-Chapter 257-

When the Dust Settles

Station Square

A week following the events at Sand Blast City found Sonic in the waiting room of Dr. Sorders' office. Several people were giving him a wide berth or otherwise looking uncomfortable, whispering amongst themselves over the Sand-Blasters' stream. On the TV, Scarlet Garcia was giving a report on the events in Wyldwest.

"While the full scope of the crimes of the Sand Blasters is still being brought to light, investigators are working hard to identify their victims and ensure they receive the proper respect. In other news, critics are lambasting Sonic's actions against the Sand Blasters, calling it excessive and unnecessary." Sonic winced at that, only for Scarlet to go on. "In this reporter's opinion, however, he did what needed to be done. Jack Rabbit had created an utterly toxic mindset within Sand Blast City, encouraging discrimination against technology and ex-Robians who never did any harm, and resorting to cold-blooded murder. What Sonic did amounted to shock therapy and scaring them straight, nothing more."

Sonic felt a little relief at that, just as Dr. Sorers ushered him in.

"And what seems to be the problem today, Sonic?" Sorders asked as he laid back on the couch.

"My face-off with the Sand Blasters," Sonic sighed. "Where to start?"

"Why don't you start from the beginning?"

"Alright…" Sonic took a breath. "Brace yourself, Doc. This...this one's a doozy."

He explained the events that occurred in Wyldwest, up to and including the face-off with the Sand-Blasters.

"Yeah, me and Sal wanted to inspire people to stand up to Eggman and other bad guys, take a stand against them. We never expected that one of the groups we inspired would turn out to be a bunch of trigger-happy fanatics."

"My word…" Sorders let out, visibly unnerved. "That's…"

"Yeah, it's a bit of a mess. And yeah, you saw the little stream they made, what I opted to do; the whole world did. I don't regret putting that freak Jack in his place, or getting people to see why my team doesn't kill people. I just hate that the only way I could do that was by basically scaring everyone into realizing it."

"Understandable. But, sometimes that's the only way to get a point across. One of my other patients once told me of a saying on the Internet. 'Some Anvils Need To Be Dropped', I believe it was called. Sometimes, a heavy-handed or harsh explanation or demonstration is the best way to communicate the seriousness of your message."

"Hell of an object lesson," Sonic looked back at the ceiling. " I saw that Shift was broadcasting what they were doing to the whole world, and I got the idea to fake going crazy, give the Sand Blasters a taste of their own medicine. Yeah... too bad I didn't really think about any long-term effects or consequences aside from showing Mobius why I don't just kill Eggman and be done with it."

"That's not nothing, Sonic. It shows what kind of hero you are."

"Still, it scares me how far I took it, after all the work and progress I made keeping my emotions in check. Ever since I came back, so many people on the street have been keeping their distance from me. Like they're scared I could snap any time. I'll be honest, Doc. It's starting to get to me. It's like what happened with Metamorphia all over again. Nobody knew about me going postal back then, except you and my friends. This time, the whole world saw what I did. And it was a video on the Internet; once something's online, there's no getting rid of it."

"That's true…" Sorders thought for a moment. "Sonic, let me tell you a story of my own, back when I was still a student. Did you know that I once practiced hypnotherapy?"

"Really?"

Sorders nodded. "My mentor at the time, Dr. Ezekiel Toad, was a strong believer in the potential of mind over matter, that people's only real limit was their own perception of themselves and the world around them, and if they changed that perception, they could do anything. And one of his favorite methods was subliminal suggestion. I can't give any specifics, but he helped a lot of people gain confidence in themselves." She smiled wistfully.

"What… happened to him?"

Sorders' expression turned serious. "Well…" she took a deep breath. "One thing you need to understand, Sonic, is that psychotherapy can be a very difficult and oftentimes frustrating job. You need to be able to listen and connect with your patients and show them compassion and understanding. But you also need to be willing to push them out of their comfort zone and get them to face things about themselves that, under normal circumstances, they would sooner cut off their own foot than deal with. Sometimes it works, and the patient is better for it. But sometimes, it backfires, and the patient clams up further, even becoming hostile. I'm sure you've heard all the stereotypes people in my profession have to deal with."

Sonic nodded. "Yeah, pretty much."

"Well, Dr. Toad had to deal with it too. He dealt with it a lot. And eventually, he grew fed up with it. He decided to start taking more...drastic measures to help his charges."

Sonic blinked. "Drastic measures?"

"He would use experimental procedures on patients without their consent or knowledge. Implant suggestions in their minds to the point of drastically altering their personalities and memories. He even drove some patients irrevocably insane."

"Damn…"

"Eventually, he was caught and tried for his crimes. After that, I swore off using hypnosis. I wasn't tried with him because he kept me out of the loop."

"Can't say I blame you."

"But despite my lack of involvement, it didn't stop people from talking about me. They would assume I was secretly continuing Dr. Toad's research. One even accused me of driving him mad in the first place. I honestly considered abandoning my practice entirely." Sorders massaged the bridge of her beak.

"So... what'd you do?"

"I kept practicing. I refused to let what happened with my mentor define my life. I refused to let myself fall into the same trap that ruined him. And most importantly, I refused to forget all the many people who needed me or I had helped in the past, just because of the cruel words of a few."

Sonic paused, letting Sorders' words sink in. "Yeah... Sally told me something similar back when the Kane Broadcasting Company was doing their little smear campaign."

"She's right, you know."

"She usually is."

"Don't focus on the bad. Focus on the good. Remember your mistakes and your do not dwell on or obsess over them for too long."

"You can't change the past... but you can learn from it and be better."

"Exactly."

Sonic smiled. "Thanks, doc. I really needed this."

"It's why I'm here."

Rabbot Family House - Royal Hills

Bunnie, Antoine, and Lulumae were sitting at the table drinking tea, taking a break from unpacking.

"Thank you again fer all yer help, Antoine," Lulu said gratefully. "I'm sure you're already busy with all your important Freedom Fighter and guard work."

"Of course, Mademoiselle," Antoine assured. "But we always have time for family."

Uncle Beau wanted to be here himself, but he couldn't break away." Bunnie added.

"He was a Baroneer through and through." Lulu frowned. "I still can't believe he's gone… "I'm happy he's alive, but..."

"Hey," Bunnie cut in. "He's making the best with what he has. And I can promise that the second he's able, he'll be hightailin' it home to ya."

"Oui," Antoine agreed. "Just you wait."

"Yer right. Buck's made of tougher stuff than most," Lulumae sighed. "It's funny… As scary and heartbreaking as this is, I can't bring myself to be upset. 'Specially when I think of how far Buck's come since the old days."

"What do you mean?" Anotine asked.

"You met Denny and Willie, right? They show you the plaque?"

Bunnie perked. "Ohhhhhh..."

"Right, that..."

"Yup...before the War, Buck was the biggest lyin', no-good, double-crossin', good fer nothin' sunnuva gun to ever walk the prairie. A sleazy grifter who couldn't keep his hands to himself and who'd say or do just about anythin' fer a sip of the bottle or a hand of poker. Used his Gift ta hustle unsuspectin' folk and rob em blind."

"Sacre bleu..." Antoine let out.

"And then there was his prejudice," Lulu recalled. "Like a lotta folks down south, Buck didn't have much love fer them folks up in Acorn. Used ta go on and on 'bout how 'the South would rise again and throw off the Nutkins' chains'."

"What changed for him?" Bunnie asked.

"Ol' Julie an' his buddies."

Antoine blinked. "Julie? Who's Julie?"

"Ol' Doc Kintobor. Buck always called him Julie."

Bunnie snorted. "Oh I am so telling Sonic that one."

"Oh, oui," Antoine agreed. "I doubt it will ever top Eggman, but..."

The trio laughed.

"Anyway..." Lulumae continued. "Julie an' his crew blew into town one day, lookin' fer folks willin' to join the team they were buildin'. Buck tried to pull his little trick and challenge them to cards. Got his tail kicked...badly. Ended up startin' a fight and had to cool of in the slammer. Then they bailed him out on the condition he come work for them. Buck took the deal, but only fer a chance to get the collectors off his back and 'cuz Ammy called him a coward. But it was enough..."

She looked at an old photo in a picture frame, one that showed Buck with Julian, along with several other Mobians. They were all leaning on one another, smiling widely and holding each other like they were good friends. "They made an honest man outta him, got him outta the hole he'd dug himself in. I'll always be grateful to them for that. And I hope... I hope that there's still some spark of Julie left in Eggman."

She gripped the photo tightly, gently setting it down on the mantle.

"There is, ma'am," Antoine assured. It's faint, but there is.

"We've seen it, auntie," Bunnie added. "That good man he used to be."

Lulu perked. "Really?"

Bunnie nodded. "We don't know how yet, but we're gonna save him. Along with Uncle Beau and everyone else."

"I don't doubt that, dear." Lulu smiled. "Julie gave Buck a second chance at life, and Buck ain't one ta leave his debts unpaid anymore. It'll be hard without him, but I'll manage."

"If you need anything, mademoiselle, just call," Antoine assured. "We will come immediately."

"I'll keep that in mind, dearie..."

Robotropolis

In Robotropolis, an airship arrived at the dock, a robot gesturing as it came in.

"Keep going! You're good...you're good...you're good...aaaaaaaand stop!"

The robot was promptly crushed by the ship, the door opening up.

"See, told ya I could park this thing." Beau boasted as he disembarked, Matti and a handcuffed Jesse behind him..

"You are a horrible pilot," Matti deadpanned, following him. "Jose was better than you and he literally ran on tequila."

"Aww c'mon, Matti. I didn't do that bad."

The ship was covered in scuffs and scratches.

"I'm with Matti," Jesse deadpanned. "You should never be allowed to pilot anything."

"Agreed..." Everyone turned to see Robotnik walking in, Eggatha next to him. "Ahh, Beauregard! Welcome to Citadel Robotnik."

"Julie," Beau tipped his hat in greeting.

Eggaths snorted. "Julie?"

Robotnik sighed, rubbing his forehead. "That's going to be a thing with you, isn't it?"

"Damn straight, Julie."

Eggatha snorted again, stifling laughter behind her hand. Even Matti cracked a smile.

"Three decades later and still a smartass…"

"Hey, you knew what you were getting into when ya inscripted me."

"Conscripted, you long-eared ga-!"

"Dr. Robotnik!" came Scratch's voice. The 6-S rushed out of the ship, practically dogpiling him.

"We're so happy to see you, Doctor!" Grounder exclaimed.

"It's been a nightmare!" Coconuts declared tearfully. "An absolute nightmare!"

"Get off me!" Robotnik shoved them all off. Matilda tried to stifle her laughter, but couldn't. Beau and Jesse just chuckled, while Eggatha was laughing hysterically.

"Anyway..." Robotnik turned to Jesse, who immediately looked down. "Mr. MacNeil."

"Doctor..."

Robotnik approached Jesse. "You're in a lot of very big trouble, young man. Nearly two hundred confirmed murders… countless instances of assault and destruction of property… Egregious misuse of Empire technology..."

Jesse just stood there as the doctor went on. "You were supposed to be my trump card, my wild ace in the hole to combat their own monster. but instead, you went completely rabid. Now, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"...I need help…"

Robotnik cocked an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"I need help. I don't know what else to tell you."

"Perhaps I can answer that for ya," Beau cut in. "The kid yer tryin' ta match him to, she's got a support system, and therapy." He gestured to Jesse. "That's what he needs."

Robotnik shrugged. "I gave him an outlet to channel his anger into something useful."

"And look where that got ya," Beau pinched the bridge of his nose. "Therapy, a proper support system, some Aurora-damned help. Don't tell me yer so rotten inside ya won't fix this mess."

"Uncle, we need to deal with this and deal with it correctly," Eggatha remarked. "If we don't, you'll lose your 'trump card' and we'll have to deal with even more fallout from Jesse's...outbursts."

Robotnik sighed in response. "Fine, fine. I'll... look into it, but don't expect much. Or anything anytime soon. I'm an evil mastermind ,and a busy one." Eggatha, Beau, and Matti smiled at that.

"In the meantime…" Robotnik pointed to Jesse. "This one is going to be spending a good, long time in solitary confinement until we can figure out what to do with , has work been finished on the Carton?"

"Yes, Uncle," Eggatha confirmed. "We've already moved Mordred and Kage there."

"Good. Take Matilda and the dumb-bots and escort Mr. MacNeil there. I need to discuss some important matters with our newest Egg Boss."

"Got it, Uncle," Eggatha took Matti's hand. "We can play Marxio Bros. once we finish. I reinforced the controller for you."

Matti was surprised at that. "Can...Jesse play too? For a little bit?"

"Now that sounds like a good idea." Beau remarked.

"He is not to be released from his restraints…" Robotnik softened. "But he can play for thirty minutes. "But if he does anything..."

"I won't, sir," Jesse swore. "Not to Matti. Never to Matti. Besides, I'm completely unarmed and the Devil's Eye was destroyed."

"Good. Now then… Beauregard..."

"Yessir."

The two groups split at that.

"I apologize for making you stay here, given the state of your base and territory." Robotnik said to Beau.

Beau shrugged. "Eh, Lesath's got everything under control. Plus, I needed a change of scenery. So, what's this about?"

"Nothing special, just a routine Boss Meeting. Status updates, future objective discussions, meet and greet with the other executives." Robotnik fumed briefly. "...who can be bothered to show up."

"More no shows? Which ones?"

"Well..."

"You take that back this instant!" Thunderbolt's voice cut in.

"Oh great..." Robotnik muttered.

Beau groaned as the two made their way to the meeting room, where they found Tesla and Eddison trying to keep Thunderbolt from attacking Akhlut. The orca just grinned at her as she rants and raves and sparks with electricity.

"Boss Thunderbolt, please call down!" Tesla cried.

"Don't you tell me to calm down!" Thunderbolt snapped. "This damned fish has crossed the line for the last time!"

"That's what he wants!" Eddison insisted. "He's trying to get a rise out of you!"

"Let go of me, Eddison! He has insulted my honor as an Egg Boss! This cannot go unanswered!"

"I have to agree with your underlings, Rika," Beau cut in. "I know the Orca can get under your skin, but he's ultimately just like the Rainbow Fish: pompous and full of hot air

Thunderbolt glared at Beau. "Oh...it's you."

"Rika," Beau tipped his hat before glaring at Akhlut. "Akhlut..."

"Beauregard Rabbot…" Akhlut greeted. "It's been a long time."

"Not long enough."

Indeed. Still, at least the new Wyldwest boss has some brains. And some self control. We need more people like you."

"Don't try to butter me up, Blackfish. It's only 'cuz we're on the same team now that I haven't tried to bust a cap in yer rubbery hide for what you did in Iceborough."

"Missed you too, long-ears," Akhlut deadpanned before sighing. "And for the record... I'm not happy about Iceborough either. One of the only things I regret."

"Tell that to Sherm's family, ya overgrown sardine."

"Alright, that's enough!" Robotnik cut in. "We came here to discuss our plans for the future, not argue about the past."

The two broke away.

"Good. Now, let's get started."

"Hold up," Thunderbolt cut in. "We're still missing half the bosses, and have there even been any reports from the Yurashian Boss lately?"

Robotnik scowled. "I received a message from his Sub-Boss earlier today. Apparently, there was an 'accident' a few days ago that set back his recovery by a few months…" His scowl intensified. "...Along with our entire timetable..."

"This incident being...?" Akhlut asked.

"All he said was, 'Phoenix'." That mean anything to any of you?"

All of them shook their heads.

"Ain't they extinct?" Beau asked.

"Officially, at least. Either way, it's unacceptable! I'm going to be cutting his budget for the month. And maybe the next few."

Thunderbolt grinned. "Serves him right."

Robotnik glared at her before continuing. "As for the other Egg Bosses… Kukku's Fortress was recently attacked by the Babylon Rogues. He was able to chase them off, but they still got away with several important supplies and machinery components. So, he's busy tracking them down. As for Mordred, he's still in the Carton after that incident in the mess hall two weeks ago."

"And Tundra?"

"Still not answering his messages."

"I see..." Akhlut's gem flashed as his fingers gripped the skin on his arms tightly.

"Honestly, blowing off Master Robotnik's summons like they're common junk mail!" Thunderbolt ranted. "Who does he think he is!?"

"He'll be dealt with accordingly. Now, if that's all, what say we get started with the meeting?"

As Robotnik began, Beauregard noticed Akhlut absently, yet aggressively gripping the flesh on his arm, despite his calm demeanor.

Castle Acorn

While Sonic was at Dr. Sorders' office, Sally was once again meeting with the Council of Acorn. Archibald wasted no time voicing his displeasure with Sonic's actions against the Sand Blasters.

"Once again, Sonic the Hedgehog makes a reckless and idiotic decision without bothering to consider the consequences of his actions," the eagle spat. "I wish I could say I was surprised... but that would be a lie."

"Jack had brainwashed everyone in Wyldwest into following his word and doing whatever he said," Sally retorted. "Sonic did what he had to in order to show people like the Sand Blasters, people like you, why killing people isn't the answer."

"People like me?" Archibald demanded incredulously.

"Yes. You wanted us to just kill Dr. Robotnik already, Councilman Archibald... and Sonic showed the world exactly why we haven't and never will."

"The Princess is correct," said Uncle Chuck. "That single-minded hatred and desire for destruction is what led to the creation of monsters like Kodos. And before you shoot your mouth off, Archie, I'm not just saying this because Sonic is my nephew. I saw it happen during the war, with Arthur Mongoose. He started with a moral code, a sense of honor. But he took one GUN Soldier's life during the war in self-defense. Then another, then another, then another, until he grew desensitized to the act and started leaving GUN corpses laying around like bread crumbs. Only meeting Isabella and having Mina stopped him from becoming the Second Coming of Kodos."

"I have to agree with Charles on this one," said Mocha. "We cannot allow ourselves to go down that path."

"Especially since Jack went from killing Egg Soldiers to defend Wyldwest to plotting to kill Sonic on national television simply because he didn't agree with what he was doing," Uncle Chuck went on. "Sound like anyone we know, Archie? Maybe a crazed lion who was once the Warlord?"

"While Jack did take the extremist route, you cannot deny that your nephew's actions have had serious consequences," Hamlin cut in. "Trust in the Freedom Fighters has taken an all time low, and the Over-" He cleared his throat. "The human nations are growing wary of him and his power."

"That's why we need to show that the Freedom Fighters are more than just us," Sally said. "That Sonic isn't fighting alone, and that there are people out there also with a hand in the fight. Robotnik's army is gaining footholds across the planet, Councilman, so as they say, fight fire with fire."

"What are you suggesting?" Archibald asked.

"I've already put out a call to arms. The Freedom Fighters are going global."

At Area 99, Shard was undergoing routine maintenance in Dr. Bennett's lab.

"I still can't believe it," the Needlemouse mused. "Things in Wyldwest got so bad over religious beliefs…"

"I'm not overtly religious myself, but there are people out there who are obsessed with it," Sarah mused. "The Wyldwest is well known for those types of people."

"It's just absurd to me, Doctor. The idea that being Roboticized destroys the soul? If that's true, then will…" Shard glanced at a culture tank in the corner of the lab. "Is it possible for machines to have them?"

"Considering what Gamma, Emerl, and Omega experienced, I believe so," Sarah knelt before him. "Remember what I told you before, Shard. You may be a robot, but you have emotions and your own mind. You can form your own opinions and make your own choices. That's what having a soul is all about."

Shard took that in, then nodded and hugged the doctor. "Thank you."

Sarah stiffened a bit in surprise before smiling and returning the embrace.

Tranquil Gulch

Meanwhile, at the saloon, Lily and Rally were having a root beer float while telling Willie and Mayor Chestnut what had happened in Sand Blast City.

"Jesse MacNeil was the Diablo Kid all along?" Willie let out in surprise.

"Yeah," Lily noted. "Threw me for a helluva loop too."

"I always knew the MacNeils were some of the more... radical Auroralists, but to shoot their own son…" Mayor Chestnut shook his head.

"And Jack took full advantage of that," Rally noted. "It's because of him spreading the word that ex-Robians are devils in human and Mobian skin that we even have the Dust Riders."

"And Beau…" Willie shook her head. "Man was a pain in the ass, but he didn't deserve that."

"And Jesse?" said the Mayor. "What happened to him?"

"Beauregard took him back to Robotropolis," Rally replied. "Talked about getting Robotnik's niece to find him a therapist."

"Can we trust her?" Willie questioned.

"Sonic and Sally swore up and down that this Eggatha wasn't all bad, and was actually one of the nicer members of the Egg Army," Lily recalled. "If nothing else, I trust them." She finished her drink. "In the meantime, with Jack and his Looney Brigade behind bars, Rally and I talked it over. The Wyldwest is gonna need a new Freedom Fighter group."

"Oh?" Willie asked.

"And I intend to fill that seat," Lily smiled, twirling her gun before slipping it into the holster. "As of today, I'm the leader and founder of what we call the Neo-Sand Blasters."

"Well, someone's gotta keep you in check," Rally noted. "Count me in."

"No one I'd rather have in a foxhole than you, Rally."

"Just be careful, kiddos," Willie warned. "We don't need no more dead kids in this town, ya hear?"

Lily gave her a thumbs-up.

Knothole

After Sally left the Council meeting, Chris and Keith led her to Tails' personal lab and house off to the side in Knothole, a yellow-orange dome shaped building that took the appearance of Tails' head. White windows could be seen in the places of where Tails' eyes would be and it had a gray door to go with it where his mouth and nose would be, even featuring Tails' signature tufts of hair and ears as roof decorations (1).

"I still can't believe that Tails went to all this trouble to make his house the exact same shape of his head," Chris noted.

"Seriously, all the other buildings are carved from the trees," Keith mused. "This is... honestly just weird."

"We all have our little quirks and tastes in decoration, I suppose," Sally remarked.

They entered to find Tails and Cosmo setting up a recording studio akin to a radio/TV station, his laptop hooked into a camera as he fiddled with some wires.

"Okay, I think this goes here…" Tails remarked.

"Okay… what was it again?" Cosmo asked, holding up a three-pronged AUX cord. "Red dragon speaks while white sees...?"

"Not quite, Cosmo. Yellow sees while red and white speak."

"Right, right!" She hooked the prongs into the corresponding outlets as Tails looked up to see Sally and the boys.

"Oh! Perfect timing, Sally. We're just about ready."

"Excellent," Sally said. "The sooner we get the word out, the better."

Tails finished setting up, taking a seat as Chris pressed a few buttons.

"You ready?" Tails nodded. "And five, four, three, two…"

A sign reading "On Air" lit up, and Tails got to work.

"Hey there, old friends and new! And welcome...to...TailsTube, comin' at ya live from South Island! Here, we'll share news, at-home repair tips, talk to people about problems, or, y'know, just chill," He put on a pair of dark blue sunglasses for emphasis before taking them off. "But for our first broadcast, we've got an extra-special show plan, courtesy of our extra-special guest, Princess Sally Acorn! Over to you, Sal!"

He pointed to the side, the camera panning to Sally.

"Thank you, Tails. As many of you are already aware, Eggman's forces are growing by the day, threatening the good people of Mobius. His Egg Bosses have proven to be especially difficult, and our forces are being stretched thin to combat them."

All across Mobius, people were reacting to the TailsTube stream. In Chun-nan, Dulcy and her Shijin Warriors were gathered around a figure in a red hanfu (2) and conical straw hat, watching it on the figure's phone.

"This is a message to all of you out there who want to take a stand against the Robotnik Empire for what is right."

On Angel Island, Knuckles and the Chaotix watched through the computer in the Chaotix's HQ.

"We ask that no matter your background, no matter your allegiances…"

Down under the ocean, Razor sat with Pearly in his lap, watching the video on a tablet computer.

"No matter your place of origin, or whether you're rich or poor. If you can fight, we will take you."

Echo and Undina watched alongside Honey at Honey Clothing.

"You are not alone. If you need help, come and find us. We are here. We are waiting. And we are ready for you."

Robotropolis

In Citadel Robotnik, the good doctor was watching the video as well. He broke out in an evil, toothy grin.

"Throwing down the gauntlet, are you, Princess?" His shades glinted ominously in the light of the throne room. "Bring it on."

Author's Note:

(1): Yep, Tails' lab in IDW Publishing is his personal lab/home in Knothole.

(2): Traditional styles of clothing worn by the Han Chinese. There are several representative styles of hanfu, such as the ruqun (an upper-body garment with a long outer skirt), the aoqun (an upper-body garment with a long underskirt), the beizi (a large loose outer coat with loose and long sleeves) and the shenyi (a robe), and the shanku (an upper-body garment with ku trousers).

And thus, the gauntlet is thrown down. The Freedom Fighters are going global to match the Egg Army. What will happen next?

Please R&R. Until next time!