The race was on, Sonic running to the base in a blur.

Eggman had something up his sleeve, and of course, it wasn't good. The hedgehog only knew because Tails found missile signatures on standby. Instinct would tell you that the doctor was about to execute a plan he took time on. Though, considering the multiple past times as he thinks more, he's not sure if this was actually carefully planned out or not. Either he was in meditation for months, or he just became downright crazy. Then again, that's probably nothing new. The sun was setting, the sky fading to dark colors ever so slowly, with a red hue still lingering on the clouds. After navigating the many corridors and spaces of the base, Sonic whirled through a steel wall, into a room where a red-coated man stood at a large panel. The hedgehog fixed his attention at him, two fists formed at his sides.

"Eggman!"

"Well hello old friend!" The old man answered as he turned around. A menacing grin was on his face. He shown no surprise to the now gaping hole that the hedgehog had created, or at least it wasn't obvious. "How nice of you to drop by, and see me slowly conquer your world. I even saved you a special spot, right over there." He stated, pointing with a gloved hand to a lonely steel chair in a corner.

Sonic then began to walk forward. Cool artificial air submerged him, contrasting the humid warmth of the outside. He spoke with necessary energy, throwing his hand to the side. "Oh, really? Well it would be awfully nice of you, if you didn't plan on demolishing everything! Now step away from the panel!"

Eggman sneered, pushing a button with no haste. The blue hedgehog was then pulled off his feet, kicking his legs in frustration as he was being dragged away. His arms and torso were locked together by some kind of cyan energy ray. It pulled him across the metallic-slick room as he struggled. The ray finally moved the hedgehog to the chair, dropping him in it with no form of hospitality. Before he could leap up, his hands and legs were quickly stuck in place by the chair by similar bands.

"I informed you nicely, but looks like someone has been acting stubborn lately."

The mobian made an agitated frown, examining his surroundings. He raised his eyes however, finding a laser pointing directly downward over him, then turned to the scientist. "Hypocrite much? You know that I always kick your butt." The hedgehog stated. Trying to distract his opponent as he tried to find a way to stop him. Also, just for the sake of just being him. "You really think you thought this through?" Eggman gave a cackle. Responding to Sonic's most recent statement. Wether he heard the honest insult or not was a mystery. "HA! I KNOW I DID!" Flicking through a couple of index-sized switches.

The hedgehog looked across the room, halting his action of trying to remove his hands off the armrests. Through a large window expanding from nearly one end of the wall to the other, the form of giant pillars caught his eyes. He bit his tongue however, realizing that they were in fact massive missiles, now starting up with deep low hums. They all stretched upward from the ground to many stories through the air; it was to the point that he couldn't see the tips of them from his current seating.

What does that guy do in his free time?! He has to figure something out.

Sonic then noticed what appears to be a large power box under the panel where Eggman was standing. Well, presuming it was one anyway, the object had the reek of suspicion all over it. It needs to go out. The box itself had some fancy print on it anyway, which usually means it's something important. Then the hedgehog eyed a cord a few inches away from his foot, leading up to the laser above him by a joint.

Oh, how convenient.

Kinda...

"I know how much this must suck for you," The doctor said as he pressed a random button. "But I went to the challenge of constructing a specialized one of these bad boys for every major city on this planet. They're going to help me make room for my new empire."

The blue hedgehog looked up at the man. "You're kidding!?"

"No, since when have I played around with you? Speaking of which-" The laser above the hedgehog began to heat up. Sonic's eyes widened. Then looked back along the cord on the ground. There was nothing else left to do. Sonic struggled, forcing to fight the telekinetic cuffs that was holding each of his limbs down and slowly moved his foot to the cord.

Eggman gazed out the window to his weapons, taking pleasure to his mean creations as they started. The man then started to talk, while he continued to face his weapons in gleam. "Since the missiles were massive, it's going to take time for them to actually be ready to launch. Which is fine by me, you'll be dust before you can actually see them."

Gritting his teeth, forcing it all, Sonic clenched on both of the armrests. Digging his fingers into it as he ignored the doctor. He was so close, just a little more.

His foot laid on top of the black cord, now slowly dragging it. Which moved the laser away from his direction, trying to point it as close as he can to the apparent power box. But the process itself took a lot of energy from him. The laser was now fully powered up.

"I would say it was nice knowing you, but it hasn't." The doctor stated, one hand on a switch with Sonic's name written all over it. Sonic gave one last final tug as the deadly laser took fire.

The room exploded.

Sonic flew opened his eyes, dizziness enveloped his mind, finding himself laying on the floor of the room. The lab was in ablaze, and falling apart right before him. Steel beams fell to the floor, and sparks from the machinery shot everywhere. Darkness as well as bright reds and oranges radiated on all sides. He must of hit something else than the power.

The hedgehog staggered up, weakliy regaining his balance. He shouldn't have been out for long, he hoped. But base wasn't going to be here for much longer. At least hopefully the missiles won't launch.

Wait.

Sonic looked around the area. Eggman. Was he...?

"Eggman!" The hedgehog called out with hands cupped around his mouth. The room was searing hot, he can't stay here. But where's the doctor?

More huge pieces of steel were colliding with the ground, sending shards of mangled metal outward in an extremely hazardous manner. Loose wires dangled from the ceiling, threatening to either electrocute or choke any person that goes in their way. Suddenly the room shook, knocking Sonic off guard and balance. It was way passed the time to go! But without making another call. They may be on opposite spectrums, but Sonic had never liked the idea of leaving one to die. "Eggman! Are you there!?" The room shook harder, the base was collapsing on itself. He came to a harsh decision, the hedgehog now turned around and began to run.

The blur dodged through the structure's parts. Going over and under beams and rows of wires and cords. He could easily zoom out of here in a second, but he needs to be cautiously aware of his surroundings. He doesn't want anything falling on him, then he would be really screwed. The base will become ruins on top of him. He felt intense heat beginning to warm up his back, taking a quick glimpse over his shoulder.

A massive wall of fire was coming up behind him.

The hedgehog nearly yelped in surprise, swinging his feet and propelled himself foward. Forget surroundings, he was going to be barbecued! He was now racing this thing, but he knows he can make it out. Why, he can see an exit of the base dead ahead. He was right there!

Sonic fell flat on his face, his nose banged against the steel floor. A cord dipping from the ceiling was wrapped around his ankle. The blue hedgehog pulled himself up and reached for the wire, trying to pull it off. Then two wide limed eyes looked up. The fire wall was rushing straight towards him. He was then blasted out of the base. Flying over the earth, and landed fiercely into the hard darkened dirt. Out cold.

...

...

...

...

The hedgehog's eyelids rose slowly. Fuzzy darkness was blocking his vision, but after a few fluttery blinks, they started to slowly clear away. He rubbed his side, while feeling a soft mass under him. It was awfully bright compared to the darkness he recalled. His fingers on his other hand flicked a bit, regaining a soft yet strong grip. His nose seemed to throb, and he heard a low gentle beating in both ears. Looking up at a surreal white ceiling, he stared at it for awhile, trying to remember exactly what he did before...

"...Wait!"

The blue hedgehog exclaimed, immediately throwing himself up into a sitting position. An unwelcomed shock of pain waved through his whole body, more-so in his head. He proceeded to hold it in his hands for a moment, pressing his white palms on both temples to make pressure. The last he remembers doing anything was at Eggman's base last night. There were weapons, he was trapped by a chair, then there was an explosion.

Sonic jerked his head up in the reconciliation, ignoring the migraine he developed. He has to get up, find out the rest of the event, and to see if the doctor survived. He swung up onto his feet, quickly getting off of the bed; which was a horrible mistake. He fell down, failing to grab hold on the night stand next to him on time before the impact.

"Ah!"

Sonic grabbed on to his leg, sitting on the floor in a pathetic position. That explosion pretty much messed him up. He didn't even noticed the bandage wrapped around it, or his arms. Jees.

"Sonic!" A certain two-tailed fox cried out, rushing in through the door. The fox stopped in front of his older brother, looking at his friend. Quickly just about to bend down and help the blur get back on his feet. The hedgehog raised a steady hand up, indicating he was fine. "I'm okay Tails." He replied. Reaching for the top of the table again, staggering as he did so. Tails quickly went over and gave an extra hand up. Making sure he sat back on the bed. Sonic then gave a reassured nod.

"You're lucky I found you in time before the rest of the place consumed you. And when are you going to stop giving me heart attacks on your missions!?" The yellow fox exclaimed, but regained his composure. Knowing that the current circumstance was more important. "I have some news, but... what happened in there?"

Sonic placed his hand over his face, staring at the hardwood floor of his bedroom. All of the curtains were opened, letting in bright sunlight. His head throbbed, but he told Tails everything. From the crazy chair to the base's demise.

Tails put a hand to his white-fuzzeled chin, setting his gaze to the side as he mentally imputed the information. "That pretty much explains just about everything."

The hedgehog tugged at a bandage around his arm curiously, tempted to pull it off. But instead, he then looked at his little friend. "So, what did you have to tell me?"

The fox turned towards the blue hedgehog with turquoise eyes. Placing his arms in a folded position across his chest while tapping his fingers anxiously; now taking his turn of staring at the empty ground. Two yellow ears began to tilt as he thought of how he was going to present the circumstance. "Well," He started, raising his shoulders. "The day wasn't entirely... saved."

Sonic's attention grew rapidly, everything in him was now locked on the two-tailed fox. Steadily straightening up his back while he leaned forward. His fingers held on to the bed. "What do you mean?"

Tails looked up from the floor, ears now fully down. Placing his hands slowly together in a manner in which didn't show the slightest bit of comfort for the cobalt blur.

"One of the missiles was activated. It, destroyed the main city of Emerald Coast, Sonic."

Sonic only kept gazing at the fox, who was now attempting to keep his eyes out the nearest window. The hero tried to put the words together, but only to finish off into that sentence. "W-What do you mean destroyed?"

Tails only hung his head lower, holding his arm. "There were people there Sonic."

A tremendous long moment of silence passed between the two. The atmosphere dropped on them, being lung-crushing heavy. He sat frozen, still looking at the small mechanic. Surely he was still asleep, right?

"So," The hedgehog responded, being the first to break the tension. "The city of Emerald Coast, gone. Along with everyone in range of the area."

The city?! Emerald Coast is a big place. The area is-

Sonic held on to his head, taking a deep breath as he looked up at the ceiling. The thought of hearing that was unbearable. It seems so untrue.

The yellow fox walked up towards the hedgehog, a bit cautious though. Wanting to lay a hand on his pal's shoulder. "I... I know."

After a moment of despairing silence, the blue hedgehog then got up from the bed. A little too fast though, for he held onto the table again to keep himself balanced.

Tails' eyes enlarged. "Sonic?! What are you doing? You are suppose to rest!"

"I can't rest Tails!" He exclaimed, shaking his head as he faced directly into the child's eyes. "I can't just lay here and say 'all well, we'll do better next time' like if these things normally happen! It's my job, to protect them, and to make sure that they live their full lives together. Like they're suppose to."

Tails knew this was very likely of his brother. Audacious and persistent, but sometimes stubborn. The kid took a step forward, trying to reason with him. "Sonic, we can't rewind time, even if we wanted to. We can only prevent it from happening again."

"It's not going to happen again." The hedgehog stated firmly. Giving one strong shake from his head. "Because Eggman is gone."

The fox's ears shot up, taken back by the words. "What?"

The blue hedgehog shook his hand, trying to sum up his thoughts with no avail. "He was engulfed in the explosion. I just, need to go."

Tails watched his older brother run off in a haze, leaving a trail of wind and curtains rustling.

..

...

..

Sonic walked past and over the rubble of the remains of the base. Years from now it could be a historical landmark, but the coast would be grieved upon. Birds' chirping was ignored. The bright blue sky unusually failed to bring a smile across his face.

There was some steal walls still standing, as a few pieces of the high ceiling as well. It was the equivalent of a futuristic scrap zone, oddly with a facade of peace. The hedgehog slumped his back against a slab of wall and sat down, facing the clouds. Trying to find a way to sort this out.

"What went wrong?" The hedgehog asked, looking to the sky for some form of conversing. "How did all of this, happen? I wanted to do good, but this? It's unbelievable."

He only heard a few birds chirp in the distance as a reply.

Sonic plopped his head back against the battered wall, not knowing what to do. "I'm unbelievable." This was all on him, he could've prevented this. Wow, he should've prevented this.

"Get a hold of yourself Sonic." The hedgehog said to himself. "It's only a-"

No, goodness no. Those people dying is NOT an accident.

The hedgehog held his head, helplessly trailing his eyes to the ground. Not knowing what else to do.

He felt off for a sudden moment, as goosebumps and a shiver came over. Kind of uneasy too. He shook the feeling away, now standing up. He just needs to rest. Rest, and think.

..

...

..

"I came as soon as I heard!" Amy exclaimed as she placed her hammer next to the door when she walked (barged) in. "Is everything alright?! Where's Sonic!?" She stated loudly, scanning around the room only to find Tails sitting on the couch with a screw driver and his handheld device. The night has begun to arrive, darkening the skies outside.

Tails placed his tool down next to him, startled but yet not surprise that Amy would come. Though she is a really loyal friend after all.

"Sonic's in the kitchen." The fox responded, reaching over for another small tool. His device recently broke into a few million pieces the other morning. He took it with him on the biplane, but didn't lock it in its compartment all the way like he should have; so it fell out. He was just surprise to find it on the ground below in less then a hour. He only needs to fix it as soon as possible though, to see if he can track down the other two missing chaos emeralds. Because, well... they fell out the plane too. But during an airborne battle though. That was the fair and honest excuse. However, he contemplated very much of finding a better place to put things like that.

Tails looked up from his lap, only to find that Amy was already out of his sight. The fox got up and huffed. He is probably going to have to back up his brother.

"Amy, please, give me some breathing room here. And not to mention I'm pretty bruised up." The hedgehog stated out, finally being released from her grip. Amy then held her hands together in front of her. "Sorry, I'm just glad you are okay! But you look like you came out of a different universe with all of these bandages."

Sonic scratched his head, wondering, as the two-tailed fox came walking in. "Sonic really needs to rest now Amy. He has a lot on his mind, and not to mention he needs to get going."

The pink hedgehog nodded in complete agreement, but then lifted her hands up to her face. "Yes, especially with the news about Emerald Coast. That was so terri-"

The fox shot a face saying 'you're not helping', making the hedgehog bite her tongue down.

"I um, hope you feel much better Sonic." She slowly made out, wording her sentence carefully. Now realising what the hedgehog has gone through. She gave him one last hug, and walked out. Making her way to the front entrance. Hearing the door shut behind her.

The blue hedgehog then sighed, turning around and began to walk down the hallway. Tails quickly sped up to his side. "Are you okay?"

He didn't answer, only kept walking. Like if he never heard his friend.

Soon they both made it to the room, the fox watching the hedgehog as he flopped down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"Sonic?"

He only huffed. Not bothering to turn his head towards him.

Tails stood there, only standing. Waiting for any reply.

"Well, I guess we can talk tomorrow then. Since you want to, be alone..."

The blue hedgehog looked up from his spot. Looking at the yellow fox, who was staring at the floor in sadness. Sonic then spread one arm out. "Come here."

The fox looked up, a small smile growing. Came over, and embraced his brother's hug.

"Sonic." Tails began, his head laying on the hedgehog's chest. "You know you tried your best, we all do. But we need to be ready to go searching for the emeralds soon. Maybe we could stop by the park and you could try to catch air."

"I'm not sure," He replied. "I don't think I deserve anything right now buddy. I messed up."

"You didn't do anything wrong! See? Why would you think that?" The fox answered back, releasing him from the moment and looked down at him. "It wasn't you at all, it was Eggman. But we both know that we can't change it back. No matter how hard we try, and how sad it is. All we can do now, is... remember."

Sonic thought, but was disrupted when his two-tailed friend gave him another hug. What would he do without Tails? He brought his arm out once again, embracing the moment.

The fox then got up. Carefully though, making sure that he won't hurt the hedgehog on accident. "So, umm, you don't need anything before I go?"

"No. I'm fine." he said, trailing abit off. Tails wishes that he could do something more though.

"Oh, okay then... I'll, see you in the morning."

The fox walked softly across the bedroom. Taking note that Sonic already had closed his eyes, ready to go to sleep. He looked at him one last time. Just wanting to be sure. Before slowly closing the door to the room with a faint click.

Sonic opened his eyes. Making sure his friend was gone.

He then took the pillow from under his head, and placed it over his face. Mumbling to himself. He didn't want the kid to worry. He doesn't want any of his friends to worry! But he just can't help but feel that he could've done something more to begin with.

He needs to sleep. In fact, now that he is thinking about it, he was indeed a little tired. Removing the pillow back to its intended position, and closing his eyes back up again. Going to sleep.

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*brings out a large exhale of breath* Okay! Finally! I actually posted the first chapter!...

GOOD! X'D

So I suppose this is the start of our journey. I had this story on mind for... ever? I'm super glad and excited to continue forth. I hope you all would enjoy. And already tension? Hmm..

please, constructive criticism is excepted. Review, say why it's good, bad, etc. Even as it's just the first chapter. Also, I don't know if the rating could change in later chapters. I'll let you know before hand if it ever does.

And have an awesome day! :)