Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW Fanfic Series)

Chapter 3: Stranger than a Spark ~ Part 1

The next day...

In the Restoration HQ, Jewel was sitting on a chair before the cafeteria table, eating a slice of chocolate cake Bruce and Pearla had delivered this morning. She had already watched the whole birthday party online thanks to Whisper's mask. She even invited Aleyah and her family to Restoration HQ because she had something to say to them.

After she finished a slice of cake and wiping her mouth with her napkin, she then, decided to speak up to Aleyah and her family.

"I'd like to thank you for sending me a few leftovers. It's really nice of you."

"Oh, it's no problem!" replied Aleyah.

"We just want to offer our leftovers to you, so that you won't feel like missing out," said Pearla.

"Oh, why of course, I won't," said Jewel.

"Glad you're feelin' better now, Jewel!" said Bruce happily.

"Say. Do you happen to know where Runa is now?" asked Jewel. "I'd like to meet her in person."

"Oh, she was having some alone time with her friends in Flicky Forest," answered Aleyah. "I'm sure she'll come by and visit you here."

Jewel turned to Aleyah in quite a surprise. Her eyes widened a bit as her right fingers covered her mouth. "Oh, I didn't even know she's friends with the Flickies."

"Didn't I tell you, Jewel? Not only she goes to Flicky Forest during her free time, but she also went to the animal daycare, a Chao Garden nearby our cottage and sometimes during summer vacation, Planet Wisp. Runa may tend to be shy around new people, but when it comes to the chao, Flickies, wisps and other creatures big and small, she's a lot more extroverted and empathetic than you think."

"That's nice of her to hear," said Jewel, smiling at Aleyah. "I'm curious, though. How did she understand creatures big and small?"

"You notice the amulet wrapped around her neck? That's what makes her understand them! It can even help her communicate with creatures big and small! Even those of different languages!" answered Aleyah.

"That's so cool!" a new voice joined in.

Everyone turned their heads around to see Tangle herself. With sparkly stars in her eyes and her hands clasped in excitement. "I wish Cream could hear this! Whisper, too!"

Pearla let out a giggle in response. "Well, I'm sure they would."

"Say. Whatcha here for, Tangle?" asked Bruce optimistically.

Tangle's eyes blinked and snapped herself back to reality. "Oh, I almost forgot! One of the reporters is calling you, Jewel! It's very important!"

"I really need to go, everyone," said Jewel as she put the fork on a plate of cake. Then, she put the plate down and covered the whole dish.

"Can we come?" asked Aleyah.

"Well..." Jewel trailed off in hesitation.

"Relax, Jewel! We won't touch anything!" said Aleyah enthusiastically.

It took Jewel a few moments before she giggled and gave her a warm smile. "You seem to remind me of Tangle."

Tangle turned to her in surprise. "Wait, really?"

"Yes. She seems to be as enthusiastic as you," Jewel told her, then she turned back to Aleyah and her family. "Come along, everyone. Promise me you won't touch anything."

"Promise," the trio said in unison.

With that being said, Jewel, Tangle, Aleyah, Bruce and Pearla headed over to the control center.