Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Fanfic Series)

Chapter 13: Mission before Midnight ~ Part 1

It's been six days since Christmas was saved. Still all was at peace and the holiday break went as relaxing as a vacation. Right now, the sun began to set over Mobotropolis. The Freedom Fighters got to check on the Sky Patrol since they haven't been there since the start of winter break.

And as they did, it was Amy who suggested to decorate the whole meeting room. That's right! Today is the day the year is about to end. Right now, the whole meeting room table was full of New Year's traditional food according to their unique lives especially with a plate of chili dogs. No decorations were added because they didn't have to be formal with it.

Right now, as the Freedom Fighters — except Cream and Cheese — sat around the table to eat, Sonic rubbed his hands and licked his lips in delight. "Mmmmm-mmm! As far as I could tell, this is going to be the best New Year's party ever!"

Amy was the first to giggle. Right on the latter's left side. "I know! We're glad you enjoyed it, Sonic!"

Sonic then, turned to her with a chili dog on his hand. "Yeah. Well, too bad Cream and Cheese have to spend time with her family during the whole tradition."

With that, he took the first bite of the chili dog.

"Well, we all know what's best for her and we all gave our final words to her," said Sally as she turned to the others. "Right now, let's all reflect ourselves with a New Year's Resolution. I'll go first, then whoever wants to go next will raise their hands. My New Year's Resolution is to defend and protect the world from Dr. Eggman and to be a better organized leader along with Sonic."

Claps were heard from the blue blur himself. "I like your resolution, Sal. For the record, I could say the same thing."

Sally giggled at her best friend's reaction. "Alright. Now, who wants to go next?"

Tails then, shot his hand right up. "I'll go next."

Everyone turned to him.

"My resolution is to keep believing I can do any hard challenge coming in my way and to be a better trusted friend to any ally," said Tails. "And to create inventions that can support everyone."

Then, it went on and on as the process of eating New Year's dinner is almost finished.

"Well, I don't have much to say, but my New Year's Resolution is to find balance between me and my family," Rotor said.

"My New Year's Resolution iz to not be afraid of ze dark and to keep fighting with ze bravery whenever ze mission comes," Antoine said.

"Mah New Year's Resolution is to be more careful and ah could say the same as Sally-girl and Sonic," Bunnie said determinedly.

"My New Year's Resolution is to have a great time in my life and protect my friends from enemies like Dr. Eggman!" Amy said determinedly, though on the inside, she wished she could have time for herself and Sonic to be officially together.

"My New Year's Resolution is to give innocent mobians and humans support," said Nicole.

"My New Year's Resolution is to be a good friend," Big simply said.

After dinner and all the cleaning up...

"So, the table's all cleared. Now what?" Sonic asked the others.

"I think it's time we hang around to pass some time before midnight," said Sally.

But before anyone could reply, a snap banged in their ears. As they looked around, they realized that darkness became enveloped in them. All over the Sky Patrol.

"Hmm, that's strange. The power rings usually work enough for the engines," said Rotor, his left index finger and thumb on his chin with his elbow laying on his other hand.

Just then, a big screen popped up. Once everyone turned around they were all shocked to see Eggman himself.

"Ho-ho-ho! I hope you've been having fun! Because you're about to be trapped in my hands!"

"Eggman!" Sonic said glaring at the screen.

The Freedom Fighters shot death glares at Eggman on the screen. Even battle stances were involved.

"What's he doing here?" asked Sally.

"I should've known Eggman will be behind all dis," said Antoine.

"No kiddin', sugah," said Bunnie.

Then, a big grin appeared on Eggman's face on the screen. "I hope you're having a great New Year's Eve celebration because you're about to encounter a new problem," he said.

Amy sighed in frustration and annoyance. "Here we go again."

"But we're still having a break!" stated Sonic.

"And by problem, I mean this. I had Nephthys and Metal Sonic cut the power, so that you'll be in my trap, but the good news is, you have until midnight to put the power back on or you'll be trapped here forever!"

As Eggman let out a signature evil cackle, everyone gasped in fear. Sally narrowed her eyes at the clock on her communicator. A few moments later, she turned to the others. "It's almost three hours before midnight. So, we'll crack the problem in no time," she said with a smirk on her face.

"You think so, princess? Well, have a look at the engine room and see," said Eggman.

With that, the screen was turned off.

Everyone else looked around like they couldn't see anything. A few moments later, the first voice they could hear was coming from Tails.

"Let's go check out the engine room to see what's going on."

With that being said, they all nodded and Sally brought out a flashlight. Once they got to the engine room door, surprised expressions appeared on their faces. There was a long, rectangular lock between the handle stile and the wall. And on that lock were three black squares.

"I think we'regonna come up with a plan on how to open the lock," said Sally.