mail to go through.
Sally: At least you don't have to worry about traffic!
Marvin: *Laughs* So true, but through it all, these drones have been a great part of our service.
Hershey: This is really incredible! This town must really know how to innovate itself.
Larry: Oh believe me, this town is full of surprises! Well thanks again, Marvin!
Marvin: Anytime, Larry! And I hope you girls enjoy your stay in Floterna!
Sally: Oh we will thank you!
And so the group exited out of the post office they noticed a mysterious figure walking down the street.
Sally: Say doesn't that look like that thief from yesterday?
Larry: It would appear so, but it doesn't look like he's stolen anything but we better keep a close watch!
Hershey: Do you mean that person all dressed in black?
Sally: yeah, Larry and I encountered him yesterday, and stole a lot of stuff.
Larry: We were able to catch him the first time but escaped. fortunately, it looks like he's empty handed.
the figured stopped for a moment and tossed a small dart, however Hershey was able to catch it.
Larry: Nice Catch!
Hershey took a moment to observe the dart, when she noticed a piece of paper tied to a rubber band.
Hershey: Looks like there's a note attached it.
Sally: Let's see what it says.
Sally took the piece of paper opens it and finds a message that says "Catch me if you can Sugah Queen!" with a red lipstick mark on the bottom.
Larry: Sugah Queen? well that's real mature!
Sally: I'm starting to have a hunch of who this mystery thief is, but to be sure we need to catch him or her.
Thief: You'll never take me alive!
Larry: It's a she? well this is awkward!
And so the thief ran off with the group following her. She tried to do some acrobatic tricks to confuse the gang but Hershey was able to slow her down.
Hershey: I've never seen anyone with such grace!
Sally: Oh believe me! She gave me quite a chase yesterday!
As the chase continued the thief noticed a path that leads to the woods. So she decided to head down that path to find a place to hide, however as as she treaded down the path, she got her foot stuck in a small pot hole. Misty who was nearby saw this and walked up to her.
Misty: Excuse me, are you Stuck?
Thief: Beat it Kid, I'm a hurry!
Misty can see the thief was stuck, and offers to get her out, unaware of the fact that the person she's helping is on the run.
Misty: I can pull you out!
Misty proceeded to pull the thief out and she got unstuck, she fell over landing in a small mud puddle.
Misty: Are you okay?
Thief: Yeah, sure, whatever! Now beat it Kid, I gotta go!
The thief left in a hurry, leaving Misty in confusion, when Sally and the group met up with her!
Larry: Misty, I'm glad you're here! Have you seen anyone go by here?
Misty: Well there was this person in black clothes with a black helmet that was stuck but I let her out. Is something wrong?
Sally: You see the person you helped was actually a thief.
Misty: A thief! Oh No! I'm so sorry, I didn't know!
Larry: It's all right kiddo, obviously you didn't know, did you see where she went?
Misty: Yeah, she went up that hill over there!
Larry: Oh that can't be good!
Erma: What's wrong?
Larry: That path leads to the hydro stream, The rapids can be very tense there and the grass around the area can be pretty slippery!
Erma: But we can't let that thief get away!
Sally: You're right, we'll have go up there carefully, and Misty thanks for your help, but next time be more careful of who you try to help.
Misty: I will thank you Miss Acorn.
And so Sally and the group started to head up to the hill leading to the Hydro Stream. It wasn't long till they reached the area.
Larry: All right! Our Culprit can be anywhere, it's best to stay on your toes. this area is slippery so we don't want to fall, especially in the river.
Sally: Nicole, we're going to need your help on this.
Nicole: *Materializes in Lynx Form* I'll be happy to assist, Sally!
Hershey: That's Nicole! I've never seen her like this before!
Nicole: How nice to see you again, Hershey! I'm glad you're alive and well!
Hershey: Thank you! Okay, so what's the plan?
Sally: Maybe if we split up, we can corner the thief with no means to escape! Alright guys let's go!
Sally and the group went in different directions, They had to be careful or they could end up slipping on the wet grass, or worse, fall in the river. They remained quiet until they heard footsteps. That's when they knew that the thief was nearby so they tiptoed quietly, and they continued to do so until they saw the sight of the thief sitting from exhaustion from being chased. That's when they knew they had to strike.
Sally: Alright we got you cornered! There's no escaping from us this time!
Thief: That's what you think, Acorn!
Larry: How does she know that your last name is Acorn?
Hershey: I bet she's some sort of spy, let me take a closer look!
Thief: Wait a minute! Hershey St. John! You're actually Alive!? I thought you were dead!
Hershey: Well let's just say my death was greatly exaggerated! You might as well surrender!
She attempts to escape using a smoke bomb but upon observation the discovered that she didn't have any on her!
Thief: Oh no! I must've ran out of Smoke bombs!
Erma: *Tauntingly* What's the matter, can't learn to stock up properly? maybe next time have someone else stock for you!
Larry couldn't help but chuckle at that statement Erma made.
Hershey: But seriously, it's too dangerous here, trust me, you could get hurt here.
Thief: QUIET! The last thing I need is to be burned! Especially by the likes of you Freedom Fighters
Larry: Actually I'm just a Gym Teacher! Look just calm down and I can help you by talking this out!
Thief: Look buddy I don't need your help! Everytime I get help I'm always getting burned!
Larry: Burned? by who exactly?
Thief: Everybody! My Parents! Sally! Sonic! Practically every freedom fighter! but no more...NO MORE!
Sally Took a moment to analyze the things the thief was saying and that's when it hit her.
Sally: Nicole, are you thinking what I'm thinking?
Nicole: It wouldn't surprise me a bit, at this moment nothing would!
That's when Sally started walk up to the thief as slowly and carefully as possible. Larry, Erma, and Hershey are concerned on what Sally is trying to in hopes that the thief doesn't try to pull any fast ones.
Hershey: Better be careful Sal!
Larry: We better stand our ground, just in case!
Erma: You two better stand right next to me, this could be intense.
As Hershey and Larry Stood bye Erma in an effort to prevent the thief from escaping, Sally walked right in front of her!
Sally: Alright, this ends now, you thief!
At the moment Sally took the helmet off the thief in order to reveal her true identity, Larry, Erma, and Hershey started to prepare to attack, however Sally remained calm but determined to bring her to justice.
Sally: Or Should I say, Fiona Fox!?
This reveal shocked everyone, they seem to got the impression that Sally somehow figured out that the thief was none other then Fiona Fox!
Erma: I don't believe it!
Larry: Well this suddenly took a strange turn!
Sally comes face to face with Fiona to figure out what she is up to.
Fiona: *Tauntingly* How nice to see you again, Sugah Queen!
TO BE CONTINUED