Sonic the Hedgehog: Forget Not
By Jesse Nelson

	The early afternoon sun rose into the sky.  Things were going 
normally in Knothole except for the extreme heat.  Sonic paced around 
impatiently in front of Sally's hut.
	"Hey Sal, you ready?" asked Sonic.
	"In a minute, Sonic," replied Sally.
	Sonic had planned on taking Sally out on a picnic.  But only he knew 
where they were going.  Sally went along only if she got to choose the food 
that will be brought.  Sally knew if Sonic had the choice on the menu it 
will only be chili dogs.
	Sonic finally stopped pacing and stood, but he was impatiently 
tapping his foot.  He decided to look around.  He noticed Antoine in the 
middle of the walkway looking real nervous.  Sonic went up to him.
	"Hey Ant," said Sonic, "what's up?"
	Antoine jumped as Sonic called his name.  "Sonic.  Why must you do 
zat?"
	"What?  I just asked what's up."
	"I know.  Uhm nothing eez up."
	"Then why are you so nervous."
	"Me nervous, no.  I have zee courage of zee lion."
	"More like the chicken."
	"I will have you zat I have saved ze lives before."
	"Yah, yah what ever.  Still, where are you going?"
	"Nowhere in particular."
	"Hey Sonic," called Sally from her hut, "I'm ready."
	"Catch yuh later Ant."
	Sonic ran to Sally, picked her up, and ran into the forest.
	
	Elsewhere in Knothole the mail was being delivered.  The mail bear 
went to a hut and knocked on the door.  After a moment a white cat opened 
the door.
	"Kathryn Cynes?" asked the bear.
	"Yes," answered Kathy.
	"Package for you."  The bear pulled out a small rectangular box from 
his satchel and handed it to her.  Then he pulled out a clipboard.  "Sign 
here."
	Kathy signed the clipboard then closed her door.
	"A thank you would be nice," said the bear before leaving.
	Kathy sat down and laid the package on a table in front of her.
	Kathy wondered who it could be from.  It was from Celendridge.  Nice 
place, at least it was.
	Kathy picked up the package and opened it. Inside was a picture 
frame.  On it was a note.  Before opening the note Kathy noticed the photo 
in the frame.  It was a group shot.  There were three cats, a mouse and, a 
rhino in the photo.
	"Oh my..."
	Kathy quickly opened the note and read it.  After finishing reading 
the note Kathy stood up and took the picture.  Then she went to a rug in 
the middle of her hut.  She rolled the rug over revealing a door.  She 
opened it and climbed down.
	Now under the hut, Kathy pulled a string from above rolling the rug 
back over the door.  The room she was in now had equipment.  Equipment that 
hadn't been used in years.
	
	********
	
	A cliff over viewed an ocean.  The wind briskly blew over the grassy 
top as waves splashed against the rocky wall.
	Suddenly a blue blur rushed over the grassy cliff, then came back for
a stop.
	"Here you go," said Sonic as he let Sally stand on the ground.
	Sally stood in awe.
	"Sonic," said Sally, "this place is wonderful.  When did you find?"
	I found it in another timeline, thought Sonic.  "Oh I just dropped in 
on this place on one of my daily strolls."
	"It's magnificent."
	"I thought you would like it."
	Sally lay down a picnic basket and began to lay out the food.
	
	********
	
	Dark gray smog loomed over Robotropolis.  The heat of summer didn't 
make thing any better for the robots.
	Robotnik sat in his air conditioned control room overlooking an 
electronic key pad in his hand.  Robotnik looked up for a moment then 
pressed a button on his command chair.
	"Striker," called Robotnik.
	"What is it," radioed Striker.
	"How rude," said Robotnik before telling Striker what he wanted, "I 
want you to recover some top secret data a research facility in Area 8.  
Take a large squadron of Stealthbots, battle pods, and Swatbots there."
	"Why do you need so much enforcement to recover data?"
	"There have been some problems in that area.  I want you to destroy 
the nearby city.  After you have recovered the data, destroy the facility."
	"On may way."
	Robotnik went back to the key pad.
	
	********
	
	Antoine leaned against a tree still nervous.  After a moment Antoine 
stood up and walked to his hut, but stopped when.  He got about halfway 
then stopped.
	Antoine changed direction and walked toward Bunnie's hut.  He reached 
the door and slowly brought his hand up.  Antoine was sweating tensely.  It
was probably from the heat, but he was nervous.  Slowly Antoine knocked.
	At the moment Antoine knocked a Stealthbot roar overhead.
	Antoine stepped back catching he breathe from the scare.
	Meanwhile, Rotor rushed from his hut to the center of the village.  
He placed a metal box on the ground and flipped a switch on it.  It 
immediately emitted a light.
	Knothole suddenly darkened a bit just as more Stealthbots and 
transport pods flew overhead.
	There were many animals outside looking up.  Antoine walked up to 
Rotor, forgetting what he was going to do.
	"Rotor, what eez zat?" asked Antoine.
	"Yeah Rotor," said Bunnie coming up behind Antoine.
	"This is a holo camouflage light emitter."
	"Say what?", questioned Bunnie?
	"Hologram camouflage."
	"Is that when it got dark all of a sudden?"
	"Yah, it filters out some of the light when activated.  I was lucky 
enough to find it in time."
	
	********
	
	Sally and Sonic had finished their picnic and were now lying in the 
grass.  They let the winds from the ocean cool them off as they talked and 
ate.
	"So Sal, how's life treating yuh?" asked Sonic.
	"The same way it has been for the last ten years," replied Sally.
	"Glad or sad?"
	"Maybe a little of both."
	"What's the sad part?"
	"Not being able to go home."
	"And the glad?"
	"You."  Sally came up to Sonic and they went into a deep kiss.  They 
stopped for moment.
	"Hey I'm glad too", said Sonic, kissing Sally again.  
	Suddenly, they heard a roar overhead.  They stopped and looked up as 
Stealthbots and pods flew over them.
	"Just when it was getting fun," said Sonic, before picking up Sally 
and running for cover.  "What's Robotnik up to?  An invasion?"
	"I've never seen this many aircraft before," said Sally.  "Something 
big is going down."
	"I hear yuh Sally.  Should we follow them?"
	"We should, just to see what they're up to."
	"Okay Sal."  Sonic picked her up.  "Juice'n."  Sonic sped off after 
the squadron.
	
	********
	
	"Approaching the city of Celendridge," informed the navigation 
computer.
	"Good," said Striker.  "Time for a little fun."  Striker opened the 
communications.  "This is Colonel Striker.  All Stealthbots are to commence in the 
destruction of the city.  Begin the large structures first then work your 
way down.  Battle pods, you are to unload the Swatbots, then assist the 
Stealthbots.  Swatbots, you will be capturing any civilian you can get your 
hands on.  If they resist shot them, full force.  Commence operation now."
	Striker stood up from where he sat and walked to the hatch.  The 
hatch opened and Striker jumped out.  He fell for a moment before 
activating his jet unit.
	
	On the ground Sonic and Sally watched as the Stealthbots and pods 
begin to spread out.  As they looked ahead they say a rather large city.
	"I don't like this Sonic," complained Sally.
	"You ain't the only one," said Sonic.
	Suddenly they heard on explosion.  The Stealthbots had fired on a 
large skyscraper.
	 "We are going to need some mondo help here Sal," said Sonic.
	"I know,"  Sally took Nicole from her boot.  "Nicole, I want you to 
send a transmission to Knothole.  Tell them that Sonic and I are at 
Celendridge.  The city is under attack.  Bring any and all medical 
supplies."
	"Transmitting Sally," voiced Nicole.
	"Aren't we going to need some help Sal??"
	"Sonic I'd rather not fight here.  There are just simply too many of 
them out there.  We are going to have a lot of hurt people here.  I am more 
concerned in saving lives."
	"Then I guess we better start finding the wounded."
	Sonic picked up Sally and ran toward the city.
	
	********
	
	Antoine rushed up to a hut and began knocking on the door.
	"Kathy," yelled Antoine, "we have ze emergency.  Sonic and Sally are under attack."
	Antoine didn't quiet here what Rotor said be he heard enough that there was trouble 
where Sonic and Sally are, and knew that they needed Kathy.
	"Kathy!"
	Finally the opened from Antoine's pounding. The hut was empty.
	"Kathy?  Kathy?"  Antoine looked around inside, "Where could she be?"
	Antoine left the hut figuring she might be somewhere else in the village.
	
	********
	
	Sonic and Sally had managed to pull out some animals out of a burning 
apartment building.  Most weren't injured some were, but nothing serious.  
There were some still inside though.
	Sonic and Sally were inside the burning building still looking for 
anyone.
	"Is anybody there," shouted Sally?  "Can anyone here me?"
	
	Sonic was going up the stair when he ran into a wall of fire.
	"Whoa," said Sonic, "can't go up this way."
	Sonic ran back down the stairs and out side hoping that there some at 
the windows.
	
	"Is there anyone there," continued Sally.
	"Quinn," came a shout, "Quinn, Casey!"
	"Who's out there?"
	Sally followed the voice.
	"Quinn, Casey!  Alice Quinn, where are you?"
	Sally began to make out a figure through the smoke.
	"Quinn is that you?"
	"No, I'm..."  before Sally finish, a burning beam fell on her right 
shoulder knocking her to the floor.
	
	Sonic stood outside looking up hoping to find anyone.  He backed up 
some and saw someone on the roof.  At that moment a part of the roof 
crumbled and fell off along with the animal.
	"Think fast Sonic."  Sonic revved up and jump over and around the 
falling debris until he caught the falling animal in the air.
	Sonic landed back on the ground.
	"Are you ok?" asked Sonic.
	The animal looked up and shock came to her face, "Zack?"
	"No, the name's Sonic.  Is there any one else up there?"
	"Oh my god, Casey!"
	"Wait here," Sonic set down the animal and jumped onto the building.
	Sonic used the window sills to get up to the roof.  He reached the 
roof and immediately found a young orange cat on the roof.  Sonic took a 
step, but almost fell through the roof.
	"Don't worry, kid," shouted Sonic, "I'll get you out."
	Sonic didn't take any chance in falling through the roof.  He poured 
out all his speed snatching the cat, then jumping off the roof.
	Sonic slowed his decent by activating his anti-gravity sneakers.
	"Are you ok?" asked Sonic to the little cat as they slowly reached 
the ground.  
	She nodded.  "Good."
	Before Sonic reached the ground more of the roof fell.  The falling 
rubble fell on and around Sonic and the little cat.  They both came 
crashing into the ground.
	
	Inside the building a figure dashed out and pulled Sally from the 
burning beam and into a floor hatch.  As the figure closed the hatch debris 
fell on it.
	Under the building was a dark tunnel.  The figure laid Sally down.  
Sally began to move around.
	"Oh," groaned Sally, "where am I?"
	"In a safe place," said the figure.  "Who are you?"
	Sally stood up before answering, "I am Sally Acorn."
	"Princess?"
	"Yes."
	The figure had quickly ran off.
	"Wait, where are you going?" asked Sally as she ran after him.
	The figure was fast and was out of her sight.  But the tunnel had no 
other detours so Sally knew she would find him.  There was a dim light 
ahead, but Sally got there she faced down the barrel of a blaster.
	"Hold your fire," came a voice.  As the blaster was taken from 
Sally's face a blast shot out over Sally's right shoulder.  "Spaz!"
	"Sorry," came a deep voice.
	Sally could see a cat walk away from her to a rhino.  The was 
wearing an old tan shirt with its left sleeve torn off.  He also wore 
brown pants, but were torn up near the bottom.  The rhino wore a dirty red 
cap and wore a brown utility belt.
	"Spaz, give me the gun," said the cat as he held out his hand.
	"But..."  began the rhino.
	"Now Spaz."  The rhino handed the cat a gun.
	"Who are you?" asked Sally.
	The cat turned around and faced Sally.
	"Mobian Secret Service 18th unit," replied the cat. 
	"I never heard of you."
	"I know, nobody has.  No one knows about us excepted for the guys in 
it.  May I ask your name?"
	"I'm Sally Acorn."
	"Hello Sally," came another voice.
	Sally turned to find a familiar white coat wearing cat.
	"Kathy, is that you?" asked Sally.  "What are you doing here?"
	"I am here because of Randy."
	"Randy?  I thought he was dead."
	"No he isn't," said the male cat.  He walked over to Kathy and kissed 
her.
	"You're Randy?"
	"Yeah."
	"Kathy, I, I don't know what to say."
	"Say nothing," said an old gray furred mouse plainly as he came into 
the room.  He was wearing a bandoleer, going from his right shoulder to 
his left side, and combat boots.  
	"Randy, the apartment's leveled.  Alice and Casey haven't returned."
	"Damn," shouted Randy.  He walked over a wall with his head down.  
The wall had three pictures on it.  "Sorry Jinn, Zack, we tried to keep 
them safe."  
	He slammed his fist into the wall.
	"Randy," said Kathy as she laid a hand on his shoulder.
	"I need to be alone", said Randy, walking off into another room.
	"Randy."
	"Kathy," called Sally, "I'm lost here."
	"Sorry Sally.  Uhm, let me introduce you to the guys."  Kathy turned 
to the rhino and mouse.  "Big guy is Spaz Trim."
	"Hello," said the rhino. 
	"He's got an itchy trigger finger, but he's not that all bad."
	"Sorry."
	"That's Mike Tek."
	"Hi," said the mouse not looking up. 
	"He's good with his hands and can build just about anything.  Sort 
of like Rotor."
	"Who?" asked Mike.
	"Nobody Mike.  Mike's got good ears, don't talk behind his back."
	Sally suddenly grabbed her right shoulder.
	"What happen," asked Kathy, "where you hit?"
	"No," replied Sally.  "A beam fell on me in the apartment.  Where's 
the guy who brought me down here?"
	"The new guy.  He's in the infirmary.  Burned his hands.  A real 
jerk."
	Kathy led Sally the infirmary.  When they entered Sally received a 
shock.
	
	The citywide destruction continued.  A young turquoise quilled 
hedgehog dug through the rubble of a fallen building.
	Suddenly an area to her left began to move.  She quickly moved over 
to help move some of the debris.  A white glove hand reached out then a 
blue head.
	"Alice?" came a small voice.
	"Casey?" called the female Hedgehog.
	"Alice!"  A young cat jumped out from under the blue hedgehog into 
the arms of the other.
	
	With a few grunts and groans Sonic finally pushed the debris off him.
	"Halt or be terminated," came a metallic voice.
	"Awe man, give me a break," complained Sonic.  He ran toward the 
Swatbot, but fell over.  He slid until he bowled over the bot.
	The bot fell, landing its head on some debris, disabling it.
	The hedgehog stood up then lifted his right foot up a bit.
	"Ow, my ankle."
	"Are you ok?" asked the girl hedgehog.
	"I'll be ok.  What's your name?"
	"Alice Quinn."
	"Sonic Hedgehog."
	"I'm Casey Lee," said the little cat as she set her feet on the 
ground, "thank you for saving me."
	"No prob, kid."
	Sonic began to limp when he noticed something missing.
	"Oh no, Sally.  Where is she?"
	"Was she in the building?" asked Alice.
	"Yeah."
	"I, I didn't see anybody else get out."
	"No, Sally!"
	Sonic limped as fast as he could to the rubble.  He began to dig 
through the rubble.  The pain in he leg prevented him from doing much 
though.  Frustrated Sonic slammed both his fists on the rubble.
	"No!  I can't lose her again!"
	"Halt or be terminated," came a metallic voice.
	Three Swatbots emerged over a pile of rubble.
	"Hedgehog alert!"
	"Great!"  Sonic reached into his backpack and pulled out a power 
ring.
	The ring let out its power surrounding Sonic.  All the pain Sonic 
felt numbed away.  Sonic ran out grabbed Alice and Casey, then away from 
the city.
	Sonic didn't run at his best because the pain in his ankle was more 
than it seemed.  Sonic manage to get away, but lost himself in the forest.
	Sonic laid Alice and Casey on the ground then set himself against a 
tree.
	"What was that?" asked Alice amazed at what had happened.
	"That was a power ring," said Sonic as he gritted his teeth.  "They 
give me more speed."
	"But how?  Your ankle."
	"It also takes away all the pain I feel...  Well, almost all."
	"Wow."
	"Are you the one who pisses Robotnik off all the time?" asked Casey.
	"Where did you learn to say that?"
	"I heard Uncle Randy say it a lot.  He says a lot of other words, 
but I'm not allowed to say them."
	"You're a good kid.  Yah, I'm the guy."
	"You look like Uncle Zack."
	"Who?"
	"Zachary Sharp," said Alice gloomily.
	"Your..."
	"My, boyfriend."
	"Something tells me he's not around here."
	"He's dead."
	"Oh."
	"Aunt Alice, are you ok?" asked Casey.
	"I'll be fine," said Alice as she turned away with tears in her eyes.
	
	Sally had just entered the infirmary that Kathy had led her to.  
Inside was a person Sally thought she would never see again.
	"Rick?" said Sally.
	"Princess," said Rick from a chair.
	"You alive."  Sally went up to him and gave him a quick hug.  "But 
how?"
	"The 18th found me after I escaped the Swatbots."
	"You know him?" asked Kathy.
	"Yes.  Remember five months ago, when Robotnik used a decoy 
transport."
	"Yes."
	"I..."
	"I was protecting Sally," cut in Rick.  "I was captured when Sonic 
came to rescue her."
	"That isn't what you said when we found you," said Mike as he walked 
in.  "Fixed your blaster."  The mouse tossed Rick a large gun.
	"Rick you don't have to lie," said Sally.  "Kathy.  A long time ago 
before Robotnik took over.  I saw a murder.  I falsely accused Rick of it."
	"I didn't do it," said Rick.
	"I know.  But by the time I figured it out you were gone.  I'm 
sorry."
	Rick stared at Sally eyes.  He nodded then changed the subject.  
	"Patty, where's Alice?"
	"First of all my name is Kathy, second..."
	"She's dead," blurted Mike, "so is Casey."
	"Gee Mike, you say it like it's no big deal."
	"It's war, shit happens", said Mike, leaving.
	"What's wrong with him?" asked Sally.
	"His mother and sister were caught in a cross fire between the 
Mobians and Swatbots," said Kathy.
	"Kathy, why didn't you tell anybody about this."
	"About what?"
	"This... secret service."
	"I wasn't allowed to tell anyone of it.  But I assure you princess 
that I am not hiding anything else.  Come on let's take a look at that 
shoulder."
	
	********
	
	Things where happening at Knothole.  Rotor was preparing his 
hovercraft to tow a hover hoverpad.  Bunnie was helping loading up larger 
supplies on the pad while Antoine and some other villagers helped with the 
small and medium sized ones.
	"Antoine," called Rotor, "where's Kathy?"
	"I don't know," replied Antoine, "I check her hut, she was not zere.
I check zee medical hut and she was not zere either.  I do not know where 
Kathy eez."
	"Great."
	"Rotor," called Tails as he flew to the walrus, "can I come?"
	"Uh Tails... This is a lot larger than a simple raid."
	"I can take care of myself.  I can be your lookout."
	"No Tails.  I don't want to sound mean, but I want you to stay here."
	"But..."
	"Stay here."
	"Ok."  Tails turned around and walked off sulking.
	"How does Sally do it?"
	"You handled that pretty well Rotor," said Bunnie.
	"It's harder than it looks."
	"Don't sweat it Rotor.  Come on where almost finished."
	
	********
	
	Light from the sun had totally vanished over the horizon. The sky was 
still illuminated from the burning city.  Fires blazed as fighting and 
destruction continued.  It made things feel hotter.
	Sonic stood up leaning on a tree gazing over the city.  Not many 
buildings were left standing.  In the sky Sonic saw Stealthbots, battle 
pods and transport.  The flames from the city blocked out the dim lights 
made by the stars.  The moon could be seen, but it had a red glow to it.
	Sonic turned to Alice.  He noticed she had a red shirt under her 
blue windbreaker.  She was playing a hand game with Casey.  Casey wore a 
loose shirt red shirt, probably on of Alice's old shirts, and loose blue 
shorts.
	This war can do a lot to your mind, thought Sonic.  Alice lost her 
boyfriend because of the war.
	"Alice," called Sonic.
	"What is it?" asked Alice.
	"We are going to need to find some shelter.  I don't think it's safe 
out, not even in the forest."
	"You're right."
	Sonic limped his way to the to female who waited for him.  Alice 
went over to help Sonic.
	"You know I hate being waited on," said Sonic.
	"Get used to it," said Alice.  "You will be waited on until your 
ankle heals, and from my expert advise it won't for a long time."
	"Great!  Buttnik will take over Mobius in no time with Sally gone
and me out of commission."
	"Who is Sally?"
	"My girlfriend."
	"Why is she so important to the war?"
	"She's the princess."
	"Princess Sally Acorn?"
	"Aunt Alice," called Casey, "there's a little cabin up ahead."
	"Where?"
	"Up there."
	Alice strained her eyes to see what Casey was seeing.  Finally she 
got a faint outline of a cabin.  Sonic tried, but couldn't see it.
	"Come on," said Alice, "it isn't that far away."
	"What," questioned Sonic, "I don't see a thing."
	Sonic soon saw the cabin.  It was small, but it would have to do.
	They all got in.  Inside were a table, two chairs, two cots, a 
cabinet, and iron stove.  Alice helped Sonic to one of the cots.
	"The kid's got good eyes," said Sonic.
	"Yeah," said Alice, "most cats do."  Alice pulled off Sonic's right 
sneaker and examined his ankle.
	"How is it?"
	"Broken."
	"Uncool."
	"I'm good with medicine, but I have nothing to treat it with."
	"That's ok.  I'll survive."  Sonic pulled out the power ring he used 
earlier.
	"Why didn't you use the ring like you did before?"
	"These are only good once.  After that it's just another paper 
weight."  Sonic set the ring on the floor.
	
	********
	
	"Nothing seems to out of place," said Kathy.  "There will just be a 
bruise."
	"Thanks Kathy," said Sally as she stood up.  "Kathy?"
	"Yes."
	"What happened before you came to Knothole?"
	"What happened?  A lot."  Kathy began to tell her story just before 
she joined the Freedom Fighters in Knothole.  "Before you found me we were 
on a rescue mission.  Mike and Spaz were suppose to set charges on the 
roboticizer.  Jinn, Randy, and I were suppose to rescue the prisoners ready 
for roboticization.
	"Things went fine.  We got most of the prisoners out and were now 
regrouping with the others.  Mike and Spaz were really beat-up.  They were 
ambushed, and we were too.  We didn't free anybody.
	"We regrouped only to be ambushed again.  We were in a fire fight 
with dozens of Swatbots.  During the shoot out, one of the charges Mike had 
fell out and activated.  Jinn must have seen it, because he pushed me away.
	"When I got up the corridor collapsed.  I couldn't hear anything on 
the other side of the rubble.  I tried to dig through the rubble, but there 
was too much.
	"More Swatbots came and I ran.  I don't know how far I ran or where 
the thought of Randy being dead ran through my mind.  I blinded myself in 
my tears.  I finally collapsed from exhaustion.
	"When I woke up you and Sonic had found me."
	"Was Jinn the only on who didn't survive?" asked Sally.
	"Yes," replied Kathy.  "It was a bad time for him.  About a week 
before the attack his wife, Karen, died giving birth to his daughter, 
Casey."
	"How sad."
	"That may be another reason why Mike acts the why he does.  Him and 
Jinn were the best of friends."
	"I took care of Casey since then," said Mike from the doorway, "until 
we found Zack Sharp and Alice Quinn.  Jinn, Zack, and Alex are on the wall 
of heroes.  Alice and Casey will put up there soon."
	"You might want to take Alex's picture off," said Kathy.
	"The kid may be roboticized, but there is no way to find him."
	"I know where he is Mike, and he wasn't totally roboticized."
	"Wait a minute," came in Sally, "what does this Alex guy look like?"
	"He's a raccoon."
	"Alex Coon?"
	"Yah."
	"He's at a holding cell in Knothole.  He tried to kill one of my 
people."
	"You mean that pickpocket is still breathin'?"
	Mike left to the wall with the three pictures.
	Kathy and Sally followed him.  They watched as Mike took down the 
far picture.
	"This is the wall of heroes?" asked Sally.
	"Yes," replied Kathy.
	Sally looked at the pictures.  The first a Siamese cat.  Under it had
the name Jinn Lee.  Sally went to the second one.  It was a blue hedgehog.
	"That's Sonic," said Sally.
	"That's what I said when I first saw the picture," said Kathy.
	"Where is Sonic?!"
	"I don't know."
	Suddenly they hear a loud deep roar.  They turned to see Spaz 
yawning.
	Spaz took a deep breath then stood up, "I'm going to hit the hay."  
	He walked down a hallway and into a side room.
	"It is getting late," said Kathy as she looked at her watch.  "I'll 
show you to one of the spare rooms."
	
	********
	
	Darkness had fallen over the cabin in the woods.  The destruction of 
the nearby city continued.
	Inside the cabin all were asleep except Alice.  She was up pondering 
to herself about Sonic.
	He's rude and reckless, thought Alice, but he is also caring.  Like 
Zack, I know this because…I felt it from him, but he is loosing his care 
though.
	"He is not loosing his care," came a voice in Alice's head, "it is 
merely shifting."
	Shifting?  To what?
	"To another."
	"He is one of many savors to this world," came a different voice.
	He saved Casey and myself, yet he lost his love and injured himself.
	"Losing a love can not be healed," came a third voice.
	I know.
	Alice sat up for a moment in the cot she was sleeping in.  Then she 
stood up and walked to Sonic who was sleeping an a chair.  She knelt down 
and touched his ankle.  She closed her eye and her hand began to glow.  The 
glow died and Alice returned to her cot.
	You said his care if shifting to another, thought Alice.  Is that 
other me?
	"Do you want it to be?" asked the first voice.
	Alice thought about it, but soon went to sleep.
	"Sleep well, Keeper 14," said many voices to Alice.
	
	********
	
	A hovercraft reached the edge of the once city of Celendridge.  
Fires still blazed give a red glow.  Nearly all the buildings have fallen.  
Swatbots patrolled the city searching for any surviving animals.  Most of 
the animals that could be seen laid lifeless on the ground.
	The hovercraft landed drawing the attention of nearby Swatbots.
	"Halt or be terminated," ordered the Swatbots.
	"Halt this, tin butt!!"  A metallic fist flew out of the hover craft 
as the hatched opened.
	One Swatbot was disabled, but three others remained.
	Bunnie jumped out and took care of the unwanted guess.
	"Everything's clear Rotor!" shouted Bunnie.
	Rotor, Antoine, and several others exited hovercraft.
	"Ok everyone," said Rotor, "we'll set up base camp here.  Start 
unloading."
	Bunnie, Antoine and a few others began to unload the hoverpad.
	In the red darkness they couldn't see a small animal run from the 
pod.
	
	********
	
	Day break.  The sun slowly loomed over the eastern horizon shedding 
light on the remains on Celendridge.  Only a few buildings were left 
standing.
	Stealthbots and Swatbots met with some heavy resistance.  The 
buildings were guarded by military forces.  But the resistance would soon 
weaken as their supplies have been destroyed.  They would only delay what 
is sure to come.
	Underground Sigma quietly prepared for a mission.
	Sally woke up at the sound of metal to metal clanks and mumbling.  
Sally opened the door only to meet with Rick Kuts.
	"Rick, what's happening?" asked Sally.
	"Sally, uhm, we're preparing for a mission," replied Rick.
	"Where?"
	"Nearby base.  Randy figured the only reason for the attack on the 
city was because there was something special there.  I figured you did 
things like this a lot and thought you'd like to join us."
	"I guess I can."
	"Good, I got some gear for you."
	Rick lead Sally to a large room full of computers and equipment.
	Nearby, Spaz leaned on a chair.
	"Don't fall Spaz," said Rick.
	"I won't faaallllll," shouted Spaz as he fell in the chair.
	Next to Spaz was Randy, who was looking over the rhino, "Lying down 
on the job, Spaz?"
	"No, justing check how hard the floor is."
	"Your head is the hardest thing here."  Spaz and Randy smiled.  Randy 
held out a hand to help Spaz up.  Then Randy turned to Sally, "I suppose 
you will be joining us?"
	"Yes," replied Sally.
	"What can you do?"
	"Other than some martial arts, I know computers."
	"No weapons?"
	"Some."
	"Ok.  Rick, get the princess some protective gear.  Princess, you'll 
be working with Mike."  Randy pointed at a Mike who was at a computer.
	Sally walked up to the mouse.  When she got there she noticed that he 
was looking at a hologram of a base.  She looked at it closely when she 
noticed where the hologram was being projected from.  It was being 
projected from Mike's right eye.
	"No princess,I wasn't roboticized," said Mike as Sally opened her 
mouth.
	"But how?"
	"Sir Charles Hedgehog built robotic parts before building the 
roboticizer.  When he abandoned it, the Secret Service took over on it."  
Mike closed his eye discontinuing the hologram image.  "By definition I'm a 
cyborg.  I also have expanded memory."  Mike pointed to an inlet device 
behind his ear.  "Since we're working together, I thought you should know."
	
	********
	
	Striker oversaw the destruction of the final building.  He was 
pleased at it.
	"That was the best eighteen hours I've had since being created," said 
Striker.
	"Striker, Report," came Robotnik's voice over Strikers 
communications.
	"This is Striker.  The city has been destroyed. The captured 
survivors should reach Robotropolis in an hour."
	"Excellent.  Now, retrieve the data I have requested."
	"I'm on my way.  Striker out,"  Striker quickly cut communications,  
"Why does that fat ass have to repeat the orders?  I know them."
	Striker flew off toward the rising sun.
	
	********
	
	The sun rose over the nearby forest next to once wondrous city of 
Celendridge.
	Alice and Casey were awake and waited for Sonic to wake who was still 
sleeping in the chair.  The sun's light shone through the cabin's window 
striking Sonic's face.  Sonic felt the sun's light a little irritating and 
tried to pull a blanket over his head when there wasn't one.  Instead, 
Sonic fell off the chair hitting the floor.
	Alice and Casey giggled when Sonic landed on the floor.
	"Oh, man," groaned Sonic, "talk about a rude a awakening."
	"How are you feeling?" asked Alice as she tried not to smile.
	"Fine."  Sonic stood up.
	Before anything else could happen the cabin shuttered something flew 
over them.  Quickly Sonic ran outside to see what it was.
	Above Sonic saw Stealthbots and pods fly toward the sun.  Then he 
turned toward the city.  It was gone.
	"I'm going to stop this."  Sonic revved up his legs ready to move.
	"Sonic wait," shouted Alice causing Sonic to stop.  "Don't leave us."
	"I gotta do something."
	"Why don't you take us with you?"
	"No way!  It's too dangerous."
	 "Casey is fast and a good at hiding."  Alice pulled out a small hand 
blaster from her windbreaker, "I can take care of myself."
	"Whoa, whoa, you know how to use that?"
	"I know how to use it.  It's been awhile though."
	"I don't know."
	"You learn to do something after ten years of war."
	"I guess you're right.  Grab on."
	Alice took Casey's hand and walked to Sonic.  Alice grabbed on 
Sonic's left shoulder while Casey grabbed his right.
	"Fasten your seat beats and keep your hand out of the windows," 
announced Sonic, "cause the Sonic Express is movin' out."  Sonic moved out 
toward the direction the Stealthbots and pods went.
	
	********
	
	A small hovercraft towing a hoverpad roamed over the rubble of 
Celendridge in hopes of finding survivors.
	Rotor was inside piloting the hovercraft.  Bunnie stood on the 
hoverpad to look for anything sign of trouble or of any survivors.
	Bunnie soon caught a glimpse of a moving body on the ground.
	"Rotor, stop!" shouted Bunnie.  The hovercraft stopped and Bunnie 
hopped off.
	Bunnie followed to sound until she saw the animal making it.
	"Oh my stars," exclaimed Bunnie, "Tails!"
	Tails was on the ground groaning.  Next to him was a young squirrel.
	Bunnie went up to Tails and picked him up.
	"Aunt Bunnie," called Tails?
	"I'm here sugah," said Bunnie.
	"The squirrel... still alive."
	Bunnie was about to leave when Tails told her about the squirrel.  
She set Tails down then check to squirrel.  He was still alive.
	Tails slowly got to his feat and watched as Bunnie picked up the 
squirrel.
	"Can you walk, Tails?" asked Bunnie.  Tails nodded.  "Good, come on, 
follow me."
	Tails grabbed Bunnie's metallic hand and walked with her.  They 
reached the hover pad where Bunnie set the squirrel on.  Then she lifted 
Tails on.
	"Who did you find?" asked Rotor.
	"Found a squirrel," replied Bunnie, "and Tails."
	"Tails?!"
	"Hi Rotor," waved Tails as Rotor turned around.
	
	********
	
	A lone battle pod flew over the city.  It flew not taking notice a 
small hovercraft below it.  Inside the pod was a crew of animals, instead 
of robots.
	Randy sat in the pilot's seat with Mike in the copilot seat.  Spaz, 
Kathy, Rick, and Sally sat in makeshift chairs behind the pilots.
	The pod flew over to a large base facility where dozens of other pods 
have landed.  This pod landed adding to the total.  The side hatch opened 
and all inside it came out.  They lurked their way to a side door to the 
base.
	The door was locked.  Spaz stepped up and put his hand on the lock 
and pulled it off.  Randy opened the door and entered first, followed by 
Spaz, Kathy, Mike, Rick and Sally.  They cautiously walked until they 
reached a room.
	"Ok, Rick," began Randy, "you take the princess and Mike to the main 
control room.  Mike knows what to do from there.  Kathy, Spaz, your with 
me, planting charges.  Remember if you don't like it, shoot it."
	The group split up.  Randy and his group went first out the room, then 
disappeared in the hallways.  Rick led Mike and Sally out of the room about 
a minute later.
	They navigated through the passageways.  Rick took point and was the 
first to enter the intersection and the first to look into the room.  So 
far, they ran into nothing.
	"This is too easy," said Sally.
	"I know," said Rick, "something's up."
	They continued until they reach their objective.  The main control 
room.
	"Ok, Rick," said Mike, "guard the door." 
	Mike went to the main console, "All right let's see what yuh know."
	Mike and Sally went to the main console of the room.  There Mike 
plugged one end of a cable into his head and the other end into the console.
	"What are you hiding?," said Mike.
	Sally went to another console and accessed it.  Immediately, a timer 
appeared on the monitor.
	"What?" said Sally.
	Sally fiddled around with the console, but got nothing.  Sally knelt 
down and pulled out Nicole from her boot.
	"Nicole, can you find out what this timer is for?" asked Sally as 
she linked Nicole to the console.
	"Searching Sally," voiced Nicole.
	
	Outside the base, Sonic came running up with Alice and Casey.  They 
hid behind one of the battle pods and looked at the area.
	"Where is everyone?" asked Sonic.  "I thought there would more 
security here."
	"What do you suppose they're up to?" asked Alice.
	"Shhh.  Something's coming out."
	Sonic, Alice, and Casey watched as a group of Swatbots came out of 
the nearby building.  Sonic immediately recognized one as Striker.
	"Stay here," said Sonic before running out.
	Sonic went into his sonic spin and attacked the Swatbots.  Striker 
quickly activated his jet pack and hovered above the other Swatbots.
	"I thought you would show up sooner or later," said Striker.  
"Swatbots, capture the hedgehog."
	Suddenly all the battle pod side hatches opened and Swatbots poured 
out.
	"Uh-oh."  Sonic ran around as the Swatbots began to fire at him.
	"Casey, hide," said Alice.
	Casey did as she was told.  Alice stood up and aimed her blaster then
fired.  She managed to hit a Swatbot, but fell backward from the shock of 
the blast.  Alice stood back up, shaking her head.  "This is why I don't 
use guns," thought Alice.  Alice aimed again, but this time a metallic 
grabbed both of her hands.
	"You may not be the princess, but you'll do," said Striker as he 
lifted the hedgehog up.  Striker looked toward the fighting, "Surrender 
hedgehog!"
	Sonic stopped as did the Swatbots.
	"Surrender," repeated Striker, "or this one doesn't have to worry 
about the war anymore."
	"Let her he go," shouted Sonic as he took a step toward Striker.
	"No, no, no."  Striker aimed his wrist blaster at Alice's head.  
"Surrender."
	Sonic stepped back.  "I'm not going to let anyone else die today," 
said Sonic in his mind.  Sonic clenched his fist then lowered his head.
	"Swatbot D-32589," called Striker, "subdue the hedgehog."
	A Swatbot walked up behind Sonic and hit him in the back on the head. 
Sonic fell to the ground unconscience.
	"Now you will die," said Striker.  Striker was about to shoot Alice, 
when he felt something was wrong.
	Alice held her hands tightly.  Her head was down and her eyes close.  She 
concentrated hard as a glow formed around her hands.
	Striker stared at the hedgehog he held as her hands glowed bright.  
Suddenly a wave of light fluttered out.
	The Swatbots began to fall, and Striker suddenly felt weak.  Striker 
soon released his hold on the hedgehog as it took too much power to do so.
	Alice landed on the ground and went to Sonic.  As she knelt down 
Sonic as he slowly got up.
	"Oh man," groaned Sonic.
	"Are you ok Sonic?" asked Alice.
	"Alice," Sonic looked up to her, "what  happened to Swatbots?"
	"I don't know, they just fell."
	Suddenly they heard a thunderous sound.  Then a blast rang out 
grazing Alice's shoulder.
	Striker hand managed to get himself in a battle pod and plug into the 
power cells.  He was now aiming at the hedgehogs.
	Striker was about to fire again when he received a warning.
	"Warning thirty seconds to destruction of Area 8 complex," voiced 
the onboard computer.
	"Enjoy your life while it last hedgehog," said Striker over a loud 
speaker.	
	
	Inside, Nicole search for the purpose of the timer.
	"Timer is a count down Sally," voiced Nicole.
	"For what?" asked Sally.
	"Power overload."
	"What?!" shouted Mike as he turned to Sally.
	"We got thirty seconds!"
	Sally began to run the door.
	"Randy," radioed Mike, "this place is going to blow in thirty 
seconds!"
	Mike disconnected himself from the console and ran out.
	Rick, Sally, and Mike ran out of the base.
	
	Nearby, Sonic saw three animals ran out from the base.
	"Alice," called Sonic, "get up we got to go."  Sonic picked up Alice 
and readied to move out.  "Where's Casey?"
	"I'm coming Sonic," shouted Casey from behind a battle pod.
	"Come on Casey."  Sonic picked up Casey and let her wrap her arm 
around his neck.  Sonic picked up Alice then sped off into the forest.
	
	Rick, Sally, and Mike ran stood in the forest waiting from the others 
to come out.
	Mike was keeping track of the countdown.  There were only a few 
seconds left until overload.
	Finally the other three ran out.  As they did the base blew up.  Spaz,
Randy and Kathy were thrown to the ground.
	Immediately Rick and Mike ran out to help their comrades.
	Mike reached Spaz.  The rhino was bleeding severely.
	"Spaz," called Mike.  Spaz didn't answer.  Mike held his head down.
	Mike then looked up and around and found Kathy moving.  Mike moved 
and helped Kathy up.
	Rick managed to get to Randy and help him up, though  he was barely 
alive.
	Above Stealthbots flew by, shooting whatever moved on the ground.  
All four fell to ground.
	"Randy," shouted Rick as blasts rained down around him, "get up!"
	"Go," shouted Randy.
	"I'm not going to leave you!"
	"I'm badly beat up!"
	"I'm not leaving without you!"
	"Go that's an order!"
	"No!"
	"Go I'm *cough* already dead."  Rick hesitated.  "Do me one thing."
	"What?"
	"Take care of Kathy for me."
	Rick nodded.  He laid Randy down and left.  Randy just closed his 
eyes as blasts rained down from a Stealthbots.
	Mike and Kathy got up and ran from the blasts.  Suddenly a blast hit 
Mike in the back.  As Mike fell he pushed Kathy into the forest just before
a Stealthbot swooped down.
	Kathy fell to the ground in the undergrowth of the forest, while Rick 
ran in.
	Sally ran up to two, "Rick, Kathy, what happened?"
	"They're gone," said Rick.
	"Randy," shouted Kathy as she turned around to she her husband lying 
on the ground, "Randy!"
	"No Kathy!"  Rick grabbed Kathy as she tried to run out to her 
husband.
	"Come on Kathy, we have to leave," said Sally.
	
	********
	
	Flying over the rubble that used to be Celendridge, Rotor sighed.  He 
was able to find a few survivors, but a small amount.  From the sky, he saw 
many bodies, but he knew the dead didn't make a population.  Nearly half of
the city's population was taken back Robotropolis, at least to Rotor.
	Suddenly the sound of an explosion rang into the cockpit of his 
hovercraft.
	"Hey, Rotor," shouted Bunnie from the hoverpad, "turn left.  There 
was some kind of explosion in the forest."
	Rotor turned the hovercraft left and saw black smoke billow from the 
forest.  Rotor continued to move toward the smoke when he got something on 
his radar.  He immediately lowered the hovercraft, not warning Bunnie about
it.
	"What the hell you tryin' to do Rotor," asked Bunnie, "drop me?"
	"Sorry Bunnie," said Rotor, "but I've got something on the radar."
	Then they heard something overhead.  They looked up and saw a few 
Stealthbots and pods pass over.
	"Better stick to the ground for a while," said Rotor.
	As he was about to start up the hovercraft a blue blur ran up to the h
overcraft.
	"Sonic," shouted Rotor.
	"Sugah hog," shouted Bunnie.
	"Rotor, Bunnie," shouted Sonic, "oh man it's good to see you guys."
	"Who's the little lady with yuh Sonic?" asked Bunnie.
	"Oh this is Alice," said Sonic as he set her down, "and this is 
Casey."  The little orange cat walked out from behind Sonic.
	"Where's Sally?" asked Rotor.
	All of Sonic's happiness faded away.
	"Sonic, what happened to Sally?" asked Bunnie.
	"She," began Sonic, "she's dead.  She was in a building when it 
fell."  Sonic turned away.
	"I'm sorry Sonic," said Rotor as he tried to hold himself together, 
"we got a base camp set on the edge of the city.  We can take you there if 
you want."
	"No," said Sonic sadly, "I can get there.  Besides I saw some other 
animals back there."  Sonic indicated where the black smoke was.
	"Right."
	Sonic helped Casey onto his back then picked up Alice and sped off.
	
	********
	
	Fighting has stopped in the devastated city.  The Knothole villagers 
have been treating to wounds of survivors.  They only received a scare when 
several Stealthbots flew by.
	Tails walked through the camp.  He was bandaged up from being 
shot down trying to rescue a squirrel.  Tails walk stunned at the massive 
destruction.  He never thought things could get to be this bad.
	Tails stared out toward the forest.  He noticed something moving in 
the underbrush.  The object soon ran up into the camp.
	"Sonic," shouted Tails as he ran up to him.
	Sonic let Alice down while Casey slid off his back.
	"Hey, Tails," shouted Sonic as he caught Tails in his arms, "what 
are you doing here?"
	"Oh I thought I'd just tag along."
	"What happened to you?"  Sonic put Tails down noticing the bandage on
his head.
	"Oh, Nothing."
	"Right, I'll find out sooner or later."
	"Who is this little guy?" asked Alice.
	"Oh, Alice this is Tails, Tails this is Alice."
	"Hi," greeted Tails as he held out his hand as Alice shook it.
	Sonic turned around to show Casey, but she wasn't there, "Casey?"
	"She's right here Sonic," said Alice.
	Sonic looked as the little cat hid behind Alice.  She peeked around 
Alice then jotted back.
	"Who's Casey?" asked Tails.
	Alice smiled then out of the way, letting Tails see the little cat.  
The two young one both turned red.
	"Hi," said Casey shyly, "my name is Casey Lee."
	"Uh, my name," stuttered Tails, "is uh, Miles, I mean Tails uh, hi."
	"Why don't you two go someplace safe," suggested Alice.
	"Tails, why don't you take Casey to one of the tents," said Sonic.
	The two kids hesitated, but walked off sheepishly.
	"Looks like they like each other," said Alice.
	"I've noticed," said Sonic.
	"Sonic?"
	"Yeah?"
	"What would you have done if I wasn't caught?"
	"I guess I would have scrapped the Swatbots, why?"
	"Would you have done the same if it were..."
	"Yeah."
	"You miss her, don't you?"
	"Sally meant everything to me.  I don't know what to do now."
	"Move on.  I had to when Zack died."
	"It's hard."  Sonic turned away.
	"Sonic," Alice turned Sonic back to her, "a friend told me once, 
that if you remember a friend here," Alice laid her finger on Sonic's heart,
"then they're always with you."
	Alice and Sonic stared at each other for a while.  Unknown to the 
hedgehogs their face grew closer to each other.  The drew closer until 
their lips touched.  After a while they stopped and slowly back away from 
each other.
	Alice and Sonic stared for a moment then walked together into the 
camp.  They stopped when they heard a roar from above.  They turned around 
and saw Rotor's hovercraft landing near them.
	Bunnie stepped off the platform as the hatch on the hovercraft 
opened.  The first one to walk out was a white cat.
	"Kathy?", questioned Sonic.
	Then another cat came out.
	"Rick," shouted Alice.
	"Quinn," called the male cat, "I thought you were dead."
	Then a third person stepped out.
	"Sally?" said Sonic.
	"Sonic?"
	"Sally!"  Sonic ran to her.  He picked her up and twirled her around. 
"Sally, I thought you were dead."
	"Oh, I'm just glad to see you again," said Sally.
	Sonic set Sally down, but continued to hug her.  As they hugged they 
both looked at a certain person.  Sally looked at Kathy who was still 
sadden from the loss of her husband.  Sonic looked at Alice who also look 
sad.  Sonic and Sally separated each other.
	"So, how did you survive," asked Sonic, "I mean the building fell on 
you."
	"I found a secret group that had an underground base," replied Sally. 
"Actually, they found me.  What about you Sonic had did you manage."
	"Well after saving Alice..." Sonic hesitated as he looked at Alice.
	"What Sonic?"
	"Nothing.  After saving Alice and Casey and having the roof fall on 
me, I broke my ankle.  Hey!"  Sonic looked at his ankle, "My ankle, it's 
not broken."  Sonic ran around couple circles to prove to himself that it 
was fine.  Then Alice came up.  "Alice you said it was broken."
	"I guess it wasn't as bad as I thought," said Alice.  "Hello, 
Princess."
	"You can call me Sally."
	"Aunt Sally," came a shouted.
	"Tails."  Sally opened her arms as the fox flew into them.
	Alice turned around to see Casey running up to them.
	"Casey," said Alice as the cat came up to her, "I thought you were 
going to the tents."
	"We did," said Casey, "but some French guy said we could stay."
	"Antoine," said Tails as he feet touched the ground.
	"Yah, he said that there were too many hurt people."
	"Tails, what happened to you?" asked Sally.
	"Nothing," replied Tails.
	"We're going to find out sooner or later, bud," said Sonic.
	"We know Sonic," said Bunnie as she and Rotor entered the group.
	"If you don't mind we'll go help the wounded," said Alice.
	"Go ahead," said Sally.
	Alice walked away from the group with Casey.  Sonic would have stayed,
but didn't.
	"You know Alice," said Sonic as he caught with her, "you can always 
stay with us in Knothole."
	"That's nice, Sonic," said Alice.
	Sonic slowedm then stopped.  He watched as Alice walked to one of the 
tents.  He turned around and stared at Sally, then back at Alice.
	
	Later Kathy sulked around watching at others take care of the 
wounded.  She had lost her only love, again.  But this time there was no 
coming back.
	"Kathy," called Sally as she walked up next to her, "I'm sorry for 
what happened."
	"I know," said Kathy, "it was his time to go... again."
	"We all know how you feel, we've all lost someone."
	"I know, but I've lost Randy twice.  Sally, when I told you he was 
dead, I really thought that, but now he is."
	"He'll always be with you, Kathy.  As long as you remember him."
	"I won't forget him, or the others.  I won't."
	
	********
	
	Robotropolis operated darkly under the cloud of pollution and heat.  
All bots went about their routine assignments.
	In the roboticizer room Snivily was preparing to roboticize another 
Mobian when Striker walked in.
	"I thought you had roboticized all the captives," said Striker.
	"I did," said Snivily, "this one was found in one of the functional 
battle pods the you neglected to return.  Funny though this one shows that 
he is not totally organic."
	"How?"
	"See for yourself."  Snively moved out of the way as Striker looked 
at the Roboticizer console.
	"Are you programming the roboticizer to operate around those areas?" 
asked Striker.
	"Of course I am.  I'm not stupid, you know."
	"That remains to be seen."
	"Don't try me, Striker, or you'll regret it."
	"I'm I suppose to be afraid of a little midget like you."  Striker 
grabbed Snively by his neck and held him up, "Don't cross me, shrimp."  
Striker dropped him.
	Snively got back on his feet and brushed himself off, "Now Striker, 
you have crossed the line."  Striker began to feel surges coursing through 
his body, causing him pain.  "You see Striker, I may be small, but I got 
enough brains to compensate for it."  
	Snivily pulled out a small remote from his pocket with his finger on 
a button, "But unlike my uncle I know how to use it secretly and wisely.  
I am more dangerous than you think."
	The surges stopped, and Striker stood upright.
	"Now, Striker, don't cross me again," said Snivily.
	Snivily went to the roboticizer console and activated it.  Slowly 
the Mobian turned from flesh and blood, to metal and wires.
	
	THE END