FLOATING WITH DISASTER
                        By Brian Sapinski, Sonic Whammy

Disclaimer: This story uses characters created and copyrighted by Sega of 
America, Inc. and Archie Comics. (This is with the exception of my own 
characters, which have created and copyrighted by me.) This story may also 
contain elements that are featured in the Street Fighter video games and are 
therefore copyrighted by Capcom, Inc. Downloading and distribution of this story 
is permitted and welcomed under the conditions that (1) you don't pass this off 
as your own story, (2) no changes to the story are made without my expressed 
written (not e-mailed) permission, and (3) no attempt is made to profit from 
this story. If any of these rules are violated, it will be considered a 
violation of copyright law.


Author's Note: Hello once again, folks. So quick with this story, I am. Why? 
Well, one thing I've learned from when I started fanfiction was that when you 
get thoughts, you always want to get them on paper before you lose them. Such is 
the case here, where I began writing this story before the last one was 
finished. Heck, this story was practically done first! My good friend Robert 
Brown has confided in me that it's a practice he's never done, but believe me, 
he doesn't need to. Besides, he's been doing this longer.
	Speaking of Robert, want to acknowledge him for an idea about a 
technical issue in this story, an idea that was later confirmed by Bob Repas. I 
thank you both for your help in making sure the whole concept made sense and 
could actually work.
	This is the first story I've written where I am not a central character 
in the story, although some of the attention still rests on me. It definitely 
won't be the last time, either. If you've read my 3 previous fanfics, you have 
an idea of some of the directions I'm gonna be taking our crew on. So, strap 
yourselves in, and hang on for the ride.
	Stay Way Past Cool!



	It was another murky night in Robotropolis, but not that it was any more 
discernable from any other night. As smokestacks continued to pump more toxins 
into the sky, most of the city remained silent.
	This area, however, was not part of that majority.
	"HEDGEHOG, PRIORITY ONE, SURRENDER!"
	"Ah, haven't you guys learned that wouldn't be any fun?" Sonic mocked as 
he continued to dodge the laser fire. "You guys gotta get your workout, after 
all. Come and get me!"
	Several SWATbot aircraft were chasing Sonic through the darkest 
alleyways of the city. He rounded another corner as the pursuit continued. 
Looking ahead, Sonic saw his signal and shut his eyes. Just then, a bright flash 
lit the alleyway. In the flash, the lead hover unit was caught against a barrier 
net directly in front of it. The other units crashed into the first one, unable 
to respond in time, and an explosion ensued.
	Sonic stopped after the eruption and turned back. "Ah, I love it when 
that happens," he said happily. "Yo, it's cool."
	Sally came out from behind a corner near the net. "Another mission 
accomplished, Sal. They're all yours," Sonic said.
	Sally smiled, almost ready to reply to Sonic's ego, but she let the 
moment pass as she surveyed the wreckage. "Nicole, scan for salvageable parts."
	"SCANNING, SALLY," Nicole replied. 
	"So, Sal, how much more do we have to get?"
	"Just a few more parts, Sonic," Sally answered. "Why, is the great Sonic 
getting a little tired of trashing SWATbots?" she giggled. She couldn't help it 
this time.
	"Moi, tired? No way! I can do this all day. I'm just itchin' to see the 
look on Brian's face."
	"You'll see it soon," Sally said as Nicole's monitor showed the parts 
they needed. Digging through the junk at the points Nicole indicated, she 
scooped out several parts and loaded them into Sonic's pack. "We got what we 
came for, Sonic," she said.
	"Then let's juice on back to Knothole. Rip and roar time!" Sonic quickly 
scooped Sally up in his arms and raced out of the city.
	Elsewhere in Robotropolis, surveillance of the wreckage was already 
being replayed.
	"Sir... you're not going to like this, but-"
	"But WHAT, Snively!" Robotnik said, revolving to face his now cowering 
nephew.
	"The hedgehog did it again, sir."
	Robotnik grumbled, not liking this turn of events. "Losses?"
	"Another half dozen sky patrollers and 4 hover units, sir."
	"That's the fourth time in two weeks! What is it that they want so much, 
Snively? They are never this bold to attack so often."
	Nervous, Snively turned back to the monitors in the hope of finding an 
answer. Suddenly, the action caught his attention. "Sir, what about this? Look 
at what the Freedom Fighters are doing."
	Robotnik watched the screen as Sally scooped up parts from the destroyed 
machines. "Do you suppose that they are building a machine of their own, sir?" 
Snively asked.
	"Undoubtedly, and if they're only attacking hover units, it must be a 
flying machine," Robotnik said, stroking his chin. "Depending on what parts they 
already have, they may be very close to completing their task. But we may still 
have the upper hand. Snively, prepare security procedures at once."
	"Right away, sir."


	"Ugh... just a few more twists, guys."
	Random squeaks and clangs could be heard from behind the curtain in back 
of Rotor's hut as he was working as he told his friends of his progress.
	"This is boring, as usual," Sonic said, tapping his foot.
	"And you're being impatient, as usual," Sally said back.
	"I know, I know, but I can't help it. Rotor said this could be it. I 
can't wait to see it."
	"But why are you so interested in Rotor's invention?"
	"There, it's all set. Ready, guys?" Rotor called from behind the 
curtain.
	"About time," Sonic replied. "Show it to us already."
	"Here we go!" Rotor pulled back the curtain, and revealed his finished 
creation. Before them stood a hover unit unlike any of Robotnik's in 
Robotropolis. A four-seater just like the other hover units, with computer panel 
and communication monitors in front. The top was completely open, with a 
windshield in front. The underneath of the ship was a flatbed running a foot 
deep below the floor.
	"I call it the Jet Sled. What do you think?"
	"Way past, Rote!" Sonic said. "Brian's gonna be pumped to see this!"
	"Amazing, Rotor," Sally said in agreement. "Have you tested it to see if 
it will fly?"
	"Just watch," Rotor replied as he stepped in to the driver's seat. As he 
pushed a button, the Jet Sled hummed to life and lifted off the ground. Within 
seconds, Rotor flew the craft over Sonic and Sally's heads, and cruised in the 
sky over the main area of Knothole. Several other furries passing by looked up 
in awe of Rotor's creation. After flying a couple of laps, Rotor touched down 
back at his hut.
	"And that's not all," Rotor said. "I programmed the computer's system to 
link up to Nicole so that Brian can keep in touch with us anytime. I've also 
installed this." Rotor pressed a button and the windshield rose over him, 
containing him completely within the ship. "This temper-proof glass will totally 
ward off any unwelcome weather or laser fire."
	"And what about fuel?" Sally asked. "Brian's not going to be very 
accessible to Robotnik's generators from where he lives."
	"That's the best part. You see these?" Rotor asked, pointing to a series 
of shiny, dark strips curving around the front and rear of the ship. "They're 
solar panels Sonic and I got from that spy satellite of Robotnik's that we 
trashed last year. They can keep the batteries recharged so that the ship always 
has enough power to go anywhere, day or night."
	"Perfect. Rotor, you are a genius."
	"Aw, shucks, it was nothing," Rotor replied, blushing from the praise.
	"So when are we gonna bring this to Brian?" Sonic asked.
	"Actually, Sonic, we have a mission to carry out first, and we'll use it 
to do a full test run of the Jet Sled."
	"What's that?"
	"We need to go to the Floating Island to see Knuckles."
	"Aw, man, what do we have to go and see that crazy echidna for? He's bad 
news, the way he treated us last time."
	"Sonic, we've been through this. You'd be suspicious, too, if you didn't 
get many visitors, and the ones that you did get always tried to steal from you. 
Besides, he helped us find the Time Stones, right?"
	"I know, but he just rubs me the wrong way. How come we need him this 
time?"
	"When we first met him, he told us about the Chaos Emerald and its 
history. He's very well knowledged in the legendary artifacts of Mobius. Perhaps 
he can tell us something about the Spirit Stones and if they actually exist."
	"So if they do exist, Brian can try to find them," Rotor said. "Do you 
really think the legend is true, Sally?"
	"I'm not sure," Sally replied. "But we have to find out. If they're 
real, then Brian's destiny may be one more amazing than we can comprehend. We'll 
leave for the Floating Island first thing tomorrow."
	Sonic and Rotor nodded in agreement as the meeting was adjourned.


	The next morning, Snively read the reports he received from the 
computers in the hover unit factories. He stifled a yawn while he read, his lack 
of sleep from the extra hours Robotnik had demanded of him was starting to catch 
up. After scrolling through the information, Snively smiled in content. He then 
rested back in his chair to catch a few quick moments of rest, knowing he found 
what he wanted.
	"SNIVELY!"
	Robotnik's booming voice woke Snively so quickly that he fell out of his 
chair. "Oh, sir, you're awake. Good morning, sir," he stammered.
	"I hope you were enjoying your little nap when there is work to be 
done," Robotnik said, almost growling the last part.
	"Oh no, sir, I-I-I wasn't resting, I had some dust in eyes, and I was 
trying to flush it out. They say if you close your eyes and move them around--"
	"Enough!" Robotnik yelled. "Are the security tracers functional?"
	"Yes, sir, the reports indicate they are ready and active in all SWATbot 
hovercraft. Shall I turn on the tracing system?"
	"Of course, you idiot!"
	"Yes, sir," Snively replied, scowling as he turned away from Robotnik 
and activated the program.


	At that very same moment, Rotor flew the new Jet Sled through the air, 
rising to reach the Floating Island, which was approaching in the distance. 
"Floating Island in sight, guys. Won't be much longer," he said.
	Sally sat back and relaxed, in part for Rotor's news, and in part for 
the fact that she was enjoying the ride. She was still amazed by Rotor's genius 
in making the craft, and the view was great to boot.
	Sonic, on the other hand, was still fidgeting a little. His mind kept 
thinking back to the first time he and Sally were here. It was the first time 
they had met Knuckles, the Guardian. The two did not hit it off, briefly coming 
to blows when the echidna had threatened to attack Sally. And if not for Sally, 
they might still be dueling. Sonic still wondered if trying to get to the Time 
Stones and stopping Robotnik before his takeover was really worth having to meet 
Knuckles. But at least they got Rosie back, which didn't seem so bad.
	A few minutes later, Sonic was snapped out of his thoughts by the sounds 
of the Jet Sled slowly beginning to land. "This is it," Rotor called. "We have 
made it to the Floating Island."
	The Freedom Fighters let out a collective breath to thank the fates for 
a safe landing. Quickly regaining their composure, they disembarked. "So where 
do we find Knuckles, Sally?" Rotor asked.
	"I'm not sure," she replied. "I only recall how we found him the last 
time."
	"You mean how he sucker punched me from the bushes and almost laid his 
grubby paws on you? If he tries that again, he's gonna wish he never met me."
	"Sonic, nothing is going to happen, because this time, we are not going 
to look for him. We will wait here for him to find us."
	"Aw, man, I hate just standing around doing nothing. But if means I 
gotta wait to see his mug, I'm all for it."
	"Be careful what you wish for, hedgehog. You don't always get it."
	Sonic and the others turned at the sound of the voice. From a rustle in 
the bushes, Knuckles jumped out from the forest to greet them. "I would never 
keep anyone waiting when they're looking for me," he said.
	"Knuckles!" Sally cried. "How did you find us so fast?"
	"This is a large island, Princess, but I am always aware of what is 
going on at all times. I saw your ship coming from afar and decided to wait for 
you."
	Sonic snorted at Knuckles' comment. "You need to work on your social 
skills."
	"I would say the same to you."
	"Whatever," Sonic said, rolling his eyes. Sally laughed a little at his 
reaction. She always loved it when anyone said something to playfully shoot down 
his ego. That's why she took such pleasure in it herself.
	"So what brings you here this time, Princess?" Knuckles asked. "Enjoyed 
your experiences with the Time Stones that much?"
	"It was... interesting," Sally said, "but I think it will be a while 
before we do something like that again. Actually, we're here concerning another 
story we've heard about."
	"I see," Knuckles replied, rubbing his chin. "I didn't know that you 
were one for all of these stories, Princess."
	"My father told me of many stories when I was young girl, but not this 
one. I am interested in this story for a different reason, however."
	"And does this reason have anything to do with your friend behind you?" 
Knuckles asked, pointing to Rotor. "I know your motives, but I don't know his."
	"Hey, back off, Knuckles!" Sonic interjected. "Rotor's past cool, just 
like us. You can trust him one hundred percent."
	"Sonic is right," Sally said. "Rotor is our engineer. He designed the 
Jet Sled which you saw us travel here in."
	Knuckles stood silently, eyeing Rotor as the walrus nervously faced the 
echidna's stare. After a few excruciatingly long moments, Knuckles nodded. "All 
right, I trust the faith your friends have in you," he said, extending his hand 
to Rotor.
	"Thanks," Rotor replied, returning the handshake.
	"About time," Sonic said. "And he talks to me about social skills..." he 
whispered to Sally.
	Sally simply shook her head. "Boys..." she muttered.


	"Sir, we've found their location," Snively called into the monitor.
	"It's about time, Snively," Robotnik replied. "Coordinates?"
	"You're not going to believe this, sir..."


	A strange look crossed the echidna's face after hearing Sonic and 
Sally's story about Brian. "This is an amazing discovery. In all the times I 
have read the legend, it was never mentioned that the one to awaken the stones 
would be someone other than an Overlander."
	"It amazed us as well, and we're willing to do anything to help Brian 
fulfill his destiny, if this is it."
	"I understand, Princess. Come with me, I believe we may find something 
in the library of the Chaos Chamber."
	"We don't have to travel in those wacky tunnels and hallways again, do 
we?" Sonic asked.
	"Not this time, Sonic. Follow me," Knuckles said, leaping right back for 
the bushes. The others quickly followed in the same direction, trying to avoid 
getting lost like they had during their first visit. After several minutes of 
trekking through the foliage, they saw Knuckles come to a stop by a small sign 
post that read: "Zoot Chute: Watch Your Step". Knuckles stepped on the ground in 
front of the sign, causing a metallic hole to flip open.
	Knuckles jumped into the chute, the others following him in turn. They 
all quickly slid down the mostly vertical chute, finally dropping the four of 
them into a small room. The room was crystalline in appearance, the many facets 
of its walls shining in a kaleidoscope of colors. In the center of the room, a 
large green jewel, roughly as tall as Knuckles himself, was floating inches 
above a small pedestal.
	"Hey, Knux, I never asked you last time, but what could someone want 
with a big green stone like this?" Sonic asked. "Only looks like someone would 
want to make the world's biggest piece of jewelry with that."
	"Hardly, Sonic, although some have felt the need to seek it for riches. 
But most of the few I've encountered before you have sought it for its 
incredible power. This is not to take away from the power the Spirit Stones 
hold, but very few know of their legend. Speaking of which..." Knuckles paused 
as he sat in a lotus position in front of the emerald. In moments, the emerald 
brightened, and Knuckles began to float. A minute later, an object materialized 
before the emerald. Knuckles slowly descended as the object revealed itself to 
be a scroll, which fell at his feet.
	"I still want to know how he does that," Sonic wondered aloud.
	"Here it is," Knuckles said, handing the scroll to Sally. "Contained in 
this scroll are all the details of the legend, and the tests that must be passed 
in order to locate them."
	Sally was just about to thank Knuckles when the Chaos Emerald began to 
give a pulsating glow. "What the..." Knuckles said, looking behind him at the 
emerald.
	"What's going on, Knuckles?" Sally asked.
	"Someone is approaching the Island," he replied. "We have to get back to 
the surface. Quickly, everyone."
	In a flash, Knuckles dashed back up the Zoot Chute. Sally and Rotor made 
a chain behind Sonic as he ran up the chute himself. The four quickly made their 
way to the edge of the island, where they saw pair of hover units land, and a 
familiar fat man emerge.
	"Well, well, look where the Freedom Fighters have led me this time," 
Robotnik grinned. "So, the Floating Island exists after all."
	"What is going on here?" Knuckles demanded. "Who are you?"
	"Oh, my dear Guardian, ever the brave one when someone sets foot on his 
island. My business here does not concern you. I have come to collect what 
belongs to me."
	"Cut the small talk, Robuttnik," Sonic called back. "What's your point 
besides the one on your head?"
	"I am referring to your means of travel, rodent," Robotnik replied, 
pointing to the Jet Sled. "This flying machine is made from the stolen parts of 
hover units, which therefore makes it my property."
	"I'm not surprised that you were able to figure out what we were doing," 
Sally said, "but how did you find out where we were?"
	"I know where my property is at all times, Princess. After I observed 
your recent visits to my fair city, I activated a series of security tracers 
that I had installed into all of my machines."
	"Man, I knew something wasn't quite right with that one processing 
unit," Rotor said. "You just tailed us up here."
	"Precisely, my fat friend. You're just as intelligent as your friends 
give you credit for. Now, are you going to hand over your little toy, or will I 
just have to take it?"
	"Hold it!" Knuckles shouted, stepping forward. "What makes you think 
that you can turn this into your personal war zone?"
	"Spare me your speeches, Guardian. Step aside if you know what's good 
for you."
	"I'll show you what's good for me!" Knuckles yelled, charging at 
Robotnik with his fist cocked.
	Robotnik scowled at the sudden motion. In a second, he reached his 
robotic arm forward and grabbed Knuckles by the face, trapping him in his grip. 
With an overhand motion, Robotnik threw Knuckles several feet away, where he 
slammed head first into a tree.
	"Pathetic excuse for a furball, thinking with his fist rather than his 
head," Robotnik mused. "Now for what I came for," he said, moving towards the 
Jet Sled.
	"Not so fast, Buttnik! Forget about me?" Sonic called, quickly dashing 
towards Robotnik and tripping him to the ground.
	Robotnik growled at the sudden interruption. "You will pay for your 
interference, hedgehog. SWATbots, attack!"
	The SWATbots that had emerged from the second unit immediately rained 
fire towards Sonic, who flipped out of the way and ran off. As he distracted 
them, Sally and Rotor quickly ran to Knuckles, who was still unconscious from 
the face slam.
	"He's got to wake up," Sally said. "I'm going to try something. Rotor, 
get to the Jet Sled before Robotnik does."
	"Right," Rotor replied, running for the Sled. Seeing that Robotnik was 
already up and halfway towards the Sled himself, Rotor pushed himself as fast as 
his feet could take him. "Just gotta make it," he kept telling himself.
	Meanwhile, Sally was kneeling beside Knuckles. She shook him a few 
times, calling his name, but the echidna was still out cold. Seeing this, she 
reached for Nicole. "Let's hope this works," she said, setting the computer on 
Knuckles' shoulder. "Nicole, administer shock treatment."
	"GENERATING, SALLY," Nicole replied. Her screen dimmed as sparks formed. 
A second after, an electric spark flashed from the computer, jolting Knuckles' 
body and making him cry out suddenly.
	"Knuckles, are you all right?" Sally asked, helping Knuckles sit up.
	"Oh man... what hit me?" he asked, clutching the back of his head.
	Before Sally could answer, a yell was heard from afar. Sally looked over 
to see Robotnik shoving Rotor away as they reached the Jet Sled. Quickly, 
Robotnik climbed into the Sled, and activated the engines.
	"No you don't, Robotnik!" Rotor yelled. In a flash, he picked himself up 
and made a dive for the machine just as Robotnik was about to take off. The 
result found the Sled gaining altitude, with Rotor hanging on to the side for 
dear life. To make matters worse, the additional weight was causing the Sled to 
become unbalanced, causing it to fly around in circles to the left.
	"Get off, you fool!" Robotnik yelled at Rotor, occasionally swatting at 
him to try and make him let go of the Sled. "You're too heavy for this thing to 
hold!"
	"Look who's talking, iron butt!" Rotor yelled back in retort. "You're 
lucky you fit in the seat!"
	As they continued to struggle, Sonic was having his own problems. The 
clearing they were in at the edge of the island was smaller in area than he was 
used to maneuvering him, which made dodging the blasts a little more 
challenging. "Man, I can't get an open shot at them," he muttered to himself. 
"At least they're challenging me for once. I never liked it too easy."
	Searching around, Sonic spotted one particular palm tree in the 
clearing. The trunk was curved at its base, and slowly bent to a slight point 
past a straight standing position. On instinct, he reached for his power ring. 
As its energy coursed into him, he made a break for the tree. Hitting it on a 
roll, Sonic spun high into the air and back toward the SWATbots. The bots ceased 
fire for one second, unprepared for this sudden move, which was all the time 
Sonic needed to spin into them from above.
	"A good fight, but the hedgehog wins again," Sonic said, smiling at his 
handiwork. A second later, he looked up to see the Jet Sled heading right for 
him. He quickly ducked to avoid getting beheaded. "Hey, that was rude!" he cried 
out.
	The others could see Rotor still fighting to climb onto the Sled, and 
Robotnik still fighting to knock him off and fly away. "Man, how in the world 
are we gonna get Robotnik off that crazy thing?" Sonic asked as he ran towards 
the others.
	"So long as Rotor hangs on, there's still a chance," Sally said.
	"And I think I know a way I can give him a better chance," Knuckles 
said, standing up.
	"Are you sure you're up to this?" Sally asked.
	"As the Guardian of this island, I swear that I am. Just watch."
	Knuckles ran towards the same tree that Sonic made his leap from. 
Climbing the tree with his knuckles, he waited for the craft to circle around 
again. As it approached, he kicked off the tree and instantly rode the air 
currents as he glided towards the oncoming Sled.
	Rotor saw Knuckles make his jump, but Robotnik did not, as he tried once 
again to swat Rotor off the side. "I am getting tired of this," Robotnik 
grunted. "I don't want to see your face anymore."
	"No? Then look at his," Rotor replied, pointing forward.
	Robotnik turned around to see Knuckles flying towards him like a 
missile. With no chance to get out of the way, Robotnik was instantly pounded by 
a double fist attack, knocking him dizzy. Whizzing back around, Knuckles glided 
into the front seat of the Sled. "How do you stop this thing?" he yelled as they 
continued to circle around.
	"Try to reach the brake!" Rotor called. "It's on the far left side of 
the floor."
	Looking to the floor, Knuckles saw the pedal past Robotnik's feet. 
Unable to move Robotnik over, he quickly slid underneath the seat and tried to 
reach for the pedal with his foot. The Sled came to a halt in midair, and the 
force of the stop flipped Rotor into the vehicle. Robotnik, meanwhile, was 
instantly ejected from the Sled, landing with a thud on the ground.
	"Whoa, that was a close one," Rotor said as he piloted the Sled back to 
the others. "I almost didn't hang on there."
	"Quite a ship you've got here if it can handle all we just put it 
through," Knuckles said.
	Robotnik staggered to his feet as he watched the others make their 
retreat. "This isn't over, Freedom Fighters," he said. "I will follow you 
everywhere until I take what's mine."
	"But you won't follow them here, Robotnik," Knuckles said, jumping from 
the Sled back to the ground. "If you ever set foot on this island again 
intending to do harm, this is what will happen to you."
	Knuckles turned and charged straight for Robotnik's second hover unit. 
He threw punch after punch, denting and ripping the ship apart. Finally, he hit 
it with one last powerful punch that not only sent pieces of metal flying, it 
sent the ship flying right off the edge of the island. 
	Robotnik stood in shock and disbelief at what the echidna just did and 
made a hasty retreat towards his own ship. "Just wait, Guardian," he growled. 
"One day, I will return, and you will rue the day you crossed me." He entered 
his ship and took off without another word.
	"You will rue the day you crossed me," Sonic said, impersonating 
Robotnik's voice. "Ooo... I'm shakin'."
	"I fail to see the humor," Knuckles mused. "I have gained a new foe, one 
who ultimately seems bent on taking the emerald now that he knows of the 
island's existence."
	"We'll be here for you if you ever need us, Knuckles," Sally said.
	"Thank you, Princess. My only hope is that we don't make a habit of this 
kind of visit."
	"That's why we keep on fighting. Right now, though, we have our own 
problem to resolve. We need to get back to the Great Forest and fix the Jet 
Sled. Thank you again, Knuckles, for all of your help."
	"The pleasure is mine, Princess," Knuckles said, bowing.


	The Freedom Fighters landed at the edge of the Great Forest just before 
sunset, knowing that the tracer would still be active. It took most of the 
night, and forced Sonic to make a lot of trips to the "storeroom", which he 
hated, but Rotor succeeded in establishing a firewall to eliminate the tracer on 
the Jet Sled. The next day, the three Freedom Fighters went to Bluebrook to 
bring the Jet Sled to Brian.
	When the trio knocked on Andrea's door, Brian was surprised not only to 
see them again, but also to notice the gift they had in tow. Sonic immediately 
pulled him over to the ship so Rotor could show it off to him, Brian still in 
shock all the while. "And right here is the communications link," Rotor 
explained to Brian as he finished. "Just hit this, and you can talk with us or 
Andrea anytime you need to."
	"So what do you think?" Sally asked. "This is just what you need to look 
for your family."
	Brian took a deep breath, one of several he'd taken in the last few 
minutes. "I can't believe this," he finally said. "I'm speechless. Really, 
Sally, I'm very grateful. One problem, though. I've never flown one of these 
things."
	"I can take care of that," Rotor said. "I'm gonna stay here with you 
today and give you some lessons."
	"Wow, thanks. It's not any trouble?"
	"Not at all," Sally said. "This is important to you. And there's 
something else we've found."
	"What's that?"
	"A friend of ours knows about the legend, and he says that it does 
exist."
	"You mean..."
	"That's right, Brian. You may very well be destined to become the next 
Ryu."
	"I... I don't know what to say. But how will I find them, and where am I 
gonna find the opportunity?"
	"Our friend gave us this," Sally replied, handing Brian the scroll. 
"This tells about the legend and the resting places of the Spirit Stones."
	Brian sighed. "Until I find my family, I don't know if I can concentrate 
on looking for the Spirit Stones. I'll give these to Andrea to hold on to."
	"I understand. Well, Brian, I hope for the best for you. If there are 
any problems, contact us through Nicole."
	"I will," Brian nodded. "We'll be in touch, and thank you so much for 
all of this."
	Sally smiled back. Then, with a gesture to Sonic, he picked up Sally in 
his arms and raced off. Everyone waved goodbye as they left, then Brian turned 
back to Rotor. "Well, it's just you and me, Rotor. Shall we get started?"
	"Why don't you go get Andrea first?" Rotor asked, pointing behind Brian. 
"I think she'd like a ride, too."
	Brian looked behind him and saw Andrea waiting at her doorstep, looking 
at the two Mobians. The shy smile on her face warmed Brian's heart instantly. 
"Yeah, good idea," he said. "I'll be back in 5 minutes."

    Source: geocities.com/televisioncity/satellite/6616/sonic/sonicwhammy

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