Healing Hearts
Chapter Seven

The Next Day...
Early morning sunlight filtered through the windows. Austin stirred and opened his eyes. Squinting against the sunlight, he shifted on the bed and suddenly felt something pressed against him. He gazed down and saw Sally, snuggled up next to him, sound asleep. Smiling, he recalled yesterday after they had finally come clean regarding their feelings towards each other. Afterwards, they had spent the night together, cuddling until they had drifted off to sleep.
Austin lay there watching her sleep, the early morning light causing her red hair to shimmer. He never imagined he would meet someone like her. Or even fall in love for that matter. Not that he was complaining. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. Sally murmured and slowly her eyes opened.
"Good morning, Princess," Austin said. "Sleep well?"
Sally smiled. "Yes, I did. Best night's sleep I've had in a year."
"Likewise," he said. He gazed past her towards the window. "Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day."
Sally sat up, stretching. Then she sighed. "So, how should we go about telling everyone?"
Austin fell silent as he pondered her question. They both knew they would have to be honest with the Freedom Fighters about their new found relationship. After all, sooner or later someone would notice. Better to just come right out and tell them.
"Well," Austin said, "I think the first question to ask is, how will they react?"
"Hmm," Sally pondered. "I'm certain Bunnie will be alright with it. After all, she convinced me to go through with this. I'm also sure Antoine and Rotor will be okay, too. A little surprised perhaps, but otherwise..."
"What about Tails," Austin asked.
"I'm not entirely sure," Sally replied. "I can't help but think he might be a little upset. He really looked up to Sonic, and I don't want him to think I've just forgotten him."
"I understand," Austin said.
"Still," Sally added, "Tails is pretty mature for his age. I suppose we'll just have to see."
"Then that just leaves....," Austin trailed off.
Sally shuddered. She knew exactly who he was referring to.
"I can already imagine how she'll react," she replied. "But, it can't be helped."
Austin stood up from the bed. "We may as well get it over with. Shall we get everyone together?"
A knock on the door interrupted Sally's answer. She glanced out the window and saw Amy standing there.
"Brace yourself," she said. "Hurricane Amy is at the door."
Austin took a deep breath. "I've faced many terrifying and powerful foes before, but an angry girl with a large hammer probably tops it."

Outside, Amy stood at the door, waiting. She tapped her foot impatiently. She had gone to talk to Sally, only to find her gone. It didn't take much to figure she was probably here. In Amy's opinion, Sally was getting way too close with Austin. She had to get her back on track.
The door opened and Sally stood there.
"Morning, Amy," she greeted.
"I knew I'd find you here," Amy said. She saw Austin come up behind Sally. "Just what is the deal with you two?"
"Good morning to you, too," Austin replied. "Seriously, you couldn't wait until we've at least had a cup of coffee?"
"Can it," Amy snapped. "I'm serious Sally, what's going on here?"
Sally sighed. Time to get this over with.
"Fine, Amy," she said. "If you really must know," She reached over and took Austin's hand. "We're together now. There, I said it. I'm in love with him and he's in love with me." Austin smiled, squeezing her hand lightly.
Amy was quiet. Both Austin and Sally braced themselves for the oncoming outburst.
"Un...be...lievable," Amy responded. "Just unbelievable! I...I don't even know where to start! This is just..."
"Amy Rose Hedgehog, ya'll just simmer down right now."
Bunnie walked up, followed by Antoine, Rotor and Tails.
"Mornin', Sally," she greeted. "Mornin', Austin." She winked at both of them. "I just had to get over here and see how everything went."
"You knew about this," Amy asked.
"Knew about what," Tails asked. "What's going on?"
"I'll tell you what's going on," Amy said. "These two are getting intimate with each other!" She turned towards Sally. "You were here all night, weren't you?"
Sally glared at her. "And what if I was? As I recall, I don't have to answer to you! I made my choice and I don't regret it!"
"For Pete's Sake, Sally," Amy yelled. "Listen to yourself! You're getting involved with someone you barely know!"
"I took the time to get to know him," Sally snapped. "Unlike you! You've shown him nothing but a bad attitude since he arrived!"
"I'm being sensible," Amy replied. "How can you call it love if you just met him?"
"That didn't stop you with Sonic," Sally yelled, and immediately regretted those words.
Everyone stood in awkward silence.
"Amy, I...I'm sorry," Sally said. "That was..."
SLAP!
Sally staggered back, hand on her cheek. Amy glared at her, tears in her eyes. Then she turned and stormed off.
"You okay," Austin asked.
"I deserved that," Sally said, rubbing her stinging cheek. "I shouldn't have said that."
"You were upset," Austin said. "Sometimes things are said in the heat of the moment."
"It was still uncalled for," Sally replied. "I should go after her and apologize."
"Maybe ya'll should let her calm down first," Bunnie suggested.
"Maybe you're right," Sally said. "That could have gone better, though."
"So, then," Tails said, "It's true? You two are...?"
"Yes, Tails, it's true," Sally answered. "Look, I know this seems sudden, but I can't deny how I feel. It just...happened."
"It's alright, Sally" Tails said. "I understand. "I'm just glad to see you happy again."
Sally smiled and hugged the young fox.
"You sure you're alright with this," she asked, pulling back slightly. "I know Sonic and I..."
"He'd want you to be happy," Tails said. "We all miss him, but...it's time to move on and pick up our lives, right?"
"Well said, young man."
All eyes turned to see who had spoken.
"Phoenix," Austin said. "What brings you here?"
"I decided to drop by and see how everything was going," the Entity replied.
He walked over towards the group. Stopping in front of Sally, he extended his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Sally," he said. "I'm Phoenix."
"Austin told me about you," Sally said, shaking his hand. "It's nice to finally meet you. Um, how long were you standing there, anyway?"
"Ahem. Long enough," he replied. Clearly he had seen that uncomfortable moment with Amy. "That hedgehog maiden has a fiery spirit."
"You have no idea," Sally said, absently rubbing her cheek. "I need to patch things up with her."
"If I might make a suggestion," Phoenix said. "I think Austin should talk to her."
"Whoa, what," Austin said. "Bad idea, Phoenix. I'm the last person she wants to see right now."
"I realize that," Phoenix said. "However, it's obvious you two need to clear the air between you. Especially if you intend to help the Freedom Fighters in their battle with Robotnik. Bad blood can prove dangerous."
Austin sighed. He couldn't deny Phoenix was right in that regard. Truth be told, he had been pondering along those very same lines of thought.
"But, how," he asked. "She hates me."
"I don't think it's a matter of hate," Sally said. "Amy's always had something of an attitude, but she's really a good person. I think she's looking for an outlet to vent her sorrow and frustrations. And you seem to be the intended target."
"Lucky me," Austin said. "Still, Phoenix is right. I'll go talk to her. I don't know how well it'll go, but I've got to try." He glanced in the direction Amy had stormed off. "Wish me luck, guys."
He left the group in search of Amy.
"You sure this is a good idea," Tails asked Phoenix.
"Trust me," Phoenix said. "This has to be done."
Sally watched Austin. She really hoped Phoenix knew what he was talking about.

It didn't take long for Austin to track down Amy. He found her at the very same pond he had found two days ago. She stood staring out at the water, tears running down her face. Austin took a deep breath. He would have to go about this carefully. The last time he and Amy had spoken at this spot, it hadn't ended well. He walked over and stood next to her. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Amy broke the silence.
"What do you want," she asked. "Did you come here to defend Sally's honor?"
"More or less," Austin replied. "Just to let you know, Sally's not mad at you. If anything, she regrets her words. But, that's not why I came here. You and I need to talk. It's time we cleared the air between us. Amy, why do you hate me so much? I realize you and the Freedom Fighters have been through so much, but you could have at least given me a chance." He glanced at her, waiting for a response. She remained quiet. He decided to try a different approach. It might make her mad, but he had to try. "Amy, do you feel like...I'm replacing Sonic?"
He noticed her tense up. That had provoked a reaction, just as he thought it would.
"C'mon, Amy," he prompted. "Please, say something. I know this has something to do with him."
"Leave Sonic out of this," Amy said. "You're not him and you'll never be him." She whirled around to face him. "You have no idea how I feel! You couldn't possibly understand!"
"You couldn't be any more wrong," Austin replied. "I do know what it's like to lose someone you love. I lost Jill. I loved her. So don't stand there and tell me I don't understand."
"So you just forget about her and steal Sally away, making her forget Sonic," Amy demanded.
"How dare you," Austin said, anger evident in his voice. "You think I'd forget Jill? Or Sally would forget Sonic? Amy, a part of me will always love Jill. And a part of Sally will always love Sonic. But we can't mourn them for the rest of our lives. After thinking I'd never know happiness again, Sally changed that. And she's happy again, too. Isn't your friend's happiness important to you?"
"And what about me," Amy yelled, tears coursing down her face. "Where's my happiness? I have no one now! Sonic's gone! He's gone and he's never coming back!" She collapsed to the ground sobbing. "It's not fair. Why did he have to die? Why couldn't I do anything to help him? IT'S NOT FAIR!"
Austin stared down at her, his earlier anger fading and being replaced by pity. He understood her sorrow. He had uttered those same words the day Jill was lost to him. Unbidden, he knelt down in front of Amy and, without a second thought, hugged her. Amy stiffened in surprise, but, surprisingly, didn't push him away.
"Amy," he whispered. "I understand. God knows I understand. For all my power and strength, I could do nothing to save Jill. Sometimes, there are just some things we can't prevent. I'm sorry, Amy. If you really want to take your anger out on me, then I won't stop you."
For a moment, she was quiet, then she threw her arms around him, sobbing. He held her in a comforting embrace as she let her sorrow and anguish out. Finally, after a few moments, she calmed down. Pulling back from him, she wiped her eyes, sniffling.
"I'm sorry, Austin," she said. "I've been so horrible to you. And Sally."
"You were hurting, Amy," Austin said. "You saw everyone starting to move on and you didn't know how to cope with it. But, you have to realize, what you said earlier, about not having anyone, you're wrong. You have your friends. Sally, Tails, Bunnie, Antoine, and Rotor, and....well, me. That is, if you want to be friends."
Amy smiled and hugged him. "Sure. I'd like that."
Austin smiled and hugged her back. "Glad to hear it. Because I'd sure hate to have you as an enemy. Especially with that giant hammer of your's."
Amy laughed and Austin found himself joining in. Then they left the pond and made their way back to the others, both of them feeling as if a great weight had been lifted.

Sally paced, wondering how Austin was doing. Everyone else stood nearby, waiting, each one just as anxious as her. Phoenix seemed the calmest out of all of them. He sat with his back against the hut, eyes closed as if in meditation. Sally envied him. He was cool as a cucumber.
"No need to fret so, Princess," Phoenix said, eyes still closed. "Everything will be just fine."
"I'm sure you're right," Sally replied. "But I can't help it. Maybe I should have gone with him."
"Austin can handle this," Phoenix assured her. "He has years of diplomatic training and his instincts will guide him well." His eyes finally opened. "In fact, I'd say it helped him quite well."
Sally gazed at him wondering just how he knew, when she heard Tails say, "Here they come."
Sally turned around and sure enough there was Austin and Amy, both talking and smiling. She sensed Phoenix come up behind her.
"You see," he said. "Nothing to worry about."
Austin and Amy came to a halt. The pink hedgehog walked up to Sally.
"Sally," she said. "I...I'm sorry I slapped you."
"No, Amy," Sally replied. "I should apologize to you. I was out of line with my words."
"Lets just agree we were both out of line," Amy said. "Friends again?"
Sally hugged her. "Of course."
Austin watched the two girls hug, smiling.
"Kind of gives you a warm feeling," he remarked to Phoenix.
"You did well, Austin," the Entity said.
"She just needed closure," Austin replied. "And someone to help her find it."
"Well, seeing as everything is under control, I'll take my leave," Phoenix said. "I'm glad it worked out with you and Sally."
"Thanks," Austin said. "And don't be a stranger. And give my regards to everyone at home."
Phoenix nodded and then disappeared.

Soon, everyone dispersed, leaving Austin alone with Sally. She sidled up next to him and he wrapped his arm around her.
"You actually did it," Sally said. "I'll admit I was worried for a moment. Amy can be stubborn. I didn't think she'd open up to you."
"I wasn't entirely sure it would work," he admitted. "But, it did, thank god."
"And a good thing, too," Sally said, her tone turning serious. "Don't forget, we have that mission tomorrow."
Austin nodded. He hadn't forgotten. They were all going to need to work together on this. All the more reason he was glad he and Amy were now on friendly terms.
"By the way," Sally said, "We're having a meeting later to discuss the mission."
"Got it," he said.
"But, before we get to that," Sally said, smiling, "How about we go for a walk?"
"I'd be delighted," he replied. "I know a nice little spot for some alone time."
Sally giggled. "Lead on, good sir."
They walked off, hand in hand.

Later that afternoon...
Sally and Austin had returned to her hut in preparation for the upcoming meeting. Just as they were walking up to the hut, a voice called out to them. Austin turned around and someone latched on to him. He gazed down and saw Cream smiling up at him.
"Hello, Mister Austin," she greeted him.
"Well, hello, Cream," he replied, ruffling her hair.
Sally smiled and then noticed Vanilla walking towards them.
"Hey, Vanilla," Sally said. "What brings you and your daughter here?"
"Oh, we just wanted to stop by and see how everyone was doing," Vanilla said. She turned to Austin. "And, we brought you something, Austin." She held out a pie. "Just a little something to thank you for saving Cream the other day."
"Aww, Vanilla, you shouldn't have," Austin said. "Thank you."
Sally took the pie and sniffed it appreciatively. "Mmm. Without a doubt, Vanilla, you make the best pies. We can enjoy this while we have our meeting."
"Meeting," Vanilla asked.
"We're discussing a plan to infiltrate Robotropolis tomorrow," Austin explained.
"Oh, my," Vanilla gasped. "Sally, you know I worry whenever you and the others go on these missions."
"I know, Vanilla," Sally smiled warmly at the mother rabbit. "I understand the dangers, we all do. But if we don't do this, who will?"
"I suppose," Vanilla said.
"Can we sit on the meeting, Miss Sally," Cream asked.
"I don't see why not," Sally replied. "Although it might be pretty boring."
Austin lifted Cream into his arms. "Well, perhaps Cream and Vanilla could also join us for some pie while we have the meeting. What do you say, kiddo?"
"Can we, mommy," Cream asked.
"Well, if Sally doesn't mind," Vanilla said. "But make sure to be on your best behavior."
"Okay," Cream said.
She and Austin turned and entered the hut.
"Cream seems to have taken a shine to Austin," Sally said.
"Speaking of which," Vanilla said. "How are things between you and Austin?"
"Just fine, actually," Sally said, sighing happily.
"And how did everyone take it," Vanilla asked.
"Everyone's okay with it," Sally assured her. "It was touch and go with Amy, but, fortunately, she and Austin have reconciled with each other."
Thank goodness," Vanilla said. "I'm relieved to hear that."
"Let's get inside," Sally said. "Everyone will be showing up soon."

Several moments later, the Freedom Fighters were gathered in Sally's hut. Vanilla sat on the opposite side of Sally while Cream was sitting on Austin's lap. Both of them were tucking in to their slices of pie with gusto. The other Freedom Fighters were also enjoying the pastry as well.
"So, now that we're all here," Sally spoke up, "Let's get this meeting started. As you all know, tomorrow, we will infiltrate Robotnik's new bot factory. Now, our inside sources have reported that most of the Swat-Bots will be offline for maintenance. With so few bots to worry about, this will be the perfect time to strike. Naturally, we can assume Robotnik will no doubt have some means of defense set up until the process is done."
"In other words, we can expect a trap," Amy said.
"How could it be a trap if we know it's a trap," Austin said, grinning.
Amy shot him a withering glare. "Oh, ha, ha. Very funny."
"But, seriously," Austin said, "You're right. Chances are Robotnik might have a nasty surprise waiting for us."
"Fortunately, our information has provided us with what we need to bypass any surprises," Sally said. "Now, the shutdown will commence at 0700 hours. We're going to be at Robotropolis a half hour before that. The moment the shutdown commences, we move in. Once we reach the factory, Tails, Antoine, Rotor and I will sneak in and plant the explosives. While we're doing that, Austin, Bunnie and Amy will provide cover in case any Swat-Bots show up. You 3 are our heavy hitters so we'll be counting on you to deal with any trouble."
"No problem," Austin said. "Any bot that gets in my way, goes to the scrap heap."
"Providing I leave any for you to smash up," Amy said, grinning challengingly.
Austin nodded. "You're on, Miss Rose."
"Alright, you two," Sally said. "Save it for tomorrow. Now, then, Rotor?"
Rotor brought up a round, flat object. "Here are the explosives we'll be using. Tails and I have been working round the clock to boost the explosive power. We want to make sure there's nothing left of that factory or it's contents."
"Once we get these put in place," Sally explained, "We'll set the timer for 10 minutes. Then we run for it and if all goes as planned, the factory is reduced to cinders."
"It sounds risky," Vanilla said.
"I wish all of you didn't have to go there," Cream said.
"Believe me, Cream," Austin said. "I wish we didn't have to either. But, Robotnik has to be stopped. People like him, they don't care about the suffering of others. They think they can do whatever they want and they're not afraid to step on others to get what they want. But that's where we come in. The one's who won't take things lying down."
"Hear, hear," Amy agreed.
"Don't worry, Cream," Sally said. "We'll be careful." She addressed everyone else. "Alright, everyone, that should do it. Make sure to get plenty of rest tonight. We move out early. And on that note, this meeting is adjourned."
Everyone stood up and filed out, talking among themselves about the impending mission. Vanilla stood up and took Cream from Austin.
"We should be going now," she said. "I hope you all enjoyed the pie."
"It was delicious, Vanilla, thank you," Sally said. "And don't worry, we'll be fine."
"I know," Vanilla said. "But as a mother, I tend to worry about you and your friends."
Sally hugged her. "And we're lucky to have you, Vanilla."
Vanilla smiled, then she turned and left, Cream following her.
"Bye, Miss Sally. Bye, Mister Austin," she called back. "Good luck on your mission tomorrow."
Austin waved back, then noticed the doll Cream was holding. The same one she had found the day he had rescued her. Was it his imagination, or had that doll's eyes flashed? He suppressed a shiver. Something about that doll creeped him out.

That night, Austin settled into bed, watching Sally brushing her red hair. After she had finished, she made her way over to the bed and climbed in. Crawling under the blankets, she snuggled up against Austin. He placed his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.
"So, you ready for tomorrow," he asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied.
She scooted closer, sighing, reveling in his comforting warmth. They both drifted off to sleep, despite the impending mission and dangers it held.

Robotropolis...
Snively entered Robotnik's command center, a piece of paper in his hand.
"Sir, our spy has sent us some Intel," he said, holding up the paper.
Robotnik took the paper and glanced over it. He nodded, smiling in wicked anticipation.
"Is everything in place, Snively," he asked.
"Yes, sir," Snively replied. "Our foes will find a warm welcome waiting for them tomorrow."
"Excellent," Robotnik said. "I can't wait."

End of Chapter Seven...