Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

On the outskirts of Central City was an unremarkable dark green van park at a gas station, on one side was a small teal fennec fox idly waiting for the meter to hit the amount paid for, whereas on the other is a black sheep staring up at the clear blue sky with nary a cloud to decorate it. The two had been verbally forced out of the Restoration by their electric companion, said tenrec had gone off on her own for her own self-discovery quest or some such. As far as these two were concerned, discovering who they were and are had led them to very different results.

Kitsunami desired nothing of his past, seeing it as a pointless and weak. What he was in the now and what he forges in this life was what mattered. While his programming was still insistent upon being a support to Surge, his time in the Restoration had given him more options to consider, and he was not blind to the fact Surge seemed to give him quite a bit of space and freedom to think for himself. He did not know if she did so for his sake, or for her own selfish want to be independent. It didn’t matter.

Cotta however despised what she is, seeing the “life” Dr. Starline forced upon her as vile. While having power wasn’t undesired, it was not by her choice. What gave her some solace was the path she was currently on, and how much of this “Lanolin” could be recovered. Though it seems some aspects of that sheep’s former self were not too keen, as if “she” wanted the familial bridges burned. Cotta had no context on why she harbored those sorts of feelings.

Yet for the black sheep learning that she was supposedly Lanolin did not bring her joy or miracles, no. What information the Restoration had provided on her files was simply a few details here and there that this Lanolin, she, had provided for the sake of a database. It told her nothing of who she was beyond that, it was so formal and to the point she couldn’t really say progress had been truly made.

What did Lanolin like? Hate? How educated was she? Was she actually friends with anyone? Was she attracted to anyone? Was she passive? Many more of unconnected questions went unanswered in Cotta’s head as she dazed at the empty sky hoping something would magically just solve all her internal issues.

And that wasn’t even broaching the relationships she’d formed as “Cotta”. Excluding Kitsunami and Surge, did she want to be allied with the Restoration anymore? She was currently on the fence with Jewel, everyone else there was just co-workers or associates at best. Did she care for any of them beyond that? Would Lanolin care for them? Or would she discard them?

Something in her head still screamed that she was always Cotta, an issue she could easily deduce to be Starline’s programming. But knowing that, there was little she could do but ignore it and drown it out with just about anything else. She safely assumed Kitsunami and Surge were no different when it came to that as well, she never asked, but she had a hunch the two wouldn’t even want to have that discussion.

The sounds of a click and thunk snapped her out of her thoughts. She was about to head back into the vehicle a resume their quiet travel to wherever Kitsunami had in mind, when a commotion caught her attention. A duo of brawny skunks making a ruckus as they tower over some canine kid. She supposed it was in her current job description to not let this sort of thing get worse when she could possibly do something about it. Maybe it was a simple misunderstanding of some kind?

She let out a loud sigh and lightly rapped against the side of the dark green van, signaling her departure from her spot. The responding noise from Kitsunami let her know he was paying attention in some degree.

Her approach was anything but cautious as she closed the distance to the skunk duo, she didn’t even have to clear her throat to catch their attention, they heard her coming and stared back the young canine they were looming over before was trembling as she closed the distance.

“I am Cotta of the Restoration, I would like an explanation as two why you two are seemingly threatening this kid.” she began their stare immediately shifted to glaring at her.

“The Restoration? A puffball like you? The place must be taking a dive if you are in it!” the shorter of the two skunks heckled.

“If you know what’s good for ya toots you’ll step off!” Then came the burlier one trying to sound tough.

“Think what you want. Answer my question.” she ignored the intimidation, wanting an answer.

“Clearly you got wool in your ears girl, back off! If you are in the Restoration, you’d know who we are!” the shorter one growled.

She had no clue. If they were in the record of the Restoration, they must not have left that much of an impression. Her continued presence was drawing their ire.

“We gave you enough warning to leave lady! Clearly your in need of a thrashing-” Began the darker one.
“-And we’re the one’s gonna put you in the trash!” The lighter furred one added.
“We’re Rough and Tumble!” The two then finished.

She had no idea what they were even on about as they posed at her, the kid they were harassing bolted during their posturing. Was there even any point to this then? It wasn’t a line of thought she followed for long as the two then rushed her with fists cocked back.

Oh, they were being serious about this.

They charged side-by-side, each throwing a fist at her; Rough’s left and Tumble’s right, aiming for her face. Without budging from her spot, their rush down was responded to with her leaning her head back just slightly, then swinging her forehead to meet their fists. The result was the two promptly making a high pitched yelp in unison as their fists hit the black sheep’s forehead as a series of rather concerning sounds was heard, causing the skunk duo to both recoil and rapidly make some distance to nurse their now potentially broken hands.

As she observed them hastily trying to soothe their throbbing hands, a sound near her left ear reminded her of her little wisp companion who was now disturbed from the impact upon her person. Quietly she apologized to Maggie for the disturbance then looked back to the skunk duo. They were side eyeing her, but it was all too obvious that the two were hesitant to act as she stood there, unbothered by their combined attack. Had she viewed the two as actual threats, it was likely the result would be far worse than bone fractures.

“Want to try again? Or will you surrender?” she crossed her arms and gave the two a flat unimpressed look.

The two glanced at each other nodded and promptly prostrated themselves as best they could with their injuries, blubbering for forgiveness.

Well that was excessive. A deep breath in and out, she let her arms fall to her sides, closing the gap between them again.

“So what’s going on? You two just mugging just about anybody?” While the kid from earlier did scamper off, she wasn’t about to let these two just off the hook.

“Er… well… it usually wasn’t like that… at first.” Tumble muttered.

“The guy we worked for before never paid us! And most people don’t wanna hire us!” Rough was far more talkative.

“If your actions here are any indication, I can assume you got a rap sheet, am I wrong?” To say she felt pity was a lie. These two were just thugs, putting them behind bars only made sense, and they likely found themselves there a lot.

The two skunks just groaned. The sound of light steps approaching made her turn away, Kitsunami.

“Ah, sorry for the delay these two were being a bother.”

He didn’t say anything at first, just took out his Kit Coordinator, swiping at its screen a few times before turning it for Cotta to see.

“They are on the Restoration’s record.” he then said.

Shocking.

“And how is it these two are still an issue? I would assume somebody would’ve had these two in a cell.”

“They have been. For misconduct, aiding known threats, assault, battery. It goes on.”

“Are they exceptional escape artists?” She knew the Restorations cells were capable enough to hold Sonic, so it shouldn’t have issue with this lot.

“No. Barely anything more than thugs. Often released or bailed out.”

“Why?”

“Despite assisting Dr. Robotnik, Dr. Starline, Clutch and more, they aren’t held for long.” She wasn’t thrilled to hear from Kitsunami report their employ under Starline.

“They aren’t even good at being thugs from what I can see.”

“Agreed.”

“Hey we’re plenty good at being minions!” Rough interjected loudly.

“Yeah! We’re great at it! We took over a town once!” Followed by the other one Tumble.

Kitsunami nodded in confirmation.

“That’s also listed, first act of villainy on record actually.”

“All the more reason for permanent solution then if they are repeat offenders.”

Both the skunk’s eyes widened at her insinuation.

“No you can’t do that!” Rough howled, while Tumble took a step back.

But for the slight motion of retreat Tumble made, she drew her wispon from it’s holster on her right hip, keeping it aimed at them. Maggie who had seen fit to laze atop her head was also glaring at them and ready to empower the wispon at a moments notice.

“Stay.” She warned, Kitsunami’s eyes remained on his device, never looking at her targets.

“This ain’t right!” Rough looked like he might try to attack her again.

“Yeah, you Restoration folks are supposed to be good guys!” Tumble added.

“Yes, well, I don’t think my superior would be too torn up if something bad happened to bad guys.” It was a bluff, killing was excessive in this case, but crippling? That was fine in her books.

“Also, calling us good might be pushing it.” Kitsunami clarified.

“Supposed to be heroes, Kitsunami.” At least she liked to think they were good at the very least.

“Agree to disagree.” the fennec seemed bored of this talk and turned to leave.

Even though they were a team, Kitsunami tended to gravitate towards Surge more than herself, though she had thought he had been getting better about it, and leaning toward independence. She’d ask him after this.

Both skunks then grumbled, it was plain to them they had no advantages here.

“Right then, this went on long enough.” Though off the clock, she was not keen on being unprepared. So, she did have handcuffs on her person but not muzzles.

Though what to do with them after the fact was something to address, did Kitsunami mind deviating from his path a bit so they could drop these two off somewhere?

“Alright move it you two, Kitsunami over there is the lead, go.”

Walking behind Rough and Tumble she gave what she thought was a light push to get them walking, but her light shove was still significant enough to make them stumble and nearly trip over their own feet. The glares the two gave her in response went ignored.

But beyond that they behaved as she escorted them to where Kitsunami had moved the van so it did not idle at the gas station. The back of the van was spacious enough for several people, but Rough and Tumble seemed to situate themselves within to take up as much space as possible. She supposed they didn’t have anything valuable stored in the vehicle so it didn’t really matter.

Shutting the rear doors, she walked to the passenger side and got in, Kitsunami had been quietly waiting in the driver seat the entire time, and started the engine the moment she got in.

“We’re going to need to make a stop to have these two put away.”

“No, going to Tails’ place.” he spoke.

“Why?” Sure she was a tag along for whatever this journey was, but Kitsunami didn’t need to be so curt.

Sure, she was not that much different than him, and Surge was by far the most vocal about anything, but it was off putting whenever Kitsunami was like this, even around her.

“He has means to contain them. Rather not have any more interruptions either.”

“You two suck at this prisoner thing.” Rough grumbled from the back, there were noises of affirmation from the taller one.

She was aware their prisoners only had their hands cuffed and possibly could try to flee by opening the rear doors from the inside, but if they were so inclined to jump out of the van when it was moving, well any following injuries would be on the two skunks entirely.

“I could shut you two up.” Kitsunami replied.

Technically she could too, but the effort did not seem to be worth it on this pair.

“Yeah right, a runt like you? While driving?” Rough began to guffaw, the noise was enough to make Maggie leave her spot in her wool again.

Kitsunami however was not one for leniency, as soon the loud laughter of Rough immediately became garbled as a watery sphere covered his and Tumbles’ heads making the two thrash in the back of the vehicle as Kitsunami continued to drive.

“They got the message Kitsunami, ease off on these idiots.”

The water did not dissipate immediately, in fact he held the watery spheres over their heads for several seconds more before letting them pop, leaving the two skunks soaked and heaving for air in the back.

There was good lull of silence as Rough and Tumble then shuffled themselves as far away as they could from her and Kitsunami. Any time she took a moment to look at them they had looks of terror, not quite grasping how or why any of this was happening to them. She would’ve felt bad for those two, but given her own issues as well as the nonsense of Sonic, his allies, and Eggman, it was getting hard for pity to be a thing anymore.

Central City would became a small shape in the mirrors as the drive continued on, an all too familiar quiet smothering the atmosphere as usual. Not even their captives wanted to yammer on anymore once they figured they were in the presence of monsters.

As the road stretched onward for what seemed like sometime, she decided to try to converse.

“Say Kitsunami… I kinda expected you to insist on tagging along with Surge, why didn’t you say anything?”

He didn’t respond right away, nor did his gaze deviate from the road, but she could see his mouth twist after she asked. It wasn’t quite a landmine, but it was definitely an issue.

At least that was her take on it until he finally spoke up.

“I very much want to help her with everything, but… You heard her, she wanted me to do something with you. Not follow her.” He then went quiet, the hum of the van’s motor yet again became the only prominent noise for a good while.

“I do not need reminders about yesterday. The fact you went along with it when she didn’t exactly order you to do this.”

“Because me being at Surge’s heel is what I’m supposed to do, right? I thought the whole point of all this was escaping Dr. Starline?” Kitsunami’s tone was definitely upset as his hand grasped the wheel hard. He only tolerated her asking because it was part of him to do so.

“Well yes it is, but the fact we are still a team even with the Doctor’s input removed shows how hard it is to ignore. I know I’ve been trying… we all have.” And for her attempts came baggage and headaches.

“I think sooner or later we will be doing things on our own. That is, if we want to truly put him behind us.”

She hadn’t considered that. Could they adjust as individuals? Be a face in a crowd? Could she adjust to not being Lanolin? What future would remaining as Cotta lead to?

And here she was trying to not think deeply anymore and failing miserably.

“What do you think I’d be good at?”

“Dunno. Leadership in some capacity? Law Enforcement? The only image I have of you is what’s been put into our heads.”

She groaned, letting her head lean against the passenger side window.

Kitsunami had no qualms letting the conversation die there as small talk was clearly something she was proving miserable at with him.

And there was nothing to talk about when it came to Rough and Tumble. Even if she asked about their involvement with Dr. Starline, they’d likely not know much, or probably have forgotten. They didn’t give the impression of being all that bright.

The drive to Tail’s workshop was now a weird atmosphere, and though she could see the mountains in the distance it would be quite some time before they arrived.

With nothing happening she shut her eyes to doze off, wondering if Tails would be surprised at what they bring to his doorstop.

Her eyes opened when the vehicle came to a stop, surprised how fast everything went by. That she actually fell asleep that soundly, when she wasn’t all that tired but her body did feel sluggish. Maybe she did need this break. Yet she couldn’t really recall a time she felt like this, even when Starline was around, strange.

Kitsunami opening the driver side door and exiting the van snapped her from her thoughts, and for her to follow suit in leaving the vehicle and head towards the back as Kitsunami went to the workshop’s entrance in what she considers to be “excited” for her small teammate.

Getting Rough and Tumble out was a non-issue, the two were docile for whatever reason. She thought they’d be more vocal or physically aggressive, but no, they came out and walked with her to the entrance as well. She supposed they’d done this sort of walk before.

Once the door opened though, Tails’ expression was anything but surprised, even after seeing her with Rough and Tumble.

“Hey Kit, Cotta! I was expecting you sooner, but uh, I see you had a delay, come on in!”

The two tailed inventor was happy if nothing else. Maybe having unexpected things on his doorstep wasn’t new for him? Was that also somehow Sonic’s fault? She did not want blaming Sonic to become a habit.

After a quick shake of her head, she decided that wasn’t important. After Kitsunami went in, she had Rough and Tumble go ahead of her.

The now group of five went by a rather cozy if cluttered living space and into an elevator that after a brief descent opened to a far more advanced and sterile workspace that reminded her of both Dr. Starline and Dr. Eggman.

She did her best to quash that off feeling, she supposed all brainiacs just had similar vibes when it came to their workspace. Looking towards Kitsunami, a thought crossed, would he also have something like this if given the time to make his own space?

The two foxes had been chattering the entire time, but she been paying no attention to it, all noise she barely understood after the topic shifted away from the Clean Sweep race and Kitsunami’s Extreme Gear.

“Cotta, have Rough and Tumble stand over there, please.” Tails addressed her specifically.

“Can do.” And she obeyed, lightly guiding the two into separate square outlines that the young inventor indicated.

From there they grumbled something, but it wouldn’t matter as near instantly as several vertical transparent surfaces with air holes encompassed the two and finished with a solid white top to finish. She supposed it was an adequate cell for the time being. Though she had to wonder why Tails even had something like this. As much as she entertained the idea that the fox somehow captured Eggman, it was more likely the opposite would happen.

Said train of thought did not get very far before Tails was calling for her to join him and Kitsunami and turned her back on the captives to join them. Finding it unlikely she needed to give them any more of her attention.

Chapter Text

Today was not exactly going how he’d planned. What he wanted was to simply go Tails’ workshop, it should’ve been a simple visit.

But no.

For some reason Cotta decided to play heroics even when neither of the were obligated to bother with the drivel, they were on break from the Restoration!

He did believe being in the Restoration was beneficial, though he did not expect Surge to start going off on her own. Apparently it didn’t take much to gain their trust after only few missions. And that wasn’t even touching his personal issue of failing to support Surge, to the point she actively left him behind.

Sure, they had even gotten closer to who they used to be, but that was much more desired for Surge and Cotta. He frankly was fine with the past being dead and buried.

Thankfully Tails wasn’t upset at him being late, he had sent him a message beforehand when Surge had them go on “vacation”. And he was excited to see all the things Tails had made, he couldn’t place if it was his own want to see the tech or the fact he was a doppelganger of sorts to Tails that made him giddy.

At least now the nuisances Cotta had apprehended were now taken care of and he could focus on what he wanted.

“So with that dealt with, I can show you around proper!” Tails was quite thrilled to have them around.

“I am aware Kitsunami here has been in touch with you Miles, have you been looking into what Starline did to us?” Cotta asked.

“Yes, but there’s only so much I can do with what fragments of data you guys took from him. In order to get the best results, well… are either of you willing to let me get a full scan on you? If you want to that is.” The young two-tailed fox was not going to force him or Cotta. Not that he could.

He didn’t mind, or maybe he did? It was hard to say anything right away and the expression Cotta wore was clearly one of discomfort, that was expected. Their memories might have faults, but the body clearly remembers what was done to it. And Cotta’s tensing got Tails’ attention.

“Right, uhm, there is something else. Cotta, if you don’t mind me asking, would you like me to replace those gauntlets? I’m sure they are all sorts of cumbersome.”

“Do you have something as effective to replace them with?” The black sheep asked, cautiously lifting her arms to focus on them, and hesitant to remove the armor over her hands.

“Yep! Well.. it’s something of a prototype really, but I am sure it’ll be more to your liking than those!”

Tails turned around and hurried off to fetch something in another part of his lab, it wasn’t long wait. As disheveled as it seemed in some places the two tailed fox found his target. At first glance it looked like a pair of gold rings that looked welded together, along with some simple white gloves.

“Aren’t these Silver’s?” He blurted out, the wrist bands looked very similar to the psychic hedgehog’s own.

“I’ll admit when I saw his I got inspired to make these, though they do not do anything remotely telekinetic or ESP worthy.” Tails replied to me, his right hand rubbed at the back of his head.

“Not to mention having the time to actually get them done. Having to save the world and stuff can sometimes be annoying when I have so many projects I want to finish!” Tails rambled for a moment.

“Will these actually work for me though? Dampen my strength?” Cotta asked refocusing the inventor, looking at the rings with scrutiny.

“They should! They were limiter rings to begin with, and when I tested them they definitely made me feel weak!”

Cotta hummed, unsure if she should try these prototypes, but after some mumbling she removed her right gauntlet letting it clatter to the floor below, and hastily replaced it with one of the limiter bands and did the same to replace the left gauntlet. The gloves were last and clashed horribly with her outfit.

For a moment she just stood there as if expecting something to happen, her confused look got Tails to get into her personal space to adjust the bands.

Cotta stood stock still, not wanting to move while her gauntlets lay on the floor before her, likely thinking that her strength was likely going unchecked.

He watched on though as Tails adjusts the back most portion, rotating it and soon the channel that ran in the middle of the band had a green glow, similar Cotta’s eyes. Was that intentional?

“That normal…?” Cotta asked looking at the glow that then slowly dimmed as Tails made his final adjustments.

“Yup! If it’s dimmed your output should be low, and if glowing bright you're at full power, see all you got to do is rotate this back part on each…”

He listened as Tails went on, Cotta tried her best to follow the instructions on how these limiter bands worked.

“Well... I don’t feel different admittedly is there a means I could test to make?” There was still hesitation on the black sheep’s part.

He considered suggesting heading back to Rough and Tumble and use them as guinea pigs, but nixed that, Tails wouldn’t be happy if a mess was made because the settings were off.

“Do you have scrapped badniks or something around, Tails?” He inquired, probably for the best to not let his first thoughts be known.

“No, well, I used to, but lately I have been sending most of them to Belle. I have some various metal plating around though, would that suffice?”

“As long it’s durable enough for Cotta to test the limiters on, yeah.”

“Right.” Yet again Tails meandered off leaving the two cyborgs to their own devices.

He could so easily tamper with things if her were so inclined, but there was no need to sabotage his relations with Tails quite yet. Though he was the doppelganger, he saw quite a bit of value in having the two tailed fox as source of information and ingenuity.

The fact Tails was also quite possibly one of the few sane people he knew made him quite a boon.

It was plain for him to see that Cotta was still quite uneasy with her new accessories. As she ever so carefully fiddles with it. Her touch upon the metal ever so delicate, as if using it for its function would suddenly make it crumble off her.

Soon the sound of something rolling caught his attention as Tails came back with several large pieces of metal upon a hand trolley.

“That’s... a lot more than plating you brought with you.” Cotta commented as Tails slowed his approach.

Cotta stepped ahead of her fennec teammate to start inspecting the veritable collection of junk Tails brought for her to effectively scrap while testing her strength. As she did that, he pulled Tails aside wanting to do what he came here initially for, aside from looking at the fox inventor’s gizmos that littered his workshop.

He had a few serious things to talk about after all.

“Awfully useful you had those bands around.” As much as he had some respect from Tails, being snide came out of him like if was his nature.

“Would you believe me if I said I had them sitting around and almost forgot about them?”

Another look around actually did make him believe that; aside from the assortment of redundant amount of tools in numerous place and what he thinks is a plane wing propped against a wall, several Extreme Gears in a corner, there did also seem to be weapons of sorts, though a bit odd looking.

Well at least it would work as a topic starter.

“What even is that rifle-like thing? Why does it have such a thick barrel and odd scope?” he asked, the gun was almost toy like.

“Oh that? I call it the Photon Eraser, it’s actually rather straight forward.”

“Photon? Does it erase light or something?” Interesting, but he couldn’t fathom a use for it if so. His ears flattened as the sound of metal being rent apart and a clatter occurred with a quiet ‘oops’ from Cotta following it.

“Not at all! And it’s range is rather poor admittedly, but anyway! It emits a burst of voltage as a means to disable a badnik and keep it one piece. Or at least, when I get a chance to use it that’s what it should do.”

He supposed that made sense, especially if it intent was to study the inner workings later on.

Tails’ face remained cheery, completely fine with the sounds of grating metal not far from them.

He couldn’t help but glare at Cotta for not being more precise with her tomfoolery, Tails picked up on his displeasure instantly though.

“Don’t worry about all that, trust me. I’ve had Knuckles in here before and well, Cotta’s method of finding the balance she wants is rather tame and gentle compared to him.”

Knuckles? He tilted his head, that name was familiar. Had Dr. Starline talked about him before? The Restoration’s databases probably had something. But, a face wasn’t coming to mind immediately.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“How’s the Restoration working out for you Kit? After hearing about your work with Clean Sweep I have been guessing things have been working out for all of you?” Tails broached, a look of hope in his eyes.

“I guess, I mean... Surge is off on her own following a lead that might be who she was?” He had sent some messages to Tails, but none of them really went too in depth or personal.

“That’s great! Or at least I hope it works out for her. What about you and Cotta?”

He looked at Tails with mild displeasure, but he supposed he couldn’t fault him, he was legitimately trying to help.

“I am better as I am now. And Cotta has been somewhat subdued after talking with Jewel.” He summarized, there really wasn’t all that much to know for certain yet.

“Better? So you remember…?” Came the response from the fox.

“Yes. I’ve noticed her lack of decisiveness, and at times she has this glazed look to her.” He did not want to clarify on his past, so he stayed on Cotta.

Tails opened his mouth, likely to pry more but he decided to keep talking and shift the topic.

“Aside from that, there was something in the former Clean Sweep airship I think will interest you.”

“Really?”

Rather than talk about it, he simply reached into a pouch on his left side hidden under his poncho and retrieved the dark blue Chaos Emerald, holding it out to Tails.

“You text to me about these things before but didn’t really clarify much about them other than being really mysterious and powerful.”

“Huh. Well, I did want to show you one I found, but kind of misplaced it so it’s good you brought it.” Tails takes the Chaos Emerald form Kit’s hands and for dramatic effect lifts it higher.
“So while I can confidently say I’ve had quite a few experiences with the emeralds, I regrettably do not have perfect answers for you. They do hold incredible power in them, but much of it is only accessible when all seven are together. Alone trying to extract power from them is rather difficult and niche use.”

“That so? Yet you act as if just getting your hands on one of them as a spectacle.”

“Because it is, do you know how difficult these are to find usually?”

“No? Clutch had it in a safe which I cracked.” It really wasn’t all that impressive.

“Well, its good you took it from him, but let’s just say these things aren’t where you’d expect. Like at all. Most of the time they hide themselves in an alternate dimension and make you go through weird trials.”

“Pardon? Are you saying they have sentience? And just alter space itself on a whim?” He wondered if Tails had hit his head at some point, or was possibly on something.

“Kinda? Its really hard to put in words where and what I’ve seen when collecting them before.” With that Tails lowered the dark blue Chaos Emerald and returned it to Kit.

“But in the end they are just a phenomenal power source? What sort of experiments have you tried on them?”

“Lots, and I can safely guess Dr. Eggman has tried various things on them too. Most of my attempts to scan an emerald tended to go awry getting a proper measure on any of them, and while I have used them to power things like my plane; I had to keep maintaining the vehicle in ideal conditions lest the emerald wreck it.”

His gaze fell to the large blue gemstone in his palms, apparently this was a rather serious thing.

But he did not dwell on it as he hid it under his cloak, as a certain lack of horrific noises made him want to check on Cotta. It did not take much investigation to see her observing a rather peculiar and abstract construction made from her crimes against scrap metal, and laying within it was her wisp who was lounging within its bizarre twists and turns.

“That’s a rather interesting result Cotta, are you one for art?” Tails commented on the metallic aberration.

He did not see it. Though he supposed Tails was likely just being nice, yet he had to wonder given Tails’ poor naming conventions if his mirror was just that out of touch.

“No, I was just trying to find a comfortable amount of strength when Maggie started gesturing at me and uh… I kind of just followed her direction and this is what came of it.”

“So our artistic mind is your wisp friend? Cool!” Tails suddenly was very focused on the ‘art’ Maggie had Cotta mangle into creation.

He really didn’t get it. It was just scrap in another form, it would serve better use melted back down to be used again for something with more function.
“I wonder if Sigma might find this interesting…” Though Tails was speaking softly to himself as while eyeballing the twisted heap of various metals, he heard it all too clearly.

“Who’s Sigma?” he asks as Cotta tries to extricate Maggie from the metal mess.

“Oh he... it’s... a badnik, or a former one.”

“Like Belle?”

“Kind of! It’s full designation is E-117 Sigma, I met them after crashing in a rather bad storm along with Sonic. Boy was that adventure enlightening. Sigma is acting as a guide of sorts to badniks that were discarded by Eggman and are trying to find a new purpose. Also, since that you mentioned her, I really should introduce Belle to the Scrapniks…”

Tails took a breath before continuing

“If you are free Kit, would you like to tag along? Like a field trip, pretty sure there would be a bunch of stuff to salvage still too!”

He had no interest at all.

“Thank you but no, Tails. It’s one thing to tinker and repair. But engineering is something I rather you and Eggman fixate on. I want to specialize elsewhere.”

“Like what? I’m going on a safe bet it will still be science based” Tails pointed out.

A part of him wanted to blurt out something not science related of left field to take Tails by surprise, but that wasn’t possible, not as he is.

“...Yeah, maybe chemistry?” Making a bomb wasn’t that hard, though he’d probably shouldn’t let Tails know about that. “Then again… maybe I could look into archaeology and go the opposite direction?”

Tails was looking at him with such wide eyes. It was creepy.

“Both, either, do whatever you want, be you!” Tails spoke up, louder than before.

“Yeah, if either have your attention go for it Kitsunami.” Cotta now spoke, her wisp nestling into the middle puff of her wool ponytail.

The feeling of being the focus of two like this was unnerving for a reason he couldn’t quite put a pin in, he was supposed to make sure Surge was the star, he was just a sidekick.

But Surge wasn’t here, and Tails seemed quite enthusiastic about him choosing just about anything.

“You don’t mind?”

“Why would I? Kit, I realize you are basically starting your life all over, and I’m not expecting you just be a useful tool for me, I don’t see any of my friends that way.”

Friends?

As if Tails read his mind he continued.

“Yes Kit, I see you as a friend, and really did mean it when I said I wanted to help you when we first met, you are under no obligation to be me. No matter what thoughts Dr. Starline put into your head.”

His ears went flat as he had a sudden need to stare at the floor. He knew this already. He doesn’t need to hear this.

“Tails, I tolerate you but spare me the drivel and focus on what needs to be done.”

Tails took a step back, a look of hurt crossing his features after his words got shot down on the spot.

“I... Kit…”

“Miles, let him have a moment. In the meantime, the scan you mentioned before… What exactly does it entail? Are we going to be put into a tube?” Cotta was now speaking

“No! It’s nothing complex. It’s just a spot you need to stand in, I just need some confirmation on a few things since Dr. Starline’s logs and data weren’t exactly intact.”

“And this spot is where?”

“Few rooms over, and could you please call me Tails?”

“No, that is not your name. Though If you prefer, I could call you by your last name, Prower, instead.”

Tails let out an exasperated sigh. Cotta wasn’t wrong, but she was formal he supposed, given that she always called him Kitsunami in full and never “Kit”.

“Why do you even like that nickname of “Tails” anyway, Miles? It seems so demeaning to focus on your literal two tails.”

“Well, I mean… it kind of stuck? And my real name sounds so boring and lame.”

“Lame, huh.” Cotta’s expression darkened. “How do you think we feel after losing our names? Even though I learned my actual name, it feels like a knife in my chest that I cannot pull out.”

Tails expression shifted dramatically realizing that Cotta was irate, but she was not done.

“So, you just want to be known by your distinguishing features? Those tails of yours? Is that all it takes to make you feel cool? Unique?”

Tails was panicked. How did he manage to touch a nerve on not just Kit, but Cotta too? Today was supposed to be fun and informative!

“I’m sorry, Cotta, but what do you want me to say? It’s something I decided for myself! I know darn well they aren’t all I am, but they have literally carried me through so many hardships, should I not be proud of that?”

She did not reply, just stared at him for good minute before shutting her eyes and rubbing at both her temples.

“Apologizes, Miles. I haven’t had a clear thought as of late, just… stuff in my head.”

While he was relieved things did not escalate beyond firm words, it was clear reminder of how very quickly things could get volatile. Not just with Kit, but Cotta too.

“If... you don’t mind, what is your name? Would you prefer it over Cotta?”

“Lanolin, apparently. I don’t look like, or feel like am I her yet though, so… keep with Cotta.”

“Got it, uhm... the scanner then... please follow me. Kit? That is, if you want to join us. It's not far.”

He heard everything, how could he not? Maybe Dr. Starline should have called him “Ears” the Fox and not Kitsunami… Wait, why was he even entertaining that thought? Surge was better with nicknames. Surge was good at keeping the mood from spoiling too.

A minute after Tails and Cotta made their way out, he went to trail behind them, simply following the sounds of footsteps to maintain distance.

Chapter Text

The room Tails led her to had dimmed lights and several computers along each wall. The machine meant for scanning stood out in the middle of the room as a flat circular platform with tube lights in a triangular pattern covered by mesh, the main platform also had it’s edges raised, and above it was a dome split in the middle, wires connecting the two halves.

Seemed over designed, but it probably made sense to the two-tailed inventor that had sat at a terminal nearby, large wires connected it to the scanner.

She been standing around as Tails went back and forth setting things up, Kitsunami had also arrived, but Tails was quite busy to not notice him immediately.

When he did notice he was happy for a moment before realizing things were still awkward and shuffled back to start booting up the scanner.

She had reservations still, and the idea of being put on a display didn’t sit well with her, but at this point backing out felt wrong and humiliating, so with a few steps she was in the center of the machine that hummed to life below her, as its lights below and above activated.

“So, uh… is there anything I need to do? Like removing my clothes or anything?”

“No! I am not going to ask why you think you need to strip. Just don’t move around too much.” Tails said quickly, his eyes glued to the computer.

It was oddly concerning to her how quiet the machine was, she had imagined it coming alive with a hiss of steam and cracking energy, but no. The bottom platform raised slightly and it’s outer rim detached and began to float upwards to her midsection, and from the top a second ring descended to be eye level with her, both slowly rotated in opposing directions as the machine continued to hum.

“As awful as what Dr. Starline did is, what I am seeing here is jaw dropping.”

She had only been in the machine for a minute and already Tails was seeing something?

“Anything you can work with?” She asked, feeling slightly warmer as she stood there.

“Quite a bit, and I am really regretting not getting info on the metal virus until now. I could’ve done something about it!” Tails voice had risen, she didn’t quite understand his aggravation.

“What even is the metal virus?” Kitsunami asked, trying to look at the same screen as Tails.

Even she barely knew what it was. When they had gone through Starline’s logs some time ago, what little she gleaned was that it was something that existed within her and did something with the cybernetics that was forced into her. Apparently it was quite an important something if Tails grimace meant anything.

Tails was quiet for a few moments, though if it was because of Kitsunami’s presence near him, or him trying to form the words, she could not determine.

“The metal virus, was at it’s most basic nanomachines. Self-replicating nanomachines that infected on touch and made people into zombie robots of sorts. Zombots. It was bad. Frankly had we not gotten the chaos emeralds Dr. Eggman would have pyrrhic victory in that everyone would’ve been infected.”

“And I take if that knowledge that the metal virus is in us in some capacity, the three of us might have some concerns with the public.”

“Big ones, the metal virus left a lot of trauma one everyone involved. Trauma I am sure Dr. Starline capitalized on.” Tails said matter-of-factly at the cyborgs.

Keep quiet about what makes them tick, got it.

“As I was saying, the nanomachines in the metal virus affected anything biological, and from Dr. Starline’s logs I know he used a variant for you three exclusively. The scan I am having you take will help fill in the gaps, aside from that it keeps you going and that you can’t infect anyone.”

“And then what?”

“I’ll get to that once everything in its place. I am not going to make assumptions or do anything that might do irreparable harm to you.”

She was sure if Surge was here the tenrec would boast that Tails couldn’t harm them if he tried.

That was not a wager she would take with the young engineer.

“You only won by the skin of your teeth, huh? That cannot be something you are proud about.” She wasn’t sure why she snarked at that as the machine around her seemed to go into quiet lull, but the rings had not returned to its initial positions.

“I’ll admit Eggman has gotten very close a few times, and I get where you might be going with this Cotta. I’m open to suggestions in stopping Eggman as much as anyone.”

“Even if my suggestions lean toward removing him permanently?”

“I understand that viewpoint, I am sure many feel the same way by now. But see, it’s not like we go out of our way to let him go. I mean, when I first started doing this save the world thing with Sonic, I thought Eggman might be “done for” once his plans got foiled in a big explosion, thinking he’d never survive it. Guess what.”

“He came back.”

“Yep.”

Well that made sense, even Sonic had commented that Eggman was hard to put down. She supposed he would know, after clashing with the doctor the so often.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to think of a way to get in his face to end him, no big booms. Just the end.”

“What like raiding whatever base he happens to be in and just repeat whatever you did to Dr. Starline, to Dr. Eggman too? On your own?”

“Not alone, no.” Kitsunami responded, taking the words from her mouth.

Tails looked between the two with a blank look then powered down the scanner Cotta was in.

“One thing at a time. I want to see what I can do with a full picture, after that we can talk anti-Eggman.” he said walking away from the terminal and to a computer on the east wall.

She felt Tails might be deflecting, but as the rings that surrounded her retreated to their original positions, she stepped out of the device feeling better it was over with.

“But for now, feel free to just chill out upstairs, raid the fridges or what have you. This will probably take me the night to get done.” Tails was focused on this, giving a lazy back handed wave.

Chilling out huh? That quite the undertaking for her, as was not too keen on having nothing to do, as grating as the workload as the Restoration could be at times, it certainly was preferable to having nothing to do.

Whatever the data he saw was, he certainly got fixated on it even when she looked over his shoulder, it was all jargon to her though. She soon found herself idle and looked for Kitsunami in hopes of getting something menial to do. But alas, he had suddenly made himself scarce. The young fennec fox had quite the aptitude for going unnoticed even without Surge’s boisterousness.

Going back to the elevator she ascended to the floor in which acted as home for the most part, living room with a couch and television, a small kitchen and restroom, it was less awful than the atmosphere of a laboratory she supposed, she could do her best to laze about like Surge often does at the Restoration, how hard could it be?

“This is absolutely going to drive me insane.” She spoke to Maggie who had adapted far too easily to the living space and just rolled her eye.

“I am not being dramatic, the programs on the television are all rot for the eyes.” The violet wisp made few motions toward the remote and then toward the kitchen.

“What? You think I should try to cook something that was on that baking show?” She supposed Miles did say she could help herself, but she did not even know what he had available, and she wasn’t feeling hungry.

The wisp nodded.

Once, she’ll do it once. And if it turns out she can’t cook, well at least the two skunks could be useful.

Taking a look through the pantries and refrigerator, Miles apparently had quite the selection around, which was odd to her. She hadn’t thought he would be the type to stock up on spices and what not, though he did seem to have a lot of carrots and assorted vegetables. And hot dogs for some reason. There was also some cookies wrapped in plastic with a crayon image of two rabbit faces. Strange.

She could feel Maggie’s stare on her back as she stood there, while she didn’t recall the recipe on TV from before, she might as well attempt whatever was on the channel now.
The host of the program was an otter who seemed to talk far more than necessary than getting to the dish in question, she didn’t have the exact type of fish required, just some packaged halibut slices, but she didn’t think it would matter, as she just had to just soak it in a marinade for a bit and then roll it in some breading to bake after that.

She could do this, it wasn’t complex, just do this one thing in order and it’ll become what was shown on the TV.

“Cotta?”

She snapped up straight and turn to see to see Kitsunami looking up at her. Miles was also here now.

“What is it Kitsunami?” she replied.

“What is all this? Rough and Tumble are in what Tails called a “food coma” and why did you rearrange the furniture?”

“One thing led to another.” She couldn’t really explain it after the fish bake she made herself busy thanks to Maggie.

The wisp in question was dramatically laying upon the head rest of a recliner.

“Are you feeling okay? You weren’t like this at the Restoration.”

“Well…” She was going to say something but Maggie started to make noises and gesticulate.

Kitsunami stared at the wisp baffled.

“I have a translator hold on!” Miles was also about to go off and get something but she opted to save them the effort.

“Maggie said; She, Cotta, needs activities to stay satisfied. I did what was needed.”

“You understand wisps Cotta?” Miles asked frozen in place, staring at me.

“No, I understand Maggie.”

“Maggie is a wisp.” Kitsunami pointed out the obvious.

“Yes, but she is literally talking to me, other wisps have not.” she thought of the wisps that hung around Whisper, they were quite attached to that wolf.

“But we couldn’t understand her warbles.” Miles spoke, indicating Kitsunami and himself.

“Because she wasn’t talking to you.” It made sense to her.

Maggie floated up towards the group to situate herself upon Cotta’s head, making a few noises.

All eyes were back on her.

“She said: You, Miles, ought to thank her as the room looks better this way.”

The two tailed fox only now taking notice of the rearranged room.

“Uh, thanks Maggie?” it was quite obvious from Miles’ tone he was simply saying it to appease the wisp.

“That still doesn’t explain Rough and Tumble…” Kitsunami muttered.

“I wasn’t sure how well I could cook, so they were allowed to be taste testers.” She said, to appease the teal fennec.

“How much did you make...?” Miles walked to the kitchen area which, while not spotless, wasn’t going to require that much effort to clean up.

“You said I could help myself, right?”

“Yeah, this is fine, I’ve honestly seen worse.”

“Worse? How?” She didn’t think many people used the place aside from his friends.

“Sonic can cook, but will absolutely leave a mess. Of course he does clean it just as fast as he makes it.”

“What were you making?” Kitsunami slid past her to also enter the kitchen, she opted to be less in the way as the kitchen was getting quite cramped with the two foxes now in it.

“At first just a fish bake and salad, then moved onto a berry pie that was on the program after, then next program had a rice dish I couldn’t replicate so made something with what was available. After that Maggie made me move things…” She recounted what she had done as the two went to help themselves to the food, likely having eaten nothing until now.

It didn’t feel like she did all that much but looking out the window apparently quite a bit of time did pass, the sun was going down.

How did so much time pass so quick? She barely did anything, and she certainly wasn’t having fun, it was a few minor tasks.

This couldn’t be normal.

“Cotta. Don’t speak, focus on me.”

She found her posture off as she stood straight and went stock still, looking upward to meet a singular eye, Maggie.

“You were slouching and shuddering, no one noticed.”

She what?

“It’s best you excuse yourself, unless you think you can manage?”

She didn’t feel sick, or at least she didn’t think she could get sick, or could she? A virus…?

“Cotta?” a young voice now.

“Yes Miles?”

“I just wanted to thank you for what you did. I can be kind of scatterbrained about eating so... I appreciate this.” He said with a broad smile and a plate full of the meals she made.

“Oh sure, I... I am getting tired, where exactly can I…?”

“There are rooms down the hall you and Kit can use, pick whichever.”

“Thank you.”

No sooner had she gotten permission she rapidly walked into the hall. She knew it was there, but never bothered to investigate, snooping around would be rude.

Miles said there were rooms she could pick from, but this was silly. Why did he had so many spare rooms he didn’t use? What purpose would he need to house potentially ten or more people?

A light tapping on her head made her choose the room on her immediate left, within was exactly what one might expect, a bed, desk, lamp, closet. Bare bones, but it was sufficient. It lacked a window, but she was actually glad for that as she shut the door and locked it behind her and stood in the dark room.

It wasn’t that dark for her, as she went straight to bed, she felt Maggie’s slight weight lift away from her head, and moments later she fell onto the bed face first.

She thought she wasn’t tired, but laying down was great, if slightly uncomfortable because of her clothing. But that was a problem dealt with within a minute of discarding the offending articles and getting under the covers. She should’ve checked the closet for easier sleepwear, but that required effort, and right now she could not be bothered.

Sleep did not come though. Maggie hovered down to be beside the pillow, facing her.

“Was that the first time?”

“No. Did it once before, your eyes were glowing as well.”

“I didn’t notice anything. How did you know what to do?”

“I didn’t. When I first saw you just standing idle you seemed so unresponsive, staring at nothing for several minutes. Then your eyes lit up and you shook. I tried to get your attention but no response. Then I ordered you to move things, and you did.”

“Huh.”

“That’s all you have to say? Do you know how creepy it was seeing you so… zombie-like?” Maggie was upset, but she didn’t feel a strong emotion to what befell her.

“Zombie? Miles used that word too, is it related to the metal virus? Or something else Starline related? Probably should’ve listened to Kitsunami and let him live.”

“Maybe, maybe not. Also too late. But, it’s a good thing you are here, the fox will probably have an answer.”

Maybes. Maybes weren’t good, but choices weren’t exactly plentiful when... but what if it wasn’t just her? Kitsunami seemed normal, but it was hard to tell. And Surge? She was off on her own, what if whatever is occurring to her, happens to Surge as well? How quickly could she get to—

A touch. Then more.

Maggie is doing her best to forcefully poke the side of her face.

“Am I doing it again?”

“No.”

“Then what was that about?” Sure, wisps had as much impact as a pillow, but it seemed so out of character for the normally laid-back wisp to suddenly be this familiar with her. When exactly…?

“You need to relax, think less.”

“Easier said than done when everything in my head will not be quiet.”

“Yes, well, your current methods aren’t doing you any good now are they? Let the two dorks figure things out.”

“Please do not take after Surge, Maggie. One of her is enough.”

“Maybe you need more troublemakers to deal with.”

“No, we are not even going to entertain that.” She had the impression Maggie was not being serious.

“I think there are a few candidates for your Hazards to consider?”

“Maggie... I swear…” Despite the conversation getting stupid, a slight smile crept onto her muzzle her eyes feeling heavier now.

“Maybe you should start swearing so Surge isn’t so left out?”

She managed to let out a snort of amusement before finally nodding off.

Chapter Text

The amount of time she slept was quite jarring for her. While she felt like she could and should sleep more, her common sense told her to get up and get dressed. Maggie had woken, her eye sliver open, but was more inclined to not get up.

Laziness was not a trait she approved of.

“If all you do is eat and sleep, you’re gonna become a sphere, Maggie.”

“Slander.”

She had no idea if wisps could get fat, but the insinuation got her wisp friend to follow her, if slowly.

Breakfast was already prepared by Miles, some veggie sandwiches and biscuits with jam. A glance at the clock on the wall really did reaffirm how much she slept.

“Morning Cotta! Kit is in the lab and I’ll be joining him soon, wanna come? Everything from the scan should be fully deciphered by now.”

“Was it really that complex?”

“I won’t lie, I did have another, faster method. But this isn’t exactly end of the world Eggman calamity, now is it?”

She felt slightly put off, but was there any reason to pressure the kid to use something more efficient?

Well, yes, now she did since her body has decided to get messed up in some manner, but she didn’t know that until after he scanned her yesterday.

But that wasn’t his fault now was it? Could it be? He did give her these arm bands… was it that simple? No… would he? A familiar weight perched on her head.

He was looking at her with an eyebrow raised.

“You good?”

“Yeah, just… morning stuff.” She lied.

“Gotcha gotcha, Amy can be a monster when she wakes too.”

And now she gave him a raised eyebrow. She had a feeling Maggie was too in some manner.

“Please don’t tell her I said that.”

“We’ll see.”

For some reason he was now smiling.

“What’s got you in such a mood?”

“Well we’re close enough to joke around, aren’t we?”

She wasn’t so sure about that. Her interactions with the two-tailed fox had not amounted to much to her, even if he was doing his best for them. She couldn’t even call Jewel a friend, so what did that make Miles? Did she even want to? Maybe Lanolin would.

Without replying, she went to get a drink in the kitchen along with one of the biscuits, in her periphery his tails drooped.

While she did entirely mean to brush him off, making friends with another of Sonic’s allies was not on her agenda, as the last one she thought herself close-ish to left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Reminded her of coffee, foul even when drowned with sugar.

“So, what is Kitsunami even doing? Are you not concerned in leaving him unattended in your workspace?"

“Oh, I left him to keep track of the analysis of the scan from yesterday. It should be nearly done, I also had him scanned just in case there were any sort of disparities.” Miles answered, seemingly not disheartened at the very least.

Her head tilted, the two-tailed fox seemed to clue in before she even asked.

“I wanted to check if the metal virus is exactly the same with in you two, and if it is I can safely assume Surge is no different, and hopefully that if there is anything I can do about it, it won’t have to be unique tailored to each and every one of you.” He blurted out rapidly.

“Okay?” She got most of that, he’s aiming for an easy fix that could work on all three of them.

At this point she had finished nibbling on the biscuits and downed the drink.

“Then let’s get things done with.”

“Before that, are you... okay?” The look in his eyes bothered her.

“We haven’t been okay since we got kidnapped.” On impulse alone she had answered with a glare.

Miles flinched.

“Yeah… let’s go then.” He quietly responded, taking the lead back to the elevator.

The ride was quiet save for the hum of the motors on the way back to the scanner room she had noticed Rough and Tumble clearly bored out of their minds as they were only had themselves as company.

None had noticed Maggie leaving Cotta’s head to float off and entertain herself with the two skunks.

Aside from that, there was nothing of interest as she followed behind Miles back to the scanner. As he had mentioned Kitsunami was in fact in the room now, though there was quite an obvious frown on his face, more so than usual.

It didn’t take much to realize the results weren’t to his liking.
“So, what’s the verdict Kitsunami?”

“More bad than good I’m afraid.” He replied tersely

Miles had quickened his pace to observe the results himself, to be a second opinion.

“Bad news isn’t the end, Kit; pretty sure it’s not a dead end or anything!” Miles spoke, likely from experience.

Or so she assumed. She really did hope Miles could do something about them.

He had begun to scroll and click away at things on the computer, muttering as he did so with enough “I see’s and “uh-huh’s” that she started to tune him out.

Was he actually that fast at comprehending it, or just showing off?

“So is Kitsunami right or not in his assessment?”

The sigh that followed was telling.

“Well... yes... there a lot of bad, and well worse news. But!” He exclaimed at the end before resuming. “The good news I can do quite a bit even with what I am seeing! Just not… reverse it. You three are likely to be cyborgs for life…”

“Well... I wasn’t expecting you to do that anyway. So that’s not exactly bad… but can you explain why?” Being cyborgs really wasn’t that bad, nor was it what made things awful, usually.

“It goes back to the metal virus that Dr. Starline altered for you three, it’s as vital as blood to keep you going, and what’s worse, if for any reason they don’t get periodic updates, you might as well be dead as much of what keep you going it tied to it maintaining your internal cybernetics.”

She couldn’t help but grit her teeth, so that’s what he was trying to say before Surge knocked him out.

“So he gets the last laugh? We are on a time limit without his updates?” Kitsunami spoke up, he likely knew all this much when he read the results, but still said it aloud.

“Yes. But like I said I can do something about it, it is after all just programming. At least when it comes to the metal virus. But in order to do so…” Miles turned toward them. “It will require you to trust me, and I realize neither of you want to be put into a stasis tube… But there is no other way for me to work on the metal virus unless you are well…”

She felt something well up inside her along with the impulse to strike the two-tailed fox, but Kitsunami actually growled at him teeth bared and eyes aglow.

Miles held both hands up face flat at them.

“Okay, fair. If it makes it easier I can do it one at a time so I am under watch by one of you?”

That did help, somewhat. Kitsunami still looked displeased but quieted down. Didn’t change the fact they would likely be deactivated, if briefly, at some point for Miles to do his work.

“Do we need to go back into that thing?” She asked indicating with a shift of her eyes to the scanner behind them that was used prior.

“No, that isn’t going to help with what I need to do, in order to work on you I need to use a different machine, it’s down one sub-level.”

“I am getting the distinct impression your constant skirmishes with Eggman made you just as mad as him. This place is already big enough.” The words came out before she really thought about it.

“Listen, I can’t have all my sensitive equipment right next to each other. Plus, Eggman does wreck my labs on occasion, so it’s means to keep things in tact, if I can.”

“I’m not the only one to criticize all this, am I.”

“Not even close.” Miles grinned and unplugged a thumb drive before making his way out, he didn’t say anything more, but she and Kitsunami followed him back to the elevator.

The trip down was swift as the doors opened to a single large room, with tiling she could somewhat see the reflection of her black wool in. The western wall had a line of four terminals with a standalone computer on a desk and scattered papers. In the middle was the machine in question, an oval pod that made her shiver, the northern wall was a large continuous black screen. After Miles and Kitsunami stepped out she looked at the eastern wall which had a long table and a couch for some reason. Glancing back at the elevator was another door not far from it on the left.

“Remind me, why exactly must we be asleep or in stasis in order for you to do this?” She asked Miles, but Kitsunami spoke up instead.

“We are easier to reprogram when asleep probably. Makes sense why Dr. Starline hypnotized us so often, hot fixing and patches.”

“That’s one way of seeing it... though for me it’s more to do with Starline’s possible safeguards and for your safety as well.” Miles then said afterwards.

She supposed that checked out, she still didn’t want to get inside the pod-tube-thing.

But she wondered something and fished for something in her left pant pocket, a photo of Lanolin she took from the dossier Jewel gave to her.

“Miles, when you are doing… whatever this thing does, to us, will you be able to fix how I look?”

He spun on his heel to look at her, “What do you mean?”

She promptly showed him the picture of Lanolin she took from the dossier.

“I want to look like I am supposed to.”

He backtracked to her and went to take a look at the photo.

“You do get you aren’t a RGB light, right? But, I’ll see what I can do when I have access to the workings of the metal virus.” That wasn’t what she wanted to hear as Tails went back to the terminal.

“If you are feeling bad about this you don’t—”

“Wants versus needs Miles.” She curtly replied standing before the pod’s transparent front.

It bothered her greatly, but the chance to be who she should be was too great to squander because of a feeling in her gut.

“Give me a minute to get this started up. Kit could you keep an eye on the third monitor?”

“Mhm.” Came the affirmative response from the teal fennec.

It didn’t take long before the front of he pod opened with a hiss and a cool mist exiting it.

She would be fine. She had to be.

One foot in front of the other, she climbed into it thought the inside had quite a bit of hard metal supporting it, there were a few padded sections to help her accommodate herself in the pod.

“I am going to explain the process Cotta. Once the stasis capsule shuts, it will emit a gas for sleep, then inducing a coma for a small period of time once your body is relaxed. So you will likely feel a jarring lapse of time when it’s over.”

That didn’t sound too bad. She’ll sleep and then wake up?

“How does it induce a coma?”

“A needle. You won’t notice it.”

Less good. But too late now she supposed.

“Get this over with. I want to be Lanolin again.”

The curved transparent front slid over her without a sound, she could hear air being blown.

She felt colder, she could smell… mint?

Her eyes shut.

-

The pod fogged up from within, enshrouding the black sheep.

Outside the stasis machine Tails was fixated on the devices readouts and the numbers Kit called out to him.

“Alright, everything is nominal. It collected a blood sample for us to use as a control for the metal virus.”

“She is stable. If she needs to be kept in sustained stasis, will she remain safe?”

“Yes Kit, though she won’t need to be kept in there for anything longer than an hour, it’s just a matter of programming a new permanent ‘update’ for the metal virus so it doesn’t become an issue in the future. And once she is done we can put you in. Ideally, if the virus is identical then making the update for Surge should actually be easier since I’ll have baseline to work with.”

Kit blinked. Tails really was putting in the effort to help them. Like he said he would.

He knew this, but he always had that doubt eating at him.

A doubt that was Starl—no it was his doubt, there was no need to lie to himself.

With an exhale his gaze hardened to the readouts.

“Is there any concern with our blood?”

“Only that you can never donate or receive blood. Feel free to label your blood type.”

Metal Virus... Positive? Maybe? He didn’t want Dr. Starline or Eggman to have credit... but wait... maybe Surge would like the sound of that?

“Blood type is MVP.”

Tails snorted.

“Alright we’ll go with that. Anyway, the coding is… not that complex, I guess Dr. Starline didn’t anyone would get this far, or try. He definitely trimmed out a lot of Eggman’s nonsense. Makes things easy for me.”

He couldn’t help himself from stealing glances at the monitor Tails was focused on, he was certainly expressive at the very least as he worked rapidly, as if it was his life was on the line and not theirs.

“Huh.”

“What?”

“Dr. Starline did, in fact, add a color wheel.”

“So that means you can restore her wool color?”

“Only that really. I cannot change her eye color back.” Tails stated as he looked to the photograph.

He was about to ask why but Tails went on before he could.

“As I understand it, to give Cotta the strength she has, he had to have several power cores embedded into her: forearms, spine and forehead. I am not sure if you or Surge are the same, but for Cotta once the core in her head was finalized it made genetic alterations there impossible, so it was likely once Starline had a color chosen for her eyes, it was to stick. As for her wool, that is possible to revert as its external.”

He wasn’t sure if that sounded right

“If the cores are interfering at the genetic level, shouldn’t her wool also be off the table? Is removing them an option?”

“Telling you from what I am seeing in the metal virus’ code and how it keeps track of the cybernetics. And removing the cores would cause several issues I am not versed in or comfortable with.” Tails replied as if he was set on a singular result.

“That’s it then?” It wasn’t as though he had an alternative, but he had a feeling Cotta would not be getting the resolution she desired.

“If Dr. Starline implanted the idea I am a miracle worker in you, then sorry, I’m not. I try my best but can’t do everything.”

There was definitely a certain image of Tails he did carry and did his best to deal with, but having it shattered by the person themselves was in a way, very clarifying.

“Now then, I just need to alter the code to receive this last update, and it should propagate to the others and allow her to function normally from now on without fear of planned obsolescence.”

He wasn’t sure what to say after that, so the thrum of the machinery was what remained as many minutes ticked by as Tails worked in making the desired changes. Afterwards the two-tailed fox went to the stasis pod to insert his update to the virus.

“Now, we let it work then start the gradual thawing, and rousing her from sleep.”

“You sure this will work?”

“I didn’t make any drastic alterations. The metal virus within you is following set instructions, this is just giving a new set of instructions to follow that take priority over older ones and remove the obsolete ones.”

The next few minutes that passed made him feel antsy. And it all depended on how Cotta comes out of the pod, how quickly could he dispatch of Tails if Cotta was harmed? Or if he actually programmed a means to control her like Dr. Starline should have…

Again he had to dash those kinds of thoughts away.

The sound of whooshing air caught his focus as the front of the stasis pod become transparent. Before him was a still sleeping Cotta with white wool. It looked alien to him, but supposedly she looked like this prior to Starline.

When it fully opened Cotta did not emerge right away, she seemed rather content to just keep sleeping even after the machine deactivated.

“Tails…?” he asked, she was conscious, right?

“What? She’s just asleep, you wake her.”

He had woken Surge before, but never Cotta. She was an early bird, so he didn’t have to.

“Fine.” Gazed transfixed onto the sheep, he raised his voice while reaching for her left forearm. “Get up Cotta! You are wasting time!”

It didn’t work immediately beyond her squirming a bit. At least there was movement, that was a plus.

“Up! You are done!” He spoke louder, tugging her arm now.

Her eyes then opened, blinked, then shot towards him.

“What are... you doing…?” Cotta grumbled and went to get up and tumbled forward out of the vertical pod forgetting her location and balance, as he was sent backwards by her momentum.

He struggled to keep her upright, and was likely to collapse under the sheep but she soon got herself to her feet before it happened.

Cotta froze though, as she noticed something after her trip up and almost threw herself to the floor staring at the reflection of herself, and… laughed?

“Hah! Hahaha! You…! You did it Miles! I can see her! Me! I’m Lanolin again, right?! This is Lanolin!”

He had never heard her so thrilled, or be jubilant actually. But was unsure how to proceed and even Tails seemed hesitant to answer that particular question as she tilted her head to get a better look at the faint reflection.

“Uhm. If you want I can get you a mirror?” Tails offered, clearly uncomfortable the way Cotta was trying to use the floor like that.

“My eyes... are still green though... but my wool! I… I…!” Cotta shuddered, inhaled deeply and recollecting herself, mostly, a tooth filled smile that reminded him of Surge was visible for all to see as she stood up.

“Well.. the only one who’d know if you’re you, is you right?” Tails cautiously stated.

“Well yes, and I feel…!” Her joyful expression then feel to it’s usual flat line as she stared at nothing. “Huh… am I still Cotta? I wanted… thought…”

“Cotta,” He began, glancing to Tails. “You are still you, the virus’ programming and your memories are unrelated.”

The now white sheep whipped her gaze onto him, eyes pin pricked and glowing fiercely. Patting her body down, wool, limbs trying to confirm who she is.

“But! Starline! What! Who am I supposed to be! Why am I not her yet!” She wasn’t asking anything, just yelling at him. “Why can I look like her, but still not be her again?! I am supposed to be Lanolin, right!?”

He could not answer that for her. What place did he have to say when he rejected who he once was?

His throat felt like sand.

For all his intelligence, why could he not say anything? His gaze went to Tails. A mistake as Cotta noticed and rounded onto the two tailed fox. Her new arm bands were glowing brightly as her eyes.

“Miles! I thought this was a fix! Did something go wrong? Is that it?!”

Tails winced and cried out as her grip made his arms ache like fire.

He could tell Cotta wasn’t thinking straight, as she did not wait for his answer and tossed him aside, Tails would have sailed across into a wall if not for his tails spinning up and giving him a far gentler landing, if still wobbly afterwards.

He was going to try and calm his teammate, or try to. But she stormed off to the elevator yelling for her wisp.

Left alone with the original fox genius, who was rubbing at the bruising on his arms best he could.

This... this wasn’t Tails’ fault... but he didn’t think it was Cotta’s either?

“...Medical kit?”

Tails winced as he lifted his right arm to point at the door near the elevator.

-

She had to find Maggie, had to hear from her only actual friend.

She didn’t know where the wisp had gotten so she followed the only inclination she had; backtrack.

Mile’s lab above blurred for her once she entered it. From there, the sound of Rough and Tumble yells got her attention as she hurried, and found the magenta wisp speaking to them, but it was plainly obvious from the two skunk’s ire there was no love for wisps.

“Maggie!”

“Huh? Cotta? What did you do to your wool? Black suited you so much more!” Maggie fluttered toward her face and began to scan her over, nitpicking.

“That annoying wisp is yours?!” “How many sheep are here of all places?” She could not be bothered to distinguish which skunk sibling was speaking as they went over each other.

“Cram it before I do more than break arms!” came her only warning.

It sufficed as the took took another look at her and then whispered to themselves, she couldn’t tell what they said, nor did she care to know.

“Maggie I cannot be here anymore, I do not feel right, I’m still not right…!”

“Deep breaths. In. Out.”

She did so, it didn’t make her feel better, but she didn’t feel the need to rush anymore.

“Wanna talk or not?”

“No, I am leaving and…”

Her gaze fell upon Rough and Tumble again.

“You two are coming with me.”

“What, why?” “Yeah!”

“It’s not optional.” To emphasize her point she tore the transparent cells apart to free them. She could’ve turned it off but chose not to.

The display of strength settled the score for them that this white sheep was the exact same sheep that bested them before, and they cowered.

“Cotta…?” Came Maggie’s voice behind her, not worried but curious.

“The world seems to revolve on stupid ideas. I’m going to test that theory.”

With that she returned to the elevator with her now coerced tag-alongs to return to the surface and left in the green van.

Chapter Text

This outcome did not surprise him.

Their van was now gone, only tire tracks marring the way they came was evidence of Cotta’s hasty egress. It was not hard assumption that she also absconded with the two skunks for some bizarre reason he could only guess at.

He didn’t actually care what she did with them, be it personal justice or something else.

No, he supposed he was feeling embarrassed it even played out like this at all. He could not fathom why she was so emotional over her past self, it shouldn’t matter. She was better just like himself and Surge, is that not good enough?

Tails seemed to taking the mess in stride, though he’d prefer it his mirror lashed out even a little, it was in his rights to do so after his teammate made a mess of his lab in this manner.

Though he knew Tails’ injuries were minor bruising at worst, he couldn’t help but stare at the wrapping he put around his arms.

“I am sorry about her behavior Tails, I did not think she would react so immaturely now of all times.”

The two tailed inventor seemed nonplussed by her outburst though.

“Well, I could have insisted she take more time to think about it, but overall, I have a bigger concern.”

“That being?”

“Her armbands. They were outputting increased strength as she got emotional, she didn’t manually adjust them.”

“If that were the case, your arms would be in a worse state.”

“This is the issue with prototypes…” Tails said with a long sigh before speaking up rapidly. “I am making a lot of assumptions, but it could be both that her emotional and mental state can override it, or maybe it’s the fact she is cyborg and not full Mobian anymore, or for all I know the metal virus itself might’ve modified her bands the moments she wore them, I can’t rule that out!”

Was… was this just an experiment for him?

“You seem excited about it even though she could have torn you in half without thinking.” He commented, feeling both disappointed that Tails reacting to Cotta’s outburst like this, but happy to affirm he was nothing like him. It was weird.

“Ah... yes... well…”

“Beyond that, do I owe you for the damages she caused?”

“Hm? No! I mean, worst she did was break through the containment cells. I thought they could withstand worse, definitely tells me I am under estimating power types like Cotta and Knuckles if one good punch can break through it.”

Again, this Knuckles character.

“Who even is this Knuckles person?”

“Huh? You don’t know? Isn’t he in the Restoration’s files?”

Maybe? He hadn’t taken the time to memorize everyone there, much less in the databases.

“Is he important?”

“I’d say so! He did lead the Resistance before it eventually became the Restoration!”

Oh.

“I’ll tell you more if you want, but before that, are you apprehensive if I try fixing the metal virus in you in the pod now that you are alone with me?”

“Not really. Are you afraid I might react poorly like Cotta did, once I am out?”

Tails tried to keep a straight face, but he saw him flinch.

“I’m… going to be optimistic!”

“Then by all means, let’s get this over with.”

As they went back inside the apprehension that was in the air was obvious, he was not blind to the fact Tails had to be on edge even if he wasn’t acting as such. He would have to be an idiot not to be. But needs must and he did not hesitate to enter the stasis pod when the time came.

Though the end result was anything but spectacular as it was all within expectations, he felt no different, and why would he? All this amounted to was another patch for the metal virus that kept them going.

So, whatever triggered Cotta, it wasn’t this.

“How are you feeling Kit?”

He immediately looked to Tails.

“Fine. How are you going to apply this to Surge? She absolutely won’t volunteer to go through this.”

“About that, with the data I got on you and Cotta, I can safely estimate all three of you have no variations when it comes to the metal virus. So we can safely inject the update into her… or rather you probably should. If I try it, she’ll turn me into an electric fox.”

“Safe bet.” He was disappointed, for how thorough and perfectionistic Dr. Starline acted, he was too lazy with the metal virus.

Or perhaps there was only so much he could do with Dr. Eggman’s base creation?

“Well, when she gets back from her trip in Chun-Nan I’ll call you for the update.”

“Sure, I could also give you a batch now though?”

“Rather not.” He could predict ways things going wrong if he was carrying a serum of the metal virus around.

“Fine fine, have it your way.”

“So… Knuckles.”

“Right. He’s a friend, spends most of his time and Angel Island guarding the Master Emerald.”

“The what? Is that also related to the Chaos Emeralds?”

“Yes? No? I mean... Not entirely sure? It seems to do... whatever? Sometimes? Knuckles doesn’t let me study it.”

“Why not? He afraid of you breaking it?”

“Nah, the Master Emerald has shattered several times and come back together enough times I think that isn’t the issue. Which is weird. I think he’s paranoid of any outside force “disturbing” it, and causing havoc… that admittedly seems to happen regardless.”

“Think we could peer pressure him?”

“Why would I? Or you for that matter?”

“For answers obviously, if he’s guarding a useless rock—”

“It’s not useless, Kit. It does have a mystical nature to it that seals and purifies. And that reflects on the Chaos Emeralds.”

That wasn’t good enough for him.

“All the more reason then.”

Tails sighed.

“Kit you need to respect his way of life, he is a guardian. Even if we are friends he won’t appreciate us poking around his charge.”

“Yet he can take it upon himself to leave it at whim and lead some freedom fighters? Doesn’t sound like it’s that important a charge. Especially if it’s already been mucked with.”

Tails stood there silently with mouth agape, floundering for words.

“Take me to Angel Island, I’ll start my stint into Archaeology there.”

The face Tails wore was clear of conflicting notions bouncing in his head, he could tell that much.

He stepped closer to his mirror, placing a hand upon his shoulder.

“You want to know too, don’t you?”

-

It was alarming how fast Tails got them into the air, soaring among the clouds in the Tornado-2 was definitely enjoyable.

He also pondered if he should ask Tails to just catch up to Cotta in the plane, but discarded it. He did not want to deal with her issues.

“You okay with flying in your condition?”

“Huh? Oh, are you worried about my arms? Don’t fret they aren’t hurting, much. I’ve flown under worse conditions.”

“That is concerning.”

“How long will it take to get to Angel Island?”

“Well if it’s where I think it is, four-ish hours or so. So long as the skies stay clear.”

“Where you “think” it is? Does it move?”

“Yes.”

“Huh. Anything else I should know beforehand?”

“Knuckles has temper, so don’t touch things without his say so. Also, likely stronger than Cotta. Don’t engage him.”

“That I doubt.” There was no way, he could be that strong.

“I’ll admit Cotta is indeed powerful, though artificially. Knuckles? He is to strength what Sonic is to speed, all natural.”

That gave him pause.

“Monsters, huh?” he finally uttered.

“All over the place, you get used to it.”

He went silent, for a time though he knew things thanks to Dr. Starline, there was still so much he lacked, and while he wasn’t sure what was on Angel Island exactly, there had to be something of note,

The flight was straight forward and there were a few more idle conversations; Tails spoke of his home island and invasive ducks. But soon he could see a giant floating island, no, continent in the sky, it defied common sense.

“How is floating?”

“Master Emerald.” Tails responded curtly.

Okay, perhaps it is something serious after all.

“Going to touch down near a lake. From there is path to the shrine Knuckles ought to be. Let me do the talking.”

He supposed it would be best to let Tails be a mediator, at least for introductions sake.

“Am I seeing… a circus?”

“A reminder of Eggman’s brief visit here. Pretty sure Knuckles has been taking it apart the only way he knows how, along with Eggman’s base.”

The landing of the plane went smoothly, Tails clearly had practice as he then lead him along through the island. There were quite a few twists and turns but the trek did lead to rather interesting location, the shrine of the Master Emerald, you couldn’t miss it.

But Tails seemed to be hesitant in approach not getting too close, and he soon learned why as voice bellowed.

“Hold it right there Sonic and Tails! I saw your plane landing and the fact you are coming here tells me you are bringing trouble to me! Again!”

Soon a red shape landed before them, splintering the ground where it landed, making themself known: an echidna with purple eyes. Glaring at them. Knuckles.

“I can explain!” Tails began, only for Knuckles to point angrily at him.

“I don’t wanna hear it! That last time either of you came here you brought not only Eggman, but a goop that was going to doom us all!”

Knuckles’ glare then settled on him.

“And you Sonic...! You! ... uh... Wait, you aren’t Sonic.”

“I am very glad I am not.” He responded with grit teeth.

“Huh. Saw orange and blue and thought it was him. You’re just a kid. Tails, who and why did you bring a kid here?”

“What, am I not kid to you?” Tails snarked.

“Well, yes, you are. But, that’s not what I meant! I don’t see you as a dead weight brat is all.”

“I’ll take that as compliment.” Tails replied with a disarming smile.

He wasn’t certain he would in his shoes.

Knuckles however was now grumbling and scratching his head, his bluster diffused.

“So, who are you exactly?” Though no longer glaring, the Echidna still appeared dour.

“Kitsunami of the Restoration, sir.” Came his dry response.

“The Restoration? Oh those folks after the Resistance. Huh. How are they all doing?” And now he was what he could only assume was jovial.

“Quite well last I checked, sir.”

“Hm, very good. World needs respectful folk like you. Any who, Tails? Is there a situation that brought you to me?” He could not picture the red echidna as leader; his words did not carry the weight of one.

“Not that I know of…” Tails then glanced at me.

“I asked him to bring me to you. I have an interest in studying the ruins here.” It wasn’t technically a lie.

“That so. Why? What’s your story?” Knuckles was now focused on him again.

“A complicated one.” He responded, but did not say anything more.

There was silence as he stared unblinking at the fennec, before shrugging.

“Hmm, well if Tails trusts you, I’ll back off. But listen up, no touching the Master Emerald, ever. Got it?” To emphasize he poked the teal fennec, with enough force to cause him to take a step back.

“And if I wish to learn of it? May I ask you questions?” He ventured, his expression unchanged even after the prod.

“I’ll allow a few, but I won’t spend my time babysitting you.”

“I can work with that.” He already had plans to bypass the guardian anyway.

“Alright then, stay put then, I need to talk to Tails.”

Knuckles then strode towards the two-tailed fox and escorted him to the opposing side of the shrine. It didn’t take much brainpower to guess he wanted details, and Tails would likely divulge everything, he wasn’t blind to the fact Knuckles was keeping an eye on him at all times either.

Well he might as well act the part of “studious” archaeologist now, not that the stonework or carving said much to him, he immediately took out his Kit Coordinator to take photos at least and scan what he could of the Master Emerald, though getting closer to it would be ideal.

As it was? It had little difference from the reading of the Chaos Emeralds, then again unstable infinite energy was not something that ever came out clearly. He did manage to glean some things off the net about the Echidna clan though. Nothing really spectacular though.

And then a white mitten pushed it down from his sight. Rude.

“So, Tails here has been kind enough to get me up to speed. You and your colleagues got the short end do to some nut-job who thought Eggman was cool. So why here?”

“In so many words; because I thought the former leader of the Resistance would have something I could glean, second; because Eggman has on more than one occasion harassed you, yes?”

“If it’s not him, its a certain bat girl.”

He ignored that last part.

“Then to my understanding it might be wise to study the Echidnas and the Master Emerald so that if he tries again, we can use it against him, or perhaps prevent him from succeeding ahead of time. Wouldn’t that be nice?” It was mostly the truth.

Knuckles was yet again staring at him, and trying to look past him at Tails to gauge his reaction was not feasible.

“And if allowed… I would like to ascertain more about the Chaos Emeralds too.”

“I bet. While the Master Emerald can stabilize them, they are different from one another, and I am uncomfortable letting you play with it, Restoration or not.”

Knuckles then looked upwards and hummed in deliberation.

“If you are interested in ruins, there are several throughout Angel Island. I assume Tails is going to be sticking around too, so make yourselves at home. Good to see Tails is finally making friends his age.”

He wasn’t sure why, but part of him bristled at that.

“Yes… he has been quite a kind towards me, sir.” Not sure he would’ve done the same. Though a certain notion was nagging at him. “If you don’t mind me asking, why did you decide to help the resistance when you are so busy with your duties?”

Knuckles merely smirked.

“Several reasons actually, aside from Sonic bungling and getting himself captured, someone had to take charge! Amy told me I was quite charismatic when it comes to ordering people around! That left us to deal with Eggman, I dare say I did quite the swell job keeping things together when everyone panicked!”

Listening to the echidna speak only gave him a singular impression; Knuckles was stupid. A last resort most likely when all else fell apart.

What records the Restoration had the Resistance spoke far more highly of another allowing a push back against Eggman, Knuckles was a footnote in leading, then Sonic came back and everything had a happy ending. Barf.

He had doubts when it came to Sonic’s allies, and so far his impression of a majority of them had not improved even after all this time, niche use and fine to discard. Tails was the exception.

“So you do not mind if we are here for a few days, sir?”

“Yeah feel free to look around, I’ll check on you two every so often.”

With that Knuckles gave a lazy wave and trundled back to the Master Emerald shrine, and Tails rejoined him.

“So yeah... that’s Knuckles. And the Master Emerald is quite the sight, huh?”

“A large gem that gives off a lot of power on what little I could scan from here. And it’s different than the Chaos Emeralds?” He asked Tails, Knuckles said as much, but he got the feeling the echidna had no idea how to do his job, just a meathead.

“Yeah, let’s check out Marble Garden first!”

He was used to Tails’ presence these days, simply walking and talking, informative, or idle chatter. Compared to the noise within the Restoration, this was far more preferable and less a strain on his ears.

He dare say he liked this, but time with Surge was still better, made him feel right.

Of course that wasn’t to say he was slacking in his role, he took photographs of what he could as they traversed the floating continent. The first day wasn’t too remarkable, Tails seemed more interesting in sightseeing.

The second day they convened at the Master Emerald shrine to tell Knuckles where they were going for the day.

“So would it be okay if I showed Kit here the Sky Sanctuary?”

The name confused him, wasn’t Angel Island a sanctuary in the sky already?

“I suppose it’s fine. But uh, Kit? You usually glow blue like that?” Knuckles was looking at him with concern.

“Pardon?” His eyes could glow, but he wouldn’t need to think on it much, a pulse of energy, from where he kept the chaos emerald was thrashing. Upon taking it out the hidden pouch it pulled away and went aloft.

“Tails, did you know he had that chaos emerald?”

Tails nodded as the dark blue chaos emerald then shot off skyward leaving a brief trail of light behind in the direction it went.

“That normal for the chaos emeralds?” He asked to either Tails or Knuckles.

“Only when something beckons them. Something strong.” Knuckles answered but was looking at him as if he was the problem.

“Hate to say it, but I have feeling it’s bad news. Kit, mind if we leave early? I need to find Sonic pronto.”

“You could leave me here.” He offered.

“Not happening, I said I wasn’t going to babysit and I meant it. Whatever is about to happen I cannot get distracted and leave the Master Emerald unguarded, might need it.” Knuckles then crossed his arm, his stance was clear.

Tails did look apologetic at him, but he felt it was unnecessary. Tails nothing to be sorry for, he couldn’t have predicted the chaos emerald reacting like that.

“To your workshop then?”

“No, going to land near the Restoration. While I do trust you at my place, if something does happen you can’t exactly travel around all that fast since Cotta took the van, right?”

Oh right. That little detail.

“Could probably use one of your planes or something… maybe.”

“Probably? Have you actually flown anything? Extreme Gear does not count.”

“No.”

“Not going to risk it. Sorry Kit.”

Why did it feel like he was being treated like he was younger than Tails?

“Come on, Kit!”

Tails did not say anything more as he then ran back towards where the Tornado-2 was, he took one look at Knuckles who... puffed his chest out and grunted. Useless clod.

With resignation he followed Tails back to the lake to board the plane.

Why was it whenever he wanted progress, things went awry with his hopes and things going away from what he wanted?

Chapter Text

To say she actually had a destination in mind would be a lie, in truth she just wanted to leave, her absconding of Rough and Tumble was purely an impulse, though if she had any plans beyond that was nil.

Still none would know this but herself, and possibly Maggie who seemed have a permanent bead on her even if they had only recently partnered up. She didn’t really get it and figured it really didn’t matter in the long run.

She was also aware she left Kitsunami alone with Tails, but all things considered, he was in no danger. Possibly the other way around, but she doubted he would pick a fight with Tails. Probably.

She wasn’t sure how long she had been driving before Rough or was it Tumble…? One of the two skunks spoke up.

“So like... where are we even goin’ lady?”

Where indeed. Maggie was looking at her, she could swear the wisp was smirking, somehow.

“Somewhere I can make my own judgment. You two clearly have crimes to make up for, so I’m thinking; you make yourselves useful to me, or I’ll do the world a favor.”

“What’s the supposed to mean!?”
“Yeah what he said!”

She couldn’t be bothered to look back and see which was speaking, the two were basically a single entity.

“I am going to test your capabilities, pass and I’ll make you part of my team. Fail and I make graves.”

“Part of your team? You honestly think the Restoration would want us back!?”

“Who said anything about the Restoration? I said my team. My standards are different than theirs.” She might be working with them for the time being, but it was not going to be permanent.

“Ohhh! I get it she’s a bad girl! The sneaky type!”
“For real bro? Can strong folks like her be sneaky?”

She groaned loudly, she was going to regret trying this.

“No, I am actually good. I just don’t agree with Sonic and his friend’s methods.” How tempting it would be to crash and see how these idiots would fair, but she needed the van to get around. It also alarmed her how Surge-like that impulsive thought was.

“Huh? Coulda sworn heard something like that before…”
“Didn’t that platypus dude say stuff along those lines before?”

Oh right they worked for Starline in some manner before.

“You’re thinking of Dr. Starline, he’s responsible for my… creation.”

“Ohhh... you’re with that weird duck guy!”
“That was his name! Is he still doing weird plans with Dr. Eggman?”

“No. Dr. Starline is very much dead.”

“Oh. How we’re you wrapped up in all this?”
“Dang, I liked him more than Eggman too.”

Did she want to tell them? The drive to anywhere was likely to be long...

“It’s complicated, do you actually want to know?” She delayed, wanting to make sure.

“Sure, why not? You have us at your mercy, might as well get backstory.”
“Yeah, I like a good story too!”

She exhaled loudly, and began to narrate what she knew, her memory being gone, to be replaced by something fake and altered to into something not normal, her teams desire to learn who they were. Her tenuous loyalty to the Restoration, her dislike of Sonic and her experiences involving him thus far.

She went on about everything she knew up to this point and the company she had in her captivity listened raptly, as if they were being read a fable at bedside. When she finished all she could feel were their stares and Maggie’s weight on her head.

It made her feel somewhat better just saying it all, even if it was likely unimportant to her audience.

“Dang, and I thought losing my tail was awful.” Came one of their voices, she recalled the taller of the duo tail was short, she figured that’s how it naturally was. Tumble, was it?

“So, I get why you joined the Restoration, but seems you got what you wanted, kinda. What’s the plan now?” That was the other one speaking, Rough.

“Working on it as I go, but from what I see the Restoration isn’t good enough to make a difference.”

She paused.

Crap. What did that road sign say?

“Either of you read that sign?”

“Sunset City is a south turn, Seaside City is north.” Tumble parroted.
“Basically heading towards the coast, buncha hills, beaches and resorts.” Rough finished.

“Been to either?”

“Hung out at Sunset a few times, right bro?”
“Hell yeah. Seaside ain’t bad either, might be wanted there though.”

“Beaches huh… yeah those will do.” Well maybe she could still get some relaxation done.

Maggie seemed thrilled at the idea too.

The driving would soon wear on her and soon she stopped at small town, Dolphin Resort, it apparently is popular spot for novice Extreme Gear riders as evidenced by young kids going by her. Beyond that there was a mall and the central hotel in which demanded her attention as it was the only place. Overall it was pretty much a place for tourists to eat up the sights and try their hand at the track.

She supposed it looked nice for what it was.

There were open spots in the hotel as it wasn’t a particularly busy season, as Extreme Gears seemed to hit a slight decline due to the Clean Sweep fiasco.

But it seems her connection to the Restoration was enough to warrant a discount as she booked room for herself, Rough and Tumble separately. Still pricey for a single night though, discount or no.

“So what’s the end goal with double skunks?” Maggie asked hovering near the ceiling as she lay upon the bed.

“Going to train ‘em a bit, see if I get use out of them.”

“Why? Think you can redeem them or something?”

“Hell no. If they want to be good or bad, that’s on them. But the thing is…”

“Yeah?”

“As strong as Surge, Kit and I are… we can’t topple Eggman, and neither can the Restoration. I can’t rely on Sonic.”

“Why not? He’s had the most success thus far.”

“I just can’t, he’s too laid back. I want finality.”

“And that’s what you want? What about Lanolin?”

“I don’t know, maybe she would? Maybe she was a nobody. I can’t be, not as I am.”

“Why not?”

“Even if we didn’t join the Restoration, somebody would learn of what we are, and use us to fight. I rather fight on my terms.”

“Fair. So, the brothers are what, fodder?”

“Possibly, depends on how they act and adapt during my training.”

“And if they are useful?”

“The Hazards grow, ideally.”

“What about Surge and Kit, are you making that call without them?”

“No, they will get to have crack at them too. If thy can’t handle us, too bad.”

Maggie hummed a bit before finally settling done, content.

Her eyes shut to sleep. She had given the skunks a single warning to not do anything stupid over night.

-

No sooner had sunlight reached her eyes she woke, relived she did not oversleep this time, and no more than an hour later she was dragging Rough and Tumble out of their room to begin training them. They were not appreciative of an early morning time table, she did not care.

While they weren’t exactly kicking and screaming, they did not hide their distasteful grumbling as she had them follow her outside to run to a nearby empty beach.

“Alright you lumps, I want to see that you are more than just punching bags. You must’ve had something worth a damn drilled into you when you were in the Resistance. Show me.”

Rough and Tumble looked at each other, neither were exactly in the best shape to brawl after their encounter with this sheep before.

“We don’t got wispons.” Tumble stated using his functional arm to rub the back of his head.
“Yeah and we ain’t so stupid to try hitting you again!” Rough finished after, pointing at her.

“So that’s that? Not going to try anything? There’s nothing special about either of you beyond being thugs?”

“We were thugs before the Resistance hired us!”
“Yeah, they were hiring anyone willing to help against Dr. Eggman, it was an easy gig!”

And once they had victory they disbanded immediately to become the Restoration? Pathetic, if it was up to her the Resistance should’ve pursued Dr. Eggman.

“So what is your story?” She asked wondering what the hell made these two be lame duck mooks.

“Err… well… We need money?”
“And there are so many wimps we can make use of!”

“Seems to me the only ones being made use of are you two.” An odd thought made her think that she might also fit into that same classification, she didn’t like it.

“We’ve been doing well so far!”
“Yeah!”

“I wonder about that.” She began to fiddle with her armbands, didn’t she have these set already? What was with the glow? She was not going back to Tails.

“Alright, you two are going to be doing more running.”

“What?”
“Where to?”

She clenched both her hands into fists, the sand beneath her shuddered.

“Away from me.” Was all she said.

And then the grains of silt and sand began to coalesce into menacing protrusions and points before Rough and Tumble.

The two needed no other warnings and began to flee further down the beach as she pursed flinging wide volleys, grazing them at times.

After they got some distance she pulled her arms inward causing the sand to slide back in a wave and trip them both.

The two did not recover fast enough for her liking and so she had the sand drag them towards her.

“You fall once and just give up. Has fighting Sonic created fear of pain?”

“You haven’t fought him; he can wallop you like a hundred times before you blink!” Rough exclaimed rubbing his chin.

“Would you believe I am sorely tempted to snap the hedgehog in half? It takes a lot of willpower to ignore that voice in my head.”

“Huh?” Tumble looked at her like she sprouted another head.

“Nevermind.”

Well at least the bracelets are working as intended. Her powers were not on full blast, even if the bands were glowing when they shouldn’t.

“Well, you two are in a position where attacking me won’t work, running won’t work. What do you do?”

She wasn’t going to do anything. She wanted to see if they could be clever, or would they resort sacrificing the other?

Rough merely grinned before curling up into ball and exclaiming.

“Stink bomber!”

She expected the dark skunk to slam into with his spin dash but instead went by her, clouding her vision in a thick green haze that made her eyes water.

On reflex she had a pillar of earth erupt beneath her sending her above the noxious fumes, giving her time to waft it away and breathe easy. Maggie who had been chilling in her wool rapidly took distance from her, not appreciating what just occurred.

However, said pillar began to shake as Tumble was striking it with his only operational hand and tackling it.

Okay so they could do more in combat. Good.

She leapt off the pillar and came down to slam into the beach causing a shockwave that blew away the lingering fumes and sent them stumbling back.

“Not completely worthless, I’ll say that much.”

“So, we done?” Tumble asked getting to his feet.

“Hell no, it means that I am not going to handicap myself, just once. Survive.”

Rough was already running.

Tumble went wide-eyed as the sheep grabbed the pillar at it’s base and broke it, wielding it as an over sized baseball bat.

Both were screaming as they fled.

Luckily for them, her “bat” was not sturdy enough to survive more than a single swing.

Unluckily for them, while she missed them by a wide margin, there was still enough force from the air being displaced to send them into the water as it crumbled.

She let a smile grace her face, that was fun.

Though her outfit was now less than fresh, and Maggie was actively keeping distance from her.

“Alright I’m done, you two can take a break. I need to change.”

She couldn’t hear them as they swam back, but letting loose a bit did take weight off her she didn’t realize was there.

The trip back to the hotel wasn’t noteworthy nor was her freshening up, but no sooner had she finished Maggie was still looking at her upset.

“What? Do I still smell like skunk?”

“No. But you don’t look good. Go shopping.”

“You didn’t care what Surge made me wear before, but now you do?”

“That was then, this is now, you need to look the part.”

“What part?” She snorted at Wisp, who was now apparently her mother figure.

“A leader, you need to look more the part.”

“Huh…?” What was Maggie even going on about?

“Shopping! Come on!”

“I have spent too much as it is just booking a night here. I don’t need—”

“Yes. You. Do.” Maggie was poking her nose emphatically.

She sighed loudly, giving in.

“Fine, whatever. Since you have it stuck in your head, just select things within a budget.”

Maggie gave her a salute looking thrilled as they left the hotel to shop for clothes in town, she was glad the place wasn’t too large.

There were no odd looks as her wisp went to and fro down clothing aisles and left several stacks of clothes for her. At some point Maggie had gotten a store clerk to help her even though there was no communication. And all she could do was be told to go in and out of the changing room as outfits came and went.

When it was all finished her apparel was mostly black and olive green. Black boots, belt, shirt and long finger-less gloves. Her cargo pants and trench coat were green, Maggie insisted the coat’s sleeves had to be rolled up so her gloves could be seen more.

Next thing she knew Maggie was re-styling her wool puffs from the ponytail she had to something that almost resembled a note-symbol like Maggie’s. Maybe. If she squinted. At least her wisp was happy now.

Donning her new clothes and paying for them, she left for her van, of which Rough and Tumble decided the back was okay to chill out in, and start fiddling with the radio.

The same radio she had been turned off because it doubled a relay to the Restoration in case they needed to contact them, or vice versa.

So while the skunks had been jamming out, or so they claimed, the music began to fade into hard static as a distorted voice spoke.

“Hh...re...Tea—rd…? Can y— ear me... Kit... Cotta?”

She sighed as she adjusted the dials on the radio, recognizing Amy’s voice through the channel’s static.

“Cotta here, what is it Amy?”

“Oh wow. I thought it odd seeing the signal on so soon. Something up on your end?”

“Turns out I am bad at relaxing and like to work.” And not at all because she had guests touching things.

Guests who very wisely decided to keep their mouths shut as she glared at them.

“Well, I don’t want to give you work, but we kind of noticed a little issue shortly after you left.”

“An issue?”

“Well, do you recall that octopus fellow? Mimic?”

“Vaguely.”

“He escaped. We assume he got out during the Clean Sweep race when we had our staff stretched thin.”

She said nothing. Rough and Tumble were holding their breaths to not laugh.

“And?”

“As soon as noticed we... contacted Whisper, she said: “Understood.” then cut contact. I’m worried, could you go make sure she and Tangle are fine? I think they are still at Rainbow Ravine.”

“You think they are in danger?”

“Maybe? I tried calling Tangle and she’s not responding either!”

She was awful at relaxing anyway, something menial as this was welcome.

“Very well, I’m currently at Dolphin Resort, where is this Rainbow Ravine place?”

“Oh! Thank you Cotta! Right it’s—”

Amy began to give her both directions and coordinates. She soon realized this was going to be a considerable drive. Once she got what she needed she gave thanks and cut the line, and immediately Rough and Tumble cheered.

“Road trip!”

She got an awful feeling Surge would like these two.