Hi there. Came back around to spoil with a story that was a long time coming for those still in summer-mode. So sit back, relax... Enjoy.

Sherlock Cream 2: The Case of the Missing Master Emerald!

Story summary: Our detective duo matured somewhat after their debut case of searching for Cheese and so has their bond. Months later after the incident, the president distributed invitations to the whole gang to come a ball to celebrate the previous victory of saving everyone from the devastation of Eggman's takeover of the ARK. But, after hearing of Knuckles' case of his Master Emerald being stolen, the preparation for the ball is put on hold for the two and it's up to them to help the echidna find the source of ultimate power before someone else can!

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or places (I'll not claim imaginary places either) used in the story. They rightly belong to SEGA and Sonic Team.

Two words spouted from the depths of my mind. Mass confusion. My heart rate quickened as my eyes darted between emerald and hazel, as I thought of a sentence to counter the one said to me.

"Well? Come on, Tails!" my best friend taunted me, "while you're searching for those things, this may be the only time we have for a bit of small talk and some explanation for your...actions."

I groaned. This shouldn't bother me. It shouldn't at all, so why am I feeling so annoyed and bothered...? I have before, when he teased me the last time, but it wasn't as bad as this. My twin tails twirled as I looked to a young doe whose blushing face matched my own.

"Tails..." she frowned slightly.

Her face... Dang, I hate it when she frowns. Such gentle beauty faded by uneasiness and worry. My eyes gazed at her for a brief moment. She really was very cute. And that nice dark orange dress, it brought that out much more.

My mouth was mush. I wish I had the same ease of technobabble I normally do when explaining my inventions as well as different sorts of technology, but my mind for once was blank. Nothing flowed from lips but broken speech. And with her here... being the way she was... It's blown much more out of proportion than I can imagine.

I hated hiding things. And the matter that blue flash brings this up at such an inopportune time, doesn't make things better. The fact that we were searching for the most powerful gem in the world didn't phase Sonic in the slightest annoyed me. But that's one of Sonic's natural talents; staying cool no matter WHAT happens. I envied that, especially right now.

I wondered how I got myself into this situation. My stomach in knots, my comfort zone faded, my thoughts jaded, the works. This worried fox's name? Miles. Miles Prower, or as my so-called friend named me, Tails... Obvious reason being my namesakes.

...

How it all started... I remember how it started oh so vividly...It was only a few days ago when I was fixing up the Tornado as a...job well done for me. While everyone else found this strange, I merely found this normal for the young fox I am, just... pushing my boundaries as always.

My ears twitched to faint, rapid footsteps from deep in Mystic Ruins. Sounded more like million taps a minute, so it was obvious who was making them. The fastest hedgehog only matched by one other, my friend, Sonic the hedgehog. The door opened to him giving a traditional thumbs-up and a smirk before him closing it. He had the right to since he sleeps here sometimes, but I often have wished he'd do what everyone else would do and KNOCK.

"Hey little buddy! I got some news," he walked up to my workplace.

"Really? What's the news then?" I asked in anticipation. After the now-several-months-old ARK encounter, I haven't heard anything important since. I would assume this was too right?

"We are invited to a PAR-TAY!" He showed off the letter with the official insignia of the city's small government.

Yeah, not quite what I had in mind and this didn't seem quite important to me at the time. Parties are not for me. I'm... too socially awkward for such a thing. I thought maybe I'd grow out of this in a matter of years but right now it didn't seem like something I like to participate. And it hasn't dawned until a few minutes that I can see who sent the letter.

"That's nice, Sonic... but you know how I am with public events. It's too embarrassing."

"But check out who this is from! I was roaming around Station Square, right? Passed by city hall, got called inside and I was given this note here by the secretary! The MAYOR is asking us to come!"

My bored eyes sparked with life after hearing him. "W-what! The mayor! ...Why would he invite us and what occasion?"

"Weeeeell..." he chuckled embarrassingly, "If you want technicalities, it just says here I'm invited. But! It said I can bring friends. And you're the first on my list, of course."

I was handed the paper to read, and sure enough, it was an official invitation. I read aloud as Sonic gave me his cocky smile:

Sonic,

You are hereby invited to attend a party in your honor for your brave efforts of saving our fair city as well as the world. On the 25 of June, our party shall commence at 5:00 PM sharp at the Grand Station Hotel and shall end at 1:30 AM. (see map and details on back) We shall be serving various foods and drinks that would suit everyone's tastes. You may bring a few other friends of your choosing to the occasion. We hope to see you there.

- Mayor

Well, that sorta changes things. I may not be well-known, but if I was expected to go with Sonic, I can't refuse. Only problem is this would most likely be a black-tie event, and...I don't really wear anything other than shoes and my old gloves. (Which made me question why exactly did I craft a dresser to go in my bedroom with nothing to put in it.) Quite frankly, my hedgehog friend owned and donned nothing but shoes and gloves in his case as well. Which meant we'd have to go shopping for some suits. I'm terrible at shopping, and obviously since he hasn't stepped into a shop that had nothing to do with chili dogs, I would say the same.

"So... Mind joining the soiree, Tails? "

"Err... Sure. But... we need some tuxedos."

"...We need suits?"

...My obvious clue that Sonic hasn't been to any fancy occasion in his furry life. I sighed. I guess we both in this together.

"Well, yes. This party would be formal... " I turned to the back and gave a brief gaze at the contents on the back that confirmed my guess. "Especially since this is at the Grand Square Hotel. That hardly gets reservations for huge parties unless it's really important."

"But what tux would fit me? Seriously, compared to those giant humans... I'm forced to go to the children's section! I got SOME dignity entitled to me... I sure as heck don't want people to realize I can fit the same clothes that have my face on them..."

"News flash, Sonic: With our sizes, we ALL do." He needed to have some of that ego chopped off and replaced with some humility anyway...