SONIC THE HEDGEHOG: MECHA SALLY EPILOGUE PART 4

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG: MECHA SALLY EPILOGUE PART 4

Meanwhile, back in the Tundra...

Sonic has finished relaying the grisly tale of Mecha Sally to Fiona, who gasps with horror.

Fiona: That's... that's terrible. Bunnie and Antoine... and Naugus in charge!? How the hell did that happen!?

Sonic: Geoffrey stabbed us all in the back.

Fiona: I'd make a comment, but I've got no room to talk.

Tails: To be fair to him, he was pretty much looking for a reason not to kill himself, from the way he was acting.

Amy: Plus his wife, Hershey, is supposedly dead. But we're not entirely sure that's true.

Fiona: Oh...

Mecha Sally: Yeah...

Tails: And my mom sided with Naugus.

Fiona: Ouch. She seemed so nice before.

Tails: I know. I guess I never told her about Naugus.

Fiona: You'd think you wouldn't need to. Guy couldn't be more obviously evil unless he had "Villain" written on his face.

Sonic: And he was in jail during that whole mess with the revolution.

Mecha Sally: Exactly. And he tried to cause a civil war between the Mobians and Robians.

Tails: Well, Mom wasn't around for that...

Fiona: Any plans on that front?

Tails: Obviously, Naugus wanted to created a divide between us.

Fiona: I mean, to stop him.

Tails: Oh. Well, not yet.

Mecha Sally: I'm working on it.

Fiona: Right.

Mecha Sally: In the meantime... Let's stop Eggman.

Fiona: Agreed.

Sonic: Hell yeah!

Silver: Yeah.

The Freedom Fighters stand up, and prepare to leave. Suddenly, there is a flash of light, and a Warp Ring appears in the room.

Mecha Sally: What the...

Knuckles and Julie-Su step out.

Sonic: Knuckles? Julie?

Knuckles: Uh... hi, guys.

Julie-Su: Uh, yeah... hi...

Tails: You're here! And not stuck... in that... shadowzone-thing.

Julie-Su: Yeah. Knuckles rescued me.

Knuckles then sees Sally.

Knuckles: Looks like you've made a rescue of your own. Hey, Sal. Sorry I didn't help Sonic rescue you.

Julie-Su: So am I.

Mecha Sally: It's alright. Everybody had their own problems to deal with.

Knuckles: Yeah.

He then turns to Sonic.

Knuckles: You have my apologies too.

Julie-Su: Same here.

Sonic is silent, and then smiles.

Sonic: Sure, guys. So, what happened to that Thrash guy?

Knuckles: I beat him, and took his Warp Ring. Then Finitevus got him.

Sonic: I see. So I guess that means you got the other Echidnas back.

Julie-Su: Heh. Of course. If he didn't, I wouldn't be here.

Sonic: Heh, yeah, my bad.

Knuckles: Anyway, we thought we'd help you track down Eggman.

Sonic: Well, we know where he is, but help in getting to him would be great.

Julie-Su: We're happy to lend assistance. Think of it as making up for not helping you before.

Tails: Of course.

Mecha Sally: Alright then, let's move.

Fiona: (Thinking) Did they not notice me, or just not comment?

Julie-Su then sees Fiona.

Fiona: Er... hi?

Julie-Su: What is she doing here?

Tails: It's a really long story, but suffices to say that Fiona had a change of heart. She even gave Sally a better battery.

Julie-Su: I see.

Fiona: Plus, Scourge is a non-issue, and the Destructix don't want to work for Finitevus anymore. All around, a pretty good day on that front.

Knuckles: Seems to be a running theme today.

Fiona: What do you mean?

Julie-Su: My sister decided to give up her ambitions after we got out of that dimension. She's pretty screwed up.

Fiona: I see. Well, all the best to her.

Sonic: At this rate, Geoffrey will kill Naugus and Eggman will hand the parts of Sally's original body over, and then run off to open a flower shop.

The heroes chuckle at Sonic’s joke.

Mecha Sally: Now I know I'm missing half my brain. I actually found that funny.

Sonic: Are you saying my jokes stink?

Mecha Sally: Most of the time.

Sonic: Hmph.

She smiles, and hugs him.

Mecha Sally: It's not really a bad thing. They have a charm of their own.

Sonic smiles, and kisses her.

Fiona: Guys, focus.

They part.

Mecha Sally: Right. We better get going.

The assembled heroes set off, heading towards the Death Egg.

On board the Death Egg...

Orbot: Sir, I think I've found Mecha Sally.

Eggman: Really, now? Where is she?

Orbot: She's with the Freedom Fighters, sir...

Eggman's eyes widen behind his glasses.

Eggman: Oh, this is bad. Just when things were finally looking up.

Orbot: And the guardian and his partner have arrived.

Eggman: Well, this is just perfect.

Cubot: What do we do, sir?

Orbot: I wasn't finished. That vixen girl is back too.

Eggman: That vixen girl? Last time I checked, she was with Scourge.

Orbot: Evidently not.

Eggman: Anything else to report?

Orbot: Nothing yet.

Eggman: Right.

Cubot: What do we do, sir?

Eggman is silent for a moment, and then after a few minutes of thinking, he makes his decision.

Eggman: Set course for the ruins of Robotropolis.

Orbot: What for?

Eggman: It's the perfect location for my final showdown with Sonic.

Orbot: Yes sir.

**** The Casino Zone****

Located in the northwestern regions of the Acorn Republic, the Casino Zone serves as a hub for all kinds of crooks, as well as a place to earn a fortune... if the games weren't rigged. It also serves as a meeting place for all of Mobius's mercenaries, hitmen, and bounty hunters. Here, Lightning Lynx has taken residence in a hotel, after leaving the Destructix.

He sighs, as he heads into one of the bars. He takes a seat. The bartender, a brown rat, walks over to him.

Bartender: What can I get ya?

Lightning: What would you recommend?

Bartender: Well, there's Spagonia Booze, our most popular drink this year. There's also Empire City Whiskey.

Lightning: I'll take the latter.

Bartender: Sure thing.

The bartender turns, and pours him a drink.

Lightning: Thanks.

Bartender: Sure thing.

Lightning takes a sip of his drink, unaware of the female weasel who has just taken a seat next to him.

Bartender: Ah, Ma'am. Welcome. You want the usual?

Weasel: Yes.

Bartender: Coming right up.

The bartender heads over to get a wine bottle, and pours it out, then passes the glass to her. The weasel picks up her glass and drinks from it.

Weasel: Thanks.

Bartender: Sure thing.

Lightning takes a good look at the weasel. She had purple fur, a white muzzle, chest, and belly, as well as blue eyes. Her hair was in a ponytail. She was wearing a pair of black gloves, a brown belt, black pants, black boots, a blue top, and a black jacket. She looked very familiar.

Weasel: Like what you see?

Lightning: Er... well...

The weasel chuckles.

Weasel: I'll take that as a "Yes".

Lightning: You look familiar. What's your name?

The weasel is silent. She stands up.

Weasel: Follow me to my suite.

Lightning: Tell me your name first.

Weasel: Not in public. I'll tell you when we get there.

Lightning: ... Right.

Lightning pays for his drink, and warily follows her. They head for the hotel, where the weasel takes Lightning to her room. When they get there, they hurry inside. The weasel closes and locks the door. With a sigh of relief, she turns to face Lightning.

Lightning: Okay then. What's your name?

Weasel: Nicolette Weasel. But I'm better known as Nic.

Lightning's ears perk up.

Lightning: I thought you looked familiar. You look different. You don't have a large fang like your brother.

Nic: I had it removed. I got a little tired of being mistaken for a female version of my younger brother. People kept coming up to me and saying "Nack, what happened?" and stuff like that.  Besides, it made eating awkward.

Lightning: I see. Why didn't you tell me your name at the bar?

Nic: I'm being hunted. I can't afford to let people know my name out in the open. Besides, you look like the type who can keep a secret.

Lightning: Hunted? By who?

Nic: My brother. His jealousy has gotten so bad, he wants me dead. Since then, I've been in hiding, hoping he doesn't find me. But I'm sure he'll find me here, so it's time to get packing.

Lightning: I'll come with you.

He blushes when he realizes what he just said. Nic looks at him, puzzled.

Nic: What?

Lightning: I figured you might need a bodyguard.

Nic smirks.

Nic: Oh yeah? And how are you going to do that?

Lightning: I'm highly trained in ninjitsu, and I'm fast.

Nic: How fast? 'Cause a friend of mine used to date the fastest thing alive. I know fast.

Lightning: I'm fast as lightning.

Nic: Hmmm... Alright, then. I'm gonna go get changed. No peaking.

Lightning: Got it.

Lightning turns away as Nic heads into her closet, to change into a new outfit. After a few minutes, Nic comes out. She was wearing a brown belly top, brown tight-fitting pants, brown thigh-high boots, brown long gloves with metal plates on the back of the hands, a brown belt holding all kinds of ammunition, a pair of goggles around her neck, and a brown hat similar to her brother’s.

Nic: Alright. You can look.

Lightning turns around. His eyes widen and he blushes.

Lightning: Whoa.

Nic smiles and places her hands on her hips.

Nic: Does it fit me?

Lightning: Yeah...

Nic: Thank you. Now, let’s get my stuff out of here and head for my ship.

Lightning: You have a ship?

Nic: Yep. It's beneath the city in an underground hangar.

She heads for the back of the closet, and presses her hand against the wall, revealing a pressure pad. The wall slides open, revealing a secret passage.

Nic: Come on. Grab my clothes and gear.

Lightning does so, and the duo heads down the passage. Soon, they arrive in a large hangar, a medium-sized ship waiting for them.

Lightning: Impressive.

Nic: Thank you. It has everything, from a training room to living quarters.

Lightning: I see.

Nic: Come on.

The two board the ship. Nic hops into the pilot seat and starts the ship's engines. Lightning sits next to her.

Lightning: Aren't you going to ask me who I am?

Nic: Now that you mention it, what's your name?

Lightning: Lightning Lynx.

Nic: Lightning? Aren't you a member of the Destructix?

Lightning: I was. But I left. I got tired of taking orders from Finitevus.

Nic: I don't blame ya. The man's a lunatic.

Lightning: Yeah. So, your brother's the reason why nobody's heard from you, huh?

Nic: Him and his determination to do away with me.

Lightning: What happened?

Nic: Well, I was at my house, about to retire from the bounty hunting business, when Nack and some other mercenaries broke in. I put up a good fight, but I was outnumbered. They got me in the shoulder, and I crashed out of my window. They chased me through the woods, until I was cornered at a waterfall. I had two choices: Get killed by my brother, or jump. You can guess which one I chose. They figured I couldn't have survived, but I did. I can hold my breath for a very long time. Since then, I've been in hiding, avoiding anyone working for Nack. He's sure to know I've survived.

Lightning: That bites. Say, you mentioned a friend who dated Sonic. Why not call in a favour?

Nic: I would, but she went loco and ran off with that green idiot.

Lightning: .... did you say "Green"?

Nic: Yes, why?

Lightning: Would you be referring to Fiona Fox, by happenstance?

Nic: (raises an eyebrow) Yes?

Lightning: Then you can call in that favour. She and I know each other quite well. She was in charge of the Destructix before I left, and she ditched them at the same time. Said something about straightening her life out, hating her new self or something like that. And she kicked the crap out of Scourge. It was genuinely entertaining.

Nic smirks, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

Nic: I knew she'd make the right choice.

She activates the transmitter.

Lightning: I've got her latest number, if you need it.

Nic: Thanks.

Lightning keys it in. Nic activates the transmitter again.

Nic: Fiona? Are you there?

Fiona: Nic?

Nic: Hey there, little sister. Miss me?

Fiona: Yeah.

Nic: I heard you dumped Scourge. Good decision. He had “creep” written all over his face.

Fiona: I'm just mad that I didn't see it earlier. How did you get this number?

Nic: A charming lynx named Lightning gave it to me.

Lightning blushes.

Fiona: Oh, hey, Lightning. How's it going?

Lightning: G-great. Turns out Nic is still alive. She's been hiding from Nack.

Fiona: I'd be worried as to who I was talking to if she wasn't, loverboy. And why are you hiding from Nack?

Nic: Let's just say he got sick and tired of playing second fiddle to me and wants my head on a silver platter.

Fiona: Wow, what a prick. Hey, if you get the chance, remind him about the time he got kneed in the nuts by Sally.

Nic: Sure thing. Where are you, by the way?

Fiona: Holoskan Tundra, chasing a Death Egg.

Nic: I see. I hope you don't mind if Lightning and I tag along.

Fiona: I don't mind, but the others... I better ask. Hang on a sec.

Nic: Right.

With the heroes...

Fiona turns to them, and puts her hand over her communicator.

Fiona: Sally, is it okay if Nic and Lightning show up to help us?

Mecha Sally: Well... Lightning has been one of our enemies...

Fiona: But he ditched the Destructix, and Nic's past might be as checkered as mine, but she's like a sister to me.

Mecha Sally: Fine. But if it comes back to bite us--

Fiona: I'll take full responsibility.

Mecha Sally: Right.

Fiona turns back to her communicator.

Fiona: It's cool, you can come!

Nic: Great! Wait for us.

Fiona: Sure thing.

Julie-Su: Nic? Didn't Gala-Na hire her and Nack to capture you, Knuckles?

Knuckles: I've heard she DID hire someone. She never liked me, so it's possible.

Sonic: Boy, won't this be a warm reunion.

Fiona: Please don't be mad at her...

Julie-Su: Right.

Just then, they see Nic's ship in the distance.

Tails: Oh, nice...

It slowly lowers itself to the ground, and the boarding ramp extends, allowing Nic and Lightning to step out. The weasel is immediately tackle-hugged by Fiona.

Nic: Oof! Ow!

The two girls land in the snow, giggling, as they sit up, and embrace tightly.

Fiona: Sorry, I just...

Nic: It's cool.

Fiona: Good.

Nic: Nice outfit.

Fiona: Thanks.

The two stand up, still hugging, and Fiona sighs happily.

Knuckles: That's the same weasel who tried to assassinate me?

Julie-Su: She's like a whole different person.

Mecha Sally: I suppose it's to be expected. She's basically the only family that Fiona's had since her childhood. They're going to be especially close. I guess Fiona brought out the best in her.

Julie-Su: Right.

Nic then turns to face the others.

Nic: Hello. I have to say I wasn't expecting to see so many of you, but it's nice that Fiona's back with her friends.

Tails: Yeah. You must be Nic.

Nic: And you must be Tails. Nice to meet you.

Tails: Likewise. Is it true you and your brother were hired to catch Knuckles?

Nic: It happened, but I'm not proud of it. I'm mostly retired now. I decided that it wasn't the life for me.

Tails: Right. You should become a Freedom Fighter.

Nic: Bit high-profile at the moment, kid, but I'll think about it.

Tails: Okay.

Nic: Anyway, how come Sally's a robot?

Mecha Sally: Eggman made a world roboticizer. I had to turn the blast on myself to stop it.

Nicole: Well, you didn't have to...

Nic: Sounds like a cheesy comic book plot.

She then sees Nicole.

Mecha Sally: What do you mean?

Nicole: Well, there were other options. I was trying to tell you, but you just kept hushing me.

Mecha Sally: But... surely the other ones would've been almost impossible to pull off. Why else would you list that one first?

Nicole: It was the most obvious solution, and it came up first. I didn't have time to sort them into a proper list, I just read them off as they came up.

Mecha Sally: I see... I'm sorry that I rushed you... we could have avoided all of this...

Nicole faces Nic.

Nic: Hello?

Nicole: Hello. My name is Nicole. I am the personal assistant of Princess Sally Acorn. I've heard about you, Miss Weasel. It won't be easy for everyone to accept you and Lightning, but I'm willing to give you both a second chance.

Nic: Thanks.

Fiona: If they can accept me, you're a shoe-in.

Nic: Right. Thanks sis.

Fiona: No problem.

The two hug again.

Julie-Su: Not that this isn't a touching moment, but we need to go after Eggman.

Nic: Want to use the ship?

Mecha Sally: Sure thing.

The team head into the ship, and Nic powers it up again. The ship takes off. On board, Fiona was in her living quarters, having removed her coat. She stretches herself out, removing the leggings, and then putting her boots back on.

Fiona: That's better...

She lies on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, smiling widely.

Fiona: What will the others think when they find out...

Just then, Sonic entered.

Fiona: Whoa, hey, knock, will you?

Sonic: Sorry about that, Fi.

Fiona: Alright. What's up?

Sonic: I just wanted to check on you. And I'm sorry I called you a low-life back in Chun-Nan, among other things.

Fiona sits up, and looks at him.

Fiona: Really?

Sonic: Yeah. I was in a bad mood at the time, for varying reasons, and I took it out on you.

Fiona: What are the other things?

Sonic: Spin dashing you, using you to help Tails get over you...

Fiona: Wait, can you repeat the last one?

Sonic: Using you to help Tails get over you?

Fiona narrows her eyes.

Fiona: ... Come closer, Sonic.

Sonic walks over to her, and she slaps him.

Sonic: OW!

Fiona: Jerk.

Sonic: .... I deserved that.

Fiona: .... But at least you apologized.

Sonic: I guess... we both screwed up, didn't we? We used each other for our own ends. No wonder it ended badly.

Fiona: Yeah... but... we're older and wiser now... Though... I need to apologize to Tails, more than anyone else.

Sonic: Yeah.

Fiona: Thank you, Sonic.

Sonic: You're welcome.

Fiona: Where's Tails?

Sonic: Nic's letting him copilot.

Fiona: Okay.

Fiona jumps to her feet, and the two head out of the room.