| abstract
| - Sonic races through the streets of New Mobotropolis, remarking that "the kid" has gotten faster. Ahead, Tails (followed by T-Pup), weaves through a crowd, thinking that Sonic has seen him and that he may not make it. Sonic thinks to himself that Tails weaving through the crowd to lose him is a smart move. Tails flies up towards the top of the building as Sonic catches up; the hedgehog tackles the young fox, who happily claims that he's hit base while Sonic insists he caught him in time; the two are playing Capture the Flag. Landing atop the building, Sonic offers best three out of five, and prepares to hide the flag. Tails suggests he hide it someplace "less obvious" this time, and the two banter a bit before Tails reminds Sonic that he has a date with Sally later. Sonic brushes it off, saying that it's not until the evening, and that he and Tails have lots of time to have fun. In the Dragon Kingdom, Sally and Monkey Khan stroll through Stormtop Village, talking. Khan explains that there have been a few raids from the Yagyu, and that the politics between the Clans have been annoying, but that the people are otherwise living in peace. Sally asks about the Iron Queen, and Khan replies that she's "obnoxious, but not going anywhere" -- the Iron Queen sits miserable, deep inside an underground chamber, with Liu Fang standing guard above. Khan suspects that Sally isn't just there just to check on the Dragon Kingdom, and Sally, twirling a Warp Ring between her fingers, starts to talk about recent stressful events such as the citizens of New Mobotropolis protesting against NICOLE, Dr. Eggman's disappearance, and Geoffrey St. John's betrayal. Teasingly, Khan says that Sally isn't one to run from such challenges and asks her what her real concern is, and Sally pauses for a minute; the two share a smile. Sally tells him she has a date with Sonic that evening, and Khan, satisfied, says she can tell him about these things. He asks her if this isn't exactly what she wanted, and she says that she thinks that it is, but she's afraid of wrecking things again. She talks about how things were easier before she "messed things up" and that so much has happened since then, she's no longer sure they're the same people they once were. Ken reassures her that things will be fine, and Sally thanks him for listening, saying she just needed some time to relax. Monkey Khan then reminds her that they're on the other side of the world from New Mobotropolis -- it must be late afternoon there. Surprised, a flustered Sally activates her Warp Ring, hurriedly thanking Khan and apologizing for the sudden departure. The two exchange simple good-byes and Sally steps through the Warp Ring, exiting into New Mobotropolis -- and right into Sonic's path as he flees with a flag. The two collide and fall to the ground. Sonic offers Sally a hand up as they both apologize, and she tells him she may be a little late for their date tonight. She waves to Tails as she runs off to Castle Acorn, and Sonic admits to the fox that he completely lost track of time. Tails merely replies with, "I told you so." Inside her room, Sally has thrown outfits all over her bed. Her mother, Alicia Acorn, approaches, and Sally asks her for help, saying she has no plans. Alicia holds up a tiny black dress with a slight cringe, saying that dating was different back in her day (as her marriage was arranged). Sally holds up various dresses, comparing them to her usual blue dress, and when Alicia asks her if the date is formal or casual, an increasingly fretful Sally admits she has no idea. She wonders if she should do her hair up and if she has time to ask Bunnie for help. Finally, Alicia strokes her daughter's face and tells her to simply be herself, since that's the girl that Sonic likes. Sally admits that she's still not sure what that means, but thanks her mother, and the two hug. Meanwhile, Sonic bursts into his home, and Uncle Chuck wonders what the rush is; Sonic explains he's about to be late for his date tonight. Chuck teasingly asks if he's nervous, but Sonic, shining his shoes, simply says that he wants things to go well for Sally so that they don't have to worry about all their recent troubles and it can be like old times. Chuck tells him to just relax and act the way he always does so it will be. Sonic reassures his uncle, and the two playfully bump fists. Not long after, Sonic meets up with Sally outside of the castle, and Sally suggests they head to Chuck's Chili Dogs; while Sonic loves his uncle's restaurant, he says that for the special occasion, he got them reservations at a fancy restaurant, Creme de la Creme. Sally begins to fret over the fact that she didn't dress up at all, and the two soon arrive at the restaurant. While they're being seated, Sally notices that Mina Mongoose and her boyfriend Ash are seated at a nearby table. Sally tells Sonic she wishes that she had handled her talk with Mina after the concert better; she admits that she understands that Mina is only concerned for her fellow citizens. Sonic however cuts her off, saying that tonight they're not going to worry about any of that. A waiter soon approaches, and before the two can order, he asks if he can talk with them about something. He then proceeds to ask when the city is going to "pull the plug" on NICOLE, as he claims she's a threat. Sally, taken aback, replies that they're doing no such thing, and another patron butts in, saying that NICOLE is one of the heroes. The waiter protests that NICOLE was responsible for capturing and Legionizing people, and the patron retorts that she was being manipulated. Overhearing the bickering, Mina, exasperated, suggests to Ash that they leave. Ash agrees if that's what she wants, but is surprised; Mina tells him that she can't enjoy the evening listening to "that", and mutters that this isn't what her music was supposed to create. The two pay and leave. Meanwhile, Sonic and Sally are also tiring of the atmosphere as the staff and patrons continue to bicker over the issue of NICOLE. They decide to leave as well, but one waiter and two customers follow after them, insisting that, as Freedom Fighters, they need to answer for the situation. They're suddenly cut off as Amy Rose silences them by slamming her hammer into the ground; she tells the bickering crowd to give it a rest, adding that as people who have done more for the city and its citizens than anyone else, Sally and Sonic deserve at least one night of peace. She tells Sonic and Sally to go off and enjoy their evening, saying that she'll cover for them; the two thank her and walk off. One of the patrons is confused; he had heard that Amy was "the chick" always "after Sonic." The others, hearing this, back away, leaving the suddenly nervous man to face Amy alone. However, she merely replies that she believes that Sonic will be hers one day, and that for the time being, she just wants him to be happy -- and right now, Sally makes him happy. Sonic and Sally walk into the park, coming up to the Lake of Rings where several Chao are frolicking. The two discuss their past relationship, and tease each other about the things that went on since their breakup. When Sally accuses Sonic of turning the teasing back on her, he jokes that he's always one step ahead. Snuggling close, Sally tells him to not get too far ahead, because she wants to be at his side. Sonic asks if she thinks she can keep up, and she replies, "If you let me." Sonic says that he supposes he can slow down a bit... for her. As the two sit by the lake, they're being watched by a figure in the trees. Geoffrey St. John scowls, watching the two, but then looks saddened; magically, he drifts away as smoke, coming across Ixis Naugus. The wizard tells his apprentice he should be practicing his other magical skills, but Geoffrey shortly replies that he's not in the mood. Naugus tells him to prepare; tomorrow, New Mobotropolis will be his.
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