Molly's Return

Chapter 8: Settling In

Molly was sleeping inside Black Wing, with the white Sol Emerald blinking in her pocket. She began squirming restlessly, and then woke up with a start. She reached into her pocket and felt the Sol Emerald's smooth surface. She pulled it out and examined it closely, wondering what kind of power it held. She knew that it was important, and she had to keep it safe until she could return it to the Princess. With Nega and his Metarex on the move, she had to be careful. She put the Sol Emerald back in her pocket and heard someone knock softly on the ship's window. It was Rouge, and she had a worried look on her face.

"We need to find you a place to stay, Molly. It's not safe to be out in the open like this."
"I can handle myself. No problem."
"You can't be out there all by yourself. We're in this together, remember? Besides, I talked to Maria about it and she's more than happy to let you stay with her at her place. It's safer there, and we can keep an eye on you."

Molly nodded, feeling grateful for her new friends. She knew that she couldn't do this alone, and she was glad to have them by her side. She followed Rouge out of the ship and towards Maria's place, and the blonde hedgehog welcomed Molly into her home with open arms. As she settled in, Maria tried to start a conversation.

"So, how did you know about me?"
"Nega stored files about you, showing your full name, age, relations, powers, and your connection with Shadow. I was searching for any information I could find on Shadow's whereabouts, and that's how I came across your name. I knew that you were someone who was close to him, and I hoped that you could help me find him."
Maria nodded, understanding. "I see. Well, we're glad to have you here, Molly."

Molly smiled, feeling a sense of relief. She knew that she had found a new home with these people, and that they would have her back no matter what. She looked at Maria and the rest of her new friends, and felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. They were going to stop Nega and the Metarex, and she was grateful to have them by her side. As she began to unpack her sports bag in the spare room, Rouge noticed something.

"Hey, did you forget your other bags? All I see here are four sets of clothes and manuals."
"Uh, they're are no other bags."
Rouge looked at Molly in surprise. "What do you mean? Where's your other stuff?"
"This is all I have."
Rouge and Maria exchanged worried looks. "What about your personal belongings? Your money, your ID, your... everything?" Maria asked, concern etched in her voice.
Molly shrugged. "This... is everything."

The two girls looked at each other in shock. She had no money, no ID, and barely enough set of clothes, which all had the same style and color.
"We need to go shopping." Rouge suggested, and Maria nodded in agreement excitedly. They knew that Molly needed basic necessities, and they were more than willing to help her out. They quickly got ready and headed to the mall, determined to get Molly everything she needed.

"Woah, what is this? Is Earth a planet with alien species working together in a single place too?"
The two laughed at Molly's innocent question.
"Technically, no." Rouge explained, taking account that the mobians aren't exactly natives of Earth. "But the mall is a common place on Earth where people can buy everything they need. Clothes, food, electronics, you name it. It's a great place to go when you need to stock up on supplies."

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Maria exclaimed, grabbing Molly and Rouge's hands and practically dragging them towards the mall excitedly. The gingered hedgehog looked around in awe. She's never seen so many stores and people in one place before. As they walked around, they made to a clothing store, and Rouge picked out a few outfits for Molly to try on, as well as for Maria and herself. They all had a great time trying different outfits and showing off to each other, from formal dresses to winter outfits to sunny and rainy days, extreme gear outfits and even swimwear, with Molly feeling a little embarrassed about at first.