"Blood is Thicker than Water"
Authors: Francis Tolbert, Robert Brown, and Kelly Moule
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: Hi. It's me again. I know, I know. I usually do everything
possible to avoid writing these things, but there were a couple of things I
feel I have to say.
First, I would like to thank all of our fans for their support
considering the upcoming kidney transplant. It really helps to know that
people out there really care, and I'm really, really touched. Thank you.
Unfortunately, I've just caught a virus. They won't risk the surgery now.
And because Robert has college in September(which I won't let him miss),
the surgery's been pushed all the way back to January 14. That's Robert's
birthday, by the way. Oh well, if it's meant to be, it'll happen.
Second, we had a title search a while back. The title that we
chose was "Weight of the World" given to us by Dan Drazen. However, someone
else gave us a title during that search that we used at a later date. The
Title: "Knothole in Chaos". The Giver: Kelly Moule. In turn, Kelly asked us
to introduce a couple of characters into our stories. Her characters are
designated with the three caret marks (^). I just want to state that we are
NOT introducing any other characters into our stories from ANYBODY else. This
is a one-time thing. We do not wish for anyone else to send us their
characters as we probably will not use them. We'd like it better if you used
those characters in your own stories.
Finally, it has come to my attention that people are curious
about us using a character by the name of "Amy Rose." Apparently, people
think "Amy Rose" is a character in Sonic CD. I have news for you. That purple
hedgehog in a green dress that chases after Sonic, is actually, believe it or
not...Princess Sally. Apparently, Sally was supposed to be that hedgehog, but
the comic book version of Sally came out first, and when people started to
complain to SEGA, they turned the hedgehog into "Amy Rose." If you don't
believe me, turn to page 2 in the Sonic CD game manual for the SEGA CD. Here's
the direct quote: "Sonic the Hedgehog looked over his shoulder at Princess
Sally, the young hedgehog who was racing hot on his heels." In any event, I
doubt we will use Amy Rose in a future story (but you never know).
That's all I have to say right now, so enjoy our latest story.
Peace, See Ya Later.
Cast of Characters(in order of appearance)
Sonic Hedgehog
Princess Sally Acorn
Antoine D'Coolette
Bunnie Rabbot
Princess Sondra Acorn***
Miles "Tails" Prower
Princess Lydia Evergreen^^^
Metal Sonic
Dr. Robotnik
Knuckles Echidna
Dulcy
Rotor
Rosie
Isabela Evergreen^^^
#16
Sonic woke up as the morning sun's rays hit his face. He stretched and
tried to sit up, but found he couldn't. Two slender arms held him securely
about his chest. He smiled and looked up the arms to where Sally lay sleeping
beside him. He looped his arms around her and settled back down.
Sally smiled in her sleep and snuggled into his chest. It had been about
a month since she had started sleeping in his hut and in his bed. Sonic knew
that he had gotten the best sleep since the coup while in her arms. He was
more than content to leave it at that, but had the feeling she wasn't.
Sally stirred as these thoughts passed through Sonic's mind. She opened
her eyes and looked at his face. "Morning, Sonic," she murmured sleepily.
"Morning, Sal," he said, kissing her forehead. "Sleep well?"
"Like a baby," she answered. "Though I could have slept better if--"
"We've been through this, Sal," Sonic said, cutting her off.
"I know. But did you think I was going to stop trying?"
Sonic sighed. "Keep it up and you can go back to sleeping in your own
bed."
Sally frowned, but her eyes showed something else. "All right. I'll drop
it, for now." She disentagled herself from Sonic's embrace and slipped into
her nightgown. "Let me get to my hut before Sondra wakes up. See you later."
"Count on it."
Sally walked to the door and opened it. "Well hello there, Sally-girl!" a
cheerful voice exclaimed, startling Sally. Bunnie walked into the hut followed
by Antoine, Sondra, and Tails. "Fancy meeting you here this early in the
morning."
"Umm, h-hi Bunnie, e-everyone," Sally stammered, extremely red in the
face. "W-What are you doing up so early?"
"Have you forgotten?" Antoine asked calmly. "You had asked us to meet in
the War Room just before sunrise."
"When I woke up and saw that your bed hadn't been slept in, I got
worried," Sondra explained.
"And Sonic's usually the first one there," Tails finished. "When he
didn't show up, we came over here to see if he was all right and if he had
seen you. Guess he has...in more ways than one."
"Now hold on, little bro," Sonic said, sitting up. "You got it all wrong.
Ain't nothing been going on here."
"Oh come now Sonic," Antoine said, smirking. "Are you honestly expecting
us to believe that there is a perfectly innocent reason why our Princess is in
your hut in just her nightgown while her bed has not been slept in?"
Sally turned a deeper shade of red and even Sonic blushed. "Ant, I'm
telling you, nothing's going on!" Sonic protested.
"It ain't something to be ashamed of, sugarhog," Bunnie said, smiling.
"I been trying to get in Antoine's bed almost since we got back together, but
his sense of honor won't let anything happen until we're married."
"Tell me about it, Bunnie," Sally said. "Yes, I have been spending nights
here with Sonic--"
"Nights?" Tails interrupted. "Aunt Sally, how long has this been going
on?"
"About a month now," Sally answered. "But all we've been doing is holding
each other while we sleep. He refuses to let anything else happen."
Everyone looked at Sonic with some surprise. "I must be commending you,
Sonic," Antoine said. "If I were in your situation, I doubt I would be able to
resist Bunnie for a whole month!"
"I know I couldn't resist Sondra for that long," Tails admitted.
"Hmm...." both Bunnie and Sondra said, rubbing their chins.
Tails and Antoine looked at the girls, looked at each other, then ran.
Bunnie and Sondra laughed as they ran away, screaming. "But seriously, Sally,"
Sondra said, "you should really think about this. Animals are starting to
talk, and you know what rumors can do."
"Hunh," Sally grumbled. "I'll think about it; that's all I'll promise."
"I guess it'll do," Sondra said. "So, where are we searching today?"
"Can I take a shower first?" Sally asked as the girls left Sonic alone.
Sonic tuned out the conversation, deep in thought. "Man, I didn't realize
animals were starting to talk about this," he thought. "I gotta really think
about whether this is all worth it."
Somewhere in the Great Forest, a lone figure was making its way along a
trail. It wore a white cloak and carried a bundle on its back. Stopping, the
figure looked around in confusion. Reaching under the cloak, it produced a
small computer roughly the size of Nicole and Nadia. "Samantha," the figure
said in a very dulcet voice as she opened the computer up, "project map to
Knothole."
"Projecting now, Lydia," the computer replied, displaying a holographic
map of the Great Forest. A red dot indicated Knothole's location and a blue
one showed her current location.
Lydia closed Samantha up and replaced her under the cloak. "I just hope
she is there," she muttered, adjusting her bundle and wiping her brow. She set
off, head bowed in what might have been despair.
Meanwhile, in Robotropolis, Metal Sonic was busy checking the patrols that
had scattered all over Mobius to find the Emeralds. "SWATbot patrol 33,
status," he said into his communicator tiredly.
"STATUS NORMAL." a robot droned back.
"SWATbot patrol 34, status."
No response. Metal Sonic perked up considerably. "SWATbot patrol 34,
status," he repeated. Still no response. "Well, well...looks like I have a
reason to wake up Fatboy," he thought.
Robotnik lay in his bed, snoring loudly. "I finally have you, hedgehog,"
he muttered in his sleep.
"Sir, sorry to wake you, but there is something you should know," came
Metal Sonic's voice over the intercom.
Robotnik awoke with a start. "Don't ever interrupt me while I'm
sleeping!" Robotnik roared.
"Very sorry, sir. But I think you might want to know that one of the
SWATbot patrols you sent out to search for an Emerald is not responding."
Robotnik thought about that for a moment. "Send another unit to their
last confirmed coordinates," he said finally. "It could have been anything
that destroyed them. Keep me posted."
"As you wish, sir," Metal Sonic began, but Robotnik clicked off the
intercom before he could finish. Grumbling, Metal Sonic did as he was
ordered. "I'm almost hoping he loses the Race," he thought darkly.
On the Floating Island, Knuckles sat meditating in the Emerald chamber.
This was usually a very calm and peaceful time for Knuckles, one he enjoyed.
But on this day, as for the past few days, his meditations had been troubled
by visions of unrest. "There is a great disturbance among the Emeralds," he
thought, opening his eyes. "I don't know how, but this could affect the
entire Race."
His gaze passed from pedestal to pedestal, stopping briefly on each but
eventually moving on. Finally, his eyes came to rest on the pedestal that had
held the Water Emerald and stayed there. "The vibrations I feel are coming
from this Emerald," he thought. "Perhaps someone has found it without my
knowledge. This could have dire consequences."
Knuckles resumed his meditation and tried to home in on the vibrations of
the Water Emerald. A picture soon formed in his mind. "Perhaps this is not as
bad as I had first thought. Only one way to find out." He expanded his
awareness to fill the island and commanded it to move.
Back near Knothole, Dulcy and Rotor were just returning from a recon
mission of the volcano that had held the Fire Emerald. "I'm glad it's stayed
quiet," Rotor said. "You did a good job to cool it off; it's hot enough
without the volcano acting up."
"Thanks, Rotor," Dulcy said, smiling. "Y'know, my powers are getting
stronger with each passing month; I must be growing up."
"You're only twelve, Dulcy," Rotor remarked.
"Shows how much you know. Dragons often reach adulthood by about fourteen
or fifteen, not like you slowpokes who wait till eighteen."
"It's not something we can control," Rotor began, but cut himself off.
"Hey, what's that by the bridge?"
Dulcy turned to look. A white cloaked figure was approaching the bridge
with faltering steps. "Whatever it is, it looks like it's in trouble," Dulcy
said, swooping down.
"Easy, Dulcy," Rotor said. "We don't know what that is. Might be a
trap."
"Stop being such a worry wart; Robotnik can't attack us unless it's over
an Emerald, remember?"
"Still, I don't..."
"Too late!" Dulcy said, landing beside the figure.
The figure wearily turned her head toward Dulcy. A small scream of fear
escaped her lips and she collapsed in a faint that was a mixture of fear and
exhaustion.
Dulcy caught her before she fell and eased her down to a sitting position.
Rotor jumped off her back and ran to the figure. "Let's get this cloak off
her," Dulcy said, pulling back the hood.
Rotor stared wordlessly as the face of a female fox was revealed. Her fur
was as white as her cloak, and her hair was a dark auburn. The cloak fell back
showing that she was clad in a black t-shirt and shorts. A small bushy tail
twitched behind her, just slightly larger than Sally's. Her eyes opened
momentarily, showing eyes as red as garnets. Dulcy guessed that she was in her
early twenties. "By the Almighty," Rotor whispered. "It can't be her."
"You know her, Rotor?" Dulcy asked.
"I'll explain later, Dulcy," Rotor said, climbing on Dulcy's back. "Right
now, we gotta get her to Sally's hut."
"All right," Dulcy said doubtfully. She picked up the fox carefully and
walked toward the War Room. As she picked her up, Dulcy felt the bundle the
fox carried squirm. "What the heck?"
"Get moving, Dulcy!"
"All right, all right."
Robotnik drummed his fingers impatiently as he waited for the pair of
SWATbots Metal Sonic had dispatched to reach their destination and report.
"What is taking them so long?" he thundered. "You did send them out in a
hovership, didn't you?"
"Of course I did!" Metal Sonic snapped. "How incompetent do you think I
am?"
"As incompetent as your creator," Robotnik said icily. "One more remark
like that and I'll reprogram you to be a toaster."
Metal Sonic glared at Robotnik. But even the robot could not withstand
the force of Robotnik's full stare and he turned back to the console. "SWATbot
patrol approaching coordinates," he mumbled.
"Excellent. On screen."
Metal Sonic pushed a few buttons and the view from the hovership appeared
on the main monitor. A beautiful lake appeared, it's purplish-red waters
shining in the midmorning sun. But that was not what drew Metal Sonic's
attention. By the shores of the lake were two masses of crumpled metal that
he could only assume used to be SWATbots. "Is this what you're looking for,
sir?"
Robotnik peered at the masses of metal. "Zoom in for a closer look," he
said. As the picture grew larger, the expression on Robotnik's face grew more
evil. "Blast! How can this be?"
"It looks like they were hit with a wall of water," Metal Sonic observed.
"I know that!" Robotnik yelled in frustration. "Only the power of the
Water Emerald could have done that. But who found it, and why wasn't I
notified of this?"
"I have no clue," Metal Sonic said.
"Then what good are you?" he yelled, backslapping the robot into the
wall. He stormed from the room. "Have all SWATbots converge on that area and
spread out, looking for any signs of that Emerald."
"As you wish, sir," Metal Sonic said, pulling himself from the wall.
After Robotnik was out of sight, he muttered under his breath, "If I didn't
fear him so much, I'd sabotage the whole thing. But then I'd be sure to end
up as a toaster."
Lydia awoke to darkness. She was in a strange bed in a strange place.
She sat up too quickly and was almost forced to lay back down as a wave of
nausea hit her. "Easy, child," a soft voice said. "You were in pretty bad
condition when they brought you in. Perhaps a bit of water?"
"Th-thank you," Lydia said to the silhouetted form. A glass of water was
pushed into her hand and she drank from it greedily.
"Not so fast," the voice said, taking the glass. "You'll make yourself
sick again."
Lydia sighed deeply and lay back down. "Where am I?" she whispered.
"Among friends, Princess."
Lydia struggled to sit up but firm hands held her down. "You know who I
am?" she asked.
"Of course. How could I forget the girl I babysat whenever she came to
visit her cousin?"
"Babysat? Rosie?" she asked, not daring to believe.
A window opened and the sunlight illuminated Rosie's kind face. "Yes,
Lydia. I am here."
"But then, am I...did I make it?"
Rosie walked to the door and opened it. "She's awake," she called. "You
can come in."
Lydia forced herself to a sitting position, struggling against the nausea
that threatened to overwhelm her. "You always were stubborn," a soft voice
said next to her. "Always doing your things your way."
Lydia opened her eyes and looked to the source of the voice. A teenage
fox sat next to the bed, smiling. Lydia had only to look at the red hair and
her soft blue eyes to know who it was. "Sally!" she exclaimed, hugging her
close.
Sally hugged her back. "Good to see you cousin," she said.
Lydia pulled back and looked at the rest of those that had entered the
hut. "Is that you, Sonic?" she asked. "Last time I saw you, you were just a
smart-aleck kid. Now you're one handsome hedgehog."
"Hey, I still got my 'tude," Sonic said defensively. "It's just that,
well, love can change a hedgehog." He put his arm around Sally's shoulders and
Lydia noticed the ring Sally had on.
"Never thought I'd see the day," she murmured. She looked up and saw the
wedding dress hung above the bed. "What's the story with that?"
"Our lives are kinda on hold for now," Sally answered. "It's a bit of a
long story."
"I'll hear it later. Antoine, Bunnie? That you? You two look just like
I thought you would."
"I am hoping that is a compliment, Lydia," Antoine said carefully.
Lydia looked at Antoine strangely. "Didn't you used to have an annoying
accent?"
"I wouldn't call it annoying, Lydia-gal," Bunnie said, holding Antoine's
hand. "But I've been working with him to help him speak better."
"Oui, if it had not been for my lovely doe, I would still be quite
misunderstood," Antoine said, putting his arms around Bunnie's waist from
behind. "As Sonic said, love can change an animal, not just a hedgehog." He
kissed her cheek softly.
Lydia almost choked. "No way! You two? How close are you?"
Bunnie smiled and leaned back against Antoine. "Just as close as Sonic
and Sally-girl." She moved her hand to let the diamond of her ring sparkle in
the light.
"What about you, Rotor? You rounded out this group of couples yet?"
"Nah," Rotor said, blushing a little. "I'm too busy with my workshop to
even think about a relationship right now. Besides, there's no one here who
I'm even remotely interested in. But what about you? You got anyone?"
Lydia's face saddened suddenly. "Well, I did...but--" She cut off
suddenly, looking around. She grabbed the bag on the floor next to the bed
and searched through it frantically. "Oh no, where is she?"
"Where is who?" Sally asked worriedly.
"Is this who you're looking for?" Rosie asked walking toward the bed. In
her arms, she held the most adorable little cat anyone there had ever seen.
The child was about four years old with short blonde hair and blue eyes. She
wore a grey dress and a pink ribbon in her hair that looked nice against her
fur, which was as white as her mother's.
Lydia sighed in relief. "Isabela!" she cried gladly, holding her arms
out.
The cat looked up from Rosie's arms. "Mommy!" she yelled, leaping from
Rosie's arms to her Lydia's.
"Mommy?" Sally asked. "You're a mother?"
Lydia nodded. "Everyone, meet my daughter Isabela. Isabela, meet
everyone."
Isabela turned her eyes to the group of animals standing there. "Hi," she
said softly, suddenly very shy.
Everyone's heart just melted. "Aww..." they all said together.
"She has this effect on animals," Lydia said, smiling.
"So, who's the lucky man who captured my cousin's heart?" Sally asked.
Lydia sighed again, hugging Isabela close. "He...his name was Johnathan,"
she said sadly.
"Was?" Bunnie asked. "What? Is he roboticized or somethin'?"
Lydia shook her head. "No. He was...killed one day, protecting me from
a patrol of SWATbots that I had stumbled upon. I tried to tell him to run, but
he refused to leave until I was safe.
"I found his body later that day. What the SWATbots had left was nearly
unrecognizable. We buried him almost five years ago, not even a month before
we were to be married."
"Before you got married?" Sonic asked, looking at Isabela who had fallen
asleep in her mother's arms. "But then..."
Lydia smiled ruefully. "We always thought we'd be together, so we didn't
think we should wait for a wedding night. I never thought this would happen,
but I don't regret it. I love Isabela, and looking at her reminds me of her
father." She lifted up a small, golden, heart-shaped locket she wore around
her neck and opened it. "He was so handsome, and brave, and strong...but
that's what ended up being his undoing."
The two couples in the hut stared at each other awkwardly. "We need to
talk," they mouthed to each other, but Sonic and Sally were very insistent
about it.
"So, what brings you to Knothole?" Rotor asked, oblivious to the others'
discomfort.
"That's the weird thing. See, I was--"
"Incoming!" Dulcy yelled, sticking her head through the window.
Lydia and Isabela screamed. "A dragon!" Lydia yelled, scrambling off the
bed and away from Dulcy.
"What's her problem?" Dulcy asked, completely confused.
"Easy, Lydia," Sally said. "Dulcy's on our side!"
Lydia looked at Dulcy uncertainly. "If you say so," she said uncertainly.
"What was with that reaction?"
"Sorry. About two months ago, I was attacked by a dragon. We almost lost
our lives."
"No way," Dulcy said. "Dragons only fight evil; everyone knows that!"
"Well, this one attacked me. He had dark black scales and a grey
underbelly. His eyes were red, as were the two horns that stuck out from the
sides of his head. And he had these powers...unlike anything I'd ever seen
before. They were more than any Protector I've ever known."
"Ring a bell, Dulce?" Sonic asked.
Dulcy had just gone very pale. "It can't be him; he died before I was
born!" she muttered.
"Hey, Dulcy-gal," Bunnie said, "you're looking mighty pale. What's up?"
Dulcy shook her head. "Umm, it's nothing. Anyway, Sondra and Tails are
on the way." She pulled her head out the window and took off like a shot.
"She was looking like she had seen a ghost," Antonie mentioned. "Perhaps
it was having something to do with that dragon Lydia mentioned."
"Perhaps," Lydia agreed doubtfully. "Either way, who are Sondra and
Tails?"
The door to the hut flew open in response to her question. Sondra skidded
to a stop right in front of the bed Lydia was sleeping in and Tails landed
right beside her. "Hey, who's sleeping in my bed, Sis?" she asked Sally.
"Sis?" Lydia asked. "Sally, you don't have a sister."
"I beg to differ," Sondra said haughtily.
"Oh boy..." Tails muttered. "Here we go again."
"I am Sondra, Princess Sondra of the House of Acorn, second in line to the
throne of Mobius," Sondra said, displaying her ring.
Lydia's eyes glittered in anger. "I don't know who you are, kid, but I
don't like your attitude."
"You could use an attitude adjustment yourself!"
"Calm down you two!" Sally said, getting between them. "Lydia, she is my
sister, but it's a long story. Sondra, this is our cousin Lydia, from
Urbantropolis."
"Princess Lydia, of the House of Evergreen," Lydia said haughtily,
smirking at Sondra.
Sondra's hands began to glow, but Tails stopped that with a hand on her
arm. "Easy Sondra," he whispered.
Sondra looked at Tails, then nodded. "Let's hear your story, then," she
said with a slight edge to her voice.
Lydia smirked again. "I just got done telling it to them. You first."
"This'll be fun," Sally thought. "Sondra," she said aloud, "humor her."
"Fine," Sondra grumped. She walked over to Sally's bed and sat down. "I
guess the best place to start is the day I showed up here. Or rather, the day
the Void sent me here."
As Sondra was unfolding her story in Knothole, Robotnik sat fuming in
Robotropolis. "Haven't they found anything yet?" he demanded.
"Nothing of importance, sir," Metal Sonic answered. "Whatever did that to
those SWATbots seems to have simply vanished. Perhaps when the reinforcements
arrive something will be discovered."
Robotnik drummed his fingers against the arm of his chair. "Bah!" he
said suddenly, almost causing Metal Sonic to jump. "Prepare my ship; I'm going
there personally."
"As you wish," Metal Sonic said. Mentally, he added, "You big pompous
windbag! No wonder Snively couldn't stand you anymore."
Back at Knothole, Lydia had just finished recounting her story to Sondra
and Tails. "Well," she said. "Now that we're acquainted, what do you think?"
Sondra sat deep in thought. "You told me your story, but you haven't said
what's brought you to Knothole after all this time."
"That is true, Lydia," Sally said. "Why'd you choose now to seek us out?"
"I was just getting to that when I was interrupted," Lydia explained.
"But before I go there, I'd like to hear your story," she said, pointing at
Tails.
"My story?" Tails asked. "I don't have much of one. Sonic found me when
I was a baby, brought me back here, and I've been here all twelve years of my
life."
"Twelve?" Lydia asked. "You look a lot older than that. Oh wait, that's
right, Sondra explained about that. Is Tails your real name?"
"Nope," Sondra said before Tails could. "His name is Miles Prower, but
only I can call him that."
"Sondra!" Tails said, squirming. "No fair!"
Sondra kissed him on his cheek. "Take it easy, Miles. You know I only do
it because I love you."
"This is a very loving place," Lydia murmured, shaking her head.
"Enough stalling," Sondra said. "Out with it; why are you here?"
"All right already. Fact is, I had travelled to Bleeding Heart Lake. You
know, the one where animals go to mourn their lost loves. I was performing the
rite Johnathan had asked me to perform once a year for five years and this was
the fifth."
"How could this be the fifth if he hasn't been dead five years yet?"
Sondra asked.
"Though five full years have not passed, this is the fifth year," Lydia
explained. "While I was there, I came across this odd-looking blue stone at
the bottom of the lake. I dived in to get it." She pulled a dull blue stone
from her bag. "It was a lot brighter then. In fact, it almost seemed to glow.
I brought it up to look at it when I saw two SWATbots heading for Isabela. I
was so scared for her, I didn't know what to do."
Isabela raised sleepy eyes toward her mother. "I wasn't scared, Mommy,"
she said, yawning.
"I know," Lydia said, hugging her.
"So what happened then?" Sonic asked, tapping his foot.
"Well, I felt an enormous power flow into me from this stone. Next thing
I knew, a wave of water slammed into the SWATbots, wrecking them completely.
But Isabela wasn't harmed at all. More importantly, this stone had lost all
its light. I'd heard rumors that you were still alive, so I came here, hoping
you could tell me what happened, Sally."
Everyone exchanged glances. "Umm, may I see that stone?" Sally asked.
"Sure," Lydia said, handing it over.
Sally and Sonic stared intently at the stone. "You thinking what I am,
Sonic?" Sally asked.
"If you're thinking that's the Water Emerald, you bet," Sonic answered.
"Water Emerald?" Lydia asked. "A Chaos Emerald? How?"
"Perhaps I can explain," a new voice suggested.
Lydia and the others looked as Knuckles came in through the door of the
hut. "Who's that?" Lydia asked.
"This is Knuckles, Guardian of the Emeralds," Sally said.
"Well, explain it then."
Knuckles smiled slightly. "So impatient," he said. "Yes, that is the
Water Emerald. Apparently, Miss Evergreen has absorbed its powers for the
time being."
"So that means we have an Emerald?" Sonic asked excitedly. "Yes!"
"Not so fast, hedgehog," Knuckles admonished. "Using an Emerald's power
and gaining control of it are two very different things. She has use of its
power, but as far as the Race goes, you do not control any Emerald."
"I am not understanding this," Antoine said. "How can she be using it,
but not controlling it?"
"Remember, a battle has to be fought over each Emerald. No battle has
been fought as of yet, so ownership cannot be claimed."
"What about when she fought those SWAT-butts?" Sonic asked.
"That was to protect her daughter, not to gain control of the Emerald.
Of the four Emeralds I have hidden, the battle must be over the Emerald. Of
the three Robotnik has to defend, you need only get out of Robotropolis with
it."
"I guess I understand," Lydia said doubtfully. "So what can we do about
it?"
"I cannot allow you to keep it," Knuckles said simply. "You must return
it to where you found it. Once you replace it in the waters of Bleeding Heart
Lake, the power will automatically return to it and the Emerald will return to
me. I will hide it in an alternate spot and the Race will continue."
"Now that's not fair!" Bunnie exclaimed. "You mean that if we stumble
upon one of the Emeralds without ol' 'Buttnik there we have to give it up and
try to find it again?!"
"I don't make the rules, I merely enforce them," Knuckles said.
"Seems awfully arbitrary to me," Sally said. "But you're right. We don't
want to do anything to disrupt the Race...not with what's at stake."
"Farewell," Knuckles said. Before anyone could do anything, he summon a
whirlwind and disappeared.
"Does he always do that?" Lydia demanded.
"Yep," Sonic said. "So, how are we getting there?"
"I know the way, but it's a two-day journey."
"Did you forget?" Sonic asked, smiling. "I'm the fastest thing on
Mobius."
"I don't know about that, Sonic," Sally said, smiling herself. "Remember,
I beat you in a race last year?"
"Only because I hit a tree," Sonic retorted. "Anyway, I did beat you in
that chess game, and the wrestling."
"What are you two talking about?" Lydia demanded.
"Should we clue her in?" Sonic asked.
"You better," Lydia said. "If someone doesn't start talking, you'll have
to drag me kicking and screaming to Bleeding Heart Lake."
"I'll tell you on the way," Sally said. "You ride Dulcy and I'll fly
next to her and explain everything."
"I don't know..." Lydia began then looked at Sally strangely. "Fly?"
Sally sighed. "I keep forgetting. We take so much for granted here.
Trust me, everything will be explained by the time we get there."
Lydia looked down at the sleeping child she held. "But what do I do about
her? I don't want her to go back there."
"I'll watch her," Rosie offered. "I'm not up to travelling anyway."
"It's decided then," Sally said. "We'll leave right after lunch. But
before we go, I have a feeling Daddy will be glad to see you."
"My uncle is here?" Lydia asked. "Oh, that's right, Sondra explained
that too."
"He's not here, but I'll take you to him. It's another long story."
Robotnik stepped from his hovership as it set down near the lake. "Is
there anything to report?" he demanded from the two SWATbots there.
"NOTHING, SIR," the SWATbots droned.
Robotnik cursed under his breath. "Keep looking!" he ordered.
The SWATbots saluted and walked off. "Sir," Metal Sonic said. "I think
I may have found something."
"It had better be good," Robotnik muttered, walking over to the robot.
Metal Sonic was on his knees, pointing at an indentation at the bottom of
the lake. "It looks just about the size of a Chaos Emerald," he said.
"So it does," Robotnik agreed. "Set up a base of operations and report
everything that happens to me."
"As you wish, sir."
"Oh, and Metal Sonic, I'd suggest you get that snide attitude out of your
voice. It annoyed me to no end when Snively used it; I don't need to hear it
from you."
"Very well," Metal Sonic said, watching as Robotnik walked off.
Lydia clutched at her seat, eyes closed against the expanse of air that
was beneath her and Dulcy. "I don't know why I let you talk me into this!"
she yelled.
"Oh, come on Lydia," Sally said, flying next to Dulcy. "Flying is a
glorious feeling."
"Easy for you to say!"
"Just relax," Dulcy said, flying around a cloud. "Leave the flying to
me."
"No problem there."
"Oh, relax Lydia," Bunnie said behind her on Dulcy's other seat. "There's
nothin' to it, once you get used to it."
"Oui," Antoine said from next to Bunnie. "I used to be afraid of flying,
but there is nothing I cannot handle with Bunnie by my side."
Lydia opened her eyes and looked back as those two snuggled. She opened
her locket again and stared at the picture. "I miss you so much, Johnathan,"
she whispered. Sighing, she closed it up and did her best to forget about her
fear.
Sonic and Sondra ran below Dulcy and the others with Tails flying close
by. "I wonder what they're talking about," Sonic said.
"Probably just catching up," Tails said. "I mean, they haven't seen each
other since before I was born."
"True," Sonic admitted. "What do you think, Sondra?"
"Huh?" Sondra said, pulled from her thoughts.
"Hey, what's got you so down?" Tails asked playfully.
"What? Oh, nothing," Sondra answered evasively.
"Sonic, think you could run up ahead?" Tails asked. "I think Sondra and
I have to talk."
"Sure thing, little bro," Sonic said, speeding up. "I'll meet you guys at
the lake."
"OK, Sondra, we're alone. Now talk."
"Nothing to talk about, Miles," Sondra said, but she didn't sound
convincing.
"I know that tone of voice. Now answer me. What's bothering you?"
"It's nothing, really. Anyway, I shouldn't even be feeling like this."
"Like what?"
Sondra sighed. "All right, I'll say. But you gotta promise not to let
anyone know."
"Why are you even saying that? You know I don't kiss and tell."
"But we aren't--" Sondra began, before getting cut off by Tails' mid-
flight kiss.
"There now," he said, smiling. "I kissed, so you tell."
Sondra smirked. "It's about Lydia," she said reluctantly. "I know I
should be glad that she's here, but I'm afraid that Sally and I won't be as
close with her here."
Tails bonked Sondra on the head. "Ow!" she yelled, holding her head.
"What'd you that for?"
"'Cause you're being stupid," Tails said. "You and Sally are sisters,
Lydia being here isn't gonna change that."
"Think about it for a second. Lydia and Sally are blood related; they've
known each other all of their lives. Me, I just dropped in on Sally's doorstep
last year. Big difference."
"Maybe, but you've been here the past year, Lydia has not. You helped her
get her father back, not to mention kept me going. That's not all going to
just go away."
"I guess," Sondra said doubtfully. But if she had any further doubts, she
kept them to herself. Tails gave her a reassuring hug and they sped up to try
to catch Sonic.
Just above them, Dulcy went into a power dive and crashed into the nearby
trees. "What happened?" Sondra asked Tails.
"I don't know, but we gotta get there and find out." Tails grabbed on to
Sondra's waist just as she activated her power bracelet.
But before she could take off, a pair of hands grabbed her and pulled her
into the underbrush. "What the--?" she demanded before a hand clapped across
her mouth.
"Sondra, easy!" Sally said softly, letting go of Sondra's mouth.
"Sally? What the hell's going on here?"
"Robotnik's at the lake," Sally explained. "Looks like he figured out the
Water Emerald was supposed to be here. There are SWATbots crawling around this
area as far as Nicole can scan."
"So what're we gonna do about it?" Tails asked.
"I don't know little bro," Sonic admitted, "but we better think of
something, and soon."
"SWATbots won't react to us anymore, so it's useless to try to draw them
off," Sally said. "They've only got one purpose here: to find the Emerald."
"Well, if we make them think one of us has it, Lydia can sneak to the
lake and replace the Emerald," Tails suggested.
"Too risky," Sally said. "If they realize she has it, she'll be a sitting
duck."
Antoine and Bunnie were whispering amongst themselves animatedly. "Hey,
you two want to let us in on it?" Lydia asked.
"I have a thought," Antoine said, "but I will not say anything until I am
sure."
"But if sugarfox is right, we might have underestimated Knuckles," Bunnie
said.
"Well, since no one else has any options, I say we do it Tails' way,"
Lydia said. "I can take care of myself," she added, seeing Sally's look of
concern.
"If there's no other way," Sally said reluctantly. "Sonic, you, Bunnie,
and Antoine are in charge of the distraction. The rest of us will be there in
case Lydia needs any help. Spread out and signal when you're in position."
Everyone bumped hands in the Freedom Fighter fashion and spread out.
"I thought that was our secret handshake," Lydia whispered to Sally when
they were in position.
"We needed something to hold us together; to make us feel like a group,"
Sally explained.
Lydia nodded and tensed into a crouch. She saw Sonic wave and waved back.
Sally waved too. "Here goes nothing," she said.
Sonic picked up a small blue stone that was vaguely shaped like the
Emerald. "Yo Robuttnik!" he yelled, tossing the stone up and down. "Looking
for this?"
Robotnik whirled to face Sonic. "The hedgehog!" Robotnik yelled. "He
has the Emerald! All SWATbots, get that Emerald!"
"Now, Lydia," Sally whispered as they all went after Sonic. Lydia headed
for the lake, keeping low to the ground."
"Hey Ant, catch!" Sonic yelled, tossing the stone to Antoine.
"Over here, you stupid bots," Antoine said casually, making the stone
dance along the back of his hand. Just as they came near, he flipped the stone
to Bunnie.
Bunnie grabbed at the stone, but nearly dropped it. As she picked it up,
Metal Sonic trained a laser rifle on her. Antoine saw it and ran toward
Bunnie, placing himself in the laser's path.
Lydia, who was halfway to the pool, froze. She watched the scene as if in
slow motion. But it wasn't this scene she was watching, but one that happened
five years ago. She saw Jonathan pushing her out of the way and telling her to
run, saw herself bending over his body and pleading him to get up. But she
knew he couldn't. And now, it was happening again.
Anger filled every part of Lydia's being. And as that anger rose, she
felt a power rise within her. She pointed toward the lake, and then at Metal
Sonic. A huge wall of water rose from the lake, bearing down on Metal Sonic
just as he fired. The water slammed into the robot, knocking him into a nearby
tree. But the shot was already on its way.
Antoine blocked the shot partially with his right arm, bouncing away some
of the beam. But the rest of it hit him in the chest, knocking him back and
down.
"Antoine!" Bunnie screamed, rushing to his side. She cradled his head in
her lap. "Sugarfox, please be all right," she pleaded, rubbing his chest and
arm.
Antoine managed a smile. "I am not hurt bad," he said. "It is just a
flesh wound."
Meanwhile, everyone else turned to look at Lydia, who was glowing with a
strange, bluish light. "She has the Emerald!" Robotnik exclaimed. "Get her!"
"Get moving!" Sally yelled, coming out from hiding with the others. The
Freedom Fighters closed in on Lydia to protect her but then noticed something
odd. SWATbots were being thrown into the water from behind. "I think they
made Bunnie mad," Sally said, smiling.
"How could one animal do all that?" Lydia asked, her voice deeper than
usual.
"Just watch," Sally said.
"I think I'll help her," Sondra said, sending her crystals at a few
SWATbots.
"Nice trick," Lydia commented.
Bunnie soon came into view, and now Lydia could see why. Her left arm and
legs were robotic, and she was using them to tear into the SWATbots furiously.
"Another long story?" Lydia asked.
Everyone nodded as Bunnie finished up. "Have you forgotten about me?"
Robotnik asked, with a rifle right against Antoine's head. "Surrender the
fox now, or this fox gets it."
"No!!" Bunnie yelled. She took a step toward Robotnik and Robotnik
applied a little pressure to the trigger.
"It would be a shame if my finger were to slip," he said with a sinister
smile.
Just then, a crystal came flying at Robotnik, slicing into the flesh on
the back of his hand. Robotnik screamed in pain, dropping the rifle. Antoine
took the opportunity to get up and clothesline Robotnik with his robotic upper
arm, knocking him unconscious.
"Let's finish him!" Lydia yelled, pushing by the others and advancing on
Robotnik.
Knuckles suddenly appeared directly in front of her. "I am afraid I
cannot allow that," he said.
"What?" Lydia demanded.
"This battle is yours. Take the Water Emerald and go." He touched the
Emerald in Lydia's hand and the blue light that surrounded her coalesced around
the Emerald.
"You mean you set us up?" Sally demanded. "You knew Robotnik was here?"
"Remember, Princess, I do what is necessary to advance the Race." Without
another word, Knuckles disappeared in a swirl of wind with Robotnik and Metal
Sonic in tow.
"It is as I suspected," Antoine said, sinking back down to the ground,
holding his chest. "It was not making sense that he could not affect the
Emeralds, seeing that he is the Guardian. There had to be some...what is the
word...ulterior motive for his actions."
"Take it easy, sugarfox," Bunnie said, changing her arm and legs back to
normal and replacing her ring. She picked him up and loaded him into Dulcy's
pouch. "We'll meet you back in Knothole!" she yelled as Dulcy took off.
"All right!" Sonic said, pumping his fist in the air. "We got one!"
"You have a remarkable talent for stating the obvious, Sonic Hedgehog,"
Sally said with a smile.
Sonic took her in his arms. "You mean like saying you're the most
beautiful vixen this universe has ever seen?"
Sally blushed a bright red. "You'll get yours tonight," Sally said.
Then, as if she had just remembered something, her face grew shadowed and she
pulled away from him.
Sonic noticed the change. "Umm," he began, clearing his throat, "let's
get back to Knothole."
"Can you guys go on ahead?" Sondra asked. "I'd like to talk to Sally."
"Sure thing, Sondra," Tails said knowingly. "Come on, Sonic, last one
back makes the winner a plate of chili dogs!"
"You got it, little bro!" Sonic said, revving up his feet. "Coming
Lydia?"
"Nah, I think I'll go with my cousins," she said, a slight emphasis on
the word "cousins".
Sonic and Tails nodded and took off, one running, one flying. "Let's go,"
Sally said, revving up her feet as Sondra did the same. Lydia grabbed on to
Sally's waist and they took off, albeit at a slower rate than the boys. "So,
Sondra, you got me here, so talk."
Sondra looked at Lydia and blushed a little bit. "Well, actually Sis, it
sorta involves her."
"Me?" Lydia asked. "What did I do?"
"It's not so much what you did, but just you being here."
"I don't get it," Sally and Lydia said together.
"I know I shouldn't be feeling like this, but I keep thinking that we
won't be as close with her here, Sally," Sondra said, looking at her feet as
they ran.
Sally ran closer to Sondra and bopped her on the head with a fist. "Ow!"
she yelled. "Why'd you do that?"
"'Cause you're being dumb," Sally said. "You're my sister; nothing can
ever take your place."
"I know, I know. It's just how I feel, OK?"
"I understand," Lydia said. "It's only natural to feel like that. But
don't worry. I won't take your place, but I'd like to join your group."
"Does that mean you'll be staying?" Sally asked hopefully.
"Of course! Then again, I have nowhere else to go. The group I was with
got captured and roboticized just after they kicked me out."
"They kicked you out?" Sondra asked incredulously. "Why?"
"Because of Isabela," Lydia said sadly. "They said I brought shame to my
family's name having her out of wedlock. But I don't care; I love my daughter
with all my heart. Every time I look at her I see her father. I don't regret
having her for one second."
"We can build you a hut," Sally said after a moment. "Besides, it'll give
us a reason to build Bunnie her dojo. She's been on us for the past couple of
months to do so."
There was some laughter at that, but it seemed strained and forced. The
rest of the trip passed in silence, but it was apparent to each that the other
two had a lot on her mind.
That night, six animals gathered in Bunnie's hut on a very important
matter. "Y'all know why we're here," Bunnie said. "We got a decision to
make."
"Should Sondra and I be here?" Tails asked. "I mean, we're too young to
think about this anyway."
"Chronologically, yes," Sally said. "But not physically. If you're not
careful, your bodies may make the decision for you."
"I just got one thing to say," Sonic said, no trace of attitude in his
voice. "After what you told me about what happened to your cousin, I don't
want that happening to you. So I think you should go back to sleeping in your
own bed. I mean, I know we haven't done anything yet, but why take chances."
"Sonic is right, my princess," Antoine said. "If you keep this up, sooner
or later you will not be able to control yourselves."
"That's true, Antoine," Sally admitted. "But I keep thinking back to what
Lydia said. Isabela is the only thing she has of her love. If something were
to happen to Sonic, I'd want to know that he lived on in our child."
"And I got an answer for that. If something did happen to me, everyone
would look to you to lead them. If you do have a kid, what's to say the same
thing won't happen to you that did to your cousin? She's princess of one city,
you're princess of all Mobius."
"I suppose," Sally said doubtfully.
"And whatever way this Race turns out, the choice will pretty much be made
for us. I say we just put all our energy on winning the Race, and then go from
there."
"Seems like the best thing," Sondra agreed. "I say we just do that. All
in favor?"
Five hands went up immediately. Sally sighed, and put her hand up as
well. "Then it's unanimous," Bunnie said. "Let's all get some sleep, in our
own beds," she added, smiling. Everyone said their goodnights and left, though
a few were sadder than others.
Later that night, as most of the animals in Knothole slept soundly, Sonic
and Sally lay staring at the ceilings of their respective huts. They had been
tossing and turning since they had went to bed, but sleep eluded them both.
Finally, they each happened upon the right position and drifted off to sleep.
It was so simple, really. All it took to get them to sleep was a pillow, but
not under the head. What was needed was one in their arms, that they could
hug, as they each had hugged their love in their sleep every night for the past
month.
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