Meanwhile, in Seaside City, the phone at the Chaotix Detective Agency had been ringing off the hook with calls about missing loved ones and reported(but probably false)Infinite sightings. The three gumshoes were having trouble managing the onslaught of sudden employment, but thankfully, Vanilla the Rabbit, her daughter Cream, their Gizoid, Gemerl, and their two Chao, Cheese and Chocola, had planned to come by for a visit anyway, so they did their best to quell the hoard. However, eventually. even THEY were all bushed, and Vector chose to make an executive decision. "Alright, guys. We're officially unplugging the phone for the day." The crocodile said as he pulled the cords out. "Restoration is probably wanting all hands on deck anyway, so we should probably head down so we can-"

"But...Do we HAVE to, though? You know...Get involved?" Charmy interrupted. Espio seemed confused. "Since when have YOU been one to want to stay out of things?"

"Well, since...It's Infinite, you know? And, if we get separated like we did during the Metal Virus..." The bee trailed off, trembling at the thought.

"I must admit, I'm a little scared too." Cream added, grabbing hold of her mother's hand. "Previous data supports this concern, though new factors since last known encounter have yet to be properly analyzed." Gemerl stated. Vanilla gave her daughter a reassuring pat on the head. "There there, I'm sure Sonic and everybody else are going to be working as hard as they can to keep things from getting TOO out of hand...Right, Vector?"

"You betcha!" The crocodile said before gently picking Charmy up and sitting the bee on his knee. "Look, it's okay if you're a little intimidated by the big stuff sometimes. You and Cream are only kids, it's only natural! But I've also seen you guys get out there and do some incredible things! And the more you grow up, the more great stuff you're gonna be able to do! So, are you gonna let some masked moron stop you from DOIN' those things, just because he got in a few lucky shots last time?"

"It was more than a FEW lucky shots..."

"Not helping here, Espio."

"Well...I guess you're right!" Charmy said, perking up and buzzing slowly into the air. "Ain't I always?" Vector quipped.

"Not really."

"Statistically improbable." Gemerl added.

"Espio, stop bein' a bad influence. Gemerl, shut up." Vector snapped. "Now come on, Chaotix! And, uh, Rabbit Family." Vanilla nodded, appreciating the inclusion.

"Let's go kick some Infinite heinie!"

Deep in a desert cave, Infinite sat cross-legged, meditating as the powers of the Valtron held him steadily afloat, the Phantom Ruby twirling in the air before him. His power had grown with the attack on Vista View. The people feared him again, and the town served as a great example as to why.

But it wasn't enough. He needed more! More fear, more energy, more victims to spread the word!

And then he sensed it, and a smile creeped across his face. Yes, he'd finally tracked it down. And as he donned his mask and hood, he knew this was the key to his final ascension.

And try as they might, the heroes would NEVER be able to stop him now!

An alliance forged! New characters and conflicts enter the picture! And just what IS Infinite looking for, anyway?

Tune in next week to find out!