Trial Run
[The scene fades into a shot of the night sky before it pans down on the city. At night, when everyone is asleep, you can still hear the sounds of distant puffing as a special train makes its way through the darkness…this is the sound of the Post Train…but that is irrelevant to the subject matter]
[Back on topic, the camera pans down to the alley where the Ex-Mobians are being situated. This takes place just after the end of the last episode, showing all seven members fast asleep on the three mattresses. It pans across them one by one, or more like one by three by three; Fiona, Sleuth, Razorklaw, Geoffrey, Drago, Sleek. All of whom are breathing steadily in their slumber…at least for the most part]
[The shot goes back to focusing on Geoffrey's sleeping figure as it suddenly cuts to black…it then shows the skunk surrounded in a void of darkness…all is quiet and very lonely…Geoffrey stares blankly at his surroundings, not knowing what to make of them]
[That is until he finds himself in a forest, though it doesn't resemble Evergreen Forest…instead, this one looks strangely familiar, almost as if he were back in Mobius…Geoffrey looks around, it's awfully quiet and no birds can be heard in the trees]
Geoffrey: …What is this?
[At that moment, a red light begins to shine within the forest, catching the Aussie's attention…cautiously, he begins to walk towards it. The air suddenly grows colder and a light layer of mist starts to settle. Geoffrey squints his eyes as the forest becomes darker the further he travels…in the center, he finds a cave where the light appears to be coming from…he slowly begins to make his way inside of it]
[It is only a few moments before the light becomes clearer and, standing, or more sitting, on a rock throne is Ixis Naugus. He looks down at the skunk with sickening bemusement]
Naugus: Well, well, well, the prodigal son returns…had a notion you'd come around here.
Geoffrey: Not surprising at this rate…
Naugus: Oh, now, now, no need to look so glum…you'll have everything at your disposal soon enough.
Geoffrey: That's just it…
Naugus: Is it now…? Well, I don't know about you, but the victim mentality doesn't look good on you…especially given, well, your track record and all that.
Geoffrey: Ya' don't have to keep throwing the past in my face.
Naugus: Then how else is it gonna stick in that thick head of yours? You see, you're already in hot water as it is…why prolong the inevitable…you know there's no getting out of this…
Geoffrey: So you say…
Naugus: Tcktcktck, oh no no no, you see, you can't play those games with me. You'll just be fooling yourself at that rate…then again, you seem to have a pattern of playing the fool…must be a profession of yours.
Geoffrey: A fool, you say, no more than the one I was working for.
Naugus: [sighs] You really do have to make things more difficult for yourself, don't you? I suppose your persistence was something that drew me to you…
Geoffrey: Suppose I could say the same thing for you, what with the close he whole overthrowing the king quest.
Naugus: He was close to kicking the bucket, anyway, besides being an authoritarian around his family and confidants, Mobius was in desperate need of new leadership. Did you think they'd honestly recovered after Robotnik was finally taken down?
Geoffrey: I…
Naugus: Aaaaaaah, I see…still holding onto those delusions, haha, do you really think you can keep the charade up forever? You're already not doing so well.
Geoffrey: Don't remind me.
Naugus: Ooooooooh, I will. Your past is catching up to you…very soon, it will all come crashing down, just like it did all those years ago…but you needn't worry, it will only be a…temporary arrangement, for you'll get to sit back and watch all Hell break loose on your opponents, hehehe…
[Naugus' eyes flash as the camera zooms into one of them, revealing Toon City in the background in a darkened silhouette, accompanied by the eerie red hue of the sky]
Soon, everything will fall right into place, this land will meet the same fate that Mobius should have, the remnants of the past making way for a brighter future, one where I shall rule as its leader, once the natural order is carried out, my power will only grow from there…
[Naugus is shown standing tall and proud before the silhouetted crowd bowing before him. The wizard gives a malicious smirk as he raises his scepter into the air, and the power of the Elements transforms the land into his ideal image…the people of the island groveling at his disposal as he commands the land with an iron fist]
Hooooooooo, tis a beautiful thing to picture, I can only hope you're seeing it like I am…
[The shot pans out from Geoffrey's eye, his expression showing quite the contrary to his master's enthusiasm]
Geoffrey: Yeah…thrilling…
Naugus: Hmmmm…you don't sound particularly eager… whatever troubles you, dear apprentice? Must you hold onto old wounds…they won't mean anything in the long run…not when they're dead of course…hmmhmmhmm, I've waited so long for the time to arise, very soon, it will be all over…I won't even need your body anymore, you'll get to see everyone's faces when the double life is revealed, and then…
[Naugus snaps his fingers as lifeless bodies suddenly surround Geoffrey, from his colleagues, the Freedom Fighters, to the citizens of Anima…the skunk's pupils shrink as his eyes dart from left to right at the display…his eyes are particularly focused on Hershey's figure]
Why so skittish, this is what we both want…you'll never have to live with the shame again, and I will become the true king I was meant to be…they'll never see it coming, and once the final stage is complete, everything will be perfect…like birds of a feather, we stand together…
[Geoffrey feels the room beginning to spin around as the screen begins to static, showing him alternating between his normal face and his possessed form, his sharp teeth on display and a wicked expression crazed with willpower, at one point, the static shows his eyes as fully black]
Geoffrey: …Huh!
[Geoffrey opens his eyes, looking around the room to find himself back in the storage unit. Everyone else is still sleeping, from the angle we're shown. The skunk surveys the area carefully before looking at the floor]
Drago: [off-screen] Rough sleep?
Geoffrey: Huh?
[The shot pans out to reveal Drago looking at Geoffrey from his mattress]
Geoffrey: Oh…yeah, a little bit.
Drago: Yeah…same here…
Geoffrey: Ah…
[The two lay in silence for a few seconds]
Drago: …Well, g'night.
Geoffrey: Uh…yeah, g'night…
[The two settle back to sleep, although Geoffrey can't shake the feeling of uneasiness as he closes his eyes and begins to drift off once more]
[The scene transitions to morning as the sun is rising in the distance, Toon City begins to come to life as the sounds of tugboats beginning their days' work can be heard from the harbor, and the puffing of steam engines can be heard echoing through the buildings. It cuts to the storage unit where the Mobians are just waking up from the night before. Fiona opens her eyes and yawns, her hair slightly ruffed]
Fiona: Aaaaaaaah…[smacks lips]...what a night…least it's not a patch of grass…
[The men are shown rising up from their mattresses, a few of the group like Drago and Sleek stretch themselves out]
Sleek: [yawns] Well, that was one hell of a trip…
[Geoffrey ruffles his head fur into place]
Geoffrey: Yeah…I could do with a cup a'.
Fiona: That reminds me…where do you keep the food around here?
[Sleuth is shown putting his boots on]
Sleuth: You'll find the cooler to your right, it's a bit dusty.
Fiona: Ah…well, at least you do have stuff in here, more than I've seen in a long while.
Guntiver: How'd you get here by the way?
Fiona: It's…a long story, really…any of you got a smoke or something?
Sleuth: Hold on, think I got something in my pocket…
[The brown canine reaches into his right pocket and after digging through it manages to pull out a white carton of cigarettes. He takes out one and hands the rest to the vixen, pulling out a lighter as well]
Sleuth: Don't use it all up, that's my last pack.
Fiona: Yeah, sure…thanks…
Guntiver: You're gonna damage your lungs.
[Sleuth rolls his eyes]
Sleuth: Whatever you say, Captain Planet.
Guntiver: Ew…
Drago: Aaaaah, lay off him.
Razorklaw: Huh, that's a new development.
Drago: What is?
Razorklaw: You showing concern for someone. Maybe some sense finally got beaten into you.
Drago: You know, that's a good idea, perhaps you might drop the mopey douchebag if I hit you hard enough.
Razorklaw: Try me.
Geoffrey: You two mind not starting this early? We've got more important things to worry about.
Fiona: Huh, no surprise there.
Geoffrey: I'm serious, our fates are currently up in the air and we've got no idea what they'll do to us.
Drago: If it's anything to do with Princess Sally, she'll have us thrown in the brig.
Razorklaw: I'm telling you, Hathor will literally have our heads for dinner.
Sleek: [shudders] Euuuuuugh, and I thought the young would satisfy her. I'm too pretty to be executed.
Drago: I didn't regain my beauty just for it to be snatched away, god, this sucks!
Razorklaw: Will you stop talking about your "beauty" for one damn minute?! That's the last thing you need to worry about when you're going to be impounded!
Sleuth: Oh my god, do I have to listen to all this melodrama, just rambling on and on and on and-
Guntiver: ENOUGH!
[Guntiver's voice commands such authority that everyone turns to look at him. The red wolf notices his tone and clears his throat]
Guntiver: Um, sorry about that, but we really do need to focus.
Sleek: Um…quite, yes, we, uh…we do.
Guntiver: I say we stress less about what they might do and focus more on looking good in the public's eye.
Razorklaw: Hmmmm…I suppose he has a point there.
Guntiver: I can even make an alibi for you guys who have, uh…less-than-stellar backgrounds to put it mildly.
Drago: [sighs] Yeah, you got me there…
Geoffrey: Ya' know, I agree, that's the whole reason I came down here, to improve me' image. Now, granted, that's not gone…according to plan given recent events…god, that was a travesty.
Drago: Hmph, you're tellin' me, Hershey's memory's as clean as unstained glass.
Sleek: And Hathor's not lost her edge either…that cold bitch.
Fiona: Look, either way, all of us have got shit to deal with now…except you, I dunno what they could hold you for.
[Fiona looks at Guntiver when she says this]
Guntiver: Well, like I said, perhaps I can persuade them into going lightly on the rest of you.
Fiona: You're willing to make yourself look like an accomplice for our safety?
Guntiver: Well, I've put up with you all this long, haven't I? I think that speaks to some level of trust.
Fiona: …Normally, I'd call you an airhead for that response…but then again, it'd be the pot calling the kettle black given my…past experiences…
Drago: Suppose it's a case of irony, really, all of us have backstabbed at least once…well, apart from you, of course…
Guntiver: Ya' know, seeing as you all haven't done anything to provoke the townsfolk, they can't hold any assault or terrorism against you.
[Drago, Geoffrey, Sleuth, and Fiona collectively think on the inside "thank god he doesn't know"]
Geoffrey: I suppose the best we can hope for is letting us stay in peace, that's all we can really ask for at this point.
Guntiver: I'm sure you'll get it…I know this is probably a bad time to say this, but I've grown quite fond of this little group. Heh, it's almost like I'm back in the old days with the crew.
Geoffrey: [sighs] You're too good for us…
[Geoffrey looks off to the side, an expression of remorse on his face as he thinks back to his dream…he questions how much sacrifice is worth throwing away the connections he's made thus far]
Geoffrey: [murmurs] I am in so deep…
[The scene cuts to Cedar Harbor where the Mobian lot have gathered on the pier to discuss a deputation amongst themselves. Top Hat, OJ, Zip, and Zebedee can be seen passing by in the background hauling different barges. Walking along the streets are Snagglepuss, Jinks, Pearl, Amethyst, Sylvester, Courage, Garfield, Vendetta, Maleficent, Jenny, Daria, Legosi, Louis, Balto, Rarity, Secret, Quick Draw, Wally, Cooler, Mulan, Bambi, Pooh, and Hercules. Additionally, Donald and Douglas pass by in the background with a long goods train, while Stanley passes by on the opposite line with three red coaches. Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Shadow, Rouge, Sally, Antoine, Bunnie, Rotor, Silver, Blaze, Big, Cream, Nicole, Lupe, Hershey, and Hathor have their voices raised as they argue amongst each other]
Sonic: Okay, so we've got a bunch of randos from the past suddenly coming up undisclosed in town. What are we gonna do with them?
Shadow: They have some nerve showing their faces around here. Really, what mercy do they deserve after what they've done?
Knuckles: They're probably still working under that sniveling Finitevus, or Robotnik, or some other malicious force at work.
Amy: I don't trust them any more than I could bash their heads in with my mallet.
Antoine: If I could speak with them face to face, my words would be the least of their concern.
[Antoine taps the brim of his sword in its scabbard]
Rouge: Steady on, big boy, I wanna savor some of the action too…actually, most of it.
Blaze: Not all of them are guilty to my knowledge. Isn't one of them one of your own…red wolf, was a leader of his own group…Gunter, Gunnar, or…Guntiver, I believe his name is.
Silver: Guntiver…huh, I think I heard about that name in passing at one point…can't remember when or where though.
Bunnie: Well, bless ma' stars, I thought I'd neva' hear that name again, good to know he's still around…but why would he be associatin' with them lot?
Rotor: Guntiver never struck me as the type to be a turncoat…at least, I hope he isn't, we've already had enough of those.
Tails: Speaking of turncoats, I can't believe Fiona's back…as if this experience wasn't unpleasant enough.
Amy: Don't worry, if she tries anything funny, I'll make sure to give her a good kick up the backside.
Nicole: Try doing that to the other six…or five since Guntiver is aligned on our side.
Cream: Are they gonna be arrested? I don't know much about them, but they don't sound very friendly.
Big: Ehhhhhh, what's the worst that could happen? Maybe they've changed since then.
Antoine: Oh, they "changed", alright, for the worst.
Sally: I would give the benefit of the doubt, but given all that happened before, I'm having a hard time thinking it's possible.
Sonic: I mean, we could straighten them up if you know what I mean.
Hathor: There is no "straightening out", really, they should all be banished to the dark woods in which they came from! In fact, no, they should be given a harsher sentence! Thou who commits treachery of the highest degree shall be persecuted to the punishment deserving of thee!
Rouge: Okay, I'm sure that sounded philosophical in your head, but you're literally standing next to us, there's no need to shout.
Big: Yeeeeah, you could do with chilling out a bit.
[Hathor scowls in the two's direction, but reluctantly holds her tongue]
Lupe: I…am admittedly unsure of what to make of the circumstances.
Sally: How so?
Lupe: Well, thinking back to it, they didn't exactly provoke us or anything, normally, we'd have to subdue them in combat.
Shadow: They could be using it as a coverup, you know people have a thing for concealing weapons.
Knuckles: Plus, they could very well make up their own image to garner sympathy, make it so we'll go "easier" on them.
[Throughout the conversation, Hershey remains silent, the memory of Geoffrey and Drago looking back at her fresh in the tuxedo cat's mind]
Sally: ..shey? Hershey?
Hershey: Hmm, what?
Sally: My apologies, I just wanted to know your side on this.
Hershey: I…I don't really know what to say…the fact I saw both my exes brought back…a lot of memories…I just can't believe they're back…or what their intentions are.
Sonic: Well, if Drago is anything to go by, I'd hardly say anything good's comin' from him. Geoffrey…I dunno, that man was always playing double-agent, hard to tell whose side he's really on.
Antoine: I say he made his choice, played up ze nice guy image, and stabbed us in ze back when we weren't looking.
Hathor: I've already put forth the solution; cast them off while they suffer for their actions. If we can't put execution on the table, at least lock them up for life. I for one won't stand to walk the same streets as that Razorklaw or that Sleek.
Nicole: I can't tell if you're trying to be profound or just wanting your voice to be heard.
Cream: Um, Mr. Big?
Big: Hmm?
Cream: Is Queen Hathor always so…scary?
Big: What, her? Nooooo, only when she's mad, which is…a lot of the time…huh…
Sonic: Okay, everyone just chill! We're not gonna get anywhere throwing darts at the wall.
Knuckles: Do we even have a say in what'll happen to them?
Sally: As much I hate to rain down on this parade, I'm afraid we might not have a choice.
Bunnie: Whattaya' mean, sug?
Sally: It'll be up to the highest power in the city to decide their fate.
Amy: Waitwaitwait, you're not talking about…him, are you?
Shadow: Hmph, I swear he's too lenient sometimes with suspicious characters.
Rotor: I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens, who knows, maybe they've finally changed after all this time.
Shadow: You can't trust certain people when you know where they come from.
Sonic: Is that right? Because we all know where you came from.
Shadow: I…shut up. I'm not the only one.
Rouge: Awwww, throwing me under the bus? That's adorable.
Shadow: [sighs] Fine, maybe, just maybe, there might be hope for them yet…but until then, I'm having my doubts.
Knuckles: Suppose that's the best we can offer…call it being cautiously optimistic?
Sally: Well…that's all we can be for now.
[Hathor's eyes are narrowed as she disagrees with the notion, but no one seems to pay her much attention, although Hershey casts an unsure expression in her direction]
[The scene cuts to the police station as a loud voice can be heard from the other side of an office. Chief Bogo is seen on his Mobile, and by the tone, he's not best pleased with who he's talking to]
Bogo: You can't be serious, we're pending investigation and…look, I get fair's fair, but these are rogues, sir! We can't let our guard down when…Mr. M-!
[Bogo seems to catch a tone on the other end that tells him to reign it in]
Bogo: I…I understand, sir…yes, sir…right, I'll send 'em in as soon as possible…thank you…the pleasure's all yours…good day, sir…
[Bogo clicks off on the call and gives a sigh, lying back in his chair]
Bogo: Crikey…just when ya' think you're getting to the good stuff, someone has to come and snatch the-
[A knock is heard at the door]
Bogo: Yes? Come in.
[As if on command, the door flings open, revealing Clawhauser coming in per usual fashion]
Clawhauser: Helluuuuuuuu, Chief, everything gone alright?
Bogo: [flatly] What do you want, Clawhauser?
Clawhauser: [waves his paw] Oooooh, nothing much, you know, just wanted to get an update on our little report.
Bogo: [sighs] If ya' must know, I've just got off the phone with the big man upstairs. Somethin' about giving these…fugitives a trial run to put it simply.
Clawhauser: Ooooooooh, you think they'll fit in?
Bogo: Clawhauser, you saw their appearance. I know people like that. Once they get a taste a' criminal life, that's all they're gonna know.
Clawhauser: Riiiiight, I don't mean to contradict you or anything, but we're living among people who've probably done worse things than they have.
Bogo: I would have suggested imprisonment from the get-go, but…ugh, the bloody Guarantee Act.
Clawhauser: I mean, at least nothing major has disturbed the peace for a while, not on their side at least.
Bogo: So the last few months don't ring a bell for you?
Clawhauser: …Okay, but that was more mental than anything. My point is that you could…I dunno, distress a little bit?
Bogo: Think hard about what you just said.
Clawhauser: I'm just proposing is all…besides, I know what tickles your fancy.
Bogo: [sternly] Clawhauser, do not go there.
Clawhauser: Oh, very well…
[As the cheetah takes his leave, he gives an almost cheeky grin at the chief as he closes the door. Bogo rolls his eyes at this]
Bogo: I swear, the people I have to work with…
[The scene cuts to Town Hall as the Ex-Mobians are being escorted by a silhouetted figure. Two sets of hands, one white and one black, open the doors to the inside of the building and then flank the group on either side. Two white hands are seen writing something down on a notepad on their desk before they are seen joining the entourage. The doors to the Mayor's Office swing open as the group walks inside of it. The office is pretty standard in terms of design, however, the most striking feature is an emblem of a golden sphere with two smaller spheres on top at either end. They almost seem to resemble ears, the group glances between one another, some appear calm, others appear anxious, and one or two appear indifferent. The chair is turned to the window so the mayor is blocked from view at present]
Geoffrey: …Ahem, uh, Mr. Mayor, sir, you wanted to…see us?
[The chair swings around and the group's reaction is shown for a second before the camera cuts to the angle facing the mayor directly…a black and tan mouse wearing a gray suit with a white vest underneath looks between the Mobians with a sharp eye. The mayor is Mickey Mouse. Drago is the first to voice his indignation]
Drago: What is this? Some sort of joke?
Mickey: Hu-hah, it's no joke. You're looking at the man himself, or should I say, The Mouse himself.
Drago: Shoulda guessed beforehand…
[Drago looks back to the mayor's staff; Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Daisy Duck. They all don outfits similar to their House of Mouse attire, although Goofy's outfit is dark gray compared to the previous red, Minnie has a more business suit looking appearance while Donald and Daisy appear relatively unchanged]
Mickey: So, I heard you all have been hiding out in the streets since you've arrived…well, we can't simply have that, now can we?
Razorklaw: [sighs] Just send us to the gallows if you must, the police are already breathing down our necks.
[Mickey clears his throat with a serious tone]
Mickey: You didn't let me finish…now, in what has been laid out to me, most of you have a…checkered past, to be polite.
[Fiona and Sleuth look away]
Mickey: But, since I'm willing to give everyone a chance to prove themselves worthy of being a citizen, I'll give you all this offer; if you can prove yourselves capable of living amongst the public for a whole month, you'll be granted citizenship to live in the city proper.
Fiona: Huh, that's…actually quite lenient all things considered.
Sleuth: I know if this was in Mobius, they'd be like "nope, execution."
Fiona: Try Anti-Mobius, they've got options like being sentenced to death by firing squad.
Geoffrey: I…don't even wanna know about the stuff going on there.
Mickey: Anyway, do you accept the bargain?
Sleek: Here's something I want to know; will you be tracking our every move through chips being planted in our heads?
Mickey: Oh, you needn't worry about that, this will be public monitoring. I.E., you'll be under normal surveillance via the metropolis or the police, and if need be, myself.
Sleek: Aaaaah…
Mickey: I assume you had no intentions of doing any illegal activity, were you?
Drago: What, no.
Sleuth: Of course.
Razorklaw: Nah.
Guntiver: Absolutely not.
Fiona: Suuuure.
Sleek: Why, never.
[Mickey claps his hands in approval]
Mickey: Well, boy, that's just swell.
Fiona: [cringes] Don't say it like that.
Mickey: [clears throat] Anyway, I just need you all to sign this form for me.
[Mickey pulls out a large roll of paper from his desk and as soon as it unfolds, it trails across the room]
Sleuth: What the hell is this?
Mickey: The Guarantee Act, this document assures that anyone living in Toon City shall become a citizen after a determined period of time, every signature means the page will grow longer. Does that answer your question?
Sleuth: This is some who-doo goin' on here…
Guntiver: Okay then, so we just sign on the bottom and that'll be it?
Mickey: Yup, you got it.
[The group goes one by one to sign their names on the form. The paper contains a long list of signatures from the various characters living either in the city or on the island. For non-human/anthro residents, their numbers have been crested with their names above them]
Mickey: Right then, your trial run begins immediately. I shall hear back from the authorities about your progress, so you'd all best be on golden behavior.
Drago: [muttering] My god, this is so cheesy…
[Geoffrey tries to maintain an innocent expression that is internally wrapped with guilt]
Geoffrey: [clears throat] Right, well then, thank you for your time, Mr. Mayor, will that be all?
Mickey: Yes, unless there's any further questions…
[No one speaks up]
Mickey: …swell, now then, have a nice day, gentleman, and lady.
Minnie: Let me get that for you.
[Minnie opens the door to let the others out of the office. Goofy raises his hat to be polite]
Goofy: Hi-yuck, have a nice day!
Sleek: Euuuuuuugh.
Goofy: Garsh, was it somethin' I said?
Sleek: [off-screen] There it is again!
Donald: I've got my eyes on those scoundrels…
[Donald narrows his eyes as he descends into grumbling]
Daisy: Easy there, boy, give it time. Once they do something immoral, you can sic 'em.
Donald: It'll only be too soon.
Minnie: Mickey-I mean, Mr. Mayor, how long do you think they'll last?
Mickey: Well, if they know what's good for them, they'll follow the rules.
Minnie: I suppose they'll be alright, after all, we've managed to quell "certain figures", if you will.
Mickey: When you've been in my position for long enough, you need to have a lot of patience.
Minnie: Well, you do own a lot, don't you?
Mickey: They don't call me "The Mouse" for nothing.
[The camera pans over to the mayor's name tag on the desk reading "Michael Walter Mouse" in bold black letters. It cuts to the group walking back down the hall when they come across what appears to be a static model of Pluto standing on the side of the doorway. Just as Razorklaw passes through the door, Pluto opens one eye and blows a raspberry. Razorklaw immediately turns his head back while Pluto goes back to standing in the same spot]
Razorklaw: The hell…
[The lynx gives a snarl at the canine before turning back to join the rest of the group. Pluto gives a snicker sounding very akin to Scooby-Doo. Once outside on the steps, the group consults with one another]
Drago: Okay, that could have gone a lot worse to be frank.
Guntiver: Well, at least they're willing to give us a chance.
Razorklaw: Aaaaaaand it just got worse.
Drago: What do you me-?
[Drago cuts himself off as standing at the bottom of the steps are the rest of the Mobians from either. Knuckles, Shadow, Silver, Amy, Antoine, and Hathor glare at them, Hathor especially looks as if she's ready to kill all of them on sight. Sonic, Sally, Bunnie, Rotor, Lupe, and Blaze look stern, Tails tries to appear stern, but looks more unnerved. Cream hides behind Big while he maintains a neutral expression, if not one of indifference. Rouge looks almost bemused by the whole scenario. Hershey has a look that's a mixture of repressed anger, disappointment and loss…take that as you will. Drago, Fiona, Sleuth, Razorklaw, and Sleek maintain stoic expressions, Guntiver tries to appear natural by giving a polite smile, while Geoffrey tries not to look down at the floor]
Fiona: …Can we help you with something?
Amy: Don't you pull that with us!
Fiona: Okay, just asking a question.
Knuckles: So you're walking free now, is that it?
Guntiver: AHEM, well, we're currently being trialed.
Drago: Yeah, they're gonna examine us for-
Hathor: TRIALED?!
Razorklaw: Here we go-
Hathor: I swear, they'll let anyone join the public these days, this is an absolute disgrace! An infraction of justice, no less!
[Fiona puts her paw to her head]
Fiona: Oh my god, shut up, will you?
[Hathor's nostrils flare as she twitches in Fiona's direction]
Hathor: How dare you speak out of turn to royalty, know your place, you disgusting little rodent!
Sonic: Phrasing!
Hathor: [hisses] I didn't mean it like that.
Shadow: Her anger isn't unwarranted, given the trouble they've caused.
Sonic: Hold on, hold on, Guntiver's one of us, we knew each other from some time ago.
Sally: That's right, but what's he doing with them?
Guntiver: Ehhhhhh, it's a bit of a long story. To simplify it; ended up on the beach, I've no idea where the rest of my group is, been living in the forest till recently where I found them, and we've been living with each other…yeah.
Knuckles: Well, I'm sure we can clear you up of anything since you're aligned with us.
Guntiver: Um…that's the thing…
Antoine: Pardon moi?
Guntiver: See…now, I know this sounds crazy, but…I'm fine with these guys.
Shadow: Are you serious? How many more turncoats do I have to see?
Guntiver: Hold on, that's not what I meant.
Shadow: Then what did you mean?
Guntiver: All I'm saying is that I've lived with these guys long enough to get their side of the story.
Sonic: And how do you know they're not just trying to garner sympathy through crocodile tears?
Fiona: Sonic, when have I ever cried to garner sympathy? I've seen you do it more times than I can count.
Sonic: …What?
Sally: I'll be fair to you all, even if most of you don't deserve it.
Sleuth: [under his breath] Bitch.
Sally: For the time being, you're innocent until proven guilty…but, don't think this makes us even. Just because the Mayor has faith in you doesn't we do…Guntiver, what say you?
Guntiver: What I say is…
[Guntiver looks back to the six before turning back to the Mobians]
Guntiver: …I retain my current view. I still respect your opinions, but I want to have my own.
Bunnie: I suppose that's fair, ain't it, sug?
Sally: [sighs] Alright, we won't force you to choose sides, just know that you're welcome to speak with us at any time.
[Tails eyes Fiona who is trying her best not to look directly at the kitsune. Sleek however gives the little fox an ugly sneer, confusing Tails]
Tails: I'm sorry, what?
Sleek: HUH, you know what.
Tails: Beg pardon, but I've no idea what you mean, I don't think I even know who you are.
[Sleek's jaw drops in indignation]
Sleek: You little twerp! Don't you play dumb with me!
Sonic: Hey! Lay off him, coal dust!
Sleek: You back off, pine needles!
Sleuth: I could do with socking a little shit in his mouth.
Rotor: Um, yeah, I don't think starting an uproar is the best way to improve your image.
Sleuth: Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you were even there.
Drago: Is that even surprising?
Rotor: Oh look, another background gag, how original.
[Geoffrey looks over at Hershey who just looks back at him with a neutral expression]
Geoffrey: Hershey…
Hershey: [sighs] Geoffrey…
Geoffrey: …What's your say?
Hershey: My say…is that I really don't know what to make of this, I really don't.
Geoffrey: Is there any way you'll let me say my peace?
Hershey: At this point…not here, not now…
[Then, Hershey approaches Geoffrey in a low hushed voice that only he can hear]
Hershey: Not where everyone can see…
[Drago opens his mouth to speak, but Hershey cuts him off]
Hershey: Drago, don't even think about getting involved, I want nothing to do with you, and if you so much as eavesdrop, I'll smash every mirror you have.
Drago: …Damn, girl, ya' coulda just said "no."
Lupe: You don't take "no" for an answer according to records.
Drago: [under his breath] Neither does your uptight ass.
Lupe: [threateningly] I'm sorry, could you repeat that?
Drago: I didn't say anything.
Lupe: That's what I thought.
[Geoffrey looks over to the old Freedom Fighters. Antoine, Bunnie, and Rotor look in opposite directions. Fiona stares at Tails who visibly winces before turning around so as not to face her. Sally gives Geoffrey a sigh before turning away and on that cue, the group begins to leave. However, Hathor, Hershey, and surprisingly Tails stick around]
Razorklaw: Are you just going to stare daggers at us or something?
Hathor: Back in our territory, we dealt with rogues in a professional manner.
Razorklaw: Yeah, by exiling them for losing a fight or the most insignificant offenses, how is that professional?
Sleek: Quite frankly, it's more barbaric than anything.
Hathor: If you cannot respect tradition, then it's no wonder you went down such a dark path.
Razorklaw: Shut up about your traditional bullshit. It's all a bunch of nonsense that you used to justify torturing your own people, again, need I bring up the whole eating the young thing?
Fiona: How do you even justify that?
Hathor: And where's the justification for turning on your own kind and teaming up with the very people that were oppressing us?! We're living among criminals in this city and the fact we're got more?! If this was done by our government, you'd all be lynched for this insolence!
Razorklaw: Maybe that's the problem, you royal twat!
[Hathor's furious expression flares further as her white face turns a shade of red in anger]
Hathor: If I could get away with it, I'd personally separate your neck from your head!
Sleuth: …Jesus, I've heard Scourge talk in less brutal terms, and he's fuckin' Scourge.
Razorklaw: Look, we're fully aware of the past, so you don't need to keep dredging it up just because!
Hathor: Others might be more willing to let offenses slip past them, but I'm not one of them…I will never trust any of you as far as I could throw you, honest as I may be…
[Hathor turns her robe up and makes a dignified exit. Razorklaw just scowls and Sleek sneers at her. Tails glances over at Fiona who just gives him a scowl]
Fiona: What do you want, kid?
Tails: Fiona…I just wanna know; has anything changed with you in all that time?
Fiona: Do you want to set yourself up for disappointment? I made my grave a long time ago, you'd best do the same before you hit it earlier.
Tails: I see…well, I hope you're happy in whatever choices you make…
[Tails walks away, Fiona watches with a seemingly uncaring expression, but then her brows furrow in an almost…solemn manner. Hershey is left, locking eyes with Geoffrey before giving a sigh and turning away without another word…the skunk looks down at the floor with dejection as the group is left in an awkward silence]
Guntiver: …I guess that's how it is.
Drago: You're tellin' me…
Guntiver: I…I hope you don't think I'm gonna turn against you or anything just because of…well, that.
Drago: Well, since I'm getting used to the whole "trust" thing, I'll take your word for it…cuz speaking from experience, that shit will come back to bite you in the ass…[shudders]
Geoffrey: [sighs] Let's just go, we got what we came for…
[Geoffrey begins to walk off, and the others follow him down the steps. Drago looks over at Razorklaw who just turns straight ahead without a word. The scene transitions to dusk, back at Cedar as Rufus, Reggie, Patch, Thunderbolt, Lil' Lightning, Lucky, Choo-Choo, Fancy-Fancy, Spook, and Brain are seen walking along the quay while the Ex-Mobians are shown sitting amongst themselves around a set of crates in their alley, a pack of undisclosed bottles having been opened and shared amongst them]
Fiona: [sighs] Well…at least we got something good for a change.
Razorklaw: They're still gonna be on our asses, it's a small mercy at best.
[Geoffrey looks between the group…some part of him wants to disclose the other half of his identity…he opens his mouth to speak…but then hesitates and just sighs. Guntiver tries to lighten the mood by looking off to the harbor, now being lit with all the surrounding lights from the buildings. A blue sax tune plays over the scene as out in the distance, Lillie Lightship can be seen keeping watch over the harbor with her light shining]
Guntiver: You know, it's nice and peaceful at nighttime, wouldn't you say?
[The others don't reply, but Drago decides to humor the gesture]
Drago: Yeah…suppose you got a point…[in a low voice]...could describe yourself…
[Guntiver doesn't appear to have heard Drago as the two wolves look out to the ocean, calm and serene…that is until something can be seen drifting towards the harbor, like a wooden raft of sorts, only from the angle shown, we can't see what's on it…cut to black]
Character Guide:
Drago Wolf, Geoffrey St. John, Guntiver the Arctic Wolf, Sleuth Dawg, Fiona Fox, Ixis Naugus, Razorklaw, Sleek the Panther, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails the Fox, Amy Rose, Knuckles the Echidna, Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat, Silver the Hedgehog, Blaze the Cat, Sally Acorn, Antoine D'Coolette, Bunnie Rabbot, Rotor Walrus, Big the Cat, Cream the Rabbit, Nicole the Holo-Lynx, Hershey the Cat, Lupe the Wolf, Queen Hathor, Scourge the Hedgehog, Dr. Finitevus - Sonic the Hedgehog
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto - Disney
Chief Bogo, Benjamin Clawhauser - Zootopia (2016)
Amethyst, Pearl - Steven Universe,
Balto - Balto (1995)
Bambi - Bambi (1942)
Choo-Choo, Fancy-Fancy, Spook, Brain - Top Cat
Cooler/Lucky - Pound Puppies (1980s)/Pound Puppies (2010)
Courage - Courage the Cowardly Dog
Daria Morgendorffer - Daria
Garfield - Garfield
Hercules - Hercules (1997)
Jinks - Pixie, Dixie, and Mr. Jinks
Legosi, Louis - Beastars
Maleficent - Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Mulan - Mulan (1998)
Patch, Thunderbolt, Lil' Lightning - 101 Dalmatians (1961)/Patch's London Adventure (2003)
Quick Draw McGraw - The Quick Draw McGraw Show
Rarity - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Rufus, Reggie - Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart
Secret Squirrel - Secret Squirrel
Snagglepuss - Snagglepuss
Sylvester - Looney Tunes
Vendetta - Making Fiends
Wally Gator - Wally Gator
Winnie the Pooh - Winnie the Pooh
Donald, Douglas, Stanley - Thomas and Friends
OJ, Top Hat, Zebedee, Zip, Lillie - TUGS