Chapter 25: Lunch at the City Hall Before the Grand Departure

City of Shang Mu – Noon Hours

The city of Shang Mu… was recovering, its streets filled with a mix of relief and sorrow. Workers tirelessly cleared debris left by the assault, sweeping up the broken remnants of what once were bustling market stalls, buildings, and homes. Ambulances sped through the streets, transporting the injured to the hospital, while soldiers patrolled the city, scanning for any remaining robots. Despite the sun shining brightly overhead, the city bore deep scars from the attack.

Amid the many moving figures, a female bat with brown and white fur stood ready with a microphone in her hand. Her wings, covered in membrane, folded neatly at her sides. She wore a sleek black sleeveless dress, paired with white pants, sunglasses, and a headband adorned with small accessories that added to her professional appearance. She glanced at the camera operator standing beside her.

"Are we on?" she asked, her expression serious. After a quick nod from the cameraman, she took a deep breath and began her report.

"Hello Avalice. This is Maria Notte, reporting live," she said, her voice carrying the weight of recent events. Maria recounted the catastrophic events that had unfolded, from Robotnik's betrayal to Shuigang's surprise attack on the city. She spoke of the theft of the City's Ruby and the Kingdom Stone, both priceless artifacts now in the hands of their enemies. "It was a scene of utter devastation," she continued, her tone somber. "As you can see behind me, the city is left in shambles. Brave civilians, along with guards and a small group of heroes, fought valiantly against the relentless hordes of robots, but the city will take time to heal from this."

The camera panned to show various shots of Shang Mu's citizens, each of them sharing their harrowing experiences. First, the lens focused on a blue-furred cheetah, her eyes filled with bitterness as she spoke about the betrayal she witnessed.

"It was horrible," the cheetah said, shaking her head. "I was at the event, and then out of nowhere… the sky battalion of Shuigang appeared. And those blasted robots, those… things that were supposed to help us, they turned on us! They attacked everyone. It was ..."

Next, the camera zoomed in on an elderly panda, his face etched with anger. "Those blasted robots! They came into my house, destroyed my kitchen and my living room! They turned my whole place upside down!" he growled, shaking his cane at the wreckage in frustration.

The camera cut to a Shang Mu soldier, her eyes blazing with fury. "Shuigang and Robotnik… they'll pay for this! I swear it!" Her words became more volatile before the feed was quickly cut, leaving her threats unheard.

Then came Leslie, the goat receptionist from the hotel. She stood teary-eyed but grateful, her voice steady despite the obvious fear she had felt during the attack. "I was terrified, but... I can't thank the guards enough. And the heroes—those kids—they gave us hope. They fought for us. I don't know how we would have survived without them." As Leslie spoke, others around her nodded, adding their voices in gratitude.

Maria Notte gave a solemn nod as the camera returned to her. "There are many stories like Leslie's, stories of survival, of unexpected heroes." She paused, her expression softening as she noted, "And then there's the blue streak, the hero that many citizens have mentioned. He saved countless lives, and though his identity remains something of a mystery to many, the city of Shang Mu owes them a debt of gratitude."


Shang Mu City – Hospital

Inside the bustling Zao Hospital, the aftermath of Shuigang's assault was still evident. Doctors and nurses rushed from room to room. Most of the citizens had managed to survive the chaos, though the tension in the air remained thick. The hospital buzzed with controlled urgency and the shuffle of hurried footsteps filling the halls.

In one of the quieter rooms, a figure stirred in a hospital bed. He groaned as his eyes fluttered open, squinting against the bright lights. His body ached from head to toe, and he struggled to recall where he was.

"Hrg... Where...?" Sonic muttered, disoriented, his voice hoarse from exhaustion.

"Oh, darling! You finally opened your eyes!" A relieved voice broke through his confusion. Sonic turned his head to see a white-furred female fox standing beside him. She had striking blue eyes, and her long hair was styled into three elegant ponytails. She wore a light blue dress over a black suit, her presence calming and familiar.

"You… you're the girl I saved in that building, right?" Sonic asked, slowly sitting up, his memory starting to piece together the fragments.

The fox smiled warmly, her expression softening as she nodded. "I'm glad you remember, darling. When you saved me from the wreckage and chased after that beast, I… I knew I had to follow you." Her voice was soothing, though Sonic detected a note of tension beneath her words. "I hopped in a car and drove straight to the waterfront. When I found you, you were drowning!" Her eyes widened slightly as she recalled the memory. "But luckily, I managed to scoop you up just in time."

Sonic blinked, the hazy memory of being plunged into cold water returning to him. He vaguely remembered seeing a figure dive in to rescue him. "Man, I really got careless," he said with a sheepish grin. He turned to her, offering a grateful smile. "Thanks for the save, uh…"

"Tunder, darling. Tunder Liling," she introduced herself, her smile growing brighter.

"Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog. Thanks, Tunder." He winked playfully, but his smile quickly faded as he remembered the state of the city. "Oh no! The city! What happened—"

"Do not worry!" Tunder interrupted, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "Thanks to you, those brave kids, the citizens and the guards, we managed to fend off the invaders. The worst is over."

Sonic let out a long sigh of relief, slumping back against the pillows. His friends did it. "Phew, that's good to hear. So, I guess everyone's fine?" he asked, his grin returning as he tried to brush off the remaining tension.

"In a way..." a deep voice spoke from the doorway. A large black bear, one of Shang Mu's guards, stepped into the room. He gave Tunder a quick nod of acknowledgment before turning to Sonic. "Names Biggs," he introduced himself. "Thanks to you running around the city like a maniac, the number of casualties was minimal... but not zero," he added gravely, crossing his arms as he spoke.

Sonic winced at the news, his earlier relief dimming. He took a moment to let the weight of the situation sink in. "Yeah... I figured…" he murmured quietly. He hadn't been fast enough to save everyone.

Noticing the shift in his demeanor, Tunder gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Darling, don't be so hard on yourself. You did all you could. We're all here because of you," she said, her voice soft but firm.

Sonic remained silent for a moment, his eyes closed as he took a deep breath. When he opened them again, there was a hint of sadness in his smile. "Guess I did," he said quietly. Shaking off the lingering guilt, he moved to get out of the bed. "But I need to check on my friends."

The bear guard approached, handing Sonic a slip of paper. "You're in luck. They're all at City Hall with Mayor Zao right now, getting treated to lunch as a thanks for everything. This coupon will get you in," he said with a nod.

Sonic took the ticket. "Thanks, big guy. Looks like I'm off to the City Hall then."

"But darling, are you sure you're alright? You just woke up from drowning..." Tunder asked, concern lacing her voice as she watched Sonic prepare to leave.

Sonic shot her a confident grin, giving her a thumbs-up. "Nah, I can't miss a meal with the Mayor, right?" he quipped before fully getting to his feet. "Thanks again, Tunder!" With a burst of speed, he dashed out of the room, leaving a gust of wind that ruffled her fur.

Tunder stood in place, watching the blue blur disappear into the distance. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "No, thank you, Sonic," she whispered to herself.

A cough from beside her drew her attention. The bear guard, Biggs, shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh... Miss Liling, uh, would you… mind signing my shield?" he asked, sheepishly holding out his equipment.

Tunder blinked for a moment before chuckling softly, nodding as she took the offered shield and signed it with a flourish.

Outside, the streets of Shang Mu stretched before Sonic as he made his way towards City Hall. Wherever that was...


City Hall

Inside the grand City Hall. A large, intricately carved golden dragon adorned the back wall, its azure eyes sparkling like diamonds as if watching over the guests. Around the long banquet table sat the group of heroes, basking in the moment of relief after the chaos that had shaken the city. The table was laden with sushi, elegantly arranged on platters, and the aroma filled the room.

"Eat, eat!" Mayor Zao boomed, his arms gesturing grandly at the spread before them. "You all deserve it after saving my precious city!"

The group dug into their meal, savoring the rich flavors after the exhausting battle. Carol, in particular, was ecstatic, her eyes lighting up as she took a large bite of sushi. It was one of her favorite foods alongside Lilacs, and after everything that had happened, it tasted even better. But as she chewed, her eyes narrowed at Torque, who sat quietly in his usual shell duck disguise.

"Man, Torque, why did you tell the news to keep us anonymous and not reveal our names?" Carol grumbled, clearly displeased with the decision. "We could've been famous!"

Torque shrugged, offering a piece of sushi to Gyro, who happily nibbled on it. "We agreed it's safer to stay under the radar. We don't need unnecessary attention," he explained calmly. "Plus, it was hard enough convincing people at the plaza that I'm just some sort of rare bird. Keeping a low profile is better for all of us."

Carol crossed her arms, pouting. "Laaaaame. We could've been super-duper famous! I could've been rolling in cash by now!" she exclaimed dramatically.

Lilac chuckled softly, trying to soothe her friend. "I don't know, Carol. I think it's for the best." She smiled gently. Deep down, Lilac wasn't particularly fond of the idea of fame either. "Besides, the people in the plaza know who we are. Isn't that something?"

Carol sighed, conceding. "Pff, I guess. But while the people in the plaza know about us, the whole city knows about Sonic!" Her voice was a mix of envy and admiration.

Tails chimed in with a thoughtful nod. "Well, Sonic did chase down Robotnik and Serpentine. Plus, he saved a lot of people along the way,"

Mayor Zao interjected with an excited clap of his hands. "Ah, yes! And he saved none other than Tunder Liling! One of the greatest singers in all of Avalice!" Zao's voice brimmed with excitement as he recounted her fame. "She's performed in front of royalty, hosted the biggest festivals, and her voice has charmed people from across the archipelago! I must reward Sonic for saving our star!" Zao gestured dramatically as if Sonic were present.

The group nodded in agreement, but as the lighthearted mood filled the room, Milla sat quietly, staring down at her plate. "Doh… I miss Sonic," she muttered sadly, her ears drooping.

The atmosphere shifted as the group fell silent, reminded of how close they had come to losing Sonic. The weight of the battles they had faced settled in again, the reality of their struggles sobering them.

If it weren't for Tunder, they could have lost him… forever.

Lilac clenched her fists under the table, her knuckles white. I should've gone with him, she thought bitterly, blaming herself for not being by his side during the chase—why hadn't she been there for him?

But before the guilt could settle deeper, a familiar voice cut through the silence, breaking the tension.

"Hope that reward includes a good old plate of chili dogs!" Sonic's voice rang out, casual and full of mischief.

The group jumped in surprise, eyes wide as they turned to see Sonic standing at the doorway, wearing his usual cheeky grin. "Because, man, am I craving them."

"SONIC!" The room exploded in joy and relief. Milla leaped from her seat, tackling Sonic with a hug that nearly knocked him off balance.

"Whoa, haha! Milla!" Sonic laughed as he tried to steady himself, lightly patting her back. "Good to see you too!"

"Sonic, you're fine! You're fine!" Milla repeated, hugging him tightly. Her tension and worry melted away, replaced with overwhelming relief. The rest of the group quickly surrounded Sonic.

Carol clapped him on the back, grinning widely. "You gave us a scare, Bluey, you know that? Thought we'd have to save your sorry butt from drowning!"

Lilac's eyes softened, her earlier tension replaced by a sense of calm now that he was safe. "You're okay… Thank goodness."

Torque gave him a nod. "Good to have you back, Sonic."

Tails gave a relieved smile as he looked at his best friend. "You really know how to make an entrance, don't you?"

Sonic chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Aw, you know me, just fashionably late!" He winked before looking around. "And I'm starving! So, what's a guy gotta do to get some chili dogs around here?"

Mayor Zao wasted no time. "Chef! Bring our heroic hedgehog a plate of 'chiley doags' immediately!" he bellowed, and within minutes, the kitchen staff rushed to prepare Sonic's meal.

As the group settled back around the table, the mood shifted once again to one of celebration. With Sonic there, safe and sound, the room filled with laughter and warmth. They all dug into their food with renewed energy, their voices overlapping as they recounted stories of the battle and teased each other.


City Hall – Hallway

After lunch, the group gathered in the hallway, preparing to discuss their next move. Sonic stood by a large window, gazing out at the city below. He watched as workers continued clearing debris, and guards moved the remains of destroyed Badniks out of the streets. The city, despite the destruction it had endured, was slowly getting back on its feet.

"Looks like the city's recovering," Sonic remarked, his voice filled with a sense of pride. "They're tough. They'll bounce back."

Mayor Zao, standing nearby, gave a solemn nod. "Yes, after Shuigang's attack and... Ivo's betrayal," he said, his voice tinged with bitterness and regret. "We're doing everything we can to rebuild and move forward. And, of course, I must thank you once again for saving the city... and me of course." He flashed a grin, though there was a sincerity in his words.

+5 SINCERITY

"No problem, Mayor," Lilac responded, her voice gentle but serious. "But now that we've made it through this, there's something important we need to talk about."

Zao raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in tone. "Right… Ivo and this supposed alien warlord, Brevon," Zao said, gulping nervously. "And you say they're planning to conquer the world, and they won't start because…?"

Tails stepped forward, gesturing to Milla, who held up her Yellow Chaos Emerald. "They need the Chaos Emeralds for their plan," Tails explained. "Whatever they're up to, they can't fully execute it without all seven emeralds. We don't know how many they already have, but as long as we have this one, we still have a chance to stop them."

"Yes, yes, very good," Zao said, still visibly anxious. "And you propose that Shang Mu and Shang Tu form an alliance, yes?"

"That's right," Torque affirmed, standing beside Tails. "With the combined forces of both kingdoms, we can hold off Shuigang long enough to figure out Brevon's plan and stop him." Gyro, floating beside him, gave a nod of agreement, causing Zao to blink in surprise at the sight of the wisp. He quickly regained his composure.

"Right, so…" Zao pointed to himself. "You want me to go and talk to the Kingdom of Shang Tu? The very kingdom I ordered an all-out assault on…?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Oh yes, let me just waltz in and say, 'Sorry about the train attack and all, but now there's an alien warlord who wants to take over the world, so let's be best friends and with the power of friendship save the world!'"

+10 SARCASM

The group exchanged awkward glances, sweat-dropping at the mayor's obvious sarcasm.

Lilac cleared her throat, stepping forward. "Your Excellency, we're not expecting you to go alone," she started. "We were sent as the neutral party, let us speak on your behalf. Torque and I can explain the situation, and with the help of Tails findings, we can convince them to join us in stopping Brevon."

"Oh, please," Zao said, waving his hand dismissively. "If the Magister wouldn't listen to the greatest ruler in all of Avalice..." he boasted, puffing out his chest dramatically.

"Cough, cough, doubtful," Carol muttered under her breath, earning a chuckle from Milla beside her.

"Why would he listen to a bunch of kids?" Zao finished, raising an eyebrow. "Even if you did save the city, it's not like everyone saw it happen, especially since you chose to stay anonymous. And let's not forget the whole train incident,again."

The group fell silent, each of them wracking their brains for a solution.

Milla stepped forward, her eyes wide and pleading. "Can we at least try? Pretty please? We'll do our best!" Her voice was soft, and her earnest expression tugged at everyone's heartstrings.

Zao hesitated, visibly moved by Milla's plea and her big puppy eyes, Tails seized the moment. "Come on, Mayor Zao. Imagine being the hero who united the kingdoms against a common enemy! You'd be remembered as a hero, and you'd definitely get reelected for the next two—no, five terms!" Tails said, grinning as he saw Zao's eyes light up at the idea.

"A hero... five reelections…" Zao mulled it over, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. The idea clearly appealed to him. With a grin, he snapped his fingers. "Eh, what the heck! It's worth a shot!"

The group cheered in unison, grinning widely as Zao finally relented.

"To the airship!" Zao declared with a flourish, leading the way out of City Hall. Everyone followed him, their spirits lifted and ready for the next step in their journey.


City of Shang Mu – Airship Docks of the West

At the airship docks, the sky was painted with hues of pink and orange as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. The waters shimmered in the evening light, but the true spectacle was the massive red airship rising majestically from the bay. The sleek, aerodynamic design stretching over a hundred feet long. Its polished red exterior reflected the golden hues of the sunset, and its sails, adorned with intricate gold trimming, fluttered softly in the evening breeze. The vessel's bearing the emblem of Mayor Zao. Massive propellers on its sides hummed quietly, lifting the grand ship effortlessly into the air.

The group stood in awe, eyes wide as they took in the grandeur of the airship.

"Behold!" Mayor Zao bellowed, spreading his arms wide. "The Zao Luxury Ship! Equipped with everything you'll need—lavish living quarters, a gourmet kitchen, and a jacuzzi!" His voice was full of pride as he listed off the luxurious amenities. "And let's not forget the cinema room, a personal spa, and a fully stocked game lounge! You'll travel to Shang Tu in absolute comfort and style!"

Carol's eyes practically sparkled with excitement. "We get to ride that?! Oh my gosh, yes! This is gonna be awesome!" She bounced on her heels, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.

"Indeed! We've also loaded both of your planes on board," Zao continued proudly. "Once you arrive at Shang Tu's Royal Palace, they'll know immediately that you came under my authority—after all, who else but the great Mayor Zao would send such a magnificent vessel?"

Sonic grinned. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go, guys!" Without another word, he dashed aboard, a blue streak disappearing up the gangplank. The rest of the group followed, equally excited as they boarded the airship.

As the ship began to ascend, lifting gracefully into the air, Mayor Zao and his soldiers stood on the docks, waving them off.

"Goodbye, my actual friends!" Zao called out, his voice carrying over the distance as the ship lifted higher into the sky. The soldiers waved as well, their expressions grateful for what the group had done for the city.

Up on deck, Milla pointed excitedly over the railing. "Look!" she exclaimed, her wide eyes filled with surprise and joy.

The others turned to see a growing crowd gathering at the airship docks below. It wasn't just Mayor Zao and the soldiers anymore. More people from the city were arriving—citizens from the plaza they had saved during the crisis. The citizens stood together, waving and shouting their gratitude as the airship lifted off.

"It's the people from the plaza!" Torque said, genuine surprise in his voice. He hadn't expected such a heartfelt send-off. The faces of those they had helped, now filled with smiles of gratitude.

"Thank you so much!" Leslie, the goat receptionist, called out, her hands cupped around her mouth as she waved frantically.

"Have a nice trip, darlings!" Tunder Liling, the singer Sonic had saved, waved gracefully from below, her elegant figure standing out in the crowd.

"Hope we see you all again!" shouted Katheryn, the white tiger soldier they had fought alongside in the plaza.

"Show that Robotnik a lesson!" Biggs, the large bear guard, called, pumping his fist in the air.

"Goodbye!" "Thank you so much!" "Please come back soon!" The chorus of gratitude and well-wishes rose from the gathering crowd, filling the air as the ship climbed higher. The team couldn't help but wave back, their hearts warmed by the support from the people they had risked everything to protect.

The ship set its course for Shang Tu, leaving the city of Shang Mu below. The noise of the crowd slowly faded away, replaced by the soft hum of the ship's engines. A peaceful quiet settled over the group as they stood on the deck, watching the city grow smaller in the distance.

Sonic turned to the others with a broad smile. "So, how was it? Saving the city, kicking some robot butt, and keeping people safe?"

Carol threw her arms up in the air. "The best. Experience. Ever!" Her excitement was contagious, their spirits high as they reflected on their adventure and going up to their next one.


Shuigang Island – Up in the Skies, Evening Hours

Far away, in one of the Shuigang sky battalion's massive ships, the atmosphere was far from celebratory. Inside a dimly lit metal room, secured behind several layers of thick steel doors, Doctor Robotnik and General Serpentine stood.

A flicker of light illuminated the room as a hologram of Lord Brevon appeared before them. The warlord's eyes gleamed with malice, his face twisted into a sinister grin.

"I congratulate you both," Brevon purred, his gaze fixed on the Kingdom Stone and the Chaos Emerald. "In just one day, you managed to steal two priceless artifacts. Not only have you taken the stone and emerald, but you've also sown chaos within Shang Mu, turning its people against Shuigang and further stoking the flames of war." His tone was dripping with satisfaction.

Robotnik smirked, basking in the praise. "Well, what can I say? I'm just that great."

Serpentine scoffed, glaring at the doctor from the corner of his eye. "You mean I am the greatest one. I led the assault and built the Robo-Panther, after all!"

Robotnik shot Serpentine a cold glare, ready to retort, but Brevon's stern look cut through their bickering.

"Enough," Brevon commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Deliver the Kingdom Stone and the Chaos Emerald immediately, and find me the remaining four emeralds. Only then can we proceed with the final phase of our plan. Dismissed."

With a flicker, the hologram blinked out, leaving the two in the dim room, the silence heavy in the aftermath of the call.

Robotnik turned to leave, his boots clanging against the metal floor. But before he could exit, Serpentine's voice cut through the silence.

"And where do you think you're going?" Serpentine snapped, his body tense with barely contained frustration.

Robotnik merely glanced back, a smug smile playing on his lips. "The Hooligans have informed me that the chaos radar is malfunctioning due to the island's energy waves. I'm going to fix the issue while you handle delivering the stone and emerald to Arktivus," he said coolly, not even waiting for a reply before the door slid open, and he walked out, leaving Serpentine fuming in the dark.

As Robotnik made his way through the ship's dim corridors, the guards patrolling gave him a wide berth, their expressions full of fear. The doctor reveled in their discomfort, a smirk tugging at his lips as his footsteps echoed ominously on the cold metal floor.

Once he was far from prying eyes, Robotnik activated a device on his wrist, bringing up a holographic display. He scrolled through various footage until he found what he was looking for—a recording of Lilac and Sonic during their battle in Iron Valley. The image of Lilac, dancing gracefully through the water, flickered before him.

"Never heard of a water dragon?" the recording of Lilac said with a confident smirk, her movements swift and deadly as she fought alongside Sonic. "Water dragon? Water dragon?"

Robotnik sneered at the image. "So… there are still some of you around, eh?" His eyes gleamed with calculation. "It seems the history books missed a chapter."

With a press of a button, he activated his communicator. The screen flickered for a moment before a figure appeared—only two glowing red and yellow eyes visible in the darkness.

"…Yes?" a cold, authoritative voice answered, its tone sharp and precise.

Robotnik grinned malevolently. "It's time for you to spring into action. If my calculations are correct, Sonic and his friends are heading toward Shang Tu. Intercept them. Stop them in their tracks."

The figure's eyes glowed brighter, anticipation radiating from the darkened silhouette. "Very well," the voice replied, cold and calculating.

"But that's not all," Robotnik added, his grin widening. He tapped the screen, bringing up an image of Lilac, her combat prowess on full display. "Among them is a species I thought long extinct—a water dragon. I want a sample from her. Any sample. You know what I intend to do with it."

The figure stared at the image for a moment, its eyes narrowing. "And if she resists?" the voice asked, a dark edge to its tone.

Robotnik chuckled darkly. "I don't care if she's damaged. Just get me what I need," he said, his voice cold and emotionless. "Also, take Metal Sonic with you. Two of you have already failed me, and I'm not in the mood to take any more risks." His tone shifted, filled with warning. "Don't make me regret bringing you and your squad back."

For a moment, the figure was silent, their eyes flashing with a brief flicker of anger before they calmed. "Very well, Master Robotnik. I will not disappoint you," the voice replied, the call ending with a chilling finality.

Robotnik's chuckle echoed through the corridor as he continued walking, his mind already plotting the next steps in his sinister plan.

"Time to work," he muttered, his footsteps reverberating through the cold metal halls, each step a resounding in the dark. As the next phase of his twisted plan had now commenced.


{A/N}

And with that, Act 3: Shang Mu Crisis is finished! Had fun writing this and I am going to have way more fun in the next act, since my fave is going to be the main antagonist.

See ya all in Act 4: Metal Madness!