The ring deposits you all safely outside the base and seals up afterwards. Neo Metal Sonic doesn't chase after you, which is something of a mercy.
What's significantly less of a mercy is the sky - it's gone dark and ominously stormy, though the clouds spark not with lightning, but with that same green Chaos Energy you've been facing this entire fight. Worse still, there are now far, far too many robotic planes filling the sky - the Egg Fleet seems to go on endlessly, as far as you can see. Though perhaps it would be more accurate to call it the Neo Metal Sonic Fleet.
Sonic and friends arrive shortly, looking pretty banged up but otherwise still healthy enough to make it here, though they stare up at the sky with obvious concern.
"O...kay, this is definitely not what any of us were expecting."
"We will have to take the fight to them, it seems."
"Easier said than done, I'm afraid... I'm not sure how to pinpoint their leader's exact location to send you all with a ring..."
A jolt of green lightning flashes across the sky and Neo Metal Sonic's voice rings out.
"I expect to see you onboard my fleet in one week's time. That includes you, my loathsome copy."
It seems you don't really have much of a choice. For now, tend to your wounds and try to regroup; you've earned a break after today.
[Thankfully Wolfwood has seen to them, so they're all healed up! Tails is still sitting outside, watching the sky. For once, he's not working on anything, and his worried expression falls away with Dorothy greets him.]
Hi Dorothy— Oh!
[He returns that hug easily, of course.]
Yeah, we're all okay. Wolfwood was kind enough to heal us, so we're good as new!
[Dorothy does look him over to see how true that is, but...she doesn't doubt anymore. She doesn't doubt the capacity that these humans and other beings have for kindness and for looking out for each other, now.
(Some part of her doesn't even care if Pinne's necklace is safe, though a part of her brain had been concerned; it's swiftly shut out. Tails is real, and here, and alive. That's what matters.)
Dorothy shifts back to hugging him, letting a shuddering sigh of relief out, letting some tears of relief fall as well.]
...I'm so glad, dear. I'm so glad that you're okay. If the world had managed to take you from us, I don't know what I would have done.
This isn't your fault in the slightest, dear. Not even a little. You all did your best.
[...Give her a few seconds to get her crying down, but she'll at least stop holding him so tight after a bit longer, though her hand moves to card through the fur on his head a bit, openly relieved.]
We will. If he's...if he's coming to us, that must mean we've backed him into some kind of corner. We will put a stop to him, and his schemes at long last.
...You deserve nothing more than a bright future, once all is said and done. I've believed this from the start, and I will continue to fight so you can do so. You have my word.
[Tails nods at that, leaning into Dorothy's hand. Affection...!!]
I wish I had more information on him or what his plans even are, but I'm afraid we don't know much. But thank you, Dorothy. That... It really means so much to me. But we aren't the only ones who should have a bright future - everyone here has fought so hard, after all.
It seems that domination is his focus, as well. I...he said that he copied our data, or something similar, but...
[Dorothy listens to Tails, wiping her eyes a bit as she tries to compose herself. They're alive. They're alive, they've got enough to last them a bit, but they're alive and that's what matters.
But we aren't the only ones who should have a bright future - everyone here has fought so hard, after all.]
...And we will all pursue brightly toward that future--toward our own as well. I swear this to you.
[Dorothy just kind of lets quiet settle over this for a bit--not quite separating, but...she does want to stick by, though she pauses for a moment and looks out to the sky.]
...I never thought such a thing was possible, until Sonic came and brought us here. I thought that such a thing was...trite. Something that would never happen without domination, and the plans I had in store to bring harm. If such a thing even worked, due to the invasion of the Raptures, but...
Seeing all of you now, how we've all fought for a brighter, more beautiful future...it's given me a strange feeling in my core. I believe it's hope. Hope that the future will be better for all of us, in one way or another.
And...I really do have you to thank for that. You know that, right?
[Dorothy looks to Tails at that, her expression warm.]
[Tails looks to the sky as well. It's been a long, hard road to even get this far. Maybe he should be more scared than he is to see so many ships in the sky knowing that there's still another fight looming on the horizon.
But his expression is a warm smile when he turns back to Dorothy.]
I'm really happy to hear that, Dorothy. I know you were struggling a lot here, and I'm so glad to see that you're feeling happy and hopeful about what comes next. I don't really think I did anything all that special? But knowing I helped you means the world to me, so you're welcome. I'm happy I was able to help!
You've done more than anyone I've ever known has done.
[It's quietly, calmly said as Dorothy looks down at Tails. At this fox she's grown so protective over--the hope of this world, alongside so many others. It feels like weeks ago she had been confused by the kindness of that little child, over and over again wondering if she could live up to the expediencies placed on her. If she really could be the hero this world needs.
Now that she's here, facing down this final battle...she doesn't feel scared, somehow. This feels multitudes more hopeful, somehow, than it did weeks ago. There's an end in sight. All they have to do is seize it.]
...I've never been used to kindness, outside of my brief time with the Goddess Squad. From humans, I mean. [...] But you've unabashedly stuck your hand out again and again, and I've greatly enjoyed our talks and everything that we've been able to share with one another. Why, I'm looking very forward to seeing what our next tea party will be like, once this is all over. But...
[Dorothy looks away again, out to the sky, as she considers her words.]
...I long considered my fellow Goddesses almost like sisters to me, but...it's something I never really thought I would feel again. So strongly for something, that one almost feels like...kin.
I believe that may be the best way I can describe how I consider you, now.
So...please do know, that I will do all I can for you, dear.
[Dorothy doesn't look back at Tails at that, but her expression is warmer. It feels...weird, and she hopes it's not too weird, but when she looks at him, she really does see someone she could call family, in a way.
This place has done many things to her, but she's certain she doesn't regret it.]
[It's not like Tails is unfamiliar with such things. The less said about his own the better, given he was willing to ditch his world entirely just to go help Sonic, but he knows plenty about it from Sonic himself.]
That's... Really, Dorothy? That... Wow, I don't even know if I have words to describe how that makes me feel. It's... overwhelming. But in a good way! Because I haven't really... had anyone to consider family in awhile. I mean, there's Sonic and Knuckles, but they're my friends.
[Dorothy seems to start at that, turning to face Tails with a wide-eyed expression. That's...Dorothy considers everything she knows about this boy in her mind, and knowing that he's kept that optimism, that hope, despite that. Sonic and Knuckles roles in keeping Tails safe and happy and loved don't go unnoticed, but it's...
Dorothy reaches her hand out again, having withdrawn it when she looked away, but--you're getting pet on the head, okay.]
...You're not alone in that regard. I...I don't really even remember very much of my own. Back when I was a human, I mean. All I know is that I was some politician's daughter, but I've only ever come close to that feeling with the girls I fought alongside, myself. And even then, they're long gone.
I...would be very happy to give you another member to your metaphorical family, if you'll have me. [Dorothy's expression warms further.] You deserve the world, my dear. You've given me so much to look forward to and I've been nothing but happy around you; if I can even give you a fraction of that in kind...I would like to.
[Tails nods at the first part and bumps his head into Dorothy's hand when she pets him. Affection!!]
I think family is what you make of it, anyway. Sonic's family has never been his by blood. Knuckles' was, but he lost his at a pretty young age. And mine... Well, I don't see them anymore and I don't have any plans of going back. So what's important to me are the people I've met here in this world.
I'd... really like that, Dorothy. It means the world to me that you'd ask and consider such a thing to begin with!
That sentiment...yes, I think I can agree with it. I believe there's an old phrase I heard Scarlet say once...how did it go...
The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, I believe? Which is to say that a bond forged from your friendships with others...they are no less important, than that of blood. And sometimes, they even end up more important to you.
[Dorothy's smile is warm in it's entirety, and she knows she isn't staying here; it's likely something that's come up, but...]
When we're done here, I'll see if I cannot ask the boys to stick around just a little longer--or perhaps I will stay and catch up. I want to see some of the fun things this world has in store when it is not under the thrall of that Neo individual. And I would like to treat you a bit and see what sort of things we could do.
But I am so very happy to consider you my family, dear.
[Tails nods. Dorothy's summed it up very well. But she continues and his smile doesn't fade any.]
You're welcome to stay as long as you want, of course, but you'll always be able to come back as long as you have rings. So don't worry too much about it, okay? Go have fun in Raven's world!
[you think he didn't notice?????? he totally did.]
[...YOU KNOW, SHE WAS OKAY WITH MOST OF THAT. REALLY, SHE WAS.
But guess who's gone an absolutely impressive shade of pink at being so called out. By her own son, no less!!!]
I--! [Dorothy tries not to sputter a bit, and fails at that.] Well--I am glad to hear that, of course. I'll have to see if I cannot build a small stockpile to take with me; I am going to want to see how you grow, once this world is freed.
But I...yes, I will be certain to have fun there...
We'll be just fine no matter where you guys end up, but you all are always welcome to come visit. Even if this place isn't home for you guys, I hope you all have at least kind of enjoyed your time here. Though it'll be much better once the world's back to running as usual without Eggman's... well, Neo's influence.
In truth, I certainly have. It's...even with the robots here, this has been more than anything I have experienced at home in the slightest. I found one of those shopping labyrinths the first week we came here, and seeing one of those was quite eyeopening, even when I got lost.
It's...really proof that humans can do amazing things, when they aren't under pressure, isn't it? It makes me wonder what other things this world has to offer, all be told. It's a little overwhelming...
And this is just one city in country full of really cool cities and places to see - not to mention the world at large! Sonic and I did a little traveling, but there's still so much I want to see... So you'll have to come visit so we can go sight-seeing together, Dorothy!
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no subject
Hi Dorothy— Oh!
[He returns that hug easily, of course.]
Yeah, we're all okay. Wolfwood was kind enough to heal us, so we're good as new!
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(Some part of her doesn't even care if Pinne's necklace is safe, though a part of her brain had been concerned; it's swiftly shut out. Tails is real, and here, and alive. That's what matters.)
Dorothy shifts back to hugging him, letting a shuddering sigh of relief out, letting some tears of relief fall as well.]
...I'm so glad, dear. I'm so glad that you're okay. If the world had managed to take you from us, I don't know what I would have done.
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I'm really sorry for worrying you. We did our best, but...
[Well. It wasn't quite enough. Again.]
But we'll keep going. No matter what it takes. And we'll all be there in the end so we can celebrate together!
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[...Give her a few seconds to get her crying down, but she'll at least stop holding him so tight after a bit longer, though her hand moves to card through the fur on his head a bit, openly relieved.]
We will. If he's...if he's coming to us, that must mean we've backed him into some kind of corner. We will put a stop to him, and his schemes at long last.
...You deserve nothing more than a bright future, once all is said and done. I've believed this from the start, and I will continue to fight so you can do so. You have my word.
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I wish I had more information on him or what his plans even are, but I'm afraid we don't know much. But thank you, Dorothy. That... It really means so much to me. But we aren't the only ones who should have a bright future - everyone here has fought so hard, after all.
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[Dorothy listens to Tails, wiping her eyes a bit as she tries to compose herself. They're alive. They're alive, they've got enough to last them a bit, but they're alive and that's what matters.
But we aren't the only ones who should have a bright future - everyone here has fought so hard, after all.]
...And we will all pursue brightly toward that future--toward our own as well. I swear this to you.
[Dorothy just kind of lets quiet settle over this for a bit--not quite separating, but...she does want to stick by, though she pauses for a moment and looks out to the sky.]
...I never thought such a thing was possible, until Sonic came and brought us here. I thought that such a thing was...trite. Something that would never happen without domination, and the plans I had in store to bring harm. If such a thing even worked, due to the invasion of the Raptures, but...
Seeing all of you now, how we've all fought for a brighter, more beautiful future...it's given me a strange feeling in my core. I believe it's hope. Hope that the future will be better for all of us, in one way or another.
And...I really do have you to thank for that. You know that, right?
[Dorothy looks to Tails at that, her expression warm.]
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But his expression is a warm smile when he turns back to Dorothy.]
I'm really happy to hear that, Dorothy. I know you were struggling a lot here, and I'm so glad to see that you're feeling happy and hopeful about what comes next. I don't really think I did anything all that special? But knowing I helped you means the world to me, so you're welcome. I'm happy I was able to help!
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[It's quietly, calmly said as Dorothy looks down at Tails. At this fox she's grown so protective over--the hope of this world, alongside so many others. It feels like weeks ago she had been confused by the kindness of that little child, over and over again wondering if she could live up to the expediencies placed on her. If she really could be the hero this world needs.
Now that she's here, facing down this final battle...she doesn't feel scared, somehow. This feels multitudes more hopeful, somehow, than it did weeks ago. There's an end in sight. All they have to do is seize it.]
...I've never been used to kindness, outside of my brief time with the Goddess Squad. From humans, I mean. [...] But you've unabashedly stuck your hand out again and again, and I've greatly enjoyed our talks and everything that we've been able to share with one another. Why, I'm looking very forward to seeing what our next tea party will be like, once this is all over. But...
[Dorothy looks away again, out to the sky, as she considers her words.]
...I long considered my fellow Goddesses almost like sisters to me, but...it's something I never really thought I would feel again. So strongly for something, that one almost feels like...kin.
I believe that may be the best way I can describe how I consider you, now.
So...please do know, that I will do all I can for you, dear.
[Dorothy doesn't look back at Tails at that, but her expression is warmer. It feels...weird, and she hopes it's not too weird, but when she looks at him, she really does see someone she could call family, in a way.
This place has done many things to her, but she's certain she doesn't regret it.]
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[It's not like Tails is unfamiliar with such things. The less said about his own the better, given he was willing to ditch his world entirely just to go help Sonic, but he knows plenty about it from Sonic himself.]
That's... Really, Dorothy? That... Wow, I don't even know if I have words to describe how that makes me feel. It's... overwhelming. But in a good way! Because I haven't really... had anyone to consider family in awhile. I mean, there's Sonic and Knuckles, but they're my friends.
[Very different sort of bond.]
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[Dorothy seems to start at that, turning to face Tails with a wide-eyed expression. That's...Dorothy considers everything she knows about this boy in her mind, and knowing that he's kept that optimism, that hope, despite that. Sonic and Knuckles roles in keeping Tails safe and happy and loved don't go unnoticed, but it's...
Dorothy reaches her hand out again, having withdrawn it when she looked away, but--you're getting pet on the head, okay.]
...You're not alone in that regard. I...I don't really even remember very much of my own. Back when I was a human, I mean. All I know is that I was some politician's daughter, but I've only ever come close to that feeling with the girls I fought alongside, myself. And even then, they're long gone.
I...would be very happy to give you another member to your metaphorical family, if you'll have me. [Dorothy's expression warms further.] You deserve the world, my dear. You've given me so much to look forward to and I've been nothing but happy around you; if I can even give you a fraction of that in kind...I would like to.
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I think family is what you make of it, anyway. Sonic's family has never been his by blood. Knuckles' was, but he lost his at a pretty young age. And mine... Well, I don't see them anymore and I don't have any plans of going back. So what's important to me are the people I've met here in this world.
I'd... really like that, Dorothy. It means the world to me that you'd ask and consider such a thing to begin with!
[+1 mom(?) obtained.]
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That sentiment...yes, I think I can agree with it. I believe there's an old phrase I heard Scarlet say once...how did it go...
The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, I believe? Which is to say that a bond forged from your friendships with others...they are no less important, than that of blood. And sometimes, they even end up more important to you.
[Dorothy's smile is warm in it's entirety, and she knows she isn't staying here; it's likely something that's come up, but...]
When we're done here, I'll see if I cannot ask the boys to stick around just a little longer--or perhaps I will stay and catch up. I want to see some of the fun things this world has in store when it is not under the thrall of that Neo individual. And I would like to treat you a bit and see what sort of things we could do.
But I am so very happy to consider you my family, dear.
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[Tails nods. Dorothy's summed it up very well. But she continues and his smile doesn't fade any.]
You're welcome to stay as long as you want, of course, but you'll always be able to come back as long as you have rings. So don't worry too much about it, okay? Go have fun in Raven's world!
[you think he didn't notice?????? he totally did.]
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But guess who's gone an absolutely impressive shade of pink at being so called out. By her own son, no less!!!]
I--! [Dorothy tries not to sputter a bit, and fails at that.] Well--I am glad to hear that, of course. I'll have to see if I cannot build a small stockpile to take with me; I am going to want to see how you grow, once this world is freed.
But I...yes, I will be certain to have fun there...
[what an effective callout.............]
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I know you will.
[ c: !!!]
We'll be just fine no matter where you guys end up, but you all are always welcome to come visit. Even if this place isn't home for you guys, I hope you all have at least kind of enjoyed your time here. Though it'll be much better once the world's back to running as usual without Eggman's... well, Neo's influence.
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In truth, I certainly have. It's...even with the robots here, this has been more than anything I have experienced at home in the slightest. I found one of those shopping labyrinths the first week we came here, and seeing one of those was quite eyeopening, even when I got lost.
It's...really proof that humans can do amazing things, when they aren't under pressure, isn't it? It makes me wonder what other things this world has to offer, all be told. It's a little overwhelming...
no subject
And this is just one city in country full of really cool cities and places to see - not to mention the world at large! Sonic and I did a little traveling, but there's still so much I want to see... So you'll have to come visit so we can go sight-seeing together, Dorothy!