AN: This is my first attempt at writing a publicly viewed fanfiction, but I am no stranger to writing. That being said, I am still open to constructive criticism and feedback. This first chapter is just a short prologue of what is to come and is a slightly different take on StH #173. The rest of the story will take place after and may be slightly AU as it might bend canon just a smidge to accommodate my writing. Still, I'm accepting reviews and suggestions.
"...You can't count on anybody."
Fiona's words effected Tails' young conscious so greatly that he hardly registered the following slap as he was sent spiraling towards the dirt. His mind in a daze, he quickly worked to figure out what had happened and only a familiar voice screaming his name and the taste of tears, dirty and grass shook him out of his trance. He looked up to spot his long-time best friend and short-time relationship rival briefly doing battle with a gleeful Scourge before the latter dragged a grinning Fiona into a Warp Ring.
"Hey little buddy, are you alright?" Sonic had briskly walked over to Tails to pick him up off the dirt and brush his hands along his shoulders to dust him off. "Listen: Don't let what Fiona said get to you."
With tears in his eyes, Tails looked up at Sonic in contemplation briefly before shaking his head and shrugging the hedgehog's hands off his shoulders. The young fox turned to walk past a confused Antoine as he muttered his response. "Sure Sonic. I'll.. catch you later."
"Vat is ze matter viz him?" Antoine said as the fox shrugged past him. With the setting sun at their backs, Sonic and the french Coyote watched as Tails silently disappeared behind a thick patch of trees.
"I'll tell you when we get back to the HQ," Sonic said with one last glance to where Tails had disappeared before glancing down at his shoes and walked the dirt path which lead to Knothole and the Freedom Fighters Headquarters with Antoine at his heels desperately asking questions.