(CHZ) Cosmo: He’s taking it as bad as you could possibly think… but that’s actually why I’m here… I need to ask Eggman something important, if I may…
Eggman couldn’t help but smirk.
(X) Eggman: Heh, and I thought you hated me!
CHZ Cosmo rolled her eyes
(CHZ) Cosmo: I DO happen to hate you… or well, more accurately the one I know… but it’s clear you really are trying to help at least at this moment. The Eggman from my universe did not turn against Nega. That alone has proven to me you’re at least better than him…
So if you’re at all serious about stopping him, as well as the respect you have for this universe’s me for nearly making the ultimate sacrifice. Then you will help me and Tails save her. You helped Nega build the Egg Salamander, so if there’s anything you know about its design that’ll help us… it’d be appreciated.
(X) Eggman: Hmm… well… there is a hatch on the underside that could be carefully opened if you can park a flying ship near it… but with the power Nega has at his disposal. It will be very risky. You’d need a really good distraction…
CHZ Cosmo nodded
(CHZ) Cosmo: That’s where Sonic and Blaze come in! Nega will be so focused on trying to keep Super Sonic and Burning Blaze at bay. Me and Tails can use his plane to extract the seedling from the hatch!
(X) Eggman: It’ll still be easier said than done, but if it works. It’ll be worth wiping away Nega’s smug face!
Blaze was curious about something CHZ Cosmo said
(X) Blaze: Burning… Blaze…?
(CHZ) Cosmo: That’s what my universe’s Blaze named her super form after wielding the Sol Emeralds
(X) Blaze: But… I haven’t actually tapped into them before… I’ve only guarded them. I don’t suppose since you’ve known another me, you know how I can?
CHZ Cosmo simply winked
(CHZ) Cosmo: You’ll figure it out! Now Eggman, please follow me!
CHZ Cosmo and X Eggman started running to Tails’ house.
(X) Blaze: Heeeey! Wait! Don’t be so cryptic with me! Cosmooooo!
(X) Knuckles: Let them be, it is probably important we get ready for the battle ahead.
Blaze sighed
(X) Blaze: I guess you’re right…
Meanwhile, Eggman Nega was preparing the Egg Salamander. He inserted the seedling into the Egg Salamander’s energy core and took a look at the energy readings on the machine, getting an all new surprise.
(X) Eggman Nega: Incredible… this plant is serving to be the best solar powered engine I’ve ever seen! It must be the Chaos Energy working in tandem with the already infused Sol Emerald energy I’ve already drained! Foolish Blaze might not even realize that I’ve already gotten most of their power. Her journey was all for nothing! HEHEHEHEHEEEEEEE!
Nega then climbed into the cockpit and began to fly out of the station with the swarms of Egg Pawns following him.
On the ground, the heroes started to gather. Sonic, Knuckles, Amy, and Blaze stood together.
(X) Sonic: Hey… where did Eggman go?
(X) Knuckles: The other Cosmo is bringing him over to Tails’ house. Eggman mentioned something about a hatch that could potentially be used to free our Cosmo without having to destroy her alongside Nega’s machine.
(X) Sonic: That would be preferable... Tails may say that I can do “what must be done” but I just know that if I have to reluctantly kill Cosmo for real this time to save us all, he may never want to see me again…
(X) Amy: I have full confidence you can save the day and help our Cosmo too!
Sonic appreciated the backing from Amy
(X) Sonic: Thank you, though I don’t know if Super Sonic alone is going to be enough. The energy powering up Eggman Nega includes some of Shadow’s energy since we both used Chaos Regeneration. I’d be more confident with a partner.
That’s when Blaze steps in
(X) Blaze: I suppose that’d be me… if… if I can figure out how to activate the Sol emer-
Blaze was interrupted as a large machine appeared in the sky. The big red machine known now as the Egg Salamander lowered itself to tower over the heroes below.
(X) Eggman Nega: Greetings pesky blue hedgehog and friends! I’d recommend that you surrender, or I will tear asunder the link between this world and the Sol Dimension!
(X) Blaze: But Nega! That might do untold damage to both our worlds!
Nega belted out a boisterous evil laugh
(X) Eggman Nega: Nothing is more important than victory over your enemies! I’ll rule a world turned into nothing but an endless void if I have to! As long as it comes with the satisfaction that I’ve triumphed over you, Sonic, and especially my worthless counterpart! But that can all be avoided if you submit to me! I have no intention of frivolous things like an “Eggmanland” like my counterpart wanted. As long as you do whatever I say, you will enjoy a quality of life unlike any other!
Sonic shook a fist
(X) Sonic: Fat chance! I happen to like how we live now! We’re all as free as the wind!
Nega smirked
(X) Eggman Nega: So be it, this will be so much more fun anyway…
The Egg Salamander activated some sort of energy sword and cut a dimensional rift. Revealing a colorful void that forged a link between Sonic’s universe and the Sol Dimension.
(X) Eggman Nega: Go ahead and activate those Chaos Emeralds of yours and follow me! I will defeat you at your most powerful!
(X) Blaze: Hey! Don’t forget about me!
Blaze got out the Sol Emeralds, but she still couldn’t currently use them.
(X) Blaze: Darn it! I’ve guarded you most of my life. Why won’t you activate?!
Nega just chortled watching Blaze try to use the emeralds.
(X) Eggman Nega: That’s all you ever were, Blaze! Simply a guardian! Besides, I’ve already drained most of their power for the machine you see before you! There are ways to recharge them but ironically your dedication to protecting them has proved to be a mistake! A soon to be fatal one too! HEHEHEHEHEEEEEE!
Sonic turned to Blaze
(X) Sonic: Keep trying, Blaze. I’m sure you’ll find a way soon. For now though…
Sonic looked up confidently at Nega
(X) Sonic: So you want Super Sonic? I’ll give you Super Sonic!
The Chaos Emeralds began to spiral around Sonic, the hedgehog closing his eyes as his blue fur became golden, his green eyes turning red, and his back spines pointed upward.
(X) Eggman Nega: Yesssss, let our final battle begin, hedgehog!
Both Sonic and Nega entered the dimensional rift, while Blaze was still left struggling with the Sol Emeralds. Amy and Knuckles attempted to give her some encouragement
(X) Amy: Come on, Blaze! You can do it!
(X) Knuckles: Focus, Blaze! I won’t pretend to know how your emeralds work, but I’m sure the method is right around the corner.
The Sol Emeralds for a moment blinked, but faded too soon to be of any sign that they were working
(X) Blaze: I… thank you for the vote of confidence. But Nega might be right… I’m simply a guardian. Not a wielder…
As Blaze trailed that last statement, an orange ship came flying in. It was Cream’s spaceship. Though when she and Cheese saw that Blaze was on the ground, they quickly lowered their ship down to land.
(X) Cream: Blaaaaaaazeeeeeeeee!
(X) Cheese: Chaooooooooo!
(X) Blaze: Cream!
The small rabbit as well as the chao ran up and hugged the purple cat.
((Blaze sprite from a compiled/remixed sprite sheet by Sonic1093LQ))
(X) Blaze: ! You’re… hugging me? Even… after I snapped at you?
((More after the break))
(X) Cream: Why would I still be mad? It was just a misunderstanding! A perfectly understandable one… how could I have known that a Cosmo from a different dimension was going to show up? And… and… I can tell you’ve been betrayed before…
(X) Blaze: …Yes, you’re right. Being a princess isn’t just looking pretty and smiling for the cameras. There are so many responsibilities, many of which had me often too busy to get involved with friendships. But in my younger years, maybe when I was your age… when I had more free time… everyone that wanted to be my friend was simply trying to curry favor with royalty instead of befriending me… for… me.
Many of my so-called friends turned out to be nothing but bullies or fraudsters… and while I was learning to control my pyrokinetic abilities… I… snapped and ended up burning someone who had been taking advantage of me. While they probably deserved it, it scared many others from trying to make friends with me.
You’re the first to ever want to be my friend for my sake rather than my title… and that’s why it hurt so bad when I thought you had been lying to me…
While Blaze and Cream continued their embrace, the Sol emeralds began to glow. This time not immediately disappearing.
(X) Blaze: So… I’m… s-s-sorry, Cream… I shouldn’t have yelled at you… and I also apologize for calling you a liar. Knuckles showing me the Blue Typhoon was enough to tell me that what you went through was real, and that shouldn’t have been something someone as young as you should have seen… especially the near loss of your best friend…
(X) Cream: I… I f-f-forgive you, B-b-blaze…
Cream then felt something odd, Blaze’s body heat seemed to be getting warmer. And fast.
(X) Cream: Oh my! Blaze… Blaze… your body heat is rising! Are you feeling ok?!
As Blaze seems to get a bit too hot to continue hugging, Cream lets go and sees Blaze seeming to… change.
Blaze looked down at her body, a fiery energy building within her.. Her fur turned pink, her purple dress turned red, her ponytail, the cuffs on her gloves and shoes, and the tip of her cat tail became flames. And a fiery aura surrounded her
(X) Blaze: I... feel fine, Cream… actually… MORE than fine… this energy…
She looked around herself and gasped as she saw the Sol Emeralds orbit around her.
(X) Blaze: The Sol Emeralds! I did it! I unlocked their power! Was… the secret to their power friendship… this whole time?
Cream grinned excitedly
(X) Cream: Oh my gosh! You can now help Mr. Sonic!
(X) Blaze: Yeah… yeah, I can… although… I hope with this power… I can help save your Cosmo too…
Blaze then flew off into the dimensional rift, although Cream was confused by why Blaze said something about saving her Cosmo too.
(X) Cream: Um, does anybody know why Ms. Blaze said she hopes to save our Cosmo?
Knuckles and Amy almost didn’t want to tell her
(X) Knuckles: Cream… the seedling that Cosmo was transformed into is currently being used as the power source of Eggman Nega’s machine….
Cream gasped and reacted in shock.
(X) Cream: WHAT?! NOOOO! I… have to go help…!
Cream was about to run to her spaceship, but Amy quickly ran over and held her back
(X) Amy: No, Cream! It’s too dangerous, you’ll only make it harder for Sonic and Blaze!
(X) Cream: But.. but… we have to do SOMETHING!
(X) Amy: There is already someone doing something, the other Cosmo is taking Eggman to Tails. The other Cosmo I’ve heard has so much more experience than our Cosmo did. And combine that with Tails’ intelligence and reliability, I think they can do it!
Cream was still very worried, but she trusted that Amy was right. The other Cosmo did seem a lot more confident then the Cosmo they knew. And if Tails knew there was still a chance to save her, he’d do anything. So Cream just looked up at the dimensional hole where Sonic and Blaze were currently fighting Nega, the fate of their dimensions hanging in the balance.
((Super Sonic sprite ripped by Bonzai))
From within, Sonic and Blaze kept swirling around the Egg Salamander, dodging attacks, and getting some hits in. Though they both were certainly holding back hoping for some sort of miracle to save X Cosmo until they were given no choice. They quickly learned though that the machine seemed to also have the combined power of Sol Emerald and Chaos Emerald energy. As their attacks constantly pushed and pulled against each other with no give on either side.
(X) Sonic: Grr, this machine’s certainly tough… It’s a complete stalemate…
Nega cackled
(X) Eggman Nega: Of course! The machine is built to last! It’ll easily outlast both of your super forms! So go ahead and try, but you’ll never defeat me! You’ll fall into the endless void once time runs out. But thanks to the solar battery that is the seedling, I. AM. INVINCIBLE!
(X) Blaze: We’ll see about that…
At Tails’ house. CHZ Cosmo and X Eggman arrived at the door. The former knocked on the door, Tails looked through the peephole, before opening the door.
(X) Tails: I thought I told you to leave me alone…
(CHZ) Cosmo: I know you did, but this is urgent. I still believe we still have one more chance to save her. I’ve brought Eggman with me, he helped design the Egg Salamander. He can pinpoint an area where we can extract her from the machine!
Tails lowered his head
(X) Tails: But… if we fail… I… don’t want to see her die again… it’s too much… She’s attached to a big threat… Sonic and quite possibly Blaze are in Super Forms similar to how Sonic and Shadow were… I… I just can’t… I don’t want to see history repeat itself…
(X) Eggman: There is a significant difference between then and now though, Tails…
Tails raised an eyebrow
(X) Tails: What? That I don’t have the Blue Typhoon to shoot her again…?
(X) Eggman: No, don’t you remember that Final Mova had that forcefield that incapacitated most living things other than our Cosmo and robots like Decoe and Bocoe? There is no such thing here, as otherwise Nega would be affected too.
Tails gasped, it had slipped his mind, or perhaps the nightmares he had of reliving Cosmo’s ‘death’ where he tried to move closer to save her physically himself. But the dream, much like the forcefield, made it so it was impossible to save her himself each time clouded that memory.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Exactly! Tails, there’s still a chance!
(X) Tails: E-e-eggman.. Where can we extract Cosmo…?
(X) Eggman: It’ll be at the back of the machine. You and this Cosmo could fly the X Tornado up there. You should be small enough to climb into the hatch, grab the plant, and make a quick getaway… that is if Nega doesn’t blow you to smithereens while trying… That machine on full power can keep up with Super Sonic. So just know he could easily swat you like a fly if you’re not careful…
Tails thought for a moment, before lifting his head with a determined look.
(X) Tails: I’ll do it… even the lowest probability chance is worth trying… and if things go wrong… well, at least I tried… and we’ll reunite somewhere else… even if it isn’t this plane of existence…. she risked her life for us all, I must do the same for her!
Eggman, take this wrist communicator in case you need to talk to us while we’re there…
And Cosmo… other Cosmo, I should say… you said before that you’re even better in the air than when you were mowing down robots in Night Carnival… correct?
(X) Eggman: Hey… you know those were MY robots right…
(X) Tails: Uh…
(X) Eggman: Just kidding, the Egg Pawns are mass produced. And the parts are reusable to boot!
Both X Tails and CHZ Cosmo just blinked twice.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Ahem, anyway… yes, Tails. I have had lots of experience flying all sorts of ships, even before I met the other you.
(X) Tails: Think you could pilot the X Tornado then? I’ll need to be in the backseat for the extraction without either of us awkwardly having to switch seats in mid-air.
CHZ Cosmo nodded her head
(CHZ) Cosmo: Of course! I’d have to take a look to be absolutely sure I’ll be comfortable with the controls, but if it’s anything like the ships the Tails from my universe built, I should have little to no trouble!
X Tails and CHZ Cosmo ran toward the X Tornado, the latter hopping into the pilot seat. She took a careful look at the controls, and was generally satisfied by what she saw.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Good news, Tails. These controls are very similar to both mine and my universe’s Tails’ main plane! The only thing of course is that it’s not as up to date as our current planes are. But adjusting to a slightly older model should only take a little bit of muscle memory refreshing.
(X) Tails: That’s great to hear! Now let’s get going and save my Cosmo!
(X) Eggman: Good luck, both of you, send Nega my regards and a good butt kicking!
Both young pilots nodded, and CHZ Cosmo activated the plane, going down the runway, and taking off into the air within seconds. It wasn't long before they approached the dimensional rift where Sonic and Blaze were still fighting the Egg Salamander.
The group on the ground that were currently hoping that Sonic and Blaze prevailed heard the sounds of an airplane engine coming in.
(X) Cream: Hey look! I think that’s the X Tornado!
(X) Amy: Yeah! The other Cosmo must have successfully convinced Tails that there’s still a chance!
(X) Knuckles: Great to see… let’s hope all ends well.
Suddenly Knuckles recieved two taps on the shoulder from someone up in a tree above him. He turned around to see an upside down…
(X) Rouge: Why hello, handsome red~
(X) Knuckles: GAAAH! Rouge, where did you come from?!
Rouge flipped in midair and gracefully landed on her feet onto the ground.
(X) Rouge: I’m not too late to witness the usual Big-Blue-saves-the-day-o’-clock am I?
(X) Amy: Well… we’re certainly hoping he does…
Rouge turned out to not be the only one showing up, as Team Chaotix return to the group, with Vanilla walking beside them.
(X) Vector: Heeeeeeeeeey!
(X) Vanilla: Greetings, everyone!
(X) Cream: Mr. Vector! Mr. Espio! Mr. Charmy! Mother!
(X) Espio: Everything going on ok over here?
(X) Knuckles: Not going to lie, Espio. It’s nerve wracking. We’re hoping that not only Sonic and Blaze can prevail, but that Tails and the other Cosmo can get our Cosmo out of Eggman Nega’s machine.
(X) Charmy: What?! Our Cosmo was taken?!
(X) Vector: That’s not good… but if Tails is going to be the proverbial knight in shining armor, let’s cheer him on as he rescues his princess!
(X) Charmy and Cream: Yeaaaaaaah!
(X) Cheese: Chao chaoooo!
Amy held her hands together and smiled. Though before looking back up at the dimensional rift, she noticed something on Vector’s face.
(X) Amy: Uh, Vector? Is that… lipstick on your cheek?
Cream’s mother looked sideways sheepishly, smiled, and blushed while Vector smugly grinned
(X) Vector: Oh you noticed, huh? It was a gift from Ms. Vanilla for helping save her daughter! I don’t think I’ll ever wash this cheek again!
Charmy leaned over to Espio’s ear as they whispered to each other.
(X) Charmy: You are so turning invisible to watch that cheek while he’s asleep when we get back to the agency…
(X) Espio: Already planning on it…
While the group was all smiles, just about all of them were anxiously awaiting for Sonic, Blaze, Tails, CHZ Cosmo, as well as the plant of X Cosmo to make it all out intact. They all looked up in the sky and continued to hope for the best…
Within the dimension itself the battle continued to go on and on without any end in sight. Nega’s machine managed to tank the swarming hits by Super Sonic and Burning Blaze, at least in part because of the tremendous energy that the seedling was giving the Egg Salamander. Any time Super Sonic and Burning Blaze were knocked away, they just got right back in.
(X) Sonic: Ugh, the energy me and Shadow gave the seed Cosmo has become is now a thorn in my side…
(X) Blaze: Does that mean… we have to…
Blaze looked at Sonic with concern, she didn’t want to destroy the plant either. But if was about the fate of their dimensions…
Thankfully, Sonic shakes his head
(X) Sonic: I don’t even think we could do that all on our own. It’d require an extra boost from say… the Blue Typhoon’s cannon to fire it straight at him to work just like it was with the Metarex. But Tails destroyed that possibility a while ago, and quite frankly I don’t blame him…
(X) Blaze: I agree, if fate determined that he had to shoot his lover twice. I’d understand if he’d just let the universe die just because it was so cruel to him.
Knuckles showed me what remains of the Blue Typhoon earlier, even not having seen it firsthand, the scars from that battle were quite evident. Your friend Tails has clearly been through a lot, and I’m glad he won’t have to repeat what clearly still haunts him to this day. But if we don’t even have that option are we… doomed?
As Sonic and Blaze tried to think of something they could do to break the stalemate, a plane comes flying in, Sonic instantly recognizing it as the X Tornado.
(X) Sonic: Tails?!
He flew in closer to the plane both to check on his friend and also protect him in case Nega tried to fire at him. He checked the pilot seat, but instead of Tails he found CHZ Cosmo. Though Sonic soon took a look at the backseat to see Tails in there too, who had the most determined look on his face. He didn’t even look at Sonic, his gaze entirely focused on the Egg Salamander.
CHZ Cosmo spoke from the plane’s speakers to Sonic.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Sonic! You and Blaze have to distract Nega while we get in close. We have a plan…
Sonic didn’t even have to ask what the plan was. Tails’ face was enough of an indicator that this was a rescue mission. Blaze flew over to Sonic’s side.
(X) Blaze: Hey what are you two doing here! We can barely scratch that thing with our super forms, it’s dangerous to be here!
(X) Sonic: Blaze, they’re here to rescue our Cosmo. We need to help them in any way we can. Not only is it important for saving a dear friend, but it might be our only shot at saving the day…
Blaze gasped
(X) Blaze: I see… well, let’s not waste any time then…
From within the Egg Salamander, Eggman Nega chuckled
(X) Eggman Nega: These foolish kids want to play hero against my invincible machine? You’re not going to pull one on me like you did to my stupid counterpart!
Speaking of Nega’s counterpart, he started a call with Tails from a wrist communicator
(X) Eggman: Make this count, Prower, we've only got one shot at this!
(X) Tails: I will, Eggman… (I’m going to save you, Cosmo… I have to…)
Nega then fired a barrage of rockets and lasers at the X Tornado. Sonic and Blaze destroyed a majority of the rockets, while CHZ Cosmo’s piloting experience allowed her to dodge everything thrown their way.
Sonic tried to get Eggman Nega’s attention, taunting him.
(X) Sonic: Is that all you've got, Nega? Pathetic! I didn’t know your plan was to BORE us to death!
A clearly annoyed Eggman Nega grumbled
(X) Eggman Nega: I’d choose your last words more carefully, hedgehog!
Nega took the bait and started going after Sonic, giving time for Tails, CHZ Cosmo, and Eggman to plot their next move.
(X) Tails: So… Eggman, how are we supposed to get to this hatch you mentioned?
(X) Eggman: That’s the hard part of all this… somehow you have to hope he’s invested with Sonic and Blaze long enough for you to sneak in. But even then he himself will be on the move. He’d easily catch someone trying to board his ship if you go in directly. You might have to figure something out with Sonic and/or Blaze to manage some sort of window of opportunity. Just a few seconds is all that is needed for you to squeeze yourself inside…
While it was Blaze’s turn to catch Nega’s attention. CHZ Cosmo flew the plane over to Sonic’s side.
(X) Tails: Sonic! We need you and/or Blaze to find a way to not only keep Nega distracted but still. If we’re going to save Cosmo, we need just a brief moment!
(X) Sonic: Got it, buddy. Though I don’t know if there’s anything I can think of that’ll get the time you need. But maybe Blaze has something up her sleeve.
SSonic flew on over to Blaze in the air, and as they knocked away more of Nega’s rockets and dodged more lasers, Sonic mentioned what Tails needed.
(X) Sonic: Blaze, is there anything you can do that will keep Nega still while Tails enters a hatch he’s just small enough to enter?
Blaze thought for a moment while continuing to dodge, and went back to Sonic.
(X) Blaze: Well I may have something, but it's a long shot. As a word of warning, you have to tell both of your friends on the plane to close their eyes. Otherwise it will be detrimental to them too. And make sure not to yell it out, or otherwise Nega might see what’s going on. This move is going to be bright even for those glasses of his…
Blaze flew over in front of Nega, while Sonic flew over to the X Tornado. He used hand signals to point to his eyes and then closed them multiple times.
CHZ Cosmo gasped
(CHZ) Cosmo: Tails! I think Sonic is telling us to close our eyes for a moment! I’m going to briefly launch autopilot!
CHZ Cosmo presses a button to allow the X Tornado to fly on its own. And as instructed, both close their eyes.
Blaze, in front of Nega’s window, began to charge up a move. Curling up into a ball before unleashing a light as bright as the sun
(X) Blaze: SOLLLLLAAAARRRRRR NOVAAAAAAAAAA!
(X) Eggman Naga: GRAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!
Nega was blinded for a short moment, his eyes felt like he had just stared at the sun for a few minutes. All within the flash of Blaze’s technique.
(X) Sonic: COSMO! TAILS! NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!
Both opened their eyes, CHZ Cosmo immediately retaking control of the plane and flying behind the Egg Salamander, directly where the hatch was. Tails quickly opened the windshield on the backseat (the same one that his Cosmo had asked to drop down from on the day they had first met), and got to work on the hatch, opening it and then squeezing himself inside. He climbed around the inside the machine, frantically looking for the seedling. And hoping that she wasn’t damaged while being used as a battery for Nega’s machine.
As soon as he had found the plant, he whirled his tails straight at the glass container, and reached in to grab the plant. An emergency siren started blaring within, but Nega was still recovering from the flash of Blaze’s Solar Nova.
(X) Eggman Nega: HEY! WHAT’S GOING ON BACK THERE! I SWEAR AS SOON AS I CAN SEE CLEARLY AGAIN YOU’RE DEAD MEAT!
But before Nega could even finish that sentence. Tails was already on his way back out. Falling into the backseat. Holding the pot tightly in his arms. He told CHZ Cosmo to…
(X) Tails: FLOOR IT! NOOOOOOOW!
CHZ Cosmo boosted the X Tornado out, flying out of the dimensional rift as fast as she could.
The crowd below gasped, and they wondered if this was good news.
(X) Cream: Did… did they do it…?!
(X) Knuckles: I sure hope so…
Back within the rift, Nega finally regained his eyesight as he glared at Blaze.
(X) Eggman Nega: Amusing little light show there, Blaze! But it accomplishes noth-
Nega then took a look at the readings of his ship. He had drastically lost a large amount of battery power.
(X) Eggman Nega: No way! I… can’t believe this!
Nega went back to check on the seedling that had been powering his ship. And to his horror, he found that it was no longer there, with nothing but a broken container in its place.
(X) Eggman Nega: NOOOOOOO! It’s gone! My ship’s battery! How did this happen?! Wait… did that idiot counterpart of mine plant a weakness in the ship?! I should have never trusted him from the beginning!
Nega quickly worked to try to get backup power running.
(X) Eggman Nega: No matter! I still have enough saved up solar power to beat both Blaze and Sonic for good! With just a little more time, I’ll…
Sonic and Blaze were in perfect sync as they spiraled around and prepared to attack the now much weakened Egg Salamander, without the plant that was X Cosmo powering it.
(X) Eggman Nega: No no no NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Sonic and Blaze’s charge devastated the Egg Salamander, sending it reeling, all the way back to the Sol Dimension, in fact. Eggman Nega was defeated.
Sonic and Blaze gave each other a victorious handshake.
(X) Blaze: We… we did it! And your universe’s Cosmo was saved too!
(X) Sonic: Always great when we get the best possible ending. You did great out there, Blaze. I only wish you could stay longer. I didn’t even get the chance to see what you can do in a 1-on-1!
(X) Blaze: I’m sure a friendly spar between us would be epic. Your friend Knuckles gave me a taste of what you’re capable of, and I can tell it would be very close… but yes, I need to get going soon. There are two things I need to do for your world though, before I close off the portal between us.
That is unless you want Eggman’s henchmen to stay in my universe for whatever reason.
(X) Sonic: If you mean Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun. Then please bring them back, they may be Eggman’s henchmen but they’re a part of our planet too.
(X) Blaze: Got it, I shall retrieve them then.
(X) Sonic: But what’s the other thing you’re talking about…
(X) Blaze: That.. you’ll see soon enough.
Sonic and Blaze then quickly flew out of the rift, their appearance instantly resulting in cheers from the crowd of friends who knew that this must mean they’ve won. They both floated down, Sonic reverting to his regular form, but Blaze staying as Burning Blaze for a little while longer. She’d need to stay in that form to both retrieve Eggman’s robots as well as the other thing that she had hinted to Sonic about.
Sonic’s first instinct was to run over to Tails. Who was still holding this universe’s Cosmo’s seedling.
(X) Sonic: How ya feelin’ buddy? Glad that you saved your girlfriend?
Tails didn’t answer at first, remaining oddly quiet as he was just relieved that this time he was able to save Cosmo this time around.. It felt cathartic for him in many ways, he got the chance to do something he couldn’t do during the battle against Final Mova. He looked up towards Sonic with a smile.
(X) Tails: Yeah… yeah I am. Now I can start thinking of ways to protect her while she’s still regenerating. It’s going to be a worrisome couple of years, or even a whole decade. But as long as she comes back eventually, I’ll be there for her whenever that day comes.
That’s when Blaze gently flew near Tails with a knowing smile
(X) Blaze: But what if you didn’t have to wait?
Tails gasped at that suggestion
(X) Tails: I mean… I would much rather her regenerate now if it was possible… but the other Cosmo said it’d take a while so… I don’t know what you mean by not having to wait…
(X) Blaze: Tails, and Cream as well. I have something special to tell you both about my dimension that will interest you.
Cream stepped forward
(X) Cream: R-really? What is it?
(X) Blaze: There’s a part of my world known as the Plant Kingdom. A beautiful place full of all kinds of plants. Legend has it that the kingdom once nearly went extinct. Before wielders of the Sol Emeralds were able to use their power to quickly restore and grow the kingdom to a prosperity that to this day… still holds.
The word Sol means Sun. Can you imagine what magical sunlight, combined with the refreshing of a soul that Chaos Regeneration might have done? Can you guess what that might mean for that little seedling?
Tails and Cream quickly thought over Blaze’s words, and when they had figured it out, their eyes went wide, loud gasps escaping from their mouths, and then they both grinned.
(X) Tails and Cream: Y-y-you can speed up Cosmo’s regeneration?!
Blaze simply nodded
(X) Blaze: I fully believe that I can…
Sonic himself was impressed with the idea
(X) Sonic: That sounds great! Just like how Chaos and Sol energies worked together to defeat Eggman Nega, It will do so again to bring back our Cosmo faster then she would have done otherwise!
Tails wasted no time
(X) Tails: Is… is there anything you need me to do before the… ritual I guess?
(X) Blaze: I only need two things. I suggest you put the seedling down on the ground. And Cream… do you still have the amulet that we pieced together when we first met?
Cream nodded, as she pulled it out of her pocket
(X) Cream: Yes, of course!
(X) Blaze: Please lay it next to the seedling. From what I can gather, those amulets are important to her kind.
CHZ Cosmo nodded to give an indication that it was.
(X) Vector: I hope I’m not being rude about pointing this out, but how is our Cosmo going to take that another her exists?
That made the whole group also a bit concerned about that as well
(X) Tails: Uh, I’ll have to explain it to her. But I think for now if this works, she’ll be too focused on well… actually being still alive to notice that there’s two of her. Once things settle down we’ll tell her what’s happened as of late.
(X) Amy: I hope she doesn’t get heartbroken thinking Tails cloned her assuming she was gone…
Both CHZ Cosmo and X Tails grimaced thinking about that
(CHZ) Cosmo: I’ll make sure to help explain everything to her. It’s going to be as weird for me as it will be for her to be speaking with another self. But it should be clear we’re from different universes, we’ll also have Blaze briefly here to also back up that other dimensions have been in play.
(X) Tails: On that subject. When do you think your universe’s me is going to get here?
(CHZ) Cosmo: I’m unsure, but I know he will have been looking for me the entire time that I’ve been trapped here. He’ll eventually find the right universe along with my universe’s Cream and Blaze.
(X) Cream: Oooo, another me is arriving soon?! You hear that Mother? I’m going to have a twin for a short time!
Vanilla just blinked, but giggled
(X) Vanilla: I guess I’ll have to bake twice as many cookies then, heh heh!
As amusing as this small talk was, Tails got serious and placed the seedling down on the ground, Cream also laying the scarred amulet near the seedling.
(X) Tails: Ok Blaze… we’re ready.
Blaze nodded and stretched out her arms. She put all of her focus on the seedling and the amulet.
(X) Blaze: Just like the Solar Nova during my fight with Nega, I suggest all of you close your eyes for a short moment. This technique shouldn’t be as eye searing as a nova is. But I’d take caution regardless…
Everyone did as Blaze asked and either closed their eyes or looked away. Once Blaze felt the necessary energy flow within her, she was ready to repeat one of the legendary powers of the Sol Emeralds.
Magical light shone outward from Blaze’s hands into the seedling. The amulet began to float up, and the seedling started… growing. It became too large for its container, breaking the white pot and rooting itself into the ground. The seedling could no longer be called as such as it became a full-on plant with a very tall stem, and large leaves. The group stared in awe at the size of the plant. Once it reached its full size, a flower bud grew, with an interesting glow from within that could be seen even from the outside.
(X) Tails: Inside that flower… that… must be… her…
It was only a moment later when the bud finally began to bloom. A giant pink flower, and in the center of it... Was… X Cosmo, laying down as if she was currently in a deep sleep.
Even though he was aware this was going to happen, Tails’ was overfilled with emotion as he flew up. Tears dropped from his eyes as he reunited with the love he had once thought was gone forever. He sat next to her as she was lying down. Taking a clear look at her, she looked a little different. She wasn’t in a fully grown form like she had been before her near sacrifice, she was as small as she had been for most of the journey on the Blue Typhoon. Her hair however was slightly longer, and her roses were bloomed just like how they had been on that fateful day.
Tails then picked her up in his arms. Tears of joy continued to stream down his face. He could feel a heartbeat, her warm body temperature, confirmation that she was indeed alive again. Or more accurately, had been still alive all along. A part of him was almost half expecting to suddenly jolt awake in his bed just to reveal that this entire adventure had been just another dream to take everything away from him. But any remaining worries were quickly dispelled as X Cosmo began to awaken. She grunted as if she had been woken up from a deep slumber early in the morning. Though the sun was setting, not rising in the background.
X Cosmo slowly opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Tails’s face. His eyes constantly gushing tears of joy. Still only about half awake, she tried to speak.
(X) Cosmo: T-t-t-t-ta-tails? I-is… t-that you…?
Tails couldn’t resist, he hugged her as tight as he could.
(X) Tails: Yes… Yes, I’m right here, Cosmo! You’re safe… safe with me…
The reunited couple remained in an embrace on top of the flower, everyone below watching the scene either crying tears of joy themselves, d’awwing at the sight, or showing stoic pride for Tails who had long earned this chance to be happy.
Cosmo gradually became more and more aware, happy to be in Tails’ arms. But then something worried her as her eyes went wide.
(X) Cosmo: Wait! What became of final mova?! Did… what I did work? Or… or… did we all… perish and… this is… the afterlife…
For X Cosmo, her memory went blank after she had said what she presumed to be her last goodbye to Tails. She didn’t know how long it had been yet since she put her life on the line to save the galaxy.
X Tails reassured her however
(X) Tails: It worked, Cosmo… the Metarex are gone now. You’re back with me on my planet!
(X) Cosmo: H-h-how… is this p-possible?
(X) Tails: Sonic and… Shadow… saved you using Chaos Regeneration. They were able to revert you into the form of a seed. And thanks to a brand new friend we met, you grew back quicker then you might have otherwise!
She did vaguely recall moments before her memory blanked out that Sonic and Shadow yelled out the words Chaos Regeneration
(X) Cosmo: I… I see… um… who’s the new friend you say sped up my… regeneration?
(X) Blaze: That would be me, welcome back Cosmo…
Blaze floated gently over towards the two. Cosmo stared up at the awe-inspiring sight of Burning Blaze. It might have been because she was still a little groggy from her ‘slumber’, but it was like seeing a deity of fire before her very eyes.
(X) Cosmo: W-w-who are y-you?
(X) Blaze: You may call me Blaze, I’m a princess from the Sol Dimension that came over to Sonic’s world initially just to retrieve my world’s emeralds. But along the way… I found much nobler purposes. From getting to know your friend Cream, and to helping you find your way back with your friends after the terrible things you went through. You deserve a second chance at life, Cosmo. I hope you can now live a long and happy life with those who’ve you endeared yourself to over the course of your journey on the Blue Typhoon
As for me, this might unfortunately be the last time you ever see me. As I must get back home soon, I seek to close the portal between our worlds.
Blaze turned around and looked down towards the group below.
(X) Blaze: I want to thank you all for your help. And if it’s true that we’ll never see eachother again… just know I’ll never forget you. Especially you Cream.
The small rabbit was a mess of emotions, she was half overjoyed to have her friend from the journey in space. But she also knew she might never see Blaze again, which gave her many bittersweet feelings.
(X) Cream: G-g-g-go-goodbye B-b-Blaze! I’ll never forget you either! I’ll be right here if you ever do come back! I’ll m-m-miss you!
Blaze shedded a few tears from her own eyes.
(X) Blaze: I’ll miss you too…
She waved to the rest of the group before preparing to fly away.
(X) Cosmo: W-w-w-wait!
The newly regenerated Cosmo yelled out to Blaze before she could go anywhere
(X) Blaze: Hmm…?
X Cosmo gave the princess a warm smile
(X) Cosmo: Thank you… for b-b-bringing me b-back.. I hope I get to see you again one day….
(X) Tails: I’m forever in your debt, Blaze. You have no idea… how much this means to me…
Blaze smiled back toward them both.
(X) Blaze: You’re very welcome, I hope you and Cosmo can now live together in peace. Without any more worry of war and destruction.
Goodbye everyone, once more, thanks for everything and I’ll hold out hope that we will see eachother again… some day…
Blaze then finally flew off to the portal, not closing it just yet as she still needed to retrieve Bocoe, Decoe, and Bokkun. But the whole group looked at the portal with the feeling of having met a new ally. Tails then gently picked up X Cosmo and used his namesakes to gently fly them towards the ground. He let Cosmo stand on her own two feet. She wobbled a bit, some lingering effects from having just come back from the form of a seed still present. But once she was stable, Amy and Cream ran up and hugged her.
(X) Amy: We’re so happy to have you back, Cosmo!
Cream didn’t even say anything, she was just a mess of whimpers and sobs. Just so glad to have her back. Her chao Cheese also held on tight to her. Nearly the entire group surrounded Cosmo to celebrate her return.
CHZ Cosmo watched from a distance behind a tree. As they mentioned how weird it would be, she didn’t want X Cosmo seeing her to overshadow this reunion. She’d let X Tails begin to explain her situation before meeting her properly.
(X) Vanilla: I think it’d be a great idea to celebrate with a Welcome Back Cosmo party! Everyone is invited to me and Cream’s house! We didn’t exactly prepare any decorations, but just having a dear friend back shall be a party in and of itself!
Everyone cheered and gladly accepted Vanilla’s offer. They began walking together, ready for a night of mingling and of course surrounding Cosmo with the love and appreciation of everyone who got to know her while on the Blue Typhoon.
Strangely X Tails and both of the Cosmos were the only ones not heading there yet. X Cosmo took this opportunity to hold both of Tails hands, their eyes sparkling as they looked at one another. CHZ Cosmo was still watching from behind the tree.
(CHZ) Cosmo: (It’s… beautiful… this moment right here is why I don’t regret leaping into the portal to here one bit…
Although I do kind of hope my universe’s Tails gets here soon. It’s going to get mighty awkward between me and the other me if I’m here for too much longer…)
X Tails and X Cosmo then embraced each other again. They both bore incredible trauma from the war with the Metarex, but now that they were in each other's arms, they knew that nothing would ever get between them ever again…
Thanks to the power of the Sol Emeralds, X Cosmo had been regenerated in mere moments instead of the decade or less that had been estimated by CHZ Cosmo. Once the overflowing joy amongst the group for Cosmo’s return began to subside. X Tails explained to her what had been the turn of events that led to her regeneration. From how long it had been since she nearly sacrificed herself to save the universe, Sonic and Shadow’s Chaos Regeneration, the rather somber period afterward, the first appearance of Eggman Nega and Blaze the Cat, the sudden appearance of another Cosmo from a different universe, and so much more.
(X) Cosmo: I… I almost don’t know what to say… while I still don’t entirely regret what I did, since it did rid the universe of the Metarex, I can’t help but apologize for the effect that it had on many of you… especially you, Tails. Trust me when I say that if I knew that there was a way to both defeat the Metarex for good and cause less emotional stress, I would have… But it seemed like the only option left if the galaxy was to be saved…
X Tails sighed
(X) Tails: I perfectly understand why you did that by now, as much as it hurt. It made sense, no one was going to get past that invulnerable barrier but you since the Metarex leaders were fellow members of your kind…
I just wish that I hadn’t had to be the one to pull the trigger… regardless if it was for the universe. It broke me inside that I had thought I had taken a life, and said life being someone I grew to love over our journey on the Blue Typhoon…
(X) Sonic: Not to butt in, but if Cosmo had asked someone else to fire the cannon in your stead, are you sure you wouldn’t have held resentment for whoever did it? No one there wanted to have to fire at Cosmo if we didn’t have to.
It’s also true you were the only one who had experience using the cannon. Anyone else wouldn’t have had the steady hands to aim it right, and it wouldn't have been any easier to get over our own feelings about what it might mean for Cosmo.
X Cosmo softly laid a hand on X Tails’ shoulder
(X) Cosmo: To add to what Sonic said… I’m very proud of you, Tails, and I hold no ill will, even if I had actually perished…
Tails turned his back
(X) Tails: That’s… that’s not what you said in my nightmares…
(X) Cosmo: What you saw in your nightmares was not me, bad dreams purposefully fuel your darkest thoughts and fears. If I had more time I would have assured you that you did the right thing, but before I could I di- or rather… lost consciousness as I was transformed into a seed thanks to Sonic and Shadow.
(X) Sonic: Ironically, if you had died. You probably would have still been able to talk to Tails. I heard Dark Oak’s voice speak to me when I was back on my planet
X Cosmo gasped
(X) Cosmo: What… what did he say?
(X) Sonic: Something about how the true nature of animals won’t change, hypocritical statements that we destroy planets, and how the future will be fixed some day.
X Cosmo lowered her head
(X) Cosmo: I see… so even in death he won’t believe in the harmony between plants and animals… I guess that’s to be expected.
Tails turned back again to face Cosmo
(X) Tails: Well, I guess that’s good that we sent him screaming into the afterlife after the pain and misery he’s caused… especially now that you’re safe and sound with us once more. And there’s nothing he can do about it!
X Cosmo smiled
(X) Cosmo: Now that’s the spirit, Tails!
(X) Knuckles: Forget Dark Oak and the Metarex, they’re just history now. It’s great to have you back with us again, Cosmo.
Everyone else either gave a short cheer or silently nodded.
(X) Tails: Yeah… I’m so thankful that you were able to return to us after all, Cosmo. For as long as we both live, I won’t waste this second chance. I know that it’s only been roughly a number of months. But the time I thought I had lost you forever was the worst time of my life, and I don’t know if I would have ever truly recovered if you were truly gone…
(X) Cosmo: Oh, Tails…
She softly walked up and hugged him
(X) Cosmo: I won’t waste this chance either. With the Metarex gone, I’ll be happy to live alongside you and everyone else here who helped me save the galaxy.
(X) Tails: C-cosmo… can you… p-p-promise me something?
(X) Cosmo: Yes, Tails?
(X) Tails: P-p-please… n-never leave me like that a-again…
He held on tightly while sobbing into her shoulder. X Cosmo giving him a reassuring scratch behind the ears. Though after a little while, as she got a good look at his head, she gasped.
(X) Cosmo: Wait, that’s a bandage on your head. Did you hurt your head again…? I apologize, I didn’t notice until now…
(X) Tails: Oh, this? No no, I’m alright. This is… actually, the same bandage you gave me when we were stuck in that cave. Remember?
(X) Cosmo: Oh that’s right… I didn’t realize you still had that. Why are you wearing it again if your head’s not hurt though?
(X) Tails: To put it simply… it became… a memento of you. If it’s a little too weird, I can take it off. Especially since the other you said it might have been part of your body you tore off. Is… is that true by the way?
X Cosmo stood silent for a bit before nodding her head
(X) Cosmo: I didn’t want to confirm it back then as maybe you’d think it was weird. But yes, the bandage I made is actually made of cellulose that evolved to look like a ‘dress’ for females of my clan. It looks close to indistinguishable from white fabric until you look at it close enough.
And I’m actually quite touched that you decided to wear it to remember me by. Although thankfully you no longer have to simply remember me. Cause I’m right here! Feel free to wear it as long as you’d like
X Cosmo giggled, before holding Tails’ hands
The room just fell into a silent harmony as many who had thought they had run out of joyous tears from X Cosmo’s return earlier started up the waterworks once again. Eventually, a certain crocodile couldn’t take it anymore as he lunged, picked them up, and gave X Tails and Cosmo a big hug.
(X) Vector: OH IT’S TOO BEAUTIFUL! YOUNG LOVE REUNITED AFTER SUCH TRAGEDY! The day you two get married is going to be the best day of your life! The Chaotix Detective Agency will make sure of that!
Vanilla shot Vector a dirty look, not impressed by his antics.
(X) Vanilla: Vector, let them go this instant… and they’re just children. Let their relationship grow over time before saying the ‘M’ or the ‘W’ word…
On command Vector does as Vanilla says.
(X) Vector: Er… right…. Sorry, miss! And sorry to the both of you too… Ms. Vanilla is right. Thinking marriage is way too soon… gotta have the first date, first kiss, the commitmen-
Although he may have gotten on Vanilla’s nerves, Vector’s shenanigans did seem to lighten the mood in the room.
(X) Cosmo: Oh, and for the… er… other me I suppose? It’s strange to be looking at basically a mirror of what I used to look like. But I am happy to hear of your contributions to my return as well.
(X) Cream: Yeah! As funny as it sounds, I don’t know if Blaze would have thought about regenerating our Cosmo without the other Cosmo here to give us an idea of what really happened to her!
CHZ Cosmo curtsied for the group
(CHZ) Cosmo: Why thank you! I came here for the specific purpose of discovering why the Tails from here was so upset, and cheering him up, if possible. I’m glad that I pursued that to the very end, even if I don’t know when my Tails is going to arrive and take me back. Trust me, it’s as weird for me as it is for you to be seeing another me. But everything your Tails said about you definitely made me want to meet you more and more, and I’m glad I got to have that chance thanks to this universe’s Blaze.
As soon as my Tails arrives, I would like to have a personal talk between our counterparts if that’s ok with the both of you.
X Tails and Cosmo were quite open to that idea.
(X) Tails: I’m looking forward to seeing the other me too! I’m sure that we’ll have some interesting things to talk about!
(X) Amy: Until then, if it’s still going to be a little while until the other Cosmo’s friends pick her up, we've gotta think about living arrangements! I would guess that Tails wants our Cosmo to live with him. But that just leaves the other Cosmo… maybe we should call you Othsmo just so we have a bit of a simpler way of differentiating you two.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Heh, that sounds fair enough. But I am curious too where the other me plans to live. In my universe, I technically have two homes. Sharing Tails’ workshop, or a mobile home spaceship given to me by my mother. Do you still have your own space ship, other me?
(X) Cosmo: The only ship of my own was the one I crash landed in when I first met Sonic and everyone else.
(X) Knuckles: That ship is still where it was when it first landed. We… kind of used it as the backdrop for a funeral of sorts. It was too personally upsetting for Tails to attend, but we planted red and pink flowers all around the ship to show our respects. By now it must be a full garden.
(X) Cosmo: Awww… that’s very sweet of all of you… as awkward as it is now from my perspective, since it was meant to be a memorial to me.
(X) Amy: I guess now it only commemorates when you first got here instead! Much less somber now! That is unless you want Tails to fix it up so maybe it’ll start working again.
X Cosmo thought for a moment, before shaking her head
(X) Cosmo: I think I’ll leave it as it is. If I want a new space ship, I’ll let Tails make one for me. But for now I want to take my time settling here. I’ll be happy to have a room in Tails’ house if there’s space.
(X) Tails: Ah, unfortunately I don’t have an extra room just yet. But I fully intend on building you one! You’ll need at least a temporary home until it’s done, though.
(X) Cosmo: Oh really? Hmm…
Vanilla walked up and looked down with a warm smile towards X Cosmo
(X) Vanilla: That’s easy, there’s a spare room in this very house you can use. In fact, that room’s bed was the very same one we moved you to after Tails, Amy, and Cream found you unconscious next to your ship.
This idea from her mother excited Cream as she hops up and down.
(X) Cream: Oh my gosh! Cosmo, it'll be like we’re sisters!
(X) Cheese: Chao chao!
X Cosmo was a little surprised at the offer, but the more she thought about it, the more she thought it was perfect.
(X) Cosmo: I… I accept! In fact… if it’s alright… would it be ok if I can freely switch between Tails’ house and Cream’s house even when the room in the former is finished?
X Tails smiled and gave a thumbs up while Vanilla nodded
(X) Tails: As long as that’s what you truly want, Cosmo!
(X) Vanilla: It’ll be a pleasure to have you live with us every now and then, Cosmo. I’m sure Cream will look forward to every visit!
Now that where X Cosmo would live was settled, the attention shifted to where CHZ Cosmo would stay in case it ended up taking even longer for her universe’s Tails, Blaze, and Cream to finally arrive.
(X) Amy: Now how about you, Othsmo?
(CHZ) Cosmo: Uh… hm… maybe I’ll live on Angel Island until my Tails finally shows up? I’m quite familiar with it back in my universe. If that’s ok with you, Knuckles.
Knuckles acted a little surprised, but thought about it
(X) Knuckles: Huh… well it is floating again after that adventure we just had. A good sign that things are finally back to normal. And having a polite guest like you might be welcome.
(X) Rouge: Hey wait a minute… you keep telling me you don’t allow guests on your island every time I ask…
(X) Knuckles: I said POLITE guests, Rouge. Take a hint…
((More after the break))
The banter caused some chuckles throughout the room. Although Rouge soon realized that there was probably something she should say to X Cosmo now that she had returned.
((Credit to QuadFactor for Rouge sprites))
(X) Rouge: Say Cosmo… our Cosmo. I… need to say something that’s been heavy on my mind for a while, especially after everything that has happened with the Metarex.
X Cosmo had an idea as to what this was about, but she silently nodded to signal Rouge to begin.
(X) Rouge: I… am so very sorry for that day that me and Shadow… accused you of being a willing spy for the Metarex… the very moment I realized you were attempting to sacrifice your life for the galaxy made the guilt drop like a brick… and it’s only gotten worse since then… you were as much a victim as anyone else, and we should have recognized that
X Tails shot a glare at Rouge as if to say ‘Yeah, you should have’ without actually saying it. X Cosmo, on the other hand, lowered her head and thought about Rouge's words for a moment.
(X) Cosmo: R-rouge… Where is… S-shadow... by chance…
(X) Rouge: Not on this planet that’s for sure. Upon the first time your boyfriend saw Shadow after that final battle, he vented all of his frustrations with him while he still thought you were gone. Not easy to forgive attempted murder. I can’t shake the feeling that it’ll take a number of years for me to get back in Tails’ good graces, and I was only an accomplice. I don’t know if he’ll ever forgive Shadow even with you back.
X Cosmo turned to Tails
(X) Cosmo: Is… is that true…?
He sighed and looked X Cosmo in the eyes
(X) Tails: It’s true that I’d rather never see Shadow again, yes. While you’re back with me now, I still can’t get over him refusing to talk with us first. I still think about what if he had killed you in your sleep before we even knew he was after you… I also can’t forget the cold stare as he chased us through the Typhoon. Even with the caveat that he had apparently lost a lot of his memory, it was hard to see Shadow as the same one who helped us back on Chris’s world on the Space Colony ARK
(X) Cosmo: Cream had mentioned to me how Shadow was a hero that helped you all in the past. So it was certainly a shock when he announced his intention to kill me… still, there’s a part of that… can’t entirely fault him for it. I knew for a long time that my body had been bugged to record all of you, and I never disclosed that out of fear that they’d kill me and/or I’d lose your trust and friendship. Even as an unwilling spy, I never told you all that the Metarex knew where the Blue Typhoon was at nearly all times. And so from that end, there’s little to no difference from a willing or unwilling spy… which is why I nearly abandoned you all shortly afterward.
(X) Cosmo: It was… a huge relief, that despite my deception… You all trusted me to stay regardless, that’s when I knew all of you were truly my friends. I thought that the moment you found out you’d all treat me like a traitor just as Shadow had… With the exception of Tails and Cream, I still wasn’t entirely sure all of you had accepted me, but that day proved me wrong…
(X) Sonic: Heh, just think. We still got the best of them despite you being their unwilling eyes and ears! Gotta think of how embarrassing it was for them that we still had our victories despite the advantage they had! And in the end, it was you who foiled their ultimate plan. If you count as a spy, maybe you became our double agent! Better look out Rouge, she might be a better spy then you one of these days!
Rouge chuckled, if a bit nervously.
(X) Rouge: Now, now… don’t get carried away…
(X) Cosmo: I’d rather leave my ‘spying’ days behind me if you don’t mind… though while we’re on the subject, I’ll say this… I do kinda want to see Shadow again…
This surprised just about the entire group
(X) Tails: Are you serious, Cosmo?! Even after what he tried to do…?
(X) Cosmo: I understand your hesitation, Tails. But remember, Shadow’s also half the reason I’m still here. It won’t absolve him for what he did earlier. But with the Metarex gone, he has no reason to be hostile to us anymore. I’d like a chance to start over with him. It was a time of war… and war brings out the worst in everybody…
Tails still looked stunned, but he could kind of understand where X Cosmo was coming from. CHZ Cosmo also had some similar remarks after she had been told what had happened between Shadow and her counterpart.
(X) Rouge: For what it’s worth, I witnessed exactly what pushed Shadow over the edge to attack you. Though maybe I should save that story for another time, the whiplash of the mood in this room has already switched too many times. This should be a ‘welcome back’ party for you Cosmo, not a ‘memory lane of PTSD’ party.
(X) Cosmo: Yeah, maybe it’d be best to save that for if Shadow comes back. Maybe we’ll have more context and understanding.
X Tails grumbled and whispered to himself.
(X) Tails: I’m not sure anything could justify attacking Cosmo in her sleep…
(X) Cream: Can… can we change the subject? I… don’t like to talk or hear about this stuff…
The group actually agreed with Cream.
(X) Rouge: I need to use the restroom anyway, mind pointing me to the right direction Ms. Vanilla?
(X) Vanilla: Of course Ms. Rouge. The bathroom should be in the hall to your right.
(X) Rouge: Thank you!
While the group wondered what to talk about next Rouge quietly walked to the bathroom. But she actually didn’t need to use it, she got out a keypad and started typing a message…
Far off from Sonic’s Planet, Shadow was brooding on a desolate planet. When he suddenly heard some sort of notification sound from Rouge’s ship.
(X) Shadow: (What? No one had contacted me the entire time I’ve been gone, I thought I was out of signal…)
Shadow began to read the entire message.
‘Shadow, this is Rouge. Sorry for the sudden message, I thought about contacting you earlier but it always happened to slip my mind shortly afterward. You didn’t think I’d let you have my ship without some way to get in touch. It’s what you get when you choose to pick a former government spy’s ship~
Regardless, I have some… interesting news…
Cosmo is back, and I mean, BACK back. She’s fully alive again and healthy’
Although Shadow wasn’t drinking anything he just about spittaked.
(X) Shadow: Wait, seriously?!
He thought about ignoring the message if it was nothing but Rouge boasting her government work. But the news about Cosmo caught his attention, so he kept on reading.
‘What’s more Shadow, is that she has expressed interest in seeing you again. You don’t have to honor such a request if you feel that it’s still best to let things be. And I’d fully understand if you feel it doesn’t change a whole lot. Foxboy is still quite touchy about you even with his girlfriend back. So if that’s still the main deterrent, feel free to stay away. But I thought I’d at least let you know what happened.
And at the very least some of your conscience can be cleared up now that you and Big Blue’s attempt to save her wasn’t entirely in vain.
I hope you’re doing well out there, Shadow. I’ll see you soon if you decide to return, but if not… then just continue to take care of yourself.
Cheers, Rouge’
Shadow stared silently for a moment before closing his eyes, going into deep thought.
(X) Shadow: (Should… should I bother going back…? Maybe Cosmo being back might lighten their ire with me, but once again Sonic’s planet was never my own… on the other hand. Maybe some apologies are due, I did see Cosmo nearly give her life much like I have…
Not to mention… my memory has been returning to me… and… I’ve… been feeling all the more guilty each day… cause thinking about it now… Cosmo really was… like…) Ergh…
Shadow placed a palm on his forehead as he suddenly got a painful migraine. Once it subsided, Shadow thought to himself silently a little longer, before finally deciding to activate Rouge’s ship, and flew back in the direction of Sonic’s planet.
Back at Vanilla and Cream’s house, most of the group mingled and/or snacked on foods that were available. Charmy seemed to be sniffing something in the air.
(X) Espio: Charmy, if you’re sniffing for food you know you can just go ahead and get it.
(X) Charmy: Oh uh, this scent is not food… but whatever it is… it smells really good…
(X) Vector: It’s probably just Vanilla’s air freshener or something, Charmy. She spruces up this place a lot!
(X) Charmy: But I’ve been to Vanilla's plenty of times and never smelled something like this!
(X) Vector: Could easily still be an air freshener, just a different scent that’s more appealing to you?
(X) Charmy: Hmm… maybe but… ah well… maybe I’ll ask Ms. Vanilla after the party. I’ll find out what it is sooner or later!
‘As the party continued, X Cosmo just seemed to feel the love and appreciation from everybody she got to know during the long journey on the Blue Typhoon. Though there was someone who she remembered from those days that didn’t seem to be here. She turned to Sonic to ask a question.
(X) Cosmo: Say Sonic, I noticed that Chris isn’t here. Is he busy?
X Sonic shook his head
(X) Sonic: Chris went back to his planet. Shortly after we returned home Dr. Eggman built a one way rocket that had a brief window of time where it could send him back.
(X) Knuckles: He could have waited for the Master Emerald to restore itself after the damage it took during the final battle against the Metarex. But I guess he did have family and friends he needed to return to.
(X) Tails: While uh… other things were occupying my mind at the time. I did begin to miss Chris’s presence pretty quick, it was clear to me he inherited much of his Grandpa Chuck’s ingenuity from his contributions while on the Blue Typhoon!
X Cosmo frowned
(X) Cosmo: That’s a shame… and he probably still thinks I’m dead. I wish there was some way we could let him know that I’m ok at the very least…
This reminded Vanilla of something
(X) Vanilla: Hm, you know… I seem to remember that Chris’s family was able to send extra luggage… and even a big red spaceship to our world. They suddenly appeared at the Master Emerald shrine even without the Master Emerald being there.
(X) Vector: Ms. Vanilla’s right! Me, Espio, and Charmy saw a spaceship appear out of nowhere that must have been sent by Chris’s grandpa!
(X) Tails: Huh! If the coordinates of Chris’s machine that sent him here are still connected to our world, perhaps we can do the vice versa? Maybe we can send at least a letter and some photos to show Chris that you’re back and safe with us now!
X Cosmo held her hands together and smiled
(X) Cosmo: That would be wonderful! All of you were such great friends to me, so having Chris know I’m alright would make this reunion feel all the more complete!
X Sonic scratched his head
(X) Sonic: Now I kinda feel bad that I didn’t think of that. We could have given him a goodbye letter shortly after he left so that he at least had some way to get a proper send-off.
(X) Knuckles: I’m sure Chris will appreciate hearing from us regardless of how long it took to realize we could do that.
(X) Tails: We’ll just make sure to have a group photo at the end of the party for us to send and then we can draft a letter with all of our signatures at a later date!
(X) Amy: And hey! It doesn’t have to be the only time we send something to Chris! We can be pen pals with him and his family, sending letters back and forth every now and then!
(X) Knuckles: I’m not sure I like the sound of the shrine of the Master Emerald becoming something like a mailbox for everybody, but as long as no one overuses it, I’m sure it’ll be worth hearing how Chris is doing.
The possibility of contacting Chris gave the party a slightly more cheery mood even amongst the already positive feelings that X Cosmo’s return caused.
Some time passed before a knock was heard at the door.
(X) Vanilla: I’ll get it!
Vanilla opened the door for the sudden visitor
(X) Vanilla: Hello! Are you here for the part… EEEEEEE?!
Vanilla’s eyes went wide as it was none other than Dr. Eggman, Sonic quickly rushed in front of Vanilla.
(X) Sonic: Hey! What’s the meaning of this Eggman? Here to spoil all our fun, like usual?
(X) Eggman: Hohoho! You’d expect me to, wouldn’t you. But I swear I come in peace, this time at least. I even brought a few more guests!
Eggman moved to the side to reveal Bocoe, Decoe, and Bokkun were back and unharmed. The three robots waved to everyone inside.
((Credit to Toad900 for Bokkun, Dolphman for Decoe and Bocoe, and FinalBeyond for Eggman))
Decoe: Greetings, Sonic and Friends! I know we’re supposed to be enemies…
Bocoe: But after the ordeal we’ve been through… we really wanted to see some familiar faces again so we knew for sure that we were home…
Bokkun: We were so so SOOOOOO scared…
(X) Sonic: Hm, well… Vanilla, this is your home. So you get to decide if they get to attend the party.
Vanilla thought for a moment
(X) Vanilla: Well if they don’t mean any harm…
(X) Tails: I think we can let Eggman here this one time, he DID just help us defeat Eggman Nega and save Cosmo after all…
Knuckles eyed him suspiciously
(X) Knuckles: But if I catch any of you doing any funny business, I will personally escort you out with my fists.
(X) Eggman: Considering the Egg King fell to mostly the kids of this group, and I’m here on my own two feet, that’d be like poking a hornet’s nest with a stick expecting not to get stung…
(X) Charmy: It sure would be!
Charmy chuckled while raising up his stinger.
Eggman’s presence did make some of those at the party a bit uneasy. But him pointing out that he was only on his own two feet amongst the full cast of Sonic and his friends did give a sense of security even if Eggman tried to pull something.
(X) Sonic: It’s good to see Blaze brought you all back. How was the Sol Dimension though you three?
Decoe: Oh it was just awful!
Bocoe: We had pirates that wanted to dismantle us into scrap!
Decoe: If it weren’t for a raccoon girl, we might not even be here!
Bocoe: She certainly saved us, but she also wouldn’t shut up!
Eggman chuckled
(X) Eggman: Heh, now you must know how it feels whenever I’m with all of you…
Sonic smirked
(X) Sonic: Hey now Eggman, don’t act like you didn’t miss them. The whole reason you began to work with Nega was because he had you thinking Blaze destroyed them!
Bocoe: Wait… he cared about us that much?!
(X) Eggman: H-h-hey now! Don’t get carried away!
Decoe and Bocoe quickly hugged Eggman
Decoe: I knew deep inside you cared about us! That’s proof!
(X) Eggman: Aggghhhh! Let go! I was angry about my base being lit on fire! Had n-n-nothing to do with you t-three!
Most of those attending the party just chuckled seeing Eggman struggle against the hug from his formerly missing robots. As much as Eggman verbally abused them, there probably was a small part of him that did miss having them around. Meanwhile, Bokkun searched through the room for someone in particular. When he saw where Cream was, tears flowed from his eyes as he flew over to her.
Bokkun: Oh Cream! I thought I would never see you again!
Cream was a little confused as to why Bokkun singled her out. But tilted her head and smiled.
(X) Cream: I’m glad you’re ok, Bokkun! Looks like both Eggman and our group got to have happy reunions! Bocoe and Decoe, why don’t you say welcome back to Cosmo for us!
Bocoe: Wait, Cosmo’s back?!
The two let go of Dr. Eggman, and they searched the room for Cosmo. Hilariously, Bocoe found CHZ Cosmo, and Decoe found X Cosmo as they separated.
Bocoe: Oh so it’s true! And it looks like you’re even returned to how you looked before!
Decoe: Wait, Bocoe. I see Cosmo over here and it looks like her flowers still bloomed and her hair is a bit longer!
Both robots were kinda stumped for a moment before they realized what was going on.
Bocoe and Decoe: There’s TWO Cosmos?! Which one’s the real one?!
Both CHZ and X Cosmo giggled. The former thought to herself
(CHZ) Cosmo: (These two sure remind me a lot of Orbot and Cubot…)
(X) Tails: It’s a bit of a long story, you two. But in short, the one that looks no different from how she used to look isn’t our Cosmo. She’s from a different universe, who’s just waiting for her friends who are searching for her as we speak. While the Cosmo with the slightly longer hair and bloomed ears is the one that we traveled with.
Bocoe: Oh boy… more dimensional shenanigans that almost fry our circuit brains trying to understand…
Decoe: We’ll just take your word for it then.
Both of them turned toward X Cosmo now knowing which one was her
Decoe: We’re happy to see you’re back, Cosmo!
Bocoe: Thank you so much for holding back the Metarex at the last moment!
X Eggman then approached X Cosmo
(X) Eggman: Ah yes, Cosmo. If it’s alright I want to talk to you. If I may…
X Cosmo was a bit uneasy, to say the least. She had seen for herself how wishy-washy Eggman could be, either working together with Sonic or sometimes even aiding the Metarex. She knew that ultimately Eggman made the right decision to help defeat the Metarex in the end. But she did remember the time where they had thought he had legitimately allied with them.
(X) Cosmo: Y-y-yes… D-doctor…?
(X) Eggman: What you did for the universe took guts. I want to express my gratitude for being so willing to put so much on the line so that the galaxy can stay as vibrant with life as possible. I know that it appeared at times that I was working with those genocidal tyrants. But once I realized what they really wanted, I knew I had to do everything in my power to assist Sonic to destroy them for good. Feel free to believe me or not on this.. but I’m relieved for both your own sake and Tails’ heart that you’ve returned. A young pure soul like yours would have been a shame to lose forever. You shall always have my utmost respect…
The room fell silent, with many surprised that Eggman had such sincerity for X Cosmo. The subject of Eggman’s sincerity herself wasn't sure how to take it.
(X) Cosmo: U-uh… T-thank you?
Eggman then smirked, and proudly posed
(X) Eggman: …Once the Eggman Empire has been established. I promise that you’ll have free rides on Eggmanland for life! I can even throw in a plus 1 for your boyfriend if he’ll stop being annoying with his planes. HOHOHOHO HOOOOO!
The entire rest of the party just groaned and/or facepalmed
(X) Sonic: Of course in typical Eggman fashion he had to ruin even his rare nice moments…
From there the party continued as normal, or as normal as a party could be where Eggman and his henchmen were involved. Everyone from the X universe were mingling, eating, laughing, and overall having a good time. CHZ Cosmo, the only one here not from this universe, was happy to be amongst the group. Though she took a moment to look out the window at the night sky.
Just as CHZ Cosmo turned around back to the party, a bright flash appeared not far from the window she was sitting by. The brightness was enough to surprise those within the house.
(X) Vector: Is someone lighting fireworks outside?
Bokkun: Fireworks? Without me?! How dare they!
CHZ Cosmo carefully watched what was going on, and saw a circle that might very well be a… portal… she sat still wondering if someone was arriving. And pretty soon she could see three silhouettes. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she stood up and started running out the door.
(CHZ) Cosmo: They’re here!
Bocoe: Huh? Who’s here?
X Tails turned to X Sonic
(X) Tails: This must be Othsmo’s me, Blaze, and Cream!
CHZ Tails, Cream and Blaze stood outside the portal, looking around. But it wouldn’t be long until they heard…
(CHZ) Cosmo: TAAIIIIILLLLLLLLLLS!
Tails smiled wide, it looked like Black Rose’s tarot cards were right. The X marked the spot.
(CHZ) Tails: COSMOOOOOOOO!
The search was over, CHZ Tails and Cosmo were back in each other’s arms at last. Blaze smiled, as Cream cheered.
((Blaze sprite from a compiled/remixed sprite sheet by Sonic1093LQ))
(CHZ) Cream: Hooraaaaaay! We found her!
Many of those from the X Universe walked outside to witness another reunion between a Tails and a Cosmo. This one with less tragedy being resolved but nonetheless still satisfying.
Bocoe: So wait, there’s two Tails?
Decoe: He’s always had two Tails, what are you talking about?
Bokkun: Hehe, I guess there’s four Tails then!
Though Bokkun gulped and blushed seeing who else was here.
Bokkun: …And two Creams too… she’s just as cute as the one here!
CHZ Tails and Cosmo continued their embrace for a little while longer, before they let go and held each other’s hands.
(CHZ) Tails: You ready to go home, Cosmo?
As much as CHZ Cosmo did want to get back, she knew that she still wanted to stay a little longer and let her Tails and Cream see who she had been with this whole time.
(CHZ) Cosmo: I will be ready soon, but I’d really like all of you to stay a little longer. The Vanilla of this universe is holding a party. You should partake it in a little bit! Also the other you has been curious to see you. You should also meet this universe’s me! We’ve got plenty to talk about!
(CHZ) Tails: We gotta consider Blaze’s thoughts too though.
(CHZ) Blaze: Hey, if you all want to stay here a little while longer until Cosmo’s fully ready to leave, I don’t mind. I’ll stay back here and guard the portal while you enjoy yourselves. I’ll make sure that no one in this universe ends up trapped outside their dimension.
With Blaze’s permission, CHZ Tails and Cream joined the party inside. They would remark on just how similar this universe’s version of their friends were to their own. If they didn’t know any better, they’d almost think that they were already home. The fact Eggman was there disturbed CHZ Tails and Cream a bit, but CHZ Cosmo explained that this Eggman oddly helped during the adventure she went through while she was here.
The X and CHZ versions of Cream had some fun together, even playing with X Vanilla by showing up in one place and then Vanilla finding the other one in the next room. After which they used face paint to make sure everyone knew which was which. X Cheese and CHZ Cheese seem to eye each other like friendly rivals. They seemed to want to challenge each other in either a Chao Race or Karate but both of their Cream’s called them back before any sort of competition could begin between them. X Cream asked her CHZ counterpart about CHZ Blaze, who stood outside silently, wondering if that was good news for eventually seeing the Blaze she met again. CHZ Cream assured her counterpart that she would see Blaze again, thus giving X Cream more reason to be cheery then she had already been with both X Cosmo’s return and the ensuing party hosted by her mother.
Eventually however, both versions of Tails and Cosmo asked if they could head into the guest room that X Cosmo would be sleeping in once the party was over. They wanted some personal time to talk to their other selves.
As soon as the door was closed, they recapped to each other everything that had happened, and in X Tails and Cosmo’s part, told what had happened against the Metarex. CHZ Cosmo had already heard most of this not too long after she met X Tails, but this was the first time that CHZ Tails had heard of his counterpart’s tragedy.,
(CHZ) Tails: I… just… that’s incredibly sad that you had to shoot your own Cosmo for the sake of the universe… I don’t even want to imagine if the same happened to us.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Thankfully now a happy ending has come out of it, though… I have to imagine some of the scars remain… especially for the other me… I lost many that I cared about on Green Gate when the Black Arms attacked. But if I was the only survivor… it’s just too horrible to think about…
(X) Cosmo: Perhaps one of my few solaces is I was born long after things got bad for Green Gate. So I never really got to see how beautiful it used to be. I could only get mental images from what Galaxina and our friends described what Green Gate was like. At least… before they p-p-perished t-too… sniff
(CHZ) Cosmo: I almost feel bad telling you about myself and some of my tragedies. When it’s clear that compared to you, I got off easy. My universe’s versions of our mother and Galaxina are still alive for one. Green Gate was damaged but there’s hope it will eventually recover, and… perhaps my father was silenced before he could make things worse…
X Cosmo tilted her head
(X) Cosmo: Father? What do you mean?
(CHZ) Cosmo: I’m talking about Dark Oak! Earthia was your mother, she was married to Lucas just as in my universe. And Lucas became Dark Oak! I hope it’s not the case, but there’s a real possibility my father wanted to do what he did in this universe as well!
X Cosmo shook her head
(X) Cosmo: Dark Oak isn’t and was never my father. And I don’t even mean that in a ‘I personally disown him’ way. There literally is no blood of his running through my xylem.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Wait, really?
(X) Cosmo: My mother produced me entirely asexually. So there was never a need to recognize Dark Oak as a parent.
CHZ Cosmo gasped
(CHZ) Cosmo: Oh my… I had heard asexual reproduction was possible in our kind. It takes being in the form of a tree for a continuous amount of months or years, and even then it’s rare a viable child gets produced. Most attempts usually end up in the death of the seed. And it’s often only done in emergencies. In which… an impending extinction certainly counts…
As for myself, I do have my father’s blood running through me. I’m starting to wonder if that’s a bad thing… cause if he’s anything like he was in this universe… I… couldn’t bear even acknowledging I was his daughter…
X Cosmo placed a hand on her counterpart’s shoulders
(X) Cosmo: Listen, you got to see a healthy Green Gate for yourself… correct?
(CHZ) Cosmo: Well, yes…
(X) Cosmo: And Lucas had a hand in your development as you grew up, right?
(CHZ) Cosmo: That is true, too…
(X) Cosmo: Then he’s already cared for you more than Dark Oak ever did for me.
CHZ Cosmo paused, thinking about what her counterpart said
(CHZ) Cosmo: I don’t know… there were times he was pretty strict with me and Galaxina. But I suppose you have a point. I had lived with him for years. He had cooked for and fed me, and as tough as he could be sometimes. He did teach me some forms of self-defense. But even if he did care for me… I still would rather not associate with him if all along his plan was for me to succeed him in a galactic empire…
She turned to CHZ Tails
(CHZ) Cosmo: I know that when we get home there might be questions waiting for us to answer for TailsTube… but I feel that I must get in contact with my mother as soon as possible… to see if she knows anything about what my father was planning before Black Doom killed him.. I just want to know the truth about my father… everything I heard about Dark Oak leaves me afraid of the kind of person he was deep inside…
CHZ Tails nodded
(CHZ) Tails: Understood, I’d really like to know as much as I can about this too. I didn’t exactly have a high opinion of him when I briefly met him when we visited Green Gate. But if he was planning the same things Dark Oak was. Then he was just a monster all along…
(X) Tails: For both of your sakes I hope he wasn’t. Though I suppose even if that was the case, another villain took care of him for you before the damage could be done.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Either way it’s something that needs to be resolved when we get back home.
(CHZ) Tails: Speaking of which, we should probably think about heading out soon enough. Is there anything the both of you want to talk with us about or do before we leave?
X Tails and Cosmo thought for a moment
(X) Tails: I heard you mention something called ‘TailsTube’. What is that?
(CHZ) Tails: Oh! To put it simply, it's a show that we host where we answer questions from fans. It’s really fun!
(X) Cosmo: How does your show work?
(CHZ) Cosmo: We stand in front of a flying screen that serves as a sort of electronic blackboard, speaking directly to an audience watching online. And answer whichever questions we have chosen to answer.
X Tails and Cosmo were intrigued by the idea
(X) Tails: It does sound like it could be fun! What do you say Cosmo?
(X) Cosmo: Hmm… I’m not too sure… have I ever told you I have a bit of stage fright?
(CHZ) Cosmo: That’s understandable, I was kind of shy starting out being a part of Tails’ show too. But it becomes more natural over time.
(X) Cosmo: I see… well, I guess I can give it a try.
(X) Tails: We don’t exactly have a screen though.
(CHZ) Tails: Then why don’t we build you one then! We can head off to your workshop and make one before we take off back to our home universe. Ok?
X Tails and Cosmo nodded before the two sets of counterparts left the room. They informed CHZ Cream and Blaze that they were going to build a big screen for their X universe counterparts before leaving.
At the workshop, X Tails, CHZ Tails, and CHZ Cosmo all worked together building and welding the screen. X Cosmo wasn’t as tech-savvy as either of the other three, so she just watched. But she did get to decide the painted colors. She suggested that it be themed after the blue and white color scheme of the Blue Typhoon, with yellow boosters on the bottom.
Moments later, they were done. X Tails placed a finishing touch by painting a blue X on the right side of the screen. They activated it to make sure that it was working, giving a thumbs up as it performed to their expectations.
(X) Tails: Hmm, if me and Cosmo are going to have our own show… I wonder what we’ll call it…
(CHZ) Tails: I mean… if you want to just call it TailsTube here too, we won’t mind. We’re in separate universes.
(X) Tails: Yeah, but I don’t want to copy you both… Ooh! I got it! We’ll call it… “Xtra Miles!” after my first name!
(X) Cosmo: Hehe, that does sound kind of cute! I’ll concur with Xtra Miles!
(CHZ) Cosmo: Very sweet name, but now that you’re set. I think it’s time we start heading back.
(CHZ) Tails: Yeah, let’s gather around the portal with everybody else to give our goodbyes.
Not long later, everyone at the party packed together before CHZ Tails, Cream, Cheese, and Cosmo went back to their universe.
(X) Tails: It has been great having you here Othsmo, thank you so much for not only giving me hope again but helping get my Cosmo back.
She curtsied
(CHZ) Cosmo: You’re very welcome! I couldn’t leave you as upset as you looked through the portal, I just had to help. Though I apologize to my own Tails for any stress I caused.
(CHZ) Tails: We certainly saw some strange things while looking for you! But seeing our counterparts happy and reunited after the ordeal they went through. I’d say it was worth it.
(CHZ) Blaze: You lovebirds, ready?
Both CHZ Tails and Cosmo nodded. The X incarnations of Sonic and friends all waved them off before they finally got back to the Mystic Ruins.
(CHZ) Tails: Aaaah…. So good to finally be back home. Apologies Blaze if that was asking a lot of you to look for Cosmo.
(CHZ) Blaze: It’s alright, I know how much you and Cream care about her. For what it’s worth, it was kind of interesting seeing some of those universes. Maybe for the exception of that one where Sonic had a brother… ugh…
(CHZ) Cosmo: Wait, like a legitimate blood brother? Not adopted sort of like Tails is here?
(CHZ) Cream: Mmhmm! He also had a sister! Of which she was in a relationship with that universe’s Knuckles!
(CHZ) Cosmo: Well then… the both of you should tell me everything you came across while looking for me some other time. I’m really curious now about the universes you searched for me!
(CHZ) Tails: Oh we sure will, but let’s just relax now that we’re home…
(CHZ) Sonic, Amy, and Knuckles: TAILS! COSMO! CREAM!
Sonic, Amy, and Knuckles quickly ran up to their returning friends
(CHZ) Sonic: There you all are! We were all worried something happened to you! Did your vacation become a full on adventure at the Sol Dimension? Perhaps Eggman Nega was up to no good yet again?
(CHZ) Blaze: He was a reason why things went downhill. But he was a non-factor from then on. Cosmo got trapped in the multiverse somehow. And both Tails and Cream begged me to go looking for her. It took a while but we eventually found her.
(CHZ) Cosmo: We’ll be sure to tell you all about it… but… yawn I think it’s about time we get a good night’s sleep. I was just at a party in the dimension I was in.
(CHZ) Tails: I’m pretty tired too… multidimensional travel sure takes a lot out of you…
(CHZ) Cream: My mother’s probably been worried sick about me. Miss Amy, can you escort me and Cheese back home?
(CHZ) Amy: Of course, Cream!
(CHZ) Cream: Thank you… and Miss Blaze… thank you so much for helping us find Cosmo… we really do appreciate it.
(CHZ) Blaze: You’re all very welcome. I better get back to the Sol Dimension though. Who knows what Nega might have been doing while I was absent. I suppose at least all that traveling made sure that the jeweled scepter remained out of his hands.
Everyone there waved goodbye to Blaze as she headed back and closed the portal. Amy and Cream went off together to get the latter back home.
(CHZ) Knuckles: Well it’s good to see both of you are ok. Have a good night.
(CHZ) Sonic: What Knuckles said, good to have my buddy and our favorite flower girl! Seeya both tomorrow! We have a race competition to practice for!
(CHZ) Cosmo: Ooooh! That’s right, that is coming soon isn’t it?
(CHZ) Tails: It’ll certainly be great to have some fun after all that! We’ll be ready when you are, Sonic!
Sonic winked
(CHZ) Sonic: You sure? Because I’m ALWAYS ready! But seriously, g’night both of you. Make sure to tell me what you both saw sometime!
(CHZ) Tails: Of course, Sonic!
Once CHZ Tails and Cosmo were alone. They held hands as they walked to the workshop. Getting in their beds up in the log cabin on the top.
(CHZ) Tails: Goodnight, Cosmo… if there’s one thing I’ve learned from our time in the Multiverse. Our love transcends multiple universes! And I wasn’t going to give up looking for you until I could say… I love you once more
(CHZ) Cosmo: Love you too, Tails… and that is a sweet thing to know… Guess we were destined to be together.
(CHZ) Tails: Yeah… destiny.
The two then began to drift off to sleep with plenty of plans for the next day, from the serious matters in regards to Cosmo’s family to more lighthearted events such as practicing for the next racing competition.
Back at the X Universe, the party eventually wrapped up. With a timed camera set up so that everybody could be in the shot that they hoped to send to Chris, having remembered that his family were able to send physical items to the Master Emerald Shrine. At around the time X Tails was building the screen with the CHZ Counterparts of him and Cosmo. He also grabbed a sleeping bag from his house so he could sleep on the floor of X Cosmo’s room. When most of those at the party left for their own homes.
The young couple said goodnight to each other before they had the best rest they’d had in a long time.
Hours later, when it was early in the morning, as X Tails woke up from his sleeping bag, he looked to the bed, although it looked like X Cosmo had woken up before him, because she wasn’t there. He looked out the window, and found X Cosmo in the distance standing atop a hill with her arms stretched out directly under the sunlight. He proceeded to walk out of the house to the hill Cosmo was standing on.
((The Shining Road English lyrics by Dream Kittu and Cafe Chaotix))
♫ From the first time you held me in your arms,
The whole world fell under a spell
The great adventures would connect our hearts
But secret love was sealed in the rain ♫
♫ Oh boy, come walk with me
And together we’ll uncover every key
That locked away the realm of dreams unbound
Where our fantasy will be set free ♫
(X) Tails: Good Morning, Cosmo! Is it alright if I ask what you’re doing?
(X) Cosmo: Hmm… u-um… I almost don’t really know myself…
(X) Tails: Huh? What do you mean by that?
(X) Cosmo: I think I ended up sleepwalking out to this hill as the sun started to rise. Because I woke up suddenly outside, with this urge to bask in the sun…
(X) Tails: Hm, sleep walking towards the sunlight sounds weird. But you do have plant biology. Are you sure it’s not normal for you?
(X) Cosmo: I mean I did like to take in sunlight before, but I never felt like… this sort of sensitivity before? I certainly never sleepwalked towards the sun or any other star in the sky before all this. It’s like… my body was just begging to get out in the sun compared to how it used to. And as soon as I did, I felt a rush like no other time before… I feel more energized, more aware, …dare I say, more powerful?
♫ I wanna know, to be alone
With you on the rising hill secretly
Like the birds all around are free to fly
Watching over you and I, ’til the dawn
Someday I know this love will glow
Leading hand-in-hand the way through the mist
To the road that’ll shine, open to find
Souls intertwined, ’til the end of time
I never wanted this, a shattered mind
Locked in my heart, pain you’ll never see
It doesn’t matter ‘cause I’ll always find
Your shining smile, and my heart’s at peace ♫
X Tails wondered what this meant, though he did remember X Cosmo had been used as a solar battery for the Egg Salamander along with being regenerated faster through the Sol Emeralds.
(X) Tails: Well, while you were still in the form of a seedling. You did get quite a lot of exposure to the Sol Emerald’s power. You think maybe there were some side effects?
X Cosmo gasped
(X) Cosmo: That does sound like it makes sense, I just hope there isn’t a problem that arises with that much exposure. For now, I can only feel the benefits from gathering sunlight. But who knows what else this means for me…
(X) Tails: I guess… it'll be something worth studying together! Whatever the Sol Emeralds granted you, should be fascinating to discover over time! For now though, how about we get ready soon to launch our first episode of Xtra Miles!
(X) Cosmo: O-o-oh right… I’ll try my best, Tails. But don’t be surprised if maybe I’m a bit… quiet at first… I won’t exactly know what our audience will expect of me…
(X) Tails: Honestly, I’m a little nervous too. But the other me seemed quite confident that it was a great bonding activity between him and Othsmo. Like she said, it may get more comfortable as time goes on.
X Tails then gently held X Cosmo’s hands
♫ Oh boy, you never show
Any fear or inhibition, only hope
I wanna hold on too, be like you
Brave enough to leave and let it go
I wanna love you quietly
Living in the fairy tale of our dreams
Though the pages are faded, pictures lost to the ages
We are crossed with the stars
One day I know the wind will blow
Clear away the dew from cold morning mist
And the seal of the road that shines to behold
Will be broken now, and forevermore ♫
(X) Tails: But most of all… I can’t stress enough how happy that you’re back with us, Cosmo… this was everything I wanted after everything we went through on the Blue Typhoon. Just you and me, having fun and discovering things together. No more Metarex, no more War, and a lifetime of possibilities between us… I… I love you, Cosmo. I will cherish every second I’m with you… cause I know how close we were to never seeing each other again…
X Cosmo’s eyes sparkled as joyous tears filled her eyes
(X) Cosmo: I-i-i… l-l-love you t-t-too, T-Tails… I’ll never forget what you and the others did for not just me, but the entire galaxy… I shall cherish every second I spend with you as well… I only wish I could make up for leaving you so depressed for the months I was just a seedling…
I’m sure it’s far from being enough, but maybe… you’ll… like this…
Cosmo leaned her head over, her mouth getting closer to Tails’ own. The young fox blushed with eyes wide open wondering what she was doing. And then it happened...
Their first kiss. Or at least the first one that Tails could really feel this time, as the attempt by Cosmo to kiss him while as a… spirit? projection? Whichever it was, that moment was when it really dawned on Tails that she might really be gone. But that wasn’t the case this time, he knew now she was more alive than ever.
When their kiss ended, they then held hands as they walked down the hill back to Cream and Vanilla’s house. Where Vanilla had fresh breakfast ready for them. For X Tails and Cosmo, it was a new beginning. A shining road that awaits them for the rest of their lives.
♫ Calling you
Ringing through the endless night
Sorrow in my breaking voice, I’ll reach out with your name
Calling you
Answer me, reveal the light
Everything will be released, never be the same
I wanna know, to be alone
With you on the rising hill secretly
Like the birds all around can truly see
All the magic in our dreams and journeys
Someday I know this love will glow
Leading hand-in-hand the way through the mist
And the seal of the road that shines to behold
Will be broken now, and forevermore ♫
CHZ Cosmo and the X Universe versions of Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Cream remain stunned from the sudden outburst from Blaze before she ran far away. She had yelled at Cream after assuming her to be a liar because to her, it looked like Cosmo was actually very much alive, and thus Cream had been taking advantage of her. The young rabbit still has her face buried in her palms, tears leaking through the space of her fingers.
All while CHZ Cosmo looked quite distraught
CHZ Cosmo: (Did… I screw up everything…? By trying to get Sonic and Blaze to work together faster…
I didn’t think about how my counterpart’s sacrifice might have affected Cream, and thus made a significant part of Blaze and Cream’s bond in this world… oh dear…)
CHZ Cosmo walks to Cream’s side, lowering her head before apologizing.
(CHZ) Cosmo: I… I’m sorry… Cream… it’s my fault that happened…
Cream still with teary eyes looks up at Cosmo
(X) Cream: W-what d-do you mean? You shouldn’t bear any blame at all! But I’m so conflicted… I’m happy you’re b-b-back… but… B-b-b-blaze… She thinks I’m a l-l-liar now…
(CHZ) Cosmo: That’s the thing, Cream. I’m not the same Cosmo you befriended before…
(X) Cream: …Wha- What?! What are you talking about?!
(X) Amy: This is crazy! Please elaborate! Cause you look and sound just like her, so it wasn’t hard to assume that somehow, someway, yo- or rather… she had returned to life…
CHZ Cosmo nodded and explained to these alternate versions of her Team Rose companions
(CHZ) Cosmo: Before I ended up in this universe, I had no clue what the Metarex were for instance. Whereas the Metarex had everything to do with the other me. Is that simple enough to understand?
Cream looked down
(X) Cream: Wait… so… o-o-our C-c-cosmo is s-still… is…. S-still….
She starts crying into her palms again.
CHZ Cosmo then goes down on one knee and places a hand on the shoulder of this alternate version of her best friend.
(CHZ) Cosmo: H-hey! But me, Sonic, and Tails have good news about the other me!
(X) Tails: That’s right, Cream and Amy! You know I cared about our Cosmo so much too. I’m not sure if I could have participated the way I have on this adventure without knowing what this other Cosmo allowed me to learn!
Amy and Cream do notice a more positive demeanor in Tails’ behavior. Just by his face alone, they could tell he was in the best mood in a long time. Something positive clearly had to have happened for him to suddenly feel so much better.
(X) Cream: W… what is the good news?
(CHZ) Cosmo: Cream, the other me you befriended on Tails’ spaceship is still alive… she’s just slowly growing back in that potted plant that Tails kept. We have reason to believe Sonic and Shadow’s Chaos Regeneration did work. It’ll just take a long time before she comes back in full…
X Cream gasped
(X) Cream: R-r-r-reaaallllllyyyyyyyyy?! H-how… how long will it take?
(X) Tails: This is still going to be the slightly tough part though, we aren’t 100% sure when she’ll be back. Maybe it could only be a number of months, but the other Cosmo said it could also take many years. As far as a decade even…
(X) Amy: A whole decade?! Oh… that’s bittersweet… but at least you know ahead of time. Imagine if 10 years from now, you still didn’t know Cosmo was regenerating. And by the time she comes back… you had moved on from her ‘death’ and fallen in love with someone else by the time you were fully grown, Tails…
Tails actually hadn’t thought about that
(X) Tails: Oh geez, yeah… that… would have been… awkward… to say the least…
While the length of time it may take for her to fully regenerate still provides a twinge of sadness. The news that the Cosmo she had befriended on the Blue Typhoon was saved after all has allowed Cream to stand up and wipe the tears from her eyes.
(X) Cream: I… I’m relieved that our Cosmo is still alive… and I’ll be sure to welcome her back whenever she does… but… that still leaves Blaze… I know she stormed off and probably looked like a jerk… but even in the short time I’ve gotten to know her… she’s better than that… I know she is…
I have the feeling… that she’s been burnt by attempts at friendship before… and that’s why she felt betrayed when she thought I had lied to her… I wish I was as fast as Mr. Sonic. I’d really like to tell her how much of this is all one big misunderstanding…
(X) Tails: Actually speaking of which, maybe it’s worth it if you tried to catch up with her, Sonic. It might not be too late to clear this all up…
Sonic thinks about it for a moment before shaking his head
(X) Sonic: I think we already have a certain friend of ours going after her that will be able to set her straight.
(X) Amy: Huh? Who?
(X) Sonic: Knuckles, of course. He did say he wanted to get her back for burying him.
(X) Tails: Didn’t you joke that Blaze would just bury him again?
(X) Sonic: Eh, I actually said that to motivate him further. Call it a hunch, but I think Blaze and Knuckles could settle things out between them after another fight. Just like how he and I settle our differences.
CHZ Cosmo thought for a moment
(CHZ) Cosmo: That might just work, or at least I hope so… I don’t know if the hindsight I have will help anymore… But even so, there is one thing that I’ve been meaning to warn Cream about…
(X) Cream: Huh? Warn me about what?
(CHZ) Cosmo: Cream, the events unfolding have similarly happened before in my universe. For example, the reason Blaze left this island in my universe was because the Tails I know accused her of knowing something about the incoming dimensional collision. And the other you from my Universe followed her… the Blaze and Cream I knew didn’t have the… sudden falling out that just happened
But also… Eggman kidnapped the other you as a way to lure Blaze… so it might be more important than ever to protect Cream from Eggman’s clutches.
So, Cream if you please… can I ask you to stay with us? Between everything going on, we shouldn’t add Eggman putting you into distress and making you a bargaining chip to someone who’s no longer guaranteed to try to save you…
(X) Cream: sniff Blaze… I-i-i understand though… Eggman has captured me before, so I wouldn’t put it past him…
(CHZ) Cosmo: And Sonic, you should find your way to Eggman’s fleet. The next Chaos Emerald should be there.
(X) Sonic: The 6th Chaos Emerald along with an excuse to break some of Eggman’s toys? Count me in!
CHZ Cosmo sighed
(CHZ) Cosmo: I just hope we’re not too late to turn things around… I hope Sonic’s right that Knuckles’ confronting her could set her straight…
X Tails gently lays a reassuring hand on CHZ Cosmo’s shoulder
(X) Tails: I wouldn’t be so worried, Cosmo! We’ve been racing against the clock many times over, and Sonic has always come out on top!
The gesture is enough to help reassure her. For it reminded her that…
(CHZ) Cosmo: You’re so much like the Tails that I love…
X Tails sheepishly blushed
(X) Tails: G-good to know… I promise you’ll reunite with the other me soon… Kinda curious about him myself.
CHZ Cosmo giggled
(CHZ) Cosmo: If you get to meet him you’ll realize you’re basically twins!
(X) Tails: Haha… it’s a shame though that my Cosmo won’t likely regenerate by then… imagine if we could get to compare the both of us…
(CHZ) Cosmo: I’d love to meet her too, but making sure this world is safe and getting back to our proper universe is more important.
With the group understanding the plan, Sonic goes off to get the next Chaos Emerald. While Tails, Amy, and CHZ Cosmo stay around Cream. Anticipating any attempt of Eggman to try to capture the little rabbit.
((More after the break))
Meanwhile, Blaze was far away from where Cream and the others were. Still angry, but also heartbroken.
(X) Blaze: (Of course she was no different from anyone else… Should have seen it from the start to be honest, when she expressed excitement at me saying I was a Princess. Maybe that’s on me for saying I was, but then I’d have been the deceiver)
Blaze sighed before looking around, in this still all too new world/universe.
(X) Blaze: (Without Cream I have no guide to this world… ugh… it’s going to make things so much harder. The good news is there’s only two more to go…)
???: HEY! I FINALLY FOUND YOU!
(X) Blaze: (Ugh… I unfortunately recognize that voice…)
Knuckles arrives having finally caught up with Blaze.
(X) Knuckles: That was a dirty thing you did burying me under those rocks! I’d like to see you try that again! You’re not getting away this time!
(X) Blaze: I told you… I had nothing to do with what happened to your island…
(X) Knuckles: I actually know that now, but those Sol Emeralds might have been why! And I know you’ve been collecting them! And regardless or not if Angel Island falling was your fault. It’s personal, now!
Knuckles jumps high up in the air and lunges for a punch on Blaze, who dodges the attack. Knuckles hitting the ground, resulting in a small crater. The two end up trading blows in fisticuffs. Unlike their last fight there wasn’t something Blaze could use to trick Knuckles. Though she suspects even if there was, Knuckles would be more aware this time.
The fight ends up dragging far longer than their last bout. It goes back and forth until Knuckles’ strength starts to wear down Blaze. He is soon making her walk back further and further, until she gasps as she realizes she’s near a cliff. Blaze makes an effort to try to run from the edge but Knuckles anticipates with a hook, making her close to falling off and now hanging on to the cliff’s edge.
(X) Blaze: Ok ok! I concede! You win this time! Just help me please! I’m not good about heights…
To Blaze’s surprise, Knuckles actually does help her up quickly.
(X) Knuckles: There, I’d say that makes us even! You’re a solid fighter. That was as fun as a fight with Sonic was, and with none of his dumb quips!
Blaze looked puzzled
(X) Blaze: …I thought you were mad at me about burying you, why are you acting so… friendly?
Knuckles laughed
(X) Knuckles: Yeah I might have gone off about that, but that’s on me for being fooled. Like I said, we’re even now. And I also heard all about you thanks to the other Cosmo
Blaze raised an eyebrow
(X) Blaze: ‘Other’ Cosmo? Isn’t there just the one?
(X) Knuckles: Believe me, it was a bit confusing too… but apparently there’s the Cosmo that traveled into space with us and then this one that suddenly appeared from another dimension. Not unlike you if I recall correctly.
Blaze still looked skeptical
(X) Blaze: Are you in on Cream’s lie too? She had me sympathetic about her plight only for it to seem Cosmo was perfectly fine…
(X) Knuckles: Cream? A liar? That’d be so unlike her, she’s a good kid. Vanilla taught her all the good qualities. Including honesty.
This began to put some seed of doubt in Blaze’s mind. Was she wrong to assume such bad things about Cream?. But she shook both fists before responding.
(X) Blaze: Ok, but I need solid evidence that there was ever another Cosmo before I’m convinced…
(X) Knuckles: Hm, well if vouching for character isn’t enough. I could take you to Tails house to see the seedling that the Cosmo we knew she became.
Blaze raised an eyebrow
(X) Blaze: …You’re telling me this other Cosmo became some sort of inanimate house plant? Not exactly dispelling my skepticism here.
(X) Knuckles: As strange as it sounds, it’s true. Cosmo is part of a race of aliens that are living, breathing plants. And as it seems we found out from the other Cosmo. She might be regrowing after she nearly sacrificed herself. But who knows how long that’ll take…
Blaze remains a bit unconvinced
(X) Blaze: Uh huh…
(X) Knuckles: But, I do know one thing that may provide the evidence you need. Follow me further into the caverns.
Blaze stood and paused as Knuckles started walking, but she soon followed after him. Curiosity taking over, and a general fear that maybe she had been wrong to snap at Cream like she did.
Back with CHZ Cosmo and the others, they escort X Cream through a forest.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Oh! Cream, your mother told us that you and Blaze glued the other me’s amulet back together. Do you happen to have it on you?
Cream nodded
(X) Cream: Yes! It’s right here!
Cream lifts up the amulet. It was shaped just like CHZ Cosmo’s amulet, only of course with a significant X shape crack in it. Everyone stopped in their tracks to take a look at the amulet. Tails was a bit nervous, but he walked closer to Cream.
(X) Tails: Um… is it alright, can you let me hold it. For just a little bit at least?
(X) Cream: Oh of course, Mr. Tails! I know how special she is to you!
Cream hands over the amulet. And Tails holds it in between his palms. If he had seen this before he had been told his Cosmo was slowly regenerating. He probably would have broken down in tears. But while he still sheds tears looking at it, he manages a smile.
(CHZ) Cosmo: When the other me does regenerate you may want to keep that amulet handy. While it’s another of those things I’m unsure are the same in this universe. They help regulate our aging as well as control our tree forms.
X Tails gasped
(X) Tails: Tree forms?! Like… you can switch between being a tree and your usual form at will…?
(CHZ) Cosmo: …Yeah? Why do you look concerned?
(X) Tails: …It’s just that the one time I saw it being used was of course just before our Cosmo attempted to sacrifice herself. The way she merged her roots with Dark Oak, I wasn’t sure if that was reversible… For a while I was unsure if I would ever look at a tree the same way after that… though there is one concern I must bring up. When my Cosmo regenerates… will she still be a tree?
(CHZ) Cosmo: That I can’t answer with 100% certainty without knowing everything that differentiates this universe’s version of Seedrians compared to my own. But you must remember that one time is a very very small sample size. It’s just as possible your Cosmo was capable of transforming back, just that the roots of her tree form helped tighten her grasp around Dark Oak before her near-sacrifice.
Tails goes into deep thought
(X) Tails: Perhaps…
(CHZ) Cosmo: Remember it was the Chaos Emeralds that were used to save her, when you consider that they turn thoughts into power. I’m sure whatever thoughts Sonic and Shadow had of regenerating her, it’d be as you remember her. And she’ll likely naturally age even as she’s regenerating. If it’s the worst case where it’ll take a decade, she should be fully grown when she comes back just as you will be.
(X) Tails: Oh, that’s a good point and also great to hear! Perhaps I shouldn’t be too worried then about my Cosmo being stuck as a tree forever then. Just walking through this forest made me think about it…
Amy put her hands together and stared up to the sky with stars in her eyes
(X) Amy: Oh Tails, just imagine it… years from now… me and Sonic will be getting married.., and then when I throw out the bouquet… it lands straight into Cosmo’s arms! And you two will know it’ll be your turn next!
Tails looks up to the sky just imagining himself marrying Cosmo, his cheeks blush
(X) Tails: Yeah… that… sounds nice…
Cream hopped happily
(X) Cream: Yes! Yes! Yes! And I can be the flower girl on both of those wedding days!
(X) Amy: Why settle for just the flower girl? By then you’ll be old enough to be a maid of honor, Cream!
Cream gasped.
(X) Cream: Oh! That’s right! …Although I still feel like I’ll want to do flower girl duties anyway,
(CHZ) Cosmo: Nothing says you can’t be both the maid of honor and the flower girl if the newlyweds allow it! (It’s amazing just how similar this universe is to ours, I very much recall that we’ve had similar conversations before)
(X) Amy: That’s right, Cream! I would be more than happy to let you do anything you want to do during me and Sonic’s wedding! And I’m sure Tails and Cosmo will let you do the same!
Cream squee’d
(X) Cream: I can’t wait for both of those days!
Tails just about whispers to himself, still in the midst of daydreaming of the future.
(X) Tails: Yeah… I feel the same…
The group continues to walk together for a while longer. At some point however, they begin to hear a faint voice that catches their attention. They walk in the direction they could hear the voice until it starts to become more recognizable. Especially to Cream.
???: elp… Help! I need help! Please… somebody!
(X) Cheese: CHAO CHAO!
Cream: GASP You’re right, Cheese! That voice does sound like Mother!
Cream starts running ahead as fast as she can
(CHZ) Cosmo: Cream! Wait for us!
But Cream has already rushed ahead, Tails, Amy, and CHZ Cosmo all begin to run after her.
(X) Amy: Did Vanilla really get lost in the forest somehow?
(X) Tails: I don’t know… but we better help her if she is!
Cream gets closer and closer to the source of the voice but for some reason doesn’t see her mother. She can even hear screaming.
(X) Cream: M-mom! W-where a-are you?!
???: Oh Cream, darling! Thank heavens, it’s so nice to see you…
Suddenly, the ground gives way under Cream’s feet as she yelps, both her and Cheese end up locked in a cylinder made of tough glass and metal.
(X) Eggman: As in it’s nice of you to DROP IN. HOHOHOHOHO!
(X) Cream: Nooooo! Dr. Eggman?! W-where is my m-mother?!
(X) Eggman: Don’t worry, Cream. Your mother is safe and sound, at least for now. I simply used a digital simulation of her voice to lure you here! I need you as bait to deal with that pesky cat friend of yours…
CHZ Cosmo, X Tails and Amy catch up and gasp as they see Eggman had caught Cream
(CHZ) Cosmo: Oh nooo! We gotta help her!
Eggman was caught by surprise, he was hoping to grab and run with Cream before being caught.
(X) Eggman: Shoot, so you had friends nearby. Shouldn’t have been so careless, but no matter. I’m not afraid of either of you three. You’re no match for the EGG KING!
Eggman unleashes a large humanoid mech, with spikes protruding from round shoulders, that’s mostly a large torso with the doctor seated in the head, and a rocket lower half keeping him afloat.
Amy pulls out her hammer, though Tails looks really worried about facing this thing just on their feet.
(X) Tails: I don’t know if we’re going to be able to take care of that thing with only the three of us!
(CHZ) Cosmo: We have to try! Help would be very much appreciated right now, but I don’t know we’re going to find it on such short not-
Suddenly a boisterous voice is heard off to the side, from the leader of a familiar trio
(X) Vector: HERE WE COME TO SAVE THE DAAAAAAAY!
Vector, Espio and Charmy arrive just in time as reinforcements
(X) Eggman: Ugh, these fools…
(X) Amy: Whoooooa! It’s Team Chaotix!
(X) Tails: What are you 3 doing here? I mean I’m glad you’re here to help, but I had no idea you were nearby
(X) Vector: It’s simple Tails! I heard the voice of Ms. Vanilla from MILES away and came as quick as I could!
(X) Charmy: More like 50 feet…
(X) Vector: Shush, Charmy! Regardless. Where is she?! I must save her like a knight in Shining Armor!
(X) Tails: Sorry, Vector. Vanilla isn’t actually here, Eggman faked her voice to lure Cream… but if you help us save Cream I’m sure she’d still be very grateful!
(X) Vector: Whaaaaat?! How dare Eggman pretend to be Vanil- I mean, use her mother’s voice to capture little Cream!
(X) Espio: I think if we work together, we can take him down
Eggman grumbled. He was not expecting this much resistance to come so quick.
(X) Eggman: No matter! I will crush all of you! And then Blaze is next!
While Eggman might have been able to deal with Tails, Amy, and CHZ Cosmo if they were by themselves. Team Chaotix added 3 more nuisances. Amy’s Piko Piko Hammer, Tails’ dashes, CHZ Cosmo’s whips, Vector’s strength, Espio’s ninja reflexes, and Charmy’s flight speed worked together to either gradually damage the Egg King or otherwise make him swing as if trying to swat a swarm of flies. No matter how many arm swings, or lasers he shot at them. Eggman got overwhelmed by the teamwork from his 6 foes.
CHZ Cosmo used her whips to restrain one of the Egg King’s arms as Espio threw shurikens at weak points, with a big body slam by Vector ending up breaking the Egg King’s right arm straight off. The Egg King temporarily loses its balance.
CHZ Cosmo and X Tails take the opportunity to free Cream from her capsule. And as Eggman tried a desperate charge. Cream and Cheese take their anger out on the doctor as she flies up to the head and points Cheese to strike the cracked windshield. Exposing the doctor, and Charmy flying straight ahead to sting the doctor multiple times. The rest cut off the other arm. Leaving Eggman no choice but to retreat by escaping in his eggmobile. His attempt to kidnap Cream had been foiled by a group of kids and Team Chaotix
As soon as Eggman was out of sight. The group celebrates their win.
(X) Tails: Oh boy! Just wait til’ Sonic hears what we just did!
(CHZ) Cosmo: Yes! Great job, everyone! We saved Cream!
(X) Vector: All in a good day's work for us!
Espio deadpanned
(X) Espio: Psh, nevermind that we just happened to be nearby because Vector got us lost trying to find anything he can about the current situation…
(X) Vector: Shut up, Espio! We were on the case and we were close to finding clues!
(X) Charmy: Suuuuuuure we were…
Everybody else giggles and laugh
(X) Cream: Thank you all for saving me, everyone! You all did great!
(X) Tails: But our job isn’t done! We should reunite with Sonic soon, by now he should have the 6th Chaos Emerald! Then we can look for the last one, and hopefully also resolve things with Blaze.
The group did one big group high five before they got out of the forest.
Meanwhile, the defeated Eggman still grumbles from having lost to such a pesky group. He then gets a call while floating off. It’s Eggman Nega.
(X) Eggman Nega: Did you capture your suggested hostage?
Eggman sighed deeply
(X) Eggman: No, Nega… I failed to capture Cream.
(X) Eggman Nega: Well, well, well… haven’t you proved to be utterly useless, it’d be outright pitiful if it wasn’t so funny.. You lost… to a six year old and her pet… hehehehehe! And you say you have an IQ of 300.
(X) Eggman: Hey! For the record I DID briefly have her captured… I just was not expecting to get jumped by 6 of her friends at once! There was that annoying fox, that Sonic-obsessed pink hedgehog, a plant alien that I wasn’t expecting to have combat abilities let alone a strong vine whip, and then there was the entirety of Team Chaotix. Don’t you see the bumps on my face?! Those stings hurt!
It was almost as if they knew I was going to capture Cream somehow!
(X) Eggman Nega: Excuses, excuses….
(X) Eggman: As if you’ve had any more success with Sonic! Unless you managed to succeed while defending our fleet…
Eggman Nega paused
(X) Eggman Nega: Yes… unfortunately I had another… setback against that blue hedgehog…
(X) Eggman: Now do you understand what I’ve had to deal with for years now? Not as easy as you thought, is it…
(X) Eggman Nega: At least I didn’t lose to elementary school kids and some bumbling detectives…
(X) Eggman Grrrr..,. Maybe this team up was a mistake! I’ve had just as much success with Bocoe, Decoe, and Bokkun with less of the sass…
(X) Eggman Nega: I’d say that says more about you than me at this point.
Eggman Nega then quiets his voice to a dastardly whisper
(X) Eggman Nega: Perhaps, you should join them soon…
(X) Eggman: Huh? What was that?!
(X) Eggman Nega: Nothing, my counterpart… I’ll just tell you that I’ve sent a robot to fetch something that will entirely make up for your failure. A potentially very powerful energy source was found on my sensors. Something that may help power our latest and best invention yet…
(X) Eggman: If it’s just another Chaos or Sol Emerald I don’t know what it’d do at this point when Sonic and Blaze have most of them…
(X) Eggman Nega: It’s neither of those… although it does seem to have a strange amount of energy akin to a Chaos Emerald… and given its color, it may put a whole nother definition of “green energy”
(X) Eggman: Good gracious please don’t tell me you tried to grab the Master Emerald! That angry echidna will chase you to the ends of the earth!
(X) Eggman Nega: Hmmm, I did notice a huge emerald was left unguarded for the time being… but no, it’s far too large for our machine.
Eggman tries to think whatever else it could be but is stumped
(X) Eggman: Well I guess I’ll just find out once I’ve met up with you in person. Still need to get these bee stings patched up…
(X) Eggman Nega: Of course, see you soon…
Their communications close, and Eggman Nega opens up a camera view on his computer screen that is the point of view of the robot he sent after a new power source.
(X) Eggman Nega: I don’t know how…
On the screen, the robot has a clear view of what Nega was hinting at to Eggman: A decorative white pot with a green seedling.
(X) Eggman Nega: …But this little plant may have just what I need to destroy everybody in my way. Hehehehe… HEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEEEE!
X Knuckles leads X Blaze further into the canyon. After a rematch between the two, Blaze needed more evidence about the space adventures that Cream had been in, particularly of the thought to have been deceased Cosmo.
Eventually, they reached the ship. The size of the Blue Typhoon was still quite a marvel as it towered above them as they stood on the canyon floor, though the scars the ship had taken from the final battle were still very much visible.
(X) Knuckles: Here we are, Blaze. This is the ship we flew through space while battling the Metarex, as you can see… it’s been through a lot.
Blaze looked at the ship astounded. This was a huge ship, and the visible damage it took certainly seemed to show it had been in an epic battle.
(X) Blaze: …Is it ok if I explore the top of the ship?
(X) Knuckles: Go ahead, be careful though, I don’t know what parts could be more fragile and perilous to climb with all that damage.
Blaze smirked
(X) Blaze: Heh, I’m a cat. Nothing’s too hard for me to climb.
The both of them carefully climbed up to the deck of the ship. Blaze saw more damage that she couldn’t see from the canyon floor.
(X) Blaze: Wait… was the cockpit totally destroyed during the battle?! How did you all even get back home!
Knuckles was directed to where what used to be the control room, which had been totally detonated.
(X) Knuckles: Oh no, that was damage done after we got back home. Our ship took a lot of damage, but luckily we could still fly it safely home when it was all over.
Blaze looked puzzled once more
(X) Blaze: Then what… what happened to it when you all got back home?
Knuckles sighed and closed his eyes
(X) Knuckles: Tails destroyed it himself…
(X) Blaze: But why…?
(X) Knuckles: Cream did tell you she wasn’t the only one who grew attached to the Cosmo that traveled with us right? Tails very much grew close to her. During the final battle, she transformed into a tree that attached itself to the remaining Metarex leaders, and told Tails to shoot her with the ship’s cannon. Knowing full well she’d likely die. And while circumstances have changed where there’s still hope for her to regenerate, for months we had thought she really had died. And Tails never wanted to see that room ever again. So he destroyed it… to him, the cockpit of the Blue Typhoon became… and I quote… “The room where I killed her”
Blaze stared solemnly, at the same time beginning to realize that she had overreacted towards Cream. A ship this huge, the damage the ship had taken, and the effect of Cosmo’s ‘death’ on others then Cream seemed to imply showed that Cream was never lying.
Blaze then sat down, and lowered her head
((Blaze sprite from a compiled/remixed sprite sheet by Sonic1093LQ))
(X) Blaze: I… I’m such an idiot…
(X) Knuckles: Hm?
(X) Blaze: If Cream wasn’t lying then… sigh… it’s still too late… cause she won’t forgive me for thinking she’s a liar…
Knuckles smiled
(X) Knuckles: I wouldn’t say that, Blaze. Cream will understand. She’ll forgive you, there’s a lot of confusing things happening lately. And a Cosmo from a different universe showing up after what happened to our Cosmo definitely adds fuel to the fire.
Blaze still didn’t look too sure
(X) Blaze: I don’t know… even if she says that she’ll forgive me… I don’t think I can forgive myself… it may be for the best, as we may never see eachother again after this is over… But um… you said that the Cosmo that Cream knew is regenerating?
(X) Knuckles: Yeah, it’s sounding like the prevailing theory is that Sonic and Shadow’s Chaos Regeneration did work. But she’s slowly growing back in the form of a seed. She’s currently residing in the potted plant I told you about that is in Tails’ house.
Blaze nodded
(X) Blaze: I see now… (...Wait a moment, if… Cosmo is mostly a plant… I remember a famous legend from the Plant Kingdom about the Sol Emeralds… maybe they could…)
Blaze suddenly stood up fast, a smile on her face and her hands in confident fists.
(X) Blaze: I know how I can make everything right! And it’ll be all the more reason to get all the Sol Emeralds back!
Knuckles crossed his arm and smiled
(X) Knuckles: Now that’s the spirit! From one emerald guardian to another, let’s finish this!
Reinvigorated with purpose, Blaze and Knuckles leave the Blue Typhoon.
Meanwhile, with a string of many defeats to Sonic, Blaze, and others, X Eggman and Eggman Nega regrouped inside the launching pad for a space station that Eggman’s robots had been building since the two started plotting together. The station was meant to intimidate and hover above similar to the Death Egg from so long ago, all while the station also served as a lab of which Eggman and Eggman Nega worked together to build their ultimate creation. Of which Nega believed they had found a perfect power source.
(X) Eggman: Alright, alright, Nega… I’m finally here. What is this so-called power source for Project Salamander you’ve found?
Nega smirked
(X) Eggman Nega: It may not look like much, but sometimes good things are found in small packages. BEHOLD!
Eggman Nega swiftly moves to the side with a stretched arm presenting a small cylinder capsule containing a small potted plant with artificial sunlight shining down from inside.
X Eggman is initially unimpressed, not realizing the significance of it at first.
(X) Eggman: Our power source for the Egg Salamander… is a tiny plant…? You have to be kidding me…
(X) Eggman Nega: Don’t judge a book by its cover. This little plant was detected to have hidden depths of power on par with the Chaos Emeralds! And according to past logs… your computers detected it.
(X) Eggman: What?! How dare you! You hacked into my past logs?! Without my permission?!
(X) Eggman Nega: Hehehehe, I’ve hacked into more than you know… but surely you trust me with this information. We are partners… are we not?
He trails those last three words rather sinisterly.
(X) Eggman: You could have asked first! If we’re partners, some solid communication is all I’m asking for!
Nega scowls
(X) Eggman Nega: It’s you who have been keeping secrets from me… yes, I hacked into your systems recklessly. But I found out… that you’ve known about this small plant for long before we even met! And even detected the same high energy signal I saw! This was in the possession of one of your enemy’s residences! Don’t you realize that they could have ended up using it against you if you had done nothing?! But now we can turn the tables!
Eggman protested
(X) Eggman: I’m sure there’s a very good reason I chose to ignore it! What, do you think it will grow into an Eggman-eating-plant? I don’t care how much Chaos energy it has. It’s a plant! It won’t move around unles-
Eggman suddenly has a realization
(X) Eggman: Wait… Nega, you said it was found in the house of someone close to Sonic…?
Nega nodded
(X) Eggman Nega: According to your data, it belonged to the two-tailed fox. One of the kindergartners that you somehow lost the Egg King to…
Eggman turned pale, he knows what the plant is, or at least was. He’s also flashbacking to when his computers found the energy originally, he scoffed it as a computer glitch at first. But he had heard that Sonic and Shadow recovered just a seed in an attempt to save her during her sacrifice against the Metarex. Eggman may often be loud and proud to be evil, but he can be thankful for those who give the ultimate sacrifice to save the world he wishes to rule, or what was that case… the entire universe. He’s often respected Sonic and the others even after years of stopping his plans. And even Eggman felt sympathy for young Tails having to shoot someone he cared about. If maybe there was a fleeting moment where Eggman was concerned about the energy, he respected Sonic’s youthful sidekick enough that he didn’t want to touch what was clearly a memorial to Cosmo.
He took another look at the cylinder in which the plant stood. And now noticed more than ever that it was the same exact plant he had checked that day. His mind froze, unsure of what to do from here.
Eggman Nega noticed the indecision from him, finding it suspicious.
(X) Eggman Nega: What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!
Eggman snapped out of it and shook his head
(X) Eggman: Um… hold on, Nega… before we use it for the Egg Salamander… can you… let me study it? Entirely by myself… I just want to, er. double check if it’s… proper for the machine…?
Nega raised an eyebrow
(X) Eggman Nega: And why exactly can’t I be there for your study?
Eggman frowned, and thought quickly of how to explain his thought process for taking it himself.
(X) Eggman: The plant is from my universe! I’ll be able to discover things faster, and I’ll report back to you as soon as I can!
He then walked over to the control panel to enter his password to free the plant.
(X) Eggman: Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just take this an-
Computer: ACCESS DENIED
(X) Eggman: WHAT?! But I never changed the password!
Eggman Nega started snickering, before it bellowed out into a boisterous evil laugh.
(X) Eggman Nega: Hehehehehe, Sorry… But everything you have is now under my control! And I have a suspicion… that you were going to give the plant back to Sonic and the others… weren’t you?
Eggman backed away and waved his hands
(X) Eggman: N-n-nooo! I swear I w-wasn’t…
(X) Eggman Nega: You clearly know something about the plant that I don’t… why don’t you enlighten me?
(X) Eggman: What? Me? Noooo… it’s just an ordinary plant! Maybe some chaos emerald dust got in its soil or something… ahahahaha…
(X) Eggman Nega: I do not think mere dust could have such high reading signals… and these lies are so unbecoming of you… Tell me the truth, what do you know of this plant?!
Eggman sighed
(X) Eggman: Fine… do you remember what I told you about the Metarex?
(X) Eggman Nega: Mmmmhmmmm…
(X) Eggman: The um… seed that this plant grew from… is all that’s left of a sentient plant girl. Who happened to be the same species as the Metarex’s leaders. You actually have seen her briefly in a sense when you were at the Night Carnival, though not the same one obviously… she was allies with Sonic sure, but… without her, trees and non-sentient plants might have been all that was left of life. She gave up her life to prevent the end of the universe as we know it…
(X) Eggman Nega: Hmm… intriguing…
(X) Eggman: …Which is why I don’t think it’ll be of any use to us. It’s simply all that remains of the hero that still left us with a world to conquer at some point… we shouldn’t desecrate it!
Nega crossed his arms and smirked.
(X) Eggman Nega: Do you really think I care about such frivolous moral rights as respecting the dead? If she’s gone, she won’t be able to protest, and if it’s at all useful to our plans we should use it! What you’ve said has only sold me further on using this plant as a power source! If she had the power to prevent the death of the universe… we could in turn use that same power to threaten the very universe! Just think about it for a moment! Where’s your scientific curiosity?! The potential is limitless!
Eggman clenched a fist
(X) Eggman: I may be a scientist, and an evil one at that even! But there are lines even I won’t cross!
(X) Eggman Nega: And that’s why you were always so weak…
Eggman suddenly grabbed an offhand wrench, approaching the cylinder with the plant to try to quickly smash the glass and take the plant away.
(X) Eggman Nega: EGG PAWNS! STOP HIM!
A squad of Egg Pawns got in Eggman’s way just before he got close enough with the wrench.
(X) Eggman: Hey! I created all of you! In fact… override Nega’s orders and attack HIM instead!
Eggman smiled, hoping for them to turn towards Nega. But nothing happened as they continually stared at their original creator. Eggman quickly realized Nega had taken control of his entire army. And seemingly even overridden his administrative recognition.
(X) Eggman Nega: Hehehehehe…. everything that belongs to you is mine now… maybe soon you’ll be seeing those annoying minions of yours…
Eggman gasped
(X) Eggman: Wait… are you telling me… YOU were responsible for the destruction of Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun…?
(X) Eggman Nega: Oh no, they’re not destroyed or at least… not at the time I saw them… when I was traveling between the Sol Dimension and here… I… swapped places you could say… in theory they could still be functional… if a certain pirate I know hasn’t turned them into scrap by now… HEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEEEE
But yes, I lit fire to your base to mask the illusion that a certain pyrokinetic cat was responsible… but now that I’ve gotten access to your entire arsenal… you’re as good as useless… or perhaps DEAD is the better answer! EGG PAWNS, DESTROY HIM!
On that cue Eggman ran, being chased by his own creations through the station’s hallways. Though a moment later, Nega facepalms
(X) Eggman Nega: Dang it… I forgot he had the final few emeralds… no matter… if his dumb robots fail to destroy him it’ll just be all the more of a test for the Egg Salamander…
He looks maliciously at the plant in the cylinder
(X) Eggman Nega: And you little girl… are about to be my key to ruling the universe! HEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEEEEE!
Eggman managed to dodge traps along the hallways. While hiding, he managed to find a laser weapon as self defense. Shooting any egg pawns in his way, he finally got to the docking bay where his Eggmobile was stationed. He activated it and got himself out of the base. But he wasn't safe yet as the station's outer cannons began to fire at him as the space station also started to lift into the air. Eggman managed to expertly dodge most, but eventually a stray shot damaged the thrusters. And Eggman was forced to brace for a crash landing…
Not far off, Knuckles and Blaze were running together searching for Sonic and the others before a sudden shake on the ground spooked both of them. As they saw a ship in the shape of Eggman’s head begin to lift off. As well as the ships firing… at what seemed to be Eggman himself?!
(X) Knuckles: Is that Dr. Eggman being attacked by his own ship?!
Blaze quickly deduced what was going on.
(X) Blaze: Eggman Nega must have decided he has no use for him anymore. Figures their egos would eventually butt heads.
They watched the smoke trail of the Eggmobile as it was sent down to crash-land.
(X) Knuckles: As much as he probably deserves it, I say we question him to see what’s going on…
Blaze and Knuckles ran to where they last saw the trailing smoke of the Eggmobile. As they approached the wreck of the small ship. Knuckles raised his fists in case Eggman tried to pull something.
(X) Knuckles: …Eggman? What’s going on here?
The doctor gasped, and seemed to be oddly happy to see the red echidna.
((Eggman sprite credited to FinalBeyond))
(X) Eggman: Knuckles! Am I so glad to see you! Always been the friend of Sonic’s I can count on the most!
Knuckles crossed his arms and frowned
(X) Knuckles: …You mean all those times you tricked me? Mr. “I was just about to consume this delicious banana!”
Blaze tilted her head and raised an eyebrow
(X) Blaze: …Do I want to know what that was about?
(X) Eggman: Blaze! You’re here too! Also great! Because… I’d like to apologize…
This puzzled both Knuckles and Blaze
(X) Eggman: You weren’t the one who lit fire to my base… I know that now…
Blaze just crossed her arms
(X) Blaze: I have been telling you that ever since the first time you attacked me! It took you this long to realize I didn’t do anything?!
(X) Eggman: Nega had a charisma about him that felt trustworthy… I mean he did look like me after all… but he was behind it all the entire time… he… also told me that Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun were not destroyed but rather sent to the Sol Dimension… though who knows if they’ve survived this long over there… But regardless! He tried to kill me! He has control of my entire army! And he’s gone insane! I need the both of you, Sonic, and all of the rest of your furry friends to do what you always did against me against him!
Knuckles snarked
(X) Knuckles: Sounds like you know now how it’s like to get tricked! Hahahaha!
Eggman grumbled
(X) Eggman: Grrrr, laugh all you want Knuckles… but perhaps I should have led with the fact I have something for Blaze that might convince you for sure that I want Nega taken down now!
(X) Blaze: Huh? Something for me?
Eggman put a hand into his pocket and took out the final 2 Sol Emeralds, and tossed them into Blaze's claws.
(X) Eggman: For you, Blaze. I still had these with me while escaping. You should now have all the Sol Emeralds!
Blaze gasped
(X) Blaze: Wait, you’re serious?!
Eggman simply nodded, and also pulled out a purple Chaos Emerald, tossing it over into Knuckles’ gloves.
(X) Eggman: I also have the last Chaos Emerald for Sonic and something dire to tell Tails…
Knuckles stood there stunned.
(X) Knuckles: Well then… I suppose that's proof enough that you’re on our side this time… but don’t you think about using this particular time to trick me the next time! I’ll be watching you!
(X) Eggman: Of course, of course! (No promises on that, however!)
Blaze got an idea, pulling out a piece of strong rope.
(X) Blaze: Let’s use this to cuff Eggman’s hands. Sonic and the others will probably be more receptive to talking with Eggman if they believe he’s our prisoner.
(X) Knuckles: Good idea.
Eggman actually let them tie his hands without resistance, completely willing to comply with Sonic and the others until Nega was defeated. And should he happen to be tossed into a prison cell… he knows he’d find a way out, somehow.
(X) Blaze: I guess now we should try to find Sonic…
She lowered her head
(X) Blaze: And Cream as well…
Eggman seemed confused
(X) Eggman: Wait, I thought you two were tight friends by now? Am I wrong?
(X) Knuckles: She and Cream had a bit of a falling out due to a misunderstanding. If you talked with Sonic at all at any recent point you know that other Cosmo that appeared out of nowhere? Blaze assumed she was the Cosmo that went into space with us, and thus she thought Cream had been faking her death all for sympathy points.
(X) Eggman: Oh… well that would have made kidnapping Cream awkward… Blaze might not have even shown up!
Blaze gasped
(X) Blaze: You were going to use Cream as a hostage all to fight me again?! Why do that to such a little girl?!
(X) Eggman: Hey, I might not be Nega level evil. But I’m still evil! It wouldn’t have even been the first time I kidnapped Cream!
(X) Knuckles: I sure hope unlike last time you kidnapped her Chaos Control doesn’t warp us again…
Blaze raised an eyebrow
(X) Blaze: It sure sounds like you and the others have been through some strange adventures…
(X) Knuckles: You don’t even know the half of it…
Blaze, Knuckles, and Eggman then traveled together to catch up with Sonic and the others.
X Sonic had just returned with the 6th Chaos Emerald, the light blue one, and he had just heard what X Tails, CHZ Cosmo, Amy, and Team Chaotix did while they were gone.
(X) Sonic: Way to go everyone! I’m quite proud all of you put one-up on Eggman while I got the emerald! Especially you, best buddy!
He patted Tails on the head, with the little fox smiling pridefully.
(X) Sonic: So Cosmo, now that we only have one emerald left. Do you know where the last one will be?
CHZ Cosmo jogged her memory a bit
(CHZ) Cosmo: Well… the awkward thing is the last one was on a big space station that looked…
She looked up in the sky, and gasped.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Exactly like that!
Sure enough, far up in the distance was a purple ship in the shape of Eggman’s face floating high up in the sky.
(X) Sonic: Ha! Right on cue, we can use the X Tornado to get up there! Isn’t that right, Tails?
(X) Tails: You bet!
(X) Amy: And me and Cream can provide supporting fire with our spaceships as you head on the way there!
(X) Cream: I’ll gladly help out the best I can… although, I do need to check up with my mother so she knows I’m ok. My spaceship is in the garage anyway, so I need to get home regardless…
(CHZ) Cosmo: Of course, Cream. I do suggest you have someone to go with you though. I don’t know if Eggman might try to take you again.
Vector enthusiastically raised his hand
(X) Vector: Ooh! Ooh! Me and the boys will gladly escort Cream back home! Pick me!
Espio deadpanned
(X) Espio: You’re just volunteering because you know this means you get to see Vanilla again… aren’t you?
(X) Charmy: You’re so predictable…
(X) Vector: Shuuuuuusshhhhhh!
Cream giggled
(X) Cream: Ok! You three can go with me!
Vector couldn't contain his excitement
(X) Vector: Hooorraaaaaaaaaaay!
He picked up Cream and Cheese, and placed them on top of his head.
(X) Vector: To Ms. Vanilla’s abode! Post-haste!
(X) Cream: I’ll be back soon everyone!
Cream and Team Chaotix left the group, while the rest started towards Tails’ house. Though on the way there. they are found by Knuckles and Blaze, with Eggman in tow.
(X) Knuckles: Yo! Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Cosmo!
(X) Sonic: Hey Knuckles! …And Blaze…? AND EGGMAN?! Please don’t tell me Eggman tricked you into doing something for him again…
Amy had already drawn her hammer in anticipation for Eggman trying something funny
(X) Blaze: Hold on everyone… Eggman surrendered to me and Knuckles. As you can see, his hands are tied…
Eggman turned around to show that a rope was wrapped tight around his gloves. He then turned around to face Sonic.
(X) Eggman: I’ll understand any skepticism any of you show, but I have no means to attack even if I wanted to! What’s more… you’re probably looking for the last Chaos Emerald.
(X) Sonic: Hmmph, are we going to have to make you talk to tell us where it is?
(X) Knuckles: There’s no need, Sonic. He actually gave me the last emerald as he surrendered.
Knuckles pulled out the purple Chaos Emerald, the last one they needed. Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Cosmo all gasped. Though before they could celebrate, Sonic began to wonder something.
(X) Sonic: How do you know that this isn’t a fake emerald? After all, we tried that trick on him during the ARK. Not to mention he could have studied the Metarex’s own fake emeralds to make his own!
(CHZ) Cosmo: Well, won’t all you have to do is check how it responds to the other 6? Just make sure the emeralds don’t activate before Sonic needs to become Super Sonic…
Sonic put the six he had on the ground and Knuckles kept hold of the seventh. Sure enough, they glowed identically, seeming to confirm that this was the real one.
(X) Tails: Seems like it’s true, Eggman has given us the final emerald!
(X) Eggman: Hmmph, all of you sure have trust issues…
Knuckles deadpanned
(X) Knuckles: You think?!
(X) Blaze: Eggman also gave me the last two Sol Emeralds. So our quest is complete now, I suppose…
(X) Sonic: I guess that’s proof enough that Eggman is helping us… but why?
Eggman’s face turned serious
(X) Eggman: Nega betrayed me, he took over my army, he revealed HE was the one that sent Bocoe, Decoe, and Bokkun away… and… Tails… I’m afraid I have some bad news for you…
The young fox gasped, worried about exactly what Eggman had to tell him.
(X) Eggman: The plant you have back home… the seedling that represents the memory of the Cosmo that sacrificed herself for us all… was taken by Nega… as a new power source for the Egg Salamander…
Tails immediately froze up, his pupils shrunk to nearly the size of a millimeter.
(X) Tails: W-w-w-what…
The rest of the group also gasped.
(X) Amy: Oh no! Not our Cosmo!
(CHZ) Cosmo: P-p-p-power source?!
(X) Sonic: No… Tails…
Sonic immediately walked over to Tails’ side. Knowing he wasn’t going to take this well.
(X) Tails: No… nonono… NO NO NO NO NOOOOOO! YOU HAVE TO BE LYING! THIS BETTER BE JUST ANOTHER OF YOUR LIES!
The doctor lowered his head
(X) Eggman: I’d like to say I am… listen, I tried to get it back…
(X) Tails: SHE’S NOT AN IT! THAT PLANT IS HER, EGGMAN!
(X) Eggman: Whoa hey! I didn’t mean anything by that! But what do you mean that the plant IS her? Just in a metaphorical sense or…
(CHZ) Cosmo: Doctor… the plant is this universe’s incarnation of me thoroughly and literally. She has been slowly regenerating herself this entire time. Sonic and Shadow were actually successful in saving her, but it’ll still take a while… and that’s… assuming the plant stays healthy and safe...
Eggman gasped
(X) Eggman: If… that’s the case… then… her life… may yet again… be in danger…
Tails eyes welled up with tears, and he turned his back, before he began to sprint back home. To see for himself if it was really true.
(X) Sonic and (CHZ) Cosmo: Taaaaaaails!
Knuckles, Blaze, Amy, and Eggman stayed behind, Amy’s hands covering her mouth.
(X) Amy: This… t-this is a-awful…
Blaze was distraught too, the plant was supposed to be her way of making things up fully with Cream. But Nega just had to ruin her plan.
After a long moment of silence, Blaze turned to Amy.
(X) Blaze: Do you know where Cream went…? I was expecting her to still be with all of you… I want to apologize for my… assumptions earlier… I was wrong to yell at her…
Amy nodded and understood
(X) Amy: Cream went back home, she’s being escorted by a trio of friendly detectives we know. Before Eggman showed up with the final Chaos Emerald. We were going to take our spaceships to help Sonic get the last emerald ourselves…
(X) Blaze: Ah, I see… I don’t know if she’ll forgive me in turn… or if I even deserve to… but…
(X) Amy: But nothing! Cream will absolutely forgive you! You’ll be tight again with her soon! Sometimes friends get upset with each other, and that’s ok! Though for now, our priority should be… finding a way to save our Cosmo… if we can…
(X) Blaze: I agree…
At Tails’ house, Tails has reached his front door with Sonic and CHZ Cosmo close behind. Tails immediately checked the window he left Cosmo… and it was true. She wasn’t there, and it absolutely shattered him inside. He fell to his knees, began to bang the floor with his fists, and his eyes were a fountain of tears. As if he was back in the depressive state he was when he still thought his Cosmo was dead. For all he knew, she might already be dead for real.
X Sonic and CHZ Cosmo approached the very upset fox cautiously. Not saying a word, but were there for support if he needed it.
(X) Tails: I… I failed her… WHY DIDN’T I THINK TO HIDE HER?! I was so excited that she wasn’t actually gone that I… forgot how much of a target that energy she still had might be…! This is all my fault… A-a-a-and n-now… I MAY NEVER GET HER B-B-BACK!
He continued to sob, the carpet below him becoming soaked from his tears.
Tails then looked up towards Sonic.
(X) Tails: It… has a possibility of happening a-again doesn’t it… with our Cosmo being a power source for Eggman Nega’s machine… it might mean we’re weighing Cosmo’s life and/or our universe… you’ll even be Super Sonic again… IT’S SOUNDING ALL TOO FAMILIAR! I-I-I-I CAN’T TAKE IT! I DON”T WANT TO POSSIBLY SEE HER DIE AGAIN! Or I suppose more accurately… for real this time…
Tails finally stood up again, but only to walk towards his desk and lay his head on it
(X) Tails: Just go… Sonic… do what you have to do…
Sonic could only look at his best friend with concern, though even he knew there was a chance that he might have to destroy the Egg Salamander while X Cosmo was still powering it if it was the only way to save both dimensions. He almost wanted to tell Tails if there was an opportunity, he’d try to ensure her safety. But he also knew he couldn't promise that. That was what hurt the most, he couldn’t assure him that it might end any differently than the last time their Cosmo was attached to the current threat. He walked out of the room, not saying a word, leaving only CHZ Cosmo and X Tails there.
There was silence for a little while before CHZ Cosmo attempted to comfort Tails.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Tai-
But she was quickly interrupted.
(X) Tails: I appreciate everything you’ve tried to do… but… even if you look just like her… sound like her… I have to consider you a different person. Please… just leave me be. Seeing you only makes this hurt all the more worse… I’m sure the other me that’s looking for you will find you… and you can proceed to have the life together… I’ll probably never have…
It broke CHZ Cosmo's heart to see this universe’s Tails like this again. But she respected his wishes and backed away. Closing the door, and heading out of the house. Sonic had already ran back to prepare to face Eggman Nega. While CHZ Cosmo thought to herself while outside Tails’ home.
(CHZ) Cosmo: (I gotta think of something… and quick…)
She thought over what she had learned about this universe since she got here, and any recent events that could help save this universe’s incarnation of her. She gasped, as if having thought of something that might just save both the day and X Tails’ heart.
(CHZ) Cosmo: (Unlike in my universe, this universe’s Eggman is now actively helping us against Eggman Nega… he helped build the Egg Salamander, maybe he knows a design flaw or some other way we can extract the other me out before Sonic and Blaze have to destroy the machine! I need to get Eggman over here now!)
Reinvigorated with hope, CHZ Cosmo ran back to where Knuckles, Blaze, Amy, and Eggman were. She is determined to help this universe’s Tails, and the other her, have the chance to reunite one day to be in true love...
While CHZ Cosmo and X Sonic and Tails search underwater for a Chaos Emerald. X Blaze and Cream have since gone together through the Water Palace, and the Altitude Limit of Eggman’s air fleet. Blaze has beaten Eggman twice more to get another two Sol Emeralds. She now only needed two more to have all 7.
It’s taken some time, but she’s gotten used to Cream’s presence as she’s gone on this journey. The bright and cheerful young rabbit’s personality and support has been more appreciated over time. She had intended on finding the Sol Emeralds herself and using them to bring her and Eggman Nega back to the Sol Dimension without involving herself with the locals. Having heard that Cream had lost a friend only months ago has changed her tune, at least for Cream’s sake.
Blaze was never the social type, but she had a lot of empathy. If letting Cream accompany her would cheer her up even for a little while she’s still dealing with grief. She thought that’d be better than declining her help. And she has been helpful in informing Blaze about this place, as well as many of Cream’s friends.
(X) Cream: I wish I knew where Mr. Sonic was…
Blaze sighed and shrugged
(X) Blaze: Listen, Cream. I already have 5 of the 7 Sol Emeralds. I don’t think I need this Sonic’s help for the other 2. I’ve done just fine without hi-
Suddenly a cheerful voice unfamiliar to Blaze but very familiar to Cream rings out
(X) Amy: Ooooooh Sooooooonnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiccccccccccccccccc! Where are youuuuuuuuuuuu?~
Cream smiles
(X) Cream: Oooh, Blaze! That’s Amy! She’s another of my best friends! You gotta meet her!
At this point Blaze just sighs and lets Cream drag her, she could force herself out, but so far Cream hasn’t brought her to anyone or anything unpleasant. There was Knuckles, but that wasn’t Cream’s fault. Knuckles came charging in and punching at Blaze first. She had to quickly bury him under some rocks so he wouldn’t be a nuisance as she searched for more Sol Emeralds.
(X) Cream: Hiiiiiii Amy!
The pink hedgehog turns around with a warm smile and waving towards Cream
(X) Amy: Oh hi Cream! I hope you’re having a good day, don’t suppose you’ve seen Sonic anywhere have you?
Cream nodded her head
(X) Cream: I’ve had a fantastic day, Amy! As for Sonic, we’ve been searching for him too!
(X) Amy: Wait, we…?
Amy looks to Cream’s side and sees Blaze for the first time. She gasps and eyes her suspiciously,
(X) Amy: Cream… Who… is… she?!
(X) Cream: Her name is Blaze! We just met today, but we’ve had so much fun!
(X) Amy: …And you said that the both of you have been looking for Sonic. Do I… have… that… right…?
Blaze wasn’t exactly liking the look Amy was giving her, Cream however is oblivious to Amy’s mood
(X) Blaze: Um, wait… Amy…
(X) Cream: Yeah! We’ve been looking all over!
That was enough for Amy’s expression to seem to develop a red aura, her pupils almost seeming to disappear. As a rage builds up as she pulls out her hammer. Lifting it up in the air above Blaze’s head in a clear threat
((Blaze sprite from a compiled/remixed sprite sheet by Sonic1093LQ))
(X) Amy: I’m only going to give you ONE warning, Blaze… Sonic is MINE, I am his ONE TRUE LOVE and don’t you ever THINK about taking him away from me!
((More after the break))
Blaze gulped and waved her hands
(X) Blaze: Aaaa! I promise I’m not interested in him! It’s only been Cream who’s been trying to get me to meet Sonic, she’s just been introducing me to her mother and her friends!
Amy still stands there breathing heavily for a little longer. Before in mere seconds she puts away her hammer and her cheery mood returns on the turn of a dime
(X) Amy: Then that’s O. K.! It’s a pleasure to meet you, Blaze!
Blaze stood there dumbfounded. Just seconds ago this girl was threatening to whack her mercessily with a giant hammer for suspicions of wanting to date Sonic. And the moment Blaze tells her she’s not interested in him. She returns to the cheery hedgehog she was before. Like a real Jekyll and Hyde.
(X) Blaze: (This girl truly isn’t afraid to show her emotions… in some ways I’m envious)
(X) Amy: Now that we’ve met, I’m afraid I must continue my search for Sonic! I’ve heard Tails has been following him again for the first time in a while too
(X) Blaze: Tails?
(X) Cream: Ah! Blaze, Mr. Tails is the name of another friend of mine! He’s a fox with, get this… two Tails! They allow him to fly in the air, like you’ve seen me do with my ears!
(X) Blaze: That’s… weird. But I suppose that’s just how this world works sometimes.
(X) Cream: He um… also had a special relationship with… Cosmo… and thus he’s been depressed for a long time… he took it harder than even I did… so to hear he’s possibly traveling with Mr. Sonic again is big news!
(X) Amy: Cosmo was a friend of mine too… I really, really, really hoped she would get to have a happy life on our planet… but… fate had… other plans apparently… and I hope Tails is alright. I’ve been worried about him… just more reason to find where Sonic is!
(X) Cream: Yeah! How about you let me and Ms. Blaze follow you, so not only can you find Sonic. But we can be there for Mr. Tails! Maybe even show him the rebuilt amulet me and Blaze glued back together!
Cream pulls out the fixed ruby amulet to show Amy
(X) Amy: D’awwww that’s cute, I hope Tails appreciates that you two did that. But yeah! Feel free to tag along! I’ll find Sonic soon enough!
Amy begins to run off yelling Sonic’s name as she continues to look for the blue hedgehog
(X) Cream: Let’s go, Blaze! She has what I’d consider to be a ‘Sonic Radar’! Wherever he goes, Ms. Amy will find him!
(X) Blaze: (Ha, I can’t tell if that’s creepy, or if I should just admire her devotion…)
(X) Cream: Today’s truly been a great day hasn’t it! We’ll be friends forever!
(X) Blaze: (I… don’t know about that… inevitably I have to go back to my world at some point… I’m not sure I’ll ever return here… will that… distress her… if I tell her that?)
Blaze looked away briefly
(X) Blaze: (Any ‘friendships’ I’ve ever had close to happen have been nothing more than a curiosity, my royal duties have been too important to pursue any personal relationships… but… I hope she’s right…)
Elsewhere, X Sonic, Tails, and CHZ Cosmo emerge at the coast of an island. CHZ Cosmo’s ability to create oxygen bubbles allowed Sonic and Tails to search the seafloor for the 5th Chaos Emerald. Once they’re out of the water, Sonic and Tails shake the water out of their fur. Sonic then lifts up the white Chaos Emerald.
(X) Sonic: Whew! 5 down, 2 to go! Thanks so much, Cosmo. Your oxygen bubbles make being underwater seem much less scary!
CHZ Cosmo smiles
(X) Cosmo: You’re welcome, Sonic! I’ve done the same for the other you from my universe many times!
(X) Tails: So… given you seem to know a crazy amount of details. From who Blaze and Eggman Nega are, and even where the Chaos Emeralds’ locations are. Am I right to assume that you’re not just from another universe, but also… somewhat from the future?
Cosmo initially reacts a little surprised, not sure if it’s smart to tell. But at the same time, she can’t lie to Tails.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Yeah… a lot of what has happened has lined up with what I remember. Although there have been differences. Vector and Rouge were not there when we were talking with Vanilla and Knuckles. So it’s not 1:1. But the core events seem to be unchanged, so as long as we stay the course, It’s looking likely we can achieve at the very least a similar, if not an even better result.
(X) Sonic: If that’s the case what’s supposed to happen next?
(CHZ) Cosmo: If I remember correctly… we’ll be meeting Blaze here on this very island. Although when we met her in my universe, the Tails I know accused Blaze of having something to do with the dimensional collision. In which she then fled in haste, saying she can handle this herself. If we can talk to her a bit more nicely, maybe Blaze and the both of you can start working together earlier than your counterparts in my universe did. Both Eggmen won’t know what hit them!
X Sonic grinned
(X) Sonic: Sounds like a plan! Let’s get moving then!
The three move further into the island in search of Blaze and/or Cream. While searching, Sonic splits off with X Tails and CHZ Cosmo to get a thorough look around the island. Near the edge of a forest, Sonic crosses his arms and taps one foot.
(X) Sonic: How can one purple cat and a rabbit be so hard to find? Do they know I’m looking for them or something?
Suddenly an all too familiar voice for the blue hedgehog is heard.
(X) Amy: THERE YOU ARE! SOOOONNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC! <3
Sonic gasped as the pink hedgehog glomped him
(X) Sonic: Gah! Amy! What are you doing here?!
(X) Amy: Looking all over for you of course, my darling!
As Amy’s arms are still wrapped around him, Sonic hears some nearby giggling.
(X) Cream: Tee hee, I told you Ms. Amy’s ‘Sonic Radar’ never fails!
(X) Blaze: (Heh)
Sonic gasped seeing that Blaze and Cream. He forces himself out of Amy’s embrace
(X) Sonic: I’ll be right back, Amy…
(X) Amy: Huh? What’s happen-
In mere seconds, Sonic has brought X Tails and CHZ Cosmo. The both of them a bit surprised themselves to have been picked up and brought here so suddenly.
(X) Cream: Oh hey it’s Mr. Tai-
Cream’s expression instantly changes upon seeing what appeared to be Cosmo. Her pupils shrink to the size of a fly, she stands up straight with a frozen expression. Amy gasps in shock. As much as she had been searching for Sonic, the appearance of Cosmo seems to override everything in Amy’s mind.
(X) Cream: C-c-c-co…. Cos… mo…?!
(X) Amy: W-w-w-whaaaaa?! Cosmo… is that really you…?
Before anyone else could speak or explain everything. Blaze turns to Cream, eyeing her suspiciously.
(X) Blaze: I… thought you said she was dead?! Have you been lying to me?
Cream is still stunned about Cosmo’s appearance, but she did react to Blaze’s accusations quick
(X) Cream: She was…! Or… I thought she really was….
(X) Blaze: It even looks like she got a new amulet… so much for your ‘last memento’... I can’t believe I let you fool me…
CHZ Cosmo quickly raised a hand
(CHZ) Cosmo: Wait! Blaze, we can explain…
Blaze gasped again and seemed to have a rather focused and displeased look at CHZ Cosmo
(X) Blaze: …How did you know my name? I have never even met you! Has this just been one big scheme the two of you came up with so I’d let you tag along, Cream?! Maybe I could have already fixed everything without you slowing me down!
Cream did not like Blaze’s tone towards Cosmo and her.
(X) Cream: That’s not nice, Blaze! Maybe Eggman Nega mentioned your name to Sonic and Tails and then they told Cosmo!
(X) Blaze: After she had so suddenly ‘resurrected’? I would have thought they’d be attending a supposedly dead friend that came back to life then needing to do anything with me!
(X) Tails: If you’d just calm down and talk with us, we can explain everything!
Blaze turns her back and raises the back of her hand towards the group
(X) Blaze: No thank you… I need to find the Sol Emeralds. Not waste my time with liars and people claiming to be my friend… no one is my friend. That’s how it was in my world… and it seems like that will be the same here… (It’s probably better this way… so it’s not so painful when I have to leave…)
Blaze then runs off
(X) Cream: No! Blaze! Wait!
But she was already long gone as Cream tried to call her back
She drops to her knees, tears gushing out of her eyes, as not only is she dealing with what seemed to be the sudden reappearance of Cosmo and Blaze now thinking she’s a liar and a fake friend.
Amy crossed her arms with a mad look on her face
(X) Amy: How rude of Blaze! How could she say that about Cosmo and Cream?!
Meanwhile, CHZ Cosmo just stares with the most worried look she’s had since she got to this universe.
(CHZ) Cosmo: This… this was not how it was supposed to go at all…
Moments after X Tails called him over, X Sonic soon arrived back at the workshop. Tails waves to him with a smile.
(X) Tails: Welcome back, Sonic! Did you find the 3rd Chaos emerald?
X Sonic pulls out the yellow Chaos Emerald and gives X Tails a thumbs up. He had already left the red and blue ones here at the workshop.
(X) Sonic: Sure did, buddy! Now then… I recall you were oddly really happy during the call. I repeat, what’s the occasion, Tails?
(X) Tails: Ahaha, right… well, it has something to do with a certain guest who popped up out of nowhere while you were looking for the emerald! But I need you to not overreact, because they aren’t exactly what they seem like…
X Sonic raises an eyebrow wondering what his little buddy could mean. X Tails signals over to someone inside that they can come out and see Sonic. The blue hedgehog wasn’t sure who this guest would be, but his eyes widened and he gasped loudly the moment he saw a very familiar yellow cuffed green sleeve with pale peach hands.
(X) Sonic: Is… that you… Cosmo?!
CHZ Cosmo walked up politely and curtsied before the blue hedgehog
(CHZ) Cosmo: Greetings, Sonic!
Sonic stood there in near disbelief. He first runs up to CHZ Cosmo, waving a hand in front of his face making sure she was actually there. Even running a half circle around her and poking her on the sleeve. This startled her, but she remembers that he’s probably assuming she’s their Cosmo that presumably died.
As soon as Sonic confirms that Cosmo is really there, he gets a wide proud smile and runs over to Tails’ side. Raising up a fist for a fist bump.
(X) Sonic: Way to go, Tails! Sounds like either you found a way to bring her back, and/or Chaos Regeneration just took a while! Either way, it’s great to have you back, Cosmo!
Both X Tails and CHZ Cosmo just kinda stood awkwardly. Tails didn’t even raise his arm for Sonic’s fist bump.
(X) Sonic: What’s wrong, Tails? You got your girlfriend back, isn’t that cause for celebration?
X Tails sheepishly pushes two fingers together
(X) Tails: Eh… there’s a bit of a catch to it, Sonic… this Cosmo… is not the Cosmo that traveled with us. Before I told her all about it, she didn’t know a thing about the Metarex nor our adventures on the Blue Typhoon!
(X) Sonic: Wha… huh?! Did… she lose her memories like a certain grumpy hedgehog?
(X) Tails: That’s what I assumed too at first, but she knew our names despite never knowing about the Metarex!
(CHZ) Cosmo: Tails is correct, Sonic. I’m from a different universe that is similar in a number of ways but likely quite different in others. I know another you, another Tails, and many others quite well back in my universe.
X Sonic scratches his head trying to process all this. A Cosmo from a different dimension appearing alongside a mysterious purple cat as well as two eggmen has gotten him all mind flooded.
(X) Sonic: This situation is getting nuts… but let’s try to keep it simple for now.
Even if you aren’t the Cosmo that traveled with us, I give you a hearty welcome. Though I have a feeling something else is up with you, Tails. Because if she isn’t the Cosmo we knew, then you’d be all sad again since you’d know she has to find her way back, while the Cosmo from our universe is still… well, you know…
X Tails does tilt his head to frown a bit, but picks his head up soon after.
(X) Tails: Well, that’s because this Cosmo gave me some potentially good news about our own Cosmo. She asked if she could touch the seedling earlier, and she ended up feeling a crazy strong life force that made her amulet glow as bright as a star! Do you know what this means, Sonic?!
X Sonic scratches his head
(X) Sonic: I’d like to say I do… buuuuut… I don’t. Care to explain?
(X) Tails: It means it’s very possible our Cosmo is still alive! You may have been at least half right when you said Chaos Regeneration is just taking a while. The other Cosmo hypothesized that the life force she felt is a combination of Cosmo’s still living life force combined with positive energy from the Chaos Emeralds! If she’s right, our Cosmo will come back to us some day! It’s just more than likely going to take years before she does.
X Sonic now understood why X Tails was all giddy again
(X) Sonic: I see now! Even if it may take a while, that’s gotta be the best news I’ve heard in a long time.
X Tails smiles with a determined look
(X) Tails: I will do whatever it takes no matter how long! But yes… I am so so so soooo relieved that she may have been saved after all… thanks to you, Sonic!
X Tails walked up to X Sonic to give him a quick, tight hug. The blue hedgehog smiled and patted Tails on the back
(X) Sonic: You’re welcome, Tails. I do wish it’d bring her back faster, but at least we know it might have worked at all.
CHZ Cosmo tilting her head and smiling at the sight.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Do you think you’ll be thanking Shadow too, Tai-
CHZ Cosmo is interrupted fast with a very blunt reply
(X) Tails: No… he doesn’t deserve it…
CHZ Cosmo gasped
(CHZ) Cosmo: But… why?
(X) Tails: I’ll… tell you later… but just know… I’d rather never see him again… let’s put it that way…
CHZ Cosmo was stunned to hear that this Tails seems to have some bad blood between him and Shadow here. She decides it’s best to wait til’ X Tails was ready to tell her about this universe’s Shadow. Tails at least decides to give a sort of hint
(X) Tails: I… take it the Shadow in your universe was much nicer to you?
CHZ Cosmo nodded
(CHZ) Cosmo: Of course, I owe so much to the Shadow I knew…
X Tails sighed
(X) Tails: Well, I’m glad your Shadow never did anything that I witnessed him do here…
An awkward silence follows, before CHZ Cosmo spoke to X Sonic.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Oh, Sonic. I overheard during your call with Tails at some point that you saw a purple cat girl. Is that correct?
X Sonic nodded
(X) Sonic: Yeah, that cat’s pretty mysterious. I don’t expect you to know too much since you’re from a different universe, but we’re trying to get to the bottom of it.
(CHZ) Cosmo: …Actually, Sonic. I might be able to help you on this more than you’d think. I can even tell you her name!
((More after the break))
Both X Sonic and Tails react in surprise that this Cosmo might know who the cat girl is.
(X) Tails: Really, Cosmo?! You know the cat girl that Sonic saw?
(CHZ) Cosmo: nods Indeed I do, she goes by the name Blaze. She’s a princess of what’s called the Sol Dimension
(X) Sonic: Blaze, huh… Is she… a friend? Or is there any reason we should worry about her?
(CHZ) Cosmo: Oh, she’s for sure a friend! At least the one I knew anyway. It’s probably more likely this is a different Blaze, especially if she wasn’t with my universe’s Tails and Cream. But just in case she is actually looking for me alone. We should try to catch up with her soon.
(X) Tails: That would be a relief to get you back home as soon as possible.
(CHZ) Cosmo: But what worries me is Sonic mentioning the other Eggman. Because if she is my universe’s Blaze, then that might mean my universe’s Eggman Nega might have followed her…
(X) Sonic: Wait… Eggman Nega… that’s the name of that other Eggman! You know about him too?!
The both of them blink with wide-eyed stares as they seem to have lucked into a source about the current situation.
(CHZ) Cosmo: Yes, he’s from the same dimension Blaze is from. If you can believe it, Eggman Nega is even worse than Dr. Eggman. And I know that’s saying a lot… Nonetheless, he’s not any more successful. As long as we have you and the others, we can defeat both of them.
(Hm, speaking of which I need to make sure of something. Because some of these events surrounding Blaze and Eggman Nega are starting to sound a little… too familiar to me)
Pardon if I’m rushing you both, but I highly suggest you go to Cream’s house next.
(X) Sonic: Hm, why Cream’s house?
(CHZ) Cosmo: Just… trust me on this one. It’ll make sense soon enough.. (This is to make absolutely sure whether this is history repeating but in a different universe or not…)
Both X Sonic and X Tails look at each other before shrugging. They may as well listen to this other Cosmo. After all, she knew about both Blaze and Eggman Nega.
The three of them run off to X Cream’s house, X Tails knocks on the door, and he’s greeted by Cream’s mother, Vanilla.
(X) Vanilla: Oh dear, Tails... It’s been so long since I’ve seen you… are you doing ok?
(X) Tails: I’m fine, Ms. Vanilla. I actually feel a lot better than when you last saw me. For reasons that’ll be obvious soon enough
Vanilla looks at the young fox with some motherly concern, as she knows he’s been through a lot. She’s been heartbroken enough having to comfort Cream about what she still presumes was the death of what had been a new best friend.
(X) Vanilla: That’s good to hear, Tails… I wonder what’s cheered you u- *GASP*
Vanilla finally catches with her eyes not only Sonic from behind Tails but what seems to be Cosmo, she had seen her briefly on the day she first crash landed, but she had learned how much Cream cared about her from all the photos from the journey in the Blue Typhoon and the drawings in her daughter’s journal.
(X) Vanilla: OH MY?! Are you… you’re Cosmo right…? Were you… brought back to life somehow...? My my my, if only Cream wasn’t currently away right now…
(X) Tails: It’s… a bit of a long story, Vanilla. But uh… it’s not as simple as it looks.
CHZ Cosmo curtsies before the motherly rabbit
(CHZ) Cosmo: Hello, Ms. Vanilla. Tails is right. I’m afraid I’m not the same Cosmo that your daughter traveled with… allow me to explain…
Some time is taken to explain to Vanilla what’s happened thus far
(X) Vanilla: Well, I must say so much is going on at once isn’t it… One question though, is Blaze the cat girl I saw Cream tagging along with not too long ago?
(X) Sonic: Wait, you saw her?
(X) Vanilla: Yes! In fact, Cream took her here not too long ago, and it went like this…
FLASHBACK
((Blaze sprite from a compiled/remixed sprite sheet by Sonic1093LQ))
(X) Blaze: H-hey! Cream! Where are you taking me?!
(X) Cream: To my house! My mother will be most delighted to meet you!
(X) Blaze: (I don’t understand… we’ve barely known each other for more than 5 minutes!)
X Cream drags X Blaze on over to her house, once she arrives. She knocks on the door, and her mother answers the door.
(X) Vanilla: Oh my, is that you, dear? Who’s your new friend?
X Blaze frowned
(X) Blaze: Wait, I’m not a fri-
(X) Cream: Her name is Blaze, mother! I found her while wandering the fields! She seemed lost, so I wanted to help her!
Cream’s mother smiled as Cream hops in joy, Vanilla giving a warm look towards Blaze
(X) Vanilla: Welcome to our home, Ms. Blaze. I hope Cream isn't being too much of a handful for you.
(X) Blaze: N-no, she’s fine… I… uh… do have some errands to do, so if you’ll excuse me…
(X) Vanilla: You look tense, I suggest staying here for some tea. Why not tell us about yourself?
(X) Blaze: That isn’t necessary, miss. I really should be going…
(X) Vanilla: I insist Ms. Blaze. The tea’s almost ready. I promise we won’t keep you long. Cream said you looked lost when she met you, why not take this opportunity to ask us about where you are. It might help you once you’re back to doing your errands.
X Blaze raises a finger to protest, but she lowers it as she knows nothing about the area. And if they’re being hospitable enough to provide free tea, she might as well stay a little longer
(X) Blaze: sigh Fine…
Moments later, the Tea was finished and served at the table. Blaze sitting in the middle of the table with Cream on one side, and Vanilla on the other.
(X) Vanilla: Now Blaze, any chance you can tell us what you’re here for?
(X) Cream: And if you can tell us what you are?
(X) Blaze: What… I am?
(X) Cream: As in… your job, Ms. Blaze!
(X) Blaze: My… job…?
Both Cream and Vanilla nod before the purple cat.
(X) Blaze: W-well… in truth, I’m… the ruling princess.
Cream immediately has stars in her eyes and a wide smile
(X) Vanilla: Oh my! I wasn’t expecting to have royalty here!
(X) Cream: Ms. Blaze! Or, I’m sorry… PRINCESS Blaze! Does this mean you have a kingdom?! Do you sing? Oh, and maybe a prince you have a crush on?!
Cream was so giddy with her questions for her new royal friend
(X) Blaze: Slow down, please! Also you can still call me just Blaze or Ms. Blaze as you seem to prefer. I’m not a stickler for being referred to by title or ‘your highness’. But yes, I have a kingdom. Though I do not sing songs nor do I currently have any romantic interest in anyone. I simply rule my kingdom and aim to protect it, especially from Eggman Nega.
Cream tilted her head
(X) Cream: Eggman… Nega…? What does the Nega part mean… Cause I’ve met that nasty doctor, but nothing about Nega Eggman….
(X) Blaze: Are you referring to that red coated doppelganger of Nega I had to fight earlier?
(X) Vanilla: Oh my, you’ve already come face to face with Dr. Eggman?
Blaze nodded
(X) Blaze: Yeah, he confronted me and looked quite angry. He accused me of setting fire to his lab, destroying many of his minions. Something supposedly happened to… what did he mention… Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun?
(X) Cream: *GASP* Did you really do that? …Did you really destroy those 3?
(X) Blaze: Unless I somehow did it while sleepwalking, of course not. All I’ve done since arriving here is fighting this Dr. Eggman, taking the Sol Emerald he stole, and then meeting the both of you…
(X) Cream: Sol… emerald?
(X) Blaze: They’re a set of 7 powerful emeralds that are important to my home world. It is my duty to guard them.
(X) Cream: That sounds quite a lot like the Chaos Emeralds…
(X) Blaze: *Gasp* There’s… a different set of emeralds here?
Cream nodded
(X) Cream: Yes! They’re powerful gems that many other friends of mine have used to save the day!
Blaze thought about it. The Sol Emeralds and Chaos Emeralds did sound quite uncannily similar.
(X) Blaze: (Wait, if both sets of emeralds are collected together… is that what this Dr. Eggman was referring to as “the ultimate power?”)
Two sets of emeralds, two Eggmen, this situation is taking a turn that’s making me uneasy. But I’m going to remain focused on getting the Sol Emeralds back. Whatever either Eggman wants, clearly will be stopped if I can get all of my world’s emeralds back home.
(X) Cream: You know, this sounds like something Mr. Sonic could help you with!
(X) Blaze: Mr… Sonic?
(X) Cream: He’s a super fast blue hedgehog with a lot of experience fighting Eggman, and saving our world in general! If you befriend him, maybe together you can defeat both of the Eggmen!
Blaze sips her tea
(X) Blaze: I appreciate it, but I don’t think I’ll need much help. I can do this all by myself. It’s my problem, not anyone else’s.
(X) Vanilla: Now now, Ms. Blaze. Cream is right, working together with Sonic would make your quest much smoother
Cream nods her head enthusiastically
(X) Cream: Just months ago he and many others helped save our entire universe from the Metarex!
(X) Blaze: Metarex? What were they?
(X) Vanilla: From what I heard, an awful army of mechs that wanted all life to be nothing but plants
X Blaze felt confused
(X) Blaze: Why would an army of robots want plant life to be the only lifeforms left?
(X) Vanilla: Well, from what I could gather from everyone who was there. Their leaders weren’t exactly robots, they were actually members of a race of anthropomorphic plants encased in metal armor. They in fact belonged to the same species as someone who came to warn us about them…
Cream’s face droops low, tears beginning to stream from her eyes.
(X) Cream: C-c-c-osmo…
(X) Blaze: Cosmo?
Vanilla walked on over to Cream’s side. Knowing how much her daughter misses what had been her best friend on the trip through space. Patting her on the shoulder.
(X) Vanilla: I know you still miss her, Cream. Grief, especially for someone who was so young, takes a lot of time to heal…
(X) Blaze: *GASP* Cream… a friend of yours passed away?
(X) Cream: sniff Y-y-yeah… C-Cosmo sacrificed her life for us… so that Mr. Sonic and the others could defeat the Metarex…
Blaze looked at Cream with a sympathetic face
(X) Blaze: I’m… sorry to hear that…
Cream hops off her chair and brings on over a pillow with what to blaze looked like broken red gems.
(X) Cream: T-t-this… w-was C-c-cosmo’s -a-amulet… that broke off before she s-sacrificed herself… besides this, photographs, and my journal… it’s all I have to remember her by… sniff
Blaze was silent for a moment, not sure how to cheer Cream up. The little rabbit’s heart was obviously broken from losing a friend that was only a few years older then her. If only she could piece it back together…
And that’s when she got an idea…
(X) Blaze: Well, Cream… would you like me to help… putting her amulet back together again? It won’t bring your friend back, but at least something will have been made whole again.
Cream wipes the tears from her eyes, and manages a smile.
(X) Cream: Y-y-y-yeah… I’d like that…
END FLASHBACK
(X) Vanilla: From there, Cream and Blaze put the amulet of the Cosmo we knew back together. Once Cream felt better, she told Blaze some of what happened while we were on Chris’s planet to Blaze. Once they finished piecing the amulet together, they took it with them as they left.
(X) Tails: Ms. Vanilla, Do you think maybe you can point to which direction Blaze and Cream went off to?
(X) Vanilla: Well who knows if they might have taken a detour, but if they didn’t stray too far from where I saw them go. They went to a town best known for its nighttime carnivals
(CHZ) Cosmo: (This is just about lining up perfectly with the events from when I first met Blaze… it’s clear to me that this universe is a bit in the past… Vanilla is actually wrong that Blaze and Cream went to Night Carnival, they ended up going to the Water Palace instead. But at the same time there was a Chaos Emerald that Sonic got, so we might as well maintain the course… maybe with hindsight in mind, I can steer things so that Sonic and Blaze work together sooner…)
(X) Sonic: Then we’ll all head off to the Night Carnival, Vanilla! Thanks for the tip!
(X) Vanilla: It’s my pleasure, Sonic!
Before the three can get ready to head off though another knock is heard on Vanilla’s door.
(X) Vanilla: Oh, I wonder who it is this time…
Vanilla opens the door, and is greeted by an all too familiar sight of a certain crocodile.
(X) Vector: FLOWERS FOR THE MISSES!~
Vector smiles with glee as he hands over a bouquet. A sweatdrop on Vanilla’s appeared on her head.
(X) Vanilla: Oh uh… hi, again Vector… thanks for the flowers! I’ll… put them with the rest…
(X) Vector: Of course, ma’am!
Vanilla walks into a hallway opening up a closet, the closest almost completely full of bouquets that were also given to her by Vector.
Sonic gives a wave to the crocodile
(X) Sonic: Hey Vector! How are you and the rest of the Chaotix doing? Are Espio and Charmy nearby?
(X) Vector: Well if it isn’t Sonic! The agency’s doing just fine, both Espio and Charmy are just chillin’ back at our home base. Though admittedly we haven’t exactly gotten a lot of new work since the whole Metarex situation. I imagine everyone here just wants to relax now that we’re safe from the end of the universe as we know it…
(X) Tails: Hi Vector!
Vector reacts a bit in surprise to see Tails, putting a glove on his chest with a more sincere look
(X) Vector: Can’t believe I didn’t see you there, Tails… So sorry about what happened t-
While Vector looked towards the young fox, the sight of a very familiar girl next to him, what seems to be the very girl that he and the other Chaotix had tried to matchmake Tails with on the Blue Typhoon
(X) Vector: COSMOOOOOOO?! NO WAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Vector lumbers on over to the other two, and picks them both up for a big hug.
(X) Tails: H-huh h-h-hey! Put us down!
(X) Vector: I have no idea how this happened, but it doesn’t matter! THE SHIP AIN’T SUNK AFTER ALL! Congratulations, you two! The wedding is still on the table!
Both X Tails and CHZ Cosmo sigh, the latter whispering in the former’s ear
(CHZ) Cosmo: I see that Vector’s just as overzealous about us as he was in my universe too…
X Tails just shrugs
(X) Vanilla: Pardon me Vector, but can you please let the children down. They were about to go somewhere important with Sonic…
On Vanilla’s command, Vector gently placed both X Tails and CHZ Cosmo back down
(X) Vector: Of course, ma’am! Apologies for the interruption…
(X) Vanilla: I should also let you know that Cosmo’s return is a little more complicated than it seems. They just told me themselves. For one…
As with Vanilla before, Vector is explained what’s been going on
(X) Vector: A purple cat girl?… Two Eggmen?! And this Cosmo’s not even from this universe?! What exactly is happening out here?!
(X) Sonic: Heh, maybe it’s a mystery worth looking into for you, Espio, and Charmy
Vector thinks for a moment before smiling
(X) Vector: That’s not a bad idea, Sonic! Surely there’s something only The Chaotix Detective Agency can uncover!
As if to encourage him, Vanilla smiles
(X) Vanilla: Good luck, I’m sure you detectives will figure something out!
Vector poses proudly
(X) Vector: Of course we will! No one can unravel a mystery of this magnitude quite like me and the boys! Hahahahaha! I’ll see you again soon, ma’am!
And to Tails, your future bride just has to regrow herself if I heard correctly. I can just smell the wedding cake already! And for the other Cosmo, I hope you’ve reserved a seat for the other me for when you’re getting married too!
Both X Tails and CHZ Cosmo just facepalm as X Vector takes his leave.
(X) Tails: Sonic you don’t really think the Chaotix will be able to solve anything about what’s going on do you…
(X) Sonic: Nah, me and Vanilla were just trying to get him out of you and Cosmo’s hair. We need to get goin’!
(X) Vanilla: Good luck all of you!
X Sonic, X Tails, and CHZ Cosmo wave off to X Vanilla as they set off towards the Night Carnival
