Death

We all die someday. It was just a part of life. Sometimes we expect it, and other times it takes us by such surprise that we are cut down to the core, raw and unpolished. I was once left for days wandering around with a large hole in my heart, wondering if it would ever be completely full again. My senses were on hyper alert. The smallest thing would break me down until I was sensible enough to put back together the crumbling pieces.

"Where are you going with those flowers?" he asked in a teasing voice. "Are they for me?"

"No," I snapped, humor coursing through my voice. "Stop assuming everything I do is for you."

Sonic rolled his eyes, his arms folding behind his head casually. "I thought it was common knowledge that everything you do is for me."

"You are such an arrogant hedgehog."

"And you're such a lovesick hedgehog."

I stuck my tongue out at him and he returned the gesture. I elbowed his side and he chuckled.

"So," he said, "who are they for? Seriously."

I gnawed the bottom of my lip, wondering if I should be bringing up this particular conversation. I stared at the bountiful flowers which mimicked the colors splashed against the canvas of the sky during twilight. That time of day was always her favorite.

I said slowly, "They're, um…."

Sonic cut me off, waving his hand dismissively. "You know what? Never mind. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

I stared at him as a soft smile graced my features. He was always so understanding; it was one of the things I loved about him.

"I can show you," I said, and then quickly added with a slight blush, "If you want to, of course."

He quirked an eyebrow. "Well…I was going to help Tails in the workshop today."

I thumbed a petal of the flower. "Oh, that's fine. I understand."

He grinned at me. "You didn't let me finish," he said. "If this is that important to you, then Tails can wait. He knows I'm always late, anyway." He winked at me.

I smiled warmly. "You sure?"

"Definitely. Where to?"

"Never lake."

His eyebrows scrunched up and his lips pursed in remembrance. "Isn't that where we met?"

I nodded and he gave me a weird look, but said nothing else as he scooped me up in his arms, taking off at super sonic speed.

When we arrived at the lake shimmering in the sunlight, I paused, taking it all in. Good and bad memories swirled in my mind. This was where I had first met Sonic. This was where I had first encountered Metal. This was where my life had changed completely.

I shook my head, slapping my cheeks. "This way," I said, clearing my throat as I headed toward the entrance to the woods. "It's just past here."

For once, Sonic did not complain about walking. He was silent, looking all around him as if to take in the new surroundings.

Once we cleared the trees, a clearing came into view. In the middle was a small house with the front door blown off of its hinges. My old window was blown through; the big pieces of glass still glimmered dangerously in the grass. There were pieces of burnt wood scattered throughout the property and there was a gaping hole in the roof.

My grip on the flowers tightened in an attempt to keep Sonic from seeing my shaking hands. I took a long, slow, deep breath in order to calm myself. My eyes darted around to assess the surrounding area for threats. The peaceful breeze tickled my cheeks.

"Amy," Sonic said finally, "what is this place?"

"Home," I managed to say. "This was my home."

Sonic's gaze moved from the house to me. "What," he swallowed, "what happened?"

I ignored him, walking towards the place where our garden used to be, near the back of the house. There was a tiny mound that used to be just dirt. It was marked by a small painted rock. Now, small patches of grass kissed the earth. I placed the flowers upon it before sitting down.

Sonic sat down next to me, staring at the rock which had a tiny finger impression engraved on it. "Rosie, age 6," he read quietly.

"I made it for my mom," I said with an empty laugh. "It was a gift for her. She had been feeling sad and I had wanted to cheer her up. She always called me Rosie."

"The flowers are for her."

"Yes," I said. "I haven't been back here since the day I met you."

"Amy…."

I smiled up at him. "She was an incredible woman. She raised me all by herself and ended up sacrificing her life to save mine. And before you say anything, don't. I am not mad. I am not scared anymore. I understand, now. When you love someone you would give up your life to ensure theirs."

"What happens to the other person, though?" he said, gripping my shoulders hard. "Don't be stupid, Amy!"

I glared at him. "How am I being stupid? I would do anything for you, Sonic."

"Well, don't," he nearly shouted, pulling me into a fierce hug. "I almost lost you because you were being reckless. Just, don't."

"I wanted to protect you," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. "I had to protect you."

"That's my job," he said, his warm breath tickling my ear, "and it nearly got you killed. So, let me do the protecting from now on, okay?"

"But what if I lose you?"

He pulled back, smiling brightly at me. "Stupid," he laughed, flicking my forehead. "The hero never loses."

"But—"

"No buts," he said, waggling his finger at me. He turned his attention to the makeshift grave. "Amy's mom," he stated boldly, "I promise to protect your daughter and keep her from doing anything rash again."

I smacked his arm lightly. "Don't make a promise you can't keep."

"Who said I can't keep it?" he said with that cocky grin that only fitted Sonic the Hedgehog.

"And who says I can't protect you too?"

"Me," he said, "because I can't bear the thought of losing you again."

I stared at him, wide-eyed, my mouth hanging open. My heart fluttered unexpectedly in my chest.

"Careful," he teased, "you don't want bugs to fly in." He laughed, short and abrupt, standing up and rushing off.

"Wait!" I called after him, jumping up. I turned back toward my mother's grave. "Please watch over him," I whispered, "like you watch over me. Thank you, mom."

I dashed after him, giggling high and free, nostalgia running through my bones. I was alive, and never happier to be.


Got this one done after a bit of inspiration hit me. There's a chapter between the last one and this one that will be coming next. Hint...it's titled 33%. Happy reading :) Thanks everyone!