[Prequel to "Nine Hours" - knowledge of the story is helpful but not necessary]

(Everyone wanted me to write a prequel to Nine Hours, so here you go! Wait - you all said sequel? Aww - well have this anyway. And! You'll get a sequel as well, a bit later!)

Please enjoy ~

Wishing Star

AMY

Today is my birthday. A milestone, too. 18 years old. It's supposed to mean I'm an adult. I have my life together. I'm suddenly responsible.

Ha. ha.

Ha.

I woke up like it was any other day - hitting snooze until it was absolutely necessary for me to roll out of bed. I still had to go to work; I could ask for the day off but what was the point? I didn't have plans, I'd just stay home if I didn't have to go. Pretty pathetic, huh? Now, don't get me wrong, I'd been doing well. It had been really rough-going for a while, but I was better. Or at least I thought I was. Today though - well, birthdays were supposed to be happy occasions to keep track of how much you've grown.

For me they were a painful reminder of how much time had passed.

Birthdays were supposed to be times to spend with those you love, family and friends.

For me they only emphasized the one who wasn't there.

The one who'd abandoned us all without a trace, without warning, without contact. The one who'd always had my heart - and absence did make the heart grow painfully one who was mysterious as the wind, captivating as a thunderstorm, here for a short time and then disappeared, never to be seen again.

Now that I was 18, Sonic had been gone for 6 years. A third of my life. The realization made my stomach curdle as I began my morning routine. How could I still possibly be pining after him for this long? Still? I'd hoped to be beyond over him by now. I went through the motions of getting ready, showering, making breakfast and throwing it out, reading through a handful of texts wishing me a nice birthday.

I really, really wish I could.

As I left my apartment to get to work, I was sure to bundle up. Outside the early signs of autumn were everywhere. Scarfs, warm hued trees, scents of pumpkin spice lattes. Another year older - I was too young to be this jaded, but here we were. At work, my co-workers did their best to cheer me up. They passed me a signed card, but I pushed them away and said I wasn't feeling well.

"Aw, such a shame to be sick on your birthday!"

Little did they know I'd been heartsick for more than 6 years. I know. I know. It's pathetic. It's sad. I'm a hopeless girl who's too stubborn for her own good. It's not healthy. It's an obsession. It's just hurting me. I need to get help.

I've heard it all.

Just get over him. Just move on. Just look on the bright side. Just forget about him. Just let him go.

"Just."

If it were that easy, wouldn't I have done that by now?

Some days I wake up and hate myself, hate how little I've grown. Hate how much of my life I've lost to someone who wasn't in it for very long. He'd been gone longer than I even knew him in the first place. So why was it so hard to let go?

I think - it's because Sonic himself had always been mysterious, coming and going as he pleased. It's hard to get over someone like that, because you just never know. If it's in his nature to come and go, my heart had latched onto the concept of him eventually coming back. He just had to. Right?

That was the issue. Knowing Sonic, he could literally come back at any moment. If only I could get some sort of closure. I could make peace with it if he died - hell, that'd be easier than dealing with the uncertainty. Not knowing if he was still out there or not was what was killing me. I just wish I had some sort of sign either way.

I guess there were a few things keeping me holding on. I sat at my desk on a quick break, sipping some tea as I pulled out my journal. Although Sonic had disappeared, in the past few years there'd been reports of sightings - random people in random places claming to have seen him, with varying amounts of proof. I'd latched onto those stories, and started saving every article, picture, blurb, map, quote - everything, and put it in this journal. It had all my notes, every single Sonic sighting since he disappeared, where, when, and any clues. I'd organized it all, and had let it become my new obsession. It also had my writings, my thoughts, my anger… and my plans for what I'd do when he came back… it had pages falling out, was taped and stapled together.

In some sad way it was a metaphor for my heart.

A bunch of false promises and hopes stapled together, but falling apart in every direction. I wanted to write down my current thoughts, but had nothing new to add to the years and years of fruitless searching that I'd already documented. It all lead to this - I was still no closer to finding Sonic than when I used to follow him everywhere. To the ends of the earth, no matter where he was - that's what I promised myself. Now - well, I couldn't follow a phantom. I could only try to chase. I put the journal away, tucking it into my bag, and threw myself into my work.

My work day finally ended, and I walked home with a blank face, not feeling much. I unlocked the door to my apartment, ready for the day to be over with. Maybe I could get Knuckles to buy me some beer -

"Surprise!"

I swore under my breath. My friends, right. I hadn't answered any of their texts today, and they wanted to spend time with me I bet. I forced a smile onto my face as I looked at everyone crowding into my living room. Tails, Cream, Big, Knuckles, Rouge, Espio, Vector, Charmy, Blaze, Silver - they all looked so happy. Why couldn't I be that happy? They all missed Sonic, but they'd all moved on, so why couldn't I? Jealousy. Anger. Rage. I balled up my fists, and hoped my hammer wouldn't come out.

"Happy Birthday, Amy!" Everyone shouted, and then Cream approached me, beaming, and handed me a champagne glass. Just bubbly, no alcohol, of course. I sighed. I couldn't get mad at my friends despite my envy.

"Guys, I know it's my birthday, but I'm not really in the mood to celebrate anything," I admitted, taking a sip to hide my pained expression.

"Aw, Amy, what's wrong?" Tails asked, tilting his head in concern.

"Nothing… just a bad day at work," I lied, rubbing my temples after setting down the glass.

"Well, let's make it better!" Cream said cheerfully. "We have presents for you!"

"Yeah, Amy, we got you a cake, ice cream and your favorite - enchiladas!" Knuckles said with a huge smile as he gestured to the food set out on the counter.

I just shook my head and turned to go to my bedroom, not wanting to face everyone. I felt horrible - they'd put in the work to make this day special for me, and I was ruining it.

"Amy what's going on?" Tails had followed me, and now stood in front, blocking me from going further. Everyone had crowded behind me, looking at me with concerned expressions.

I told myself I wouldn't cry, I wouldn't let this bother me anymore. But I have no control over my heart. Most days it feels completely separated from the rest of me. Seeing everyone who loved and cared about me - it was overwhelming. I should be happy they were all here. I should be thrilled. But all I could see was the one that was missing. The one I'd cared about too long.

The tears came out suddenly, and I buried my face in my hands, trying to cover my sobs. It was too late though… all of my friends made sympathetic noises and crowded around me.

"Amy…"

"I'm sorry, I'm really happy you guys all came," I whimpered, quickly wiping at my eyes. "It means a lot. I just… don't wanna talk about it."

Tails hugged me, and I returned the embrace. "We all miss him," he whispered. "It hurts, I know… and special times like this just makes us all remember even more."

I nodded, and hugged my best friend, crying onto his shoulder.

"But don't you think he'd want us to be happy?"

I didn't answer, because I knew the truth. If only it were that easy.

"You know, we had a feeling this might happen," Espio spoke up, and I let go of Tails to look at all my friends.

"Yeah," Rouge said. "We know it's been tough for you, Amy. So let's get all these bad feelings out of the way at once."

I was about to ask what she meant, when, suddenly, my bag started glowing teal, and wiggling. I opened my mouth to protest, but instead cried out when my familiar journal flew into view thanks to Silver's powers. My jaw dropped - I was mortified.

"My journal!? But - " My head whipped over to Tails and Cream, and I could feel my anger surfacing. They were the only ones who knew about that notebook.

"Amy..." Cream spoke softly, approaching me with a sad smile. "We feel like it's time."

"Time?" I surveyed everyone's faces, but most of them refused eye contact. "Time for what?"

"You to move on," Blaze said. "It's been six years since he left. And it's not healthy for you to hold onto these thoughts. You documenting everything and obsessing over it has prevented you from seeing the truth."

"Truth?" I felt like an echo chamber, but I couldn't believe this was happening. "Truth? This notebook is all I have about the truth!"

"The truth that Sonic is gone," Blaze said coldly.

"You think I don't know that?" I shot back. "I know that more than anyone! You guys are all so quick to forget who he was! Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who still wants to find him, who still cares!"

"We all want to find him," Knuckles said. "But until we get more solid leads, there's nothing we can do. We all think you need some tough love, Amy. So," he paused, and then looked me right in the eye, his purple eyes kind. "We think it's time for you to get rid of this journal."

I violently shook my head, and lunged for the notebook, but Silver lifted it over my head, out of reach. "What? How can you say that? How can you guys do this to me… that journal is all I have left of him!"

"Exactly why you should get rid of it," Tails said.

"Tails… but, you've always helped me look for him…" the fox wouldn't look me in the eye. I crossed my arms across my chest. "So this is it, huh? Happy birthday, Amy, let's take away your prized possession."

"No, it's happy birthday Amy, let's celebrate the life you've still had to live. You're young! There's a lot you still have left to do," Rouge said.

I was hearing what they were saying, but it was a tough pill to swallow. "Please… just let me have this."

"Amy," Tails said. "I miss him, too. But whatever happened to him, he would want you to be happy. And you're not. He wouldn't want - "

"Don't try to tell me what he wants, Tails. I know he's out there somewhere. What if he's in trouble? And he's waiting for us to find him? And what if the clues will lead us to him one day?"

"We appreciate all that you're doing," Knuckles said. "But at G.U.N., we're already tracking everything on Sonic that we find. So don't worry - we're all still looking into every lead. But this obsession of yours is hurting you. And we can't watch you do this to yourself anymore."

He was right. Knuckles was the closest thing I had to an older brother, and I knew he just wanted to protect me. It didn't make this any easier to hear.

"But you know what?" Rouge said. "We're not going to do this for you. Sorry this had to happen on this day, but we thought an intervention was necessary. Here's your first present, girl."

She handed me a box of matches. "Today is a day of new beginnings. Okay? So let's let go of the past. Time to throw away all the things that make you sad. Tonight we're gonna have a party, you're gonna open up some gifts and then I'm gonna take you shopping to get you a new dress. Then we're gonna go to my club and have a good time. You're gonna dance and have fun and forget all about blue hedgehogs. Okay? But only if you want to. This has to be your choice. You're an adult now."

An adult now. Today was as good as any. Didn't I want to get over Sonic, deep down? Didn't I hate all these feelings still lingering in my heart? I stared down at the matches in my hand, and then towards my journal. Burn it? How could I? I shook my head. I've always wanted to get my life together, but at what cost? What if Sonic really was in trouble, and out there waiting for us to rescue him…? And I turned my back on him?

"How does that sound?"

Sound. Sonic. Ugh, everything reminded me of him. The wind in the trees. Thunderstorms. Birthday parties. My friends. He'd ruined my life, and kept me from enjoying anything anymore. I was depressed, obsessed, all over him. In truth, I was emotionally fatigued. And could use a catharsis.

My hands were trembling, but I reached out to take the notebook in my hands, away from Silver's grasp. The teal light faded as I fondled the familiar pages. So much sentimental value, so many memories. "I can't… it's all I have left of him…"

Tails spoke. "Look at you, Amy, you're crying on your birthday. Because of some dude that broke your heart so long ago. You're a beautiful girl with a lot to offer, and it hurts me to see you do this to yourself, it hurts all of us."

"We just want you to be happy. And sometimes you have to do the hard thing, burn it all down, so you can start over," Knuckles said.

I slowly shook my head as I held the notebook close. They were right. I knew it. As much as I clutched these pages, as much as they represented to me - they were holding me back. I'd spent the whole day in a foul mood. I'd spent the last six years in a foul mood. All because of some boy that I'd been infatuated with. He'd never even showed me any interest. He'd stolen so much from me. I couldn't let him have another year of my life. Not another month.

Then again, if I gave up on him now - then wouldn't that mean I was admitting defeat? That I'd spent the past 6 years of my life on a lost cause? I'd wasted all my teenage years? So many tears, so much time, - didn't it all have to end up with something? Didn't I get a medal, or at least a happy ending for my efforts? Or had it all been futile?

I'd never been one to give up… I'd held on for so long, why give it all up now?

"I don't know if I can let go…"

"Just because someone is an important part of your past, doesn't mean they have to be an important part of your future," Espio said.

"You know what?" I suddenly said, as if a husk had fallen off my heart. "I'm being dumb." I tucked the journal under my arm and struck a match. The wooden stick poofed to life, red flames captivating me for a moment. Screw it, I was over this. I was mad. My fingers trembled as I held the match in front of me. My other hand held the journal right above the flame, and I gasped as the fire overtook the corner.

Silver and Blaze sprang into action, the former taking the journal from me to hover at a safe distance, and the latter controlling the flames. They consumed the paper, making it all disappear to ash. All my pictures of him, all my newspaper articles, all my poetry, all my anger. It burned bright in one huge spark before dying out just as quickly.

It was over as soon as it had begun.

Let it all burn. Let it all die. I was done being unhappy. Screw Sonic. I was going to get over him.

"Fuck you Sonic. I'm gonna be happy," I growled, putting my hands on my hips.

"Yes! Now, let's party!" Rouge cheered, and everyone followed along.

I nodded, and downed a drink someone handed me. I hoped it had alcohol in it. I was done feeling sorry for myself. I was going to go crazy tonight. I was going to forget all my problems and have a good time. I was an adult and so done with Sonic.

For real this time.

After opening presents and binging on cake, I took Rouge up on her offer to go shopping. I found the sluttiest dress on the rack - short hemline, short neckline, tight bodice. Bright red with glitter and sequins. I wanted to feel good, I wanted to be noticed, I wanted to be beautiful. I wanted to forget. I wanted to get lost in another guy, literally any other guy would do. I needed a new obsession, and fast.

I ruminated on the thought as I got into the car with Rouge and Knuckles to take us to the club. There wasn't much to think about, though, and I was thankful for the short trip.

"Rouge," I said as we left her car. I shivered a bit in the chilly air, but knew the short dress would be worth it once I got inside. "I want to lose my virginity tonight."

She raised her eyebrow at me and then smirked. She looked me up and down. "With that dress? A guarantee, girl. Knuckie and I will watch out for you."

The echidna nodded at me. "We have a symbol - if we see you leaving with a dude, flash us a peace sign if it's what you want. Otherwise I'm going after him."

"Thanks Knux," I smiled at him, and he nodded again, holding the door open for me to enter.

Loud music, bright pink lights, sweaty bodies dancing. This had been my first time in here, as Rouge was super picky about letting kids in, even her friends. I knew what I was getting into, or at least I thought I did, but the whole scene was overwhelming my senses.

"Can I have a drink?" I asked Rouge, but I couldn't hear my own voice; even those gigantic bat ears didn't hear me.

"Can I have a drink!?" I screeched over the pounding bass and she turned around, holding up one finger.

"I'm not letting you get drunk, but one to loosen you up. You're still underage."

I nodded and made my way to the bar, sitting down and smoothing down my skirt. It was a bit quieter in here, but I could hear the music throbbing behind a colorful glass wall. I played with my longer quills as I looked around, checking out the cute guys. There were certainly a lot of them here. I spied Knuckles in the corner keeping an eye on me, Rouge was heading upstairs, Silver and Blaze were by the snack bar in their own world. It was just me out here, trying to get laid.

The bartender passed me a glass, and I took a sip. The bite of the alcohol made me gag a bit, but the sweetness of strawberries and coconut soothed my mouth from the aftertaste.

"Ms. Rouge left me a message for you, said 'Enjoy the men," The bartender winked at me before walking away.

Oh, I would. I sipped and sipped on my drink, waiting for my head to get fuzzy, as I enjoyed the scenery. Nice shoulders, that chest, wow so handsome, what a body - the impure thoughts raced through my brain without inhibitions. I was going to let my hormones take over for once, and let myself have what I wanted. Suddenly I was sucking air - my glass was empty. I'd been so distracted I'd downed the whole drink in a few minutes.

"Hey sweet thing, lemme get you another one of those."

My fur stood up when I realized a dude was talking to me. A dude. Was talking. To me. What was this? Attention, nice attention? I wasn't used to this. Unrequited love was all I'd ever known. And I wasn't sure how to respond now. I guess I could start by looking at him. I turned my head -

Oh. my. God.

Mysterious charcoal gray fur, with small hints and patches of lilac and white mixed in. Dizzyingly perfect sky blue eyes. Chest fur for days. So fucking handsome - and yet, his tiny ears and fluffy tail made him endearingly cute at the same time. Either he really was this good looking or my drink was already kicking in.

"Sorry, but I'm only allowed one," I said and turned my head, but couldn't help but smirk. I ran a hand through my bang-quills, trying to calm myself.

"Hmm, seems to me you have two perfectly nice ones already."

I blushed and turned back to him, shocked at how forward he was being. His eyes were looking down my cleavage, grinning. God this attention was exhilarating. I hadn't let a guy look at me, well, ever, without pulling out my hammer. I was actually wanted.

"Like what you see, do you?" I flirted, angling myself so he had a better look.

"I do. And I wanna see more of you," he said with a wink. "Hey, another of these coconut things for the lady!"

Rouge wasn't here. I shouldn't have another drink. I glanced at Knuckles but he just nodded.

"So I'm a lady now?" I tilted my head as if indignant. "I thought I was just a pair of boobs."

He laughed. "Oh you're much more than that. What's your name? I haven't see you here before."

"It's my first time," I drawled, letting my hand wander a bit to explore his bicep. His muscles felt incredible… I wanted to feel all of them… "I'm Amy Rose."

"Wow," he breathed. "The Amy Rose. I thought you looked familiar, but damn. You're a hero. And you look nothing like you do on TV."

Another glass was put in front of me, and I took a sip, feeling thirsty in more ways than one. "Well, thank you, it's been a while since I was called a hero."

"You really are. Damn. And you're fine as fuck too."

I squeezed his arm. "Okay handsome stranger, so do I get to know who you are?"

"Name's Quill."

I raised an eyebrow, and found myself downing the rest of my drink. "But you're a squirrel."

"Yeah, I guess it's supposed to be ironic. Anyway, wanna dance, Quill on quills?" he winked at me, and my heart was going insane. He was so smooth, offering me his hand as he let me down from my bar stool. Fast, just like I liked it.

"Yeah."

I followed him to the dance floor, holding his hand as I checked out his back. Such broad shoulders and a firm neck, I was loving his body. He didn't lead me to the center, though - we stayed on the edges near the wall, dancing close and passionate. His body was pure electricity as it connected with mine, and I enjoyed every inch of it. I kissed him out of nowhere, pushing my lips against his, wanting to taste every bit of him. Quill grabbed me and pinned my back to the wall. So hot. He started on my lips but then quickly traveled down my neck and collarbone. His hands were on my waist and hips, exploring me. So fast, so much turning me on right now - all I wanted was hard and fast and now.

"You're so hot," I moaned as he kissed me all over.

"You're impatient," he whispered.

"I want you right now," I begged, lost in his crystal eyes.

Quill smirked and let go of me, taking my hand as he pulled me towards the hallway. I met Knuckles' eyes and raised two fingers in a peace sign. He winked and shot me a thumbs up. This was it. I was finally gonna do it. I didn't care about anything else, just what my body was begging for. The music began fading as we headed to a back room, and my head was spinning -

And then - a distinct, cold feeling of dread suddenly gripped my heart. The icy fear killed my hot libido in an instant. Something was wrong. Very wrong. Something was happening. I could tell.

"Amy, what's up?" Quill asked, tugging on my arm.

I could barely breathe, frozen in place. I tried to speak but had no air. I took a painful deep breath.

"S-s-sonic," I whispered with a stutter.

"What?"

"Sonic's in trouble… he's in danger… I can tell."

"Huh?"

I couldn't be here. I realized where I was and was about to do and I shuddered. How could I do this? Dread overtook me and I fell to my knees, in a panic. I could barely feel Quill's hand on my back. The premonition of something terrible was overwhelming me. Sonic needed me right now, I had to get to him, I couldn't be here, I was terrified - I had to help him -

"Hey, you alright? Want me to get you back to your friends?"

I nodded, and the next thing I knew I was back in the loud music, my head pounding… I had to get out of here… help Sonic...

"Where are your friends?"

"The red echidna," I breathed, and prayed Knuckles hadn't left for his own rendevouz with Rouge.

"The red what now?"

"Amy!"

Thank god. Knuckles rushed over to me, holding a chair for me to sit.

"Hey pal, what did you do to her?" He growled at Quill.

"Knuckles, it's not his fault," I explained as I sat down. "I just got a horrible premonition. Something terrible. Sonic is in trouble."

His face fell so much I thought he'd have to pick it up from the ground.

"Amy. Sonic is gone," Knuckles said.

"No, he's still alive… and he needs our help. I can tell he's out there, somewhere, but I can't get to him… he's hurting…and I can't be here anymore."

The echidna crossed his arms. "You don't know where he is. I thought you were going to forget about him."

"Uh…" Quill interrupted. "Didn't know there was another dude involved, so I'ma go now…"

"Bye," Knuckles growled at the squirrel who scampered away. I watched his retreating form with a bit of regret, my eyes glazing over.

"Amy."

I just shook my head, refusing to look at my older friend. "Don't. Don't scold me. I should have known this wouldn't work. What was I thinking, trying to mindlessly lose my virginity? I need to go."

The echidna sighed. "I'll take you home."

"Thank you…"

"Lemme go get Rouge, okay? Can you stay here for a sec?"

I nodded, but I had no intention of staying put. I was going to find and help my love.

I'm coming for you, Sonic.

[Part Two coming very soon ~]