-Chapter 98-
Here in the Garden
Floral Forest Village
The Special landed in the woods outside of the village. Everyone walked out, Cream holding Bunnie's flesh hand.
"It's just up ahead," she told them.
Antoine sniffed the air.
"Smell that?" he said.
"Smoke…" Kat managed.
They hurried ahead, stopping short to see what was left of Floral Forest Village. The fires had burned out, leaving charred, blackened husks that used to be buildings. They regarded it in horror, Helen's hands going to her mouth.
"Oh, Aurora…" she let out.
Cream cringed, burying her face in Bunnie's leg. Kat let out a small, strangled noise, holding herself as her stomach threatened to upchuck her lunch. Sonic sparked slightly, pulsing with barely contained rage.
"Damn that Eggman…" he winced, turning to Cream. "Pardon my language."
Bunnie rubbed Cream's head as she went to rub Kat's back.
"I'll take care of these two," she said. "The rest of you, spread out."
They spread out, checking for any sign of survivors. Helen had tears in her eyes as she helped Chris and the others to the best of her ability.
"How could anyone do this?" the girl asked. "Attack innocent people, destroy their homes... Treating life like it's something to throw away, like it's nothing? I just don't get it."
"It's not just Eggman's arm that's robotic," Keith spat. "It's his heart. If he even has one."
"How do you deal with this on a daily basis?" Frances asked. "It's awful."
"Someone has to," Chris replied.
"If we don't, who will?" Hope added.
Sonic was zipping around, looking around desperately. He counted his lucky stars there were no bodies.
"Come on…" he pleaded. "Come on…"
He was moving so fast, he almost missed it. A blur of movement behind a tree, a flash of white. He quickly came to a stop before moving towards it. He heard a terrified squeak as the white flash vanished.
"Hey, wait!" he called. "I'm not gonna hurt you! I'm here to help!"
Another squeak reached his ears, followed by rustling leaves.
"Calm down," Sonic muttered to himself. "You're scaring them."
He turned back to the tree before squatting down.
"Hey, it's alright," he said gently. "I'm sorry I scared you. My name is Sonic. I'm here to help you. But I can't do that unless you let me."
Slowly, the figure peeked out from behind the tree. It was a young rabbit, a little bit older than Cream. Sonic smiled at that.
"There you are," he said. "What's your name, kid?"
"C-Caleb," the boy managed.
"Nice to meet you, Caleb," Sonic replied. "Do you know if there's anyone else nearby?"
"A few…" Caleb admitted. "Me and a bunch of other kids ran for the Chao Garden when the robots attacked."
"Can you take me there?" Sonic asked.
Caleb shook his head. "The Garden is protected. I can't let anyone outside of the village know where it is without permission from the Keepers."
"Keepers, huh?" Sonic repeated, an idea forming as he held out a hand. "Would you be okay with coming with me? I want to take you to my friends."
Caleb looked nervous, but Sonic made no more moves, just holding out his hand and waiting. Slowly, Caleb took the offered hand.
Egg Utopia
On board the Egg Utopia, Robotnik stood before the encapsulated villagers, grinning evilly "Greetings, my rural chums," he declared. "You have the honor of soon joining the ranks of the Robotnik Empire."
"We don't want to join you, you maniac!" One villager shouted. "We were perfectly happy in our village before you showed up."
"Oh, yes," Robotnik said sarcastically. "I'm sure you got along just fine and were hella popular with the Jebs and Merles and Billy Bobs in that glorified gas station rest stop. Betcha go way back to the days of tipping cows and playing in a jug band!" He mimed blowing on a bottle and slapping his knee as they looked at him like he'd grown a second head. "Maybe someday, you could've achieved your goal of obtaining a Meh Burger employee discount or adopting a Labradoodle!"
"I'll have you know that Labradoodle is a dream for me!" the villager shot back.
Off to the side, Eggatha giggled slightly.
"Well, you won't really have much of a choice after undergoing Dr. Robotnik's all-inclusive Robotomy Treatment," Robotnik bragged. "Perks include never having to eat, sleep, or think ever again. That's what we call 'living the good life.'"
The villagers cringed, Coco and Vanilla holding each other in fear, before a small chirp got everyone's attention. A silence fell as Robotnik looked around.
"Did you hear that?" Robotnik asked.
"Yeah…" Eggatha mused. "Loose bolts?"
"That... wasn't loose bolts," Robotnik said.
There was another chirp, this one a bit closer. Suddenly, a little blue creature popped up right in Robotnik's face. He let out a high-pitched shriek before falling over the back of his chair. A few of the prisoners laughed a bit as Eggatha came over, picking up the creature.
"Oh, my gosh!" she exclaimed. "Uncle, look! It's a Chao! A real live Chao!"
The Chao gave a small wave. Robotnik stood up, clearing his throat and straightening his coat as he tried to play it cool..
"Well, I hope you don't think it had me fooled for a minute," he insisted. "I knew it all the time."
Eggatha gave him a skeptical look, one mirrored by the Chao. It was then that a second Chao came popping out of Eggatha's hair with a happy chirp. This one was different, having darker skin and bat-like wings.
"Another one?" Robotnik plucked it out of Eggatha's hair. "Where'd they come from?"
"The Chao…" Vanilla whispered. "Why'd they leave the Garden?"
Robotnik turned to her. "My dear, do you care to share your thoughts with the rest of the class?"
"No," Vanilla said simply.
Robotnik went to threaten her, but Eggatha stepped forward first.
"Please?" she asked politely.
At that, Vanilla nodded.
"My family cares for the Chao of Mobius, and have for generations," she explained. "I won't tell you where their colony is, but I will tell you that those two must have followed you back here. As for why, I don't know. Chao are only drawn to those who are pure of heart."
"Believe me, my heart is exceptionally pure," Robotnik boasted. "Pure evil to the core."
"I don't feel particularly inclined to argue with that," Coco deadpanned.
"So, if they're drawn to us, can we keep them?" Eggatha questioned.
"Chao are not housepets," Vanilla said sternly. "They are children, and must be treated as such."
"I see," Robotnik mused.
He looked at the Chao in his hands, then the one in Eggatha's. He thought for a moment, then switched them.
"Very well then," he decided, holding the blue one up. "Since they seem drawn to us, I see no reason to turn them away. I'm sure they can be useful for something."
He wasn't about to let the prisoners know that something about the Chao's precious little faces stirred up feelings unbecoming of an evil emperor.
"Now then, prep the Roboticizer. We'll start with-"
"Wait!" Coco thought quickly, standing up. "If you're going to keep those Chao, you need to know how to properly care for them. No one knows better than my wife, but she'll be no good to you as a robot. I'll allow you to take me to your Roboticizer without a fight... if you'll spare her the same fate."
"Coco, no!" Vanilla cried.
"Tempting…" Robotnik mused before nodding. "Very well. Agatha, see to it that he does what he promised. I'm going to… do… some work in my lab."
"May I have a few minutes to say goodbye?" Coco requested humbly.
"I suppose I can allow that. Now, if you'll excuse me…"
Robotnik departed with the Chao in hand. Vanilla turned to Coco, clutching his hands.
"Coco, please don't do this," she pleaded. "I need you. Cream needs you!"
"At least this way, she'll have one parent." Coco pulled her into a hug, his hands shaking as he did. He then heard the pod opening as Eggatha stepped in. He turned, seeing the Chao rested on her head as she held up some cuffs with a chain lead.
"Stay strong, Vanilla," he said as he steeled himself. "If the stories are true, Sonic and the Freedom Fighters will be here before long."
He gave his wife one last kiss before turning and offering his wrists. Eggatha hesitated for a brief moment herself before cuffing him. He noted that she was surprisingly gentle, tightening them just enough to ensure compliance without unnecessary pain.
"For what it's worth... I'm sorry."
She escorted him out, closing the pod. Vanilla watched this happen, managing a smile as Eggatha led him away.
"It seems at least someone here is truly pure…"
Floral Forest Village
Caleb had leapt for joy when he saw Cream. He rushed over to the other rabbit, hugging her tightly.
"I saw them take Miss Vanilla and Mr. Coco," he said. "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay," Cream assured. "I left to find Mr. Sonic so he could help."
"How many others got out?" Bunnie asked.
"Me and a few of the kids," Caleb replied. "Six of us. We're in the Garden."
"The Garden…" Cream perked. "It's okay?"
"Untouched, thank Aurora," Caleb answered.
Cream sighed in relief. "C'mon, let's check it out."
She led them into the woods.
"So I guess Cream counts as a Keeper?" Sonic asked.
"Keeper-in-training," Cream clarified.
Eventually, they came to a stop before a sizable stone gate and wall. Cream approached the closed doors, pulling a small blue key with a Chao image in the center off the head out from around her neck. She inserted it into the lock and turned it. The gate began to glow, then it slowly opened outward. What it revealed had everyone gasping in awe.
"Whoa…" Keith let out.
Inside the gate was a beautiful field of flowers, a large willow tree providing shade over the pool as Chao in numerous colors flitted and frolicked about. A group of about five bunnies were huddled under one of the trees. When they saw the gates open, two tiny bunnies with similar white fur to Caleb perked.
"Caleb!" they exclaimed.
"Mary!" Caleb shouted. "Katy!"
He rushed to them, holding them both. The others managed a smile as several Chao came flying in, hovering around them and chirping. One began crying wildly before a brown Chao with a blue bowtie came flying in at high speed, grabbing Cheese's hands and spinning around.
"Chocola!" Cream cried. "I've been so worried. So this is where you've been."
Chocola chirped wildly, diving for Cream and burying his face in her dress. She patted the brown Chao's head.
"It's alright," she assured. "We're here now."
As this went on, Antoine and Bunnie went to check on the children.
"Y'all okay?" Bunnie asked. "Anyone hurt?"
She was met with shaking heads and assurances. While Bunnie made sure, Sonic and the kids looked around the garden. Several Chao were enamored by Helen, swirling around her and poking her wheelchair. A few more began flopping onto Kat, the girl feeling her frayed nerves and upset stomach settle in their presence. Several more swarmed the redhead, who began laughing as they clung to her. Before long, so many were covering her that it looked like she was wearing a puffy blue coat. Soon she fell over, laughing. The Chao all cheered and chirped, as if having accomplished a goal.
"Hey, that's a good look for you," Sonic quipped.
Helen giggled herself, looking at Cheese and Chocola.
"So you have two Chao?" she asked Cream.
"Yep," Cream confirmed. "Cheese and Chocola are twin brothers. I raised them from an egg."
"Egg?" Hope asked. "As in they both hatched from one?"
"It's not uncommon," Chris pointed out. "Happens occasionally with Mobini turtles and snakes. Of course, they're usually conjoined twins."
"Chao magic," Cream said simply. "It's complicated."
Keith shrugged. "I'll take your word for it."
He felt something rummaging through his jacket and looked down, seeing a Chao face deep in his pockets.
"Hey, what the-?" he let out in surprise.
The Chao pulled out one of his Power Ring canisters. It began waving it around, showing the others. It began waving it around, showing the others. The Chao then swarmed Keith, picking him up and carrying him.
"Hey, what?!" Keith cried as they carried him off. "Whoa whoa whoa!"
"What was all that about?" Danny asked.
Cream was spared the effort of an answer as a familiar golden light began to glow from beneath the lake. From it surfaced a Power Ring, which Cheese and Chocola immediately retrieved. Chocola slipped it over his head, swirling it around his waist like a hula hoop.
"A Lake of Rings?" Hope realized.
"Now that's awesome," Sonic remarked.
The Chao soon deposited Keith at the mouth of a cave, where numerous piles of Power Rings were found.
"Whoa…" Keith let out before grinning. "Mom would have a field day with this. We really hit the jackpot!"
He patted the Chao on their heads before bringing out a few empty capsules and getting to work.
"This place is amazing, Cream," Kat told her.
"Seriously!" Frances agreed. "I'm so glad we came along."
One Chao suddenly flitted over to Sonic. It looked at him, as if angry or contemplating something, before lifting up one little arm and booping him on the nose before flitting away, chirping happily as if laughing. Sonic rubbed his nose, smiling before turning serious and facing the bunny kids.
"Okay, let's get down to business," he said. "Did you see which direction Eggman's ship went?"
"He was headed for the Leaf Forest Zone, last we checked," Katy told him.
"Leaf Forest Zone, got it," Sonic turned to Danny, Frances, and Helen. "You three, stay here with Cream and the rest of the kid. You're to keep them all safe, and do not leave this garden."
"Count on it," Danny assured.
"You got it!" Frances gave him a thumbs-up.
Just as they were about to leave, Sonic felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see the Chao that had booped his nose earlier.
"What's up?" he asked.
It pulled on his sleeve, taking him over to a tree. The Chao went into a small hollow near the tree's roots, rolling out a familiar green gem.
"A Chaos Emerald?!" Sonic exclaimed.
The Chao nodded, holding it up for him. Sonic took it.
"Thanks, little buddy," he said gratefully. "This'll be really helpful."
He patted its head before going back to the others. Helen grabbed Chris' arm before suddenly leaning in and giving him a peck on the cheek. His eyes widened as his face turned beet-red. Helen smiled, blushing slightly herself.
"For luck," she told him.
Chris' hand went to his cheek, a dopey smile on his face. "T-thanks."
They all walked out, Cream sealing the garden with a heavy thud of the stone gate.
"I seriously needed that," Kat sighed.
Sonic grinned mischievously. "Hey, since Helen did it, why don't you give Keith a smooch for luck, Kat?"
A loud thump sounded, and before everyone knew it, Sonic was face down in the dirt, a big lump on top of his head as an embarrassed Kat shook out her fist.
"I do believe you walked into that," Antoine said flatly.
Egg Utopia
Eggatha led Coco through the halls. He looked around, more than a little nervous. His dread grew when they reached the room where the Roboticizer sat, this one consisting of a metal table with restraints and a laser-like device aimed at it from the ceiling.
"I made a deal, and I intend to keep it," he piped up. "But just tell me one thing... what's going to happen to me from here?"
"After the procedure, I'll keep you on board as a lab assistant," Eggatha told him. "You won't see direct combat, or have to worry about being dismantled."
"Why?" Coco asked.
"Because my uncle promised I could keep one of you as-"
"No," Coco cut in. "I mean, why are you here? Why stay with Robotnik? You're clearly nowhere near as heartless and cruel as he is."
"Believe it or not, he's actually a better father figure to me than my actual dad," Eggatha admitted. "He treated me more as a POW than a daughter, keeping me confined, telling me what I could and couldn't do. I wasn't allowed to be me. But with Uncle Ivo, I can do what I want, build as many robots as I want. That, and as long as I'm around, I cut down potential casualties by…" She did a few quick calculations. "About 57%."
"I see…" Coco mused.
Eggatha led him over to the table, undoing the cuffs.
"Don't go assuming I'm all good," she clarified. "I still help him on occasion, and I do enjoy some of his less... deadly schemes. I just try to stop him from doing something really bad. Like, say, nuking Mobotropolis or Station Square off the face of the planet."
"I can see why a Chao found you," Coco admitted as he laid down, holding still as she strapped him down.
"Just so you know, Sonic's gonna show up sooner or later," she told him. "He'll save your wife, and he'll find a way to save you too. That's what he does."
"Thank you," Coco took a deep breath, closing his eyes. "I'm ready."
Eggatha steeled herself before pulling the switch, averting her eyes as the Roboticizer powered on…
Author's Note:
*Sniff*... Poor Coco.
Well, Sonic and co. are on the case at last. Will they save Vanilla?
Voice cast for this chapter:
* Caleb - Stephanie Nadolny (Kid Goku & Gohan from Dragon Ball/Z/GT, K.O. in several OK K.O.!: Let's Be Heroes episodes and games)
* Mary & Katy - Tabitha Ray (Chinami, Chigusa, & Chiho Mitama from A Centaur's Life, Arrow from Fire Force)
Please R&R. Until next time!
