Sonic the Hedgehog

Sixth Strike

Impending doom. Each of them feels it. Everyone aboard the Tornado Two is the furthest from chatty they've been since this rocky adventure started.

Kneeling on the front wing, feeling only slightly better is Sonic, who stares ahead. All of Scrapyard has become a distant blur miles behind them. That fact is the only thing about the Mobians' current situation that's of even the smallest comfort.

At each and every turn, he's beaten us. Sonic can't help but ponder. I've held three of those emeralds in my hands. And I've lost every one. This is my last shot. If I screw up...

His stomach churns with unease just thinking of the consequences another failure will guarantee.

I'm no good at this hero shtick. Not that I ever wanted it in the first place. But for the sake of Mobius and the freedom of everyone in it, I have to live up to my namesake. Just this once.

Behind the nervous hedgehog stares Amy Rose, sharing his sense of unease. Albeit, for a different reason.

I need to be doing more. You shouldn't even be standing. Let alone protecting others. Let someone protect you for a change.

The grip on her Piko Piko hammer tightens.

I'll do whatever it takes. As long as you're by my side... I can do anything.

Daunting the biggest glum face out of his allies is Knuckles who sits in the back seat, looking to the sky. The density of the overhead clouds grows less and less, giving way for the sun's light to shine through. Hopefully, a sign that the end of this journey will be a happy one. Though, hope can only go a long way.

The blood I share with my ancestors is undeserved. Every chance I've had to reclaim my home has been completely wasted. I may not get another. Angel Island is depending on me.

The echidna's eyes turn from the sky and set on his three unlikely friends. A faint smile curls on the edge of his lip.

No matter what happens, I am fortunate to have their support. It will forever be a mystery as to how I've earned the approval of such righteous spirits. I am honored to fight alongside these honorable warriors. Even if it's for one last time.

"What's with all the long faces, you guys?" Tails asks, looking around at each of his fellow passengers.

His voice is the only thing to produce a sound in the last ten minutes aside from the rushing wind and the plane's humming engine. All eyes face the young fox, who to their confusion, dawns a bright smile.

"Don't tell me you all think Eggman has a chance. This time, we'll be ready for him! Those emeralds are as good as ours."

Sonic grins.

"Way to state the obvious, bud," he crosses his arms, looking down at his friend.

After that brief exchange which left Knuckles and Amy momentarily puzzled, a moment of silence follows. In that time, Amy smiles and opens her mouth to ask:

"So where do you guys want to go to celebrate after? I know a few good places."

"As long as chili dogs are on the menu, we're square," Sonic says, relaxed.

"Grapes will also suffice," Knuckles chimes in.

"I think it's time we put that 'hero benefit' of yours to good use," Tails remarks deviously, glancing at his idol.

"Oh, the fun we're about to have..." Sonic rubs his hands together.

"Are two going to need a babysitter?" Amy sighs.

Her comment sends Knuckles into a laughing fit.

"Get it?" he wheezes. "She's calling both of you babies!"

"I'm surprised you know what a babysitter is, Knuckles," Sonic says, a little taken back.

"I don't. But I assume their duty is to sit babies, yes?"

"In a manner of speaking," Tails answers, not in the mood to clarify details.

Seconds pass with no one else following up on the conversation, until eventually, everyone is again left to their thoughts. If there's one thing Tails isn't, it's stupid. He knows no one here is truly as confident as they sound.

But he finds comfort in their uplifting fronts all the same.

...