Sonic GeneX: Doomsday
Chapter 60 - Final Chapter - Sayonara

Note: Sonic the Hedgehog and related characters are (c) SEGA. You knew that, right?
GeneX and related OCs are (c) 2BIT (TheGreatGator), the author.
The Keyblade & other Kingdom Hearts elements are (c) Disney & Square-Enix.
Moogles are (c) Square-Enix.
Super Mario is (c) Nintendo


"Here I am, (here I am)
Made it to,
The end of you!
Never had a chance while I'm around! (no, no)" - Never Turn Back, Shadow the Hedgehog

"I'm only crying cause I never dreamed,
It'd take this long, it'd take thiiis long!" - Don't Think Twice, Kingdom Hearts 3


Sonic was concealed by a bright light. As he floated within that light, here at the end, he saw another hedgehog before him. He resembled Apocalos...it was Rex the Hedgehog. "I experienced... so much loss through the long years of my life..." he sighed, regret in his voice, "It made me vulnerable to the Doomlings... Their promise of eternity... I just didn't want to feel the pain anymore." he whispered. Sonic placed a hand on his shoulder. "Loss is something we can't run away from...even if you got my speed. You need to face the pain, not hide from it. If you can do that... One day, you'll find the memory of those you lost may not be a burden anymore...but a treasure." he said with a small smile. Another voice caught their attention. "The chosen ones have succeeded!" Looking up, the hedgehogs saw Tikal the echidna descending from above. With her, the souls that were trapped in the Scepter of Despair, including Razor, Firma, Rouletar, Freeze, and numerous others of varying species. Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say there were just seven chosen ones? I heard somethin' like that!" he chuckled. Tikal laughed softly. "My ancient soul... could never account for modern science." she smiled. She was referring to the clones. At any rate, the souls were starting to fade into glowing orbs, preparing to cross into the beyond. "Sonic..." Razor said, "My death wasn't you fault... You do know that, right?" he asked. Sonic nodded slowly, and the porcupine continued, "Tell my bro I love him, okay? And tell Ridley I'm proud of him. I'm just sorry I didn't get to see 'em one more time..." he said. Sonic wiped some tears, glancing toward Tikal's spirit. "It's time for us to depart... Live your life, Sonic. Be happy..." she said, a hint of cheer in her voice as the light started to fade around them...

Sonic and Rex were plummeting, the Chaos Wing no longer working! What's more, the pieces of Demon Island were starting to fall, and that didn't bode well for anyone underneath. Sonic grabbed hold of Rex, bracing them both for the fall. "Hang on, Sonic!!" the voice of Tails got his attention, the Tornado speeding its way toward them! The plane nearly missed, but Knuckles reached over the side of the wing and grabbed the two hedgehogs by the wrists! "I gotcha!! We ain't Sonic Heroes without you!" he laughed. Meanwhile, Shadow and Silver had leapt down toward the fragments of Demon Island, preparing all the power they could muster to stop those pieces from crushing everyone below. "Chaos...Control!!" they shouted, capturing the pieces of the island in a huge warp not unlike the one used to return Space Colony ARK to orbit so long ago! They vanished from sight, and as Knuckles pulled the hedgehogs onto the Tornado's wing, they looked around in awe, seeing a pale blue energy raining down from above. "What is...that?" Knuckles asked. Sonic looked at Rex and smirked. "It's...life." he said. Tails gasped, feeling tingles as he was bathed in the light. "What?" He glanced behind him as he gripped the plane's controls, eyes widening as he saw that pale blue energy reshaping his missing tail, and in a flash, it was as good as new! "Ha...haha... YEAH!!" he cheered, tears of joy rolling down his face as he returned his eyes to the sky in front of him, turning toward Darkegg Fortress, where the Hurricane and Mia's taxi had gone for repairs with the others.

The pale blue energy spread across Green Hill, the power of GeneX, being used to cure each and every entity trapped between life and death. Mobians, humans, Chao, aliens, animals... No matter their differences, petty squabbles, or beliefs, they were all healed just the same. For all of them were the same at their core. They were all alive. Although, to be fair, some Lost Ones literally had possessed dead bodies, and those returned to their rest once cured, but some had merely been dying, their souls still bound to their bodies. Those, in some cases, did fully return.

Marine was surrounded by Lost Ones one moment, but the next, she found friends she thought had been lost. "Cobbers!! Colonel, Setter!! Daikun, you're all here!" she cried, rushing to her koala friends and gathering them in a group hug! The Deadly Six were restored to normal as well, all of them looking a bit groggy as they looked around. "What happened? Where in the world are we now?" Zik grumbled. Zim leapt up and kicked Zomom in the head, bouncing off to attack Zazz as well. "You all can't deceive ZIM!! Take this, and that!!" he yelled. "Hey, you little twerp! I'm already hungry and now my face hurts!!" Zomom groaned. Zavok stood observing, his arms folded. He caught himself smiling, and he shook it off. "Alright, Zeti! No more fooling around! We return home to regroup!" he declared. Loskeletor, Loscream and Losipher all roared in protest as they started to shed their evil forms, transforming back into who they once were. "Aaaaahh!! F-forsooth... I am...made flesh again!" said William the raccoon, as Luna the wolf howled, rising from the remains of a pumpkin. "What a nightmare... It was a nightmare, wasn't it?" she asked. Losipher split into multiple souls, any that were able to be restored tumbled over themselves as they groaned. "Who are all these people on top of me!?" Gunther shouted, the older-looking but far younger Nevin Crimm atop the stack. "Ughh... B-bucky, what have we done?" the man groaned. Hope the raven was there as well, and looked around anxiously. "Bucky... Are you here? Did you...bring me back?" she wondered.

Among those restored were countless villains, such as the Battle Bird Armada, the Covenant of Despair, and a rather flummoxed Richard Gunner. "My head...what did that detestable freak do to me!?" Gunner growled, gulping as he heard several guns click, pointed in his direction. GUN had found him and Despair, and had them surrounded. "Hey, boss! You...are under arrest!" Riley waved. "Thank you, Agent Spizzweld..." the Commander sighed, "The rest of you are coming in for questioning!" he shouted. Eddie just chuckled, nudging Corky's unmoving body. "Eee hee, hey get up, you! You're under arrest, too! ...Oh, yeah, he's actually dead." he sighed. The Battle Birds tried to sneak away, but Speedy and the Babylon Rogues blocked their path, guns pointed out from their Extreme Gear! "Tell us more about how you willingly helped those world-eating creeps..." Jet growled. Kukku scoffed. "Just try and take us!" he warned, only to gulp as a horde of gargoyles surrounded his troops. 

Weresonic reunited with the Tails of his dimension, and he wasn't the only one to be restored, as some they never thought they'd see again rushed to greet them. The Phantom Fighter Sonic was startled as his PCD burst, and looking behind him, he saw a cat. "Uuuuhhhgh, that was a tight fit. Hey, I'm free, that's good! Immortality's gone, that's bad... Ahh!! My legs are back, that's...good? They hurt though, owow!!" babbled Spiro, the former Lospecter. Phantom Fighter Tails called to Sonic, having found a certain princess they thought had been lost forever, while Spiro turned to see a fennec that he was shocked to find. "A-astra..." he gasped. The old fennec smiled warmly, offering a hand to help Spiro to his feet. "Don't worry Spiro, there's no hard feelings. Let's...pick up where we left off." she offered. The feline blushed a bit. "Did we leave off in a good place? Hey, if I'd a known that, I mighta sided with you in the first place!" he chuckled softly.

2BIT looked around anxiously. "Squad... We have some people to bring home..." he announced, glancing over his shoulder to see Mario picking up his hat. "Hoo... Let's-a go!" he said with a wave. 2BIT chuckled softly and waved back as Gator stood next to him. "Take an inventory, Gator. There's singing hedgehogs, Classic kids, Sol Dimension residents, Necros and Spectre residents, those dang alternate kids, the people we brought, alternate versions of Ophiuchus, Nova and Tabitha... I miss anything?" he asked. Gator jumped. "I'm still in this story!? Um, uhhh... I don't know, Twobert, I think I missed something." he stammered. 2BIT groaned and rubbed his forehead. "Where's Stripes and Blocky? Boy, this sequence is taking up a lot of chapter space and we're not even close to ending things..." he sighed. He had more work ahead than he thought, too; Entire dimensions worth of people were being restored, Green Hill would hardly have any place to stand if BIT Squad didn't get right on it!

Cream was reunited with her mother sometime after the cure was finished spreading, and the Lost Ones were finally all gone. They hugged tightly, and Cheese and Chocola hugged as well. "I thought... I might never see you again!" she sniffled. Vanilla patted her head. "It's okay, Cream..." she consoled her. A plane engine caught their attention, and they looked to see Tails arrive with Amy and Vortex, all of them hopping out of the Tornado as it landed. Vortex waved and rushed off to find his friends, while Tails ran to Cream, who went from her mother's arms to his arms in a smooth transition. "You made it!" they both cheered, the fox affectionately kissing her cheek. Cream blushed, and Tails bashfully rubbed the back of his head. "Cream, I...I..." he stammered, suddenly finding himself down on one knee, offering his Tailband to her like a ring, "W-will you marry me, Cream!?" he said suddenly. The rabbit gasped, her cheeks bright red. "T-tails... Yes, but..." she stammered, the fox looking up with a nervous sweat, "Yes, but?" he gulped. "...Aren't we still...a little young?" Cream asked with a cute giggled, holding his Tailband anyway. The power was gone from the Chaos Relics, all of it spent to defeat Apocalos, and since they were constructs unlike the Chaos Emeralds, their power wouldn't return. Tails babbled, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, Cream... B-but I... I know...I want to spend my life with you." he said. Amy cleared her throat, a wide grin on her face. "Whyyyyy don't you two adorable kids... Do a Promise Ceremony?" she suggested. They looked at her as if to ask, so Amy explained, "A mock wedding, promising to do it for real when you're ready. Ohh, I can help set it up!" she said, getting excited. Tails looked up at Cream and Vanilla, the mother smiling warmly, happy to support her daughter. "What...do you say?" Tails asked her.


ONE MONTH LATER...


"This is Katie the Coyote, reporting for SSTV News. It has now been several weeks since the battle that decided the fate of our entire world, and we're all relieved to see that things are finally settling down. Since most of the casualties of the event were actually reversed through the science of the late Dr. Buck Stein, repairs have been moving swiftly. Is it me, or does this past crisis have a feeling of finality to it? It seems to be a shared sentiment as people across the globe settle into a peace we haven't seen since the notorious Dr. Eggman first appeared on the scene. Incidentally, neither Eggman nor his doppelganger Eggman Nega have been spotted since the final battle. Hopefully the villains are taking the opportunity to retire peacefully. In the wake of the battle, some major changes have been coming as well. GUN has formed a partnership with AcornCorp, headed by its new CEO Sally Acorn. They are hoping to work together to maintain peace across the globe. But for all the positives, this is also a solemn time to remember what was lost. In that spirit, I'm here today at the memorial that was erected over the former site of the Troblusk City Clock Tower, to pay respect to those souls that couldn't be returned to us...including a dear friend."

The Troblusk Memorial featured several grave-like stones with multiple names etched onto them. Every soul stuffed into the Scepter of Despair was a soul that couldn't return to the living, and there were others who gave their lives without being captured by the Lost Ones at all. Even Eggman's E-X robots were honored, due to the realization that they, too, possessed souls. There were two special graves at the center, a single name etched on each. "Dr. Bucky Stein, who brought the secrets of life into his death." and the other, "Sonic the Hedgehog; his legend lives on inside all who found a second chance." Vortex, Zipp and Crash stood around Bucky's stone, and behind them was the girl who was essentially their mother, Hope the Raven. "He accomplished everything he wanted... It's a shame his life was spent persecuted." she said with a sigh. Zipp yawned. "Sorry... Thanks, dad. I'll be good." he murmured. Crash was holding his bowler, and glanced at Zipp. "Be respectful. Take your helmet off." he said, Zipp stammering nervously. Vortex knelt by the grave, leaving a black rose there. "Father... I'll carry on for you..." he sighed. Zipp finally popped off his helmet, growling. "Happy!?" he shouted. He turned, his sparkling yellow eyes visible to the world...and to Copter, who stood behind Crash. "Hey, I didn't know you were so pretty, Zipp!" he chuckled, Punchy having a laugh as he stepped up, too. "Grr!! If this weren't a funeral, it'd be YOUR funeral!!" the hornet snapped. "Children, please get along. For me?" Hope asked. The other experiments had also arrived; Talon, Carrie, Kosmo, Heather, Guard, Sonata, Bolt, Lucky, Whisk, Spiny, Zeke, Ridley, Chet and Emily. Some had companions with them, some were actually there to visit other graves. All of them took a moment to share in their respect for the man who gave them their first, or second chance at life. "Here's to you, old man..." Kosmo said, holding up a can of soda before he and Carrie went looking for Ozzie's grave. "I can tell... We all miss you, in our way..." Sonata smiled, wiping a tear. He would know.

Copter had come along with Gemini and Libra, who found the stone with the name "Fred Leo" carved upon it. Timothy, Adam, Evelyn and Cuthburt were gathered there as well. "Wish I knew it was gonna be the last time I saw him before I got turned into a zombie..." Cuthburt sighed. "You were a super-annoying zombie..." Adam murmured, getting an elbow to the side from Evelyn for it. Timothy and Gemini glanced at each other with a nod, and left their wands by the grave. "Can't believe we buried him on that island and those hedgehogs dropped it in the ocean..." Timothy sighed. "Nothing wrong with a burial at sea." Copter told him. Libra placed a hand on the stone. "I searched for my family so long... I'm sorry, Daddy... I couldn't find you..." she sniffled, tearing up. Gemini hugged her. "He'd be happy we found each other..." she said. Copter looked at the group from the future. "What will you all do?" he asked. Evelyn chuckled softly. "While I understand the gesture, gonna need Tim to pick up his wand and whip us back home. I left the stove on and everything!" she said. "So, this'll really be goodbye..." Adam sniffled. "What'll you kids do?" Timothy asked. Gemini took Copter and Libra's hands. "Well... First, we're going to Tails' Not-Wedding, hehe." she winked. "That REALLY gotta be today?" Copter sighed. Busy day.

Chet and Ridley joined Katie at Razor's grave. Tommy was there too, of course, and so were Mia, Bill, Bob and Chief Paynson. Bill was sobbing quite a bit as Bob consoled him. "Who'll pay his tab now?" he snorted. He didn't really care about the money. Tommy left a bouquet of flowers at the grave, trying to keep a brave face. He couldn't, and he hugged Mia as he started to sob. "It's okay, Tom... We'll always be here for ya." she said softly. Paynson placed a hand on Ridley's shoulder. "...I'm retiring, you know. I was past my prime long before supernatural monsters appeared to steal souls. I'd hoped that Razor would take my place..." he said with a soft chuckle, Ridley glancing at him sadly. "He'd have deserved it." he said. Paynson nodded. "So, who better than the man who had his trust?" he asked, patting the coati on the back. Ridley stammered protestfully. "N-no, I... It's not right." he said. "That Razor's not here? No, it isn't right. So carry on for him! Protect the people he loved! I know you're the man for the job, because I know you'll take that seriously." he said. Ridley shut his eyes contemplatively. He'd come a long way from the self-interested guy he started as. Indeed, he didn't want to let Razor down. "Chief Paynson... Thank you." he said tearfully. Chet looked at him with a smile, embracing Katie. "I think... We'll all do Razor proud." he said.

Stepping to the Sonic grave, surprisingly, was Sonic. This grave had been erected in honor of the Doomsayer, but it still felt a bit odd. "Standin' at your own grave?" Copter asked. Sonic chuckled. "Hey there! ...Long time no see!" he waved. It had been almost a month since Sonic had been seen publicly as well. He had some rounds to make today, and this was his first stop. He looked at the Doomsayer's grave, smiling with a nod. "Glad ya made your peace... Knew I could count on me, hehe." he winked.

Sonic wasn't the only one setting off on his way. Emily met Conan when she was done paying her respects. "The police will still be looking for me. I've done awful things trying to bring you back." he said sadly. Emily placed a hand on his cheek. "Come on, then. I think we know a few people who will testify and help get you leniency." she smiled. Conan pulled his hat down over his eyes. He was sure he didn't deserve it. But, for Emily, he was prepared to pay any price. Sonic passed by them, and caught sight of a woman watching over a baby stroller. "Hey, I know that kid!" he smiled, stopping to admire baby Aurora in the stroller. Punchy and Rainbow came up a moment later. "Hey, thanks for watchin' the little bundle of trouble, Rosie." Punchy said to the chipmunk who was keeping watch over the stroller. Violet was coming up the street to meet them, joined by Patch and Daisy holding hands, and also a very much alive Mitch the weasel. "Hey, sis! And whoa, Sonic!" Violet gasped. The hedgehog chuckled softly. "Sorry, I can't stay. Got someplace to be." he said. "You wouldn't be the guest speaker at da 'Victims of Lost' meetin', wouldja?" Mitch asked. It was a support group meeting he was currently heading for. Sonic chuckled awkwardly. "Why would ya ask that?" he smirked. Punchy looked at Patch and Daisy making goo-goo eyes at each other and gagged. "Heehee, I feel the same about you and your girl!" Patch teased. Daisy patted the colorful fox on the head. "C'mon, let's walk Mitch to his meeting." she smiled. They all started to go their separate ways, and Sonic had to move on, too.

Sonic thought he saw Tails as he started to leave, but he quickly realized it was Miles. The shield carrying fox walked by with Winston the Moogle following, the pair meeting Lucky and Whisk just outside the memorial. Miles gave Lucky a hug while Whisk picked up Winston. "Hey! Easy, kupo!" the Moogle grunted. "How are you both holding up?" Miles asked. Lucky glanced back to the memorial briefly. "...We'll be okay. His heart is at peace." he said, placing a hand over his own heart. Whisk placed Winston on the ground and smiled. "Hey, any news on Sora? I know Lucky only met him briefly, but..." she murmured. Miles yelped. "That's right! Master Yen Sid wants to see you! Like, yesterday! Travis came to tell me and everything! No idea why he didn't just come here, heh." he chuckled. "Me-yow!!" Lucky exclaimed, "Right away? Must be important... Think Tails will understand?" he asked. Miles smirked. "Why don't you call him?" he asked, holding up a ProwerPhone.

Although Sonic had places to be, he couldn't help but get a bit distracted by the commotion caused by a bank robbery. There was an explosion, and then Bark the Polar Bear and Bean the Duck rushed out carrying loot towards Nack's newest getaway vehicle as the weasel waited for them. "C'mon, c'mon, hurry it up! Before the cops get here!" he shouted. Sonic watched them from across the street, tapping his foot. "Maybe I should give 'em a minute's head start?" he asked himself. While he considered that, several bullets dinged up the front of Nack's vehicle, making him jump in alarm. "Hey, watch the pain job!! ...Aaa!" he yelped as Omega dropped down from above, blocking him! Looking up, one could see Rouge, the bat who was responsible for airlifting the robot. "He's all yours, sugar!" she said, winking down at Omega. "Surrender or face eradication!" the robot warned. "Screw Nack! Run away!!" Bean shouted, turning with Bark only to run into Shadow! "We've been looking for you! We've got a cell saved right next to Gunner!" he smirked. Sonic gave a chuckle as he watched the scene unfold. "Look at Shadow, all official! When is GUN givin' ya a uniform, huh?" he shouted. The black hedgehog scoffed. "I don't need one... I'm intimidating enough. Right?" he asked, lifting Bean by the collar. The duck nodded frantically, gulping. Maybe they should've gone straight after battling to help save the world?

The venue for the support group meeting on this day was Bill and Bob's reopened Neon Tavern. It was also still operating as a bar, and until Bill and Bob got back from the funeral, Dave was keeping an eye on things. Interning there, if you will. He passed a drink over to Sticks the Badger, who sniffed it suspiciously. "...Alright, I don't think it's poisoned." she said. "Whew... You're a tough customer." Dave sighed. The actual support group was gathering in an area that had been set aside for them, around the karaoke stage, leaving customers plenty of space to use the bar. Cosmo and Zooey were among those customers, swapping stories while drinking away their troubles. "So, let me get this straight... You're like those people, those copies of people? You're from another world?" Zooey asked. Cosmo nodded. "Yes... I left behind my friends... My beloved Tails..." she said, regret in her voice, "I want...to find my way back. And make everything right." she sighed. Zooey placed a hand over hers. "Hey... We'll figure it out. Let me help you?" she asked, earning a smile from the Seedrian. Guard and Heather walked into the bar next, taking a seat next to each other. "Grr... What would you like?" the gargoyle asked. The phoenix looked at him. "I'd like... If we gave our relationship a try after all..." she said, making Guard glance at her with wide eyes. "Rrr... You said that if I remained with GUN..." he stammered. Heather gently pecked his lips, blushing. "Garen... I trust you. Let's leave it at that." she said softly.

Sonic finally walked in, after moving past his various distractions, and turned toward the karaoke stage where the support group was set up. Taurus the bull sat up and pointed. "Hey, hey! It's Sonic!! Look! Hey, Sonic!!" he waved as Pisces the shark looked at him funny. "So, you're a fanboy now?" she murmured. Mitch and Hope had gotten there quickly, and were already seated among the group, along with Aquarius the albatross, Capricorn the ferret, Nevin Crimm, Astra the fennec, and also the former leaders of the Lost Ones, Luna the wolf, William the raccoon, Gunther, Spiro the cat and Rex the hedgehog. Among others, Silver and Blaze were sitting in as well, accompanying a few residents of their world. It was kind of a packed house, and Omochao was hovering onstage to moderate the meeting. "Ah, thank you, Mr. Bull! Yes, today as a special guest, Sonic has come to say a few words! Come onstage, Sonic!" the robot said, politely bowing out of the spotlight while the others clapped for his arrival. "Sing Fist Bump!" Spiro shouted as William rolled his eyes. "This era's minstrels are too boisterous. A tragedy Bard is left so far in our memories..." he sighed. "I can't believe he's still talking like that, ugh..." Gunther groaned. Sonic clapped his hands back as he reached the stage, smiling at the group. "Hey, fellas, you made it! One whole month without munchin' anyone's souls!" he told them, gaining a few chuckles, "I ain't much for speeches, so I'll just say this... As we keep runnin' forward, it's not that we're runnin' away from our pain. It's that we're runnin' toward something. Make the future you're runnin' toward a good one!" he said, waving as they clapped again. Rex met him as he headed off the stage. "I never got a chance to properly thank you. I spent a long time at this hero 'gig,' as they say now... But it's clear to me that you're better at it than I ever was." he said with a light smile. His quills had grayed in a month's time. He was aging rapidly now that his task was finally done. Sonic gently shook his hand. "Eh, we all make mistakes. I hope retirement treats ya well." he said cheerfully as Silver and Blaze approached. "Hey, Sonic. We'll see ya later, right?" Silver asked. "Huh? You will? Why?" he stammered. Blaze chuckled softly. "Tails and Cream's promise ceremony. Aren't you coming?" Sonic's eyes widened. "Uhhh where was that again??"

Sonic had to rush to the venue, but he had one more stop to make first. As he rushed out of the Neon Tavern, he passed by Zeke the dragon and Zim the Zeti. "Hey, watch where you're running, hedgehog!!" Zim shouted, only to be ignored. The flapping of wings caught Zeke's attention as Raven the divine landed near them. "So, no luck finding those other Darks?" the dragon asked. Raven sighed. "They were all turned into Lost Ones. I guess the cure caused them to...return to their original states. No idea what happened to Mephiles, he might be gone for good, but the others are probably inside their original hosts again...like Xezek." she stated. Zeke shrugged. "Whatevs, it's no scales off my tail. But if you're lonely, you could always come with us." he offered. Zim looked unsure. "She wasn't very nice to us before..." he grumbled. Raven knelt down and patted him on the head. "Aww, poor baby. Well, where are you even going?" she asked Zeke. The dragon smirked, opening a corridor of darkness in a nearby alley. "Wait and see..." he said.


Sonic moved really fast, making his way to Station Square in order to make his next stop. He was swinging by the office building to visit Uncle Chuck, but he was surprised to see the whole Freedom Fighter gang there! "Sugar hog! Great to see ya!" Bunnie cried, grabbing Sonic in a surprise hug as he entered the office space. "Agh! Who...?" he stammered as Rotor and Antoine stepped over to shake his hand. "Chuck talks a lot about you. Heh, it's almost like you're one of the group." Rotor stated. "Sonic Hedgehog, well met! We are, how you say, cut from the same cheese, eh?" Antoine smiled. Sonic chuckled softly. "Uh, yeah, good to see ya. Any sign of my Unc around?" he babbled. "Oui, right that way!" Antoine pointed. Chuck and Sally were both hunched over a video call. It was more a conference, with Dr. Nammad and Professor Pickle both on the line. "Yeah, uh, the Gaia Wellspring on my end seems, uh, intact!" Nammad reported. Sally sighed with relief. "How about you, professor?" she asked. Pickle gulped down a certain type of sandwich he was munching and got right to it. "As far as my findings indicate... Not only are the Wellsprings unharmed, but the life energy that flowed in through those tendrils as they were being undone... It seems to have strengthened the Gaia Wellsprings to an extent! Life on our planet may be stronger than ever." he announced. "Fantastic!" Chuck exclaimed, "Well, you got Dulcy there, right? If ya need anything, let her fly over and we'll getcha set up in a jiff!" he said. "Hey, Unc!" Sonic said, catching his attention, "Ya wanted to see me?" Chuck turned in his seat with a smile. "Ah, Sonic my boy... Sadly it's not a personal call. I got a line on Dr. Eggman. Wanted you to look into it." he said. Sonic held his forehead. "Aw, not today..." he groaned, "I'll have to make it quick!" he added. Sally nodded, lifting up her personal computer. "Nicole, coordinates, please..." she requested.

Sonic had to hurry and get this done, so he had no time to stop and chat as he left the office and sped through the streets, passing the new office of the Chaotix Detective Agency. Vector nearly stumbled as Sonic zoomed past him. "Whoa there, Sonic! Gah! We should be hurryin', too! Come on, guys!! Let's go!" he shouted. Ray and Charmy burst out the door, pointing fingers at one another. "I was trying but Ray was holding everything up!" the bee complained. "Nuh-uh! Charmy's the one who was goofing off!" Ray protested. Mighty picked them both up from behind and carried them through the doorway. "Yeah, ready or not, we gotta get going now!" he said as Espio stealthily emerged in front of them. "There's plenty of time to organize our expanded business... This is a special day for potential clients." he stated. Vector blushed lightly. "Yeah, and... Miss Vanilla will be there..." he whispered, snickering to himself.

Sonic arrived in the Mystic Ruins. It was convenient that both his destinations were in this area. As he sped out of the train station, he passed by Fera the wolf and Illusi the shrew. They were both semi-formally dressed, unusual for both of them. "Hey, Sonic, you're not late quite yet!" Illusi shouted. "I will be if I'm not careful!" the hedgehog shouted back, speeding on his way. Fera sighed. "At least he doesn't really see me..." she murmured. Illusi chuckled softly. "My dear, you look lovely. I dare say you'd make a fetching bride one day if you'd let yourself grow close to someone." he smiled. Fera gave him a small smile back. "Thanks, but I think I'll settle for learning to make friends for now..." she said. "No rush..." Illusi grinned, materializing a fancy top hat and cane as he started on his way, "I'm pretty sure you have your share of friends, though. Why else would we be invited?" he added.

Final Egg, the former Mystic Ruins base of Dr. Eggman, seemed to be where intelligence suggested the scientist's whereabouts to be. Sonic charged through the main entrance, ready for a battle, only to find robots busily boxing things up! Char flew up to cheerily greet Sonic. "Hey! Good to see ya! You come to help pack?" he asked. Sonic raised an eyebrow. "...pack?" he questioned. Terra crept over, carrying a metal crate in his powerful arms. "All Eggman bases are to be decommissioned." he stated. Firepaw was busy interfacing with the computer, while Orbot, Cubot and Hoover were overseeing the release of animals from inside old robots, including Slash, Sting, Clucky and Burrowbot. "Why does this feel like murder?" Cubot asked. "It is literally the opposite o' murder! We're settin' their livin' bodies free!" Hoover pointed out. "Well, technically, our old friends' AI will in fact shut down..." Orbot noted. Some Flicky birds, as well as a pig and a bunny emerged from the four robots, and scampered away free. Alpha waved as they scurried for the exit. "Bye, friends! Send me a text sometime!" he babbled. "Sonic!" Eggman floated over in his Egg Mobile, startling the hedgehog. "What... What's the game now, doctor?" he asked. Eggman nodded. "That sure sounds like me, doesn't it? Loudly proclaim my retirement to make you let your guard down, then whammo! Hit you with the ol' double cross!" the doctor snickered, "...But no. This change of heart... It's different. I've seen what happens when I win, Sonic. Well... I'm unimpressed with the results." he sighed. Sonic scratched his head. "What now, then?" he wondered. The doctor laughed softly. "That's the question, isn't it? I can't go legit, the government wants me in jail forever. Ah, but since when would a thing like that stop me, eh? Changing may be a challenge... But everything worth doing is." he stated. Sonic nodded, giving his old nemesis a small smile. "Well... see ya around, doc." he said. "Oh, Sonic... Watch out for Nega and Metal Sonic. You didn't think the world would just let YOU retire, did ya?" Eggman chuckled. Sonic gave a small laugh on his way out the door. "Me, retire?! I ain't even tired!" he smirked, giving a backwards wave on the way out.

After Sonic left, Eggman hopped out of his Egg Mobile and stepped to the computer Firepaw was interfacing with. "Meowr? Boss?" the feline robot murmured. "Leave me a moment..." he said, and as Firepaw walked away, he played a message archived in his database. The voice heard was that of Dr. Bucky Stein. "I leave you with this urgent message, doctor. My current endeavor to cure the Lost Ones... I have a feeling about it. This mission will be my last. If it proves successful, I will have no regrets...but it must succeed. I know that you took my power-transfer pods, and should I fail, I place the burden on you to enact my Plan B. Experiment 20 has the power, but not the means to mobilize it. You must transfer that power where it will do the most good, and to awaken that power's true potential, the Chaos Emeralds may be necessary. You may ask yourself... 'Why should I do this?' Yes, why should you fix my mistakes? It was my team, we decided to continue my work in the shadows, and we inadvertently unleashed the evil long housed within Shadow Arcangel. But no, don't do it for me... Robotnik, your grandfather was a good man, I know. Don't let his later insanity cloud your mind on that. He would be proud of your intellect already...make him proud of your heart. Achieve Gerald's dream... Bring hope to humanity." As the message concluded, Eggman wiped his eyes and let out a wistful sigh.


Sonic sped up the stairs leading to Tails' workshop, and nearly bumped into Big the Cat at the top. "Whoa! Ah, hey, big guy! Seen the man of the hour around?" he asked. Big looked at him and scratched his head before pointing at the Workshop. "If you're looking for a clock, I'd try in there." he mumbled. Sonic laughed softly. "Never change, dude. Hey, where's Froggy?" he asked as he passed by, making Big look around with alarm. As Sonic headed up another set of steps to the Workshop, he found Knuckles standing close by, with Shade fixing the bow tie affixed to his suit. "How'd you convince me to dress up, Shade?? Big's not even wearing a shirt!" he grumbled. "Quit fussing. I helped you salvage those Master Emerald pieces, so you're gonna look good while we're out together!" she told him. Knuckles shot Sonic a "Help me" look, and Sonic just smiled back, shrugging. Heading inside the Workshop, he found Amy heading through the entrance room with a clipboard in her hand. "Ah, hey, Amy!" he waved. She looked at him with a bit of agitation. "Sonic, where have you been ALL MONTH?? Never mind, at least you showed up! Tails is upstairs, go see that he's ready!" she said, glancing at her clipboard. "Ohhh, the caterers really bailed on us! Why'd they insist on doing this here? I hope Marine's getting Cream ready and not playing around!" she babbled, "Punchy's wedding went smoother, ah... Until Gunner crashed it..." she mused.

Sonic found Tails upstairs adjusting his own bow tie in a mirror, also dressed in a suit, but he was required to as the "groom." At his side was SPOT Mark III, up on his hind legs and holographically displaying a diagram of how to actually tie a bow tie through his eyes. "Sonic has entered the room." the robot spoke, prompting Tails to glance his way before glancing back into the mirror. "No one made you dress up..." he chuckled softly. Sonic laughed. "Not what ya had in mind? Yeah, Amy can go a little overboard..." he murmured, patting the fox on the back, "Ya nervous?" he asked. Tails stood a bit rigid. "Why would I be nervous? We're not REALLY getting married, so there's no need to be nervous..." he said, sounding fairly convincing. However, he then turned towards Sonic, a bundle of anxiety. "I'm totally nervous!" he admitted, shaking, "W-will the real thing feel like this!?" Sonic hugged him, chuckling softly. "Probably, heh!" he replied, "But there's no need to be shy, little bro. You love each other. Don't let it make you feel weird showing everybody how you feel. We're all in your corner." he said, patting him on the head. Tails gave a bashful smile. "Th-thanks, Sonic. You're a great Best Man." he said. Sonic chuckled with a smirk. "Best Hedgehog, you mean!" he winked.


Before long, the ceremony had gotten underway. They held it right outside on the cliff below the Workshop, where Amy had set up a flowery temporary altar, and as many seats as they could reasonably fit to allow the guests to observe the proceedings. A few were standing along the Tornado runway, because people like Tails and Cream were sure to bring a lot of friends, even to a mock wedding. Sonic stood beside Tails as the best hedgehog, while Amy stood across from them as the maid of honor. "You're next, Sonic..." she whispered, winking. Knuckles and Shade were in the front row along with Copter and Gemini, and Fera sitting with Illusi behind them. They weren't exactly split into bride side and groom side, for both pretty much shared the same friends. Vanilla walked Cream between the seats, the rabbit dressed in a pretty white dress with a flower crown adorning her head. "She's so pretty... Ahh, ain't she pretty, Blaze? Didn't I do a sweet job!" Marine smirked, shaking the princess with glee. Silver sat beside Blaze, arm around her. "I wonder... How you'd look in something like that." he whispered, making Blaze flush bright red. "Shush..." she grunted. Vanilla smiled, standing beside Amy as she left Cream with Tails, and Cheese arrived behind them, carrying the two Tailbands on a pillow. Tails and Cream giggled, picking a band up each. They then looked to Astra the fennec, who was acting as the "minister" for the ceremony. "Y-you're... so beautiful, Cream..." Tails whispered. The rabbit blushed and smiled as Astra began to speak. "We are gathered here... To witness the promise made between these two promising youths. And if anyone has anything to say against it... Keep your mouth shut, spoilsport, it's not the real thing!" she stated, earning a few chuckles from the crowd, "Now, then, I'm very old, so let's keep this succinct. Miles Prower, Cream Rabbit, you are here to promise that your love will continue burning strong, and one day, it will join you in matrimony. If you indeed promise this, you may exchange Tailbands... These objects of creation, now symbols of the life you both will share." she stated. Tails and Cream looked into each others' eyes, and handed off the band in their hands, Cream placing hers on her wrist, while Tails slipped his on a tail. "Hehe, force of habit..." he giggled. "It's cute like that." Cream said cheerily. Astra smiled warmly at them, and waved her hand between them. "By the power vested in me... I don't really pronounce anything at all! But aren't they cute!" she laughed, everyone clapping cheerfully for the couple. "Kiss the bride!!" Ray shouted. Tails' face went bright red, and Cream had a bit of a blush as well. Despite his hesitation, though, Tails took her in his arms, and gave her a kiss right there, resulting in louder clapping and a few cheers...some tears as well. At the very back of the ceremony, gathered around the steps leading down from the cliff, some unexpected guests were clapping, too. Melody and Skye, paying a visit from their time, witnessing the moment their future was secured. Next to them, Juice the hedgehog, standing with Lara the echidna. Behind them, Chopper the fox, Casey the coyote, Argyle the crocodile, Venice the hedgehog, Starr the morph, Aurora the echidna, and all seven of Lucky and Whisk's children, including Junior, Pepper and Minnie. It was a crowded stairway. "Way to go, dad." Skye smiled. "Yuck, such mush..." Juice gagged. "Don't knock it, haha!" Chopper giggled. The future was bright indeed.


Thankfully, some of the guests had brought food since Amy's caterer didn't make it. So, they rearranged the chairs and set up a small buffet on that cliff so they could have lunch to close out the little event. There were some brief toasts made to the cute couple, but this was followed up by some announcements. Copter stood up with a glass...of "Chaos Soda" since not everyone was exactly drinking age, and cleared his throat. "Ahh, first I wanna tell Tails congrats on his, uh... Relationship?" he chuckled, "But I have an announcement of my own." he began. "You and Wanda are getting married??" Rainbow shouted, making Copter turn white for a second. "No, no!" Gemini stammered, blushing, "Not...yet." she added. Copter coughed softly. "We're...leaving. Libra's coming with us." he said. Tails looked a little sad. "Leaving? But where?" he asked. Libra shrugged and glanced at her sister, who looked to Copter. "Well... They decided to stay in this time at least. But we all discussed it, and we kinda wanna really see the world. Without it being about to blow up." he stated, everyone having a bit of a laugh about that. "Well, you're always welcome at our home if you need a place to stay." Vanilla offered. Punchy stood up next with his own glass. "Well, ah... We're not going quite as far, but, Rainbow and I are moving to Troblusk City. Gonna stay with Violet until we're ready to get our own place. I hear the police might be hiring..." he said, Knuckles pointing at him suddenly. "You're gonna leave the Master Emerald all for me to guard after everything!?" he shouted. Shade patted him on the shoulder. "You know, Knuxie, I do think your island could use a woman's touch..." she smirked. Knuckles stammered a bit, starting to blush, and Rainbow giggled. "Viola wanted to be here, by the way, but Rosie could use a break from babysitting." she stated, "But between all of us, we'll clean up that dirty trouble city!" she said, referring to Troblusk. Illusi smiled at Punchy. "I'm proud of you, Dark One." he stated, to which Punchy nearly snapped at the name, but the nostalgia of it got to him. "Thanks, Illusi..." he sighed. The shrew stood up with Fera. "We may be exiting the dimension for a time, but I'm sure we'll be back." he smiled. Fera nodded, a bit shy-looking with everyone looking at her in her pretty clothes. "There's some questions for us still to answer. Plot holes we need to fill..." she murmured. Tails raised a glass to her. "You'll figure it all out, heh!" he assured her. Kosmo grudgingly stood up next at Carrie's urging. "All right, now I'm standing too! All of us standing in a circle... Buncha-" Vector interrupted him before he finished. "We're reopened, by the way! Chaotix Detective Agency! Now with more staff to solve all your mysterious needs!" the croc winked. "Thanks for that, that broke the ice..." Kosmo groaned, "Well, my son, Ozzie, he came here from our planet. He must've left a ship somewhere. Shadow's promised to help find it, and Carrie and I are gonna... Go see where I came from, hopefully." he announced. "Wow, sounds like quite a trip!" Amy gasped. "Does that mean you won't come back?" Cream asked. Kosmo glanced at Carrie uncertainly, but she smiled. "If the future's anything to go on, we'll be back." she assured them. "Alright, but is anybody STAYING??" Charmy asked anxiously. "Well, I mean, we are!!" Tails stammered, the group erupting in cheerful laughter. Sonic was fairly quiet through it all, partly listening, partly eating, partly reflecting. He wondered about the ones responsible for allowing them to share all this laughter together. He hoped they were all at peace...wondering what their final moments had been like.

A month ago, the version of Sonic the Hedgehog that had long been known as the Doomsayer had become a special form of Super Sonic, casting aside the Doomsayer's robes to aid in taking down Apocalos once and for all. After he and Legend Sonic flew into Apocalos' eye, the creation energy of the two worked together to overpower the villain, and cure him of his evil form, restoring him to the identity of Rex the Hedgehog. But Super Sonic's work wasn't done. Moving fast as light, he soared across Green Hill, radiating the power of GeneX to restore each and every Lost One to their rightful state of being. When his work was finally done, Super Sonic found himself floating high above South Island, his body feeling light as he slowly was starting to fade. "We have done it..." came a soothing voice. Sonic looked to see Gideon the GeneX floating beside him, looking transparent like a ghost. He took the glowing being's hand and smiled softly. "At least...we won't fade alone." he sighed. Gideon shook its head. "This isn't fading. This is...a new phase in our existence. Instead of one corporeal form, we exist in the hearts of all who are gathered here... A part of them, a part of their world." it said, smiling warmly. Sonic let out a soft sigh, a tear rolling down his cheek. "Her, no tears, Sonic..." another familiar voice softly spoke. Sonic's eyes widened as he saw a long lost friend before him. "...Chip!" he gasped. Light Gaia was manifested before his eyes, but was he real? Chip flitted to the hedgehog and hugged his chest. "You...you've done good, Sonic." he said, overcome with emotion. The tears still flowed for Sonic, happy to be reunited with his friend. "Yeah... I finally...set things right." he sniffled, smiling wide. Chip flitted between him and Gideon, reaching a hand out to both of them. "Now, we can all go to rest...together." he said with a warm smile. Gideon took his hand and lightly chuckled. "I would like nothing more." it said. Sonic took Chip's hand as well, and the trio began to disappear in a bright glimmer of sparkles. "All three of us... A part of this great Earth..." Chip sighed. Sonic nodded with a warm smile. "Always..." he whispered, and all three of them vanished together...


With the Promise Ceremony over, Sonic had started on his way. He was actually one of the first to leave, ever and always on the run. His run brought him back to Green Hill, where he found a cliffside overlooking the place where the battle had taken place the month before. For a brief moment, he thought he heard something, a familiar voice maybe? He looked around, but no one was there. Taking one last grateful look over the lush, green hills that started him on so many adventures, Sonic turned and started to run, in search of new adventures...on the great journey called life.

And our heroes lived the journey to their happiest ever after.


"Doesn't matter what they say, think or feel!
Speed, power, smarts we're the real deal!
We can make it right, bring the light!
Hold on till the end of the night!!

We're gonna show the whole world that we're not afraid of them!
The haters and the baiters ain't got nothin' to defend!
Side by side, on this road, you and I are gonna see,
We're speedin' on and on to our destiny!!

To our destiny!

What is wrong, what is right? Gotta stay hard as nails!
The one that falters is the one that fails!
We'll find the treasure of our dreams, it's inside of you!
Just stick with me, there ain't nothin' we can't do!

We're gonna fly high, and reach for the stars!
Our friends are waiting, no matter how far!
Doesn't matter what they say, think, feel or fight!
We can make it all right, gonna bring back the light!

We're gonna show the whole world that we're not afraid of them!
The haters and the baiters ain't got nothin' to defend!
Side by side, on this road, you and I are gonna see,
We're speedin' on and on to our destiny!

Shadows of despair... Loss and chaos in the air...

Everyone deserves their chance at life.
Don't give up the fight!

~ Don't give up tonight ~

We're gonna show the whole world that we're not afraid of them!
The haters and the baiters ain't got nothin' to defend!
Side by side, on this road, you and I are gonna see,
We're speedin' on and on to our destiny!

~ Before I say goodbye to you... one more... ~

Side by side, on this road, you and I are gonna see...
We're speedin' on and on, on and on...
Together to our destiny!" - Speed Destiny, Sonic GeneX Main Theme by 2BIT