Emerald welcomes the two with open arms and pets them between expressing grattitude that they made it back OK. She is quickly reassured Mav is OK and then listens to the full story. Once the story is told, Emerald says, "Wow.. so Robotnik is beginning to find flash-freeze tech that can cause an entire lake to turn into solid ice within seconds. I'm very pleased at your success. I assume you already filled Katy in?"

Lucky returns the fluffy hugs and such then nods.  "She let us know about the sleeping arrangements and such.  I'm kinda looking forward to having some roommates."

His mind returns to the badger that warned him about the water with his dying breath and he loses his smile.

  "Keep Thinking about the ones still alive, Lucky.  It helps."  That and saveing the depressing stuff for when you need an extra push into violence against killer robots or general psychopaths.

Emerald answers what Lucky said with, "Me too. The badgers have all been very grateful. They are sad to have lost their home, but happy to be alive."

She looks at Joe and nods, then looks back to Lucky. It's quite an experience to hold the hand of someone as they move from living... to dead. "Commere, Lucky." she sits him on her lap and pets him. Then looks at Joe and pats next to herself before looking back at Lucky and saying, "It's going to be OK. You helped save all of Aquarius. Your loved ones are still here."

Kitty cat is where he belongs.  On a lap, purring, and being pet.  "Thanks for the comfort..."

He can't hold it in anymore and sobs into Emmy's shoulder.  He's lost count of how many friends could have died in the last two days.  It's a tad stressful.

  Joe takes a seat, and just quietly offers to hold Lucky's hand while Emerald deals with cuddly mommy time.

Emmy puts one of her arms around Joe, giving him a knowing look. She can only imagine Joe has seen his share of death if his statement has any backing to it. Then looks at Lucky. She just pets him and lets him let it out. She did her crying earlier in private anyway. Though seeing Lucky cry makes her eyes water. Both because she feels bad for him... and because she actually knew those people who died. Not well... but well enough.

Lucy squeezes the offered hand and tries to collect himself.

"It's been a rough couple days for us, huh?"

  It has hardly been all sunshine and flowers, but Joe's more than learned that so many people have it much worse.  Even when they are not deliberately trying to have the most tragic backstory possible.

  Joe nods.  "Yeah, usually the disasters have the courtesy to space themselves out a bit more."

Emerald says, "It has. Thanks for thinking of me through it all. I appreciate that you guys came to check on me after you returned."

Lucky stifles a chuckle at Joe's comment.  Weird thing is that it's true.  To Emmy he gives a compassionate smile and nods.  "Of course, Emmy.  We love you very much!  You'd do no less if the roles were reversed.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about you or your clone.  Is she fixed?  Are you feeling better?"

  Joe considers joking about how she would have checked on them faster, but Lucky may not take it very well.  Ugh, having tact is hard.

  "Everyone worries about you, but only us can worry about the specifics in this case, it is true."

Emerald nods. "My clone has been repaired, yes... mechanically. But she and I share memories, so we both need emotional repair. That takes time. Feeling better? Technically yes; I feel relief that it is over and there is a plan in order. But I knew those people who died. It may take me a couple weeks or as long as a couple months before I'm fully back to my old self again."

Lucky thinks about how to into Joe's point.

"That's the reason we came to see you.  We're the only ones who really know.  Well the Badgers kinda know to a certain extent.  But not as much as we do.  So I wanted to come support you.  Completely.  Didn't expect to break down like that..."

  "It's understandable, Lucky. It's been absolutely horrible and you actually have a moment to unwind with nothing going wrong, and people who won't think less of you for it.  You kept it back when it mattered."

Emerald says, "What Joe said. And... it's nice to have people who know about some of my secrets. I'll need you in the future when something hurts and I have nobody to talk to. I've not been allowed to break down in public. So I tend to go in private when I feel it coming..."

Lucky gets a hopeful smile and wags his tail slowly.  He's glad to hear so much encouragement.  But even more than that he's glad to hear Emmy is grateful for people to share her secrets with.

"Yeah.  I'll always open arms and a listening ear for you.  I can't imagine how hard it's been for you.  But you don't have to be alone on that anymore."

  Joe nods. It can't be grimdark emo all the time.  "Be sure to let us know if you think your double could use the support also."

Emmy sings

"A promise made may still come true,
so I am waiting here for you.
If you don't come, what will I do?
Who shall I tell my secrets to?"

(go to 0:49)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4ddtczA3wc

She pauses from the song and says, "Thank you both. Uh... my double... will remember the times you comfort me as though she had experienced it. And vice versa."

Lucky's moved to tears again.  But this time happy tears.  "Wow, Emmy.  You have such a heart-melting voice.  And that song...  So fits."

  Joe is less outwardly notable about it, but he's still smiling more than usual.  "Thanks, Emerald.  Though if it makes a difference, then sometime memories of visiting the double personally can't hurt."  It certainly is good material to prevent jealous copy plots, at least.

Emerald nods. "Thanks, Joe. I'm sure she will appreciate it."

She smiles at Lucky and rubs noses with him. "More where that singing came from, hon."

OK, so 14 is a little old to be nuzzling, but Emmy is enjoying the excuses to get away with it because Lucky is a kid AND a bit of an affectionate sort. Nuzzling Joe would be taken as a flirt, unfortunately. But hey, at least she has her arm around him still. "Maybe arranging a concert would be in order. Our visitors and Channelwood in general would probably like that."

Joe is smiling! Yaaaaay!  And he's covering one of the important topics that Lucky wanted to go over.  He's worried that Emmy's twin is super lonely and consequently so is flesh and blood Emmy.  Not to mention the loneliness of having to keep big dangerous secrets.  Lucky just celebrated his sweet sixteen, so there's a good chance that Emmy withheld the nuzzle, but either way he's happy for her offer.  Levels of blush proportional the affection received.

 "That sounds like a great idea, Emmy!  Especially if a concert would help put you in a good mood.  I'll be happy to help with any prep work needed."  Happy tail wag smiley!

   "They could use a bit more than just a roof over their head that isn't trying to kill them, yeah."

Emerald's performance goes nicely. Everyone has fun, especially Emerald. It is anyone's guess if that is Robo Emmy or Bio Emmy. Who knows? Only Emerald does. Heck, it could have been Robo Emmy that Joe and Lucky just spoke with. It will be a mystery. Forever.

(CHAPTER OVER)