"Bringing Life into the World-Part I" Authors: Robert Brown-Francis Tolbert Disclaimer: This story uses characters created and copyrighted by Sega of America, Inc. and Archie Comics (except where noted, in which case they were created and copyrighted by us or by another and we have permission to use them). The authors hereby give permission for this story to be downloaded and/or printed at 1 copy per user as long as (1) no changes to the story are made without our express written(not e-mailed) permission and (2) no attempt is made to profit from this story. If either or both rules are violated, it will be considered a violation of copyright law. Author's Note: Greetings all! This two-part story has been long in coming, but I plan to make it well worth the wait. Ever since we started the "Race for the Emeralds", I have been wanting to do these stories. A number of things will be tied up in these stories, but some will also be opened. The only other thing I'll comment on is that there is a character in this story that does not appear in the cast of characters. Reason is, naming this character would tip you off as to what will happen in this story. So get comfortable, sit back, and till next time, happy reading! Cast of Characters(in order of appearance) Princess Sondra Acorn*** Miles "Tails" Prower Bunnie Rabbot Antoine D'Coolette Princess Sally Acorn Sonic Hedgehog Rotor Dulcy Tanis Shi-rat*** Knuckles Echidna Maurice Hedgehog*** Rosie Patricia Hedgehog*** Princess Lydia Evergreen^^^ Isabela Evergreen^^^ Metal Sonic Dr. Robotnik Uncle Chuck #21 Christmas was fast approaching on Mobius. But this time, Sondra was ready for it. She had a number of presents already made and wrapped hidden under her bed, but there were a few people she did not have anything for yet. "I have no idea what to get Miles," she thought. "I know he's got something special for me." As if on cue, Sondra heard a knocking at her door. "Hey Sondra, can I come in?" Tails called. "Sure thing Miles," she said, putting some finishing touches on the present she had in front of her. Tails came in and shook some snow off his coat. He smiled when he saw what she was doing. "I don't suppose that's for me, is it?" he asked. "No, Miles, this is for Sally. Truth be told, I have no clue what to get you." "Aww, you don't have to get me anything." "Did you get me anything?" "Well yeah, but...." "But nothing. Last year, I didn't have anything for anyone. This year I'm making sure I get as many as possible." "I'm not even gonna try to change your mind. You're even more stubborn than Aunt Sally." Sondra smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment. Meanwhile, get outta here so I can finish." "OK, OK. I'll talk to you later. Oh, by the way, when do you want to get to work on Sonic's gift." "Give me a few minutes to finish up and I'll meet you on the bridge." "You got it," Tails said, pulling his hood up. "Don't forget your coat; it's pretty cold out." He opened the door and walked quickly out, closing it behind him. Sondra smiled as she slid the present under her bed. "I can't believe he still won't let me forget last year," she muttered, pulling on her coat. She opened the door and was immediately met by a snowball in the face. Sondra wiped the snow from her face and glared around. A recent storm had blanketed the Great Forest in snow. Knothole hadn't been hit too hard, and most residents had shoveled their walks clear almost before the storm stopped. But no one was outside at the moment; they were all either getting their gifts ready or helping to decorate the War Room. Sondra ducked just as another snowball came whizzing toward her. "Knock it off, Miles!" she yelled, racing toward the bridge. When she reached it, she saw Tails had his back turned to her. "I don't think you're very--" A tinkling sound above her caught her attention. She tilted her face up and saw something hit the top of the tree she was under. The snow shook loose from the top landed on the branches beneath it, shaking the snow loose there. "Uh oh," Sondra whispered, watching helplessly as the chain reaction continued and she was covered in snow. Sondra burst free of the snow pile, sending snow everywhere. She stopped next to Tails and saw that Bunnie was standing in front of him with her hand over his mouth. "What's the big idea?" she demanded. "The big idea," Antoine said as he jumped down from a nearby tree, "is that Bunnie and I were bored." "So you decided to prank me?" "Not you specifically," Bunnie said, releasing Tails. "But when we saw Tails coming by, we knew that you'd be following. We weren't ready for him, so we got you instead." "Lucky me," Sondra muttered. "Anyway, we gotta be going. Got a present to work on that'll take us out of Knothole." "Are you two needing any help?" Antoine asked. "Thanks Ant, but no," Tails said. "We'll let you know if we do. Ready to go Sondra?" "I've been ready," she said, revving up her legs. "See ya later!" Antoine and Bunnie waved as Sondra and Tails took off. "What should we do now?" Antoine asked. Bunnie looked at him sidelong. "Not what I want, I'm afraid. But we could set up for another prank." Antoine frowned at Bunnie. "That would probably be best," he said, a slight coldness to his voice. "I didn't mean to upset you, sugarfox. It's just that--" "I understand, Bunnie. But it is becoming just as hard on me as it is on you. I am doing my best not to be thinking about it." Bunnie nodded, seeming subdued. Antoine sighed, then hugged her. "We will make it," he whispered. Bunnie hugged him back. "I guess we got some talking to do ourselves, don't we?" Around this time, Sally was busy directing the decorating of the War Room. "Sonic, hand me some mistletoe," she said, holding out her hand without looking back. "Huh?" Sonic asked. "Oh, yeah. Sorry." "What's the matter with you?" Sally asked as she floated up to the roof to hang the mistletoe. "You haven't been yourself at all today." "Sorry, Sal. I'm just worried about my mom. Rosie said it could be any day now." "Wouldn't it be something if she gave birth on Christmas Day?" Rotor asked, helping Dulcy wrestle the tree into position. Sonic just shook his head and chuckled. "I think she wants it out now." "I'm glad I'm a dragon," Dulcy said. "I won't mind sitting on an egg for a while, but no way would I want to carry one inside me for nine months!" "You'll never know what you're missing," Sally said wistfully. "You almost sound like you're looking forward to it." Sally glanced down at Sonic and smiled. "Maybe I am," she said, and hung a sprig of mistletoe above Sonic's head. Sondra and Tails ran through the forest in silence, each one deep in thought. Both were concerned about what they would discover, but Sondra was much more so. There was an aspect to this she had not even told Tails about. Soon, Sanctuary loomed into view. Sondra and Tails slowed, coming to a smooth stop in front of the doors. Sondra opened the main doors and scurried inside with Tails following close behind. "Tanis, are you here?" Sondra called, shutting the doors behind them. "And where else would I be?" Tanis asked, coming out of a back room. "We have a favor to ask," Tails said. "We need you to contact Knuckles for us." "You've come in good time then," Tanis said, moving aside. "The Guardian was here with me helping me with the king and Naugus." "Is that legal?" Tails asked. "I thought he wasn't supposed to take sides." "I'm not," Knuckles said, stepping out of the same room from which Tanis had emerged. "But the process of removing their evil will take longer than the Race has left to be run. Neither one will affect the Race, so I may affect them." Sondra nodded. "Anyway, I've come to talk to you about what I intend to do with the roboticization gun plans. Sally said I had to see you before I do anything with them." "Indeed. If you will both excuse us." Knuckles waved his hands and both he and Sondra disappeared in a flash of light. "Hey!" Tails yelled. "I was supposed to go with her." Tanis shrugged. "Perhaps then you could tell me what she has intended." Sondra blinked her eyes. "Where are we?" she asked, staring around. Knuckles smiled and sat down in the center of the chamber in which they had appeared. "We are on the Floating Island," he said. "More specifically, we are in the Emerald chamber." Sondra's look changed from surprise to awe. "I never dreamed...." "My guess is that you do not have much time," Knuckles said. "It is best that you say what needs to be said." Sondra nodded. "Very well. We have nine out of the ten plans needed to create a roboticization gun. Miles and I are on our way to get the final plan now." "I have no problem with that, but I wonder what purpose it would serve to be able to roboticize your own friends." Sondra smiled and formed a small crystal in the palm of her hand. "This crystal can reverse the effects of the gun and actually de-roboticize any Mobian." Knuckles' eyes narrowed. "So you want permission to create this gun and go around freeing your friends from Robotnik's control?" "Not exactly. I know that would violate the rules. And besides, the crystal is unstable and tends to blow up after one use. No, I have some specific targets in mind." "Name these targets." "Uncle Chuck and Donovan's parents." Knuckles stood up and began pacing around. "I can't deny you using it on Sir Charles," he said after a while. "He is not under Robotnik's control and would have no bearing on the Race, except perhaps depriving yourselves of your inside source. However, I have very grave reservations about using it on Donovan's parents." "Oh, come on! All they're doing is sitting in that room. Robotnik is using them to control Donovan and keep him neutral." "Which means if you do this, you will harm Robotnik." "And if I don't, the Race could be upset beyond repair!" Knuckles stopped in mid-stride and turned to face her. "Explain your remark." "We have the advantage now. Which means if Donovan finds an Emerald, he's just going to give it to Robotnik. You said yourself that each of the four Emeralds outside Robotropolis has to be fought over." "You do have a very good point," Knuckles conceded. "But I must think this through. Go do what you have to do. I promise that you will have my answer by day's end." "Sounds good to me. Now, if you'll kindly put me back in Sanctuary." "Of course." Before Sondra could brace for it, she found herself teleported back to Sanctuary. Tails rushed over to her. "How'd it go?" he asked. "He gave me his permission," she said slowly. "We can go get Uncle Chuck back." "All right!" Tails started to fly off, but then saw Sondra was just standing there. "Something wrong?" "No," Sondra said, shaking her head. "I was just trying to figure out the best way to get the last plan." "Cool. Well, let's get going. You did bring the plans, right?" "Nadia has a copy of them. Thank you for your help Tanis." "I'm glad to help in whatever way I can," he said. "Now, if you will excuse me." Sondra and Tails nodded. She jumped into his arms and he flew off, heading for Robotropolis. Tanis watched them go as Knuckles appeared beside him. "It's not good that she has not told him everything," Tanis remarked. "It may yet turn out fine," Knuckles said. "It will all depend on what decision I make." "Umm, Sondra, why am I carrying you," Tails asked as he flew toward Robotropolis. "You haven't done this in a while, and I missed it," Sondra said, snuggling into him. Tails smiled and held her closer. "I'm glad we finally had that talk," he whispered. "We got so caught up in the confusion of Aunt Sally's birthday that we almost forgot." Sondra nodded. "We just have to wait like everyone else. But don't worry. I'll make sure it's worth it." Tails started to blush, and then had to drop out of sight as they neared Robotropolis. He set Sondra on her feet and landed next to her. "Nadia," she said, opening her up, "display route to last remaining plan." "Displaying now," Nadia said. "Umm, Sondra, about my suggestion." "Not now," Sondra said, studying the map that appeared. "But Sondra." "Later, Nadia. OK?" "Fine," Nadia whispered and shut herself off. "What's with her?" Tails asked as they headed down the deserted streets. "Don't worry about it," Sondra said. "She just has to learn some patience." Back at Knothole, Sally was just finishing the tree decorations when Maurice burst into the room. "Rosie!" he called, running around. "Rosie!" "What's wrong, Maurice?" Sally asked, grabbing his arm as he passed. "It's Patricia! The baby's coming!" "What?!" Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at him. "The baby's coming now!" Sally was the first to recover. "Sonic, you go with your father and try to keep your mother comfortable." "Right, Sal," Sonic said, running out with his father. "Rotor, Dulcy, round up everyone you can. This is something everyone should be a part of." "You got it Sally," Rotor said, hurrying outside with Dulcy close behind. "Bunnie, you and Antoine get some clean towels together and boil some water." "You got it Sally-girl," Bunnie said, dragging a stunned Antoine out of the room. "As for me, I'm going to go find Rosie," Sally said, then realized she was there by herself. She looked around for a moment, shrugged, and flew off, pulling on her coat as she left the War Room. Sondra ran around Robotropolis carrying Tails in her arms. "You know, I like it better this way," Tails said, smiling. Sondra smiled back at him, then stopped short and let Tails go. He went headfirst into a pile of snow. "You can get there on your own now," she said, running off. Tails pulled himself out of the snow and flew after her. She wasn't going that fast so he was able to catch up quickly. "One more stunt like that and I might rethink giving you that present," he warned her. "I can't believe you'd even threaten that!" "Give me a break, Sondra. You know I'm only playing. Besides, we're here." Tails came to a stop, hovering in place. Sondra stopped and looked up at him. "Well, now that we're here, guess there's no turning back, huh?" "You mean you were considering it?" Sondra sat down on a snow-covered block of metal. "Thing is Miles, this is going to be a great responsibility. We can't just go around de-roboticizing everyone whenever we want to. We both know that everyone will want to if this works. I'm just wondering if it'll be worth it." "You got a point," Tails said, sitting down next to her. "I mean, there's no way to keep it a secret. When they see Uncle Chuck normal, everyone will want their families back, Race or no Race. But we'll just have to do the best we can." "I know. At the least, we could have the plans ready for when the Race is over." She smiled weakly and hugged Tails. "Thanks Miles, I feel better already." "Hey, what are boyfriends for? Now come on, let's get this over with." Sondra took Nadia from her boot and opened her up. "Nadia, show security diagram of the room." "Coming up now, Sondra," Nadia said. "Umm, Sondra..." "Not now, Nadia," Sondra said, studying the map that appeared. "But Sondra..." "I said you were going to have to wait, didn't I?" Sondra said angrily. "We'll discuss it when we get back!" "Keep your voice down," Tails whispered. "In case you'd forgotten, we are in Robotropolis right now." Sondra looked around suddenly. "Oops," she whispered. "Think anyone heard us?" "No one else is around," Nadia said testily. "Living, robotic, or otherwise." "She seems really intent about something," Tails said. "Maybe you should just deal with it now and get it over with." "I can't because I don't have an answer yet," Sondra said. "And besides, this isn't the time or the place for it." "Easy Sondra," Tails said. "No need to go off like that." Sondra forced herself to take a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Nadia. It's important to me too, but can we just take things one at a time?" "I'm sorry," Nadia said. "I shouldn't have pushed like that." "There," Tails said. "Now that that's settled, let's get what we came for." "A couple things I should mention," Nadia said. "There are some unusual security devices here, as if what's inside is even more important than what we're expecting." "An Emerald perhaps?" Tails ventured. "Unlikely. There are no energies nearby that would suggest it. And if that was the case, Robotnik would know about the plans." "Let's just take it easy then," Sondra said. "Slow and careful." Back at Knothole, Sally was running toward Maurice and Patricia's hut as fast as she could. "Hang on Rosie!" she yelled. Rosie adjusted her hands around Sally's waist. "It's lucky you caught me just before I left for Sanctuary," she said. "I had planned on spending some time with Tanis, but this is far more important." Sally nodded, then stopped in surprise. A crowd had gathered outside the hut, and was blocking the entrance. Sally and Rosie tried to get in, but no one would move out of the way. "We've got to find another way in," Rosie said. Sally picked up her nanny and flew to the roof of the hut. She landed feet-first and forced her way down into the hut. As soon as they landed, Rosie rushed over to Patricia. "How are you, Patricia?" Rosie asked. Patricia managed to smile. "About the same as the last time I was here," she said, then screamed as another labor pain hit her. "It's crazy out there," Sally said, looking out the window. "Well, you did say to get everyone," Rotor explained. "As it is, Dulcy's out there still searching for Tails and Sondra. "Where could they be? I didn't even know they were leaving Knothole." "I saw them go," Lydia said. "But I have no idea where they were headed." Sally was going to ask something, but another scream from Patricia cut her off. Isabela clapped her hands over her ears and shut her eyes. "I don't like it in here," she wailed. "I wanna go home!" Lydia picked her up and tried to comfort her. That's when Rosie took charge. "All right, everyone out," she said, pushing people out the door. "The only ones who can stay are Sonic and Maurice. The rest of you, go!" Everyone looked at Rosie, shocked by her demeanor. "I need room to work," she explained. "It's going to be hard enough delivering the baby under these conditions. Sonic and Maurice are staying to help keep Patricia calm. Now move!" Without a word, everyone but Rosie and the hedgehogs left the hut. Rosie walked back over to Patricia and talked to her consolingly. Maurice held her hand and stroked her hair-quills. Every now and again, Rosie would call on Patricia to push. She would, accompanied by a loud scream. Sondra and Tails stood just inside the door of the room with the final roboticization plan, dumbfounded. There was not one, but two plans in front of them. "What could it mean?" Sondra asked. "Snively must have known that we were looking for the plans," Tails said. "One of them must complete the gun, but I have no idea what the other one would do." "Knowing Snively, nothing good. But how do we tell which one is which?" "Well, you better decide soon," Nadia said. "We can't afford to be here much longer. Oh, and something else. The tables are booby trapped. You can take one of the plans, but not both." "We'll see about that," Sondra said. "Miles, go stand by that table. When I give the word, grab the plan and get out." Tails nodded and walked next to the table. "Anytime you're ready," he said. Sondra got her hands near the table. "Grab it...now!" As soon as they touched the plans, the ceiling started to shake. "Move it!" Tails yelled, diving toward the door. Sondra ran toward the door, but a piece of the ceiling fell and hit her back. She screamed and collapsed on the floor. "Sondra!" Tails yelled. He ran back into the room, scooped her up in his arms and ran from the room. Just as he got out of the room, the rest of the ceiling caved in. Sondra and Tails both looked back at the pile of rubble they had just escaped. "We were lucky that time," Sondra said. Tails nodded. "At least we got the plans." "Yeah but which one is which?" "Maybe Uncle Chuck could figure it out," Tails suggested. "We'll probably need his help to make it anyway." "Not going to be much of a surprise then," Sondra muttered. "It'll be a surprise. Just not to everyone at the same time." Sondra smiled. "You're right. Let's get over there." She jumped from his arms and hit the ground running. But before she ran ten feet, she screamed in pain and collapsed on the ground. Tails rushed to her side and helped her up. "How bad is it?" he asked worriedly. Sondra tried to stand on her own power, but she was in too much pain. "Not bad," she lied. "I'll just have a nasty bruise tomorrow." She waved her hands around her waist and a thin layer of crystal surrounded it under her coat. "I'll use this as a brace for now." "Maybe we should head back," he said. Sondra shook her head. "No way, Miles. Not after we came this far." "Then I'll carry you there." "Hate to break this up," Nadia said before Sondra could protest, "but there's a group of SWATbots headed this way." Tails picked Sondra up and flew toward Uncle Chuck's base. Just as they passed out of sight, about ten SWATbots headed by Metal Sonic arrived. "Hmm, looks like they got all the plans," the robot thought. "Metal Sonic, report," Robotnik's voice sounded over the communicator. "A ceiling collapsed in a storage room," Metal Sonic said. "Scans show it was caused by a structural weakness. Nothing of importance was destroyed." "Very well. Return to base." Metal Sonic smiled to himself. "Things have just gotten a lot more interesting," he thought, then ordered the SWATbots back to their stations. "Almost there, Patricia," Maurice said softly. "Only a couple of more pushes." "I am never going through this again!" Patricia yelled. "Here comes another one," Rosie said. "Give it all you got, Patricia!" Patricia took a deep breath and pushed with everything she had. Sonic saw Rosie's face brighten, then grow horrified. "Patricia, stop pushing!" "What's wrong?!" Maurice and Sonic asked together. "The baby; it's coming out feet-first!" "No!" Patricia cried. "I almost lost Sonic like that!" "Is there anything you can do?" Maurice asked, his voice fraught with worry. "I can help with the pain, but I don't have what I need. One of you has to get Tanis here." "I'll go!" Sonic yelled and ran through the hut door, knocking several animals over that were in his way. "What's going on?" Sally demanded, picking herself up off the ground. Rosie came over to the door. "Sally, I can't explain, but you have to keep everyone out of here." She slammed shut the door before Sally could respond. Sally stood looking at the door, wincing as another scream sounded from within. "I hope everything's OK," she thought. Tails arrived at Uncle Chuck's base and banged on the hidden door. The door opened and Tails flew inside. "What brings you two here?" Uncle Chuck asked. Then he saw how Tails was holding Sondra. "What happened?" "Snively booby trapped the room that held the last plan," Tails explained, setting Sondra down carefully in a chair and helping her get her coat off. "Sondra got caught by some of it." "You all right, Sondra?" "Just sore," Sondra said. "I used my powers to make a crystal brace for my back, but I'll be all right." "So, you finally got all the plans, huh? What do you plan on doing with them?" "Before we get to that," Tails said, "there's a bit of a problem. There were two plans in the room." "Let me see them," Uncle Chuck said. Tails and Sondra handed over the plans and Uncle Chuck sat down at his table and looked them over. "Both have a mark on page ten," he said, "but the circuitry is vastly different. Do you have the other plans with you?" "Nadia has them in memory," Sondra said, handing her over. "You sure you're OK?" Tails asked. "You winced when you stretched." "I'm OK," Sondra said, a little on edge. "You don't have to baby me." "Excuse me for being concerned." "I'm sorry Miles. I'm just feeling very stressed out right now. And the pain isn't helping. But don't worry. I'll be fine. Tell you what, if the pain isn't gone by morning, I'll go see Tanis, OK?" "Deal. And I am going to hold you to it." "Like I would expect any less," Sondra said and kissed him on the nose. "If you two are done," Uncle Chuck interrupted, "I think I know which of these plans is the right one." "Great!" Tails and Sondra said together. "They're really good, but the circuitry of this one is similar to the roboticizer itself. This other one is more like a bomb." "So if we use that one, we'd probably blow ourselves up, right?" Tails asked. "Right," Uncle Chuck answered. "Well, now that that's settled, I suppose you'll want to get back and finish decorating." "Actually, no," Sondra said. "I was kinda hoping you could build me one of them." "What reason could you possibly want something like this?" "Oh, I'm sure she has her reasons," Tails said, smiling. Uncle Chuck raised his hands in surrender. "OK, I'll go get some components from the trash heaps. I don't think I'll be hurting Robotnik by picking through his trash." "See if you can get enough for two," Sondra said, fidgeting. "Two?" Uncle Chuck asked, arching one robotic eyebrow. "Just in case what I have planned doesn't work out how I expect it to." "Make yourselves comfortable; this might take a while." Uncle Chuck looked through the periscope to make sure no one was there, then hurried off. Tails sat down and put Sondra on his lap. "Try to get some rest," he said, putting his arms around her. Sondra snuggled her head into his chest and closed her eyes. But she couldn't rest. Her back was hurting far more then Tails knew, and she was not going to tell him. With luck, it would be fine by morning, and no one would have to know about it. Rosie was doing her best to calm Patricia but the pain was wearing her out. "I don't...know...how much longer I can...take this...." Patricia said, breathing very heavily. Maurice squeezed her hand reassuringly, but he was too frightened to say anything. Rosie paced the hut, checking Patricia's pulse every few minutes. "Where are they?" she muttered. "They have to come soon." "We are here," Tanis said, appearing with Sonic in a flash of light. "Hurry," Maurice said. "I think we're losing her." "Patience Maurice," Tanis said, coming to stand next to him. "Rosie and I can deal with this, but I must ask you and your son to leave." "No way, Tanis," Maurice said. "There is no way I'm leaving her like this." "I tried asking nicely," Tanis said. He muttered some ancient words and Maurice and Sonic were teleported from the hut. "Sonic?" Sally asked. "What's going on in there?" "My mom's in real bad shape," Sonic said. "I had to get Tanis. Rosie said something about the baby coming out feet first." Sally raised her hand to her mouth. "Oh no. I'm sure everything will be OK. Meanwhile, maybe you'd better take care of your father." Sonic looked at Maurice. The elder hedgehog was trembling uncontrollably. "C'mon Dad," Sonic said. "Let's run some laps around Knothole. It'll burn off some energy." Maurice nodded and he and his son took off with twin sonic booms. Inside the hut, Tanis' expression had grown very grave. "You both know the consequences if I do this," he said. "That is why I try to avoid it." "It's the only way," Rosie said. "They'll both die if we don't." "Do what you must," Patricia said in a weak voice. "Just save my baby." "Be at ease child," Tanis said. "Sleep now, and leave everything to us." He laid his hand on Patricia's shoulder and sent her into a deep sleep. "I am ready," Rosie said, standing across from Tanis. Tanis nodded and held his hands over Patricia's belly. Rosie placed her hands on his and they both closed their eyes. Their hands began to glow, as did Patricia's belly. She squirmed in her sleep, but the spells held her motionless. Rosie and Tanis put their all into the spell, knowing they had only one chance. Sondra awoke with a start as the door to the base opened. She hadn't even known she had fallen asleep. "That you, Uncle Chuck?" she asked, wincing as she stretched her back. "It's me, Sondra," Tails said, shaking snow off his coat. "Uncle Chuck's been back for about a half hour." "What were you doing outside?" she asked, trying to stand. Tails walked over to her and sat her back down. "I thought I heard something outside the door. I didn't see anything with the periscope so I decided to take a look." "Did you see anything?" Tails shook his head. "Not a thing. But a storm's starting. We should be getting back soon." "Not until this is finished," she said. "But it is," Uncle Chuck said, walking toward them. In his hands he carried two roboticization guns. "I was able to find just enough parts to make them." Sondra stood with Tails' help and met Uncle Chuck halfway. "That's great!" she exclaimed. "Unfortunately, we have no idea if they'll work. Not that I can see any possible reason for you to be using them." "You're right," Tails agreed. "We don't have any reason to use a _roboticization_ gun." He looked at Sondra and smiled. Uncle Chuck stared hard at Tails. "What am I missing?" he asked. "C'mon you two. You know I hate being kept in the dark." Sondra reached over and took one of the guns from Uncle Chuck. "Have some patience," she said, forming a crystal in her hand. "Everything will be made clear in just a few minutes." Uncle Chuck looked at her, and then saw the crystal. His eyes widened in sudden understanding. He stood there mute as Sondra fitted the crystal into the barrel, took aim at Uncle Chuck, and fired. A small explosion shook Robotropolis a few seconds later. Robotnik jumped up out of his chair. "Metal Sonic, identify location of that explosion at once!" he boomed over his communicator. "Location determined," Metal Sonic said after a few seconds. "It is in an isolated part of the trash area. No damage was sustained except to a garbage heap." "Send a patrol out there anyway. I want to know what happened." "As you wish," Metal Sonic said, flipping off the communicator. On the screen before him, he watched as three shapes snuck off into the approaching night, and he smiled. Back at Knothole, Sonic and Maurice were completing another lap around the perimeter when the cry of a baby reached their ears. They immediately veered toward the hut. "New father coming through!" Maurice yelled, pushing animals aside to get in the hut. "New brother right behind him!" Sonic yelled, following in his father's wake. Both hedgehogs stopped as they got inside the hut. Tanis was slumped in a chair, obviously exhausted. Rosie was tending to him, but she was not much better off. "You two OK?" Sonic asked. Tanis waved them away. "Look to your wife and child," he said weakly. Maurice and Sonic rushed over to the bed. Patricia's clothes were soaked with sweat. Her breathing was rapid and shallow, but she didn't seem to be in any pain. "Patricia?" Maurice said worriedly. Patricia smiled. "Maurice, meet your new daughter," she said, holding up a small bundle of fur and quills snuggly wrapped in a warm blanket. Maurice and Sonic both caught their breath. The baby was very cute, in the manner that all babies are. She had light grey fur, like her father, and blond hair-quills like her mother. Her eyes were a dark, cloudy blue that would soon turn a dark brown or black. She looked around with the pure innocence that could only come from a newborn child. "A daughter?" Maurice asked, taking the child in his arms. He stared down at her, and she up at him. For a moment, the four hedgehogs were bound together as one. "Have you named her?" he whispered, not wanting to break the spell of the moment. Patricia smiled as the baby reached up and grabbed at Maurice's beard. "Her name is Kelly Min," she said. "After our mothers." Maurice smiled, and Kelly broke into a toothless grin. "I think she approves." "Can...can I hold her?" Sonic asked quietly. Maurice gently placed Kelly in Sonic's arms. "Hold her like this," he said, positioning Sonic's arms. Sonic held her very carefully at first, as if he were holding a priceless vase. But he was soon rocking her like he had been doing it all his life. "She is just so perfect," he whispered, kissing her forehead. Kelly stared at Sonic, then reached up and beeped his nose. They all chuckled at that. "I'm just glad you're both OK," Maurice said, sighing. Patricia looked down for a moment. "I'm afraid not all is as it seems," Tanis said. Maurice and Sonic both looked at him and shuddered slightly. "What do you mean?" Sonic asked. "Their lives were in great danger," he said, leveling his gaze at them. "There was only one way to save them, and it exacted a price." "What price?" Maurice asked, immediately concerned. "To save this child's life, she had to give up any chance at future children. The magic I used was very powerful, but there was no other way." Maurice sat on the bed next to Patricia, who had begun to cry. He took her in his arms and she buried her face in his shoulder. "Thank you for saving them," he said in a thick voice, as if he were about to cry himself. "Perhaps we should leave them alone now," Rosie suggested, helping Tanis to his feet. They slowly made their way to the door and were opening it when a commotion outside stopped them. "What's happening?" Tanis asked, looking outside. Rosie looked out and caught her breath. "By the Almighty, it can't be," he whispered. "It is!" Tanis exclaimed, moving aside. "What is?" Sonic demanded. "What's going on?" "How ya doing, Sonny-boy?" Uncle Chuck asked, stepping inside the hut. "Did you really think I'd miss this?" Everyone stared openmouthed as they saw him. It was definitely him, but he wasn't a robot anymore! "You look like you've seen a ghost," he said smiling. Sonic was the first to find his voice. "How?" he asked. "I can answer that," Sondra said, walking in with Tails. "We found the last plan to the roboticization gun and with his help built one. All it took was the same crystal I used to free Sally and here he is! Merry Christmas Sonic!" Uncle Chuck walked over to Sonic and took the baby from his arms. "Is this my niece?" he asked. "Meet Kelly Min," Patricia said, crying again. But they were tears of joy this time. Uncle Chuck walked out, holding the baby in his arms. Sonic walked out with them. "We have a lot to celebrate today!" he called. "Not only the birth of my sister, Kelly Min, but the return of Uncle Chuck!" The crowd stood stunned for a moment, then erupted in applause. Everyone started talking at once, and Sonic did his best to answer their questions. Uncle Chuck helped out after returning Kelly to her parents. Tails took advantage of the confusion to talk to Tanis. "I want you to look at Sondra," he said. "She hurt her back today and is trying to act like it's not bothering her." Later that night, Sondra was lying in bed, grumbling to herself. Tanis had healed her back somewhat, but she had been ordered to remain in bed for the next two days. She reached for the spare roboticization gun she had hidden under her bed and sighed. "I wish he'd let me know," she whispered. "I am here," Knuckles whispered. Sondra jumped and pain shot up her back. "I wish you wouldn't do that," she muttered. Sally tossed in her bed, and Sondra quieted down. "I have considered your request," Knuckles said heavily. "Much as I don't want to, I have to agree with you. Donovan is actively searching for the final hidden Emerald, and he cannot be allowed to merely give it to Robotnik. Therefore, you can free his parents, but you must promise never to let this gun be used again until after the seven Emeralds are decided." "Agreed," Sondra whispered. "Thank you." "I just hope you know what you're doing," Knuckles said, and faded from sight. Sondra smiled and turned over. She fell instantly asleep as her thoughts focused on how to go about doing what she had to do tomorrow. TO BE CONTINUED