Setting; Sonic - Modern twist - and with crossover characters in it (mostly background or minor characters, although some are main characters); Example; Mario characters are in this

OC; Flora - OC that has been used in this book before

Death; Murdered During A Robbery Happening At Her Home/Work

Reincarnated As; Fem!Mobian!Metal Sonic - AKA, she is not a robot in this version although she still looks similar to how Metal Sonic does.

Pairings; Love triangles, background relationships, so many relationships that I am not going to list them all just yet as I want them to be a surprise

Warnings for this story - there will be character deaths, graphic deaths, murderers, killings, and such. Abuse, manipulation, adults in relationships with minors, implied sexual relationships, affairs, cheating, graphic violence, suicide and many other sensitive issues will be in this story. This is going to be a dark story and have dark themes. Things are going to get bloody. More warnings may be added as time goes on, just know that this is not going to be a light story - although there will be fluffy/humorous moments in here. If anyone is triggered by the warnings above, then please do not read this story - if you do, then it is your own fault for doing so.

PLEASE KEEP THE WARNINGS IN MIND WHEN READING THIS STORY.

Long chapter coming right up!

-Chapter Start-

"Sonic?!" Flora couldn't help but gasp out in shock at the sight before her.

A certain tall azure blue hedgehog was sitting on the ground, rubbing his head and eyes closed in pain, trashcans turned over all around him. He was wearing a blue and black jacket, white shirt, blue jeans and red and white running shoes. Looking at him, Flora found he hasn't changed much from the last time she saw him a few years ago, just taller and more fit. He still had the same style quills and wore the same style of clothing; sporty and comfortable.

Although, he might have gotten clumsy over the years, because it seems like he walked right into some trashcans, tripping over them or something.

'Oh, I shouldn't have called on him!' Flora flushed as she realized what she had done. It's been years since they saw each other, and they weren't friends in high school. They had only talked to one another a couple times at the most. What were the chances of him actually remembering her at all-

"Flora!"

Flora jolted at the cheerful call, blinking in shock at the overjoyed expression on Sonic's face. The male Mobian then seemed to realize how loud he was, and where he was, because his face turned sheepish. Grinning nervously, Sonic quickly stood up with a small chuckle, patting himself to make sure no trash was on him.

"U-Um...." Flora glanced around, people on the sidewalk finally going back to their own business when they saw nothing was wrong. Shaking off her shock that Sonic actually recognized her, Flora quickly went over to the other blue hedgehog, worried that he hurt himself from that fall.

Looking him up and down, Flora couldn't help but frown in worry. "Are you alright?"

Sonic froze, much to Flora's confusion. But then he his grin overtook his face while he laughed happily.

"Nah, I'm fine!" Sonic quickly assured with a bright gleam in his eyes. Flora couldn't help but smile back. It was hard not to. "Man, Flora, it's been years since I last saw you. You look good!"

"Thank you." Flora blushed lightly at the compliment. "You look g-good as well."

Sonic's grin grew a little while Flora was hit with an idea.

"I was just about to go get some lunch." Looking up at Sonic - who had grown and now she only came up a few inches above his shoulders with her heels on, without her heels, she would most likely come to his shoulders - with a bashful smile, Flora hoped she wasn't overstepping a line. "Do you want to come with me? We could catch up. Oh! I'll pay of course!" Flora quickly hurried to reassure, not wanting to Sonic to think that she was inviting him out just for a free meal.

Her panicking was cut off by a chuckle. Blinking, Flora calmed down when she saw Sonic smiling happily. Relaxing at the warm sound, she was glad she didn't overstep. It was always one of her main worries, because she wasn't that socially aware even after over forty years of living; In both her last life and this life.

"I'd love to get some lunch with you, Flora." Sonic beamed, hands going into his jacket pockets. "So, where are we headed to?"

"Oh, um....do you still like chili dogs?" Flora tried to recall what she could remember of Sonic from her past life. She didn't really have a place in mind, but if Sonic liked chili dogs, then she knew a place nearby where they could get some.

"You..." Sonic blinked, looking stumped. "You noticed that? Remember that?"

"Of course." Flora replied, not seeing the issue with remembering. Not only in her past life from a few video games she saw trailers for, but in this life, she has seen him eating chili dogs back in high school. Enough for her to think it was his favorite food of all time. But, taste buds change over time. For all she knew, he's tried of them after eating them for so long and so many times.

With slight pink cheeks, Sonic rubbed his nose. "Yeah, I still like 'em."

"Then we can head to Rose Park!" Clapping her hands in delight, Flora brightly smiled. "It's right around the corner, and I know that there is a hot dog cart that sells chili dogs there."

"Lead the way then." Sonic gestured with his head with a smile, making Flora giggle a bit.

Feeling better than before, Flora lead the way to the park, unknowing of the eyes that never strayed from her since they caught sight of her.

---------------MOON CITY-------------------

"How hard is it to find a mass murderer?" A red and black hedgehog dressed in a dark suit groaned while rubbing his eyes. "You'd think we would have a trail of bodies leading to them already."

He was sitting in a busy police station. Officers coming and going, phones going off, and many people drinking coffee to fight off sleep.

"I don't know if that's a good thing or not, Shadow." A human officer with a black mustache, short brown hair, and dressed in a grey suit. Another officer, a male skunk mobian dressed in a dark suit as well, was answering a phone right by him.

"Mario, there is nothing good about this case-" Shadow started to say, only to get cut off by the skunk mobian.

"We have a new sighting on the Nomad Killer!" All the other officers straightened in their seats, focusing on the skunk. "We have two dead bodies; the bodies mutilated, blood everywhere, and a message on the wall saying "Too slow". The bodies were found in their homes in Lake City!"

"Lake City, that's about three to four days away from here. Damn, that monster moves quick!" Shadow muttered before glaring out with his crimson eyes. "Mario, Geoffrey, get everything ready so that we can move out within the hour. We are not letting the Nomad Killer escape from us this time!" Shadow then turned his attention to the other officers in the room. "Well, what are you all waiting for?! My team as to move out soon, get up and help us! I need to contact Mephiles, so we need all hands that can to help us!"

With that, everyone in the Moon City Police Station got up and started getting ready or helping out.

Shadow glared out the nearby window, hands clinched in a fist.

'One way or another, one day soon, I will put you behind bars; Nomad Killer.'

-------------------MOBIUS CITY; ROSE PARK-----------------------

"Hmmm~!" Sonic hummed in delight, finishing off his third chili dog quickly. "These are delicious!"

"I'm glad you think so." Flora giggled slightly, having already finished her hot dog a while ago.

Taking in a deep breath, Flora relaxed from where she sat on a picnic table. Roses were everywhere, trees giving shade from the sunlight, and the wind was gentle. It was a nice day out, and all the better to spend it outside surrounded by flowers.

"So, Flora," Flora jolted out of her thoughts, looking to Sonic in question - who was giving her all his attention, grinning and looking relaxed. "what have you been up to since high school?"

"Oh, well, I started my own small business." Flora smiled at the thought of her small store/shop. "I run a flower store. It's called 'Petals'."

"Wow! That's amazing Flora! Running  your own business so young must've been hard work!" Sonic's eyes went wide, a wide grin splitting his face. Flora couldn't help but flush slightly. She was proud of her store, and it was always nice to see others impressed with her work. "Man, and here all I did was take odd jobs after high school."

"Didn't you travel after your parents...." Flora trailed off, not knowing how to phrase what she wanted to gently.

"Deaths?" Sonic asked with a raised brow, making Flora embarrassed. But Sonic just chuckled, waving off her embarrassment. "After the fire and investigation, I just wanted to find myself, you know? I've traveled to a lot of different place; All over the country and even seen some over countries as well. Italy was nice. But even the pizza there made me miss the chili dogs you can only find here." Sonic leaned back a bit, rubbing his nose. "I thought it was about time to come back to the city. I even heard that Scourge and Manic traveled for a bit, but came back. I wasn't about to let them beat me!"

"Still competitive as always. But, I suppose as the former football captain and track running star, that's a given." Flora couldn't help but giggle, making Sonic sheepishly grin, rubbing the back of his head.

"Have you heard anything about our old classmates?" Sonic asked, eyes bright with curiosity. "I haven't really been keeping in touch. So any word on them would be great! I'd hate to run into them and know nothing - talk about rude."

"Well, I don't really know many of our classmates. I was usually alone most of the time." Flora admitted, rubbing her chin and looking up to the sky in thought. "I don't know about Sticks, after high school she was gone. Rouge runs her own clothing store right next to mine and has her own clothing line; It's really popular! I know your sister, Sonia, and Sally Acorn are running for Mayor. Silver has became this big famous movie star...." Flora eyes narrowed in thought, trying to think on if she knew anything else. "Shadow left after high school too, I don't know where. I think he got a big job offer.... Other than that, I don't really know. The only person from high school that I keep in contact daily is Rouge."

"You know more than me." Sonic quickly assured, crossing his arms on the picnic table and leaning forward. "I know that Manic and Scourge traveled for a bit before coming back. I think I saw Shadow a few times outside the city while I was traveling, but not for sure. Not even a day back in the city, I head that Scourge is in with some weird, and dangerous, crowds. Manic runs some type of business I think. Never expected that from him, am I right? I knew that Sonia was into politics, but I didn't know she'd be running for one of the big offices. And against Sally too."

"I know the two of you didn't end on the best terms, I'm sorry about what happened." Flora softly said, trying to comfort the other. Sonic's eyes softened, as did his smile, but he just shrugged.

"Yeah, we just didn't work out, you know? Don't worry, Sally isn't going to be an issue for me." Sonic then got a sly look on his face, a smirk working it's way up his face. "But, enough about my nonexistent love life! I'd love to hear about your love life. Any boyfriends or girlfriends I should worry about coming to try and beat me up for talking to you?"

Blushing bright red, Flora quickly waved her hands in denial. Shaking her head in negative, Flora could only stutter out a sound that sounded similar to the word 'No'.

"Really?" Sonic looked shocked at the answer, looking dumbfounded. "I thought that you'd have suitors coming out of the woodwork's."

"N-No!" Flora quickly shook her head, blushing at the very idea of being in a serious romantic relationship.  She's never dated before, not even in her last life. It was just something she never really thought to do, being very busy with her business. "I-I only have a few friends and family that I see daily - I don't have a-a lover or anything like that!"

"Really? Well, its everyone's loss to not seeing the gem right in front of them." Sonic winked, and Flora felt like she was melting from how warm she felt.

Seeing Flora so flustered made Sonic just chuckled with an easy going grin on his face. His emerald eyes gleaming at the sight in front of him.

'Cute~'

--------------------MOBIUS POLICE STATION-----------------------

"Why?!" The Chief of Police, the man seen as a hero by many in Mobius City, nearly sobbed out dramatically, looking so close to slamming his head onto his desk. "Why do I have to go?! Can't any other officer go?"

"Sir, it's politics." A purple chameleon mobian with yellow eyes and horn dressed in an police officer uniform explained. A frown heavy on his tan muzzle. "You are the grandson of the Gerald Robotnik, Uncle to the Dr. Snively - who, by the way, is also going - and you, yourself, Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, are a huge name in this city. This gala tonight is a great way to show the public that everything is fine and to also get the backing of other big names if it comes down to it."

"But-But-!" Eggman sputtered before sighing, slumping in his black leather office chair. "I hate politics, Espio. I knew Snively was going, so I had wanted to spend the night with Flora and little Hope."

"You just wanted to eat Flora's cooking." Espio blandly stated, making Eggman slump more and grumble about spending time with the family, which is the most important thing. Espio, however, sighed and rubbed his face. "Chief, Flora comes by, at most, everyday. At least, once a week. And that's her coming to the station, not counting how many times you go visit her when you are on break or after your shift. And don't try to tell me you don't visit her as often as you can, even if it may not be much. I know you have dinner with the whole family at least once a month, if not week." His yellow eyes soften. "Don't worry, you are not neglecting your family. All of them, Snively and Hope included, know you care about them. They know they are important to you."

Taking in a deep breath, then letting it out, Eggman relaxed in his chair finally, glancing to Espio. "....You're sure about that?" The big man asked softly.

"I know it, Sir." Espio confirmed without skipping a beat.

Sighing, and with a slight pout on his face, Eggman gave in. "Fine, I'll go to the gala. But that doesn't mean I'll like it!"

"As long as you don't show your dislike, I'm happy and don't care." Espio chuckled, making his boss chuckle as well.

---------------------------------------

"How'd it go?" A tall green crocodile with hazel eyes, also dressed in a police officer's uniform, asked when he saw Espio coming out of the Chief's office. The crocodile mobian had been standing by the door, leaning on the wall, and sipping out of a plastic cup of water.

"He agreed to go, finally." Espio sighed with a tired smile. "Vector, I still can't believe you got the whole station to work on getting the Chief to go."

"Hey, it worked didn't it?" Vector shrugged with a bright grin, tossing his empty plastic cup into the trash before both officers started walking to their desks.

"Last time, the Chief didn't go - and you know how snubbed those rich, fancy, high-end folk acted." Vector complained, clinching a fist just thinking about it all. "I swear, when we had to work with them to get answers, they purposely made everything a hundred times harder! Remember when that gang lead by that green hedgehog stole over thousands worth of jewels and killed over ten people, in a single day? In broad daylight? And the only witnesses was two of those snubbed rich people?"

"Don't remind me!" Espio groaned, all but falling into his seat at his desk. Vector chuckled, leaning on the desk and crossing his arms. "Questioning them took over a week, and be then, that whole gang got away and we still don't know their identities even after all that trouble!"

Both officers groaned as one, getting sympathetic looks from other officers who were around them. But, one officer caught their eye when he got up and started walking.

It was a man one the shorter side but no less fit as any other officer, short brown hair neatly combed, big blue eyes and a large black mustache. He too was wearing an police office uniform, but he was also wearing the hat with it unlike most of the others. He was walking with his shoulders slumped, as if carrying a huge weight on his back.

"Hey, Luigi, you calling it early today?" Vector called out, making the slumped man jolt up.

Luigi nervously glanced away when he turned to face their direction, rubbing his hands together and looking like he'd rather just let the floor eat him. "Y-Yeah..." Luigi stuttered, gulping dryly. "D-D-Daisy wants m-me hom-home early t-today...."

Vector frowned in concern and looked ready to say something, but Espio stopped him with a slight shake of his head, warning him not to say anything to the man. this caused Vector to sigh, but smile and wave off Luigi, who waved back before all but running out the door when he saw the time. Both mobians knew that it meant he was late for whatever Daisy wanted him for.

"Man, poor Luigi!" A younger voice stated. Both Vector and Espio looked to the desk behind Espio's. Sitting at the desk was one of the more younger police officers as well as a new one, Charmy Bee; A bee mobian with honey colored eyes that was on the shorter side. Seeing the looks he was getting, Charmy chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "What? Everyone in the station knows his marriage isn't the best."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean we should be talking behind his back." Espio pointed out, making Charmy pout and look away.

"Yeah!" Vector agreed brightly before reaching out and pulling out a couple of dollars out of his pocket, handing it off to Charmy. "Now, rookie, why don't you get me and my friend here some coffee."

"But I went on the coffee run the last time too!" Charmy complained with a pout and glare. Sadly, he didn't look threatening at all to the two more experienced cops.

"You're the rookie; You get the coffee!" Was the reply he got from the older officer who handed him the money.

"There is no way I am getting you're coffee again!" Charmy crossed his arms with a huff, looking away from the two. Vector and Espio just raised a brow.

-------------------------------------

A lot of the police officers chuckled as they soon saw Charmy stomping his way out of the station, money in hand.

"And don't forget the cream and sugar in mine! And that Espio likes his as dark as his soul!" Vector's voice called out, making Charmy pout and nearly slam the door to the station shut.

"Always nice to have rookies around, am I right?" Vector asked, turning to all the other officers around him, getting amused agreements.

Espio, on the other hand, rolled his eyes fondly as he got out some paperwork he needed to get done before he had to drag the Chief out of his office to get to the gala. Luckily, there hasn't been anything big going on in the crime department today, so that means there is less paperwork.

Vector, on the other hand, glanced to his desk that was in front of Espio's, and sweat dropped on the paperwork that was piled up on his desk.

'Why did I become a cop in the first place?!' Vector mentally cried to himself. 'I thought it would be more exciting! Chasing after criminals, fighting for the little guy, and making the streets safe! Not file so much paperwork that I could literally bury myself in it!'

Forget gangs, murderers, shady business owners, snobby rich people, and the devil himself - paperwork was the one and only true evil that needed to be stopped and put behind bars before it kills anyone else!

----------------------PETALS---------------------

 "So, this is your store?" Sonic asked in awe, looking at the building in front of him with wide eyes.

The building was made out of bricks, with two large windows in the front on the first floor. The door was a warm brown color, reminding Sonic of chocolate. Flowers were on display in the windows, their bright colors popping against the colors of the bricks browns of the outside of the building. Looking into the windows, he could see that the store was mainly painted in shades of greens and browns on the inside from what he could see. There was a sign placed right over the door; Made out of wood, with the word 'PETALS' carefully painted on it with light green paint and decorated with engravings of flowers. Eyes going up, Sonic could see that light green curtains that cut off Flora's living space to the outside.

All in all, it had a warm, comforting feeling to it. Just like Flora.

"It looks great!" Sonic grinned, making Flora flush a bit. "I bet the inside looks even better too. I'll have to stop by soon to see it for myself."

"You can come by anytime." Flora flushed, but could only feel proud about showing off her shop a bit. After all, she worked hard to get where she was at this point. Sonic, meanwhile, beamed and looked very excited and happy at this.

"Thank you for walking me home." Flora thanked the taller hedgehog with a gentle smile. It wasn't needed, but Sonic insisted on walking her home. He had said that someone so kind and pretty shouldn't be walking alone, that it was inviting trouble with her being a double threat. Sure, it flustered her beyond anything to have Sonic say such sweet words to her, but it was a nice feeling. Even if the thought of her being a threat to anyone was a bit funny.

"Anytime!" Sonic winked with a grin, making Flora's cheeks go red once more. His grin widened, and his emerald eyes sparkled. "So, Flora, I was wondering if-"

"Is that Sonic Hedgehog?" A low, sultry female voice called out.

Both hedgehogs turned, seeing a very familiar bat strutting her way out of the next door building and to them. Luckily, the street wasn't busy at all, so it took no time at all for her to reach them.

"Rouge?" Sonic questioned before smiling in an easy going way. "Man, it's been so long! I heard from Flora you're making clothes now? I thought you'd be a big time actress instead, with all the lead roles you got in the high school plays."

"What can I say? Clothes are everybody's best friends, and dressing up was my favorite part of acting." Rouge winked, sliding to stand by Flora. "What's the star track runner and football player doing now? I thought you'd left the city for good?"

"Nah, I always knew I was coming back to the city eventually." Sonic admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I have so many unfinished things to do here and people I wanted to see again, you know? Besides, I haven't been doing much anyway, just little odd jobs. Wasn't hard to just pack everything and come back."

"I see." Rouge then gained a sly smirk. "And you ran into Flora here? I didn't know the two of you were so close."

Flora knew that tone of her friend's voice, and knew she was up to something. But, as she turned her head to tell Rouge to not try and imply anything to make Sonic uncomfortable, Sonic said something that made her blush bright red and look to the ground - finding her feet and the sidewalk very interesting.

"Heh, more like I fell when I saw an angel passing me by!" Sonic laughed with a bright grin, scratching his slightly red cheeks. "We weren't close in high school, but I was hoping to change that now. And, that brings me to what I was about to ask before you came by Rouge." Looking to Flora, smiling a little nervously, Sonic put his hands into his pockets. "I was hoping that we could go out to eat again, sometime soon? Just the two of us?"

"Of course she would!" Rouge brightly agreed without missing a beat. Flora's head shot up and she stared at Rouge with wide eyes. But, then she glanced to Sonic, who looked so hopeful. And, it wasn't like she didn't want to. So, she nodded, hoping that her face cools down soon.

"Great! It's a date!" Rouge laughed out, Grabbing Flora's arm and starting to drag her inside Petals. "Flora likes sweet and spicy foods. She closes the shop at six pm, so come by to pick her up then, you both can get dinner together!"

All Flora could do was let her friend drag her into her own store, listening as Sonic called out an agreement. Then, Rouge closed the door, grabbed her by the shoulders, and looked her dead in the eyes with steel in them - looking deadly serious.

"Honey, tell me everything."

-----------------------------------------

With a dopey smile, Sonic sighed in pure contentment for the first time in years.

It felt like he was walking on nothing as he walked back to the hotel room he was currently renting for the time being. His eyes half-lidded and the green color looking brighter than ever because of the joy he was feeling. Dodging the other walkers gracefully, Sonic felt like he could start dancing and singing without a care.

It was true what he had told the two; He did fall when he saw a angel passing him by.

He hadn't been in the city for too long, and what time he did spend was getting him a place to stay at and putting his stuff away. But, when he decided to finally take a walk around, trying to familiarize the city that had once been his home, he saw someone who he thought he may never see again walk him by.

-------------FLASHBACK------------------

'Okay; shelter is a check.' Sonic mentally went down his check list, walking down a random sidewalk, trying to recall the city he hadn't seen in years. Dodging another random person walking, Sonic hummed. 'Unpacking, done. Next; food.'

With this thought in his mind, he let his eyes wonder as he walked.

It feels so long since he's been in Mobius. To the point where it didn't even feel like home.

Although, to Sonic, it's never really been home. No, home is more than a place. It is a feeling. And that feeling can come from anything; A place, item, or even a person. He already knew his home was even if he hasn't been around his home in years.

Sighing, Sonic glanced to the side, only for his eyes to shrink and for time to slow down.

There, walking the opposite way of him, just now walking by him, was a female hedgehog a few shades lighter than his azure blue. She was wearing a light blue blouse with ruffles, a yellow bow tied around her neck and collar of said blouse, a darker blue skirt with white trimming on the ends and blue hearts, light blue lacy socks, red high heels with a white strip going around it, a white headband with dark blue hearts on the ends, and golden bracelets and ankle-bracelets.

Her eyes were the colors of bright, ripe, cherries. He could never forget those eyes even if he went blind.

'Flora!' Time sped back up, and she was already walking past him. Trying to turn, Sonic got caught up on his own feet. Moving too fast, Sonic soon found himself falling right into some trashcans sitting on the edge of the sidewalk, making him grunt in pain as trash went everywhere and metal greeted him.

While he paid the whispering of the stopping people no mind, he felt annoyed as he sat up, rubbing the back of his head - where a trashcan lid greeted him. What business was their's that he fell? Mentally grumbling, he closed his eyes to block out all the voices around him. He already had so much work to do in the city, he didn't want to make things even more complicated or harder-

"Sonic?!"

A soft, worried and concerned voice broke through his thoughts with no trouble at all. The very voice he craved to hear for so long. Eyes shooting open, his emerald green eyes clashed and met cherry red ones.

With his heart beating fast, Sonic realized that this must be a sign. A sign to try to get what he had wanted since high school. Seeing Flora herself, being back in the City of Mobius, knowing that the time has come, it reminded him a little of back before he left. But, this time, he wasn't about to walk away. No, this time it was going to be different, he was going to do what he should have done back then.

Sonic knew, without a doubt, that he wasn't about to let go of his home again - not without a fight to death.

------------------END FLASHBACK-------------------

Sighing once more in bliss, Sonic's thoughts were cut off by his cell phone vibrating in his pocket.

Counting on his walk, Sonic fished his cell out of his jacket pocket, and glanced at the screen. Eyes widening at the name flashing back on him, he quickly swiped it to answer it, placing the phone close to his face so that he could hear better - and so that others couldn't hear or listen in.

"Sup, buddy?" Sonic greeted with his usual grin, eyes bright.

A pause, Sonic listening closely to what was being said; face changing little by little at the words he heard. First, eyes widening a bit. Then, his grin growing to overtake his whole face. Finally, he looked so overjoyed with a gleam in his eyes.

"Really?!" Sonic beamed, feeling like he could start skipping. "Man, thanks buddy, you really are the best at what you do! It would have taken me weeks to get all that."

Another pause.

"Alright, that's good to know." Sonic nodded along, humming and relaxing as he walked on. "I'll be on my way. It should only take until tomorrow at the most to get this package. Not like it's a limited addition or anything like that. After that, I'm going to have some fun, you know? You'll know when I'm done, won't you?"

Sonic then chuckled at the response his got before hanging up. Putting the phone back in his pocket, he strolled along, whistling all the while.

First seeing Flora, hanging out with her, getting her to blush, gaining a maybe-date with her, and now getting a phone call that he had been waiting days for!

This, surely, is the best day of his life.

And, tonight, it was only going to get better.

---------------PETALS----------------

"So, let me get this straight." Rouge slowly said from where she sat at the small dinning table, looking Flora, who sat across from her, in the eyes. "You randomly found Sonic, who had ran into some trashcans for whatever reason. After that, you offered to treat him to chili dogs to be friendly, which you actually remembered being his favorite even though you two were not close friends in high school or before that, and he agreed with no issues at all. After eating, you both talked about what has been going on, what people were doing now after he left and so on, with him complementing you. And, finally, after all that, he asks you out again." Seeing Flora nod hesitantly in agreement, Rouge leaned back with a thoughtful, but sly, look on her face. "So, in short, Sonic has a crush on you and asked you on a date - which, you agreed to go on. You go girl! He's quite the looker."

"R-Rouge!" Flora's face went bright red, her eyes going wide as she started to wave her hands in front of her in negative. "I-It's not a date!"

"Honey, he asked you out to eat, just the two of you." Rouge giggled, watching how Flora buried her cherry red face into her hands. "Calling you an angel, that's flirting right there. And did you see his eyes when they were on you? I'v never seen someone so deep in love. In fact, he made sure to keep an eye on you at all times, even if it's only the corner of his eye. It's like he couldn't look away from you! That mobian is lovesick, no denying it."

Gulping, Flora couldn't help but mentally agree with Rouge on most of what she said. While she's not sure about the fact Sonic being in love with her, or that he couldn't look away from her, she did notice that Sonic was at the very least attracted to her. She may not have ever been on a date, in either life, but she did get offers for some. She turned them down because she had been busy with working, setting up her life, or trying to get by in life. Romance has always taken a backseat to everything else - there were just more important things in life to her.

Lifting her head, Flora looked at her hands as if she never saw them before. It hit her that her life, while similar to her last, was different. Her business was fine, making great money - although she'd never be rich from it. In her last life, her business had taken up most of her time, as it had been struggling a bit. But, now, in this life, she could actually have time for romance. It was a strange thought, as she never actually thought she would. Never passed her mind until now.

Rouge noticed Flora's thoughtful face. "Hon, are you not attracted to Sonic?" Rouge softly asked, leaning onto the table and giving Flora a serious look. "I understand if you don't want to lead him on of course. But, if you actually like him in a romantic way...." Rouge trailed off, letting Flora fill in the gaps.

That made Flora pause, thinking about it. Blinking at her hands, she couldn't say she didn't actually like Sonic. In her last life, he had been fictional. It had been more than a shock to see him for the first time. But, over time, she grew sued to it. And, in high school, actually talked to him. Sure, the first time they actually talked to one another wasn't the best, as it had been an emotional time for Sonic - something which Flora refuses to tell anyone about even to this day, as it is personal and not something for her to share or gossip about. After that though, while they didn't become friends or anything, they had short talks. 

Sonic had always been kind to her, always had a smile or grin ready for her. He was helpful, sweet, playful, strong, and was quite handsome in Flora's opinion. Something she never thought she would say or think, if only because she still has some memories of seeing a fictional Sonic running in video games.

"I...I can't say I'm in love with him...." Flora slowly stated, slowly looking up to meet Rouge's eyes. "But.....I can see myself falling in love with in the future. I-I do like him, his personality - a-and he i-is quite handsome, isn't he?"

While not in love with him, Flora couldn't say she didn't like him or see him as attractive.

She could see herself falling in love with him, given time and effort.

But, the question is, does she want to work towards that love? Does she want to give Sonic a chance? Give herself a chance?

"He isn't he." Rouge winked with a sly grin, making Flora giggle. "Look, Flora, if you like him, can see yourself falling in love with him given time, then I say go for it. It might work, it might not. Hell, Sonic could actually just want to be friends after some dates, or he might ask you out officially. Or, you might just want to stay friends. Only time will tell. But I want you to be able to say that you have no regrets. Years down the road, looking back at this moment, looking at this choice, I want you to be able to say that you don't have any regrets about whatever choice you take."

Smiling gently, Flora softly nodded along. "You're a good friend Rouge." Flora sweetly said, wishing she had a friend like her in her last life. But, at the same, glad she didn't. It would have made moving on harder if she had fond or loving memories of the ones she left behind. "I...I think I'll wait and see what happens."

"That's the best that anyone can do." Rouge agreed. Then, she paused before sighing, eyes going in a daze. "You know, I'm a bit jealous; having a potential boyfriend right in front of you. Seeing this makes me want my own lover, you know?" Sighing once more, Rouge looked like she was in bliss while she started to daydream. "If only Masterpiece could come and steal me away~!"

"Rouge, Masterpiece is the most elusive phantom thief in the world." Flora blankly pointed out, looking at Rouge's dazed face with concern and humor. "He stole the Chopard 201-carat watch, Blue Moon of Josephine, The Salvator Mundi by Leonardo Da Vinci, and so much more. Mainly jewels I think - or, at least, that's what I know from the international news when I watch it. I don't think he'll steal you away, that's kidnapping, a criminal charge that actually has never been filed against him."

"I'll have you know that I am the most expensive jewel you'll find!" Rouge pouted, making Flora giggle. "Besides, he's just so handsome, mysterious - he's magical, literally! And who doesn't love a bad boy~? Who cares if he's a criminal with all that going for him? What's not to fall in love with?"

'Honestly, if I didn't know what or who Sonic is before dying the first, I would wonder if I was reborn in some kind of magical thief anime.' Flora couldn't help but admit. While she didn't really watch anime, cartoons, or anything like that, she knew the basics and tropes at least. And Masterpiece was someone that sounded like he belonged in one; He treated his steals like magic shows, entertaining the public while he stole what he wanted. He sent out notice notes to the detectives and police, like it was all part of a game. While the police might hate the person behind the mask, many people love him. Masterpiece is a charismatic person that showed off his skills in stealing and magic for everyone to enjoy. 

He was a literally a magical phantom thief. The best thief in the world in fact. If the Nomad Killer wasn't killing people left and right, Flora would bet that Masterpiece would be the world's most wanted based on what he stole, what it adds up to in total, and that he hasn't been caught yet, meaning he is still stealing things from around the world and treating them like shows for all to marvel at. In fact, no one knows anything about Masterpiece's civilian persona or if he has actual magic or he just uses tricks.

From what little Flora has seen of his "shows", she'd put money on him using real magic if only because he is breaking physics left and right like it's as easy as breaking glass. Yet, the again, she is living in a new world - the physics could be different she guesses. It's not like she took physics class.

Of course, this doesn't stop Rouge from fantasying about him. Flora can only giggle at this; Whenever Masterpiece is mentioned, or she thinks about him, she always goes into a daydream.

Just as she opened her mouth to say something, a car door opening and shutting sounded out just outside her building, making her ears twitch up and break Rouge out of her daydreaming.

Getting up, Flora went to one of the windows that faced the street. Glancing out, Flora couldn't help but smile at who she saw. A tall, bald, pale skinned male human dressed in a green suit was opening the backdoor to his car, eventually pulling out a black and pink infant car seat.

"Snively and Hope are here!" Flora excitedly said, before she glanced to the darkening sky and realized what time it was. "Oh! It's already that late?"

"You watching Hope tonight?" Rouge asked as she got up, walking over to where Flora was standing to peek out the window as well.

"Yes, Snively has to go to the gala tonight. So, he asked me to watch her for the night and next morning." Flora told her friend, shutting the curtains.

"Oh, don't mention that gala!" Rouge groaned dramatically. "Do you know how many snobs and jerks I had to design clothes for? Too many, that's how much! I swear, I almost stabbed this rich girl with a pair of scissors because she kept complaining about the ruffles on her dress - and there were no ruffles on the dress she was complain about! Just a shit ton of fake jewels and glitter! It took nearly five hours to clean up all that glitter that was left over, that's how much that insane woman wanted on it! And Leni had actually taken a gallon of it home after sweeping it up from the floor - something about some of her sisters liking it."

Lips twitching up a bit in amusement, Flora could see that situation clearly.

"Leni is a sweetheart." Flora giggled, making Rouge sigh and smile in agreement.

"A ditsy one, but still a sweetheart all the same." Rouge agreed. Then, Rouge patted Flora's shoulder before starting to walk to the door that lead to the stairs - which, lead to the first floor, the store part of her home.

"I'll let your overprotective cousin and the adorable cousin up for you." Rouge looked to Flora over her shoulder as she opened the door, giving a wink and smirk. "You'll have to tell me all about the date when you have the time!"

"Rouge!" Flora whined, feeling her cheeks heat up. Rouge just chuckled, waving a hand before going down the stairs, leaving the door open.

Patting her warm cheeks, Flora sighed and hoped that they wouldn't be too red when Snively finally comes up. While she loves her cousin to death, she knows he can be on the overprotective side. You'd think a medical doctor can't be that scary - but, when you think about it, to learn how to heal someone, learn how to save a life, you also must learn how to hurt someone, how to kill someone. Snively knows well how to hurt someone - but, Flora knows that he wouldn't. Still doesn't stop her from worrying that he'll try to threaten Sonic when he hasn't even done anything wrong. It's not him and her were actually in a serious romantic relationship at this point. If they were, she'd already introduce them.

But, she'll worry about this at a later time. For now, it's time to greet her older cousin and spoil her baby cousin rotten.

With that in mind, she grinned when Snively finally came up the stairs, caring the infant car seat and a baby bag.

"Snively!" Flora greeted joyfully, hurrying over to take the car seat. After Snively handed it off, Flora walked over to the couch, Snively following close behind.

"Flora, glad to see you're in good health." Snively greeted back, sitting the baby bag right next to the couch.

"Surrounded by my flowers everyday, how can I not be?" Flora cooed out, gently unbuckling her baby cousin of two months old. Hope had wisps of blond hair on her head, pale skin, and bright blue eyes. Just looking at her, it would be hard to tell that her mother was actually a mobian. It made Flora really wonder how genetics for human and mobian biology worked sometimes. Today, she was wearing a blue onesie with pink and green flower designs on them. "Did you pick this outfit with me in mind?" Flora asked with a giggle, gently and carefully picking Hope up and laying her in her arms, head laying against her chest.

"A bit of sucking up goes a long way." Snively grumbled, making Flora snort. Snively then sighed, rubbing his head. "I'll come by to get her either later tonight, or just i the morning if the gala goes on for too long. I'll be sure to text you when I decide."

"You know I don't mind having Hope until morning. If it's later, and time to open shop, I'll just put her in the baby swing and she can help me with work downstairs." Flora waved off her taller cousin's concern.

"I know." Snively sighed, before he looked down at the two. His eyes softened. "I'll make sure to give Uncle your regards when I see him tonight."

"Oh? He's actually going this time?" Flora asked with raised brows.

"His officers pressured or bullied him into going." Snively bluntly stated, making Flora sweat drop. "Either way, I don't have to deal with the rich famously insane people alone."

"Don't you mean insanely rich and famous?" Flora asked hesitantly, only to twitch nervously when Snively gave her a blank look.

"I know what I said." Snively then glanced to the digital clock on the DVD player that was under the TV. "Just be thankful you don't have to deal with them all. In any case, I better be on my way. Wouldn't want Uncle to make a fool of himself - I want to be there to witness it for myself and possible video tape it for future generations."

"Like how you video tape me at random times?" Flora couldn't help but ask with a pout. "I swear, every time I think I'm alone with Hope, you're there with a video camera, video tapping me and making me jump ten feet in the air when I notice you."

"You should be more observant then." Snively pointed out before heading to the door, pulling out his car keys from his pocket. "Don't worry about getting up, I'll shut the door for you and make sure the front door is locked."

"Thanks!" Flora called out, then she turned Hope around in her arms, using her free hand to lift up Hope's tiny on in her's. Then, she waved the little hand in her hand. "Say bye to Dada Hope~!"

Sighing, eyes softening once more, Snively gave a small smile and waved back before heading on his way, shutting the door behind him.

Giggling, Flora then lifted Hope up so that they were face to face. Seeing Hope giggle and coo something unintelligible out made the mobian so warm and thankful for this new life.

"So, Hope, it's just us two tonight~" Flora cooed out gently, rubbing noses with the baby. Hope cooed out as well, reaching out to touch Flora's face. "Don't worry, I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun, unlike your Dada~"

Because, lord knows that Snively is more likely to glare at everyone and insult them all without them even knowing it. He's sly and sneaky like that after all. Flora can only hope that Uncle Eggman would be able to offset him and not start some kind of verbal fight that will lead to someone trying to hit Snively.

Humming out a random song, Flora smiled at Hope who smiled right back.

"I love you so much~"

---------------GALA----------------

"I can't believe they got the colors wrong!" Sonia screeched, looking at the empty ballroom. The decorations were silver and purple. "Can't anyone do anything right?!"

It was meant to be gold and purple.

"This could ruin the whole thing for me." Sonia groaned, glaring at the decorations so hard that they might catch on fire. In fact, Sonia would prefer that they would.

Not only were the decorations not right, the food set up for everyone to snack on was wrong as well. She had ordered Almas caviar, but instead got Imperial Golden Osetra Caviar. Still expensive and impressive to have at the gala, but not what she ordered. Then, the table cloths were not spider silk, but instead velvet silk.

"The smallest details are the most important!" Sonia snarled, glancing around for someone to blame. But, her dear husband was out in the front, waiting to play host and greeter - more like to greet Mindy right off the bat, and the servants hand nothing to do with this. The companies she ordered from were going to get a phone call, a very angry one, after all this is over. Sonia swears their ears will bleed by the time she is through screaming at them for screwing her over with all their mistakes.

"It was supposed to be perfect." Sonia groaned, placing her head into her hands. Her expensive black and red spider silk mermaid dress with real little jewels embroidered into it was perfection. Her five inch black pumps went along perfect with it, as did her diamond necklace and bracelets. Her makeup was also perfect, not a thing out of place and tastefully done. Her pink quills that acted as her hair was perfectly done up with jewel encrusted white gold clips.

Yet, while everything about her screamed perfection, the place around her screamed imperfection.

"Ma'm?" A tall butler walked up to her, a horse faunus, his tray holding glasses filled with a type of champagne. He mostly looked like a tan human, until you notice that his long dark hair is more like horse hair and his ears were that of a horses.

Quickly snatching one of the glasses, she drowned it in one gulp. The butler watched her with wide eyes and his mouth slightly gaped. Smacking her lips together, Sonia turned to the butler with a glare. The servant gulped before straightening and making his face go blank. Nodding in satisfaction, Sonia grinded her teeth together as she looked around at her imperfect gala.

Signing roughly out her nose, she put the empty glass on the tray and grabbed a full one. Gulping that one down too, Sonia knew that she wasn't going to make it through this whole thing sober. There was no way, not when everything was going down the drain this early on - even before the guest start coming!

Already on her third glass, she turned to the butler. "Is the bar open for the gala."

It wasn't a question. It was more of a 'That bar better be open or else'.

"Y-Yes, Ma'm!" The butler quickly confirmed with a nervous smile.

"Good." Sonia downed her third glass with no hesitation before sitting the empty glass on the tray. Turning she began to walk out the ballroom to another little room connected to it, which held the bar. "Tell my husband that he is playing host for the whole night!"

"Of-of course Ma'm!" The butler quickly agreed, rushing to do what was ordered.

Not so gently sitting at the bar, she looked to the bartender; another faunus, this time a female shark one. Pale, almost grey skin, some scales on her with black eyes you'd only see on a shark. Her hair was grey with white as well. The faunus also wasn't thin, but instead looked to be made out of pure muscle.

"What can I get ya, sweetheart?" The bartender smiled, showing off her very sharp teeth that glinted in the artificial light of the bar. Her voice rough and gravely.

Drinking before important guest coming is not something one should do, not when you need their votes and favor.

But, Sonia already knew this gala was going to fail in some way or another. Might as well forget the night even before it starts.

"The strongest thing you got." Sonia ordered, pulling out her credit card. "And keep them coming until I say so, or until it looks like I am about to die from alcohol poisoning."

"Ya got it, doll." The bartender didn't even blink at the order, going to make what Sonia had ordered without hesitation.

By the time guests started coming in, Sonia was already on her sixth drink of the night and going strong.

'This night is going to be a disaster.' Sonia mentally groaned, chugging down her drink without pause.

--------------?????---------------

"So, it's finally time." A smooth voice chuckled out. Leaning on a large leather chair, the figure looked to the multiple screens in front of him.

With a smirk on his face, the figure leaned back, crossing his legs while doing so. Neatly folding his fingers together, the male started to laugh.

The screens in front of him showed people; Mobians, humans and faunus alike. All of the unaware of the plotting going on. And would be, until it was too late, if he had anything to say about it.

"Finally, revenge will be mine."

-End Chapter-

Things are starting to pick up pace! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I did making it. It took some time, but here it is! I never thought it would get this long, but I'm happy with it and that's all that matters. Besides, I like long chapters.

There is going to be some graphic things in the next chapter that might trigger people, so, please keep the warnings in mind when you read it whenever I get it posted up. Just a heads up.

In any case, time to go work on the next chapter! Wish me luck.