Healing Hearts
Chapter Three

"Here we go," Sally said. "You can stay here."
She and Austin had arrived at a small hut. Sally opened the door and ushered Austin in. He stepped through the door and gazed around. There was a bed, a wardrobe, a table with a chair, a small kitchen area, and a door on the opposite wall.
"Cozy," he commented. "I take it the bathroom is through that other door?"
"That's right," Sally replied. "I'm afraid there's nothing in the pantries at the moment. But we'll fix that later."
"So, is this a spare house," Austin asked.
Sally fell silent. Austin glanced over at her and for a brief second, she seemed sad. Just as suddenly as it appeared, the look vanished.
"I hope you'll be comfortable here," she said, smiling.
"Oh, I'll be just fine," Austin replied. He noticed she had avoided answering his question. Had this place belonged to someone previously? And why had she seemed sad?
"Well, I'll leave you to settle in," Sally said. "I'll check back in with you later." She turned to leave.
"Hey, Sally," Austin called after her.
"Yes," Sally said, turning back to face him.
"Uh....never mind," he said.
Sally stared at him quizzically for a moment, then she exited the room. When the door was closed, Austin sighed. He had been tempted to ask her if something was bothering her but had decided not to.
"I doubt she'd want to confide in a stranger," he said to himself. Still, it was apparent she was troubled by something, and he felt concerned.
"God, what's with me," he said. "I've only just met her. Focus, Austin. Remember why you're here."
He began unpacking his knapsack, setting his clothes out. He then pulled out a few personal items, among them some photos. He just couldn't leave home without some reminders of his friends and loved ones. He gazed at the pictures, smiling fondly at the people in them. He had only been gone one day, but already he missed them. His smile faded as he gazed at a particular photo. Tears misted his eyes and he hastily set the photo down.
"Will I be able to get through this," he wondered. Sometimes he wondered if he would ever feel happiness again.

Outside, Sally leaned against the closed door, fighting back the tears that threatened to flow. She had thought things would get easier and yet she still felt that overwhelming sadness. At times like this she wished she had someone to talk to. Sure, she could confide in Bunnie, but her friend had lent a sympathetic ear numerous times already. No, Sally resolved that this was her problem and no one else's. She would just have to power through this and stay strong. For everyone's sake, she couldn't afford to let her emotions get the better of her. Wiping away the tears, she left the hut, determined keep it together.

A little while later, Austin emerged from his hut. He had finished unpacking, but he felt restless and needed to get out. So, he decided to walk around the village and check things out. He strolled forward, enjoying the warm late afternoon air. He passed by various villagers, and smiled politely and waved to them. Some of them avoided him, but there were a few who returned the gesture. He took it in stride. He couldn't expect everyone to warm up to him right away. He gazed around his surroundings. The village was quaint and quiet. It was almost possible to forget that these Mobians were fighting against some madman. Austin frowned. He still knew nothing about this Robotnik character and frankly he was curious to know. He wondered if anyone here would be willing to tell him. Then he spotted what looked like a large garage. He also saw a plane just inside. He wandered over to get a look.

Ducking behind a tree, Amy kept an eye on Austin. She had vowed to watch him and that's just what she would do. She had been tailing him since he had left S....no, it wasn't his hut anymore. Amy still had trouble accepting that. Why had Sally put Austin in that particular hut? It felt wrong! But, regardless, she had kept tabs on him and now she saw him making his way to Tails' workshop. She kept out of sight as she continued to follow him.

At times, Tails found the solitude of his workshop most welcoming. Here, he could work on his projects and lose himself in the work, forgetting his troubles at least for a little while. Yet, today, his sanctuary offered little respite. His mind was on the arrival of Austin. He really didn't know where he stood on this mystery guest. He was hesitant to trust him, and for good reason, given past dealings with humans. But, no. Austin wasn't human. He just resembled one. What was really frustrating, is that he actually felt he could trust Austin. There was just something about him that Tails couldn't explain. Sighing, Tails picked up a screwdriver and tightened the screws on the latest project he was working on.
"Wow. Nice plane."
Tails started at the voice. Dropping the tool, he spun around and saw Austin standing at the garage door. He was staring at the large bi-plane sitting in the room. He hadn't even noticed Tails was there.
"Um, can I help you," Tails spoke up.
Austin's gaze drifted from the plane and towards Tails. "Oh. Sorry. I didn't mean to just barge in. Uh...Tails, right?"
"That's right," Tails replied. "I see you were admiring my plane."
"This is yours," Austin asked, looking back at the plane.
"Yep," Tails said. "It's called The Tornado. I built it myself."
"You did," Austin said. "Wow. You must be a mechanical whiz-kid."
"I like to tinker," Tails replied modestly, warming up to the subject. "Of course, Rotor's a mechanical genius, too. He and I sometimes work together on projects. So, what brings you here?"
"I was just out walking," Austin explained. "Thought I'd take in the sights. This is a nice village. Very quaint and peaceful."
"Not all the time," Tails said. "It can get a little chaotic around here sometimes."
"Hey, Tails," Austin said, turning his attention back to the young fox. "Do you mind if I ask you something?"
"Yes, I was born with two tails," Tails answered. "It wasn't some freak accident."
"Uh, that wasn't what I was going to ask," Austin said.
"Oh," Tails said, embarrassed. "Awkward."
Austin cleared his throat. "Actually, I was wondering...what can you tell me about Robotnik?"
Tails was silent for a moment. "Why do you want to know?"
"Curiosity, mostly," Austin replied. "I've heard him mentioned by several people already. And Sally mentioned he has a strangle hold on this planet. Not to mention I had a first class welcome when I arrived in Robotropolis. So, I want to know, what's the deal with this guy?"
Tails sighed and gestured at an empty chair. "Have a seat. I'll tell you."
Austin sat down across from Tails and listened as he explained.
"You see, Robotnik used to be known as Ivo Julian. Years ago, Mobians were at war with humans known as Overlanders. Julian had defected from them and found his way to us. Since he had so much knowledge and tactics to deal with them, he helped us win the war against the Overlanders. While everyone was overjoyed the war was over, we never even realized the real nightmare was about to begin. Julian had his own plans and aspirations. In secret, he put together a robot army and, in one swift move, staged a coup. It happened so fast, no one had time to react. Most Mobians were able to flee, but many of them were taken prisoner. Julian, now calling himself Robotnik, captured our King and banished him into an unknown dimension. The king was Sally's father."
"Her father," Austin said. "Then that means Sally's royalty."
"That's right," Tails replied. "As for the Queen, Sally's mother, no one knows what became of her. She disappeared during the height of the war with the Overlanders. So, that makes Sally the sole heir to the throne. But, Robotnik rules now. He took over our capital city, Mobotropolis and changed it into what you saw. And it only got worse from there. Soon, pollution poisoned the skies and seas as Robotnik set up his factories and fortresses. And then there's...." He fell silent.
"What," Austin prompted.
"There's the Roboticizer," Tails said. "Of everything Robotnik's done, that machine is by far the worst. Anyone who goes into that device becomes a robot. And what free will you possessed is crushed and you're forced to serve Robotnik."
"My, God," Austin whispered. "That's worse then anything I could've imagined. How many Mobians...."
"Too many," Tails answered.
"Sally mentioned some Mobians actually work for Robotnik," Austin said.
"It's true," Tails said. "There are some that sell their services to avoid being roboticized. But they're only fooling themselves. Sooner or later, Robotnik won't require them and when that happens....Well, I think you can guess."
"Tails, about Bunnie," Austin said. "I noticed her legs and left arm were robotic. I thought she had lost those limbs in some accident and those were replacements. But they're not, are they?"
"She's partially roboticized," Tails explained. "Fortunately, the process was interrupted. Unfortunately, we have no way to reverse the process. So she's stuck like that."
"Poor girl," Austin said.
"For what it's worth," Tails said. "She's adapted to them quite well. And they've proven useful against Robotnik's forces. But, I'm sure she'd prefer to have her normal limbs again if she had the chance."
"So, you guys, everyone here in the village, fight Robotnik," Austin asked.
"That's right," Tails said. "We call ourselves the Freedom Fighters. Our group was founded years ago by Sally and Sonic."
"Sonic," Austin asked. "Who's that? I don't think I've met him yet."
Tails was suddenly quiet. Austin also saw a look of sorrow cross his face.
"Tails," he asked, concern tinging his voice.
"Sonic....he's," Tails began.
"Did something happen to him," Austin asked.
Tails sniffed and swiped his arm across his eyes. It suddenly dawned on Austin!
"He's dead."
Both Tails and Austin looked up to see Sally standing in the doorway, the same look of sorrow on her face.
"Sally," Austin said.
"Sonic died a year ago," Sally continued, her voice quivering. "That's why you haven't met him."
"Sally, I...I'm sorry," Austin said. "I didn't know."
"It's not your fault," Sally said, brushing tears from her eyes. "Please, don't mind me. I was just walking by." She turned and left.
Austin's heart ached to see both her and Tails so sad. It was obvious to him that Sonic had meant the world to them.
"Sonic was my best friend," Tails spoke up. "He was like a brother to me. But, his death hit Sally the hardest. She loved him and he loved her."
Now it all made sense. The look of sadness he had noticed earlier when Sally had shown him to the hut.
"Tails," he asked. "The hut I'm staying in? It was Sonic's hut, wasn't it?"
Tails nodded.
"I see," Austin replied quietly. "If you'll excuse me."

"Sally! Sally, wait up!"
Sally halted and turned around. Austin was running towards her. He caught up and came to a halt.
"Sally," he said, catching his breath. "Listen. I understand. Tails told me. I know we barely know each other, but, I want to offer my deepest condolences."
Sally smiled sadly. "I appreciate that, Austin. I assume you figured out the hut...."
"Yeah, I did," Austin said. "Look, Sally. There's something I want to talk to you about. Will you join me for a few moments?"
Sally nodded. "Okay."

A few moments later, they were in Austin's hut. He stood at the table and grabbed a photo. He turned to face Sally.
"First, let me just say, that I understand what you're going through," Austin began. "Here."
Sally took the photo from him and looked at it. It showed a young woman with long lavender hair and dazzling blue eyes. She was smiling for the camera and holding a kitten.
"Her name was Jill," Austin said. "I loved her with all my heart. She had a wild and free spirit. A bit of a tomboy, and yet she had a weakness for anything cute, especially cats."
Sally gazed at the photo. "What happened to her?"
Austin sighed and gazed out the window. "Back where I'm from, Earth was threatened by a powerful being. His name was Erian, the Dark Phoenix. He had set his sights on conquering the world. My friends and I, along with powerful beings we called Entities, stood against him. During our final battle, we fought with everything we had. At one point, Jill took a hard hit from Erian's energy blast. When we finally defeated him, I went to check on her." His throat tightened as he recalled that terrible moment. "She....she was dead. The hit had been fatal." Tears coursed down his face. He remembered holding Jill's limp body in his arms, screaming at the heavens in anguish. "We won the battle, but at a heavy cost. I fell apart after that. A year passed and still, the hurt remained. Finally, I came to the decision that I needed to get away. So, with help from the Entities, they provided a gateway to another world. I really didn't care where I ended up. All I knew, is that I had to get away and find some closure. And that's how I ended up here."
Sally set the photo down on the table. She stood quietly for a moment, and then, without a second thought, hugged Austin. He was surprised for a moment, then, he embraced her back.
"I'm so sorry, Austin," Sally said. "Seems we both suffered a loss."
Austin held her close. She felt so warm and her fur was soft and comforting. After a moment, he let go, wiping his eyes.
"Thank you, Sally," he said, smiling. "I feel a bit better. Guess it helps to have someone to talk to. Someone who can sympathize."
Sally smiled warmly at him. "It does. I feel a bit better, too."
"Sally, listen," Austin said. "I've been thinking. After hearing from Tails about Robotnik, I want to help you guys out."
"Austin," Sally said. "I appreciate the offer, but, that's out of the question. This isn't your fight."
"I beg to differ," Austin countered. "The moment I landed in Robotropolis and helped you escape, it became my fight. Besides, you've been hospitable to me. And, well, you're a friend. And Edenians stand by they're friends no matter what. Please, let me help you. You've seen me in action. You know I could be a valuable ally."
Sally pondered on his words. Reluctant as she was to drag him into this fight with Robotnik, she couldn't deny that what he said was true. With Sonic gone, the Freedom Fighters were in desperate need of strong allies. Perhaps it was fate Austin had shown up here.
"Alright, Austin," she said. "If you really feel that strongly about this, then you can help out. I doubt I could stop you, even if I wanted to."
"You won't regret it, Sally," Austin said. He knelt down on his knee and presented his sword to her. "You have my sword, strength and loyalty. I am at your service."
Sally felt her heart flutter at this proclamation. He was so sincere and solemn. And brave.
"Thank you, Austin," she said. "You're very chivalrous."
He stood up and sheathed his sword. "Who says chivalry is dead?" He winked at her and smiled.
Sally blushed slightly. "Ahem. Yes, well, it's starting to get dark out, so I'll let you get some rest." She made her way to the door and opened it. She turned back for a moment. "Good night, Austin."
"Good night, Sally," he replied.
Sally smiled and then left, the door closing behind her. Austin felt his heart beating fast. He couldn't explain why he felt this way.

Outside, Sally placed her hand on her chest, feeling her heart beating fast. Her face felt warm and flushed. Shaking her head to clear it, she made her way towards her hut. As she walked off, she never even noticed Amy watching her, wondering what had transpired inside.

End of Chapter Three...