MetroXLR99

[Hell Have No Fury, Part I] BZZZ!! BZZZ!! BZZZ!!!a female figure was slowly awoken by the blaring noise of an alarm clock."nngh..eh? grrr.."still groggy, the figure reached out and carefully shut the device off. silencing the sound.she then rose up from the covers..revealing herself to be a golden blondemobian rabbit with a robotic arm and legs.she arched out her back, and yawned real loudly. she then looked at the digital clock.her vision blurred at first, but eventually came into focus."Twelve Thirty-Six?" began Bunnie, who spoke in a 'southern draw.'"twan..Antoine, WAKE UP!!" said Bunnie, as she nudged at somebody else in the bed with her."nnnngh..HMM!?" a light brown mobian coyote then rose up from bed,and yawned real loud. "nngh..wa-what?""It's past twelve, hon. Time to get up." said Bunnie to her husband.Antoine groaned. "oy..I really do hate zee mornings." said the Coyote, in a 'french' accent."Ah' know, hon. but, just because It's Wednesday(and, your day-off from work) It doesn't mean you hav'ta sleep the whole day away."Antoine sat up in bed. "(sigh) I guezz you are right, Bunnie."taking a moment to stretch out his arms, and yawn one last time."Best to zpend my free time "hitting zee gym", to keep my skills zharp."Bunnie smirked as she looked at Antoine with half-lidded eyes. "Yeah..you do that."As Antoine began to get out of bed, Bunnie did the same as well."zooo..vhat will YOU be doing, today?" asked Antoine, as he put on his shirt and pants.Bunnie just smirked as she put on her own pants and shirt."oh, you know..takin' care of our kid.""oh..yes. of course."Bunnie eyed Antoine. Unsure if she liked the way he said that."riiight..Well, I'd better go check on Peter." with that, Bunnie promptly got up and left.as she shut the door behind her, she huffed stressfully.("Ah love you, 'Twan..but, sometimes you infuriate me.") mused Bunnieas she walked down a hallway.("You never were comfortable with my adopting an overlander as my son..  and, even though we've been married for three years,   you STILL haven't fully accepted him as "yours.")Bunnie narrowed her eyes sternly.("well, you'd better START SOON..if you ever want me to give you any more children.")Bunnie soon reached the room of the child in question.she gently turned the handle, and smiled as she opened the door."Good mornin', Pumpkinpi-" Bunnie froze upon seeing that the six year old was ALREADY up..and, apparently wearing one of her cowboy hats and jacket in front of a mirror.turning around, the boy then felt embarrassed. "OH!, h-howdy, momma.."Bunnie smirked as she planted her fists on her hips."And, just what are YOU doin', young man?""Ummmm...Tryin' to be more like you?"Indeed, the boy WAS trying to imitate his "mother.",as he also sported bare tin cans on his arm and legsthat seemed to (poorly) imitate Bunnie's cybernetic limbs.Bunnie exhaled sharply as she walked over, and knelt down to his level."and, WHY would you wanna dress up like me?" asked Bunnie,as she removed the pieces of his "costume.""Because Halloween is coming soon.. And, 'ah wanna go trick-or-treating as mah' favorite superhero!!"Bunnie blushes at this comment. "you..really think ah'm that great?""Yeah!, Aunt Sally told me ALL about how you saved people from Robotnik a long time ago.""SHE saved people, 'ah only helped her." said Bunnie, modestly."Ah' still think yer' awesome, Momma." said Peter.Bunnie looked into the boy's baby blue eyes.she smiled as she gently touched his chin."well..if you REALLY wanna be me this year, Then we'll hafta get you some better "parts" for yer' costume."Bunnie then playfully touched Peter's nose like a button..making the boy giggle."Now. You'd better get dressed fer' REAL. You have school, today.""Okay, Momma."As Peter began to take off his costume,Bunnie took some clothes from a dresser drawer."here..wear this." began Bunnie."Ah' love how cute you look in this shirt."Peter took the baby blue shirt with a white, cartoon rabbit on It.as he put It on, Bunnie slipped a pair of shorts on him as well."There. yer' all ready fer' school, my lil' sugar muffin..""Momma!" exclaimed Peter, slightly embarrassed.Bunnie just smiled as she rose back up."Alright, now. Git!" said Bunnie, patting at Peter's back.Peter began to walk towards the door with Bunnie at a fast pace.once they were out, and headed their way downstairs..Peter spoke again."Momma.""Yeah, sugar?""does daddy..hate me?"Bunnie froze at this. "wh-why, PETER! whatevuh would give you that Idea!?"Peter looked down. "well..he doesn't play with me like you do, Momma. and, when 'ah hug him..he doesn't hug me back. he even seems..Upset."Bunnie scowled at this. ("dammit, antoine! yer' gonna get a real EARFUL when ah-")"Momma."Bunnie looked at Peter again..who had stopped shortat the bottom of the stairs. "Did 'Ah..do somethin' wrong?"Bunnie looked at her son's face with soft eyes."no, baby..No. You didn't do anything wrong." said Bunnie, softly."Yer' daddy just..has t-Trouble expressing how he really feels, that's all.""really?" said Peter, still unsure."of course." said Bunnie, as she knelt down to Peter's level."Yer' daddy..L-LOVES you."Bunnie immediately regretted saying those words.as she herself wasn't sure if they were true.DING-DOOOONG!!Bunnie and Peter both looked over at the front door."hmm. now, Ah' wonder who that could be."Bunnie then stood up, and approached the door.she opened It..and, was elated to find who was greeting her."SALLY GIRL!!"Princess Sally smiled a warm smile. "Hey, Bunnie!"the two mobian women hugged one another."It's so great to see you! whatever are you doing here!?"Sally smiled. "Oh, I was in the neighborhood, and decided to pay a visit.""AUNT SALLY!!"Sally looked, and saw Peter running towards her. "HEY, LITTLE MAN!"Sally caught the human child as he leapt after her,and lifted him up in her arms."and, how is my FAV-OR-ITE NEPHEW!?" said Sally, as she affectionately ruffled Peter's hair."Great!, Ah'm goin' to school soon."Sally lightly chuckled. "You still getting gold stars?""ALWAYS." said Bunnie, proudly.Peter looked around..then, looked back at Sally."Aunt Sally. Where's Uncle Billy, and Cousin Katie?!""Back at home. Sorry."Peter shrugged. "It's Okay."Sally smiled as she put Peter back down. "So, how's life been treatin' ya, Sally Girl?!"Sally looked at Bunnie and smiled."Can't really complain. Elias has been doing a good job running the kingdom, So all I have worry about is raising my daughter with Billy.""and, how IS yer' youngin' doing?" asked Bunnie.Sally shrugged. "she's..Sometimes picked on.But, for the most part, she is doing okay."Just then, a schoolbus pulled up near the curb outside."There's yer' bus, Peter." said Bunnie."Okay." said Peter, as he picked up his backpack near the door. "Bye Momma!!, Bye Aunt Sally!!"as Peter ran out the door, both Bunnie and Sally waved at him."BYE, SUGAR!!""HAVE A GOOD DAY AT SCHOOL!!"as Peter disappeared into the departing bus..Bunnie sighed as she closed the door."Is everything alright, Bunnie?"Bunnie looked at Sally. "well..No, not really.""Antoine still hasn't quite accepted Peter as his son.. an, I think Peter it's startin' to affect Peter."Sally frowned. "well..you know Antoine.like his father, he's always been wary of Overlanders.""Ah' know, but Peter is a child..MAH' Child! Isn't that enough fer him!?""Have you talked to him about It?"Bunnie looked away. "no. but, I probably should."Bunnie walked off slowly, her arms crossed.she then stared at some framed pictures of herself and Peter."When Ah' married Antoine, Ah' was hopin' It'd mean Peter gitten' a daddy.. but, Peter still spends more time with ME, than with anyone else.""I did pick that up when he started talking like you." said Sally.Bunnie chuckled at this. "yeah..Momma's lil' boy, he is."Bunnie took one of the framed photos..which showed Bunnie holding Peter when he was only a baby."Twan' says he wants to have kids, now." began Bunnie."an..as much as Ah' want ta' give Peter a brother, or sister..Ah' just can't do It.""Why?" asked Sally, puzzled.Bunnie narrowed her eyes sternly."Because Antoine only wants more kids so he can have a son that's HIS. and, until he starts treatin' Peter like his own..Ah' ain't givin' him that pleasure."Sally widened her eyes. "wow..I had no idea things were that serious."Bunnie exhaled as she put the picture back where It belonged."Ah' may love Antoine with all mah' heart.. but, Ah' just wish he'd let go of his negativity towards Overlanders.""oh, believe me. Nobody desires a world like that more than I do." said Sally, chuckling stressfully.Bunnie smiled at Sally. "yeah..Ah' know."[Later that Day]It was a pleasant afternoon at the Emerald Town Elementary School.currently It was recess, and all the children were out playing in the schoolyard.Unknown to anyone, however..a darkly colored van was looming near the area.and, inside..some shadowy figures were watching."are you CERTAIN we'll find It here?!" spoke one of the figures within the vehicle."POSITIVE. our sources confirm that It dwells among them.""how sickening that they would ALLOW such a savage among those children.""QUIET! I'm searching.."the lead figure activated a pair of goggles, and scanned the playground."no..No..no." muttered the figure, as he scanned various mobian children.Finally, he zeroed in on his intended target: an HUMAN child."(chuckles evily) yes..THERE you are.""You found It?""Yes. the overlander."the dark figures eyed Peter, who was playing with a ball,blissfully unaware that he was being watched."so..how do we lure him over here?""Patience. This isn't my first time kidnapping children." the shadowy figured grinned."and, the first rule about children: They are easily DISTRACTED."as Peter tossed his ball up into the air..the lead figure grinned as an idea formed in his head."get the gravitron ready to fire on my command."the figures nodded as they quickly prepped a large, gun-like device.opening a side door, they aimed the weapon straight at Peter."steady..STEADY."Peter tossed his ball up into the air again. "PULL!!"the figures fired their weapon..which began to pull the suspended ball out of the air."HEY!!" exclaimed Peter, as his ball flew towards a far off fence.as the ball lay against the barrier, the lead figure watched Peter intently."go on, you hairless monkey..Go retrieve your TOY."after a moment of hesitation, Peter indeed ran overAWAY from the other children to retrieve his ball."THERE!, he's alone. TAKE HIM!!"the figures reactivated the Gravitron.ripping a part of the fence where Peter was.before the shocked boy could react,the black van sped over to the gaping hole where Peter stood.the figures emerged (revealed to be Mobian), and quickly grabbed Peter."HEY!! S-STOP!, LEMMIE GO!, HEEELP!!" exclaimed Peter, terrified."SHUT UP!" snapped one of the Mobians."Get the brat in, and LET'S GO!!"dragging Peter inside, the side doors slammed shut,and the van sped away at top speed.[D'Coolette Household]"heard from Sonic, lately?" began Bunnie,as she nibbled some carrot cake at the kitchen table."Not as often as I'd like..but, he's doing great last I heard." said Sally.Bunnie chuckled lightly. "Ah' still can't believe he and Amy are datin."Sally also chuckled. "and, I can't believe how much Amyhas matured since the old days. It's almost as if she's a different person.""None of us can stay youngin's forever.. no matter how hard we try." said Bunnie, solemnly as she took a sip of juice."Ah'm thinking of takin' Peter ta' see the Southern Baronies next summer." spoke Bunnie."You are?""yeah. Ah' think Peter deserves ta' see the place where Ah' grew up.""I thought your family's old plantation was abandoned." said Sally."It IS, but Ah' still have ownership of It." began Bunnie."Ah'm thinking of maybe fixin' It up, turnin' It into a Summer Home fer me and th' Family to vacation at."Sally smiled. "I think that sounds like a Great idea, Bunnie."just then, the door opened,and Bunnie and Sally watched Antoine enter the house."Oh!, hello, My Princezz. I had no idea you vere viziting."Sally did her best to smile. "Hello, Antoine."Bunnie grumbled as she looked the other way. "yeah..howdy."Antoine entered the kitchen."Zo, vhat are you two talking abouts?""Oh, just..some "Girl Stuff" began Sally."Bunnie told me how she want's to fix up her family's old plantation in the Southern Baronies for the Summer."Antoine looked at his wife. "oh, really?"Bunnie shrugged. "thought It'd make a good vacation home.ya' know..for the "FAMILY." said Bunnie, a slight edge in her voice.As usual, Antoine was completely oblivious to his wife's attitude.RIIIIIIING!!RIIIIIIING!!RIIIIIIING!!Bunnie looked over at the Vid-Phone,widening her eyes upon seeing the listed number on the screen. "the Police?"Bunnie reached over, and pressed the 'Answer Call' button.the screen then displayed Mobian German Shepard in a police chief uniform.(("I trust I am speaking to Mrs. D'Coolette?")) began police chief"Y-Yes, Chief Barkley. do you need to speak to Antoine?"(("Actually, I need to speak to BOTH of you."))Antoine then also stepped up. "Zir?"Barkley breathed out stressfully.(("you are the parents of an overlander child, correct?"))NOW, Bunnie became worried. "Peter? Wa-What's wrong?, IS HE OKAY!?"(("I am afraid not, Mrs. D'Coolette: Over fifteen minutes ago,   your son was kidnapped from the Emerald Town Elementary School."))Bunnie felt her heart nearly stop upon hearing this.Sally too was frozen in terror. "oh, my no.""(murmurs) wa..what-(shouting) WHERE IS HE?!, WHO TOOK MY BABY!!?" screamed Bunnie, tears in her eyes.(("As the only eyewitnesses were 'other children',   we don't have alot to go by.")) began Barkley.(("From what we gathered, your son was playing alone during Recess   when the fence bordering the school grounds was somehow blown apart.   a non-descript black van then suddenly pulled up,   and unidentified mobians dragged him inside, and drove off."))Bunnie began to cry uncontrollably.the shock of this news becoming more than she could bear."Don't you have ANY leads?!" inquired Sally.(("We are working on It, your highness.")) began Barkley.(("but, without better evidence and more reliable witnesses,   we quite frankly wouldn't know where to START with the investigation."))"ARE YOU JUST GOING TO STAND AROUND, AND DO NOTHING!!?" shouted Bunnie, angrily(("N-NO, Mrs. D'Coolette!! I did not say-"))As Bunnie cried some more, Sally touched her shoulder.*bunnie..It's OKAY. we'll figure this out.* whispered Sally.Sally then returned her attention to Chief Barkley. "Chief Barkley,I may not be an eyewitness,  NOR a trained policewoman,but I think I may know who took Peter."(("Who?"))"Well, based on the statements you have collected so far, It seems that speed in which Peter's kidnappers acted implies they were ready, and waiting to take him. Furthermore, Peter was the ONLY child that they took. a van such as you described could have held many more, so, It stands to reason that Peter was their ONLY chosen target."(("That..DOES seem likely. Your point?"))Sally exhaled, becoming annoyed. "Chief Barkley.are you familiar with the extremist group called "Mobians Forever?"(("No. Who are they?"))"Radical Anti-Overlander Extremists." explained Sally."Human Haters that believe Mobius will only be safe if the Overlander species are wiped out completely. and, as Peter, an OVERLANDER Child, was the only one taken.. the M.F. have to be the kidnappers."Chief Barkley pondered this.(("hmm..that DOES make sense. but, how are YOU so familiar with them?"))Sally breathed out stressfully. "because my husband is an overlander..and, we have a "mobilander" child. the M.F. have taken action against my family before."(("I see. Then, I must request your presence at the Police Station, Princess Sally.   your knowledge of these terrorists would benefit us greatly."))"I'll be there as quickly as I can."Chief Barkley nodded, then cut the vid-phone feed."do you REALLY think that those racist bastards have Peter?!" asked Bunnie, her body trembling."I do, Bunnie. which is why I must act quickly. The fact that they bothered to take Peter alive at all is remarkable. but, knowing them..they won't keep Peter alive for very much longer."Bunnie suddenly bashed her robotic fist on the kitchen table, smashing It apart."BUNNIE!, CALM DOWN!!""Yez, Mi Amore, PLEAZE, Calm down. Everyzing will be alrig-""What do YOU care, Antoine!!?" snapped Bunnie, suddenly."It's not like It's YER son that's been taken!"Antoine froze, petrified at Bunnie's sudden anger."Bunnie..""NO, SALLY!" snapped Bunnie, jerking away from her friend."Ah' won't ignore this..Not ANYMORE!"Bunnie glared at her husband. "you..You always hated Peter.You may have pretended to like him, but Ah' know you never loved him.""B-Bunnie, I-""When Ah' married you, Ah' did so hoping that Peter would have a daddy in his life. but, Ah' can see that yer' ashamed of him. ASHAMED to have an Overlander for a son!(tears up) he LOVES you, and wants you to love him back! but, you ignore him ALL TH' TIME! well, now he's GONE! (voice breaking) my son is gone.. th' son that you HATE is gone!!"Bunnie then suddenly socked Antoine in the jaw (fortunately, with her organic fist)as the stunned Antoine lay on the floor,he watched as Bunnie stood over him..tears flowing down her cheek."are you HAPPY, now!? (screaming) ARE YOU HAPPY!!?"As Bunnie began to cry uncontrollably, Sally pulled her away."Bunnie..BUNNIE, STOP! Bunnie..It's Okay. W-We'll get Peter BACK, I promise!"Bunnie could do nothing more but cry.as Sally led her out of the kitchen..Antione remained on the floor where Bunnie hit him.her angry words still ringing in his ears.[Later]Sally walked over to the creaked open door to Peter's room.she opened It..and, found Bunnie inside. sitting upon Peter's bedwith her legs folded, and clutching one of Peter's plush toys.the way she held It..looked like she was holding a baby.Sally exhaled, hating to see her friend like this. "bunnie."Bunnie looked up..showing to the disturbed Sallythe smudged eyeliner and tear stains."have you found him? have you found mah' son!?"Sally sighed as she shook her head."w-with my help, the authorities were able to identify at least SIX possible M.F. bases.""which one is Peter being held?!""we..d-don't know yet. We're not even sure if he's in one of the six that I've identifi-""DAMMIT It, SALLY!" snapped Bunnie, suddenly. rise up from her seat."It's been over an HOUR, who knows what all they've done to him by now!!?""You think I don't know that!?" exclaimed Sally, angrily."I have been doing the best I can!, Don't think you are the only one who cares about what happens to Peter!!"Bunnie breathed heavily..then, looked away. "Ah'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to-""I know, bunnie..I know." said Sally, placing her hand on Bunnie's shoulder."But, there are only so many places to check. We'll get him back, I promise."Bunnie bore a grim expression."but, will we get him back "ALIVE", is what Ah' wanna know.""Please don't think that way, Bunnie."Bunnie clutched the plush toy in her arms,shutting her eyes tight as tears escaped them."If they've hurt him..Ah' will hunt every one of them, and make. Them. PAY.""Careful, Bunnie. You're starting to sound like..HER." said Sally, her voice shakey"Her?""you know.."Buns", the last person who kidnapped Peter three years ago."Bunnie remembered the event that Sally was referring.the time her evil counterpart from the "negative zone" came,and took Peter away when he was only three years old.Bunnie remembered that It was an intended schemeto lure her into a trap..or, blackmail her into doing what she wanted.but, Bunnie ALSO remembered how her 'evil twin' altered her plan.how she herself came to care for Peter, and tried to keep him for herself.It was then that an idea formed in Bunnie's head.It seemed Crazy..perhaps VERY Crazy, but It was the only option she had left right now.As Bunnie turned to leave, Sally called out to her."Bunnie, WAIT! Where are you goi-""Ah'm gonna go git mah' son back."Bunnie then looked at Sally. "Don't try an' stop me."Sally looked away. "I won't. But, how are you going to-"But, I was too late. Bunnie had already left the room.as she walked down the stairs..she was met up with Antoine at ground level."Bunnie, I-""What do you WANT, Ant!?" snapped Bunnie, still upset with her husband."I juzt vhanted to zay dat..I'm sorry. You are right, I haven't been treating Peter fairl-""a little late ta' show him any affection now, isn't It!? Not when mah' son could ALREADY be dead!"Antoine frowned, feeling bad at how things were going."Bunnie..vhat iz It dat you vhant me to do?"Bunnie looked right into Antoine's eyes."Ah' wanted you ta' love mah' son. Accept him as yers, because THAT is th' responsibility that ya' took when ya' married me."Bunnie exhaled sharply. "But, Ah' was obviously asking too much of youta' let go of yer' hatred fer' Overlanders.""I don't hate zem!""Well, ya' certainly don't LOVE Peter!" snapped Bunnie"Of COURSE I love him!!""then, WHY was Ah' the ONLY ONE upset when they told me he was taken!!?" shouted BunnieAntoine wanted to argue this..but, he couldn't find any compelling words to say."just get outta mah' way, Antoine." said Bunnie,as she shoved her husband aside."Ah'm gonna go find mah' baby, and bring 'em home. YOU do whatever the hell you want..Ah' don't care, anymore."with that, Bunnie put on her jacket and cowboy hat,and marched right out the door."Don't take her harsh words too seriously."Antione looked, and saw Sally descending from the stairs."It's her Fear and Anger talking, NOT Bunnie."Antoine exhaled sharply. "I honestly never meant vor zis to 'appen."Sally crossed her arms as she looked at the coyote."Antoine..why DON'T you treat Peter like your own child?, why don't you love him?"Antoine didn't say anything..He couldn't."It's your FATHER, isn't It?" said Sally, answering her own question."As a veteran of the Great War, I can't imagine he trusted Overlanders too much. I bet you were raised on his old war stories, believing early on that Peter's kind are brutal savages."Antoine remained silent. Too ashamed to answer the Princessof the kingdom he had sworn his duty to."Antoine..Peter ISN'T like the overlanders who warred against us. and, he ISN'T Robotnik." said Sally, approaching Antoine."He is a little boy who lost his parents, and now looks to You and Bunnie as his "real" family. and, you know what? Bunnie was right: When you married her, you DID accept the responsibility of being Peter's father.Sally began to pass Antoine..stopping short at the door."and, you want to know the really funny thing? You've spend your whole life trying to prove yourself to your own father.. just as Peter has been trying to do, now."Sally looked back at Antoine. "well, congratulations; the SON has become his FATHER."Sally finally walked out the door, leaving Antoine alone in his house.[To be Concluded..]

  I'm sure this has been done hundreds of times by many others.. So, here is MY little forray into the whole 'Draw-The-Chaos-Emeralds' thing.  HOWEVER, I am anything but Predictable. So, these ones are different.  While FIVE of the emeralds are canon, the last two are of my own creation.  for personal reasons, I exchanged the Light Blue and Grey emeralds for Orange and Pink ones.  Call me Crazy, but I thing the Seven Chaos Emeralds would look better  with ACTUAL colors, and not repeating the same one twice.  (Ironically, they now look like the Lantern Rings of the Emotion Spectrum    from DC's Green Lantern series. Don't know if that is a Good or Bad thing.)  So, anyways..Here are MY Seven Chaos Emeralds.ReplyQuoteNotifyRemove 

Yeah, sometimes Fans can make better works than the copyright holders themselves.

Another minor change that I made is renaming/remaking the Moebius equivalent of the Chaos Emeralds from Anarchy Beryl's, to "Discord Rubies" The new name makes more sense, and sounds alot better in my opinion.

It has come to my attention that certain Archie issues in the of the Comics section have pages that are either incomplete, or "corrupted" with black boxes that shouldn't be there. When time permits, the admins really should correct these errors by re-uploading the original image files.   Pages that need fixing are 12, 13, 14 and 15 of Sonic the Hedgehog #5. and, 20 and 21 of Sonic the Hedgehog #43  

Because of the fact that Sonic the Hedgehog as a franchise is about a "Heroic Character with Super-Speed" It wasn't too difficult for me to piece a connection between Sonic and DC Comic's "The Flash" (which is currently being made popular with the CW TV Series/Spinoff of "The Arrow") All of Flash's villains have tested Flash's speed in some way. So, I think that Archie Comics ought to make new villains based upon "The Rogues"   In the Pre-SGW Continuity, we already had Scourge/Anti-Sonic, who was similar enough to Professor Zoom/Reverse-Flash. but, I think we need more villains like that. I mean, what? Ice Powers/Weapons (Captain Cold), Weather Manipulation (Weather Wizard) an Illusionist (Mirror Master), and evil counterpart to Blaze (Heatwave) and, a crazy Trickster (duh.) It'd sure make for some good Sonic stories if they took a cue from the OTHER "Fastest Thing Alive" in comic books. Just a suggestion.  

  [Somewhere I Belong]   a taxicab came to a stop near an apartment building. and, as the doors opened..Two Mobian of eighteen years stepped out. One a Squirrel/Chipmunk hybrid dressed in blue, and, a yellow furred Mongoose with long, lavender hair. as the anthros stared at the "Iron Arms" Apartment Complex, the human taxi driver spoke up. "That'll be Fifty Bucks, ladies." Sally Acord took out her wallet, and gave the man a gold credit card. DING! "Pleasure doin' business with you, Miss." said the driver, as he handed the card back and drove off. Sally and Mina stared at the apartment building one more time. "are you..s-Sure she is here?!" stuttered Mina. Sally nodded. "Positive. My contacts on G.U.N. confirm that NICOLE has been living here for quite some time." Sally turned on a Tablet Computer-like device, and reviewed some notes. "let's see, Westopolis..Iron Arms Apartments..Suite 184." Mina frowned sadly. "I knew NICOLE wanted to go someplace far after her exile..but, I didn't think she'd run THIS far away from us." Sally sighed sharply. "Nor did I, Mina. I can only hope she's been adapting okay living with the Overlanders." Sally and Mina finally approached the apartment building, and entered the main lobby. approaching the reception desk, Sally struggled to reach the high up counter and ring the service bell. DING!! In no time at all, and rather chipper human woman with blonde hair approached. "helloooo..How may I help you??" "Hi. I am Princess Sally Acorn, and this is my friend, Mina Mongoose." began Sally. Mina waved. "h-hi." "We were wondering if you could confirm whether we cam find an old friend of ours here." continued Sally. the woman smiled. "Oh, you must be referring to the Lynx Girl who lives with Mr. Flynn." "NICOLE!?" said Sally, hopefully. "yep!, that's her name! You'll find her in Room #184. But, you probably won't miss It, even if you tried." Sally looked puzzled. "I am not sure I follow-" "Trust me, your highness..YOU'LL KNOW." the Chipmunk shrugged her shoulders. "well..If you say so. Come on, Mina." the two mobians made their way down the long corridors of the building. each of their eyes trained on the numbered doors at both side. "98..99..100." "120..125..130." As they walked down the path, they heard a distance female voice. Even at their current distance, Sally recognized It all to well. "NICOLE!!" Sally began running (as did Mina) towards the source of the voice. as they grew closer, they found that It was INDEED NICOLE's voice..and, that she was singing. 'When this Began, I had nothing. to. say.  And I would get lost in the nothingness inside. of. me.  I was confused, And I let it all out to find,  that I'm Not the only person with these things in my mind.' "Is that..REALLY NICOLE!?" said Sally, as she continued to run. "WOW..she-She has a beautiful singing voice." 'But the vacancy, and the words revealed.  Is the only real thing that I have left to feel.' continued NICOLE, he tone getting more solem. 'nothing to lose. Just stuck, hollow and alone.  And the fault is my own, And the FAULT is my OWN!!' Mina felt her heart sink. tears formed as she realized the true meaning of NICOLE's song. 'I want to HEAL!, I want to FEEL!..What I see was never real!  I want to let go of this pain I have felt so long..  I want to HEAL!, I want to FEEL!..Like I'm close to something REAL.  I want to find something that I have wanted all along..' the two Mobians at last reached the door labeled "184", and stopped at It.  'Somewhere I BELONG.' finished Nicole, her tone low and quiet. Mina couldn't contain herself. she began to cry softly as she stared at the cold door. "mina.." "this is all my fault." said Mina. "I turned everyone against NICOLE, and drove her away." Sally placed her hand on Mina's shoulder. "you were AFRAID, Mina..You were just doing what you thought was right." "Right!? I spread Fear, hatred and distrust. I betrayed our friend by turning everyone against her!" "Well..That is why we are here: To make things right." said Sally Sally motioned towards the door, implying Mina to knock on the door. BUT, the Mongoose didn't have the nerve. exhaling, Sally began to knock on the door herself. after a few minutes, the door opened..and, a human male with greenish-black hair greeted them. (though, It didn't take long to figure out who they were..to which he promptly frowned.) "oh..It's YOU. (sigh) figured you would turn up here eventually." "You must be Flynn." said Sally, ignoring the man's coldness. "Daniel Flynn, Your Highness." said Danny, suddenly good natured. Mina walked up. "H, Dann-" "That's MISTER Flynn to YOU, "Songgoose." said Danny to Mina, his tone suddenly aggressive. Mina cringed, knowing full well know that only Sally was welcome company here. "May we see NICOLE? w-we heard her, an-" "Sure..Somehow, I think she wants to see you, too." As Sally and Mina entered the apartment, Mina cringed even more at the dirty look that Danny was giving her. Inside, Sally and Mina found the apartment to be filled to the brim with all manner of technology. a large flatscreen TV was integrated into a wall (almost resembling a portrait), and, there was also a flatscreen desktop computer, as well as a laptop some tablet computers nearby. "WOW. this is..Wow." said Sally, awestruck. "Well, you know..being Chief Technician at G.U.N. has It's perks." said Danny, proudly. Mina looked to Danny. "So, where Is NICOLE??" Danny responded with a dark scowled..which made Mina grow quiet. "Danny, where is NICOLE?" asked Sally (trying to lighten the tension.) "In her room..RESTING." Sally was confused. "Resting?!" "You'll find out." Just then, one of the television screens on the wall fizzled..and, a digital image of NICOLE's face appeared. (("DANNY. WHO WAS AT THE DOOR?!, I HEARD A-")) NICOLE then noticed Sally and Mina. (("PRINCESS SALLY!, MINA MONGOOSE!..WHAT A SURPRISE!!")) "Hello, NICOLE..(eyes wetting) It's been too long, my dear friend." said Sally, feeling emotional. Mina wanted to say something as well..but, felt too ashamed to utter a single word. "Is It Okay if we come and see you?" (("OF COURSE, SALLY. IN FACT, I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU.")) "Really?! What!?" said Sally, curious. (("COME SEE FOR YOURSELF.")) with that, NICOLE's Avatar disappeared from screen. Danny crossed his arms, and sighed as he looked at the two Mobian girls. "well..Follow ME, then." as Danny walked off, Mina stood near Sally. "I don't think he likes me very much." "given that he is apparently NICOLE's friend, It makes sense he would hold a grudge against you..just like I used to." Mina looked down, sadly. "and, who can blame him?" Sally and Mina finally followed Danny into another room. Alex then opened a door..and, inside was NICOLE, laying in a large, soft bed. NICOLE looked over..and, smiled. "Sally..Mina. So good to see both again." said NICOLE, as she sat up in bed. Mina once again looked down, feeling shame and regret sweeping over her. Sally then approached the bed where NICOLE was laying. "oh, NICOLE..I missed you so much!" NICOLE smiled warmly. "I missed you too, Sally. but, as I told you on Angel Island: I needed some time to myself to figure out my place in this world.." NICOLE then frowned, looking down. "but..given that the Council of Acorn voted to Exile me from New Mobotropolis. I suppose It was for the best." both Sally and Mina frowned at this. Sally then looked at NICOLE. "NICOLE..We want you back." NICOLE looked at Sally. "what?" "The recently crowned "King Naugus" hasn't been doing a very good job  at protecting New Mobotropolis with his 'Crystal Magic.'  The council is deliberating..BUT, It seems likely they will overturn your exile, and arrange your return to us." Before NICOLE could say anything, Danny did. "The COUNCIL of Acorn..You mean the SAME council who voted to throw away the one "PERSON" who helped fight for their freedom in the old Robotnik War,  and, instrumentally saved all their ungrateful, furry hides when the Egg Fleet bombarded Knothole!?,  thus granting them back the city that Eggman all but destroyed, and selflessly PROTECTED them!" NICOLE looked at the angry Human. "Danny, PLEASE.." "NO, Nicole..I WON'T." said Danny, sternly..yet, Compassionately "You gave It your all to protect those..   (alright, I'm gonna say It) ANIMALS! and, now they have the GALL to say that they "want you back",    all because they only just NOW realized that they 'bet on the wrong horse' with Ixis Naugus." Sally swallowed a bit. "n-nothing is certain yet..b-but, It may turn out that way." Danny was in total disgust at this. "spineless fools." "DANNY." Danny looked to NICOLE..who looked at him with stern, yet pleading eyes. "please..don't." Danny looked at her..then, exhaled sharply. "fine." NICOLE "exhaled" as she faced Sally again. "As much as I would love to return back to New Mobotropolis, Sally..I am afraid I must respectfully decline such an offer." Both Sally and Mina were stunned at this. "wa-What?!, WHY!?" Mina stepped up. "Look, If It's because me, I'm really-!!" "No, I just have.."Greater" responsibilities now." Sally looked puzzled. "what KIND, exactly? What is more important than returning to safeguard our city!?" NICOLE was silent..then, looked to Danny. "Danny..dear, could you-" "of course, hon." with that, Danny walked over to the bed. as he gripped the front end of the blanket, and gently pulled It back..Sally and Mina were shocked to see how perfectly 'round' NICOLE's waist had become. "I am presently the maternal vessel of a post-embryonic lifeform." began NICOLE. "OR, to put simply..I am Pregnant." Sally and Mina were both still speechless, their mouths gaped open. as Danny covered NICOLE back up, Sally finally found her voice. "b-but..But, HOW!? I mean..y-you are a..UHH-" "a Computer Program given semi-physical form via A.D.A.M.'s Nanites?" finished NICOLE. "I WAS, but not anymore." "what?!" Danny chose this time to speak. "When Nicole first came to G.U.N. several months ago. she was quite lost, scared and confused.  despite being as far away as she could get from Mobotropolis,   she STILL felt haunted by the "things they said about her." said Danny, who looked right at Mina as she spoke his last line. "She was afraid that with her self-replicating nanite body, she was "too powerful"  and, feared that she might lose control again, and hurt innocent people. continued Danny. "So..she requested that GUN give her a new body. one that was 'less powerful', and easier to 'destroy' if we ever had to." Mina felt terrible now. knowing full well the hand she had in this relevation. Sally looked at Danny, feeling that she (somewhat) understood what had happened. "you?" Danny nodded. "As GUN's "gadget man", I was the only logical choice." "That still doesn't explain NICOLE's apparent pregnancy." said Sally "Even if you built her a new robot body, She couldn't be-" "She could with Hope Kintobor's newest creation: "BioMech." Sally eyed the human. "Bio-What??" "Biological Mechanics." continued Danny. "AKA "BioMech", It's the theory   of constructing robots, or Mechanical Parts with organic properties." "Why would you need something like THAT!?" asked Sally. "No offense of course, I am just wondering." "If you believe It, Hope originally developped It to help E-123 "OMEGA" understand humanity better."   Danny then grumbled. "course, the higher ups didn't see much point in a Robot   that could feel Pain and Pleasure, so It was shelved in our Archives." Danny exchaled. "Anyway..after NICOLE informed us of her "rebirth" from her prior contact with the Master Emerald on Angel Island, I was inspired to use Hope's BioMech technology to give Nicole a new body that was a perfect blend of Flesh and Metal." NICOLE groaned as she re-positioned herself in bed. "I have the same attributes that I did prior as an A.I..only NOW, I have similar biology to a typical Mobian." NICOLE then rubbed her expanded belly. "including the natural biological ability..to create life." Sally looked at NICOLE..then, smiled happily. "I guess all I can say is..I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU, NICOLE!!" Sally then hugged her lifelong friend. "As am I, Sally..I am VERY excited at the prospect of being a Motherly Unit for my protoform." Sally chuckled at NICOLE's "Computer Speak", despite her regaining her lost humanity. she then parted, and asked the only other question now lingering in her mind: "Sooo..I Gotta know: Whose the father?!" NICOLE smiled warmly. "a man who I trust with all my mechanical heart and silicon soul..  a man who truly understands me." NICOLE then pointed at Danny. "Him." Sally looked at the overlander. "You!?" "Is that so surprising?, I thought you didn't mind Human/Mobian relationships." "I don't. It's just..well. th-This is all so sudden, is all." Danny shrugged. "Fine. I guess that's understandable." Sally looked to NICOLE. "If you don't mind me asking, Nicole. just..How did this happen?! I mean..You haven't been away THAT long." Nicole smiled, the spoke: "It was a.."gradual process", to say the least.  As Danny gave me my new body, he was charged by Comm. Abraham Tower to help me "adjust."  which Danny did..by showing me around Westopolis, and being something that I hadn't had in a long time: a friend." NICOLE looked to Danny. "Danny, should I-" "Go ahead, Nikki. You can tell them." said Danny, his tone low. Sally was puzzled at this, but remained silent as NICOLE continued. "As our friendship grew..my restored memories of my "past life" as Nikki began to return.  I..I remembered my father, Dr. Ellidy, and..I-I wanted to see him again." NICOLE shed a tear as she recalled the "adventure." "Following what little information that we had,  Danny secretly took me to locate my father's whereabouts in the far off mountains..  but, we encountered..resistance." "From whom??" NICOLE looked to Sally. "Regina Ferrum..the IRON QUEEN." Mina jumped upon hearing that name. as It was SHE who caused all this trouble. "And, she wasn't alone..Snively Robotnik was with her.  BOTH intending to take their mutual revenge on me for the Iron Queen's prior defeat." "Why was Snively involved?!" said Mina, breaking her silence. "I mean..I understand he would be P*ssed at us for beating him, and Eggman again, but WHY the Iron Queen!!?" "because the sawed off little runt is IN LOVE with her, That's what! (and, somehow Regina feels the same way, too.)" said Danny, in Disgust. Both Mina and Sally cringed at this. Finding the very idea of Snively and the Iron Queen being "romantic" even more disturbing than Dr. Eggman in a speedo. "yes, well..As I was saying, The Iron Queen was hellbent on killing me." said Nicole. Sally was shocked and frightened to hear this. "h-How did you survive her Magitek Powers!?" Nicole bore an unreadable expression on her face. "My new body offered some resistance..but, not enough.  she came close to ripping me apart. One component at a time." "But, Danny stopped him..Right?" said Sally, understanding the story. NICOLE nodded "Yes. yes, he did." "How?!" said Mina, confused. "Even when she acted alone WITHOUT Eggman's "Dark Egg Legion",   It was a struggle for Sonic, and the other Freedom Fighters to even slow her down!" "Regina Ferrum made a colossal error in calculation." said NICOLE. "She believed that she was the only Technokinetic Human left alive on Mobius." Danny chose this moment to wave an energized hand..making varied electronic equipment in the room flicker and static for a brief moment. This left Sally and Mina quite stunned. "Regina and I grew up in the same town, at a time when "Techomages" were plentiful. That is how I knew her." began Danny. "When the city outlawed the practice of "Technological Manipulation",  and began executed those possessing the power, many survivors fled..including Regina, and myself.  Despite a similar upbringing, and suffering the same tragedies..we both took different paths in our lives.  whilst SHE embraced the pagan ways of the Technomage Cult, I used my power for SCIENCE, not Black Magic.  G.U.N. eventually learned of my unique talents..but, instead of executing me  like those of my old hometown did, they sought to recruit me as a "special agent."  I could hardly deny the chance to use my "Magitek" powers to do something good..unlike REGINA." "Anyway, the Iron Queen was not ready to be assaulted by a fellow Technokinetic." continued NICOLE. "Outmatched, and Overwhelmed, she and Snively were forced to abandon their attack and retreat." Sally looked at Danny. "Sure wish you were around when the Iron Dominion attacked us." "So do I." said Danny, darkly. "Maybe if I DID, Regina would've never gotten her claws into NICOLE, and maybe SHE would have never suffered the things I once did." Sally looked puzzled. "You once-" "FEAR and HATRED compelled the people of my hometown to turn on me." said Danny,   his voice sounding all too much like a certain "black hedgehog."   "As Friends and Neighbors alike turned on me, I was driven away from the only home I knew..Sound FAMILIAR?!" Both Sally and Mina had to agree: Danny's ordeal DID seem eerly similar to what NICOLE went through, recently. "With the Iron Queen driven away, I was successful in reaching my father..   (sighs sadly) just in time to be with him in his final moments." "whut?!" said Sally, stunned. NICOLE shivered as emotions swept over her like a surge. "my f-father, he..he was VERY ill. Dying from the same affliction that claimed "my life", before.  we..reconciled. I told him I remembered everything, now..and, he-   (voice breaking) he t-told me that he loved me..(sobs, choke) and, then he died." As NICOLE began to cry louder, Danny took a tissue and began to wipe her eyes. "there-there, Nikki..It's okay." NICOLE gripped her facem, tears seeping through her black furred hands. Sally and Mina grew concerned. "N-Nicole-" "I'm f-fine..(clears throat) j-just fine. I was..Emotional, is all." Sally exhaled sharply. "So..you and Danny, yo-" "We became closer after my father's death." continued NICOLE. "He soon began to open up to me, share HIS private pains..  It wasn't long until we..well, you know." Nicole showed her pregnant belly again. Sally smiled warmly at NICOLE. "I'm glad you've finally found happiness, NICOLE." NICOLE smiled back..but, then frowned. "yes..I am happy to have found love, and excited at the prospect of being a mother.  but..not everything is perfect. I wish my father was still alive..and, I do miss my old life in New Mobotropolis." "Then, come back with us! We NEED you!!" exclaimed Mina. Danny finally stepped up, and faced the Mongoose. "Nicole ISN'T. GOING. ANYWHERE!" "but-" "You heard me, SONGGOOSE. NICOLE isn't about to go back to being some "Sentinel Program."  she is a now a LIVING, THINKING Mobian Being. You may need her to cover all your asses,   but she DOESN'T need you mistreating and BETRAYING her again!!" Mina froze in fear as the Overlander towers over her..his eyes somehow bearing a striking resemblance to the Iron Queen. "Danny, STOP!" exclaimed NICOLE. "NO!, Nicole!! This HAS to be said. While I don't regret allowed Princess Sally in here,  I should NEVER have let this backstabbing, hate-mongering MONGOOSE into our home!" Mina looked down sadly. "yes..Yes, It's true. I turned everyone against NICOLE..(looks up at Danny) but, That was NEVER my intent, EVER!!" Danny looked down at Mina coldly. "Oh, no?" At that moment, Danny's eyes flashed white..and, a familiar muscical track began playing in surround sound. 'I LIE AWAKE IN MY BED..JUSt CAN'T SLEEP, FULL OF DREAD.' Mina widened her eyes in horror as she heard her own voice "no..No, stop. STOPPIT!!" 'WILL THE NIGHTMARES COME FOR ME THIIIIIIIS TIME!?  IN THE DAY, IN THE NIGHT, NEVER KNOWING, FULL OF FRIGHT!  WHY WON'T ANYONE LIIIIIIIIIIIIIISTEN!!?' "PLEASE!!" pleaded Mina. "Turn It off..(shouting) TURN THAT Poop OFF!!!" "NO!!" bellowed Danny, his eyes surging with Magitek energy. "You WILL listen to EVERY word..and, Understand what You've done." Mina fell to her knees as her horrible song continued to play. tears flowing down her cheeks as her guilt and self-loathing returned anew. 'I CAN'T ALWAYS BE JUMPING AT SHAAAAAAAAAADOWS!!  I CAN'T ALWAYS BE RUNNING AWAAAAAAAAY!!!  I WON'T BE AFRAID, I'LL SAVE MYSELF!  I WON'T BE AFRAID, I'LL SAVE MYSELF!!' "DANNY, STOP THIS! THIS IS CRUEL!!" exclaimed Sally "Anymore cruel than when Mina made Nicole CRY, and made everyone HATE her with her Siren Song!?" said Danny, bitterly. 'SHE'S EVERYWHERE!, EVERYTHING!!  BUT, HEROES AREN'T LISTENING!!  WE'RE ALL LEFT PRONE, UNPROTEEEEECTED!!  IT'S PAINFULLY OB-VI-OUS THEY WON'T ACT!!  IT'S UP TO US!!, WE WON'T LIVE IN FEAR OF THE CIIIIIIIIIITY!!!' Mina's eyes were wide open as her tears flowed freely. though an old song, she felt she was hearing It for the very first time.. and, It was torture. for, It became all too clear just what kind of "evil" had had done to her friend. "stop it..PLEASE!!, NO MORE!, I BEG OF YOU!! (screaming) NO MOOOOOOOOOORE!!!" While Danny had no intention in halting Mina's "punishment" he glanced at NICOLE..and, seeing that pained look her eyes..finally stopped. once the music finally stopped, Mina breathed heavily. she looked up at Danny..who towered over the Mongoose, staring down at her like a Mobini snake looks at a mouse before striking. Mina herself was on her hands and knees..as if she were "slave" to this Overlander. "So, what exactly WAS your intent, Mongoose!?" said Danny, demanding an answer. Mina slowly rose up to her knees, still in tears. "I..I was only trying to..s-send a message." "Well, you CERTAINLY did that: "Nicole is the Enemy." "NO!!" exclaimed Mina, rising up to her feet. "I was trying to RALLY everyone, EMPOWER them to stand up and FIGHT!" "And, they did..AGAINST NICOLE. She gave you ALL a home, and you "rewarded" her by robbing her of her OWN." Danny's words stung at Mina like a thousand wasp stings. for, though dripping with Icy Venom, they spoke the truth. "and, NOW, you say you "Need Her Back!?" continued Danny, his anger not letting up. "and, just WHAT will happen when you no longer "need her", HUH!? I suppose you will return her back   to her original "handheld computer" form, and seal her away in a lab, somewhere." "NO!, We would never-!" "I know YOU wouldn't, Sally..but, can you honestly say the same for your Council?!..or KING NAUGUS!!?" Sally wanted to protest..but, could find no compelling argument. Danny then glared at Mina again. "I will NOT let you BETRAY, and ABUSE Nicole again. She is staying HERE where she is SAFE, has a HOME..and, friends who are LOYAL." Sally looked to NICOLE. "Nicole..do you agree with Danny?" Nicole looked at Sally, then to Mina..Danny, and finally back to Sally, again. "I am sorry, Sally. As much as I miss New Mobotropolis, AND you and the Freedom Fighters..Danny speaks the truth.  You all may need me today..but, what of tomorrow? and, then there is my unborn child to consider.   If I am betrayed, and sealed away forever..what will become of my child, then?!" Sally paused, realizing the true danger now in bringing NICOLE back at such a delicate time. "The world ALREADY has mixed feelings about Human and Mobian Hybrids.." began Danny. "But, Nicole's will also be PART MACHINE, and will suffer a far worse fate   than the normal Hybrid children who have been appearing lately." Sally thought for a moment..THEN, her ears perked up as she got an idea. "What if we managed to have Nicole restored with NO STRINGS ATTACHED?!  what if we could guarantee the safety of not just Nicole..but, your child as well!?" Danny smirked as he crossed his arms. "If you managed to do THAT, I would be VERY impressed." "Then, I will. I PROMISE I will!" "You'll pardon me if I don't hold my breath. I know for a fact that Fear and Hatred   can be a powerful force..and, one not as easy to destroy as It is to create." Sally bore a stern expression. "We have to at LEAST try. You are right, Nicole gave her ALL for us when we needed her to..It's time we gave something BACK." "Darn STRAIGHT!" said Danny, in an equally stern tone. Sally then exhaled..then, walked back to NICOLE. "Nicole..just hang in there. I'll set things right." Nicole smiled. "Yes..I know you will." Sally hugged Nicole..then, turned and began to leave the room. Mina then approached Nicole, her body trembling. "n-n-Nicole..I am SO SORRY!, I-I didn't mean for..I didn't-" NICOLE just bore a sad look on her face..which only broke Mina even more. "nicole..I'm sorry. Please forgive me." NICOLE exhaled sharply. "I..f-forgive you, Mina. I'm just..not sure if I can trust you right now." Mina's heart ached at this. and, yet, deep down..she knew she deserved It. after what she did to NICOLE, she had no right to call herself "her friend." Mina quickly turned to Danny. "Isn't there ANYTHING I can do to make things right!?" "UNDO the damage that you've already done." replied Danny, in a demanding tone. "You started this with your music..so, use your music to end it once and for all." Danny then lowered down, and glared right into Mina's eyes. "and, don't you DARE return to this place until you do.  If you defy me..I will have you ARRESTED!, and I don't think an Anthro like YOU wants to spend a day in a Human prison. UNDERSTAND?!" Mina swallowed hard..then, nodded silently. "y-yes. I-I-I do." Minia finally walked away, and soon left the apartment with Sally. Once gone, Danny exhaled sharply. "I know what you are going to say..  and, I suppose you are right: I may have gone a bit too far replaying that song." "oh, Danny..I know you only wish to protect me." began Nicole, her tone calm. "but, sometimes..your OWN Fear and Anger can cloud your judgement as It did to the ones who hurt me in the first place." the human sighed sharply as he returned to his pregnant girlfriend's side. "I'm sorry, hon. I'm sorry that I reopened old wounds." Nicole smiled at Danny. "It's okay. The pain may linger, but It doesn't hurt as badly as It once did." Danny breathed out..then, spoke again. "Thank you, Nicole." "for what?" "For when you revealed to the Princess of me growing up with Regina Ferrum..and, DIDN'T reveal that she is really my sister." NICOLE paused..then, spoke softly. "Your secret is yours to tell..REX." Danny/Rex tensed his muscles upon hearing his old, former name. "I am sorry. I know how you feel about your old name." Danny glanced at Nicole..then exhaled again. "I don't hate my name..nor, do I hate my sister, either.  I just hate what she's become..and, all she's done to you." "Danny..I REALLY think you should reach out to her." "My sister is DEAD, Nikki..and, so is her brother." said Danny, darkly. NICOLE pasued..then, spoke sternly: "Danny..REX. just because someone stumbles, and loses their way..It doesn't mean they are lost FOREVER. Danny looked at NICOLE. "You said It yourself." began NICOLE. "You and Regina were born, raised and driven off from the same place.  SHE took the path vengeance, while YOU followed a different path. The path of Forgiveness, and Redemption.  she needs you, Danny..she NEEDS you to show her a better path. the RIGHT path." Danny turned away, his arms crossed as he stared off. "We all need a little help, sometimes." finished NICOLE. Danny looked at NICOLE again. "When the day comes that I can be proud to call her my sister again..  THEN, you can called me "Rex Furrum", again. but, until that day comes..I am just "Danny Flynn." NICOLE sighed..then, smiled. "well..It's a START, at least." Danny took NICOLE's hand, and gently kissed It. he then removed the blanket, and place a faintly charged hand upon the surface of her tight waist. NICOLE smiled at this. "So..what is our child's vital statistics?" "Well..It's a Boy, is developing well." began Danny. "I can sense a heartbeat, and..Brainwave Activity." "So..he not only lives, but he is thinking, too." mused NICOLE. Danny smiled as he removed his hand. "he'll be beautiful, Nikki. NICOLE smiled..then, embraced Danny tightly. Danny did the same. [The End?]

Fortunately there is SOME aspects of this story that even I am unhappy with. But, this story is part of what I call a "Sonic Shot" AU's whose continuity with my main Sonic Fanon is debatable at the moment. the point with this story is NICOLE gaining humanity is more ways than one, finding love and a new purpose. AND, Mina having to deal with the ramifications of her actions. that, while done with good intentions, caused great harm that won't be fixed overnight. Oh, and I like the idea of the Iron Queen having a brother whose a good guy. people just love that morally conflicting sibling rivalry in their literature.

[THE FINAL BETRAYAL]   in a jail cell, a female mobian fox with reddish-orange fur and brown hair dressed in a black leather two-piece catsuit with a yellow bow upon her head sat in utter silence. Fiona Fox was no stranger to a prison cell. she'd been in so many, It seemed almost natural. but, oddly enough..she had no plans, or even thoughts of escape. her face that usually bore expressions of malice, and sinister cunning was now blank. Fiona had lost the will to live. She had no desire to go on. Not after the look *HE* gave her upon her arrest. a single tear fell down her cheek..followed by a soft sob. "what have I done?" muttered Fiona, under breath. "what have I done.." Just then, the sound of a lock unlatching was heard. Fiona watched as her cell door swung open..and, in walked a pair of male mobian Lynx' dressed in black. "On your feet, prisoner." spoke one of the Lynx' "Your 'trial' is underway." Fiona grimaced as she stood up. she stood still as the Lynx guard's shackled her wrists and ankles, and led her out of her cell. It was a long, LONG walk down the cold stone corridors. Fiona maintained her a dull, lifeless expression as she passed the other cells. Finally, Fiona was led through a pair of doors..and, into a large chamber. It certainly looked like a courtroom..but, was oriental in design. the reason of which was all too clear, as sitting atop the platform was "Conquering Storm", leader of the Raiju Ninja Clan. C. Storm kept her cold eyes trained on Fiona as she was led to a podium. "Fiona Fox.." began C. Storm, her tone of voice hostile, yet calm. "You stand accused of dishonoring the Raiju Clan." C. Storm then smirked. "OR, should I say..Dishonoring my heir, "Rising Storm." C. Storm gestured over to a five year old overlander boy with reddish-brown hair, green eyes and wearing clothing similar to the Clan Leader. Fiona knew the boy all too well. "LIAR!!" shouted Fiona, suddenly. "His name is Felix, and he is MY SON!!" "SILENCE!!" snapped C. Storm, angrily "Do not shame yourself any further..or, I shall choose to skip this trial over in favor of an "Execution." Fiona glared at the Lynx..but, her anger soon ebbed upon seeing the look on Felix/R. Storm's face as *HE* looked at her. Fiona backed down, defeated. "good. Now..Let us begin." began C. Storm. "Reveal to the clan *YOUR* Story, Fiona Fox. Tell us all just who you are." Fiona looked down. sighing, she spoke up. "my story..began in the earliest days of the Robotnik War nearly a decade ago." C. Storm bore an amused smirk as she sat back in her chair. "go on." "I was one of many prisoners of Robotnik. At a camp where I was held, I shared a cell with Mighty Armadillo and Ray Squirrel of the Chaotix." "The Raiju Clan are familiar with the Chaotix." said C. Storm. "As the sole son of Constant Vigil of the Shinobi Clan is one of them." "yes..Well, we tried to escape once. But, we failed." continued Fiona. "I was taken to a private cell, while Mighty and Ray were saved by Sonic the Hedgehog." Fiona looked down "I was..l-left behind. Abandoned." C. Storm bore no sympathy for Fiona..though, Felix/R. Storm looked at Fiona with soft eyes. "When It became apparent that NOBODY was coming to save me, I decided to save myself." continued Fiona. "That became my whole ideology: Rely on no one, Trust NO ONE." "a wise policy on certain occasions." said C. Storm. "But, to live life with no real loyalty is to live a dishonorable life." Fiona scowled at Conquering Storm. "you think I give a-" "Let us get right to the point of this Trial." began C. Storm, cutting off Fiona. "Tell us how you first encountered Rising Storm." Fiona growled hatefully at the Lynx. "I was with the Suppression Squad at the time. We were doing what we usually do: Spreading Chaos, Mayhem, and just doing whatever we pleased.  Scourge, my boyfriend at the time, chose to loot an Overlander Town that Eggman had recently attacked. the town's people had already deserted, leaving RIPE for the taking." Fiona breathed out softly as she recalled her next memory. "While we scavenged the place..I found a three year old boy wandering the streets. he was alone..and, calling for his mother and father." Fiona choked up. "I knew then that like ME, he had been abandoned by his family..left to die.  So, I took him back with me to Moebius..and, for three years I raised him, protected him, LOVED him." "and, then YOU left him to die." finished C. Storm, eyeing Fiona darkly. "NO!, It wasn't like that!!" protested Fiona. "Oh, I think It is." said C. Storm. "According to Rising Storm, You and the "Green Hedgehog" were doing some errands for the "Pastey Faced Echidna."  you were attacked by the "Dog Men", resulting in the base being completely destroyed.  He saw you..he looked you RIGHT in the eyes when you and "Scourge", is it?, made your escape through the "Magic Ring"..and, left him to his fate." Fiona gritted her teeth as she looked away. "scourge, he..he MADE me leave. he said he would either escape with me..or, alone." "So, you chose to save your own skin by sacrificing an innocent child that you PRETENDED to love." said C. Storm bitterly. "I DIDN'T PRETEND!, I *DO* LOVE HIM!!!" shouted Fiona, tears in her eyes. "You aren't fooling anyone, Fox. Truth is..This whole trial is unnecessary. I already know everything about you." C. Storm stood up, and looked down at Fiona. "I know that you were a mercenary, who was once with Nic Weasel, and the Destructix.  I know you were once part of the Freedom Fighters, AND Sonic's girlfriend..until you betrayed them all for Scourge, and his Suppression Squad." Fiona looked visibly shocked. "How do you know tha-" "Trust No One", THAT is your philosophy." continued C. Storm. "but, you left out one other part of your creed: "Trust No One..and, use EVERYONE." C. Storm smirked as she took a porcelain cup, and sipped some tea. "You are a Trickster, Fiona Fox. a "Twister of Truth." You lie, manipulate, and betray as if it were second to breathing.  and, It is clear to everyone present that you never really loved "Felix", as you call him.  no. you pretended to love him so he would trust you (looks at Fiona) just as that twin-tailed fox once did." Fiona bore a stunned expression on her face. "You tricked that poor boy into adopting you as his mother..Then, you go and have your revenge over your alleged abandonment by your parents by abandoning HIM." "no. n-no, that isn't-" "Trust No One" said C. Storm. "No doubt THAT is what you were hoping to teach him, yes? that NO ONE can be trusted..not even your own mother." "NO!!, THAT'S NOT TRUE!!! THAT'S-" "BE SILENT!, The Conquering Storm speaks." snapped C. Storm. as Fiona stared, C. Storm continued to speak. "The boy you CLAIM to love is lucky to be alive. Fortunately, while Finitevus base was falling apart, he stumbled upon one of his spare Warp Rings.  the mystic talisman transported him HERE in the far east..right in Raiju Territory." C. Storm smiled as she sat back down..then, placed her hand on the silent boy in question. "Some of my clan were foolish enough to want to kill him..but, I was there to remind them of our bylaws regarding innocent children.  We showed him customary hospitality. We fed him, clothed him, gave him a place to sleep.  Normally, I would have had him sent to that fool Khan, and his so-called "Free People."  but..I saw something in the child. Something that intrigued me.  and, upon consulting with Endless Reach of the Gossamer Clan..I knew that his place was with US. with ME." "What are you talking about?!" said Fiona, confused. C. Storm smiled. "those arachnids foretold that the boy would grow to become powerful, a "Rising Storm" to be reckoned with." C. Storm grinned sinisterly. "My people value STRENGTH above all else. Rising Storm is destined to be mighty..and, who better than I to nurture such a prodigy." "BUT-!" "Enough!" snapped C. Storm, rising up suddenly. "Fiona Fox..you are UNWORTHY to call yourself his mother. he is part of the Raiju Clan, now.  and, by betraying him..you have DISHONORED Me, and the Clan." C. Storm clenched her fist tightly. "and, for your dishonor..you will be put to DEATH. By dawns light, your head shall adorned my throne room as a warning to all of what happens when they cross-" "Master, WAIT!!" C. Storm looked to R. Storm angrily. "RISING STORM!, I did not give you permission to SPEAK!!" R. Storm bowed respectfully. "Forgive me, Master. but, PLEASE hear me out." C. Storm stared at the young child..then, breathed out. "very well..SPEAK." "Master, PLEASE. don't kill her." C. Storm scoffed at this. "She has betrayed you, Dishonored us. she MUST be punished." "Then, Punish her. but, PLEASE..don't take her life." Fiona was shocked at this. shocked that even after what she did, even after doing exactly what her parents did to her..her son STILL wanted mercy for her. C. Storm was also quite surprised. "Rising Storm, WHAT have I told you about showing compassion?!" said C. Storm, scolding R. Storm. "She is manipulating you. Using your feelings to save her own skin..AGAIN." the boy looked at the Lynx. "Maybe what I feel WAS just a lie..but, part of me wants to believe that SOME of It was real." R. Storm touched C. Storm's tunic. "please, mom. show her mercy..for ME?" Fiona felt hurt upon hearing her "son" address C. Storm as his "mother." C. Storm herself glared at her "son", feeling angry that he broke taboo by calling her "mother" in public. but, upon looking into his glossy green eyes..the Lynx cold heart ebbed. finally, she turned away from the boy. breathing out sharply. "very well, Rising Storm. for YOU, and nothing else." growled C. Storm darkly Conquering Storm then glared at Fiona again. "Fiona Fox..You deserve nothing but death for all you have done. BUT, I will share you mercy just. this. once." Fiona swallowed hard as she listened to what C. Storm said next. "You..shall live. Live for the rest of your life locked away the dungeon..where no one can hear your lies and deceit any longer." Fiona gasped at this. "but..But, you CAN'T!!" "Iron bars, or cold steel." growled C. Storm. "Take your pick. Either way, you won't be hurting the heir to the Raiju Clan anymore." C. Storm then snapped her fingers, prompting her guards to retrain and pick Fiona onto her feet. "Guards..Take her away to her "new home." As the Lynx Guards drug Fiona away, she fought against them and screamed. "no..No!, NO!! FELIX!! I'M SORRY, FELIX!!, I'M SO SORRY!! PLEASE..DON'T LET THEM DO THIS!!" Felix/R. Storm stayed close to C. Storm, clutching the cloth part of her tunic. "Felix, PLEASE!!" exclaimed Fiona again. the human child looked at Fiona fearfully. he then hid his face away..while C. Storm shielded him protectively. tears flowed down Fiona's stunned face. the realization of what she had done finally sinking in. "get that despicable creature out of my sight..NOW." commanded C. Storm, sternly. Fiona wept loudly as she was dragged away. once gone, Conquering Storm GLARED at Rising Storm. the boy stepped back, feeling a little scared of his Master, and Mother. "uhh.." "Go to your room, Rising Storm. and, await for me." said C. Storm, sternly. "You and I have MUCH to discuss." the boy nodded sadly and he slowly turned, and walked away. [Later] Rising Storm sat quietly on his bed, swinging his tiny feet as he waited for his mother. just then, the door opened..and, in walked Conquering Storm. the Lynx cast a glare at the young child..then, removed her hat and approached the boy. "what have I taught you." "Mom, I-" "What HAVE I always taught you!!?" exclaimed C. Storm, demanding an answer. R. Storm gripped his arm as he spoke solemnly. "to..show compassion is to show weakness." "Exactly!, and no son of mine is going to be WEAK." "But, MOM!-" "DO NOT REBUKE YOUR MOTHER, and MASTER!!" snapped C. Storm. "B-But, I don't understand. WHY is is so bad to be kind to people!?" "Because people like that *FOX* will take advantage of your Kindness. They'll manipulate you..and, then stab you in the back when you least expect it!!" C. Storm then knelt down, and gripped R. Storm's shoulder. "DAMMIT, Rising Storm!! Don't you understand that I am only trying to protect you!!?" R. Storm looked at his mother with teary eyes. "Is It protecting me when you get angry every time I hug you, and say that I love you?!" C. Storm looked at R. Storm. "You know our ways. we cannot show ANY affection in publi-" "WHY!? Why are you so ashamed of me!!?" explained R. Storm, tears in his eyes. "Why can't I call you Mom!?, and..why won't you call me "son." R. Storm turned away before C. Storm could answer him. "It may have all been a lie..but, when Ms. Fiona hugged me, kissed me, and said that she loved me. It..it felt real. and, It made me happy to be loved." R. Storm then shed a tear. "or, at least..FEEL like I was loved." C. Storm looked at the boy with soft eyes. he he started to cry, maternal instincts overruled her Raiju Nature..and, she hugged the sobbing child. "oh, my son..I *DO* love you. That is why I have done all this, so she can't hurt you anymore. but, the ways of the Raiju Clan are sacred. I cannot afford to show affection to anyone..As leader of Raiju, I must be remain strong, and WITHOUT weakness." C. Storm then touched R. Storm's chin, making him look at her. "but, what I do and say in public..is NOT how I truly feel about you.  I am not ashamed of you, I love you. You are my son..and, I know you will make me proud someday." R. Storm wept. he then embraced his adoptive mother, hugging her tightly. "I love you, mom." C. Storm smiled as she stroked his hair. "and, I love you, too." [Much Later] Fiona sat alone in her dark cell of cold, damp stone. her mind racing. she cried softly, wondering how things could have gone so wrong. She wanted to blame someone for her heartache. she wanted to blame her parents, Robotnik, Sonic, Scourge and even Conquering Storm herself! but, the more she thought..the MORE she realized that she had no one else to blame but herself. It was her choice..It was ALWAYS her choice. she shut her eyes tight as tears flowed down her cheek. *Fiona, No!, PLEASE!!* Fiona wept harder as the voice of Tails echoed in her head. *I-It's okay if you don't want to like me! I mean.."LIKE ME" Like me.  but, PLEASE don't go with Scourge! I know you're good..All you have to do is try a little harder, and.* *Oh, Tails..you're so smart, but you haven't learned one fundamental lesson in life.* Fiona's body trembled as more tears threatened to break through. *You can't count on ANYBODY.* Fiona began to wail in anguish, a deep puddle forming at her feet. "oh, tails..why didn't I listen to you?" muttered Fiona. "I should have known Scourge was too selfish to care about anything but himself." Fiona gripped her arms, rubbing them. "now I've hurt the one thing I cared about the most." Fiona cried into her hands. "I..I am a monster. C-Conquering Storm should have just killed me. I..I wish I had never been born." As Fiona continued to cry..her cell door suddenly unlatched. she looked, and saw a familiar looking female Bat walk in. "tsk-tsk-tsk..Well, well, well. Look how the might have fallen." said Rouge, with a smirk. Fiona sneered at her old rival. "and, what do YOU want?! Have you come to gloat!?, well go on, get It over with. I don't care anymore." Rouge chuckled. "Oh, I didn't come here to Gloat..I came to "bust you out." Fiona raised an eyebrow as she stared at Rouge, Puzzled. "what?" Rouge smiled as she circled around Fiona. "I heard about your trial..Seemed pretty "fixed" if you ask me. and, Pretty neat how you NARROWING avoided having that pretty little head of yours becoming a decorative centerpiece." "GET to the point." Rouge drew out a file folder with the G.U.N. symbol stamped upon It. "THIS, is my point, Fi." Rouge tossed the folder at Fiona. the fox took It, and read the cover: "Task Force X?!" "That's the official name, BUT It also goes by another one." Fiona looked at Rouge. "Which IS??" Rouge grinned. "Suicide Squad. Think of It as a Black OPS unit, comprised of convicts.  It's a simple gig, really: Complete some missions for GUN, and you'll be rewarded with Money, Freedom, and whatever else you greedy black heart desires." Fiona looked at Rouge. "You expect me to believe that Conquering Storm is just going to let you take me out of here?!" "OH, believe me, I had quite a time convincing her to let you go." said Rouge, chuckling. "BUT, when I informed her that there is a chance you WON'T survive the missions we are giving you..We made a compromise." Fiona looked at Rouge. "I'm listening." "Lead a team on some "suicide missions", and IF you succeed, you'll get your son back." "and, If I FAIL?"Rouge chuckled. "What do *YOU* think?" Fiona looked at the file..then, sighed sharply. "Even if I DO succeed..my son no longer looks at me as his mother anymore. I betrayed his trust..betrayed and hurt him." "Look, whatever problems you have with the kid, I am SURE you can resolve on your own.  But, if you WANT to have your son back, then you have two choices: Rot in here..or, work for ME." Fiona stared darkly at Rouge. after a few minutes, she finally spoke: "what KIND of mission do you have for me?" [The End?]

Then, It is a good thing that even whenever I DO these practice/first draft fictions, I still strive to write them with 150% effort, and do things right the first time around. the important thing is that you liked the concept Itself, despite your concerns over certain things. and, being the optimistic writer, I try and look at things from that perspective. 

I never really pay much attention to stuff like that, to me honest. When I write characters, I write as if they are real people. I never really consider internet tropes and gimmicks such as "Mary-Sues" (and, from what I hear. Many people like my work BECAUSE I treat the characters in such a way.) Truth is, *everyone* has a different opinion on a given subject. and, not everyone is going to be happy with what kind of story or characters that you write. This includes: "What makes a Mary-Sue", as as I said beforehand, everyone has a different idea on what makes one a Mary-Sue. With these shots, One also must remember that in reading them as stories. they are like 'Opening a large book, and reading Page 55, instead of Page 01.' the character APPEARS to be Mary-Suish because at this point, the readers knows little about the character. but, this was only a "taste" of the whole storyline. and, once readers read the full, main story. things will make more sense.

It was intended to be an Homage, if anything. not to mention I was looking at It from an unbiased perception, and figured the chances of the term "Suicide Squad" being used IN-Universe was fairly good. then again, "Team Dark" could serve just as much the same purpose as as "The Squad" so, my using the DC Comics team name may have been unnecessary. To sum the whole thing up, This short story is really just "Practice" on my part. experimenting an idea, seeing what works, and fixing the errors for when I do the main, Multi-chapter story. In other words, This story was never 100% Canon (even by Fandom terms.) while the concept remains intact, the technicalities behind It are subject to change. (EX: Fiona and C. Storm's joint custody of the overlander boy, and Fiona's drafting into GUN is" canon".         but, the term "suicide squad", and the "great prophecy" concepts may be removed, or altered.) Hopefully this makes more sense to you

My suggestion is not so much "Copy Flash Villains", but more of: Create-New-Villains-Inspired-by-The-Flash. As long as they have the same powers and abilities (which is all that matters, really) then, Sega/Archie can do whatever they want with the concept. at the very least, they should have Eggman use a common "Flash Trap" slapping a "Speed Bomb" on Sonic's wrist that'll detonated if he slows down, tries to remove it, or does nothing in an hour. there was only ONE way that the Scarlett Speedster survived this trap. and, Sonic would have to do more than just run fast to do the same.    Geoffery wasn't really a likable character from the very start with me. his arrogance, superior mindedness, and racism against humans made me agree with Sonic's own opinion of the guy. It didn't surprise me one bit that he turned out to be working for Naugus the entire time.   (Mod note: you're still double posting. Stop it)

One reason why I write my "Sonic Shots" It's practice to give readers a taste on how the comics MIGHT be if I was head writer. There are storylines even *I* don't care for too much (So, I am In no way vain in thinking all my stuff is good) but, most have been well responded to by the general public.

 Yeah, but I sure do miss her old team and family. Aerial and Athena, especially.

Plenty of people have said I should write Sonic stories for Archie after reading some short fanfiction pieces that I have posted on numerous sites. SOME even want me to have "rights" to Ken Penders characters, if you can believe that.

The idea is for there is be villains that Sonic has a hard time beating. For instance, a "Captain Cold" type of villain is an ideal adversary for Sonic. as in "Flash", Cold's Cryo-Gun doesn't just freeze things..It's affects Flash's speed, slowing him down. Think of in the Classic Sonic games, where Sonic ended up in underwater sections of levels. while still fast, Sonic's top speed was decreased while underwater. It's like they explained in the "Necessary Evil" documentary. If the hero ALWAYS beats the villains, then he seems more of a bully (likewise, if the villain always wins, then the Hero seems rather weak, and NOT heroic at all.) Writers need to balance It out. Make It "Not too hard, and Not too easy." As I mentioned before, Scourge was the ideal "Reverse-Flash" for Sonic. being just as fast as Sonic, AND having a similar skill set, Sonic had difficulty beating him. That is what I want from this suggestion: Villains who TEST Sonic, and force him to be the Hero that we all know he is. It's one thing to be the "Fastest Thing Alive." and, another to know how to use that title to It's fullest.

Well, Nice to see that some people think so highly of my treatment of the character. even though at the time, I was really "experimenting" in giving Fiona Fox a nemesis who could match her cruelty and coldness.  

What the heck IS this?!

This appears to be a "dangerous" topic to be discussing. as *everyone has their own preference that some or most may not agree with.   With shipping, anything Can and DOES  happen when you take AU's into consideration. I have my own canonxcanon preference, but I am not sure if *you* want to hear It.

Does anyone have an idea on what ever became of the Sonic Underground Finale that was SUPPOSE to appear in Sonic Universe #50? I heard the issue was suppose to wrap-up the unfinished animated series. but, for reasons unknown, It was nixed, and replaced with a Metal Sonic vs. Shard storyline.