CHAPTER 3: BONDING FRIENDSHIPS
After a brief encounter with Fiona's former partner, Nic the Weasel, the group had just managed to make it out of the marshlands and back on track to get to Vermabar. They continued to walk until they reached a fork in the road.
"Okay now according the GPS" Fiona Said "We turn left here, and then straight ahead there should be a huge clearing."
"Sounds good to me" Sonic said "A nice clearing should totally beat the scenery of your typical swamp, So how are you holding up?"
"I'm doing okay I guess" Fiona said "I feel kinda bad that you had to get involved with Nic when we tried to help Thaddeus get his staff back. She can be very fiesty."
"It's okay" Sonic said "You broke ties with her for a very good reason, and you don't need people like that in your life. And beside I've always been cool with your past because it should never have to define who you are in the present."
"I never thought if it that way." Fiona said with a smile "It really gives me something to think about, but still it's a difficult journey."
"That's true, but one thing's for certain" Tails said "You don't have to do it alone."
"Thanks guys" Fiona Said "I just hope this doesn't put you in anymore danger."
"Don't worry about that" Milo Said "I always come prepared in the face of danger, I was in the Acorn scouts when I was a kid, I used everything I learned from that experience whether it was knot tying, Navigation, First-Aid, and even every basic survival skills in the book to help get to where I am today."
"Oh How could I forget? I remember I use to see you in that uniform like you were a super hero!" Fiona said
"Yep!" Milo said "those were some fond times."
"Wow, you definitely have the makings of a Freedom Fighter with that kind of know how" Sonic Said "Sally would've love to hear all about your Acorn Scout days."
"Well I'm flattered" Milo said "I will be more then happy to share my experiences."
As the group continued to head down the path, they noticed a sad expression on Zeke's face.
"Hey, Zeke you seem out of it." Kimi Said
"I guess I still kinda bad about that Nic girl" Zeke said "You should've seen how upset she was when we escaped."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, Zeke" Fiona said "Nic isn't the kind of person who would settle down with anyone anyway, she's broken more hearts then treasure chests, besides I'm sure she'll get over it."
"I guess you're right" Zeke said
however unbeknownst to them Nic was watching them from behind the bushes with a determined look in her eye to take down Fiona and reclaim Zeke.
"Oh you would think that, now would you, you sneaky Fox..." Nic thought "no one tries to steal my man and gets away with it, I just need to see where they're going."
"I guess a feel a little bit better" Zeke said "but still it felt like as if there was like a spark."
Nic having observed the group blushed upon hearing that, but still she had to remain vigilant and focus on her own agenda.
"It's like what Fiona told me" Tails said "Crushes comes and goes."
"That's very true, Tails "Fiona said as she rubbed his head a bit.
"Well that doesn't surprise me" Kimi Said "When we were kids, Fiona always had her own insight on things, heck her advice even helped me out sometimes."
The gang continued to head down the path, the trail was easy going with a gentle breeze, and the scenery was radiant and beautiful. Through it all they finally made it to a clearing.
"Wow, this is really amazing" Kimi said "There's so much trees and flowers, why you could have a picnic here."
The group looked around the area when Sonic noticed a sign right next to him. He took a closer look at the sign that says "Flora Picnic grounds where you can enjoy your meal with the soothing feel and sounds of Nature."
"Well you're definitely right about the Picnic thing Kimi." Sonic Said "According to this sign, this place is a picnic ground."
"After all that excitement, I could use something to eat." Zeke Said
"Good thing we packed up on Food" Sonic Said "For any trip, I would bring a few Chili dogs, I can't be expected to take down Eggman on an empty stomach."
"I got some food too" Kimi said "In fact, I made these myself. It's a special blend of Peach and Banana pudding."
"I have some sandwiches" Fiona Said
"I managed to pick up some Apples before we left" Tails said
"I got some Trail Mix" Milo said "A nice mix of Almonds, candy, Raisins, and Peanuts."
"Not bud, dude" Zeke said "But all that stuff is nothing compared to what I have.
Zeke unpacks a container from his back pack and opens it, only to reveal a whole assortment of Cheese, Crackers, Salami, Pepperoni.
"Wow that is quite a selection" Sonic Said "Impressive!
"Thanks, Sonic" Zeke Said "A bounty must always have some provisions when tracking down the bad guys. I also have some water too if anyone is thirsty."
"Same here" Fiona Said. "I wasn't sure how long I would be away so I packed a few water bottles as well."
"I'm glad everyone came prepared" Sonic said "looks like there's some tables over there, so lets take a break."
"Sounds good to me" Zeke said
And So the group went on over to a nearby picnic table, set down their food and began eating. And while they were eating, they couldn't help but enjoy the peace and quiet the picnic ground had to offer. Just a few moments later, a voice was heard.
"Hi, Mr. Sonic" the voice said.
The group turned around to see where the voice was coming from, only to discover it was Cream the Rabbit with her Chao Cheese running up to say hi.
"Hey there, Cream" Sonic said
"Fancy Meeting you here, it's so good to see you!" Tails said
"Good to see you guys too" Cream Said
"Guys, This is Cream" Sonic Said "She's a good friend of ours."
"Hi there, Cream" Fiona Said " I'm not sure if you remember me but I'm Fiona, and these are my childhood friends, Milo, Zeke, and Kimi."
"Nice to meet you, kiddo" Milo Said
"Hi there" Zeke said
"You look so adorable" Kimi said "And I love your Chao!"
Cheese giggled with excitement upon hearing that compliment
"Why thank you" Cream said "And Ms. Fiona, I hope you've been doing well."
"Well things are good more or less" Fiona Said
Just then while the group was talking, Cream's mother Vanilla met up with Cream
"Oh there you are, Cream!" Vanilla said
"Sorry, Mom" Cream Said "I saw Mr. Sonic so I was running up to say hi to him."
"It's quite alright dear" Vanilla said "But do be more careful, I don't want you getting lost."
"Yes Mom" Cream said
"it's good to see you Vanilla!" Sonic said
"How nice to see you again, Sonic" Vanilla Said "I hope things are well back at Knothole."
"Well it's just like any other day." Always being alert for Eggman, kicking some Robot butt every now and then."
"And Tails, I see you've been doing well" Vanilla said
"Well I have been coming up with ideas for new inventions." Tails said
"And you must be Fiona" Vanilla said "Cream told me about you, it was nice of you to help her get her ball down when she came to visit."
"Well gee" Fiona said while blushing "It was a couple weeks ago, but I was happy to help."
"It's always joy to have Cream come visit us." Tails said
"And these three are Kimi, Milo, and Zeke" Fiona said "They were my friends from Childhood."
"Well it's really nice to meet you" Milo Said
"It's a pleasure to meet you maam" Zeke Said
"Hi there, and I really like your dress." Kimi said "It's very Stylish."
"Well thank you, it's very nice to meet you all too." Vanilla said "So what brings you here?"
"We were just sitting down and taking a break." Sonic Said
"We're heading over to Vermabar" Kimi Said
"Vermabar...the name sounds familiar" Vanilla said "It wouldn't by any chance be the town with the Giant oak tree would it?"
"Why Yes" Milo Said "I know that tree very well, it even had a nice treehouse for all the kids to play in."
"Oh my goodness!" Fiona Said "I had such fond memories of that tree house! We use to play all sorts of games and hang out there after school was over."
"Those were some good times" Zeke said
"Especially for me" Kimi said "in fact that's where I first met Fiona, when we were kids, there was some older kids picking on Fiona because she was wearing that yellow bow."
"Yeah...It was a birthday gift from my Mom" Fiona Said "She knew yellow was my favorite color."
"And So I saw how sad they were making her, so I came in and told them off" Kimi continued "After they ran off I checked to make sure she was okay she was a little nervous at first but then she hugged me and thanked me for saving her from those bullies."
"It's really starting to come back to me now" Fiona Said "Kimi was so brave to have done that for me. I was scared and didn't know what to do."
"Aww I was more then happy to help" Kimi said "besides, you helped me out too, remember when we went on that hike?"
"Oh yeah" Fiona said "when we reached the top of the hill, you fell right into a deep pit."
"It was sure scary and dark down there" Kimi said "I thought if it went any deeper, I would've have fallen down big time, but to my surprise at the time, Fiona was really resourceful."
"I found some some vines hanging around and tied them together to make them longer like a rope" Fiona said "then I tied them to a nearby tree, and have Kimi climb out. watched over her so I could grab her when she made it out in case the vines broke. Luckily I was able to catch her just in time."
"I never forgot what Fiona did for me that day" Kimi said "She's truly amazing"
"well I don't know about amazing" Fiona said as she blushed "But I wasn't gonna let Kimi stay in that pit, I knew I had to do something. She was like a sister to me."
"Aww thanks, Fi!" Kimi Said "I always saw you as a sister too!
"Now that is a really great bond" Sonic said "You two must've been inseparable."
"Yeah!" Fiona said "We always enjoyed hanging out together. I guess in a way we were like You and Tails. You guys always hang out together, and go on missions"
"Yeah, Sonic and I do have a lot of fun together" Tails said "in fact we're kinda like brothers"
"You took the words right out of my mouth" Sonic said "So Fiona, how did you meet Milo and Zeke?"
"Well I met Milo when I was a the playground" Fiona Said "I was playing by the jungle gym, when suddenly my Tail got caught on a piece of gum that someone just left there."
"That's disgusting" Kimi said "People should really learn that Gum doesn't belong there."
"Anyway" Fiona said "I had trouble getting out, and I was crying for help but it seemed that no one could hear me. but I saw milo coming by and he tried to pull my tail out. I lost some of my fur that day although it did grow back after a couple months, but he really helped me that day."
"I remember that!" Milo Said "She was in tears because no one would come to help her, So I was more then happy to help."
"It was very kind of you, Milo and I was really grateful for that "Fiona said "and I met Zeke, when I was in art class. He was making a strange looking painting and I saw a whole bunch of kids making fun of him because of how it looked. I walked up to him and told him, that painting looked like grapes and I really love grapes."
"I remember you told me that" Zeke said "Strangely enough, they were grapes I was painting, I was just trying to paint them in an abstract style."
"You always had such a vivid imagination" Fiona said "Even the art teacher was impressed despite what the other classmates thought."
"Yeah!" Zeke said "I'm glad you weren't one of the classmates who made fun of my painting."
"Ever since then, the four of us were practically inseparable." Fiona Said "We did all sorts of stuff together, whether it was playing games, going camping, and even having a few sleepovers. They were the greatest!"
"Sounds like you guys really had a lot of fun times" Sonic Said "however you did mention that you guys had to move."
"Yeah..." Kimi said "I had to move because my dad got a job over by the countryside. He work for an agriculture company. I was really upset when I had to move because I didn't want my friendship with Fiona to end, in fact that's when she gave me this necklace."
"I was sad too..." Fiona Said "So my Mom helped me pick out that necklace with my allowance so you had something to remember me by."
"And I held on to it ever since" Kimi said.
"I had to move because my parents was going through a divorce" Milo said "I chose to be with my mom because she always supported me, and I wanted to do the same for her, and my Dad was getting really distant."
"And as for me" Zeke said "I had to transfer schools because of a bully problem, so I had to move to a house that was close to it."
"I'm sorry to hear about all this" Vanilla said "It must've been really hard to split up like that."
"Oh believe me it was" Fiona said "Despite that, I gave them my address and phone number so we can continue to keep and touch and talk about stuff. It was great for a while, but after Robotnik's takeover we kinda stopped..."
"You poor dears" Vanilla said
"Yeah...I thought I would've lost them forever" Fiona said "I was really happy when I saw you guys yesterday, It really brought me happiness...the kind of happiness I haven't experienced in a long time."
"Us too!" Kimi said
"Reuniting with old friends can really be a great experience" Sonic said "So you said you heard of Vermabar?"
"Oh Yes!" Vanilla said "I heard it was rebuilt recently and the Giant Oak tree is as beautiful as ever, and the tree house looks amazing."
This sent a wave a relief to Fiona. She had such fond memories of the Oak Tree with the tree house that she and her friends use to play in. She hoped that she can be able to share that experience with Sonic and Tails. Despite the joyful reminiscing, Fiona still had a lot on her mind concerning her past and she was hopeful that She and her friends don't run into any more danger. However she didn't want to let that ruin the fun they are currently having.
"I'm glad to hear about the Oak tree and the tree house" Fiona said "I hope I can show it to you and Tails when we get there."
"Sounds good!" Sonic said "If you want share your childhood experiences with us, that's fine with me."
"Same here!" Tails said "I'm quite curious to see what other places this town has to offer."
"Oh believe me!" Fiona said "You're going to be in for a real treat!"
During this conversation, Nic was peeping out from one of the bushes, hearing everything they said.
"Vermabar Huh?" Nic said to herself "Well I'll have to let them lead me there, and when the time is right, I can strike.
After everyone was done eating, the group put away their things. After that, Sonic, Tails along with Milo Zeke and Kimi began to look around the clearing, admiring the scenery, However Fiona started to feel a bit depressed so she went over to talk to Cream and Vanilla who was still packing their stuff to head back to their home.
"Excuse me" Fiona said "There's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Oh? What's on your mind, dear?" Vanilla asked
"Well you see, I had a bit of checkered past" Fiona Explained "And I feel that it's starting to define me. I want to be able to move on by facing it head on but it feels like a challenge."
"Sounds like you're carrying a heavy burden, Miss Fiona" Cream said "Everyone makes mistakes, but they don't have to define who they are."
"Cream's right, Fiona" Vanilla Said "The important thing is you're aware of it and you're making an effort to change. That is a huge step forward."
"True" Fiona said "But still it feels like whenever people look at me, all they see is the person who done some terrible things. I want to be able to prove that I'm capable of doing good."
"And that's good" Cream said "It shouldn't matter what other people think, all that matters is what you think. Just remember the people who truly care about you will see the good in you and support your effort to conquer your past. and I know Mr. Sonic and his friends belive in you so you're never alone."
"Thanks, Cream!" Fiona said as she hugged cream "I needed that"
"It also helps to focus on the present and future" Vanilla said "Think about the person you want be and take the steps necessary to become that person. And also be kind to yourself, it sounds to me that you're already doing the best you can and that's something to be proud of."
"Thank you" Fiona said as she hugged Vanilla "You really help me set things in perspective for me."
Cheese gives Fiona a hug as well.
"You didn't I forget you did you?" Fiona said to Cheese as she hugged back.
"Chao Chao Chao" Cheese said happily
"Anytime, Fiona" Cream said
"We're always happy to help" Vanilla said
and with that Fiona went ahead and joined Sonic and the group to look around the area while Cream, Cheese and Vanilla watched them from afar. After a while the group parted ways with Cream and her Mother. After that Fiona checked the GPS on her communicator to see where they needed to go next.
"According to the GPS" Fiona said "We need to make a right turn, then we need to take another right after that."
"Alright, but we'll probably need to crash somewhere for the night, it looks like the sun is starting to set" Sonic said.
"Oh you're right!" Kimi said "we better get going before it gets really dark!"
and so the group got going, and it wasn't long before it got dark. Fortunately, Sonic took out his flashlight and used it to brighten up their path.
"This should shed a little light on things" Sonic said "Hopefully we can find somewhere to make camp."
After much searching, KImi spotted an area with plenty of space for everyone to sleep.
"Alright I brought two tents" Zeke said as he took out a Yellow Tent and a Green Tent "One for us guys, and one for you girls."
"That's smart thinking, Zeke" Sonic said "You really know how to be resourceful."
"Well I do have some women on my bounty hunter team, so it's only necessary to have tent just for them, so in the very least it won't be crowded."
"That's pretty clever" Tails said
"This is going to be fun" Kimi said "It would be just like when we use to have those sleepovers."
"Yeah!" Fiona said "It should be fun."
And so as the group finished setting up camp, Sonic went around to make sure there weren't any prowlers around. However while he was on patrol, Nic was spying on the group on top of the tree, waiting for Sonic to finish.
"As soon as that hedgehog is done, I can be able to sneak up on Fiona and claim what's rightfully mine" Nic said
After a while Sonic was finished and headed back to the tent, providing Nic the opportunity to carry out her plan. However by the time she got down on the ground, she noticed that two tents were set up.
"Now which tent could that fox be hiding in?" Nic asked to herself " I saw sonic go into that Green tent so I can't go in there. So maybe this Yellow tent is where she is. Just as she was about to go in, she heard Kimi and Fiona talking so Nic decided to wait till they fell asleep.
"There! the sleeping bags are all set up" Fiona said "Now this really feels like a sleepover."
"It sure does" Kimi said "In fact it's been a long time since I went camping! Hey Fiona, I wanted to ask you, what's it like in Knothole?"
"Well It's nice, and peaceful" Fiona Said "it's the kind of place to go to when you want to relax after a stressful day."
"I can only imagine" Kimi said "I'm really glad I got to see you again after all these years. I never stopped thinking about you"
"Aww I'm glad to see you too, truth be told I almost didn't recognize you because the last time we saw each other was when we were kids" Fiona said
"That's understandable" Kimi said "A lot has happened since then"
"Sure has" Fiona said "I wish you never had to move away"
"Yeah me too" Kimi Said "But my Dad had that new job, so we had no choice"
"I know, it's not your fault" Fiona Said "it's just that I really miss the games and adventures we went on together, like I wish you were still there with me even through my toughest times."
"It sounds like Fiona really went through a lot of tough times since I moved" Kimi thought "I only hope whatever it is, she won't have to go through it again."
"I know things hasn't been easy for you, as you mentioned back at Freedom HQ "Kimi said as she placed her hand on Fiona's Shoulder "But I hope that we both can be able to make up for lost time."
"Gee, Kimi!" Fiona Said "I would like that"
"Great! "Kimi Said "I also hope that after this journey, you can be able to trust people again."
"Yeah, me too...well goodnight Kimi" Fiona said
"Goodnight" Kimi said as she yawned
With both girls fallen asleep, Nic begins to walk in to the tent and grab her. However she noticed the green tent moving as if someone was trying to come out, so she hid near some bushes to avoid being caught. From there she can see that Zeke was stepping out of the tent making sure that no one left anything behind. Nic couldn't help but watch him, however he walked back in shortly. Nic was still determined to get Zeke but she knew it could be risky due to the fact that Sonic and Tails was traveling along as well. However she started to fall asleep. The next Morning everyone was up and about, packing the tent up and ready to pick up where they left off.
"I hope everyone had a good night's rest" Sonic said "Because it's time to keep on moving."
"Right" Fiona said "The GPS says to make a right turn at the spot just straight ahead."
and so the group got going, and Nic who has just woke up heard the conversation and decided to follow them as conspicuously as possible.
And after the group turned right at the spot, they noticed a sign that says "Vermabar 2 miles ahead" making them very happy knowing that they're almost at their destination.
"Isn't this exciting?" Kimi said "I haven't been in that town in years!"
"I know right?" I'm really excited to see all the old places that they saved" Zeke said
"I had to admit, this was one heck of an adventure" Milo said "I'm glad we're almost there!"
Fiona on the other hand felt a bit nervous. As happy as she was that she was about visiting her old hometown, she also felt a bit uneasy.
"It's hard to believe that I'll be in my old hometown after all these years" Fiona thought "But considering what happened to the town years ago, is it possible that it might provide the answers I need?
"Hey, Fiona!" Sonic said "are you feeling okay? You seem a bit tense."
"Oh Sorry!" Fiona said "I guess I just got lost in my train of thought. I haven't seen Vermabar in years and it's hard to believe that I get to visit there again."
"I don't blame you" Milo said "being away from a town you use to live in can bring back a flood of memories."
"It's okay to be nervous" Sonic said "But, we're all here with you"
"Thank you, Sonic!" Fiona said
And so the group headed down the path they noticed a strawberry field straight ahead.
"Wow look at all these Strawberries" Kimi said
"They look really good to eat" Zeke said
"Hold on there, you two" Milo said "We can't just go ahead and take these, they obviously belong to someone."
"Plus we don't know if they are ripe yet." Tails said
"How right you are" A voice said
Everyone looked around to see where the voice was coming from, then they saw a Mobian Robin farmer running up to them.
"we're sorry about that" Kimi said
"No harm done, little lady" The Mobian Robin said "The name's Jake, and I grew these strawberries."
"That's really amazing" Tails said
"Thank you" Jake said "I have been working these fields for a long time, so what brings you to these parts?"
"We were on our way to Vermabar" Fiona explained
"Oh yes, I heard that town is having it's own reopening" Jake said "I've been growing these berries so I can take them to the Farmer's market there. And they are more then ready to be sold"
"Oh my goodness!" Kimi said "I remember those farmer's market! They always had the best fruits and vegetables."
"And they also some baked goods too!" Zeke said "Like Pies, and Cookies, and even brownies."
"Sounds like this town had plenty to offer to the community!" Sonic said "Sally would've loved to hear about this."
"We can be able to tell her about it when we get there" Milo Said
"Great Idea!" Tails said
just then a strange figure dressed in white appeared from behind the trees and started to head towards the strawberries.
"Look, that bandit's trying to steal the strawberries" Jake said "He must be stopped!"
"Don't worry, we're on it!" Sonic said
And so the group headed towards the bandit, however the bandit takes out a blaster weapon causing everyone to back off.
"Better be careful guys" Sonic said "We don't what this guy's going to do."
The bandit began charging up the weapon, and as soon as it was done, he began to aim towards Fiona. Just as the bandit began to blast the weapon, Sonic rushed in just in time to save her.
"Thanks for the save Sonic!" Fiona Said
"Anytime, Fiona!" Sonic Said "Looks like this guy means business!"
How ever the bandit kept shooting the weapon towards the two only for Kimi to come and shielded the bandit's sight with her hands.
"RUN YOU GUYS" Kimi Yelled "I GOT HIM"
As Sonic rushed Fiona to safety, the Bandit was able get Kimi of him and began to see where Sonic and Fiona went.
"It seems that this guy has it out for Fiona" Milo said
"What do you mean?" Zeke said
"Did you notice that when he first used that blaster, he aimed right towards her before Sonic saved her from harm?" Milo asked
"I did, but I don't think any of us has ever seen this guy." Kimi said.
"Sonic and I have never seen him either" Tails said
As the bandit continued his search, Sonic was able to find a hiding spot behind the bushes and he and Fiona kneeled down to duck out of sight.
"This bandit is very persistent" Sonic Said "We need to figure out a way to strike."
"There's something about that bandit that's so familiar" Fiona thought "it seems that he must to be out to get me..."
However as Sonic was coming up with a plan to stop the bandit, Fiona noticed some rope on the ground.
"Sonic, maybe we can trap the bandit with this rope" Fiona said
"It's worth a try!" Sonic said
Fiona took the rope, and the two began to slowly walk out of their hiding area. However the Bandit managed to detect them and began to blast towards Fiona.
"Better hold on, Fi" Sonic said "It's time to Juice!"
Fiona grabbed on to Sonic as the bandit continued to blast away. Fiona use the rope to Lasso the Bandit, causing him to drop the blaster. "
"Great Rope trick there" Sonic said
Way to go, Sonic!" Tails said "You really showed him!"
"It was Fiona who saved the day" Sonic said "She really lassoed him"
"It was a little something I picked up on when I was kid and we would play cowboys" Fiona said as she blushed.
"I remember that" Milo Said "You always make a great sheriff!"
"And I was her first deputy!" Kimi said
"It's amazing how childhood experiences can come in handy when you're battling a bad guy!" Tails said "Great job, Fiona!"
"Thanks, Little bro!" Fiona said
"Little bro?" Zeke said "Am I hearing that right?"
"Well the thing is, Tails is like a little brother to me and he considers me to be a big sister to him." Fiona explained
"That's true" Tails said
"Aww that's so nice" Kimi said
"It just goes to show that we are strong as a team, now that we got that out of the way" Sonic said "Let's see who this bandit really is."
However just before they can unmask him, the bandit was able to free one of his hands from the rope, and took out a slim looking weapon. He pressed it, and outcame smoke surrounding Sonic and the group creating a smokescreen. Tails used his two tails to blow away the smokescreen, and when it cleared up, they saw that the bandit escaped.
"Aww he got away" Kimi said
"Don't worry, if he comes back, we'll be ready for him." Sonic said "One thing that concerns me is that the bandit was aiming towards you, Fiona.
"I noticed...but I never seen this guy" Fiona said "So I don't know who would want to attack me..."
"Neither do we" Milo said "But whoever has the nerve to mess with you, will have to answer to us!"
Just then Jake rushed up to check on things.
"Is everyone alright?" Jake asked
"We're fine" Tails said "I hope we didn't ruin your strawberries."
Jake began to observe his strawberry field, and despite the damage the bandit caused with his weapon, the strawberries were unharmed and ready to be harvested.
"My strawberries are just fine!" Jake said "Thank you so much for your help!"
"All in a day's work" Sonic said proudly "I'm glad we were able to help!"
"That bandit got away though" Fiona said
"No worries" Jake said "All that matters is that you stopped him from taking the fruit. In fact why don't you take some?"
"That's really nice of you" Tails said "But you don't have to do that."
"It's just my token of appreciation" Jake said
So Jake headed to his shed to grab a paper bag and brought it back to the field. He then takes a big handful of Strawberries and puts them in the bag, then hands it over to Sonic.
"I hope this should be plenty for your trip." Jake said
"I think it will do just fine, thank you Jake!" Sonic said
"Yes, this is very generous of you" Kimi said
"It's no problem at all. If you see me in Vermabar, I'll have much more then just strawberries at the Farmer's market." Jake said
"Thanks, we'll remember that!" Tails said
And so the group parted ways with Jake and as the group began to head down the path to Vermabar, Fiona couldn't help but worry about what just happened.
"Something on your mind, Fio?" Kimi asked "You seem a bit out of it."
"It's just that there's something about the way that bandit was attacking us that was so familliar" Fiona said "But I can't lay my finger on it."
"Now that you mention it" Tails said "I did notice how he was aiming at you, almost as if this person in question has some sort of grudge against you."
"I've dealt with a lot of people in the past" Fiona said "But I don't know who would be capable of attacking us right out of the blue."
"Well whoever this person is" Sonic said "We'll show him not to mess with us!"
"Yeah!" Kimi said
"Thanks guys" Fiona Said "I really appreciate it, I really do."
And so the group started heading down the path with Nic the weasel secretly following them.
"It shouldn't be long before they reach Vermabar" Nic said to herself "Once they arrive there, I can prepare my attack on that Fiona."
And once the group headed up to another path, Fiona use the GPS on her communicator to see where to head next.
"According to the GPS" Fiona said "We take a left here, and by then we should be able to reach Vermabar."
"Oh I can hardly wait!" Kimi said with excitement "I can't wait to see what kind of improvements they made over the town."
"Yeah me too!" Milo said "It will be a great experience for the four of us to visit the very town where we first met."
"So true, Dude!" Zeke said
"And the best part is, Sonic and Tails is here with us" Kimi said "So we can share our experiences with them."
"I'm looking forward to that!" Sonic said
"Me too!" Tails said "Thank you for being willing to share this with us."
"I think this will be great" Fiona said "I know you guys will love it."
And as the gang continued down the path to their destination, Fiona noticed something on the ground. It was a flat rock that had ancient text written in a foreign language on it.
"Hey guys, take a look at this!" Fiona said "Have you ever seen anything like this?"
The group walked over to observe the rock.
"I never seen anything like this before" Tails said "It looks like some sort of ancient relic judging from the condition of this rock and the text written on there."
"Any idea what it says?" Sonic asked
"Not sure, but I can get my translator to check it out" Tails said
And so Tails takes out his translator device from his backpack, and begins to analyze it. however the device didn't see any results.
"It would appear that my translator can't pick up on what the text is saying..." Tails said "Maybe it might some sort of connection to Vermabar?"
"Well It was once rumored that the town was founded by a sorcerer" Fiona said "But I don't know the full story to that."
"It might be best to hang on to it for now, at least till we get some answers." Tails said
And So Fiona puts the relicinto her backpack for safe keeping as the gang continued down the path. Vermabar would soon be around the corner and Fiona hoped that the town can provide answers for her past, as well as finding answers of what happened to her Parents and everyone that lived in her hometown prior to Robotnik's takeover. She also had a feeling that with the help of the relic that she found, there might be some connection to all of this.
"I don't know much about this relic" Fiona thought "But I do hope there's some kind of connection to this, and my past."
END OF CHAPTER 3