Sonic tossed and turned, he was very uncomfortable. Trying every position there is to go back to sleep, but nothing was working. He wasn't even going to bother opening his eyes. Besides, it was probably around three or so in the morning by now, not to mention the pitch darkness. He would then, hopefully soon, eventually go back to sleep...

...If he could ever get comfy again.

He kicked to move the gripping blanket out of the way, but something crashed to the floor instead. The hedgehog moaned, not wanting to get up to see what happened this time.

Sonic freed his arms from the sheets, and went to sitting up on the bed. Rubbing his eyes from their blurred vision. Once he opened them, he looked in the direction where usually his nightstand was sitting, to his direct right; with the sorry aid of light helping to find it. Though, the furniture wasn't there.

He skimmed his weary eyes across the room, finding the small table at his left at the end of his bed where his feet would be. Finding it very odd, until he realized that the table wasn't in the wrong spot at all. HE was.

He was sleeping backwards in his bed.

Sonic would've laughed, but was too tired to even smile. Instead, he plopped his head back down. Only to shoot right back up again after a good thump when he had hit the back of his head on the wooden frame. Now rubbing the sore spot in annoyance, remembering that something had fell to the floor in the first place.

The hedgehog pushed the blanket to the side, and crawled to where his nightstand was at. Sonic squinting over the edge of the bed, he couldn't see anything, it was still dark after all, and he doesn't want to break more things in the room as he struggles to find the light switch on the wall. That and of course, he was half asleep.

He ran his hand across the cold dry floor, trying to feel the object that had fell.

Soon, his fingertips ran against something. It had a crack in it, also apparently a wire.

Without thinking how to care for such an object as he should, the mobian picked it up by it's cord. Holding it outward in front of his face so he can see what it was.

It was his digital alarm clock, flickering the time 1:07 am. Though you could hardly see the seven, due to where the crack was at. He must have kicked it off the table when he was trying to move the blanket out the way. Oh, he would have to ask Tails to fix it in the morning.

Sonic placed the clock back on the nightstand, and went to his proper position on the bed, laying down. This time without injuring his head again. However noting an itch on his arm, agitated, pulling off the hasty bandages.

"Sonic."

The hedgehog forced his blurry eyes to open, looking at the door. He thought he heard someone, Tails probably. Forcing to look up briefly, he heard it again, but soon fell asleep. Too tired to address it.

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"So, how did you sleep?" The fox asked. Taking another bite of his pancake. It was finally the morning, and breakfast has never seemed so good. Because as most people say, breakfast is what gets you started on your day. The sun was a big help in that too, because when Tails moved the curtains to the side in his elder brother's bedroom, Sonic shielded his eyes in pain and fell off the bed. The fox was wondering why the hedgehog wasn't up earlier, until he noticed the alarm clock. Tails can fix it easily, but even without the simple technology, the hedgehog should've still naturally gotten up.

"Does anyone special want some more pancakes?" Amy said, holding up a bowl filled with pancake batter and a spoon with a smile. The small kitchen was embraced in the warm smell of morning breakfast. The white sunlight streaming into the lit house through its glossy glass. The female even going to as far as wearing a cute apron, she wouldn't want to get her dress dirty.

"I would!" Tails exclaimed. He sure did like how Amy cooks, even if she sometimes has her moments. The small fox as well as Sonic was currently sitting at a table. A bottle of maple syrup placed in the middle with a container of butter to the side.

"I was asking Sonic silly." The girl said, but smiled brightly. "But I can make some more for you too Tails."

Figures. the fox thought. Then turned towards Sonic again, for he hasn't answered his question yet. Now realizing that his friend was sleeping at the table. His face and muzzle buried on top of his plate of once perfectly placed pancakes.

"Sonic!"

"I'M PANCAKE!" The hedgehog quickly exclaimed, jerking his head up from his plate in reflex. With whipped cream and a berry on his nose. "I mean, awake." He replied, with a meek smile.

"Sonic," Tails began to ask — though he's pretty sure he knows the answer now. Placing his fork down to the side in concern. "How did you sleep?"

"Wha?" The hedgehog asked, rubbing and wiping the cream off with a napkin on the table. Still half asleep as doing so.

The fox was starting to get a little impatient with him.

"I said." Tails began, getting up from his chair and cupped his hands around his mouth in a megaphone-like style, all towards the dozing hedgehog. "HOW DID YOU SLEEP!?"

"AH! I slept alright Tails! Don't yell in my ears like that!" He quickly answered as he shot upwards. Being the most he has ever been awake all morning.

Tails placed both of his hands on the table. "Then how come you was sleeping on your breakfast!?"

"Because! I-

...Oh."

The hedgehog stopped, looking down at his messy meal.

The small mechanic sighed. Receiving more of the pancakes from Amy as she came by.

"But honestly." Tails said, tried of asking the same question over and over. Putting a hand up to rest his head on it. With the other, tapping his gloved fingers on the flat surface of the wood. "How was your night?"

Sonic stretched his arms over his head. "Uh, not the best. It could've been better. Hey, did you come in the room last night?"

The yellow fox shook his head, reaching over to grab the syrup bottle. "No. Why?"

The blue hedgehog picked up his fork, looking down at the unappealing mess he has made. Squinting his green eyes, stuck in his mind. "Thought I had heard something.."

Amy came by, replacing the squished pancake with a whole new plate. To be real here, she has been stuffing the hedgehog all morning with her food. If she doesn't stop, he's going to blow up waffles. And.. apparently it's possible to sleep-eat.

"It was probably just the clock." Tails replied. Noting that his friend was probably a bit full. Or just maybe not hungry, anymore? He's going to have to make a mental note of that for later, the study of sleep-eating, here with his latest subject.

"Amy.." The blue hedgehog said. Watching her place another plate of the food in front of him. "I don't think I'm hungry anymore.."

"Of course you are!" She exclaimed. "And besides, what am I going to do with the rest of this batter?" She said, now holding up the bowl of pancake batter in front of him so he can see, it was just enough for one more serving.

"I'll take some more Amy." The fox said, holding up his plate, which was becoming empty. He was a fast growing boy after all.

"Oh no, this last plate is for Sonic!" Amy exclaimed. "He needs as much as he can get. Since he's acting all gloomy! Besides, that was your third plate."

"I don't think I can even look at the food anymore." Sonic said as he started to feel a little nauseous at his new plate.

"What?! So my way of cooking isn't the best?!" Amy exclaimed at the blue hedgehog, upset. "I want to help you! You've been acting all off ever since the news!" Pointing an utensil at him.

"No no! Amy, your cooking is great! I am just so full of it!" He quickly stated aloud, regretting how he had said that sentence earlier. Staring at the shining metal spoon she had at hand.

Amy stared at the hedgehog with beady green eyes, piercing the blue blur's soul.

Slowly.

Carefully.

Examining the hedgehog's deepest thoughts, and slightest movements.

...

"Okay then.." Amy said, putting the mixing spoon down, to Sonic's relief. "I would figure for a guy who could eat a dozen chilly dogs in one go, he could finish off his last plate of pancakes. But, I can understand."

The cobalt hedgehog stopped what he was doing, putting ears up. Listening to something, so did the others. As the TV in the living room was cutting in, the screen however out of their view.

"Tragic news." What sounded like a lady's voice. "About two days ago, Emerald Coast was attacked. Investigating the area, G.U.N found the remains of what seems to be a stock pile of missiles. Leaving a positive mark that the mad scientist Dr. Ivo Robotnik, Also known as the former, 'Dr. Eggman', was the one who committed this. Heartbreak is spreading all over the coast, mourning for their lost. Investigation is now being proceeded at what was left of the former base of the doctor. Which was found yesterday destroyed. So far, no sign of Eggman. Others do believe that this event was linked to the well known, Sonic the Hedgehog. More is still being currently uncovered."

"I'm Megan Howler. Signing off of Mobius World News."

MWN then changed to a commercial break. Before doing so, bringing its usual jingle before subsiding off.

Sonic groaned, as he pounded his head on the table with a big thump.

"G.U.N?" Tails said. "They were sent to investigate?"

"So what?" Amy replied, starting to clean up. "They brought theirselves in many different things, but it's nothing new. Right Sonic?"

The blue hedgehog put his hands on his head. "Right, Amy.. But now what will everyone think when they see me? They'll say 'Sonic? Aren't you suppose to be the one who saves the day? Sonic, why didn't you stop Eggman? Sonic, people had to die, what do have to say for yourself?' I don't know?! It's not like anyone else is running around fighting insane power-hungry scientist!" He exclaimed, burying his head.

He then gasped air out of his lungs, as Amy squeezed him in a sudden hug. "You'll always be a hero Sonic!" She said, hugging in quite a grip. Sonic grabbing the table, discovering he had sympathy for pushpop ice cream. She then let go, as she pointed at him. "And don't let anything ruin that for you."

Sonic rubbed his arm. Feeling like he was forced out of a icing tube for a cake.

Tails then thought. "Well," He started. "If it makes you feel any better, we can go for a walk."

"Go for a walk?" The hedgehog replied. "And show my face out there?! Tails, I'm a disgrace to the citizens everywhere!"

The fox then slapped his friend's head. Not in anyway of a threat or in harm, it was rather more of a knocking one's sense.

Sonic turned at the fox in surprise. "What was that for?!"

"For as long as I known you Sonic. This is not you!" The young child exclaimed, pointing an index finger at him as he stood up. "You always want to go outside! So get up, and let's go! You're not going to linger around with a tone like that. Where's that Sonic that would always run around, and just about do summersaults for a chilli dog?!"

The hedgehog thought, staring at the void. "Jees." He said. "You didn't have to do that though."

"I did if it's for your own good." Tails said. "Now let's go!" He stated, pulling the hedgehog up by his hand. Out the door they all went.

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The sky was clear, with white puffy clouds dotting some parts of it. The sun shining it's bright warm light all across the small town of the Greenhill area. Buildings open for business, families walking down the sidewalks, all in harmony with the vibrant natural greenery of the trees and patterned grass.

"The next time you hit Sonic like that again Tails, you will face me!" Amy exclaimed, her bright red dress contrasting against the environment as they all walked down the sidewalk together.

Tails looked at the hedgehog. "If Sonic is going to get through this, then he has to face it. That's what he taught me to do."

Sonic smiled. "Yeah, but next time you could give me a warning. Seems like yesterday you were a little squirt with a wrench, now you're telling me what to do." He said, rubbing his buddy's head playfully.

The fox laughed. "Well, I learned from the best."

They went on, strolling across the nearly white cement. Sonic gazed around his area, noticing some people watching him as he went on.

The hedgehog held his left arm uncomfortably, ears starting to tilt down, as he looked down at his path.

Tails and Amy looked at the hedgehog, feeling bad that they couldn't do anything else to cheer him up. Since the fox had hit his friend. He didn't really want to, but he just couldn't constantly keep talking and his words would come out the other side of his brother's head. Now that the fox thought about it, he was growing up somewhat, isn't he?

Sonic glanced up, as he saw a family of swift foxes walking at the other side of the street, but with their little girl just staring at the hedgehog. Not moving, just staring.

Sonic squinted his eyes, it was rather unusual, but heaved a low breath. He shouldn't be surprised, just look at all the news. It was one screw up, and innocent people took the mess. At this point even the plants and trees would know. Continuing on, but jolted back in surprise as the girl just appeared in front of him.

The child looked up at him, probably no more than eight years old, though with curiosity filled in her eyes. "You're the famous blue hedgehog, Sonic, right?" She asked, smiling brightly. She was small, with big lime green eyes. Cream colored fur with a hint of soft orange. Wearing a short pink dress with buttons and purple polka dots. Her hair up in two small pig-tails, as well as wearing white slippers.

The hedgehog sighed, then nodded. "Yeah.." He said.

The small swift fox tilted her head. "What's wrong?" She asked, her smiling fading in concern. As then Amy and Tails came up next to their friend.

Sonic looked away at the ground, trying to send her off politely. He really doesn't want any attention as of today. And that's coming from a guy who gains that for a living. He just doesn't want to talk to anyone, and to avoid any looks from the crowd regarding the lost lives. One that he can not be forgiven of. "Nothing, you should catch up to your parents before they begin to worry.."

The girl then looked at his arm, noting it wasn't a peach color like it should be. "You're hurt?" She said. "You must be stronger than what everyone else says, because you're still moving. With a beating like that especially."

Tails and Amy looked at each other.

Sonic was a bit surprised. "Really?"

She nodded. "Yup, and thank you for doing your best! That's really brave of you!" She exclaimed, giving the hedgehog a hug.

Amy and Tails were quite shock.

Sonic looked at the little girl with wide eyes. Other surrounding people watching the commotion, slowing down their tracks to see. The hedgehog isn't a Studiopolis celebrity, but everyone respects him, especially by letting him and his friends be. No one likes to be smuggled anyways. Though they can't just help and look to see what was up.

"What's your name?" Sonic asked, as she then let go.

"Lillian, Lillian May." She answered. Slightly twirling her small dress. "But my friends just calls me Lily."

Sonic then smiled, actually taking enjoyment in her company. "Well Lily." He said, as he went down to eye level with her. "That's really nice of you to say. Thank you."

Lily then beamed a huge smile. Right when her parents were running over from across the street.

"Lillian!" The father exclaimed. A tall fox with a bit darker fur, wearing a collared shirt. "Where have you been?!"

"You can't teleport in public dear, then we can't keep track of you." The mother said, grabbing her daughter. Getting down to eye level and checked the child to make sure nothing was wrong. The mother had long hair with large curls, wearing a summer dress with brown leggings.

Sonic thought for a moment. Teleporting? So that's how she snuck up to the hedgehog.

The mother sighed, but then looked up to see who Lillian was talking to. "We're sorry if she caused you any trouble Sonic." She apologized. Standing back up from the ground.

Sonic smiled. "She was no trouble at all." He said, gesturing towards Lily. "In fact, she is quite the spirited girl."

The parents then smiled.

"Sonic?" Lily asked once more, turning away from her mother. Tugging on the hedgehog's glove cuff lightly. "We were just heading to the park, would you like to come?"

The father eyed his daughter sternly. "Lillian. I'm sure they have other things to do."

"Nah, we have nothing else to be doing." Tails cut in, gladly smiling as he walked forward. "We'll love to join you."

The child's eyes beamed in joy. "Really?!" She exclaimed in joyous surprise. "Then come on! Let's go!"

The hedgehog laughed at her enthusiasm, as she ran up ahead before them. "She's full of energy isn't she?" He said. As they all began to walk together down the sidewalk, following the young girl.

The father nodded. "Indeed she is." He replied. Then tilted his head as he looked to the side, not exactly sure how to word this out. "But once you really do know her, she can be quite the.. talkative type."

Amy tapped on Tails' shoulder. "Um, Tails?" She whispered. "How long is this going to be?"

"Relax Amy, we got nothing else to do really. This is what Sonic really needed." The fox answered back. With everyone heading towards the park.

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The Green Hill Park was full of life today. Tall soaring trees with gentle moving grass. Flowers here with benches placed at certain locations, and colored dirt paths stretching into the deeper parts of the woodland area. Others enjoying the day as well.

Sonic leaped into the air, catching an orange frisbee. "Good throw!" He yelled back to the little girl. "You're pretty good at this!"

Lily smiled brightly. She was very happy. Her parents were having a hard time the past few days, they didn't act like their normal selves. That made the child sad, seeing them like that. She didn't know why or what was going on, they didn't say, but now everything seems to lighten up at a simple day at the park. "Thanks! You know, I was the best frisbee player at my school! But then the teacher had to sit me out because I hit a boy's head."

Sonic placed a hand on his hip, smiling. "Did you tell him sorry?"

Lillian shook her head. "Nope. I did that with noo regrets. He's really mean, but I won't deal with him anymore!"

Amy folded her arms. As she was currently sitting on a wooden bench, watching Sonic with Tails by her right side. "Hmp! I wish Sonic would spend time with me like that. He does nothing but run away from me!"

Tails rubbed his head. "Who knows... But you do chase him every time you see him.."

The fox then was wacked on the head. Amy pierced her sight at him furiously. "I DO IT BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT HIM! WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WHEN HE NEVER STOPS FOR A BREATH, AND YOU TRY TO TALK TO HIM?!"

The pink hedgehog then sighed, letting steam out while watching the blue hedgehog as he went on. "But I know that one day he'll finally recognize me." She said, mainly to herself. Though seeing the blue blur before her, performing in such as that she fell for since their first incounter, then shook her head with bold determined eyes. "Until then, I'm going to keep trying."

Sonic tossed the frisbee over to the child. He was indeed enjoying himself. It's good to be outside in the fresh air. He'll probably go out for a run after this. And he doesn't mind at all to spend time with people around. In fact, he was feeling quite better. Yeah, he's the fastest thing alive, but that doesn't mean that he won't slow down for others. And yes, sometimes he may be cocky and ignorant too. He, admits that. But he will aways have a steadfast heart of gold.

Lily teleported a few feet in the air, and caught the frisbee. Landing on the ground. "Caught it! Now it's coming back to you!" She exclaimed.

The blue hedgehog nodded. "Alrighty. Give me your best!" He said. Taking a prepared stance.

The swift fox smiled, backing up on her tracks.

Sonic watched her, as she was thinking of an idea to throw it in an impressive style.

The hedgehog then winced, quickly looking away, obtaining a major headache. Shutting his eyes. He was feeling fine just a second ago, did he do something wrong? He opened them back up, but everything was fuzzy, and he was becoming dizzy as well.

"Sonic? You're okay?" Lily asked. Though the hedgehog could hardly hear her.

Sonic waved his hand up. "I-I. I'm fine." He said, but then fell on one knee, trying to stay up and intact. He was really imbalanced, and the migraine made it worst. Trying to stand back up, but his body didn't let him. In fact, he hardly felt the tips of his fingers.

He then collapsed on the ground, feeling to fade out any second. With terrible blurry vision, he saw the little girl drop her frisbee, as her parents ran to her side. Hearing Tails and Amy yelling lastly as he fell to the darkness.

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NOTE TO READERS:

All OCs that may be presented in this story; including animals, humans, or possibly other species, all belong and was created by me. If I DO place in a character that DOESN'T belong to me, I will state otherwise in the same chapter they may appear in.

In case you're wondering about the word "swift", it is actually the name of the species. Hence, Swift Fox.

Thank you to everyone who gave feedback, I'll do what I can to make this story memorable and enjoyable. I don't want to bombard you with "thank you" notes every chapter, so even as I may or may not say anything extra later, just know that I do mean it. ^.^