"Sonic! Wait for me!" exclaimed Amy as I saw her trying to desperately catch up to me. She seemed to be exhausted by now and she was gradually losing momentum. Unlike her though, I continued to run. Why? Well not only because she's a delusional psychopath, but truly due to the satisfying experience I get when I run; the only thing that completes me.
As I continue to blast through the grassy terrains of Green Hill Zone, I take advantage of every living, breathing second that I have. Sure I may pass through the same trees and plants every time I'm here, but not everyone realizes the minor details that are planted here. For instance, the trees scattered here are among the most shade-giving and leafy trees that I have ever set my eyes upon and the plethora of rare blooming flowers that grow here release the best fragrances. Not just any fragrance, but a smell that brings back many memories along with it.
The alluring smell always reminded me of Amy's baked goods, and if it's one thing that she's good at, it would definitely have to be her baking skills. Just thinking about her delicacies makes my mouth water with saliva that desires the sweet taste of the neon pink frosting that she always tenderly places upon every cupcake top. Even just the colour of the frosting makes me visualize Amy's adorable smile as she is pleased that I enjoyed her hard work. Not only does it remind me of her smile, but it also brings to mind of her bright green eyes that dilate when our eyes meet one another's and how she slightly tilts her head to the right to remove some of the bangs off of her face. The sweet angelic presence that she emits when I spend time with her always illuminates the room with light, and not just any light, but a warm and welcoming shine that brings about a feeling of belonging. A feeling of belonging that makes me feel safe, like grabbing an invincibility power-up. Why indeed, that wonderful feeling of rapport and protection makes me feel loved, and I wish it was a feeling that could last an eternity.
Wait a minute… what am I saying? I'm talking about someone who tried to kill me off of a power plant just to marry me. A deranged lunatic! The same Amy Rose who always persists on taking my hand in marriage. Besides, the only thing I love is the feeling I get when I run. When Eggman is up to his devious schemes, being lovey-dovey isn't going to solve anything. But feeling the adrenaline rush in my blood as I venture into his base and blast through his armada does. Speaking about Eggman though, he's been quiet lately. I guess the Time Eater was probably just too much for the Egg-head to handle.
Not that I think of it though, I should really focus on the trees and badniks approaching. Letting my mind wander and be consumed with my own thoughts isn't going to help me be aware of my surroundings; plus, I don't think travelling at such a great velocity is an appropriate time to be day-dreaming either. Anytime soon I'll be reaching my usual destination. I just have to swiftly pass through a few more trees and I'll be there in no time… that is, if no badniks get in the way.
The trees always get easier to dodge once I approach the end and it doesn't seem that any badniks are around today. Only a couple more steps and I'll reach the ridge. Just one more turn here and another one there and… BAM!
My face planted right into the dense bark of a tree with my eyes shut tight due to the impact. My nose doesn't seem to be harmed in any way, but I put my hands on it after I stand back up from the dead grass which I landed on. Nothing appears to be broken when I rise and my nose is still the same as it was before. Just to make sure, I feel the rest of my face for any signs of dripping blood from any possible cuts, but luckily, that wasn't the case. Afterwards, I rub my eyes to see if I can open them but I can only manage to slightly open them. I can barely see anything, except for a blurry, lofty figure in front of me. As I continue to concentrate more on the aberrant blur, it turns out that what I didn't ram into was a tree, but more of a missile.
I carefully analyzed the missile to see if it was active, but it seems that it was only a dud. Not only that, but there was also a voluminous image of Eggman's repugnant face spray-painted onto the missile. Now why would there be an ominous missile in Green Hill Zone? It can't be a weapon from one of Eggman's past failed attempts since I just took this route yesterday morning to get to ridge, and if it's not a previous attempt, then why is it here? Why did Eggman place a missile in this exact location?
I leaned on the missile with my arms crossed and I laid the back of my head onto it as I stared into the sky to search for a possible answer. While thinking, I heard the birds chirping their regular tune, but something sounded a tad off. Very faintly, I could hear a soft chirp from probably a new born chick, but still, it seemed odd that a new born would be able to join the rest of the birds already in their usual chant. In fact, it was also acting a bit like a metronome. There's no way a new born is capable of doing that, so something must be up. I closed my eyes so I can focus in on the sound, and from what I can hear, that metronome sound was not a chirp at all, but more of an internal ticking sound.
Alarmed, I opened one eye and raised an eyebrow as I was growing suspicious and then I tried to concentrate solely on the ticking sound. Still, I couldn't fully focus in on the sound because of the birds, but my gut is telling me that something is not right.
I stood up off of the missile and once again examined it. Still a bit woozy from the crash from before, I steadily paced myself around the missile and still, I could not find a thing. Filled with frustration, I kicked the darn gizmo, and sure enough, it opened a compartment where the sound became much more evident now.
I took a quick glance to see what was in the compartment, and all I can see was a digital clock that read 00:09:00. I gasped for air as I saw the numbers continuing to count down and I knew that this was no missile, but an explosive ready to blow up the entire Green Hill Zone.