"Sonnnniiiicccc!" A loud voice announced seemingly out of nowhere, as Sonic bolted upright, startled by the declaration. It took him a moment to recognize his
surroundings, so complete was his slip into nirvana. It did not take him nearly as long too figure out the identity of his mysterious interloper. He turned around, and
surely enough there she was.
"Whatcha up to future husband?" She asked rhetorically as she strolled into view, dressed in her trademarked pink dress/skirt. She beamed at him, as she usually did
when she met him and was able to voice aloud one of her many nicknames for the blue blur. His response was slightly more anachronistic.
"Psh, in your dreams maybe." He replied with sarcastic delight. However, as he suspected, she was undeterred.
"Oh just give it some time, and you'll be begging to put the ring on my hand." She retorted with cheer, her enthusiasm over her inevitable success never faltering. As
surely as the rain fell from the sky and the oceans held water in them, Sonic would eventually propose to her, all she had too do was keep at it. As she had done for
the past few years, though she had to admit that the routine was becoming somewhat tiresome. She tried to shake these thoughts out of her head, this was the day.
This was the day he would reveal his hidden feelings to her, she was sure of it, she had a foolproof plan to weasel it out of him. With this knowledge in mind she
decided to sit next to him, as he turned away, though whether it was because he blushed or out of spite she would never know. What she did know was that he did
answer her earlier inquiry, though with some stiffness in his delivery.
"Well I was trying to relax." Even as the words left his lips, Sonic noticed a creepy smile begin to emerge on Amy's face. He didn't like that look, or at least that's what
he endlessly repeated to himself. Either way, he had given her ammunition to drag him off to do something; though what it could be he could not yet tell. Her features
softened, as she realized how creepy she must have appeared smiling madly. She decided to end the suspense, as she revealed her idea.
"Well Sonic, if you're looking to relax, what better place to do it then Twinkle Park?" She beamed, ecstatic at her good idea, as Sonic tried desperately to shoot it down
logically.
"You do realize I don't have any money right Amy? How am I supposed to get in?" Though in any other situation Sonic's logic may have stood under scrutiny, Amy was
prepared for this excuse. She seemed to revel in glee, as she brought his reasoning crashing down.
"Well Sonic, remember the promotion that cute couples get in free? They've decided to re-run it for this weekend, as in today and tomorrow, as in you and I can have
the time of our lives there for free, and who knows what else." She hinted with glee, glorious visions of a day in Twinkle Park dancing about in her head. Faced with
this gap in his reasoning, Sonic felt his conviction leave him. He wanted desperately to spend time with her, to smell her perfume in the wind, yet he knew he would
invite danger if he did. He knew if he revealed himself that it would Amy in risk. He knew all these things, and yet he had denied himself for so long, he had denied his
feelings for so long that he was beginning to submerge himself inside his false persona. A persona which tossed aside the one person whom he had romantic feelings
toward, and though he felt terrible every time he would dismiss her, he took comfort in the fact that she would always come back, her burning desire never quenching.
At times like these, when he felt his convictions beginning to corrode, he would do as he always did, imagine what he would do with himself if some harm had beget
her. He would imagine Eggman knowing the truth about his feelings towards Amy, how he would react if he knew he saw Amy as more than just an annoying friend. As
it was, Eggman merely kidnapped Amy because she was easily kidnapped, not because he suspected any true feelings from him towards her. If Eggman were to know
of this truth, the consequences would be disastrous. So, faced with superior logic, and the horrific natures of his own imagery, he found the strength to turn her down.
Using a line he had used repeatedly to great success, he said the same thing he always said.
"Amy, listen… for the millionth time, I don't like you that way, and it was perfectly acceptable earlier for me to relax on th-"
Something snapped within Amy's mind, as if the constant weight of his many denials had finally managed to force open the massive gates that had protected her heart
from the truth. It was then, at this moment, after lord knows how many blatant rejections of her heart and soul; that the awful truth finally seeped into her psyche, a
horrible truth that she tried her best to keep out. The truth that her efforts were in vain, that Sonic didn't love her, and that she was only kidding herself. After all the
attempts, Sonic remained as stalwart as ever, and Amy could feel as her resolve at last dissipated, all of her false bravado and good will fading before this last
rejection. All of a sudden she felt the urge the compulsion, to escape further humiliation. She wanted to be alone, perhaps forever, as her heart at last fell victim to
crippling self-doubt.
She bolted, as Sonic watched, tears in her eyes, as he realized he had gone too far this time. He tried to yell to her, though he knew it was to no avail. She left him
alone on that park bench, as she raced to places unknown. He wondered if he should chase after her, yet he had no idea what to tell her. If he told her the truth, what
would happen in Eggman saw? His drones were numerous, of that he was sure, hunting for any sign of weakness against him. He could still remember what he had
said after his last defeat. A chill went down his spine, as he recalled his venom filled threat.
"You… you have ruined me for the last time… I… I will make you suffer Sonic." With these parting words, Robotnik had made good on his escape. Sonic had tried to
chase the mad doctor down, but he had managed to escape to lick his wounds and plot a revenge that Sonic did not want to face. He had managed to save Amy from
Eggman's clutches that time, but he didn't know if his luck would hold out. These thoughts plagued him, and led to his physical lockdown. His self-inflicted paralysis
seemed to last hours, as he wrestled with his conflicting emotions. At this point in time he hated himself, he had created this situation, and he had led her to tears with
his false nonchalance. Yet he still felt he had her best interests at heart as he had strived to hide himself, though this voice of reason was becoming weaker the more
he beat himself up. He was beginning to realize that if he didn't rectify the situation quickly, Amy would grow to hate him. He could not let that happen, he didn't
deserve it. He deserved a chance to be happy, and as such he decided on a course of action that could lead him to that nirvana. However he needed to act fast, before
he lost her for good. He had a good idea of where she might have gone. She had often spoke of it reverently, and had numerous times before tried to drag him there,
where he might have gladly overcome his fear of water for her if he had not been so worried about the looming shadow of Eggman. A shadow that had blighted his life
for years, from back when he had been foolish enough to think that the mad man would one day stop his machinations. That day, as he knew now, would never come.
Now however, was not the time to think such things, he needed to find Amy before he things spiraled out of his control. It took him mere seconds to zip away from the
park, everything a blur as he made a beeline toward the beach.
Amy sat on the beach, feeling the warmth of the sand on her feet. Every now and again the surging tide would creep into her domain, though she welcomed the
occasional respite from the heat. She had been wracking her brain, trying to reason with herself. A difficult task when ones world was falling apart, everything which
she had seen as being sure and positive fading from the horizon. She had been trying to win Sonic's heart for years, ever since he had saved her from the grips of
Eggman all those years ago, she was always one step behind him. She had given so much effort, gone through so much pain, as every single time she attempted to
win his heart he would decline. She felt angry, and she felt used, as if somehow Sonic had played her. She tried to downplay these feelings of neglect, as she knew in
her heart that they weren't true. None of this was Sonic's fault; he was always blunt with her, always to the point. He had never led her on; he had in fact openly
discouraged their relationship. Every time it had been her, who chased after him. She brooded on this fact for a while, feeling its lonely ramifications tear away at her
mind. There was nothing, she at last concluded. There had never been anything between herself and Sonic, only a stupid girl's fantastical dream. She gazed at the sea
before her, as the lonely waves lashed against the grainy sand. The sun, its brilliant rays penetrating the slight puffy clouds that permeated throughout the sky,
majestically illuminated the water, as the myriad creatures that made their home on the lonely beach swam about. Amy couldn't help but think of how romantic this
spot would be; something she had always thought. She had conspired many times before to drag Sonic to this very spot, how ironic that she would end up here,
where she anticipated a great victory, to accept at last her final defeat.
"Sonic…" She couldn't help but think, as her crisis reached its apex. "Sonic what did I do wrong? Why… what have I done… other than love you." As she mused on these
thoughts, she felt a vibration from her purse. She hesitated at first, wary of whom it may be. Nonetheless, she answered it, trying her best to hide the wariness she
felt in her soul. To a large extent she succeeded.
"Hello? Amy are you there?" She could hear the familiar voice of Cream on the other line, her best friend, and someone whom she didn't want to worry with her
problems. She knew what she would say, and she didn't want her to feel bad for her, as the rabbit tended to do.
"Of course I'm here Cream, what is it ya want?" She replied, mustering false cheer and enthusiasm. She didn't want her to know, not yet, and certainly not over the
phone. As much as it hurt, she feigned her bubbly personality, as she had done many times before. Her ruse seemed to work, as Cream didn't notice anything amiss
from the sound of her voice.
"Well, Tails and I were wondering if you wanted to meet up with us over at Twinkle Park, Tails is going to call Sonic and perhaps…" Cream wandered off, as Amy
suspected she might at such a declaration. Normally she would have loved this plan, she would have thought it a grand one, yet now. She struggled with herself,
trying desperately not to cry, as Cream waited with patience for her answer. She heard her gentle voice through the line, as she attempted to compose herself.
"Amy are you ok? You've gotten a little quiet." As she heard these words she answered quickly, allowing the lies to spread forth.
"Of course I'm alright; this is Amy Rose you're talking too! Of course I'll meet you over there!" Cream seemed satisfied with this response, as she could almost hear her
joy through the speakers.
"Great! I'll see you soon then!" Amy was relieved as the familiar chime informed her of the ended call. She sat on the beach for a few more seconds, as she pondered
her predicament. In her effort not to worry Cream, she would now have to see Sonic, and accept the fact that they would never be. With Herculean effort, she
managed to prevent fresh tears from spilling. She somehow managed to stand, and with this newfound strength, she hurried over to Twinkle Park. Things would be
alright, she tried to tell herself as she sped towards her destination, in the company of friends she would be able to dismiss the gloom that was rapidly overtaking her.
At least, that's what she told herself, and she hoped it would come true. She needed that to come true.
Meanwhile, Sonic was speeding towards an entirely different locale. He didn't exactly know how fast he was going, neither did he care. All he knew was where his
destination was. He had the route committed to memory, as it had figured prominently in many of his various day dreams. As he sped by the various buildings and
persons, all indistinct blurs as he blazed forward, he tried to think of what he would say. He had never really thought this far ahead in that regard, and as such his
ideas were muddled to say the least. Man, I have no idea what to say. I guess, I never really thought about it, I always believed I'd just know what to say. Yet, yet I don't… I
really don't… Should I just straight out tell her my feelings? Yet, I know that I've treated her badly, would that be enough to compensate for that? Would she understand if I
told her the reasoning behind my lack of interest? Or would she think me a coward? Would she hate me for keeping these feelings within me while I repeatedly denied her
advances? I, I guess I really don't know after all… I'm just going to have to see what happens. I'll prove myself to her, I at least can promise myself that.
Sonic was so deeply buried in his internal monologue that he didn't even notice that he had reached the beach, and with a slightly comic braking action he stopped in
his tracks. He strained his vision, as he looked around trying to spot her. Yet all he could see were the soothing waves gently lapping against the endless sands, the
sun beating down upon his back with ferocity, and the few scattered tree's that provided questionable shade to whoever may venture to rest beneath them. It didn't
take him long too realize he was the only person here. If she had been here, as he suspected she might have been, she was gone now, leaving him without a trail to
go on. She might have gone back to her home, or perhaps she might have gone over to Creams house to talk to her. This was the only concrete destination he had in
mind, and there were plenty of logical reasons he could give for her to be other places. He collapsed with a sigh, knowing full well it might take him all day to track her
down. He could call her cell, but he had the lingering feeling that she wouldn't respond. Heck, he wasn't sure he would respond if he was in her shoes, as he imagined
how badly she must have felt as she cracked under the strain. Strain he had put on her of his own volition. He tried to shake these thoughts out of his head, these evil
thoughts that did naught but make life difficult for him. Yet, it was all he could think about, as his fingers dug into the sands beside him, immersing themselves in the
warm sensation. He couldn't help but raise his left hand, staring all the while at the sand that dripped calmly from his fingers, until only the sparest fragments
remained, until even those were gone. He couldn't help but think of how little time he had to set things right, to correct the mistake he had made before she was gone
forever. He clenched that fist, as he took a deep breath in an effort to calm himself. He was over reacting, at least that's what he told himself. He had all the time in the
world to tell his true feelings, and going into panic mode now wouldn't solve any of his problems. He had to be calm and decisive, as he further reinforced the belief
that the doubts that were plaguing him were unfounded. At least, that's what he told himself and a happy lie it was. He was beginning to get comfortable in the sand,
as he tried to think up things he could say to Amy to let her know of his hidden passion, when his phone rang without warning. Though all phones usually rang without
warning, in this situation he was genuinely surprised, as he remembered for an instant that others existed outside of his personal drama. As such, he tried his best to
sound like he usually did, as the familiar voice of Tails drifted out from the loudspeaker.
"Hey Sonic, you there?" Sonic inwardly chuckled to himself, wondering what would happen if someone else had responded using his phone. For a brief instant he
forgot his depression, and actually managed a true reply, the first and last he would relate to his friend.
"No, somebody else answered the phone." He could almost feel the fumes fan out from the phone, as Tails reacted towards his unnecessary comment. Luckily for Sonic
though, Tails decided not to pursue this line of inquiry.
"Anyway, Cream and I were wondering if you would like to come hang out with us at Twinkle Park, we'll pay to get you in. It is a weekend after all, might as well enjoy
it right?"
Sonic paused, as he thought over the offer Tails had put on the table. On the one hand, he wanted to be alone so he could try and think up a way to sort things out
with Amy. On the other hand, he also felt that now was the time when he would need a friend's guidance to put him on the right path. He no longer thought of the
probable consequences, as they had gotten him into this mess in the first place. "Sure Tails, I'll be right over." He heard the familiar click, signifying the end of the call.
He needed to talk to someone, and Tails was just the man for the job. He would know what to do. With these hopeful thoughts in mind he raced over towards Twinkle
Park.
"You really think this will work Cream?" Tails asked half-jokingly, as he returned the phone to its owner. Having forgotten his own phone at home, it was a good thing
Cream carried the device with her at all times in her purse. She smirked in reply, as she carefully placed the phone back into the specially designed zip lock pouch for
the device.
"Crazier things have happened, who knows maybe this will finally push Sonic over the ledge he's been leaning over for the past few years." At this remark Tails
couldn't help but chuckle as Cream scowled in retort. Having known Sonic for years, Tails knew such an event was not only improbably but impossible. However,
kind-hearted as she was, Cream had allowed Amy to brainwash her into thinking that Sonic really was hanging by a thread over a mental precipice, and that all he
needed was a little push to fall into its depths and admit he liked or loved Amy.
"I'll admit; Sonic hasn't shown much inkling of desire for Amy lately BUUUTT…" Cream began to clarify, as she cited evidence for her claim, though to call it evidence
would be quite the stretch.
"He loves her…" she finished, as Tails merely shook his head in disbelief.
"That's your evidence Cream? I think you'll need more than that to convince a jury." Cream however didn't seem to care for Tails lighthearted jabs at her plan. She had
a perfectly logical reason of her own, even if he was too narrow minded to realize it. For all of his technical know-how and genius, it always amazed Cream how
oblivious her boyfriend was to matters of the heart.
"It's a girls intuition Tails, you wouldn't understand…" She replied with gusto, effectively ending the argument. Tails didn't even want to try and attempt to retort
logically with that kind of answer. Besides, if it kept her happy, he was glad to have that thought around. Instead, he decided to tactfully change subjects, giving
Cream the final word on this short lived debate. Though he couldn't help himself from inwardly vowing to win the next time they dueled.
"Ok, so got anything in mind for us to do once we get inside Twinkle Park?" Tails asked, genuinely curious at what ideas Cream had planned out for their weekend
outing. She turned towards him, looking him into his emerald eyes with great intensity. Tails could tell she was about to say something important, though what it was
he could not yet tell.
"Tails, do you know what day it is today?" Tails might have given a stupid answer, but he could tell from her earlier indications this was something that she wanted him
to be completely serious on. He couldn't help but smile, he knew this was coming at some point in the day.
Cream waited nervously for his response. She had purposefully never brought it up lately, she wanted to see if he would remember by himself. She wanted to gauge
how much attention he paid to their relationship, it was something that had been nagging at her for over a week now since the day was slowly approaching, and
neither of them had since spoken a word about it. She had done so purposely, but she couldn't tell if Tails was doing the same. She knew that this was somewhat
paranoid of her, but she also knew that the nagging feeling of doubt would never go away if she didn't resolve it satisfactorily. That was the major reason she had set
up this weekend outing, using Amy and Sonic as the hook-line so that if he truly didn't know he wouldn't suspect something was amiss. It was something short of
trickery, that she knew but she couldn't help herself. She had to know if he remembered, and as he smiled and embraced her in his arms, all of her fears at once
shattered, as he whispered lovingly in her ear.
"It's been one year…" All at once she felt bad, immeasurably bad; she tried to apologize for leading him on like this.
"Tails I- I-I mean… well. I wasn't sure and…" Tails silenced her abruptly, as she felt his warmth on her lips; she stopped in mid-sentence and enjoyed the sensation.
She could feel her arms wrap themselves almost without her will around his body, as she tried to make the kiss deeper and more passionate with the man she loved.
This was perfect; this is what she wanted to happen. To be sure, the others had often thought Tails somewhat lacking in the romantic department, especially Rouge,
but that's because they didn't know how passionate he could be. They simply assumed that as the inventor and genius of the group that he was somehow inept at
kissing, their loss as he was hers for now, and the thought filled her with an immense joy. However, like all good things, their kiss ended, leaving Cream only slightly
dejected; just slightly.
"You don't have to apologize; this is an important day for us. If I had forgotten about it, you would have good reason to be upset with me. Luckily for me I didn't
forget" He replied, scratching his head somewhat sheepishly, something that Cream always found very cute.
"So, what will we be doing inside Twinkle Park, did you have any plans in mind?" Tails inquired, repeating his earlier question, Cream giggled in reply.
"Not a clue, I suppose we'll just see what happens. I kinda didn't plan any farther ahead than going out on our one year anniversary." Tails chuckled as well, he didn't
really expect much of an actual plan, which was alright though, contrary to popular belief he too could be spontaneous, and a trait he needed to have if he was going
to date Cream. It's not that she didn't plan things; it was just that… well he was going to leave it at that. A night out with his girlfriend after a week of toil in the
workshop was enough to make him happy.
"Man, things really haven't changed much around here eh?" Tails remarked, taking in his surroundings. It was the same indoor theme park whose entrance was
located mere yards away from the train station, the same waterfront stared him in the face. The more things change, the more they stay the same he supposed, even
after all these years. The city was quiet tonight, more so than usual, another thing he noticed. The crowds of people who usually gawked at the couple nowhere to be
seen. Of course, there was a reason for that, the annual fair having kicked off today. Tails suspected he knew the reason that Cream had chosen Twinkle Park over the
fair; she had always disliked the attention her mere presence would garner. This would give them a chance to have a night out free of the public interest in their
affairs. A sentiment he heartily agreed with.
"Nothing really changes Tails…" Tails jumped as a familiar voice startled him. It didn't take him long to identify the voice of the newcomer. Cream's boisterous voice
helped him greatly in identifying the newcomer.
"Amy! You're here, Sonic's not here yet; but he will be Tails caught him hook, line and sinker!" Cream responded with joy nudging her boyfriend playfully, Amy managed
a half smile at this event, as she approached her friends. Cream noticed that she looked somewhat tired, though what may have caused that was really none of her
business, she was just glad that the usual gang would get to spend a day out together. She would have invited Rouge and Knuckles, yet they had left the city days
ago on some venture or another. Once again, she wasn't told, so she didn't ask.
"That's great Cream" Amy stated with false enthusiasm, trying her hardest to cover up the chinks in her armor. She didn't think she did an especially good job of it, but
Cream didn't seem to notice so it must have worked well enough. In any case, she was here now, and she would try to enjoy herself. She really didn't want to be
alone, knowing full well that she would get even more depressed if she brooded on her troubles. It would be best for her if she forgot about today's events and just
tried to have a good time, and with her best friend around she just may accomplish that goal.
As Amy started to speak, trying to drum up conversation she noticed the blue blur race across her field of vision, and with a heavy heart she realized Sonic had finally
arrived. She felt her heart sink, as she struggled to maintain her composure. She could do this, she could still see him, and she would have to after all anyway. She
would just have to accept that they would never be together, that's all. It wouldn't be that hard, at least, that's what she told herself. It took him a while to slow
down, such was his speed, it took him even longer so to take in his surroundings. He turned to her almost instinctively, and seemed shocked that she was here,
apparently unaware of the ruse. Amy could feel herself shrink, she wanted too declare that this was not some trick on her part, though the words caught on her
mouth. Perhaps she really was hopeful he would have some change of heart, though given the grim expression on his face even that faint hope died out. She noticed
Tails advance to speak with him, though about what she would never know as he pushed his friend aside. Tails seemed somewhat shocked by the action, though on
noticing the expression on his friends face he left it at that. Cream as well was beginning to think that perhaps this hadn't been the best idea, as it seemed to her
some major falling out had occurred between Amy and Sonic. Whatever the ordeal was, Sonic's pained expression said more than any words could.
Sonic was trying his hardest to figure out what to say. He realized he had hurt her, as he looked upon Amy with sorrow in his eyes, he noticed her reaction which
seemed one of regret or fear. He had inspired such emotions in her, and his earlier dread was confirmed. He had gone too far this time, his lack of compassion for the
woman he loved finally driving her away. Perhaps she hated him, though from her expression he didn't think this much was true. Her eyes met his at first, and then
looked away as if in regret.
She couldn't look at him, at least not directly. If she did, all the stupid fantasies she had concocted would come to life before her, mocking her for her ignorance. She
had always thought that fate would somehow bring them together, that they were destined for one another. She couldn't help but believe such romantic drivel, as far
as she knew they were one of a very few number, a genetic malformation. Somehow they had met, and from that moment onward, she had known that he was the
one. Yet, now she knew that wasn't the case, that her many fantasies were little but childhood wishes. She wanted to be with him, as before she had met him she had
felt like such an outcast. Her stubborn personality grew out of necessity, as the shy little girl who was fearful and afraid retreated to the core of her being. Yet Sonic
had broken through that shell, and Amy realized she was the same shy woman. The same one who had been constantly teased as a small child, simply because she
was different.
"Amy… you and I need to talk…" Amy was knocked out of her thoughts by Sonic's declaration, which seemed tinged with sadness; as if he realized that to end her
fantasy completely would cause her great sorrow. She supposed it was better this way, to finally end it. To finally lay to rest all the hopes and dreams she had
accumulated for years, unfulfilled.
He started to walk, his slow gait betraying his purpose. He needed to tell her the truth now. It didn't matter to him now if Eggman saw, he would protect her, he had
the strength to protect her. He had allowed himself to be unhappy to protect her, though in the process he had wounded her as well. He couldn't live with himself
knowing that he had caused her such harm, as he looked unto her form which seemed to shrink further as he advanced. Her bluster and confidence seemed to have
eked away, leaving a flimsy shell in its stead; his fault. Yet, he would change things. Starting now, he would repent for his past mistakes, and she would no longer
suffer because of him, come what else may. He just hoped she wasn't too far gone, though even if she was, he would get his feelings out regardless. His feelings
which begged and pleaded for release.
However, Cream and Tails were not the only voyeurs spying upon this event. Things would have been remarkably different if they were. Upon his floating domicile,
Eggman had a clear view of the ensuing events from one of his many myriad drones. Nestled comfortably within his base, he viewed these coming events with great
interest. Upon his enormous projector screen, the drama unfolded. His hands folded together, forming a bridge across his nose. His eyes never straying from the live
video feed his loyal robots were processing. Everything was falling into place, and at last his time for vengeance was near. He began to speak, another thing he
couldn't help, as his final victory drew near.
"Sonic, Sonic, Sonic…. my, oh my… it would appear that you are at last showing your true colors… well, I think it's about time that I revealed myself as well."
He could feel it, rising within him, the ecstasy paramount above all else simply saying these words. He couldn't help himself, as he burst out into rapturous laughter. An
evil sound, a sound which defiled life itself emanated from his cold lips. His laughter echoed throughout his massive lair, magnifying a hundred, a thousand times. A
suitable cacophony, as he reached his hands below his metal construct. His hands wandered for a bit, trying to find its exact location in the storage chest built into his
hovering mobile. Before long, he held within his hands his prize. His greatest creation, as he held the pen-like object within his fingers, staring at its brilliance. The
pen's black coat reflected his face, warped and distorted like his soul. With a simple gesture, he flipped the latch, which concealed the silver button within. He stared
upon his god for some time, the god of death which he held within his grasp. As he crossed a line, never to return.
"Amy I wan-" These were the last things Amy heard, before the fire consumed her from within.