Sonic the Hedgehog - The Origins of Sheila
A fan fiction novel written by: Regdrags
Notes from the Author:
All characters related to Sega belong to their respective copyright owners and creators. I do not own Sonic nor any characters related to them. Any characters that do not belong to Sega belong to the original creator Regdrags. The character Sheila is owned by Castgurl and Beast Domes. Please ask for permission before reusing the character for any fan fiction related content. Please look carefully at the rating before reading. If you have any questions, suggestions or see errors that I myself have not spot please post it in a review.
Thank you for your understanding and enjoy!
Prelude – The Beginning of Good News
Location : Dark Nail Jungle
It was roughly past midnight here in the blacken jungle.
The moonlight stared down at the kingdom in which it hovered over night after night, sharing its immersive lunar glow along with it. The surrounding landscapes were painted with leafy trees and jungles that hid all that wanted to be hid. Sparkles of the moon hinted upon the rivers that flow here, giving off a softer lighten hue from them.
This place looked the same during the day; the jungles were tall and protective. Areas were covered with green and wildlife. It was a peaceful area; indeed it was. The sun brought out the true beauty of this place as well as the moon did. This place was only concerned with sharing its beauty with all that wanted to look at it. This beauty however, was the last thing on one person's mind.
"ROAAAR!"
A deep, hunger filled roar filled the silent jungle field. Birds that were once dreaming now scattered about in the dark nightly air. After 5 seconds, the noise died down. Then, came another from a nearby bush area."HUFF…puff…weez…I gotta…I gotta get away…"
A young, soft voice pained through the words as they were spoken. A small yet strongly build hand grasped at a long leaf that was clearly in her way. She shoved it towards the right side, softly saying sorry to it as she placed a foot ahead of her. The shoes were of similar style of a known red creature that roamed here, however they were smaller and had the colors of brown on them. The brown which was the dirt and grime that this person was pushing through hours ago. Finally, she placed another foot ahead, and walked towards the path that was in front of her. The creature was lean, yet was soft in her features. Her legs and thighs were on a slightly softer side. Her upper body appeared more built than the rest, in regards to how rip it was. However it was still lighten by her feminine features, giving her a strong but lean look. She wore shorts that tightly wrapped around her body and a string top that showed off her mid section, giving her the wilder side to show. The blouse looked as if imported from another land so far from even the most imaginative of fantasies. Markings and tattoos covered both her arms, which swarmed gracefully to her hands. As to the meaning of those same markings, only one can guess. These features were darken in the night, and were pained more over from the simple fact that this creature was exhausted from the ordeal that she was dealing with not long ago. A large roar was heard from the distance once again. Her eyes widen with both fear and disbelief.
"The GODS…they never STOP do they?"
The creature's name was Sheila. She was a young Echidna and Leoin breed that was wrapped into a war that she didn't agree on nor wanted to be a part of. She was part of a clan that allied with each other due to her mother's and father's share of love. However, the Leoin clan from which her mother was born to disapproved of her mother's choice for a mate. The Echidnas and Leoins have been fighting each other for power for centuries. The Echidnas from the Knuckles clan had no connection to this; another bloodline, known as the Kaken Echidnas from the Kaken Clan were a stronger, more supreme race and have been around for decades. With the birth of Sheila, it sent shock waves to both the Kaken and Leoin clans…making them go to war at each other. The town in which her and her family lived in was overrun by the Leoin clans. Claiming that Sheila was part of a bad omen to come with time…they were sent there to kill away the young half Leoin. Sheila and a few managed to escape…although the whereabouts of her mother and father were unknown. The only thing she kept was a small gem that her mother gave her. She told her: "If anything ever happens to me and your father, I want you to take this jewel and shallow it with the rivers that divide the clan. The clearest one you can find towards the East. When it is inside you, your powers will be awaken, even after you rid of it from your body. But until then, I want you to keep it safe until you find someone from the Knuckles and the Caterin clan. They will be the key to all the answers that you will seek. I can't explain everything to you right now my daughter…but someday, I will."
Since then, Sheila has been surviving; making little friends and many foes. She didn't let the experience shape her into a heartless machine. She did have good and wholesome times in her life. But the last 5 years have proved difficult to break through. Nearly every Leoin that she crossed paths with have tried to murder her on the spot. She since then has stopped trusting others, having a hard time letting her guard down. But a few have managed to surpass that barrier. "Ahh…Ahhh…" As she continued to try to suck in air, her face revealed itself in the moonlight. She had a round face, which was of a light tan color, followed by the almost peach color of her facial area. She had large yet accented eyes that had the colors of light brown and a flare of orange due to her current distressed state. On her forehead, one can make out the same symbolic markings that the Echidnas had on their chests…only hers was upside down and had a sword like marking slashed in the middle of it. Her hair was long and on the wavy side. Some were strummed together in small, careful dread locks while others were natural.
Two cat like ears were planted on the hair, twitching momentary one second to the other to stay aware of
any incoming dangers or threats.
"Ahh…Ahh…" She breathed heavily, asking the Gods themselves to bring more air into her lungs. She felt like her heart was getting ready to burst right then and there.
In all, she was a beautiful yet roughed out creature that was simply damned to the harsh flow of life. She finally felt safe and secured enough to sit down. She looked down towards her shorts… and yes, she was a complete mess. Mud was all over her shoes; her shorts were stained with what appeared to be blood and other disgusting fluids that may have gotten there. Her hair was still intact, but still made due with the overall trashed up look that the creature was clearly wearing. She sat up, now breathing normally again. Her ears continued to twitch, but more gently this time.
*Rustle!* A bush nearby her moved, alarming the half Leoin woman. She quickly stood up, readying herself for what was to come.
"Sheila!" A voice called out.
She couched down slightly in preparation for a counter attack. But she knew the voice too well.
"Bruce?" She replied. She didn't let her guard down although she found the voice very familiar to her ears. Then, the caller came before her.
"Bruce!" Sheila called out, as she looked at the dark figure walking towards her.
Bruce, an older looking black bat, stopped just a few feet away from Sheila. He wore a business type of suit with jeans that concealed many gadgets and weapons that he uses during his outposts. Large blue eyes made the face dashing, which worked well with a slick grin that appeared quickly on his face. He was an agent that was hired by G.U.N. to spy on the United Nations of Science or U.N.O.S. for short. He then signed up with them and began "working" for them while supplying details to the other agents of G.U.N. The trained and seasoned bat was assigned with the task of capturing Sheila and returning her to the crooked organization. But over the course of the time that he had gotten to know her…he made other plans.
Bruce started to speak. "Don't say another thing girl. I saw what that dirt brain did to ya." Sheila let out a sigh. "So did you get him?" asked Sheila. She sat down again; more comfortable now that Bruce was here with her. Bruce continued to stand, while he fiddled with a device that he pulled from his left pocket. "He was too quick even for me…but I sent a distress signal to the main guys. They think it's you… the bot brains." Bruce then started to slowly pace towards Sheila, as the light screens of the gadget danced in front of his eyes. Codes, letters and numbers that only he knew and understood darted to and from the small screen. Sheila watched as he continued to fiddle with the thing. After what seemed like forever, Bruce finally spoke. "Yeah huh…alright, they got him Sheila." Sheila let out a small smile. "Thanks Bruce…If only I wasn't so weak. And if only these Leoins weren't so…ahh forget it."
Bruce took a seat next to Sheila while eyeing her face. He was concerned for her; He has no idea why U.N.O.S. was trying so relentlessly to capture the creature. After he started knowing her bit by bit (and punch by punch) Bruce developed what he calls a "candy crush" on the half Leoin woman. "Hey, don't worry that pretty face of yours girl," said Bruce. He was looking into Sheila eyes, as he marbled on the slowly moving brown color that was beginning to consume the tired orange in them. He loved her eyes, although he never told her. "I'm still looking into what the U.N.O.S. wants with ya. I've been talking with Rouge about that." Sheila tilted her head slightly to the left. "Rouge?"questioned Sheila. Sheila couldn't seem to remember the white bat for some reason. "Rouge the bat, the spy girl," Bruce finally replied. It now clicked in Sheila's drained brain now. "Ohhh Rouge!" said Sheila. She and Sheila have met a few times during her struggles against the other Leoin clans. Oddly enough, Rouge was actually sent to spy on the U.N.O.S. team as well. Finding it odd that Bruce was also assigned it, she decided to do a personal interrogation on both Bruce and Sheila. After learning about Sheila's past and what U.N.O.S. wanted Sheila for, Rouge decided to help her as well…for a price of course.
"I still got a few jewels saved for her. How has she been?" Sheila started to stretch out her legs, leaning them out from being overworked from the hours before. "Well," Bruce started, "Seems like the bat girl's got some info on U.N.O.S. that even I don't have. I gotta admit, she is good." Bruce looked towards the left, taking in the darken jungle features that protected them from both the moonlight and any peeking eyes. He continued. "Seems like you my pretty lady...have something inside of ya that they need for one of their crazy experiments. Don't know why though and what that experiment is." Sheila froze. She looked at Bruce with a rush of seriousness that quickly spread throughout her features. She knew what he was talking about. "My mother told me to keep that emerald inside me," said Sheila. She pulled back her now relaxed leg back towards her. She was now sitting with her legs crossed. Sheila, not lighting up on her features, continued on. "I have been battling these damn Leoins for 5 years…and I have yet to meet one single Echidna or Leoin that can help me…" Sheila looked into Bruce's face and continued. "They can't and will not have the emerald inside my body!" Sheila raised her voice slightly, not to be heard but to push on the notion that she really means what she is saying to the black skinned bat. "Not until I at LEAST find one Echidna or a DAMN Leoin that won'ttry to rip my face out." Bruce looked back at Sheila. "About that girl, I actually got some good news." Upon saying that, Bruce quickly stood up. He motioned a hand to Sheila, getting ready to help her stand up. But in response to this, Sheila eyed at Bruce with stern eyes. "Is this REALLY good news, or just bullcrap Bruce?" Sheila looked at his hand, then back at Bruce. Bruce then said, "I swear girl, good news. What bugs me is that Rouge didn't tell me about it til' yesterday. I'm guessing maybe she got…" Bruce held back a laugh, but bits of it escaped from his grin filled face. Sheila's stern faced transformed into that of confusion as she cocked her face to the left again. "A 'what'?" she asked. Bruce pulled Sheila up to her feet, while still trying to what appeared to be his hardest to conceal the laugh. "Okay girl…hur-hur…" Bruce chuckled a little, containing what appeared to be a genuine smile on his face. Sheila was still confused, but wanted to know what this crazy bat ally of hers was babbling about. "So Rouge got this crush on someone and well…" Bruce was just about to continue when Sheila cut in. She was not pleased at all at the very beginning of his so-called good news. "Are you kidding me Bruce?" Sheila's emotions danced all over her eyes. The tints of orange which indicated anger, frustration and of course pure irritation surfaced in her pupils once again. Bruce knew this look all too well and knew what would come about if he couldn't get his "candy crush" to simmer down in the hot jungle night. "Now wait Sheila, hold on!" said Bruce, as he held up his hands to keep distance between him and the now angry Sheila. "Let ME FINISH!" Sheila looked straight into Bruce's eyes and let out a low and irritable growl. "Ghrrrr…," howled Sheila. "Bruce…you better have some good news after all the crap that I have been through!" Bruce's hands were shaking slightly. The very look of Sheila could strike fear to even the most manly and trained men in the G.U.N. force. Bruce was at the top rank and here he was getting ready to sweat buckets by just the very anger that was darting all over Sheila's face. But this was different. This will be very different.
"Okay now let me finish girl, I know what you have been through…," said Bruce. Sheila calmed down slightly, although the orange hue still dominated her glass like eyes but not as much as before. "Okay now Rouge has this crush on the guy – don't ask me why…but as it turns out…" As Bruce was about to finish, he pulled out a small watch-like device out from his other pocket. It was grey colored, with details of buttons and slots decorated all around the surface. One large button stood out from the top end of it. He pushed it. Sheila stared at the image that came in front of them. The look of shock and confusion surfaced on her face. It was a picture of an Echidna. "What…," Sheila said. Bruce finally finished his good news. "Girl…this guy right here is named Knuckles. He is an Echidna that lives near here and guards that emerald that you and that clan of yours have connections to." He shut off the image and continued.
"See Rouge and Knuckles met back when that whole Eclipse cannon situation happened. I guess Knuckles helped Rouge and since then, she has had a crush on the guy." Bruce paused for a moment to make sure it has sunk in. The brown coloring of her eyes was becoming more dominating in her pupils. He looked apologetically at Sheila, as the brown coloring of her eyes began to fully return without a hint of orange in them. "Sheila," Bruce finally said, "I had no idea this guy was around til yesterday. Rouge was going on and on about one jewel she'll never get. Long story short, she told me it was one that Knuckles has…who is an ENCHINA." When Bruce said that, Sheila ran towards him…and gave him the biggest hug he has ever received. Sheila started to slowly cry, shaking as her body was now releasing the tensed up years of struggling and battles. She has been searching for her father's blood lines, the Echidnas, for so very long. And finally, 5 years later…she has found it. "Bruce…*sniff!*," murmured Sheila, as tears begin to drop to the dark ground. "Oh gods FINALLY!" Sheila began sobbing. Her words were inaudible to Bruce, but he understood their meaning. "I don't know what the damn organization's trying to do, but I'll do everything I can to slow them down." Bruce embraced Sheila, holding her close as he tried to comfort her. "Rouge's got some documents to look over. I already got people on the inside working the strings out. This Knuckles guy should have what you're looking for I hope…"
Sheila's crying began to dissolve as Bruce continued to hold her. She finally felt relaxed after so long.
The moon resided on them, with just the outlines of them showered with a glimmer of light blue. Bruce looked up into the sky, as he holds Sheila into his arms. Sheila then starts to speak. "Bruce?," questions Sheila. "Yes?," Bruce replied. His eyes stayed on the large light blue moon in the sky as it overlooked the both of them. "Bruce…I want to say thank you. I never thought you would be so helpful when I first met you."
Bruce's heart skipped a beat. Now this was a feeling that was completely new to the heavily trained and cutting bat. But he knew this would come chasing him sooner or later. He didn't mind this at all. He was happy to actually "help" someone that he is interested in…and much, much more.
After what seem like minutes, Bruce finally responded. "You're welcome girl…you're one of a kind."
No clouds touched the sky that night as a silhouette of a bat carrying a young, tired Leoin gracefully glided the skies. The moon was fully visible behind the pair as they made their way to safer ground. (Oh girl…) thought Bruce, as his wings pushed the wind behind him to shoot him forward. (You got me wrapped around your little paws…this isn't good for my job.) Sheila was asleep in his arms. She had been awake for the past 40 hours since the attack started. Bruce's thoughts overtook him now. It was as if the build bat was now auto piloting a jet whose course is currently unknown.
(After meeting you though…you got me thinking a lot. About what's really like out here and G.U.N and more. I wonder if I can learn more from ya…in another way.) As much as he told himself to not do it, his heart sang another melody. As his wings caught in more wind…he placed a soft kiss on Sheila's forehead. He sighed, as he felt his highly built walls crashing downward with large velocity. The kiss was not from pained emotion but from the fear that he will never be able to pull that off ever again. She had no clue about Bruce's true feelings about it. She wasn't concerned about it actually. She was truly someone special. Sheila was someone so different from what he is used to, and simply couldn't get enough of it. He wanted more and more from her. He couldn't bare to be away and leave her to face the fears that have somehow manifested onto the very ground that they both walk on. (I hope Rouge can give me some more info about my "job" with those crazy science people.) Bruce's thoughts flowed on once more before he finally focused on their next destination. (U.N.O.S...I got a feeling I'm heading into a very dangerous game here.)
A few days of being able to relax and wash up did well for Sheila. She was still excited over the news that one of her distant blood lines was nearby living in Mobius. Her mind was much clearer and fresher now that she able to actually focus on something more positive for a change. Unlike the previous 5 years in which the one thing she worried was when the next war cry would be heard by a clan of wild Leoins. "I wonder what he is like…this Knuckles person." On the night in which the greatest of news was brought to her attention, Bruce carried the drained Sheila to one of his hideouts near Dark Nail Jungle. Unable to be detected by even the most advanced of robotics, Sheila was able to stay there while she recovered from the nightly duel against her challenger. The Leoin was someone she knew from her childhood, one that would actually babysit her while her parents were off doing things with the clan. But since the whole whirlwind of war started to spin away, this person would turn into one more enemy for her. She couldn't help but feel even more disgust for him now that he was put in his place permanently. (But I have no choice…even if I was strong enough to take him, I would still have had to kill him. At least I won't have more blood staining my hands.)
Sheila was now gliding through the sky, feeling wind lines pulling her now cleansed and clean hair behind her. She often wondered how she was even able to do this simple motion; was it her father side of the family with his gift of flying through the endless skies? She decided that would be one of the first few questions that she would ask Knuckles. Maybe the "Will you try to kill me?" question should be last of the three followed by the "Do I look okay?" question. Sheila hasn't forgotten that she was a woman you know. "I'm so nervous…," She thought out loud, almost in the same similar fashion as Knuckles. "It's been so long since I actually will try to meet someone that won't try to claw my eyes out." Sheila was sporting a pair of short cut jeans of a light blue coloration. Accompanying it was a belt of a golden color along with some of her tools attached along with it. It included a cell phone manufactured by the G.U.N. Corporation, which means it looked very well ahead of any cell phone produced. Bruce redid the software and uninstalled the premade tracking sensors so that no one would be able to track her. He did the same to his, carrying on the excuse that if he had "the G.U.N.'s dogs" tracking his every move, he'll lose focus on his spy mission. As he was one of the high ranking agents and since the boss himself didn't want to hear him babbling on about the issue, they let it slide. She was free to call whom she wanted and when she wanted.
She wore the same blouse from the previous nights but now it was stain free, radiating the bright light coloring of it and of course the jewel imprints on it. On her head laid a soft white bandana that was folded to make a shift headband. It complimented nicely with her complexion and style. She looked stunning to all that would have been able to witness her. The shoes were polished up and shine gracefully against the sun as she glided onward. Her hair was now full of tiny, calculated dread locks which reached towards the hip section of her body. Unlike any of her distant blood lines, she processed the uncanny ability to grow her hair back to its predetermined height without much thought. She shaved her hair the night before and using a specially formulated spray to put the growth to a halt, she carefully pinned up each and every dread lock. She touched it up with her usual orange high light sheen when it grew out in minutes. Sheila was indeed back. It has been so long since she even cared for her looks, so much so that now her nervousness shifted to that of excitement. Her course: The Mystic ruins. To meet the great Knuckles that she needed to meet for so long.
The jungles were a bit far from her next location, but this didn't bother her at all. She left Bruce, who had to report to his boss for the "incorrect" target calling a few nights ago. He was used to it by now. And Sheila remained free from the clutches of the U.N.O.S. team. Even she was curious as to what they wanted her for. Did they want the emerald which was inside her body? Or was it something more? "The more I think," She thought out loud. "The more my freaking head hurts…" Not wanting to obtain a migraine the size of a basket ball, Sheila pushed those dark questions aside. She had more important things to worry about and to be excited about. Not only will her questions get answered, but she will be able to connect more with her father's bloodline and past.