Winds of Freedom

Chapter 5: Nice to Meet You, Let's Go for a Run!

Chapter 5: Nice to Meet You, Let's Go for a Run!

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Dragon Valley – Lilac's Treehouse, Afternoon Hours

The group of five found themselves navigating through the lush forest, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Carol and Lilac had invited the newcomers to stay at their home in the forest after their respective battles to rest. As they conversed, Carol burst into a fit of laughter.

"Hahaha, Eggman?!" Carol laughed so hard that tears streamed down her cheeks. The wildcat's amusement was so contagious that soon the rest of the group joined in, their collective laughter filling the air.

"Yeah! I started calling him that after he sent so many egg-shaped death robots after me. Also helps that he gets annoyed by it," Sonic explained, a chuckle escaping his lips.

As the laughter began to subside, Sonic's demeanor shifted, becoming more focused. "Alright! Let's start introducing ourselves properly now that eggface is gone for now!" He glanced around at the four others, his smile widening. "Name's Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog!"

"And I am Miles Prower! But you can call me Tails," the fox added with a bright smile, his twin tails flicking in excitement.

"Dude, you look awesome with those two tails on your butt!" Carol complimented, still wiping away some of her tears. Sonic snorted at the comment, amused by Carol's straightforwardness.

"Carol..." Lilac gave her friend a deadpan look.

"Oh no, no, it's fine... uh, thank you," Tails replied with a small, embarrassed smile. It wasn't every day that people pointed out his tails as being cool.

Carol grinned back. "Name's Carol Tea, at your service," she said coolly, giving a small salute.

"I'm Sash Lilac," Lilac added politely. "But please, call me Lilac."

The group seemed pleased with their introductions as they walked deeper into the forest, the atmosphere light and friendly. However, they all collectively turned their attention to the last of the group, the green duck with a shell on his back who looked slightly nervous under their gaze.

"Oh! I, uh, name's Torque. I'm a shell duck," he said curtly, his voice betraying a hint of unease.

"A... shell duck?" Lilac raised an eyebrow. She had never heard of a shell duck before, and judging by the expressions on the others' faces, neither had they.

"Yes... I'm not exactly from around here," Torque explained, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.

"No problem, man," Sonic said reassuringly, giving Torque a confident nod. "Me and my buddy Tails aren't from around the archipelago either."

"Ah, here to get some vacation, Mister Sonic?" Torque asked, trying to ease into the conversation.

Sonic raised an eyebrow at the "Mister," but quickly shrugged it off. "That, and to deal with the mister who just attacked you. Why did he attack you, anyway?"

Torque glanced nervously at the group, his eyes darting between them before he spoke. "Uhhh, it's a tad complicated. It's better if we arrive at the house first," he suggested, his voice tight with apprehension.

Sonic shrugged, accepting the duck's reluctance. "Alright, if you say so."

The group continued their journey until they reached their destination. Lilac stopped, turning to the others with a smile. "We're here. Welcome to our home!" she announced, gesturing proudly.