Disclaimer: I don't own Sonic the Hedgehog.

A/N: This is after "Sonic 3" and "Sonic and Knuckles". I just wanted to see how a young Sonic and Tails deal with being mothered. I had to set the scene first though and that pretty much all this chapter covers. Characters include: Sonic, Tails, Vanilla the rabbit, a baby Cream and brief appearance from Cream's father. I guess you could also count this as the way they met the family if you please.

Doesn't take place in any specific Sonic universe.

Also, as a final note, Sonic personality is going to seem off most of the time since I believe that is something that grew along with his age. Since he is only ten, it isn't yet fully developed.

Chapter 1

A lot had happened in a short amount of time.

There had been little time for rest or relief. They'd been running and fighting almost nonstop, but now… there was a pause in the chaos. Life seemed to slow and reality took on new hues in Sonic's eyes. The clouds appeared softer and the sky looked more blue- it was probably just because it had been such a long time since he had a moment to slow down.

His previous attempt at such was a brief vacation to Green Hill. It had been very short lived with the arrival of Tails and then Robotnik threatening to destroy life as they knew it. From there they had eventually ended up on Angel Island, facing off against an angry Guardian that was barking up the wrong tree.

Sonic was glad this fiasco was over, though he was exhausted now.

He stretched out on the wing of the "Tornado" as they soared onward over miles of familiar scenery. Tails was manning the controls since he was the more rested of the two- having hung back for some sleep while Sonic helped return the Master Emerald to its rightful place.

Despite this… Tails would start dosing off every couple minutes if Sonic didn't say anything, so Sonic forced himself to stay awake as well. His foot repeatedly bouncing up and down across his knee. "When he get there, we will stop by a village and get some real food."

They were headed to South Island, where Sonic would finally get his vacation. He had high hopes for this one and was convinced they both deserved it. This would be even better than the last one, now that he had some good company to enjoy it with.

Things didn't usually go as planned for him though and he soon found that this was no exception as a dark billow of smoke rose up in the distance. He pointed it out to Tails as he straightened to his feet. Though he was wondering about it… it was Tails that verbally questioned it: "What's that?"

They were picking up speed now, growing closer to the chaos awaiting them below. "Looks like a fire."

And that was indeed what it was. A fire had started somewhere- smoke spewing from of several buildings that had been set ablaze. There was no obvious explanation for where it had come from but that didn't matter because him and Tails agreed on one thing. "We got to help them."

The fire showed no sign of stopping and the villagers attempts to bring it to an end seemed rather feeble. Their only weapon against this mighty force was buckets of water, which only seemed to be agitating the flames. There was no doubt that they needed to do something.

"Get in closer." Sonic absorbed the scene in a single instant and came to his own conclusions before he leapt from the plane's wing as Tails brought the vessel lower in the sky.

Instantly a flurry of voices met him. No one seemed to notice him drop in but they were each yelling to one another and Sonic struggled to pick the words apart over the crackling of flames. "They are still in there, my family is still in there…" The statement found its way above the rest, the desperation clear and the tears apparent.

No one was doing anything about it though since they were all too busy attempting to put out the flames.

Sonic didn't wait but a fraction of a second, gripping the rabbit's fingers to gain her attention. "Where?"

It took a lot longer than he expected before realization dawned in her eyes. There wasn't many people that didn't know who he was. While it took her a moment she eventually nodded to the house. "In there, but-"

Sonic didn't wait for her to finish- shooting off.

The flames were spreading quickly and consuming everything in sight. At this point the house hardly resembled such. Floral paneling peeling from the walls and sections of the ceiling caving in. The heat was intense and the smoke smothering but he pressed onward. He was short enough that most of it went over his head.

He had been about to call out when he heard the sobs. His feet lead him forward at a faster pace, dodging fire that was dripping from the ceiling like rain. He had several close calls before he saw the figure hunched over near the center on the room.

The flickering orange light stole away details but he could tell that they were pinned, struggling to hold up the debris that were baring down on their back. He could also tell they were much too large to be a child but as he got closer he realized there was a small bundle beneath them. The source of the crying.

Sonic zipped forward and tried to lift the beams so the rabbit could get free but he didn't have the strength. He was too young, too small… just a child but then the Guardian of the Master Emerald probably would have been able to do this easy and he was about the same age. This was no excuse to give up.

"Hang on." He ground his teeth together and continued to struggle, pushing up against the boards with his back but even then he couldn't lift them more than an inch or two and that wasn't enough.

He could feel the rabbit's gaze on him, expression surprised and than accepting. This rabbit didn't think he could save him and was willing to admit that it was over, it was obvious in their eyes. Sonic wouldn't quit though despite finally backing away. His spikes bristled as he prepared to strike, "I'll cut-"

"Stop." He didn't get to finished the rabbit cut him off. "Ta-take… Cream…"

There was no need to ask who that was, Sonic glanced down at the bundle and deflated. He moved forward gingerly in understanding and scooped the baby up in his arms. Then he proceeded to stare at the trapped rabbit, long and hard. "I'll come back for you." He promised before turning and darting back out of the building.

Faces, so many faces… he picked out the female rabbit from among them. Pushing through the group that had gathered to comfort her and demanded her attention by holding the baby rabbit up to her. He couldn't stay but she questioned him in that soft, hopeless voice: "what of my husband?"

Sonic glanced back at the house in response. Even if the rabbit may have tried to stop him, he was too quick. He was inside again before anyone had the chance to tell him "no". They should have though… because even if he wasn't fast enough, he was already too late.

llllllllll

The fire eventually died out as evening fell. Families regrouped and agreements were arranged for the homeless. No one was left without a roof over their heads except those that didn't have one to begin with. It was actually rather touching considering what had occurred. People helping others…

Sonic purposely avoided them though. He found a downed palm tree and parked his butt there, watching the proceedings from a distance. If anyone tried to approach him he retreated and as such, the villagers gave up on talking to him. He slouched across his knees and let out a deep breath as Tails spoke to him.

"Sonic… What happened in there?"

The memory was still fresh in his mind but he brushed it aside with a slight flick of his head. "Nothing. I was just a little too late." The weight had finally proved to be too much for the rabbit, as if the only thing that kept him from collapsing beneath it was the baby. As soon as Sonic stole little Cream away, her father no longer had enough will left to fight. He must have known she was safe and had finally given up because of it.

Sonic said he'd come back though but what would it have really mattered? The rabbit must have released that he wouldn't be enough to free him and that any other help would take too long to come. Sonic wanted to try though, he may have been able to cut through the beams, there might have still been a chance.

"But you're the fastest Sonic." Tails still only thought the best of him.

But even if Sonic was the fastest thing alive he supposed that not even he could beat death. "Not fast enough." He shook his head and rose to his feet, casting these thoughts aside. "Forget about it buddy. Let's snag something to eat and find somewhere to bunker down for the night."

Tails grabbed hold of his hand as was expected of a child of his age and the two headed towards town in silence. It was only as they drew closer that they were confronted by the rabbit from earlier. She offered a small smile to Sonic and Tails both as she drew to a stop before them, "Thank you for what you did today."

There was no time to speak, Tails beat him to it. "It was nothing, Sonic's a hero." The fox chimed proudly, all too happy to throw in his two cents when it came to his big 'bro' and the rabbit seemed to humor him. "He does stuff like this all the time." Despite being a new mother, Sonic figured this was still the reason she had such an easy time dealing with the toddler before her.

"Yes, he is and I'm sure. He saved my little girl." She looked down at the two fondly and yet curiously. Obviously she was no stranger to the fact that they were mere children. A fact that many people tended to overlook when it came to them and Sonic wasn't very comfortable with this. "What is your names?"

"Miles Prower." Tails answered quickly before shuffling his feet uncertainly. "But you can just call me Tails."

"Sonic," He lifted his gaze to look at her fully and get his point across in the process. He didn't want her to treat them like this, he didn't need her to. He may have been young but he'd done enough to prove he can take care of himself and Tails as well. "Sonic the Hedgehog."

If she was surprised about who he was she didn't say anything about it. She instead kneeled down to their level which successfully caused Sonic to rock back on his heels. This was a manner which adults addressed young children 'seriously'- he knew that but no one treated him like this since heavens knew how long. "How would you two like to come and stay with my daughter and me? I'm certain Mr. Tal won't mind."

Tails grin grew broader. "Would we ever." He paused after this and glanced to Sonic. "We do want to, don't we?"

Sonic would rather eat rocks but this would probably be good for the fox. "Sure Tails."

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