Author's Notes: There... hope the re-edit is better... Anyway, feel free to give out pointers to any mistakes. Constructive Critisism is the pathway to a great Story.

Disclaimer: Sorry to bother you guys again but... Sonic in co. doesn't belong to me! They belong to the dudes and dudettes at SEGA.

Unlikely Bonds (Chapter 2)
- The Thief, The Rival, and The Hero -
by Cattz Salzarrotta

Eggman's Eggbots were about finished with their reconnaissance of the city. It didn't take them too long to repel the enemy. Eggman expected the enemy to be vast in number... but there were only the size of a small army. At least compared to his army that is. After looking over the data Eggman found that the majority of the citizens were safe, some were injured but safe. Eggman thought to himself and making a mental note to tell Sonic about the city's condition. He couldn't believe what he was doing. He was collecting data and helping his life long rival save the world!

The thought just sickened him, but it wasn't like he had a choice... If only those blasted suit guys left me alone... I wouldn't have to be here and do this for that blasted hedgehog! Eggman shouted in his head as he continued to collect data from his Eggbots. Eggman looked over his shoulder with a half dirty half annoyed stare at whatever Sonic was doing.

Sonic was still tending to the injured person he rescued from the collapsed building. Eggman's expression changed as he saw what Sonic was doing. "Looks like there getting to know each other... better let them be for now." Eggman said and then continued with his data.

Most of you may not know this but Eggman is quite a gentleman. But that side of him is usually overshadowed by his constant plans for world domination. As he collected more data, he found something odd that one his Eggbot's found "What the-"

Sonic was starting to add the bandages. It's difficult to wrap bandages to a female patient if your a guy. It wasn't the wrapping part that was hard... it was the 'doing it the most descent way possible' that was challenging. And the rather 'skimpy' outfit she wore didn't exactly make things easier... she wore a simple pair of white thigh high boots, and gloves that matched their length. She only had on a black skin tight body suit, which was torn up in certain places, and a large heart shaped breastplate to hide her rather impressive busom.

He normally didn't have to do these kinds of things... but he had to... it was a friend after all. As he continued his work the patient started to open her eyes slowly.

"Good, your awake." Sonic said as the patient started to slowly sit up.

"What... happened...?" The patient said shakily. She was still dazed from the incident.

"You know... you could have killed yourself doing that... lucky I was there." Sonic told his patient while he continued wrapping the last of the patient's injuries.

While rubbing the side of her head, the patient remembered the explosion and started feeling around as if shocked to have survived. A sudden jolt of pain hit her as she held her hand at her ribs. "Don't strain yourself..." Sonic said placing his hand on her shoulder. The patient squinted her eyes as she looked at her savior. Her vision was still kind of blurry and all she could see was a blue blob in front of her... as her vision focused she slowly recognized who it was. It was Sonic! she was a little surprised by this.

She wasn't expecting Sonic of all people to save her... but knowing who saved her didn't really change her thoughts about the situation. "I could have survived that fall even without you saving me you know!" the patient said. She was upset and showing any form of weakness was not in her nature to do. And she wasn't going let that change now. Not even for Sonic! She tried turning around and look away but the pain was a little too much to ignore.
"Owww..." the patient said in a low voice trying to hide the obvious feeling of pain. Sonic just smirked as he watched her act tough.

"Try not to move too much." Sonic said sounding motherly.

"Oh like your such an expert!" the patient shouted and pouted at him. Sonic just laughed. "What's so funny!?" the patient asked infuriated.

"Nothing." Sonic said coyly as he continued to laugh and the patient continued to pout.

Sonic finished wrapping the bandages on her wounds and moved on to add the splints for the patient's left leg. "Okay... can you move your leg a little..." Sonic asked as he pointed out what he was going to do next. She wasn't sure if she should let him do that... she knew Sonic but she didn't know him well enough to let him do this sort of thing for her. She never even asked him to do this in the first place!

"Hey! I don't need you helping me alright!" she shouted "I don't need your help..." she said as she tried to act as tough as she could. Such was her nature.
Sonic raised his eyebrow questioningly as he felt kind of hurt... Man... doesn't she trust me... I saved her life after all! "I saved your life. Can't you at least trust me enough to let me help you." Sonic said.

He did make a good point... but... "I don't need your pity! I'm not a charity case!" she shouted at Sonic.

Sonic gave a 'come on!' gesture with his arms and shook his head "Rouge... You need that leg patched up. Here let me-" Sonic said as he gently reached for her leg, but Rouge wasn't going to have any of it! She swiftly smacked Sonic's hand away.

"I said I don't need any help!" she shouted and Sonic just looked at her stunned.

What the heck did I do to deserve this... he thought as he slapped his hand over his forehead. Oh man, doesn't she at least appreciate what I'm doing for her! I already have problems as it is! She should be thanking me for taking the time to help her out! And why should I care about fixing her up anyway! He said to himself with anger. But he knew he couldn't just leave her like this... Morals... he imagined himself shaking his fist in the air.

As he continued thinking to himself with his hand over his face he didn't notice that Rouge was already trying to get up. But her leg couldn't support her weight and she crashed to the floor. "Rouge!" Sonic said as he rushed over to her. Rouge just pushed his arm away.

"I said I don't need your help!" she said sounding kind of weakly. She was much too proud to admit her fault and just sat there... Sonic sighed and sat there beside her.

*---*

They remained silent towards each other for what seems to be an eternity. Sonic wanted to help Rouge out but she was being very difficult as usual. "Rouge... why can't you just let me help you?" Sonic asked with a gentle voice. Rouge didn't want to answer the question. Her head was swirling with so many questions... Why would Sonic be willing to help her... he didn't have any reason to be nice to her. As she recalled, he doesn't owe her... why be so nice... but he did save her life... she backed off a little as she closed her eyes.

Sonic scratched his head. He didn't know what to do... Why is she being so stubborn? "Come on... all I want is to help you out." Sonic said innocently. Rouge still didn't want to believe the blue hero. She was always thought that one should never do things without gain. This is what she thought was the principal of life.

What would Sonic gain from helping her? "You don't have anything to gain from all this... what exactly are you after..." Rouge said still avoiding eye contact with Sonic.

"Nothing. I just want to help a friend out." Sonic said acting like it's just that simple.

Just wanting to help a friend out? Since when did Sonic consider her a friend? They barely even know each other! The only thing they have in common about each other were they're connections to Shadow... "I don't get you... why go through all this trouble?" Rouge asked. She still didn't quite get the situation.

Sonic just shook his head and gave her a reassuring look "Because that's just the way I am." He said with a smile.

Those words... it made Rouge think very deeply on the matter... Why would he be willing to give up his spare time for her? why act so nice all of a sudden. Maybe there's another reason for him acting so nice to her. She wasn't sure herself... but Sonic wouldn't lie. Maybe he really meant what he said...

The silence between the two returned. She was still unsure about the situation... and Sonic was getting tired of waiting for an answer. He balled up his fist and placed it under his chin as looked away to give her some time to collect her thoughts. He never had to do this sort of thing to any one... in his long years of saving people's lives he never paid anyone so much attention before. It was always 'zoom in, save their lives, zoom out'. Although some rescues took longer than that but you get the idea. As he sat there waiting on Rouge's next reply. Eggman was walking towards them.

Realizing that he is in no position to get caught by a government spy, he hid himself in the rubble so as to not get Rouge's attention as he tried to get Sonic's. A few whistles a few hisses and Sonic barely even noticed him. Is he deaf or something!? A little frustrated he picked a pebble and threw it to Sonic. Sonic felt something hit him in the face. Something hard.

"Ow, what the?" Sonic looked around for the source of what hit him and saw a hand waving behind the rubble in front of him. Sonic had a pretty good idea who it was... Sonic stood up and started walking towards the rubble as he looked back to Rouge. "I'm gonna go check on something. I'll be right back." Sonic said to Rouge but she was still deep within her thoughts to hear what he had to say. Sonic just shrugged it off and went on his way.

Sonic walked across to the rubble and went behind it. As he suspected Eggman was there scrunched up on the floor. "What?" Sonic asked the doctor as Eggman stood up slightly and checked on Rouge. She was still deep in thought. Being as good as any time to have a word with Sonic he quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him close behind the rubble.

"I can't stay here for long." Eggman said in a whisper. Sonic pulled his arm away and gave the doctor an angry look.

"You didn't have to grab so hard... Anyway... why the rush?" Sonic asked. Eggman looked all over his surroundings he was acting kind of strange...

"Those suit guys didn't put up much of a fight when my Eggbots showed up..." Eggman said as he leaned closer to Sonic.

"What exactly does that mean?" Sonic said as he leaned closer as well.

"It means that... someone or something was here before we arrived..." Eggman said lowering his voice.

Sonic looked puzzled "Who might that be?" he asked the doctor.

Eggman raised his head to check if anyone was listening in "I don't know... but I have to head back to my base to make sure... Unfortunately I can't bring you with me..." he said.

Sonic looked a little troubled "Why is that?" Sonic felt like Eggman was ditching him or something.

"Don't get me wrong... I want to get even with the suit guys... but once this is all over we go back to being mortal enemies again. And I can't have you knowing where my bases are..." Eggman said as he leaned away.

Sonic could understand that... it wouldn't be fun trying to find Eggman's bases if he knew where it was. "Okay, but why only tell me? Can't you tell this to Rouge as well?"

Eggman waddled away from the rubble as he stood up and dusted himself off "I can't trust her Sonic... she's a government spy and I'm an enemy of the government. I don't want to go to jail anytime soon."

Sonic raised an eyebrow and then he shook his head. He's such a prick... "Whatever... anyway, what's the city's condition?" Sonic asked as he stood up as well.

"Everything's fine, no fatalities, just some minor damage to the city." Eggman said as he walked off. Sonic was relieved that the city wasn't completely destroyed. As Eggman continued his stroll he stopped half way and turned to face Sonic again. "Oh, and one more thing... we won't be seeing each other for the time being." he said to the blue hero.

Sonic was a little stunned by the doc's words. I thought we were on an alliance? Sonic thought. There was a brief silence... a stare down if you will... as they're eyes met. "What do you mean...?" Sonic said a little relieved to say the least. He was actually glad that they were parting ways. But why say it now?

"My plans for revenge doesn't include you... though we have the same goal I can't work with you Sonic..." Eggman said as he clenched his fist "I have my own goals in mind... you get even with the suit guys your way... and I'll deal with them my way..." Eggman unclenched his fist and hopped on his Egg Mobile and began to take off.

Sonic smiled a little. I think he's trying to challenge me... "Hey Eggman!" Sonic shouted as Eggman was about fly away. He heard Sonic's cry and turned to face the hedgehog "Let's make it official. Whoever gets the suit guys first wins."

Eggman smiled "I'm looking forward to it." And the two shared a moment of silence each smiling at the other... it was the same old story... two rivals, same goal, one victor.

Eggman left the vicinity in a flash leaving a trail of wind as he flew away... Sonic can't help but soak in the aura of the moment... he and Eggman are going head-to-head again but this time they were both facing the same enemy... but before all that happens he needed to form a team... but then he remembered that his friends are at the mercy of those suit guys. He needed to find whoever was still around and ask for their help... he can't do this alone... Remembering that he had to take care of someone first he dismissed the idea until after he dealt with Rouge.

*---*

Sonic got ready to walk back to where Rouge was hoping to get her answer so he could be rid of her... "Here goes..." Sonic said as he walked towards her. Rouge was no longer in deep thought as Sonic arrived. She was holding her left leg tightly. Sonic didn't know why she was holding her leg... maybe she did something and strained herself "What exactly were doing while I was away?" Sonic asked the white bat.

"Nothing..." she said trying to hide her pain... the truth was... when she saw Eggman's head peer out from the rubble she tried to walk over to the spot to eavesdrop on them... but she met with disastrous results again.

Sonic just shrugged it off and walked over to her side "So... are you going to let me treat your leg now?" Sonic asked.

She totally forgot about it when she saw Eggman's head! Now what... she felt troubled "Um..." she still felt indecisive and Sonic thought she'd have an answer by now...

Rouge was conflicted. It was a battle over her pride. She never needed anyone's help in her entire life before. And the fact that she needed her leg fixed up was no exception to that. But if she didn't get it patched up now what would happen later... will she even be able to walk ever again if she didn't get it checked. Eventually the fear of not being able to walk ever again overwhelmed her pride and she decided to let Sonic patch her up. "Okay... I'll let you patch me up." She said hesitantly.

Sonic gave her a big grin. "Are you warming up to me Rouge?" he said tauntingly.

Rouge gave him a 'drop dead' look. "As if! Just get on with it. I don't just let anyone fix my leg you know!" She said still trying to act tough about the situation.

"Whatever floats your boat." Sonic said cheerfully as he got ready to patch up Rouge's leg.

Sonic picked up his med-kit and went to work on Rouge's left leg. He was cautious as he did it too there was a somewhat gentleness in his touch something he doesn't show on a regular basis. But Rouge felt it... she felt Sonic's hand across her injured leg with that gentleness and it felt... nice. She never saw this side of Sonic before... sure he showed how he cared about people on a regular basis but he never saw Sonic be this close to someone or be this personal about helping someone.

"Hey Sonic... can I ask you something..." Rouge asked the blue hero.

"What's up?" Sonic said in his typical way of saying things.

"Were you... being serious... about me being your friend?" she seemed kind of hesitant as she asked him.

Sonic smiled as he slowed down his pace a bit. "Rouge... when I rescued you from the falling building. I made sure to make you my first priority before anything else. The people I've met throughout my life hold a very special place in my heart. And your one those people." Sonic said sounding so caring.

His words really struck her... she always thought that she'd be all alone all her life... and that no one would ever remember her that much... she felt a sudden warmth come over her.

As Sonic was finishing up on Rouge's leg he heard a faint sob coming from her. As he looked up to see she had her head tilted upward. She doesn't seem to be sobbing... maybe it was just his imagination. He ignored it. Although he doesn't know that much about Rouge he knew her well enough to know that she wasn't the type to cry. Even during the Biolizard incident and they all thought Shadow was dead... she barely spread any tears. She was sad but no tears. She was much too tough for that. It was a quality that he liked about her.

"There... feel any better?" Sonic was done and the leg was patched up as he gleamed with a smile over his work. Finally! This ordeal is over! He thought as he packed up his med-kit. Rouge felt a little disappointed that it was over... She kinda liked the way Sonic patched her up.

But all good things must come to an end... but she smiled... because she now had a precious memory to look back too... "Thanks Sonic... it feels a lot better than it was earlier. I'm glad you were there to save me..."

Sonic had a smug look in his face "Well, I try." Sonic said and the two shared a nice laugh with one another.

*---*

Knowing Rouge couldn't walk yet. Sonic asked Rouge if he should carry her. Rouge agreed to it without question and thy went on their way. After walking for quite sometime. Rouge asked her blue savior a question. "Where to now Sonic?" Rouge asked.

"Well, I thought maybe-" Sonic stopped in mid-sentence. He felt a presence nearby. Sonic stopped as he looked towards a giant hole in a wall right beside them. He recognized the design of the wall it was the video store that Tails always goes to. The presence felt somewhere inside and it felt very familiar... and it felt like it was calling out to him... "Rouge..." Sonic said in a very serious tone "You wouldn't mind us taking a look around for a bit." Sonic seems to be bothered by something Rouge thought.

There wasn't a lot of things that could bother the blue hedgehog he was the most care free person in the world. But he looked so serious what could it be bothering him? Wanting to know what was up with Sonic she nodded in agreement and they entered the hole leading to the broken down video store.

It was a mess inside. Video tapes were scattered everywhere the stands have fallen over and the place had more holes in it then Swiss cheese. The place was empty, save what was said earlier, but there didn't seem to be anything in here... but Sonic knew there was something or someone in this store. The presence he felt earlier was getting stronger and he could swear he could hear a voice in his head saying 'help...'. It was like it had control over him. As they reached the back of the store a large rubble was piled over to Sonic's right. There was also something lying on the top of the rubble something blue...

Sonic recognized that shade of blue... "No... it couldn't be." He said approaching the fallen being. It was a robot. A robot that Sonic knew all too well... It's metallic frame was built to match Sonic's appearance. From Sonic's red shoes to his spines. Though the robot only had three spines while Sonic had six. If this robot was an actual living being he would pretty much look exactly like Sonic's twin... Sonic took pity on him. He knew that this robot had no other intention in the world than see him destroyed but he couldn't blame him, it was in his programming and he didn't have the freedom to decide for himself. Sonic asked Rouge to wait for him as he went to pick up the robot. But Rouge didn't think it was such a good idea.

"Isn't he one of your greatest enemies?" Rouge asked.

"Yeah he is. But I have to help him." Sonic replied.

"Why?" Rouge asked. She knew Sonic was very compassionate but she never knew that his compassion would reach even towards robots.

Sonic smiled and looked into Rouge's blue eyes. "Because that's just the way I am."

Rouge just shook her head as she gesture her hand for Sonic to go on. Sonic picked the robot up and placed him over his back. Oh god... he weighs a ton! Sonic thought but he knew he couldn't just leave him there even if he was a robot.

After picking the robot up he went over to Rouge and carried her in his arms again. "Shall we?" Sonic said and they made they're way out of the store. As they went along they're way Sonic felt that voice in his head again... this time though the voice said 'thank you...' which gave him an odd feeling of happiness. He then replied to the voice by saying 'You're Welcome.' out loud. To which Rouge responded by raising her eyebrow. "Who are you talking to?" She asked perplexingly.

"A friend..." He responded and left the matter at that. Rouge didn't quite understand. But she also didn't want to bring up long matters and left it at that as well.

Having to carry Rouge and the metal guy meant that he couldn't run. He can't risk dropping both of them so Sonic was forced to just walk. It wasn't the most unpleasant feeling in the world but moving in this pace and carrying both Rouge an the robot was just torture for his legs. If his legs had mouths they would be screaming at him in anger. The strain was just unbearable it was like a flock of Flickies were peaking at his legs. He felt like collapsing. But he grinned and beared it... his morals wouldn't let him rest in peace if he didn't. What I'd do for a Power Ring right now... Sonic said to himself as he headed for his house. As he continued to walk he remembered something... the city's been destroyed and that means his house wasn't there anymore! Dammit! He cursed silently. What now? Where do we go from here? Sonic thought. He didn't know where to go from here... and Knothole was two cities away... no way I'm going there! He shouted at himself but what other choice does he have? He gave a big sigh. It was going to be a long trip...

*---*

Rouge couldn't help notice Sonic's distress and she asked him what was bothering him. "What's wrong Sonic? Well, other than the fact that you seem really tired." Rouge said pointing out the obvious.

"This *huff* isn't *augh* the time... we need to *huff* find a place to stay..." Sonic said very tiredly. Rouge could understand, he's Sonic, he's only physically fast not physically strong. She needed to figure out a way to help Sonic and pick up the pace.

Then she remembered that she parked her car near the mall's coffee shop. "Hey Sonic, why not go to the mall's coffee shop. I left my car there."

Sonic huffed loudly and glared at Rouge wide eyed. "That would have been useful to know earlier!" Sonic said in a half shout. He couldn't shout fully cause he was out of breath. Rouge suppressed a giggle as they went along.

Rouge smiled a little. Seeing Sonic struggle so much for her and the robot made her feel comfortable around him. I guess I should thank him... maybe I'll treat him to lunch or dinner sometime... after all, that's what friends are for he always say! Heh heh... friends... she thought she never thought that she'd end up being friends with Sonic... she always thought of him as just an acquaintance. But that all changed today. They eventually got to Rouge's car despite Sonic's slow pace because of the extra 'baggage' but that didn't matter... just as long as they're there.

The car was a candy red Highlander Supreme it was the kind of car that you'd often see an Overlander drive because these kind of cars are manufactured only at Megopolis. Sonic could care less what car it was as long as he got to rest his feet. He helped Rouge sit in front and placed the metal guy at the back seat. Good thing this was a convertible or this would've taken longer he thought.

After setting the two he hopped on the front and sat there as he immersed himself on the car's comfy seat. "Oh yeah... that's the ticket..." He just wanted to rest for a bit.

"Your not planning to just sit there are you?" Rouge said in a friendly way.

"Not really. Maybe just for a minute." Sonic said as he placed his hands over his head.

"Okay." Rouge agreed to having Sonic rest up a bit. Though Sonic said they've been walking for almost an hour it was actually more than that... it was night now. The moon rose in the sky so beautifully tonight... even though it was only sometime between eight and nine in the evening the moon shined like it was even later then what it seemed. As they lay there on Rouge's car the two looked up and gazed at the moon... Sonic couldn't remember the last time he gazed at the moon like this... well he did once... with Sally... he gave off a silent sigh as he the day he and Sally broke up. It was the saddest day of his life. Rouge was thinking the same thing... only with Knuckles... the moon reminded them of their heartfelt goodbyes to their loved ones... they both shed a tear though neither of them even noticed the other's tear at first as they looked on at the moon. They turned to face each other... they both gave a small smile at one another.

"So... what makes a tough guy like you shed a tear at a time like this...?" Rouge asked as she wiped her tear.

Sonic did the same and smiled a little as he looked back towards the moon. "Nothing really... just remembering an old wound..." Sonic replied as he placed his hand on his chest. "What about you?" Sonic asked the bat.

She turned and faced the moon as well. "Just doing the same..." She said as she too placed her hand on her chest. A silence fell the two of them as they gazed at the moon's beautiful glow.

"You know... my one minute is up..." Sonic said without looking away at the moon.

"I know..." Rouge replied as they forgot themselves and just enjoyed the moment.

*---*

Hours have passed since Sonic and Rouge's little moment. There were at the open road now and making their way to Knothole. The trip seemed all too uneventful. Sonic still feared the fact that suit guys are still out there. And the fact that he has an injured friend with him made him worry even more. Not wanting to jinx himself he dismissed the idea and readjusted his side-view mirror. The night wind was kind of refreshing... he's always been used to doing things like this but he never did it behind the wheel of a car before. Well, except for that one time when he and his friends went go kart racing.

He gave a big yawn as he placed his hand to cover his mouth. He was getting sleepy. Mr. Sandman was already pouring a truck full of sand in his eyes and they felt like anvils against his face. Knothole was still a long way to go but he couldn't afford any delays. But he couldn't drive half asleep... He thought about resting up in a road motel or something... But he didn't want to wake Rouge up...

Sonic looked at Rouge at the corner of his eye. She was sleeping so soundly and he couldn't help slow down a bit as he looked at her. He couldn't explain it. Maybe it was something in the air or maybe it was the lack of sleep. But Sonic couldn't help but be mystified by the way Rouge looked as she slept. He found her kind of... beautiful.... the way the moon shines over her white fur as the light reflected off her mascara... and that each breath she took played in unison with his heart as it beated like an orchestra... wait... What am I thinking!? Sonic shouted in his head snapping out of his trance. He shook his head violently as he tried to get his concentration back on the road. We're just friends... it's just the lack of sleep talking... that's all. Isn't it? Sonic thought as he doubted his own feelings. He decided to forget the whole thing and just continued to drive down the open road.

Thinking that if he went on driving like this he might crash the car. So he opted to find a good spot to park. He drove off the road and into a forest like clearing. He didn't even know this place was here but that didn't matter. All that mattered was that he found a good place to spend the night until the mourn. It was a very secluded spot; it was a giant round area with trees surrounding the place. His ears perked up as he heard running water from somewhere. Now this is a great place to spend the night… he thought.

The river just added to the calm sounding breeze that came as he thought about taking a dip in the river to clean himself up, but a bath would have to wait until the morning. This whole affair leading here was just really tiring... but as he started to doze off he remembered about the suit guys still roaming around out there... he gave a big yawn and decided that he'd take care of it tomorrow. Right now a good long rest was more important.

To be Continued...