Chapter 10: The coldest smile seen, last…

It was a mere shadow that was in Sonic's fuzzy vision. Nothing more then a sliver of a creature could be seen.

"Who… who did this? Knuckles?" Sonic gasped out, with little enthusiasm in his voice. Then the shadow froze, turned around, and ran away from Sonic.

"Wait, come back" Sonic cried out. He slowly got to his feet and raced back across the hall. As he neared the dark chamber to which he had previously emerged, he slowed down in remembrance of Tails. It was that hesitation that saved Sonic's life, for as he slowed down, he realized the small chamber that was previously there was gone, and instead a hole. He peered out an realized that he was at the edge of the 10 story mansion, and that was one fall Sonic would not have been able to endure.

"Oh my…" Sonic began to say as he suddenly felt a rumbling. Then he looked below him and saw that the floor was starting the shake. A long crack ran across the base of the floor, and at that point Sonic realized that the mansion was collapsing. With lighting quick speed, Sonic race back past the motionless Naugus and to the previously locked door. He found it to be already open, and so he sprinted down the spiral cases through the hallway and down the left staircase. As he reached the front door, the lights suddenly dimmed and another shadow jumped out at him. Sonic turned his head to see who it was, and then ran smack into the door.

Sonic saw a crack were his head made, and then a new crack started to travel along the door and across the ceiling. Sonic heard the entire Mansion creak.

"Now or never." Sonic exclaimed as he curled into a ball, and used all his might to break down the door. It was not a moment too soon, for as he started to burst open the door, the entire building started to collapse. Sonic sprung out of the mansion, and fell onto the outside ground. A thick layer of dust swept the island, and Sonic was temporarily blinded.

Shadows swirled around Sonic as he tumbled around, moving away from the accursed mansion.

Then the dust settled and there was silence. Not a trace of the mansion was to be seen, it was all gone.

With the excitement over, Sonic once again grew deep with sadness, anger, and regret.

"Why… how could I? What have I become? What has Naugus done to me? Or have I always had this way. It's all my fault. I should have never taken Tails with me to fight Eggman. He was…"

"WHY… Oh god Tails, please no." Sonic screamed to the empty sky. There was no response. He felt his voice echo into the distant.

"It all started… If feels like a lifetime ago. I'll never be the same. I can't go back. I'm sorry Tails, I'm sorry."

Sonic once more fell to his feet. He looked around for guidance. He found none.

"Heh, if Eggman saw me now..." But it was a hollow joke. It couldn't bring Sonic the enjoyment it had in the past.

"Sonic, hey Sonic." Shouted a voice

"Wha… Who… Hello?" Sonic shouted out, surprised to hear another voice.

Then he saw it, the outline of a yellow fox, Tails, leaping towards him. Sonic stared in bewilderment, and then his face broke into a smile. He was overcome with emotions as he ran towards Tails.

"Sonic, you won't believe what happened to me."

"Tails, oh my… you're here. I thought…" Sonic swallowed. "But it doesn't matter because you're here."

"Sonic, Sonic I'm so glad to see you. I mean, especially since I'm dead."

"I know Tails, I'm…" Sonic started to say and then stopped. The air stood still. "What did you say buddy?"

"You killed me." Tails said with a playful tone and a normal smile.

"No, Tails…. I… you're here. I…"

"You killed me." He repeated, still smiling like he was having a normal conversation with his good friend.

"Tails please listen…" Sonic began as he put his hand on Tails. Sonic's hand swept right through Tails, and he fell. Sonic looked up, and Tails was gone. But in the distance he saw a motionless figure besides the dead tree. Sonic race up to the creature, and choked up as he saw the dead body of Tails.

"But Tails, you were fi…. I talked to yo… not again." Sonic turned away. "Stop tourturing me. I'll never get over this, I'll never forgive…"

"Sonic." Rang Tails voice.

"It's not really you, I'm not gonna look."

"Sonic."

"Just… rest in peace. I beg you, no more."

"Sonic."

"Tails," Sonic slowly turned around.

Tails stilled lay there motionless, his eyes shut.

"Sonic!" screamed the voice, now loud and low pitched.

"Who...?" Sonic turned around, looking out as far as the island reached. Then he looked down, and saw it. It was another Nerb.

Thanks for reading. Reviewing is greatly appreciated, so I know how I'm doing.