At The Rehab center, Dr. Willow and Kimi has escorted Fiona, Sally, and Larry to the Activity room where all the patients were partaking in various activities, such as painting, making clay sculptures, creating artwork and stories by using a computer, and playing music using the instruments provided.
Dr. Willow: So Fiona, what would you like to do first?
Fiona walked over to the area where the music instruments are and Fiona sat down by an electronic Keyboard
Fiona: I haven't played one of these in a long time
Kimi: Give it a try, maybe you might make a nice song out of it.
Fiona: I don't know...What if I sound terrible...
Dr. Willow: It's okay, all that matters is that you just relax and let the melody guide you.
Fiona took a deep breath and started playing the keyboard one key at a time, and as she started getting into it, she started playing melody that sounded very soft and as she went on, it started to get loud. When she was done everyone was surprised.
Sally: That sounded really good, Fiona
Fiona: Really? I mean it just came to me when I was playing
Dr. Willow: It seems that this melody represents some sort of meaning.
Fiona: What do you mean?
Dr. Willow: It seems to me that you started on a path that was nice and tranquil, and as you continued that path started to turn dark.
Fiona: Yeah...I guess I can see that now...
Kimi: I bet if you keep at it, you can make like a neat Rock song!
Fiona: *chuckles nervously* yeah...may I try doing some painting?
Dr. Willow: Of course, go ahead.
Just as Fiona was about to get up, Ms. Stevens entered the room!
Larry: Oh, Ellen! great to see you! Sally, Fiona, This is Ellen, She teaches art at Freedom U.
Sally: Nice to meet you, I recently joined the school a few days ago.
Ms. Stevens: So I've heard, word gets around pretty quick around here. Anyway, I came to drop off some extra paint in case anyone here needs it.
Dr. Willow: Excellent, you can set them over by the table.
Ms. Stevens went ahead and put the extra paints on the table, She noticed Fiona standing right in front of her, she took a moment to observe Fiona then afterwards she gave her a warm smile.
Ms. Stevens: Fiona, it's nice to meet you as well!
Fiona: umm...thanks
Larry: Fiona is actually here because she's doing the 3 month rehabilitation program.
Fiona: Yeah...it's true...
Ms. Stevens: well good for you Fiona, I know this programs will do wonders for you.
Fiona: So I've been told...Say have you heard of...Vilethorn?
Ms. Stevens: Oh yes...such a cruel and terrible place...That's why I help out here.
Larry: Ms Stevens volunteers here too, so you'll be seeing her a lot on weekends.
Fiona: Okay...
Sally: What's wrong Fiona?
Fiona: I'm just trying to figure out what to paint is all...
Dr. Willow: Just take your time, I'm sure it will come to you.
Ms. Stevens: Can you excuse me for a sec? I need to check to see if I have more supplies in my Car that I can bring in.
Dr. Willow: Of course, Ellen! Go on ahead.
Larry: Yeah, we're in no rush.
And so Ms Stevens stepped out of the room and headed down towards the hallway, then she stopped. She took out her cell phone and dialed up a number and a voice was heard.
Voice: Yes?
Ms. Stevens: I think I found the person you were looking for!
Voice: Oh that's great news!
Ms. Stevens takes out a photograph that resembles Fiona
Ms. Stevens: Yes it's her alright! I have a plan to bring her and her friends to you, You'll be in for a surprise!
Voice: Excellent!
and with that Ms. Stevens ended the conversation
Ms. Stevens: *Thinking* And I know Sally and Fiona will play a huge role in our operation. With their help we can succeed.
Ms. Stevens continued to head out to her car. Meanwhile back at the activity room, Sally has prepared an Easel, placed a canvas on it and provided Fiona with a set of paints.
Sally: Here you are Fiona, now you can paint whatever you like.
Kimi: There's no right or wrong way to do it, just paint what you feel.
Just as Fiona was about to start, Ms. Stevens came back with some extra smocks. She put one on Fiona so she wouldn't spill paint all over herself.
Ms. Stevens: If I can give you a word of advice, Fiona. Just take a deep breath and let the brush guide you.
Fiona: I guess I can give it a try.
Fiona took a deep breath and began to paint. She was beginning to lose herself as she kept painting with different colors with each stroke. After a while the painting was finished. When everyone took a look, they saw what appears to be a mini version of Fiona standing under a rain cloud hovering around her while mini versions of Sonic, Sally and the Freedom Fighters were on the other side chatting away.
Ms. Stevens: Oh my! This is really expressive!
Dr. Willow: It seems that your artwork represents some strong feelings.
Sally took a moment to observe the painting, and after a few minutes, she began to realize what the painting meant.
Sally: Fiona...This painting...is this how you were feeling at the time...when you were with us?
Fiona: Yes...I Always felt like an outcast...and no matter what I did...It always felt like as if the past was like a shadow that I couldn't escape from...
Kimi: Oh, Fiona...
Sally: I had no idea you felt this way
Fiona: Yeah...well now you know...
Nicole: Your painting really captures your emotions...
Dr. Willow: indeed, well why don't I hang on to it? that way, we can use it to make a nice timeline of you starting from the beginning of your journey here to the end.
Fiona: Sure...
Dr. Willow: Here's an idea, why don't you meet some of the other patients here? We can head over to the group circle next door so you can introduce yourself to the others.
Fiona: Well, I don't know...
Sally: Don't worry, Fiona! We will all be right here with you!
Fiona: Okay...
And so Dr. Willow leads the group to the social room next door. Once they get there, Fiona is seated in a chair right next to a female Mobian wolf, and a female Mobian Iguana.
Dr. Willow: Everyone thank you for joining us for today's group circle. Before we start, allow me to introduce Fiona Fox. She joined us today to begin her path to healing.
Mobian Wolf: Nice to meet you, Fiona! I'm Lucy
Mobian Iguana: And I'm Izzy!
Fiona: Thanks! Nice to meet you too...why are you guys here?
Izzy: I'm here because I was a part of an illegal ring, obtaining illegal items like weapons and putting them on the black market. At the time, I thought it was the only way to get by, but boy was I wrong.
Lucy: I'm here because I use to work with a group of Bandits, and one day they left me behind only for me to be caught by the police. That's when I realized that a life of crime isn't for me.
Fiona: That must've been rough!
Lucy: yeah...so why are you here?
Fiona: Well it's complicated to explain but, I use to be a part of this group that was well...destructive, and I would hurt a lot of people. In a way I realized that I didn't want to be that person anymore.
Dr. Willow: Thank you for sharing! It takes a lot of courage to be honest with yourself and others. Remember, we don't judge here, we're here to help and support each other.
Izzy: Do you like board games, Fiona? They got plenty in the activity room, maybe after this we can play some?
Fiona: I haven't really played them in a long time but okay.
Lucy: This is going to be fun.
Sally: Well looks like you're making some new friends.
Fiona: Yeah...I guess you were right, Sally. Maybe it won't be so bad after all.
Larry: And we're all behind you 100 percent.
Kimi: You don't need to feel alone anymore, Fio!
Fiona: *Tears forming* I don't deserve this much kindness but thank you.
Lucy: *puts hand on Fiona's Shoulder* You're going to fit in just fine! We can help each other out.
Izzy: Same here!
Fiona: Well...thank you...I don't know what so say!
Nicole: Looks like a strong support system is just what Fiona needs to help her stay on the right path.
Dr. Willow: how true indeed, but this is just the first step. She's got a long way to go.
A few hours later when everyone was eating lunch at the cafeteria, Fiona had one question that had been on her mind ever since Kimi explained to her about how there was a fire.
Fiona: Hey, Kimi, there was something I wanted to ask you.
Kimi: Of course, what is it?
Fiona: Well remember when you mentioned that there was a fire after I was captured by Robotnik?
Kimi: Yeah?
Fiona: Well then you mentioned that you started a search party. Well, I wanted to know, did my Parents ever tried to look for me?
Kimi: Well...yes! They were really devastated when you got captured. If it wasn't for that fire we would've rescued you in a heartbeat. they started a search party, consisting of all our friends and families.
Fiona: They did?
Kimi: Yes! In fact while they were searching they came across this blue hedgehog and asked for his assistance.
Fiona: You mean Sonic?
Kimi: Yes, but I didn't really realize it at the time. They went with him to find you, and as a few hours passed, he returned with 2 other guys, one was an armadillo and one was like a flying squirrel.
Fiona: That's Mighty and Ray! Mighty's an Armadillo, and Ray is the Flying Squirrel. He managed to rescue those two, but he...forgot about me...
Kimi: He did mention that after he rescued Ray, he rushed back to find you but by the time he got there, you were already gone, without any leads.
Fiona: Now that you mention it, some of the memories I spent in the cell was a blur but I do know that after a while Robotnik actually took me another facility and created this robot duplicate of me to Fool everyone. However that kinda backfired on him because I managed to escape, but what about my parents?
Kimi: Well when Sonic came back, I noticed that your parents weren't there. I asked Sonic where they here he told me that they somehow vanished. There weren't any robots nearby so I know they didn't get into any scuffles. However Sonic had a note they had written to give to me to give to you in case you were found, and I have been hanging on to it ever since. *Kimi reaches into her pocket and takes out an envelope and hands it to Fiona* Here!
Fiona opens the envelope which turns out to be a note and begins to read it! it says
"Fiona, you will always be in our hearts. Even though you were taken from us, we will never give up searching for you. We will be waiting for the day that we will reunite. You will always be our little Fox Fire, and we will always love you. From your loving parents Felicia and Felix"
Sally: That was very beautiful!
Fiona: You mean this whole time...they were actually looking for me? All this time, I thought they didn't care...
Kimi: They did care...they wouldn't have written that note if they didn't!
Fiona: *Tears forming* Mom...Dad...I love you...I miss you...*Fiona begins to cry with Kimi hugging her to provide comfort*
Larry noticed there was something attached to the letter by a paperclip.
Larry: Looks like there's a photograph attached. *Larry takes the photo out of the paperclip takes a look at it then gives it to Fiona* This is a really photo!
Fiona takes a close look at the photo, which is revealed to be a Young Fiona with her parents enjoying a meal together on a blanket outside.
Fiona: I remember this picture! We were on a family picnic, the weather was great, and all my friends were there...Such great times...
Sally: This is a beautiful picture, Fiona! Looks like they wanted to give you something to remember them by.
Fiona: Yeah...I just wish I knew if they were alive.
Ms. Stevens: Mind if I take a look at that photo?
Fiona: Go ahead!
Ms. Stevens takes the photo from Fiona and begins to observe it, and upon observation she came to a realization.
Ms. Stevens: *Thinking* So my intuition was correct! She is going to be very surprised, but I was told not to say anything until the time is right. Hopefully it will be soon!
Larry: I imagine this must be a lot for you to take in!
Fiona: No kidding! I do feel relieved knowing that my parents have been trying to rescue me all those years ago...but it doesn't explain about how Sonic forgot to rescue me...
Sally: Well maybe if we can get his side of things, maybe it can give you a better perspective.
Fiona: I doubt it...
Larry: it's worth a try!
Ms. Stevens: *Hands Photo back to Fiona* This is a very nice picture of you and your family, Fiona! I hope you take good care of it.
Fiona: Oh I will, In fact I know the perfect spot for it. Do you have any tape?
Dr. Willow: of course *hands Fiona a tape dispenser with some scotch tape on it.* Here you are.
Fiona uses the scotch tape to tape the photo on the cover of the diary that Larry had given her.
Sally: That's a perfect spot, Fiona!
Izzy: I love your diary, it's a nice color too!
Fiona: Thanks, Larry got it for me.
Izzy: I know him, he always comes by to help us every weekend.
Larry: Izzy and Lucy had only joined this program for almost a couple weeks, and they have been making good progress.
Lucy: It really is a nice photo, your parents look like nice folks.
Fiona: Oh they are...I wish I could see them again!
and as the day passed Fiona had completed the first day of her rehab session.
Dr. Willow: So tell me Fiona, what do you think of the center since it was your first day here?
Fiona: Well...it seems really nice
Dr. Willow: Oh Good! I hope you have a good rest of the day.
Fiona: Thank you!
Kimi: See you tomorrow, Fiona!
And so Larry, Sally, and Fiona Left the facility as Nicole reverted back to her handheld form, and started heading back home. During the car ride Sally had a few things on her mind.
Sally: *Thinking* It really seems that Fiona's first day turned out pretty good, but she's got a long way to go. Still I wonder if there was more to that prison incident than meets the eye. Whatever it is, I hope the answer can set her mind at ease. But I don't want to pressure her or Sonic.
After a while, Larry dropped off Sally and Fiona off then took off to his place. The girls entered the building and headed to their apartment.
Sally: I hope you don't mind but I ordered us some Pizza from Fresto's for dinner. it should be here soon.
Fiona: Oh! Thanks, Sally!
Fiona headed in to her room and took out her diary. she opened it and began writing. she wrote,
"Dear Diary, This is my first time writing so I hope this is good. I recently started doing this Rehab program today and while I have some doubts, there's some nice people there. Sally is really determined to help guide me through this journey. I've been shrouded in darkness for so long I don't even know if I can succeed. I guess it's too early to tell, but some good news really came in a way I never expected. I met some new friends and I was reunited with my old friend Kimi, and on top of this I found out that my parents were still looking for me even though I thought they abandoned me at the time. I do hope to see my parents again. Well maybe I can be able to get some answers. Thanks for listening, Fiona."
Fiona placed a heart right next to her name, closed the diary then locked it with the key that came with it. She peeped out the room and watched Sally do some paperwork then gave her a small smile.
Meanwhile back at Larry's place, after he pulled into his driveway, he headed inside and saw Erma sitting on the couch reading.
Larry: I hope you and Emily had a good hike.
Erma: We did actually, it really invigorated her spirits.
Larry: That's what I like to hear, it's always good to stay motivated.
Erma: And thanks again for letting us use your pool, it really gave Emily the opportunity to practice for swim class.
Larry: No problem, anytime.
Erma: Is something wrong? you seem to have a lot on your mind.
Larry: I guess I'm just worried about Fiona, it seems that she really went through some tough times. I remember Sally telling me about how Fiona was imprisoned at a young age, but the fact that Sonic somehow failed to rescue her really baffles me.
Erma: I'm sure it was an accident.
Larry: I think so too, I mean Sonic doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would just leave somebody behind intentionally. I just hope Fiona can gets some answers of some kind and perhaps get some closure on the situation.
Erma: I'm sure something will resolve. You know, it's amazing how much dedication you show for the people who want to change for the better. *Puts her hands on Larry's Shoulder for Comfort* I'm really glad Emily has you for a teacher.
Larry: Thanks, Erma! The way I see it, there's always good inside people like that, you just gotta know where to look. It's not just the people at the center, but the students at the school as well. Sure people like Dr. Eggman, or this Scourge character doesn't exactly fit that category.
Erma: *laughs* If that was the case, Mobius would've been a lot more peaceful
Larry: Yeah! *Laughs* but I know that with some time and effort, Fiona will be able to accomplish a lot more than she can imagine.
TO BE CONTINUED