Well folks, here's my second fanfiction story, One or the other. I will try to update more often, school's back (boo!) and the work will mount up. Still, hope you enjoy it!

One or the other.

There is no way on Earth (and beyond) to even begin this story. You, dear reader , may have noticed something different. Small things like increased mitiary activity, strange power surges, things like that. I can explain, but that could take a while. Besides I had a few problems with this.

My first problem was that, despite my best efforts, I can't remain hidden for long. Not in Britain, recently found to be the country with more security cameras, tracking devices and speed cameras in Europe, if not, the world. For reasons of safety and because I love my family and friends, I shall be known in this story as 'Malcolm' or 'Dave'. My town may have to be known as...well let's not spoil it.

My second problem was the events themselves. Being T rated, I can't start going into great detail as to how certain people *ahem* became no more or what thy said exactly. There may be some slight violence, language (words like 'hell', 'damn' and 'bloody' may sneak in). But apart from that, it may be fairly toned down, mainly for people or children who would rather not have nightmares.

My final problem was simply where to begin.

Yes, where did it all really begin? Arriving on Sonic's world? No, not there. Two more Malcolms appearing out of nowhere? No not there either. How about finding a strange gem and being attacked by several large robots in town? Maybe. I think the best place to start is the week before I found a werid gem in town.

Best start there...

Wednesday 7th January.

Last free day before school again. A time to finish undone homework, sleep in till lunch and relax.

Not me, not in the very least. At 8:00am I'm out of bed, by 8:50 my mum and dad drive me to the town of Middlesborugh, where I was to take my theory test for driving. This was the second time I had to do it because I failed last time. This was the last time I could fail. If I did, I would pay for the next one and I don't like parting with money (unless it's for a good cause eg:presents for Dad's birthday). Also I could take my driving test if I failed.

9:45am. I handed the woman behind the desk my papers. She looked at them and smiled.

"Everything's in order Mr Malcolm. Just talk to the gentlemen over there. Don't worry, I'm sure you'l do fine."

I was very nervous, but I tried to stay calm. I needed to keep together.

After a quick talk to the 'gentleman', I found workplace 7 and sat down quickly and quietly, trying not to disturb the few already there, in front of the computer. It was a touch screen computer with a mouse and headphones provided for later. The computer gave the following message:

The multiple choice section consists of four or more choices for each question. It is out of 50 and should take 57 minutes. The hazard perception section consists of 14 clips each lasting one minute and is out of 75. The pass marks are as follows:

Multiple choice: 43 out of 50
Hazard perception:44 out of 75

Please note that some questions may require more than one answer.

I prepared myself mentally for the next hour or so. Then with a touch of the screen, the first question appeared,

Question 1.

You lose your way on a busy road. What is the best action to take?

The woman behind the desk still smiled as she handed me a A4 sheet of paper full of writing. As I made my way to the exit, I scanned for the sentence I needed. I didn't have to look far.

You scored 47 out of 50 for the multiple choice section and 46 out of 75 for your hazard perception.

Congratulations, Mr Malcolm, you have passed your theory test. You have two years to take your practical driving test.

Needless to say, everyone who heard was impressed even my older sister who had taken hers two years ago. After a long shopping trip and a quick look at some available cars for the future, we came home to relax.

To say that I dreaded the next morning wouldn't even come close. My rather large pile of homework was done and dusted, but no one likes to go to school really. I was near the end of my time at school. After my GCSEs was complete, I was done. After this would be college to do A-Levels, then maybe university, then...

Then what? Fame and fortune hopefully, but everyone wants to be famous and you could be. Just go on reality TV or sing on the X-Factor. Easy. Fortune would have to do for now. Money to pay for a large mansion, a fancy car (tempting!) and a few hundred servants.

I frowned as I packed my school bag with today's books and my pencil case. No chance of fame or fortune here.

As my mum dropped me off and I made my way to my classroom, a thought came to me. How about a writer? Now there was a job. Work at your own pace, your own speed. Make up stories about new worlds, new people. You don't just read stories, you live them.

"Well, gentlemen, I hope you had a good holiday and a wonderful Christmas learning your French and doing coursework. I bet you all had fun." The ironic tone in our Geography teacher was not lost on us and we made several sarcastic remarks about our work. Mr Russ (as I shall call him) indulged himself in it, then started a new line in the same sort of tone.

"Today we will no doubt be in for a treat, a school assembly"

Groans echoed round me as we envisioned the singing, the prayers and the talks that came with it. No one liked school assemblies, but, as Mr Russ humorously remarked, that was life and life wasn't fair.

To make a long story short, we had two days at school before the weekend which we agreed was much needed. After learning and re-learning every French verb there was and making a boring, but expected piece of coursework in English, we felt desperate to escape. So much that, much to Mum's surprise, I came with her to see my Nana and Granda.

I didn't realise what I was letting myself in for. My Granda and I cared about each other. He was a patient, mild-mannered man and would look after me when I was younger, telling me stories and playing games. He gave all his old stuff, but today was different. Without going into too much detail, he led me in his bedroom while Nana talked to Mum, and gave me a box.

"This box," he said, holding in his hands, "saw me through everything I know, through the Second World War and beyond and..." He paused looking at me deeply with his blue eyes.

"I think you should have it. You will need it, I'm sure."

I took the small, unmarked box carefully, as though it would shatter instantly.

"But, why me? And why now?" I asked.

"Because the times are coming. The times that I and all of your ancestors have been through."

I was speechless. I had never heard my Grandad say anything like this. He held out his arms then and we hugged each other tightly.

"Take care, pet." he said.

I nodded and put the box in my pocket. "I will, Granda. I promise."

He smiled and, as we drove away, I felt his words press on me. As we waved to each other, I wondered what he meant by this gift. Maybe he thought it was something for me to keep forever.

I didn't realise then, but that was the start of everything that followed.