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Chapter Text

It has been over a year since the last fight Sonic and his friends had with Robotnik, and everything has been going along peacefully since it happened. Everything Sonic wanted has become real, he always thought he had to stay hidden forever, lurking in the shadows and never interact with the residents of Green Hills, it was such a feeling of joy he didn't think he'd feel. All he ever did before was sneak to Tom and Maddie's house to secretly watch movies with them, mess around with Crazy Carl who always talked about him, and just collected whatever random stuff he could " Buy" and bring it to his little cave he had. But after a little incident at the baseball field, where his powers got out of control and he alerted the government of his presence, he had no choice but to leave. But after getting shot by Tom's tranq gun and losing his rings, it resulted in him and Tom going on a road trip to San Francisco and getting them back.

It led to a lot of fun things, from fighting in a bar Quicksilver style, scarring the crap out of auntie Rachel, wiping out some crazy robots, and tossing Robotnik into the Mushroom planet, after that, Sonic ended up joining Tom and his wife Maddie as a part of they're family. And with him beloved by the people of Green Hills after saving them all, Sonic was just really happy to finally have people to talk to, just being able to talk with friends and have fun meant to much to him after living alone on Earth for over 10 years. He got to join a baseball team which he often won the teams games thanks to his totally overpowered batting skills, he had a home, a family, and they were someone who can be there for him when he needed to talk about his sad past after Longclaw had to send him to Earth, he still misses her a lot, even after all these years..

But now, his best year yet was coming to an end, his parents in law saw he was responsible enough to be left on his own while they went to a trip at Hawaii for Rachel's wedding, and he had all the time in the world to himself. But while he thought it would just be fun wacky times, something happened, Robotnik had returned, and he wasn't alone. This time, he brought with him an Echidna named Knuckles, a strong and deadly warrior when encountering him, the two broke out into a fight which Sonic was almost killed by, but at the last second, he was saved by a two tailed Fox named Miles Tails Prowler. After that, they went on an adventure to Siberia to find a special compass that led them to a long lost artifact known as the Master Emerald, while Tails had kinda been stalking him since the explosion, he was still a fun person to hang around with during the time. 

And in only two days, everything changed for the better, he was able to realize and accept Tom and Maddie being his parents, Knuckles had finally understood Robotnik was a bad egg and was defeated once again as a team, and he and Tails joined the family as well. And while it was great to have alien friends like him around the house, he still had a tough time adapting with it, but he was able to get a hang with it by spending a bit less time with his parents, and more time with his new brothers.

However, there was one tiny problem they had never forgotten about, the rest of the world. No one aside from the residents of Green Hills knew who Sonic was, and since the government couldn't hide a gigantic robot that was sweeped up and disposed of after it was defeated, it was most likely the world was worried about him. News and dozens of organizations had tried  getting as much as info on the aliens they could, some people tried to infiltrate the town to see them in person, to decide whether or not they're a threat, and this really did make them all anxious, even Knuckles wasn't sure of how to react to this since he's usually the " Big strong, tough guy" So it was unique for them all. 

And then G.U.N. Happened, the Guardian Units of Nation were created to catch, imprison, and if needed to, kill whatever dangers that came from alien life. And while they did plan to capture them when Robotnik showed up, they realized they had needed they're help if something like this happened again with that lunatic, so they had to keep this quite the best they could, but they also had to spy on them to make sure of it as well..

Sonic and his friends were able to catch soldiers who were spying on the town, it's been happening for about 4 months at this point, and it really didn't make his parents that happy,  they tried calling the government to stop it, but they lied by saying that they hadn't sent soldiers over there.. which made Knuckles punch a tree down in frustration for their lies, they literally found one soldier hiding in the bushes near they're house, and that was for the third time in a week. But at least it means no conspiracy theorists can infiltrate they're home, or get calls from random strangers" interested" In them. And they made sure a perimeter was set up around the town, to make sure no one coming in or out was doing anything suspicious. 

While none of them wanted this, at least this meant it was peaceful. But recently, they had noticed the soldiers had started to just vanish from Green hills, it must mean they were deemed safe enough for Earth, which brought some relief to the family. 

And now, we cut to a year and a half later after Sonic's explosion incident, Sonic and his brothers were getting up to eat breakfast, and getting ready for the Baseball game Sonic was having later today. Knuckles got used to the food on Earth, but he often just at Grapes because they were his favorite food, which was kinda funny to see. And as of now, the group was at the family table, waiting to eat what Maddie was making today.

"Are you excited for your baseball game today Sonic?" Maddie asked eagerly while she put the pancakes she was making on everyone's plates.

"Oh absolutely! You know i'm gonna have a ton of fun there today!" Sonic said quickly stuffing his face with them while Knuckles just picked one up with his massive hand.

"I do not understand why you get excited about these simple games Sonic, you don't get to dishonor anyone in those games at all, where's the fun in that?" Knuckles asked taking a large bite of it which didn't bother them at this point. Knuckles did have trouble with social cues and understanding the rules of baseball, he literally used his fist to score a home run the first time they played it, and it kinda made him not allowed to play it with how extreme he takes competition like this.

"It's mainly the  rules and strategies that make it fun you know? It's not about dishonor, it's about following along and having fun with everyone else!" Sonic said with his mouth full while Knuckles was confused even more.

"Sonic, please swallow your food." Tom asked which made Sonic gulp the pancakes down and he coughed just a little bit, and Tails decided to help explain this more to Knux to help. 

"What he's trying to say is that baseball is just a game, you don't dishonor anyone, it's the rules and strategies that make it fun, and when your great at them, it can really prove to be a great time." Tails said positively while finishing one of his own, while Tails is able to understand the rules perfectly, he's just a bit too young to join at this point, but he'll catch up in a few years.

"Exactly, no dishonor for anyone, just fun and games." Sonic said nodding at this statement while Knuckles didn't understand still.

"I still don't understand your excitement for this base of ball hedgehog, but i'll be watching the game today to try and understand why." Knuckles said in a sincere tone.

"Oh believe me, i know you will." Sonic said while they continued eating they're food. 

After some good breakfast, the Wachowski family made they're way to the baseball field, and while they thought they could get they're before the major crowd came, it was already surrounded by a bunch of people half an hour before the game even started. 

So once they got they're, Sonic was wished luck by his family while he went to get ready for the game. 

Sonic was eager to get ready to playing the game, he'd been so happy to be spending his time having fun and not using his speed to win games all the time, but he'll speed up at a proper pace to make things all the more fair. To think the first time he tried playing baseball, the field he was in was an empty barren place, no one to talk with, and no one to at least play with. But as everyone was getting themselves ready for the game.. something happened..

A golden circle appeared directly in the center of the field, it turned the happy talks and eager words of the people there, into ones of fear and concern for what that is. The circle spun around perfectly while Sonic and his friends were shocked to see this. Who would put a ring on the middle of a baseball field?! That doesn't make any sense, but while they thought it was Eggman, it couldn't be, he was presumed dead at this point.

But whatever was coming through it, it may be dangerous, and they had to be ready to fight it.

"Knuckles, Tails, whatever comes through that portal, we have to be ready for it." Sonic said getting in his fighting pose.

"No problem Sonic." Tails said seriously while pulling out one of his devices.

"i will dishonor whatever comes through it!" Knuckles said bashing his fists together with rage, this made all the residents and his family move back so they could do they're thing without causing casualties, they all were really concerned about what's happening, but hoped they can stop it.

As Sonic and his family stood at the ready in front of the ring portal, something unexpected came through it, something familiar. It looked like an owl figure that was weakly standing on it's feat, it was holding it's side painfully and it looks injured, and just as it enters Earth, the portal vanishes completely. Sonic's eyes widened in complete shock seeing this, Tails gasped in shock seeing this too, while Knuckles was confused on why an owl was here, but for Sonic.. he recognized her instantly..

"L.. Longclaw?!" Sonic asked shocked to see that she was here, she was alive, really alive. But was injured, when all of them thought she was dead.

Sonic only stared at the sight in front of him, he couldn't even think straight with the state of shock he was in, he thought she was dead, but she.. isn't.. The Owl looked to the group and saw Knuckles, and knowing they're rivalry with eachother.. she thought she was an enemy.

"S.. stay back Echidna!.." Longclaw said both weakly and with anger while raising her spear, Sonic knew that voice, it was Longclaw's voice, even after all these years.. he still remembers her calm, and assuring voice that always made him feel calm when around her.

After seeing the Echidna, Longclaw turned her head to the rest of the group, and had a look of complete shock seeing Sonic, she must've come to find him..

"S.. Sonic? Y.. your okay?" She asked both shocked an uncertain it's really him, but Sonic knew it was, but he noticed she was too injured, and began to fall.

He didn't waste a single second to run to her and catch her just as she passed out from whatever pain she was feeling, he didn't even have the time to talk with her before she passed out.. but he knows it's her.. she's alive.. how?.. how did she make it? With her injuries, her wings were crushed and twisted up in ways that wouldn't allow her to fly without proper medical care, and she had battle scars and her feathers were ruffled extremely roughly. The residents of the town were really shocked and confused at this sight, they thought she was an enemy at first, but Sonic's look may mean she isn't..

"Sonic.. what.. what do we do?" Tails asked while he and Knuckles were in complete shock of this, but there was one thing that was obvious..

"We.. we have to help her.." Sonic declared holding onto her  body as the group tried to process the sight of the giant owl in front of them..

Chapter Text

After Longclaw appeared within the Baseball feel of Green Hills, Sonic and his friends had the people calm down and let her know she wasn't a threat, but they needed to bring her to their house to help heal her up, Sonic stayed silent for the trip back home, the last time he saw her, she was presumably killed by those Echidna's, how did she survive? Was this all a trick? Just.. how is she here? And what took her so long to make it back here after Sonic went to Earth? 

Soon enough, everyone brought Longclaw to the Wachowski house. Well once they were able to bring a giant owl into their home that is, she was up to Tom's height for comparison and was pretty heavy, and she was heavily injured after they found her, or more accurately, she found them, but they needed to tend to her wounds to help her.

Maddie and Tom helped patch the injuries up, she had taken a lot of strong and tough hits, her wings were really twisted up and looked nearly broken, her talons were twisted and had some blood marks on them, and they had to be careful since her feathers were actually pretty sharp for an owl, it must be because she is a warrior like her tribe was said to be, but Tom had to check her pulse to make sure she was alive, and thankfully, she was, it was beating slowly, but it was still beating none the less. 

Hearing that she was alive made Sonic's heart beat faster then it normally does, far faster then a normal human heartbeat to be precise because of his powers. Sonic tried processing what they had just been dealt the best they can, Knuckles tried meditating on the roof to process this, it was one of the things he did to help focus his mind, and since his tribe and Longclaw's have a history together, he would need to figure out how to make her see he's a friend, and not an enemy. For Tails, he was helping make medicines that can help heal her faster, Tails can make Tv's out of paperclips, he's got an IQ that Eggman wishes he could match up too, so maybe he'll figure out something soon, and Sonic just stayed in the living room, trying to process what he's seeing before him. 

Longclaw was alive, she was hurt, but alive, she was actually alive. She had been missing for over 10 years at this point, Sonic thought she was killed by the echidna's when he was just a child, it was his fault that they found them in the first place.. maybe if he wasn't so reckless, she may have come to Earth with him?

Sonic doesn't know how to process this, he doesn't know if he should be happy about this, he had almost moved on from her at this point, he only had one feather to remember her by, and a few leftover rings that Knuckles had since he has them up his gloves.. don't ask. But Sonic was also trying to process what he heard from her the last time, she said he had to stay hidden in order to stay safe, there would be people who wouldn't stop chasing after him because of his powers, and he shouldn't interact with anyone on Earth, but she was wrong, and Tom proved that, he was the first person that proved her wrong, and he was the one that helped him finally have a family here, and live on Earth happily. 

Yes, there were people like Eggman and the Government that wanted to use him as nothing more than a experiment to figure out how to extract his powers, not that it would help at all, since it would result in they're machines blowing up from it's overwhelming amount that was like the Master Emeralds honestly. But there was also the kind people that lived in this town, the people that had fun with him and really liked what he can do, and his family, Tom and Maddie, the people who he could consider his father and mother.

But that's when Sonic realized something, not only is Longclaw back, but so is his first mother too, the mother that helped give him the life he had, he was raised by her during the first few years of his life, and she always cared for him during his time, he doesn't remember how he ended up with her in the first place, but maybe one day Longclaw will tell him.. but still.. she was the first person who helped give him the life he has now.

And that's when Sonic was starting to worry about something, was he gonna have to force to choose one of his mother's? Maddie or Longclaw? They both have done so much for him during his years living with them, even when Maddie's been like a second Longclaw to him, Longclaw was like his Obi Wan Kenobi, and she always looked after him when he was sick, got hurt from trying to much with his running, and overall just cared for him like any mother should, and would he have to choose between them both? Would they start getting into arguments about who's the better mother? 
 

Sonic's heart felt like it was aching after these overwhelming thoughts, whenever this happened, Sonic could start to feel his power surge up, it happened like this back during the night at the Baseball field, being so along and not having anyone to talk to and help him out gave him so much trouble, and deep down, despite his goofy moments, when he was alone for so dang long, events like these can cause his powers to surge up, and his back was starting to spark up with blue lightning. 

Sonic was breathing really fast as his thoughts overwhelmed him, she had finally come back into his life after so long, and with what could come from this could be too much for him, But Sonic tried using his coping techniques Maddie helped teach him, he tried breathing slowly and calmly, but he didn't know if they were working, and that's when his family caught notice of this too. 

"Sonic? Is everything alright?" Maddie asked turning away from tending to Longclaw for a bit while his sparks were flaring up a bit more. 

He must've gotten everyone's attention since he hasn't said a single thing since they found her back at the field, and it made sense why they knew something was wrong.

"No.. I don't know.." Sonic said quietly while having tears as the sparks on his back were flaring up even more, Tails and Knuckles finally came into the room after trying to process this themselves, and saw Sonic's state of worry. 

They saw Sonic was in a state he's never in during they're time together, he had always been the happy goofy hedgehog they know him as, so seeing him in this state was worrying to all of them. 

"What's wrong Sonic?" Tails asked while he and everyone else in the room was worried, even Knuckles was worried since he knows how hard this could be to process, if his father was the one who came back, it would be way worse for him probably.

Sonic knew that it's okay to show he's having trouble processing something, he had learned all of this during his time spent with his family, they all had their moments to show they're emotions, even Knuckles did too since he's the last of his kind. 

Knowing they need to hear his thoughts on what's overwhelming him, and he had to say it now before he has an outburst that shut's down the country's power again.

I.. I don't know how to process this, what if she wants to take me back after all these years? Did she come back to take me home? Take me from you? What if I'm just gonna be forced into choosing one of my family's?" Sonic asked as his tears were becoming more like a waterfall while his sparks were flaring up even more which worried everyone.

"I.. I just don't know who to choose, or if I'm even ready for something like this!" Sonic said as his voice was becoming more desperate and the lights in the house started to flicker, and they needed to help him with this before something bad happens.

"Hedgehog, calm down, you are losing focus, you won't be able to explain this to us if you freak out like this." Knuckles advised while everyone tried to help him too while Tom came up to him to help too. 

"Sonic.. kid, look at me, I know this is tough, but I promise we'll convince her it's safe here, sure she has high tech weapons and could easily crush us if she wasn't injured, but we will help her know it's safe here." Tom said while he tried to calm him down.

"But how? How can we convince her since she thought Earth is.. dangerous for us?" Sonic asked as that was what she last told him before she stayed behind. 

"Sonic, isn’t it obvious? The whole world knows about us at this point, but we're still safe, G.U.N may still be stalking us at points, but I'm pretty sure they see we mean no harm at this point, and if they can see we're friends, why not Longclaw too? We just need to show her that this place is safe too." Tails said trying to keep things positive, and that made Sonic look surprised with hearing that fact. 

Sonic's sparks finally disappeared after hearing this, while it is true she told him the only way to stay safe is to stay hidden, she was proven wrong, and the people of this world had accepted them all at this point, even if some people are hesitant with them, they saved Earth from Eggman and showed why they're allies, and even if Sonic needed to talk with Longclaw about this later, this was something that could help her see that she was wrong, and it's safe here.

After a few moments of thinking, he finally began to calm down, and realized that he was right. 

"Thanks, little bro. I really needed that, especially after a shock like this.." Sonic said as he finally began to smile again, and Knuckles decided to help out with this too. 

"You truly are a mighty warrior to endure such conflicting thoughts, it takes a lot to process moments like this, you should be proud of this." Knuckles said with a sincere look, he had ways of encouraging his family when they needed it, he even helped Tom get more exercise in during a few points.

And Sonic had noticed that even during the time Knuckles has been living here, despite him not showing much emotion at times, deep down he is a caring person who looks after others, especially his family, it was a way to show how much he appreciated the family he had now. Especially since he had told them all one day that he had to bury his parents, and tribe since they were all wiped out during their last encounter, and if Longclaw somehow was able to do it, it explains her injuries and shows how strong of a warrior she really is, but they all should be glad Knuckles is trying to help too. 

"And don’t worry brother, while the owl's were longtime enemy's of my tribe, I won't show any hostility towards her, after all, she is your first mother, the one that made you the warrior you are today." Knuckles assured while patting his back. 

Hearing that from Knuckles really helped him calm down, especially since she and the Echidna's have been fighting for centuries over the Master Emerald.

"Unless, after we explain everything to her, she isn't so civil to me, and is more hostile to me because of our history" Knuckles finished turning into a blank expression again which lessened  the impact of that a bit. 

"Thanks, Knux. That means a lot" Sonic said with a smile, while Tom and Maddie glared a bit at him for saying that, it was confusing to him a bit, but he simply shrugged it off. 

But Sonic knew Longclaw wouldn't be hostile to him, after all he had known her as a child.. right? 

Even if she had raised him.. he didn't know what she's done for over 10 years, was she on a war torn world where she couldn't reach him after so long? Did she have a reason to leave him at all? Just what would've changed if she came for him much sooner, but Maddie came into help assure him some more. 

"See, Sonic, everything's gonna be fine, you'll have your parents and brothers with you, even if Longclaw will be shocked to see all of us, we'll help her realize we're just as important to you." Maddie assured while all of them smiled too.

"T-Thank you, all of you." Sonic said gratefully while he started crying for a bit, but this time not from sadness but from happiness. His family all came in to give him a hug to help assure him some more, and he felt relief from all of them. 

But once they were done helping Sonic again, Maddie went back to Longclaw who was on the couch, but she noticed something on her side.. something that looked familiar..

"Is that an arrow?" Sonic asked as he recognized it.. it looked like the exact same arrow that she was struck with years ago..

"Yes, I found it stuck by her side. It looks really recent, like something shot her with it.." Maddie said showing him it, but Knuckles had a look of shock seeing it. 

"Mother, that arrow looks like... the ones from my tribe?" Knuckles asked with shock as he realized this type almost instantly, his tribe had distinct ways of making they're arrows different from other tribes. 

Everyone stopped and had a look of shock as Knuckles said that, he was supposed to be the last of his tribe, did this mean there were more left? 

"But... aren’t you the last Echidna, Knuckles?" Tom asked looking at the arrow himself while Knuckles held it with his huge glove.

"Yes, I am… or at least.. I thought I was..." Knuckles said still not knowing how to declare what's going on. 

"I’m pretty sure that was the same arrow that got Longclaw so long ago.." Sonic said as he never forgot the day she tried escaping the Echidna's, and that arrow looked to have hit her in the same place when they tried escaping. 

Everyone looked even more confused than before hearing this, Sonic's head was starting to ache since this didn't make any sense, but after close examination, Tails seemed to realize something about that arrow. 

"What if it was time travel?" Tails suggested which made everyone look surprised for a second. 

"Time travel? What do you mean by that?"  Maddie asked looking confused with what Tails suggested. This was just as confusing, Time travel never makes story's easy to understand unless it's properly explained, even Sonic has trouble with the movies he's seen Time travel be used during his time here, but that's when Tails started to explain what he means. 

"Back in Mobius, I remember reading that some rings will allow one to travel through time under certain circumstances, so if Longclaw was in such a state that she needed to escape in any way, this could explain why she looks the same since you last saw her Sonic." Tails explained while holding out the arrow. That's when they realized it all made sense, and it's when Sonic also realized.. Longclaw hadn't left him. If she really did time travel to the future, that means somehow during his childhood, this same thing happened then, and it means Longclaw is the same person he remembers, it showed just how brilliant Tails really is. 

And, most importantly, Sonic felt so relieved to know this, and that she's still the caring mother he's known her as, and she hasn't abandoned him, it made Sonic finally calm down after wasting so much energy. 

"At this point, I’m not even surprised, given how rings work from what you've shown me." Tom said chuckling a little since they've seen this before dozens of times before. .

"So, she's still the same as she was 11 years ago? Similarly to what we saw in some moving pictures with those.. super heroes?" Knuckles asked as they watched some movies with that concept he's describing

"It’s called movies, Knucklehead, but yes, she's practically the same person.. I know and love.." Sonic said looking at her while she was breathing slowly. 

"She’s definitely going to be surprised seeing her little hedgehog all grown up after this isn't she?" Maddie asked joking a bit which made them all laugh a bit.

"Tell me about it! Oh man she is gonna be surprised!" Sonic said laughing a bit with the others,  and after finally having realized what's happened, they all calmed down and began looking over her again together, all they needed to do now is wait until she wakes up.. so they can hopefully explain to her what's happened..

Chapter Text

Sonic and the family had taken as much care as they could for Longclaw when she was still passed out, she still had a lot of injuries they needed to tend to her, and Maddie often had to patch them all up, Sonic had been trying to process all that's happened still even after his family assuring him, the thought of his long lost mother suddenly coming back is a lot, especially since the last time he saw her was really traumatizing as a child, Tails and Knuckles had their own experiences of trauma in ways as well, Knuckles being a warrior has obviously seen some horrific things that no human would survive against, Tails always had bad problems that were thanks to his two tails that let him fly, and Sonic may have gotten the worst of it with him seeing Longclaw face off against warriors that could've killed them. 

Crazy Carl had arrived late last night to give Tom and Maddie something for Longclaw, since the town was assured by Sonic that she's a friend, and someone far closer to Sonic, he came to gave them some.. mice he hunted down since Longclaw is an Owl, they had a rough time explaining to him that she basically may have time traveled through the ring portal, it may not make much sense, but Tom and Maddie don't know much about rings aside from them teleporting them to other parts of the universe. 

Tails was still working on any medicines he could use to help Longclaw, Knuckles meditated by his side and ignored any loud noises he could make, and Sonic slept the night away while still wondering how this is gonna affect him with his family, and he wonders if Longclaw will either join them, or go home herself after some time of understanding he's safer here with his family, even if he's with an Echidna. 

The next day had arrived not too long after, the family had all woken up like normal after a night of sleep, and they were in the living room eating breakfast while still watching over Longclaw, she was breathing slowly and calmly at this point, and looked more stable then she did before, Sonic sighed sadly seeing her state, and felt awful seeing her like this.

"You doing alright buddy?" Tom asked worried while they looked over her too.

"I'm.. alright, it's just.. to think Longclaw fought against all those Echidna's.. and survived.. she went through so much pain while doing it, but it was all so she could find me again.." Sonic said while he rubbed her head while the others were concerned.

"The Owl's were the most formidable foe my tribe ever had brother, they were able to stand against a warrior who was driven mad with power from the Master Emerald, and survive a battle against him, Longclaw is just as skilled as those warriors, and if she survived against my kind.. even if she had to.. kill the rest of them, it shows how strong she is Sonic, and how much she cares for you." Knuckles said calmly while everyone felt sad hearing that.

"You were left alone after that day right? If you ever knew what happened to Longclaw, would you have told me it the first night we met as a sort of intimidation, or when we were on the beach, would you have told me what happened?" Sonic asked curious if that would've happened.

"I don't know what I would've done, Longclaw escaping and somehow surviving an injury like this is a feat on itself, but.. I think the best time to tell you would've been at that beach, we had grown past our time as enemy's, and now had become brothers, and joined the family, it's only best you know everything we know so we can trust eachother." Knuckles replied sternly while Tails was tinkering around a bit.

"Yeah, family shouldn't keep things from them, and if you still call Longclaw your mother, she shouldn't keep secrets from you either right? I know you were just 3 years old at the time, but it makes me wonder what would've happened if you and her had come to Earth together?" Tails asked while he tried making some more medicine for her.

"Tails is right, to think she was the reason we're all here in the first place is, something we all should be grateful for, we wouldn't have the amazing family we have now if it wasn't for.. her." Tom said looking at her regretfully.

"Hey, it's gonna be okay guys, if Longclaw was the same person you knew her as the last time you saw her, then you shouldn't be worried about it, tell me, what did you see her as when you lived with her?" Maddie asked while sitting down next to him.

"I saw her as.. a kind, strong, wise and caring mother, someone who would do anything to protect me, she always tried to hide my powers from the other villagers back on Mobius, but I was too reckless, and it's why I'm here now.." Sonic said with a tear while he relived that horrible memory.

"Hey, it's gonna be okay buddy, if you remember her as a mother, she's still the same person you know her as, we'll help her through this, we're family, and she is too if she wants it, just know no matter what, we're always here for you." Tom assured while he came in to give Sonic a Power Bump, Sonic smiled at this and returned the bump which made them chuckle a bit.

"Thanks guys, now we'll just have to assure the  government she's not a threat if they hear about her, remember what they did to me and Tails? They didn't even get to know us before labeling us as dangerous aliens, we need to make sure that doesn't happen with her." Sonic said while they remembered what happened at the wedding.

"Right, those government guys are hard to convince, but I'm sure they don't' see you guys as threats anymore after all the.. spying they did for us." Maddie said still upset they did that for a month or so.

"No offence hedgehog, but your government is pretty stupid, our tribes at least make sure we know who we're dealing with before labeling them as either an enemy or ally, humans need to stop jumping to conclusions, and look deeper into things so they truly understand what we are." Knuckles said while clutching his fists.

"That's just how things are brother, but I'm sure we'll help them see she's a friend, just like how we are." Tails assured while he finished making a bottle of medicine for her.

"Thanks buddy, you think that stuff will help her recover faster?" Sonic asked hopefully while he put it on a shelf for later.

"I looked into the Owl's health conditions while we were waiting, I made sure to find every important detail, I'm sure it will work." Tails assured which made the family feel more relieved.

"Thanks buddy, your the best. Now all we need to do is wait until she.." Sonic suddenly heard a groan just as he was about to finish, they all looked over to Longclaw and saw she was moving again, and they knew what was to come next.

"Wakes up.." Sonic finished while they all stood up and got ready for this.

Longclaw felt pain all over as she was finally beginning to wake up, the last thing she remembered is her trying to save Sonic from all those Echidna's who attacked them, she tried to open her eyes slowly, her head was stirring and she could see a faint light appearing as she opened them, she knew she needed to recover as soon as she can, her child was still out there alone, and didn't have her with him, he was young and may put himself in danger, she needed to get up..

"Longclaw?" A voice asked which got her attention, she recognized that voice, it was Sonic's, it sounded a bit deeper then she last remembered, but perhaps it's because she still hurts bad, her left wing still hurts after being shot by that arrow, and the fall she took, not to mention all the additional hits she took when she fought off all those Echidna's. But she couldn't just sit around, she needed to move.

Longclaw groaned as she was finally opening her eyes, the light in her vision blinded her for a moment, but she tried focusing it as much as she could, she could see a familiar figure on her right side, a familiar hedgehog, a much bigger hedgehog then she knows, but it was still.. him..

"S.. Sonic?" Longclaw asked weakly while while she was finally able to see him, he looked a lot older then she last saw him, he had green eyes with darker quills compared to his child self, he had strange shoes on his feet, and looked both worried, and relieved to see her. 

"Longclaw.. it's.. really you.." Sonic said with tears before he suddenly gave her a hug, not one that would hurt her, but to help comfort her, Longclaw tried to hug him back but still felt pain on her body when trying to move.

"Sonic.. is.. that.. you?" Longclaw asked confused while he had some sparks coming from his back. 

"It's me, it's really me Longclaw.." Sonic said softly while she tried focusing her vision, but when she blinked  to finally focus her eyes, she had a look of shock in what she saw, she saw two humans right besides him, they looked concerned for her, and she already was getting worried on what's happening.

"Sonic? What's going on? Where are we? Who are they?" Longclaw asked looking at them who were worried on how to explain this.

Longclaw felt her memories rushing through her as she remembered her life and looked at any way they could've harmed him, but she didn't see any on him thankfully, Sonic didn't look injured or hurt at all, in fact he looked better then he did when he lived with her, she always tried taking care of him the best she could, she and Sonic were on the run from the Echidna's often back in her time with him, they rarely had time to stop and enjoy where they lived, and they often had to hide from the other Mobians to avoid causing alert, while she was good at hiding in areas with him, getting food for him wasn't something that was easy, especially when those monsters chased after them.. and she wouldn't let them hurt him. She's dealt with plenty of Echidna's in her life, all in the name of protecting him, she's been the last Owl since they.. killed her own parents..

After a long silence of waiting for an answer, Sonic nervously tried giving her one.

"This.. is where I'm living now, they've taken great care of me since I joined the family, and I haven't gone through any trouble since." Sonic answered while Tom and Maddie stood behind him. Longclaw took that info the best she could, this could only mean one thing, that they know about who he is, and where he's come from, who she is, and why he's even here. If they were taking care of him since he met them, then that must mean they know.

"Does that mean.. you know about me? About.. us?" Longclaw asked looking at the two, she tried getting up from the couch and used what strength she had left to move, she may be injured, but she's honestly felt near Death experiences before. 

"Yes.." They both replied silently, she needed confirmation that they knew about him, and where he's from, humans won't just take aliens like them into their care without understanding what happened to them, but they seemed to know enough about where he's from, but the question is, for how long?

"How long has he been staying with you? When was he.. discovered?" Longclaw asked trying to understand all of this. She's just worried if they know about him, they know about his powers, and they might've tried taking advantage of them.

"A year and a half at this point." Tom answered honestly not a second later.

That explains a bit why Sonic looks so much older then she last remembers, she only saw him a few minutes ago in her eyes, did she fall into a coma from the injuries? Sonic looks so much older then the little cute guy that she often cradled with her wings for comfort, but how is that possible?

"A.. year and a half?" Longclaw asked again not understanding how he looks so much older.

"Longclaw, when was the last time you saw me? How long ago was it for you?" Sonic asked testing out Tails's theory.

"It was.. a few minutes ago for me, how long.. was it for you?" Longclaw asked getting worried being asked that.

"For me.. it was.. 10 years ago.." Sonic answered honestly, this shocked her beyond belief, 10 years? How is that possible? Did the rings have a malfunction to them? What could have caused this to happen? This means he went through his childhood without her there, and survived on his own for so long.. without anyone with him until recently, but while she was trying to process this info, two new figures appeared behind them again.

She took a close look at them, and noticed one of them was a cute yellow fox with.. two tails, who looked no older then eight, but looked to be a bright mind, but looking at the figure next to him.. she saw.. one of.. them..

"Stay back.. Echidna!" Longclaw said getting in a protective stance which was raising tension, Sonic came in the way between them so Knuckles wouldn't get hurt, or Longclaw couldn't hurt herself.

"Longclaw, it's okay. He's a friend." Sonic assured while holding her back, she looked even more surprised hearing this, she's been enemy's with the Echidna's for years, her tribe has with theirs for centuries, and to hear this.. it's so.. unbelievable. 

"He's.. a.. friend?" Longclaw asked in disbelief while looking at Knuckles.

"I assure you, I have no intent to harm you, or your son, I know who you are, but despite the.. complications our tribes have had, I'm beyond what they were, and only wish to move on from it, I hope you can understand that." Knuckles assured while backing up a bit. He sounded honest and true, that was something she never thought she'd hear from an Echidna considering.. what they've done to her kind, it was to use his powers.. to use.. the,,

"Knuckles is the last of his kind Longclaw, and that is a long story.." Maddie said while Sonic helped her up, she had so much to think about learning all of this, the Echidna's wanted Sonic so they can use his powers.. so they can use.. it's powers. 

"Come on, let's get some breakfast going, we'll tell you everything there." Tails said while they helped her move, Longclaw needed a lot to process so she can understand this, not only was her son so much older, he was living with an Echidna and two humans, and a cute little fox too, it was a lot they needed to explain, so she carefully joined  them in the kitchen to eat.

After they went down to sit and eat, everyone introduced themselves, she learned that the two humans names were Tom and Maddie Wachowski, the cute fox was named Miles Tails Prowler, but nicknamed Tails for short, and the.. Echidna's name was.. Knuckles, fitting. Longclaw was given some mice to eat which she didn't expect, but Sonic said it was because they didn't know if she could eat human food, so it was understandable, but what she saw in that.. refrigerator of theirs shocked her greatly.. it was.. the Master Emerald?!  If they knew about it, they know too much, and they know about Sonic's powers, it took her all she could not to break down in a mental way after seeing all of this happen in less then 10 minutes. 

Everyone looked uncomfortable while at the table together, Longclaw made sure to eat the mice in by covering it up so they wouldn't puke from it, she was trying to process this all, she didn't know what to do or say right now, knowing that these people, Tom and Maddie, know about Sonic, the Master Emerald, and most likely anything Sonic or Knuckles told them, it was too much, and it could put them in danger because they're dealing with stuff that would get most killed from even learning about it. After a few moments of silence, Longclaw finally decided to ask them more questions. 

"So.. who else knows about Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, was it more then the people at that.. place I ended up at?" Longclaw asked unsure of what to think.

"The whole town knows, but everyone loves and accepts him, he's been a fun person to hang around with for the past year, and they all don't mind him, Tails or Knuckles one bit." Tom answered while Longclaw had more.

"But.. what about the rest of the world? What do they know about us? What do they know about.. the Master Emerald?" Longclaw asked while looking back at the fridge, it took her a lot of effort not to storm there and place it in her wings for protection, it was too powerful to keep in such an unguarded place like this, it was endangering everyone here, there was a reason it was hidden for so many centuries. 

"Longclaw, it's alright, no one outside of Green Hills knows about the Master Emerald, the rest of the world doesn't even know we have it, or the rings, but while I know it's a lot to take it, it is a long story to tell." Maddie assured again while she turned back to them. 

"Then.. what exactly happened in the last.. 10 years for you Sonic?" Longclaw asked worried of what's to be told, Sonic sighed being asked that and prepared to explain everything.

"It's.. a lot to tell.." Sonic said before he took a deep breath, and began to explain everything.

Everyone sat at the table quietly as Sonic explained everything from the last 10 years, Longclaw had apparently time traveled through the ring she used to make it to Earth, the fox explained it may have been because of the situation she was in, and then, Sonic told her what he went through, over 9 years of being on the run, surviving alone on this world, to her it sounded like a nightmare, but for Sonic, he did have some fun seeing what Earth had to offer, and he wasn't seen thankfully because of his speed. He then explained how he met Tom and Maddie, then Tails and Knuckles, and how they were all accepted into the family after going through a lot together, but while she was interested to know this, to know this.. Dr Robotnik tried to kill them.. it made her want to rip out his throat for attempting to conquer Earth from using the Master Emerald. 

But this proved many things she thought about was wrong, not only did these people accept Sonic even if he's an alien and has powers, the place she ended up at was where Sonic's loneliness finally came to an end, after an.. emotional outburst that caused a Nationwide power outage, that's when he met Tom and Maddie, everything he told her gave her more relief knowing what's happened, it made her trust these humans a lot more knowing what they've done to help him, saving him from the government, and accepting him into their own, along with Tails and Knuckles after they came here too. 

She saw Sonic was happy after living here with them for over a year, she saw the humans were trustworthy after doing so much for him, Tom especially since he was the one who met Sonic in the first place, it made her see that Sonic saw these people as a family, like when he had her as a mother. Even after all these years, she was still a mother to him, and now knowing  the full story of what happened, and what Sonic's been through, she thought over what to do, she can't just bring him to another planet with him, these people meant so much to him after being alone for so long, which she had to apologize to him about at one point. 

Knowing Sonic had gained another family outside of her, one that could help them both with living here, it helped her see leaving was not a good idea at all, they weren't doing that well when they were on the run, but now that this world knows about and accepts Sonic and his friends.. maybe.. they can accept her too. And after a long silence of processing all that's been explained to her, she looked at the family to give them her thoughts.

"While I was going to bring Sonic to another world once I found him, after knowing he went through so much, how much you've taken care of him, and that his world accepts us, I think it's the best option to stay here, and let me tell you one thing, if this.. Eggman comes back to use the Master Emerald again, I'll make sure he never thinks about using it again, using power like that would get you a death sentence back on my planet, but knowing you all have done so well with raising him, and protecting him.. I think it's best I try to stay here too.." Longclaw said honestly, this made the family all smile hearing that, and Sonic came up to give her a hug.

"Thank you Longclaw, I promise we'll make thins better, even after what you went through, now that your here, it can only get better from here.." Sonic said with a look of joy which made her smile seeing it after so long.

"I.. hope so too.. Sonic.." Longclaw said hopefully while they all were glad to hear she's willing to stay, but far outside the house, within the trees, someone was watching them from the shadows, A G.U.N agent, and he didn't know whether or not she was a threat or not.. but seeing this.. it did assure him a bit.. but what of the rest of G.U.N?  

Chapter Text

After everything was fully explained with Longclaw about what's happened and why Sonic is with Tom and Maddie, as well as Tails and Knuckles. They're family decided to let Sonic and Longclaw be alone after all this has happened, they all needed time to process the fact that Sonic's first mother is alive, and here, and is likely going to be staying with them going forward if all goes well. While Longclaw was a bit confused on them suddenly leaving so the two of them are alone, she did appreciate it since they need the time to reconnect, this was a big thing for Sonic after all the time he spent alone, and she was just worried how he had handled things being on his own for so long.

Longclaw and Sonic were alone in the living room again after they were left alone, Longclaw didn't know how to properly explain herself after she had been gone for so long, while she thought that him staying hidden and being safe was the best option, clearly it took a hold on him mentally, and now that it's all catching up to him.. she needed to find a way to fix this.

"Longclaw, you okay?" Sonic asked with worry while Longclaw looked down regretfully knowing what's happened to him.

"I'm.. sorry you had to be alone for so long Sonic, I had no idea the rings would malfunction like this, or end up separating us for so many years, to know you had to stay hidden for so long.. when I wasn't there to protect you.." Longclaw said with guilt before Sonic came in to calm her down.

"Longclaw, it's okay, you don't have to worry about what happened with me in the past. We're not in the forest anymore, we're somewhere safe, a place where we're accepted. Everything's gone great since I met Tom and Maddie, and now that your here, things may just get even better for us." Sonic assured while they sat down together, Longclaw tried not to get her feather's everywhere as they were ruffled up still, but she still wanted to keep this talk up with him.

She could see Sonic was happy with the life he's had here for a while now, with the family he had after being alone for a decade.. because of her.. She knew that even when those humans didn't tell her it, she knew Sonic had to have struggled with finding a way to live on Earth, to avoid being seen and possibly captured, it just made her feel more levels of guilt the more she thought over it. 

"Sonic.. I know your happy with what you have now.. but.. it doesn't excuse what happened to you for so many years. If I wasn't so overprotective of things.. maybe you could've had a family that can take care of you.. you could've had a life here far sooner if I.. I.." Longclaw was struggling to find something to say, but Sonic tried keeping her calm because of how guilty she looks over this too.

"Longclaw.. it's okay, you don't have to apologize for anything, it's all in the past." Sonic assured once more while Longclaw sighed sadly, even with those words, she still needed to apologize for all he went through, it can take a hold on someone at a very young age, and knowing him, he's still having a tough time after being alone for so long.

"I still have to apologize for it Sonic, thanks to what I've seen of.. Tom and Maddie, it showed that some humans are trustworthy.. while other's still aren't, you going through so much emotional turmoil and loneliness, Earth was a far safer place then I once thought it was.." Longclaw said with guilt one more while she still felt some pain in her wings, but Sonic gently held them in order to help sooth them.

"I did get lucky by coming here, and to be honest.. it wasn't all that bad when it wasn't on my mind." Sonic assured as he stayed close to her, but she could see Sonic still looked guilty of something, but for what?

Longclaw had a lot to reflect on with the time she's had with him, she spent years with him hiding and often going from place to place, they never truly found a home until the village they were at, but when the Echidna's attacked, it made her choice to send Sonic to Earth a desperate attempt to save his life, she just didn't know how the consequences would take a hold on him. 

"I know Sonic.. but with what you've told me.. with you finding a new family here, it helped me realize how overprotective I was of you. Maybe if we were to have found a nicer place before we were attacked.. and tried convincing the people we were just looking for a home and place to stay.." Longclaw continued on before Sonic stopped her from finishing it.

"You weren't that overprotective Longclaw, you did everything you could for me when I was so young. You were someone I could really call a mother with how close we were.. and.. it was my fault when the echidna's got you.." Sonic said with guilt as he remembered that day, he never forgot the guilt he had for getting them almost killed, he thought Longclaw was dead for a long time. And if he hadn't been so reckless.. maybe things would've been different..

"Sonic.. it wasn't your fault, the echidna's had been chasing after us for a long time, but you weren't the one who brought them there." Longclaw assured again, but Sonic still felt too guilty for what happened to them in the past.

"I know, but if I hadn't brought that Sunflower to you, it wouldn't have happened! You wouldn't have been injured, we wouldn't have had to be separated from eachother.. and I wouldn't have had to go through so much.." Sonic said with sadness while Longclaw was very worried.

She could tell Sonic still felt all the guilt over him after this had happened, but she could see there was too much of it that made him think this way, and she only lightly touched his cheek with his wing to calm him down too, like how he's done for her.

"Sonic.. you were only three years old, it really wasn't your fault, you were young and were just eager to see what there is to the worlds we go to. I feel like I should've been the one who protected you better, with the skills I have as a warrior... it may not have happened. But now.. it's all in the past.. literally if what your friend had said was true." Longclaw assured which made Sonic calm down a bit too. 

"Weren't you just telling me that what happened on Earth just mattered a minute ago?" Sonic asked with a lightly joking tone, and she could see the irony in that statement, but it was helping him calm down, and that's what she was wanting to see.

"Your right on that.. but my point still stands Sonic, it wasn't your fault. You were young, and the thought didn't come to you, but now.. we can just move on from it.." Longclaw said softly while Sonic remembered what Maddie told him.

"My.. other mom.. Maddie, told me the same thing actually." Sonic said with a chuckle which Longclaw was glad to hear, she was glad to know that they could help him see things in a similar way to her, and with all the self blame he's had on himself for so long, it can all just go away now that they're together again.

"That's because we've had a very great son to raise.." Longclaw assured again while she did her best to hug him. 

Sonic had tears of joy hearing that from her, and he lightly hugged her too to not harm her injury's, while Longclaw wished she had found her way here sooner knowing how long it's been, but it didn't matter now, they were together again, and with Sonic's new family, hopefully things will be better for them both.

But now that she thought of it, there was still one thing that was concerning her, the Echidna. Despite her being alright with the humans and cute Fox being here, she was worried about him. He seemed like someone who could attack at any moment, and unless they're ready for it, something bad could happen to them all again. She knew of Knuckles's history and his family, and how he must've been searching for the Master Emerald for a power that's like Sonic's own, it just made her concerned if it would be safe enough to have him here with them.

"Sonic... are you.. sure about that Echidna.. Knuckles?" Longclaw asked with concern as they pulled away from eachother, and Sonic had a calm look being told that.

"I know you and your tribe have had a.. rough history with the Echidna's. But Knuckles' isn't against us, he's a big brother to me. Tom, Maddie and Tails are all my family now, we all trust him. And they care and support me no matter what happens. We've been through a lot together, and we've grown close because of it." Sonic assured once more which did calm her down a bit, but she was just going to keep an eye on him to be safe, same with any other people who look a tad suspicious.

"Your my family too Longclaw, you've always been. While I don't remember much when we were on Mobius, I remember you being there for me, doing what you can to keep me happy, and that no matter what.. we always loved eachother as mother and son.." Sonic finished while he rubbed her head a bit.

Longclaw just felt a ton of relief knowing that, hearing that was so sweet from him, even after all the time they were apart, he still was the cute little hedgehog she always cared for. And she started to smile too while having tears knowing that from him.

"I'm so grateful to know your here Sonic.. I love you.. .." Longclaw said with a smile as she hugged him again to show how much it meant to her.

"I love you too.. mom.." Sonic replied with a smile as well while they held eachother closely, he could even hear her crying a bit knowing all of this, and it did concern him just a bit.

"You okay Longclaw?" Sonic asked as he saw the tears in her eyes, but she wiped them away with a wing while she was still smiling at this.

"I'm more then okay Sonic.. these are just tears of joy.. my son.." Longclaw assured again which made Sonic smile in a happy way, it was the first time she ever called him that, and it just made Sonic more then grateful for what he has now that she's here.

"Thank you mom.. thank you so much.." Sonic said with tears as they held eachother for a few more moments, now that this whole mess is cleared up, hopefully things will go better for them going forward.

"Well.. since that's out of the way.. and things were settled finally.." Sonic said calmly as he pulled away from her and motioned around the house to tell her more about this place.

"Why don't I show you around? I'm an expert on Earth at this point, there's a lot of cool stuff that would be cool to see!" Sonic suggested which she liked the sound of.

"Of course son, please show me." Longclaw answered as he helped her up so she could see more of what his place has.

They had spent the rest of the day going around the house and were shown things that Longclaw needed to know about Earth. Sonic had spent a lot of time here and had learnt so much about it, not all of it, but enough to keep things entertaining for them both as Sonic always explained them with such a joyful look. She was shown around the whole house and the many different rooms there are to it, what they use to live here, and how they can entertain themselves with technology. While she was still worried with all Sonic had to go through knowing how long he spent alone, they both tried casting this away now that they're together again.

They spent most of the day reconnecting with eachother, Longclaw got to learn more about what this world has that can help them. She had reflected on the years she spent alone before she came across him, and it helped her see more of a relation to him as they spent so much time alone. Sonic showed everything he could to her, and how his powers can be similar to ones in fictional story's he knows, and what he likes to do as time passes by now.

Not too long after they were done with being shown around the house, everyone had come back after needing to get some things done, and let them have the time they need with eachother. Nighttime had soon come once more, after everyone had another dinner together, everyone was ready to go to bed. Longclaw would be sleeping on the couch for now while Sonic, Tails and Knuckles slept in the attic. While Longclaw was about to go to sleep to recover some more, she over heard Tom and Maddie talking about a bedtime story for them, and it did confuse her given their age.

"Are you two talking about a bedtime story for them? isn't Sonic. a little old for that?" Longclaw asked Tom and Maddie just as they were about to head to the attic, and Maddie tried explaining this to her again.

"While he is technically, he still had spent 10 years alone, and we're just trying to make up the lost time." Maddie answered while they went up to her, she could understand that, while it wasn't that long for her at all, for Sonic, it made sense.

"Right, forgive me.. I should've seen that sooner.." Longclaw said with a little look of embarrassment, it was so obvious and yet she didn't see that, it should've not been so confusing.

"It's alright, had the same reaction when Maddie suggested it honestly. But she's right, Sonic went through a lot and he needs time to be a kid, Knuckles and Tails do too." Tom assured while they sat on a few chairs near the couch, while Longclaw still was concerned about Knuckles, she needed to treat him with as much as respect as everyone else here, Sonic needs it.

"Even if Sonic acts like he's too old for it, he enjoy's it still even when he tries to hide it." Tom finished with a chuckle which she smiled at too.

It was nice knowing that they've taken care of him and let him have his time as a kid, with how much of his childhood he had missed out on, this was just really nice to know. 

"Right.. at least Sonic's enjoying it.. same with his brothers.." Longclaw said lightly while they were standing up a bit.

"It's not a problem, while we would invite you to hear it.. your still a bit..." Tom tried putting this lightly for her, but she could see that she couldn't get up the doorway that led to the attic.

"I'm a bit too big for that doorway?" Longclaw finished which Tom confirmed.

"Yeah.. sorry about that." Tom apologized which she didn't mind.

"You can stay below the attic if you want Longclaw, it may not be the same, but it'll still be close to them, will that work for you?" Maddie suggested which sounded good to her.

"I'm okay with it.. and.. thank you for everything.. you two raised Sonic when I couldn't.. and you've done an amazing job.." Longclaw replied gratefully which they smiled at. It felt great hearing that from her, it was just great knowing that Sonic's mother approved of them for this.

"Your welcome Longclaw, sleep well, we'll talk more in the morning okay?" Tom asked as he and Maddie were heading upstairs to the others, and Longclaw yawned a bit and felt that was the best choice.

"Good night.. my son.." Longclaw said tiredly as she went to sleep the night away too, while they still needed much to talk about regarding all they've gone through, it was great to have her here with them, and if they can take the time to connect, they'll all be the family Sonic's needed for so long..