Chapter 25: Children of the Empire

The Amber Empire loomed ahead, its towering golden walls glistening under the artificial sunlight of the high-altitude city. The insectoid nobility moved about the polished streets in ornate silken robes, their chitinous features hidden behind decorative masks of amber and gold. Above it all, the grand palace sat like a gilded wasp's nest, a fortress of power ruled by Lord Vespidae and Lady Beezle.

Within the maze of alleyways in the lower districts, Prince Sally Acorn—her usual auburn fur dyed a soft pink, a sleek black wig covering her true identity—watched the passing guards with sharp, calculating eyes.

"They sure don't skimp on security," she muttered.

Beside her, Bunnie Rabbot adjusted the scarf around her neck, her cybernetic limbs hidden beneath a long cloak. "That's the Amber Empire for ya, shug. These folks are richer than a caramel apple at a county fair, but they don't share a lick of it." Her expression softened as she glanced at the small café in the distance, where a familiar face bustled behind the counter. "Least Ah get to see Auntie Vanilla 'n' Cousin Cream. Been too long."

Nicole Ellody-Lynx, the six-year-old technopath, peered up from where she sat on Sally's shoulders, her small ears twitching. "And we still need to find my handheld and the Chaos Emerald, remember?"

Godfrey St. Cross, the flamboyant skunk thief, twirled a golden coin between his fingers, leaning against the wall with a smirk. "A heist and a family reunion? My, my, this mission has everything." His emerald eyes glinted with mischief. "And I do love a good challenge."

Sally rolled her eyes but smirked. "Just don't start juggling explosives in the middle of the streets, alright?"

Godfrey gasped dramatically. "I would never—" He paused. "—unless it would be funny."

Nicole's eyes glowed faintly as she tried to reach out with her technopathic abilities. "I—I still can't access my handheld! It's like someone's blocking me!"

Sally's fists clenched. "I still can't believe we were robbed."

Godfrey put a hand over his heart. "How dare they?"

Bunnie narrowed her eyes. "Ah knew Ah felt someone followin' us when we stopped at the market."

Nicole pouted, her tail flicking in irritation. "I liked that handheld...it hooked up with my mind so well still"

Sally exhaled. "Alright, let's not panic. We need to figure out who took our stuff and why."

Godfrey snapped his fingers. "We are in a monarchy full of decadence and corruption. Who else but the rogue resistance movement would be this audacious?"

Bunnie frowned. "Ya mean the Underground?"

Sally nodded. "Makes sense. They're known for pulling off heists and redistributing wealth. If they stole from us, they must think our stuff is valuable for their cause."

Nicole's ears drooped. "They might break my handheld apart for spare tech..."

Godfrey huffed. "And my father's kit is irreplaceable! And, uh, yes, your good luck charm too, Bunnie."

Bunnie shot him a look. "Thanks."

Sally exhaled. "Then we find the Underground, and we get our things back."

Nicole tilted her head. "Do we fight them?"

Sally hesitated. "Not if we don't have to. They don't know who we are. If we can reason with them—or outwit them—we might not have to throw punches."

Godfrey's smirk returned. "Or, we steal from the thieves. Oh, the irony."

Bunnie adjusted her hat. "Let's get movin'. Ah reckon we got some punks ta track down."

--

Deep beneath the grand city, hidden behind a maze of tunnels, a group of rogue rebels gathered around a makeshift workbench.

Sonia Hedgehog, dressed in her signature royal-purple outfit with combat boots, held up Nicole's handheld, turning it over in her hands. "This tech is way more advanced than what we've been working with. This could help me fine-tune that pulse emitter we need for the vault job."

Manic Hedgehog, lounging on a stack of stolen coin pouches, raised an eyebrow. "You sure it won't just explode like the last one?"

Mina Mongoose snickered from where she sat, idly twirling a lockpick between her fingers—Godfrey's stolen lockpick kit, to be precise. "Well, if it does, at least it won't be our stuff blowing up."

Manic grinned. "Good point, babe that's what I love bout ya, well that and your sexy voice, long legs, how your backside rides up when you speed run." Manic shooting Mina that oddly charming wink of his that always shot her heart like an arrow.

Sonia rolled her eyes. "Very funny. But seriously, this is high-tier stuff. Whoever we swiped it from must be important."

Manic crossed his arms. "Think they'll come lookin' for it?"

Sonia smirked. "Probably. But we're the Underground. If they wanna take it back… they'll have to catch us first."

Beneath the glowing amber lights of the Empire's undercity, the Underground prepared for their next big heist. Their hideout—an abandoned smuggling warehouse—was cluttered with stolen tech, maps of the imperial vaults, and stacks of liberated wealth meant to be redistributed to the struggling lower-class citizens.

Sonia Hedgehog sat at a battered workbench, her purple jacket draped over her chair, goggles perched on her forehead as she worked on her latest invention: a pulse emitter that would disrupt the security grid around the imperial vault. She had the blueprints scattered in front of her, but something was missing. That's where the stolen handheld came in.

"Alright," Sonia muttered, turning the device over in her hands. "If I can just—"

She pried open the casing with a screwdriver, exposing the intricate circuitry inside. Immediately, a bright shock of blue static erupted from the core, making her yelp and nearly drop it.

Mina Mongoose, lounging nearby, burst out laughing. "Pfft! Sonia, you okay?"

Sonia scowled, shaking out her numb fingers. "Yeah. Whatever this thing is, it's got some kinda security system. Smart tech—maybe even AI."

Manic Hedgehog leaned forward, his green quills messy as ever. "Think we can still use it?"

Sonia smirked. "Oh, we will. Just gotta break through the failsafe."

Manic grinned. "That's my brainy sis."

Mina rolled onto her stomach, kicking her legs in the air as she examined the rest of the stolen items. "Alright, so we got this weird tech, a really nice lockpick set—seriously, this thing's old school—and some lucky charm that looks… sentimental?" She twirled Bunnie's good luck charm from Antoine between her fingers.

Sonia frowned. "We don't usually take personal stuff."

Manic shrugged. "Hey, if it's valuable, it's valuable."

Mina, ever the thrill-seeker, smirked. "Whoever we took this from has to be important. Bet they come after us."

Sonia leaned back, considering that. "Nobody messes with the underground, we got it covered and with this gadget we are going to finally put one over on the honeybunch brother and sister."

--

Back in the Amber Empire's Lower Districts, Sally Acorn and her team had spent the last hour tracking their stolen items through the twisting, shadowed alleys of the undercity. Nicole's tech abilities had been blocked by whatever dampening field the Underground was using, but Bunnie had a different trick.

"Ah told ya," Bunnie whispered, tapping the side of her head. "Ain't no one in this town who moves faster than a rumor. If ya wanna find thieves, ya ask other thieves."

She had leaned on her old contacts—former smugglers, disgruntled workers, anyone who had a bone to pick with the Amber Empire. The name Underground came up over and over.

Godfrey St. Cross, the ever-flamboyant phantom thief, adjusted his tie with a smirk. "And now, my dear comrades, we have a location." He gestured to a hidden entrance nestled between two rundown buildings, leading to a long-forgotten smuggler's tunnel. "This should take us right under their hideout. Now, shall we?"

Nicole, sitting on Sally's shoulders, pouted. "I still think we should've just knocked on the door and asked."

Godfrey laughed. "Oh, little kitten, you've so much to learn."

Sally hushed them as they slipped into the tunnel, moving quickly and quietly through the damp corridors. When they reached the exit, she held up a hand. "Alright. We go in quiet, get our stuff, and leave. No unnecessary fights."

Bunnie nodded. "Agreed."

Godfrey sighed dramatically. "So no dramatic entrances? Tragic."

Sally rolled her eyes and turned to Nicole. "Stay close, okay?"

Nicole nodded. "I will."

The group pushed forward, emerging into a dimly lit warehouse stacked with crates and old imperial cargo. The unmistakable sound of voices echoed from deeper inside.

Sally peered around a crate, spotting the Underground's members. Sonia was still tinkering with Nicole's handheld, Manic was sifting through stolen loot, and Mina was casually flipping through a map of the imperial vaults.

Godfrey's eyes honed in on the lockpick kit in Mina's hand, and for the first time, his usual carefree expression darkened. "That belonged to my father," he muttered.

Nicole, seeing her handheld on Sonia's workbench, clenched her tiny fists. "That's mine."

Sally took a deep breath. Alright, let's do this the easy way.

Stepping out of the shadows, she cleared her throat. "Excuse me."

Instantly, Sonia, Manic, and Mina whirled toward her, instinctively shifting into defensive stances.

Mina's golden eyes narrowed. "Well, well. Looks like our mystery owners tracked us down after all."

Sonia crossed her arms. "Who are you?"

Sally smirked. "Just a traveler looking to reclaim some stolen property."

Manic cocked his head. "And if we don't feel like giving it back?"

Bunnie stepped up beside Sally, her mechanical arm gleaming under the dim light. "Then we have a problem, sugar."

Tension crackled in the air.

Mina grinned, sparks of excitement dancing in her eyes. "Well, this just got interesting."

--

The warehouse air grew thick with tension as Sally Acorn and her team faced off against the Underground. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the space, and the only sound was the distant hum of Amber Empire machinery.

Nicole, still perched on Sally's shoulders, pointed at Sonia Hedgehog. "You have my handheld."

Sonia glanced at the device on the workbench, then back at the young lynx girl. "And you are?"

Nicole puffed out her chest. "Nicole Ellody-Lynx. And I want it back."

Mina Mongoose leaned against a stack of stolen crates, tilting her head. "Cute. But we kinda need that tech. Sonia's been working on something big, and your little gizmo has the missing piece."

Godfrey St. Cross took a step forward, dramatically adjusting his cuffs. "And that," he said, pointing at Mina's hand, "is my father's lockpick kit. A rather priceless heirloom, if you don't mind."

Mina twirled the case between her fingers, smirking. "What's a thief doing whining about getting robbed?"

Godfrey placed a hand over his heart as if she had wounded him. "Darling, I am not just a thief—I am a phantom thief. There is artistry in my work, finesse. This—" he gestured vaguely at them, "—was just crude. A pickpocket's trick."

Manic Hedgehog, arms crossed, snickered. "Guy's got a point. Our work is usually flashier."

Bunnie, standing beside Sally, narrowed her eyes. "Listen here, sugar. That lucky charm y'all stole? My dear Antoine gave me that. If y'all break it, Ah swear—"

Sonia raised a hand. "Alright, alright. Let's just talk this through before anyone starts throwing punches."

Mina pouted. "Boo. I wanted to throw punches."

Sally took a confident step forward. "Fine. Then let's talk. You clearly don't know who we are, or you wouldn't have stolen from us. So let's get introductions out of the way."

She crossed her arms. "I'm Sally Acorn."

The Underground trio stiffened. Sonia's eyes widened in realization. "Wait… the Sally Acorn? Knothole royalty?"

Sally smirked. "Surprised?"

Manic whistled low. "Well, this just got complicated."

Mina blinked. "We… robbed a princess?"

Godfrey beamed. "Yes! And finally, someone acknowledges my penchant for dramatic heists! Not so fun when it happens to you, is it?"

Mina scoffed. "Oh, please. We've stolen from plenty of nobles."

Sonia shot her a look. "None who could cause this much trouble for us." She turned back to Sally. "Alright, what's the deal? You here for the Chaos Emerald, too?"

Sally nodded. "That's right. But our first priority is getting back what you stole."

Mina crossed her arms. "Even if that tech helps us crack the imperial vault? We're trying to take down Vespidae and Beezle."

Sally raised an eyebrow. "So are we."

That made the Underground pause.

Manic rubbed his chin. "Huh. So we're on the same side?"

Bunnie smirked. "Looks like it, sugar."

Nicole huffed. "Then give me back my handheld."

Sonia sighed, picking up the device and reluctantly handing it over. "Alright, kid. But don't be surprised if I ask you to help us out later."

Nicole cradled her handheld like it was the most precious thing in the world. "I was going to help anyway. But I wanted you to ask, not just steal it."

Mina rolled her eyes but handed over Bunnie's lucky charm and Godfrey's lockpick kit. "Guess we got a little ahead of ourselves."

Godfrey took the lockpicks gently, his usual bravado softening. "These belonged to my father. So, yes, I'd appreciate a little more care."

Mina shrugged. "Noted."

Sonia exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Alright, so what now?"

Sally smirked. "Well, you did say you were breaking into the imperial vault. Maybe we should compare notes."

Mina grinned. "Now that's an idea I like."

--

Nicole held her handheld tight against her chest, as if afraid it would disappear again. Even though she had a physical body now, the device was still part of her—a connection to her mind that no one else could truly understand. The idea of the Underground dismantling it made her stomach twist. It would be like removing an organ.

Sally placed a reassuring hand on the young lynx's head, her sharp blue eyes flicking back to Sonia, Manic, and Mina. "Alright. You said you're sneaking into the upcoming gala to rob the imperial vault?"

Sonia nodded. "That's the plan. Lord Vespidae and Lady Beezle are hosting a massive event for all their nobles and high-ranking officers. Security will be at its tightest, but all that wealth will be so concentrated in one place." She smirked. "We sneak in as waitstaff, slip past the guards, crack open the vault, and redistribute the goods back to the people."

Manic crossed his arms. "We've already got fake IDs, staff uniforms, and floor plans. Just need to fine-tune our exit strategy."

Sally tapped her chin, processing their plan. Her eyes briefly flickered toward Manic, something about him nagging at her memory. His green quills, that smirk, even his casual stance—he felt familiar. But why?

Manic caught her staring and raised an eyebrow. "Uh… you good?"

Sally blinked, quickly composing herself. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

Mina, leaning against a crate, frowned as she caught Sally's lingering gaze on her Manic. She stepped forward, subtly linking arms with him. "He's taken, y'know."

Sally smirked slightly. "Relax, I'm not interested in that way." But she couldn't shake the sense that she knew him—and Sonia, too.

Bunnie, sensing the rising tension, decided to steer the conversation back on track. "Listen, y'all are goin' in as waitstaff, but there's a much easier way inside."

Mina arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Bunnie smirked. "The Rabbots are high nobility in the Amber Empire. My family's been a part of this place since it was first founded by mobian separatists. I may not live here no more, but my Auntie Vanilla sure does, and she's as respected as they come. She could get me—and some plus ones—into that gala without a hitch."

Sonia and Manic exchanged glances. "You're saying you can just walk in as a guest?" Sonia asked.

"Sure can, sugar," Bunnie said. "We split into two groups—you lot sneak in as staff while me, Sally, and Godfrey enter as high society guests. That way, we got two angles covered. When y'all make your move on the vault, we'll be in position to help from the inside."

Godfrey clapped his hands together. "Now that is a plan worthy of a magician's grand performance!" He grinned. "A little misdirection here, a little sleight of hand there, and voilà!—we clean out the vault before those insectoid aristocrats know what hit 'em."

Mina rubbed her chin. "Alright… I kinda like it."

Sonia crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "It does double our chances of success."

Manic shrugged. "Long as I get to run circles around some guards, I'm in."

Sally grinned. "Then it's settled. We infiltrate from two fronts—guests and staff. We'll coordinate once we're inside."

Nicole adjusted her handheld, her eyes still cautious. "Just… don't lose me again."

Sonia smirked. "Don't worry, kid. We know better than to underestimate you now."

As the team finalized their strategy, the true heist was beginning to take shape. The Amber Empire wouldn't know what hit it.

--

The Underground hideout had turned into a makeshift dressing room as Sonia and Godfrey coordinated everyone's disguises for the upcoming gala. Racks of clothing—both elegant noblewear and crisp waitstaff uniforms—lined the room, while accessories, wigs, and masks were scattered across the tables.

Sonia, dressed in a sleek violet evening gown with silver embroidery, adjusted her gloves. "Alright, people, let's get this right. If we don't blend in, we don't get past the front door."

Godfrey, in his element, twirled his cane and smirked. He was already dressed in an extravagant navy-blue tailcoat, adorned with gold filigree, a white cravat, and a matching half-mask. "Oh, darling, blending in is an art. The right clothes, the right posture—confidence is key." He flicked his tail dramatically. "And I was born to be a star."

Manic, tugging at the collar of his waitstaff uniform, grumbled. "Ugh. Feels like I'm wearin' a straitjacket."

Mina, already dressed in her own staff disguise, snickered. "You'll live. And hey—at least you look kinda handsome."

Manic smirked. "Kinda? Babe, I always look good."

Meanwhile, Bunnie was off to the side, speaking softly into a communicator. "Ah know, Auntie, it's dangerous, but Ah wouldn't be doin' this if Ah didn't think it was worth it." She paused, her expression softening. "Ah promise, Ah'll be careful."

Vanilla Rabbit's voice crackled through the device, gentle but firm. "You're like a daughter to me, Bunnie. Just… come back safe, alright?"

Bunnie smiled. "Ah will. Love ya, Auntie."

With that, she hung up and exhaled. "Alright, y'all. We're officially on the guest list."

Sally, adjusting the deep-red gown she had chosen—one that screamed haughty noblewoman—stood before a mirror, fixing her black wig into place. As she did, her gaze flicked toward Sonia and Manic.

She frowned slightly, a feeling gnawing at the back of her mind. They reminded her of someone. Someone important. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't put her finger on it.

Sonia caught her staring in the mirror and raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong, Princess?"

Sally hesitated before speaking. "You two… remind me of someone."

Manic, adjusting his cuffs, gave her a confused look. "Uh… okay?"

Sonia tilted her head. "Like… someone you know?"

Sally sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "I don't know. It's just—something about you both feels familiar. Like I've met you before, even though I know we haven't."

Before Sonia could respond, Mina scoffed from across the room, arms crossed as she shot Sally an unamused glare. "Oh, please. That whole 'Have we met before?' line? So cliché." She leaned in closer to Manic, looping her arm around his. "If you're trying to flirt with my main man, at least be original about it."

Sally blinked. "Flirt? What?"

Manic, looking absolutely lost, held up his hands. "Whoa, whoa, babe—don't drag me into whatever this is."

Mina huffed. "I see how you're lookin' at him. And don't think I haven't noticed you eying Sonia, too." She narrowed her eyes. "You got a thing for hedgehogs or somethin'?"

Sally groaned. "Oh, for the love of—I'm not flirting!"

Sonia smirked. "I dunno, Sally. Maybe you do have a type."

Sally rubbed her temples. "I hate all of you."

Godfrey clapped his hands. "Excellent! The tension is simply delicious."

Bunnie sighed. "Y'all are ridiculous."

Nicole, sitting in the corner tinkering with her handheld, looked up. "Can we please focus? The heist is in two hours."

Sonia waved her off. "Yeah, yeah, we're focused."

Mina crossed her arms but reluctantly let the matter go—for now.

Sally exhaled. Who are you two? And why do I feel like I should know you?

Whatever the answer was, she was going to find out. But first, they had a vault to rob.

To be continued….