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.

23. Assertiveness vs Arrogance

The sun shone over the Acorn Castle the following morning. Sally was still soundly asleep on her bed, only awakening to the sound of Flickies chirping outside of her balcony. Though she also felt a strange weight on top of her.

She slowly opened her eyes, immediately coming into visual contact with Sonia's face as the young girl was resting on her godmother.

"Sup?"

"Eek!" Sally backed away, accidentally causing Sonia to tumble back. "S-Sonia!?"

"That's my name," Sonia said as she sat up into a peace sign pose.

Sally took a moment to catch her breath, still feeling a little freaked out by Sonia's sudden appearance. "Sorry dear, you took me by surprise." She immediately leaned forward to check on the girl. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"I'm good," Sonia said as she scooted closer to Sally. "So...did you sleep well?"

"A little," Sally said, before thinking to herself. "Better than most nights, but that's not saying much."

"Have any sweet dreams?" Sonia asked.

"Uh...yeah, sure," Sally said.

"Any of them about me?" Sonia asked, trying to look cute for the Queen.

Sally couldn't handle the cuteness in front of her, regardless of her mood, Sonia's sweet nature usually brightened it in some ways. "My dreams are only sweet if you're in it my Dear Little Rose."

"Ha, I take top priority in the dream world!" Sonia said. "If I could enter your dreams one day, I would make it ten times more fun."

"Enter my dreams?" Sally asked. "That's cute, but I don't think that's possible."

"It is," Sonia said. "Daddy told me about a dream creature called NiGHTS. He's capable of connecting dreams. One day he'll help me connect with you."

"NiGHTS huh? I think I remember something like that," Sally said.

"I think he only lives in England, but who knows? Maybe he's a big explorer just like daddy," Sonia said.

"Well, there's always Ariem," Sally said.

"Who?" Sonia asked.

"That's another story," Sally said as she sat on the edge of her bed. "I need to get ready for the day."

"Wait, I gotta know," Sonia began, getting Sally's attention. "How are you feeling?"

"Me? I'm fine," Sally said. "If this is about yesterday, then don't worry. I just needed some sleep, that's all."

"Is that really all?" Sonia asked.

"Yes dear, I'm fine," Sally said.

Sonia leapt off the bed and took the Queen by her hand, "If you're not, promise you'll tell me. I want you to be happy."

"That's sweet of you, but really, I'm fine," Sally insisted. "You really don't need to worry so much about me."

Sonia however wasn't buying it. Her heart told her that Sally had a lot of insecurities, and she needed to fix that. She leapt into Sally's arms, nearly knocking the Queen back, but she held on.

"Listen, and listen good," Sonia said as she looked right into Sally's eyes. "I don't care how strong you are, or how cool you are. I will always worry about you, because you don't give me much of a choice. Almost every time I see you, I can see some sadness in your eyes. It really bothers me, because I don't like seeing you sad. You do so much for me, you always take care of me, you treat me like I'm your daughter. I can't ignore someone who's so nice to me, what kind of person would that make me?"

"Honey, you're not ignoring anyone," Sally said. "I make it my duty to do that stuff because I love you. It's nothing you have to repay, because being there for you is my greatest pleasure. Outside of my son of course."

"I believe you Sally, I know you love me, and I really love you," Sonia began to tear up a bit. "That's why it hurts so much when I think of you as sad. How can someone with so much love like you be in such a lousy situation? It's not fair."

"Hey, it's not lousy," Sally tried reassuring. "What gave you this idea?"

"I can see it, Sally," Sonia said as she wiped her eyes. "I see how awkward things are with you and daddy, and I can see how much your friends don't like daddy because he went with mom. I know it hurts you because even when I see you smile, it almost never reaches your eyes. I see you try, and I do my best, but I don't think I've ever seen you truly happy. And, I can't because it's my fault that you're unhappy."

"Your fault!?" Sally asked in disbelief. "Sonia, you've never made me unhappy. I love you too much to feel unhappy around you."

"How could you love me?" Sonia asked. "When I was made because daddy went with mommy? I should be living proof that you and daddy can't be together again."

"Sonia, that's not your fault," Sally said. "What happened is between me, Sonic and Amy. And there's no animosity or anything. Your dad's staying at this castle, isn't he? And your mom's such a pleasure to be around."

"But..." Sonia wanted to speak more.

"Listen honey, you did nothing wrong, okay?" Sally said as she placed a kiss on Sonia's cheek. "I love you so much, that even though I didn't carry you in my womb, you are very much my daughter. That is how I will always treat you."

"Aw...Sally," Sonia kissed her on the nose. "I love my mom, but I'll always see you as my second mom. Honestly, I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

"Hey, that's my line," Sally teased as she held Sonia close. "Please get these silly thoughts out of your head. I know you're worried about if I'm happy, but that means nothing to me if you're the one who's sad. Just keep smiling, your pretty face lights up my life."

"I will, just try to do the same," Sonia said. Despite being reassured, she still felt like things weren't quite done yet as thoughts raced through her mind. "Maybe you're willing to sacrifice your own happiness Sally, but I'm not going to let you. One way or another, I will make sure you're happy."

In the cafeteria, Sonic and Amy had sat together while enjoying some breakfast, the two enjoying some pancakes.

"This isn't bad, Sally's got some great cooks," Amy said.

"Makes sense, she is the Queen," Sonic said. "It's only the finest for her, though I would have settled for an energy bar."

"Well lets make the most of it," Amy said. She then spotted a familiar boy walking nearby with a bagel and some coffee. "Yoohoo! Manik!"

Manik stopped in his tracks as he reluctantly glanced back at Amy, "Morning Amy Rose..."

"Come sit with us!" Amy said, gesturing to herself and Sonic.

"...Must I?" Manik asked.

"Well, you don't have to, I just really like your company," Amy said.

"...Whatever," Manik walked over to where Amy was sitting and took a bite out of his bagel.

Amy just sat there, trying to think of something to say that wouldn't potentially bother him. Sonic had nothing to contribute at the moment, he just focused on eating his own food.

"So...you like coffee?" Amy asked. "You seem kind of young to be drinking coffee. But then again, when I was your age, I was already doing things adults do. Still, coffee's a big one."

"It's not that big, it's just a drink," Manik said. "My mom drinks it, in fact all of her friends do. Especially Lanolin, my mom feels like she has an addiction."

"It can be addicting, and Lanolin doesn't exactly know when to sleep," Amy said.

"Tell me about it, sometimes my mom's like that, so Whisper would replace her coffee with...wait," Manik glanced at Amy. "Why am I even telling you this? You're not obligated to know."

"Well, you're right, I'm not obligated to know," Amy admitted. "But, I like hearing your insight on things."

"It's nothing worth talking about," Manik said. "Just some pointless trivia."

"It's fun though, and it sounds like Whisper was doing something nice for Sally," Amy said. "I trust that Sally's friends are taking good care of her?"

"Of course, they're very loyal to my mother," Manik said. "Whisper makes sure she has tea to keep her mind calm. Tangle uses her weird antics to cheer my mom up, even if she goes overboard. Bunnie is always ready when my mother needs her for something. She has a lot of support from good friends."

"Well that's reassuring," Amy said. "Still, I bet she can use a nice vacation."

"Pfft, she'd never agree to that," Manik said. "She's glued to her work."

"Don't give up hope," Amy said. "Maybe one day you and Sally could go on vacation with me, Sonic and Sonia. Doesn't that sound nice?"

"It doesn't matter how nice it sounds, it's impossible," Manik said. "My mother refuses to leave the Kingdom unattended. If she leaves, who's going to keep watch? Nicole can't handle that on her own, the others aren't suited for the task and the Council would just screw things up."

"Why does she even have a council?" Amy asked.

"My grandfather insisted that my mother have people helping her rule, but they don't care that much about the public," Manik said. "If they're in charge, who knows what they'll do? Some of them even suggested surrendering to Robotnik once."

"That's such a stupid idea," Amy said.

"You don't have to tell me twice," Manik said. "That's another reason my mother's so stressed out though, these council people don't know what they're doing. The worst is Geoffery St. John."

"He's still here?" Sonic asked. "Didn't Sally fire him?"

"She wants to but my grandfather's very fond of him," Manik said. "Keep this in mind, if my mother were to take a leave of absence, he could use that leave to make drastic changes. So sorry Amy Rose, but my mother cannot afford a vacation."

"I see..." Amy said. "Why hasn't Sally told me about this though? I could totally help."

"What can you do to help?" Manik asked. "You're not exactly savvy in political matters, and this isn't something you can just swing your hammer at."

"I think we could figure something out," Amy said. "I just want to find a way to reduce stress for your mother."

"Well picking a fight with the council will do the opposite of that," Manik said. "Leave this stuff to my mother and The Freedom Fighters."

Amy rubbed her chin in curiosity, "There's gotta be something we can do." Amy turned toward her husband, "Sonic, you used to be King. Didn't you pick up on anything here?"

"Sally handled the political stuff, and any council meeting I attended, I honestly didn't pay a lot of attention to," Sonic said. "This type of thing just isn't up my alley."

"Come on, this is for Sally and Manik," Amy said. "You gotta think of something."

"I said to drop it," Manik said. "Honestly Rose, must you always be so stubborn?"

"It's a blessing and a curse I'll admit," Amy said. "Sorry to say, I don't like to give up on goals."

"Well bear in mind which goal is worth pursuing," Manik said.

"Getting a smile on your face and Sally's seems like a fitting goal to me," Amy said, then affectionately rubbed Manik's head. "What I would give for you to be that same happy boy you once were."

"You mean before you stole my father from my mother?" Manik said with venom in his tone, a statement that Sonic did not seem to appreciate. "I think you've done enough."

Despite his harsh way of speaking, Amy couldn't be mad, instead she internally sympathized with the boy. "My poor Manik. I can't stand to see how much this hurts you."

"Manik, just so you know, I chose to call things off with your mother," Sonic said. "Amy didn't do anything, so please speak to her with a little more respect."

"Hey you don't get to be a father after you abandoned me and my mother, so lay off," Manik said. "I damn sure don't need your wife trying to act all nice either to cover up for her own scandalous nature."

"Kid, I don't care if you have a problem with me, but I don't want you speaking that way to Amy," Sonic said. "Like it or not, she's my wife, and I have no plans to change that."

"Sonic, it's fine," Amy reassured.

"It's not fine!" Sonic said. This got the attention of people in the cafeteria, especially from The Diamond Cutters. "You've been nothing but nice to him and he's still acting this way! You're way too soft with him!"

"Sonic, lower your voice, yelling isn't helping right now," Amy scolded.

"It's the only way people listen in this castle, nothing's ever simple," Sonic said. "The sooner we find Eggman, the sooner we can leave and I don't have to put you or Sonia through this nonsense."

"It's your family," Amy sternly reminded.

"I never asked to have family here," Sonic said.

Upon hearing that, Manik got up and left, to which Amy immediately noticed. "Manik!" She too got up and went after the boy.

Sonic sighed in annoyance, "Great, that didn't go well." He focused back on his food, then noticed the attention he was getting from the Diamond Cutters. "What do you want!?"

Lanolin turned away, not wanting to face Sonic, "From great hero to deadbeat father. What an asshole."

"This is so unlike Sonic," Tangle said. "He's always been cool. What happened to him?"

"Let us not judge," Whisper said. "It's a personal matter after all."

"Hey it's because of him that Queen Sally's so depressed," Lanolin said.

"Yes, I am aware of their trifling situation," Whisper said. "Nonetheless, this is for their family to resolve."

"Well Sally means a lot to me, as she should for you," Lanolin said.

"Don't try playing that card against me," Whisper warned. "Sally means a lot to me as well, which is why I would rather heal her wounds than constantly open them."

"Hey, I heal her," Lanolin said. "I'd do a better job if everyone around me weren't so incompetent."

"Lanny, you know I love you, but you really need to reevaluate how you do or say things," Tangle said. "I suggest we finish up here and get ready because Sally is likely going to call another meeting, and you have a bit of explaining to do."

"Don't remind me..." Lanolin said, the girl worrying for her own future.

In the hall, Manik is seen angrily walking down the hall, the boy wiping tears from his eyes.

"Manik! Wait up!" Amy called as she quickly closed the gap between them.

"Don't bother me!" Manik shouted. "This is all your fault you know! You just had to come between my parents!"

Amy could see some tears in Manik's eyes, this breaking the girl's heart even more. "Manik, I..." Amy knew there wasn't much she could say to make things better, instead she chose to tackle the issue head on. "I know you hate me, and I don't blame you. I did marry your father after he divorced your mother. And, I was never shy about my feelings for him. Even when he was with Sally, I still loved him."

"So you admit it," Manik said. "I'm not surprised, you did say you couldn't move on from him yesterday. You refused to give any other man a chance."

"I did, remember what I said about Ray?" Amy asked.

"You also said you couldn't imagine life without my father," Manik said.

"I still tried, I wanted things to work out," Amy said. "I even briefly considered dating Mighty, but he kind of turned me off with his weird behavior. Nice guy, but not charming enough for me. Ray was sweet but he just didn't have what I saw in Sonic. But I wasn't planning to ever take Sonic from Sally, I was content with growing up alone. I was already your Godmother, in my mind that was the best thing that could have happened to me if your parents never split up."

"Wow, are you that attached to my father?" Manik asked. "Seems unhealthy to choose solitary life over moving on."

"Marrying for the sake of it isn't healthy either, Manik," Amy said. "I don't know if I would have moved on. If by some miracle I did, well that's great. But that's now what happened, so worrying about the what-ifs isn't healthy either."

"I'll take what-ifs over this sad reality," Manik said.

Amy furrowed her brow at the boy, her patience now being tested. "Manik...if you hate me, that's fine. I won't force you to like me. But I just want you to know, even if you don't like me...even if you hate me..." She knelt before the boy and took him by the hand. "I'll still love you. I've loved you since you were a baby and nothing you say will ever change that."

Manik for a moment looked amazed by this woman's words, but he quickly shook it off, "Don't give me that."

"It's true," Amy pulled Manik into a hug, taking the boy by surprise. "I know you're mad, and I know you're hurt. But that's why I want to do something for you. It's not out of obligation, I just love you too much to do nothing."

"...Why though?" Manik asked. "Why do you love me? I'm not your son."

"You're Sonic's son, and I love Sonic," Amy said. "Believe it or not, I love your mother too. Sally means so much to me."

"...Right..." Manik aggressively pulled away. "That's why you hurt her."

Amy grew a bit more frustrated, but tried to maintain her composure. "You're not making this easy, are you? That's fine, I'm good at playing the long game." She turned to the boy to face her, "I know I can't fix everything, but I will do my best to make things right. But, I promise you, I did not ever want your parents to split up."

"Why didn't you just let them get back together then?" Manik asked.

"Honestly...I hoped they would," Amy said. "I was willing to do everything in my power to help. But they couldn't figure it out. Sonic just opted to not try and achieve something he couldn't, and Sally didn't want to be a burden."

"There had to be something!" Manik desperately grabbed at Amy's arms. "I can't accept that my father never loved my mother. I can't accept that I was born to a couple that didn't feel strongly for each other! Otherwise what does that make me!? A mistake?" Manik wiped some tears from his eyes, "Does my father regret having a child with my mother? Does he regret me?"

"Hey, don't think that way," Amy reassured as she gently wiped away Manik's tears. "I know for a fact that when you were born, your parents were really happy. Sally was so proud to have a little boy to call her own, and Sonic, well, you couldn't pry the smile off of his face. The way he held Sally that day..."

Amy recalled the moment. Sally was sitting in bed, her hair messy but emotions were running positively high as she looked down at her loving son. Sonic was sitting next to Sally, his arm placed around her as he glanced at his son. For the moment, there was true love. Amy could see it at the time, and even if she wasn't with Sonic, seeing him happy was enough for her.

"Manik...I can promise that your father did love your mother, at least he did at the time," Amy said. "Some things just don't last. But, if it helps, the only reason I dated Sonic is because Sally gave me permission to do so."

Manik curiously glanced at Amy, "Well this is different from what I've heard."

"I'm not sure what you heard, but this is what I'm telling you," Amy said. "Sally told me that I could date Sonic, that's why I went for him. I don't know if that helps but..."

"Do you honestly believe that's enough for me?" Manik asked.

"I suppose not," Amy said as she thought it over. "I guess the right thing to do would have been to talk to you about it. Though you were only three, so I guess I didn't think I needed to. I thought you'd just be fine with it, but I guess that was foolish of me."

"It was," Manik said. "If your parents did that, I don't think you'd like it."

"That's the thing, I never had parents growing up, I was an orphan," Amy confirmed.

Manik's eyes widened in surprise, "You were? You never told me that."

Amy gently tapped Manik on the nose, "You didn't ask."

"Why would I even...?" Manik shook it off. "Never mind."

Amy giggled at the boy's reaction, "I'm sorry, Manik. I don't mean to tease. I just never brought it up because I didn't think I needed to. But you're right, I might have been bothered. I should have considered your feelings more. I guess once Sally gave me the permission to date Sonic, I just went for it. I've been in love with Sonic since I was a little girl after all."

"...Wow, how sappy," Manik said.

"But seriously Manik, I promise that this is not what I wanted for you," Amy said. "I never wanted to hurt you or Sally. But, if you are hurt, then let me help. I made a promise to Sally that I would always keep watch over you, just like Sally does for Sonia."

"What can you even do?" Manik asked. "If that rose story is true, then my father-"

"Manik, forget about the rose already, it's just a flower," Amy said. "Sonic wouldn't do anything that scummy. He just happened to find a pretty rose and gave it to me. Honestly he could have given me a dandelion and that would have been enough for me."

"...Do girls really not care that much about flowers?" Manik asked.

"It depends on the girl, but for me, it's the thought that counts," Amy said. "I don't suppose there's a girl you like?"

A blush appeared on Manik's face, "Don't turn this back on me!"

"Right, sorry sweetheart," Amy said.

"But, if you insist that my father wasn't trying to cheat on my mother, or that his love for her wasn't entirely false, then I suppose that gives me some peace of mind," Manik said. "Not a lot, but some."

"It's a start," Amy said. She leaned in to kiss Manik on the cheek. "Remember, you're not a mistake. Your mother loves you, your father loves you, and I love you. If you hold onto that love, and cultivate it, then I know you'll turn out well. I know you'll turn out to be a great man, and a wonderful King."

Manik awkwardly rubbed his head as he bashfully turned away, "Stop trying to butter me up."

Amy giggled some more, "You're just so darn cute sometimes."

"I told you not to butter me up!" Manik demanded. "Obey your prince."

"Okay sweetheart," Amy then pulled Manik into a stronger hug, "Anything for his highness."

"Hey! Come on!" Manik tried to pull away, "What's with you Rose girls?"

Suddenly a familiar person walked up nearby, "You get used to it, honey."

"Sally?" Amy turned to see Sally walking over with Sonia in her arms.

"Hi Amy," Sally greeted. "And good morning to you, Manik."

"Uh...hi mom," Manik awkwardly said as Amy pulled away.

"My turn!" Sonia said.

"Sonia, wait!" Amy said, but unfortunately her daughter was to tackle Manik into a hug, a force strong enough to knock him over. "...Ugh, Manik needed a moment to speak to his mother, dear."

Sonia paid little mind; she maintained the hug as she affectionately nuzzled against Manik's neck as the boy looked visibly annoyed.

"She really loves you, it's adorable," Sally knelt down to rub Sonia's back. "Mind if I have a moment to talk to Manik?"

"Sure thing," Sonia kissed Manik on the cheek before letting go.

"How embarrassing," Manik said as he sat up. He looked to the side to see his mother, the boy still feeling awkward after what happened the day prior. "Fine morning, huh?"

"It is..." Sally helped Manik onto his feet. Right afterwards she pulled him into a really tight hug, taking him almost by surprise.

While Sally said no words at the moment, Manik knew why she was like this. He could sense the guilt in his mother's heart, and slowly he returned the hug. "I'm sorry mom...I know I shouldn't have-"

"Don't you apologize Manik, I'm the one who acted immature," Sally said as she gently rubbed his head. "I never should have been so mad yesterday. I'm just so frustrated by this thing with Robotnik. But, a good Queen needs to keep a cool head." She then knelt before her son as she gently stroked his head. "But a good mother should keep her son's feelings in mind."

"It's fine, really," Manik insisted. "I should've just waited before asking about the wedding ring and bracelet."

"Why is this so important to you anyway?" Sally asked. "Sonic wears that bracelet because it's a precious gift that Amy made for him. Comparing it to the wedding ring is silly."

"Isn't a wedding ring a symbol of love and unity though?" Manik asked. "I'm just worried that my father never loved you."

"Manik, I think you need to spend less time with my friends," Sally said. "Sonic did care about the wedding ring, I just told him not to stress over it."

"What about the rose though?" Manik asked.

"Rose?" Sally asked as she turned to Amy.

"You know, the purple rose that Sonic gave me?" Amy reminded. "The one that, theoretically, means love at first sight."

"Amy Rose told me that father didn't think much about the symbolism, I hope that's true," Manik said. "Because if my father never loved you in the first place, it just felt like he strung you along."

"Well, I can see why that would worry you," Sally said.

"And it's nothing he needs to worry about," Amy said. "After all, it's just a flower."

"Right, just a flower," Sally said.

"Fiona says girls don't care about the symbolism, they just want something pretty," Sonia said. "So that could be why daddy picked the flower, because it looked pretty."

"Sure, let's go with that," Amy said. "Manik, I can promise you that Sonic felt something strong for Sally."

Manik turned his attention to his mother, "Did you truly feel that way?"

"Of course," Sally said. "Things went downhill but I felt that love from Sonic. Believe me when I say, he's not a dishonest person. He gave it his best, but things just didn't work out. I didn't want him to be miserable, so I told him we could split up. Now he's with Amy, and she makes him happy."

"He also makes me happy, so it's a win-win," Amy said.

"Exactly," Sally said. "Manik, I know you're bothered by this, but you need to let it go."

"It's hard though," Manik said. "This whole thing feels unnatural to me."

"Just give it a try," Sally said. "Don't think about it."

"Sally, not to overrule your parental authority, but that may not be the best thing to tell Manik," Amy said, getting the queen's attention. "He's really hurt by this, and telling him to just forget it won't help, it's just going to bottle up his feelings. You two need closure with Sonic, and honestly, he needs it too."

"I don't want to burden him," Sally said.

Amy grumbled in annoyance, "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I think the main reason you and Sonic split up is because you're both awful at communication."

"Geez mom! You're going to upset them!" Sonia said, gesturing at how taken back both Sally and Manik were.

"Well sorry, but I have to be honest," Amy said. "Sally, you're too worried about upsetting Sonic and you're acting like he's going to lash out just because you annoyed him."

"I just don't want him to hate me," Sally said.

"Sonic would never hate you," Amy said. "Honestly Sally, you need to give Sonic a bit more credit. You thinking like this is the main reason your friends hate Sonic, because now they think he's intimidating you in some way, and given how protective they are of you, that's not going to bode well."

"I...never considered it that way," Sally said.

"As for you, Manik," Amy said, getting the boy's attention. "The only time you really talk is if you're angry. While you bottle up your emotions less you still do it to an extent. That's not healthy for you. I suggest you organize your thoughts and speak properly about it."

"How?" Manik asked.

"You're a big boy, you can figure it out," Amy said. "I'll help how I can, but most of it needs to come from you."

"...What if he gets mad at me?" Manik asked.

"UGH!" Amy facepalmed in annoyance. "Come on, work with me here."

"Amy, maybe it's not worth it," Sally said. "Besides, once Sonic defeats Robotnik, you can be on your way and you won't have to worry about us burdening you with our...uh..."

Amy's glare terrified both Sally and Manik. Even Sonia's eyes widened in fear at how scary her mother looked.

"Go on...finish that sentence," Amy said in a threatening tone.

"Mother...should we run?" Manik whispered.

"If we try, she'll just catch us..." Sally whispered back, then focused back on Amy. "Look, Amy..."

"Both of you, front and center," Amy ordered. Sally took Manik by the hand and stood before Amy as she took a moment to collect her thoughts. "We...are fixing this. If we don't, it's going to tear our family apart."

"How would you be affected?" Manik asked. "It's me and my mother that my father doesn't seem to-"

"Let me clarify," Amy interrupted. "Sally, Manik, you two are part of our family. Sally, you've always been a big sister to me. I love you so much that it surpasses blood relations. Manik, you're Sonia's big brother, your my husband's son, and I've always seen you as a son myself. I didn't carry you in my belly, but I love you all the same. I want to fix this, because I want us to feel like one big, happy family. Without you two, my family just doesn't feel complete."

"I feel the same way," Sonia said.

"We aren't just the Rose Family," Amy said. "We're the Rose-Acorn Family. Do you understand what that means?"

"Uh...that you're both going to be married to father?" Manik asked.

"Huh? No, that's not how marriages work," Amy said.

"My mother can change the law," Manik said.

"I'm down with that plan," Sonia said.

"We're not starting a harem," Amy said.

"Yeah, that would be too weird for my liking," Sally said.

"Listen, maybe Rose-Acorn was too on the nose," Amy said. "What I'm saying is that you two have a special part in our family. Sally won't be married to me or Sonic, but she'll still be a close part of the family. After all, we did make her Sonia's Godmother, just like Sally made me Manik's Godmother. That links us together in a special way."

"I suppose that makes sense," Sally said.

"Exactly, and it starts with you making peace with Sonic," Amy said.

"I'll try to..." Sally said.

"Do or do not, there is no try," Amy said.

"...Huh?" Sally asked.

"Peter taught me that saying," Amy said. "But seriously, it would mean a lot if you made peace with Sonic." Amy lifted her daughter up toward Sally's face. "Do it for this little angel."

"Yeah Sally, do it for me," Sonia said as she put on the cutest face possible.

"Hey! You know Sonia's cuteness is my one weakness!" Sally said.

"Ha, I'm basically kryptonite for Queen Sally," Sonia joked.

Sally then took Sonia back into her arms and hugged her tightly, "Oh Sonia, I would do anything for you. You're my precious little Bean."

"Got that right," Sonia said.

"Aw, how cute," Amy said. She then picked up Manik and hugged him too. "We have such cute kids, huh Sally?"

"Hey! Knock it off!" Manik shouted as he tried to pull away.

"But I want to hug you!" Amy said as she maintained her grip. "You're my strong little knight after all."

"Ugh, come on!" Manik lamented as his mind was riddled with his true thoughts. "She smells nice though, kind of like strawberries. Ugh, what am I thinking!?"

During this moment, Nicole had materialized nearby. Upon seeing the affection, she did find it to be charming, which made what she had to do next a little awkward.

"Excuse me, Sally?" Nicole said, getting the Queen's attention. "The Freedom Fighters are assembling in the main throne room."

"Oh, okay then," Sally placed Sonia down. "I have to go."

"Aw...bummer," Sonia said. "What's so important that you have to leave already?"

"Uh...honey, we're dealing with Robotnik, remember?" Sally said.

"Ugh, that egghead," Sonia said as she summoned her hammer-axe. "Let me thrash him. That will get you more free time."

"Honey, please don't go after Eggman," Amy said as she placed Manik down. "You're not ready for a fight like that."

"Yes, it would terrify me if you actually went to fight him," Sally said. "Besides, even if it wasn't about him, I still have Queenly duties to fulfil."

"You really need a replacement," Sonia said. "Don't you have a council?"

"Bad idea," Manik said. "Like I had informed your mother, the council is not a good substitute for the Queen."

"Yeah, Manik told me about Geoffery St. John," Amy said "Is your father really not letting you fire him?"

"Geoffrey is not always the most pleasant person to be around, but I can't fire him without reason," Sally said. "And unfortunately, he just barely scrapes by."

"Even now he's probably off coming up with poor ideas for the Kingdom," Nicole said. "Hopefully he doesn't try taking too many liberties again."

"Wait, I'm confused," Sonia said. "Who's Geoffrey exactly?"

"You might have seen him around, he's a skunk with a green bandana," Manik said.

"Right I think I remember someone like that, he told me to stop running around the castle like a hooligan once," Sonia said. "I take it he's a turd?"

"Big time," Manik said. "But he usually stays out of the Freedom Fighters' way."

"Is he around?" Amy asked. "I haven't seen him."

"He's probably home," Sally said. "He doesn't stay at the castle, mainly since he doesn't have many friends here."

"Why would he?" Amy said. "Honestly, he's been around for way too long. To think he has so much power."

"He's still not an Acorn," Sally said. "But as it stands, it's him or me. I don't have any siblings that could take that throne. Nicole would but my father wouldn't allow such a thing."

"I don't think he ever fully accepted me as your sister," Nicole sadly stated. "Even though he's the one who gave me to you."

"Don't worry," Sally said as she hugged Nicole. "You'll always be my sister."

"Aw, thanks Sally," Nicole said as she hugged back.

"How cute," Sonia said. "At least Sally's not an only child. Too bad she doesn't have another sibling to help her with the throne."

"Wait, hold on," Amy said. "Don't you have a brother?"

"Huh?" Manik replied.

"She WHAT!?" Sonia glared at Sally. "You have a brother!?"

"I'd rather not get into that, he doesn't even live in this Zone," Sally said.

"Whoa, back up lady!" Sonia demanded.

"Sonia!" Amy scolded.

"It's fine," Sally turned her attention to Sonia. "I take it this is surprising to you?"

"Yeah it is, you have a brother!?" Sonia asked. "Why didn't you ever tell me!?"

"Well..." Sally began.

"And don't even THINK about saying it's because I didn't ask," Sonia warned.

"Oh I would never do that, I hated it when your father did that with me," Sally said.

"Why though? If you don't ask, you won't know," Amy pointed out.

"Not now mom, Sally and I are agreeing heavily on something," Sonia said as she focused on the Queen. "Still, what's this about a brother?"

"I'd like to know too," Manik said.

"I have an older brother named Elias, and as you could guess, he's Manik's Uncle," Sally said. "Something happened a long time ago though and now he's in a different Zone."

"Wait, so was he born in this Zone and moved?" Sonia asked. "Or is he just your brother from an alternate reality?"

"I honestly don't even remember," Sally said. "I grew up alone and I didn't meet him until I was sixteen. He and I weren't really that close."

"Still, I can't believe you have a long-lost brother," Sonia said. "That'd be like mom having one, or dad."

"Doesn't Sonic have a brother and a sister?" Nicole asked. "It's how you kids got your names."

"Wait, daddy has siblings too!?" Sonia asked. "And I was named after one of them!?"

"Let's not focus on Elias, or the other Manic and Sonia," Sally said. "In fact, can we pretend this whole talk never happened?"

"No," Sonia replied.

"Well I'm going to," Sally said. "Anyway, I have to talk to the other Freedom Fighters."

"What should we do?" Amy asked.

"Um, whatever you want I guess," Sally said. "You're not obligated to stay in the castle."

"So, I can go wherever I want right?" Sonia asked.

"If your mother's okay with it," Sally said.

"Sweet, then I want to attend the Freedom Fighters meeting," Sonia said.

"Uh, Sonia, that might be a little boring," Sally said.

"Hey, if I'm going to be a Freedom Fighter one day, I need to know what to expect," Sonia said.

"Oh, right, you still have that ambition," Sally awkwardly glanced at Amy, who merely shrugged it off. "You can come if you want, but if you get bored then feel free to leave."

"Sweet, let's go mom," Sonia said.

"Wait, I should check on Sonic," Amy said. "We left him back in the cafeteria."

"Just leave him be, he doesn't want to be bothered," Manik said.

"Manik, I know things got tense," Amy said. "But this is why-"

"Tense?" Sally asked.

"Right, you should know," Amy said. "Sonic lost his temper a bit. Nothing major, but he did snap at Manik."

Nicole's eyes widened in fury, "He...what!?"

"Easy Nicole..." Sally urged, then focused back on Manik. "Is there any reason your father would get mad at you?"

"I don't know," Manik said.

Sally glared at her son as she crossed her arms, "Manik..."

"I just had a slight disagreement with Amy Rose, that's all," Manik said. "Then father acted like I said something awful to her."

Sally turned to Amy, "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing really, he just got a little mad, but we worked it out," Amy said. "Seriously Sally, I handled it. Please don't be mad at Manik."

"...If you say you handled it, then I'll trust you on that," Sally focused on her son. "Consider yourself lucky that Amy is so understanding. You're lucky to have someone like her looking after you."

"...I guess..." Manik said.

"Wow, he didn't totally deny it," Amy said. "Progress!"

"Baby steps I suppose," Sally said.

"I'm still not thrilled to know Sonic got mad at Manik," Nicole said.

"If Sonic felt he needed to scold Manik, that's his right as his father," Sally said. "Nicole, do not freak out at Sonic over this."

"I make no promises," Nicole said.

Sally rubbed her face in annoyance, "Let's just get to the meeting."

"First, I'm hungry," Sonia said. "Sally, do you want anything?"

"I suppose I can just grab a butter roll," Sally said. Suddenly Sonia sped off, and three seconds later, she was back with a croissant for herself, and a butter roll for Sally.

"Here you go," Sonia gave Sally the roll.

"Oh, thanks sweetheart," Sally took the roll. "Well, I'm ready for business."

While on the way to the castle, Fiona, who was wearing one of Antoine's spare jackets, was walking alongside Mina.

"Still with the royal guard look?" Mina asked.

"I didn't have a change of clothes," Fiona said. "I thought about going without a jacket, but Antoine felt that I should look presentable."

"Makes sense," Mina said. "How's your back?"

"Better," Fiona said. "It's not my back I'm thinking about though."

"It's Sally, right?" Mina asked. "You're worried about seeing her again?"

"I really don't know how to face her," Fiona said, shuddering a bit. "She was so mad yesterday, I really felt like I screwed up. When I thought about how much I could lose my friendship with Sally, it kind of terrifies me."

"Wow, I didn't think you'd feel this way," Mina said. "This is a big change from back in the day."

"Back in the day, I was just a teammate of Sally," Fiona said. "Then I reunited with Sonic, and things just took a strange turn from there on."

"I get that feeling," Mina said. "My life took a weird turn when I first met Sonic."

"You had a crush on him, right?" Fiona asked.

"Oh big time," Mina said. "I never pursued it. I heard a rumor that he was Sally's boyfriend and I was worried about getting on her bad side."

"I never had that worry, I was more than willing to ask out Sonic," Fiona said. "We actually got along for a bit, before he tossed me aside like nothing. It sucks because I felt a bond with him. I kind of liked his optimistic point of view."

"Oh yeah, gotta love those positive vibes," Mina said.

"Still, I think it's because I liked Sonic that Sally hated me at one point," Fiona said. "I guess she saw me as a threat."

"Sally's not like that, she wasn't mean to Amy after all," Mina said.

"Yeah but no one expected Amy to have an actual chance with Sonic," Fiona said. "I could have been with him, so I think Sally was on edge."

"Take it from me, I was worried about that stuff too, but I could tell that Sally wasn't like that," Mina said. "I didn't think that at first, but I don't think she'd screw you over just because you both liked the same guy."

"It hardly mattered, I lost any chance I had with Sonic the moment I went with Scourge," Fiona said. "Those are years of my life I wish I could get back."

"I feel the same about Ash," Mina said. "But look at it this way. Sometimes we need lousy moments to help us grow as people. We learn to better ourselves."

"I nearly went back to Scourge," Fiona said. "Clearly I didn't learn a thing."

"Scourge is pretty manipulative, and things were tense," Mina said. "Answer me this, are you sorry?"

"Duh, of course I am," Fiona said. "I have actual friends who care about me, not just Sally, but Tails too, and I nearly lost that."

"Then the rest will fall in line," Mina said. "Tails forgave you, didn't he?"

"I'm not sure honestly, but he's a nice boy who doesn't hold grudges, so there's that," Fiona said. She began to think about the first time she met Tails too, and how young and cute he looked. "Tails really grew up into a fine man, didn't he?"

"Damn right he did," Mina said.

"I remember he used to have a crush on me, he was weird about it, but cute too," Fiona said. She began to shudder at another memory. "I hate what I did to him that one time."

"When you slapped him?" Mina asked.

"I had no idea what I was thinking, I didn't even hate Tails," Fiona said. "I was so caught up in the moment...honestly, I didn't even do it to hurt Tails. I think I just wanted to hurt Sonic by striking someone he cared about. That was so awful of me to do. Tails did not deserve that, all things considered, I should be grateful that he doesn't hate me."

"Like I said, he's a nice boy," Mina said, then started blushing a bit. "Tails is so fun to be around. He's very smart, he knows his way around machines, and he's a great teacher. He was nice enough to teach me how to fly the Tornado."

"That's nice, I wonder if he'd teach me?" Fiona said.

"Aren't you already good at piloting vehicles though?" Mina asked.

"Hey, I could learn a bit extra from Tails," Fiona said.

"I guess so," Mina said. "Hey, did I ever tell you about the time that me, Tails and Mighty ran into trouble with Mammoth Mogul?"

"I think everyone knows about that," Fiona said. "Tails used his genius intellect to fight off that overgrown sorcerer."

"That is how it went," Mina confirmed. "The only true way."

"We're nearly at ze castle," Antoine pointed out. "Be ready girls."

"Yes Antoine," Mina said.

"You got it," Fiona said.

Within minutes, everyone was in the throne room. The core Freedom Fighters, their closest allies, The Chaotix, The Sol Dimension Residents, and the Adventure Team.

Sally stood at the center of the room near her throne, looking down at everyone. Scanning the room she evaluated everyone's posture and presence. She could see that a few of them were nervous, something she found understandable, and something she had to address.

"First, let me start out by saying this," Sally said. "I humbly apologize for my outlandish behavior yesterday. As a Queen, I must always be at my best, even if I feel my worst. I will do my part to ensure that behavior does not return, I should hope that I will not have to subject you all to such a thing again."

"It's all good Sally," Mina said, suddenly feeling very cheery. "Everyone makes mistakes, so I guess this means we're all cool, right?"

"Not quite," Sally confirmed, deflating Mina's hopes. "A few of you did mess up, and you will be held accountable for it."

"Crap..." Mina lamented with Fiona briefly rubbing her back.

"Mina, since you want to be the center of attention right now, let's start with you," Sally said as she walked over to the pop star.

"Uh, sure...go for it, I guess?" Mina nervously said.

"First, I do apologize for snapping at you when I did, in hindsight, I do appreciate the initiative you took," Sally said. "Your help is very much appreciated, but I do need to know if you're going out there. If something happened and I didn't know you were in danger, it wouldn't be a good feeling."

"I'm glad you care in your own way," Mina said. "And I'm sorry for that crack about Sonic."

"Let's not discuss that," Sally dismissed as she awkwardly cleared her throat. "Point is that if you want to do missions, that's fine. Just let me know, and promise me you won't let yourself be distracted again."

"Sure, okay," Mina said.

Sally turned her attention to her protege, "Lanolin, mind stepping forward?"

Nervous as she was, Lanolin would never disobey a direct order from Sally. Sheepishly, she walked over to her mentor. "Yes, My Queen?"

"I know you try your best, and I really appreciate that you do," Sally said. "Everything you do is for the sake of my Kingdom, and I want you to know that it is not unappreciated."

"Of course, you are my Queen, and I will happily serve you," Lanolin said.

"That being said...and this is not an easy choice but..." Sally could already see the despair in Lanolin's eyes. She was hesitant to complete her command, and considered nixing it before shaking it off. "Lanolin, it may be better if you stepped down from your leadership role."

Lanolin feared something like this could happen, but it crushed her all the same. The girl shut her eyes to keep tears from rushing out, and did her best to maintain her dignity. "I understand."

"Please don't think of this as a punishment, okay?" Sally said. "I'm doing this for your own benefit. After yesterday, keeping you in command may result in some resentment and I don't want to put you through that."

"Okay..." Lanolin said, trying her best not to look at Sally.

"Listen," Sally placed her right hand on Lanolin's shoulder while using her left to lift her chin up. "You're an amazing Freedom Fighter, and with time, you can take up the leadership role again. I'm not giving up on you. Just promise that you won't give up on yourself, okay?"

"Yes...of course," Lanolin said with a sniffle. "I'll keep trying."

Sally gave Lanolin a quick hug, hoping to comfort the girl. She hated this decision, but she had to stand by it.

"It's about time," Antoine thought to himself.

As Sally broke away from Lanolin, she had her eyes set on one more. "Fiona..."

Fiona shuddered and nervously glanced at the Queen, "Yes, Sally?"

Sally walked over to the girl, glaring right at her and making her much more nervous than she had previously been. "I see you're still wearing that jacket."

"Oh this?" Fiona asked. "It's not the same as yesterday. It's a spare that Antoine had. He let me borrow it for the time being."

"That's nice of him," Sally glanced briefly at the coyote before focusing her attention back on Fiona. "I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I think we both know that yesterday was not a proud moment for either of us."

"Yeah...it wasn't," Fiona admitted.

"I do regret how I reacted, it was unbecoming of me," Sally said. "That does not change the fact that I am still quite furious. Would you mind elaborating on what happened?"

"I screwed up, I let Scourge get in my head and made a really poor choice," Fiona said.

"That's an understatement," Sally said. "Keep in mind, I could fire you and have you banished from my Kingdom. What you did was that serious, and I'm not pretending otherwise."

"I know...it's all I thought about since yesterday," Fiona admitted as she tried not to come to tears. "I can't change what I did, but I am willing to do anything to make up for it."

"Honestly, I don't know if you can," Sally said. "Do you think anyone will trust you after what you did?"

"...Probably not," Fiona admitted.

"So tell me then, why should I keep you on board as a Freedom Fighter, if no one can trust you?" Sally asked. "I do need to consider everyone's feelings. Especially Whisper's."

Fiona briefly glanced at the wolf, who was standing close to Tangle as she glared back at the fox.

"Just don't put us on missions together, that could have prevented this whole situation," Fiona said.

"That's not a good enough answer for me," Sally said. "I know you and Whisper don't get along, but somehow I don't think she did anything to make you betray her. You made your own choice."

"Yes, I did," Fiona admitted. "And I'm really sorry about it."

"Saying sorry isn't enough," Sally said.

"I know, but that's all I can do for now," Fiona said. "Sally, please. I know I can fix this, all I need is another chance."

Sally shook her head, "Sorry, but right now, I can't afford to take any chances. There's going to be some changes, and unfortunately, you're not among any of my plans."

Everyone was on edge at the moment, Sally was cracking down hard. It shouldn't be a surprise to them, as they just saw Sally remove Lanolin's leadership role, and they were fully aware of how much Sally loved Lanolin.

Meanwhile, Fiona's heart was pounding at this moment, things were slipping away from her as everyone looked on in worry. "Sally, please..."

"Fiona..." Sally looked right at the fox girl. She could see the regret in her eyes, and some tears as well. Despite her sympathy, Sally had to make a choice that benefitted the Freedom Fighters. "I'm sorry, but-"

"Sally," Tails interrupted.

"Tails, I'm busy," Sally said.

"I know, but before you make your choice, let me say this," Tails began. "I know you're mad at Fiona, I was mad too. I'm still not ready to fully forgive what she did. But, I do want to make an effort. Despite what she did, she's still a friend of ours, and she deserves another chance."

"Tails, she got a second chance already," Sally said.

"Give her a third one," Tails said. "She's been such a good friend the last several years, is one mistake really enough to change all that?"

"It's treason, that's not something I can overlook," Sally said.

"I'm not asking you to overlook it, I'm asking you to weigh your options," Tails said. "Please, give Fiona a chance to make things right."

Sally took a moment to think over what Tails said. She took one last look at Fiona, still contemplating her final judgment. "Fiona..." Fiona braced for it as Sally spoke her words. "Regardless of what Tails said, I can't let you work with The Freedom Fighters. I'm sorry, but I'm terminating your services."

Fiona immediately felt crushed, with Tails sympathizing with the vixen. Many felt pity for Fiona, but understood why Sally made this choice. The only one with a lack of sympathy was Whisper.

"That's understandable..." Fiona said, her voice nearly cracking. "I'll just get my things then..."

"Not so fast," Sally said, taking Fiona by surprise. "Despite not working with The Freedom Fighters, I will allow you to continue living in the castle."

"Wait, really!?" Fiona asked with her heart full of hope. "You're not just pulling my leg, right!?"

"This isn't me wanting a friend around, I just want to keep a closer eye on you," Sally said. "Even though you are living here, you are not exactly free. You're on probation, and if we catch you doing anything suspicious, you will face time in the dungeon. Remember, you still committed treason, be lucky I didn't exile you."

"Right, of course," Fiona said. "I know this is a punishment, but I am really happy you chose not to completely get rid of me."

"Well don't make me regret that choice," Sally said. "Stay out of trouble, and I may consider letting you return to the Freedom Fighters."

"Sure, sounds great," Fiona said. She wanted to hug Sally, but did not dare press her luck.

"Now, with that being said," Sally continued. "There's still the matter of Robotnik."

"I handled a lot of that, Sally," Tails said. "I worked out some plans and ideas with The Freedom Fighters and The Chaotix. I'd be happy to go over them with you."

"Is that so?" Sally asked. "Well I'm happy you stepped up Tails."

"He's got a knack for strategy Sally, you'd be amazed," Nicole said.

"Well, I owe it all to Sally herself," Tails sheepishly admitted. "She is the woman who raised me."

Sonic furrowed his brow at Tails's remark, finding very little truth in his words.

"I couldn't ask for a better substitute," Sally said. "I just hope it wasn't overwhelming for you."

"It's nothing I can't handle," Tails said as he knelt before Sally. "As long as I'm in this castle, I will offer you my services."

Sonic rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Tails, you know you never have to bow before me," Sally helped the fox up, then brought him in for a hug. "You're still sweet though, thank you."

"Anything for you, Sally," Tails said as he returned the hug.

"Aw, ain't that nice, Amy?" Tekno asked. "Sally really brought the best out of that boy."

"Yeah, it is cute," Amy admitted, even though she too wasn't sure what to make of this.

"Hey, Sally, question," Tangle said. "What's going to happen with The Diamond Cutters if Lanolin is not in a leadership role?"

"That's simple," Sally turned her attention to the group's quietest member. "Whisper will be the leader."

"Me?" Whisper asked in disbelief, with Tangle and Lanolin looking just as surprised.

"Yes you," Sally said. "I believe out of the three of you, that you're the most capable of this leadership position."

"I...I don't know what to say," Whisper replied. "Are you sure you want me to lead?"

"Of course," Sally walked over to face the wolf girl. "You have a lot of talent Whisper. You're great with strategy, you can think on your feet, the only things you really struggled with were your own confidence, and finding your voice. But I think I can trust you with this leadership role."

"I..." Whisper still felt uncertain about this. She did not want to disagree with Sally, but feared not living up to her expectations.

"Whisper," Sally placed her hands on her shoulders as she looked into her eyes. "I know you're worried, but I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe you couldn't handle it. You won't be alone on this, I'll be there to help guide you. But you've proven yourself to be one of my best agents over the years, and I think you've more than earned this promotion."

"...If you think I can, then perhaps..." Whisper struggled to say.

"Hey, Tangle," Sally said, getting the Lemur's attention. "You would trust Tangle as a leader, wouldn't you?"

"Of course, she's very smart after all," Tangle said. "She's also very observant, and is excellent at paying attention to smaller details. Not to mention that even if she's underpowered, she's smart enough to make the situation work to her advantage."

"That's a lot of praise," Sally said.

Tangle placed her arm around Whisper, "Well she's earned it. Even since our days in the Chaotix, she's shown amazing detective skills. She was almost on par with Vector himself."

"It's true," Vector said. "She picked things up fast. She was the only other one who figured out what was really going on at the time."

"I didn't figure it out as fast as you did," Whisper said.

"You still did it, it's something to be proud of," Vector said.

Espio appeared beside Whisper, speaking up on her behalf as well, "There isn't a doubt in my mind that Whisper is ready for this. The only one who needs to believe, is Whisper herself."

"Espio..." Whisper slowly pulled her mask down to hide her face, all this praise was getting to her. Sally knew Whisper well enough by this point to tell she was getting overwhelmed.

"It's decided, Whisper will be the new leader of The Diamond Cutters, and one of my go-to generals," Sally said.

"You humble me, thank you," Whisper said as she bowed to Sally. "I will not let you down."

"Oui, that you shall not," Antoine said. "As a fellow General, and a veteran one to boot, I will be taking it upon myself to see that you are adequately prepared for what is to come."

"That's a great idea, this should help ease Whisper into her new role," Sally said.

"This is awesome!" Tangle hugged Whisper very tightly using her arms and tail, nearly crushing her best friend. "I'm so proud of you, Whisper! You really moved up in the world!"

"Thank you..Tangle..." Whisper said, trying to get herself comfortable. "Tangle...you are...crushing my ribs...so can you...?"

"Whoa, sorry about that," Tangle released Whisper as the wolf started catching her breath. "Don't want to injure you before you get a chance to shine as Queen Sally's newest General."

Despite Whisper's overwhelming positive reception, Lanolin couldn't help but feel a bit of jealousy and resentment. Fiona also felt a sense of betrayal, knowing that someone like Whisper could be rewarded with such a grandiose role.

"Wow, who would have guessed that the quiet little wolf could make it like she did?" Tekno said.

"I'm proud of Whisper, I hope she does well with this role," Amy said.

"Oh she will, Queen Sally has an eye for talent," Tekno said.

"Now with that settled, there's still the matter of Robotnik and his impending threat," Sally said. "I am happy to know that you have been taking some initiative with the meetings. Plus despite some of the insanity yesterday, I am happy to know that we got extra names as to who Robotnik is working with this time around. Now I understand that you may need to change some strategy up after my recent changes to the Freedom Fighters."

"Don't worry about that, I kept this possibility in mind," Tails said. "Whatever ideas we came up with should still work. Right now, the main thing is bringing Robotnik out of hiding. It shouldn't be too hard, no one has an ego like he does."

"What's your suggestion?" Sally asked.

"We just get his attention, and we know someone who excels at that," Tails said as he gestured to his best friend. "We just get Sonic to bring him out of hiding."

Amy raised her eyebrow in confusion, "That's it? If it were that simple, why didn't you do this sooner?"

"She's got a point Tails," Sally said. "It's not enough to just send Sonic out there. We need a concrete plan to make sure it's done safely. Otherwise Sonic could get hurt."

"Sally, there really isn't much else we can do," Tails said. "The other option is to find out where Robotnik is hiding, and I don't think there's many places he would hide. To reiterate what I said, he has an ego. I wouldn't be surprised if his 'hiding spot' had his logo everywhere."

"Even so, it's better to plan it out," Sally said. "Now let's spend the day-"

Sonic wasted no time speeding off, barely taking anyone by surprise.

"And, he's gone," Sally lamented.

"There goes daddy," Sonia said from nearby, the girl sitting next to Manik and Melody.

"Fast as sound," Melody said.

"Guess Sonic's done waiting," Tails said. "This could be good, it will bring our enemies out of hiding."

"He could have at least told us his plan," Antoine said.

"What plan? He's just going to bait Eggman into revealing himself," Amy said. "Then Sonic's going to take advantage and thrash him."

"It's not that simple, Amy," Sally said. "Sonic's been duped before, it's how he got that terrible werehog transformation."

"That was a one-time thing," Amy said. "More often than not, Sonic always thinks things through. He probably came up with a plan in his head and just went for it."

"Could have said something though," Tekno stated, much to Amy's annoyance.

"Honestly, it's like he thinks he knows everything," Nicole added. "At this rate, he's going to doom us all."

"Hey! No he's not!" Amy sternly stated. "Sonic's got this!"

"Man...no one wants to give daddy a chance," Sonia said.

"Can you blame them?" Manik said. "He's not exactly working with them."

"He's going after Eggman, what more do they want?" Sonia asked.

"Order," Manik pointed out.

Lanolin walked to Whisper's side to tell her something up close, "Part of your leadership position means having to put up with Sonic's dumb antics even more. I hope you're ready for that."

"I should be," Whisper said.

Fiona looked on in annoyance as well, "Amazing what he gets away with doing."

"Well, he is a hero, a former King and Sally's ex," Mina said. "He's got a lot of leeway."

"It's still bogus," Fiona said.

"So..." Tangle turned to Sally. "What now?"

"We wait, I guess," Sally said.

"That's it?" Marine asked. "So boring."

"Marine, behave," Blaze scolded. "Let Sonic handle this, if he can then that's a good thing. We're just here in case something goes wrong."

"It might though..." Sally said as she rubbed her chin. "If it were just Robotnik, I'd feel less worried. But he's got an army with him. Sonic can't handle them alone."

"Sure he can," Amy said. "After all-"

"Amy, during the Phantom Ruby incident, he lost to fakes and we thought he was dead," Sally pointed out. "Sonic's strong, but he's not invincible."

"...Okay, good point," Amy said. "But Sonic's gotten stronger since then."

"Yes, and Robotnik's gotten crafter," Sally said. "He's also got Naugus and his magic. He's got Scourge and Metal Sonic to worry about, and both are as fast as Sonic. Plus whoever else that may be on that team. It's too many chances."

"Sally, it's fine," Amy walked over and placed her arm around her friend. "Look, I'm not saying you shouldn't worry. Sonic worries me too sometimes. But he always finds a way. Plus if things really get bad, we'll be there for him. Sonic knows what he's going against, he wouldn't do this unless he was absolutely sure."

"I hope so..." Sally said, the girl looking very frightened for the hero. "I just don't want Sonic to get hurt, especially because of me."

Sonia's heart sank upon hearing that, while Manik clenched his hands in anger.

"Hey, don't start feeling that way," Amy said, then led her away. "Come on, let's go sit outside."

Just as they left, a portal began to open nearby, catching everyone's attention. Coming into view was Silver the Hedgehog, the traveler stepping through and taking in his surroundings.

"Silver?" Amy asked in disbelief.

"This is a surprise," Whisper said.

"Ooooh, hello handsome," Sonia said, earning a confused glare from Manik and Melody.

Many among the Freedom Fighters were either confused or concerned. The most notable reactions came from Lanolin, Fiona, Bunnie and Antoine.

Blaze of course was the most surprised, the girl was standing in curiosity by Marine and Julie-Su, both of whom were just waiting to see what happened.

"Of all the places to be...it just had to be this castle," Silver said in disgust.

"Silver!" Blaze ran over to her fiancé.

"Blaze, here you are," Silver said, then greeted Blaze with a quick kiss. "I just went to your dimension and you weren't there. I heard from a guard that you came here."

"Yes, Queen Sally needed my assistance," Blaze explained. "Eggman is causing trouble, and he built an army. So she's asked me for help."

"Right, so you're working with The Freedom Fighters now?" Silver asked.

"Just for the time being," Blaze said.

"How long have you been here?" Silver asked.

"A couple of days," Blaze replied.

"And, how much got done?" Silver asked.

"Well, we finally know who's working with Eggman, and Sonic just left to stop him," Blaze said.

"Sonic's here too?" Silver asked.

"Queen Sally really needed the assistance, so she was asking help from whomever she could," Blaze said.

Silver glanced at the Queen, who promptly turned away, unable to look Silver in the eyes. He then turned back to Blaze. "Any progress?"

"A little, enough that Sonic just went out to stop Eggman himself," Blaze said.

"If you're willing to, we could really use your help," Amy said. "Maybe you can help Sally with some plans and-"

"No," Silver replied.

"Huh?" Amy replied back.

"I don't mind stopping Eggman, but I refuse to work with The Freedom Fighters," Silver said.

"And there it is," Lanolin lamented. "Guys like you and Sonic are birds of a feather."

"I see you're still here," Silver said. "The most incompetent of Sally's group of goons."

"Silver!" Blaze scolded.

"Oh let me guess, you're still mad about the Duo thing," Lanolin said. "Look, he's been found out, and now he's dead, thanks to Queen Sally. When are you going to get over it?"

"You really think it's just Duo?" Silver asked. "You've never done anything right, none of you Freedom Fighters do anything right, yet you're still allowed to run amok all while Sally sits back on her throne, more focused on looking smart and pretty than doing anything."

Sally gripped her arm in discomfort, to which Amy soothingly rubbed her back to keep her calm. Both Manik and Sonia felt a little bothered by what was happening as well, with Manik feeling anger toward Silver and Sonia feeling sad for Sally.

"Whoa, dial it back, weed plant," Tekno warned. "Queen Sally's a hard-working girl, she doesn't sit back and do nothing."

"All she does is talk while the rest of us do all the work, especially Sonic," Silver said, making Sally more uncomfortable. "Now she's got my fiancé mixed up in all this? This is a waste of time."

Nicole furrowed her brow in anger, ready to lash out at Silver. Ray looked bothered as well, contemplating if he should say anything.

"Silver," Whisper got the hedgehog's attention as she walked over. "Listen, I know you're not fond of The Freedom Fighters, but now isn't a good time to say these things. Sally is going through a lot right now. Whatever grievances you have with us needs to wait."

"I have none with you, Whisper," Silver said. "Out of all of these fools, you're the only one who hasn't completely annoyed me."

"Harsh dude, we're not that annoying," Mina said.

"Why are you even still here? Especially after Sally blew you off the one time you had a good point regarding that AI," Silver said.

"You mean me?" Nicole asked as she got Silver's attention.

"Yeah you, the one who keeps watch over an entire city," Silver said. "With your eyes just about everywhere, no wonder everyone's so paranoid. For a group that calls themselves Freedom Fighters, you do a lousy job at letting people feel free."

"How is what I do any different from those in authority who keep a lookout for danger?" Nicole asked. "I do what I do so people can be safe. We're not oppressing the system. So long as no citizen is breaking the law, what that citizen does is none of my business."

"That's not what I've seen," Silver said.

"What have you seen then?" Nicole asked.

"I've seen that you are a very petty bunch who seeks control," Silver said. "You're weak on your own, so you get people like Sonic and my fiancé to cover for your uselessness, then reap the rewards later and act like you did something worthwhile. All of Sonic's victories were somehow morphed into Sally's victories, because she supposedly led Sonic, but I think we all know that's a load of garbage."

"What a whiny loser," Fiona muttered.

Silver glanced at the woman in disdain, "Fiona Fox! Is there something you want to say to me!?"

"Don't talk to me," Fiona said. "I'm not in the mood for your...HEY!"

Silver used his powers to levitate the girl toward him, "Another one of Sally's mistakes. How she allows a traitor like you to remain in this Kingdom is a joke!"

"Silver! Put her down!" Tails flew over to grab Fiona. "Right now!"

"Can it, I don't take orders from pipsqueaks," Silver said.

"Silver! That's enough!" Blaze pleaded. "Put her down!"

"Hey, she had something to say about me!" Silver said, as he continued to hold a now terrified Fiona. "Well? Speak up!"

"I said let her go!" Tails pulled at Fiona to keep her away from Silver.

"Dude, stop being such an asshole!" Mina shouted, then found herself being levitated as well.

"Mom!" Melody shouted in worry.

Nicole looked ready to strike, but before anything, Sally mustered the courage to speak up.

"Release them!" Sally ordered, pointing at the ground before her. "Right now!"

Silver shot a very menacing glare at Sally as he slowly walked toward her, still keeping the girls levitated in the air. It wasn't long before Silver was inches away from Sally, glaring into the Queen's eyes.

Sally did not want to back down, but her nerves started catching up with her. She was no fool, she knew Silver could destroy her if he wanted to. It wouldn't even be a fight.

Slowly but surely, everyone around prepared for a battle. Antoine had his hand on his sword's helm, Bunnie was slowly charging her cannon, Nicole was readying some weapons to be locked onto Silver, Tangle slowly stretched her tail out, Lanolin reached for her bell, Tekno reached for her crossbow, Ray looked ready to dash in.

Even Whisper and Amy were ready to fight if need be, with one grabbing her Wispon, and the other summoning her hammer.

Fortunately Silver released both girls, rather abruptly as they fell to the floor, all the while he still had his eyes on Sally. "It boggles my mind that anyone would follow you." Sally did not turn away, but Silver could see some uncertainty in her eyes. "All the good you claim to do is an outright lie. All you do is cause harm."

"Now see here," Antoine stepped toward Silver, but with a flick of the wrist, Antoine was pushed away, all the while not taking his eyes off of Sally.

"In my timeline, the Acorns aren't a thing, you know why?" Silver asked. "They died off because of their own incompetence. You and whatever descendants will amount to nothing in the end. All this need for control, this corruption of power, using false kindness as a shield. You're not a hero, you're a manipulative woman who will go as far as fake tears to get what you want."

"Ignore him, Sally!" Lanolin called.

"What a good little sheep girl. Coming to the aid of your ruler?" Silver taunted before focusing back on the chipmunk. "All you've ever done was find some way to keep Sonic and his friends on a leash, because you know without them, your worthlessness would be exposed to anyone with functioning eyes."

"What is this knave trying to accomplish here?" Manik muttered in anger.

"As far as I'm concerned, Sally," Silver got in close to her face, intimidating the Queen. "You are no different from Eggman himself."

Sally's eyes widened in disbelief, the girl looking down in shame as the shadow from her hair was cast over her eyes. Silver's words took everyone by surprise. This was a step too far for their liking.

"Sonic was right to leave you, it's a shame he even stuck around in the first place," Silver said. "After all-"

"Hey! That's enough!" Ray shouted while getting Silver's attention. "You made your point, n-now knock it off! She's going through a lot, she d-doesn't need this abuse!"

"What could she possibly go through?" Silver asked. "I've seen worse growing up, so don't tell me she's struggling."

"She's a queen, genius, they go through a lot," Mina said. "Geez, I heard you were dumb but-"

"But what!?" Silver angrily stepped over to Mina. Fortunately Tails was quick to block his path. "Move it!"

"I don't want you anywhere near Mina or Fiona!" Tails warned as he shielded both girls. "I also don't appreciate what you said about Sally. You can doubt her rule, but comparing her to Eggman really crossed the line! If I were you, I'd leave, otherwise I'll make you!"

"You do not want any of this, runt," Silver warned as he looked ready to fight. Tails summoned his arm cannon, looking just as ready to fight as well.

"Tails is so cool," Melody said.

"I hope he doesn't get hurt," Sonia said.

"I hope he hurts Silver," Manik added.

While Tails was ready for a fight, even he wasn't sure how he would handle a hedgehog with Silver's powers. But he refused to back down. Silver however, was determined to make quick work of Tails, only one thing proved capable of stopping him.

"Silver! I told you to knock it off!" Blaze demanded. "I know you don't like this place, but now is not a good time. Look, the Eggman situation is being dealt with, Sonic just went to go find him."

"Where is Sonic?" Silver asked.

"He just left," Blaze explained, gesturing in Sonic's direction. "I'm not sure but-"

"Don't worry, I'll go find him," Silver said as he began leaving.

"Wait, you're going to find Sonic?" Blaze asked.

"That, and destroy Eggman," Silver said. "The sooner that gets done, the sooner you come home."

"Silver, this requires tact," Julie-Su said.

"I know what I'm doing!" Silver bluntly replied, earning an eye roll from Julie-Su. "I'm going to find Eggman. Blaze, Marine, are you two coming?"

"I can come too?" Marine asked. "Sweet."

"Well, I suppose we can go," Blaze turned to her fellow Princess. "Sally, do you think this is wise?"

"Blaze! You're a Princess too! A better one at that, don't rely on that woman's orders," Silver said.

Blaze looked a bit bothered by that, it only fueled her sympathy for Sally even more.

"Silver, it might be dangerous," Whisper said.

"I'll be fine," Silver replied. "If you want to come though, be my guest. Bring Tangle with you."

"I suppose it could be good to just go find him," Bunnie said. "Maybe-"

"Don't even think about it, I don't want any of you Freedom Fighters anywhere near me," Silver said. "Whisper's fine, but the rest of you can kindly fuck off."

"What was that!?" Antoine shouted in anger.

"You heard what I said," Silver turned his attention to the planet's Queen. "You understand me, Sally? Don't even think about sending one of your goons my way. If you do, you'll never see that goon again!"

"Was that a threat!?" Nicole angrily asked.

"Call it whatever you want," Silver said as he turned to the exit. "Blaze, Marine, let's go!"

Silver left in an instant, with Blaze looking very embarrassed. "Silver...you can be short tempered sometimes, but not like this. Usually you're the one calming me down."

"Blaze?" Marine snapped the Princess out of her thoughts.

"I'm fine," Blaze said, then turned to her fellow royalty. "Sally, I'm going with Silver."

"Okay..." Sally said, still barely reacting.

"...He didn't mean what he said, I know you're nothing like Doctor Eggman, you're much kinder than that," Blaze reassured. "It's probably stress, we're due to be married soon and, well...it can weigh on a person."

"Yes, it can..." Sally said.

Nicole made her way to Blaze's side and whispered, "I appreciate you trying to help, but the topic of marriage may bother Sally."

"Oh, right..." Blaze said as she awkwardly blushed.

"Listen, why don't you just go with Silver for now," Nicole said.

"Sure..." Blaze turned back to Sally. "I'll be back soon, Queen Sally."

"Be safe..." Sally said.

"You're kind to worry, but I can handle Eggman," Blaze said as she formed fire in her hand. "We'll end this and put your mind at ease."

"Okay..." Sally said.

Blaze turned away in worry, "She's quieter than me right now. That has me worried."

"Let's go," Marine said as she and Blaze left.

"And I'm left alone," Julie-Su lamented.

"How come Silver didn't ask you to go?" Mighty asked. "You're part of the Sol Team as well."

"Silver has no respect for me," Julie-Su said. "He says I'm too similar to Sally's Freedom Fighters. Meanwhile I'm the one helping his fiancé get ready for her wedding. I understand why Blaze loves Silver, but honestly, he's an asshole sometimes."

"For real," Tekno said. "Telling us to fuck off? Who does he think he is talking shit like that about us? We do our damn jobs just fine!"

"Regardless, if he doesn't want me there, then that's on him," Julie-Su said.

Bunnie grumbled in annoyance as she readied her weapons, "Antoine, stay with Sally."

"Where are you going?" Antoine asked.

"I'm going after Eggman mahself!" Bunnie said.

"What about S-Silver's warning?" Ray asked.

"I ain't gonna let him intimidate me," Bunnie said. "I'm fighting for mah Kingdom! I'd like to see that punk tell me what to do."

"You go girl!" Tekno cheered. "Show that Weed Plant who's boss!"

"I'll go too," Mina said. "I'm not letting Sonic have all the fun in trashing Robotnik."

"Are you sure about that, Mina?" Tails asked. "I don't want you getting hurt."

"You're sweet to care," Mina said as she rubbed Tails's head. "I got this though."

"...I should go too," Tails said. "Honestly, Sonic had the right idea. It's time to just go after Eggman."

"I'll come too," Knuckles said.

"And me," Rouge added.

"And us," Espio said, gesturing to himself, Vector and Charmy.

"The Chaotix huh? Well Ray and I will come too," Mighty said.

"R-right, sounds good," Ray said.

Amy glanced at Sally, then at the door. Much as she wanted to comfort her friend, she figured the best thing to do was speed things up. Amy quickly glanced at Cream, who offered a thumbs up in support.

"Tails, I'm coming too," Amy said. She then called to her daughter. "Sonia! I'm going to help your daddy fight Eggman! Cream will look after you until I get back!"

"Go kick butt, mom!" Sonia cheered.

"Melody, you stay with Manik, and be a good girl for the others," Mina said.

"You got it, mom!" Melody said.

Amy turned to Sally, taking the Queen by her hand. Sally was still unresponsive, which worried Amy. But the girl was still determined regardless.

"Stay strong, Sally." The lack of response prompted Amy into hugging the Queen and gently caressing her head. "I love you."

Nicole briefly glared at Amy, turning away in jealousy. "As if anyone could love Sally more than I do."

Ray looked on as well, feeling worried for Sally. Part of him wanted to stay and comfort her as well, but he did not feel confident enough to help her feel better. "The best thing I can do for Sally is put a stop to Eggman. That's just what I'm gonna do."

Cream took Tails by the hand, getting his attention. "Good luck, Miles."

Tails shared a quick kiss with his wife, then pulled back with a smile. "That's all the luck I need."

"Hey, Tails..." Fiona said, getting his attention. "Thanks, for sticking up or me earlier. And for trying to help me just now."

"It's no big deal," Tails insisted.

Whisper readied a Wispon to help her fly, "Let's move."

Tangle wrapped her tail around her friend, "Whoo! Let's do it, to it!"

Whisper looked back at the Queen briefly as thoughts ran through her mind, "I won't let you down, my Queen. I promise to put an end to this." She spoke aloud as she pointed to the exit, "Freedom Fighters! Roll out!"

Everyone followed Whisper out of the castle, each of them dashing toward where Sonic might be. Though most of them were following Amy, knowing full well she was the best person to find Sonic.

Sally still stood in place, completely in disbelief, much to the worry of those who remained.

"Hey, Sally?" Tekno tried getting her attention. "Come on, snap out of it. Silver's just jealous. Most guys can't handle seeing a woman in power, and I bet deep down, he wishes he had a woman like you. But you're too good for him, and he knows it. In the end, you don't take his shit like Blaze does, you stand your ground and continue to be an inspiration for all women."

"Uh-huh..." Sally replied, barely putting thought into it.

"It's hardly a surprise that your best Freedom Fighters are girls," Tekno said. "You even helped make Amy the woman she is today. If nothing else, you're an inspiration to all girls."

"Right..." Sally again replied, with barely any emotion.

"...Zat fuel," Antoine muttered. He then angrily spoke aloud, "When I see that accursed hedgehog again! I will show him why we in ze Freedom Fighters deserve ze respect we have earned! In fact...I should go find him right now!"

"Uh, Antoine, no offense, but how are you going to catch up?" Tekno asked.

"Perhaps Whisper has a spare Wispon," Antoine said. "Or I can borrow Tails's plane."

"I don't think he'd like that," Tekno said. "Look, your wife's got it. Right now, you should stay and help keep an eye on Sally."

"I cannot just let my wife go on her own, she might need me," Antoine said.

"She'll be fine," Tekno insisted. "She's a strong girl. You really knew how to pick'em."

"Yes, I am quite fortunate," Antoine said. "Zat is why I wish to protect her."

"Good man, but seriously, let her handle it. If worse comes to worse, Amy's there to help," Tekno said. "Right now, Sally needs you. You're one of her top Generals, so you need to be there for her."

"Very well, I suppose while I am here, I can check on ze castle defense," Antoine said.

"And if you need me, I'm a pretty damn good shot with this," Tekno said as she showed off her crossbow.

"Good to know," Antoine said.

Meanwhile, Lanolin was heartbroken by Sally's current state of mind. She contemplated talking to her, but Fiona pulled her aside.

"Hey, remember our plan," Fiona said.

"But Sally needs me right now," Lanolin said.

"Let Nicole handle it," Fiona said. "We still have other things to worry about, namely that big plan of ours."

"I haven't forgotten," Lanolin said. "Is it really a good idea?"

"We've been over this, it's a perfect plan," Fiona said. "Besides, what do we have to lose? You've already been demoted, and I just got fired and placed on probation."

"Well keep in mind that I could get fired too if things go wrong," Lanolin said. "I really need this job."

"No you don't, you work at the Restoration," Fiona said. "Granted it's pretty useless for the most part."

"First of all, no it's not!" Lanolin said. "Second, it's not about money or having a job. I just really like working with Sally."

"Which is why you need to pull this off," Fiona said. "If we make this plan work, it will mean big things for us. I'll get my job back, and you'll become a leader again. Hell, if this works, Sally is going to love you."

"...You really think so?" Lanolin asked.

"Sally is going to be so impressed, she'll pretty much deem you Mobius's biggest hero," Fiona said. "She is going to absolutely love you. Soon you'll be her hero. Doesn't that sound nice?"

"Me? Sally's hero?" Lanolin imagined the idea of Sally hero-worshiping her. Needless to say, it filled her with joy. "Wow, me, a hero."

"She's going to be so proud of you, all we need to do is pull off this plan," Fiona said.

The more Lanolin thought about Sally's praises, the more she felt determined. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Let's do it, to it," Fiona said, to which she and Lanolin followed up with the Freedom Fighters handshake.

Meanwhile Sonia had ran over to Sally, glancing at the Queen in worry. Sally still had the same blank look on her face.

"Sally..." Sonia took the Queen by her hand. Surprisingly that seemed to snap Sally out of her funk, if only a little.

"Sonia," Sally picked the girl up and held the child in her arms.

"It'll be fine, Sally," Sonia reassured. "Mommy and daddy will beat up Eggman, then you won't have to worry about him again."

"Yes, of course," Sally said as she gently stroked Sonia's head.

"And I don't care what Silver says, you're nothing like Eggman," Sonia said. "He's a jerk who only cares about what he wants. You care about everyone. Anyone like Eggman wouldn't have the same kind of love in your heart that you do. Mommy says you're one of the kindest girls she knows, and mommy's a great judge of character."

"No one's better than her," Sally said.

"But, even if mommy didn't say it, it's not hard for me to see," Sonia pulled back and gently stroked Sally's cheek. "Because I can see how kind you are, and I couldn't love you more, even if you were my mother too."

"Aw, Sonia..." Sally's mood began to lighten. "That means so much to me."

Sally then placed a kiss on both of Sonia's cheeks before ending it with one on her nose. This got a huge blush out of Sonia.

"Geez Sal, get a hold of yourself," Sonia teasingly stated. "I know I'm cute and adorable, but this is too much for my little heart."

"You're such an angel," Sally said. For whatever reason, tears started streaming down her eyes, worrying the girl in her arms.

"H-hey! Why are you crying!?" Sonia began wiping her tears away. "I was just joking, you know I love your funny kiss! It gives me life!"

"Huh?" Sally picked up on her tears, and quickly panicked. Even more when she remembered that Manik was nearby, the boy standing next to Melody with a concerned look of his own. "Oh, sorry, must be allergies."

"What allergies?" Sonia asked. "You're not allergic to me, are you?"

"No, don't be silly," Sally said as she placed Sonia down. "I probably just got something in my eye, that's all."

"But, you're crying out of both eyes," Sonia said.

"It's basic symmetry, that's all," Sally nervously insisted.

"Mother?" Manik walked over to the Queen.

"Hey honey, um..." Sally had to think of something to say. "I might have some free time later, maybe I can play that game with you. Would you like that?"

"Oh...you mean it?" Manik asked.

"Of course, I've been meaning to spend time with you," Sally said. "Then we can play chess later, and then we can do a little fencing practice. Doesn't that sound fun?"

"Well, yeah, it does," Manik admitted. "But, will you have time to?"

"Sure she will," Nicole said. "In fact, why don't you go do it right now, Antoine and I can keep things under control here."

"Oui, go spend time with your son," Antoine said.

"Okay, I will," Sally turned to her son. "Let's go honey."

Manik beamed a sincerely happy smile, one that hadn't been so wide in a while, "Okay!"

Sonia's eyes widened in amazement. Just seeing the smile on her brother's face touched her heart. Despite that, she couldn't help but notice that Sally's smile did not have the same sincerity. Regardless, she was happy that the mother and son duo were spending time together.

"Come on, Sonia," Cream took the girl by her hand. "Let's go play somewhere."

"There's a park not too far away, Sonic used to love running around there when he was a kid," Sally said. "I think Sonia will love it too."

"Okay Sally," Cream said as she led the girl away. "Let's go sweetheart."

"Bye Manik! Bye Sally! Have fun!" Sonia said.

"Oh we will!" Manik pulled at his mother's hand. "Come on!"

"Whoa, slow down there hot shot," Sally jokingly said as she went with Manik. "Wow, this reminds me of how your father used to be."

"...Uh, that's a good thing, right?" Manik asked.

"Of course, don't worry about it, squirt," Sally said.

"Hey, who are you calling squirt, ma'am?" Manik teased.

"Oh you little smart-mouth," Sally teased back as she raised her hands. "Someone wants a tickle attack."

"Oh crap!" Manik ran for his room with Sally following.

"Hey! Man up and accept your torture!" Sally said as she followed her son.

"Never!" Manik replied as he ran.

The sound of laughter echoed a bit, which put many of the Freedom Fighters at ease.

"I am so relieved to hear laughter coming from Sally," Antoine said. "That barbarian Silver thinks he knows our Queen, but no one knows Sally like us."

"She's such a good mother," Tekno said. "That boy's going to grow up just fine."

"Of course, she is doing well, even if she struggles," Antoine said. "Being a single parent is not easy."

"Well she's not raising him alone, she has us," Nicole said. "I treat Manik like my own child as well, and you are more of a father figure to him than his own father."

"Hey!" Sonia said.

"Uh, no offense Sonia," Nicole said. "But even you seem to realize that your father isn't exactly around a lot."

"...Good point," Sonia sadly admitted.

Cream furrowed her brow and pulled Sonia along, "Well, we should get to that park before sundown, come on Sonia."

"Okay," Sonia said as she went with Cream, with Nicole worrying about her choice of words.

At this point Melody had spoken up, "Hey um...I'm still here. What should I do?"

"Oh, right," Antoine said. "Hey, would you like to see Jacques and Belle?"

"Sure, that sounds nice," Melody said. "By the way, has Queen Sally considered remarrying?"

"Remarrying?" Antoine asked. "Well, yes, she has thought about it once or twice."

"But she's too nervous too," Nicole said. "Finding a decent fiancé is not easy."

"What about Ken?" Tekno asked.

"He would not be bad, he is a king after all," Antoine said. "A Queen needs a King."

"I can't see that happening," Nicole said. "Besides they don't see each other much these days."

"Worth a shot," Tekno said. "But...has she considered dating girls?"

"Sally doesn't swing that way," Nicole said.

"Yet…" Fiona teased as she walked over with Lanolin.

"Oh, you're still here," Nicole said.

"Well Sally did give me permission to live at the castle," Fiona said. "And look, I know I messed up, but I won't do it again. I know talk is cheap, which is why I am going to prove my loyalty."

"I hope so," Nicole said.

"Honestly, it's why I need Tekno," Fiona said, gesturing to the girl.

"Finally need my services?" Tekno asked.

"Come with me and Lanny," Fiona said. "We'll find Rotor."

"He's right there," Tekno said, gesturing to the walrus as he was seen speaking with Jewel about something.

"Man that guy really does not stand out much," Fiona said. "Let's go."

"Hey, you think we should call that Lombax?" Lanolin asked. "Or maybe ask Star Fox for help?"

"Let's keep it between us," Fiona said.

"Also, what's a Lombax?" Melody asked.

"Long story, but I will admit, I'd like to see Ratchet again myself," Nicole said.

"To date?" Tekno asked, getting a blush from Nicole.

"Uh, no, besides he already has a girlfriend...I think," Nicole said. "I can't date anyway, I'm an AI."

"Hey don't let that stop you," Tekno said. "Maybe you can find another AI."

"Let's not worry about my dating life, I'm perfectly happy being single," Nicole said. "I have Sally and I have Manik, that's all the family I need."

"Alright, whatever you're down with," Tekno said.

"Yo! Rotor!" Fiona said. "It's time!"

"Okay!" Rotor said as he and Jewel joined with the others.

"Wait, what are you up to?" Antoine asked.

"It's a surprise," Fiona said.

"A surprise?" Nicole asked. "Hey, don't keep secrets from us. Does Sally know about this?"

"It's to help Sally," Fiona said. "We're going to beat Robotnik at his own game. He thinks he can build great machines? Well Rotor and Tekno could build one better."

"I'm loving the praise I'm getting," Tekno said.

"They're smart, but if you need something built, why not ask Tails?" Melody asked. "He's the smartest guy I know."

"He is smart, but he's busy being a badass," Fiona said. "So Rotor and Tekno have this."

"Well, you're right about one thing, Tails is a badass, and super cool," Melody said. "But Tekno and Rotor are cool too."

"Everyone knows that I'm cool," Tekno said.

"And arrogant," Nicole said.

"Hey!" Tekno replied.

"Let's focus on doing what we can for Sally, and sticking it to Silver in the process," Fiona said.

"Freedom Fighters for life!" Tekno cheered, everyone else showing their praise.

Unfortunately their celebration was interrupted by an unwanted party, "Excuse me..."

Nicole noticed the person in question, and immediately furrowed her brow, "Ugh, it's you."

"Geoffrey St. John," Fiona said as she turned to the skunk. "I thought I smelt something foul."

"That's discriminatory," Geoffrey pointed out.

"What do you want?" Antoine asked.

"I am here to inquire about the Robotnik situation," Geoffrey said. "We in the Council are getting concerned. The robot troubles the other day had the citizens in a frenzy."

"They got destroyed, so there's nothing to worry about anyway," Fiona said.

"Regardless, progress needs to be made, can you say you've made any?" Geoffrey asked.

"We've made plenty," Fiona said. "I went out on a mission yesterday with Mina, Whisper and Tails just so you know."

"Tails? As in Miles Prower?" Geoffrey asked. "The same one that is in league with Sonic the Hedgehog?"

"Sonic came by and trashed the robots," Rotor said. "Now he's off looking for Robotnik with a handful of his friends and members of the Freedom Fighters."

"So, once again Queen Sally needed the assistance of that irritating hedgehog," Geoffrey said. "At this point, do we even need The Freedom Fighters?"

"Hey, we get things done without Sonic's help," Lanolin said. "Remember last year when Naugus tried brainwashing the citizens? There was no Sonic there to help."

"No, but you did request assistance from Mighty the Armadillo, and Ray the Flying Squirrel," Geoffrey said. "And when that failed, you practically had to beg Knuckles the Echidna and Rouge the Bat for help."

"Well...what about The Deadly Six?" Lanolin asked. "We took them down on a mission in Downunda."

"You only won because The Chaotix happened to be around, same with that twin-tailed runt of a fox," Geoffrey said.

"What the hell did you say about Tails!?" Fiona asked in fury.

"That 'twin tailed runt' is someone close to Sally's heart, and mine too," Nicole said. "I am not going to allow slander about someone who's like family to us."

"It still does not help your case," Geoffrey said.

"Just a few weeks ago we defeated Rough and Tumble," Lanolin said.

"Wow...so amazing," Geoffrey mocked. "Those two are so incompetent that even Vanilla the Rabbit could scare them off."

"Yeah, even I don't consider Rough and Tumble worth mentioning," Fiona said.

"Well what about Doctor Starline?" Jewel chimed in. "We've beaten him without Sonic. Same with Lien-Da. Can't forget Snively either."

"Yeah, we got the job done against all of them," Lanolin said.

"It's still not impressive," Geoffrey said.

"Well we're your only line of defense, whether you like it or not," Rotor said. "What are you going to do? Disband The Freedom Fighters?"

"Of course not, but I may consider revamping the concept," Geoffrey said. "And that may not include any of you in the future."

"Watch yourself, you may be in the Council, but Sally is still Queen," Nicole said.

"Right...that may be troubling too," Geoffrey said.

Nicole got in his face, "Mind repeating that!?"

"Oh it's nothing, just a bit of ramble," Geoffrey said. "Do what you must with Robotnik, but if you continue to involve outside assistance in official government matters, then something will have to change. We're not going to allow blatant vigilantism like those Earthlings do. Mobius is a far superior civilization, and I intend to maintain its glory."

"Whatever dude, if you're done, then buzz off, we're busy," Fiona said.

"Doing ze jobs you claim we are lacking in," Antoine said. "Why don't you do your job? Before you find yourself without one!"

Geoffrey furrowed his brow and left, leaving everyone feeling irritated.

"What a scumbag," Tekno said. "Why does he still work here?"

"Nepotism," Fiona said. "Sally's father is fond of him."

"But her father isn't King anymore," Tekno said.

"No, but Sally is still trying to be a good little girl for her daddy," Fiona said. "Honestly, the only way Geoffrey will lose his job is if Max croaks."

"Let's not talk that way," Nicole said. " I know father...I mean, King Max, is a bit unreasonable at times, but he is still Sally's father. He loves his daughter, and she loves him."

"Well it feels manipulative," Fiona said. "That asshole Silver thinks that Sally pulls strings, when in the end, Max is the real puppet master."

"It's not really that bad, is it?" Jewel asked.

"Look, getting into this right now is a bad idea, let's just go along with whatever plan you need," Rotor said.

"...Alright," Fiona said. "Nicole, Antoine, we're going to get to work, let us know if anything comes up. I may not be a Freedom Fighter, but if Sally's in danger, I want to protect my friend."

"Of course," Antoine said. "Good luck."

"Thanks," Fiona said and turned to her team. "Let's get to work."

Off in the distance, Sonic had stopped near a cliffside to take a quick look around, trying to deduce where Eggman would be.

One thing that stuck out to him was seeing some of the Little Creatures running not toward something, but rather away.

"What could be happening?" Sonic ran in the direction of what seemed like trouble. He stopped again to take note of some charred ground. "Must be Eggman's work, that or something he's been working with. Given some of the marks, I wouldn't be surprised if Scourge or Surge ran through here." Sonic scratched his head in confusion, "How did two people with similar personalities end up with similar names? I know Scourge is just me from another world, what are the odds he got the name from Surge? They've met a few times prior to this so..."

"Sonic!" Came Silver's voice as he flew over.

"Silver?" Sonic turned to the hedgehog from the future. "This is a surprise."

"Sonic, glad I caught up to you," Silver said. "I heard about your troubles with Eggman. I came to lend a hand."

"Thanks, I appreciate that," Sonic said. "But how did you find out about this? It's not so bad that it's affecting the future, is it?"

"No, nothing like that," Silver said. "I found out because I went to see where Blaze went. Apparently she went to help this world's Queen."

"Oh, so did Sally fill you in?" Sonic asked.

"Sort of, I mostly just asked Blaze about it," Silver said. "Then I left."

"...You didn't get into a fight, did you?" Sonic asked.

"Maybe a little, but no one's hurt if you must know," Silver said. "Even if some of them deserve it."

Sonic did not care to hear that from Silver, but knew this wasn't really the time to dwell on it. "Did anyone else come with you?"

"I asked Blaze and Marine to," Silver said. "I'm not sure if anyone else is coming."

Sonic looked behind Silver, "Looks like we are getting company."

Coming in from the distance was Blaze and Marine, and they were joined by Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Rouge, Mighty, Ray and The Chaotix.

"Guess your wife and the rest of your friends decided to join us," Silver said.

"That's not all," Sonic said, gesturing to an oncoming Bunnie and Mina.

Silver gripped his hand in anger, "I thought I told Sally Acorn not to send her Freedom Fighters my way!"

"Guess she was worried," Sonic theorized. He could see Silver getting angrier, which worried Sonic. "Hey, try to control yourself."

"Silver!" Blaze ran up to him, stopping short of her fiancé. "Oh good, you caught up to Sonic. Now we can-"

"Why are they here!?" Silver shouted as he gestured to Bunnie and Mina.

"Huh?" Blaze turned see that the girls had just arrived. "Oh, um...I'm not sure."

Silver marched over to the girls, angrily glaring at the two, "Didn't I tell your worthless Queen not to send her goons!?"

"Sally didn't send us, we came because we wanted to," Bunnie said. "Last ah checked, this is mah world, and I have a duty to keep it safe."

"Same here, if I have the power to help, then I will," Mina said. "A wise hero once said, With Great Power-"

"Don't give me that," Silver said. "I know who you're talking about, if you ask me, Peter Parker is not the ideal Spider-Man. That honor goes to Miguel O'Hara."

"Whoa, dial it back," Amy said. "Don't drag Peter's name through the mud."

"Fine, but this girl is just using that stupid catchphrase as an excuse to come here where she's not needed!" Silver said. He focused back on the two. "Go home! We don't need you here!"

"Sorry hon, but we're not going anywhere," Bunnie said. "You do what you want, but we're going after Eggman ourselves."

"You'll just get in the way!" Silver said.

"Silver, if they want to go after Eggman, then let them," Sonic said. "Bunnie's very capable as a fighter, she's the best girl that Sally has on her team."

"Aw, thanks Sonic," Bunnie said.

"Mina's pretty great herself," Tails said. "So I think you should show her a little more respect."

"Aw, Tails..." Mina said with a large blush on her face. She stood upright and pointed right at Silver, "You heard the fox, I'm just as great as you are!"

"Uh...not quite what I said," Tails mentioned.

"Honestly, we have more reason to be here than you, Silver," Mina said. "So if anyone needs to take a hike, it's you!"

"Don't make me drop you into a volcano," Silver warned.

Tails quickly flew in front of Mina, ready to protect her. This just made the mongoose swoon even more for Tails.

"Silver, we all have the common goal of stopping Eggman," Tails said. "Stop acting like we're all enemies with each other when we're not! If we fall apart, we'll just be open for one of Eggman's attacks. You got that!?"

Silver grumbled in annoyance, "So long as no one screws up, then that's fine. Just keep those so-called Freedom Fighters out of my way."

Tails grumbled in annoyance as he turned to the girls, "You two should stay close to me, Sonic or Amy."

"Don't worry hon, ah got this," Bunnie said.

"Me too. Buuuuut," Mina rushed to Tails's side as she pulled the fox boy into a hug. "I won't turn down such a kind offer."

"Uh...okay," Tails bashfully said.

"Eggman's this way, if you want to follow me, then do so at your own leisure," Sonic said. Without another word, he dashed in the direction Eggman was in, with the others quickly following behind Sonic.

Back in Mobotropolis, both Sonia and Cream were happily running around the wide range of the local park. As they ran, they stopped near a pond, mostly for Cream to take in the sights.

"So pretty," Cream said. "Sally does a great job keeping this place nice and clean."

"She sure does," Sonia said as she ran by Cream. "Still, something about this place feels kind of small."

"Small?" Cream asked.

"Yeah like, is this really where daddy would do his runs?" Cream asked. "I can see why he wanted to explore more of the world, or even the universe."

"He does like exploring, not just so he has a good spot to run, but he likes taking in the sights," Cream said. "Your mom's the same way. Sonic and Amy both love their sight-seeing."

"That I'm fully aware of, they love to stop and rest at all of these pretty areas," Sonia said. "I like them too, but then I get bored if I stay there too long."

"You shouldn't be, life is too short and precious to take for granted," Cream said. "That's something I think your parents want others to realize."

"Is that why mom really wants Sally to go on an adventure?" Sonia asked.

"Yes, but if I'm being honest, Sally doesn't seem like the adventuring type," Cream said. "Not to say she's happy here, but I don't think she finds the same thrills your parents do. When Sonic sees someone sad, his first instinct is to get that person to run, because that's how he feels better. Amy is similar in that she likes just going on an adventure because it clears her mind."

"What about you?" Sonia asked.

"Well, when I was a little girl, I really wanted to go on adventures, and I still like going places with Miles," Cream said. "But, I enjoy my quiet life with my son. Even if I'm not traveling, that's fine. Being a mother is its own adventure. I think that's what Sally needs to focus on. She doesn't need to do what Sonic and Amy do to have fun, just being around her friends should be enough."

"She sees her friends every day though, and she has Manik," Sonia said. "Why isn't she happy more often?"

"Because she's the Queen, and unfortunately it means working a lot," Cream said. "The other problem with Sally is that even if she did take a break from her duties, she won't be able to focus on having fun because she's too focused on her responsibilities."

"Is that why daddy hates responsibilities?" Sonia asked. "Because it makes life boring?"

"Probably," Cream said. "Now, don't get me wrong, I admire Sally's sense of responsibility, it's something our friend Peter Parker prides himself on. One thing Peter and Sally have in common though, is that they can't find a middle ground."

"So, somewhere between fun and work?" Sonia asked.

"Exactly," Cream confirmed. "Having too little work ethic is bad, because then you become lazy. The worse thing in the world is having no drive. But, too much work ethic leaves you feeling unfulfilled in its own way, because no matter how much you do, it never feels like enough. Essentially, it's two sides of the same coin."

"Wow, that's rouge," Sonia said. "It's funny, I see a lot of girls who like the idea of being a Princess, or even a Queen. You live in a fancy castle, you get to make choices, and everyone usually listens to you. But when I see Sally, she doesn't seem happy as a Queen. It's like she wishes she had a different life, but at the same time, she can't stop being Queen."

"That's true, she can't just give up her crown," Cream said. "Honestly, I can't even imagine who else could be King or Queen. Sally is the best we have because she cares about her Kingdom."

"Right? She does so much for us, but she gets disrespected by people sometimes," Sonia said. "Even Silver said those terrible things. Like, I thought he was better than that, but for him to say she's like Eggman? Why would he say that?"

"I don't know, but I know he's wrong," Cream said. "I'll admit that Sally can be bossy, I've seen how controlling she can be. But in her own way, she's just trying to protect everyone. Amy and Sally used to argue about that stuff a lot, she once thought Sally was a bad influence on me and Miles. Maybe she was, as I got older I found myself being too cautious at points, and too goal oriented. But I can never fault Sally for this because I know she just doesn't want us getting hurt. Still, I should have done my part to help."

"Help how?" Sonia asked.

"I was never honest enough with Sally about how I feel regarding how she does things," Cream said. "I just accepted it because growing up, she was the Princess and she knew better. Looking back, I don't think she knew everything. Rather than just accepting how she was, I should have been honest with her. The reason Amy has such a good relationship with Sally is because she was honest. Bossy as Sally is, she can still be reasoned with. Most don't try because she's the Princess and thus, intimidating, but Sally will listen if you try hard enough."

"Is that what happened with daddy?" Sonia asked. "Did he not try hard enough?"

"I can't say for sure," Cream replied. "Sonic has never been good with emotions, or with talking. If something's bothering him, he prefers to run. So maybe he didn't talk with Sally enough, or maybe he just didn't know what he wanted for a long time."

"So, he didn't know he was in love with my mom?" Sonia asked. "That means he never meant to hurt Sally, right?"

"Your father would never want to hurt Sally," Cream said. "He loves her, just not the way he loves your mom. But Sally is in a bad place too, and neither she nor Sonic know how to work things out."

"The way Nicole made it sound, it had to do with daddy not caring about his wedding ring, and liking his bracelet more," Sonia said. "Or that thing with the purple rose."

Cream chuckled to herself a bit, "To think one rose is enough to send so much discourse. Even I didn't fully understand the meaning of the rose."

"So…was it just by chance then?" Sonia asked.

"Honey, just don't worry about it," Cream said. "Sonic just wanted to do something nice for Amy, that's all."

"Okay," Sonia said. She glanced back at the castle, still thinking about Sally. "Funny, Sally lives in such a big home, but she feels so alone at times."

"That's the thing about large spaces, they mean nothing if you don't have anyone to share with," Cream said. "Just like our friend Chris Thorndyke."

"Chris Thorndyke?" Sonia took a second to recall the name. "Oh, mom was telling me about the first time you, daddy and everyone went to his house."

"Well, we crashed there, but yeah, we ended up in his home," Cream said. "It's a funny story too."

"Might as well pass the time," Sonia said. "What happened after Chris saved daddy from the pool?"

"Well, we spent the night there, and Chris called his parents the next morning," Cream said.

Flashback to several years prior.

Everyone aside from Knuckles and Emerl were gathered in the living room, still registering what had happened the night prior.

"So...what exactly hit us last night?" Rotor asked.

"I looked over the plane, and it's safe to say that it was a missile attack," Tails said.

"Could it have been Robotnik?" Antoine asked.

"More than likely, I can't imagine why anyone else would do this," Sally said.

"Unless it was G.U.N. or something," Tails said. "Maybe they're after us again?"

"If they were, I think Spider-Man would have tipped us off," Sally said.

"Doesn't he only talk to Amy though?" Rotor asked. "She's not here, she's off wherever."

"What about that man who captured Eggman?" Ryo asked.

"You mean Doctor Doom?" Sally replied.

"I hope it's not him," Bunnie said. "Them heroes seemed so worried when he showed up."

"He's one of the most dangerous villains on this planet, so it makes sense," Nozomi said. "He's strong enough to even fight The Avengers on his own."

"Remind me, who are ze Avengers?" Antoine asked.

"A group of amazing heroes," Ryo said. "You already met one, Iron Man."

"You mean the feller with the robot suit, right?" Bunnie asked.

"The very same," Ryo confirmed.

"Well unfortunately we don't know who did this, but lucky for us, whoever did it didn't come after us," Sally said. "Which means we need to fight back somehow."

"What about the main reason you came here?" Cream asked.

"I know Cream, given that we know Robotnik is in Station Square, that means he could very well be behind this," Sally said. "Which is more reason to fight back."

"Actually, I meant going to the beach," Cream said. "Mr. Sonic said he'd take me."

"I sure did," Sonic said as he rested on a nearby window still.

"Save the beach for later," Sally said. "Also, Sonic, if you're going to be here, at least take part in the meeting. We're trying to figure out the best course of action."

"What's there to figure out?" Sonic asked. "Eggman attacked us, so we needed time to recover. Honestly, I'm ready to go now."

"Wait, what about breakfast?" Bunnie said. "You shouldn't fight on an empty stomach, yer gonna need yer strength if yer gonna give Eggman what he has coming."

"Bunnie...did you seriously use that foolish nickname?" Sally asked.

"Hey it's fitting, he does look like an Egg," Bunnie said.

"He seems to like it though, using the name 'Eggman' just feels like a chummy thing among buddies," Sally said.

"It's a villain name, like Doctor Doom," Beat said.

"I think that's his actual name," Ryo said.

"Pfft, no way, like anyone would actually be named 'Doom', what are the odds of that?" Beat asked.

"We know a girl named Rainbow Dash, it's not that unusual," Nozomi said. "Also, your name is Beat."

"Isn't it just a nickname?" Sally asked.

"Not important," Beat said.

"By the way, do your parents know you came all the way out here?" Sally asked.

"Hey, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not talk about that," Beat said. "The only family I need is my gang. I came here to explore Station Square, and to back up my buddy Sonic."

"Honestly, I'm with Sonic in the fact that I want to hit the town," Gum said. "LA Skateparks are among the best in the world."

"Pfft, like we're limiting ourselves to skate parks," Beat said. "The best skate park is Planet Earth."

"I like how you think," Sonic said.

"Ugh, isn't anyone taking this situation seriously!?" Sally asked.

"Sally, I like you and all, but you really need to chill," Beat said. "You're kind of killing the vibe."

"Keep in mind that I never wanted you to come," Sally said. "Be happy you're here."

"Sally Acorn, that is very much uncalled for," Vanilla scolded, earning a groan from the Princess.

"I just want to figure things out so we can plan accordingly," Sally said. "There's a time to work, and a time to play."

"And a time to eat, here comes our host," Bunnie said as she gestured to Chris making his way over with a tall man in a suit and a woman in a maid outfit.

"Looks like you're all feeling better," Chris said, then took a moment to look around. "Where's that red guy?"

"Knuckles left," Sonic said.

"He what!?" Sally asked in disbelief.

"He went back to Angel Island, just to make sure the Emerald was fine," Sonic said.

"Why didn't you say something sooner?" Sally asked.

"You didn't ask," Sonic replied.

Sally angrily furrowed her brow and gritted her teeth, startling everyone nearby as they back away from her.

"Sonic, bro, you really gotta learn how to talk to girls," Beat said.

"What for? I'm just being honest," Sonic said.

Sally took a moment to cool herself off, "At least tell me where that robot is."

"Still outside, just looking at some birds," Sonic said.

"At least he's not off doing who knows what," Sally said. She then turned her attention back to Chris, "Sorry you had to witness this."

"It's fine," Chris said. "Seems like you're the leader here."

"You could say that," Sally said.

"I think I caught that your name is Sally," Chris said. "It's a nice name."

"Aw, thank you," Sally said. "Who are these people?"

"This is Mister Tanaka," Chris said, gesturing to the man. "He's my butler."

"It is an honor to meet you," Tanaka said as he bowed to everyone.

"The pleasure is ours," Ryo said as he stood up to bow, with Nozomi doing the same.

"Are you Japanese too?" Nozomi asked.

"I am, I see you two are natives of the home country," Tanaka said.

"Hazuki, Ryo," The boy introduced. "I am from Yokosuka."

"Harasaki, Nozomi," the girl introduced. "I am also from Yokosuka, but I studied abroad in Vancouver, Canada."

"Name's Beat, I'm from Tokyo," The skater boy introduced.

"Gum," his friend replied.

"That is impressive," Tanaka said.

"If I may ask," Antoine began. "Why did zey introduce zemselves that way? You use the first name first. That is why it is the first name."

"In Japan, it's common to introduce yourself with your last name," Cream said. "So you'd be D'Coolette, Antoine."

"Huh, seems a bit silly to me," Antoine said. "I do not understand human culture."

"Maybe don't stay stuff like that, it's rude," Rotor said. "Besides, Mobius has a culture similar to Japan as well, that being The Dragon Kingdom."

"Yes, the Kingdom of the Four Houses, each containing a Bride that rule over them all," Sally said.

"Bride?" Tails asked.

"Long story," Sally said, then focused on the woman. "So who is this nice lady?"

"This is Ella, my maid," Chris introduced.

"Hello, it's very nice to meet such little creatures," Ella said.

"The pleasure is all ours ma'am," Sally said.

"A butler and a maid," Antoine said. "Is it safe to guess that you are rich?"

"Yeah, my family's really wealthy," Chris said. "My father's the President of a Software company, and my mother is a movie star."

"Movie star? Anything good?" Beat asked.

"I have a collection of her movies, I can show you later," Chris said.

"A movie star? That sounds amazing," Cream said. "I don't think I've met a movie star before."

"You have," Nozomi said. "Remember Pai Chan? She's a movie star."

"I thought she was a martial artist," Cream said.

"You can be both," Pai Chan said. "There's plenty of martial artists that are also movie stars."

"My mom met a guy like that, he calls himself Johnny Cage," Chris said. "I saw his movie Ninja Mine, it really wasn't that great, but people seem to like it. Maybe it's an acquired taste."

"Chris!" Came the voice of an old man. "Chris! You're not going to believe it! Reports of a missile attack were reported near our house last night! We need to..." The man noticed the various guests and visitors, immediately growing suspicious.

"Uh...hi Grandpa, you must be wondering who our friends here are," Chris said.

"Yes, I am..." the grandfather glared at the group, freaking out the likes of Tails, Cream and Antoine while Sonic and Sally glared at the old man.

"Uh, hello sir, my name is Ryo," the boy introduced.

"Hm?" The grandfather glared at Ryu, very suspicious of the boy. "Ryo you say? My, how interesting."

"Uh...yes?" Ryo wasn't sure what to make of it.

"You didn't happen to see any missiles last night, did you?" the grandfather asked.

"Yes...they destroyed a plane me and my friends were riding," Ryo said. "We crashed here last night."

"Oh, did you now?" Chuck asked.

"It's true Grandpa, I let them stay the night here too," Chris said.

"So...a missile attack happened, and these strangers just happened to be here?" the grandpa asked. "Doesn't that seem rather suspicious?"

"Hey, you better not be accusing us of anything!" Sally said. "I'll have you know that we're associated with Tony Stark and The Avengers!"

"You, an associate of The Avengers?" The Grandfather asked. "Impossible. What proof do you have?"

Sally pulled out her watch, "Nicole, dial Tony Stark's number."

"Dialing Sally," Nicole said as a phone rang.

"Yeah?" Tony answered.

"Tony Stark, this is Princess Sally Acorn," the girl said. "You remember me, don't you?"

"You mean the squirrel?" Tony asked.

"CHIPMUNK!" Sally shouted, startling everyone around. "Why does everyone keep calling me a squirrel? I don't have the tail for it!"

"First off, your last name is Acorn, which is what squirrels eat," Tony said. "Second, how did you get my number!? Was it that fox boy!? If he's there, tell him to stop hacking S.H.I.E.L.D.! I don't need Fury cracking down on me just because he's curious!"

"I only looked once more after the ARK incident," Tails insisted.

"Oh you are there, I suppose Johnny Storm and his annoying girlfriend are there too," Tony said.

"It's just us," Sally said. "We were under attack and some guy accused us of something Eggman did. I just needed you to confirm who we are and why we should be trusted."

"...You want trust? Don't hack my freaking phone!" Tony warned. "Also I am not someone to call just so that you could look cool! Hack me again and your precious Nicole will come down with a nasty virus!"

"Hey! Don't you threaten her!" Sally said, then heard a dial tone. "Did...did he hang up on me!? Ugh, I am SO going down to his office!"

"He lives in New York," Ryo pointed out.

"I'm fully aware," Sally said. She glared up at the old man, "Anyway, as you can see, we know Tony Stark."

"Yes...and he does not seem to like you," the grandfather said. "But so long as you're not evil, that's fine. It also sounds like you know Johnny Storm."

"Come to think of it, we should call him," Ryo said.

"I guess so, I'll dial him," Sally said. "Nicole, call Johnny Storm."

"Calling Sally," Nicole said as the phone rang.

"Yo, you got Johnny!" the voice said.

"Johnny, it's Sally, we have trouble in Station Square, how fast can you get here?" Sally asked.

"Give me five minutes," Johnny boasted, then was heard yelling. "Yo Dash! We're going to Station Square to help Sonic!"

"Awesome!" Rainbow Dash said as he hung up.

"Probably should have called him first," Sally said.

"Wow, Johnny Storm is coming, so cool!" Chris said. "I hope he brings Spider-Man!"

"I'm ready to head out," Sonic said.

"Sonic, wait, breakfast remember?" Bunnie said.

"Don't worry, I got breakfast for you," Chris said as he, Tanaka and Ella passed around some plates.

"Thanks, I..." Sonic looked down at his plate in confusion. "What is this?"

"Cat food," Chris said. "I read that hedgehogs eat it."

Curiously, Sonic tried the food, immediately regretting it as he pushed the plate away, "No way!"

"Sonic, don't be rude, he's just trying to be nice," Sally said.

"If you don't like it, I can get some dried crickets," Chris said.

Sonic got up and dashed off, leaving everyone behind.

"There he goes!" Beat cheered.

Sally shook her head in annoyance, "Sorry about that, Sonic can be so dramatic."

"I probably should have asked him," Chris said.

"Sonic is capable of eating human food, in fact all of these Mobians are," Ryo said.

"Mobians?" Chris asked.

"They're aliens from another planet," Ryo said.

"Aliens!? I thought they were animals with quirks," Chris said.

"I thought so too, but they're from another world," Ryo said. "If you want to feed Sonic, he seems partial to bao, pizza, and his personal favorite, Chili Dogs."

"Ugh, Sonic used to stuff his face with chili dogs, it was absolutely disgusting," Sally lamented.

"That was a long time ago, hon," Bunnie said.

"Will Sonic be back?" Chris asked.

"Maybe, if he wants to come back," Ryo said.

"He should have eaten something," Bunnie said. "But he'll be fine."

"Well, let's dig in," Sally looked at her plate to see nuts and berries. "Well, that's edible."

"I looked up what chipmunks eat," Chris said. "The internet said nuts and berries. I got you some blueberries and cranberries. I hope you like them."

"Thank you sweetheart," Sally said. "Also, thank you for knowing that I'm a chipmunk."

"Lucky guess," Chris said.

Cream, Vanilla and Bunnie each found carrots on their plates.

"Since you're rabbits, I figured you'd like carrots," Chris said.

"Carrots aren't actually good for rabbits, just so you know," Nozomi said. "But they're edible for Cream and Bunnie."

"Better them than me," Ryo commented.

Cream glanced at Ryo in an almost disapproving look, "Next time, you're eating the carrots. It's what your father would want after all."

"Don't give me that," Ryo lamented.

Rotor found some sushi on his plate, "Uh...walrus thing, right?"

"Yeah, I hope you like it," Chris said.

"I would if it were cooked," Rotor said.

"Sushi isn't meant to be cooked," Ryo commented.

"It just feels weird eating raw fish though," Rotor said.

Cheese checked his food, it was simple raisins, "Chao?"

"I wasn't sure what you were, so I played it safe," Chris said.

"He's a chao, and it's fine, he likes raisins," Cream said with Cheese complying.

Antoine checked to see that he was given meat, but not too his liking, "Shouldn't this be cooked? It is raw."

"I wasn't sure," Chris said. "When I looked it up, I saw that coyotes eat rodents and such."

"How terrible!" Antoine said. "Also, steak is not to my palette. Do you have any escargot?"

"Uh...I'm not sure," Chris said. "That's French Food, isn't it?"

"We may be able to order some," Tanaka said.

"How can you eat that stuff anyway? Isn't it snails?" Beat asked.

"It is a delectable meal," Antoine said. "I imagine commoners like you are not used to such finesse for your plate?"

"I don't care about rich people's food," Beat said. "I'd settle for a hamburger or a hot dog."

Tails looked at his pallet, finding some vegetables, "Oh...veggies?"

"Yeah, it's funny, I thought foxes were carnivores, but they can eat vegetables too," Chris said. "I also saw the types of food that foxes eat, and they also eat rodents and stuff."

"Uh...I'm fine with a chili dog myself, but I am not eating anything a human wouldn't eat," Tails said.

"Well some humans would eat anything if they needed to," Beat said.

"Still, I'm not eating anything gross," Tails said.

"Mind your manners, Tails," Sally said. "And be happy that Chris is feeding you."

"Yes Sally," Tails said.

"Too bad that red guy isn't here," Chris said. "But he probably wouldn't like the food I picked for him either."

"His name is Knuckles, and he eats normal human food too," Tails said. "He favors grapes in particular."

"Okay, I'll try to be better," Chris said. "At least feeding your human friends is easier."

"French Toast works for me," Ryo said.

"A nice tart, cute," Nozomi said.

"Waffles? Neat," Beat said.

"I just got stuck with a bowl of cereal," Gum said.

"Gum, be grateful," Sally said.

"You know you're not my mom, right?" Gum replied, much to Sally's annoyance.

"How immature," Sally commented.

"Hey um, Sally?" Chris got her attention. "I heard you introduce yourself as a Princess to Tony Stark. Is it true?"

"Yes, I am Princess of my world," Sally said. "We're stranded here, and are trying to find a way back."

"Maybe I can help, my parents might know people," Chris said. "Oh, I think I should call them."

"I shall attend to my other duties," Tanaka bowed to the group. "Farewell."

"Same, someone needs to keep this house clean," Ella said as she also left.

The grandfather knelt beside the Mobians, "Sorry about being hostile, I just want to protect my grandson."

"That's fine sir," Sally said.

"Please, call me Chuck," the grandfather said.

"Chuck?" Sally asked. "Funny, that's the name of Sonic's uncle."

"Sonic's the blue guy, right?" Chuck asked.

"Yes, he's a friend of mine from when we were kids," Sally said.

"She's the first friend that Sonic had," Cream said. "Along with Antoine, and Bunnie, and Rotor."

"Before he went off and found cooler friends," Rotor said. "Like Tails, Knuckles and Amy."

"Hey, you're cool too," Tails said.

"I don't feel cool, but that's fine, it's hard to compete against what you, Amy and Knuckles can do," Rotor said. "You're as fast as Sonic, and strong too."

"Amy's a little girl Rotor, she's not all that strong," Sally said. "Also I wouldn't call Knuckles a friend of Sonic. Those two seem to hate each other."

"Not really, they're just competitive," Tails said.

"Sounds like a lot of interesting stories to be told," Chuck said. "Chris will be excited to hear about it."

Meanwhile Chris was seen talking to his mother, "I'm doing great mom, and don't worry about when you're coming home, I can wait."

"I'm sorry to do this," Lindsey Thorndyke said. "I will make it up to you dear."

"Don't worry about it," Chris said. "Also, I have to apologize to you about something."

"Huh? What is it?" Lindsey asked.

"I went to the adult pool after midnight, which I know you told me not to do," Chris said.

"Chris, why were you swimming that late?" Lindsey asked.

"Uh..." Chris didn't expect his mother to believe him about Sonic, so he came with something else. "I saw a critter fall into the pool."

"It's alright, I'm not angry. You're such a kind little boy," Lindsey said. "I have to go, I love you."

"You too mom," Chris said as he hung up the phone.

"Is everything alright, Chris!?" Sally called.

"Yeah, it's fine Princess," Chris replied.

"Don't be formal, call me by my first name," Sally said.

"Are you sure?" Chris asked.

"It's fine, all my friends call me by my name," Sally said.

"Aside from this kiss-up Coyote," Beat joked as he gestured to Antoine.

"You watch your tongue, you knave!" Antoine warned.

"Knave? Is that French? What the hell is a knave?" Beat asked.

"It is what you are! You fuel!" Antoine said.

"...Dude, you really need to work on your English," Beat said. "And this is coming from a native Japanese boy."

"I would love to go to Japan one day, I bet it's pretty," Chris said.

"It is a lovely country," Ryo said. "Just wait until you see Tokyo."

"Or Mount Fuji," Nozomi added.

"Nozomi said she's going to take us to a temple one day, and we'll all get to wear Kimonos," Cream said.

"Maybe you'll be able to come too, Chris," Nozomi said.

"I'd like that," Chris said. A second later, his phone rang, and the boy answered, "Hello?"

"Chris, it's your father," Nelson Thorndyke said. "Your mother told me you went into a pool to save an animal, is that right?"

"Yes, that's right," Chris said.

"I'm sorry Chris, I guess security is not good if an animal can get in so easily," Nelson said.

"It's fine, everything worked out," Chris said. "I tried offering it food, but it ran off."

"He's not wrong," Sally commented.

"Also, grandpa, Ella and Mr. Tanaka are here, so I'm not alone at least," Chris said. "Anyway, are you coming home soon?"

"Sorry, I'm very busy here," Nelson said.

"Oh, that's fine," Chris said. "Don't worry about it."

"I'll see you around son, I love you," Nelson said.

"Love you too, dad," Chris said as he hung up.

"I take it your parents are away a lot?" Nozomi asked.

"Yeah, but it's fine, I have people here at least," Chris said.

"My son could stand to make some extra time for you," Chuck said.

"It's fine, really," Chris said. "I get why they're busy. I miss them but their work is important, isn't it?"

"That's good," Nozomi said. "I understand how you feel though, my parents are still in Canada."

"Canada is really far away from Japan," Chris said. "Why aren't you with your parents?"

"They believed I should spend time in Japan, but it wasn't easy to transition," Nozomi said. "I'm happy though, my grandmother is taking good care of me."

"That's good," Chris said.

"My father's back on my home planet, he's probably worried about me," Sally said.

"Sorry to hear," Chris said. "Since you're a Princess, is your father The King?"

"Yes, he's King Maximillion Acorn," Sally said.

"So, everyone that came from your world, are they all here?" Chris asked.

"No, there's more," Sally said. "Such as a bat named Rouge. She's working with G.U.N however."

"There's also Big the Cat," Tails said. "He should be somewhere in Station Square, usually fishing."

"I think I saw him," Chris said. "Is he a big, round, purple cat?"

"That's him," Tails said.

"There's also my friend, Amy Rose," Cream said. "She's traveling with her friends, Jacky Bryant and his sister Sarah for The World Fighting Tournament."

"She's taking part in it," Ryo said.

"That's amazing!" Chris said. "Wait, is she a person?"

"She's a Mobian, like us," Tails said. "In fact, she's a hedgehog, like Sonic. Only she's pink."

"Wow, so is she like a female Sonic?" Chris asked.

"No, she's her own person, but she has a lot of similar interests," Tails said.

"She's also much more open to conversation," Bunnie said.

"I dare you to ask Amy if she's Sonic's sister," Gum said.

"Gum, that's not funny," Tails said.

"Oh lighten up, twerp," Gum said.

"Hey!" Tails said in annoyance.

"Uh...should I?" Chris asked.

"No dear, that would just make her mad," Sally said. "And Amy is not someone you want to make mad."

"Okay, noted," Chris said. "So, why are you here exactly?"

"Yes, I'd like to know myself," Chuck said.

"It has to do with Robotnik," Sally said. "Are you familiar with him?"

"Yeah, I am," Chris said. "He's been causing trouble a lot, recently with the Sunshine Balls."

"He's causing trouble again, there's been some robberies in town due to some robots," Sally said. "They resemble the one outside."

"Oh..." Chris looked in Emerl's direction. "He's not bad too, is he?"

"I don't think he is," Sally said. "Honestly, leaving him alone might be a bad idea."

"Don't say that, Emerl is really nice, watch," Cream called the robot. "Oh Emerl!"

The robot came inside the house, stopping before the rabbit. "Cream."

"Aw, you remembered my name," Cream said. She gestured to the human boy beside her, "This is Chris, say hello."

Emerl bowed to the boy, "Hello."

"Uh...hello?" Chris said.

"Wow, he knows how to bow," Nozomi said. "He must have seen us do it."

"He's good at copying others," Bunnie said. "It helps him learn about different things."

"Emerl, do you remember anything about Robotnik?" Sally asked.

"Robotnik..." The robot replied. "Gerald Robotnik..."

"Gerald?" Tails asked. "Isn't that the name of Eggman's grandfather?"

"The guy who created Shadow?" Rotor asked.

"Project Shadow...Ultimate Lifeform," Emerl said.

"Wait...he knows about Shadow?" Tails asked. "This is getting strange."

"Hopefully we can find out more," Sally said. "Including whatever Robotnik is up to."

"For now, let's just get ready," Bunnie said. "We should head out soon."

"Right, guess Sonic will have to miss the fun this time around," Sally said.

Meanwhile in Station Square, Sonic had laid out a bunch of the Emerl imposters, the hedgehog swiftly dusting his hand.

"I thought they'd be a little tougher," Sonic said to himself. One tried to sneak up behind him, but just as Sonic was about to react, a fireball beat him to the punch. "Huh?"

"Yo! Sonic!" Johnny flew over with Rainbow Dash by his side. "What's up bro!?"

"Long time no see," Rainbow Dash said. "Who would have guessed we'd reunite in Station Square?"

"Wow, didn't expect to see you two around," Sonic said. "I came by because Knuckles said there was trouble."

"Looks like you got it all under control," Johnny said. "Awesome!"

"So, now what?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Any leads on Eggman?"

"None yet, he might be around," Sonic said. "But if I know Eggman, he can't help but put himself out there. He does not do things discreetly."

"That I don't!" Came Eggman's voice as he descended in his egg mobile. "Sonic! We meet again! And you have your Earth buddies with you!"

"Yo Eggman, you have a lot to answer for regarding that stunt you pulled with the Sunshine Balls," Johnny said.

"You're lucky it didn't affect my home country of Equestria," Rainbow Dash said. "Otherwise you'd have a very angry Sun Princess to deal with. Honestly the Moon Princess is pretty pissed herself. Bad enough the moon got blown up twice and she had to fix it both times."

"Twice?" Sonic asked.

"Once by some old dude, and again by some green alien," Rainbow Dash explained. "It was really complicated."

"Enough! I am not interested in what you have to say!" Eggman said. "Now Sonic, I have a proposition for you. I demand that you return that yellow Gizoid."

"You mean Emerl?" Sonic asked.

"Whatever! Just return the Gizoid you found at the beach!" Eggman said. "The one where your two annoying girlfriends ruined my plans!"

"Girlfriends?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah! That lunatic Amy Rose and that Gopher Princess Ricky Acorn!" Eggman said.

"Uh, her name's Sally, not Ricky," Rainbow Dash said.

"To-may-to, to-mah-to!" Eggman said. "Just give me back my robot! Or suffer my wrath!"

"No," Sonic said, then immediately kicked Eggman's Egg Mobile away.

"I'll get you for this!" Eggman said as he twinkled away.

"Well...now that Eggman's been stopped, wanna party?" Johnny asked. "It's California after all."

"Sounds good to me," Sonic said. "Come on, I'll take you to the house everyone's staying at."

Sonic dashed away, with Johnny and Rainbow Dash following, unaware that Metal Sonic was watching from a distance as he held a Blue Chaos Emerald in hand.

Meanwhile a few states away, Amy was seen fighting a French Martial Artist named Lion Rafale, the girl using her boxing style against the boy's Praying Mantis style.

"You got this Amy!" Jacky cheered, the man standing beside Sarah, Pai Chan and Akira, along with many other fighters.

Lion went for a kick that Amy backflipped away from, the girl smirking at her opponent as she went for a punch. Lion parried her attack and struck her in the back, stumbling her forward.

"As if this little girl can take down a man!" Lion said as he tried striking Amy again. The girl was fortunately quick to dodge, keeping a safe distance from the fighter.

"Ugh, what is it with French Accent guys being jerks? I'd like to meet a charming French Speaker soon," Amy dashed in and delivered a powerful punch to Lion's face that sent him flying.

"That's the end!" An announcer said. "Winner, Amy Rose!"

"Yay! I did it!" Amy said as she raised her hand into a peace sign.

"Alright, Amy!" Jacky held his hand out. "High five!" Amy slapped his hand hard, getting a reaction from Jacky. "That's what I'm freaking talking about!"

"You did amazing!" Pai praised.

"Good work," Sarah said.

"Aw, thanks," Amy replied, then turned to Akira.

"Not bad, but you let your guard down a few times," Akira said. "Even if you are stronger than your enemy, it means nothing if you aren't always at your best. Lion didn't notice because he was too cocky, and he underestimated you because of your size. Anyone else would have taken full advantage, be weary of that."

Amy nodded her head, "Yes sir."

"Hey, ease up, she did great," Jacky said.

"Great is not enough! Martial arts requires perfection!" Akira shouted.

"I know, but she's just having a bit of fun," Jacky said.

"Seriously Akira, it's no big deal," Sarah said.

"It's fine, really," Amy insisted. "He's just giving me some advice, as a student I should listen to those with experience." She then bowed to Akira out of respect, "I will take what you said to heart."

"Very good," Akira said.

Jacky shrugged it off, "Well a win's a win, and Amy is proving that she's as badass as she is cute."

"Oh, I'm not that cute, am I?" Amy teased.

"Ha, you know what you're doing," Jacky said. "Anyway, I gotta get to my fight soon."

"Who are you going up against?" Pai asked.

"It might be Kage," Jacky said. "I won't lie, that one will be tough."

"Who's Kage?" Amy asked.

"Kage-Maru, a tenth-generation ninja from Hagakure, Japan," Akira said. "His reasons for entering this tournament are rather personal. That means, Jacky, you need to be very much focused, because he will not hold back."

"Yeah, I understand," Jacky said.

"Gotta say...this fighting is refreshing," Sarah said.

"Are your memories returning?" Pai asked.

"A little, I might need a bit more though," Sarah said.

"Too bad Axel, Adam and Blaze couldn't join us," Amy said.

"Someone has to keep that city safe," Jacky said.

"I know, but they did say they want to do more," Amy said. "Like Blaze, she said she wanted to be a dance teacher."

"That does sound fun," Jacky said.

"And Axel, he wants to open a Martial Arts Dojo," Amy said. "I hope they can achieve their goals."

"They will Amy, believe in them," Sarah said.

Amy nodded her head, "I will."

"Good, now let's go grab some water," Jacky said.

"Hold on, I want to call my friends," Amy said as she pulled out her pad.

While in the Thorndyke home, Tails was still observing Emerl alongside Sally, Rotor and Chuck. Seconds later he received a call, "Hey, it's Amy!"

"Amy!" Cream nudged in close to Tails, pressing up on the now shy boy. "Show me!"

"Uh...sure," Tails bashfully said as everyone else huddled around him. "Hi Amy!"

"Hi Tails," Amy said. "Oh, and hi everyone else."

"Hi Amy!" Cream greeted with Cheese flying overhead.

"Amy, I'm happy to see you," Nozomi said.

"Hope you're doing okay," Rotor said.

"I'm fine, but wow, a lot of you are gathered, "Amy said. "Even the Graffiti Gang is there."

"Just me and Gum," Beat said.

"Amy, meet some new friends of ours," Tails gestured to the two. "Chris Thorndyke and his grandfather, Chuck."

"Hi, you must be Amy Rose," Chris greeted.

"That I am," Amy said. "Say, where are you? That doesn't look like Ryo's house."

"Believe it or not, we're in Station Square," Tails said. "We heard a rumor that Eggman was here, so we all came to stop him."

"He sent robots like Emerl to rob stores," Sally clarified.

"That's terrible," Amy said. "Hey, where's Sonic?"

"He left, just as this nice boy was feeding him too," Sally said.

"It's fine, really," Chris insisted.

"Is that the whole story?" Jacky asked. "You tend to exaggerate things."

"I do not, also this has nothing to do with you, take a hike!" Sally said.

"Come make me!" Jacky dared.

"Jacky, enough, show some respect to a Princess," Akira said, annoying Jacky.

"Thank you, at least one of you has manners," Sally said, annoying Jacky even more.

"We've had our share of trouble," Amy said. "Just yesterday we passed by a place called Wood Oak City, and some gangsters tried attacking me, Jacky and Sarah."

"Gangsters?" Ryo asked. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, some nice cops were there to help us," Amy said. "But Ryo, take this as a lesson. Do not do anything stupid with any gangs back home, is that understood?"

"Yes Amy," Ryo complied.

"Good, also that town was badly affected by the Sunshine Ball thing," Amy said. "That gang that attacked us was helping Eggman distribute them, and they know who Sonic is, and they know about the rest of us. Just a heads up in case they try for revenge or something."

"Man, to think Eggman's influence spread already like this," Tails said. "Well be careful out there, but have fun."

"That goes for all of you as well," Amy said. "I'll see you soon."

"I'll tell Sonic you said 'hello'," Tails said.

"Thanks Tails, you're the sweetest," Amy winked at the boy. "Catch you later."

"Bye," everyone said as the call disconnected.

With that call out of the way, Sally stood up, looking ready to go. "Alright, with that settled, let's find Robotnik and-"

Sonic dashed back into the house, "Yo!"

"EEK!" Sally leapt into Chris's arms, taking the boy by surprise.

"Uh...didn't expect that," Sonic said.

Sally took a second to regain her composure, "Sonic?" Angrily she leapt off of Chris's arms and glared at the hedgehog, "What the hell is the matter with you!?"

Sonic wasn't sure why Sally was angry, the hedgehog did his best to tiptoe around the situation. "Sorry. I didn't expect you to freak out like that."

"Haven't you ever heard of knocking!?" Sally asked.

"I did, that nice lady Ella let me in," Sonic said. "And some friends."

"Yo! Mobians!" Johnny greeted.

"And our brothers and sisters from Japan!" Rainbow Dash greeted.

"Johnny Storm?" Bunnie asked.

"And Rainbow Dash," Ryo added.

"Yo! It's the Human Torch and his girl!" Beat cheered.

"Not his girl," Rainbow Dash said.

"Oh, she must have self-respect then," Cream noted, with Cheese nodding.

Nozomi worriedly glanced at Cream for a second before shooting an unhappy glare at Sally, who was too busy curious by the arrival of Johnny and Rainbow Dash. "Shameful..."

"What's going on?" Sally asked.

"You don't gotta worry about those robots, Sonic trashed them," Johnny said. "I helped a little."

"He also just sent Eggman flying like a chump," Rainbow Dash said.

"Sonic? You went after Egg...I mean, Robotnik on your own!?" Sally asked in disbelief.

"Technically, he came after me," Sonic said.

"Sonic! This is a team mission!" Sally scolded. "What's the matter with you!?"

"Chill Sally, Sonic got the job done," Johnny said. "No more robots, no more Eggman."

"You know what that means?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"What?" Sally replied, almost regretting what the answer might be.

"Beach time," Sonic said. "Let's go!"

"Yeah! Beach time!" Tails cheered.

"Sounds good to me," Bunnie said.

"Let's go, mama!" Cream said.

Everyone started running to the door, to which Sally used her fingers as a whistle, "Everyone, Front and Center!"

"Lame," Beat said.

"Oh shut up!" Sally ordered. "Are you all seriously just running to the beach like nothing happened!? We're here for a reason!"

"Yeah, and Sonic completed that reason," Beat said. "So, beach time!"

"Come on!" Sonic led everyone out the door, each of them following him to fun, save for Ryo and Antoine, who stood alongside the Thorndykes.

Sally rubbed her face in annoyance, "I'm surrounded by idiots."

"Do not worry Princess, for I am still here," Antoine said. "I will never do something so cruel as to-"

"Put a cork in it, Antoine," Sally said.

"But...but I?" Antoine said.

"Antoine, she's not in the mood," Ryo said. "Let it go."

"Do not tell me to be letting it go!" Antoine said. "Do you know who I am?"

"I really do not care," Ryo said. "I'm going with Sonic, might as well get some sun. Sally, I know things look weird, but you could probably use a moment to relax yourself. You can talk to Sonic later."

"Fine..." Sally said.

"And please talk to him like an equal, you tend to talk down to him and it's probably why he doesn't respond well," Ryo said. "I know you need to maintain order, but to get respect, it helps to show it."

"Alright, I might as well go," Sally turned to Chris. "Do you want to come?"

"I do, but I need to ask my parents first," Chris said.

"Don't worry my boy, I'll fill them in," Chuck reassured, then turned to Emerl. "Meanwhile I'll keep researching this robot here."

"That would be a big help, thank you," Sally said, then took Chris by his hand. "Come on."

"Okay Princess," Chris said.

"And I told you not to call me that, just Sally is fine," the girl said. "I'd like to learn more about you. What are some things you like to do?"

"Oh, um...gee where do I start?" Chris asked as Sally led him outside.

"She can be really tender when she wants to be," Ryo said as he followed everyone outside.

Years back into the future.

Sonia looked in awe at what she heard, "Wow...so all that really happened!?"

"It sure did," Cream said. "At least to the best of my memory, or knowledge of things I wasn't there for."

"Chris sounds really nice," Sonia said.

"He is, you should be able to meet him one day," Cream said.

"Cool, and it sounds like his mother met Johnny Cage!" Sonia cheered. "That is unbelievably awesome!"

"Oh yes, I guess this is the origin of how you became his biggest fan too, or rather the planting of the seeds," Cream said.

"I really can't wait to...huh?" Sonia noticed some people walking over. "Oh, Cream, do you know them?"

"Who?" Cream turned around and spotted some familiar faces. "Oh my..."

"Uh..." Sonia scratched her head in confusion. She just saw a Monkey King, a Fish girl, a fancy looking Fox, and a Wolf.

"Cream, who are they?" Sonia asked.

"This is Monkey Khan," Cream said, gesturing to the King. "He is King of the Dragon Kingdom."

"You may call me 'Ken'," the King said as he offered a chivalrous bow. "Nice to meet you, young lady."

"Okay, you too," Sonia said, mimicking his movements.

"This is Undina," Cream gestured to the fish girl. "She is Queen of the Underwater City, Meropis."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," Undina said as he offered a courtesy.

"Uh, same," Sonia said as she mimicked the courtesy.

"This is Li Moon," Cream gestured to the red fox. "Chiefess of Stormtop Village."

Li Moon bowed to Sonia, "I am happy to meet you."

"So am I," Sonia mimicked her movements.

"And this is Lupe," Cream gestured to the wolf. "The Leader of the Wolfpack Freedom Fighters."

"It is an honor to meet you," Lupe said.

"Same..." Sonia replied. "So, wait? There's a King? And a Queen? Isn't Sally the only leader of Mobius?"

"Not quite, she is just one of many," Ken said. "But Mobotropolis is the Grand Capital of the World."

"It's a lot to explain," Undina said.

"Still, it seems like you know Sally," Ken said. "Makes sense, you are familiar with Cream the Rabbit. Who are you if I may ask?"

"Sonia Rose the Hedgehog," The girl said. "I am the daughter of Sonic the Hedgehog."

"Sonic's daughter?" Ken asked in surprise. "This is an interesting development."

"There's a lot you need to know, it's been years since you've come to Mobotropolis after all," Cream said.

"Yes..." Ken glanced over at Li Moon, then focused back on Cream. "Please direct us to Queen Sally."

"Right this way," Cream said as she led the four visitors to the castle.

Meanwhile Sonic had arrived in front of Eggman's base with his friends, "Here we are."

Silver stepped up, "Hey! Eggman! Show yourself!"

The rest of the team prepared for a fight, with Tails standing out in the front, "Remember, Eggman has powerful allies, be ready."

"Will do," Bunnie said.

"You got it," Tangle said.

"I'll keep an eye out for you," Mina said as she intently glanced at Tails. "A very close eye..."

"Eggman!" Silver called again.

"Yoo-hoo! Baldy McNosehair!" Sonic mocked.

In the base, Sage had noticed everyone on camera, worrying the AI girl. "Father, you have visitors."

"It better not be another real estate person," Eggman said as he checked. "If it's girl scouts then...WHAT IN THE WORLD!?"

"Eggman! Come face us!" Tails called.

"How did they find my base!?" Eggman asked in disbelief.

"...I hope Grounder didn't put up another sign indicating that this is your base," Sage lamented.

"Well drat..." Eggman said. "I still need more time for my plan. But it's fine, I can stall them. For now, rally the troops!"

Making their way out of the building was a group consisting of Scourge, Alicia, Kit, Surge, Kit, Fang, Bark, Bean and Trip.

"Fang look! The Freedom Fighters," Trip noted.

"Oh...goodie," Fang nervously said.

"Looks like your plan is working," Trip whispered. "We'll bring Eggman down for good."

"Right...of course," Fang was very worried now. "Crap."

"Sonic!?" Scourge asked. "What the hell are you doing here!?"

"Just visiting," Sonic said. "Where's Eggman?"

"Inside, doing stuff," Surge said.

"You never should have come!" Bean pulled out a bomb. "Now you're going to really get it!"

"We don't have time for you weaklings," Silver said. "Give us Eggman!"

Surge raised her eyebrow in disbelief, "What the hell did he call us!?"

"Oh that's it, you're dead!" Scourge said as he got ready for a fight. "You hear that! You're dead!"

"This is more I like it," Sonic said as he got ready for a fight. "You guys ready?"

"Ready Sonic," Tails said.

"Let's do it, to it!" Bunnie cheered.

"This ends now," Whisper said.

Sonic smirked as he generated his blue electricity. "Let's go!"

The battle had officially begun between the Knights and Vagabonds against The Evil Empire.