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“What a waste of time.” Wave grumbles.
You dismiss the comment with a playful roll of your eyes and continue a strained walk through the thick sand.
It’s not like she’s wrong. It is hot. And yes, the sun has been far from forgiving all afternoon and seashells keep somehow finding their way beneath your sandals, but that doesn’t mean the day’s wasted yet. The journey’s still worth it to you. Afterall, Wave isn’t the only mechanic and tech operator amongst the Babylon Rogues. You’re tired too.
That’s why when a digital invitation arrived from Amy Rose saying you and Wave were welcomed to a girl’s day at the beach, you took the time to consider it. You had to admit, the offer was wildly tempting. You assumed this to be a white-flag gesture, no fights or friction. Just scintillating sand under a tropical sun. You could practically feel the soothing warmth settling on your bare shoulders as soon as you began to imagine it.
A few begs and barters later, Wave finally agreed. Though that clearly didn’t mean she had to like it. She’d made this clear the entire ride here.
“Just give this a chance.” You sent a pleading look in your friend’s direction. “We can leave if you end up not having any fun.”
Wave snorts. “Why don’t I save you the trip! Let’s bail now. They haven’t noticed us yet.”
The swallow turns on her heel, striding in the opposite direction, but you grab a desperate hold of her wrist.
“No, please! C’mon, it won’t be the same without you!” You whined.
After a brief struggle, Wave relents with a loud sigh. “Fine, but only because this beats being bothered by Jet and Storm.”
Her voice trails off as she stomps in the direction of the gathering crowd. You hurry after her. Butterflies of anticipation sprout as the once distant laughter and girlish giggles grow louder and more distinct. For weeks you dozed off during missions, daydreaming about the soon-to-be clear, blue water you’d splash around in whilst the weight of the world rolls off your body like beads of sweat. You even imagined drying off afterward under the cool shade of a palm tree.
Well, now there will be no more agonizing anticipation. The day is here at last. Your casual stride breaks into a sprint while Wave, on the other hand, drags her feet even more, even after the two of you are spotted.
A smile spreads along your lips. It doesn’t matter that you hardly know any of these girls. A beach day is still a beach day, and as long as no one is flinging fists or fighting, you couldn’t care less. Consider these foes now friends!
Amy Rose, with her bright pink hair now pinned back by a hibiscus flower, greets you first. You return the greeting and have to nudge a crossed-arm Wave to do the same. By her side is Sticks, who’s holding a beach ball in left arm, and…well some cat you can’t recognize.
You outstretch your hand to the unfamiliar black-haired cat. “Nice to meet you. My name is-”
“The details on your swimsuit are just perfect!” Her eyes dart past yours and linger on your outfit.
You consider covering your body with your hands. It’s not like you’re shy or anything but a dinner would be nice first before getting devoured by someone’s eyes. Wave senses your unease and snickers.
Amy giggles too, placing a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Sorry about her. Honey loves her fabrics.”
Honey. So that’s the cat’s name. You open your mouth to reply but Sticks interjects.
“We playing ball or what?”
Amy nods, her eyes briefly find yours. “You guys should join us! We’re playing volleyball and my team is one member short after Rouge left us to go lay in the shade. The wind kept blowing her floppy hat away.”
The hedgehog rubs the back of her neck sheepishly.
You smile politely in return. “Thank you, but…” Your eyes flicker to the aloof Wave on your left. “We’re going to explore a bit. Don’t worry about us!”
“Suit yourself.” Sticks comments then tosses the ball to Honey.
The trio return to the net, leaving you and Wave to yourselves. You clasp your hands together happily and face your friend.
“Well, what do you want to do first?”
Wave scoffs and lowers her sunglasses to rest on her beak. “Other than leaving? Anything that doesn’t involve hanging out with these losers will do.”
Looks like getting Wave to enjoy herself is going to be much harder than you thought. Letting out a sigh, you decide to scan the area instead. Everyone has dispersed to do their own thing.
Other than Honey, you can recognize almost all the faces you find. A glistening striped tail refracts sunlight into your eyes from the water. That must be Tangle. She looks to be snorkeling with the rest of the Diamond Cutters. While on the other side of the beach, a poise Blaze is helping Cream build a decent-sized sandcastle. And of course, you spot Rouge exactly where Amy said she’d be. Rouge looks relaxed as she drinks from an umbrella-topped coconut, cooled by the shade of a palm tree.
Your heart urges you to jump into any activity and just enjoy yourself, yet you hesitate. Not only are the Babylon Rogues foe to most, but you can hardly imagine anyone is pleased to see your face. Will a truce really erase any tension?
Maybe Wave’s right and this is a bad idea after all.
“Uh-oh, I know that face.” Wave's eyes narrow. “You’re not thinking of changing your mind, are you?”
You shake your head, desperately trying to remove all the busy thoughts. “No! Well, maybe?”
“You’re kidding! What happened to ‘Oh, Wave! We’ll have the time of our lives! Just you wait!’?” Wave asks, dramatically clasping her hands together.
Your shoulders droop. “Well, it’s just…what if we’re not really welcome here?”
The swallow’s face softens. Wave shakes her head slowly, stifling a smile. As polar opposite as you both are, there’s something about you that balances her out, completing the picture. Whether you intended it or not.
“They invited us here, remember?”
You prepare to reply with another counterargument when you feel a soft tap on your shoulder. Turning around, you’re met with the small-light brown rabbit, Cream. In her hands are two strawberry-swirl ice cream cones, held outward to you.
“Oh! Are those for us?”
“Yes, silly! Here, take them!” The rabbit places one cone into your hand and the other, into–the very confused–swallow’s hand.
“Thank you. That’s so sweet.”
Cream giggles, nudging your shoulder. “Well, duh. Ice cream tends to be sweet.”
“Kid’s got a point.” Wave says through a smirk.
You smile at the ground. A feeling settles, warming your heart at the possibility that perhaps the past can stay in the past. It would be nice for the Babylon Rogues to have someone to lean on other than each other. It’s been just you guys for so long.
A gentle tug of your wrist gains your attention.
“Come on, Miss! We’re about to play!”
Wave raises an eyebrow. “Play?”
“Yup! One big race on foot. Whoever wins gets to be today’s beach day champion!”
A light ignites in the swallow’s eyes. You know that look well. Guess she’s found something fun to do after all.
“Count us in!” Wave’s eyes meet yours. “Whaddya say we show these girls how the Babylonians do it?”
Gotta love a beach day.
The sky’s a melted blend of oranges and reds when the race finally begins. Everyone gathers by the starting line. Not before shaking hands as a show of friendliness first, of course. Cream’s rules.
When your hand meets with Tangle, her eyes instantly shoot toward something behind you. A toothy grin takes over her face.
Following her gaze, you finally realize what caught her attention. Leaning against a palm tree’s sturdy trunk is your Extreme Gear. Painted to be your favorite color and shined into a beautiful candy gloss, it’s your greatest pride.
“No way! Is that your Gear?”
A blush creeps on your cheeks. “Oh, that? Yeah, figured it’d be quicker than walking.”
“Nice.” Her eyes linger appreciatively on the Gear.
Well, well. You’re not used to having your Extreme Gear praised. Other than the occasional nod of approval from Jet after a repair, you and Wave don’t get much compliments on your handiwork. Only difference is that Wave carries enough confidence in her work to not need it. You, on the other hand, wouldn’t mind something more every once in a while to keep you going.
“Thank you.” you firmly state, shaking her hand with both of yours.
After greeting everyone else, the race finally nears its beginning. You take your spot beside Wave at the starting line and get into a runner’s pose. Sure, flying is more your style, but who are you to refuse a challenge? You are still a member of the Babylon Rogues and winning is still a delicious taste.
You send a smile over at Wave. “Ready?”
You predict the words before they even leave her lips.
“Hah! I was born ready, baby.”
You’re already laughing when the whistle blows. Wave rushes past you and toward the front. Figures. Not that you mind. Time seems to slow anyway as you run. Every sensation is underlined. How the beach breeze brushes your hair out of your face or the way your feet hit the warm sand and kick it behind you. The weight of your worries lifts seamlessly from your shoulders, gifting the grace of a great ending to a great day.
You’re breathless, covered in sand, and ruffling salt out of your hair by the time you past the predetermined “finish line.” With a quick scan, you see everyone else to be pretty much in the same state. The only one seemingly undisturbed is Wave who, of course, finished in first place and is currently dancing by the shore.
You don’t even want to think of what place you landed in.
Cream approaches you with her Chao. “Congrats! Cheese says Ms. Wave won first place fair-and-square.”
“Yeah, something tells me she already knows she won.” You stifle a laugh while pointing in the dancing lunatic’s direction.
“Oh my…” Cream whispers.
The three of you are staring at the swallow in confusion when the rest of the girls approach.
Amy speaks up first. “Since it’s getting dark out, we’re going to set up a bonfire. Most of us are pretty tired anyway from today’s activities.”
Rouge pouts, placing a hand on her hip. “I’ll say. My sun hat was completely trampled during the race.”
Honey waves her hand dismissively. “Please, friend. I can easily make you a new one! Even more stylish than the last!”
As the pair drift off from the group to discuss summer hat patterns and designs, Blaze steps forward. Her silken swimsuit shimmers under the early moonlight. You debate whether to ask where she got it.
“I can make us a fire if you all would like. Even roast some marshmallows.”
Amy, who was standing beside the cat, hugged her gratefully. “That’d be perfect, Blaze! I actually brought some freshly baked poundcake if anyone wants any too. Served with strawberries of course!”
Whisper’s ears suddenly shot up at those words. “Did someone say poundcake?”
Lanolin smiled from beside her, turning her attention to you. “Oh, and will you show us your Extreme Gear, new friend? Tangle told me about it briefly, but I’d love to have a look at it myself.”
A long forgotten warmth returns to your face.The words nearly stumble out. “Sure.”
Tangle, suddenly next to you, swings an arm over your shoulder. “You should’ve seen it! Who knew Jet was hiding such an awesome rider from us all along?”
The moon is high in the sky when everyone decides to settle in by the fire. You snuggle up close to the warm flame as a chill begins to sweep over the coast. As promised, Blaze roasts marshmallows while Amy passes them out along with her homemade desserts.
You’re already chewing on a tasty bite of gooey marshmallow when Wave plops next to you on the sand.
“What’d I miss?”
Wait a minute.
You squint, your face twisting in utter confusion. “Were you dancing this entire time?”
The swallow tosses her head back in laughter. You barely hear Amy’s soft voice over it as she asks an interesting question.
“I wonder what the guys are doing?”
It’s Blaze that finally replies. “That’s right. Weren’t they having a vacation day of their own?”
Hmm, where did they say they were going again?