Synopsis: This is a project I've started with help from my two friends, Miss Link 87 and Ginger Sheikah. What we do is we give each other song lyrics, and based off of that lyric, we write a one-shot centered around it. The lyric can be taken in any context regardless of the meaning of the song in which it was from. It forces us to think about things from different angles and oftentimes write things we wouldn't normally write about. In certain circumstances, we'll write from a viewpoint we don't agree with, but that's all part of the fun...it satisfies the challenge and helps to broaden our writing horizons. Each challenge is completely stand-alone and are in no way related to each other. The three of us just thought it would be fun to share these with everyone. With that said, enjoy our challenges! Be sure to R&R too :D

"Blame it on me..."

As a dull hush fell across the dark, desert landscape, the two hedgehogs slowly came back to their senses. An intense battle that had seemed to be in their favor had suddenly knocked Sonic and Onyx unconscious until just this moment. The blue blur shook his head with frustration. "Ughhh...what happened?" He turned to his silver accomplice, expecting his trademark witty retorts. However, something was off about his demeanor this night.

Onyx had limped off towards a nearby plateau and sat down, sullen and deep in his thoughts. His mind kept racing...latching onto one thought that rattled him to the core.

"Why didn't I trust him..."

After dusting himself off, Sonic approached Onyx and sat beside him. "You seem troubled...what's going on?" Onyx was hesitant to respond. He knew he would be scolded if he told Sonic the truth. But at some point, he knew he'd have to say it...

"You can blame it on me...I know what you're thinking..."

"Dude, what are you talking about? I don't remember-"

Sonic's statement was cut short by a sudden outburst from Onyx. "HAVE YOU ALREADY FORGOTTEN? It's because of me that we just got our butts handed to us!" Silence once again fell across the both of them. Onyx turned away, hiding his face from his friend.

"During the battle..." he shakily whispered, "...when you told me to mimic your attack pattern, I got reckless and decided to go with my own plan. You didn't notice, but I was trying to find that beast's weak spot. I couldn't pinpoint it, and by the time I realized that, it was too late..."

Sonic could only stare at his partner as he began to hear soft sobs next to him. The emotions that dwelled within Onyx were beginning to tear him apart. He expected a harsh retaliation from Sonic with little to no sympathy. However, he turned his head slightly to find a hand resting upon his shoulder. Sonic seemed to be the complete opposite of what Onyx first assumed; he was showing compassion when Onyx felt like he didn't deserve it.

"I know how you feel, Onyx." Sonic finally replied. "I've been in your situation may times before where I feel like I let my team down. The important thing is to not beat yourself up over the mistakes you make. Those mistakes can actually turn you into a stronger individual. Don't sweat the small stuff, bud!"

Onyx raised his head to lock eyes with his partner. Sonic's advice pierced through his mind like a dagger, and it didn't take long for him to crack a smile. Sonic was right. There was no need to worry if the both of them were safe and breathing. Onyx then realized that an experience like this was solely for his own edification. He high-fived Sonic before getting up off the rock and whispering to him two very meaningful words...

"Thank you."

A bright light suddenly appeared on the horizon. Nighttime had passed, and a new day was about to begin. The two hedgehogs stared off into the distance, eager to begin their next adventure. "Come on, Onyx," Sonic avowed. "Whaddaya say we have a race back home to boost your spirits a little?" Onyx quickly turned his brow downward and chuckled to himself. "You can read me like a book, can't you?" he quickly replied. Without saying another word, they immediately bolted towards the distant plateau in front of them and disappeared into the orange sunrise.

Challenge Song: "Lacrymosa" - Evanescence