A Summer to Remember!
Chapter 1
By: Soniclover28
Once everyone stepped inside the house, another hedgehog came and tackled Sonic to the ground. "Sonic! I missed you!" She cried. "H-hey... Layla!" Sonic gasped, trying to get out of her death hug. "Another cousin of yours?" Knuckles asked. "Yup, this one's name is Layla. She just turned six," Sonic explained. "You remembered my birthday! Oh I love you so much!" Layla exclaimed, squeezing him harder. Layla was a fuchsia hedgehog with a pale muzzle, and bright green eyes. She wore a blue top with a heart on it, shorts, and green flip flops.
"C-could y-you let me g-go, n-now..?! I-I can't breathe!" Sonic gasped. "No!" Layla smiled. "Okay, th-then!" Sonic smirked, as he started to tickle her. "Ah! St-stop it!" She laughed, as she jumped off of him. "Where's everyone else?" Sonic asked. "Oh, they're just checking on Blue Jay," Layla explained. "'Blue Jay'? Who's that?" Amy asked. "Why? What's wrong with Blue Jay?" Sonic questioned, ignoring Amy's question. "He's been really sick, and mom and dad said he needs to take a nap…" Layla told him. "Sonic, who's Blue Jay?" Amy asked again. "Blue Jay… he's my… he's my horse…" Sonic explained subconsciously. "Are you okay?" Sally asked him.
"Layla, help them settle in, I gotta check on Blue Jay!" The blue hedgehog exclaimed, running out the door. "Okay!" Layla called, waving goodbye. "C'mon, we have a lot of rooms, but you'll have to sleep in pairs," she explained, leading them up a big staircase. The walls of the Mansion were white with wood flooring. Pictures were hanging everywhere, including some of Sonic. "Hey, is that Sonic? He looks so young!" Amy pointed to a picture of a small blue hedgehog riding a small black horse with a white streak on its face. "Yeah, I think he was about five in that picture… Oh, and that horse is Blue Jay," Layla explained.
"Oh, they both look really small… How old is the horse in that picture?" Knuckles asked. "Same age as Sonic! They were born on the same day, and they've always been really close," Layla replied. "Oh, no wonder Sonic just took off…" Sally noted. "Yeah… If Blue Jay died… I'd hate to see what Sonic would do…" The little hedgehog said. "What do you mean?" Silver spoke up. Layla stopped and turned around to face them. "One time, Blue Jay got really, really sick, and he had to go to an emergency animal hospital. But not like the one we have here… When Sonic found out about it, Aunt Bernadette said that he wouldn't do anything but stay in his room… He wouldn't eat, he would barley get something to drink, and he turned away everyone who tried to help him… But, Blue Jay eventually got better, and so did Sonic!" Layla told them.
"Wow… Sonic must really care about him," Tails said. "Yeah… and Star really cares about Sonic, so when one gets sick, they kind of all do," Layla explained. They eventually came to the top floor, and Layla told them to pair up, and pick any room they wanted. Amy paired up with Cream along with Cheese, Knuckles paired up with Silver, Sally paired up with Blaze, Tails called Sonic, and Rouge got a room to herself. "Go make yourselves comfortable! Dinner will be ready in about an hour!" Layla called, running back downstairs.
Later that night…
Everyone had unpacked, and they were all downstairs in the living room; all except Sonic, who was still in the barn with Blue Jay. He was in his horse's stable, and he was sitting on the ground, letting the black horse lay his head on the hedgehog's lap. Sonic stroked the horse's mane, as he saw how dull it looked. "You're gonna be okay, Blue Jay… You're gonna be okay…" he whispered. Sonic wasn't usually one to worry, but he couldn't bear to part with his beloved horse.
"Sonic, are you comin' to eat dinner, son?" Came a rough voice. Sonic looked at a hedgehog with dark blue fur, green eyes, very tan arms, belly, and muzzle, a black cowboy hat, and orange shoes. "I'm not hungry, Uncle Trey…" Sonic replied. "C'mon, don't be like 'at! Your friends are waitin' on ya! C'mon, Blue Jay will be fine; a vet's comin' to look at 'im tomorra'," Trey explained. Sonic sighed, and gently moved Blue Jay's head, as he carefully got up. He opened the gate to the stable, stepped out, and closed it again. "'Atta boy…" Trey smiled, as he put an arm around his nephew. They walked back to the house, and Sonic was surprised to smell his favorite food. "Aunt Janet made chilidogs?"His mouth started drooling.
"She made 'em just fer ya!" Trey chuckled. "Awesome!" Sonic did a fist pump, as he entered the house. He went into the dining room to see everyone already seated, with a plate of chilidogs in front of them. "Hey guys," Sonic said. "Hey Sonic," they all greeted. Sonic took a seat between Tails and Star, and looked around the table to see two other hedgehogs there. "Hey Aunt Janet, heya Clayton," he greeted. Aunt Janet had long brown quills that were pulled up in a ponytail, green eyes, a green top and a blue skirt. "Hello, Sonic, it's good to see you again!" She greeted. The hedgehog sitting beside her had black fur, and ice blue eyes, he also had tan belly fur, a tan muzzle, and tan arms. "Hmph…" He grunted, taking a bite of his chili dog.
"Well, what're y'all waitin' on? Dig in!" Trey exclaimed. Everyone started eating, and Sonic's friends got to know his family better. "Wow, Sonic wasn't kidding when he said you looked like him," Amy gaped, looking between Sonic and Trey. "Ha-ha, we get that a lot," Trey smiled, "People always think Sonic's my son instead of Clayton." Clayton glared and took another bite of his meal. "Hey, Sonic…" Tails whispered. "Yeah?" Tails leaned over in his ear and whispered, "Is Clayton the guy you said didn't like you?" Sonic nodded, and glanced at the black hedgehog. After dinner, everyone got to their rooms to get ready for bed.
The next morning…
(Tails' P.O.V.)
I was sleeping very well until something loud woke me up. I bolted upright, as my ears pricked to the sound of a bell. I looked over towards Sonic's bed, but was surprised to see that he wasn't there. I tiredly slipped my shoes on, went to the bathroom to wash up, and went downstairs. I looked out the window to see that it was still dark outside, and I sighed. "What gives?! The sun isn't even up yet!" I heard Knuckles' voice behind me, and chuckled a bit. All my friends eventually came downstairs, but Sonic was still nowhere in sight.
We all jumped as someone burst through the door and shouted, "Good mornin'!" We soon realized it was Star, and relaxed. "Why are we up so early?! I need my beauty sleep!" Rouge complained. "There's lot's o' work to be done! Papa told me to give you all something ta' do!" Star explained. "Oh… Okay… Hey have you seen Sonic, Star?" I asked. "Well… yeah… He's in the barn with Blue Jay again… he's a bit worse…" She sighed. "Oh… Could you take us to him?" Amy asked. "Sorry, Papa told me you have to do your jobs first! Okay, Princess, you get to help heard the cattle," Star said, pointing to Knuckles. "Stop. Calling. Me. Princess…" Knuckles growled. "Whatever you say, Rapunzel…" The red hedgehog replied.
"Okay, you two… Shelly and …uh… Matilda? You guys get to feed the goats…" Star explained nervously. "Matilda?! My name is Amy!" The pink hedgehog burst. "Uh, sorry…" "And my name isn't Shelly, it's Sally…" The chipmunk told her. I chuckled as Star apologized to her, too. "Anyways… You, you and you can help feed the pigs," Star said, pointing to Rouge, Blaze and Silver. "What?" Rouge glared. "Would you rather clean up after the cows?" Star smirked. "No, uh- the pigs are fine!" Rouge told her quickly. "Okay, and you three can help groom the horses," Star said, pointing to Cream, cheese and I. I actually don't mind that job, it could be fun!
"Now, red head, follow me and I'll take you out to the pasture," Star dismissed, walking out the door. "I'm not gonna get used to her…" Knuckles muttered, following her. "Well, c'mon Cream!" I said, heading to the giant barn. Once we arrived, I was amazed to see how much space was inside of it. A supply room, an office, the stables and a few other rooms were in there, also. "Well, c'mon!" I said, skipping into the entrance to the stables. "But Tails, we don't really know how to groom a horse!" Cream exclaimed. "I could teach you." I turned around to see Sonic, leaning casually against a wall with his arms crossed.
(Third person perspective)
"Really? You don't have a job to do?" Tails asked. "I have to give all the horses some exercise, but first we have to check on them," Sonic explained. "Okay!" They both nodded. "C'mere, and grab a brush," he invited. They did so as Sonic taught them every detail about grooming a horse; he even explained each horse's favorite spot to be stroked. Once they finished the first few, Sonic turned Tails and Cream loose, and watched as they went from stable to stable. He was about to leave, when he saw Tails walk up to a certain horse's stable… Blue Jay's stable. He quickly ran in front of him. "Uh, Sonic?" "You are never to go into this one…" Sonic told him. Tails' eyes widened at the sudden outburst, and he took a glance at the name plate. Once he realized it said 'Blue Jay', he nodded nervously, and went to another stable.
After a second of regret, Sonic glanced at his horse, and sighed. Hopefully, he would get better, and hopefully, Sonic could cope without his horse, if he didn't make it. But he was overreacting, surely? Maybe it was just some kind of cold or something…? His thoughts were interrupted when a kind voice asked, "Are you Trey Rider?" Sonic turned his head to see a mint green hedgehog with blue eyes. "Uh, no, but I'm his nephew, and you are?" He asked. "Oh, I'm Dr. Julia, and I was called to have an appointment with Blue Jay," the hedgehog explained. "Ah, okay, the name's Sonic, and his stable is actually right here. You can go in, if you like, I'll go get Uncle Trey," Sonic explained as he prepared to take off. "Wait, Sonic the Hedgehog? The one who finally brought peace to Mobius by defeating Dr. Eggman?" Dr. Julia gasped. "Uh, yeah…" "Amazing! My family and I are extremely grateful for all your dedication to our planet! I'll tell you what, this examination is free of charge!" She told him. "Uh- thanks… but I just want my horse to get better…" He replied awkwardly.
"Oh, right! I'm sorry! I'll get right to work!" The veterinarian said, going into Blue Jay's stable.
Trey walked into the house in search of his nephew. He found him on the couch, staring at the high ceiling. "Hey, I got some good news!" he said. Sonic looked at him lazily and asked, "What is it?" "Blue Jay's gonna be just fine! The doctor said he should be runnin' around by tomarra'!" He explained. Sonic bolted upright at this news, and gave his uncle a big smile, "Really?!" "Why would I lie to ya, son?" Trey laughed. "Awesome!" Sonic pumped his fist, and jumped off of the couch. "Where are ya goin', now?" "To see Blue Jay, of course!" "Uh, son, he's asleep right now…" "Like I care!" Sonic retorted, running out the door. "That's my nephew, alright…" Trey chuckled, as he went to his own room to wash up.
While Sonic was running in the darkness of the night, he rammed into something, and he was flung back a few feet. "'Ey! Watch were ya run, hedgehog!" He heard a voice growl. Sonic squinted his eyes to make out the shape of his cousin, Clayton, picking himself off the ground. "Heh, sorry…" Sonic laughed nervously, getting up. "Oh, by the way… I caught one 'a yer friends groomin' my horse!" Clayton told him. "Oh, you mean Buck? Sorry, I'll tell them not to next time…" Sonic replied. "Well, nice talkin' to ya, Clayton, but I gotta run!" Sonic smirked, taking off again.
(Tails' P.O.V.)
I woke up to a loud bell again, and sighed. I got up, went to the bathroom and did my business before going downstairs. I was surprised to see my friends down there before me, but they didn't look too happy. "What is it, guys?" I asked. "We're worried about Sonic; he hasn't said hardly anything since he found out about Blue Jay…" Sally explained. "No, Sally, you're worried about him. I couldn't care less… I'm just tired…" Knuckles snapped. "Good mornin'!" Star suddenly burst through the door, and we all jumped again.
"Hello Star…" I sighed. "Heya! Okay, you all get new jobs today! Princess, you're gonna feed the pigs with Tails," Star explained. "Stop calling me that!" Knuckles burst. "I can call ya whatever the heck I want! Now get a move on, Cinderella!" She retorted, pointing outside. Knuckles growled as he stormed off. I chuckled, as I listened to the other jobs being given. "You, and you… Can ya handle the goats?" Star asked, pointing to Silver, Cream and Cheese. "Sure!" They said at the same time. "Now then, you and you get to groom the horses," Star explained, pointing to Sally, Blaze and Rouge. "Alright," Sally and Blaze nodded. Rouge just sighed, and walked out the door. "Alright, then that leaves, you- uh… Betty?" Star stuttered, looking at Amy. "My. Name. Is. Amy!" She burst. "Heh, sorry!" Star said quickly.
(Sally's P.O.V.)
I made my way to the barn to start my job, when I realized I didn't really know how to groom a horse… "Uh, do you know how to groom a horse, guys?" I asked. "Actually, I do. At my castle, the groomers allows me to take some time on my horse," Blaze explained. "Really? Do you know how to wash them, too?" I questioned. "Unfortunately, no. My father doesn't want me getting dirty," Blaze told her. "At least she knows how to use a brush…" Rouge chimed in. "I still can't believe that Sonic is making us stay here for the summer, of all places… I don't see a jewel in sight!" She continued. "Rouge, at least it's better than sitting around bored all the time!" I snapped. "I guess…"
We soon arrived at the stables, and we all started looking at the different variety of horses. "We're going to be here a while…" Rouge sighed. I walked around a bit, but stopped as I heard soft snoring, and turned my head to see a black horse with a white streak down its face, resting his head on a certain blue hedgehog's lap. They were both asleep, and Sonic was leaning against the wall with his head flopped to the side. I chuckled and called his name softly. His ear twitched, but he didn't rouse, so I went up to the stable door and called his name again.
"Huh?" His slowly opened his eyes and looked up at me. "Oh… Hey Sally… Morning already?" He asked groggily. "Yeah… Were you here all night?" I asked. "Yeah… but I don't think I should've slept here… I have a bad crick in my neck, now…" He smirked, as he craned his neck around, making it pop. He gently moved the horse's head off of his lap, and stood up, stretching his legs. "We have to groom the horses today," I told him. "I thought so," He chuckled, as he made his way out of the horse's stable. Sonic took a glance at the horse he'd just left, and smiled. "Is that Blue Jay?" I asked. "Yup… he's supposed be fully recovered by lunch…" Sonic explained. "Oh… What was wrong with him, in the first place?" I was almost scared to ask. "I don't know, and I don't care. As long as he's okay, I'm happy... Anyways, you better start on your job, I gotta give the horses some exercise once your finished," he explained.
"Right… Talk to you later…" I said, walking off. I glanced back to see him take off, probably going for a run, or heading to eat breakfast. We eventually finished our duty, and headed back to the mansion for lunch. We all ate sandwiches, and were given the rest of the day off. I went into my room, and decided to take a nap to catch up on sleep. I was having a nice dream until a loud sound woke me up…
The sound of someone screaming…
Me: Ack! It's still terrible DX... It'll pick up in the next chapter or so... maybe the next two chapters... But y'know... And if you're reading this far, I salute you for your courage against cheesiness... *salutes*
