Never Expecting This

Chapter 67

I just want you guys to know that Chapter 21 has been rewritten and I want you guys to check it out. It's completely different, so I hope you like it.

After Rotor got some picture for posterity, he cut you down, and the two of you came crashing down into the sand, ruining the Zen pattern someone had been working on. You tried shaking the sand grains out of your hair and fur while Sonic clutched to his ruined chili dog with a mourning expression. You quietly backed away and left the room with Rotor. Once you were far enough in the hall, you gave the walrus a joking punch on the arm and headed off to your bedroom.

You wanted to take a quick shower before arriving at Efrika, one of the hottest and most humid places on Mobius. You couldn't wait, you loved the warmth much more than the freezing cold. After a nice hot shower to refresh yourself and to rid of any other sand grains, you danced out of your room with your weapon and communicator. Were you happy? No way, you were seeping with an overload or positivity and happiness and you smiled and hummed your favorite song to yourself.

You walked to the bridge to see Bunnie, Sally, and Nicole talking in front of the main computer. They called you over to talk, and you happily skipped over to see them. Judging by the screen, it seemed like they were going over the mission plans. From what you heard, there were no freedom fighters in the humid region, meaning you and the other Acorn Freedom Fighters would be on your own.

"Hi, there, Sweety Belle," Bunnie welcomed as she pulled you over to the computer. We want ya to help us with the game plan a bit."

"I'll give it a shot," you replied with a giggle.

"We arrive at a small village called Mazuri in a few hours," Nicole explained, showing different holographic images as she spoke. "From there, we plan on breaking into three groups: one to distract the Egg Boss and the Egg Army, another to search the faculties and hangars for the robot, and another to head into the main temple where the Chaos Emerald is held. We need help splitting people into teams, though. "

A large chart pulled up on the screen, showing the freedom fighters (except for Tails, Cream, and Cheese) and their individual talents, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. You watched Nicole use her fingers to drag Sonic to Group A, Bunnie to Group B, and Sally to Group C. The three girls turned to you to see if you understood, and you shook your head with enthusiasm making the females smile. You spent a little while going over the plans, groups, and scenarios that could occur. After everyone was organized into groups, you talked with the freedom fighters about their past missions and your own experiences. Seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to hours as you talked.

Soon, Antoine came into the room with Rotor by his side. You didn't really notice since Sally was telling a funny story about her childhood. The male coyote cleared his throat, trying to grab your attention. Of course, it was covered by your giggles and laughter. The swordsman tried again, getting the same result. Rotor placed a hand on Antoine's shoulder before placing his fingers in his mouth and releasing an ear-piercing whistle. You and the other girls looked up and saw the boys, slightly embarrassed for not acknowledging their presence earlier.

"We're closing in on our destination," Rotor stated. "Just letting you girls know."

Sally cleared her throat with a fist by her mouth. "Thank you, Rotor."

As the two boys walked away, you giggled with the girls with slight embarrassment. Afterwards, everyone left to do their own thing and get ready for Mazuri. You couldn't hold in your excitement as you made sure you were ready. With everything in check, you hurried out to the bridge where some of the freedom fighters were learning bits about the plan. You guys would go over more later in the day, since you would launch the mission until later that night.

Soon, you felt the Sky Patrol slowly descend to the ground and land. Nicole, Sally, and Rotor were the last to appear on the bridge. The doors opened, and everyone stepped out into the humid, warm air. You had a huge smile on your face as you gazed over the Efriken Plains. A little walk away rested a small village you assumed to be Mazuri. You took in a large breath of air, feeling a slight similarity to your own home. Efrika wasn't as green as your home, but it have you nostalgia.

You gazed over to the other freedom fighters, wanting to know how they were feeling. Most of them were quite pleased by the atmosphere, liking the warm air instead of the freezing temperatures. There were a couple of freedom fighters, however, that were already sweating and feeling sticky from the humid air. Antoine was one of these members. You swore you saw some of his hair and fur frizz in the humidity, making you quietly chuckle to yourself.

​​​​​​ Footsteps pulled your attention back ahead of you, where an elderly human was walking towards you. Sally headed ahead of everyone, and shook the man's hand.

With a native accent he stated, "Welcome to Efrika."