Hero Syndrome

by CloudCover_2023

Summary:

Surge has lost everything. After the Sweepstakes Race she feel she has no where to turn, so she and Kit reluctantly decide to stick with the Restoration, who (mostly) welcome them back. Kept under the watchful eye of a certain sheep going through her own personal issues and new faces showing up, things should look to be uneventful.

Little did they know.

Chapter 1: Welcome Back

Surge was in a world of pain.

 

Everything felt too bright, a continuous onslaught of shining white that failed to let up, only being interjected by a sharp, beeping noise. 

 

Slowly, she began to come to, slowly taking in her surroundings. She was lying on a bed in a medical room of sorts. The only thing that stood out was the large mirror, clearly one way, a door at the far end of the room, and her usual outfit, folded neatly on a chair next to her bed.     

 

She recognised the sharp beeping noise as a heart rate monitor next to her, near an IV drip that was connected to her arm. Surge suddenly felt uncomfortable, exposed even. Almost as if she was acting on muscle memory, tore the IV line out of her arm, before haggardly yanking off the patches off her chest that connected her to the heart rate monitor, causing it to blare out desperately.

 

Surge wanted to run, rip off the gown in exchange for her proper outfit and then run as far as she could. But to her surprise, she couldn't. She just felt too… drained. Like something important inside her was now vacant. 

 

As she lay there, trying her best not to panic as her breathing increased rapidly. A million thoughts raced in her mind, trying to make sense of what happened. But in this mental cacophony, only one thought was painfully consistent. One that screamed louder than that damn heart monitor next to her, or the haunting laughter of Starline she swore was lurking in the background. 

 

Where the fuck is Kit?

 

Her answer came in an unexpected form, as her door was slammed open, and a tall, sender figure burst in. It was a lime and gold mantis mobian, about 5ft; she was dressed in green medical scrubs, with sharp looking limbs that protruded outward. Limbs that included most prominently a pair of elongated, multi-jointed serrated arms ending in sharp fingers. A bright axe pendant that hung around her thin neck complemented her bright, intense wide eyes that curiously stared at Surge. 

 

The mantis barely seemed to notice her distressed form, her mouth shifting into an almost too eager grin, “Wowsers! So you really are not dead! What a ‘shocker’! Guess I really am that good of a doctor hehehehe!”

 

Surge just stared back, now both confused and startled. 

 

The mantis twitched, then squawked loudly; “EY BOSS! That spikey girl is not flatlining and is totally alive and well, thanks to yours truly!"

 

“Thanks Minerva, that will do.” Jewel smiled as she walked into the room, leading a pensive looking Kit, sipping a juice box, "Although your bedside manner could do with some more work.”

 

Minerva looked hurt, “Was it the pun I made? It wasn’t that bad of an icebreaker right?" 

 

Jewel politely shook her head.

 

Surge immediately sprung to life upon seeing Kit, who grinned in return, “Kit!” Surge yelled, “You’re okay! Quickly, we gotta blow this craphole and fast! Grab your backpack, wherever it is and let’s go!”

 

“Slow down Surge,” Jewel interjected, “There’s been some.. unexpected developments.”

 

“Yeah yeah yeah Gemstone I saved the world, kicked Clutch’s scrawny ass, everyone is probably cheering me on and you want an autograph, big whoop. But me and Drippy got bigger fish to fry like upstaging that blue brat!” Surge rambled before suddenly seething in pain, “Damn it why do I feel so drained, it wasn’t this bad when I used that freaking dynamic thingy…”

 

“Dynamo Cage, ma’am.” Kit corrected. Surge nodded rapidly as she doggedly stood up. 

 

“Surge,” Jewel asserted firmly, walking over to the tenrec, “This is serious. You’ve been out for three days. It’s because of your powers, they’re-”

 

“They ain’t gone for good gemstone,” Surge cut in, “They’ll come back. They always do after some major scrap. I just need some R&R and then I’m good, right?” She turned desperately to Kit, “Right?”

 

Kit just shook his head. 

 

Surge was beginning to panic again, “Gemstone, Mine-whatever: They are definitely coming back right? When the hell are they coming back?” She practically screamed.

 

Jewel swallowed, “We don’t know,” She said quietly, “You absorbed so much damage…  it could be anytime. A day, A few days, A week, A year: we just don’t know. And considering the potential amount of strain you put on your enhancements.... It’s not looking good.” 

 

Surge went numb. 

 

Jewel continued talking about welcoming her to the restoration or some shit, but the world just began to fade into static. 

 

Her powers couldn't be gone. It just made no sense. 

 

This had to be some cruel joke. Maybe Squinty was getting back at her for all that crap with the dynamo cage? Or maybe it was that lemur gal was pulling an extra cruel prank?

 

No. Something felt very, very wrong. 

 

That drained feeling came back, yet more intense; she now felt like a void had opened up inside of her. She heard Starline’s laughter again. 

 

She felt ill. 

 

Surge was snapped out of her dissociation when she felt someone tap her shoulder. It was Kit. She hadn’t realised she had fallen to her knees. “Ma’am, are you okay?” He asked, innocently. 

 

Surge blinked and stared at him, “What do you think?” She growled.     

 

Kit recoiled. It was an instinct that Surge immediately regretted triggering.   

 

Jewel approached her slowly, “I cannot imagine what you’re going through Surge. But trust me, it’s going to be okay.”

 

“Okay? OKAY? I’ve lost my fucking powers! The one thing that made me special is gone and I have nothing left to show for it! What am I supposed to do now, Huh?” Surge roared despairingly.

 

Jewel said nothing. After a moment she spoke; “You can stay with us. We can help you.”

 

Surge’s chest tightened, “No, fuc-screw off you guys are gonna hurt me or something.”

 

Jewel placed a hand on Surge’s shoulder. “No one is going to hurt you, okay? You are safe now. You’ve done so well for us.”

 

Surge flinched. “B-but, I did so much though. I-I have nothing to offer you.”

 

“That’s not true; it’s not too late to be a hero, and some people think you already are one.” Jewel said, “And we’ll be here for you every step of the way.” 

 

Surge gulped nervously, looking at Jewel for any signs she was lying. Surge found nothing. She wanted to say no, but without her powers she felt like there was no better option, “Oh Okay, I’ll… I will stick around for now.” She blurted out.

 

Kit gave a thumbs up as Jewel slightly chuckled, “Welcome back to the Restoration! We’ve got your back!”

 

Surge said nothing else. She was still hyperventilating. Jewel embraced her, soothing and encouraging her, with Kit clinging to the tenrec’s arm supportively. Minerva just stood there awkwardly.

 

Eventually, Surge had calmed down to just a few sniffles. 

 

Jewel spoke again, “Minerva here will take your diagnostics, and make sure you’re all set to go before you officially join us. I'll speak to you and Kit again soon okay?”

 

Surge said nothing. Kit merely nodded in response.

 

The beetle turned to leave. “Oh and Surge?” 

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Thank you. For everything.”

 

Jewel shut the door behind her. Mineva, still confused, walked over, using her segmented arms to hoist Surge onto the bed before reaching for tools to take Surge’s diagnostics. Kit had sat down next to Surge, playing with her quills while she lay there, still processing things.

 

“If it makes you feel any better buddy, I thought you were awesome out there in the races! And even powerless you still make for a fascinating specimen. I’ve never had the privilege of working on a cyborg before!” The mantis grinned earnestly. 

 

Surge gritted her teeth before covering Kit’s ears, “Minerva, shut the fuck up. I need to think of an insulting new nickname for you.”

 

---

Lanolin stared from the other side of the mirror as Minerva enthusiastically got to work. If you were to ask her what she was doing, she could have said she was ‘observing this new powerful individual to see what her motives were now’ or something, but that wouldn’t be true.

 

The truth was, for the first (and hopefully last) time, Lanolin was killing time. With all the chaos that had happened recently, a moment of peace was a luxury, so she welcomed an excuse to go somewhere quieter.

 

Plus there was something else she was putting off. Something involving her team, a certain shapeshifting monster, and a dozen bad mistakes.

 

Jewel entered the corridor and walked up to the sheep, "That could have gone better.” Jewel sighed heavily.

 

“It was going to sting either way,” Lanolin pondered, “At least this way things are calm and… contained. We’ve got enough crap to deal with. Regardless I cannot help but feel bad for Surge. Can’t even begin to imagine what she’s going through.” 

 

“No kidding,” Jewel agreed, “Minerva will help get Surge discharged, so we can move forward with her. I’ve already organised the paperwork for her and Kit to join us.”

 

“Good,” Lanolin responded, before continuing grimly, “That just leaves Tangle to speak too. And Silver. And… Whisper” Her breath hitched on that last mention.

 

Jewel looked equally grim, “This was gonna come up sooner or later. Even so, I feel so scared. Not when we’d spoken to Sonic earlier of course but, y’know…”  The beetle trailed off. 

 

Lanolin shrugged, “You and me both, let’s just get this over with,” She grumbled, clearly agitated from earlier. 

 

To say Jewel felt worried was an understatement, but still she followed Lanolin, daunted but determined.

Chapter 2: What we talk about when talk about regrets

“So before I continue, you must understand that as the de facto leader of the Restoration, I’m not supposed to take sides.” Jewel remarked.

 

Sonic shrugged, his signature grin could actually outgrow her office, “Well we’re all against Clutch here, I mean we did just take that thug down, so that’s one less thorn in our side!”

 

“Oh then all's well that ends well! But forgive me for not breaking out the champagne,” Lanolin sarcastically cut in, practically staring daggers at Sonic. “You still went behind our backs here with that whole Phantom Rider crap, leaving us high and dry.”

 

Sonic paused, uneasy. He then quickly turned to Jewel: “So err, what’s the damage?”

 

Jewel continued, wary; “Anyways, as you already know, the airship exploded before it could hit the main complex. Miraculously, only the outer rooms like dormitories were hit the worst from falling debris, a lot of living areas are shut off until work crews can repair them. Other than that, things are alright."

 

Sonic clapped his hands. “Well there we go! Sure we took some damage but it’s not like we’re not down for the count!” He said, raising a hand to hi-five Lanolin.

 

Lanolin was not receptive, “We? What in chaos are you talking about, ‘we’? Our base nearly got pancaked by an exploding airship. People could have died or worse. Said people probably think the Restoration is dead or compromised beyond trust. The only thing for you that seems to have taken damage is your own ego, you jackass!”

 

Sonic looked insulted, “Hey! I may be reckless but I ain’t full of myself. I understood the risks. And no one got seriously hurt. Right Jewel?” He looked in her direction.

 

Jewel looked torn, trying to deescalate the situation, “You did side with Eggman of all people, Sonic. And he did capture Clutch during the mayhem. Maybe if you’d told us you were the Phantom Rider-”

 

“Things could have gone a hell of a lot better, and Clutch would be in our custody by now!” Shouted Lanolin, “I swear that you treat this like it’s some sick game!”

 

Sonic was now frantic, “W-well, I never wanted to team up with Eggman in the first place but I felt like I had no choice since Jewel hadn’t realised Clutch was crooked yet!”

 

“Pinning the blame on someone else instead of taking responsibility? Why am I not surprised.” Lanolin sneered, now face to face with Sonic, fists clenched.

 

Sonic snapped, “You’re one to talk! What about Mimic-“

 

“ENOUGH!” Yelled Jewel, slamming her hands down on her desk. 

 

Sonic froze. Jewel had actually caught him off guard. He turned to Lanolin, who was gritting her teeth, trying her best not to break down completely.

 

Jewel sighed, “Lanolin, take a breather, then meet me outside Surge’s room. Once I’m done there, we’ll speak with Silver, Tangle and Whisper so we can talk things out with them.” She said, looking at Sonic with barely disguised disappointment. 

 

Lanolin stared back for a moment, before nodding. She huffed at Sonic before storming out of the room, her breathing sharp and tense.

 

Sonic tried to reach out to stop her, now feeling terrible at crossing such a line. Mimic had only just been revealed as Duo, someone Lanolin had trusted for Gaia’s sake! He should have known it was still a sore spot. Before he could stop her, Jewel threw her hand up, stopping him.

 

Jewel ran her hand down her face, exhausted. “Sonic, I’ll try to say this with as much patience as I can, but do you actually think before you speak?”

 

Sonic opened his mouth, trying to come up with a response, only to shake his head, ashamed.

 

Jewel continued, “Look, I think it’s best if you spend some time away from the Restoration. We do need someone to track Clutch down and investigate Cleansweep Inc, so that way you can still help us and let this whole… ‘situation’, die down a bit. Don't take this personally, this isn’t a banishment, it’s just that things are a bit too fragile right now.”

 

Sonic sighed. “O-okay.” He said, “I’m sorry for what I said, that wasn’t cool of me. Please let Lanolin know I’m sorry too.” He said shortly.

 

“Apology accepted," Jewel seemed to relax. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to organise some paperwork for the reconstruction work that’s coming up.”

 

Sonic wearily turned to leave, but then paused; “What about Surge?” He asked.

 

Jewel seemed uneasy. “I am still not sure.” She finally said. “Yes she was working for Clutch, which certainly explains a lot, but she‘s still done so much for us at such a personal cost, so it’s a tough call.” 

 

Sonic turned to face her, “You should give her a second chance. I think she’s earned it. Might as well throw Kit in too.”

 

Jewel said nothing. She hadn’t even thought about how to break the news to Surge about her power loss.

 

Sonic continued, “I mean, if you of all people are practically giving me another chance after all that racing crap, I’m sure you can do the same for Surge. You always see the good in people Jewel, that’s one of your greatest strengths; so do you trust yourself when you think you see good in Surge?”

 

Jewel's eyes widened, and then after a moment, smiled warmly. 

 

Sonic’s iconic grin returned, and with a final fingergun point, he left Jewel alone in her office. 

 

Jewel sat there, alone with nothing but her thoughts, her past mistakes now coming back. She swore under her breath, and covered her face with her hands.   

 

---

 

Silver picked up a tomato and grinned, “Y’know, I really should start growing apple trees, get an orchard going. Imagine how many free apples we could get. Plus basically all the apple pie in the world!”  

 

Silver was practically ecstatic. Shortly after he and Blaze had returned from their world trip, they were initially horrified by how the restoration was nearly destroyed by Clutch’s airship. Thankfully, no one was hurt or killed, and the Restoration was still alive and kicking. And his community garden was still intact, thank Gaia.  

 

Blaze particularly took it hard that she wasn't there to protect anyone, but to Silver, who could blame her for taking some time off? There was so much of the world she hadn’t seen! And she would get to see more of it with Amy and Tails making sure that the Restoration’s network hadn’t collapsed. He almost wished he could join them. Things here were rather tense. Especially with Lanolin-

 

Silver dropped the tomato, “Damnit.” He cursed quietly. He had almost forgotten why he was here. He had forgotten that wound.     

 

Behind him, Tangle and Whisper were silently waiting patiently for Lanolin and Jewel to arrive. Just when he thought things couldn’t get any more grim, he would look at their despondent faces as they waited for that inevitable talk. 

 

Tangle at least tried to save face, “Y-you said it dude! Apple pie is the best!” She weakly grinned, “I would love to get baking again.” She turned to Whisper, only to see that the wolf was picking at a small lotus flower, trying hard not to completely dissociate. 

 

Yep, Silver thought. Things really are that bad.

 

From the shed at the top of the crater where the garden was based, a silent clunking was heard, and out walked Jewel and Lanolin. As the two walked down, Silver swore he’d saw Lanolin briefly hesitate upon making eye contact with him. Sure she’d chewed him out about attacking Duo but he had mostly gotten over that. There was no reason why she would feel guilty right?

 

Yet here she was.

 

Lanolin and Jewel sat down next to Silver, opposite Tangle and Whisper. For the next 5 minutes, nobody talked. Every now and then, someone would open their mouth, only to immediately go quiet. 

 

Eventually, Silver spoke up, “Look, someone is going to have to start talking or we’re going to be here forever,” He turned to Lanolin. “Lanolin, should you start or…”

 

“No no, I’ll be the one to rip the band-aid off.” Lanolin sighed heavily, much to Silver’s confusion. Lanolin took a breath, and then clapped her hands together, “Mimic was Duo all along, and I was played for a fool.”

 

Silver blinked, then yelled out excitedly, “REALLY?!? I KNEW IT!!!”

 

“ALRIGHT I GET IT, YOU DON’T NEED TO RUB IT IN!” Lanolin snapped.

 

Silver and Lanolin stared at each other. Lanolin, full of tired and strained acknowledgement. And Silver, only now realising the awkwardness of the situation. 

 

“Ah, right. Sorry.” Silver caught himself. “I really shouldn't be gloating all things considered.”   

 

“I really should be the one apologising,” Lanolin immediately said, “Firstly for snapping like that, but most importantly to you and Whisper.”

 

Whisper looked up with barely contained frustration. 

 

Lanolin’s breath hitched, before she spoke up, voice nearly cracking; “I am really, really, REALLY, fucking sorry you guys.”

 

Everyone was stunned. Lanolin nearly broke down then and there, but she persevered, “All I ever wanted was to help people, to make this world a better place. It’s why I joined the Restoration. But I grew so focused on the goal at hand, I stopped caring about getting there in the first place only about the endgame. I was so determined to overcome such massive tasks that I was willing to trust anyone who could lend a hand, which led to my blind trust in Mimic. He was so flimsy in his application to the team, how pathetic am I to make that mistake?” She chuckled bitterly.

 

Lanolin paused. No one was laughing with her. Silver looked even more guilty for his outburst. So she continued, “Look, I don’t expect to be forgiven, and I definitely understand if you guys want to vote me out from the Neo Diamond Cutters but-”

 

“Raise your expectations Lanolin,” Silver said compassionately as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “I forgive you, these kind of things can happen to the best of us. And I’m sure Whisper thinks the same too, right?" He said hopefully, turning to the wolf.

 

Whisper spoke up, “You should have believed us. Unlike you I know Mimic on a personal level and Silver is smart to catch things like this, you should have trusted us.”

 

“Whisper come on,” Lanolin sighed, “I do trust you guys, and I really should have heard you two out, but you literally charged in guns blazing with nothing but your word against his. It didn't exactly help that you started fighting me whilst Silver battered him with chairs.”

 

“I felt like I had no choice." Whisper said definitively. Lanolin was nearly taken aback by how much bitterness could be spoken so softly. Silver just looked down remorsefully.

 

“Yeah. I guess you did. It also didn't help that I didn’t take your concerns seriously enough and not look any further into Duo. Chaos I might have even found something that would have proven he was an imposter! I should have at least considered it given what he had done to you. And for that I am also truly sorry.” Lanolin said, nearly wiping a tear.

 

It was now Whisper’s turn to be taken aback. She hadn’t expected this level of sincerity from Lanolin. That ability to take responsibility for her actions.

 

Any anger Whisper felt had now vanished, left only by her own guilt. “Very well. That makes sense,” She finally spoke, now softer, “It wasn’t really appropriate how I approached things. I should have trusted you to hear me out. I'm also sorry: I guess we really need to work on this trust and openness we as a team should have.”     

 

“I guess so.” Lanolin chuckled, “I would not be able to forgive myself for making the same mistake twice!” 

 

“But I would forgive you again buddy.” Silver reassured her.  

 

“Aw that’s so awesome!” Tangle cheered. “The Restoration is here to stay! Nothing can stop us now!” 

 

Things became quiet again, albeit on a more positive note. Eventually, Tangle spoke up again, “Okay, now that elephant’s out the room, it's time to address the other elephants - metaphorically, no offence to real elephants - what’s the next steps with the Restoration? What is happening with Surge?"

 

Jewel spoke quietly, “For one, Surge is going to make a full recovery.” 

 

“Great.” Whisper muttered under her breath

 

“Unfortunately the downtime in between battles for her powers to recharge seems to be… ‘indefinite’. We may need to bring in some outside help to find out what we can about her… ‘unique’ biology.” Jewel explained.   

 

Whisper couldn't help but secretly smile. 

 

Jewel continued facing down, “As for the Restoration, it’s still going to keep on moving forward. Just not.. with…”

 

Jewel trailed off. This was because she was planning on resigning. Between the recent conflicts with Duo and Surge on top of the disastrous sweepstakes race, she felt as if she was no longer worthy. She did allow herself to be manipulated by Clutch, such an obviously shady character and therefore she felt she was inadvertently responsible for the nearly catastrophic destruction of the Restoration and the potentially countless victims of her folly. Surely, no one would even trust her again. Then again, what were they expecting from an insect, Jewel told herself. 

 

But, before those words could leave her mouth, Jewel looked up at her closest friends. All of them were looking so hopefully at her. Surely this was a mistake, right?

 

No, Jewel told herself. They were legitimately looking up to her. Everyone in the Restoration looked up to her. She needed to keep going, if not for her friends, if not insect mobians like her, then for herself.

 

Besides, she could just resign later in disgrace should something else happen down the line. Yes Jewel thought, there wouldn’t be a second time, she would assure it. Not with Surge.

 

Besides, somebody has to break some unfortunate news to Whisper. 

 

“... Without any… distractions.” Jewel said conclusively. “We need all hands on deck to restore the Restoration. We’ll need all the help we can get to rebuild our infrastructure, clear away the debris, continue to help others nearby, and reassure the public and local governments that we are still functioning. So that means we all need to stay here for the time being: That means… not going after Mimic for now.”

 

Whisper looked like she had been slapped. “What do you mean, not going after Mimic? We need to find him and end him.” 

 

“I’m sorry Whisper,” Jewel sighed, “Taking down Mimic is not our main priority. Not until we’ve gotten our own house in order.”

 

“Whisper, come on. We talked about this,” Tangle said, concerned, “besides we know that going after Mimic has been particularly… maybe… and this is just my opinion so feel free to ignore it hehe… not healthy for you. Maybe.” 

 

Whisper groaned in frustration and marched off. Tangle quickly followed her and grabbed her shoulder. Whisper spun around and Tangle quickly said, “Whisper, Che ti prende?” 

 

As the two loudly argued, Jewel shuffled next to Silver. “I’m sorry, I cannot translate what they are saying?”

 

“You don’t want to know.” Silver said, listening intently.

 

Eventually, Tangle quietly said something to Whisper. Whisper sighed before nodding in agreement, at which point Tangle happily embraced her before the two returned to the group.

 

Whisper sighed again, “Okay,” she said reluctantly, “I’ll hold off on taking down Mimic. For now.”

 

“Thank you so much,” Jewel smiled enthusiastically, “I know how hard this is for you personally, so I appreciate this a lot.” The beetle chucked, “Dare I say it, you guys were pretty awesome back there hehe!”

 

“You’re awesome. Nay, you are awesome-sauce bestie!” Tangle grinned, had on Whisper’s shoulder. Already, Whisper was starting to cheer up. Tangle’s enthusiasm was truly infectious. 

 

“Alright then, good meeting everyone!” Lanolin said, “Guess there’s nothing left to do but-”

 

“GROUP HUG!!!” Tangle shouted joyfully, pulling in Jewel and Whisper with her tail, making Whisper giggly affectionately.

 

Lanolin was about to back off, still feeling some lingering sense of regret, but Silver gently grabbed her hand and pulled her into the hug pile, allowing themselves to be wrapped up by Tangle’s warm embrace. 

 

At that moment, Lanolin, for the first time in a while, felt genuinely happy. Almost like a massive weight that had been weighing her down had magically been lifted off her shoulders. She felt happy. 

Notes:

I know the second half mostly a re-write of the apology scene from IDW #76, but I thought it still turned out pretty well for this fic. Hopefully I was able to do this scene and these charcaters justice, especially Lanolin for obvious reasons (I'm just not a fan of how she was written in that issue TBH).

I've also taken some inspiration from some of TheMightyHumanBroom's works. They are one of my biggest inspirations and one of the reasons I started fic writing so yeah :)

Chapter 3: Anti-Hero’s Calling

Surge was not happy.

 

On top of losing her powers (and having to deal with an overly curious doctor in a medical room), she and Kit were basically stuck at the Restoration. As much as she hated to admit, she no longer felt as if she and Kit would be safe if she couldn’t defend him. It killed her to be saved by her ‘enemies’, especially now they could use this for bragging rights.

 

As she trudged down the many, many hallways that made up this claustrophobic complex, trailing behind Kit and Jewel, pulling several borrowed travel cases holding what few possessions that had been retrieved from their last hideout. At least ‘Minty’ was being nice to them, for now. 

 

“You know Kit, Belle and Grease have been asking after you. They can’t wait for you to return to the machine shop. Apparently Belle was very interested when she heard about your experiences with Eggman tech.” Jewel spoke confidently. Surge had not seen anyone smile wider when she agreed to stay with the Restoration than when Starline-

 

No, not now. Surge immediately shot that thought down and buried it deep. That was the last thing she wanted on her mind.

 

“I’m not one to gloat,” Kit said quietly, “But yeah, I’d say I know what I’m doing. I do hope to see Belle again, ma’am.” He admitted.

 

“Please, call me Jewel.” Jewel said kindly, “Not much has changed other than focusing on helping to rebuild the power grid of the Restoration. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the challenge.” Jewel then turned to Surge.

 

“As for you Surge, until you can get your powers back, you’ll be working directly for me and Lanolin, helping us organise paperwork, checking up on things on our behalf, organising meetings, that sort of thing.” Jewel explained, noticing how the tenrec was staring into space. 

 

Surge snapped to attention, “Wait, so am I basically your secretary now?” She asked, offended.

 

“Yes,” Jewel replied firmly, “I know it's not exactly glamorous, but it’s better than lying around all day. Besides, any help is appreciated right now.” The beetle then smirked, “Unless you’re not up for the challenge? I heard that Sonic isn’t one for paperwork sooo….”

 

Surge just grumbled something under her breath

 

“Brilliant! Your help is appreciated.” Jewel said.

 

Jewel continued to lead Surge and Kit into a small dormitory, similar to the countless dorm rooms they had passed, some of which had caution tape wrapped around their entrances. This dormitory had a custom diamond insignia carved on the wall. 

 

“Huh, guess there ain’t many rooms left over for us?” Surge noted nervously, recognising where they were.

 

“Not exactly,” Jewel commented, “Yes, the damage has been rather bad, but luckily we still have room for the two of you.” 

 

“However, given the general circumstances, it does mean you’ll both have a bunkmate. I know this isn’t ideal since you two seem to like your privacy, but she’s rather nice so I’m sure you’ll get along.” Jewel said optimistically as they finally reached a door at the end of the corridor.

 

“Yeah well, I’ll be the judge of that.” Surge scoffed.

 

“Then judge away.” Jewel smiled as she knocked on the door. The door swung open, and out stepped Lanolin.

 

“Oh you have got to be kidding me.” Lanolin and Surge said at the same time.

 

“I call dibs on the top bunk?” Kit asked innocently. 

 

---

 

“So this is your apartment?” Surge asked incredulously.

 

For someone who was known for being a productive go-getter, Lanolin’s apartment was somewhat of a surprising contrast. The mess wasn’t noticeable at first, but the odd piece of clothing left in the laundry basket there, a dying plant there and some dust covered sewing needles in the corner of an otherwise tidy desk, it was clear that this would take some getting used to.

 

Like I have enough things to get used to, scoffed Surge internally.

 

“Yeah, I know it’s not exactly perfect,” Lanolin sighed, rubbing her eyes, “But when you’re running a strike team and helping re-organise a restoration movement, personal tidiness tends to be put on the backburner.” 

 

“I wouldn't like it any other way, Lambchop.” Surge grinned.

 

Lanolin clenched her fist, clearly trying to not place it through the nearest wall. “That’s the best insult you could come up with?”

 

Jewel intervened, “Lanolin, why don’t we give these guys a moment to get settled?”

 

Lanolin hesitated, before exhaling in agreement, “Alright, I need a coffee anyways.” She said before striding out of the room. 

 

Jewel turned to Surge and Kit, “She just needs time to get used to you guys. Trust me, she can be a real sweetheart. Now get some rest, work starts first thing in the morning.”

 

“Yeah yeah, goodnight sleep tight and don’t let the badniks bite.” Surge scoffed dismissively. 

 

Jewel paused for a second, before turning and leaving the two. Kit waved goodbye as she shut the door behind them.

 

Surge groaned heavily before throwing herself onto the bottom bunk of the beds to the left of the room, covering her face with her hands. 

 

“You're not really taking this easy, aren’t you?” Kit asked.

 

“Pft! Million Ring question right here.” Surge scoffed. 

 

Kit paused, fidgeting with his hands, “You’re not mad at me, aren’t you?”

 

Surge immediately sat up, “Oh my Ga-the only reason I’m mad at you right now is that you’re annoying me with that stupid question!"

 

Kit flinched. Surge paused, softening her irritable expression, “Nah, I ain’t annoyed at you. It’s a pretty crappy situation, what with my powers kaput and us stuck here with these dorks. Doesn’t it tick you off that they couldn't hold it together when Clutch went megalomaniac? They didn't even think to evacuate in time, or even notice that ‘Mr Soprano’ wasn’t a trustworthy business partner in the first place? Dorks I tell you!”

 

Surge paused, collecting herself, “Just a bunch of scared rabbits in the lights, and I mean it metaphorically. They ain’t bad people; I mean just look at gemstone and that clockwork kid your besties with. Just… inept. Someone's gonna have to pick up the slack.” She winked at Kit.  

 

Kit paused, nodding “Indeed ma’m. We’ll need to keep maintaining this heroic image that you’ve set up for yourself.”

 

“Oh yes!” Grinned Surge, rubbing her hands together gleefully, “We’ll play along with them for now, find a way to get my powers back, climb to the head of the restoration so by the time the blue brat returns, we’ll be calling the shots!” 

 

Kit looked at Surge, cautiously excited, “And I can get rid of that whiny brother of his. I hate that piece of crap…” He growled briefly. “But what about Eggman, ma’am?”

 

Surge ruffled his hair, “Oh for Pete’s sake just call me Surge you dummy! As for Eggman, you make a good point. We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it. That and getting rid of Clutch. For now, let’s focus on the here and now. I bet we haven’t fully gained those idiot’s trust yet, so let’s start with that.”

 

Kit hummed, deep in thought. For the next few moments, there was complete silence. Surge knew when her companion was figuring things out, but she could have sworn she noticed something different about this brainstorm of his. Like he was solving a particularly challenging puzzle that wasn’t his to solve. Finally he spoke up, smiling; “We need them to basically worship you. Just like they do with Sonic. Save them from catastrophe will be a great start to keeping us in their good books. Anything that’ll make us heroes when the opportunity presents itself."

 

Surge chucked maniacally; "Okay! We save them from catastrophe the first chance we get, bathe in the worship, and then we can just convince them to make me better! I love your thinking mate! Gold Stars for you!"

 

Kit looked at Surge with awe and excitement, “As always, your plans are without flaw.” 

 

Just then, the door opened, and an exhausted Lanolin walked in, clutching a coffee mug. “Hey guys, hope you’re settling in well. I’ve got some last minute paperwork to organise, so can you just, I don’t know, keep it down."

 

Surge was about to retort, but Kit quickly stopped her, winking. “You got it Lanolin! We’ll keep it down!” Surge emphasised by pretending to zip her mouth shut.

 

Lanolin was confused, but just shrugged it off, before sitting down at her desk to start some crunching. She would be forgiven to not notice the smirks between the two cyborgs as they unpacked their possessions. Whether the Restoration was ready or not, Surge and Kit were going by to get what they wanted. For those two, it would only be a matter of time.

Notes:

Like with Chapter 2, you may have noticed that this took major inspiration from pre-existing IDW material (I mean it's literally in the title, how original lol) - but I still like how things have turned out so far, so hopefully you'll like it too.

Chapter 4: Primer

The alarm clock sprang to life, cutting through the silence.

 

Surge drowsily rose up and, almost acting on instinct, raised her hand out to shock it into silence. She almost panicked when nothing happened. Surely something would have… Oh right. Still fucking powerless.

 

Surge immediately threw herself back to bed, hoping to just curl up and sleep it off as usual. But Lanolin had other plans.

 

“Hey,” The sheep said sternly as she threw the bedsheet off, “8:05: time to get up.”

 

“Nooooo…” Surge whined, grasping for the sheet, “Lemme sleep. 5 more minutes…”

 

“You said that 5 minutes ago.” Lanolin deadpanned.

 

“Time is irrelevant, sleep is forever.” Surge yawned.

 

“Right.” Lanolin huffed, “Either I’m going to fetch Jewel, or I’m going to crush your bed. Trust me, I'm still going after that coffee two hours ago. I’ll turn it into scrap.”

 

“Ok, ok, I’m getting up, your highness.” Surge arose, letting out a loud yawn whilst sticking her tongue mockingly. Lanolin was unimpressed, but at least Surge was up and about.

 

Kit emerged from the bathroom, brushing his teeth. He waved at Surge as she put her many accessories on. His positive mood was almost halted by her worn expression.

 

“Still no signs?” Kit asked hopefully. Unfortunately he correctly guessed the answer as Surge just shook her head disappointedly. 

 

“You’d really think after a week we’d see something.” Kit sighed as he scrubbed his teeth.

 

“Yeah, it fuc-fudging sucks.” Surge groaned, hands wrung between her legs as she sat on the bed, before continuing in a quiet voice; “Not to mention we still haven’t done anything heroic yet? How are we gonna get our deserved glory now?”

 

Kit sighed before walking over to the kitchenette sink and spitting out his toothpaste. “We’ll just have to be patient, you’ll get your chance ma’am.” he said. I’ll make sure of it. He thought to himself.

 

“Kit, what did I say about spitting in the kitchen sink? Rinse your mouth in the bathroom sink for Gaia’s sake.” Lanolin said, annoyed. 

 

“But they’re both sinks? They’ll both be drained clean right?” Kit said, confused.

 

“He makes a good point, fluffy!” Surge grinned. 

 

Lanolin, sitting at her desk over some paperwork, placed her hand over her face, exasperated. “Why did I agree to this?” The sheep groaned.

 

“Cause you like us!” Surge sang annoyingly before preparing to get ready for the day ahead. 

Lanolin said nothing. 

---

 

The meeting had been going on for about 10 minutes, and Surge was already bored, watching as Lanolin talked to Kit about some machine shop stuff. Whatever it was, it was less interesting than the extra curricular flyer she was looking at.

 

“With that out of the way; Whisper and Tangle, you guys will be checking up on Glass Hill. Its restoration hub was mostly self-sufficient since Tails, Amy and Blaze last checked and I would like to make absolutely sure it remains that way. It doesn't take much for supply lines to be disrupted." Lanolin reported. 

 

“Sounds simple enough.” Whisper remarked. 

 

“Yep, you can count on us!” Tangle grinned, trying her best to remain attentive. 

 

Lanolin then turned to Surge, who had propped her feet onto the table whilst whilst folding the flyer into a paper plane. “As for you, Surge, same old work as usual. I’ll need you to file the minutes from yesterday’s meeting with Honey’s Fashion brand. And you’ll need to correspond with the machine shop that they’ve fixed that problem with those circuit breakers and… are you even paying attention?”

 

“Yeah yeah yeah, file this, document that. When am I going to get a real challenge? Forget circuit breakers, I wanna go out there and really break some of Eggface’s stuff!" Surge grinned as she threw the paper plane.

 

“Surge, we’ve been over this,” Lanolin replied as she caught the paper plane midair, “Minerva and Float have been reviewing your medical records and still have no clue about your powers. Not to mention you’ve yet to receive any formal combat training or proper teamworking experience. Besides, someone has to do some of the busy work around here.”

 

Surge twitched. The last thing she needed was a reminder about her situation. Her whole situation. “Well, I’ve wiped out just as many of Eggman's… toys as anyone in this room. You're not even in the top 5… crushiest botnik person, you stuck-up… lambchop!" She stammered crossly. 

 

Tangle tried to suppress a smirk. Lanolin was unimpressed. 

 

“Firstly, Lambchop? How original. Secondly, come on Surge! You can at least try to be a little less immature here.” Lanolin huffed. 

 

“Hah! Immature, I'll show you immature…” Surge paused mid tirade, and noticed a quick, hidden glare from Kit. 

 

“I, errr mean… Yeah, okay. I'll clam up and do my work. No offence to clams." Surge hesitantly finished, throwing her hands up in mock surrender.  

 

Lanolin paused, then sighed, “Alright then, just get your tasks done. Jewel has set up another to-do list for you, so do it.” 

 

Lanolin then gestured to the room. “Any other questions?”

 

“Oh! Mememememe!” Tangle waved excitedly. 

 

Jewel gestured to her. Tangle, eyes dazzling, spoke quickly; “Since things have been so quiet lately I was thinking that I can cook for you guys tonight I found a new recipe that will really blow your socks off if it’s alright that I do a bit of grocery shopping at Glass hill ans if its alright with you guys please?”

 

Whisper just looked longingly at the lemur’s enthusiasm. Lanolin was slightly taken aback by how Tangle could say so much in one sentence, only to just shrug.

 

“Very well,” Lanolin said, “It would be good for morale anyways. Just don’t let it get in the way of the job.”

 

Tangle fist pumped in excitement; “Heck yeah! Can’t wait to cook for all of you guys! Especially you Surge and Kit, you really need to try my lasagna sometime; It's to die for!“ 

 

Surge gave a thumbs up. Whisper remained stoic, but looked slightly annoyed.

 

Lanolin looked over the room. Something had been nagging at her for the past week. Something green and mean. Surge had surprisingly taken to her new role with much diligence. Documents and paperwork had been messily yet well organised, basic office inventory was filled as always. Surge had even taken to fetching coffee. Yes her methods weren't perfect, but she was still getting work done. Jewel was certainly ecstatic that the tenrec was straightening her life out. Lanolin herself really didn't care about that. What Lanolin was worried about was how Surge’s record had been spotless so far. Apart from the odd prank or crafted nicknames, her attitude was (mostly) flawless. Clearly something was afoot, and Lanolin was going to get to the bottom of this.   

 

The meeting was quickly wrapped up after that. Whisper and Tangle left to travel off to Glass Hill. Lanolin handed Surge a clipboard with her to-do list. Surge merely grumbled as she sauntered out of the meeting room, waving goodbye to Kit as he left for the machine shop. She was bored. insanely bored. What was that hardass Lanolin’s problem anyways? And who was this Float guy she mentioned-

 

Surge slammed into something and fell over. Rather, it was someone, as a certain white hedgehog quickly picked up her papers.

 

“Oh sorry buddy, I wasn’t watching where I was… standing.” Silver bashfully apologised as he reached out to help Surge up. 

 

Surge quickly leapt up before his hand could reach her; “Shouldn’t you be fighting some burning edgelord from the future?”

 

“Mephiles? Hehe, nah: He doesn’t exist anymore. I made sure of it.” Silver chuckled.

 

Surge was stunned, but quickly pulled herself together; “Right. What’s up with you Primer?”

 

Silver shrugged, “I just got back from my patrol. Eggman’s been real quiet after the sweepstakes fiasco. Jewel thinks he’s up to something so has me looking for him. How about you?" He smiled.

 

Surge grumbled as she kicked her foot against something imaginary, “Nothin’ new, some boring shit with files and…” She quickly scanned her list; “... checking on office inventory. Of course.” 

 

Silver noticed her disdain; “I can lend a hand! My schedule is pretty much free today and I do need to report my findings so I might as well join you!”

 

“Really?” Surge asked, looking for any hidden traps. Silver’s stupidly optimistic grin looked genuinely honest. Was he really about to do this for nothing?

 

“Really really.” Silver said. “Besides, we can get to know each other better.”  

 

Surge sighed, “Fine, follow me Primer. But be warned, this paperwork is really ‘riveting’ stuff.” 

 

Silver chuckled as they started walking, “Hehe, you're funny. My name is Silver by the way!”

 

Surge blinked, “Yeah I know it's just… it’s a nickname; you’ll catch on.”

 

Silver just grinned. 

 

---

 

By lunch time, Surge was no longer bored. 

 

Silver was quite frankly an odd being, coming from her. He happily threw himself into every task set out for him, zipping around and using his telekinesis to multi-task. That was whenever he wasn't being distracted by an electric pencil sharpener or a paper shredder (You have machines that do that for you?!?, as he put it excitedly).

 

As much as Surge hated to admit it, Silver's unbound joy and enthusiasm was starting to grow on her. In fact a part of her hated how much she’d initially brushed him off as some lonely dork. Maybe it was jealousy. 

 

Surge brooded over this, picking at a small hotdog as Silver munched happily on a whole tray of apples, a food he had a surprising obsession over. It was just the two of them sitting at their small table in the restoration food court. Apart from some shuttered stands and some large scaffolding near the entrance - obviously maintenance following last week -  the place was mostly normal.  

 

Silver paused stuffing apples into his mouth as he noticed Surge’s silence, “I’ll have your chilidog if you're not hungry” He asked, now eyeing up her food.

 

“Nah I’m gonna eat it soon,” Surge retorted, “I was just… thinking.” 

 

“About what?” Silver asked.

 

“Like, my appetite has been all over the place dude,” Surge explained, “I used to absolutely wreck tons of food without breaking a sweat. I am… I mean I was just a black hole of food. And now look at me, I can barely start on a lousy snack. And it’s NOT a chilidog, I’m not stooping to Sonic’s level with that gross crap.”

 

“Oh they’re not that bad, you look like someone who loves chilidogs ” Silver grinned, before continuing in a speculative tone, “Maybe it's just nerves? Things have been rather hectic lately so I wouldn't blame you.”  

 

“Yeah, or maybe it’s how I’m practically useless now with my powers gone.” Surge scoffed. 

 

Silver looked hurt. He was about to reassure her when he held a clunking next to him. He hadn’t noticed Kit and Belle sitting down next to him.  

 

“You’re not useless ma’am,” Kit replied, “I’m sure you can still surprise us yet.”  

 

“I concur,” Belle literally chimed in, “This is quite the… dilemma, a real kalamität if you will, but I’m sure things can work out in the end. Trust me, things can work out in odd ways.”

 

Belle paused as she saw how awkwardly Surge was looking at her, before the puppet slapped herself in the head in realisation, “Oh gears and sawdust! I forgot we were never properly introduced; Moin! Belle the Tinkerer at your services.” She smiled as she raised her hand, rotating it side-to-side as if she was waving.

 

“Yeah, nice to meet you too… Noddy." Surge hesitantly replied.  

 

Belle paused, “That’s not my na- Oh, It's one of your funny nicknames! Oh entschuldigung, I really am making a bad first impression aren't I?”

 

“It’s fine, you get used to it!” Silver laughed. “She called me Primer because of my bright coat, pretty clever if you ask me!”

 

“No it’s because you're a time trav- agh! I really need to rethink my nicknames, the worse the better.” Surge groaned. 

 

Silver just swayed his legs in excitement. Just then, Minerva walked over. The mantis was wearing quite the outfit; a simple dress pants and shirt, both of which faded into a crimson red at the end of their sleeves, the colour of which matched the tie she wore. At first glance, Minerva  looked like she had freshly killed someone. She was holding a large sub sandwich in one of her long arms.    

 

“Ah! My favorite patient, how are you on this fine lunchtime… time," Minerva cheerfully waved, “It feels like last week when you were in my dutiful care!” 

 

“It was last week.” Surge said shortly.  

 

“Oh yeah it was! It's a real shame your powers haven’t come back yet, I really thought Starline would have come up with a solution for such a scenario." Minerva said. 

 

The silence was deafening. Kit began to more aggressively cut his sandwich. Belle looked down as she played with her gloves nervously. Surge just glared angrily. 

 

Minerva paused, before realising, “Oh, right: He who shall not be named. Sorry for that; I’ll-I will be on my way now, being a medical doctor is a full time job y’know! Essential too.” She spluttered.

 

“Good,” Kit said curtly, “It’s about time you left. What about your sandwich?” 

 

“Oh yeah one sec.” Minerva twitched before raising the sub to her face. In a matter of seconds, she tore into the sub and gnawed through it, quickly making it disappear. There weren’t even any crumbs or even paper wrapping left. It was fascinatingly fast, if not a little off-putting.  

 

“There!” Minerva grinned, rubbing her raptorial claws across her mouth to check for edible debris as her antennae lively jerked.

 

Surge’s eye twitched. Minerva noticed this, and then grabbed a nearby tissue before wiping her face and claws off, “Ah, of course: cleanliness first. Basic etiquette!” She smiled nervously, before bolting for the entrance.

 

Kit looked relieved. Surge took a deep breath as clenched and unclenched her fists, “I swear I’m gonna squish her one day.” She growled.

 

“She’s harmless really,” Silver said, trying to choose his words carefully, “She just… I guess she’s not the sharpest tool in the medical tray. A real ‘dork’ as you might put it.”

 

“Yeah, she can be kind of eccentric." Belle added, “Kind, but eccentric.”

 

“That’s a compliment coming from you guys.” Surge muttered under her breath when there was a loud crashing sound. 

 

Surge whipped her head around to see that some of the larger scaffolding, suspended above the entrance, had somehow come loose. The once study beams had collapsed, and now the jagged platforming was dangling by only a few wires. What was really concerning was that some of the debris had fallen down, right on top of Minerva, partially burying her.

 

“Oh no, I am trapped under this scaffolding, who will save me from this predicament!?” Minerva calmly cried out. It seemed like she was trying not to panic, but the small crowd of people in the food court had certainly started to panic.

 

“Those beams were sturdy before!”

    

“How did this happen?”

 

“Stay back! It’s not safe! Call for help!”

 

Belle was frantic, “We need to do something, we can’t just leave her!”

 

“I got this!” Silver called out as he started to glow, only to be halted by Surge.

 

“No way Primer, this is my time to shine. I ain’t letting you stop me from getting some action!” Surge snapped.

 

“But I can help!” Silver cried, only for Kit to block him off.

 

“Then help by preparing to film this,” Surge gleefully smirked as she cracked her knuckles, “Time to show you what a real hero can do.”

 

Surge got on all fours in a starting position, ready to sprint to the rescue. She was ready. To hell with safety; to hell with this building, and to hell with Belle and Silver as they watched from nearby ‘doubtfully’. With Kit cheering her on, she would do it. He could already feel a surge of energy billowing inside of her, muting the small pains that echoed in her joints. She’d definitely show them all now! With great effort, Surge threw herself forward….

 

And immediately tripped over herself, faceplanting the ground.   

 

Surge was briefly stunned, before coming to her senses. As she lay there, she couldn’t help but gasp in disbelief; this wasn't supposed to happen! Surely a life or death situation would have triggered something? But nothing had happened! As she lifted up her face, she noticed blood dripping on the floor; her nose was trickling red from the impact. 

 

Surge was down on the ground, down on her luck, and still powerless.

 

She felt empty.

 

Before she could get up, she felt a whoosh overhead. She prayed that it wasn’t what she thought it was, but sure enough, she looked up to see SIlver flying over to Minerva, lifting all the debris in the air using his telekinesis. Without breaking a sweat, he neatly placed the surprised Minerva on one side, and the broken scaffolding in a spot out of the way of the main entrance.

 

The crowd broke out in celebration. Everyone started cheering for Silver, who bashfully waved it off as they applauded him whilst he checked on Minerva. The crowd surrounded him, trying to shake his hand or take a picture with him. Nobody had noticed Surge lying there. Or at least, three people did.

 

One was Kit, looking on in disappointment and envy at Silver.

 

Another was Belle, who looked sympathetically at Surge, much to Surge’s chagrin.

 

And finally, a short butterfly mobian, black with bright blue wings wearing a simple hoodie with a large yellow device mounted on his wrist and a doctor’s name badge on his chest, reaching a hand out to her. 

 

“Hullo, U seem eager.” The butterfly spoke flatly, almost emotionless, “I’m Float, Restoration Doctor. Hehe, Hullo, U alright?”

 

So that’s this ‘Float’ guy that Lanolin mentioned, Surge thought, Why is he just as weird as Minerva? And what does he mean I am eager? 

 

“That is Surge,” Kit said proudly yet shortly, "Restoration hero. Arguably one of the most powerful and the most underrated.”

 

“Yep.” Quipped Float, “At least she tried.”

 

The butterfly then turned to Surge, “That Silver is special. Very Special.” Float paused in-between brief sentences, “Are u like him? With special powers? Or are u ordinary? Hehe." He asked innocently.

 

Surge bristled at that last question.

 

And by bristling, Surge growled in frustration, slapping away his hand as she helped herself up before striding off in the opposite direction. “I need some fricking air.” She seethed. As Surge walked off, Silver seemed to notice through the thinning crowd, saddened.

 

Kit reached out to follow her, but Belle just held him back.

 

“She just needs some space.” She sighed, before turning to Float, “How do you not know what happened to her?”

 

“What happened? Context?” Float asked, his apathetic voice now twinged with concern,

 

“A looooong story buddy,” Minerva stiffly walked over, being supported by Silver, “In all due time, as much as I love a good biology case study.”

 

Silver said nothing, just sat down sadly next to Surge’s abandoned food. As Belle and Kit walked over to comfort him, Float noticed Kit’s expression. It was more annoyed than concerned, as if things hadn't played out like he’d hoped. Float then realised that Minerva had a similar expression.

 

He turned to Minerva, and quietly said, “U were being stupid.”

 

“Oh zip it,” Scoffed Minerva, “I wasn't watching where I was going and didn’t notice the collapsing scaffolding, sue me. At least no one was hurt; I’ll certainly live to continue my epic surgical skills. There’s a distinction between me being careless, and me being stupid."

 

“That's not why I called you stupid.” Float said simply, yet with much weight behind it. Minerva just silently looked away as Float flew up to Silver, still sitting mournfully. 

 

“U g-gonna drink that?” The butterfly asked Silver, pointing to a bottle of soda that Surge had left with her hotdog. 

 

“Nah, you can have it. I think someone’s lost their appetite." Silver sighed. 

 

“Yay!” Float blandly cheered, before flying over Silver and crouching onto the table, his mouth opening to reveal a thin, needle like thing that impaled the bottle and quickly started gulping down the sugary drink. He looked up to see Silver looking awkwardly at him.

 

“Hullo?" Float looked too closely at Silver, “Never seen a proboscis?”

 

They would have been mistaken for not noticing the shadowed figure watching from a corner of the room, who had noticed Surge with much interest.

Chapter 5: Food for Fought

“And there we go, Buon appetito!” Tangle cheered.

 

Tangle had just finished her new signature dish, a Mushroom Risotto made from fresh ingredients bought from the farmers market at Glass Hill, and was serving out to her fellow diamond cutters in their small kitchenette.

 

Alongside Whisper and Lanolin, she had invited Silver, Jewel and Float to join them. She’d even invited Surge and Kit, though the small fennec was the only one to turn up. Surge had been awfully elusive since the incident at the food court.

 

As much as it pained Tangle, it was ultimately Surge’s loss.

 

“Tangle I don’t know how you do it, but your cooking is exquisite.” Whisper said, a large grin forming on her face as she took a bite. 

 

Tangle couldn’t help but blush, “Aw shut up it wasn't much, I was improvising most of the time”

 

“Are you kidding me? This stuff is amazing!” Silver said in between bites.

 

“I wish my mouth was bigger!” Jewel chimed in as she shovelled more food into her mouth. Kit and Silver were similarly eager to eat, laughing about some inside joke that they had come up with earlier. Float had eaten some of his before dozing off.

 

“Aw you guys are too kind,” Tangle said, flattered, “I do pride myself on being the premier cook of this team!”

 

“I don’t know…” Whisper said in a surprisingly playful tone, "I am pretty good at cooking myself. I can make a killer stew.”

 

“Yeah, on a campfire!” Tangle cheekily retorted. “Besides, when was the last time you cooked anything that wasn’t ready made?”

 

“The time she set fire to the sink trying to make french toast.” Lanolin bluntly said.

 

“Ha! No way, I’d forgotten about that!” Tangle burst out laughing. Whisper tried to look annoyed, but the Lemur’s pure unadulterated joy proved to be infectious as Whisper smirked.

 

“Now I have got to hear this!” Silver said excitedly. 

 

“Shall I let you handle this one Lanolin?” Tangle smiled, “You did see this all go down”

 

“Erm… Okay,” Lanolin said, slightly smiling, “So I was getting some paperwork done right here in this kitchen, when I heard a Surge of… power…”

 

“Hehe! C’mon it was more like a bright spark than a surge!” Tangle said.  

 

“No,” Lanolin pointed, “Surge.”

 

Everyone swung their heads around (Or in Float’s case, lolled upwards) to see Surge in the doorway, standing silently. Apart from how she was lingering, almost as if she was debating entering the room, the only noticeable thing about her was a plaster over her nose.

 

“Hey.” Surge said awkwardly as she walked into the room, “What’s up?”

 

Everyone at the table had heard about what had happened at lunch, and stayed awkwardly silent. Except for Silver, who smiled proudly, “Surge! Come, join us! This food is amazing!”  

 

“I dunno…” Surge said. She then noticed everyone's faces and quickly perked up, “I don’t wanna be stuck here all night listening to lame stories! Unless they’re about Squinty over there. They are hilarious!”

 

Whisper huffed indignantly, “I wouldn’t call them lame, and it’s Whisper. Not Squinty.”  

 

“C’mon, What’s this french toast story I’ve heard about? It’s just toasting bread french style!” Surge boasted.

 

“That’s not how it works.” Whisper said, annoyed. 

 

“Yeah whatever fleabag.” Surge muttered.

 

Whisper spun around, “What did you call me?!” 

 

“I don’t know, what did I call you?” Surge shrugged, looking ‘perplexed’.

 

“I’d rather not repeat it.” Whisper said between gritted teeth.

 

“Then I guess we’ll never know!” Surge smirked. She even had the gall to wink at Kit.

 

Whisper almost jumped out of her seat, but Tangle stopped her. 

 

“That’s it,” Lanolin said, “Surge, you need to cut the crap. We all know that you’re going through the ringer right now, but that doesn’t give you the right to keep hitting us with all this snark and bad attitude. Like it or not, you’re a part of a team. You could at least try to bond with us.”

 

“Oh, ‘been through the ringer’, is that what we’re calling it now, all the crap I’ve been through?!” Surge furiously retorted. “We would need a bazillion years to fully explain what I have been through!” 

 

“You’re excusing your behaviour, not explaining it.” Lanolin said firmly.

 

“Oh to hell with this,” Surge spat, "This isn’t the breakfast club. I know this because it’s dinner time, and I don’t wanna talk about my feelings. So. Drop. It.” She emphasised those last words before turning to leave. 

 

“Surge,” Silver said, “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. We can still talk-”

 

“Why do you want me around?” Surge snapped, “Wasn’t stealing my one chance to be a hero enough for you! Can’t you just stop sticking your nose in other people's business?!” 

 

“I… I never meant to do any of that,” Silver said quietly, “I was only trying to spend time with you because… because you seem like a good friend.”

 

Surge literally felt like she had been shot. This announcement of care. That genuine admission of friendship felt so… alien. It was small, but it felt too intimate for her. 

 

She didn't know what to do next. Part of her wanted to provoke him into attacking her, to return to the normalcy of being feared. Part of her wanted to run. But a small part of her wanted to break down and apologise and accept his friendship like a warm blanket.

 

Starline answered for her.

 

Good, Starline’s voice echoed, Surge feeling him appear behind her, Twist this knife, leverage his feelings; He’s lonely, and the lonely ones are always the easiest to KILL. 

 

Surge swore she heard his manic laughter as she felt his hand on her shoulder.

 

Surge spun around rapidly and punched as hard as she could. Her left fist came into contact with something hard that crumpled inward. Her hand shrieked in pain. 

 

“Huh. So U are not okay.” Float said nonchalantly. 

 

Surge immediately focused on what had happened. Float was the one who’d placed a hand on her shoulder, and had just bared dodged her fist, which had connected with an outlet, which was now a sparkling wreck.

 

Surge pulled her fist away, noticing blood starting to stain her glove.

 

Surge turned around and scanned the room. Everyone was looking at her, concerned and sympathetic. 

 

No. Surge concluded. They are looking at me with PITY.

 

Surge opened her mouth, gulped as if she tried to come up with some slick joke, and then stormed for the exit.

 

Silver leapt up and ran towards her; “Surge, wait!” He called out.

 

“I’m not a good person.” Surge said definitely, stopping Silver in his tracks, “So don’t even try me. We’re done.”

 

Surge stormed out of the room. Silver just returned to his seat, defeated.

 

“I’ll follow her, try to talk to her.” Jewel volunteered. 

 

“I wouldn’t bother,” Kit spoke up, “Yes that was… unpleasant, but Surge just needs a moment. Trust me.” He said calmly. 

 

Jewel looked concerned. She turned to a fazed Tangle, who just exhaled deeply before scooping out a potion of the risotto into a bowl which she then wrapped in cellophane. 

 

As Whisper placed her hand on Silver supportively, Float flapped over to him.

 

“Are you alright?” Silver asked.

 

“Eh,” Float said, “I’ve seen worse.”

 

There was a moment of silence, as if everyone was processing what happened. Float then spoke up again; “U still like Surge?” 

 

“Do I still like her?” Silver pondered, before sighing, “Yeah, I stand by what I said. I guess she just needs some time. I don’t think I should push her right now.”

 

“And Kit?" Whisper asked.

 

“I like him too…” Silver replied, noticing him calmly eating his food. He then said quietly to Float and Whisper, ”But I don’t know if I can trust him.” 

 

By now, none of them had noticed that the outlet, which should still have been sparkling and buzzing, had gone completely quiet.  

 

The figure watching outside did notice though, before leaving.

 

---

 

Surge just kept walking.

 

All she could hear was static. Each thought barged in overwhelmingly, and her joints ached with each step.

 

By the time she finally stopped to actually process what had happened, she was all alone on top of the restoration, the ruins of emeraldville stretching far and wide against the setting evening sun as a light rain simmered down.

 

There was no better representation of her current mental state.

 

Surge was in pain; she had thought it was just her bloodied fist or her nose but no; regret was actually causing physical pain.

 

As she started pacing back and forth, she swore that Starline would pop up anytime now to gloat, to lecture her on her true purpose. At this point,it was all she had right?

 

“Y’know for someone so energetic, I’d never expected you to be one for brooding.”

 

Surge spun around so fast she nearly gave herself a headache.

 

Standing behind her was a strange cloaked figure, just watching her. 

 

“Who the hell are you?” Surge said, “Can’t you see I’m busy here?”

 

“What? Having an existential crisis? Heh! Believe me, I can tell.” The stranger said.

 

Surge was not about to let some rando intimidate her. “Let me guess, you’re some agent or assassin sent by Clutch or Dr Egglard to finish the job?” She retorted.

 

“Whom I represent are way above the interests of some lowly gangster. We’ve been watching you,” The stranger explained, “Observing you from afar, keeping our distance. You are quite the… individual.”

 

“I am not interested.” Surge sneered. 

 

“Oh? Why not?” The stranger asked.

 

“Because I am more interested, in burying my fists into your ominous stalkery ass.” Surge snarled, entering into a fighting stance. 

 

The stranger was unfazed. “You don’t want to do this.” They said sternly.

 

“Nah, I think I do.” Surge said, before lunging at the figure.

 

The stranger didn’t react until the last second, effortlessly dodging Surge’s strike. Surge snarled in frustration and swiped again. Every time Surge threw frenzied punches or an angered kick, the figure was able to either dodge outright or block her attacks.

 

“Sloppy technique. No strategy. You fight like you have no fear. Nothing to lose,” The stranger said bluntly, “Or no one.”

 

That only pissed off Surge even more. The stranger parried her next attack and shoved her backwards, causing her to nearly fall off the roof. 

 

“I’LL SHOW YOU FEAR!” She yelled, quickly composing herself as she tried her luck at another lunge.

 

Her luck didn’t pay out; The stranger grabbed her right hand and arm and in a judo throw, tossed her over their shoulder and onto the ground with a powerful thud. 

 

Surge felt the wind being slammed out of her.

 

The stranger just stood over her, not even bothering to put her in a hold; “Have you had enough? I’ve sworn to not attack the powerless. I don’t fancy sending you to the hospital.” 

 

Surge growled in agony, until she noticed something hanging off the stranger’s waist. 

 

It was a small container, black with red glowing lining with warning signs imprinted on its front. Surge sensed something from that box. It felt powerful. Disruptively powerful.

 

The stranger reached out their hand to pull her up. Surge took their hand with her right, and as they pulled her up she used her left hand to grab the box. 

 

Before the stranger could react, there was a massive burst of lightning that blew them back. Surge immediately felt a rush. She felt every sense tingle with endless energy and vibrance, a feeling that could be described as like being injected with adrenaline or seeing an old friend after a long time. 

 

Small, familiar bolts of electricity shot from her fingertips and quills; her nose, her hand and her joints no longer hurt. There was no denying it. After all this darkness, all this silence, her powers were back.

 

She felt alive. She felt powerful. 

 

Surge turned to the stranger, who was still standing upright and shielding their face from the bright flare. The stranger looked closer, now realising what had happened. Even though they didn't show it, Surge knew they had been rattled.

 

“Remember what you said about sending me to the hospital?” Surge said quietly, letting her energetic bolts do the talking, “Yeah, how about I send you to the morgue!”

 

Surge blasted off towards the stranger, and punched them. Hard. Even though the stranger blocked this attack, it wasn’t something easily shrugged off. This stranger could be hurt.

 

Surge shot backwards, and then shot back and forth at blinding speeds, hitting the stranger again and again. The figure tried parrying and dodging, but was struggling to keep up with this sudden onslaught.

 

“What’s the matter? Too slow for me?” Surge bragged in between blows, before finally catching the stranger clear in the face, causing them to yell out in pain. 

 

Surge charged up her powers, ready to fry the stranger for good, “I’ve faced off against Sonic and lived! YOU’RE NOTHING COMPARED TO HIM!!!”

 

“ENOUGH GAMES!” The stranger yelled, before disappearing in a flash before Surge could grab them.

 

Surge was caught off guard, but before she could react, the stranger reappeared behind her, and struck her in the chest as hard as they could. 

 

Surge was violently blasted backwards, bouncing repeatedly on the roof. Just as it looked like she would fall off the top outright, the figure teleported near the edge, grabbing her before hurling her onto the ground with another, more powerful thud.

 

“Damn it.” Coughed Surge, now out of the fight. As she lay there, she felt her powers begin to drain out like water down a drain. Whist she was feeling distraught - she was practically back to being helpless - there was some relief: whoever this stranger was, they had done more for her in a few minutes what the Restoration had done in a week.

 

She flinched as the stranger walked over to her, expecting another round of blows. Instead, they offered her… another hand? 

 

Surge, this time out of surprise, took it and allowed the person to pull her up. As Surge stretched her arms and shoulders, trying desperately to remembering familiar strengths that had now mostly faded as the stranger stepped towards her, rubbing their face.

 

“Not bad,” The stranger half-chuckled, “You have much potential. And I have faced Sonic before, so you’re offering nothing new.”

 

Surge was now desperate for answers; “How did you do all of that? Why are you helping me? Who even are you?”

 

The stranger pulled back their cloak. There, the darkness of the hood revealed a face….

 

A face with black fur, and dynamic piercing red eyes. 

 

A face with blazing red highlights that trailed along quills, both similar to Sonic's and something all too recognisable.

 

“Call me Shadow.” 

Notes:

Dun Dun DUUUUUUNNNNNN!!!!!

Hope you've enjoyed the fic so far, as always constructive feedback is welcome.

I hoped to have the full work done by now but some personal and professional life stuff got in the way so I had to reschedule so to speak. I am working on finishing this fic - hopefully I'll have the final half out by the end of the month, but don't hold me to that! I am even considering writing a smaller fic to make up for lost time so maybe you'll see something else this month.....

Chapter 6: Sunken Costs

“Yeah yeah, goodnight sleep tight and don’t let the badniks bite.” Surge scoffed dismissively. 

 

Jewel paused for a second, before turning and leaving the two. Kit waved goodbye as she shut the door behind them.

 

Jewel walked away from the door, broke into a stride, and then leapt up, unfurling her delicate wings so she could zoom back to office quickly. As much as she hated to abruptly leave Surge and kit, especially without saying a proper goodbye to their new roommate, she had a meeting to attend.

 

Jewel dashed through the winding corridors of the restoration complex, weaving, dodging and ducking under anything that would for a second slow her down. Eventually, she reached her office, and checked her watch. 

 

9:55pm: She had made it.

 

Jewel rushed into her office and set up her laptop, drinking some water she had prepared earlier. She had tried to make an effort to not work too late in the evening, as Tangle had countlessly (both playfully and then seriously) lectured her about, but tonight was an exception. 

 

She checked her email and sure enough, a virtual meeting link was in her inbox, sent from an official G.U.N email account.  

 

She clicked on the link, and sure enough, the agent appeared on her screen. It was a female human, short haired and wearing a simple dress suit.   

 

“Director Jewel I presume,” The woman spoke, “I hope I’m not bothering you; I know personally how much of a pain timezones can be.”

 

“That’s quite alright Agent Topaz,” Jewel responded formally, "I appreciate the offer to reschedule but I wanted to have this meeting as soon as possible, especially given recent… developments.”

 

“Indeed,” Topaz said, “My superiors were concerned about the condition of the Resistance Movement in Mobius when they heard you’d unknowingly started working with a criminal organisation. I wouldn’t take that personally, but they initially assumed you guys had disbanded."

 

“Well I can assure you that we are still fully operational and still dedicated to our mission.” Jewel said politely, “As for Cleansweeps inc, We’ve had third parties investigate them for suspicious activities long before the sweepstakes race. I personally had my suspicions as the partnership went on. So we weren’t fully caught off guard.”

 

“Caught off guard enough for Sonic to partner with Dr Robotnik?” Topaz said curtly.

 

Jewel bit her tongue.  

 

“Like I said, I wouldn’t take these concerns of G.U.N seriously," Topaz continued, “But Eggman has proven to be quite a threat to our organisation and the world we protect. We are still feeling the scars from when Robotnik dismantled us in the last eggman war. Regardless, we are grateful for your tireless efforts which is why G.U.N’s board of directors have agreed to fund the reconstruction and upgrading of your Headquarters. With some caveats of course.”

 

“Go on…” Jewel said cautiously.

  

“The Board of Directors wants a small team to survey the Restoration and confirm its current operational capabilities,” Topaz explained, “They have therefore ordered that Team DARK will observe things there, starting from next week reporting directly to me.”

 

“Team DARK still works for you?” Jewel asked.

 

“On a contractual basis; Shadow, Rouge and OMEGA seem to value their independence more following the last Eggman war. Can’t say that I blame them.” Topaz sighed.

 

Jewel paused. There was something else Topaz was going to bring up. Jewel wasn’t about to be fooled again by some bigger fish.

 

“Am I right in assuming this isn’t the only reason you asked for this meeting?” Jewel said, careful to choose her words.

 

“You are right.” Topaz responded, noticing the beetle’s caution, “G.U.N has also ordered Team DARK to locate and observe key figures in the ‘Sweepstakes’ tournament. A tenrec mobian and a fennec mobian known as Surge and Kitsunami respectively.”

 

Jewel’s eyes went wide. She tried to remain calm, “What do you want with them?” 

 

“Like I said,” Topaz continued, “To locate and observe. They have become figures of interest to G.U.N; for multiple reasons, chief among them being because of their clashes with Sonic and their relation to a Dr Starline, former apprentice of Robotnik.”

 

Jewel was taken aback. She made a mental note to curse Starline later but this was more concerning. She had just gotten through to Surge and Kit, she knew it! It wasn't reassuring that this organisation whom she personally didn’t 100% trust had their eyes on the two which could derail their progress.

 

“Agent Topaz, I can firmly assure you that Surge and Kit have changed their ways and are being rehabilitated by our finest staff here at the Restoration to help us in our work. They were never aligned with Egg- err, Dr Robotnik or that psychopath Dr Starline. They are not threats to your organisation at all.” Jewel firmly stated.

 

Topaz clasped her hands under her chin, “As much I would like to agree with your optimism, G.U.N’s Directors are not the kind to take chances. Especially when concerning anything related to Dr Robotnik. We have strictly informed Team DARK to not interfere with the two unless instructed otherwise, which we are more than happy to disclose with you before they proceed. You have all worked miracles for us in the past so it’s only fair we afford you such luxuries.” 

 

Jewel sighed, “That is fair I guess. I would appreciate being kept in the loop.”

 

“And we appreciate your willingness to cooperate and your understanding,” Topaz smiled, “Team DARK will be in touch shortly, as will I if you have any information you require.”

 

“Thank you, Agent Topaz.” Jewel responded politely.

 

“Likewise, take care.” Topaz concluded, before she signed off, leaving Jewel staring at her own, disconcerted face reflected off the blank screen. 

 

---

 

It was a quiet day in the machine shop. 

 

Belle was making some final adjustments to Motobud in one of the garages, humming to some song as she, as per her name, tinkered on.

 

Kit was nearby, observing his waterpack as he made notes; he’d recently had an idea for it to pull in and absorb water from nearby sources when low; maybe if he could find a way to replicate his hydrokinesis, but the extra tech to replicate that could lead to more weight…

 

Kit threw down the notepad in exasperation. It was no secret why. 

 

Surge was still weighing on his mind. He knew she was obviously going through a rough patch but she had a mission to complete! He was actually putting in the effort to socialise with the restoration while she was taking an opposite approach.

 

Speaking of the devil, Surge appeared. 

 

“Surge!” Kit yelled excitedly as he ran up and hugged her tightly, much to her surprise.

 

“Hey dude,” Surge said awkwardly as she patted him on the head, “I need to have a little chitchat with you.”

 

She then noticed Belle and Motobud to the side, “Alone?!” Surge shouted. 

 

“Es tut mir leid, können Sie…” Belle said as she lifted off her headphones, before she realised; “Oh right! Sorry, what were you saying?”

 

“I’m saying beat it Noddy,” Surge sneered as her fingers flickered with lightning, “The only reason you’re not a bonfire right now is because your Kit’s friend.”

 

Belle turned to Kit, who just shrugged. 

 

“If you say so; I've been meaning to test out Motobud’s flight capabilities. Stand back." Belle warned. 

 

Belle made some final adjustments before hopping on the back of Motobud, who chirped excitedly. She then pressed a button behind Motobud’s head, causing his monowheel to flip sideways and glow a vibrant blue. As Surge and Kit watched, Motobud started hovering slightly in the air, whirring powerfully.

 

“Yes it works! Not fully of course but still a major win!" Belle exclaimed.

 

Motobud squeaked optimistically as the two slowly, but gradually, hovered out of the garage, much to Surge’s chagrin. Kit only clapped excitedly as Surge checked the coast was clear.

 

Kit then turned to Surge, still clapping, but now in admiration, “Your powers are finally coming back!”

 

Surge slammed her fists together before pulling them back, creating powerful strings of lightning that flashed and ebbed. 

 

“And then some,” Surge grinned manically, “Those losers thought I would never get better, but I feel great! Yeah I still don’t feel 100% but we're back in business drippy!”

 

Kit chuckled, “How did this happen?”

 

“Never mind that!” Surge rubbed her hands together, “We’ve got to go! This place has been giving me cabin fever!”

 

“Wait what?” Kit was shocked, “Don’t you think you’re being a bit hasty?”

 

“Hasty masty: We weren't gonna stick around here forever,” Surge scoffed, “We’ve got a world to save! Eggs to crack, blue rats to whack!”   

 

“You literally just said you didn’t feel 100%.” Kit deadpanned.

 

“And? I’ll get better! We can now do our own thing,” Surge said in disbelief, “You’re not seriously getting attached to this place right?”

 

Kit’s silence answered for her.

 

Surge groaned before sitting down on a nearby stool. 

 

Kit crossed his arms, “We’ve put too much effort into this to pull the plug now. Your powers are still redeveloping and I just think that with a little more time we could-”

 

“Could what?” Surge snapped, “Wait around here in limbo, out of sight and mind whilst everyone else gets to be the hero? I’ve missed too many opportunities to just be sidelined by people who don't trust us to save them. Not again.”

 

Kit realised something, “This is because of how you got your powers isn’t it?”

 

Surge snapped her fingers, “Bingo. I fought this hedgehog guy named Shadow last night. Bit of an edgelord but he’s so much better than Sonic. He’s faster, stronger and really seems to understand me and what I have to offer. He’s even been training me!”

 

Kit seemed wary, “I don’t know, how can we even trust him? Just because he knows how to speak your language?”

 

“Oh I don’t trust him fully, I’m not an idiot,” Surge laughed, “The reason I’m playing along with him is that he has something. Something powerful. I only held onto it for a second and it recharged me. If I can fully grasp that I can get my powers back and then some. I’d like to see him try to betray me then.”

 

Are you sure? I’d like to see Kitsunami’s definition of you ‘playing along with him’. A familiar voice echoed in Surge’s mind.

 

“Ah, playing the long game?” Kit replied sarcastically, “Not like we’ve been doing that for a while.”

 

He has a point, listen to your assist. That voice again, piercing Surge’s mind.

 

Surge grit her teeth, “We’re not staying here forever Drippy. We don’t need them holding us back.”

 

“From what? A crappy ruin to hide in and inedible ration bars?” Kit hissed, “We’ve been given a golden opportunity here, are you really gonna throw what I- no we’ve been working towards on a whim?”

 

“We are leaving this dump. End of discussion.” Surge growled.

 

“But I like it here!” Kit yelled.

 

“I don’t care, when I say we’re leaving this craphole, you are leaving this craphole with me. End. Of. Discussion.” Surge sneered. 

 

Kit fully snapped, “Who are YOU to decide what I WANT? You only have that right because Starline gave it to you! YOU’RE NOT MY MOM! YOU’RE JUST LIKE HIM!”

 

Surge jolted upward at that. She felt like she had been slapped.

 

Kit gulped. Obviously he was already regretting what he had said.

 

Before Surge could react, she seethed in pain as a powerful headache erupted in her brain. She fell to her knees, clutching her stabbed mind as the world began to fade into static.

 

And though the static, Starline finally emerged. 

 

Hello Surge, He grinned sadistically, It’s been ages since we’ve properly talked: Did you miss me? Did you get those little heroic delusions out of your system? Because I’m staying for good to get you on track. Even if I am dead you still have a job to do as my ultimate successor: TO ERASE THEM ALL. 

 

Starline placed a hand on Surge’s shoulder.

 

Surge flinched violently as the wild suddenly snapped back to normal. Starline already fading away.

 

She stood up, only to notice Kit. He had been the one to put a hand on Surge’s shoulder, only for her to bolt away from him. 

 

Surge chest tightened. The garage felt too small now. Too caged in. She had to go.

 

“I need some air,” She said briefly, “We’ll talk about this later. I just… I just need some air.”

 

Surge ran off, leaving Kit alone in the garage. 

 

Kit clenched his fist with anger as a tear fell from his eye. On impulse he activated his powers, causing his teardrops to levitate. He stared at them, almost in a trance, before dropping them to the floor.

 

He had work to do.

Chapter 7: Exit Strategies

Lanolin had a lot of work to do.

 

For the umpteenth time she questioned why she had volunteered to complete these extra duties, filling out and sorting through a proverbial mountain of paperwork, but in the end someone had to do all the busy work. And she saw herself as the best candidate.  

 

Lanolin checked the time on her clock and grumbled to herself. It was basically lunchtime and she had better things to do than eat and scroll mindlessly on her phone. She could rest when she was dead for all she cared. 

 

Still, Lanolin reasoned, she did need more coffee. And walking to and from the break room to replenish counted as a quick break.

 

Grabbing her nearby coffeepot, Lanolin stood up, surprised at how tense her muscles were from barely doing anything, and strode to the door.

 

Silver opened it first, holding a small tray of food whilst a full coffee pot and sandwich floated behind him.

 

“Oh hey!” Silver smiled, “I bought you some stuff I thought you’d like!”

 

Internally, Lanolin seethed in pain at no longer having a valid reason to leave her crucial work for a moment, but at least she wouldn't be wasting any time.   

 

“Thanks, I needed that.” She sighed as she took the pot and the sandwich, returning to her desk.

 

Silver looked into the cramped space, hopeful yet unsure. 

 

Lanolin looked up, "Honestly I thought you were coming in.”

 

“Oh yeah I am, if that's alright?” Silver said, “The cafeteria is just too… crowded. Plus I thought you needed company.”

 

“Yeah I mean it’s not the worst idea in the world.” Lanolin remarked as Silver walked in, closing the door as she pondered over some more files.

 

Silver sat down, eating an apple on his tray whole as Lanolin tapped her pen in deep reflection. “What are you working on?” Silver asked after a while had passed.

 

“Oh just some recent reports about the rebuilding of this building,” Lanolin sighed, "Apparently, some recent quakes have messed with the foundations and it’ll probably push back the completion time.”

 

Silver looked up, confused, “I must have been asleep for that because I felt nothing. Besides, I checked around the area and there is no sign of damage other than what’s already ruined.”

 

“I see...” Lanolin said pensively. She looked at Silver, deciding that it would be better to change the subject rather than remain in silence, “Did I ever tell you that I wanted to someday rebuild the Emeraldville ruins?”

 

“Really? That’s awesome!” Silver perked up, “We could create a whole new city out here! I mean most of the building materials are literally in the ruins themselves. We could even expand the garden to serve the community!”

 

“That sounds great,” Lanolin smiled slightly, “But we’re still a long way off from getting there. Ever since I was promoted I have gotten some serious backlog to get through." 

 

“Oh congratulations!” Silver said optimistically, "You've never mentioned it before.”

 

“Oh it was nothing too serious,” Lanolin said bluntly as she sipped her coffee, “I just wanted more for the Restoration and Jewel needs someone to make sure stuff actually gets done.”

 

“That’s why you’ve taken an interest in Surge.” Silver remarked.

 

Lanolin nearly choked on a mouthful of hot coffee, “I’m not in love with her!”

 

Silver was even more frantic, “SorrySorrySorry! I misworded it again!” He yelped in quick succession. “I meant that you’ve been working closely to help rehabilitate her and Kit after the sweepstakes races even though you barely knew them before that.”

 

Lanolin took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose, “No, it’s- it’s fine okay? I understand.”

 

Silver paused, listening as she continued, “It’s true; I've been keeping an eye on her and Kit for the past week, but I’m not… it’s not like I hate her or anything. It's just that I have a lot of faith in those two turning things around and being productive members of society. I’m even having them fully inducted into the Neo Diamond Cutters. Even signing them up for some extra-curricular activities.”

 

Silver looked at her, now puzzled, “Excuse me if I sound rude for asking, but it almost sounds like you have a lot of faith in her like I do?”

 

Lanolin paused for a second, “Yeah. I trust her.”

 

Silver said nothing, before continuing, “Why?”

 

Lanolin paused even longer, looking outside of her window for something interesting that’ll never come, “You wouldn’t get it.”

 

“Shoot.” Silver replied.

 

Lanolin felt a bit cornered, “I just… Why do you still like her? Especially after last night?"

 

Silver shrugged, “I just have a feeling that she’s worth the effort because she is not a bad person. How about you?”

 

Lanolin sighed, “I… I just don’t know: I really just see the good in her, y’know? Yeah she’s been lashing out at us - especially last night - but we’ve all screwed up right? Who hasn’t had a bad day? I can say yes to both of those. Surge just needs a second chance to become the hero she wants to be, and we’re giving it to her because it is the right thing to do. That’s literally the best way I can put it.”

 

Silver was unconvinced, but something told him to drop the issue. 

 

“Besides, it’s the least I can do for her.” Lanolin concluded.

 

Something clicked for Silver, “You still feel bad about Mimic, don’t you?”

 

Lanolin just looked away, eyes twitching.

 

“I don’t hate you for that, you know that right?” Silver said, now more seriously, “No one hates you for that. Like you said, we’ve all made mistakes. I mean I really botched taking Mimic down myself. Please stop beating yourself over this. Trust me, it’ll get you nowhere.”

 

Lanolin just clenched her jaw.

 

Silver walked over to her desk and placed a hand on her shoulder, “Hey, are you okay? I’m here if you need anything, yeah?”

 

Lanolin opened her mouth to reply only for a deep rumbling to interrupt her. At first, it seemed like it was nothing, just her imagination running wild, she had been a little bit stressed lately so it could have been anything. But then a faint booming sound that reverberated through the office, threatening to collapse everything.

 

Silver was the first on the uptake, “Those quakes you were looking into?”

 

Lanolin nodded, “Yep. We need to find out what or who is causing… who is…” She trailed off, her eyes widening and teeth gritting in angered realisation. “Oh… OH! If that’s who I think it is, heads are gonna roll!” 

 

“Who’s heads?” Silver asked. 

 

---

 

Surge crossed her arms, blocking a powerful blow from Shadow as he blasted forward.

 

She slid backwards, stumbling slightly before regaining her footing and dashing forward, firing off bolts of lighting in quick succession.

 

Shadow dodged these effectively, avoiding the bolts as they cracked the roof they were on, spraying up dust. He gritted his teeth as he noticed the nearby AC units, tucked into a spindash, zooming into a wide arc as he headed for Surge, still rapidly firing off bolts.

 

Shadow quickly closed the gap, dodging one of Surge’s bolts point blank as he swatted her arm away, quickly grabbing her shoulders and spinning her around, slamming Surge into the ground all in quick succession.

 

Surge spluttered in shock as she quickly tapped out. 

 

Shadow quickly stopped, breathing slowly.

 

As Surge lay there in shock, she only thing she heard was a mechanical clapped nearby. 

 

“CONGRATULATIONS SURGE THE TENREC,” OMEGA boomed, waving a small Team Dark flag, “YOU HAVE LASTED [4.246] MINUTES AGAINST SHADOW, A NEW RECORD.” 

 

Rouge punctuated OMEGA’s statement by clapping, “Great work darling, Kit would be proud!”

 

“You’ve gotten better since this morning,” Shadow remarked, “You’re now blocking my attacks, trying to keep your distance so your lightning can do its work, at this rate your ‘full powers’ will fully come back soon.” He concluded by extending his hand to help her up.

 

Surge slapped it away as she stood up, seething in pain. 

 

Shadow seemed surprised by this, “Continuing to be angry won’t get you anywhere, especially in a fight, just now you had the opportunity to corner me into those AC units,” He said as he pointed out the mini craters surrounding the bulky machinery, “it would have given me less options for a speedy escape, allowing you to close in for the kill.”

 

“What can kill you?” Surge grumbled under her breath.

 

“Not much.” Shadow retorted, before continuing, “It’s Kit, isn’t it?”

 

Surge turned away, “He’s just being a stick-in- the-mud; every time we have a plan that goes slightly wrong he is always ready with like, a million other ways to get it done. But the one time I want us to change gears, he wants to stay put and stay here, out of sight and mind. It’s not like him to do this: it’s like he doesn’t trust my intuight… intuischon… you get the hint.”

 

“Intuition,” Shadow corrected, before humming in thought, “He is your team partner. That means he works with you, not for you. Much like I have to work with Rouge or OMEGA. You’ve trusted him before, so at least hear him out, especially if it concerns taking over the Restoration.” 

 

Surge recoiled from this, “Firstly, good advice. Secondly, We- That’s not what we’re planning to do at all old man, you’re speaking nonsense.”

 

“Old man?” Shadow laughed, “For someone who deduced your obvious plan, I think I’ve still got some spring in my step.” 

 

“Oh yeah?” Surge grinned, slamming her fists together, “Wanna say that it my face?”

 

“Already?” Shadow smirked, “If you say so.”

 

“25 RINGS SAYS SHADOW TRIUMPHS AGAIN.” OMEGA proposed.

 

“You’re on!” Rouge smirked.

 

Surge crouched into a starting for a sprint, lighting crackling around her. At the last minute she tucked into a roll and began forming her own spindash, whirring dangerously and unevenly. 

 

Shadow chuckled, and quickly formed his own slick spindash to meet Surge. For a moment, the two span, kicking up dust and detritus. The HQ building itself began to slightly quake from the force generated. 

 

“Bring it!” Surge yelled as she launched off, leaving deep burnt grooves into the roof.

 

Shadow also rocketed off, red flames seemingly rising behind his spherical form. 

 

The two blazed towards each other, preparing to collide in a devastating clash. They sped towards each other….

 

And were both immediately halted by a blue energy that lifted them up into the air, immediately removing all built up tension. 

 

Shadow and Surge unfurled out of utter confusion before they were dropped down, just to see Silver in between them, breathing deeply from the concentration.

 

“What the hell man?” Surge yelled, “I was gonna have this guy on the ropes in no time!”

 

“Like the last times?” Shadow remarked, only for Surge to sock him in the face, knocking him into the ground. 

 

“Sorry buddy,” Silver apologised, “Cool spindash and all, but…”

 

Silver trailed off, revealing Lanolin, whose eyes were burning with an intense anger that made even Shadow unnerved. Surge was terrified.

 

“We have a lot to discuss.” Silver concluded awkwardly.

 

“Ahem!” A voice suddenly interrupted them as everyone turned to see who it was. It was Rouge, her hand outreached to OMEGA.

 

“ILLOGICAL! THE FIGHT WAS HALTED BEFORE IT BEGAN. THE BET IS NULL AND VOID. I OWE YOU NOTHING!!!” OMEGA complained.

Notes:

So yeah; I definitely missed my initial October deadline. That's on me lol.

Sorry for that, a lack of motivation slowed me down, plus me realising more chapters were needed for pacing and to accommodate some ideas I had for this fic. I am now aiming to finish this whole thing by the end of the year (1st Jan 2026 at the latest). but this could change. The least I can do is thank you all for being so patient.

The next two chapters should be up soon, right now we are roughly half way through, so stay tuned!

Chapter 8: Long Time Friends

“You are trying to recruit Surge and Kit into G.U.N!?!” Lanolin yelled. 

 

“CORRECTION: WE ARE TRYING TO RECRUIT THEM INTO TEAM DARK WHICH IS WORKING FOR G.U.N. THOSE TWO HAVEN’T FULLY UPDATED THEIR DESTRUCTIVE POTENTIAL.” OMEGA boomed.

 

Lanolin glared at the robot, threatening to kill him with just a glare. The tension in her office was palpable enough to make it more crowded than it already was.  

 

Rouge stepped forward, “As much as I wish OMEGA would update his vocabulary, he is right: We were given the updated memo this morning to eventually offer them a position: Take it or leave it, their choice.”

 

“Could at least do that without destroying the building first?" Lanolin retorted, turning to Shadow, “It’s bad enough that you’ve set us back by weeks but the way you’re training her almost suggests you want her to join G.U.N.”

 

Shadow scoffed, crossing his arms, “On that we agree: She is stagnating here: why keep her trapped in such a narrow office space when we can rehabilitate Surge and properly train her on how to use her powers?”

 

“I think you're confusing rehabilitating Surge with weaponising Surge.” Lanolin said with gritted teeth, “Besides, it is Surge and Kit’s choice in the end, so who the hell even are you to say what’s best for them?!”

 

Shadow scowled, yet remained quiet.

 

Lanolin’s nostrils flared, “Where is Jewel? I need to talk to her about this.”

 

“Not here,” SIlver spoke up, “She left this morning to go to this business conference in Seaside City. Something about networking with some bigwig investors and G.U.N representatives. She won’t be back until this evening"

 

Lanolin took a deep breath, trying to breath out the red in her cheeks, “Okay. Right. Here’s what’s going to happen: Team DARK, leave so I can talk to Surge in private. We’re going to wait for Jewel to get back so we can properly iron this out with G.U.N.”   

 

“Of course,” Rouge said smoothly, “Rest assured darling you will have our full co-operation. The last thing we want to do is burn out bridges with you.” 

 

Rouge turned to OMEGA and Shadow, “Right?” 

 

Shadow sighed defeatedly, “Indeed.”

 

“I WILL REFRAIN FROM DAMAGING ANYTHING.” OMEGA replied as the DARK trio left.

 

“I’m going to need those coffee pods back.” Lanolin called, frustrated.

 

Rouge returned, placing the box of pods back on a nearby table, “Like I said, full co-operation,” The bat said, sounding guilty yet annoyed before flying off.     

 

“Man, I just love the way you handle business!” Surge grinned from where she sat, propping her feet up in the corner.

 

Lanolin scoffed, “You are not in a position to be making jokes, especially since you’ve been hiding stuff from us. I swear it's like you have it out for us just for the hell of it!”

 

“Firstly, I love making jokes, it’s part of my thing,” Surge smirked, “Secondly, Shadow had a point; what have you done to literally help me get back up to speed? How am I going to be much help to anyone in- how did he put it - a narrow crappy office space?” Surge finished it with a mock angry voice as she stood up. It helped that she was not acting.

 

Lanolin walked over until she was in Surge’s face, “We have been rehabilitating you: that doesn’t mean just preparing you for a conflict; giving you a place to stay, a job to get back on your feet, we have been on your side the whole time and yet you still think we’re out to get you?”

 

Surge turned her head sideways so she wasn’t literally face to face with the sheep. For some reason, Lanolin’s face felt really warm, and her wool looked…. really soft up close?

 

For some reason, Surge began fidgeting with her own rings. She was damned if she wasn’t going to be outdone like this.  

 

Surge mockingly scoffed, “You coming on to me? I knew there was a reason you wanted me around!”

 

Lanolin blinked and backed off, before returning with a force, “Chaos this is nothing like what you are suggesting: I am trying to explain how I and Jewel have been trying to give you a normal life away from trying to kill Sonic and take over the world.”

 

“Well Gee! Sorry I feel a bit caged in but maybe there’s a reason I am shitty around people.” Surge sneered, “Y’know, something involving this guy named Dr Starline: maybe you’ve heard of him? Not someone I’d recommend since everything about me and what I do is literally his fault.”

 

Lanolin sighed deeply. She did not want to escalate things, “Surge: I am not going to pretend we know everything about your relationship to Starline. For all we know, he was a terrible person who dragged you and Kit into his obsessive mess with Eggman. But I need to impress on you that we are not Starline. We have no hidden schemes other than trying to help you.” 

 

Surge huffed, “Well maybe I never needed your help. Not anymore that is.”

 

Lanolin's face went red, “For chaos’s sake we are trying to help you and Kit! Do you think he would have bailed by now if he didn't trust us?”

 

“Nah fuck this. Not him. Not him…” Surge snarled as she walked to the door, that same static filling her mind and helping her to ignore Lanolin’s yelling.

 

What she couldn’t ignore was the door glowing blue for a second, almost like an ethereal spirit, before being violently crushed into a splintered cube. For some reason, Surge now wanted to stay. 

 

Silver’s outreached hand stopped glowing as he lowered his arm, his face now dark, lips thinned. Up until this point he had barely moved a muscle. 

 

“Damnit Silver, that door was still new!” Lanolin chastised. She was about to continue as Silver turned to her, still grimaced.

 

“Lanolin,” Silver said slowly, “I’m sorry for losing my temper; I promise to buy and replace your office door but the truth is that I am on the end of my rope.”

 

Lanolin said nothing.

 

Silver turned to Surge: “Surge, do you actually want to be here?”

 

Surge was blindsided at the seemingly obvious question, “I-I what?”

 

Silver repeated; “Surge, do you actually want to be here? Because if you want to go, you can just go. The exit is right there; you can join Shadow’s group or do this ‘hero’ thing by yourself with Kit. But the point is, you are free to go.”

 

Surge opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came except for a simple question, “Why?”

 

“Why? Why anything?” Silver said, “Clearly you think none of this matters to you so why haven’t you left already?”

 

Surge tried to change course; “Kit- he doesn’t want to move on, a-and of course my powers hadn’t come back yet and Jewel was being all clingy so I was just-”

 

Silver wasn’t duped, “This is about you Surge, not Kit. Not Jewel.”

 

Surge responded in kind, “Who the hell are you to judge me anyways? You’ve known me for a week and you act like you actually know who I am?”

 

Silver shrugged, “I’ve spent a lot of time around Shadow and Sonic. I see a lot of them in you.”

 

“Don’t compare me to Sonic.” Surge said. There was no more snark in her voice. No mockery. Just a bluntness devoid of all warmth.  

 

Silver sighed, “Sorry, didn’t realise. The point I’m getting at is that you could have left anytime you wanted to and yet you didn’t, but now that you’ve messed up you’re trying to run away?”

 

Silver paused, hoping that Surge was following him. Surge just glared, although some of that anger had dissipated. 

 

“Surge, you’re not a bad person just because of Starline or because you tried to kill Sonic, or because of this half-thought out plan to rule the Restoration: It’s because you refuse to take responsibility for your actions. Okay? I’ve been around you a lot this past week and not once have you admitted fault for when you’ve screwed up. Not surprising given your history.”

 

Surge went quiet and meekly replied, “Who did you even ask? Who even knows me? You don’t.” 

 

Silver shrugged, “A lot of people: Lanolin, Amy, Sonic… Kit.”

 

Surge couldn’t even muster a response. Lanolin just watched on, intrigued.

 

Silver continued, “Starline may have screwed you and Kit over, but he’s gone for good. Like it or loathe it you're now responsible for your own actions and their consequences. The moment you realise that, the moment you are willing to actually try to be better, I’ll be there to support you. Until then, I just don’t have anything else to say to you. After all, I cannot help some who don’t want to be helped or chaos forbid, help themselves. I’m sorry if I’m being harsh here, but please; do better.”

 

To say Surge felt gutted was a gross understatement. She just stared blankly at Silver, completely shellshocked. 

 

Silver just said nothing, almost as if he was measuring the tension in the room, waiting for some kind of backhanded comment or a screaming match to begin. 

 

It never came.

 

Silver just sighed firmly, and turned to leave. It didn’t matter if Surge took a while to digest this information or if she would even apologise at all in the future; he’d made his point, after all he- 

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

Silver hadn’t even made it past the door. He thought it was Lanolin for a second, considering how sorrowful that voice was before he turned around to see Surge still looking at him.

 

Silver was almost taken aback, “Oh. Okay.”

 

Surge continued, uncomfortable yet resilient, “I… I am sorry. For everything that I said to you. And for all that stuff you said about me not taking responsibility.”    

 

Silver said nothing, almost convincing Surge to finish.             

 

Surge’s eye’s watered, “S-Shit this is hard… It was wrong of me to do some of the things I did? Looking back there's a lot I would have done differently if I can go back. Guess you'll never help me now r-right?" Surge shallowed, trying her best to not collapse, "I g-guess this is the part where you say you forgive me or, tell me to go fuck myself. But I guess it’s up to you… s’not like I deserve it or I, like, should expect one but-”

 

Silver just tightly embraced her. His answer was clear.

 

“Okay” Silver smiled, “All is forgiven.”

 

Surge weakly tried to squirm out of his hug, “I really don’t deserve this…”

 

”You finally admitted your faults and apologised for it.” SIlver said, “You took action to make up for it and I trust you’ll do more in the future. That’s how you do better.” 

 

“But, why?” Surge whimpered, “Why are you being nice to me? I clearly am the shittiest person ever so what’s the catch? What is this?” 

 

“I was shitty once. That Mephiles guy I mentioned played me like a fiddle and I nearly killed Sonic for it.” Silver said, “I’m not about to hate someone just because they think they deserve to be hated.”

 

“You nearly killed Sonic?” Surge said, stunned, “How?”

 

“Time travel, paradoxes, I can write a whole film about it.” Silver beamed, “I didn’t get very far though so it would be pretty short.” 

 

“Heh, I guess that makes two of us.” Surge weakly joked as she finally wrapped her arms around SIlver, sniffling and swaying slightly in an attempt to understand this… emotional feeling stuff. 

 

Lanolin just watched from her desk, now strangely relaxed for the first time since the Sweepstakes Races.

 

“It’s a start.” The sheep said to herself with a rare smile.

Chapter 9: A quick one before he comes back

Surge walked out of the office, chest tightening. Chaos she had no idea how exhausting having a simple chat can be. As she nearly tripped over her own feet, she suddenly realised that out of all of her powers, her speed was the last thing that had refused to come back. 

 

What she would give to feel that momentous energy again.   

 

Surge turned around a corner and bumped into something triangular, something hard. She looked up, and bolted when she realised she had walked into an upside down Minerva, anchoring herself to the hallway ceiling. 

 

“Ah shit - dammit I’m sorry Minerva.” Surge spluttered. 

 

Minerva unrooted one of her left arms and poked Surge’s forehead, “S’all good. Lemme guess, you just had a tough eye-opening conversation that will change your life?”

 

“Lucky guess… Minnie.” Surge scoffed.

 

Minerva’s antennae twitched and her eyes dilated, “No. nuh-uh, you don't abbreviate my name. It’s Minerva or, ‘please don’t throw me down the hallway’.”

 

“Alright, alright,” Surge abruptly said as she wandered down the hallway, “Let me know when I give you an actual nickname that doesn’t irritate you enough to kill me on sight.”

 

Minvera rotated her head to follow Surge, “I doubt I can kill you; my medical examination of you back then showed no exploitable weaknesses and they are pretty thorough!”

 

“I don’t even know how to respond to those words other than continuing to walk away whilst yelling!” Surge called back.

 

“It was a compliment to how formidable you are!” Minerva responded, before saying to herself, “And to my amazing medical skills, hehehehehe!"

 

Minerve then noticed how quiet the hallway was. There was no one in sight. Perfect, she thought. 

    

Whilst clinging to the ceiling, she grabbed a pink communicator from her waist and held it to her ear. A voice crackled to life on the other end.  

 

“Yeah it’s me.” Minerva spoke, “Surge just left a meeting with Lanolin and Silver, she defo had a tough eye-opening conversation that will change her life. No, things between her and Shadow are not working out now. The way you want things to work out that is.”

 

The voice crackled back, angry. 

 

“I-I know, I hear you, don’t shoot your own messenger,” Minerva quickly said, “Look, as much as I enjoyed the spy angle, now it’s time for me to play the advisor; maybe it’s time to quit whilst you're ahead, things are not working out for you  so unless you do something absolutely insane there’s just no way you can win this.”

 

The voice on the communicator went quiet briefly, then simply uttered a few words before bidding farewell, leaving Minerva alone again with just her thoughts. 

 

“Why do I have a sinking feeling that my advice was taken the wrong way?” Minerva said quietly before slinking off.

 

---

 

Tangle hated silence. That would explain why she kept whacking the paddleball using her tail.

 

She was alone in the kitchen and was supposed to make some lunch some time ago but she just couldn’t. There was no extravagant way to describe it; she was unable to think herself to do anything, and it was boring her to death.

 

Extravagant… where did that word come from? Did it have something to do with vagrants being extra somehow?  She thought.

 

At least the paddleball bouncing and her tapping foot formed a nice rhythm for her to think about thinking. 

 

Just before she really died from boredom, she heard footsteps marching towards the kitchen. She quickly threw the paddleball under a nearby couch to try and at least look productive. She kind of regretted it, both because she would have let down Whisper, Lanolin, or chaos forbid Jewel again and because now she felt even more restless.

 

It came as a relief to Tangle when Surge stormed into the room, gritting her teeth so hard Tangle swore she saw sparks fly. At least this gave the lemur something actually productive to do.

 

“Hey Surge, you alright?” Tangle grinned, “W-what up dude! You look… greener than usual?”

 

“Dude? Greener?” Surge seethed, “Yeah, nope forget you saw me. Gotta talk to Kit anyways…”

 

Surge turned to leave as Tangle cringed, quickly trying to change the subject; “Waitwaitwait. you never tried my risotto last night! I saved you a plate in case and as much I’d love to savour my own creation…”

 

“Get stuffed Stretch.” Surge scoffed, “I’m not in the mood to try your.. gross risotto anyways.”

 

Tangle exhaled through her nose, "How can you even say my cooking is gross if you haven’t even tried it yet? Kit loved it, so what’s your excuse ‘Zappy’?”

 

Surge paused, “Zappy?”

 

“Yeah, you’re not the only person in the world who comes up with cool nicknames,” Tangle smirked, “Now are you going to try the risotto or not?”

 

Surge sighed in defeat. Tangle had made a good point about her food. Besides, Surge was hungry; if it was terrible, she could just roast Tangle even more.

 

Tangle walked over to the fridge and pulled out a plate wrapped in clingfilm before heating it up. Surge just mooched over to the table and fidgeted with her rings whilst she waited.

 

Eventually, Tangle walked over to the table and presented the finished dish; “Buon appetito!”

 

If the aromatic smell alone wasn’t enough to win Surge over, nothing would. Normally she would lie and said it looked like vomit, just continuing to try to get under Tangle’s skin. But it actually looked good!

 

Surge stabbed the food with her fork, and bit down hard. The taste was indescribable. It both felt strangely nostalgic and comforting, basically everything Surge needed to feel in that moment. Only one thing came to mind when she tasted it; MORE OF IT. 

 

Surge began rapidly eating through the dish like she hadn't eaten in forever. Each bite felt even better than the last. So much so that she hated it when she had completely cleaned the plate. 

 

Tangle just looked at her smugly, “How’s that for ‘Gross’?”

 

“H-how did you even do this?” Surge spluttered astonishingly.

 

“Aw it was nothing, just years of practice,” Tangle blushed rubbing the back of her own head “Having good genes goes a long way as well.”   

 

“Oh don’t give that shit!” Surge yelled, irritated, “I’ve been so terrible to you guys since I first got here and you just gave me god-tier level grub out of the blue: Why did you even do this?”

 

“Because you missed dinner last night, you’re probably starving right now.” Tangle remarked. 

 

Surge was exasperated, “I beat the crap out of your girlfriend, breaking her rifle thing and stealing her precious whisps, all during a city busting rampage. Why else do you think her wisps hide whenever I’m around?” 

 

“Whisper and I are not dating, c’mmmoonnnn!” Tangle blurted, grinning embarrassingly.

 

“I electrocuted you unconscious during that stupid race whilst I was working as a double agent,” Surge sneered, “Do you ever remember that?”

 

“Yeah I do,” Tangle said simply, “And I forgive you for that.”

 

Surge completely froze. 

 

“But I-I-I electrocuted you during that stupid race.” Surge repeated. This has to be a trick.

 

“Yep I heard,” Tangle sighed, “It was pretty crummy what you did and it doesn't help that you haven’t really apologised to Whisper yet for that… other stuff. But you and I are cool. Water under the bridge.” The lemur grinned again. 

 

Surge was reeling, still looking for hidden traps, “What is this? I don’t need your pity if that’s what you're doing so drop the act.”

 

“Nope!” Tangle weakly laughed, “This is more of a… mutual understanding.”

 

“What, like you're so perfect?” Surge laughed.

 

“Oh don't call me perfect,” Tangle sighed ruefully, “The truth is I’m not. Gaia I wish I was sometimes. I’m disorganised, I’m impulsive. I can just… be a lot. Everything Whisper and Lanolin aren’t. I try to tell myself it doesn’t matter, that they still love me regardless of me… being me. But I just care too much for it to not matter. It literally tears me apart every time I screw up.”

 

Surge said nothing, now curiously attentive.

 

“But I ain’t someone who would rather try anyways rather than mope about how I messed up in the past,” Tangle continued, “I see everyone I care about try time and time again after countless setbacks, so I dare myself to keep trying with them. I know you understand.”

 

“Yeaaaahhh I was about to ask where I fit into this,” Surge asked, “This has been the third lecture I have had today so I’d rather you cut to the chase.”

 

Minerva kicked down the door, chittering nervously, “Hi so sorry to interrupt Surge, I know you’re having yet another lovely heart to heart right now but I have something you need to hear. Actually now that I think about it it’s so important I’m not sorry for interrupting because this takes precedence.”

 

“What are you on about?” Surge spat, “I just had the meal of a lifetime. What's more important than that?”

 

Minerva pulled out a voice recorder with a blue thumbdrive attached to it.

 

“Then I hope you’re prepared to puke your guts out. Check out what Kit just intercepted on the radio.” Minerva said grimly.

 

Minerva pressed play and a voice recording played. It was Shadow, talking to an unfamiliar female voice. Apart from random pauses the audio was perfect, but that’s not what caught Surge’s attention.

 

It was what Shadow and his female ally were discussing on doing next that made Surge’s expression shift from calm, to barely controlled rage. 

 

Surge’s chest heaved and her teeth ground together so hard they threatened to break. 

 

Starline’s eidetic form appeared, cackling, “Now that was deliciously evil! But enough about my preferences, I believe you’ve got work to do.”

 

“Yes, I do.” Surge said, barely calm. There was no doubt in her mind; Shadow was going to die.

Notes:

Welp, here it is, my longest work to date.

This is also my first time writing OC characters so hopefully I have done a good job so far. Constructive feedback on them is always appreciated.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 4 of Elegant Chaos (CloudCover_2023 Sonic AU)