Breaking apart by Caroline Kingsbury.
~~~

She watches him. His gloved hands squeeze the sown and patchy brown puffer vest he wears as he ducks to exit their tent. Rain and dark clouds meet him before the tent's entrance flaps shut like curtains. A purple walrus manoeuvres to follow, panic painting his face as the chipmunk gathers a small rectangular device and holds it close. Her ears are sharp and her nose refuses to settle, maps and chilli dogs are left on a metal camping table as she stands beside the walrus. Thunder rumbles in the distance, but the pair are more focused on their blue companion who mumbles before returning to them.

He avoids their eyes, opting to watch the mountains on the outskirts of his vision. "I should go check that out."

The chipmunk crosses her arms without thought and scans the vast meadow they're situated in, hidden within a cluster of trees at the empty fields edge. "Not alone, a scream is never a good sign."

"Then you two head out, I'll stay here and-." Lightning drowns out Rotor Walrus, basking the field in a blinding flash prior to returning to rainy gloom.

"...look after the tent." He concludes and retreats into the tent, soon meeting the pair again with a Gladius resting within it's scabbard.

"Thank you." Sally Acorn accepts the sword and equips it with the metal chain of the scabbard sitting on her shoulder.

"Be careful." Rotor responds and takes N-I-C-O-L-E from the chipmunk prior to residing within the tent.

They embark on their cautionary jog, heading towards where they had heard a terrified shriek. Sally follows closely behind, her blue eyes bore into the back of her friends head and she fights against memories of one of their previous conversations. Despite quips and short replies, Sonic had returned to that period of time where he would become mostly quiet. Sally had noticed these patterns obviously, with how much time they spend together; with these moments becoming more frequent and longer. For all the years she'd known him, she can recall him always having a quiet spell- but it used to be rare. Not...this common.

"Could you at least tell me if you've been considering this for a while?"

Two days ago, when Sonic had first claimed he wanted to leave, their conversation was short. Sally had felt this sudden, alien panic and demanded an explanation. The blue hedgehog had tried to get his point across, but mostly gave sputters and sentence restarts (he had never been quite...good with his words). Attempting to regain self control, the chipmunk recommended they leave this conversation for another time. She never wanted to be the one to hold Sonic back but, selfishly, she didn't want him to leave either. Simply because he'd always been there for as long as she can remember, and she cherished his presence.

They began to approach a larger gathering of trees and for the first time since that conversation, Sonic made direct eye contact with her as he slowed to be at her side. "It's crossed my mind a few times."

"Then why haven't you brought it up before?"

Regret clutched at her heart when he looked away, opting to scan their forward surroundings. "Dunno, really. Lots of reasons I guess."

"Like?"

He sighed. "We can talk about that later, okay?"

"At least tell me what you'll do if you go?"

Sonic sharply skidded to an abrupt stop and instinctively grabbed Sally's arm when another scream burst from ahead. His eyes narrowed at the trees and the chipmunk clutched the handle of her Gladius. With both pairs of ears swerving and the two lowering themselves into fighting positions, their breaths rested in their throats. They stood ready and silent, soon catching heavy thuds that only grew in volume as the source neared.

They definitely didn't expect a flailing, wide eyed coyote to practically leap out from the shrubbery shouting words Sally and Sonic couldn't make out. He must've not seen them in time for the next thing Sonic knew his abdomen was being crushed by the elbow from the mobian that lay atop him.

"Oh! Monsieur, I'm so sorry!" With Sally's assistance he stood and offered his hand with an apologetic smile.

But Sonic froze. With his elbows propping him up he watched clumped brown fur, brown boots and friendly blue eyes stare back at him with growing confusion. When the familiar looking stranger opened his mouth to speak, the blue hedgehog shook off his nerves with a grin and accepted the others hand.

"Relax pal." He replied, resting his elbow on the coyote's tense shoulder.

"Excuse me, but what were you running away from?" Sally questioned, looking back at where the mobian had sprung from.

"That...." The coyote pointed a shaky finger towards a large swarm of Badniks bursting out from the greenery.

With Bee Bots and unfamiliar, round Badniks (equipped with circular saws) swarming the three- Sonic pulled the mobian behind him as Sally charged ahead. Gritting her teeth, she drew her Gladius and drove it straight into the head of one of the saw swinging machines- swiftly swiping her weapon to another that neared from behind. Sonic kept his grip on the coyote and slowly rotated in circles, yelling as he pushed himself into the air to deliver vicious kicks at robots that tried approaching. Upon the coyote's terrified cry, the blue speedster elevated himself over the other's shoulders and flipped midair to crash into a Bee Bot that had unsuccessfully tried to land a hit on the stranger.

Landing in a 'T' position, Sonic went to grab the shaking coyote's shoulders and force the other to look directly at him. "What's your name pal?"

"I-is zis really ze time to-?"

"I like to acquaint myself with those I'm savin'." The blue speedster grinned, his ear flickering to seemingly acknowledge Sally's battle cry to the side of them.

"W-well, Antoine D'Coolette, Monsieur."

The hedgehog's hold on the other tightened as they sidestepped to allow Sally to charge by- her sword digging deeply into the chassis of a Bee Bot. Once passed, the chipmunk swung the robot off her weapon and let it crash into another.

"Know why these goons are chasin' you?" Sonic questioned.

The coyote's star struck expression calmed down when his focused returned to the hedgehog. "Same reason as for all of us. Robotisization. Zey have followed me for not very long."

Sonic was about to reply, but was thrown off from Antoine squeaking and swiftly ducking with wide eyes. The former turned to meet a colossal, metal fist that crushed his face and sent him crashing into a nearby tree. He groaned and slid down the trunk, and Antoine froze as the hedgehog didn't get back up. The coyote yelped when the same machine turned to him and lifted it's fatal saw- so he ran towards a couple of Bee Bots that ended up slamming into the larger Badnik and then all three dropping into a sparking pile of scrap on the ground.

Antoine looked to Sally who called Sonic's name and slid under one of the saw swinging robots through the gap between it's legs. Again, he squeaked as she quickly approached and snagged hold of his lower arm- thus practically dragging him towards where Sonic lay crumpled on the ground.

"Sonic?" The chipmunk questioned, helping the hedgehog sit up once he made some movement.

"M'fine."

The coyote winced when he took in the other's bloodied muzzle, bruising eye and, well, bent nose. "Monsieur, I-I'm so sorry!"

Sonic waved it off, shook his head and (rather shakily) stood. He swiped his glove lightly across his nose before lowering into a runners starting position. "One tree can't hurt me too much, 'Twan. Relax."

Before Sally could utter her concern, her hair flew carelessly over her face as she and Antoine were swept up in a harsh wind- courtesy of the blue speedster blasting off in a devastating boom. The coyote could only blink in the time it took for Sonic to create a fierce whirlwind that gathered the remaining Badniks and scatter them across the previous battleground. He slowly rose, eyes wide in astonishment, as the blue hedgehog dusted himself off and stood with magnetic confidence.

Sally giggled at the other's expression before taking his hand to lead him to the wobbling speedster. She let go upon their destination and took Sonic's arm in hers as an act of support, letting Antoine walk at the hedgehog's other side. With her Gladius residing in it's scabbard, she glanced back at the many piles of scrap prior to watching their front view as trees fell into the background.

"How can you move so fast?" Antoine quickly asked.

Sonic grinned. "Dunno. For as long as I can remember, I've always been able to. Cool right?"

"Definitely useful. Has it always been so easy?"

"Nah. When I was younger I'd go crashin' into all sorts. I've just gotten used to it."

"Was it inherited?"

Sonic stiffened, fiddled with his ear and for a moment Antoine worried he'd pried too much until the hedgehog snorted. "Maybe. I dunno." Was the only reply the coyote got.

So he turned his attention to Sally, who still seemed caught up in the hedgehog's battered face. "And you, Princess, seem skilled in ze art of swordsmanship."

The chipmunk's cheeks heated up briefly until she laughed it off. "Thank you. H-how'd-?"

"Ze heir to ze Acorn Throne. You're still known, even in Eurish."

Sally took note of the rain dying down and watched the dark clouds looming above. "Eurish, huh?"

"Zat is where I was born." Antoine spoke with the first sign of pride since they met him. "Raised by my mozer. My father had moved to Mobotropilis years ago, so he could stand with your father- ze King."

Sally swallowed and turned towards the coyote, who's eyes appeared more glassy than before. "I-I see...."

Antoine laughed. "Relax, Princess. I know zat he...he's not here anymore."

"I'm sorry."

"We both lost something zat day, no? Anyway, I should zank you two for saving me."

"No problem, 'Twan." Sonic chimed in as they neared their tent.

"You know, if you're up to it, we could use your help." Sally stopped upon arrival. "Th-there's not exactly much of us and if we're gonna do what we're planning we could use more people."

Sonic moved so he could stand on his own and cringed with a raised brow as Antoine began to sweat in increasing nerves upon the suggestion. With Rotor's mumbles being heard from within the tent, Sally rolled her eyes in amusement as the blue hedgehog neared to whisper in her ear.

"A-are you sure, Sal'?"

The chipmunk lightly shoved him away with a smirk. "Head inside and get yourself cleaned up before you go about saying who can't come along with us."

"Fair." Sonic saluted as he obliged- his greeting for Rotor being heard prior to the tent's entrance closing behind him.

"Now, what do you say?" Sally faced the coyote and rested her hands on hips.

"I-I'll have to agree wiz Sonic. I'm not-."

"Oh ignore him. He got to invite Rotor last time, so it's my turn."

The coyote merely looked confused, so she brushed it aside with a smile. "If you stick with us, I promise we'll keep you safe. Besides, this gives you somewhere to go. A-and we could really use the help."

Antoine hummed, something seemingly coming to his attention. "As much as I'm relieved you came to my rescue, why exactly are you here?"

"We're rescuing a friend of Rotor's. She's supposed to be nearby. In one of Robotnik's camps."

"Oh! I zink I know where zat is! Ze robots chasing me came from zis spot I passed wiz tents and machinery."

Sally brightened and rather excitedly took the coyote's hands in her own. "You would take us there, yes?"

"W-well I suppose I could do zat...."

"Thank you- um...."

"Antoine D'Coolette." The coyote chuckled. "But please, who is zis Rotor?"

"Oh! He's a new friend of ours Sonic invited. He's inside the tent if you'd like to meet him." Sally grabbed the tent's entry.

"Sure, but...can I ask somezing?"

"Go for it."

"If you've only recently met Rotor, zen how long have you known Sonic?"

Sally paused and looked to the curious coyote. How did-? Antoine clearly knew about Mobotropilis and it's fall...so how in Mobius did he not know about Sonic? The Hedgehogs for that matter. Rotor was already aware about both of their's existence. However, the walrus hadn't actually mentioned much about the blue hedgehog's history- just posters he's seen (and he was aware of Sally's past). Perhaps she'd been so used to knowing so much about Sonic that she just assumed others might too? In all fairness, he wasn't royalty- so it's not like his mere birth would become newsworthy. Years on, she and him had kicked up a fuss with Robotnik (mostly by taking out his camps) so that would explain how mobians like Rotor would come to learn of Sonic's existence.

"Princess?"

Sally shook her head and blinked, seemingly exiting her thoughts and returning to the present. She gave Antoine an apologetic smile and sweeped the tents entrance to the side. The coyote looked within to see Rotor fiddling away at (what he assumed) useless scrap and an apparent holographic lynx holding a damp cloth to Sonic's face.

Rotor was mumbling, Sonic was snickering, Sally returned to the centre metal table, there was a holo-lynx and Antoine began to wonder if a Badnik had knocked his head too hard.

—————

They had left in the early hours of the following morning, using Antoine's added geographical knowledge of the camps location to hopefully lead them there. Despite the overcast, it was a cosy temperature which only increased in heat as they presumably neared the camp and all of it's machinery. Antoine led the way and offered replies to the other three's occasional conversations when he saw fit. Still, questions remained in the furthest depths of his mind- but it seemed the other's weren't the...fondest of delivering answers.

In any case, the coyote gave a muffled yelp when a gloved hand covered his mouth and yanked him down by his elbow. He looked to his side to see Sonic pressing a finger to his mouth, informing the coyote to stay quiet. Thus, Antoine watched Sally (in a crouch) manoeuvre past thinning greenery as she left the forest they hid in behind. Now attentive to their surroundings, Antoine's ears perked up as whirring and stomping flooded his hearing. He gulped down his fear and observed as Sally returned, giving a nod as she did.

"It's the camp." She whispered.

"No Robuttnik?" Sonic inquired, receiving a shake of the head no.

"Makes it easier to save Bunnie, then." Rotor noted.

"True, but if we attack, Robotnik may be informed about it. When we've fought against other camps before, soon after he sends a search party looking for us in the Great Forest. So we have to be quick."

"Well that's not a problem." Sonic grinned, rubbing his nose (immediately cringing from the pain. Shockingly, after his crash yesterday only his nose was still in the process of healing. In fact, the remaining bruises and scratches had healed up in, to quote him, "record time").

"As usual, I'll be counting on you okay?" Sally asked, sounding a tad guilty.

But the hedgehog didn't apparently mind as he stood with hands on hips. "It's a two way street."

The chipmunk smiled in silent thanks and rose, Rotor and Antoine following after. The first pointed ahead to the camp's location as N-I-C-O-L-E appeared from the small rectangular device held in the walrus's hands. Antoine jumped and hurriedly tightened his hold on the tent's bag to stop it falling, looking both sheepish and apologetic as he met the others' gazes.

"With Nicole, Rotor, you two'll focus on taking out those Badniks from here. Me and Antoine will go out there as Sonic's back up- who'll be on rescue duty." Sally paused for a moment, then faced the group with an awkward smile. "If that's okay?"

"Whatever ya say, Boss." Sonic saluted.

"Sounds like a plan!" Rotor enthusiastically whispered.

Although Antoine began to sweat with nerves, he calmed down somewhat when N-I-C-O-L-E handed him a Rapier (summoning it with connecting dozens of Nanites- so in scattered places the sword was green). Holding it tightly, he awaited Sally's command before slipping out the trees behind her. Rotor therefore disappeared with the holo-lynx within the shrubbery. Reaching the forests end, Sonic stumbled as a terrified plea burst from the camp before he leaped out from the greenery.

Antoine watched as in mid air, Sonic wrapped himself up into a tight, spiky sphere and bounced on three Badniks heads (sending them tumbling) and landing in a smooth flip. Sally hurried past, kicking an Egg Pawn away and twisting her sword to aim backwards so it could drive straight into a Moto Bug. Antoine stiffened as the chipmunk called for him, taking in the same Egg Pawn freezing, having a spasm and collapsing. With green cubes rising off it like blocky steam, the coyote literally hopped into action and swung the Rapier at another ladybug machine, shockingly taking it's head almost cleanly off.

"Sally! Over here!" Sonic called, taking off towards a large, rectangular, black and red piece of machinery.

The chipmunk strode forward, only to be knocked back by the cold, pointy elbow of another Egg Pawn. With the air leaving her lungs, she rolled across the ground and lost grip of her Gladius. Luckily, Antoine was quick to her side as another desperate cry came from the cubed machine. Sally climbed up to see she and Antoine were surrounded, and an Egg Pawn now equipped with her Gladius.

"Oh, Sweet Gaia...."

Sonic skidded across a patch of muddy ground, avoiding a fall from grabbing onto the rectangular machine. He looked up to meet watery forest green eyes, wide in fear. The machine itself was spray painted in red with black Robotnik Empire symbols on the sides, simply finished with yellow lights lining the edge of a large opening. Curtains lay on the opposite side with a shallowly dug out pit. Atop the conveyer belt lay a tied up rabbit, wearing blue jean shorts and a red and white flannel shirt (it was done up into a knot at the front).

Noticing the machine wasn't activated, Sonic straightened and assuringly smiled. "You're okay now."

"Bunnie, right?" He questioned knowingly and began untying the rabbit.

"S-sure thang."

Bunnie wiggled within her constraints and steered her head to see a circle of Badniks freeze and collapse to reveal two stunned mobians. Neon green cubes drifted to the sky and the rabbit's eyes widened at the scene, taking notice of the chipmunk retrieve her sword (with some noticeable effort). The coyote beside her observed her before pointing straight at Bunnie, a face of fear washing over him. Bunnie noticed the chipmunk stand quickly at the gesture before a blur of cobalt blue zoomed across her vision. She wiggled around to catch the blue hedgehog grunt as he struck the ground. The rabbit squeaked as a large, saw wielding machine towered over her. It watched her saviour stand prior to reaching for the display of buttons presented above the yellow lights.

"No-!" She began squirming desperately as the conveyer belt beneath her whirred to life.

Sonic cursed and burst into a sprint, leaping over the rectangular machine, and crashing straight into the Badnik. Like knives, his quills made quick work of the robot (splitting it in two) and he bounced back up to return to Bunnie. He reached, but a Motobug slipped under the conveyer belt to smash straight into his legs. The two tumbled and Bunnie's breathing stilled as her feet slipped into the darkness of the machine. She cried out and, thanks to Sonic loosening her constraints, kicked up one of her legs to keep free.

Sonic made easy work of the Motobug and sprung up to stumble as Sally zoomed by, yelling as her Gladius crushed the head of a robust Badnik. Antoine was close behind, but yelped when the blue hedgehog pulled him back. Two ladybug machines dashed past where the coyote had just been, only to crash into two more that drove straight for them.

"Gimme your sword, 'Twan!" Sonic demanded, relieved the coyote made no complaints and obliged.

Sally was quick to meet with Antoine, pulling him behind her and swiping her sword at the Badniks that got too close. Thankfully, because of Rotor and N-I-C-O-L-E, it wasn't close to a challenging task. However, that left more space in the chipmunks mind to focus on Bunnie's grunts, which soon morphed into screams. Antoine whirled around at the noise to see Bunnie attempt to push herself away from the machines hatch with her right arm. Sweat had long coated her fur by then and, through stubbornness, tears were denied permission to fall down her face- opting to rest at the corners of her eyes. Antoine could make out that both her legs and most of her left arm were trapped within the machine- but Sonic had moved to block the rabbit from view before his thoughts could be clouded with dread.

Sonic rubbed a hand over his head as a saw wielding Badnik collapsed in electric sparks and metal plates. He didn't stall and returned to Bunnie's side- who had been forced to lie down in gruelling agony as three of her limbs met their demise. The one arm she had lay across her eyes, with the energy she had left focusing on the growing coldness of her legs. The process of metal replacing her organic form was excruciating, but the pain in her heart was indescribable when searing heat turned into a chilling coldness.

Her ropes were loosely sprawled over her, so Sonic dropped Antoine's not needed Rapier, and leaped up onto the conveyor belt. He slipped his arms under the rabbit's shoulders and pulled, taking heavy breaths to keep himself calm. With the arm she could still feel, Bunnie wrapped it around the back of the hedgehog's neck, but even with her large ears she couldn't gather what he was saying. Her eyes were shut, her heart was pounding, she could only hear a booming ringing and even as the pain from her other limbs calmed down she still couldn't bring herself to look.

Sonic hugged the rabbit as he pulled again, thus making them fall off the conveyer belt. He glared at the machine prior to taking notice of the rabbit's condition. Purple toned metal smothered her two legs and right arm, little pieces sticking out at the knees and elbow. The robot limbs were clearly heavy and robust and the steel plating reached her hips- but thankfully didn't stretch any further.

"I'm so sorry." He whispered, ears down and rubbed Bunnie's back.

He barely noticed Sally join his side and mutter something about the machine being turned off. Still, she slowly placed a hand on Bunnie's shoulder to get her attention and smiled when the others eyes met her own. However, the chipmunk stiffened at what she saw and brushed the rabbit's tuft of hair away.

"What is it?" Sonic asked.

"I.... Bunnie, do you have a headache? O-or some sort of pain in your eyes?" Sally winced at the...obvious wording of her question.

"S-stings. Why?"

The chipmunk squeezed her shoulder and exhaled. "Well...I'm sorry. I-it seems one of them got...Robotisized too."

Sonic shifted to see Bunnie's stunned expression and his eyes widened when they met one green, but another a lifeless red with black, shiny sclera. Speechless, he let Bunnie collapse against him in as she wailed. Sally stood only for her place on the ground to be taken by Antoine, who's eyes swam with the deepest sympathy. He set his Rapier down and squeezed Bunnie's shoulder prior to brushing her hair.

Rotor and N-I-C-O-L-E soon after had emerged from the forest to see many scattered piles of destroyed Badniks. Sally had emerged from one of the tents, presumably analysing the contents of each to ensure nothing valuable or dangerous would be left behind. The holy-lynx had briefly disappeared only to appear beside the chipmunk, offering their assistance. Rotor shifted the groups own camping equipment as Sonic approached, his green eyes dark and avoiding any direct visual contact. He held Antoine's Rapier, the coyote himself following close behind with a half robotisized Bunnie in a bridal carry (who's face was hidden by pressing it against Antoine's chest). Rotor felt both relieved and saddened to see his friend in such a gruelling condition.

"Sonic...?" The walrus quietly asked, watching the hedgehog stop at his side- facing the forest in the opposing direction.

"The mission, technically, was a success." Came Sally's voice instead, bringing Rotor's attention towards her.

"And right now, the most important thing is that Bunnie is safe. We should head home if we want to keep it that way."

Rotor watched the sun begin to set as a growing number of clouds dusted the orange sky. He gave a final glance to the searched and, then deemed, useless camp prior to stepping in line after Sonic and Sally. He watched the chipmunk whisper some words to the other before slipping her hand around his, giving it a slight squeeze. After a moment, it was silently returned. Antoine continued to carry Bunnie who had seemingly mustered up enough courage to show her face, even offering small replies to the coyote's conversation. N-I-C-O-L-E had opted to rest within the confines of their small rectangular device and Rotor started to feel that maybe, possibly, he was already home.