A/N - I was legit worried I wouldn't get this chapter up on time. I had an odd weekend and didn't get the chapter art started until yesterday. Thankfully I finished it in a day and managed to make today's update! Woo!
Some random things I keep forgetting to say. Firstly, after listening to a random mash-up of Phantom of the Opera, I found myself realising something. I'm pretty certain Infinite is inspired by The Phantom. Think about it - they both have scars on the right side of their face, they each hate their face, wear a mask, have an inferiority complex, create illusions, and use swords. Also Infinite's power comes from The Phantom Ruby. Just... something I thought was interesting.
Also, regarding jackals, they mate for life. This is an Infinite Head-canon of mine now.
End of author's ramblings.
Thanks again for all reads, reviews, faves and follows! =D
Chapter Twelve
Here I was again. That crimson wasteland, black clouds drifting past the blood moon, plunging me into periodic darkness. But I could see that monster. Its lone yellow eye watched me from the shadows. Judging. Angry.
The entire wasteland was silent. No breeze to rustle the dead branches of the sparse, blackened trees. No trickle as the bloody rivers burst through the rocks. It was as if the entire world had died and just myself and the monster remained in it.
"Pathetic." Its distorted voice sliced through the silence.
My fingers tightened around the handle of my blade. The disgust in its voice was threatening. Much more threatening than I'd ever heard it. My heart hammered in my chest but I stood my ground, refusing to step back. To show fear.
"You really think the people in that town care about you?" A raucous laugh grated through the air. "Fool. It's pity."
"You're wrong," I said.
"Am I?" The monster drifted toward me, its long tail trailing behind it. "Since when has anyone cared about you?"
"How about my old crew?" I said. "They cared-"
"Admiration." The monster nudged its muzzle and its golden eye reflected humour. "You're the one who foolishly let yourself care for them. And where did it get you?"
I grit my teeth and glared back at it. No. It wasn't just admiration or pity. I wasn't going to listen to this thing's lies. I was going to put an end to this once and for all.
I opened my mouth to speak, but the wretched creature cut me off.
"You learned a lot when Shadow slaughtered your… 'friends'." It practically spat the last word, as if to taunt me. "You vowed to cleanse the world of all the scum that fill it. So why would you willingly go and live amongst such vermin?"
"Because I was wrong," I said. "I was blinded by rage and power."
"Blinded?" the monster asked. "Or enlightened?"
"Blinded," I growled. "I went around hurting others simply because I was angry! I was sick of the world taking everything from me that meant something! Shadow was the last straw…"
"He showed you your weakness."
My hand trembled and I forced myself to steady my blade at my side.
"He made you see red." The monster chuckled. "And now you have the chance to do it all again. Offered to you by the very mouths that are trying to show you kindness. So why are you being so pathetically scared? You can have that power back and put things right. Like you planned to."
"I am not going to hurt them!"
"Why?" The monster lifted its arms in a shrug. "They're only going to hurt you. Just like everyone else."
The familiar faces of my old friends flashed through my mind. Laughing. Smiling.
"Not everyone," I said.
"If you're thinking of the Jackal Squad," the monster said slowly, "they left you."
"They were taken from me!" I snapped. "Because of my own foolishness!"
The monster visibly sighed and its long tail flicked from side to side. "That Phantom Ruby was wasted on your worthless, pathetic, miserable heart. It's little wonder you turned out to be such a failure."
"I'm glad it was a failure," I said. "Because I've now been given a second chance."
The monster threw its head back and howled with laughter. For a fleeting moment I thought it had become genuinely insane. Then its golden eye locked onto me, chilling me to the core.
"Do monsters really deserve a second chance?" it purred. "Because it really wont be long until you kill someone again. Once a monster, always a monster."
"I'm not the monster here," I said. "You are. And after what you've put me through, I'd never give you a second chance!"
"Really? Interesting."
Red light pulsed from around the monster, making its body look like a solid shadow. It zipped towards me and I brought my sword around in an arc, aiming for its neck. But it dodged past it and fixed its claws around the blade. Its pointed nose hovered before my face, the edges of which flickered with distortion. No anger in its lone eye, gold amongst red. What could pass as its other eye pulsed with crimson light, tinting its flowing white mane with red highlights. It reached out with a finger, tipping my chin up so I was looking it in the eye.
Low, purring laughter came from its throat. "Maybe you should take a good, long look in the mirror… Infinite."
My breath caught in my throat. It wasn't a face, it was a mask. Steel armour, hiding the real monster beneath it. Realisation set on me like a heavy fog and I buckled, letting my sword hang limp at my side.
"No…" My response came out as a breath.
The monster laughed again and the nightmare shattered. I staggered back against the wall, dropping my sword to the floor with a clatter. Back in Mocha's living room, where I'd fallen asleep shortly after supper. Unable to head back to my own room because of the negativity that filled it, yet it had followed me. I covered my face with my hands, trying to quash the image of the monster's nightmarish face. But it wouldn't leave.
"Infinite?"
Mocha's voice reached me and I lowered my hands, finding her stood before me. My heart twisted and I snapped my head around towards my sword, lying at the door to her stairs. All I could see was that sword's crimson blade flying in an arc towards the monster's throat. I snapped back to her and grabbed her shoulders, my frantic fingers flying across her fur while I desperately hoped I wouldn't find so much as a scratch.
'It really wont be long until you kill someone again.'
"Infinite, please." She grabbed my hands in hers, forcing me to look at her. "I'm fine. I'm really fine."
Tears of relief pricked my eyes and I pulled her into me. "Thank goodness. Oh, you really shouldn't be so reckless."
She froze, letting out a small gasp. Then she returned my embrace, but I kept my eyes fixed on the door as my mind reeled over that nightmare. It was still there, fogging my mind. I could still see that monster's horrible face. That mask. That lone, leering yellow eye.
I screwed my eyes shut and took in a trembling breath. "It's me."
"What?" she asked.
"The monster," I said. "It's me."
A small sigh tickled the fur of my neck and she brushed her hand over my mane. "It's a figment of your imagination. Believe me, you're not a monster."
"I fear it's trying to turn me into one…" My voice cracked and I trailed off, watching the door as if that monster might burst through it at any moment. The next words came out as a whisper, each one stabbing at me. "I could have killed you."
"I hid."
I let out an involuntary groan as her statement hacked at me. She shouldn't need to hide in her own home.
"I took your advice and stayed out of the way," she went on.
"What were you even doing down here with me?" I asked.
She shrugged. "I fell asleep reading in my arm chair."
I hadn't any recollection of that. I'd drifted off when she went to tuck in Cream. My ears twitched towards the floor above. Not a peep. At least I hadn't disturbed her. I turned my attention back to Mocha, becoming increasingly aware I was actually holding her. My heart began to batter my ribs, but I didn't want to let her go.
"Please be careful," I whispered.
She nodded against my shoulder. "I always am."
"You have no idea how much you mean to me." I ran my fingers through her hair. "I'd never forgive myself if I hurt you."
She combed her claws through the fur of my back and I let out a sigh, nuzzling into her neck.
"I don't believe you ever could," she said.
"You have way more faith in me than I do."
"Well, maybe it'll rub off on you." She pulled away from me and reached up to brush my mane back from my face. "I'm going to head to bed. Will you be okay?"
I looked back at her for a moment, taking her in, unwilling yet to relinquish her to the void of sleep. I still found it baffling how someone could so willingly trust me after everything they'd heard. Yet that trust filled me with a little hope. Hope that the nightmares were nothing more than guilt-driven lies. I really didn't want to be plunged into another one. The selfish part of me wanted her to stay awake with me, chasing away that rotten nightmare's lingering cobwebs.
Yet instead I gave a curt nod and withdrew my hands from her waist.
"Good."
She steadied herself on my shoulders and reached up, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. When she pulled back she gave me a warm smile, but I just stared at her, eyes wide like a startled rabbit's.
"You know where everything is," she said. "Good night."
I placed my hand over my cheek, staring at the door. Confusion and panic swirled in my head in a kaleidoscopic fashion and I leant back against the wall as I tried to stop it. I was not going to run. Not this time.
But I wasn't willing to put them in danger.
"Mocha?"
She peered back at me from the bottom of the stairwell.
I licked my suddenly dry lips and trailed my fingers through my mane. "I think… it's better if I stay in my own room."
Her eyes darkened with worry and she took a step back down the stairs towards me. "You'll come back though, right?"
"Of course I will," I breathed.
I needed to. I wasn't going to risk throwing all this away. Not after everything she'd done for me.
"I'm just a little scared," I said. "I'm not going to lock myself away again."
As I got myself ready, she came back down the stairs to wait by the door. I retrieved my sword and tucked it away, giving myself a mental reminder to hide it away in the wardrobe when I got back to my room. I didn't need anymore close calls.
"So what are your plans in the morning?" she asked. "Are you having breakfast with the Chaotix again?"
I shook my head as I tugged on my jacket. "I'm staying away from them while I get my head straight."
"Then I guess you're also avoiding Sonic?"
"Dang right I am."
"Well…"
I looked up at her, but she avoided my gaze.
"If you're not doing anything," she went on, "maybe we could do something together?"
That kaleidoscope twirled in my mind again and I began to get that alien sensation of being in a tunnel.
"Like what?" I asked.
"I don't know… Maybe Cream could decide? She's off school at the moment, and could use some cheering up."
I felt my shoulders relax and I slumped against the door with a sigh of relief. There I went, misreading things…
"We could go to the park?" she went on. "Maybe dinner? The beach if they'll let us through?"
"That sounds great." I meant it, but it didn't sound like it. I pinched my muzzle and turned to the door. "I'll be here around nine."
"I'm not trying to kidnap you."
Her voice froze my hand over the door handle.
"If you don't want to join us, you don't have to."
She paused and I looked back at her over my shoulder. She leant against the back of the sofa, hugging her arms around herself.
"I mean, you've been alone a lot recently, so…" She trailed off and shrugged.
There was a sadness in her eyes, and I couldn't help but worry I'd caused it. And I hadn't intended to. I'd meant what I said. I did want to join them, but some foolish part of me had been panicking she'd been suggesting something else. I abandoned the door and pulled her into me again, nuzzling between her ears. She clasped her fingers in my ruff and let out a relieved sigh.
"I'm sorry," I told her. "That came out wrong. I do really want to join you both."
"And we both want you there," she said. "But I'm worried I push you too hard sometimes."
"Hey, I need it."
I pulled away and brushed her hair back, trying to give her one of those smiles she said she liked. From the one she gave back, I guess I'd nailed it. I returned to the door and pulled it open, letting the cool night air in.
"Good night." I strolled out into the town, letting the door lock behind me.
...
I had actually overslept.
I rushed down the stairs, hopping as I fastened my boots, amazing even myself that I didn't tumble tail over head all the way to the bottom. The fog of a decent, five-hour sleep still swirled in my mind, almost drowning out the voices from the open meeting room entirely.
"Yo, Infinite!"
Sonic's voice brought me to a staggering stop and I reached out to steady myself on the main doors.
"Join us for a sec?" he said. "We need to talk to you."
"I'm kind of in a rush," I said. "I'm already running late."
The blue hedgehog audibly winced. "I feel ya. I hate being late, that's why I'm often early. But… this is pretty urgent."
Urgent? Only the day before, I would have been excited, thinking the case would be soon drawn to a close. But now I dreaded where this was going. I let out a sigh and released the door.
"Fine," I said. "Try to make it quick."
"Preaching to the choir, bud." Sonic zipped back towards his seat in a blue blur.
I kicked out at the floor then followed after him, trying not to give a mournful look back at the exit. After hiding away suddenly for the past week, Mocha was bound to be worried if I didn't show face.
Every set of eyes around the table locked onto me and I found myself backing out of the room. But the door closed behind me and Omega nudged me towards the table. I begrudgingly pulled up a seat between Rouge and Knuckles, and the bat flashed me a playful wink.
"Someone's looking rested," she purred.
At the far end of the table, Shadow rolled his eyes.
"Okay." Sonic placed his hands on the table. "We've been discussing this since yesterday afternoon, and I think we might have come to an agreeable suggestion."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "If this is about the Phantom Ruby, count me out."
"Only after you hear me out," he said.
I sighed and dropped my face into my hands. I was never going to get out of this room if I didn't, so I motioned for him to continue.
"I know you're pretty anxious about it," said Sonic. "But I think a lot of that stems from what you actually wanted from it in the first place. People's desires can change, so if you wanted to use it for the greater good instead, then-"
Something about the way he'd worded that made me look up, cutting him off mid-sentence. Maybe it was the look in my eye? Either way, I needed to test this.
"'People's desires can change'?" I asked slowly.
"Exactly." He grinned. "If it really shows people their heart's desires, if you were to find it again you might be shown something completely different."
My eyes widened and I stared at him, dumbfounded. I didn't even quite hear him. I was too hung up on what he'd just said. The Phantom Ruby was an enigma. Little was known about it, and I was fairly sure that little tidbit wasn't included in Eggman's records. And the only person I'd told about it was Mocha.
"That isn't common knowledge," I growled.
"Well…" He winced and sat back in his seat.
There. Snagged him.
Something twigged in my mind and I caught Shadow in a glare. "Where were you hiding?"
"Stairwell," he said bluntly.
So he'd heard everything. How much had he told Sonic, or anyone else here for that matter? I groaned and rubbed at my face. Oh, if only the ground would swallow me up.
"It seems like a pretty good suggestion," said Knuckles. "So I'm game."
"Low risk," said Rouge. "You find out if you still want to destroy the world, and if you do, we send that ruby right back where it came from."
My fur bristled and I glared at the table between my fingers.
"Way to be tactful, Rouge," said Tails.
"I don't want to know," I said.
"I get that, I really do," said Sonic. "But we've all agreed this is a risk worth taking if we can rescue all these people. All I'm asking is you think about it."
"And we've got your backs the whole way," said Vector. "None of us are gonna force you to do somethin' you don't want."
I looked up and slammed the table. "I don't want to do this!"
The table fell silent and Vector lifted a finger to add something. But he blanked and exchanged worried glances with Espio and Charmy.
"I'd like to add something," said Silver. "We don't know how long Eggman's really been planning this. If he's been abducting people since the war, then whatever he's planning is already well in motion. We've seen results already, and I'm worried that's only the tip of the iceberg."
"Exactly," said Sonic. "If we'd known about this near the start, we could have put an end to it before things really got rolling. If he is turning people into robots, he could have hundreds, and just one of those takes at least three of us to take down."
"Yup." Knuckles spread his arms. "It took three of us. Although I probably could have taken it myself."
"Of course you could," crooned Rouge.
"Taking this into account," Sonic went on, "a small army isn't going to be able to storm the Egg Carrier and rescue all those people without some casualties. All I'm asking is that you think about this, Infinite. If you can create something that could cause some confusion or whatever it is you did, we could get everyone off and back to ground safely. Make sure we trash all his machines and doohickeys, then Eggman's plan would be ruined, and we'd just have to keep an eye on him for a while. And hold him accountable for any possible missing people that might follow."
I couldn't deny it. I knew the power of the Phantom Ruby. It was immense. Sonic's plan sounded like it would work. But it left a sour taste in my mouth. I pushed myself back from the table with a sigh.
"I don't know," I said.
"I'm just asking you to really think about it," said Sonic. "And if you come back to me and say no, then I'll drop it."
No. A simple word. Yet as I stared at him, I couldn't form it. Everything he'd said made sense.
"And how do you plan to get it?" I asked. "It's not even in our world."
Sonic nodded towards Shadow and Silver. The former's lip twisted in a sneer.
"I'm not happy about it," said Shadow. "If you really want it, you'll need to prove yourself worthy."
Well… that made things easier. I looked back up at Sonic, quickly running over everything he'd said. If I was right, then Vanilla and Barbara along with many others were stuck on that Egg Carrier, facing some unknown demise. And I knew Eggman. He wasn't averse to turning people into his own little experiments. I absently scratched my chest around his sinister prototype and turned to the door behind me.
"Give me a night," I said. "I'll think about it."
I tuned out the blue hedgehog's thanks, and the following echoes around the table, and pushed the door open. It led straight outside. Once it had closed behind me, I dug my fingers into my chest, fastening them around that ruby. I wanted to tear it out. Without it, I would no longer be a victim to that Phantom Ruby's influence. Its powers would be useless to me. Sonic and his friends wouldn't be able to ask me to use it, or even force me to, because it would be gone. I released it, leaving behind sore welts where my claws had dug in through my gloves. Then I pushed myself on, in the vague direction of Mocha's. I didn't get very far, though, as Shadow appeared before me, trapping me in a crimson glare.
"I meant every word," he said.
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and met his eyes. "I know."
"I'm not allowing this for your sake," he said slowly. "If that Phantom Ruby really does show you what you desire most, it will reveal what your true intentions are."
I remained silent. He wanted to know, I didn't. I honestly thought I was changing, and if it proved me wrong… if it ruined everything…
It scared me. No… it terrified me. I clasped my shaking hands into fists to try and still them.
"If it reveals something I don't like," he went on, "then I will personally kill you. I hope you understand that."
He vanished, leaving behind a bitter chill.
I understood fully. The world didn't need a monster.
I took in a trembling breath and tilted my head back towards the sky, closing my eyes. "And I'll just stand there and let you."
...
Mocha's door was unlocked, so I just let myself in. Cream was sat on the sofa, kicking her legs back and forth as she read a picture book with Cheese. She looked up when I entered.
"Good morning!" she chirruped.
Despite her cheery greeting, she didn't look her normal self. There was something about her eyes that just seemed less… bright. I forced a smile but before I could return her greeting, Mocha poked her head around the kitchen door.
"You're a little late, but I saved you breakfast."
After that morning's events, I wasn't actually all that hungry. I idly rubbed at the claw marks on my chest and took in a breath.
"I think I'll miss it today," I said.
Cream looked up from her book with a start. "But breakfast is the most important meal of the day!"
"Cha-chao!"
I felt like I was being more scolded by the chao.
"She's right, you know," said Mocha.
I sighed and sat down beside Cream. "Maybe I'll just grab brunch while we're out."
The possum narrowed her eyes at me. "Has something happened?"
I didn't want to answer that. I tugged my jacket around the ruby to hide the sores and turned my attention to Cream and Cheese.
"So what's the book about?" I asked.
Mocha tutted and vanished back into the kitchen, and I heard the tap switch on.
"It's about a boy who never grows up." Cream shrugged and closed her book, much to Cheese's protests. "I've read it lots of times."
This definitely wasn't my usual chirpy bunny.
"So I guess you must like it then?" I said, hoping she'd tell me about it. That it would take her mind off things.
She shrugged again. "I dunno. It's okay." She paused and wiped a hand over her eyes. "I guess I just relate to it. I'm going to help Nanny in the kitchen."
She bolted from the sofa and I stared after her, slack-jawed. Cheese faltered in the air then zipped off after her with a cry. I wasn't sure if it was something I'd said. But I grabbed the book and skimmed over it.
It didn't take me long to go over it once, so I did so a second time more carefully. A boy who never grew up, who took children into his own world filled with pirates, mermaids and fairies. But what stood out to me the most was a group of boys who also never aged. The Lost Boys. A group of kids who'd lost their parents.
Icy claws gripped my heart and I placed the book aside as a grimace twisted my muzzle. If anything, I could relate to those Lost Boys as well. But unlike me, Cream had had a family that cared about her. And I was the one who'd taken that away.
Was it really in my power to get them back?
I traced my fingers around the Phantom Ruby, wincing slightly as I trailed over one of the deeper scratches. Congealing blood clung to the fur around it and I idly tried to remove it. Then something caught my eye. A hair-line crack along the right side of the ruby. Tiny, almost unnoticeable. How long had that been there?
"Well that can't be good," I muttered.
Mocha moved into the living room, tugging her gloves back on. Cream followed behind her, looking a fair bit brighter. She rushed to retrieve her book and slide it back onto the book case.
"I think we'll try to go to the beach," said Mocha. "But wherever we end up, I've packed a picnic basket."
My eye followed her to the door where a wicker basket sat beneath the coat rack. How had I failed to notice that on the way in?
"I'm not entirely sure I can leave the Citadel," I said.
"We could always ask whoever's shadowing you today," she said. "They might like to join us. Any idea who it is?"
I shrugged and rose to join her. "Probably Silver. Shadow and I aren't exactly on good terms."
I dodged her concerned gaze and glanced over the still-doorless glass display cabinet. Somehow I couldn't help but find it hypocritical that I was so cold to Shadow. Especially given how forgiving the rest of the Citadel had become towards me. I mean, I'd done a lot worse than he had. I winced as the black hedgehog filled my mind and tried to shove him aside for the time being.
"It would be nice if Mister Silver and Miss Blaze join us again," said Cream. "I had a lot of fun with them last time."
The little rabbit pulled on a rucksack and beat us to the door. I held it open for Mocha and pulled it shut behind me, where it clicked on its latch.
Sure enough, Silver leapt down from Mocha's tree and landed lightly before us. I hadn't even noticed him following me.
"Good morning," he said. "I'm afraid you've got me again today."
"Yay!" Cream threw her arms around his waist, taking him by surprise. "Is Miss Blaze joining us, too?"
"She was just telling us she wants her to come along," said Mocha. "We're hoping to go to the beach. Is that okay?"
The silver hedgehog looked between Mocha and me and shrugged. "It's really not up to me."
"Maybe we could ask Mister Sonic?" said Cream.
"We'll have to be quick," said Silver. "I kinda lost track of him after the meeting."
Mocha twirled her hair and glanced up at me. "So that's why you're late?"
I lifted my hands in a weak shrug. "That, and I overslept."
"I thought you were looking rested." She turned back to Silver. "Well, if the beach is out, we might try the park."
"I'm going to find Mister Sonic!" Cream called back to us from the gate.
"She's pretty insistent," I said.
"It's worth a shot," said Mocha. "If we can find him, then it will be nice to have a change of scenery."
Silver kept pace beside us, sandwiching me between him and Mocha. She had to switch hands to avoid hitting me with the picnic basket.
"I don't think I've ever been to a beach," I said. "I guess it's a lot different to a desert?"
She covered her mouth and chuckled. "It has an ocean and the sand is often wet, so I'd say yes."
"Hey! I found him!" Cream shouted.
She stood a few feet ahead of us by the castle, waving her arm over her head. Sonic leant against the wall beside her with his arms crossed. A warm smile spread across his face as we joined Cream's side.
"Cream tells me you want to go to the beach," he said.
"If that's okay?" Mocha asked.
"Of course!" Sonic gave her a wink and kicked himself back from the wall. "I'm off that way for a run, myself."
"You don't mind me going?" I gasped.
Sonic waved a hand at me. "Nah. I wouldn't be asking for your help if I didn't trust you, would I? Have fun!"
With that, he was off. Mocha placed a hand on her head to stop her hair from blowing into her face as the blue blur sped past her.
I watched him streak through the open gates and one of the guards looked back at me. No distrust. No scorning. So I could come and go as I pleased? I fidgeted my fingers in my pockets as I stared out at the wide open world. I could just go. No more Phantom Ruby nonsense. Nothing to hold me here.
Mocha's arm brushed mine and my left eye snapped to her. Then I spotted Cream skipping ahead of us towards the gate.
No. I had something to hold me here. There was no way I was leaving them.
I placed my hand on the small of Mocha's back, steering her towards the gate beside me. It was only brief. I let my hand fall away back into my pocket. But she looped her hand into the crook of my elbow and my eyes widened, fixing her in a startled stare. I don't think she noticed. She led me through the gates, giving a 'good morning' to the guards. After Silver passed through the gates creaked shut behind us.
"Blaze says she'll join us later." He looked up from his mobile and tucked it away. "She could kinda use a break from the Citadel for a while."
"Has she been busy?" Mocha asked.
"She's been looking after a couple of toddlers for the past week while their mother has been out of town," he said. "She's just arrived back, so Blaze wants a breather."
A felt a rush of relief when I heard their mother had arrived back safely. I watched after Cream and Cheese as she skipped ahead of us, making a beeline for the beach. I spotted it beyond sand dunes topped with the pink blooms of sea thrift and fleabane swaying in the breeze. The little rabbit bounded between them, vanishing beyond the dunes.
The path between them was narrow, forcing us into single file. So I went first, creeping carefully down the steep slope towards the beach, and hopped over the sudden drop onto the sand. I offered a hand to Mocha who took it and leapt down beside me. I'm not entirely sure she needed the help, as her balance was impeccable. But she kept hold of my hand as we joined Cream and Cheese who were setting down a blanket from her rucksack. Once she was satisfied with it, she reached into her bag and pulled out a blue frisbee.
"Does everyone know how to play?" she asked.
"I do." Silver clapped his hands then held them in the air.
Cream sent the frisbee flying towards it and he drifted slightly into the air to catch it. I shook my head slowly. It wasn't a game I was familiar with. What, was it 'Catch' with a disk?
"We'll form two teams," said Cream. "Whoever causes the opposing team to drop the frisbee gets a point!"
That was exactly it. 'Catch' with a disk.
Cream lifted an arm and beamed. "And Cheese and I will be with Mister Silver!"
"Three against two?" I folded my arms and gave her a playful frown. "That's just not fair."
"Cheese is pretty tiny," said Silver. "He counts as half a player."
"And when Blaze arrives, the numbers will be even," said Mocha.
"Why, is she also half a player?" I joked.
Silver grimaced and tucked his hands behind his back. "Don't let her hear you say that."
"Don't let me hear you say what?"
Blaze stood behind us at the edge of the two foot drop. Her yellow eyes seemed to burn into us as she looked at us each in turn.
"That you're on their team and not mine." Silver pointed at Mocha and me, and a silly grin spread across his face as he took a nervous step back.
Blaze narrowed her eyes at him. "Then you will lose."
We moved away from the dunes, and Cream set her rucksack down a good way away from her blanket. Namely to avoid us kicking sand up onto it. She looked around at the beach and hummed to herself.
"We need another marker," she said. "A nice rock would do."
"Leave it to me." I shed my jacket and dropped it onto the sand. "I'm getting too warm anyway."
"Perfect!" She clapped her hands. "So try not to move too far from the markers. And aim for them! No cheating by tossing it towards the sea or something."
"Pff, I don't cheat," said Silver.
He sent the frisbee soaring our way and Mocha and Blaze broke off in opposite directions. This was one of those occasions I really wished I had perfect vision in my right eye. I lost sight of the frisbee until Mocha leapt into the air and snatched it. She tossed it back towards Cream with a flourish and the little rabbit flailed her hands in the air to try and catch it. Cheese moved in to intersect it, but it became engulfed in a blue light. The frisbee snapped to Silver's hand like a magnet.
"Hey!" Blaze shouted. "That's cheating!"
"I'd say," I said. "None of us can do that."
"No one said 'no powers'." He grinned and lobbed it back towards us.
Blaze leapt over my head with all the agility of a cat and snatched it. She stood clutching it to her chest and frowned at the hedgehog.
"This is Cream's game," she said. "I call judge."
Cream tapped her lip in thought, looking up at the sky. "I'll allow it."
Mocha raised her hand. "Then we get Cheese."
Cheese pouted and folded his stubby arms. Cream shook her head sadly.
"But he doesn't want to be on the losing team," she said.
I rolled my eyes and took the frisbee from Blaze. I took a step back then leapt forward, sending the blue disk soaring towards Silver's head. He blinked then reached up to try and stop it, but his psychokinesis fizzled out as he had to duck. It whisked past his ear and bounced across the sand before coming to a stop beside a puddle of seaweed.
"I think that's a point to us," I said.
"Hey, I wasn't expecting that!" said Silver.
I shrugged and smirked. "Fair's fair."
Mocha chuckled as she looked between us. "That was a little dirty."
"Fine," said Silver. "No powers. Let's start over."
The game ended up being a lot cleaner the second time around. The fisbee soared back and forth, occasionally a little too low when Cream had to throw it. It was a lot of fun, and pretty exhausting. But I found myself forgetting about that morning's discussion, losing myself in the crazy game. I felt I cost my team a few points when I miscalculated the frisbee thanks to my bad eye, but no one seemed to mind. Not even me.
After about half an hour had passed, the sand kicked up around us and Sonic came to a screeching stop.
"Ooh frisbee!" he said. "Can I play?"
"Sure!" said Cream.
"All right. I guess I'm evening out numbers then?" Sonic sped over to us, catching a scowl off Cheese. "Oh… right. Well, this is awkward."
"Take my place," said Blaze. "You're a power-house anyway. I'll help Cream and Silver."
"Chao!"
"And Cheese," she added.
"You're all right, Blaze." Mocha panted slightly as she beat down her gloves and dungarees. "I need to set lunch out anyway."
"No." Blaze glared at Sonic from Silver's side. "I owe him for beating me the last time."
"So it's four against two?" Sonic tutted and nudged me in the side. "We've got this, right, Infinite?"
"Oh, totally," I said, forcing a smile.
Sonic winked then turned back to his friends. "What are you waiting for? Winter? Throw the frisbee!"
Blaze snatched the frisbee off Silver and launched it towards us. I barely even saw it. It zipped over my head, trailing flames like a comet. Sonic went diving after it. He performed a somersault in the air and sent it back towards the lavender cat. It smacked down behind them, sticking out of the sand at an angle.
"That's one point for us," he said.
The opposing team stood with their mouths open.
"This isn't volleyball, Mister Sonic!" said Cream.
"Cha-chao!"
"I'm not playing volleyball," said Sonic. "You just need to be a little faster."
Silver retrieved the disk and beat the sand off it. "I guess we're back to using powers, then?"
Blaze crossed her arms and looked away from him. "I refuse to do this without."
"Well I suggest leveling the playing field before you melt this poor frisbee," he said.
Sonic laughed and closed his eyes. "I can beat you without my speed. Now no more flaming frisbees."
Silver sent it back this time, and the game was a whole lot safer. No deadly flying disks and no fire. But Sonic didn't let up. I barely touched the frisbee, and when I did catch it I felt he'd stepped aside to make sure I actually had a chance. The score was somewhat balanced, only just tipping in mine and Sonic's favour. That's when the sly hedgehog decided to launch the disk full-throttle.
Cream, Blaze and Silver flew into a panic, scrambling back as they tried to spot the frisbee's blur as it streaked over their heads. It came to a stop in the air, blocked by the tiny body of a chao. Cheese fluttered his wings as he fought back against it, then he twisted and sent the disk spinning back our way. It skimmed over our heads, causing Sonic to duck. I looked back, spotting the frisbee on the blanket beside a surprised Mocha. She looked up at us and blinked.
"I think that's a point to Cheese," she said.
...
Sonic didn't stick around for the picnic, instead rushing back to the Citadel. Mocha had made plenty, however. Probably expecting to cater to whatever shadow I'd been assigned that day.
I had to admit, I'd grown rather fond of Silver and Blaze. They were much more agreeable than Shadow, even engaging me in their stories. Thankfully they never asked me about my history, instead asking what I'd been up to with the Chaotix (even though they already knew). I was deeply glad they avoided bringing up the Phantom Ruby. I'm not sure if they knew I'd already discussed Sonic's suggestion with Mocha the day before, but my guess was 'not'.
They helped us clear up the picnic blanket and tailed us back to the Citadel. When I looked back at them, they were walking arm in arm. More engaged with chatting to each other than keeping an eye on me. I was happy about that. I found myself wondering how close they actually were, although it wouldn't be appropriate to actually ask.
I glanced down at Cream walking between Mocha and me, clutching both our hands as she skipped along. Much brighter. I was deeply relieved she didn't seem to hold me accountable to what had happened to Barbara.
When we reached the castle, we said 'goodbye' to Blaze, and Silver shuffled his feet as the door closed, looking a little lost.
"Would you like to join us for ice cream?" Cream asked him.
He smiled down at the rabbit and before we knew it, we were off to the park again. But we took the other fork this time, heading instead to the lake. It was empty, save for a lone ice cream cart that also claimed to sell duck food. That claim was made all the more solid by the giant mallards that had set up camp around it, quacking to themselves as they preened their glossy feathers.
Cream stared up at the menu and pursed her lips as if she was making the most difficult decision of her life.
"I think I'll try a different flavor this time," she said.
"Chao."
"What would you like, Mister Infinite?" she asked me.
I tucked my hands into my pockets as I eyed the menu. One flavor stood out to me, but not in the way one might expect from a menu item. 'Vanilla'. It made me feel sour and I took a step back from the cart.
"Surprise me," I said.
"Okay!" Cream beamed and turned back to the ice cream cart.
I rubbed at my chest as I sought out a bench not too far from the cart. A couple of the ducks followed after me, their expectant eyes fixed on my pockets. I removed my hands to let them know I had nothing, and they waddled off back towards their little duck camp. I settled into the bench and watched a swan lead its mate across the lake. A couple of smaller ones zipped past them, startling surfacing fish as they paddled into the bullrushes. It would have seemed peaceful if it weren't for the looming threat of Eggman on the horizon.
Mocha sat down beside me, lapping at an ice cream cone. My attention went to Cream as she handed me one of a matching pair. A swirl of pink amid white. She said nothing, climbing up beside me and motioning for Silver to sit down. Cheese fluttered into her lap with his own pot of chocolate ice cream, almost half his size. Four on a bench was rather cosy, but oddly I didn't seem to mind. I took a lick of the ice cream, finding the pink to be raspberry.
A couple of ducks quacked at our feet and Cream leant forward to smile at them.
"Maybe you can have my cone when I'm finished, okay?" she said.
"I don't know if that's the best idea," said Silver. "They sell duck food for a reason."
"But I feel so mean," said Cream. "They look hungry."
"Then you can get some duck food when you're finished," said Mocha.
That wasn't enough for the ducks. They waddled around our legs, while their friends settled on the grass, watching with a lot more patience than their bolder brethren. They clearly had no desire to give us any peace.
Once he'd finished his pot of ice cream, Cheese tossed it into the air to land in the wire trash can beside us. An ominous buzzing rose from it and Cheese paused mid-bite of her cone to glance towards it.
"I think you might have hit a little wasp, Cheese," she said. "He doesn't sound too happy."
Silver stiffened slightly and glanced towards the trash can.
"Scared of wasps?" I asked.
"Not so much if they keep their distance." He pushed himself up, still clutching his rapidly melting cone. "I'll… go and get something for the ducks."
"I'll come too!" said Cream.
She stuffed the remains of her cone in her mouth and rose to her feet. But her eyes went to the trash can as the elusive wasp rose up from it. But it wasn't the wasp she was concerned with. Her eyes sparkled with tears and she tore herself from it to chase after Silver.
I shifted to spot what it was that had distressed her. A folded up news paper sat in it, and through the mesh I could just make out the headline. 'More missing after Eggman hits Westopolis'.
I sighed and sat back in my seat, no longer wanting to finish my ice cream. I rubbed at those welts again, grimacing slightly, then leant across to drop the remains of the cone into the trash.
"Are you okay?" Mocha asked.
I settled back down and shrugged, keeping an eye on Cream as she followed after Silver. Each of them clutching a bag of duck food. The ducks clinging to our feet broke away to beg the pair for a snack. Those tears had vanished from Cream's face as she laughed at the mallards mobbing her. Cheese fluttered over her head, scattering what looked like tiny pebbles around the hungry ducks. It made me wonder if Cream hid behind a mask, or if she really was a lot stronger than she looked. If she was, then where did that strength come from? My eye went to Silver. Then I glanced Mocha beside me, a smile on her lips as she watched the little rabbit.
That's where it came from. It was exactly the same strength that had drawn me out of hiding.
I tore my attention away to stare at the lake, but I wasn't really seeing it. My mind was elsewhere, running over Sonic's plan. Shadow's words.
"I'm going to do it," I said.
Mocha looked down at me and licked ice cream from her claws. But the realisation was there on her face.
"Are you sure?" she asked. "You seemed pretty apprehensive."
I shrugged again, turning my attention back to Cream. Her laughter filled the air as one of the ducks took food from her open hand.
"I'm not doing it for me," I said quietly.
I closed my eyes and took in a trembling breath. Mocha's hand fastened over mine and I settled back into my seat, listening to the ducks bickering amongst themselves. Cream's voice as she playfully scolded them for being impatient. Yes, I was sure. It wasn't an easy decision, but somehow it felt like the right one.
Hopefully I was right, and it wouldn't turn out to be a raging disaster.
...
Review Replies:
Turquoise Triangle - I'm glad you enjoyed the backstory! =D Thank you.
PikasPuma - Thank you =D Sorry I made you cry before work! I've not read much fanfiction for Infinite, but desert settings seem to be a popular one.
Esi Sandre - Thank you so much! =D I know a lot of his squad didn't get much limelight, so I'm happy to hear that you think they were well characterized!
Anudiel - Thanks =D
Guest - Oh the Snark, of course! XD Thanks. I often pump my Tumblr in my Author's Notes, where you can find my artwork if you're not on the Sonic Amino. I'm 'Delirious Absol' on Tumblr, and my blog's name is Del's Mad World. I'm glad you liked the previous chapter. 'Check again'... hmm... I guess this current chapter echoed your thoughts there? ;) No worries about being late! Thanks for reading! =D
Thanks again, everyone. As always, please R&R! =D I read every review, and try to respond to all of them.
