Beauty and the .EXE

Chapter Seven: Be Our Guest

Meanwhile, back in her room, Maddie was using her rope made of fabrics to try and escape her room. As she was lowering it out the window, a knock was heard on her door. Thinking that it was Sonic, Maddie told him to go away. But, when Cream revealed herself to be at the door, Maddie quickly moved her makeshift rope to the side, hoping to hide it. Cream came in just as Maddie had finished attempting to hide the rope. Cream rode in on a moving cart with Amy. Finally seeing her for the first time, Cream commented on Maddie's beauty. Only to notice the rope behind her.

Knowing what Maddie was trying to do, Cream poured her a cup of tea before she left on her journey. Amy jumped off the cart and made her way over to Maddie who picked her up by her saucer. Maddie took a sip before Amy turned to say hello, even showing her a little bubble trick she had learned. Cream scolded her for it before turning to Maddie, saying that what she did for her father was very brave. Blaze woke up, agreeing with Cream. Maddie voiced her worries about him as Jet had never been on his own before.

Cream just encouraged her to look on the bright side, saying how everything will turn out in the end, especially after she's had some dinner. Maddie reminded Cream of what Sonic had said to which Cream dismissed it, saying how a lot of people say things in anger, and it was their choice whether or not to listen. Cream started leading Maddie downstairs, Blaze even encouraging her to go. Downstairs, Tails had heard the news of Maddie coming down to eat and was prepared to make this the best feast. The best they've done in years. Of course, some didn't agree.

"No, you don't!" Shadow spoke up, "If the master finds out you violated his orders and fed her he will blame me!

"Yes, I will make sure of it," Tails promised, "But did you see her stand up to him? l am telling you, this girl is the one. They must fall in love if we are to be human again and how can they fall in love if she stays in her room?"

Tails commented on one of the servants cleaning as Shadow swung by on a cart.

"You know she'll never love him," Shadow commented.

"A broken clock is right two times a day, mon ami but this is not one of those times," Tails said.

Tails kept going around the kitchen, ensuring that everything was perfect for Maddie's dinner. Meanwhile, Shadow was trying to ensure that everyone was staying quiet so as to not wake their master. Tails agreed but asked what dinner was without a little music. This caught Shadow's attention, not agreeing with that plan. Tails approached a piano. This was Maestro Silver, a brilliant musician. Albeit a tad bit rusting after years of not playing as brilliantly as he once did. But Tails tried to encourage him nonetheless, explaining that his wife was upstairs, finding it hard to stay awake.

If they wanted to be reunited once again, Silver needed to help get Maddie and Sonic together so that they could break the curse. Silver promised to play. Of course, Shadow recommended that Silver play quietly. Silver reluctantly agreed, asking if there were any other tasteless demands Shadow had. Thankfully, playing quietly was all he wanted to request. Finally, Cream came in with Maddie, and Tails had the candles dim, ready to give the performance of a lifetime. Rouge flew up to the moonlight with an iron plate to shine a spotlight onto Tails.

"Ma chère mademoiselle. It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight," Tails cleared his throat, making sure Rouge had the light on him, "And now... we invite you to relax," a chail pulled up behind Maddie, making her sit down, "Let us pull up a chair... as the dining room proudly presents..."

Tails jumped over a dining cloth and bowed, letting some dishes fly around Maddie and land on the table in front of her. Silver played a small tune, stopping on an odd note. But he fixed it and Tails continued to address Maddie.