Chapter 14
The Dance
Blaring, incessant lights tried to pierce through his dreams. His eyelids began to slowly rise, allowing the harsh luminescence of the buzzing bulbs to burn his retinas. Jet tried to sit up but he was too weak, his strength all but gone, and all he could do was roll over. The room was spinning, everything was blurry and his head was pounding harder than any morning that Jet had previously experienced, even after the grand party the footy team threw when they won the finals last year. Jet tried to move his arm but excruciating pain shot up it. He turned to look, flinching at the sight. His wrist was in tatters, thick stitches dotting a gruesome wound. Jet groaned at the sight.
"Are you alright?" he heard a small, shy voice ask. He glanced around the room and noticed the hazy silhouette of somebody sitting on a stool in the corner. As the figure began to come closer, the person phased into focus and Jet could just make out the distinctive rabbit.
"Cream… is that you?" he moaned, clutching his head. As his eyes began to adjust, he got a better look the bloody, bruised and blackened arm in front of him.
"Ahhh!" Jet screamed, rolling around frantically. In his panic, he lost his balance and completely fell off the bed, smashing on the hospital floor below.
"Oh my gosh, let me help you," Cream cried out, rushing over to him and helping him get back under the pure white bedsheets.
"Wh-what happened to my…" Jet stopped mid-sentence, the memory of the bathroom incident returning to him. Instantly, he buried his face in a pillow, shielding his shame from the outside world and, most importantly, Cream. The girl who showed him compassion when he needed it most. The girl who saw him at his absolute lowest and made sure to get him help. Get him… help. Get. Him. Help.
"Why am I in a hospital?" Jet exploded suddenly, causing Cream to cry out in a small shriek.
"What do you mean? You were bleeding profusely and needed help. I didn't know what else to do." Cream replied, taken slightly aback.
"You promised me that you wouldn't take me to the hospital!" Jet retorted.
"You needed help! What was I supposed to do?" Cream cried.
"Let me die."
"Never, ever say that again. Just… just don't," Cream snapped back angrily, tears blooming in her eyes. Jet watched her strange behaviour, surprised by her actions. Cream was clearly still traumatised.
"What… what day is it?"
"It's Friday. You've been out for two days," Cream informed. At that moment, Jet's mother burst into the room, screeching worries at the top of her voice in an exasperated voice.
"Oh, my little baby, I heard what happened! My poor baby, why didn't you tell mummy? I was so worried!" she wrapped her arms around Jet, squeezing tightly.
"Mum, you're hurting me," Jet squeaked, shooting daggers at Cream out of the corner of his eyes. He couldn't believe that Cream had told his parents about what he did to himself.
"I heard about how that mirror shattered and cut you up! I'm going to give the school a piece of my mind!" she yelled. Jet, confused, glanced at Cream.
"I lied," she mouthed.
"Excuse me miss but I'll need you to wait outside," a disgruntled doctor, Geoffrey, proclaimed as he entered the room. He had been alerted by the commotion. "No visitors allowed yet, I'm sorry."
"I'll be right outside," his mother cooed as she exited the room in a flutter.
"Now Mr… Hawk, was it? You are a very lucky man. Who knows what would have happened if Cream didn't save you," he smiled, pointing to the humble girl.
"Yeah, I'm glad she called you guys."
"Not only that. Have you not told him?" Geoffrey asked. Cream shook her head. Jet raised an eyebrow.
"I kinda did a little more than call the ambulance," Cream smiled awkwardly, lifting her arm to show a cotton ball taped to her arm, right on the other side of her elbow joint.
"Let me explain," Geoffrey continued when he realized that Jet struggled to understand her silent gesture. "You had lost a lot of blood and were not going to make it to the hospital. We decided to do a quick, minor blood transfusion on the ambulance to give you enough time to drive to the hospital before we could take more drastic measures."
"But that means," Jet's mouth fell open as he stared at Cream.
"Turns out we share the same blood type," Cream shrugged.
"She saved your life, son," Geoffrey affirmed. "Twice."
…
Knuckles sighed as he fell onto the bed, his black tie still wrapped around the coat hanger which held his black blazer. Knuckles began to put on his newly polished, jet-black shoes when he picked up his phone again.
He truly didn't want to go to the dance after he never received word from Rouge but after a previous conversation with Tikal, she convinced him to stay. He scrolled through the messages, reading them over in his head again.
Knuckles: Have a good night tonight
Tikal: Thanks, but why can't you just tell me that there?
Tikal: You promised me one dance, remember
Knuckles: Sorry Tikal but I'm not going tonight
Tikal: WHAT!? Why not?
Knuckles: I just don't feel like it
Tikal: This is about Rouge again, isn't it!
Knuckles: Sorry Tikal, I just don't feel like going
Tikal: Listen to your friend! Who cares about Rouge? If she can't see you for the amazing person you are then she is missing out. All your other friends will be there and want to see you. Sonic wants to see you. Tails wants to see you. I want to see you.
Knuckles: I just don't know
Tikal: I'm not going to let my best friend miss out on this night even if I have to drag you there myself
Knuckles: Best friend?
Tikal: Yeah, so are you going to let me down?
Knuckles: Well, I couldn't let my best friend down, could I?
Tikal: nope
Knuckles: Alright, see you tonight
Knuckles got to the end of the conversation and exhaled. He had felt so pumped up after that speech but his nerves and anxieties suffocated him again.
As he slogged over to retrieve his tie, he turned to face the mirror and began to prepare a Windsor knot, making himself look somewhat presentable. His hair had been neatly combed and completely rubbed thoroughly with conditioner and shampoo to make it positively shine. He took a step back, studying his reflection when the doorbell sounded.
"That better not be Tikal. I told her I was coming!" he grumbled, walking down the stairs to open the door.
"Is that really how you're going to look tonight? You're supposed to be my arm candy," a seductive, confident voice joked on the other side of the door.
"R-R-Rouge…" he stuttered.
"I knew I'd make you speechless. How do I look?" Rouge asked, presenting herself as she gave a bit of a twirl for Knuckles. Her body danced in the moonlight, highlighting each of her features. Her dancer's body, with curves and muscles, combined perfectly with her wafer-thin waist and hourglass figure. Her complexion had an impeccable hue to it, inviting drool to escape the corners of Knuckles mouth. Her nails, filed to perfection, had been coated with a mercury-red paint which had been glossed over to parallel her vermeil-red lipstick that she had on her lips. Her magnificent fragrance lingered in the doorway long after she had been invited into his home.
She donned an aqua-marine dress made of soft, silken fabric which fell long and loose. It lifted slightly as she spun, revealing her black stilettos. This was the first time Knuckles could remember that she wore anything that fell below her knees. She clearly came to impress. Her outfit was topped off with a shiny, golden bangle which concealed glittering gems and a mighty green emerald that reflected the moons rays on her wrist.
"You look amazing," Knuckles blabbered.
"Why thank you," she curtseyed sarcastically as she walked into his house. "Now, get your blazer or else we will be late.
"Does… Does this mean that you… that you…" Knuckles tried to form a coherent sentence but just the presence of the girl that he adored was enough to send his heart pumping into overdrive and his mind to spin circles.
Rouge smiled, waltzed up to him and planted a soft, passionate kiss on his lips. Her lips were soft to the touch, like the petals of a rose. Her teal eyes shimmered with contentment as she pulled back. Knuckles froze, warmth radiating from his mouth.
"Yes, Knuckles. I'll give you one last chance," she whispered into his ear. Knuckles nearly fainted for joy as he beamed her a giant, endearing smile which Rouge couldn't help but find incredibly adorable. He quickly nodded, turning to retrieve his blazer when he tripped on the staircase.
"Watch your step, Red, wouldn't want you to fall and ruin your suit" Rouge called.
"You're the only one I fall for," he quipped back as he pulled himself off the stair and exited out of sight. Rouge let out a withdrawn sigh, allowing her nerves a moment of peace. She smiled to herself, happiness welling inside of her.
…
"Just a few more pictures of my darling baby boy," Bernadette cooed, inciting another barrage of flashes to destroy Sonic's already hurt retinas.
"Mum, stop, that's enough," Sonic put a hand on the camera, lowering it down.
"Sorry, I just want to have some pictures of my only child. Is that too much to ask for?" Bernadette said, guilt tripping her son into posing for a few more photos.
"Gotta go, love ya mum," he gave her a quick hug before speeding out the door, away from his mother's photographic attacks.
"If only life was as easy as family," Sonic complained as he slowed to a walk and began to think to himself. His mind and heart were torn in two. He glanced to his left, imagining the image of a suited-up Tails walking beside him. The small, lovable boy held onto his hand, smiling warmly at Sonic, melting his heart.
"My little genius," he sighed to himself. He glanced to the right, seeing the image of a skulking, mysterious boy, staring deep into Sonic's soul. He felt his passion burn bright as the onlooker broke through his barriers to ignite a spark inside of his heart.
"My dark knight." Sonic knew he would have to make a choice. For the first time in his life, Sonic didn't run to the event, but rather walked at a begrudgingly slow pace, dreading the night he had in store and the choice that would approach him.
"Maybe they should just stay together," he thought aloud. Before he could dwell any further, a vibration piqued his interest.
Sally: Where are you? Amy and I are already here and I can see Blaze, Silver and Tails arriving now
Sonic read the text, stopping at Tails' name. He didn't want to disappoint his friends but this was one occasion that he wouldn't be able to arrive on time. He needed more time to think. He required more time. He quickly darted off the path and into the forest beside the school, wanting to be alone for the moment.
…
"Did he respond?" Tails called out to Sally as loud as he could, struggling to be heard over the blaring beats of the gigantic speakers that Vector had set up at the beginning of the night.
Sally shook her head, casting sorry eyes. Tails' nerves began to wrench control of his body from him. Tails felt something squeeze his hand and looked left to see Blaze grab his hand, smiling sullenly.
"Come on, let's dance," she laughed, pulling Tails onto the dancefloor as she shed her demeanour.
"Bring her back in one piece," Silver called out, chuckling to himself. He excused his presence from the two women and made his way over to the food tables, beginning to wolf down the appetizers.
"Care to dance?" Amy asked, extending her hand to Sally.
"I thought you would never ask," Sally responded happily, placing her hand in Amy's as the two made their way to the dancefloor, ignoring the judgemental glances of the others who had already arrived.
…
Knuckles had just reappeared at the top of the staircase, his black tuxedo fitting him tightly as he bore a fantastic smile that made Rouge smirk just looking at him.
"You clean up nice, Red. You should do it more often," she chuckled.
"Strange, I would have thought you would want to see me in less clothes, not more," he smirked.
"Maybe if you get lucky," she winked, blowing him a kiss that nearly made him stumble down the remaining few stairs. He couldn't believe that Rouge had shown up at his door. It seemed like, as soon as she said yes, they had returned to the playful banter which they lusted after so much. This was one of the few times that they felt completely content and comfortable with the other. Knuckles knew that tonight was the night. The night he would finally fully seal the deal with girl of his dreams like he so desperately wanted.
A sudden, intrusive knock on the door snapped him out of his daydream.
"You wanna answer that?" Knuckles asked, waving Rouge over to the door as he made his way over to join her. "It's probably Tikal and Espio."
"Why would they be here?" Rouge asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was going in the limo to the venue with them," he replied nonchalantly.
"Why was I not informed? Did you all just make the decision without me?" annoyance evident in her voice. Knuckles began to get frustrated, his hot-headed nature taking over. He didn't want to back down when he knew that he was in the right.
"I didn't even know you were coming over until five minutes ago! Maybe if you gave me some warning," Knuckles began to raise his voice stubbornly as Rouge opened the door.
"Look, if you guys need a moment I can come back later," A deep voice responded to the gradually ensuing argument.
"Shadow?" Knuckles questioned when he laid his eyes upon Shadow. He was dressed in a black blazer, couple with black dress pants that Knuckles could have sworn were just the same pants that he wore to school most days. For Shadow, out of anybody, it wasn't unusual to see him dress in black. However, Knuckles did notice some eye shadow applied around his eyes which made them pop and his quills were combed backwards.
"I guess we both invited people without telling the other," Rouge responded under her breath before giving Shadow a big hug and a quick peck on the cheek. "You look lovely, Hun. Trying to impress a certain boy tonight?" she winked.
Shadow coughed uncomfortably, his gaze shifting to the ground. Rouge, much to Knuckles' discomfort, cupped Shadow's face in her hands and lifted it so he was staring into her eyes.
"What's wrong, Hun?" her voice flooded with concern for her oldest and dearest friend. She felt slightly to blame, remembering how the two had begun to drift apart this semester.
"Well… we kind of… broke up the other day," he muttered, clearly saddened by the development.
"Oh, I'm sorry darling. But, we don't need him to have fun," she perked up, wrapping her arm around Knuckles and snuggling up to him for emphasize. "Because we can have so much fun as a group. Speaking of which…" she glanced over to the black limo that pulled up outside their house.
"Our rides here," Knuckles laughed, rushing over to Tikal and giving her a big hug, making sure that Rouge was watching. Espio, however, seemed surprisingly unfazed at the development.
"Hey Knuckles, long time no see," Espio laughed.
"A Limo? That seems a bit over the top, don't you think?" Shadow whispered to Rouge as the two walked over to join the others.
"I know, it's just my style," Rouge smiled as she dived into the back, marvelling at the exquisite interior. The sparkling lights, luscious seats and magnificent minibar had her jumping for joy.
"How did you afford this?" Knuckles asked Tikal after he stepped aside to let the others enter the limo. He closed the door behind him, mentioning to the driver that they were ready to depart.
"Actually, Espio paid for it all," she motioned towards Espio who grinned sheepishly at the others, rubbing the back of his neck.
"This was all you? Thanks a bunch," Rouge wriggled over to the dressed-up teenager and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a smooch on the cheek, leaving an outline of her lipstick. Both Knuckles and Tikal looked at each other, a silent groan emanating from the two.
"She better keep her hands to herself."
"She better keep her hands to me only."
Both teenagers grumbled to themselves at the same time. Shadow just sighed, watching the ride unfold in front of him. It was going to be a long ride.
…
Jet's thoughts swirled around in his mind, getting knocked all over the place. His common sense was lost in a tornado of confusion and the winds didn't seem like they were going to cease any time soon.
"Y-You gave up your blood to save me?" Jet asked again, not quite believing what Cream had eluded to.
"Of course, silly. Why wouldn't I help you when you're in need? Who knows what could have happened if we weren't the same blood type…" she shuddered at the thought.
Here is what Jet was looking for. The girl, a girl, who truly cared for him. Somebody who would sacrifice their own well-being to help his. All of high school he had been looking for somebody who he could share his mind, body, happiness, sadness and life with but he wasn't looking in the right places. He wasn't looking for a girl who was just using him for jealousy or an attractive one who didn't really like him like she suggested.
Jet, the fast, athletic, short tempered star of the football team found what he was looking for in none other than she small, academic, shy girl. However, the part of his brain that still reigned in control, destroyed these happy thoughts the moment they dared surface.
Jet knew she would never like him back. She only helped him because he needed it and even if she didn't, she would just end up hurting him, he thought. He'd just give himself to her, show her his vulnerability and she would strike it down just like all the others. Just like Amy, Sally, Sonic and… and her… Wave, he sighed.
That name again. That name that sent shivers down his spine at just the thought or mention. His first love. His only love. His true love. He couldn't save her. He couldn't keep her. He couldn't love her the way she needed loving and in turn, she didn't reciprocate the feelings. She left Jet, down, beaten and destroyed. Ever since that day, love had always been a painful black hole in Jet's life that sucked everything in.
"Jet? Are you okay?" The voice pierced through his inner monologue and he swivelled his head around to see Cream sitting next to him, looking up at him with such worry and concern. Could he really turn her away? Could he really say no to the one that saved him?
"I…" he began but the shadow that loomed over his brain took back control once more, silencing him.
"Jet? Please, you can talk to me," she begged, pressing further. He stared into her eyes, his heart rate speeding up, basically screaming at him to tell her how he felt about her. To let her in. To allow another girl into his heart and for his brain to trust that everything will be alright.
He dug his nails into the palm of his hand. The sharp pain was instantaneous, tethering him like an anchor to his thoughts, grounding his heart and causing his desires to be shoved into the ether within his mind.
"I'm fine," he finally said, turning over and shutting out Cream, and the world around him.
…
The black limo rolled into the parking lot outside the venue and the chauffer rushed over to open the door for the five teenagers inside.
"You ready?" Knuckles asked, extending his hand for Rouge to grab.
"I don't want to leave this luxurious limo," Rouge pouted playfully.
"C'mon, everybody is waiting," Knuckles pleaded, slightly annoyed.
"Alright," she huffed before placing her hand in his as he helped her out of the limo, followed closely by Espio who mirrored Knuckles gesture.
"Anybody gonna help me out?" Shadow mentioned sarcastically, slightly disheartened after having to watch the two couples the whole ride. The five teens all walked to the door where they were greeted by an unusually disgruntled smaller boy.
"Tickets?" Charmy asked, holding out his hand with a dead pan expression on his face, clearly hating his job.
"Hey, Charmy, what are you doing at the door?" Espio asked, placing two tickets in his hand. Charmy held them up to the light, inspecting them to make sure that they were not forgeries before pointing towards the door, allowing them entrance.
"Vector and I pulled a little prank and Eggman totally blew a fuse," Charmy chuckled to himself, remembering back to their exploits the other day.
"Oh man, I wish I was there. That sounds like so much fun," Espio laughed, raising his hand to high five his friend.
"Yeah, we wish you were there too," Charmy muttered, ignoring the gesture.
"What?" Espio questioned.
"Just go inside and have fun with your girl." Tikal glanced worriedly at Espio.
"Just go with the others, I'll deal with this. I'll catch up with you inside," he whispered. Tikal nodded and entered behind Knuckles, Rouge and Shadow. As soon as Tikal had gone inside, Espio whipped his head around to face his friend and immediately began berating him.
"What was that for? That isn't how friends are supposed to treat each other," Espio raised his voice.
"Yeah well are we even your friends anymore? We used to be an undefeatable trio but suddenly you ran off and ditched Vector and I!" Charmy retaliated.
"I would have done the prank, but I just didn't know," Espio complained.
"You would have known if you ever hung out with us anymore. We tried to call you to invite you to join the prank with us, but you just sent us to voicemail and never replied!" Charmy began to get worked up.
"I've just been busy."
"Too busy to respond for two weeks straight?"
"I'm sorry but I was busy dealing with Tikal," Espio admitted.
"How am I not surprised? It's always her. Ever since your secret got ousted by Fiona, which, might I add, Vector and I knew about, you've changed," Charmy sighed.
"So, this is what it's all about then. You're just jealous of Tikal!" Espio yelled.
"Bullshit! This was never about her; this was about you. The second you found a girl who you kept for more than a night, you completely blocked us out of your life! What happened to all for one and one for all?" Charmy snapped, tears beginning to well in his eyes. "What happened to me being your little brother?"
"You'll always be my little brother, but I really like this girl."
"Doesn't mean you can just completely ignore us. What, if you have a girl we can't ever hang out together?"
"You'll understand when you're older."
"I'm only eight months younger than you!"
"Charmy it's just, ugh… I don't need to deal with this crap right now. Tikal is waiting for me inside," Espio turned his head and began to walk away.
"Of course, Tikal. If you leave now… then I won't be here when you get back," Charmy called out to his oldest friend.
"I…I need to be with her tonight, Charmy, she's my date," Espio concluded before he shut the door behind him, leaving him alone, sad and distressed. Charmy pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Vector before he rubbed his eyes.
Charmy: He's ditched us for good. Looks like we only have each other now
…
Knuckles and Rouge had immediately hit the dancefloor as soon as they entered the hall. Despite some threatening glances, Knuckles' actions didn't deter some of the boys in the room from ogling Rouge, undressing her with their eyes. It wasn't unusual for Rouge to turn some heads, but Knuckles couldn't remember when it had become this bad. He decided that there wasn't much he could do, for the time being, and danced with her in the spotlight to show that she was his for the night.
"Don't be scared. I know you can do it," Sally reassured as Amy began hyperventilating, watching them dance.
"But what if they don't forgive me?" Amy bit her bottom lip.
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad," Sally rubbed Amy's back, trying to help her feel better and more confident.
"But I helped break them up… more than once," Amy admitted. Sally's eyes widened slightly but tried to mask her surprise.
"Just breathe, you can do it."
"Thanks Sally," Amy smiled. "I have so much to thank you for. I got a little crazy after Sonic left and seeing all my friends get their hearts broken too, I kind of did some horrible things. I was only trying to help but in doing so, I ruined the lives of others. I don't expect any forgiveness, but you showed me that apologizing is important and trying to make amends is the only way to fix my mistakes," Amy admitted.
"Any day, Amy," Sally beamed a radiant smile in return.
"No, you don't understand. You changed me. Your friendship and your… well… you have helped me see a better way to go about life. If it wasn't for you… I doubt I'd have any friends left. Thank you," Amy gave Sally a hug.
"Good luck," Sally waved as Amy left.
"Hey guys, can we talk?" Amy asked when she reached them.
"What do you want?" Rouge snapped immediately, ceasing her dancing. Amy took a step back in defence, turning her head to gaze at Sally for moral support. Upon seeing Sally's hopeful smile, she was filled with determination.
"I just wanted to apologize for everything that I did to you two this year-"
"You mean how you tried to break us up for Tikal, even when Tikal didn't even ask you to?" Knuckles joined in angrily.
"Well, yes, and the other time, too."
"Other time?" Both teenagers yelled in unison, narrowing their eyes at the now flustered teenager.
"Y-Yeah, I'm so, so, so sorry," Amy apologized over and over but neither of them seemed to budge.
"Do you really think we can forgive you for all the pain you caused us?" Knuckles asked, raising his arms above his head for emphasis.
"Do us both a favour and scram, princess," Rouge spat angrily.
"But… But I'm sor-"
"But nothing. Get out of here and go ruin somebody else's life," Rouge spat bitterly. Amy dropped her head and slumped away.
"I can't believe her," Knuckles shook his head.
"Anyway, where were we?" Rouge winked, wrapping her arm around Knuckles' waist as she let herself fall backwards. Knuckles shot out his hand, catching her and dipping her slowly and majestically.
"It's okay, just give them time," Sally soothed as Amy collapsed into the seat beside her. "Just give them time."
…
Blaze rubbed her hands evilly, relishing in the moment. She tried to contain her excitement as she skulked her way over to the far end of the room where the ballot box was waiting and stood in the line of people.
"You got the stuff?" she whispered to Silver.
"Yeah, but are you sure you want to go through with this?" Silver asked, concern in his voice.
"Of course, that bitch deserves everything coming her way," Blaze confirmed.
"But embarrassing her in front of the whole school and getting her detention whilst also putting her on the dance clean up committee seems a bit harsh, don't you think?" Silver reminded her, worried that the Blaze he knew wouldn't normally act this way. She always tried to take the moral high ground. Always tried to find peaceful solutions. This wasn't the girl he knew.
"Karma, Silver. Karma," Blaze cackled like Fiona.
"Blaze, this isn't you and you know it. The Blaze I knew wouldn't do all this. Karma is the philosophy that good things will come to good people and bad things will occur to bad people. You stepping in to interfere and mess with the universes' plan isn't karma at all," Silver tried to reason.
"That bitch made us break up, tormented Sally and Cream, got Sonic addicted to drugs and that's barely scratching the surface! How can you let her get away with that?" Blaze was doing everything she could to stop herself from yelling at the top of her lungs.
"But Blaze…"
"But nothing. Now keep a look out so I can stash these in the box," she commanded.
"Blaze, don't do this. You're only giving yourself bad karma," Silver pleaded. Blaze looked down at her hand, filled to the brim with cards that had Fiona's name written on them. She glanced up at Silver who had is back to her, making sure nobody could see what she was doing.
Blaze's eyes fell slightly. Despite what he thought, Silver still stayed with her. Still helped her. He was always there for her, and she knew he always would be. Could she really do this? Blaze was about to tear up the cards, ceasing her plan when suddenly, something ran through her brain. Blaze recalled how Fiona made Sally and Cream so miserable. How she made Espio and Amy and Tails and Shadow and Sonic so miserable. How she made Silver so miserable… Blaze narrowed her eyes and in one swift motion shoved the cards inside. Silver noticed out of the corner of his eyes and lowered his head.
"Let's go," she whispered as the two left.
"Hey Blaze, look how sad Tails seems," Silver frowned, looking over to the small boy who was sitting on his own. Blaze followed his field of vision across the room and realized that he was staring at Shadow, who was pouring himself a glass of punch.
"Poor Tails. I feel so bad for what he has gone through."
"Maybe we should go cheer him up?" Silver suggested. Blaze nodded, giving Silver a kiss on the cheek before walking over to the disheartened teenager. "Don't have too much fun without me."
…
An eerie silence fell upon the room, casting its two occupants into a saddened state. Jet's thoughts continued to plague him, treating his heart like a ragdoll. Every time he thought of an excuse to let Cream in, his brain retaliated with hundreds of reasons to keep her blocked out.
"…Jet?"
Jet's eyes widened upon hearing the shy, squeaky voice. His whole body tensed, but he refused to move even a single muscle. His ears strained, trying to hear any hint of malice. He was half expecting Cream to begin berating him, just like all the others had, but his ears picked up something different. He could hear the raspy, infrequent breathing of a girl who was obviously quite anxious as she spoke.
"Jet?" the voice came again. Jet tried to block out her questions. He tried his hardest to keep himself shielded from the girl, from the pain that he knew she would cause him if he let his guard down. However, he could feel her piercing gaze trained on him. He willed with all his might that she would leave him alone.
That was when Cream finally took a chance, mustering up all her courage, and placed a hand on his shoulder. She could feel Jet's muscles tighten and she could imagine the jolt that she had sent up his back.
"Jet, I just wanted to say that-" Cream began but was cut off by Jet's cold, distant voice.
"Cream, I'm sorry, but can you please leave. I would like to be left alone." Cream felt like her heart had just sunk deep into her stomach, taking with it the light that always illuminated her soul.
"Okay… if that is what you want," she sighed, relinquishing her grip as she turned to exit the room. Jet closed his eyes, allowing a single tear to escape his closed lids as he stayed silent while Cream walked towards the door. Just as Cream twisted the doorknob, opening the door into the cold, desolate hall, she turned around to say one final thing.
"I'll text the others to let them know that you are okay. We wouldn't want anybody to worry." Those final, caring words shook Jet to his core. Even after sending her away. Even after closing himself off to her, she still cares about him, about his wellbeing.
"Cream… wait," Jet finally spoke up, turning around to meet her gaze.
"Yeah?"
"I'm really sorry that I ruined the dance for you," he admitted.
"Don't be silly, Jet, I'm just happy that you are okay. That matters more to me than a silly dance. Besides, I didn't even have anybody to go with," she blushed slightly, closing the door and taking a few tentative steps back over towards him.
"I would have gone with you if you had asked," Jet smiled up at her as she closed the distance between the two. "But really, I didn't want any of this to happen to you… like, at all. Can you forgive me?"
"Of course, I forgive you, Jet. Besides… I'd much rather be here… with you… than at some stupid dance." Her timid stare finally met his gaze, their eyes locking like magnets. Neither one dared to look away.
…
"Maybe we should go cheer him up?"
Silver watched as Blaze took him by the hand, much to his protest, and dragged him onto the dancefloor. Silver chuckled to himself, watching them, but he couldn't help but worry about his girlfriend. This Fiona business had really gone to her head and he worried about how far she would be willing to go just to get some revenge. However, before he had time to dwell on these thoughts, he felt somebody stumble into his back.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Tikal mumbled apologetically.
"No Tikal, it was my fault I…" Silver began. He trailed off, his voice growing dark as he saw the person standing beside her. "Oh, it's you."
"Oh, hey Silver, how's it hanging?" Espio asked casually.
"Fuck off," Silver spat.
"What was that for? What did he ever do to you?" Tikal asked, standing up for him. Espio suddenly felt his heart skip a beat as he realized that he never actually apologized to Silver or Blaze.
"This creep ruined my life," he hissed, shooting daggers at Espio.
"He is a changed man! You would know that if you gave him a chance to explain himself and showed you that he truly is sorry," she continued to argue in Espio's defence. She nudged him with her elbow, signalling to him that this was his time to apologize fully.
"Look Silver, I'm really sorry for everything that I did to the two of you. I truly didn't mean you any harm when I took those pictures and I know what I did was deplorable but I hope that, with time, we can eventually move past this," he held his head sombrely. "I just… I was on the street, dude, and I needed help."
"You really think that's what I care about?" Silver asked, astonished at the idiotic expression that both Tikal and Espio shared. They glanced back at him, both donning perplexed looks.
"I couldn't take you in. Mum can barely supply for me, let alone for herself and you."
"Silver, I-"
"Amy came up to talk to us and apologized." Espio froze. "That's right. After we found out what she… and what you… did to us, to me, to Blaze!" Espio's eyes widened as he remembered the horrific thing that he convinced Amy to do when he was kicked out of home.
"Oh my Chaos, I am so, so, so sorry about that, Silver. I know that is unforgivable. I don't blame you if you hate me."
"No shit I fucking hate you!" Silver exploded, causing a few heads of the surrounding guests to turn. Vector, witnessing the ensuing confrontation between the two, decided to crank up the music to drown out their noise. There was no way he was going to step in and help Espio after the way he had treated them.
"That's no way to talk to him," Tikal snapped.
"You really don't know what he did, do you?" Silver asked cynically.
"I'm sure what he did doesn't deserve this kind of treatment."
"Oh yeah? Did you know he and Amy tricked my girlfriend into thinking she was pregnant, faking tests and shit like that just to make her break up with me." Tikal's eyes widened at this admission, turning to face Espio. "Can you even begin to imagine how that affected her? Then when she told me, I got excited. I was going to be a father. But no, he dashed our happiness! I'll never forgive him, or Amy," Silver finished. Before either could think of a response, Silver turned and stormed off, marching outside to get some fresh air outside to calm himself down.
They stood in complete silence for a few moments until Tikal began to visibly shake in anger. She clenched her fists, trying to process what Silver had just eluded to.
"Tikal… listen… I can explain," Espio started.
"You are a fucking jerk! How could you do something so… so… so horrible," she yelled, feeling dirty for even defending him, let alone agreeing to be his date.
"I've changed. I'm a different man since then. Honestly. I was sad, alone and angry. You changed me, Tikal," Espio urged. He placed a hand on her shoulder, but she instantly flinched, recoiling.
"Don't touch me. I can't believe I let you trick me into thinking you were decent. Some things you can change, but somebody would have to be pretty twisted to ever do something that heinous."
"Tikal, please," Espio begged. "I have changed!"
"Goodbye, Espio. This date is over," she whispered before turning and rushing out of the hall, trying to get as far away from him as she possibly could. She felt horrible. She felt like she had betrayed not only Silver and Blaze, but herself as well.
"I win," Abyss remarked as she took a sip of punch, watching the fight unfold. "Less than a week."
"Like, damnit, here, take the damn money," Honey sulked as she pulled out a tenner and handed it to the gloating girl.
"He'll never change."
…
Eggman took the stage as Vector cut the music. A hush fell over the entire dance as he cleared his throat into the microphone.
"Hello everyone, and welcome to the annual school formal," he bellowed as the crowd began clapping. "Now I hope you have all been having a good time. Well, here is the moment you have all been waiting for. It is time to crown the king and queen of the formal," he concluded. Sonic slithered into the room, using the veil of everybody's fixation to slip into the crowd unnoticed. He still hadn't decided what he wanted to do, but knew he couldn't stall any longer.
A thin, nervous tenrec with glasses fixed to her nose rushed up to the stage. Gold handed him a piece of paper before disappearing back into the crowd of anxious onlookers. He began to read the first name aloud.
"Alright, and king of this year's formal is… Sonic the Hedgehog." Thunderous applause echoed through the cramped hall as a spotlight fell on Sonic. He froze, still and rigid, his eyes darting for any way to escape. All eyes were looking at him. Sonic swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew this was one thing he couldn't run away from.
"Get up there," Knuckles hissed as he elbowed Sonic in the back. Sonic stumbled forward as he cautiously made his way to the stage. Eggman placed the crown on Sonic's messy head handed him the microphone, clapping lightly as he stepped aside to let Sonic make the traditional king's speech. His mouth went dry, another wave of nausea hitting him. Sonic wanted to vomit, to escape into the night and be alone but all pairs of eyes were fixed on him. He wished he had some more Heroin. Just one small dose just to help him through the night.
"Sonic?" Principal Eggman asked. Sonic licked his lips and opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Whispers drifted through the crowd. "Ahem," Eggman coughed as he took the microphone back and tried to gather everybody's attention again. Sonic looked down to the floor
"Anyway, it is time to announce formal queen," he smiled, bringing the paper back up to his face. Blaze looked over to Fiona, grinning evilly. Silver frowned as he saw her devilish smile.
"By a landslide, the winner is… Fiona Fox!" he clapped as Fiona rushed onto the stage and snatched the tiara off him, fastening it to her head.
"Speech! Speech!" Blaze called out from the crowd, revelling in the moment as she played to Fiona's hubris. She couldn't wait to oust the vixen in front of everybody and show her just how badly it feels to have the whole school laugh at you. Detention would just be a bonus.
"Oh, well, if you insist," Fiona chuckled, grabbing the microphone off the principal and raising it to her mouth. "Thank you so much for voting me. I can't even begin to tell you how humbled I am to receive this." Blaze was taken completely aback, surprised by the genuine thanks that Fiona was giving to the crowd.
"I know I have treated some of you badly, but the fact that you still voted me formal queen goes to show just how special each and every one of you are. Thanks a bunch, I love you all," she winked before handing the mic back to Eggman.
Blaze stood there, the gears in her mind turning at immeasurable speeds. She turned to Silver, who gave her a compassionate gaze, basically begging her not to go through with it with his eyes. She couldn't believe how sincere and humble Fiona's speech was.
Blaze realized there might still be a shred of niceness left in Fiona. Blaze smiled and shook her head. Silver wrapped his arms around her and gave her a great, big hug. Blaze broke free and rushed over to Fiona as she stepped off the stage.
"Congratulations on the win, Fiona," Blaze held out her hand. Fiona glared at her before swiping the Blaze's hand away with a scoff.
"Nice try, dweeb, but I saw you stash the extra votes in my locker. Trying to frame me? I didn't know you had it in you Blaze," she taunted. Blaze began to visibly shake with anger again. "I'm actually kind of impressed."
"You…"
"It was a good attempt, trust me, but know that I'm always one step ahead of you," Fiona gloated before she bent over to whisper in her ear. "Just know one thing. I am the queen and I always win. Never cross me again, or else." With that, she marched off laughing, adjusting her tiara.
"Don't worry. Karma will get her," Silver smiled, sliding his hand into hers.
"Well… that's all from me. Vector, if you wou-" Eggman concluded his speech when Sonic ripped the microphone away from him.
"Wait," he bellowed, taking Vector off guard, ceasing the music that was about to begin blaring again. All eyes in the audience turned to him again.
"H-Hey everybody," Sonic continued nervously, his usual cockiness and confidence failing him as he stared at the crowd. "Speeches are better late than never, ey?" Sonic joked awkwardly, sweat beginning to bead on his head. He didn't know what he was doing or why he forced himself to talk but he knew he had to.
"Get on with it, Hedgehog!" Fiona yelled. Sonic gulped, feeling the intense stares of his audience bare their way into his soul, tearing him apart. Tails and Shadow stared up at him, heart's pounding.
Dread attacked Sonic. He couldn't do this. He knew they would destroy him, laugh at him, mock him! It wasn't worth it. He'd be a loser, an outcast. Nobody would want to hang out with him anymore if he spoke, his thoughts decided. Suddenly, as he scanned the crowd, his eyes settled on a certain individual and his heart fluttered. In that instant he gained a new sense of confidence. He knew that if he ever wanted to be happy, he would have to do this.
"I have something I need to tell all of you. I haven't been truthful. To you or to myself. I have made sure that all of you thought that I hadn't found another lover after Amy and I broke up at the start of the year, but that wasn't true," he continued, breathing deeply as the rest of the crowd hung on his every word.
"You see, there is somebody, in this very room, that I have fallen for," Sonic continued theatrically. A bunch of gasps flew through the crowd as some of the girl felt their heart's skip a couple beats whilst the others walked closer to the stage, hoping that they were the object of his affections.
"And I have been unfair to them, for so long. It is time that I come clean, to everyone, and I don't care what anybody thinks. He makes me happy and that's all I care about… Miles Prower… I love you!" he shouted as he jumped off the stage, rushed over to Tails and wrapped his arms around the boy's back, planting a long, passionate kiss on his lips.
A hush descended upon the crowd, following a multitude of horrified gasps and a bunch of whining girls. Sonic tuned all of them out. All he focused on was the taste of Tails' lips on his and the sound of the boys increased heartbeat.
"S-Sonic?" Tails gasped when Sonic finally retreated from the kiss. "What about your reputation?"
"Who cares about that? I would rather be with you than be popular. It's just high school, I think I can survive one final semester without being the centre of everybody's attention, especially with you," he grinned. Tails couldn't help but smile back.
"You're right. We can survive one more semester together. Mobius Academy will still be there for me after we graduate."
…
Shadow watched the two share an embrace, his eyes slowly moving to stare at his shoes. He let out a deep, saddened sigh as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone.
Shadow: I'm in.
Commander: Good choice. We will be by your location presently
Commander: Nice to have you on the team, Agent Shadow
Shadow put his phone back in his dress pants and sneakily slipped out of the hall through the back door while everybody was focused on the two boys. However, he wasn't quick enough and captured the attention of somebody out of the corner of their eye.
Shadow pushed through the doors, allowing the cool evening breeze to whip at his face as he skulked through the school. He stood, glancing up at the magnificent full moon lending its brightness to the barren parking lot underneath it. He unbuttoned his blazer as powerful gusts to billow throughout him. He glanced up, hearing the gradually increasing tones of blades slicing through the air.
Shadow covered his face with his arm, blocking out the dust that begun to be picked up by the gale and sting his face. A lone, rope ladder fell from the opening door in the helicopter that hovered over top of the cemented area.
Shadow wrapped his arm around one of the rungs and was about to pull down on it with his other, signalling that he was ready to be whisked away when the shouts of somebody stopped him.
"Shadow, wait!" a flustered voice pierced through the night. He looked towards the door as Rouge pushed it open, running into the middle of the yard.
Once she reached him, she grabbed onto his arm before trying to catch her breath. "Don't ever try to run in heels," Rouge smirked, but the blank expression he showed wiped it immediately off her face.
"What do you want, Rouge?"
"I saw what happened in there," she admitted. "Just because they have each other doesn't mean you have to leave. You still have friends who love you, Shadow," Rouge urged.
"I know," he admitted. "But this is something I have to do. There is nothing keeping me here anymore," Shadow stared back at the closed door that led into the hall where he knew the two people that he had loved were still happy together.
"I'm still here, do I not count?" Rouge shouted, tears streaming down her face, causing her mascara to leave ugly ink stains on her cheeks. Shadow frowned. He wasn't used to Rouge seeming so… vulnerable.
"Rouge, please, don't cry. I can't bear to see you like this," Shadow said in a plain tone.
"You're my best friend. I can't lose you, not right before the most stressful year of my life," Rouge began to break down.
"Rouge… look at me," Shadow said, placing his thumb on her chin and raising her head. "This isn't you. You're strong, confident, and sexy. You don't cry, you don't let anything get to you. You take this world by its horns and show it who's boss. You don't need me. You'll make it! I believe in you," he allowed a smile to cross his face, but it was clearly just masking the pain that he felt in his heart.
"But… I can't be like that without you. I need you, Shadow. I need my best friend. Please don't go," she begged, for the first time in her life.
"I'm sorry, Rouge. This might be exactly what I need. It could help me answer questions I've had my whole life."
"But what about me?"
"You will always be my best friend, Rouge. This might be goodbye, but it isn't farewell." With that, Shadow pulled down on the rope and was whisked off into the darkness by the helicopter.
"Rouge, you out here?" she heard a familiar, masculine voice call. Rouge didn't need to look to know it was Knuckles bounding towards her. "Jet is awake! He's okay! We are all going to go see him at the hospital. Are you co-oh my chaos, what's wrong?" Knuckles changed his tone midway through upon seeing her mascara stained cheeks.
"Shadow… he's gone," she sniffed, looking back at the spot where he once was. Knuckles snaked his arms around her and held her tight, trying to console her.
"It'll be okay, Rouge. Everything will be okay! Everybody is waiting for us; would you like to come with us to the hospital? Your friends would all love to see you," he offered.
"No thanks, I'd just like to be left alone right now," she concluded, faking a smile as Knuckles nodded.
"I'll tell them we aren't going. I'll be just inside if you need me. I'm not going anywhere," Knuckles sighed, placing a consoling hand on her shoulder before he slunk back inside.
Rouge walked over to a nearby car and jumped onto its bonnet, taking a seat. She hugged her knees close to her chest as she looked out into the empty air, thinking back to the amazing four years she had spent with Shadow as tears stained her cheeks.
…
"He's…gay!?" Cortez screeched.
"But… he was supposed to love me!" Lyco yelled.
"And I thought he was cool. What a faggot!" Storm bellowed.
"That actually, like, explains why my advances didn't work," Honey added unhelpfully. Sonic opened his eyes, breaking his hug to glance around, watching the whole school slowly turn on him.
"Hey guys… c'mon… it's still me, nothing's changed," Sonic laughed anxiously with that goofy grin which would usually make the ladies swoon.
"You mean you used to be," Storm mocked, pushing through the crowd. Amy and Sally watched from the sidelines, rage building inside of them. Amy, after the initial shock of Sonic's kiss with Tails passing over her, suddenly realized in her heart the truth. That maybe, like Sonic, she could learn to love somebody new, too. Maybe it could work with Sally, if she gave it a try. After watching Sonic's selfless display of affection, Amy clenched her fists and marched through the crowd.
"Who cares who Sonic loves? Just because it's not you doesn't mean Sonic isn't still cool," she challenged the crowd.
"Yeah… but this is Tails we're talking about," Storm confronted Amy.
"What's wrong with Tails," Knuckles squared up to Storm, staring him down. "You got something against one of my best friends?"
"N-no… it's just, y'know… Tails is a guy," Storm retreated slightly. "So is Sonic."
"So what if he likes both genders?" Sally yelled, turning all heads into the auditorium towards her. "I know I'm new to this school, but I can't believe what I have seen. First Espio, now Sonic and Tails. Who cares who people like? Why should it matter to you in any way since it doesn't affect you in the slightest?" she stared down the crowd, glaring angrily at them all.
"Yeah," Blaze, Silver and Tikal agreed in unison, joining their friends.
"I guess you're right… but still…" Lyco admitted. Suddenly, before their argument could get any more heated, Vector pressed a button at his station and the speakers began bouncing, blaring beats as loud as they could possibly go.
"Argue later and dance now, while the night's still young!" Vector bellowed, pulling his headphones back over his ears and mixing the tracks. One by one, the crowd dispersed, forgetting about the confrontation, and began dancing to the music, enjoying their school formal. Sonic flashed him a thankful smile. Vector nodded.
"I told you they wouldn't care," Tails giggled.
"Watch your mouth, buddy," Sonic laughed, pulling Tails in for another quick hug until they were interrupted by a cough.
"You're welcome," Amy barked, placing her hands on her hips.
"Ames… I guess I was wrong about you. Thank you so much for standing up for me… for Tails… for us," he thanked Amy with all the sincerity he could possibly muster, even addressing her by the pet name he used to use for her. "You really have changed."
"I just want to say that I'm sorry for everything that I did to you two throughout the year. I got a little carried away back there," she laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. However, when she went to place her hand on her neck, she felt somebody's arm snake its way around her, resting on the back of her shoulders. A small smile crossed her face when she looked up to see Sally next to her.
"We forgive you Amy," Tails replied happily.
"So, does this mean we might be able to do a double date or two in the future?" Sally joked. Sonic and Tails nodded enthusiastically.
"Date? Whoa, let's not get carried away," Amy said. Sonic and Sally exchanged a knowing glance before busting into laughter.
"Well, there's only one thing left to do. Let's dance!" Sonic shouted, jumping up and pumping his fist in the air. Before any of them could make it to the dancefloor, Tails felt a vibration in his pocket and pulled out his phone to see a message from Cream.
"Guys wait! It's about Jet… he's awake," Tails said in earnest. "He's not in the best shape."
"We need to go see him," Sally decided. The group all shared nods before they ran over and grabbed the rest of the gang but Espio had already left.
"Tikal, it's Jet, we need to go," Blaze urged as Sonic led the group out through the front door.
"Sorry… I just can't right now. I'll visit him tomorrow," Tikal sighed.
"I'll go grab Rouge and Shadow. I'll catch with you guys," Knuckles called as he ran over to the back door and exited the hall.
…
Sonic, Tails, Silver, Blaze, Sally and Amy all got out of the oversized taxi and sprinted into the hospital, passing by the sliding doors as they all filed into the elevator and ascended to the top floor. They rushed out of the elevator and busted through the door, spilling out into Jet's hospital room.
"Ahem… are we interrupting something?" Sonic smirked.
"We can come back later if you want," Sally giggled. There, in front of them was Cream, leaning over Jet's bed with her lips firmly pressed against his. As soon as their friends broke into their room, Cream quickly shot up from the bed, backing up a couple meters from him.
"N-no, we were just…" Cream fumbled over her words, trying to make up a coherent excuse.
"It's okay Cream, we are happy he is awake too," Blaze confirmed snidely.
"Maybe not quite as happy as you," Amy quipped but was silenced by a strategically placed jab in the ribs.
"I'm so glad you guys could make it. Thanks for coming to see me," Jet smiled, something which they hadn't seen him do in quite some time.
"Wait… so are we not going to talk about what just happened? Was I the only one who saw them kiss?" Silver asked obliviously. Instead of a response, the rest of them just burst out into laughter, causing Silver's cheeks to turn a crimson colour.
"I love you, honey," Blaze giggled, kissing him on the cheek.
"I'm really sorry I ruined your big night guys," Jet lowered his head.
"It's okay," Sally confirmed. "It was a… surprisingly good night," she glanced from Amy to Tails to Sonic who all nodded in agreement, showing that she truly did speak for all of them.
"Besides… we still have another whole semester with each other," Sonic added at the end. "And if this year was any indication, I'm sure the next one will be just as…. dramatic… as the last," Sonic laughed.
A/N: Thank you all so much for reading Sonic High. I hope you enjoyed the escapades of Sonic, Tails, Shadow, Silver, Espio, Jet, Knuckles, Blaze, Rouge, Amy, Cream, Tikal, Sally and Fiona. Please don't forget to leave a review to tell me what you thought of the story. Who was your favourite and least favourite character? What was your favourite or least favourite plot? Which relationships worked and which just didn't? The sequel, Sonic High: Emerald Lake is already over half way completed. It will consist of 65 chapers, and extra 14 main characters Manic, Mighty, Ray, Spike, Mephiles, Scourge, Eclipse, Clove, Breezie, Mina, Sonia, Julie-Su, Wave and Cosmo will join the main cast. This number, as of writing this where 40 chapters have been published, has increased to 19 main characters with two new teenagers and a trio of main adult characters, Razor, Gold and Zonic. Two more main characters will soon be introduced. It is much darker, more plot heavy and more complicated so if you enjoyed this, you will enjoy the more complexities of the sequel. Much more drama, relationships, heartache and horrible parents and situations including suicide, pregnancy, self-harm, abuse both sexually and physically, arson, terrorism and abortion just to name a few. Please check it out if you want more of Sonic High and thanks for reading!