Note: I normally do not stay in the cannon of the cartoon or games. I tend to use the Sonic cartoon/comic for my stories, but I like to stray away from the plot. In my version, the freedom fighters are more of a rebel force with technology and weaponry, whereas in older Sonic cartoons etc….they didn't seem to have much tech. I find it makes for a more enjoyable story. If you don't like that kind of thing, then sorry. Just my way of writing.

Also this is a continuation of my story: Just keep Holding on. If you haven't read it, this might not make as much sense.

Tis the Season

Chapter 1: Winter begins in Knothole

Clearly winter was finally upon us as snow blanketed the entire forest. I watched as a bunch of younger kids were out playing in the snow and making snowmen. I sighed a deep sigh. This was the best time of the year for us. Not only did winter keep Robotnik's robotic horde away, but it was really the only time of the year we could even remotely relax. I didn't even have patrols go more than a few miles from home. Mainly because we didn't need to have any prints leading to Knothole. Plus, it wasn't like Robotnik could find us with his equipment down. It seemed like he went into hibernation for a month and then decided to start attacking us again.

We used to think it would be an appropriate time to attack him, but it was impossible as all of his fighters were all stationed around Robotropolis. We just decided to take advantage of the quiet. It was the best thing for morale that Sally had ever come up with.

I heard my door open. "Yo! Bro come on out and enjoy the snow. Those patrols can wait!"

I spun around in my chair and smiled at Sonic. "Um, well I'm almost done anyway. Just give me a few more minutes and I'll be ready. Does that work?"

Sonic thought for a couple of seconds and shook his head. "No. I'm ready now. Catch!"

I gasped and tried to dodge the ice ball that Sonic launced in my direction, but ever since he had recovered from his last injury he seemed to be even faster. The ice ball hit me in the face and I fell to the ground laughing.

"Ohhh you son of a bitch I'll get you for that!" I said in almost a giggle. "When I get up I swear you are going down."

Sonic tightened his scarf. "Bring it kid. I dare you."

Before I could say anything else he sped off into the village. I wiped off the slush and put on my warm gear quickly as I knew he'd get too far away if I didn't hurry. After only a few seconds I was rushing out the door ready for revenge.

I knew I could never catch him, but of course there he was waiting on me. "Come ON kid. I'm already bored."

Sonic kept on making jokes at me and didn't pay attention that I had put on the afterburners. The next thing Sonic knew I had tackled him to the ground.

"Heeeeeyyyy easy there bro, you'll mess up my new threads! No….NO…do NOT put snow there….YIKES." It didn't take me long to get my revenge on Sonic. It was so easy. Of course I knew he let me catch him, but it was still fun and cleared my mind.

Sonic and me laughed as we sat on the ground looking at the village and the falling snow. "Ya know Tails, even though this is war…..it sure is pretty here in the winter."

I nodded. "Yeah, but hey…..at least we get to enjoy some peace and quiet, at least for a little bit."

Sonic looked at me and put his arm around me. "Yeah. I'm glad I get to spend times like these with you Tails. I'd go crazy if you weren't here."

I laughed so hard I snorted. "I think I make you more crazy being here. Let's not forget you going out and chasing me down on a broken leg. As impressive as that was…I imagine it had to suck for you."

Sonic sighed and sped off. I sat confused for a second, until he came back with two mugs of hot choclate. Sonic handed me one and smiled. "As you can see, I am just as fast or even faster than I was before the injury. So cut the crap ok? I'd do it a hundred times over."

Sonic plopped back down beside me and we both sipped our drinks and watched the daily routine begin to truly start. I watched as my squads left for their morning duties with looks of grim determination on their faces. I stood and saluted them and watched as their commander smiled and saluted back.

Ever since I survived that ambush last month I had gotten a lot more respect and it felt nice. Although getting back those soldiers would mean more to me than them respecting me.

Sonic knew I was thinking about that day again. It didn't last long as he took a lump of snow and smashed it into my face and ran off.

"Sonic….you bastard…" I said as I ran off after him. Why couldn't life always be like this?

Later that evening.

It had been a long, yet uneventful day. All of the patrols had come back safe and had noticed zero movement on Robotnik's part. I was sitting at my desk drinking a cup of coffee preparing everything for the next day when a knock came at the door. I heard Sonic get up and answer the door.

"Yeah, is anything wrong?" Sonic asked half asleep.

One of our squad leaders was at the door. "I am sorry to bother you sir, but you both had better come out here."

I turned quickly and made a move for the door. "Why….what is wrong? I thought you guys didn't come across anything? What changed?"

I looked at the boy's name tag. He was Sergeant Benjamin, one of the few wolves that had joined our cause last year. He had taken over the squad a few weeks ago. He had already became one of our best trackers.

Ben looked at me and saluted. I nodded and gave a quick salute. "Sirs….we found someone wondering the outskirts of the village. It wasn't an android, I would have been able to smell it. The thing that bothers me was….its…human."

Sonic looked at me and didn't say anything. Which meant I had to think of something. "Human? I didn't know there were any other humans around other than Robotnik…"

Ben shrugged. "He didn't have the scent of Robotnik on him. As we came up to him, he passed out, so none of us have gotten anything out of him yet."

Sonic nodded. "Does anyone else know about this human? It could be bad. We don't need this time of year ruined. If you haven't put him in the infirmary yet, then bring him here."

Ben shook his head. "No we haven't put him anywhere. I'll have my squad bring him."

I saluted the wolf. "Thanks Ben. That is why you are so freaking awesome."

The wolf laughed. "You just suck up so I won't leave."

I shrugged.

The wolf turned to leave. "Trust me it works. I have no intentions of leaving."

After the squad brought in the uncosious human, I watched as Sonic had them lay him down on our couch. Unfortunatly soaking it in the process. "Sonic…..he's soaked…we need to get him out of those clothes and get them dried off."

I couldn't really get a good look at his features as even with our Christmas lights up, we didn't have a lot of light in the house. I quickly ran over to the fireplace and made the fire as big as I dared. The house immediately became much warmer, but that wouldn't help the human in its current state.

I watched as Sonic began to try and take the clothes off of the human, but it was hard with all of the different zippers and everything was wrapped incredibly tight. However before Sonic could even get his jacket off, the human awoke.

"Where….where am I?" The human said in a small voice. Sonic and myself stood staring at the human as it stood up and looked around.

"Did you guys rescue me?" The human said. "I…I don't really remember anything. Do either of you know who I am?"

Sonic looked at me and frowned. "No. One of our squads found you wondering around our village. They said you passed out and they brought you to us. That's as far as anything has gotten."

The human began to shiver. "I…do remember walking…a long time…but…that's all…."

I walked over to the human and put my hand on his shoulder. "Look, we can't figure anything out about you if you die. Get those clothes off and get warm by the fire. Don't worry, we aren't going to hurt you."

The human sighed. "I…guess I will trust you…I don't really know anything else to do…"

With that we watched as the human took off his many layers of clothing and put them by the fire to warm. The human then walked slowly towards the fire and crumpled to the ground. Sonic made sure he didn't get too close to the fire and let him rest.

Both Sonic and myself found the human odd. Clearly he was male. He had slightly long brown hair and a athletic build. In all reality he looked like our genome soldiers. Although he was young, so he wasn't anywhere near as strong. I checked his pockets for any type of identification, but found nothing. Its like he just appeared here….

Sonic looked at me. "Tails, go on to bed. You have patrols to finish for tomorrow and need your rest."

I shook my head. "Everything is already done. I was bored after dinner and went ahead and finished them for the next few days."

Sonic laughed. "I guess maybe it WAS a good idea I let you go on those patrols after all."

I smiled, but quickly turned when I heard the boy moan. I found it funny I called him young, but I was probably at least five or so years younger than him.

The boy turned over and was in obvious pain. All of his muscles were tight and he was mumbling in his sleep. "No….get…get…away….I….never….did….anything…No….please…"

Sonic sat by the kid and put a wet cloth on his forehead. It seemed to calm him down, but it was clear he wasn't out of the woods yet.

"Tails….his fever isn't breaking. We are going to have to keep an eye on him all night. Are you willing to do that for a human?"

I nodded. "You taught me to help people, not to be prejudice….just because most of our people wouldn't help him, doesn't mean we won't."

Sonic ruffled my hair. "That's why you are a great kid. Go to my room and get one of the extra blankets. We've got to get him better."

I nodded and quickly ran upstairs and found an old blanket for the boy. I felt bad for giving him something we didn't want, so I went and got my heated blanket and took it downstairs.

Sonic smiled. "You did the right thing kid."

Several hours later.

I had fallen asleep on the dampened couch, but Sonic woke me when the boy came out of his fever.

I looked at the human and smiled….I wasn't really sure what else to do. "Hey….you had us worried there for awhile. You had a wicked fever."

The boy blinked a few times. "F-fever?"

"Yeah, just how long were you out in that forest alone?" Sonic asked quietly as to not alarm the boy.

"F-forest…..alone…?" It was like he really didn't understand or remember anything. Sonic had thought his fever had caused the forgetfulness.

"Do you remember anything?" Sonic asked.

"N…no…I don't….I don't know how I got here…or where I even came from….I…just…know..my name."

Sonic smiled again. "What is your name then? It would be easier than calling you it…or…human."

The boy managed a small laugh. "I'm…Tristan…I …don't know my last name."

Sonic scratched his head. "Alright….Trist, well this here is my little brother Tails. I am called Sonic. We don't discuss my actual name."

I laughed so hard a snorted again. "Tails…I could always have him call you M-"

"I'm SORRY!" I said. "Don't tell him that. There are plenty of other things we could be telling him."

The boy sat up and took off the blanket and stared into the fire. "Your names…..I don't recognize them."

Sonic put his hand on Tristan's shoulder. "Kid, we only met you a few hours ago. Don't make yourself feel worse. As long as you are telling the truth about not knowing your true self, then we will take care of you. However, for now I can't promise the others will accept you. So you need to stay here. Do you understand?"

The boy stretched out and flexed his biceps. "Alright….as long as you two are going to be here. For some reason….I feel like I can trust you."

Sonic beamed. "That's because I'm a hero. We normally have that glorious aura around us."

I punched Sonic in the gut. "Can we be anymore smug tonight Sonic?"

I laughed as Sonic pounced on my and began to tickle me, but both of us quickly stopped when we heard the boy quietly sobbing.

"Yo…Trist….I'll be ok. We will help you out. We promise." Sonic said with grim determination.

I hugged the shirtless boy and felt his strong upper body in my embrace. "Yeah…we will take care of you. I promise."

Tristan looked at me and Sonic and spoke softly. "Thanks…..I guess….you are the only friends I have."

Sonic looked at Tristan. "Well that could always change in the future. For now I want you to go upstairs and get some sleep. You look like you haven't slept in days."

Tristan nodded and stood up and wrapped the blanket around his waist. "Yeah…that sounds really good. Thanks guys…."

We watched as the poor human trudged slowly up the stairs. After the door shut I looked at Sonic and both of us stared at each other. Who would have thought we'd have yet something else happen during the quiet times. I hoped it didn't mess up Christmas.

The next day went basically as normal. The only person that even mentioned the boy was Ben. I told him he could come by the house after his squad returned from duty. He seemed to be happy that he was able to help someone. Sonic had mentioned telling Sally, but she had been in one of her moods again. Sonic decided that the less she knew for now the better. I whole-heartily agreed with him. Nothing was worse than an angry Sally.

Elias's earlier betrayal and subsequent death had been hard on her. Not to mention around the holidays. Most of the time it was best to just do your job and stay far away.

Ben came by later that night and came to see the boy he had rescued. Tristan was still in bed, but he was awake when we walked up stairs.

"Hey Tails…who is that?"

I smacked Ben on the back. "This here is Ben, he is the one that brought you to us. He just wanted to check on you."

Tristan tried to get up and greet his rescuer, but his legs were too weak and he stumbled down. Ben and myself lifted the well muscled boy back on the bed.

Ben looked at the boy and laughed. "I know you must think you are alone and no one really cares, but the three of us will be there whenever you need anything. I can sense you are a strong person, but the cold really did a number on you. Perhaps one day you'll remember everything and we will know exactly how long you were out there."

Tristan nodded. "T-thanks Ben….Thanks for saving me….even if I don't know why I needed saving."

Ben got up and head for the door. "Sometimes when we don't know why we need something is the time we really do need help. Tails, I have debriefing in a few minutes. I need to go."

I nodded. "Alright Ben, see you tomorrow, thanks for checking on him."

Sonic and me both sat up reading for a few more hours before finally going to bed. Nether of us really had a tiring day, but then again it had been one of those lazy winter days.

Tristan P.O.V.

I can't believe those two took me in. I don't even know anything about myself. What if I am a bad person? What will they think of me then. Why can't I remember my past…why? Why! I looked at my body trying to desperately find something…some mark…that could trigger a memory. The only thing I had on my person was a black hair band on my wrist and that did not ring any type of bell. I sat up in bed with my hands over my face and cried. What had I done to deserve this? Sonic had told me I was fourteen, so how could I have been out by myself like that? Tails said it was because I'm stronger than even most genomes….whatever those are…but I just didn't understand.

I struggled to my feet and looked into the wall mirror. I flexed my arms and puffed out my chest, but my face didn't even recognize with me. I barely know even myself. How am I supposed to live like this?

Suddenly a pain stabbed through my head. It was enough to drop me to my knees.

I tried to get up, but the pain hit me again.

Then I remembered what I was to do. It was so clear now.

I stood back up slowly and looked into the mirror. I flexed my muscles and smiled as my eyes glowed. "I will initiate mission immediately. I will not fail you master."

Now that everything made sense, I walked down the stairs to find my target. I had to kill the fox. It didn't matter that he took care of me. I am to kill him. The master wishes him dead and I can't fight him.

Tails didn't do anything to deserve death. Why would I try and kill him.

I shook off my good side and went back to following my master's orders. If I obeyed, maybe I'd get my memories back. Yes….I do remember something…my master telling me I'd get my life back….if I'd obey him. I had no choice.

But these people were so nice to me. It doesn't make sense why I should hurt them.

Another pain shot through my body. I understood now. The pain would leave if I obeyed. Then I'd get my life back.

I walked down to the little foxes room and stood over him. He looked so peaceful in slumber. I looked for something to finish him off but couldn't find anything before I was caught.

"Tristan? W-what are you doing?" Tails said sleepily. "D-do ya need anything? What's wrong with your eyes?"

"I am fine Tails. Everything is fine now. I know what I am supposed to do."

I watched as the young fox stared at me. "What is that?"

"Kill you."

The young fox's ears drooped. "Tristian….no….why?"

Before I could answer the fox I felt a large pain in the back of my head.

Blackness.

Tails P.O.V.

"Sonic! What…what happened to him? He wasn't even the same kid anymore. H-his eyes….It was like something or someone was controlling him!"

I watched as Sonic turned over the boy and pushed his long hair away from the back of his head. Sure enough there was a chip imprinted. I was infuriated. Robotnik had used someone from his own race against us. He didn't care who he hurt. That boy clearly had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Sonic, can you go get my tools? I am going to try and remove this thing…or at least deactivate it for good."

Sonic raced to my workshop and brought me back the tools in a matter of seconds. After he brought them to me I quickly went to work. It was hardwired much more lazily than the others from before. I shorted it out and made sure he couldn't be changed again.

"Alright…..that shouldn't happen again. Let's get him upstairs."

Sonic threw him over his shoulder and took him back upstairs. We both looked at the boy silently for several seconds. "Bro, if he does anything like that again I am going to either kill him or leave him in the middle of the forest. You are too important to me for something bad to happen."

I smiled at the words. "Don't worry, he should be fine."

Tristan P.O.V.

Dreaming….I dreamt of being captured by some huge man. Couldn't fight him. Too weak. Killed parents…wiped my memory….made me his slave. Told me that if I obeyed him I could have everything back.

Why would I listen to lies.

Then I dreamed I was on a hospital bed being given modified strength so I would be useful to the new master.

Wait…this wasn't a dream.

I woke with a jolt. "Oh god…what did I do?" I tried to kill the only people that ever cared about me. Or at least the only ones I can remember. The fox even hugged me…and I tried to kill him…that's not me is it?

My neck was really hurting. I put my hand over it and felt a bandage. I wasn't sure what had happened last night, but I knew I had messed up. I needed to go.

I didn't have my clothes, so I tried to sneak downstairs to get them, however Tails was waiting for me.

"Tristan, its ok. We aren't mad at you. It wasn't anything you meant to do. You were being controlled by Robotnik. I cancelled out the control. You won't ever be bothered by him again."

I lowered my head in shame. "Why would you keep me around. I didn't do anything but cause trouble."

Tails walked about and embraced me. "Trust me, you and me are more alike than you realize. I ask Sonic the same question all the time. Sonic and me are already attached to you."

I wanted to thank Tails, but before I could say anything the pain in my neck increased. I fell to the ground in agony.

I felt someone help me up. It had to me Tails. I looked up at him and thanked him softly. "I don't know what I did in the past…or why…but I swear….I'll never let it happen again."

Sonic P.O.V.

After Tristan went back to bed I began working on plans for Tails's Christmas present. He had been through a lot this year and I wanted it to be something special that would help him forget about some of the pain we'd all been through. After all, it wasn't all bad. We still managed to have a remotely good living for people that were oppressed. I know Tails loves working on vehicles and other technologies that I certainly had no use for….or any real idea how to use.

There were times that I over heard Tails sighing to himself that he wanted an instrument to play. I had tried several times to find one, but they were so rare. I never was able to have Rotor make one that actually worked.

The only way I would be able to get one is to hunt through one of the old abandoned towns. Dangerous? Hell yeah. Stupid? Yeah.

Worth it? You know it.

I waited for Tails to begin his briefings for the day and went back home. I quickly grabbed my gear and began to head for the door when I was stopped.

"Sonic? Where….Where are you going?" Tristan asked.

"I am going somewhere…..to look for something."

Tristan looked at me confused. "Why can't you tell me?"

"Well…I'm going to look for a great Christmas present for Tails. I just don't want him knowing where I'm going. He'd just worry."

Tristian nodded in understanding. "I see. Can I go. I am getting stir crazy in here. I'm not really sure about this Christmas thing…but..I'd like to help Tails…..I don't know why, but I really like that kid…"

Sonic laughed. "Just about everyone does that actually knows him."

Tristan stared at me. "Well. Can I go?"

I shrugged. "Sure. Let me just leave a note for Tails. We don't need him worrying about us."

I wrote up a simple letter and left it on Tails's desk. At worst we'd be gone a couple days. It was no big deal.

I looked over and Tristan had dressed in his thermal gear that Tails had made him. It allowed him to wear less bulky clothes and stay much warmer. Tristan had mentioned it was a little constricting, but wore it without complaint.

"So…considering you are really fast and I'm not…how is this going to work?"

I laughed. "How much do you weigh?"

"I don't know…like 140?"

I winced. "I'll have to stop a lot, but we'll make this work."

I had Tristan climb up on my back, carful to not puncture himself on my quils. "Good God! A 140 pounds my ass. You've gotten fat laying around here!"

Tristan flexed his biceps. "I have? I don't look like it."

I rolled my eyes. "Nevermind. Now, let's go. I want to actually give Tails a good Christmas for once.

With that we sped off into the forest.