For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll

In this roleplay story, friends (and a couple enemies) gather at Dark Castle for the wedding of Angela and Jack Beakton.

This is a transcript from Discord.

## Story

### Part 1: Setting Up

```
After our last scene [that is, Awaiting the Big Day], Jack and Angela are sitting out on the balcony of the room simply relaxing. Something they haven’t done in a long time…
[an image of the balcony]

Angela:
“Ahhh… This is nice…”

Jack:
“Yeah…”

Angela:
*Angela does the whole yawn then slip the arm around the other move.*

The two birds lean in for a kiss…

Wendy:
“WOULD YOU TWO LIKE SOME COCOA?!”

And the moment has been ruined…

Jack:
“Uh, yeah. Sure Granny. That’d be great…”

Wendy:
*Wendy comes out with three cups of cocoa and passes them out to the two love birds and keeps one for herself.*

Angela:
“Um. Thank you ma’am…”

Jack:
*Jack takes a big gulp of the cocoa.*
“GAH! Hot! Hot!”
*Jack eats some snow off the railing.*

Angela:
*Angela sighs.*

Wendy:
“So… You kids got everything planned for the wedding?”

Jack:
“I think so. Pip said he was coming over to help set up everything for tomorrow too…”

Suddenly a loud propeller sound is heard in the distance.

Wendy:
“What in Naugus’s name is that racket?!”

Jack:
*Jack squints at the direction of the oncoming plane.*
“It would appear the Squeak has arrived…”

Angela:
“How on earth do you know that’s him?!”

Jack:
*Jack holds up his phone showing a text from Pipsqueak.*

Angela:
“Oh…”

Wendy:
“Well, don’t just sit here! Go greet your guests!”

We cut to once the plane has landed and the cargo ramp is lowering, with Jack and Angela waiting at the ramp.

Pip:
*Pip walks out carrying a box full of equipment.* “Okey dokey, look out, DJ coming through.”

Wendy:
“Oh dear, let me help you with that sweetie.”

Pip:
*Pip is a little confused by why an old lady is helping him when it’s usually vice versa.*

Wendy:
*Wendy holds her hand out and grabs the boxes in a purple bubble of magic.*

Pip:
“Oh, that’s handy.”

Beau:
*Beau steps into view at the top of the ramp and leans against the ship wall.*

Jack:
“Yeah, Pip? I’d like you to meet my Granny–”
*Jack spots Beau.*

Pip:
*Pip gives Jack a side hug.* “It’s good to see you!”

Jack:
*Jack is visibly surprised but quickly recomposes himself after the hug.*
“Yeah… Good to see you too…”

Pip:
“The metal leg is, well unfortunate for sure, but also pretty cool.”

Angela:
“Um… Pip? Why don’t Granny and I show you where to put the stuff?”

Pip:
“Alrighty! Lead the way.”

Beau:
*Beau walks down the ramp carrying a couple bags.*

Wendy:
“Yes, yes! This way deary…” *Wendy walks off with Angela and Pipsqueak, leaving Jack and Beau.*

Beau:
“Jack.”

Jack:
“Beauregard… I’m not gonna lie I’m surprised you came…”

Beau:
“Pipsqueak can be very convincing.”

Pip:
*Pip waves from the distance.*

Beau:
*Beau smiles and waves back.*

Jack:
“So… Uh, how are things? As you can see it’s… been difficult for me…”

Beau:
*Beau remembers the leg.*
“Honestly, I’m surprised it took so long.”

Jack:
“Heh. Yeah…”

Beau:
“At least you’re alive and well now… Speaking of which, I have some news for you.”

Jack:
“Oh?”

Beau:
“Are you aware of the bombings in Central City? They were kinda overshadowed by the whole city coming out of the ground situation.”

Jack:
“Heh yeah, I was on that city…”

Beau:
“Oh, that was your fault?”
*Beau looks unsurprised.*

Jack:
“Well, we were trying to stop Infinite being revived sooo I think a little damage was a better case scenario…”

Beau:
“Fair enough.”

Jack:
“But yeah, I heard. Some group calling themselves the Druids right?”

Beau:
“Yeah, Mudbaum and I took it upon ourselves to stop them… There was this whole situation where we had to stop a plane from destroying the GLACIA HQ and, well… Jax is in a coma.”

Jack:
“...What. What kinda titan managed to put HIM in a coma?!”

Beau:
“The leader of the Druids, some crazy cyborg cat. Mudbaum had her on the ropes, but she went full-on fighting mode and almost killed us both.”

Jack:
“...Uh huh…”

Beau:
“Oh, and there was some bird there too.”

Jack:
“Oh?”

Beau:
“Meh, kinda reminded me of you, definitely a bad guy but a bit of a pushover.”

Jack:
“Hmm. I see.”

Beau:
“Other than that, it’s been a lot of working for me.”

Jack:
“Yeah. Sounds like it.”

Beau:
“But I’ve decided to come here and–”

Andy:
*Andy walks out of the castle and over to Jack.* “Hey Cuz, I came to help with Pip and his brother’s luggag–”
*Andy sees Beau.*

Beau:
*Beau sees Andy.*

Jack:
“...Uh Beau? This is my cousin Andy… Andy? This is Beau… But I get the feeling you two have met…”

Beau:
“Oh, yeah.”

Andy:
“Yeah… we have…”

Beau:
*Beau glares down Andy.*

Jack:
“Heh… Anyways, I’ll get the stuff Andy, you uh, head back inside okay?”

Andy:
“Right…”
*Andy nods to Beau and leaves.*

Beau:
“Cuz?!”

Jack:
“Yeah… It’s… complicated… Andy and I grew up together in the Kukku Empire… We were both kinda outcasts… We haven’t spoken since I was banished though…”

Beau:
“He blew up three office buildings, a dam and a laboratory!”

Jack:
“...And I blew up a city… Your point? He came to me crying Beau. The kid needed help…”

Beau:
*Beau sighs.*
“Just make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid while I’m here.”

Jack:
“Don’t worry. I have a few safeguards in place just in case…”

Beau:
“Alright… I’m going to help Pipsqueak.*
*Beau heads toward the castle.*

Jack:
“Er, one more thing.”

Beau:
“Hmm?”

Jack:
“You were saying something before Andy interrupted…”

Beau:
“I was gonna say Jax and I had a talk, I’m willing to give you another chance. But you’re on thin ice.”

Jack:
*Jack checks his phone that just pinged.* “Heh, then you REALLY don’t need to see the guests that are arriving now…”

Beau:
*Beau rubs his temples as he walks off.*

Rouge:
*Rouge flies in with a wedding gift in her hands.* “Hi Beaky…” *Rouge gives Jack a kiss on the cheek.*

Jack:
“Uh. Thanks Rouge…”

Rouge:
*Rouge flies into the castle passing Beau.* “Admiral.”

Beau:
“Rouge.”
*Beau whispers.* “Who else is invited to this wedding?”

Jack:
*Jack, who is now behind Beau, pats him on the back.* “You’ll see soon enough buddy. And uh, thanks for giving me another chance…”

Beau:
“My pleasure old buddy, my pleasure…”

We cut to a few minutes later inside…

Pip:
“Oh, this is for you Jack.” *Pip hands Jack a mac n’ cheese casserole.*

Jack:
“...Okay…”
*Jack takes the casserole that is somehow warm still.*

Pip:
“My mom made it and told me to bring it.”

Jack:
“Ah… gotcha. Well tell her I said thank you. Pity they couldn’t make it…”

Pip:
“Well, you know I’m… ‘selective’ with what I tell Mom about you. I don’t want her to worry.”

Jack:
“That’s fair. So long as you don’t start lying…”

Beau:
*Beau walks by carrying a speaker.*
“Like how you don’t lie?”

Jack:
“Har har… Glad I didn’t waste money booking a comedian.”

Beau:
“Just have Andy fight Angela, that’d be funny.”

Angela:
*Angela is oblivious to the tension currently.* “Hah! Hardly a fair fight. The little fella is pretty light on his feet.”

Andy:
*Andy smiles awkwardly as he just continues setting up chairs.*

Well, the wedding bells are beginning to ring boys and girls! And what other guests shall be arriving? FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON–Wait. Is that someone coming out of this ship? Er, plane I mean…

```

```
Roxie:
*Roxie peeks outside to make sure the people are gone.*
“Think they can just uproot me from my home… I’ll show them…”
*Roxie runs out and hides in the bushes.*

```

```
Well. That’s… interesting… Anyway, as I was saying FIND OUT NEXT TIME WHAT HAPPENS ON FOR WHOM THE WEDDING BELLS TOLL!

Blip:
WAIT JUST A MINUTE! We still need to see what I’ve been up to!

Sigh… Fine…

Blip:
At the same time, we find ME! Brooding on the castle rooftop. I stand majestically in front of the mountain backdrop draped in the dramatic moonlight.
“This… is all so strange…”

Charlotte:
*Charlotte climbs up onto the roof from a balcony.* “Blip? Are you up here?”

Blip:
“Yes, dear. I am pondering the meaning of existence.”

Charlotte:
“That sounds tough. Do you need some help?”

Blip:
“I don’t know…”

Charlotte:
*Charlotte sits down beside Blip.* “You can tell me what’s on your mind. I can’t read yours, remember?”

Blip:
“Heh. That’s because I have no physical mind to speak of.” *Blip chuckles. A hint of melancholy can be discerned in his face.*

Charlotte:
“Are you nervous about Jack’s wedding?”

Blip:
“I thought you said you couldn’t read my mind…”

Charlotte:
“I have good intuition!” *Charlotte shoots him a wide smile.*

Blip:
“This is the first time I have done a favor for a friend. I don’t want to mess it up.”

Charlotte:
“Have you ever been to a wedding?”

Jabber:
*Jabber has floated up to the roof at this point since he doesn’t want to deal with the drama below.*

Blip:
“No. Valtron has been present for a few, but I cannot recall much besides the fact that it was usually accompanied by a feast.”

Charlotte:
“I think you’ll do fine. After all, you’re you! You can do anything!”

Blip:
“AH! That is true!” *Blip grins.* “Once again, you have proved to me why you’re my favorite person.”

Charlotte:
“Because I stroke your ego?”

Blip:
“No. Because you are my humanity.”

Charlotte:
“Heh.” *Charlotte leans her head on his shoulder.* “I’m glad I can do something for you… Come to think of it… I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding either! At least, not since my memories were taken…”

Blip:
“...”

Jabber:
*Jabber munches on the bag of popcorn he’s holding.*

Blip:
“Then it’ll be a new experience for both of us!”

Charlotte:
“Yeah. I hope we get to have lots of those together.”

Blip:
“Yes…”

Jabber:
“...People are weird…”

Blip:
“Well, my dear Charlotte. I think it’s time for you to head to bed. Humans need to sleep you know.” *Blip looks over to her.*

Charlotte:
*Charlotte has fallen asleep on Blip’s shoulder.*

Blip:
*Blip smiles. He snaps, making a blanket appear from thin air and snuggles close to Charlotte.* “I suppose this is as good a place as any to catch some Zs.”

Jabber:
“...I’ll just leave you two to it…”

Ahem… So.. We good to close this now? I have work in the morning…

Blip:
Yes. Please do.

Right! Well, find out what happens next on Nightmares of an Ab–I mean, For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll! Ugh… I need a nap…

```

### Part 2: The Big Day

```
Well, TODAY IS THE DAY BOYS AND–Uh, girl in singular. We open in the chapel of the castle, Jack and Pipsqueak waiting for Angela to enter, the guests taking their seats.

Jack:
*Jack awkwardly adjusts his tie.*
“Is it hot in here to you?”

Pip:
“Dude, it’s freezing in here. You are really anxious, huh?”

Jack:
*Jack nods.*

Pip:
“Deep breaths dude.”

Calias, Hannah, and Dr. Dash enter through the doors at the back of the hall. [actually, not Dr. Dash]

Calias:
“Man, this place is depressing…”

Hannah:
(I think it’s neat.)

Beau:
*Beau sits in one of the front rows alone, putting his hat on his lap.*

Jack:
*Jack awkwardly glances around the room, and to the stained glass window behind him and Pip.*

Pip:
*Pip waves to Beau.*

Beau:
*Beau smiles in response.*

Lepor:
*Lepor is peeping through the door frame.* (Am I even allowed in here?)

Wendy:
*Wendy gently nudges the bunny forward as she walks in, sitting next to Beau.*

Lepor:
*Lepor finally walks in and checks if he’s in the right place.*

Jack:
*Jack smiles awkwardly at Lepor.*

Andy:
*Andy enters and sits on the rows opposite Beau.*

Lepor:
*Lepor notices Jack and Pipsqueak, he waves to them.*

Pip:
*Pip is surprised to see Lepor, but waves back.*

Rouge:
*Rouge walks in and sits next to Andy out of pity.*

Andy:
*Andy scoots farther away.*

Jack:
*Jack looks.* “I think that’s everyone…”

Charlotte:
*Charlotte is sitting at the organ.* “Are we ready?”

Angela:
*Angela opens the door and enters.*
*She nods to Charlotte.*

Dr. Dash:
*Dash is holding Angela’s hand and giving her a reassuring smile.*

Charlotte:
*Charlotte plays the organ. But the tune is unrecognizable.*

Angela:
*Angela takes a deep breath and begins slowly walking towards the altar, her bouquet sticking out of a shotgun barrel.*

Jack:
*Jack gulps.*

Pip:
*Pip gives Jack a thumbs-up and a “you got this” wink.*

Angela:
*Angela reaches the altar and stands opposite Jack.*
*And smiles awkwardly.*

Blip:
*Blip appears out of nowhere decked in a strange priest-like garment. Complete with the tall hat.*
“DEARLY BELOVED!!”

Hannah:
*Hannah jumps in her seat at his sudden appearance.*

Blip:
“WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAAAAAAAAAAY to witness the joining of these two lovebirds in HOLY MATRIMONY!” *It was spoken with the same inflection as you would say “Holy Guacamole”.*

Jack:
*Jack sighs.* (He was the only one legally able to do this Jack…)

Blip:
“My name is Blip and I’ll be your host tonight as we travel to the place where dreams come true. THIS VERY ALTAR RIGHT HERE! I’ve only known Jack and Angela for a few weeks, but I could tell from the moment I saw them together they were meant for each other. A perfect yin and yang if you would.”

Pip:
*Pip rolls his eyes but smiles.*

Blip:
“Now. I’m not too familiar with how these shindigs usually work, so I’m winging it. At this time, I’m going to ask a volunteer from the audience to come up on stage.”

Hannah:
*Hannah sinks into her seat.*

Blip:
“YOU THERE! In the green dress!”

Hannah:
“!!”

Lepor:
(Is this what an actual wedding is like…?)

Dr. Dash:
(Hoo boy…)

Blip:
“COOOOME ON DOOOOOWN! You’re the next contestant on I-Do-Do’s-and-Don’ts!”

Hannah:
“Um. Okay.”

Jack:
*Jack resists the urge to facepalm.*

Dr. Dash:
*Dash nods to Hannah, trying to be reassuring.*

Beau:
(Where did Jack find this guy?!)

Hannah:
*Hannah slowly, awkwardly, walks up to the stage.*
(It’s been a while since I’ve been to a wedding… but I’m pretty sure they didn’t do this…)

Blip:
*Blip shakes Hannah’s hand as she steps up.* “Welcome! And what is your name, young lady?”

Angela:
*Angela mouths “You’ll be fine” to Hannah.*

Hannah:
“I’m… Hannah. Hannah Dash.”

Pip:
*Pip plays an applause sound effect.*

Blip:
“WELL HANNAH. How well do you know the bride and groom?”

Jack:
*Jack looks over at Pipsqueak’s E-pod to see he has a sound-effect app pulled up.*

Hannah:
“We saved the world together… but that was the day we met. And I’ve never actually met with them since…”

Blip:
“PERFECT! We’re going to play FILL IN THE VOW!”

Jack:
“...What.”

Hannah:
“Um.”

Blip:
*Blip snatches the cards that have the vows written on them from Jack and Angela.*

Angela:
“Blip honey, have you actually ever been to a wedding?”

Jack:
“HEY!”

Blip:
“The game is simple, really. Our bride and groom have to ditch their written vows and speak from the heart. Hannah here will match it up with what they wrote down.”

Hannah:
“Match… it up?”

Jack:
“Uh…”

Beau:
(This sounds quite fun, actually.)

Blip:
“Just see if what they say matches what’s on the cards.”

Hannah:
“Oh.” (That’s simple enough I guess… I hope…)

Blip:
“Angela! You start!”

Angela:
“Uh, okay… Jack, when we first met you were… a breath of fresh air. At first it was just a fast friendship… but, it eventually grew into something… more… Anyways, I’m glad to have you Jack honey. Crazy family and all…”

Calias:
(This is all so… sickeningly sweet. So why do I feel like I want something like this?...)

Jack:
“...”

Hannah:
(Hm. Kinda similar.) [Jones later said that Angela basically said a briefer version of what she wrote]

Blip:
“ALRIGHTY! Now! JACK! Out with those sweet somethings!”

Jack:
*Jack takes a deep breath.*

Hannah:
*Hannah is trying to make out the scribbles of Jack’s notes.*

Jack:
“Angela, you never judged me, always trusted me. Put up with my stupidity… no matter what happened. You never gave up on me. Never let me down. Never deserted me… And the fact that you were willing to turn your back on a stable future. With every single need met. Just to be with me… I can’t even say what that means in words… Pretty much what I’m trying to say is… I love you Ange. And I’m glad to have you riding shotgun on my adventure.”

Hannah:
*Hannah makes out the scribbling to simply be the repeated phrase “DON’T SCREW THIS UP”.*
(I’d say he was successful.)

Blip:
*Blip has started tearing up.* “THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL.”

Pip:
*Pip gives Jack an OK sign.*

Blip:
“AHEM. By the power invested in me by 15MinuteMinister.com I now pronounce you HUSBAND AND WIFE!”

Jack:
“Uh Blip… the rings?”

Blip:
“Oh. Right. THE RINGS!”

Jabber:
*Jabber floats over with the rings.*

Dr. Dash:
*Dash motions for Hannah to come sit back down.*

Hannah:
*Hannah slowly does so.*

Blip:
*Blip extends his arm, blocking Hannah from leaving the stage yet.*

Hannah:
*Hannah whispers.* “Sorry…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash shrugs.*

Blip:
*Blip takes the rings from Jabber and hands them to Jack and Angela.*
“These rings signify an everlasting, unbreakable bond. May you wear them with pride as they are a constant reminder of your love.”
(Glad I actually studied for this one…)

Angela:
*Angela slips the ring on Jack’s finger.* “I thee wed…”

Jack:
*Jack slips Angela’s ring on her finger.* “With this ring I thee we–”

Suddenly the stained glass window shatters as a figure flies through it landing violently onto the aisle.

Calias:
*Calias startles awake.* “Wha?!”

Hannah:
*Hannah draws the single Chaos Blade she wears.*

Pip:
*Pip starts playing exciting music.*

Beau:
*Beau jumps up and stands defensively in front of Granny.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal glares at Jack and Angela.*

Jack:
*Jack stares wide-eyed.* “Metal?”

Calias:
“Wait a sec. METAL SONIC!?!?”

Hannah:
(And I thought Flame was being too paranoid…)

Lepor:
“Is this part of the wedding–”

Calias:
*Calias speeds in front of the altar.* “Stand back everyone! I’ll handle this bucket of bolts!”

Jack:
*Jack quickly says “I thee wed” and draws his sword.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal targets Calias.*

Calias:
“Just keep the ceremony going. I’ll take care of him.”

Blip:
“OKEY DOKEY!”

Calias:
*Calias jump kicks at Metal Sonic.* “Eat this!”

Metal Sonic:
*Metal flies up, grabbing him by his foot and violently scraping him against the stone walls.*

Calias:
“GAH!” *Calias attempts to Chaos Blast, but he hasn’t built up enough energy.*

Hannah:
*Hannah is just standing there staring at the battle, wide-eyed.*

Blip:
“Soooo… husband and wife?”

Jack:
*Jack nods to Blip.*
*He realizes his sword is just the decorative one.*
“Uh… Blip?”

Blip:
“Yes?”

Jack:
“Could you possibly get my Egg BEAT-R from the house?”

Blip:
“...Um… I’m not allowed.” [I was confused as to why Valtron would forbid *this* of all things… Clay didn’t have much of a reason, we concluded that Clay *is* Valtron. :P Don't take that too seriously though]

Jack:
“You can stick your head in the chocolate fountain…”

Blip:
“I’ll explain some other time, but I’m not able to just do whatever I want at any given time.”

Jack:
“...Since WHEN?!”

Blip:
“Always!”

Jack:
“...Okay then… we improvise…”

Blip:
“I NOW PRESENT TO YOU, MR. AND MRS. JACK HENRY BEAKTON!”

Andy:
*Andy runs up and hands Jack a Kukku standard-issue pistol while firing at Metal with his own.*

Blip:
*Blip runs and ducks under the organ.*

Meanwhile Rouge is missing.

Calias:
*Calias is still getting his butt handed to him.*

Hannah:
*Hannah moves to help, rather cautiously to ensure she doesn’t hit Calias.*

Metal Sonic:
*The shots from Andy do not even faze Metal.*
*He tosses Calias into the center aisle.*

Hannah:
*Hannah fires an energy arc at Metal Sonic.*

Calias:
*With a loud smack, Calias hits the ground. He tries to get up, but collapses.*

Hannah:
“Cal!!”

Metal Sonic:
*Metal is actually damaged lightly with a bit of a scorch mark, but not anything that would actually take him down.*
*He lands between Jack and Angela.*

Angela:
*Angela takes the flowers out and goes to whack Metal aside the head with the gun, only for Metal to grab it without even looking.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal tosses Angela backwards and grabs Jack by the neck.*

Jack:
“Gack!”

Metal:
*Metal flies against the wall, pinning Jack there.*

Jack:
“Go ahead Metal… Follow your programming…”

Calias:
“LEAVE… THEM… ALONE!!” *Calias tries to stand up.*

Jack:
“I dare you…”

Hannah:
*Hannah is kinda just standing there frozen in panic at this point.*

Calias:
“Hey, sis? A little help?”

Hannah:
*Hannah snaps out of it and hurries to him.*

Beau:
*Beau runs over to the gift table and tears open one of the larger presents.*
*He pulls out two gold-lined swords, handing one to Angela.*

Angela:
“Awww. You had them engraved with our initials even!”

Beau:
“Not quite how I imagined it, but you’re welcome.”

Angela:
“But these ain’t gonna do much against Metal honey… I’ve seen his blueprints…”

Beau:
“They might surprise you, they’re at least enough to distract him.”

Jack:
*Jack grabs Metal’s leg thruster with his robotic foot and turns it to make Metal rocket into the ground.*

Lepor:
*Lepor quits acting like a sitting duck and runs to the scene, pulling out a colorful sticker sheet from his pocket.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal crashes but quickly gets back up.*

Jack:
*Jack rushes over to Angela since Metal let go in the crash.*

Lepor:
*Lepor slaps a sticker on the middle of Metal’s forehead.*
*Lepor roundhouse kicks him into the ground as the sticker detonates.* “Nobody ordered special entertainment!”

Metal Sonic:
*Metal is unfazed, just annoyed.*

Lepor:
(Uh oh.)

Metal Sonic:
*Metal grabs Lepor by the ears and yeets him into the front pew.*

Hannah:
“Um, you okay??”

Pip:
*Pip quickly goes to check on Lepor.* “You okay, dude?!”

Andy:
*Andy rushes Metal and is immediately clocked and yeeted onto Lepor.*

Calias:
*Calias jumps to tackle Metal, screaming in pain as he does so.* “AGGGH!!!”

Lepor:
*Lepor gives a thumbs-up.*

Pip:
“Um… Are you also okay?” [to Andy I presume]

Jack:
“...”
*Jack stands in front of Angela defensively.*
“Step aside Beau… It’s me he wants…”

Beau:
“Be careful…”
*Beau steps aside.*

Calias:
*Calias falls to the ground, having missed Metal by a few feet.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal glares at Jack and then charges into a spindash.*

Hannah:
*Hannah hurries to Cal’s new location.*

Jack:
*Jack holds Angela tightly.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal releases the charge and dashes towards Jack.*

Shadow:
*But Metal is grabbed by a hand that just teleported in front of Jack.*

Calias:
“No way…”

Jack:
“What the–”

Shadow:
“Hello Metal… Long time no see… Don’t you know it’s rude to crash a wedding?”

Metal Sonic:
*Metal stops his dash and stands to face Shadow.*

Shadow:
“Perhaps it’s time I showed you some manners… CHAOS BLAST!”
*A blast knocks Metal backwards into the wall.*

Calias:
*Calias’s jaw drops to the floor.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal stands back up and rushes Shadow.*

Shadow:
*Shadow teleports behind him.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal crashes into another wall.*
*He turns around with a slightly cracked eye shield.*

Shadow:
“Too bad the Doctor didn’t make you to be a copy of me… You might have had a chance then… CHAOS BLAST!”

Metal Sonic:
*Metal is shot through the wall into the snow outside.*

Calias:
*Calias stares wide-eyed.*
(Okay. His Android was way weaker…)

Shadow:
*Shadow steps outside after his opponent.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal Sonic stands up a bit shakily.*
*He is rattled by gunfire from his right.*

Omega:
“STAND DOWN AND WE SHALL SPARE YOU WITH A QUICK DEATH.”

Shadow:
“Nice of you to join the party Omega…”

Jack:
*Jack walks out following Shadow.*

Metal Sonic:
*Metal glares at Jack, then looks at Shadow.*
*He makes a neck slice move while looking Jack’s direction before flying off in retreat.*

Jack:
*Jack sighs in relief.*

Calias:
*Calias jumps outside ready to join the fight, then realizes it’s already over.* “Whoo! We scared him off!”

Shadow:
*Shadow glares at Calias.*

Calias:
“S-Shadow? Shadow the Hedgehog?”

Shadow:
“Yes… And you are?”

Calias:
“Er…” *Calias gets a sneaky smile.*
“I’m the TRUE Ultimate Lifeform. Your replacement!”

Hannah:
*Hannah is concerned.*

Shadow:
*Shadow grins sinisterly.*
“Unlikely…”

Calias:
“Care to put it to the test?”

Hannah:
*Hannah shakes her head.*

Dr. Dash:
(Did he learn nothing from what just happened?)

Shadow:
“Sorry, I don’t eat things that have already been chewed…”

Calias:
“...”

Hannah:
*Hannah breathes a sigh of relief.*

Shadow:
“Now then, Beakton? Are you and Angela alright?”

Jack:
“Uh, yeah… We’re good.”

Shadow:
“Excellent… then my work here is done… Oh, and tell the Doctor I said hello…”
*Shadow teleports away.*

Jack:
“...Well… That was… something…”

Blip:
*Blip walks out.* “All’s well that ends well, right?”

Suddenly a laser blast hits Jack in the head.

Jack:
“GAH!”

Calias:
“JACK?”

Pip:
*Pip gasps.*

Jack:
*Jack falls over, ripping off his goggles that are glowing from the hit.*

Hannah:
*Hannah stares wide-eyed.*
“...”

Breezie:
“WHY WON’T YOU JUST DIE!!!”
*Breezie fires again.*

Hannah:
*Hannah steps forward, Chaos Blade at the ready.* “Stand down, ma’am.”

Breezie:
“NO! THIS LOUSY PIRATE RUINED MY COMPANY! BANKRUPTED ME! I HAD TO REBUILD FROM NOTHING BUT ASHES! But I was fueled by one thing… Revengeance…”

Jack:
“Is that even a word?”

Breezie:
“SILENCE! JUST SHUT UP AND DIE!!!”
*Breezie goes to fire again.*

Hannah:
*Hannah aims the Chaos Blade and fires a laser straight at Breezie’s gun.*

Breezie:
*The gun is knocked away [pff, no. it’s gone.]... along with Breezie’s trigger finger.*
*She looks towards Hannah angrily, sparks flying from her hand.*
“Nice try…”

Angela:
*Angela storms out.*
“ENOUGH!”

Hannah:
(“Nice try”? My aim was perfect!)

Breezie:
“Well, if it isn’t little miss Benedict Arnold… You’ve got some nerve showing up here–”

Angela:
“Admin override mode engage, access code 9766!”

Breezie:
*Breezie freezes with a look of terror on her face.*

Angela:
“I didn’t want to do this Breezie…”

Breezie:
*Breezie whispers robotically.* “Please… no…”

Angela:
“Activate sleep mode.”

Breezie:
*Breezie’s eyes glaze over and she stands upright.*

Jack:
“...I need a drink… She’s a robot?”

Angela:
“It’s a long story…”

Jack:
“We have got a LOT to talk about on our honeymoon…”

Angela:
“Omega sweetie? Could you move Breezie here into the parlor? I need to do some reprogramming…”

Omega:
“AFFIRMATIVE.”
*Omega grabs the robot and walks into the castle through the hole.*

Angela:
*Angela follows.* “You folks head on to the reception. I’ll be there soon.”

Jack:
“Okay…”

Blip:
“WHO’S READY TO PARTY!?”

Charlotte:
“I AM!”

Hannah:
“I’ve had enough excitement for a week… But yeah, sure.”

Calias:
“PARTY TIME!” (Wait a sec… I know that lady…)

Hannah:
*Hannah also recognizes her.* “Charlotte? You know Jack?”

Jack:
“Wait. You know Charlotte?”

Charlotte:
“Kind of! I mostly know him through Blip.”

Hannah:
“She was in Bootstrap Butte.”

Jack:
“I see…”

Hannah:
“...Which reminds me… Jack, what were *you* doing there?”

Beau:
*Beau is trying to tape his present back together.*

Pip:
*Pip comes in.* “I found the first aid kit!”

Jack:
“Heh. We were hunting some sort of gem. Turned out it was a trap for Eggman and long story short we were attacked by a creep with a Chaos Blade and then the IGN…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash goes to help Pipsqueak with the first aid.*

Jack:
“I told Emerald to get you guys to call me! I could have really used the backup during that Illumina incident…”

Hannah:
“She didn’t mention it…”

Jack:
*Jack sighs.* “Figures…”

Hannah:
“Cal, did she *ever* mention it?”

Calias:
“She said your name, but nothing else. Also, *what* about the Illumina incident? You were there?”

Jack:
“On it actually.”

Blip:
“We SAVED the DAAAAAY!”

Jack:
“Well, then before that the whole run-in with Knuckles and Silver… And then the Egg Carrier was taken down and uh…”
*Jack lifts his trouser leg up to reveal his robot leg.*

Hannah:
“Ouch…”

Calias:
*Calias cringes.*

Jack:
“Yeah… Heh, and you’ll never guess who helped with the leg design…”

Calias:
“Who?”

Jack:
“Dr. Fanboy himself.”

Hannah:
“...”
“You don’t mean…”

Calias:
“Heh. Well… in the same vein of old enemies… Polybius came back…”

Jack:
“...Wat.”

Calias:
“But he’s not evil anymore! His name is Nihil! And he’s a really nice guy!”

Jack:
“Uh huh… Sadly I can’t say the same for Starline… He’s tolerable…”

Hannah:
“Jack… what did you do with him?!”

Jack:
“Well, Eggman kinda has him…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash is listening in.*

Hannah:
“You just LET HIM GO?!”

Jack:
“No!”
*Jack sighs.* “Look, I had to keep up an illusion with Unc… He was the only one who would help with the leg issue at the time…”

Hannah:
“‘Unc’?!”

Jack:
“Wait…”

Calias:
“He’s talking about Eggman. Grizz mentioned it in his last journal entry.”

Jack:
*Jack sighs louder.* “Do I just need to wear a T-shirt that says ‘Eggman’s nephew’?”

Blip:
“It might be helpful.”

Hannah:
*Hannah isn’t sure what to say, but is still quite angry.*
“I… was warned not to trust you…”

Jack:
“Yeah. I don’t trust me either.”

Blip:
“Oh! That reminds me! The bird I talked to in the desert. That was the Nihil you spoke of?”

Calias:
“Uh… I think so?”

Jack:
“Look, point is, Eggman has Starline on a short leash…”

Hannah:
“How does that make it better?!”

Jack:
“A leash I can easily take control of…”

Calias:
“Besides… Eggman has barely done *anything* since I’ve been alive!”

Jack:
“Yeah, he’s mostly harmless nowadays…”

Hannah:
“Never underestimate that man…”

Jack:
“Look, if he does try something I’ll tell you guys first okay?”

Blip:
“He cooooould be planning something BIG right this moment.”

Jack:
“I doubt it Blip. He tells me all his schemes.”

Blip:
“Oh, does he now?”

Charlotte:
*Charlotte stands at Blip’s side.*

Jack:
“Well, I helped with a few…” *Jack rubs his neck.* “Like Metal…”

Calias:
“...” *Calias is getting impatient.* “Wasn’t there something mentioned about a party?”

Jack:
“Yeah…”

Hannah:
*Hannah doesn’t seem to care much about the party anymore.*
*She grits her teeth.* “*Starline*… is free…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash puts his hand on Hannah’s shoulder.*

Jack:
“Look, Hannah, he would have broken out of prison anyway…”

Hannah:
“That doesn’t mean you should *help* him!”

Jack:
“Who said I was helping?”

Calias:
“Hannah! Come on! Don’t worry yourself about the Doc. He’s NOT your problem.”

Jack:
“I’m making his life a living nightmare. By showing him the real Robotnik…”

Hannah:
“Isn’t that what he always wanted?”

Jack:
“Exactly. And he should have been careful what he wished for… There’s no way either of them can get any evil done with their ideas conflicting. They created their own prison…”

Hannah:
“Hmph.” (Like I can trust a word you say…)

Calias:
*Calias grabs Hannah’s arm.* “Let’s get moving, Sis.”

Dr. Dash:
“I’ll be with you two in a moment. I want a word with Jack, myself.”

Calias:
*Calias pulls Hannah along as they head to the reception party.*

Hannah:
“...”
*Hannah goes with Cal.*
(Why… do I care so much…)
*Hannah starts crying.*

Jack:
“Man… it is impossible to deescalate things with her isn’t it?”

Calias:
*Calias notices Hannah’s tears and shoots her a smile as they walk down the halls.*

Dr. Dash:
“Jack.”

Jack:
“Yes?”

Dr. Dash:
“I’m disappointed in you.”

Jack:
“Heh, join the club… Everyone thinks that about me… even Robotnik…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash kneels down to be eye-level with Jack.*
“Look, we’re here for you. And you have taken a step in the right direction today with Angela.”

Jack:
“...”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash puts a hand on Jack’s shoulder.* “But you need to start thinking about your family.”

Jack:
“My family? Have you MET my family? There’s a reason I stayed with Eggman most of my life Dr. D… ’Cause compared to my family? He’s a saint…”

Dr. Dash:
“I’m not talking about them. I mean you need to decide just *who* really is your family.”

Jack:
“...”
*Jack sighs.* “I getcha… It’s just… hard… Hard to let go of the past…”

Dr. Dash:
“It’s alright. You’ve had it hard, and you’re still learning. I know I said I was disappointed. But seeing you open your heart to Angela and all the people you invited… It’s a good sign. I’m proud to see it.”

Jack:
“Being a hero is hard when all you know is villainy…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash stands up.* “Yeah… We all have to learn the hard way, though.”
*Dash turns to join the festivities.* “Oh. One more thing. Go easier on Hannah next time. I may have made my peace with what Elijah’s done but it’s been a lot harder for Hannah. And I don’t appreciate you lying to her.”

Jack:
“Heh… I guess I’m getting rusty with my smooth talking…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash speaks as he’s walking away.* “Here’s a bright idea. Apologize next time.”

Jack:
“Like that ever works…”

Blip:
*Blip slowly walks up to Jack, having been standing in the corner. He places his hand on Jack’s shoulder.* “He really chewed you out, huh?”

Jack:
“I’ve had worse…”
*Jack rubs his shoulder from the fight with Blight.*

Blip:
“Still. He seemed to know what he was talking about… Family is… a conundrum for me.”

Jack:
“Heh. Same here Blip.”

Blip:
“Perhaps… One day, I think I might start my own family… if I’m able.”

Jack:
“The thought of the pitter-patter of little Blips is a frightening one…”

Blip:
“AH! But it would be SO CUTE! Alas… If Valtron does not approve, it will never happen…”

Jack:
“There’s always adoption…”

Blip:
“...”
“Well. Party time?”

Jack:
“Yeah… Hopefully another fight doesn’t break out…”

Blip:
“I can start one if you’d like!”

Jack:
“Ah but only if Valtron allows.”

Blip:
“Yeah… Don’t remind me of my limited free will!”

Jack:
“Hey, at least your dad doesn’t want you dead.”

Blip:
“That is true.”

The two continue talking as they start walking towards the party.

And there we have it folks! Tune in tomorrow for the after party!

```

### Part 3: Christmas Special

```
We return to our characters now all gathered [Rouge left] in the den of the castle where a table with snacks is set up and our guests are mingling amongst themselves. Well, except for Hannah… [and Andy] who’s sulking in the corner.

Hannah:
“...”

Jack:
*Jack looks Hannah’s direction as he and Blip enter.*
*Jack sighs.* “Best to leave her alone Jack…”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash joins Hannah.* “Are you alright?”

Hannah:
“...”

Dr. Dash:
“Right. Dumb question… Do you wanna head home?”

Hannah:
“I’d hate to ruin you guys’ fun…”

Angela:
*Angela walks in with a solemn look on her face.*
*She sees Hannah and walks over.*
“What did he do?”

Hannah:
“...”
“You married *him*?”

Angela:
“...You learned about his family didn’t ya?”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash gives Hannah a disappointed but empathetic look.*

Angela:
“Which one? The psycho cyborg bird pirate? The drunken archaeologist or Eggman?”

Hannah:
“Eggman. Didn’t mention those other two.”

Angela:
“Yeah… Good thing we didn’t take him up on the offer for him to officiate.”

Dr. Dash:
*Dash takes his glasses off so he can rub his face.*

Angela:
“Though maybe that would have given a chance for him to get a much needed whippin’...”

Hannah:
*Hannah simply nods.*

Angela:
“Well, listen, Jack’s had a lot goin’ on lately… There’s a good guy under all the lies and villainy… He’s just… hard to find under it…”

Hannah:
“You at least see it I suppose.”

Dr. Dash:
“I’m glad he has you to keep an eye on him.”

Angela:
“Eye, shotgun, and if all else fails, Silver.”

Dr. Dash:
“Well, I should hope a silver bullet wouldn’t be necessary…”

Angela:
“I meant the hedgehog but either works…”

Calias:
*Out in the hall, Calias is alone as he leans against the wall.* “Okay, let’s see here…”
*He pulls out his E-pod and a small piece of paper.*
“55-6B-9766…”
*The E-pod begins to ring.*

```

```
Larry:
“Hel-lo?”

```

```
Calias:
“Star? Why does your voice sound so weird?”

Larry:
“Oh, honey. This is her agent-slash-guardian-slash-rock. The name’s Lawrence Lazertongue, but you can call me Larry.”

Calias:
“Um… I’m Calias. I worked alongside Sta–I mean, Stripes back in Bootstrap Butte and she gave me her number.”

Larry:
“Oh yeah. She told me about you. You wait just a moment, I’ll check and see if she’s available.”

Calias:
“O-okay.” *Cal’s heart starts beating VEERY fast.*

Stripes:
“Hey, Neon. I was starting to think I’d never hear from you.”

Calias:
“Star! Hey! Sorry I didn’t call sooner, I’ve been working… a lot. So… um… Merry Christmas?”

Stripes:
“Yup. You too. I suppose you’re at some boring government office party.”

Calias:
“I’m actually at a wedding. A wedding that was crashed by Metal Sonic.”

Stripes:
“For real? Man, you get around.”

Calias:
“Oh! And then Shadow the Hedgehog showed up! I swear I’m not lying.”

Stripes:
“And here I was thinking I was the most famous person you know.”

Calias:
“I mean, you’re still the *coolest* person I know.”

Stripes:
“Aw, thanks Neon. You always know what to say to make me feel special.”

Calias:
“So… I was wondering… Did you maybe want to hang out sometime soon?”

Stripes:
“Hm… What’re you thinking? I’ll have to have Larry check my schedule.”

Calias:
“Well, with my speed, we could go just about anywhere. So… how about Twinkle Park?”

Stripes:
“You just read my mind. But how about I just meet you there?”

Calias:
“Yeah, that works! So, the 28th at 3 sound good to you?”

Stripes:
“Just a sec.” *Stripes puts down the phone for a minute.*
“Yeah. It’s a date.”

Calias:
“Heh… Yeah. See ya then!”

Stripes:
“Right back at ya, Neon.” *Stripes hangs up.*

Calias:
“Nice.” *Calias walks back into the reception hall with a beaming smile.*

Jack:
*Jack sips on his cup of Russian tea as he sits down next to Pipsqueak.*

Pip:
“Jack. I have something important to ask you.”

Jack:
“Yeah?”

Pip:
“What kind of cake is that?”

Jack:
“...You don’t recognize cheesecake?”

Pip:
*Pip starts drooling.* “I just had to be sure.”

Angela:
*Angela sits down next to Jack with a bit of a glare.*

Jack:
“Please don’t bring up the Hannah thing… I’m trying to forget it…”

Blip:
“Speaking of cake. The sugar content could really be higher.”

Pip:
“Wait, something wrong with Hannah?”

Jack:
“...She found out about Eggman… and Starline…”

Pip:
“Oooh… The double whammy…”

Jack:
“Yeah…”

Pip:
“You’re gonna have to *work* to get her trust back.”
*Pip proceeds to shove more cake in his mouth.*

Lepor:
*Lepor reaches his hand out from underneath the table where the cake is sitting and yoinks chunks of the cake.*

Hannah:
*Hannah notices from the corner.*
“...”
(Not taking a slice anywhere near there…)

Lepor:
*The cake is disappearing bit by bit.*

Hannah:
“...”
*Hannah approaches the table, avoiding eye contact.*

Jabber:
*Jabber floats in front of Hannah with a glare.*

Hannah:
*Hannah ignores him.*

Jabber:
“...”

Calias:
*Calias also approaches the table, silently “what-up”ing everyone that makes eye contact with him.*

Jabber:
*Jabber sighs before zipping away and returning with an old photo of him injuring Eggman during the Planet Wisp attack and setting it in front of Hannah.*

Hannah:
*Hannah grins slightly.*
(Okay. Jabber’s not as bad then…)

Lepor:
*The cake is practically gone by this point, one or two slices remain.*

Hannah:
*Hannah takes one of those slices.*

Lepor:
*Lepor is underneath the table, planning his great escape.*

Pip:
*Pip looks under the table.* “So, how’d you get here anyway?”

Lepor:
*Lepor is muffled by cake.* “COVER BLOWN!”

Hannah:
*Hannah begins migrating back towards the corner.*

Beau:
*Beau realizes he should probably talk to someone besides Pipsqueak, and walks over to Calias.*

Calias:
“Oh. Hey, Bobo! How’s it going?”

Beau:
“Oh, not too bad, got a lot of work but I can’t complain.”

Calias:
“Heard you and Baumerman crashed a plane.”

Beau:
“Actually, I landed the plane, that guy over there was the one crashing it.”
*Beau gestures to Andromedus who is sulking in the corner.*

Calias:
“Huh? That must be awkward.”

Beau:
“Yeah… Anyway, I think they’re starting to open presents.”

Jack:
*Jack has walked over to refill his drink.*
“Hey, at least I didn’t invite Eggman.”

Beau:
*Beau glares.*

Jack:
“But yeah. We’re getting started…”

Everyone except for Hannah and Andy all gather around the two lovebirds’ table.

Jack:
“Let’s see here…” *Jack opens the box from the Dash family.*
“Huh. An air fryer…”

Angela:
“Oooh I always wondered of those worked well…”

Dr. Dash:
“We have the same kind, works great. I found all kind of recipes online.”

Angela:
“Hmm. Well, thank you.”

Calias:
“I burnt waffles in it.”

Angela:
*Angela begins opening up Beau’s present officially.*

Jack:
*Jack sees the swords.* “How–Where did–”

Angela:
“I think what Jack is trying to say is thank you Beau. These are lovely.”

Beau:
*Beau nods.*
“You two are very welcome.”

Jack:
“Uh… yeah. Just surprised… This craftsmanship is nigh impossible to find these days…”

Beau:
“I got them from a friend of Ernest, and engraved them myself.”

Jack:
*Jack opens the box labelled from Rouge.*
“...Uh… I think you should probably hold onto this Dr. D…”
*Jack hands Dr. Dash the Chaos Emerald we saw in Phase 1.*

Hannah:
*Hannah stares in surprise.*

Dr. Dash:
“Oh, okay.” *Dash takes it.* “Yeah, I’ll take care of it.”

Jack:
“And uh, please keep it away from Nihil…”

Beau:
(She just had to one-up me…)

Dr. Dash:
*Dash looks around debating where this should be kept.*
“Here, Admiral.” *Dash hands the Chaos Emerald to Beauregard.*

Beau:
*Beau stashes the Emerald.*

Blip:
“Don’t forget the one from Charlotte and I!”

Angela:
*Angela opens the gift.*

It is a homemade chocolate pie.

Angela:
“...Uh, thanks…”

Jack:
“Heh, inside joke… Anyways, thanks guys. And uh, sorry about that whole Metal Sonic thing…”

Angela:
“And the Breezie thing…”

Calias:
“No worries. He was barely a challenge!”

Hannah:
*Hannah rolls her eyes.*

Jack:
“...Cal, do you have a concussion or something? He wiped the floor with you… literally…”

Calias:
“A cushion? No. These seats are pretty hard, though.”

Jack:
“Never mind… Anyways, Merry Christmas guys… I’m gonna go get some fresh air…”
*Jack walks out of the room.*

Angela:
“Okay, we all agree that we need to keep an eye on him right?”

Pip:
“Mmhm.”

Beau:
“I got it.”
*Beau stands up and follows Jack.*

Jack:
*Jack takes a deep breath as he sits down on a crate at the edge of the porch.*

Beau:
*Beau stands a couple feet to the side, leaning on a pillar.*

Jack:
*Jack thinks back to the talk with Dr. Dash.*
“Hey Beau?”

Beau:
“Yeah?”

Jack:
“What’s it like? To have a family I mean…”

Beau:
“I feel like I’ve been asked this a lot lately… Remember when we were in the Resistance together?”

Jack:
“Yeah…”

Beau:
“And we all liked to poke fun at the admiral together. It’s kinda like that.”

Jack:
“I don’t follow… What’s the catch?”

Beau:
“No catch. If there’s a catch, it’s not a family. That’s how I know Angela’s the one for you.”

Jack:
“Hmm. Ironic given neither of us had one by your definition. You met Angela’s closest thing to a ‘mother’...”

Beau:
“I’m not sure you knew it, but you were both missing something. Hopefully you’ve found that something in each other…”
*Beau yawns and stretches.*
“I suppose what I’m trying to get at is, once you’ve found your family, and I mean your *real* family, you’d better stick with them because it might be the only one you’ll get.”

Jack:
“Yeah I suppose you’re right–”

Suddenly sniffling is heard from inside the crate.

Beau:
“Oh, come on Jack, don’t be such a softie.”

Jack:
“It’s not me…” *Jack hops off the crate.*
*He looks inside only to be whacked in the face with an aluminum baseball bat.*
“OW!”

Beau:
“What the heck?!”

Roxie:
“Watch where you’re sticking that beak, buster!”

Jack:
“...” *Jack smirks.* “I don’t believe we’ve met…”

Roxie:
“We ain’t. The name’s Roxie.”

Jack:
“Um, hello there Roxie. I’m Jack… What’s a little fledgling like you doing out here all alone?”

Beau:
“Is this like, your niece or something?”

Roxie:
“Fledgling? Please, I’m eight years old. I can handle myself. Not like anyone else is going to help me… Yet alone care what I WANT… ‘It’s for the best,’ they say, ‘you’ll make tons of new friends,’ they said. Dunderheaded dimbulbs the lot of ‘em!”

Jack:
“...I don’t think I’m following.”

Beau:
*Beau is **definitely** not following.*

Roxie:
“You wouldn’t understand… I was set to be the greatest baseball player in all of Empire City! And that hospital had to go and ruin it all by giving Mom that job… I was gonna be a bigshot I tell ya!”

Beau:
*Beau nods his head finally understanding, but letting Jack handle it.*

Jack:
“Uh huh. I see. So you’re a runaway.”

Roxie:
“I prefer the term strong independent child who needs no parent.”

Jack:
“Heh, I hear ya kiddo. I’ve got my share of crazy family. Beau here can attest to that.”

Roxie:
“They move you to a new city without your input too?”

Jack:
“More like try to kill me… Multiple times…”

Roxie:
*Roxie’s eyes widen.*
“Why?”

Jack:
*Jack shrugs.* “No clue. Sometimes your family can just suck. But that doesn’t mean you have to stick with them… I think you did the right thing running away.”

Roxie:
“Huh?”

Jack:
“Yeah, no parents to keep you down, tell you what you can and can’t do, pestering you about homework…”

Beau:
*Beau is ready to interrupt, but waits.*

Jack:
“I’m sure you’ll be much happier on your own… If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your plan?”

Roxie:
“My plan? Oh, right. My plan… I, uh… Well, I honestly don’t exactly… have one?”

Jack:
“Hmm. Well, you’re gonna need to learn some self-defense skills, maybe hunting, learn how to file a tax report. Honestly it’s really brave of you to do this. If it were me I wouldn’t have the guts to leave a perfectly good family…”

Roxie:
“Yeah… Brave… So uh, listen… Theoretically, if a kid were to change their mind about something like this… Not me of course, what uh, what would you tell them?”

Jack:
“What would I tell them? That they made the right choice. A good family is worth it. No matter what it takes.”

Roxie:
“...”
“Hmm…”

Beau:
*Beau relaxes and smiles.*

Roxie:
“So, hypothetically speaking of course but if a kid was in need of a ride home… would you know anyone who could help them?”

Jack:
“I think we can manage that… Right Beau?”

Beau:
*Beau is twirling his keys on his fingertip.*
“Not a problem with me.”

Roxie:
“Thanks… Oh and my last name is Whitmore if that helps…”

Jack:
“Wait… like George Whitmore?”

Roxie:
“Uh huh. That’s my dad…”

Jack:
*Jack’s eyes go wide.*
“BEAU! You realize what this means?”

Beau:
“Uhh, she didn’t take her mother’s maiden name?”

Jack:
“We’re gonna meet George ‘Bigshot’ Whitmore! The greatest baseball player in the history of the sport!”

Roxie:
“Hmm. A man of culture I see.”

Beau:
*Beau shrugs.*

Jack:
“Eh, sorry Roxie. My friend here isn’t exactly knowledgeable in the ways of sports.”
*Jack grabs the little bird’s hand and helps her out of the crate.*
“Come on inside, and we’ll give your folks a buzz and let them know where you are…”

Roxie:
“Okay…”

The three walk inside as Pipsqueak begins blaring some form of happy Christmas music… And what happened then? Well in Dark Castle they say, Beakton’s black heart grew six sizes that day…

[the narrators bicker a bit]

Anyway, stay tuned for the start of Phase Three! Coming soon!

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* Angela Beakton
* Jack Beakton
* Wendy Witchcart
* Pipsqueak Cheddarosier
* Beauregard Cheddarosier
* Andromedus Kukku
* Rouge the Bat
* Roxanne "Roxie" Whitmore
* Blip
* Charlotte Mathers
* Jabber
* Calias the Phoenix
* Hannah Dash
* Lepor Lightfoot
* Bradley Dash
* Metal Sonic
* Shadow the Hedgehog
* E-123 Omega
* Breezie the Hedgehog
* Lawrence Lazertongue
* Stripes the Star

## Participants

* GasglowJones
* Pip9766
* BeauX
* Captainclay55
* HannahDash
* Poly