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After everything that happened since the war started, the heroes happily emerged victorious despite the odds against them. The Metarex were destroyed, Mobius was back to normal after getting its Planet Egg back, everyone had moved on from all the hardships through the war, Tails had recovered nicely from his depression (also he was still a little sad), and Cosmo was in a much better place after what she suffered through. Finally, after a long, hard adventure, everyone could have a chance to relax…
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One day, in their newly built detective office, the Chaotix were relaxing in the main room when there was a knock at the door. "Charmy, answer the phone!" said Vector groggily.
Charmy (who was in a locker) opened the door. "It's not the phone, Vector," he corrected. "It's the door."
"It doesn't matter what it is," said Vector, too tired to care. "Just answer it!"
"You could answer it to, you know," Charmy snarked as he flew to the door.
"Don't get it if it's just a paper subscription," added Vector.
Charmy paused. "Doesn't sound like something a detective would do," he said. "A good one would stay up to date on all world events going on."
Finally arriving at the door, Charmy turned the knob. "Who is it?" he said as the door opened.
It was Vanilla. "I hope everything's okay," she said.
Charmy was surprised to see her. But Vector was immediately awake upon hearing her. Excited, he shoved Charmy out of the way so he could greet her. "A pleasure to see you again," he said. "How are you today, Ms. Rabbit?"
Vanilla smiled. "I miss you, Vector," she said.
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Soon, the Chaotix were outside the office eating some treats that Vanilla brought over. "Thank you so much for what you've done for me and Cream," said Vanilla. "We really appreciate it."
"It's really no big deal," said Vector modestly. "It's our job, so we're used to it by now."
"Don't embarass us just to look good," said Espio.
Charmy was really enjoying the treats, especially the cake. "Boy, your cake sure is the best," he said.
"There's plenty to keep," said Vanilla. "So please help yourselves to what you can."
"Well, thank you," said Espio.
Charmy was excited. "We won't have to worry about our food expenses with all this," he said, scarfing down some more.
"Don't burn it up, Charmy," said Vector.
"Sorry," Charmy apologized. "We haven't had any clients since returning home, and we're in debt due to rebuilding the office. We're in big financial trouble this month, and we need help."
"Well, I can bring something a bit more filling next time I stop by the office," Vanilla offered.
Espio was surprised. "You'd really do that for us?" he asked, touched by her generosity and kindness. "Thank you so much. We'll accept anything."
Vanilla smiled. "You're welcome," she said.
"Espio, this isn't like you," Charmy whispered.
It was true. Espio was normally the more mature member of the group. Regardless, it was surprising and heartwarming to see how much someone's willingness to help others can change a person.
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Later, Vector and Vanilla were taking a pleasant walk through the forest. "I have to say," Vector was saying, "your cakes are the best we've had."
"Why, thank you, Vector," said Vanilla. "Baking them was worth the trouble to keep you three happy."
"I've tried Cream's cake before," said Vector, "and now I see where she's learned from the best. You must be a better teacher to her than just a good mother to teach her so well."
Vanilla blushed at the compliment. "Vector, you're very good at flattering me," she said. "Now I know why Cream's been making so many sweets and cakes recently. She's enjoyed receiving others. That means a lot to us."
Vector was surprised to hear this. "She's really baking everyday?" he asked.
"She sure is," Vanilla nodded. "And happily, to."
The two were silent for a bit before Vector piped up with another comment: "Since I've come back home, I've been wondering if everyone's been doing alright after the battle here."
"Not much has changed, really," replied Vanilla as the two continued to enjoy their walk.
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Meanwhile, Amy, Cream, and Cheese were on their way to Tails' house with some treats of their own. "Mother and I baked this cake together," said Cream. "She took some to Vector and the others today."
"For them?" asked Amy, surprised. "What a waste."
"How about you, Amy?" asked Cream curiously.
Amy opened the lid to a pie pan she was carrying. "Ta-da!" she said.
Cream was surprised. "Wow! An apple pie!" she said. "That looks delicious!"
"Well, Ella taught me how to make one before we left," said Amy. "Pretty good, right?"
"With all these sweets we've been making," said Cream, "Tails is going to be too heavy to even fly with his tails."
"You're right," said Amy. "He wouldn't want something like that to happen."
Cheese was fluttering alongside them. "Cha cha chao!" he said.
"What did he say?" asked Amy.
"If that happens, he wants to race him," answered Cream.
"He probably has a good chance if that happens," quipped Amy.
"Chao!" Cheese cheered, causing the two girls to laugh.
"He'll be fine," said Amy. "After he gets his filing, he'll surely exercise to lose some weight. That is, if he takes a break from mechanics."
"Do you really think it'll help cheer him up after what happened, Amy?" asked Cream.
Even though it'd been a while, Cosmo was still a bit of a touchy subject for Tails. "I do hope so," Amy answered. "Besides, it's only been about 5 months since what happened. Plus, he's been recovering nicely, so it won't be long."
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On Angel Island, Knuckles and Chris were at the Master Emerald's shrine. Said Emerald was still in a bunch of pieces. "The Master Emerald should return to its normal state once its power is restored," said Knuckles.
"Will you do your chant?" asked Chris.
"Please hear me, oh Master Emerald, and be restored now!" chanted Knuckles in a ridiculous sounding voice. "Like that?"
Chris laughed. "Your chant is pretty funny," he said. "Uh... I didn't mean that–"
"No offense taken," said Knuckles. "I think I'll let nature take its course. The Master Emerald helped save the galaxy so it needs time to heal. In the meantime I decided... [he sat down on the step of the Master Emerald podium] to kick back and take it easy. We deserve a rest too, Chris."
"I guess so," said Chris as he sat down next to Knuckles. "Since it looks like I'm gonna be staying here, I'm wondering how I could go about building myself a house."
Knuckles was surprised and dumbfounded. "Huh? What do you mean how?" he asked. "You just go ahead and build it."
"You make it sound so easy," said Chris, "but it's not so simple. There's a lot to think about, like where would I build it?"
Knuckles laughed. "What do you mean where?" he said. "There's tons of land all around you. Just pick a spot."
"What if that spot belongs to someone else?" asked Chris.
"In our world, it's first come first serve," laughed Knuckles before he had a thought: "Hmmm? Hey, you're not planning on building one here, are you?"
"Well, I've figured around these old ruins was about as good a place as any," said Chris. "It's kinda pretty, you know?"
"Sure it's pretty," Knuckles agreed. "You go right ahead and build. It's just lucky your good friend Knuckles didn't have this spot picked out for his place. I've been sleeping outdoors all my life, Chris. Once you've done it a few times, you get used to it. Harsh weather can be a hassle, but I can tell when the season's changing. So what do you say about trying it out? You in?"
"Yeah, lucky," Chris chuckled. "But I think I'll want a normal house."
"Alright. But that was a hint, kid," said Knuckles.
The two laughed happily before Chris spoke up again. "Hey, Knuckles," he said, "I'm really happy for all you guys, being home and all."
"Yeah... It sure is nice," Knuckles agreed.
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At the Crimson Egg, Rouge was in the Project Shadow room, looking at Shadow's busted capsule. Her thoughts were on said hedgehog (he was gone for a while at that point for something) when Eggman passed by carrying a box of parts. "I can't believe it!" he said.
That caught Rouge's attention. "Huh?"
"You're worried about Shadow, aren't you?" asked Eggman.
"Of course not," Rouge scoffed. "I don't give a hoot what happened to that hedgehog." Secretly, she was, but she wouldn't admit it out loud.
"Is that so?" asked Eggman, not believing her. "Well, I'm not at all concerned about Shadow. He was designed to be the ultimate creature by my grandfather, Dr. Robotnik, who was almost as great of a genius as me."
"So, where do you think he is?" asked Rouge.
Eggman just grumbled something, which caught her attention. Hmmm… she thought. He knows something.
"Well Rouge, it's time for me to bust a move," said Eggman as Rouge left the room. "I'm gonna scrap this ship soon. I suggest you find new living arrangements."
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Meanwhile, Amy, Cream, and Cheese finally arrived at Tails' place. The Guard was nearby, playing some volleyball, Lightning laughing as Butch landed face-first on the ground and got a mouthful of sand, much to the latter's disgust. Passing by, the three arrived at Tails' workshop. "We're here, Tails," said Cream.
"Chao!" Cheese greeted him happily.
Said fox was working on some mechanical stuff when he heard his friends. Happily, he looked up from his work, black sooty spots staining him. "Hey guys," he said.
At that point, the Guard were on halftime from their volleyball game. Amy invited them to take a break and have a snack, which they happily accepted. Butch had to wash his mouth off with some water, however, so he wouldn't get bothered by the remaining sand still stuck in there.
As everyone relaxed and had a good time with each other, Chris was happy: After we defeated the Metarex, we finally went back home. To Sonic's planet that is. It was good to rest up and relax after all the battles we fought. I guess you do deserve a little vacation after saving the galaxy. This was the first time we'd really taken it easy since I had transported myself here. It seemed like a long time had passed since I left the lab, almost like it was a dream. We had a lot of fun during those days, but I couldn't stop thinking of my family and friends that I left back in my own world, and none of us would have forgotten the brave friend we lost during our final fight with Dark Oak…
Later that day, after Tails was done with his mechanics stuff, he was coming out of his workshop when he saw Wallflower at the side of it busy with something. Upon getting a closer look as he rounded the corner, he saw that she was busy planting three different kinds of flowers. "You gardening or something?" he asked.
Wallflower looked up. "Yep," she nodded before getting back to work. "I figured the outside of your workshop needed a little color. So I figured I'd get some flowerpots and place some flowers I bought myself in them."
"What are those?" asked Tails.
"The flowers?" asked Wallflower in reply. "Well, you may know what a rose is. This other flower here is a paradise flower. And this one here's a cosmo flower. It's pretty, isn't it?"
Tails gazed at the flower. "It is," he said. "Just like Cosmo."
Wallflower smiled. "Exactly like Cosmo," she said.
At this, the two hugged, Tails getting a little choked up. Wallflower understood and kissed his forehead, petting his back comfortingly.
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Meanwhile, Chris and Grace were on their way to Cream's house. They were enjoying the scenery around them and having a pleasant conversation when they saw Bokkun fly towards them from the sky. "Hey Chris!" he called. "I got something for ya!"
"If it's from Eggman, I don't want it," said Chris.
Bokkun laughed as he landed. "How'd ya know?" he quipped. "I think this is my most explosive delivery ever. You'll get a real bang out of it. Here!"
But Chris and Grace instantly hid behind a tree. "Come on out here, guys!" Bokkun insisted.
"No way!" Chris protested.
"I'm with him!" Grace agreed. "Besides, last time you had something explosive, it ended up wrecking the Typhoon's main bridge!"
"But guys, I promise it's not a trick," said Bokkun. "Dr. Eggman's sending Chris a present."
The two friends were confused. "Really?" asked Chris.
"Wonder what Eggman's up to this time," said Grace. "Might as well find out."
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Meanwhile, Sonic was taking a nap under the shade of a tree. Wallflower was sitting next to him, meditating. They were enjoying themselves when they heard a voice calling out to them: "Sonic. Wallflower."
Sonic didn't move, but Wallflower jumped in surprise. Standing up, she looked around her. "Cosmo? Is that you?" she asked.
It was indeed Cosmo's spirit. "Yes, it is," she said. "Send a message to all of my wonderful friends. Tell them I'm alright. I am with my mother and other friends and loved ones. We have found a new home filled with peace and tranquility. Harmony reigns here, and we are as one with nature. Tell them all that they are noble and good and that because of them, the darkness has been vanquished. Tell Tails to look at the trees and the sky. That is where I will be."
"We'll tell them," said Sonic as he stood up. "And hey, I know I'm not much for getting mushy or anything, but I want you to know Cosmo, it was great having you around." With that, he dashed off.
Wallflower turned to go as well, but turned and looked one more time behind her. "You're a true angel, Cosmo," she said. "I hope we'll see each other again someday."
"Goodbye, Sonic and Wallflower," said Cosmo's spirit. "Goodbye."
Wallflower got a little choked up, tears misting in her eyes. "Goodbye, Cosmo," she said, "until we meet again."
When they got back, they told their friends what Cosmo had said. They were all touched by it. Tails hugged Sonic in pure joy while Sunset did the same for Wallflower. "Her friends and family would be so happy with how we helped her," she said.
Wallflower nodded, returning the hug. "Yes. Yes, they would," she agreed.
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Back with Chris and Grace, Bokkun was leading them to the top of a hill. Eggman, Orbot, and Cubot were all waiting for them. "What's this all about, Eggman?" asked Chris.
"It's exactly what I wrote there," answered Eggman. "I assume that you read it, didn't you?"
"Sure," replied Chris. "It says it's a one way ticket home."
Grace was surprised. "Wait," she said, "so this means Chris gets to go home after all?"
"Never underestimate the superiority of Dr. Eggman's intellect," said Cubot.
"He gave his brain cells a real workout this time!" agreed Bokkun.
"Uh... You mean this ship?" asked Chris, looking at said ship.
"Yes, it will instantly transport you back to your own world," said Orbot.
"This will be its first and only voyage…" added Eggman.
"So pack your stuff and let's blast off!" said the four in usion.
Grace smiled happily. "Oh Chris, this is wonderful!" she said, jumping up and down and gripping his hand. "You'll get to go home and see your loved ones again!"
"There's only enough power in its engines for one trip," said Eggman. "After that the machine will be useless. But it should be adequate to return you to your world."
Chris was surprised. "I can't believe you went through all this trouble just for me, doctor," he said.
Eggman chuckled. "Don't thank me yet, kid," he said. "Once you learn the full story, you may not want to go."
"Huh?" Chris was confused.
So was Grace. "What do you mean?" she asked.
"I'm absolutely certain it will return you to your planet," said Eggman, "but I have no idea how old your body will be when you get there."
Grace was uncertain at this, but Chris smiled confidently. "I have confidence in you, doctor," he said. "I'll take that chance."
"But you only have a three minute window," added Eggman.
The others were surprised. "That isn't much time, doctor," said Cubot as Chris climbed into the ship.
"Can you make it three days so we can throw him a goodbye party?" asked Orbot.
"Impossible!" Eggman replied. "The quantum alignment that makes travel possible between our worlds will only last for three more minutes! This is the only time when travel can occur. After that Chris will be stuck here."
"Can I return?" asked Chris.
Eggman didn't know. "It's difficult to say," he admitted. "I'm not sure the alignment will reoccur. It could be a week, or not for ten thousand years!"
Grace gasped softly. Chris was surprised. "You mean the fact that I was able to travel here was just a fluke and I may not be able to come back?" he asked.
"It would appear so," said Eggman. "The universe has its own separate cycles. No matter how advanced our technology is, we can't change that."
"I see," said Chris, accepting it. "So, then, I guess it's goodbye, guys."
Grace nodded, trying not to cry. "Yeah. Something like that," she said.
She and Chris hugged each other goodbye. As they separated, Grace placed something into Chris' hand. "Just in case you don't come back," she said, her voice breaking.
"Thanks, Grace," said Chris. "Can you tell the others I said goodbye for me?"
Sniffling but trying to stay strong for her friend's sake, Grace nodded and reluctantly stepped outside the ship as Chris strapped himself in. "You have been a terrific ally and worthy enemy," said Eggman, pressing a button to close the door. "Good luck."
"You could stay here with us, you know!" said Bokkun frantically as the door closed. "I'm sure Dr. Eggman would offer you a job if you asked him. We could always use good help around here!"
"Goodbye, Chris!" Grace waved, allowing her tears to fall.
"Take care, Chris!" said Cubot, also waving.
"Say hello to your family for us," added Orbot, waving with the other two.
Soon, the ship started up and took off into the sky. "Alright, then!" yelled Bokkun with saddened anger. "I'll go tell Sonic and the rest of your pals you had a smile when you left here! Are you sure you wanna go? That's too bad. We just got to be friends."
The poor little robot-bat began to cry. "Goodbye!" he sobbed.
Grace comforted Bokkun before heading off to tell everyone else what happened.
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As Chris looked out the ship's window, he was sad. I wish I didn't have to rush off like this, he thought. I hope the others don't get mad at me.
In his head, he imagined Grace telling the others about his departure and how they were reacting to it:
Knuckles– "I'm sure gonna miss that kid."
Amy– "Me, too."
Cream– "He didn't even say goodbye."
Cheese– "Chao."
Tails– "I'm sure he wanted to, but maybe he didn't have enough time."
Goodbye, everyone, Chris thought sadly. Goodbye.
He glanced down at Grace's goodbye present in his hand. Opening it up, Chris smiled when he saw that it was a picture of all of them at Tails' recovery party. Just then, something on the path below him caught his attention. Looking down, Chris saw that it was Sonic and the rest of the Guard racing below him. The Guard was waving and saying goodbye to him while Sonic smiled up at him. "We'll be seein' ya, Chris!" he called.
They all understood what this meant: it was finally time for Chris to go home. "Goodbye, everyone!" he called. "Goodbye! Sonic."
Sonic… he thought to himself, tears streaming down his face as he knew there was a high possibility that he'll never see them again.
Once the timer inside the clock hit zero, the ship transported off Sonic's world and towards Chris' world, the others watching from a cliffside. "I'm sure gonna miss that kid," said Butch. "That's for sure."
The others agreed.
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Eggman laughed, happy that things were back to normal. "Now that Tails has fully recovered," he said, "and Sonic's team is down by one little annoying pipsqueak, I can get back to building the Eggman Empire!"
"Alright!" cheered his hench-bots.
In no time at all, it was business as normal for the team in Mobius. "Eggman better not touch the Master Emerald!" Knuckles warned.
"I have to warn Sonic," said Amy.
"Come on, Cheese," said Cream, "our friends need our help!"
"Chao!" Cheese replied.
Rouge looked inside Bokkun's locket, which had a picture of Cream on it. "I guess I'll join in, too," she said. "This team could use a little glamor."
At Cascade, which was now restored to its former glory, Shadow visited Molly's grave, placing a rose next to it. He was glad that Molly's home was healed, and he wished that she was there now to see it.
Now that he was feeling better than ever, Tails climbed into his plane, ready for action once more and also ready to fulfill Cosmo's wish– live a long life that he still had ahead of him. "Time to rev up the X-Tornado, you guys!" he said.
Creecha smiled. "Say, Guard," she said, "how about we join in before we head home ourselves?"
The Guard readily agreed. Sonic smiled happily. "Life never stays slow around here for long! Thank goodness," he said. "Watch out, Eggman! I'm coming at ya full speed!"
As Tails piloted the X-Tornado out of the workshop, the white flower pot stood on his desk in the sunlight. Inside it, the little plant grew happily. Cosmo's spirit lived on, and there was hope for the time when she would be reunited with her friends and her true love one day.
(End of Act 3)
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