Somewhat of a filler chapter, buts still has important events.
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The atmosphere immediately emitted shock and even an understandable aura of hatred. Here you were, the supervillain (n/n) in the base of operations your greatest, (previously), enemies. You froze. They froze.

"Attention everyone!" Rouge began clapping her hands together and flew up into the air for spectators to see. Some looked up to their leader and some still had their curious eyes on you. People murmured and whispered, some took a step back and some briefly reached their hand back to wherever a concealed weapon may be.

"As I'm sure you all know, this is (n/n). I'm sure you're all-... concerned, as to why she is here. However, I implore you to trust the Freedom Fighters as we bring her onto the scene." Rouge gestured to your strong armored form, and all eyes turned to you once again. You looked gently down at the ground to avoid eye contact with all the silent judgment around you.

You could recall giving yourself the same speech over and over again in your head. All these different quotes or thoughts to apologize to the world. There was no way you could atone for what you did, but working with the Freedom Fighters was a start. You didn't expect people to forgive you, you didn't think you deserved it.

These defeated thoughts plagued your mind, but since your release, the fresh air has helped to clear your mind greatly.

So with a deep breath, you stepped forwards.

"Hello, everyone- You may recognize me as (n/n) from the last war. I understand your anger towards me and my actions. What I did was wrong and I need to make it up to the world. I do not ask for your forgiveness..."

You paused, moving your hands towards your helmet to take it off. You hesitated at the first motion to pull off the gear, but slowly revealed your face to the anxious crowd.

Your (e/c) eyes glew from the reflections on all the neon screens in the lights of the control room. (Optional:) Your very clear scar from the final fight above your eye, from the first war, looked rough but healed, and your (f/c) was cleaner upon your release. The armor color, detail, and yourself, all suited beautifully, as you really did work hard for it despite its previous purposes.

Solemn eyes looked up to the crowd that calmed down and listened. There was a heavy silence in the room, anticipation for what you had to reveal and unfold. Your thoughts and your sympathies towards their own feelings. Another deep breath and you made a choice.

"My name is (y/n)."

Some members of the crowd let out gasps and murmurs.. 'I know them from our hometown- from our school.'

You knew what you were getting into, people recognizing you and your name as you took off the helmet, even 5 years later. But all the same, it was a step forwards to trust.

"I was a simple (m/s) from Seaside City that was abducted by the Wolf as the war started, and I feel for his pull for power... I never meant to join the side of tyranny, and I left when I finally recognized where his goals really lay."

You looked down, avoiding eye contact from the crowd. You really were here to apologize, maybe it was sneaky Rouge's idea but it was needed. She came up behind you and put a hand on your back, reassuring you that, you did the right thing.

You might have told the soldiers and volunteers your identity when Rouge argued to keep it secret but, it really was your choice. The silence in the room remained, but sometimes actions speak greater than words.

One of the volunteers walked up from behind a control panel. She was a tanish-salmon pink border collie with beautiful glowing blue eyes and two hanging bangs, one of which was curled upwards behind her ears, one of which was also beat downwards floppy. The scheme of colors swirled in your memory back to many years ago.

She was wearing the classic navy blue or green volunteer apparel and had on tall black boots as she approached, and you could see a nametag.

"Olive Arc?" You whispered under your breath at the familiar face. The girl was a former classmate and a common acquaintance in school projects.

Her eyes looked softly into yours, reaching out as her hands grabbed your armored ones. Olive's voice was soft and sincere. She tilted her head as she spoke and looked deep into your eyes, the gateways to your soul, as they say.

"When I couldn't find you after the school went down I got worried but, I never expected this. And I never would have thought you were (n/n)- but... I forgive you, I really do. Your situation was rough, a hostage to Wolf, you were a victim too, just as the rest of us."

Olive squeezed your hand as she held yours. It was a subtle gesture but even so small, it was another example of actions speaking better than words. You nodded in a thank you and she let go, taking a step back to face the crowd on your behalf once again.

"We'll need all the help we can get. (Y/n) may have been (n/n) 5 years ago, but now she's here to help us. Let's use everything we have to stop Eggman and this virus once and for all!"

The crowd hyped up and began to clap and cheer. "Let's do this!"

Olive looked to your armored form again, holding out a fist bump that you gladly took. "Welcome back (Y/n)."

"Alright everyone let's get back to work! Next location is on the screen!" Gante yelled from the back of the room which acted as a stage and battle table. Olive had brought up a topographic diagnostic of a cityscape that was loading into view.

You gathered at the table along with Rouge who stood beside you. She spoke up as she brought you forwards to look at the screen closer. "We'll be starting the gameplan presentation here in a moment. We're just waiting for Ta-"

"I'M HERE!"

    Suddenly, a very small fox flew into the doorway. Two tails spun violently in the air as he clutched onto a device. With a thud, he plunged it into the data screen.

    Tails the Fox was now on scene. And you had no idea what he would think of seeing you again- his captor from 5 years ago.

You pretended that you yourself were not there, but continued to watch the presentation unfold.

    Rouge flew up to the hologram and moved her hand through the particles to simulate the destination. Skyscrapers rose from a concrete jungle, that did actually have a good amount of trees flourish its grounds. People were fleeing away from the city as a giant disc, and Eggman-, shaped ship loomed over the tallest tower. Practically vomiting a shiny, metallic substance over the flooded landscape.

    It was Seaside City.

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I guess a little filler chapter, but I know it was important to say sorry to the people in some sort of way. And no I'm not sorry for my little author insert heheheh

You've reunited with an old friend and got a nice 'man in the chair' at HQ now. I promise this is the last OC to enter the story, just Olive and Gante. I wanna make Gante like an eventual father figure, I think it would be funny lol.

Chapter Length @925 Words

- S.Ishvalda