Scarlet Garcia was on the News.

Scarlet: "Freedom Fever" is running wild as fans of Sonic the Hedgehog embrace the new Freedom Movement, adopting the career-free lifestyle of their hero. And some people have gone through a Strict Study Session to be as smart as Y/n the Hedgehog. It seems like the entire planet is caught up in both craze's.

People: Freedom!

Other people: Smarts!

Scarlet: The International Track and Field Association reports that runners around the world are setting new records every day.

Chris crossed a finish line.

Coach: Wow, eight seconds flat.

Chris: Yeah!

Scarlet: And the government has been hosting local science fairs more frequently with new scientific projects being awarded every day as well.

Helen was at a table with a mechanical snake that looks like it could be used as an arm.

Judge: Congratulations on first place, kid.

Helen: All right!

Decoe and Bocoe were taking care of the Thorndyke's front lawn.

Bocoe: I love working for the Thorndyke family. Now the only thing we have to attack is crabgrass.

Decoe: Plus, we get weekends off. Eggman never gave us free time except the times he made us work for free.

They both laughed and that's when Chris and Cream came back from school.

Chris: Hey, how's it goin', you guys?

Cream: Hope you're not working too hard.

Decoe: Hello, Christopher and Cream!

Bocoe: Welcome home!

Decoe: You're parents, brother and uncle just arrived back here a few minutes ago.

Chris: Great, where are they?

Decoe: In the backyard. They are extremely eager to see you both.

Chris/Cream: Thanks, guys!

Bocoe: What nice kids.

Decoe: It is hard to believe that a few days ago we were trying to destroy them.

Bocoe: I guess we should get back to work.

Decoe: Right. We still have to fill in that ditch we dug earlier.

Tanaka fell into that ditch.

Later.

The sun was setting and in the backyard everyone including Chris's parents were having a cook out. Lindsey and Nelson were making kabobs that were burnt. While Chuck was making soup and Y/n was making his aunt's spaghetti carbonara.

Nelson: Here, Ella.

Ella: Oh, no, thank you, sir. There might not be enough to go around.

Lindsey: Nonsense, Ella, we have more than enough.

Ella: That's great.

Nelson: I know you love good food, so I expect to see you back for seconds.

Nelson gave her a plate full of those kabobs and Ella just smiled and groaned.

Nelson: When I heard all my employees we're taking time off because of this freedom fad, I thought I'd take a little free time too!

Ella: Christopher is thrilled that you'll both be spending more time here, and so am I. But I'm afraid it's not the case for Y/n.

Lindsey: I never realized what a burden stardom is until I joined the Freedom Movement.

Nelson/Lindsey: Freedom!

Lindsey: All right.

Nelson: My shish kabobs are done so get ready, gang, they're gonna knock you out!

Y/n: Yes, but not in a good way.

Chuck: I just hope the medics will be able to revive us.

Tanaka showed up.

Tanaka: Professor Thorndyke, Mr. Y/n.

Chuck/Y/n: Hmm?

Tanaka: The President is on the telephone for you both.

Chuck: Thank you.

Chaos: Strange. Why didn't he just call you on your bracelet?

Y/n: He probably wanted to talk to me and Chuck alone. Uncle, could you stir this while I'm gone?

Spark: Sure.

Y/n, Chaos and Chuck went inside and talked to the President.

Chuck: What's that?

Y/n: Are you being serious.

Chuck: You're giving the go-ahead to Project Homebound? We'll need some time to prepare. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

They hung up.

Later that night.

Chris was looking up at the Egg Moon while writing on paper.

Chris: This essay's really tough. I'm not sure what my dream is. "My... dream..." I know!

With Y/n.

He was helping Cream with her home work.

Y/n: All right, Cream. Last question, and it's extra credit. "Margaret has six bananas. If she gives two to her friend and three more to her brother, how many bananas will Margaret have left"?

Cream thought really hard.

Cream: She'll have one left.

She wrote it down.

Y/n: That's correct. Very good, Cream.

Cream smiled and then yawned.

Y/n: Now that your homework is done, let's get you to bed.

Y/n picked Cream up and laid her down on her bed with Cheese laying next to her. Cream started to drift off when she laid on the pillow.

Y/n: Sleep tight, Cream.

He was about to leave, but he heard Cream talk in her sleep.

Cream: Big brother, I love you.

Y/n gave a small smile hearing this.

Y/n: I love you, too.

Y/n was going to the front door.

???: Where are you off to this late?

Y/n turned and saw Vanilla sitting at the coffee table.

Y/n: I got called into a meeting with the President with Chuck and Tails.

Vanilla: Okay, be safe.

He nodded and ran out of there. While he was running, he felt Vanilla's words warmed him up inside.

Chaos: Starting to feel the love of a mother from her?

Y/n: Shut up.

Y/n got to the Thorndyke residence and waited a bit with Tails, Nelson, Lindsey and Chuck until the President, his aide, and a woman with long black hair, and a blue button up jacket.

Y/n: Who's the lady?

Aide: This is Dr. Kim Bikley. She's a physicist from the National Science Institute.

Kim: Nice to meet you all.

With Chris.

Chris: "My dream is to help my best friends Sonic and Y/n make the world a better place. If I can just do that, I'll be happy." That sounds way too corny.

He call the paper up into a ball and tried to throw it away, but it missed the bin. He then heard something fall into the pool.

Chris: What was that?

Chris ran out of the house and over to the pool, hoping to see...

Chris: Sonic, Y/n!

He thought back to the time he first met the two hedgehogs. But to his disappointment, it was just a cat.

Chris: (sigh) How ya doin', fella?

The cat just meowed and shook the water off it. Then Chris noticed the light in the living room was still on.

Inside.

Nelson: But how can time stop? It's impossible!

Chuck: I'm afraid it is possible.

Y/n: Something you learn in the science field is never rule anything out.

Kim: Sometime in the distant past, our world and Y/n's were one and the same. Then a mysterious event divided the world in two. Each world suddenly had its own timeline. They now inhabited parallel universes, unaware the other's existence. The two worlds are beginning to join again. And the two separate timelines will soon start to join together as well.

Nelson: But how can you prove this theory is true?

Kim: It's not a theory. Even as we speak, the two timelines are converging. Soon they'll meld completely, and when they do, they'll cancel each other out and time will stand still. The result will be catastrophic. The rejoined planets will be frozen in time while billions of years past in the rest of the universe.

Aide: Once the timelines are fused, the effects will be irreversible.

Lindsey: So, we'll be stuck in time?

Chuck: That's right.

Y/n: Finally, she's starting to get it.

Chuck: When time stops, there's no such thing as the "future" or the "past." None of us will grow older, but we won't be able to change either.

Nelson: Oh, my! Is there anything we can do?

Y/n: There is, and it's the one thing I've ever feared.

Kim: I've made some calculations. If they're correct, there's a slim chance we can prevent the timelines from coming together. But we have to act immediately or it'll be too late.

Aide: The President has just signed an Executive Order directing his staff together all the Chaos Emeralds together.

Tails: You mean the President wants us to cause Chaos Control?

Y/n: See, Tails, the only sure way that both our worlds are going to be safe is if we all go back home and most likely never return.

Tails gasped, then something was heard something break behind them and turned to see it was Chris.

Chris: They're not gonna send you and Sonic back home.

Y/n: Chris, how much did you hear?

Chris: I heard it all. And I don't care what the President says. It's good that you and Sonic are here, Y/n. You two always help people when they're in trouble. You saved Station Square when it was attacked by Chaos and you even managed to reform Chaos! Don't you remember?

Chaos: Yes. I was there.

Chris: This whole planet would've been wrecked if Sonic and Y/n hadn't come to the rescue. Sonic and Y/n are staying here! If they go away, you'll be sorry!

Everyone was surprised by Chris's words except for Chuck, Y/n and Chaos who kept their composers.

Chuck: Sorry, Chris. We're in danger. It's not Sonic or Y/n's fault, but they and the others have got to go back. Our whole future depends on it.

Chris: You're wrong!

Lindsey: Are you sure?

Chris: Dr. Eggman must be behind this. He's fooling everybody to get rid of Sonic and Y/n.

Nelson: Chris may be right. This could be one of Eggman's tricks.

Chuck: We can't wish this problem away, Chris. I know it's hard to hear, but the time has come to say goodbye. Sonic and Y/n must return to their world. There's no other choice.

Chris: You can't send them away! I won't let you!

Chris ran off.

Y/n: Let us go talk to him.

Nelson: Are you sure.

Chaos: If anybody can understand what he's going through, it's Y/n.

Y/n with Chaos went after Chris.

Tails: I never saw him this upset.

Chuck: I know exactly how he feels. I'm upset about this, too. If time were to stop, I wouldn't have to grow older anymore. I'd have forever to do research and make new discoveries. Why, just think of all the marvelous things you and I could build if we could tinker in our workshop for all eternity. It sounds wonderful, but it's a trap.

Tails: Huh?

Chuck: In a world where time has stopped completely the pursuit of scientific knowledge will ultimately be meaningless. We'd never be able to use our knowledge to make real progress. Every day would be the same. I think you'll agree that a world where nothing ever changes would be a boring place to live.

Both Chuck and Tails started to pick up the pieces of the vase Chris broke.

Chuck: I'll miss you, my friend.

With Chris.

Chris was running to the gate crying.

Chris: This has to be a trick! Eggman is doing all this!

Chris ran past the gate being noticed by Tanaka.

Tanaka: Chris, no!

Y/n was still chasing him down until he finally caught up.

Y/n: Chris, calm down and let's talk this out.

Chris: You're just going to say it's all necessary just like them.

Chaos: Chris, if you'll just give him a chance you'll see-

They saw Decoe and Bocoe up ahead with grocery bags.

Decoe: Hmm. We still have to stop by the software store.

They stopped when they saw Chris, Y/n and Chaos.

Chris: I've been running around looking all over for you two.

Decoe: What can we do for you?

Chris: I need you two to do me a big favor. Please, you have to take me to see Eggman!

The two robots gasped and went into an alleyway with Chris, Y/n and Chaos.

Decoe: Be careful. Eggman could have spies.

Bocoe: We must talk privately.

After Chris explained everything.

Decoe: Oh, I wish we could help, but it is impossible, Chris. We have no idea where Eggman went after we left him. There is nothing we can do.

Chris: Oh.

Decoe: Your family must be worried. They even had Y/n go after you. You should come home with us, Chris.

Chris: No! I'll go look for Eggman alone if I have to!

Y/n: Chris, you're being difficult. I'm trying to tell you-

Chris: That your okay with this? Yeah, I know.

Bocoe: I guess we have to help you.

Chris: If I don't do something, they'll send Sonic and Y/n away!

Chaos: Chris-

Y/n: Let this play through, Chaos. Maybe Chris will find out this way.

Decoe: Eggman will not be giving us a warm welcome.

Bocoe: I agree. We had better prepare for a fight.

Y/n: You just leave that stuff to me and Chaos.

Bocoe: Okay.

Decoe and Bocoe looked at each other and nodded.

Decoe: Stand back, guys. We have to transform! Decoe!

Bocoe: Bocoe!

Decoe/Bocoe: Transform!

Decoe: Proceed with dome descent.

Bocoe: Leg lift sequence proceeding.

Decoe: Link-up now!

Bocoe's legs went back into his body and attached himself onto Decoe's head.

Bocoe: Transformation complete!

Y/n: That's your big transformation?

Bocoe: Just watch.

Decoe/Bocoe: Activate Bokkun beacon!

They shined a light into the sky which had a picture Bokkun's head at the end, which lead the real Bokkun to them.

Bokkun: Not you guys! What do you two traitors want from me?

Chris: I need your help. I want you to bring me to Eggman so we can talk.

Bokkun: I wouldn't take you to see my boss for a gazillion bucks.

Y/n: How about I let you live instead?

Bokkun: How you gonna get me? I'm up here, and you're all the way down there-

Y/n used Chaos's extended arm and grabbed Bokkun.

Bokkun: Uh, have I ever told you I like how you do your quills?

Y/n: You wouldn't be the first.

Bokkun: Well, even if I wanted to take him, I'm so hungry, I can't even stay airborne.

Decoe: Did you skip lunch today?

Bokkun: It's all your fault for ditching the Doctor! His cooking is so repulsive, that not even bacteria will eat it!

Y/n: Can't say I'm surprised. Now I just don't feel like killing you anymore.

Y/n let go of Bokkun who started crying.

Bocoe: How about a deal? Just bring Chris to see Eggman.

Decoe: And we will cook something up.

Bokkun: Then what're we waiting for? Let's go!

Bokkun used his excitement to get back into the air and the others followed after him.

Chris: (Thinking: Eggman! I won't let you send Sonic or Y/n away.)

They got to Eggman's base and he looked to see them.

Eggman: Hmm? Oh, it's you. Ugh. I knew you'd come groveling to get your jobs back, but it's too late.

Y/n: Actually, they're rather happy with their new lives.

Chris: Eggman.

Eggman noticed the two.

Eggman: So, you brought me some prisoners. If you're trying to buy me off, I congratulate you.

Y/n: (rolling eyes) You and Sonic deserve each other.

Chris: They promise here 'cause I asked 'em to!

Eggman: Huh?

Chris: You're doing this. You're the one who's making time come to a stop.

Eggman: Who me?

Chris: It's a trick to make them send Sonic and Y/n back to their world! It won't work! I'll make you tell everybody the truth!

Eggman: That plan isn't half bad.

He started laughing and stood up.

Eggman: You figured out my scheme, kid. I dispise Sonic and Y/n so much that I decided to bring time to a standstill, then I tricked this world's scientific experts into believing that Sonic and Y/n have to be sent back. Now that you've caught me, I'll confess.

Chris smiled, but then grumbled.

Chris: I'm not kidding, Eggman! You better make time go back to normal, or else!

Eggman: Or else you'll throw a temper tantrum?

Y/n: Keep that up and we'll see who has the tantrum.

Eggman: Oh, please. If you really wanted me dead, you would've killed me by now.

Y/n: You really want to test that theory?

Chris: He won't be the only one to worry about.

Chris was about to punch Eggman, but Chaos stopped him.

Chaos: Take it easy.

Eggman: Look, kid, I didn't cause this time freeze problem. If your grandfather creates Chaos Control, I'm gonna get sent back too! I can't build my Empire in a world where time has stopped completely. There's no future in it. I have no choice but to go back. That's the truth, kid.

Y/n: Thanks for helping me explain, Robotnik.

Chris: Huh?

Chaos: Chris, everything he just told you was exactly what we were trying to tell you.

Chris: I don't believe you! Liar! You're trying to trick me!

Eggman: You're the one who's lying... to yourself. You don't want to accept the truth. Deep down, you know once the hedgehogs are gone your life will have to go back to the way it was before. Your days of adventure are at an end, boy. Just like your friendship with that hyper-annoying and edglord hedgehogs. All your dreams have been shattered, haven't they? Life is like that, kiddo. Take it from somebody who knows. Whenever you reach too high, life smacks you down. But on the bright side, at least you and I won't have to see each other ever again.

Chris ran off crying.

Decoe: Wait, Chris!

Eggman: Let him go. So long, kid.

Y/n: Robotnik, I want you to know that even though I will always hate you, I respect you from the bottom of my heart.

Eggman: Right back at you, but why are you telling me this now?

Y/n: Think of this as my final goodbye to you.

He ran out too.

Eggman: Final goodbye?

With Chris.

He was still running and crying.

Chris: No! It has to be a lie!

Chris reached the edge of a cliff where he could see Station Square. Not long after, Y/n caught up.

Y/n: Hey, kid.

Chris: Y/n.

Y/n: You know, me and Tails had our sit and talk on this very cliff. What do you say we have one of our own.

They sat down.

Y/n: Chris-

Chris: I know, I should accept the truth and you're fine with all of this-

Y/n: Christopher!

Chris looked at Y/n.

Y/n: Chris, I may have accepted this outcome, but I am not at all fine with it. I have to say goodbye to you, Helen, Cream and all our other friends.

Chris: Why them too? Aren't you going with them?

Y/n: I am, but once I get there I'm turning myself in.

Chris: What?

Y/n: Did you forget I was once Mobius's most famous serial killer? I deserve to rot in a cell.

Chris: Don't say that! You've done so much for this planet.

Y/n: Yes, but if it wasn't for your influence I probably would've killed anyone I saw in this world, too.

Chris: But you didn't.

Y/n: Chris, I deserve some form of punishment for everything I've done back home no matter what you say. But the thing is, it's not the idea of rotting in a cell that I'm afraid of, it's losing the people that helped me get here today. If I could make this last forever, I would. But the longer you live, the more you realize things don't always go your way. Do you understand anything I'm telling you?

Chris: I do.

Y/n stood up and walked to Chris then embraced him to Chris's surprise.

Y/n: Take care of this place and the people that live here. Promise me.

Chris hugged back.

Chris: I promise.

They broke apart.

Y/n: Come on, let's get you home. I'm sure everyone's worried about you.

Chris: Okay.

Y/n put Chris on his back.

Y/n: You okay like this?

Chris: Yep.

Y/n: Then hang on.

Y/n ran them back to the Thorndyke residence.

Y/n: You go in. I'm going home for the night.

Chris: Okay, goodnight.

Y/n ran back to his house and walked in to see Cream, Cheese and Vanilla sitting on the couch and reading.

Y/n: Cream, what are you doing awake?

Cream: I woke up for water, but I couldn't fall back asleep.

Y/n: Well, it's actually a good thing you're awake.

He went to a closet, brought a bag back and gave it to Cream.

Cream: What's in here?

Y/n: Look and see.

Cream put her hand in the bag and pulled out an orange scarf.

Cream: A scarf?

Y/n: It's so we can match. And it's proof that you're my student.

Vanilla: But you don't just see her as a student, do you?

Y/n sighed and sat down on the couch.

Y/n: That scarf is also a thank you.

Cream: Thank you?

Y/n: Anytime I tried to push you away like the others, you would never stop trying to be around me. Why is that I have to ask?

Vanilla: That's because I've always taught Cream to see the good in others. And I say she was right to see your goodness. I think I speak for both of us that you are now family.

Cheese: Chao.

Y/n turned away and blushed.

Y/n: Thank you, Mrs. Vanilla.

Vanilla: Now, I say we should get to bed.

Cream: Can me and Cheese sleep with you, mama?

Vanilla: Of course.

Y/n: Well, I'm going to bed too.

He was about to walk off, but Cream grabbed his wrist.

Cream: Y/n, will you sleep with us?

Y/n: (blushing) W-What? Uh, I wouldn't want to take up any room.

Vanilla: I don't mind.

Y/n: (blushing) Well uh-

Cream: (baby doll eyes) Pretty please.

Y/n at that moment felt something strike his heart.

Y/n: (blushing) Fi-Fine.

They went to Vanilla's bed. Cream slept on the right side, Vanilla slept on the right and Y/n got the middle with Cheese above him.

Y/n: (Thinking: If I were to die, I have no regrets.)

Chaos looked at them sleeping peacefully.

Chaos: It's official, this is the family Y/n has needed and been missing.

Chaos drifted off to sleep.

To be continued.