A/N: OK ppl second chapter has been edited. Warning depression will hit you in the face, while on the subject begs for mercy over a certain green hedgehog- sorry Manic fans, although it is the world of Sonic so anything can happen, right? Also some minor fluff moments, language and violence.
Enjoy!!!
Disclaimer: Have decided to write to Sonic team and beg for rights, will let you know the verdict in next chapter. Fingers crossed.
Chapter 2: Sensibilities.
Sonic seemed pleased with his gift, admiring the way each felt and looked on his feet. As usual bright red but with chunky white soles, and laced up to the ankles. The latest track running sneaks that the pros wore.
"Well?" Sonia asked snapping him from his buzz. He smirked with a raised brow, tapping the toes of each foot off the floor.
"Be back in a sec." On that note he was out the door leaving his sister utterly wind swept in his wake. She rolled her eyes, watching the door closing back on it's self, but before it shut a gloved hand grabbed and pulled it back open.
"Sweet!" Sonic exclaimed in awe, crossing the threshold.
"Good to know. Although it wasn't what I originally had in mind."
"Oh! What was?" He demanded curiously, approaching the girl. Noticing a heavy sigh before she spoke.
"I was hoping to get you a signed copy of Mina's up coming album, unfortunately the release date was pushed back. Apparently something to do with her manager." She finished with a shrug and somewhat disappointed look.
It was a thoughtful gesture, Sonic is quite the fan of the young and talented soloist, Mina Mongoose. Having already gotten his hands on most of her releases, and a couple personally signed to him. Which he had his sister to thank for, after all she spent most of her free time shopping online leading to the discovery of Mina's web site.
Over all the hedgehog wasn't disappointed even though Sonia was, initially it's the thought that counts. His sneaks were just a bonus.
"You know a simple smile would have sufficed." He assured her casually draping an arm over petite shoulders and pulling her briefly into his side.
"Well if I'd known that I could have saved some cash." She retorted causing the other to chuckle softly.
"Alright now it's your turn." Sonic ushered the girl over to the round beechwood breakfast table, where the unopened jewellery box rested on top. Pulling out a chair he eagerly motioned Sonia into it and stepped round to take up a seat for himself.
His jade eyes were piercing as the violet hedgehog lifted the object into her gloved hand. She paused, momentarily looking at him with a half smile, before pulling off the lid.
Inside resting on a black velvet cushion was a gold oval shaped locket, laced with small diamonds around the edge and the word "sister" deeply etched into the gold. Threaded on a long delicate gold chain.
The instance Sonia started biting her lower lip while gazing joyously down at the item, he knew she loved it and he couldn't help but feel pleased with himself.
"Sonic its..."
"Ah-ah," He emphasized waving a finger, "The best is yet to come. Go ahead and open it up."
Sonia followed his instructions, first off by taking the cushioned necklace out of the box and separating the two. She took a moment to admire its simple beauty before gently unfolding the locket back and immediately fixing wide jade eyes on a small photo fitted perfectly inside.
She froze, her breath caught, eyes and throat suddenly inflamed as raw intense emotions flooded her system. She held on denying it to spill over.
The image was of Sonic, herself and Manic a green hedgehog and youngest of the triplets. Taken two years prior, grinning mischievously while huddling together. Which unfortunately was the last to be taken of the three.
"Told ya it was the best bit." He uttered ruefully.
The violet hedgehog could only nod in response, before slowly lifting her eyes to his. The two sharing the same expression of pain, sorrow and guilt. Sharing a void of emptiness and loss.
If anything today wasn't about the exchange of gifts, or the cause for celebration. It was about this moment of remembrance, because eighteen years ago today three were born, each unique and yet the same. Three pieces of a puzzle making up the whole picture for sixteen short, happy years. However a piece was taken away, lost as usual. Devoid of ever being filled again. Neither allowed a single tear to fall, completely retaining composure in fear they wouldn't be able to stop. And deep down knowing Manic wouldn't want such a thing.
Sonia inhaled deeply as she took hold of the chain and hooped it over her head. Ruffling her quills free in the process and allowing the locket to fall naturally. She then cleared her throat feeling it somewhat manageable now.
"You almost blew it ya know." She croaked out and made another attempt to clear it again.
"It was a risk." Sonic teased confidently, but none the less understanding her meaning.
"I came this close." She mockingly scowled while emphasizing a finger and thumb to almost touch. Then suddenly dropped her gaze "Still...I love it. Thank you, Sonic."
The cerulean hedgehog sent her a croaked smile by which point he noticed the difference in daylight pouring in through the kitchen window. Glowing scarlet hue filled the room like it was engulfed in flames. "Right then, what do you say we go pay Manic a visit, after all it's his birthday too."
"Sure, let me just go grab a sweater first." Sonic gave a nod before Sonia got to her feet and quickly left the room.
He didn't get much time to ponder his thoughts due to noise coming from the main room, as usual the loathsome daily news reporting the events concerning Dr. Eggman and himself. Explaining the details of the fight like a commentary at the Olympics. The press irritated Sonic as much as the thought of water did. He listened to the interviews of those he saved, each praising and thanking him in gratitude. It was nothing he hadn't heard before, always the same. You would think after two years it was all getting a little old, boring hearing about the same ordeal continuously, but apparently not.
Sonic rolled his eyes, the appreciation being no biggie, he was just glad of having helped those in need, being in the right place at the right time and it wasn't like he didn't enjoy kicking Eggman's butt.
The sound of scoffing footsteps drew his attention to Sonia, as she entered the kitchen. Her violet quills now covered by the white hood of her sweater, and in her hand a set of silver drumsticks, sealed inside a glass cylinder. Sonic sounded a whistle impressed, and instantly got to his feet and stood by her side, peering down at the shiny objects.
"I take it you approve." She sarcastically commented with a raised brow.
After a seconds pause the cerulean didn't bother to state otherwise, instead he quickly scooped the girl up into his arms with a start. Her expression clearly showing she was about to protest, but then thought better of it.
"Impatient! Too slow! Right?"
"Bingo!" he retorted as a matter of factly and dashed out of the house, through the ankle deep grass, honeysuckle and bluebells, until coming to a stop beside a black rock on the cliff ledge.
Sonia's feet were placed back to the ground. The view ignored, the twins set their sights on the memorial. The polished black granite towered over them, shaped into a surfboard. Inserted at the centre, a solar powered five pointed star, above a deeply etched epitaph:
Surfs up dudes,
Catch you later.
Manic
Sonic watched as Sonia knelt down on one knee, her back to him. Carefully she placed the encased drumsticks down on the granite base, adjusting until perfectly centred. Once satisfied she shifted round to the side bringing her knees up and resting her head up against the stone. Smiling ruefully up at her brother, before her gaze fell upon the setting sun.
The other moved swiftly appearing in perfect balance on top of the memorial. With hands by his sides he too gazed out toward the flaming scenery, the sun looking like it was about to break the waters surface. The white surf resembling a stampede of white horses, rising up out of the sparking blue. Then crashing in an explosion of glittering diamonds. He could see all the way down into the cove below the cliff face. Where the sand glowed in burnt orange. A beautiful if not almost romantic scene.
Amy Rose immediately flashed through his mind bringing a soft smile to his lips. The cute rosette would definitely love it here, she adores the beach almost as much as adoring Sonic himself, but not quite. Inevitably Tails and even Knuckles would like this place, providing Rad Red was still able to keep an eye on Angel Island, naturally. The desirable idea of someday bringing the three to South Coast and introduce friends to family would be an absolute joy for the hedgehog, wanting nothing more then to seal this void separating his life once and for all. Putting an abrupt end to the secrecy and deceit.
Yet it seemed things wished for the most always had a way of being unattainable, nothing more then simple dreams thanks to Eggman, if it weren't for him. Friends could live in peace. Sonia would finally start living her life now that she was ready to do so again. As for the cerulean, his true feelings for the cute rosette would finally come to the surface and never have to be contained or subdued again.
Sonic exasperated a sigh at the distant thought of what could be.
"What's wrong?" Sonia softly asked from below.
"Right now I'm supposed to be remembering my little brother, instead all I can think about is Amy, and how far away she seems to be right now."
"since when has distance ever been an issue for you."
"That wasn't what I meant." he uttered.
"No I know it wasn't." She quipped.
"This is crazy even when Amy's standing right in front of me I'm...
"Driving yourself crazy." Sonia interrupted now looking up at him. "That is what you're doing by denying your feelings for this girl."
"You're not wrong there." He chuckles humourlessly.
"Then why keep doing this to yourself. You honestly think that sorry excuse for a human will actually go after her if you two were..."
"Definitely." he cut her off not wanting her to finish that sentence, it was simply too much to bare. "The doc's totally lost it these last few months and the thought of him getting his hands on Amy..." he couldn't bring himself to finish as his hands clenched into fists.
"I don't believe you would allow that to happen."
"What do you suggest tie her to my back for the rest of our lives."
"Would that be so bad." She teased. " Cause I don't think Amy would mind." he snorted that was definitely true to the rosette, she would love that.
"Could you see yourself attached to my hip. After all Eggman would be just as much after you as he would Amy."
"It's not a bad idea I guess," Sonia giggled, "But I think you'd cramp my style. Besides isn't it the reason why I'm staying here, out of sight out of mind so to speak." Sonic remained in silence recalling his sisters sacrifice to remain at the house until this whole ordeal with the notorious human was dealt with. Even after she had come to terms with Manic's death and wanted to start living her life, she offered to stay instead of joining him in the city. Which he was very much grateful for giving him one less thing to be concerned about.
"It's not going to last forever." He stated confidently.
"That's good to hear because I don't expect to be living the rest of my life here and alone." She pointed out with sarcasm. "And I don't think Amy will wait forever either."
"Clearly you don't know her." He said with a smile.
"Oh Confident aren't we."
"Very." he retorted with a full on grin.
"So I take it you're not going to open your heart to her then?" it was more an assumption then a question.
"For now at least." He could clearly see the girl shake her head in the darkness.
"Your a gluten for punishment you realise?"
"Yeah maybe." he paused briefly "I'd like to think of it as playing it safe."
The twins then settled into silence, listening to the crashing waves below. Sonic despised anything more then a pint of H20, but strangely enough it didn't bother him watching over the ocean here, it was after all his familiar. A place filled with cherished memories, some teasing and irritating but all good and certainly worth the weight in gold.
"If it's any consolation I think Amy would kick ass if it came down to it." Sonia wasn't wrong, the rosette would definitely fight back with everything she had and then some along with that huge mallet of hers. Even Sonic himself would run from it.
Suddenly everything seemed irrelevant as his mind began to wonder, his decision wavering.
SonicAmy
Sonic arrived back to Central City just before sun rise. Standing at the foot of a luxury apartment building, and gazing up at seventh floor window of Amy's apartment. Each main window having a small walkout balcony decorated to the owners liking. The rosettes littered with potted flowers of all kinds, including lilies and various roses.
He wondered if the girl would be awake yet and more so if she was angry with him for skipping out on her yesterday. He was probably going to get decked by that giant hammer of hers for doing so. Regardless of this though he desperately wanted to see her.
Leaping in the air he immediately coiled in on himself and started spinning at high velocity, propelling him up the side of the building in less then a second. When he hit the seventh floor balcony, he uncoiled and set down on top the safety railing, taking no trouble to balance himself.
Jumping down, avoiding the flowers, he took a step toward the large sliding window and started casing the inside for any sign of movement. Pressing the side of his palm up against the glass and across his brow so he could see more clearly. He noticed the TV playing some early morning broadcast, meaning Amy had to be awake. His eyes drifted over to the sofa and there she was, not sitting up though. She was laid down across the cushions asleep and still dressed in yesterdays garments.
Sonic could feel the corner of his lips curl up over as he watched the cute pink hedgehog sleeping, this adding to his mental list of why he likes Amy so much, so far being just about everything. Feeling a bit like a peeping tom he stepped away from the window, and began debating whether or not to tap on the glass and wake her up, or to let her be. Chances are she didn't sleep too well with the TV still on and her being on the sofa. He wondered if that had anything to do with him, he hoped not. He decided to leave her be for now and come back later. So turning on his heal he headed toward the balcony which is when he heard a noise.
"Sonic?" The cerulean turned to the sweet sounding voice calling his name, finding Amy standing with the window open and rubbing her tired eyes. She looked so adorable right now that he suddenly had the urge to kiss her. Sonic quickly snapped himself out of such thoughts.
"Hey, Amz." He greeted with a grin. The pink hedgehog remained silent for a moment as she woke up properly. Before emerald eyes widen as if she just realising something.
"Your back!" She exclaimed and immediately dived for him, locking her arms around his neck and pushing him into the railing.
"Ow, take it easy Amy." He winced in pain, while breathing in her scent, sweet cherry blossoms as always.
"Sorry. I'm just happy you've returned." She said with tears in her eyes and snuggling into the crook of his neck. Sonic refrained from securing her in his arms, instead reluctantly taking hold of Amy's and removing them gently from around his neck.
"Hey, you have trouble sleeping last night?" He asked.
"No, I just fell asleep watching a movie that's all." Sonic felt relief wash over him with that answer.
"Most have been a boring movie." He quipped with a smile, standing to his feet and pulling Amy with him before completely breaking contact with her.
"Some bits were okay but others were a little... cheesy." She commented. "What are you doing here so early anyway." She asked with a puzzled expression. 'Not good' his mind panicked, okay so maybe this wasn't such a good idea without having some sort of excuse to pull it off, but what exactly could he say, not the truth, definitely not that. And there was no way he was going to lie, not to her. No he had to think of something, like he was just passing by. or...
Suddenly the ceruleans stomach sounded a growl. 'Perfect timing!'
"I owe you a treat remember. So I thought I'd shout you breakfast." Amy stared on with wide eyes totally gob smacked by the gesture. Frozen and possibly forgetting to breath.
"Er...Amy? You okay?" He asked moving in close and waving a hand in front of her face, aiming for some kind of response. "Amy?"
"Give me two minutes." She finally pipped up and went dashing back into the apartment, disappearing into the next room. With a baffled expression Sonic stared after her, before shaking his head as he softly chuckled.
Feeling the heat from the morning sun, Sonic turned to the direction in which it was rising. He leaped onto the railing, watching the bright sphere slowly reveal it self from behind the skyscrapers of the city. It was breathtaking but his thoughts lingered on the pink hedgehog inside.
Having said good night to his sister the cerulean had been left to his thoughts for the rest of the night. Spending the dark hours thinking only of Amy and how much he wanted to be with her. However a small part of his soul feared it so. Just thinking of the dangers and consequences were to great to be selfishly ignored, even if she could handle it. And it wouldn't be fair to place her in such a diabolical situation. Not to mention the issue of him keeping so much from the rosette, he didn't want to be in a relationship with secrets, and as long as Eggman was around he would always have them.
The reasons were stacked high against him and with that he couldn't allow his selfishness to get the better of him, he's much stronger than that. So for now he'll keep his love for Amy hidden beneath the surface and remain by her side, protecting her the best way he knows how, and cherishing every waking moment with her.
"Sonic?" Amy's concerning voice called from behind, snapping Sonic from his thoughts. He turned to face her where he noticed dampened quills from a thirty second shower and a change in her outfit. Red combat pants with matching vest, the colour very much complimenting her. Gold bracelets and white gloves. "Is something wrong?" She asked with a worried expression.
Sonic quickly responded with smile and a shake of his head. "Everything' cool, you about ready?" He watched as Amy went from anxiety to positively glowing in less then a second.
"All set."
"Then I'll meet you down stairs," Sonic quipped with a wink, before leaping off the balcony and free falling to the street below.
Full of excitement Amy dashed back in through the window quickly pulling it closed and heading for the front door.
SonicAmy
Sonia the hedgehog slipped her feet into a pair of black three-quarter boots, zipping up the insides before standing. She took one last look at her appearance in the mirror. Black skin-tight pants, matching strap vest and white gloves. Satisfied with her look she grabbed a crimson red leather jacket hanging up on the back of her bedroom door and checked to make sure she had her keys.
After locking up Sonia made her way down the porch steps, following the slab paving that lead round to the back of the house. Passing under flowering hanging baskets and trellis that decorated the white exterior walls.
As she turned the corner hitting the small driveway, there it stood in all its glory. Her pride and joy, a Suzuki supersport motorcycle, polished black finish, trimmed in chrome fittings and black leather seating. A black beauty.
Sonia felt the corners of her lips curl up, she was going to enjoy this. Riding like hell up the coast line was just what she needed in order to clear her head. She'd spent most of the night tossing and turning in her sleep, due to a tormenting nightmare that had a habit of repeating frequently on her. Only it wasn't a dream brought on by imagination, it was a memory of devastation she wished she didn't possess. It had taken months but at least now the violet didn't wake up screaming in the middle of the night, crying with heartache. Still every time was a huge shock to the system and her only way of comfort was the 700 horsepower this baby gave out.
Stepped up beside the bike, she trailed a finger over the body work. Admiring the sleek shape with a crooked smile. However her trail of thought was cut short due to a high pitched humming sound coming from behind. Spinning on her heel she quickly discovered a large man, dressed in red and black, long facial hair, shades and goggles strapped over a bald head. Hovering in the air inside a strange pod like machine. No doubt the cause of the noise.
Sonia instantly froze recognising the human as Dr. Eggman. The one responsible for not allowing her to continue on with her life, instead living it in seclusion, and also a constant bother for Sonic and his friends. She felt absolute hatred and anger toward this man and wanted nothing more then to smack the shit out of him, to make him pay for the misery and fear he's caused to innocents. But she contained her bitter emotions, remaining calm as to keep her cover of not existing in the first place. With a silent deep breath she relaxed the tension of her muscles, before opening her mouth to speak. "Hey there, you lost?" She pleasantly asked with a smile. Eggman quickly began acting in a confused state of manner.
"Yes, yes I seemed to be, could you please point me in the direction of the nearest town Miss. ro- er Hedgehog." Sonia narrowed in suspiciously for a second, she wasn't sure but she thought the guy was up to something.
"Sure just head north there's a quiet little village there, shouldn't take you too long." She answered.
"Why thank you Miss,"
"No probs." She finished, turning back to her bike and hoping the guy would now leave.
"I say..." Or maybe not. Sonia faced back to the man, faking a smile in the process. "I don't suppose you know of a blue hedgehog do you miss?" Eggman was still acting out fake pleasantry's, but Sonia wasn't about to fall for it, instead shaking her head.
"Nope. Sorry I don't, I do occasionally to see a blue hedgehog on the news from time to time, but as you can see this place is a ways from anywhere, nobody ever comes out here." Shit! Sonia mentally spat in realising her mistake, she really shouldn't have said that. "Come to think of it I've seen you on the news also, right? You're Dr Eggman." She quickly assumed and watched as the human grinned at her words. "You know you're an inspiration to me boyfriend, he's studying engineering because of you." Sonia was hoping to imply that she wasn't alone, given that she was in this secluded location. Eggman however didn't seem to be taking any notice of what she was saying, as he was carefully scanning the house and the surrounding area.
This definitely seemed off, her suspicions growing more wary of him with each passing second, becoming threatened by his presence.
She draped the jacket over the seat of her bike, before taking a step forward. "Is there something wrong?" She asked snapping Eggman sights back to her.
"Well it's like you said, you've seen both the blue ro- hedgehog and myself on TV, and it just so happens that yesterday I followed him leaving Central City to this place. To your pretty little house. To you" He explained gloating at the violet hedgehog.
Sonia was taken aback, stomped, she most definitely didn't see that one coming, and from the sounds of things neither did Sonic. "Y-you must be mistaken." It was a pathetic attempt at its best, but she had to try.
"No. I think not." Eggman maniacally grinned as the sound of heavy footsteps came thundering toward the two. Sonia backing up a little while scanning the area, until the first signs of swat bots and Shadow androids came into view, appearing on all sides. There were to many to count and they were all closing in fast.
"And just what the hell is all this?" She spat with clenched fists, glaring furiously at the doctor.
"You are going to give me the chaos emeralds, Sonic has left in your charge."
"I told you I don't know the guy so obviously your chaos emeralds ain't here!" She exclaimed, lying none the less. She knew Sonic had stashed two of the seven here at the house and in his room. At the time the two believing said gems would be safe, so much for that idea. In a way she was relieved though, at least the doctor didn't know about her and her connection to the speedy blue hedgehog. At the moment that is, but if he were to get inside the house, that would all be over.
So the violet had to think of something and fast, as it was starting to get crowed. "Listen..."
"I think I've heard quite enough." The doctor interrupted. "I admire your attempt in protecting your blue friend, but..." He paused pressing a key on his control panel to bring up a holographic screen. The image being that of the twins standing over by the monument the night before. "As you can clearly see I know for a fact that rodent was here." Eggman gloated at Sonia's surprised expression there was noway she was getting out of it. "Now swat bots find me those emeralds, rip the place apart if you have too."
"Like hell this is my home!" Sonia shouted, staring at the robots taking the first steps toward the house.
"I think you should be more concerned about your safety hedgehog." He started before looking over toward the next set of robots. "Shadow androids. Teach this rat a lesson about dishonesty." He ordered.
Simultaneously the mean looking black mechanical hedgehog's began closing in on Sonia, priming lasers that seem to appear out the back of their hands.
The girl couldn't believe this was actually happening. Like her life wasn't screwed up enough to begin with. Noway could she handle the several robots aiming weapons in her direction, not with the little skill she possessed in marshal arts. Okay she might have a slight chance with her strength but to put it simply, she was way out of her league if these guys resembled anything like the original. Just what the hell was she supposed to do.
At the sudden sound of a crash, Eggman darted for the house. Alright the girl had no choice but to prevent the man from getting his hands on the emerald's, so immediately she gave chase. "Hey!!!" She yelled after him, only getting a few paces before an android appeared in her path, taking a powerful swing at her face.
Sonia reacted quickly flipping back over onto hands and kicking her feet up and under the chin of said android, knocking it back over and hitting the deck in a short circuit. She then finished her back flip, landed back on feet. 'Speed, check.' She mentally commented on the similarities.
"Target locked." The others simultaneously spoke. Sonia only had less then a second to glance in the others direction before a wave of golden beams came flying toward her. To evade the attack, a series of somersaults were played out, moving with grace yet speed in all directions.
When close enough the violet used a hedgehogs trait to coil up into a spin and smack straight into her opponents chest with ultimate devastation. Deeming it scrap as it hit the ground and exploded.
She quickly set a course for the next one, again getting in close, only this time the robots were ready for her, and began firing on one of their own. With little time to act the violet leaped over the robot, setting down behind it and using it as a shield from the laser beams.
In a matter of moments that one too was useless, prompting the girl to revert to evasive manoeuvres. Leaping, ducking, flipping countless times, and now starting to feel the strain of the relentlessness. She honestly couldn't fathom how her brother got such a kick out of all this evading, then again avoiding this lot would be a simple task to him and his speed. It was then a laser just skimmed her check bone, causing a burning sensation from the cauterisation. "Son of a bitch!" she exclaimed vehemently, and charged in to get even.
This time she used hand to hand techniques, knocking away the laser first and smacking her other fist through the metal skull, sending it into a fit of fritz before exploding. "Maybe next time you'll reconsider your manners with a lady." She growled and headed for the next one.
Skidding in low she swept it off its feet, but before hitting the ground she added to the impact by smacking it through the side of its head with all her might.
Unfortunately when pulling back another suddenly appeared beside her and kicked her hard to the ground, winding her in immense pain.
The beams of light ceased and the four remaining androids closed in around her. Sonia's breathing had grown shallow as she struggled to lift her weight onto a hand, the other cradling her ribs. She glared up at the robots, while slowly getting to her feet. Now having one on each side, but she wasn't done just yet. Taking up a fighting stance she prepared for close combat again, while drowning out the horrific pain to her chest.
Each robot followed suit also taking up stances, cold emotionless eyes fixed on the violet. "Ain't you guys ever heard of one on one." She rasped out pissed at being out numbered.
"Well you can never be too careful when it comes to hedgehogs." Sonia immediately turned her sights on Dr. Eggman hovering a short distance way. Her jade eyes soon fixed upon the items in his hand. Two chaos emeralds one cyan the other fuchsia, and a photo of Sonic, Manic and herself no older then five years of age. 'No' She mentally uttered. "Especially in your case. Take her." He demanded. Before the simplest of actions could be performed, Sonia had no time to react as a set of cold steel arms wrapped tightly around her arms and chest, pinning her and causing more discomfort.
"Get your damn hands off me!" She screamed in protest, struggling to break free with what little strength she had left.
"Oh I think not my dear." Dr. Eggman quickly approached the small group, glowing with triumph. "You are my ticket to getting rid of that meddling little shit once on for all."
Cheers for reading. You like? Hope so. Tell me what you think?
Intro to other characters in next chapter and hoping for humour. Not sure I've got that one down yet. So till next time...