Chapter 24: Peace Offering

Location: National Museum

Two hours later…

Sally stood outside one of the exits, hoping that the fresh air would somehow revitalize her. After her encounter with Andrea Tygore she had tried not to let the old Terran get to her but that was easier said then done. Sally stared out into the busy street and noticed a hedgehog strolling across the museum's parking lot in her direction. As he drew closer, Sally realized that its skin was actually metal that had been painted black and gold with a green gem inserted into the torso. Sally was immediately found herself on edge, recognizing the robot as the renegade Metal Sonic v2.5. Remembering exactly what he was capable of, Sally immediately activating her Ring Blades.

"Your Highness," Shard greeted.

"Metal Sonic," Sally said, "What are you doing here?"

"It's not Metal Sonic anymore...it's Shard."

"Doesn't answer my question; What are you doing here?"

"My boss is pleased that you arrived safely," he said, "He would like to meet with you at a later date."

"Is the one who rescued Bokkun from the Metropolis Zone the same one responsible for your reconstruction?"

"He did indeed recover my Power Gem," the android confirmed, "He also rescued Decoe and Bocoe."

"Who is this person?" Sally inquired.

"Now that would be telling, and I'm not at liberty to reveal that."

"That's...unhelpful."

"I'm not here to provide you with exposition," Shard stated, "Further orders will be sent to you."

Sally crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed by the mocking tone within the voice of Sonic's robotic doppelganger.

"How do I know you're on the level?"

"Did you really think I'd come out all this way just to talk?"

"So, you do have ulterior motives."

"Consider this a peace offering."

The renegade Metal Sonic produced an emerald from seemingly out on nowhere, specifically the Purple Chaos Emerald. He casually tossed it to the Princess, who immediately snatched the fist-sized gemstone from the air.

"Hell of a peace offering," the Princess commented.

"Tails needs it for his plane, doesn't he?"

Currently lacking a Chaos Emerald, the X-Tornado was only capable of travelling at normal speed. In the past, Metal Sonic would never have parted with a Chaos Emerald, convincing her that the robot had truly reformed.

"Alright," Sally began, "I suppose you've convinced me."

"Yo Sal!" Sonic called out, causing her to turn to see him standing in the doorway, "We're leaving. Sticks insulted one of the guests, and I don't think Leon or Muttski's got much energy left."

"I'll be right there," Sally said.

As she turned back to the robot, she discovered that Shard had disappeared, though it was likely that he was nearby as his jet engine would've draw too much unwanted attention.

"Hey! Is that a Chaos Emerald?"

"Yeah. Metal Sonic…er, Shard just handed it over."

"Shard?" the Hedgehog questioned, giving her a dubious look.

"That's what he's calling himself now."

Sonic fell silent, hating himself for not having been present when his robot doppelgänger had shown up. He had a history for cruelty, such as the time when he kidnapped Tails and took him in Mount Mobius. Having developed some sort of consciences, he had sacrificed himself without hesitation so they could escape the volcanic eruption.

"You think he's working for our mysterious benefactor?"

"He said as much," she answered, "Even rescued Decoe and Bocoe from the Metropolis Zone."

"Did he say anything about who this person might be?"

"He was just as vague and unhelpful as Bokkun was that night."

"Course he was," he said, rolling his eyes.

The Hedgehog's green eyes stared at the Purple Chaos Emerald, which sparkled in the streetlights.

"Tails'll be happy to have a Chaos Emerald."

"He certainly will."

As they headed back indoors, the two Mobians made a beeline for the table they had been assigned to. The Prime Minister appeared physically drained, while Muttski and Leon were barely managing to keep their eyes open. Carmichael looked relieved to see them, prompting the Prime Minister to attempted to rise out of his seat. Seeing her husband struggling, Miranda grabbed a hold of his arm and helped him to his feet.

"I think that's enough for one night, don't you think?" he said.

Confirming with a nod of her head, the group vacated the interior of the museum and heading for the entrance.