Keeping your Distance
Fan-fucking-tastic.
That dream again, or rather nightmare.
For the third time in the past two months Sonic was left inexplicably winded, drenched in sweat, and shaking. The third time he'd lie there completely still until the faint rays of dawn forced their way through his cheap, thin curtains finally bringing a slight sense of relief. The dawn light seemed to chase away the shadows that clung heavily to his heart every time he'd had that fucking dream.
What is this? Utterly ridiculous is what it is. ME scared? Of THAT moron no less.
No matter. It was finally dawn. He could finally relax screamingly-sore muscles which had been tensed solid ever since he had jolted awake 4 hours earlier, before lying unmoving and silent as if a single flick of hair or twitch of a finger would bring all the foulest creatures of hell screaming down on him from the darkest corners of the room.
He paused a moment before sighing heavily and sitting up, pausing to shake his head and stare at his tiger-striped arms.
I can beat him. Its fine, I just need time. I just need to perfect another technique. One he won't be expecting, perhaps I should branch out and start working on strength as well?
With a pounding head and tired muscles he resigned himself to an early start on very little sleep (after an exceedingly late and irritating job assignment the night before). Ah well, day off today. Perhaps he'd go monster hunting, getting to the high level ones and finishing them off before the higher class heroes got there seemed to irk them no end, which could bring at least some satisfaction to Sonic's day. Some of them were good practice too.
"Shame that stupid yellow twat got to the Seaking before I could get back, I got all riled up for nothing".
For someone who earned as much as Sonic, the few people who knew where he lived couldn't understand why he chose such a cheap shitty apartment, with cheap shitty furnishings and with the few luxuries being a small couch and a moderately comfortable futon. But when the possibility of having other assassins hunting you down was a constant consideration there was no point forking out loads of cash for nice furniture which might get wrecked, or a nice apartment which could be almost completely obliterated in a fight. Besides, one of the many lessons which had been repeatedly drilled into the heads of the young students in the ninja village was that allowing yourself unnecessary luxuries often lead to laziness and a lapse in work ethic, which in this line of work could always prove deadly. So, a small dank apartment and a small couch it was.
When did I last clean this shithole? Actually, when did I last have TIME to clean this place? He nonchalantly inspected the rather grimy kettle before hunting the empty cupboards for his only mug.
Casual clothes today I reckon. A few shuriken, a sword. That's a point, maybe I should learn some decent hand to hand combat? If baldy and his walking laptop have no fear of my blade maybe the key would be in martial arts. I should contact my old instructor. Even though I fucking hate that sadistic old bastard, but I guess I could just kill him after he's taught me everything he knows.
A small version of his infamous maniacal grin swept briefly across his face as he sipped his coffee, observing J city out of his window. The sunlight was stronger already, though it was only early summer the days were particularly long and hot at the moment. He knew spotless royal blue skies would fill the heavens before long.
Sonic observed himself closely in the mirror. It was no secret he took great pride in his appearance, and though this was partly down to a vain personality, another of the lessons beaten into the ninja students was that a ninja's pride in their appearance represented the pride they took in their abilities. And of course, as Sonic was the best he had to look the best too.
"Ugh, I shouldn't have pigged out and eaten that takeout the other day. I swear to all the deities if I gain even a single pound I'm gonna go burn that place to the ground."
Pulling at his clothing unhappily he finally gave up with a sigh and stormed out of the apartment, heading towards V city botanical gardens. The gardens were close to Z city and therefore experienced an increasing amount of attacks from varying levels of mysterious beings; he was bound to find a decent fight there by this afternoon.
Plus the ice cream stall there was amazing.
Stop thinking about food again you stupid greedy shit.
…..
That feeling was back, except this time it was day, he was in public surrounded by people, and the focus of his intense….discomfort was right in front of him.
Fuck fuck fuck…calm down you moron.
Sonic stood stock still in the middle of the footpath, screaming children and relaxed civilians strolling past him, not even sparing him a glance, but they didn't see what he saw. Saitama and Genos were sat on a bench in the shade of a grand oak, chatting and eating ice cream, completely relaxed and happy. The sight sent wild electricity down Sonic's spine, and the rush of adrenaline tightened his chest and stomach making him feel breathless.
Just turn and walk away. Act casual. I'll go to C city, if I'm lucky there might be some monsters there.
"Hey Spanic! How's it going? Nice day eh!"
Fuckity bollocking shitballs!
Sonic slowly spun on the ball of his foot to face the source of the voice. Saitama was waving slowly at him and smiling, ice cream already all over his hand.
And all over his face. What a moron….
"What?!" He hoped an aggressive stance would make the baldy back off and mind his own business.
"Huh? I was just saying hello. Being friendly an' all. They're holding an all you can eat BBQ at lunchtime, fancy joining us?"
Sonic didn't miss the slightly disapproving look Genos shot Saitama, but he didn't care either. There was no way in hell he was going anywhere near that unfashionable freak and his overhyped cooling fan with a bad attitude. No. Way.
Running. He'd always been fast enough before, his speed had saved him from some seemingly impossible situations before and won him more than enough battles. But not this time. He might as well have had his back against a wall for all the good his running was doing him now.
"Errr Sonic? You ok there?"
It was mostly yellow once, but the layer of blood on it now was so thick and congealed it looked almost black. It suited him. He was just too fast, too strong, too deadly. The hit was so swift Sonic didn't even feel it at first, it was only when blood began pouring out his mouth he realised something had happened. A slow look downwards revealed his situation. A gloved fist had found its way all the way through the front of his torso and was now sticking out of his back. His whole vision was filled with black then, though he couldn't tell if it was from his fading consciousness or from a blood stained suit.
A hand gently shook his shoulder.
"Hey man are you ok? You don't look so good, I don't think you heard a word we said" when Sonic's eyes finally refocused back on the real world he almost wished he could go back to his memories. Saitama's face was pretty close, and his hand was resting on Sonic's shoulder.
I'm trapped! Was the instinctual thought which shot to the forefront of his mind.
He shoved Saitama back (well, attempted to, but ended up pushing himself away) and subconsciously raised his shoulders and took a stance ready for a fight.
What the hell is up with this guy? Was all Saitama could think. First Sonic looked like he downright crapped his pants when Saitama said hello, then he zones out completely, and now he looked like he was in pure fight or flight mode. Of course, Saitama was used to Sonic getting ready to fight him the moment he saw him, but this was different. There was no cocky stance or crazed grin. No gloating words. He instead looked like an injured animal ready to fight for its life.
I wonder what's brought this on. Idiot probably has someone hunting him down or something.
"Er listen, why don't you come to the BBQ with us? A bit of food might….calm you down."
"As if I'd go anywhere with you! My training is nowhere near complete! Do you think I'm stupid? As if I'd put myself in a vulnerable position like that before I've perfected my fighting!"
By this point Genos had meandered up behind Saitama and was watching the exchange with confusion and no small amount of curiosity.
"So you've finally realised you're no match for Sensei? Good. So get lost you're ruining our day off."
"Genos there's no need to be like that, he hasn't done anything"
"For your information scraphead, I came here looking for monsters not your precious master. I'll go where I want clingy shithead." Despite his desperation to get away from them, he couldn't leave immediately after being insulted by that childish idiot.
"Jeez would you two cut it out for two minutes? If you don't wanna come then that's fine, cya round I guess."
Saitama turned and made his way back towards the bench, noting the sound of footsteps as Genos followed suite. Only one pair of footsteps though. Despite himself Saitama turned back but Sonic had already vanished off somewhere.
That was beyond weird, even by that guys standards, and he sets a pretty high standard of weird.
"Hey Genos what do you think that was all about?"
"No idea Sensei, probably got himself into some trouble with another criminal or something."
"Hmmm….but did you see the way he was looking at me? No one's ever looked at me like that before."
"Like what Sensei?"
"Hmph nevermind lets go see if the foods started yet, I'm starving."
…..
Absolute massive waste of a day off, no monsters, no heroes, no FIGHTS! How can I improve if I don't get any practice? The weak pieces of shit I get paid to kill wouldn't have troubled me even when I was 11. I need strong opponents if I want any chance to improve. I need to be the best again. And…..I need to be able to protect myself. Just in case.
Though it was already nearing five pm the sun still had a few more hours before setting, but by this point Sonic really didn't feel like running around aimlessly for the small hope that he'd find a worthy opponent. There was the option of simply causing a disturbance in the proximity of the Hero Association's HQ until they sent someone out to face him. Tempting. Maybe he'd get an A class or even an S class.
"Oh hey Sonic, it's good to see you! Sure was hot today wasn't it?"
Mumen Rider.
"Hmph, I guess."
Mumen was sweating under his goggles and helmet, knowing him he had probably been cycling relentlessly all day patrolling the streets for danger. If there was just one person in this pathetic world Sonic might come close to respecting it was Mumen. He was weak, hilariously so in fact, but he'd often be the first of the heroes to place himself in danger. What's more, he knew he was weak, but he'd do it regardless, protect people without sparing himself a thought. THAT was bravery. So many of those Association posers were cowards without all their posturing and powers, but Mumen did it all without super powers or special training.
"Did you go to that big BBQ at the botanical gardens? I hear there were dancers and comedians performing there and everything! Sadly I didn't find time to go, but maybe next time!"
Sonic's mind temporarily flashed back to his encounter with Saitama and Genos that morning.
"No, I didn't. I have absolutely no desire to be surrounded by the morons who inhabit this city. I just wanted to find a monster or hero to fight."
Mumen shifted uncomfortably on his bike and scratched the back of his neck, "oh haha, well I hope I don't count in that case."
Sonic flashed a small grin and lowered his lids in a way he knew unsettled most people terribly.
"Maybe you'll just have to do for now, fighting a shrimp is better than quitting after all…."
He couldn't help it, he burst out laughing at the look on Mumen's face and ruined his intimidating charade.
"Don't shit it so much Rider, I'm not gonna fight you. I need a challenge"
"Yeah I guess I don't present much of a challenge. But I do make a good eating buddy! Since we both missed the food at the gardens d'you fancy grabbing something to eat? I feel like I'm going to keel over ….hehehe."
"Sure I guess. Nothing fatty though, it's not like I managed to DO much today afterall."
…
"What about this place? The foods cheap but its sooo good! Plus they give me a discount cause I stopped someone from robbing them before."
"You're paying then" Sonic shot Mumen a sideways grin the Cheshire cat would have envied.
"Ahhh look who it is! Mumen Rider! Our best customer! And you brought a friend, who's this? A fan?"
Sonic scoffed at the fat greasy turd of a man who stood behind the serving bar. Him? Mumen's fan? Apparently the locals around here weren't familiar with Speed of Sound Sonic. He'd have to make sure to change that.
"Ah, no, this is Sonic. Can I have two of the usual please?"
They got a quiet table out on the street seeing as it was so warm and light out still. The food was surprisingly decent despite the moronic owner who fawned all over Mumen every chance he got. Maybe Sonic should "save" someone's restaurant and reap the benefits of heavily discounted food. Of course, he'd be saving it from something he himself had instigated. Over the course of their meal several people came up to shower Mumen in praise and show their gratitude. It got Sonic thinking. Mumen got looks of friendliness, respect, and even adoration for his job. For HIS job, Sonic got looks of hatred, fear and disgust.
"Hello there Mumen, how has your day been?"
Sonic didn't need to turn around to work out who that was. Genos. He could partially tell just by the excitable mutterings of all the young females in the area. God he hated humans.
"Oh Genos! Hard work at the moment in this heat, not that I'm complaining of course. Where's Saitama?"
"Sensei has gone inside to buy food, King is coming over to play games with Sensei, you may come as well if you wish."
"That sounds like fun actually, I could do with winding down after today."
Sonic could feel the cyborg's eyes fall on his back but he refused to turn around or in any way acknowledge his presence. If he just focused on his plate of food maybe him and the baldy would leave sooner and he could get back to his silent dreary apartment and mull over what a pointless shit day it had been. As it turned out Saitama was inside for quite some time and Genos and Mumen continued to chat amicably over Sonic's head. Much to his irritation. Why couldn't the toaster just piss off already?
"Sorry I took so long Genos, the order was pretty big and the queue grew just as I got in there."
"No need to apologise Sensei. Mumen Rider would like to accompany us back to the apartment if that is alright with you?"
"Oh yeah sure, the more the merrier right? Whoa, almost didn't see you there Sonic! You fancy coming along too? I mean, King's taste in video games is pretty dorky but some of them are actually pretty fun."
A long awkward silence followed. Sonic sat there staring at his food, mind completely blank.
Please for the love of god just leave already!
"C'mon Sonic it'll do you good! Besides, what else were you gonna do tonight? You were complaining you hadn't done anything today so you should come back with us!" Sonic looked up from his plate to glare at Mumen. Why couldn't that goody two shits just keep his goddamn mouth shut?!
…..
How. How did I end up here.
He had chosen to sit in the darkest, furthest away corner of Saitama's apartment as he could, though given the size of the apartment that wasn't really saying much. That S class King guy hadn't stopped orgasming over his new game since he'd gotten here, with Saitama nodding absentmindedly and Mumen smiling in his infuriating good-natured way. The tin can was kneeling at a table typing manically on a cheap laptop.
Why am I here. If he attacks I'm so utterly utterly screwed.
"Sonic!"
His head spun to the trio sat in front of the TV. Saitama was speaking to him.
"I think you'd be really good at this game! It's based on reaction speed mostly, but King seems to be unbeatable on it already, why don't you give him a run for his money?"
Sonic's answer came in the form of standing abruptly and storming towards the front door.
"I have better things I could be doing than sitting here watching you oversized children play games."
He'd only just heard the front door close behind him before he heard it open again and the sound of footsteps catching up to him on the stairs. Probably Mumen coming to try and talk him into staying. Pffft. Fat chance. A hand gently grabbed his shoulder and forced him to partially turn back, stopping his walking.
Saitama.
Fuck.
FUCK.
This was it. He was about to do it and there was absolutely nothing Sonic could do about it, not now. He hadn't had enough time after all.
"Whats up with you lately? Are you in some kind of trouble or something? I mean, I don't expect you to suddenly get all Care Bear on us but something is definitely up."
"…..Why do you care? Just let me go" Sonic's voice sounded tense and forced even to his own ears.
"Well I dunno. It's not like I miss you always dive bombing me when I'm minding my own business but this is just….weird or…something."
"It is none of your concern. Get back to your friends and your pathetic sleep over. I have stuff to attend to."
He left Saitama there at the bottom of the stairs, but what he didn't see what the look of concern and confusion on the bald hero's face.
….
He'd been looking for a target one of his client's wanted him to get rid off. Running the streets knowing that sooner or later, he'd find what he was looking for. Except….what he found definitely wasn't what he had been looking for. The utter devastation made him stop dead.
Am I in Z city? Did I get turned around by accident?
The buildings had been reduced to near rubble, glass and cement fallen into their final dance with twisted, serpentine pieces of metal. But then he saw the blood. A small trail of it, leading around to the next block.
Cautiously and silently, he followed it to what looked like a serial killer's daydream. But then he noticed that these weren't random faceless civilians who had been caught up in the wrath of a demon level monster. These were the remains of heroes. C class all the way up to the S class lay scattered like dark red blossom over the rubble. Some were more or less in one piece, others were only identifiable by the small pieces of costume that clung to an arm, of half a head.
Then he felt it. That knowing that you are in imminent danger. That you are being observed. And that you are trapped.
He swung around, eyeing every dark shadow or crevice where the attacker could be hiding. What an absolute fucktard. He had gone against ALL his years of ninja training but walking idly out into the open like this, and now his potential attacker had him in their sights.
"Not very pretty is it? Though I think some of them are an improvement."
Saitama. Or at least, it was his form. Surely it wasn't actually THE Saitama?
When had his suit changed? Why wasn't he looking for survivors?
"But you know, I figured if I tried to contain the mess I probably wouldn't have had as much fun, you know?"
The "Saitama" walked casually forward and lifted a legless body off the floor. Though it was hard to tell, Sonic thought it looked like Mumen Rider.
"Did you kill it?" Were the first words out of Sonic's mouth.
"Did I kill what?"
"The monster that did this."
It was rare for Saitama to show much expression, and Sonic had certainly never seen a grin like that spread across his face. It almost reminded him of the grin he saw in his own reflection when he thought of killing. His chest tightened exponentially.
"Well no, not exactly. There was no monster. Actually, I guess that could be a matter of perspective. I did this. I made this mess."
Sonic should have been shocked. In denial. But he wasn't. He knew that look, he saw it everytime he looked in the mirror. The look of someone who kills others for fun, for the thrill.
"…..Why?"
"Why? Well, I was bored, I guess. And where's the fun in saving people when all they do is hate you for it? If they hate you for saving them, perhaps they will love you for killing them."
"….You're going to try and kill me now, aren't you." It wasn't a question.
"Of course, you always wanted to be my rival right? Well there's no better time to prove your skill than when you're about to die."
But Sonic didn't fight, he ran. He was fully aware at this point that standing and fighting would surely lead to a bloody death. So he ran. But every corner he turned, Saitama was already there, no matter how fast he went, Saitama could keep up. His running was useless. And fighting was useless, and in the end, he was useless. Always had been. A useless student who was beaten and eventually chased away because he refused to follow tradition and order. A useless assassin who got pathetic minor work killing pathetic people. And a useless rival to someone who he should have known he could never get close to matching up to. And because he was weak, and pathetic and his life so inconsequential, he was now to die at the hands of someone he should have kept his distance from.
When he looked down and saw the hole where his stomach used to be, and the gloved arm that now occupied that space, he lived up to the sum of his pathetic life, and for the first time he could remember, let tears slip unchecked. Crying. Pathetic to the end.
"Aww hush Panic, it's not that bad! It's just that neither you nor any of the others could ever hope to match up to me, but its ok, you'll be dead soon. And then you can finally stop running." Saitama was stroking Sonic's hair while speaking, holding up his limp body on his embedded arm.
Then he saw the black. But whether it was his fading consciousness or the blood stained suit of his former rival, he didn't know.
Sonic sat in the corner or his living room, curtains and windows flung wide open letting in the weak breeze and the streaming moon light. That dream. It always seemed so real, too real. He could feel the adrenaline, the fear, the tears, the blood, the pain. Smell the bodies of the fallen heroes and the dust of the ruined metropolis. But in the end, none of those things were what go to him the most, not even his own grotesque death. It was the knowledge that the dream was right, he was weak and useless. And because of that, he could never stop running.