I wrote this chapter before the new President of the United States was elected, because the new President in the Sonic X universe is based on my favorite president candidate of year 2024. If you don't like it, ignore that and please enjoy my story.

Also, I got the Sonic X Shadow Generations on Steam and I love it! Who else got the game and what do you think of it?

Disclaimer: I do not own any Sonic the Hedgehog characters! I only own my OCs!

Chapter 5: Reunion

A couple of days had passed since Amy and Cream were reunited with Sonic and their other friends. They were so happy seeing Chris again but also very surprised by the fact so many years had passed by since last time they saw him. Nelly immediately took a liking to Cream and treated her like she was her own child. Cream had nothing against it as she welcomed any kindhearted soul into her life.

And now, two more familiar faces showed up after they came home from their long trip. "Sonic!" Lindsey and Nelson exclaimed with big smiles when they were greeted by not just their family but also the Mobians.

Lindsey crouched down and gave the blue hedgehog a big hug. "It's been such a long time we last saw you. You've grown a lot."

Sonic grinned with a hint of pink blush on his cheeks. "Thanks. You're looking great for your age, Lindsey."

Lindsey giggled at the compliment. "My, you've become quite a charmer."

Sonic smiled with a slight cocky grin. "I've become a grown-up now."

Nelson embraced his son and daughter-in-law before he wrapped an arm around his granddaughter. "We saw the news about Dr. Eggman returning to Station Square. Are you okay, Aria?"

"Yes, grandpa", Aria nodded.

Lindsey immediately pulled the young blonde into her arms checking for bruises. "Are you sure? You didn't get hurt anywhere at all?"

"I'm fine, grandma", Aria sighed and turned in her grandmother's arms to smile at her hero. "Silver saved me when I was about to fall to my doom."

Said hedgehog stepped forward and nervously waved his hand. "H-Hi."

"So, you're the Mobian who rescued Aria? Thank you, Silver", Nelson shook his hand. "Although, I don't remember seeing you back when Sonic and his friends were here before."

"Yeah, I didn't know them back then", Silver explained. "But both Blaze and I've heard about their adventures here on Earth."

Cosmo stepped up to the elderly couple and curtseyed elegantly. "My name is Cosmo. It's an honor to meet you."

Lindsey let go of Aria and shook hands with the seedrian. "You're such an elegant being, darling. Nice to meet you too."

"She's the alien I told you guys about", Chris spoke up, holding back a sad gleam at the memory of how Cosmo gave up her life to stop the Metarex.

"The one who was…", Nelson trailed off, refusing to finish the sentence, especially when he saw the bittersweet expression on the other Mobians who were involved with the space voyage. He swiftly changed the topic and turned to Tails. "Tails… You might know by now what happened to my dad… But he told me you were always like a second grandson to him and looked forward seeing you again."

"I know…", Tails' eyes turned glassy by unshed tears which he swiftly wiped off. "He was like family to me too… I'm glad he got to pass away peacefully." Cosmo wrapped her arms around her boyfriend and caressed his head while he curled his tails around her.

Lindsey loudly clasped her hands to break the tense moment. "Say, I've got the most brilliant idea! How about we host a party?"

Amy's eyes lit up. "A party?"

"Yes! A reunion party for our friends who we missed for such a long time! Surely, you have a lot to catch up and tell us about your adventures back on your planet!" Lindsey insisted.

"That sounds great!" Cream smiled widely. "I love parties!"

Cheese nodded with a big smile. "Chao chao!"

"Are you sure about it, mother?" Helen wondered with a concerned look. "You and father just came home from your trip."

"Yes, but we're still full of energy", Lindsey smiled warmly and turned to her husband. "You wouldn't mind the party, dear?"

"Of course not, Lindsey", Nelson smiled. "And seeing our son look so happy with his friends makes me happier than ever."

Chris chuckled and scratched his flushed cheek. "Dad…"

"In that case, I need to ask Takuya and Takumi to go buy groceries first thing in the morning", Nelly spoke up.

The twin butlers, Takuya and Takumi, had just returned to the group after they brought the elderly couple's suitcases to their private bedroom. They were actually the children of Mr. Tanaka who used to work as the Thorndykes' only butler back when Chris was a young boy. The twins were nearly a carbon copy of their father except they had heterochromia mirroring each other. Takuya's left eye was brown and his right eye violet while the colors of Takumi's eyes were the opposite.

"Fret not, Nelly. We'll get the groceries as soon as you finish writing a list", Takuya, the older twin, nodded while adjusting his glasses.

"May I suggest we host the party this weekend?" Takumi spoke up. "That way, nobody has to rush and make preparations right away."

"Yes, that might be best", Lindsey nodded. "Aria, dear, if you want, you can invite your friends over."

"Really?" Aria asked.

"Yes, if Sonic and his friends are fine with it."

"I don't see a problem with that", Sonic grinned. "We don't really have to go hiding again like last time." His fellow Mobians hummed in agreement. Their existence was now known across the country after their two encounters with Dr. Eggman.

"Then I'll invite Cindy, Thomas and Mikoto", the young blonde said.

Nelson blinked his eyes. "Mikoto? Did you make a new friend, Aria?"

"Yes, she's my classmate in biology", Aria nodded eagerly. "She's very nice once you get to know her…" Her smile dropped when she realized a party might be overwhelming for the Japanese's senses. "But… She might not show up."

"Why not, sweetie?" Lindsey wondered.

"From what we know, she has social anxiety", Helen spoke up. "She left quite early when she came over a while ago."

"But I'll still ask her", Aria said, her voice hopeful. "Maybe she can come over for a short time."

"Just don't force her to come if she doesn't want to, Aria", Chris told his daughter.

"Do you think Shadow will come over if he learns about the party?" Silver wondered.

Sonic scoffed sarcastically. "I doubt it. He's not exactly social."

"It still doesn't hurt to try", Amy shrugged. "Just so he doesn't feel excluded."

"I think so too", Cream nodded, holding Cheese. "Mr. Shadow may look cold, but he's a very nice person."

"Cha chao!"

XXXXXXXXXX

That same night, a lone figure flew through the dark sky illuminated by the full moon and stars glittering from the endless cosmos. Rouge hummed softly as she looked at the ocean of lights from cities below her. After Chaos Control, she woke up and found herself in Maryland. Confused first, but she soon learned she was back on Earth, so she started her hunt of finding the Chaos Emeralds. Of course, she couldn't resist the temptation to steal beautiful jewelries from various museums and stores she came across.

After a hunt with no result, she decided to take her chance and fly all the way to Washington, D.C. and visit an old place she used to work for back in the days with her human partner. After all, her chances of obtaining a Chaos Emerald increased as soon as she became a special agent.

Rouge giggled as she remembered the good old times with Topaz. "I wonder how she's doing now. Maybe she's retired because she's an old lady now."

The bat soon found her destination and flew over the large fences of the White House. She landed in front of the large fountain in the empty garden, or so she thought.

An alarm immediately went off as guards swarmed out of the White House to confront who had entered the premises without permission. Rouge remained calm and watched as she got surrounded by military people who aimed their weapons at her. "My, my! Is this how you treat an old ally?"

"Identify yourself right away!" the commander shouted back.

"Relax, I'm on your side", Rouge responded. "I'm Rouge the Bat."

A female solider lowered her weapon with a baffled face. "Rouge…?"

The commander walked closer to the Mobian with a crooked brow. "You look familiar. Have you been here before?"

"Why yes", Rouge nodded. "I used to work for G.U.N. back when Michael K. was the President of the United States. Does that ring a bell?"

The commander rubbed his chin before his eyes brightened beneath his sunglasses. "Now it does! I remember the old files from G.U.N. back when Dr. Eggman was last here terrorizing Earth! You joined forces with us to eliminate him."

"Sounds like you've done your homework, soldier", Rouge giggled with a playful wink.

The commander made a move with his hand, which in turn caused the other soldiers to lower their weapons. "You don't appear to be much of a threat now, but one misstep will put you into handcuffs."

"I got it", Rouge nodded. "Now, is the current President available? I've come here to offer my services as a special agent to protect the country from Dr. Eggman once again."

"The President is currently on an emergency security meeting, but we shall inform them about your arrival", the commander replied.

Rouge was escorted to the Oval Office where she took a seat waiting for the President. The commander and a group of soldiers remained by her side to make sure she wouldn't pull any stunts. The same female soldier who recognized Rouge's name walked to her with a cup of fresh coffee. "Here, have a drink."

"Why, thank you, darling!" Rouge gratefully took the cup. "I needed a drink for my dry throat."

"You're welcome", the woman replied. "My mother has told me about you."

"Your mother?" Rouge said after she took a sip of her beverage. She studied the young soldier's face, seeing traces of some similarities with her old friend, especially her violet eyes. "Is her name, perhaps, Topaz?"

"Yes!" the female soldier exclaimed joyfully. "Mom told me how she worked together with an annoying and arrogant jewelry thief who was only after the Chaos Emeralds because they loved beautiful gemstones."

Rouge felt a nerve getting struck hearing the way her old human partner had described her to her daughter. Although, she had to admit, Topaz's description kinda fit her.

"Mom also said that while her alien friend was mainly looking for those magical gems, they cared a lot for their comrades and never hesitated to prioritize them if the situation became dire."

"Ruby", the commander spoke up, interrupting the enthusiastic woman's conversation with the Mobian. "You can have your little chitchat later."

"I'm sorry, sir!" Ruby saluted her chief and went back to her position.

"Ruby, huh…", Rouge hummed amusingly. "So Topaz named her daughter after a gem… Why doesn't that surprise me?"

The door to the Oval Office opened which made everyone but Rouge straighten their backs. The President stepped inside and made their way to their seat. The white Mobian studied the current President with surprised eyes. "Wow! Never thought I'd meet a female president!"

The President in her early sixties sat down in front of Rouge, her long and wavy chocolate brown hair complementing her soft mixed yellow and light brown skin, cocoa eyes glowing with intelligence and compassion. "Welcome. I'm President Camilla Merris. I've been told by my staff you have trespassed on this property."

Rouge feigned her reaction by acting overdramatically. "Trespassed? Mrs. President, you hurt my feelings. I merely came here to give you a proposal."

President Merris chuckled lightly. "Yes, I've also been told that. But before we get into it, I must confess I actually recognize you."

"Really?" Rouge smiled, batting her long eyelashes. "I guess my beauty was well known when I was on Earth last time."

"I'm aware of your achievements with our military forces over thirty years ago", President Merris bowed her head. "On behalf of my deceased colleague, I thank you for your services."

"Please raise your head, Mrs. President", Rouge said. "I'm more than happy I was able to contribute to the world peace. Now, the reason I'm back is because something unfortunate happened in my world and those events sent me to Earth."

"I've read those old reports before, so I'm familiar with the circumstances", President Merris picked up a folder and scattered photos of the latest attack on Station Square, picturing Dr. Eggman, Sonic and the other Mobians. "You, Sonic and your friends were sent here to Earth because the seven Chaos Emeralds triggered Chaos Control, right?"

"That's right", Rouge nodded, resting her cheek against the back of her fingers.

"Unfortunately, Dr. Eggman also got involved and now he once again poses a threat to our nation and the rest of the world. While our technology has advanced after studying the remnants of his robots, we still need to take action against his headquarters and bring him to justice once and for all."

"Which means you're going to need my help to crack that hardboiled egg and sabotage his laboratory so he cannot construct more robots", Rouge put two and two together. "Mrs. President, I'm more than willing to join G.U.N. once again!"

'Of course, the Chaos Emeralds are still priority to me. Maybe with Earth's technology, I can locate them faster than Sonic and others.'

"It pleases me to hear your cooperation, Ms. Rouge", President Merris smiled. "I expect great things from you."

"The pleasure's all mine, Mrs. President!" Rouge shook hands with the president. "Oh, before I forget! I actually have a friend of mine who could be a great addition to the team."

"If they are interested in aiding the safety of our nation, they are more than welcome to join us", President Merris said. "Are they one of the Mobians who are with Sonic the Hedgehog?"

"Yes. His name is Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog."

XXXXXXXXXX

Rouge was put under Ruby's care while the government arranged her housing and identification documents. Ruby wanted to bring the bat to her parents and reintroduce them. Rouge was up to the game and went with the young soldier the next day. Ruby got a few days off while the higher-ups devised a plan on infiltrating Dr. Eggman's laboratory. They had already located the base, so all that was needed was careful planning on passing by any security systems.

Ruby drove her car up the driveway to her parents' house in a peaceful neighborhood. Rouge had to admit she was excited meeting her old friend again. All she knew was Topaz was married and had three children in total including Ruby's older twin brothers.

Before the women even reached the front door, it was already open by Ruby's father. "Welcome home, Ruby."

"Dad!" Ruby gave Naoki a big hug, careful with the way she embraced his father.

Naoki patted his daughter's back and then turned to Rouge, bowing respectfully to her. "It is nice seeing you again, Ms. Rouge."

Despite his wrinkled face and greyish hair, the white Mobian recognized Naoki. She had seen him a few times, but he made quite an impact when he started paying attention to Topaz. "I remember you; you were that young boy's butler, Mr. Tanaka", Rouge giggled and shook hands with him.

"Yes, that's me", Naoki smiled softly. "It's an honor you remember me, Ms. Rouge."

"Naoki, is it Ruby?" a woman's voice called before an elderly woman with short grey hair stepped out from a corner. Her eyes widened in shock when they landed on Rouge. She raised a hand to her mouth while tears prickled her eyes. "R-R-Rouge…?"

"Hi!" Rouge called out teasingly with a light wave of her hand, unable to hold her big smile back. "Long time no see, Topaz!"

Topaz fell down on her knees and embraced Rouge in a bear hug, tears dripping onto the Mobian's shoulders. "R-Rouge…!"

Rouge hummed softly and patted the back of the weeping woman's head. "You've grown into an old lady now, girl."

Topaz snorted loudly in the midst of her cries, a smile creeping onto her lips. "Y-You haven't changed a bit…"

When the retired solider pulled back, Rouge felt her eyes widen in shock when she noticed Topaz's left arm wasn't the same as before. It was a bionic arm. Concerned for her friend's wellbeing, she cupped the artificial hand with hers. "What happened to you?"

Topaz smiled sadly, reminiscing the moment involving her lost limb. "I lost my arm during a mission overseas… It could have cost my life if I hadn't amputated it."

Rouge's eyes softened. She had seen similar injuries back on Mobius during her missions with Team Dark and other G.U.N. soldiers. Some memories were harder to think about because of the gruesome scenes. "Oh, Topaz… I'm so relieved you survived that mission."

"Thank you, Rouge", Topaz hummed, happy to see her Mobian friend still had her kind heart.

"We were about to have some breakfast", Naoki spoke up after clearing his throat. "Would you like to join us, Ruby, Ms. Rouge?"

"Yes, dad", Ruby nodded.

"I wouldn't mind a warm breakfast", Rouge giggled. "I haven't eaten a hot meal for days."

Topaz got some help standing up by Naoki. After all the years as a soldier, her body now felt the aftermath, having slight difficulties being as active as before. "Then you must be starving. Come and join us, Rouge. I've got so much to tell you."

"Likewise, Topaz."

XXXXXXXXXX

Mikoto and Aria sat in the gazebo during lunchbreak, but this time they weren't alone. The blackette was ready to meet the blonde girl's best friends, although her stomach twisted around while she tried keeping her nerves down. She didn't let her emotions be shown when she shook hands with Aria's childhood friends.

"Hi. It's nice to officially meet you", the brown-skinned girl with glasses said. "I'm Cindy."

"Hello…", Mikoto mumbled.

"And I'm Thomas!" Thomas grinned with a toothy smile. "Feel free to call me Tom or Tommy!"

"N-Nice to meet you…", Mikoto smiled sheepishly.

"We heard how you helped Aria evacuate the other day when Dr. Eggman attacked Station Square", Cindy said while adjusting her glasses. "Thank you."

Mikoto stared down on her lap, twiddling her fingers. "It was nothing…"

Aria could tell the blackette was already feeling a little uncomfortable with all the attention on her, so she shifted it to herself. "My mom is hosting a party this weekend. She says I can invite you guys over."

"Seriously?" Thomas' eyes lit up excitedly. "Does that mean I can meet Sonic and his friends?!"

"Yes", Aria smiled sweetly. "They are actually eager to meet you too."

"Awesome! Count me in!" Thomas raised a hand in the air.

"Meeting alien creatures that saved our planet before… It sounds fascinating", Cindy smiled softly.

Mikoto held back a grimace when she heard the word "party". To her, parties were nothing but pain and getting her senses overwhelmed by loud noise, strong scents from all sorts of perfumes and indirect trash talk between one another. She was told repeatedly by her father to behave like a good girl and not say anything disrespectful toward people or else it would ruin his reputation for having a disobedient child.

"Do you want to come over too, Miko?" Aria spoke up, snapping her out of her trance. "It's not going to be a large party; just us, my family and Sonic and his friends."

"U-Umm…", Mikoto clenched her hands, feeling very distraught. "T-Thank you for the invitation, but…I'd like to pass."

Aria's smile dropped, but she accepted the reply. "Okay. You can tell Shadow he's more than welcome to come over if he wants."

"I will tell him…", Mikoto nodded, now relaxing her body that she had said no to the party. It was one less thing for her to worry about.

XXXXXXXXXX

The party in the Thorndyke mansion was in full swing, even though not everyone had arrived yet. Thomas and Cindy arrived early and were introduced to the Mobians. Cindy hit off straight away with Tails and Cosmo when she learned they were inventors. Thomas grew a little hostile toward Silver when Aria happily introduced the silver Mobian as her savior, but he made sure to hide his frustration. Silver however could sense something was off with the teenager when his hand was squeezed a teeny tiny tightly.

Sonic looked forward seeing Lindsey's little brother, Sam Speed, again and racing him like old times. His ear twitched when he caught the weak sound of a car arriving outside. "That must be Sam!"

Chris caught Sonic's arm and held him back from running. "Sonic, wait!"

"Huh? What is it?" the blue Mobian wondered.

Chris was hesitant telling Sonic. After all, he was about to see it himself, but it was still best to forewarn him. "Be gentle with uncle Sam. He's not…in his best condition."

Sonic immediately grew concerned. "Is he sick?"

"Not really…", Chris grimaced before he sighed in defeat. "You'll find out soon."

Now troubled by Chris' words, Sonic ran to the front doors where Takumi helped Chris' uncle get inside. Sonic's eyes widened when he saw his fellow race buddy. Sam, however, didn't look bothered and grinned at his old time rival. "Hey, Sonic! Long time no see, bud!"

"S-Sam…", Sonic stuttered, his eyes gleaming horridly.

"What's with that long face, Sonic? Not happy seeing your old pal again?"

Sam sat in a hoverchair like Helen's which was pushed forward by Takumi. The elderly man's neck was supported by a brace, which gave all the answers Sonic needed. "Sam… H-How did this happen?"

Sam laughed softly. "Didn't expect me like this, huh? I got a little reckless during a pursuit and ended up in a crash. I survived, but now I'm paralyzed from my neck and down."

Sonic couldn't imagine what it was like not being able to run. He and Sam were like two peas in a pod when it came to speed. "Y-You're…not racing?"

"Not anymore. I've been stuck in a hoverchair for the last twenty years. My physician tells me to never end up behind a steering wheel in a moving vehicle again. Now I'm a coach for the new generation of the S-Team."

Sonic held the door open for Sam and Takumi so they could enter the living room. Aria rushed to her great-uncle and gave him a big hug. "Great-uncle Sam!"

"Hey, little lark", Sam laughed, tilting his head against the young girl's shoulder as a gesture of hug. "Great seeing you again."

Lindsey put a hand on top of her little brother's. "How have you been, Sam?"

"As good as I always am, big sis!" Sam grinned. "You know nothing can stop me from moving around!"

Amy and the other Mobians who knew Sam from before were baffled by Sam's physical condition. "S-Sam…is handicapped?" the pink hedgehog mumbled in disbelief.

"My brother-in-law was involved in a horrible accident." Nelson remembered the depressing times he and his family visited the hospital while Sam was in a coma. "We feared he would never wake up, but he managed to pull through."

Tears prickled Cream's eyes after she heard the tale. Cheese wiped them off before the rabbit suddenly rushed out to the garden, eyes glowing with determination.

"Cream, sweetie!" Nelly called concernedly. "Oh dear, I hope she didn't get upset."

"Don't worry, Nelly", Tails told the maid. "I think I know what Cream is doing."

Cosmo put her glass of juice down on a tray Takuya held and followed Cream outside. "I'm going out to check on her."

"Okay!" Tails nodded.

"If I understand it correctly, you and Cosmo are a couple?" Cindy asked the twin-tailed fox.

Tails flushed at the question and sheepishly scratched his furry muzzle. "Y-Yes, we are."

"How is it possible for you two to reproduce?" Cindy asked, causing Tails to blush even harder.

"R-R-Reproduce?!"

"Yes, you are an anthropomorphic fox and Cosmo is clearly a plant-based creature", Cindy continued, unaware how her words embarrassed the young fox. "Biologically, you shouldn't be able to reproduce once you become of age. Is your DNA even compatible with each other? How does that even work-"

"Yo, Cinergy!" Thomas lightly bonked the talkative girl on the back of her head. "Cool it, would ya? Tails' turning into a boiled lobster by your deep science talk!"

"Huh?" Cindy finally noticed Tails' crimson cheeks. "Oh! I apologize, Tails. I didn't think this would embarrass you."

"It's fine… Excuse me", Tails laughed sheepishly before he scurried off to grab a glass of cold juice to cool himself down.

Cindy adjusted her glasses, not really feeling embarrassed by the topic she spoke about. "I thought it would fascinate him since he and his partner enjoy science."

Thomas sighed tiredly. "You can be such an airhead, Cin." He threw a glare at the silver hedgehog who had just said a joke that made Aria laugh with a soothing note.

Silver sensed a shiver run down his spine and cautiously glanced over his shoulder. He cold sweated when his eyes met with Thomas'. He grinned sheepishly back and turned away with a nervous glance. Aria noticed the silver hedgehog seemed uncomfortable. "Are you okay, Silver?"

"Yeah, I'm fine…", Silver nodded, but he still glanced back at Thomas. "Um… How long have you known Thomas?"

"We're childhood friends", Aria explained, smiling sweetly to Thomas who grinned back with a thumbs up, masking his hostility toward Silver. "He had a tough time after his dad passed away, so he often stayed over here when his mom was too busy with work."

"I see", Silver nodded, although it didn't ease his worries about the redhead.

Cream came back running into the living room, gently holding a flower crown. She dashed to Sam who spoke with Helen and Chris. "Mr. Sam!"

"Yeah?" Sam turned around in his hoverchair with Chris' help.

"I made a special flower crown for you", Cream spoke softly.

Sam grinned brightly by the gift. "For me? Thanks, little one!" Chris helped Cream put the flower crown on top of Sam's head. "How do I look?"

"You're rocking that crown, uncle Sam!" Chris grinned.

"I hope you'll feel better soon, Mr. Sam", Cream smiled sweetly. "And then you and Sonic can race together again!"

"Oh, Cream…", Helen sighed with a slight broken smile.

Sam held back his tears when he remembered the good old times he was able to drive a car and even his motorcycle. The sensation of speed and the wind tickling his body… Oh, how he missed it.

"T-Thanks, Cream…", Sam smiled.

Cream giggled with a big smile. Cheese flew next to her holding a couple of flowers he had picked from the garden and put them on Sam's lap. "Chao chao!"

"Cheese also gives you his well wishes", Cream explained.

Sam sniffled back his tears, genuinely smiling at the sweet gesture. It was moments like these he kind of regretted he never started his own family. Having a few kids by his side comforting him in his dark days really lifted up his soul. "Thanks, kiddos. I'll treasure these flowers."

Cosmo closed the door behind her after she came back inside. She had a trouble expression while she hurried to Lindsey. "Um, Mrs. Lindsey?"

"Yes, Cosmo?" Lindsey spoke up after she sipped her champagne.

"Did you invite more people?" the seedrian asked. "I just saw a limousine passing through the open gate."

"I haven't called for other people", Lindsey turned to her husband. "Did you, Nelson?"

"No, I haven't either", Nelson replied. "Chris, did you or Helen invite more people?"

"No, dad!" Chris called back. "Daniel and Frances couldn't make it 'cause of work."

"I shall see who else have come over for the party", Takumi said before he left the living room just as the doorbell rang, alerting the people of the new arrivals.

Sonic and his friends stiffened as they mentally prepared themselves to either go and hide or battle if somebody sinister was coming after them. Everybody jumped when the door was slammed up and a couple of people in black suits and sunglasses stormed in and formed a barrier. Everyone was confused first until President Merris stepped into the living room.

"It's President Merris!" Chris gasped in realization.

"What is the president doing here?" Lindsey mumbled.

Nelson, still the head of the family, took up his role. "Welcome to my humble home, Mrs. President. How can I help you?"

"Please relax, everyone", President Merris smiled kindly. "I've come here to get acquainted with Sonic and his fellow Mobian friends."

Sonic relaxed when he didn't sense any malicious aura emitting from the president. The others also eased themselves as Sonic walked to the uninvited guest. "I hope you're not angry at us for ruining Station Square, ma'am."

"On the contrary, thank you for protecting Station Square and that ranch Dr. Eggman attacked not long ago", President Merris shook hands with the blue hedgehog. "I remember your last visit on Earth, but I never got the opportunity meeting you in person back then."

"Is there another reason you came over to our house, Mrs. President?" Chris asked.

"She has legitimate reasons, mister", Rouge cackled lightly when she stepped into the living room.

"Rouge!" Amy exclaimed in relief. "You're okay!"

"Hi, guys!" Rouge gave her friends a playful wink. "Your favorite girl is back in town! Is Knuckles here?"

"No, he left to find the Chaos Emeralds on his own", Amy replied, knowing the bat had feelings for the red echidna.

"I figured as much", Rouge giggled. "The only thing that is stuck in knucklehead's brain is protecting the Master Emerald."

An assistant for President Merris stepped forward with a small pile of passports and cards and handed them out to each Mobian. "I've had passports and other important documents issued for you so you can be legitimate citizens of America", the president explained.

Both Tails and Cosmo received a bunch of documents including special licenses. The twin-tailed fox was already prepared for all the necessary documents, but it threw Cosmo off guard. "You need all these documents just to operate an aircraft?"

"Those are the rules here on Earth, Cosmo", Tails explained it for her.

"But do we really need this many? We only need one on Mobius."

"I understand it must be a cultural crash for you, but it is also for your own safety, Ms. Cosmo", President Merris said. "It's a small price to pay for being made residents. You have to make sure to follow the same rules and regulations as everyone else."

"Huh…", Silver mumbled nervously while he checked his photo on his passport. "I hope I won't unconsciously break any law…"

The assistant looked everywhere in the living room, but she couldn't find the last Mobian who needed their own documents. "Um, is there a Mr. Shadow the Hedgehog in the premises?"

"Shadow is staying in another place", Aria explained. "He's living with a friend of mine."

"So, the edgy-hog didn't want to live under the same roof as Sonic?" Rouge chuckled softly. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Rouge, could you deliver Shadow's documents for him?" President Merris asked. "You might be concerned about his wellbeing."

"Not really, but I'm curious about who he tolerate so much he's staying with them", Rouge grinned while she took the documents from the assistant.

"Mikoto Nakashima lives not so far from here", Aria explained. "Just a few blocks north."

Rouge turned around and waved her hand bye. "Gotcha, girl. I'll be back later, so save some of that sweet champagne for me."

XXXXXXXXXX

Mikoto hummed while she watered her flowerbeds. She was done with her extra homework, so she had the rest of her day off tending the garden. She was done with weeding, so all that was left was giving the flowers and herbs their last dose of water. "Thank you for your help, Shadow-kun."

The black hedgehog muttered under his breath, but he continued watering his part of the garden. He had no idea how he ended up aiding Mikoto with her chore. Part of him said it was his way of paying his stay in her house. She and her caretakers had already given him so much it wouldn't be fair if he didn't repay their kindness in some way.

"Since when did you have a green thumb, Shadow?"

Shadow and Mikoto looked up just as Rouge landed in front of them. The black Mobian wasn't a bit surprised seeing his teammate again. "Rouge."

"A friend of yours, Shadow-kun?" Mikoto wondered.

"More like his teammate", Rouge strutted to the teenager. "I'm Rouge the Bat. Nice to meet you."

Mikoto shook hands with the white bat. "I'm Mikoto Nakashima. Nice to meet you, Rouge-san."

Rouge arched a confused brow. "Rouge-san?"

"It means Ms. Rouge in Japanese", Shadow explained it for her.

"My, are you learning a new language, Shadow?" Rouge smirked mischievously. Shadow turned away with an annoyed expression. "I've got you some documents you're gonna hold onto from now on."

"What documents?" Shadow asked.

"Your passport and a card which gives you access to funds for us Mobians", Rouge explained while giving him said items.

"Funds? Is it from the government?" Mikoto wondered.

"Yep! And if you're part of G.U.N. as a special agent, like yours truly, you'll get more money", Rouge winked. "I've come to recruit Shadow to the team."

"Rouge…", Shadow muttered, glaring intensely at her.

Rouge knew this was going to be a sensitive topic, so it was probably best spoken between just the two of them. "Sorry, Mikoto, but can I have a moment with Shadow?"

"Of course."

Mikoto took Shadow's watering can and went to another part of the garden, leaving the Mobians alone for their private chat. "I know you still don't remember much of your past and how you get very sensitive when somebody mentions Earth's G.U.N., but-"

"If you're here to recruit me to the same military that's responsible for Maria's death, save it!" Shadow growled and turned his back to Rouge.

Rouge sighed, her eyes softening in concern. "Shadow… More than eighty Earth years have passed. The people responsible for the shutdown of the ARK are long gone. There's no need to hold onto all that anger toward them anymore."

Shadow knew his teammate was right. Still, there was so much frustration within him, mainly because, to this day, he couldn't remember everything from his past. Most of the memories he managed to recollect so far revolved around Maria. A young girl dear to him and he lost her in the most unforgiving way. The shock put him in cryostasis until he awoke fifty years later by Dr. Eggman with his memories manipulated by Dr. Gerald Robotnik. His saving grace was Chris who helped him remember his true memories and promise to Maria, sacrificing his life to protect the planet she loved dearly.

"If you don't feel like joining G.U.N., that's fine", Rouge reassured the hedgehog. "I don't want to force you into something you don't want to be part of."

Shadow snorted. "For a second, you spoke the straight opposite."

"It may have sounded like that first, but if you join G.U.N., you'll have access to information regarding the Chaos Emeralds."

While the offer was tempting, Shadow still refused to be part of G.U.N. "I'd rather find the Chaos Emeralds by myself than join the military force that took my family from me."

Rouge decided it was best not to push this any further. Once Shadow had something set in mind, he rolled with it to the very end unless he got a change of heart midway. "Alright. The offer is still open if you change your mind." She smirked when she got an interesting thought. "Say, how'd you end up here living here?"

"I woke up here after Chaos Control", Shadow replied, his back still turned to Rouge and his arms crossed. "Mikoto gave me shelter and took care of my injuries."

"I get it, but why are you staying here?" Rouge kept poking. "Last time I checked, you weren't comfortable living with other people except for me and Omega back in our base provided by G.U.N."

That was a valid question. Why was Shadow staying with Mikoto? He could have left the very next day, but something in the back of his mind told him to stay put, especially after he spotted those scars on the girl's calves and the caretakers' reactions whenever they spoke of her father. "It's none of your business."

Rouge threw her hands down. "Alright, old grumpy hog. If you change your mind, just call me. I wrote my number down on a piece of paper I tucked in your passport. Now, I've gotta go and find that pretty girl who was kind enough to let you stay in her house."

"Do whatever you want", Shadow snorted.

The bat hummed amusingly and walked over to the blackette who watered the rest of the garden. Mikoto noticed movement in the corner of her eyes. "How did it go?"

"As good as it can go with a stubborn hedgehog", Rouge giggled softly. "I hope Shadow hasn't caused you any trouble, sweetheart."

"No, he's been very nice", Mikoto replied. "He's helping me out in the garden a lot."

"Sounds like your hobby influences him", Rouge chuckled and stared at the flowers. "The flowers you're growing are lovely. Sad they aren't made of gemstones."

Mikoto clipped a rose and gave it to the bat. "Here. A gift for you."

"My, for me?" Rouge smiled and took a whiff of the rose. "Thank you, darling."

"You're welcome", Mikoto nodded. She fiddled with her fingers and cleared her throat. "Um… You're welcome to drop by anytime."

"I'll take upon your offer, Mikoto", Rouge smiled. "But now, I've gotta go back to a party where Sonic and his friends are. You know about them?"

"I do."

Mikoto stared off in the direction of the Thorndyke mansion. Even though she had already said no to the invitation, there was a small voice that whispered to her to take the chance and socialize more. Still, when she thought of it, she could see the demon that told her to stay put and behave. She was too frozen to take the first step.

Rouge saw the yearning in Mikoto's hazed eyes. She was unfortunately familiar with that dead gleam. She had seen it too many times in soldiers of Mobius G.U.N. who gave up on themselves. Mikoto was still too young to have those kinds of eyes. As a teenager, they should glisten with joy and hope.

Her motherly side was slowly coming out of her, a side she only saved for special occasions. "I'll let Shadow know whenever I come over. I might even bring a friend along, if that's okay."

Mikoto blinked her eyes. "Is your friend…a human?"

"Yes. Why the question?"

Mikoto nervously twiddled her thumbs. "I'm not…really comfortable with humans…"

"Then let's take small steps", Rouge suggested. "I'll start coming over by myself first and slowly and steadily, I'll bring my friend over for short times."

"That…could work."

Rouge burst into a wide smile as she spread her wings. "Great! Now, if you excuse me, a glass of champagne is waiting for me at the party."

"Okay. Take care", Mikoto waved to the bat as she flew eagerly back to the Thorndykes. She sighed tiredly at herself, feeling envious of the Mobians who had such confidence to act however they wanted.

'I want to be like them. I want to be myself and not be held back by those shackles in me…'

Kuro came to her rescue by nuzzling her leg with soft purrs emitting from his throat. Mikoto picked him up and gave him a hug, sniffing his fur that smelled of the earth. "I want to change… I will change…someday."

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You can now find Thomas' and Cindy's biographies on my DeviantArt page.