Tails let out a long yawn as he closed the door, a still hyper Pièrre bouncing around the room at uncontrollable speeds.
„Have you seen how pretty Miss Cream looked today!? She was shining!" The wolf gestired dramaticaly with his hands.
Tails chuckled comfortably.
„She's pretty everyday." He said honestly and without hesitation. „But when she's passionated about something, that's when she starts to glow."
Pièrre smiled wildly at the response.
Tails yawned again and stretched.
„Anyways, I think I'm gonna do a bit more research and then head to bed."
Pièrre frowned at that.
„But you've been working all morning and spend the rest of the day helping Miss Cream out..."
Tails booped his little nose.
„Don't worry about me. It's gonna take longer then that to put ME down."
Pièrre pulled away from the touch, but didn't look all that convinced.
„But..."
The fox took his son into his own arms.
„Speaking of which, it's time for your bedtime!" Announced Tails cheerfully.
Pièrre groaned so loud, he could be heard from a mile away.
With the tiny wolf safely tucked into bed, Tails planted a little kis atop his head.
„Sweet dreams, lil buddy."
„Night, dad." Whispered Pièrre as he smiled softly at the affection he was receiving.
Tails smiled gently at him and left the room, closing the door silently behind him. His son watched him go, his smile fading away as the darkeness consumed his room. His mind raced as a million thoughts crossed his small head.
His dad almost figured him out. Actually, he might've already. The only reason he didn't insist on resolving it today, was because of how late they arrived.
But tomorrow, there'll be no escaping it.
The small wolf grimanced as he clutched the blanket.
His dad was showing his affection for Miss Cream more often these days. He didn't even flinch when he realised he complimented Miss Cream right in front of him! So why doesn't his dad just say it to her too without backpaddling...?
A soft knock on the window interrupted the young wolf from his thoughts. Sitting up, he looked to see a familiar hedgehog making signs to let her in.
Pièrre obliged immediately, letting the blue hedgehog take a seat on his bed.
„Sup'." Saluted cooly Fleta. „How are things on your end?"
Pièrre pouted sadly.
„Daddy knows. Or I... I think he does." The gray wolf nervously fiddled with his fingers. „I'm sure we're gonna have a „talk" tomorrow."
Fleta huffed.
„You too, huh?"
Pièrre looked alarmed at that.
„Did unc' and aunty-!?"
„Not yet." The blue hedgehog shook her head. „But they're getting suspicious. My „bathroom" excuses are starting to wear thin. Thankfully, Ethan used his status as the favorite to bail me out of trouble, but we're on our last legs." Fleta crossed her arms and hummed. „Ajax, Aerilyn and Serenity aren't faring much better."
Pièrre pouted in dissapointment.
„Did they fight over the communicator again?"
„You know how those two are." Shrugged Fleta. „They almost let it slip about what we've been doing, but Serenity managed to throw them off for now."
„Serenity to the rescue!" Cheered Pièrre before he was shushed by a very freaked out Fleta. They waited a few moments before they both let out a relieved sigh.
„Anyways," continued the hedgehog. „The only ones who've encountered no issues so far are Agni and Animus." She then grumbled. „But that's only cause their parents are „busy" with their work and the servants aren't able to keep up with them."
Pièrre didn't seem to pleased.
„Don't be mean to them. They have their own problems to take care of."
„Whateves." Fleta rolled her eyes. „Let's get back on track. Most of us are in hot water with our folks. Have uncle Tails and Miss Cream got any closer?"
Pièrre nodded his head with enthusiasm.
„Daddy said Miss Cream can ask him out and she said she'll think about it!"
Fleta grinned.
„Finally! Some progress! Which brings us to the next part of our plan!"
Pièrre tilted his head cutely at that.
„What phase?"
Fleta's eyes twinkled mischieviously.
„Come closer."
„Steady, steady." Whispered the slightly freaked out Pièrre as he witnessed his father be slowly lowered inside the large pink box by the blanket he layed on.
When that was done with, the kids slowly closed the lid and let out a relieved sigh.
„Thank Chaos he fell asleep on the couch." Breathed out Ethan as he slid down the floor. „We wouldn't have been able to pull this off otherwise."
Ajax stared at the box with a frown.
„Are you sure this is a good idea?"
Pièrre shifted uncomfortably.
„Not really." His eyes shone in determination. „But if it helps out dad and Miss Cream, even by a little bit, then I'll do it."
Serenity looked uncertain at the box.
„I have a bad feeling about this."
„Oh, liven up, sis"! The white echidna put her arm around the smaller hybrid. „You know Uncle Tails never gets mad at us! We'll be just fine."
„Is everyone ready?" Asked Animus.
The kids all shared a look before they nodded.
„Then let's go." Concluded Agni as she marched on and opened the door.
Transporting a sleeping adult in a giant box in broad daylight without people noticing was HARDER then it sounds like. The only silver lining was the fact that it was still early enough for most of the townfolk to still be asleep.
Ethan and Ajax were the ones in charge of carrying the precious cargo, with Animus helping them by using his telekinetic powers to soften the load.
The rest were in charge of scouting the area and making sure they wouldn't be seen, Pièrre leading them to their destination.
After an agonising amount of time and close calls, they finally reached the house they were looking for. Ever so gently, the boys hauled the box up the stairs and layed it before the front door. Then they stepped backwards slowly, joining the rest of the group.
And that was when they all ran away from the place at super sonic speeds.
„We did it! We did it! We did it!" Chanted Pièrre as he held on strongly to his cousins.
„Of course we did!" Fleta laughed victoriously. „We're our parents' children!"
Charmy yawned tiredly, jagging his keys into the shops door. And then the children ran on the opposite street to him, making him jump awake and turn around. Whoever he saw nothing, which made him scratch his head with a soft hum.
Tails grumbled in his sleep, turning from one side to another restlessly. Something about the couch he was sleeping on seemed rather... suspicious.
It didn't take that long for the fox to groggly open his eyes. It took a bit of time until his eyes adjusted to the dark. Dark? What hour was it?
He squinted ahead. And came face to face with a metal wall.
Now wide awake, the genius fox jumped up instinctively. And then crumbled back down as his head hit a particularly hard surface. Hissing as he gripped his aching head, Tails looked up to see the same metal wall not too far away from him. A more carefull look at his surroundings showed he was in a box of some kind.
„How did this happen?"Tails' mind began to race.„Last thing I remember was laying on the couch and-!"
His eyes widened as realisation dawned on him.
„Pièrre!" The fox began pushing the lid, but it did not as much as budged. „No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!" Huffing, he brought his knees closer to him and used them to try and open the box up. „Why today of all days!?"
He struggled like that for a few more minutes before he slumped back down.
What was this cage even made of!? He didn't have time to analyse it and properly find a weak point!
And the fact that it offered him so little space didn't help matters at all. He couldn't even move properly!
Tails took a couple of deep breaths, trying to snap out of his panicked state. That's right, he couldn't lose his cool right now.
The genius fox stood as he was for a couple more moments, his mind working on a solution to get out of this mess. What could he do that didn't need too much space, but still packed a punch?
And then a lightbulb appeared above his head. It was not guaranteed to work, but it was worth a shot!
With a bit of difficulty, Tails managed to curl up. And then began to spin.
The alarm clock rang loudly, making the Hero Chao grab his head in annoyance.
A cream colored hand arose from the covers and pressed the stop button. The rabbit jumped out of bed and began to rapidly get ready.
The Chao remained where he was, going back to dreamland.
„C'mon, Cheese!" The rabbit opened her closet and picked her favorite orange dress. „We got so much to do today!"
„Chao..." mumbled Cheese as he began to crawl out of his small Chao bed.
„Once we open the workshop, we'll focus on making our invention!" Cream looked in the mirror to make sure her dress didn't have any wrinkles. „If we'll have any customer today, we'll take care of them quickly and then continue our work! The competition is tomorrow, so there's no time to lose!"
„Chao..." Cheese let out a loud yawn before he made one more push and fell head first towards the ground. Thankfully, Cream caught the sleeping Chao just in time.
„But first! Our morning ritual!" Cream placed her still out of it Chao into her favorite purse and rushed down the stairs. Once she reached the door, she put the key in the lock and smiled brightly at her Chao. „Ready?"
„Chao!" Let out a slightly more aware Cheese.
Cream waited no more. She opened the door with determination in her eyes.
„Chao Mechanics is- open?" The duo blinked at the giant box on their doorstep.
Looking at one another with questionabke looks, the two of them approached the mysterious object.
„I don't remember ordering anything." She muttered as she kneeled besides it and took a closer look. „And I highly doubt that the flowers Tails bought are in there."
They looked at it for a few more seconds. And then the box JUMPED. Not by much, but still JUMPED.
Cream and Cheese let out a short scream and fell backwards. Then she slammed her hands on the box, horror written all over her.
„Don't tell me there's someone in it!?"
Cheese immediately got out of the purse and grunted as he tried to open the lid.
„C-Chao."
Cream took a closer look at the lock, noticing a bunch of buttons with numbers on it.
„So we must know the password, huh?" She glared unimpressed at the buttons. „Well, I have a better idea!" Cream got up and rushed back inside. „Cheese, take care of the box! I'll be right back!"
„Chao!" Nodded Cheese as he resumed his mission.
Then the box jumped again, causing the little Chao to cry in alarm.
„I'm coming!" Yelled Cream as she came back with the Multitool Remote. She kneeled again and, with the push of a button, a screwdriver appeared from the middle hole. „Hang on, help is on the way!" She assured the poor prisoner.
Carefully, she took away the pannel and was met with a bunch of wires.
„Now, if I'm not mistaken..." she mumbled as she fiddled with the wires, Cheese watching it all with worried eyes. After an intense minute, she smiled victoriously. „Bingo!"
The moment the lid opened slightly, a huge furry ball busted it wide open, making the duo gasp at the sudden action. The impact slowed down the momentum significantly, the ball hovering a few meters off the ground before it uncurled and began to descend.
Cream's instincts kicked in, flying as fast as she could and caught the familiar, but dizzy fox in her arms.
„Tails!?"
The fox's world stabilised enough to recognise his friend.
„Cream!? What are you doing here!?"
„I should be the one asking that." Cream lowered the both of them to the ground. „What were you doing in that box?"
„Wish I knew." Tails sighed as he got on his own two feet. „But I'll figure it out later! I need to head back home and find Pièrre!"
But before he could take flight, Cheese flew in front of him.
„Chao! Chao!"
„Exactly!" Nodded Cream as she ran back to close the door. „We're coming too!"
Tails wavered.
„Cream, I can't-!"
„We don't have time for this!"
„Chao!"
Tails looked conflicted for a second before his namesakes started to spin.
„Fine then. We have to find Pièrre fast. Mrs Grim is coming."
Charmy took a looooong sip from his beverage, enjoying the momentary quietness before the rush hour. And then Cream and Tails flew at lightning speeds in his periphemer, making him spit it all.
He threw the dose in the trash can and his cap at his coworker.
„Cover for me a bit, ok?"
„WHAT? No way! Rush hour is about to start-!"
„I'll come back before then! Promise!" And with that, bee flew in the direction of the runaway duo.
Tails and Cream continued their flight between the buildings, Cheese safely tucked away in the purse.
„What's up, strangers?"
They both briefly paused their flying to stare at the bee who just joined them.
„Charmy!?"
„The one and only." Chirped the smug bee
„What are you doing?" Scolded Cream. „You should be at your job!"
The detectiv pouted at the rabbit's remark.
„Chill, I got it covered." He waved her off. „Anyways, what are you doing flying so aggressively around the city? An intense race between the two of you?"
„I wish it was that simple." Sighed Tails. „But to put it shortly, I woke up in a box outside Cream's house."
„Say WHAT!?"
„Chao!" Nodded Cheese gravely.
„We want to hurry back to Tails' house to see if he's still there or..." Cream trailed off, unable to continue.
„Well, what are we standing around here for!?" Charmy buzzed by the two. „We gotta make a move on!"
The trio shared a look before they flew after the bee.
Once they spotted the house in question, they all descended and then sprinted towards the front door.
„Please be safe, please be safe, please be safe." Muttered Tails like a mantra as he twisted the doorknob.
The door almost flew from it's hinges when the group bursted in to see a messy room. Toys were thrown everywhere, covers and papers spread thinly everywhere they layed their eyes on and even some furniture was knocked over.
„Pièrre! Pièrre!" Tails rushed up the stairs. „Where are you!?"
„I thought you said he was here!" Exclaimed Charmy freaking out of his mind as he checked the kitchen.
„I never said that!" Cream rushed to the garage Cheese getting out to help her. „I only hoped he was still here!"
Everyone searched franticly but ended up returning immediately after.
„He's not in his room or mine!" Exclaimed Tails with his fur all frazzled.
„The kitchen and bathroom were also empty!" Stated Charmy, still freaking out.
„There's not a trace of him in the garage or basement either!" Cream looked scared out of her mind.
„Chao! Chao! Chao!"
And then a blanket started to wiggle. All their eyes fixated on it, holding their breath. And then out came Pièrre, smiling obliviously at everyone while removing his headphones.
„Hi, hi!"
Tails rushed forward, kneeled down and wrapped his son into a tight hug.
„Thank God!" He whispered.
The wolf stayed silent, watching his father with big eyes.
Charmy sighed in relief.
„Well, all's well that ends well, am I right?" He joked as he put his hands behind his head.
His sister shook her head.
„We still have Mrs. Grim to worry about."
„SHE'S COMING!?" Charmy turned towards the two adults with renewed fear. „Why didn't you tell me!?"
„You ran off before we could explain you the situation!" Defended Cream.
„Chao!" Seconded the small Chao.
„It's... ok." The trio turned towards the fox who was preparing to rise up again, Pièrre still in his arms. „I can take it from here. It ain't the first time I had to prepare for her visit-!" His words cut of as his knees met the floor again. „Huh?" He tried to stand up again, but was met with the same results. „H-Hold on a minute." Tails looked embarrassed at how numb his legs had become so unexpectly.
The trio shared a look before they nodded with determination.
Cream went and helped the confused fox up while Charmy cleaned up the couch.
„You don't have to worry about anything." Reassured him Cream. „We'll take it from here."
Tails looked shocked at her suggestion.
„Cream!"
„You know she's not gonna back down from this." Charmy stood up proudly to look at the now clean sofa. „And neither am I!"
„But your Jobs..."
„Can wait." Cream dropped the fox on the couch. „You know how my workshop is normally."
„And a coworker will cover for me until rush hour." Charmy picked up the paper from the floor. „It'll start in about an hour from now on."
„When is Mrs. Grim coming?" Cream took care of the blankets.
Tails looked at his watch.
„In a half an hour."
Charmy smirked.
„Plenty of time."
„You know she usually goes to check every area of his house, right?" Tails raised his eyebrow. „Think you're fast enough?"
„Well, those hours of chasing after you during our playdates gotta mean something, right?" Charmy winked at the surprised fox.
When Tails finally felt like himself again, he finally released the awfully quiet Pièrre and went to help clean the house.
It was only a matter of time before they all gathered in the living room to admire their work. Charmy whistled.
„Now, would you look at that."
The house was so clean it seemed brand new.
Tails looked at his watch and let go of a breath he didn't know he was holding.
„We have 3 more minutes. We finished just in time."
„There was never a doubt!" Chirped Cream cheerfully, grabbing his arm.
Tails smiled timidly, a faint blush appearing at the close proximity.
Pièrre watched it all with a blank face.
„Alright, enough with the mushy stuff and start acting like we didn't lose control of life!" The adults laughed and proceeded to do as such when Pièrre's voice broke the immersion.
„Daddy's hurt."
Cream, Charmy and Cheese immediately zeroed in on Tails' appearence, only now seeing the bruise on his forehead.
„When did this happen!?" Cream came close to examine it while Cheese sadly petted the affected area.
„Oh, it's because I hit my head a bit hard when I was in that box." Replied Tails casually. „After everything that went down, I honestly forgot about it."
„Stop being so indifferent to your own health, man!" Exasperated Charmy.
A knock on the door interrupted the discussion. Everyone shared a look before Tails went to let in the expected guest.
Mrs. Grim stood at the entrance, as firm as usual. Her eyes wondered towards Tails' bandaged cheek, a flash of guilt appearing and dissapearing almost immediately. Then she discovered Tails new addition to his list of wounds.
„A small accident." Replied Tails, reading her thoughts.
Mrs. Grim nodded, opening her notebook.
„I see. May I come in?"
Tails stepped aside to allow the rat scan the living room. She aknowleged the siblings (pausing a bit when she spotted Cream) and smiled softly when she saw Pièrre.
„Hello, there."
„Hi." Pièrre's tone was devoid of emotion.
Mrs. Grim fiddled with her pen.
„I would want to ask you some questions. Will that be ok with you?"
The wolf merely nodded.
The office worker looked at her notebook.
„How have you been?"
„I've been good."
„And right now?"
„Very happy."
„Have there been any shifts in your usual routine?"
„Nothing changed."
„What do you feel when you're with your dad's support system?"
Been feeling really comfy.
„Have there been any incidents since our last meeting?"
„Nothing scary happened."
Mrs. Grim turned the page.
„How are does your father handle your food intake?"
„I eat three times a day."
„Do you have any friends?:
„Have lots of friends from kindergarden and beyond."
„Does your father allow you to go outside to play with them?"
„I'm playing where my father can see and reach me if something happens."
„How does your father treat you?"
„He is very kind to me."
The questions were asked and answered with terrifying monotony.
Tails gulped involuntary at the tension in the air.
„One last question before we end the interview." Mrs. Grim stared deeply into Pièrre's eyes. „Are you truly content with your life right now."
Pièrre stared right back.
„I am."
Mrs. Grim broke the eye contact first.
„Very well then." She got up and stared at Tails. „I would like to take a look around the house, if you may allow me that."
Tails flinched slightly at the sudden shift in attention, but composed himself pretty quickly.
„Sure. This way."
Mrs. Grim inspected the entire house, not a room went unchecked by her strict stare. After a few more agonising moments like these, she finally turned towards Tails to give the verdict.
„Pièrre looks healthy and happy. The house is a good environment for him to grow up and develop." She then stole a look at the anxious family behind the fox. „And has a strong support."
Tails blinked owlishly at her.
„Thank... you?"
She then turned to walk out the door.
„I would like to discuss something with you one on one. I'll give you the date and the hour in an email. Farewell for now."
„Farewell." Greeted back Tails before he closed the door. He waited until Mrs. Grim's car roared to life and left the perimeter of his house before he gasped for air and put his hands on his knees. „That was INTENSE."
„No kidding!" Charmy wiped droplets of sweat from his forehead. „Was she ALWAYS that way?"
„From our meetings, not really." Replied Cream.
„Chao..."
Tails stumbled his way to the couch, collapsing in complete exhaustion.
„Can't believe we managed to pull it off. And the fact that she respected the hour she fixed."
„Did she make you wait for her?" Asked Cream repulsed.
„No, she actually came EARLY." Stated Tails. „Which is why I was freaking out so much earlier."
„At least we got her off our backs now." Charmy crossed his arms. „Geez, from all the days to get kidnapped..."
Pièrre stilled, looking at his shaking hands.
„I'm so glad I opened the door when I did! Who knows what might've happen if I didn't!"
„I really owe you guys for this."
„You better not repay us with another 10K."
„Cream!"
„Chao! Chao!"
„Not you too, Cheese!"
„Run that back, what 10K are we talking about?"
The voices were drifting further and further away as everything around the small wolf got colder and colder. A big hand woke the wolf up from his trance, a pair of baby blue eyes leading him back to warmth and light again.
„You ok, lil buddy?"
Pièrre gulped, his hands turned into fists.
„Actually..."
Animus and Agni peaked around the slightly opened door. The corridor was empty, not a single guard in sight. Nodding to eachother, they slowly exited the room of the Jeweled Scepter with care. Then they jumped in the shadows of the columns, moving as effectively as they could.
Once they were a safe distance away, they both let out a relieved sigh.
„This was the most intense secret visit of all time." Muttered Agni as if out of breath.
„No kidding." Animus looked just as worned out. „I almost thought we wouldn't make it."
Agni then smiled at her brother.
„Then it's a good thing we managed to time it so well. We almost ran out of time."
„I suppose." Agreed the serious hedgehog. „Although it's best we keep moving. We wouldn't want anyone to suspect anything."
The white and gold cat rolled her eyes playfully.
„Don't worry, nobody noticed a thing so far!"
And then a hand rested on each of the royal siblings' shoulder, startling them as a very familiar voice made it's presence known.
„Are ya' sure about that, mates?" The smug raccoon stared slyly at the siblings who were beginning to look VERY nervous. „Namely why you've been going so often into the Jeweled Scepter room?"
Animus stared blankly at his sister.
„Nothing to worry about, huh?"
Agni looked away embarrassed.
A blinding light illuminated the entire cave before a group of three exited it casually.
„Well, that was a lot." Muttered Ajax uneasy.
„Oh, cheer up, will ya?" Aerilyn huffed unimpressed. „Everything went as planned. That's all it should matter."
Ajax shook his head.
„It still irks me."
„Sounds like you're chickening out." Argued Aerilyn passive aggressively.
„I'm NOT chickening out." Bickered back Ajax. „I'm just pointing out how stupid this all feels!"
„Sounds like chicken to me." Shot him down the white echidna, earning a menancing glare from her older brother.
Serenity let out a tired sigh.
„Please calm down, you two." She said as she got in between her siblings. „Our parents will suspect something again."
„Who said we ever stopped?"
The sharp, yet calm tone send shivers down the trio's spine. Ever so slowly, they turned to look back.
On top of the cave they just got out of, stood the echidna and bat duo, both seething with barely contained rage.
„Hello, darlings." Greeted Rouge with a glint in her eyes. „Might you fill as in on what you've done behind our backs with the crystal shards SPECIFICALLY for safety reasons only?"
The kids all gulped simultanously.
„Beef with tomato sauce at table 3!" Announced the waiter once he entered the kitchen.
Amy nodded with a smile and started preparing the order.
Sonic materialised shortly and startled the retreating waiter.
„My bad." He apologised before stepping away and letting the employee go and do his job. He walked by the many cooks preparing the requested meals and stopping at a very specific one. „How's it going on your end, Ames?"
His wife smiled brightly at her husband.
„Considering how busy we are, surprisingly well. Done with the deliveries?"
„Ye'." Sonic leaned a bit to see Amy's professional cooking. „I'll go look to see if any orders are up right now."
„I put them on hold for a bit." Replied Amy as she put the finishing touches on her order. „You can only do so much world wide deliveries for so long."
Sonic placed a gratefull kiss on her cheek.
„Thanks, Ames."
„Anytime, my darling~."
Amy then took the meal and placed it on a tray.
„Beef with tomato sauce for table 3!"
„Sir, you aren't permitted to enter this area-!"
„Not to worry! I know the owners."
The small commotion made the married couple come to the reception and widen their eyes at the unsuspecting guest.
„Charmy?" Sonic grinned at the bee. „What brings ya here. If it's to order, I'm afraid you'll have to wait for a bit."
Charmy laughed awkardly while scratching his head.
„Yeah, about that..."
„Can you believe that we managed to pull it off so well?!" Fleta giggled as she kicked her feet. „That was so exciting!"
Ethan sighed with a smile, throwing away the bag of garbage down the slide.
„I guess. I'm more surprised by the fact neither of our parents noticed we were gone!"
„That just goes to show how skilled we've gotten." Fleta hit her chest proudly. „Nothing can take us down."
„FLETA! ETHAN!"Amy's shouts scared the two hedgehogs.„COME HERE RIGHT THIS INSTANCE!"
The siblings shared a look and then headed to where they heard their mother. They arrived in a few seconds and felt themselfs get smaller and smaller the closer they got to the visibly fuming hedgehog. Not even Sonic seemed to be on their side this time.
„Did you really lock up your uncle in a box?!" Now the two twins had seen their mother angry many times before, but THIS took the cake. „What. Were. You. Thinking!?"
Charmy started to sweat from the intensity of the situation.
„N-Now, now, I think we should all take a deep breath and-!"
„Where did you said the box was left?" Sonic cut him off, the glare having the power of a thousand dark suns that beggeted nothing but darkness.
„Cream's house." Too late had the bee realised his mistake. „H-Hang on a sec-!"
But his words fell on deaf ears. Sonic picked up Ethan, while Amy picked up Fleta.
„You guys are coming with us." Stated Sonic, just as angry. „You have a LOT to apologise for!"
Charmy began to flail his arms in a panic.
„Hold on-!"
„Everyone is to return to their post and do their work until I return!" Announced Amy the employees who briefly stopped their task to stare at the scene in front of them. „Or else I'll pull out the hammer!"
The workers got the message, immediately going back to work.
„WAIT!" But it was all too late. The hedgehog couple had already ran out the door.
The bee stood where he was for a couple more seconds.
„...well, that just complicates things more." Muttered exhausted Charmy.
„Pièrre..." Tails looked shocked at his son. „Why?"
The wolf avoided his gaze.
Cream's phone rang. The rabbit opened it to see an incoming call from Charmy. With a frown, she answered.
„Hello?"
„Hi."Charmy coughed awkardly.„Um, so I'll get straight to the point and say things went off the rails."
„Of course they would." Grumbled Cream. „What happened?"
„So, I told Sonic and Amy that I saw their kids leaving Tails in a box. They didn't took it well."
„But you let them know he's safe with me back at his house, right?"
„...they know where the box was left, yeah."
„Charmy!"
„I'm sorry, ok! They got so mad they wouldn't listen to anything I said anymore!"
Cream sighed and shook her head.
„I'm guessing they're going to my house right now."
„Yeah. I would have ran after them but..."
„Rush hour is starting?"
„Yeah and, I can't really afford to lose my job right now-!"
„Hey, don't worry." Cream's tone softened. „You've been plenty of help already. Go focus on what you have to do. We'll take it from here."
The call went silent for a solid minute.
„...thanks. See ya around!"
„See ya."
The rabbit sighed as she pulled away the phone.
„What happened?" Cream turned towards the worried fox.
„Charmy told them what happened this morning."
Tails looked expectingly at her, dreading what he might hear next.
„But?"
„He didn't get a chance to let them know you're ok."
Tails frowned at that.
„Then we gotta get going." He stood up from the couch. „The last thing we need is another „Hedgehog Incident" on our hands."
Pièrre tilted his head in confusion.
„Hedgehog Incident...?"
„It means Sonic going crazy as he jumps from country to country and disrupting world peace in the process." Stated Cream as she helped Cheese back into her purse. „And that means we gotta act fast."
Tails and Pièrre looked awkardly at one another. Then the fox reached out and scooped his son up in his arms.
„We'll talk later about this. For now we gotta prevent an uncle from getting into trouble with the feds. Again."
The adults then ran out the door and took flight, unaware of just how out of control things got.
Sonic skiddled to a stop as him and his family were watching the unbelivable scene in front of them.
„Where is that box!?" Knuckles' voice could be heard from three streets away.
„It was right here, I swear!" Agni sounded uncharacteristically scared.
„Well, it certainly isn't here!" Rouge then used her device on her hand to analyse the current surroundings.
„Cream!? Are you there!?" Blaze knocked franticly on her door, getting more anxious as no one answered her calls.
Silver joined her, looking just as distressed.
„I checked all the windows, but there's no one there!"
„What's going on?" Amy's question made the group focus their attention on the newly arrived family.
Knuckles huffed at the sight of them.
„Your kids are in this too? That doesn't surprise me."
„What do you mean by that?" Asked Sonic as both him and Amy set down their children.
„Our kids had the WONDERFULL idea of stuffing Tails into a giant box and leave him out here." Explained Rouge as she followed the trail of something heavy being dragged and then dissapearing completely after a while. „Except the box is nowhere to be found."
Sonic felt like his world stopped moving.
His baby brother... missing.
„That can't be!" Panicked Amy. „Have you looked over-!?"
„We checked everywhere!" Emphasised Silver. „He's not here!"
Fleta and Ethan palled, unable to utter a word.
Sonic looked ready to explode any minute.
And then...
„There you are!"
The familiar voice made everyone turned around to face the incoming group.
Tails smiled, setting Pièrre down carefully.
„I'm so glad we managed to get to you before you took off! The last thing we needed was another agent knocking on our door- uf!"
„MY BABY!"
He was cut off when two adult hedgehogs rammed into him, the fox barely able to keep his balance. And then the assault continued.
Serenity clung onto his right leg, Aerilyn to his left and Ajax sandwiching his sisters as he grabbed both his legs.
Animus and Agni both jumped and each took a hold of one of his tails, while Ethan managed to cling onto his neck.
All pinned and immobilised, Tails could only watch in horror as Fleta flew and completely obstructed his vision, along with what was left of his breathing as she wrapped her arms around his head.
The combined impact made the group topple over, but that only made them tighten their grip on the poor fox, the adult hedgehogs hugging him in silent relief as the kids bowled uncontrollably and apologised, thus silencing any muffled plea of help.
Cream, Cheese and Pièrre sweated hard as they stared at the scene.
„Chao."
„You said it, Cheese..."
„He's here!" Exclaimed Knuckles as he let out a laugh. „I knew he wouldn't go down that easy!"
Rouge deactivated her device and smirked.
„And here I was getting worried. Should've known our dear Cream was plenty strong to carry the box back home to help her darling up."
Cream blinked confusely.
„But I never carried the box. I opened it with my tools from my workshop."
The air suddenly became more icy.
„But if you didn't take it then..." Blaze trailed off, her eyes wandering towards the pile of bodies and suffocated fox.
Silver sighed, crossing his arms.
„Let's get inside. We have a LOT to talk about."
Pièrre stared intently as his father's movements became more frantic and his face becoming purple from the lack of oxygen.
„...daddy can't breath."
Sonic's head snapped to look at his brother's face before lifting Fleta up. Tails gasped for air and coughed.
„Does everyone understand why this was a bad idea?" Questioned Blaze with a strict gaze. „Not only was it taken too far, but it could have gotten a lot worse."
„You saw what happened to that box." Scolded Knuckles. „What if it had been your uncle? If Cream didn't open the door when she did, who knows what might've happened!"
„Guys," whined Tails from his spot between his siblings, „please stop. They understood what they did wrong. See?"
Indeed, the kids looked ready to burst into crying again.
„We're so sorry"! They apologised profoundly.
Knuckles huffed, but otherwise relented.
„What I still don't know is how did you even find a box so sophisticated." Cream rubbed her temple in thought. „I doubt you'd have one like that conveniently lying around."
„Oh, it's from a nice customer at our restaurant." Said Fleta as she wiped her tears.
Everyone in the room froze up when they heard it.
„What do you mean by that?" Sonic leaned forward and retracted his hand from Tails' shoulders.
„Oh, yeah. He always orders his food, so you never saw him." Fleta continued to chat away, getting a bit nervous as she noticed the atmosphere in the room getting colder and colder. „Since I was in charge with the deliveries from the city, I'd come to know him pretty well."
„What's his name?" Amy's voice cracked, switching from a full on bear hug on Tails to a side one.
„Darnell. He said this box might help me with what I had to do." The small blue hedgehog glanced around, not liking the tense forms of the adults around her. „What's wrong?"
„Can you give us more details?" Asked Rouge with a serious look on her face.
„He's a brown fox with dark brown eyes."
After they heard the description of the mysterious „benefector", the adults all let out a loud groan.
„Couldn't have stayed in jail, now could he?" Mumbled Knuckles. „He just HAD to crawl his way out of there!"
„Didn't he had a life sentence placed on him?" Asked Silver completely flabbergasted. „How did he get out without the authorities knowing?"
„Money. That's how." Replied Rouge dryly.
Blaze frowned.
„But to such a criminal..."
„Doesn't matter. Someone with enough money can buy out a whole country if they put their head to it."
„But that's-..."
„Uhm." The timid voice of the speedy hedgehog made everyone turned towards. „W-What do you mean jail? And criminal?" Ethan noticed her slight shivering and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Tails had a sour look on his face.
„Right." He spoke bitterly. „I insisted that you guys may never learn about it." He took a deep breath and then revealed the shocking truth. „That person's real name is Cage Prower. My brother."
The room was silent for a few seconds. And then chaos erupted.
„EEEEEEEEEHHHHHHH!?"
„B-But how?" Agni looked lost at everyone in the room. „We thought Sonic was Tails' brother-?"
„And I am." Cut in Sonic. „The only thing that binds these two is blood. They're complete strangers otherwise."
„And he's VERY dangerous". Silver's eyes glowed in fury as he remembered the ominous figure. „Had been allied with Eggman back when he was still in power. We managed to throw him in jail once, but Eggman bailed him out to put him in charge of his greatest plan to date."
„The Great War." Muttered Animus.
„I thought they looked similar." Whispered Fleta faintly. „But I never knew- never guessed-!"
Aerilyn hit her fist in the ground.
„How do you know that!? We may be talking about different people here!"
„There's not many people who would get close to an innocent girl and trick her into using a box meant for capturing someone." Answered Amy as she summoned her hammer. „He probably took the box to hide his trail."
„But that's still not enough evidence to prove your point!" Argued back Aerilyn.
„Sister." The white echidna turned towards Serenity, who was leaning on the tearing Fleta's side. „Didn't you find it weird that the box was exactly uncle's size."
Aerilyn palled at the relevation.
„But that's-!"
„When we put uncle there, there was barely enough room to move." Ajax gritted his teeth. „And that lock too! We should've known!"
„We were fooled." Stated grimly Pièrre.
The room remained silent for a few more seconds after that, just digesting the information. And then the kids all bowed their head to Tails.
„We're so sorry."
Tails waved his hands in front of him.
„It's ok! Really." He then sighed and kneeled down to face the guilty children. „While what you've done wasn't right, you've also been affected by Cage's manipulations. I know first hand what he's like." He then reached out and scratched Pièrre's head, wiping the tears at the end of his eyes. „What matters most in all of this, is that you take what happened today as a lesson. All you have to do now is making sure you don't repeat it. Ok?"
Tails sweated a little when he saw the kids staring at him with tears and stars in their eyes. And then he was tackled to the floor a second time that day.
„UNCLE!/DAD!"
The fox laughed at the smothering attention, hugging the kids in return.
„By the way, you're all grounded." Stated Silver as the kids let out a groan.
„Can't say it's undeserved." Commented Ethan defeated.
„But I still can't shake the thought." Blaze put a hand on her chin. „How did you even come up with such a peculiar idea?"
Fleta perked up that.
„Oh! I was inspired by one of the episodes of Crossing Ways!"
All the adults stared blankly at the happy hedgehog.
„What?" Asked Amy blankly.
All the other kids seemed excited about it tho.
„No way!" Gushed Serenity. „I didn't knew you were a fan of it!"
„Hold on, you too?" Asked Agni with her tail wagging.
„No way! Are we all fans of the show?" Pièrre looked really happy at his cousins.
„It looks like it." Said Ethan thoughtfully.
„Hold on, what episode was it?" Asked Ajax with a raised eyebrow.
Fleta prepared to enter in hype mod.
„It happened on season 2 when-!"
„Whoa! Spoilers!" Scolded Animus. „Me and Agni we're near the end of the first season!"
That was when the group felt a menancing presence behind them.
„Are you saying..."
The kids stiffly turned towards the angry pink hedgehog and clung to one another for dear life.
„...that all of this was caused byTV SHOW!"
Her loud voice almost blew away the kids (and their tympans).
Sonic was struggling to keep his wife at bay.
„HAVE YOU ALL EVER HEARD THAT FICTION DOESN'T REFLECT REALITY!? ESPECIALLY FOR SOMETHING SO RIDICULOUS AS THIS WHOLE THING! HAVE YOU NO BETTER CARTOONS TO WATCH!?"
„Amy!" Shouted Sonic as he continued to hug her behind her back. „I know you're mad, but you gotta watch your blood pressure!"
„Hold on, how did you even get to watch it without us noticing." Asked Rouge with a frown. „The signal on Angel Island varies from day to day, depending on where it is at the time."
„And The Sol Kingdom still isn't all that modernised to house it's own shows, much less have access through others from the dimension next door." Silver looked really confused as he expressed his thoughts.
When their respective kids avoided their gaze, it was then that they realised.
„Are you telling me that you used the transportation crystals..." began Knuckles.
„...and the power of the Jeweled Scepter..." continued Blaze.
„...TO WATCH A CARTOON BEHIND OUR BACKS!?"Yelled in unison the two guardians.
„We're sorry!" Begged for forgiveness the children.
A loud clap was heard through the room. Tails let out a deep sigh as he looked at everyone in the room.
„I know you're angry, and rightfully so. But I think we've troubled Cream enough for today." He pointed at the embarrassed rabbit beside him as Cheese flew on top of her head. „Tomorrow is the day of the competion and she didn't have time to finish her invention with everything going on."
Amy gasped, guilt written all over her face.
„Oh no! I'm so sorry, dear! I got so carried away, I didn't realise you were busy!"
„It's alright, really!" Exclaimed the rabbit flustered. „I wouldn't have been able to concentrate on my work until I was sure we got to the bottom of this."
„But we still took some of your precious time." Blaze looked away in shame. „For that I apologise."
„H-Hey now!"
Tails felt a small smile creep on his face as he watched Cream get smothered with apologies and wishes of luck for the next day. Then he felt an intense stare, but when he looked down, his son was whistling. The fox hummed at the suspicious behavior of his son.
„Again, I wish you the best of luck, Cream!" Said Amy with a kind smile. „We gotta get going to see how our restaurant is faring right now."
„Yeah, we kinda left in a hurry." Sonic flashed her his iconic smirk. „See ya around, keed!"
„See ya!" Greeted back Cream.
„We also need to go back." Silver rubbed the back of his head. „We left in a hurry and there's a meeting we gotta attend."
„May your heart and resolve never waver in the face of the challenge ahead of you." Blaze smiled kindly at the rabbit.
„Thank you and safe travels". Cream smiled back.
Then the echidna and bat couple approached the rabbit next.
„We'll head back to our island too." Knuckles extended his fist to his younger friend. „Knock'em dead, kiddo."
„You know it!" Laughed Cream as she returned the gesture.
„You better let us know when you win!" Said Rouge with a flap of her wings.
„I promise!" Agreed the energetic rabbit.
„Chao! Chao!" Greeted back Cheese.
Tails joined her side and smiled at the departing group.
„I'll see you guys around!"
„Maybe sooner if you don't take care of that face of yours!" Shouted Sonic half-teasing, half-serious.
Tails tripped.
„Quit your yapping and watch your children!" He shouted embarrassed.
„We'll have that covered for a looooong time!" Completed Amy as every adult nodded, the children deflating in dismay.
Tails, Cream, Pièrre and Cheese waved goodbye as they witnessed everyone getting home. Then they all let go of a breath they didn't know they were holding.
„This has got to be the most intense day since I got back so far." Muttered Cream as she leaned on the wall besides her.
Tails grimanced at that.
„Yeah. Sorry about that."
Cream smiled at him.
„I'm just happy to see you're ok". Her smile wavered a bit when she looked at his untreated bruise. „For the most part at least."
The heroine then grabbed Tails by the hand and brought him back inside. Pièrre and Cheese exchanged a look and ran after the duo.
„Woah! Cream!" Tails yelped as he was led away from the entrance. „What are you-!?"
„Stay here for a bit." She forced him to sit down on a chair. „I'll come back soon."
„Wait!" But the rabbit was already gone.
They didn't have to wait for long tho. She came back with a small, white box.
„Now I want you not to move for a minute." The rabbit took some incolor cream between her fingers. A fainted green light surrounded the substance.
Pièrre's jaw hit the floor as Cheese watched with interest how the rabbit applied the cream over the bruise on Tails' head.
„That's new." Commented Tails, looking away as he tried to subdue his blush. He could feel goosbumps run down his spine as he tried to keep his cool.
„Not really." Replied Cream who was too focused on spreading the substance evenly. „It was something I kept trying to do during the war, tho I could only master it a few years after that."
The effect was almost instantenous. Tails felt a refreshing sensation dull the faint aching of the bruise. The pleasent feeling spread throught his body, making the fox relax more at her touch.
„Really? Guess I was too busy with everything going on to notice." Tails' tone was a bit self-deprecating
„More like you never had to go to the infirmary." Clarified Cream. „And I'm glad you never had to."
„That's only cause everybody else made it their priority to keep me safe."
„You were our best chance of winning. It's only natural that people would worry more about you then usual." Stated Cream as she leaned back to admire her work. „And looks like you're about to have one wound less."
Tails reached out and massaged his forehead, finding his bruise to be almost completely healed.
Pièrre smiled widely while Cheese clapped happily at his friend's display.
„Great," nodded Cream satisfied. „If you apply this for a couple of days, it'll be as good as new."
„Thanks, Cream!" Tails smiled gratefully at her.
„My pleasure!" The box in Cream's hands glowed green for a couple of seconds before handing it to Tails. „There, now you'll be guaranteed to heal faster this way."
Pièrre raised an eyebrow at this.
„What do you mean by that?"
„This cream is something that me and my mother created using medical herbs". Explained the patient rabbit. „It heals and closes up wounds more efficiantly then what's currently on the market. But with a touch of my healing powers, it becomes even more effective."
„Woah..."
Tails got up.
„I think it's time for us to go. You still have a competition to worry about tomorrow."
„Not with that broken face you don't!" Cream blocked his way. „We're gonna see to it that it's treated too!"
„E-Eh!?"
„Come here!" Cream went to grab Tails and make him sit again, except the fox avoided her iron grip, grabbed Pièrre and rushed out the door. But before he reached the exit, Cheese prompted himself in front of the door.
„Chao." Smiled innocently Cheese, his eyes holding a glint of mischieviousness.
Tails pouted at that until he felt the a dangerous aura behind him. Cracking his head a bit, he saw the serene rabbit aproaching him calmly.
„Time to get you PROPERLY patched up."
„One step closer and I'm sending you another 10K!" Threatened Tails, half scared for his life.
Both Cream's and Cheese's eyes were as wide as dinner plates.
„You wouldn't DARE!"
„Try me!" Said Tails smugly, knowing he had the upper hand.
As the rabbit and Chao were contemplating their choices, the genius used this as a chance to slip by Cheese and ran out the door.
„Good luck tomorrow!"
„TAAAAAILS!"
Charmy's coworker looked to the side with a worried look on his face as the bee bended over the counter while weezing like a hyenna.
„It's NOT funny!"Complained Cream from the other end.„He threatened me!"
The employee was now getting nervous as the bee began to laugh so hard, he didn't even make a sound.
„With those kind of threats," finally got Charmy between the giggles, „I would never get worried about living expenses!"
„Easy for you to say."Grumbled Cream.„Anyways, how are the others back home? Have any of Espio's students given him any trouble recently?"
Charmy paused at that, his smile frozen on his face.
„...Charmy?"
The bee shook his head and made an effort to sound cheerfull.
„You know how he is. If there's any trouble, he'd always be extra strict with the perpetrators. That's how things go at the dojo."
„...yeah, you're right."Charmy could tell she wasn't convinced.„I'll give them a call later, see what they've been up to."
„Sounds great." The detective hoped she couldn't feel how relieved he sounded right now. „I also gotta head back to work. I'll see you tomorrow!"
„OK. Bye!"
„Break a leg!" The bee closed his phone and slumped on the counter.
His coworker stared at his form, unable to comprehend anything that transpired so far.
„You ok?" He finally tried.
„Yeah." Replied Charmy, still slumped. „I'll live."
Then the automatic doors of the shop opened, causing Charmy to straightened up to see their newest client.
A white chihuahua with brownish green eyes, red sunglasses, black jacket, orange shirt and white and gray sneakers walked in with a critical eye.
„Hello." Greeted the coworker politely. „How may we help you?"
„I need two cups of coffee." Said the chihuahua with total disinterest.
„I'll go get them." Said Charmy as he got up and headed towards the coffee machine. „How would you like them?"
„A normal Capuccino and the other a Macchiato with a bit of milk and sugar."
Charmy prepared the order and handed the cups to the unimpressed chihuahua.
„There we go."
The chihuahua took one sip from the Macchiato and scrunched his nose.
„This is way too sweet! I thought I told you to put a little sugar!"
Charmy got startled by the accusation.
„I'm sorry! I'll make another one for free."
Charmy brought the client the next cup only for the chihuahua to grimance when he tested it again.
„Now there's just too much milk."
Charmy's eye twitched but forced on a polite smile.
„I'm afraid we can only afford one redo of the order."
„Really?" Asked the chihuahua emotionlessly. „Cause the advertisment said that if you get the coffee order wrong, we get another one free of charge. And as far as I know, you've got my order wrong twice in a row." His eyes became sharp as knives. „Unless you want to deal with a lawsuit, I suggest you start making that coffee."
Charmy's smile tightened, but otherwise obeyed the command. Everytime he brought a cup, the client would complain about the sugar or milk being too little/too much and he'd be forced to make another one. The bee thought halfway through the seventh one if he should just damp it all on his head, but decided he didn't need any crimes added to his record.
The thirteenth one turned out to be the lucky one, cause the chihuahua smiled with satisfaction at the taste.
„Finally, something actually worth of my calibre."
„More like your ego."Was what Charmy wanted to say but instead smiled as brightly as he could.
„I'm happy I could be of service."
„Being an active member of society sucks."Thought Charmy bitterly.
A small cough drawed the attention of the two back to the coworker who had awkardly watched the whole thing. He tagged at his collar nervously.
„I-I hope you could pay us for the order."
„Oh, that's not a problem at all." Replied casually the chihuahua and handed over the money. „There, now if you'll excuse me."
The chihuahua turned around, leaving the employees baffled.
„S-Sir! What about the coffee!?" Shouted the worker after him.
„Do whatever you like with the rest. Answered coldly the rude client. „I already had my fun."
A vein popped on Charmy's temple.
„But sir-!?"
„Let me handle this." Said Charmy with his eyes shrouded in darkness.
He then flew to the mop and applied a thick amount of water on the floor before taking a tray.
When the chihuahua was one step away from the automatic doors, Charmy called out.
„Hey!"
The client turned bored at the bee, only for his eyes to widen as he was forced to catch a tray full to the brim with coffee cups. It was a close call, as the liquid in them looked ready to spill over from how unbalanced the tray really was due to both of his arms already holding the cups he paid for.
Charmy smirked smugly as he flew back to the counter.
„What is the meaning of this!?" He roared at the bee.
„I simply handed over the free coffee to you." Replied cheekly Charmy.
„I thought I said-!"
„And I respected your demands." The bee looked slyly at the trembling mammal. „I gave them all back to you."
The client's face became redder and redder as Charmy continued to explain.
„You see, it would be very rude of us to hoard over all this coffee we used to make your order. You CAN come to the counter and put the tray back buuuuut it wouldn't be advisable." The bee pointed at the wet floor. „You can also slam the tray down the floor, but that would not only risk dirtying your clothes, but it would also be possible that you'd drop the order you payed for." And then Charmy placed a hand on his chin as he leaned over the table. „So it would be wise to leave now. Unless you're able to wait until the floor is all dry."
The chihuahua gave the bee a death glare before he turned around and walked towards the exit, the trembling increasing ever so slightly. The employees watched him leave before they let out a groan.
„Is this place always filled with insufferable people?" Asked Charmy as he stared at his still tense coworker.
„No." He moaned. „But guys like this one are the hardest to deal with."
„No kidding." Agreed Charmy duly.
In a fancy dark limousine with a golden crown symbol, the angry chihuahua slammed his fist into the car's window.
„That little dwerp!" Fumed the rude mammal. „How DARE he make a full out of me!? I'll make sure he's nothing but an obedient servant whose sole job is making me coffee for the rest of his pitifull life once I'm through with him!"
On the other side of the car, a brown fox sipped quietly from his coffee, barely aknowledging the raging chihuahua.
„You're putting too much energy in this petty revenge, Akuma. Even your sister is better at holding her temper in check." Replied duly the calm passenger. „Tho I suppose the coffee is good enough, so your reasoning isn't unfounded for."
The chihuahua death glared at the other occupant of the limousine.
„And what do you think makes you superior to me, huh!?" He was so angry, white fumes excited from his ears. „Last I checked, your plan to kidnap your brother failed miserably!"
„That may be partly true." Continued unfazed the fox. „But know that this is just the beginning. I already talked with Naz about tomorrow. Once she's done with her revenge, we'll focus on what truly matters."
The chihuahua slammed back into his seat.
„Whatever then. I'll still take my revenge on that simpleton one day!"
„I wouldn't expect less from you." Added the sketchy fox. „And who knows? Maybe these incidents can help us achieve our goal in the end." The fox then looked to his side to see a rolled up blanket he picked from the box. „Soon." He promised as he carrassed the soft material.