"Magical Nights"
Authors:Robert Brown and Francis Tolbert
Disclaimer: This story uses characters created and copyrighted by Sega of
America, Inc. and Archie Comics (except where noted, in which case
they were created and copyrighted by us). The authors hereby give
permission for this story to be downloaded and/or printed at 1 copy
per user as long as (1) no changes to the story are made without our
express written(not e-mailed) permission and (2) no attempt is made
to profit from this story. If either or both rules are violated,
it will be considered a violation of copyright law.
Author's Note: At Francis' request, I am foregoing the usual Author's Note and
will just allow the story to stand on its own. Till next time, happy reading!
Peace, see ya later.
Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)
Sonic Hedgehog
Antoine D'Coolette
Princess Sally Acorn
Princess Sondra Acorn***
Uncle Chuck
Rotor
Bunnie Rabbot
Miles "Tails" Prower
Dulcy
Metal Sonic
Snively
Dorian Lexford***
Rosie
Maurice Hedgehog***
Patricia Hedgehog***
King Acorn
Naugus
#12
A nearly full moon shone over Knothole as the Vernal Equinox approached.
An unsually warm week had melted most of the snow, and all that remained of
the winter was a few memories and a lingering chill in the north wind.
Sonic and Antoine crouched outside Sally's hut. "Are you sure there's
no other way?" Sonic asked for the thousandth time.
"For how your Uncle Chuck has explained it, no," Antoine answered for the
thousandth time. "Are you to be chickening out?"
"Me, chicken out?" Sonic asked loudly.
Antoine clapped a hand over Sonic's mouth, glancing at Sally through the
window. Sally was so engrossed in working on Nicole, she didn't notice the
outburst. "If you do that again, I will be leaving you to your own devices,"
Antoine whispered angrily.
Sonic nodded and Antoine let him go. They stayed motionless until Sally
went to sleep, which was hard for Sonic, then crept over to the door. Antoine
tried the knob and opened the door as silently as possible. He motioned to
Sonic to follow him inside.
"Hey, what're you two doing?" a voice behind them demanded.
Sonic turned, his finger to his lips. Sondra stood there, hands on her
hips, glaring at Sonic and Antoine. "What are you two up to?" Sondra asked.
"You better not be playing a prank on my sister."
"Easy, Sondra," Sonic whispered. "This is really big, and she can't know
anything about it."
"Well then, at least let me in on it."
"Tomorrow, I promise. If you want to help, stand guard and make sure
nobody comes by."
Sondra nodded and stood outside the door as Sonic and Antoine crept
inside. Sonic moved to Sally's bed as Antoine filled a small bowl with warm
water. "What's that for?" Sonic asked, taking a small syringe out of his
backpack.
"We have to be diverting her attention or she will wake up," Antoine
whispered, placing the bowl on Sally's bed and putting one of Sally's hands
in the water.
Sonic shook his head, unsure of what Antoine was doing. He took Sally's
other arm and tied a small rubber strip around it. He lightly tapped the
inside of her elbow, just as Uncle Chuck had shown him. When a vein became
visible, he slowly slid the needle into it and attached a small tube to the
other end of the needle.
Blood started filling the tube, and Sally fidgeted slightly. Sonic undid
the strip and pulled out the tube when it was nearly full. He took out the
needle and applied a small gauze to the area until the bleeding stopped. That
done, he and Antoine tiptoed from the hut.
"I don't know what you did," Sondra said as they came out, "but I hope you
have a good explanation for this."
"Very good," Sonic said. "Ask Tails about it tomorrow; you won't be
disappointed."
"Oui, and I am sure that we can count on you keeping our secret," Antoine
added.
Sondra nodded. She started inside then stopped. "By the way, Antoine,"
she said over her shoulder, "I hardly even notice your accent anymore."
"But of course," Antoine said, smiling. "I have been working hard on
this. I still have my accent, but I am much more understandable."
"Well, I'm going to bed. See you two in the morning."
Sonic and Antoine whispered their good-nights and headed off in separate
directions. Sonic juiced to the power ring pool where Uncle Chuck and Rotor
were waiting. "Here ya go, Unc," Sonic said, handing over the tube.
Uncle Chuck looked at the tube and nodded. "Yes, this will do nicely,"
he said. "Rotor and I will take care of it from here."
"You sure you want to do this?" Rotor asked. "This is a really big step
for you."
"Rote, I ain't never been more sure of anything in my whole life," Sonic
said. "When will it be ready?"
"I'd say about 6 hours," Uncle Chuck said, handing Rotor the tube. "It'll
take a little longer to finish it, but you'll have it by noon."
"Way past, Unc. Now I'd better grab some sleep." Sonic juiced to his
hut and threw himself on the bed. He got under the covers and fell asleep,
thinking about what he was going to do tomorrow.
As the sun rose over Knothole the next morning, the peace of the forest
was shattered by an angry yell. "ANTOINE!!!!" Sally screamed, storming out
of her hut in just a coat and her nightgown. "Where are you?! You've gone
too far this time!!"
Bunnie ran out of her hut. "What the hoo-ha's the matter, Sally-girl?"
she asked.
"Where is he?" Sally asked.
"What happened?" Bunnie asked, taken aback by Sally's temper.
Sondra rushed out and grabbed her sister. "Antoine pranked her last
night," she said.
"What'd he do?"
"Oh, just made me lose control of my bladder!" Sally whispered angrily, a
bright shade of pink.
Bunnie and Sondra both turned pink as well as Sally seemed to get control
of herself. "Bunnie," she said in a voice all the more scary because of its
coolness, "you find your boyfriend and tell him that after I clean up and get
dressed, he is dead."
"Easy, Sally," Sondra said. "You'll feel different after a shower."
Sally grumbled all the way back to her hut. Bunnie ran over to Antoine's
to warn him. "Wake up, Antoine!" she yelled, shaking him awake. "You're in
for it now!"
Antoine opened his eyes and sat up. "What is wrong?" he asked sleepily.
"Sally's on the warpath for that prank you pulled on her last night. I'd
go into hiding for a while."
Antoine smiled. "That will not be possible, my beautiful doe. I have to
be helping Sonic today."
"You and sugarhog working together?" Bunnie asked, bemused. "Now I've
seen everything."
An extremely crafty look crossed Antoine's face, but it was gone before
Bunnie could notice it. "Bunnie, perhaps you could help us," he said slowly.
"We are planning something big for our princess, and you might be the...what
is the phrase...key to helping us."
Bunnie looked at Antoine, one eyebrow raised. "I don't know what you two
are up to, but I ain't gonna do nothing that'll hurt her."
Antoine looked hurt. "Bunnie, surely you do not think we would do
anything to hurt her! No, we are going to make tonight the happiest night of
her life."
"OK, sugarfox," Bunnie said. "I'll help. What do you need me to do?"
Antoine smiled. He made Bunnie sit on the bed next to him and quickly
told her of their plans.
Later that day, when Sally's anger had cooled somewhat, Sondra and Tails
approached her. "Hey Sis," Sondra called. "You feeling OK?"
"Yeah, yeah," Sally grumbled. "So what's up?"
"Well, we were thinking about going to Robotropolis on a raid," Tails
said, swishing his tails. "Want to come with us?"
"Who's going?" Sally asked.
"Oh, just us two and Dulcy."
"What? You're kidding, right?" Sally exclaimed. "What could you three
do on your own?"
"Nadia identified another possible room with a set of roboticization gun
plans in it," Sondra explained. "It's best for a small group to go, especially
seeing we don't have that spy around anymore."
"Why don't you ask Sonic to go?"
Tails and Sondra looked at each other. "Well, he's not around; probably
off with his parents somewhere," Sondra said. "Anyway, we'd like for you to
come. Might give you a chance to let off some stress."
Sally thought it over. Something was up, but she wasn't going to find out
what sitting here. "OK," she said, "I'll go."
"Great. Meet you by the bridge in five minutes." Sondra walked off with
Tails right beside her. "Sure hope this works," she whispered.
"It will," Tails said encouragingly.
As they flew off, Sondra made a signal to Sonic, who was hidden in the
trees. He jumped down and ran to Antoine's hut where he and Bunnie were
waiting. "OK, you two, let's get started," Sonic said.
"Here you go," Antoine said, holding out a chef's apron. "Put it on."
"Oh man," Sonic grumbled, but did as he was told. "What are we making
anyway?"
"You shall see," Antoine said, smiling. "I have planned on a combination
of many different dishes."
"Any chili dogs?" Sonic asked hopefully.
Antoine nodded. "But," he warned, "they will be made later. Right now,
we have other things to do."
"Let me try this landing on my own, Sally," Dulcy said as they neared
Robotropolis.
"You sure Dulcy?" Sally asked. "We haven't practiced for a while."
"I can do it," she said confidently, giving Sally a thumbs-up.
Sally looked at Sondra, the only one sitting on Dulcy's back, who
shrugged. "Don't worry, Aunt Sally," Tails said. "I'll get her off if Dulcy
blows the landing."
"Oh yeah? Well watch this!" Dulcy dived from the sky, tucking her wings
close to her body.
"Dulcy! You're going too fast!" Sondra yelled, hanging on for dear life.
"Don't worry," Dulcy said. "I got it covered." She just kept gaining
speed until she was a few feet from the ground. She opened her wings, using
them as a sort of parachute, and managed to touch down lightly. "See," she
said happily.
"That was great, Dulce," Sondra said, sliding down as Tails and Sally
landed nearby.
"Thanks." Dulcy took a step, tripped over her own feet, fell face-first
to the ground.
"You OK Dulcy?" Tails asked as they ran to her head.
"I'm OK, Ma," Dulcy said, then shook her head. "Man, even when I do a
perfect landing, I end up hurting myself."
"Don't worry, Dulcy," Sally said encouragingly. "Just watch where you're
going. Which way now, Sondra?"
Sondra took out Nadia and opened her up as Dulcy picked herself off the
ground. "Nadia, display map," she said.
"Displaying now," Nadia said.
"Right here is a hallway not on the map," Sondra said, pointing. "Nadia
picked it up during our last raid. But she also picked up a couple dozen AI
SWATbots, which is why I didn't check it out until now."
Sally nodded. "Sounds good. So, since you're the one who suggested it,
you take charge. How are we going to get to it?"
Sondra scowled at her sister momentarily then heaved a sigh. "I shoulda
known," she muttered. "All right. Let's get to the general area, then I'll
have Nadia scan for the best path to the room."
"No offense, guys, but it looks to small for me in there," Dulcy pointed
out. "I'll just fly around until it's time to go."
Sally looked at Dulcy. "All right, what's going on here?" she demanded.
"There was no reason to bring Dulcy; Tails and I could've flown while you ran."
"Why Sally, whatever are you talking about?" Dulcy asked innocently. "I
have no idea what you are trying to imply."
Sally's look changed to a glare. "Don't try that sing-song voice with me
Dulcy. I know when I'm being set up." She reached for Nicole and found her
missing. "Hey, where's my computer? I know she was on my boot when we left."
"Was she?" Sondra asked in fake surprise. "I didn't see her."
Sally closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "OK, I see your game," she
said, chuckling softly. "Send the princess on a wild goose chase so everyone
can laugh at her when she gets back, right?"
"That's not it at all, Aunt Sally!" Tails protested. "This mission is
genuine; we wouldn't call you out for anything less."
"OK, fine, I'll play along," Sally said, throwing up her hands. "Lead on,
Sondra."
In the command center, Metal Sonic was viewing the screens when he saw
Dulcy flying off. "Computer, magnify sector C-19," he said, punching a few
buttons. In a couple of seconds, he saw the small party making its way toward
the room.
"Anything to report?" Snively asked, walking into the room.
"Just some uninvited guests," Metal Sonic answered, pointing at the
monitors.
Snively smiled. "Well, what say we see how our newest operative is
adapting?" He walked to his chair and pushed a button. "Report to section
C-19 at once."
"As you wish," came a somewhat unrecognizable growl.
"Think he's ready for it?" Metal Sonic asked.
"Only one way to find out," Snively answered.
Back at Knothole, Antoine was fishing around in his cabinets for some
ingredients. "Hmm, I think I am out of paprika," he muttered.
"I have some in my hut," Bunnie said, wiping her hands on her apron.
"I'll get it," Sonic said, revving up his legs.
Antoine grabbed Sonic. "Quietly, or the souffle will be ruined!" Antoine
cautioned.
Sonic glared at Antoine, but calmed himself. He walked out of the hut
and soon returned with the bottle in his hands. "Got it," he said softly.
Antoine was just taking the souffle out of the oven. "Mmm, smells
delicious," Bunnie said as he set it on the counter to cool. "Personally, I
prefer a little spicier food."
"Which is why you are cooking it," Antoine pointed out, taking the paprika
from Sonic and giving it to Bunnie. "Remember, if we only cook food for her,
she will catch on immediately. We want to keep her in suspense for as long as
is possible."
Sonic nodded. "I gotcha." He looked at his watch. "How long do you
think before she gets back?"
"Don't worry about it sugarhog," Bunnie said. "Sugarfox has everything
worked out."
"How long does it take for you to make your chili dogs?" Antoine asked.
"Depends on how spicy and rich the sauce is. But I'd say about an hour
and a half."
"Then you should get started in about fifteen minutes. Until then, you
can get started on the carrot cake."
Bunnie's ears perked up. "Why Antoine, you know I love carrot cake!"
Antoine smiled that knowing smile, but Bunnie couldn't see it. "Remember,
this is supposed to be looking like a surprise dinner for you and Sally," he
said, handing Sonic the recipe.
"I know, I know. I hope it's low-fat, though. I have to watch my
figure."
"What? Am I not watching it enough?" Antoine asked, stirring a pot of
pasta.
Bunnie started to say something, but thought better of it. "I hope he'll
do all this for me, one day," she thought.
Back in Robotropolis, Sondra was getting an uneasy feeling. "I don't like
this," Sondra said, eyeing the passageway. "It's too easy."
"And you're complaining?" Tails asked jokingly.
"No, Sondra's right," Sally said. "There should be at least a few
SWATbots guarding it. Have Nadia scan again for any SWATbots in the area."
"I already told you, there are no SWATbots within 25 meters of our
position," Nadia said testily. "I'm keeping them peeled for any activity,
but there is none."
"OK, keep us informed. I guess one of us should go in while the others
stay here."
"Why don't you go, Sis?" Sondra suggested. "Miles and I can stay here."
Sally looked at Sondra, trying to gauge if this was more of the setup she
was experiencing. But the genuine look of worry convinced her that it was not.
She nodded once and walked down the hallway, keeping an eye open for traps.
She made it safely to the door and slowly opened it.
The room was empty, as Nadia had said. Sally poked around, easily finding
the roboticization plans. She scanned through them, looking for the tell-tale
mark that would identify the correct page. This time, it was page ten. She
ripped it off and turned to the door, ready to leave.
Sondra and Tails burst into the room followed by a few bursts of laser
fire. "What happened?" Sally asked as Tails slammed shut the door.
"A dozen AI SWATbots seemed to appear out of nowhere," Sondra yelled,
looking for something to barricade the door with. "Nadia didn't give any
warning about them."
"How was I supposed to know that they have a cloaking device?" Nadia
demanded. "I'm adjusting my scanners now."
Tails slumped heavily against the door, moaning in pain. "Tails, honey,
what happened?" Sally asked as Sondra pushed the table against it.
"I took a laser shot on the arm," he said, showing a slightly burned spot
on his elbow. "I thought I was gonna turn into a robot, but it burns like a
regular laser."
"Knocked out my shield," Sondar added. "Seems these bots are equipped
with both types of lasers. Not only that, but the guns have mesh screens on
the barrels so I can't get a crystal in."
"Every time we get an edge on him, he comes back stronger!" Sally said in
frustration.
"Don't worry about that now," Sondra said, bandaging Tails' arm with a
strip of cloth. "Worry about how we're getting out of here."
"Can't you shred them with your crystals?" Sally asked.
Sondra shook her head. "I might get a few, but there's no way to get them
all in this narrow hallway."
"Can I make a suggestion?" Nadia asked.
"What?"
"Looks like there's a vent in the eastern wall. You might be able to
climb through it and get out."
"I'll get it," Tails said, flying up and ripping off the vent cover,
though it obviously pained him.
"Come on, Sondra," Sally said, picking her up and flying her to the
opening and pushing her inside.
"After you, Aunt Sally," Tails said. Sally crawled in and Tails followed
suit. "Sondra, can Nadia figure out where we're headed?"
"From the slope, I'd say the roof," Nadia said.
"We'll call Dulcy once we're up there," Sondra said.
"Good idea," Sally said. "How far to go?"
"About seventy-five meters," Nadia said. "The vent is straightforward; no
turn-offs." They all nodded and continued the climb in silence.
Sonic stood by the stove, getting ready to make his chili sauce. The
carrot cake he had mixed from Antoine's recipe was cooking in the oven, and
Bunnie was getting really hungry from the smell. She was cooking something
that looked and smelled really spicy right next to him. Just the smell of it
was making his eyes water. "Mind if I use some of those spices in my sauce?"
Sonic asked jokingly.
"Only if you want to scorch your insides," Bunnie said, laughing. "This
is a secret family recipe."
"It can't be that hot," Sonic protested, bringing his sauce to a simmer.
"You'll see tonight," Bunnie said, taking the pan off the heat. She
scooped the food into a large bowl and covered it. She placed a couple of
hot water bottles on top of it to keep it warm. "This'll do until tonight.
Anything else for me to make, sugarfox?"
"You can either help me with this," Antoine said, straining to turn a
crank on an odd-looking device, "or you can check with Rosie to see if the
dresses are being ready."
"What are you making?" Sonic asked, adding the beans and onions to his
sauce.
Antoine opened the lid and poured in a cup of diced strawberries. "It is
one of our princess' most favorite deserts," he said simply.
Bunnie made her arm robotic and turned the crank easily. "I know Sally
likes cake, but this ain't how you make one," she said.
Antoine smiled. "I am thinking about back before the coup. Remember what
she used to insist on eating every night no matter how she felt?"
"Strawberry ice cream," Sonic said, remembering. "Man, I could go for a
dish of that myself."
"You will get some, tonight," Antoine said, tapping the device in his lap.
"Rotor put it together a few weeks ago, but it was too cold to be eating ice
cream then."
Sonic smiled. "Everything's gonna be perfect tonight. I owe you two
big."
"No problem, sugarhog," Bunnie said. "Just don't be surprised if you
have to return the favor someday," she added, glancing obliquely at Antoine.
Antoine blushed a little. "Do not worry, Sonic," he said, clearing his
throat. "That day will not come for many months yet."
Bunnie's face fell. With a sigh, she walked out of the hut and headed to
Rosie's.
"That was cold, Ant," Sonic whispered as he passed by Antoine. "You know
you gotta ask her soon."
"Sooner than she thinks," Antoine muttered with a smile, emptying the
contents of the machine into a bowl. Sonic shrugged, unsure of what he meant,
as Antoine put the bowl in an icebox and took the cake from the oven.
Sondra kicked the grate out and scrambled onto the roof with Sally and
Tails close behind. "I hope Dulcy can hear this whistle," Sondra said,
lifting it to her lips.
"Put the whistle down, and turn around slowly," a familiar voice growled
behind them. They turned around and saw Dorian standing there, rifle aimed at
Sondra's chest. "You will come with me so that Snively may decide your fate,
as you decided mine."
"Dorian?" Sally asked disbelievingly. "I was sure Snively would have had
you roboticized."
"As was I, but he does not turn his back on his friends. He believes that
is the mistake his uncle made. Now, come with me, and please do not make me
harm you."
All three put their hands up and started walking where he indicated.
Nadia, who was still open in Sondra's hand, fired a lsaer burst into the air.
Dorian brought his rifle around and fired, striking Nadia and knocking her
from Sondra's hand. "She should be undamaged," Dorian said, aiming again at
Sondra. "The roboticization gun cannot harm anything metallic."
"Then maybe you should try it on me!" a voice yelled from above, followed
by a cloud of pink gas that enveloped Dorian. He ran, coughing and gagging to
the door and stumbled inside. But just inside the door he collapsed.
"Dulcy!" Tails yelled gladly, looking up and spying their dragon friend.
"Guess I got that sleep gas down, huh?" she asked, landing on the roof.
"I'll say." Tails walked over and picked up the roboticization gun. "We
could always use one of these."
Dorian grabbed weakly at the gun, flipping a switch on it. The gun
started beeping and shaking. "Get down!" Tails yelled, tossing the gun over
the edge. A loud explosion sounded, throwing everyone down and shaking the
building to its foundation.
"We'd better get out of here," Sally said, flying up. "SWATbots will be
all over this place in a few seconds."
Sondra grabbed Nadia and jumped on Dulcy's back. They all flew off just
as SWATbots appeared and opened fire. They dodged the beams as best they
could, even though Dulcy's tail got a little singed, and soon were out of
range.
"That was close," Sally said as they flew back toward Knothole. "When we
get back, I'm gonna soak in the tub all night!"
"Not if I get there first!" Sondra said, laughing. Once Sally wasn't
looking, she keyed something in on Nadia and quickly closed her up.
Nicole beeped three times, startling Sonic. "They're on their way!" he
called, almost dropping his ladle in the chili sauce.
Bunnie nodded. She had seemingly recovered from her disappointment
earlier that evening. "I'll go intercept her and get her ready," she said. "I
just hope Sondra remembers to take her directly to the hut."
"And we will be putting the finishing touches on the dinner," Antoine
said.
"How long do you think y'all will need, sugarfox?"
Antoine exchanged a quick glance with Sonic. "Two hours, at most. We
can have Rosie come for you two when everything is ready."
Bunnie nodded and hurried to Sally's hut. Antoine smiled and looked at
Sonic, who was visibly shaking. "Are you having the butterflies in your
stomach, Sonic?" he asked, smiling.
Sonic nodded, wiping his brow. "Now that the time's almost here, I'm
having second thoughts about all this," he confessed.
Antoine shook his head. "Only you can decide whether or not this is
right," he said in a slow, clear voice. "When the time comes, your heart will
guide you."
In Robotropolis, Dorian was brought before Snively and Metal Sonic. "I
failed you," he said simply.
Snively looked at Metal Sonic and smiled. "Dorian, I have told you
already that you are safe here," he said. "True you have failed this time,
but we are friends. No matter how many times you fail me, I will not turn
against you. I know full well that you will one day more than prove your
worth, and I intend to let you."
"You are most kind," Dorian said, bowing. "Have you set up my clearance
yet?"
"You are third in command, under me," Metal Sonic said.
Dorian nodded. "Thank you, now I take my leave." He turned on his heel
and walked out.
"Did you mean what you said?" Metal Sonic asked when they were alone.
"You know me by now, you figure it out," Snively answered mysteriously.
As soon as they touched down, Sally and Sondra raced for their hut. Sally
beat Sondra by a fraction of a second and locked herself in the bathroom.
"Beat you this time, Sondra!"
"Don't be too long!" Sondra said, banging on the door.
"Does Sally-girl suspect anything?" asked a voice behind her.
"No, Bunnie," Sondra whispered, turning around. "Everything ready?"
"Almost. I've already gotten showered and dressed. I hope you two don't
mind me using your bathroom. Now we're just waiting on her."
Sondra peered into the deepening shadows, for sunset was less than two
hours away. "So, what do the dresses look like?" she asked.
"Uh-uh, not even Antoine and Sonic know. Rosie made 'em special for us."
"Well, we'll be watching," Sondra said, tiptoeing out.
Bunnie smiled and sat on Sally's bed. She smoothed out her dress and
thought about what would happen that night. "Sally's sure lucky," she thought.
"I hope she'll be surprised by all this."
She looked at her dress and smiled again. "Rosie sure did a great job on
these dresses. Looks just like the one my mama gave me, except that this one
is purple. Well, that's probably because she made my mama's dress." She
chuckled. "I feel so much like a lady tonight. I just wish tonight was for
me."
She waited patiently for Sally to get done, which took about thirty
minutes. Sally stepped out of the tub, put on her bathrobe and tied it
loosely. "All right, Sondra, I'm coming out," she said opening the door. She
was surprised to see Bunnie sitting there on her bed. "What are you doing
here, Bunnie?" she asked in surprise. "And why are you all dressed up?"
"The same reason I'm getting you dressed up, Sally-girl," she said,
holding up a dress similar to her own, except that it was light blue. "Go on,
get dried off."
"You still haven't told me why," Sally said, looking extremely confused.
"Let's just say the boys asked for it," Bunnie said. "I can't get any
information out of them, and Rotor and Uncle Chuck have been keeping me busy
all day."
Sally smiled. "You know, things are finally falling into place. Tails
and Sondra made it a point to keep me busy today, even though they probably
had a more interesting way of doing it."
Bunnie smiled too. "What do you think those boys are up to?"
"I don't know, but we'll find out." She took the dress and disappeared
back in the bathroom.
"Aw, c'mon Ant!" Sonic pleaded as they were putting the finishing touches
on the table. "Do I have to?"
"Do you want this done right?" Antoine said. "Answer that question,
and you have mine."
Sonic grumbled something, but Antoine couldn't make it out, and probably
didn't want to. He just stood there, holding the tuxedo out to Sonic, until
Sonic snatched it. "I'm used to wearing only my sneakers," he muttered.
"Surely you are thinking that Sally is worth all this, yes?"
Sonic scowled, but went behind a tree. In a minute, he came out dressed
in the tux, matching Antoine's except in bowtie and cummerbund; Sonic's were
light blue and Antoine's were purple. "I feel like a penguin," Sonic muttered.
"Trust me, Sally will be appreciating this." He walked to the edge of the
path. "Rosie!" he called. "Please bring them now!"
Rosie smiled as she came into view. "I know what you're up to," she said
as she walked to Sally's hut.
Sonic scratched his head. "Of course she knows, we told her what all this
is for," he said.
But Antoine just smiled. "She was the one I could never fool," he
thought. Sighing, he said, "Let us take up our positions, Sonic."
Sonic looked like he was about to cut and run, but he patted his pocket
reassuringly, feeling the small box there.
Rosie knocked softly on the door to Sally's hut. "It's time, ladies,"
she called.
The door opened and Bunnie and Sally stepped out into the fading sunlight.
"You two look beautiful," Rosie said, giving each one a quick hug. "If you'll
follow me, the boys are waiting."
Rosie led them down the path to the power ring pool. "This is where I
leave you," she said, just out of sight of the pool. "The boys are waiting for
you. I hope you all have a wonderful evening."
"Does everyone know about this but us?" Sally whispered. Bunnie just
shrugged and smiled. They walked until they came in sight of the pool and
stopped, staring.
By the edge of the pool, two small tables had been set up with two chairs
each. Atop each table were lit candles, and what each recognized as Antoine's
best plates. Soft music was playing in the background, adding to the romantic
atmosphere. But what shocked each one the most, especially Sally, was that
their boyfriends were wearing tuxedos.
Sonic and Antoine were no less shocked at seeing the girls in their
dresses. Each dress was sleeveless, strapless, and backless. There was a slit
in each dress by the leg which reached from hem to thigh. And each one had
some makeup on; not much, but enough to enhance their beauty.
Antoine was the first to recover. "You look gorgeous," he said to Bunnie,
taking her by her hand and leading her to a table. Sonic did the same, after
a little prompting by Antoine.
"What's all this for?" Sally asked as Sonic pushed her chair in.
"Tonight's a very special night, Sally," Sonic said, the cockiness gone
from his voice. "Don't ask any more questions. Just sit back, and enjoy the
night."
Sonic and Antoine bowed and walked off quickly. "What's going on here?"
Sally asked Bunnie, who just shrugged.
In a few moments, they returned carrying a large bowl. "Would you do the
honors, Ant?" Sonic asked.
"Of course," Antoine answered, scooping something into the small bowls on
his table. They then walked to where Sally sat and did the same.
Sally looked in her bowl and saw that it was a fresh salad, containing all
of her and Bunnie's favorite vegetables. She looked up at Sonic who just
smiled as he sat down across from her. Antoine placed the salad bowl on a
nearby table, which Sally had just noticed now, and sat down across from
Bunnie. "I hope the salad is to your liking," Sonic said a little awkwardly.
Sally tasted the salad, and nodded. "It's great, Sonic," she said. Sonic
sighed and relaxed a little. Sally went on eating and was surprised that Sonic
even ate some of his salad. "I thought you only ate chili dogs," Sally joked.
Sonic laughed a little. "I guess I'm finally taking your advice," he
said.
They finished the salad in silence, and then Sonic got up again. "Time
for the next course," he said, motioning to Antoine, who nodded.
"Next course?" Sally inquired.
Sonic nodded as he and Antoine walked off. "They sure went all out for
some reason," Bunnie remarked.
Sally could only nod. When they returned, Sonic and Antoine each carried
a covered plate. They placed the plates in the center of their respective
tables. "For you, mademoiselle," Antoine said, lifting the cover.
"Oh, Antoine!" Bunnie exclaimed, spying her favorite food on the plate.
"Since when do you know how to cook this?"
Antoine just smiled and nodded to Sonic. Sonic lifted the cover to his
plate. "I should've known," Sally said when she saw the chili dogs. "Just
couldn't resist, could you?"
Sonic looked at the plate. "Oops, my mistake," he said, turning the plate
around.
Sally's eyes widened slightly. "Shrimp? But how...?"
"No questions, remember?" Sonic asked, sitting down in his chair. "Just
enjoy."
Sally took a shrimp and bit into it. "This is so good," she said, dabbing
at the corner of her mouth with a napkin. She took a chili dog and ate that as
well. "You've outdone yourself this time."
Sonic smiled as he ate, not scarfed, some chili dogs himself. Sally saw
that Sonic was exhibiting considerable restraint, usually not one of his
trademarks. Whatever was going on was bigger than she thought, and there was
nothing left to do but enjoy the ride.
In due time, they finished their meal. "That was great," Sally said,
leaning back slightly in her chair.
"I hope you saved some room for dessert," Sonic said, rising from the
table once more.
"Now you two didn't have to...," Bunnie began as Antoine also got up.
Antoine silenced her with a kiss. "Yes, we did," he said simply as he
and Sonic cleared the tables and walked off again.
"This isn't some sort of special day, is it Sally-girl?" Bunnie asked.
"Not that I know of," Sally replied. During the latter stages of the
course, she had become aware of an unusual rippling of the bushes and trees
that surrounded the pool. Whatever Sonic and Antoine were planning, it looked
like they had all of Knothole in on it.
When they returned this time, Antoine was carrying a cake plate and Sonic
had a bowl. "This dessert is a special treat," Antoine said, taking up his
position next to Bunnie. "Please close your eyes, both of you."
"Well, they've been good to us this far," Bunnie said, closing her eyes.
"I guess," Sally said, closing hers. She waited patiently as she heard
Sonic scooping something from his bowl.
"Carrot cake!" she heard Bunnie exclaim. "Oh, Antoine, you really got
everything right tonight!"
Sally felt a spoon push against her lips and she opened her mouth. There
was something quite cold and creamy on the spoon, and it tasted of fresh
strawberries. "It can't be," Sally said, swallowing. She opened her eyes.
"Strawberry ice cream?! It's been years since I had this! But how?"
"Now what did I say about questions?" Sonic admonished softly. He put
the bowl in front of her and stood there, as if waiting for something.
"Sonic, tonight has been a perfect night," Sally said, putting her heart
into each word. "I don't know why you're doing it, but I am so glad you did."
Sonic smiled. "I'm glad you like it, Sally. But it hasn't quite been the
perfect night yet."
Sally looked at Sonic. "What do you mean?" she asked.
"Remember when we first thought we had won?" Sonic asked. "That was the
first time you tried chili dogs. It was also the day you questioned my love
for you."
"Oh yeah. You were having a hard time saying that you loved me, and I was
more than a little upset. But why bring it up now?"
Sonic smiled and put a hand in his pocket. "I told you that day that I
had loved you since I met you, and that I always would. I also asked you if
you would be able to do the same. It was a rhetorical question then, but it is
not one now."
Sonic dropped to one knee, taking one of Sally's hands in his. Sally just
stared at him, everything coming into focus at once. "Princess Sally Alicia
Acorn," Sonic said solemnly, taking a small black box from his pocket and
opening it, "will you marry me?"
Tears came to Sally's eyes. "Oh Sonic," she whispered. "With all my
heart, my answer is yes. Yes!" she exclaimed throwing her arms around Sonic's
neck.
A tear fell from Sonic's eye. He took her left hand and slid the ring on
her middle finger. Sally felt a small jolt as he put the ring on. She stared
at the ring, and at the stone set in it. It seemed to glow in some way, and
the greenish stone looked vaguely familiar. "Th--this is...."
"A power ring," Sonic finished. "Shaped to fit on your finger. And the
gem is really a chip of the power stone."
"But I can't use a power ring," Sally protested weakly, even though she
could feel the power surging through her.
"That's where I come in, Princess," Uncle Chuck said, stepping out from
behind the bushes with Rotor. "My nephew asked me to create a couple of
devices to encode your DNA onto a very special power ring that would be set
with a chip of the power stone itself to give it a permanent power source. I
created them with Rotor's help, but I still needed a sample of your blood to do
it."
"That was why he needed my help," Antoine said, eating a bit of souffle.
"I pranked you last night so you wouldn't notice him drawing the blood. But
also because I owed you from about eight years ago."
"You have a mind like a steel trap," Sally muttered. Then another
realization dawned on her. "You mean this was all a setup? From the
beginning?" she demanded.
Sonic nodded, and all the citizens of Knothole came into view. "He had
all of us in on it, Sally-girl," Bunnie said, smiling. "We even had this
dinner include me so you wouldn't get too suspicious."
"Not entirely true, but close enough," Antoine said, smiling his secret
smile.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Bunnie asked as everyone turned to
stare at Antoine.
Antonie sighed, then stood up. "That was Sonic's reason for allowing you
to join our setup," he said, walking slowly to her, "but it was never mine.
See, I wanted to give you something to do, so you would never suspect my true
motives."
He dropped to one knee and pulled a small black box from his pocket very
similar to the one Sonic had. "I forged this ring with my own hands," he said,
opening the box to reveal an exquisite diamond ring, "as a symbol of my love
for you. I now give it to you, in the hopes that you will agree to become my
wife. Bunnie Rabbot, will you marry me?"
Bunnie stared at Antoine as a low murmur went up from the crowd. Tears
streamed down her face. "Oh, Antoine. Yes!!" She waited until he placed the
ring on her finger then hugged him tightly.
"Way to go, Ant," Sonic said, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Welcome to the family," Maurice and Patricia both said, walking up and
hugging Sally and Sonic.
So involved were everyone that they failed to notice two figures emerging
from the forest. "All this, for us?" one of them asked, quieting everyone
immediately. "But how did you know we'd be back at this particular moment?"
"Daddy?" Sally asked softly, wiping her eyes. She stared at the two
figures. "Daddy!" she yelled, disengaging from Sonic and running into the
father's arms. "Welcome back!"
"Sally!" the king said, sweeping her up into his arms. "It feels so
good to hold you again. But what is this on your finger?"
"Sonic and I are engaged! He just proposed!"
"Well done, Sonic," the king said. "So glad to hear that."
"Seems we are to be family at last," Maurice said, smiling.
"Maurice? Patricia? You're alive? But how?"
"It's a long story, Your Majesty," Patricia said.
"Please, we're far too good friends to have all that. Come, let's head
back to Knothole. I want to know everything that has happened since I've been
gone." He turned to walk to Knothole when a light blue ball exploded into his
arms. "What the?"
"Father!" Sondra yelled, hugging the king tightly.
"Sondra? You're alive too? This is a terrific day all around! We have
much to celebrate!" Everyone walked back to Knothole, cheering loudly. It
was as if a dark cloud had been lifted, showing the sun for the first time in
weeks.
Everyone, that is, save one. Naugus stayed behind, staring into the power
ring pool. "I hope this is not a mistake," he thought. "Who knows what I have
wreaked upon Mobius. I must watch carefully that things do not turn out as I
fear they shall." He shuffled toward Knothole, hoping against hope that his
fears were unfounded.
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