Chapter 54
Don't Mess with a Murderer
Just by walking in the room he zapped it of colour, dragging Razor's sprightly office into a monochromatic world. Behind black-rimmed spectacles lay pale light-blue eyes that had been leached of happiness and hope, replaced by shades of cruelty and dissonance.
"What can I do for you today, Amadeus?" Razor put on a façade of nicety as he presented the gruff, grey-suited man a seat.
"I'll get straight to the point," Amadeus said with muted cynicism. "I've come to tell you to close the school."
"Why would I do that?" Razor challenged as he puffed out his chest. He'd heard rumours of Amadeus Prower and seen how cruel and calculating the man could be first hand. He wouldn't show weakness. Razor planned to stand tall and contest the combative figure.
"Because, if you don't, I'll continue with my case against the school for negligence and shut it down by force."
"Why would you do this? We're a school. I'm trying to educate children."
"You're killing children," Amadeus interrupted forcefully. "You're completely inept to run a school, and the culture that you've allowed to manifest here has taken it's toll on the students. Death, bullying, suicide attempts – you've had it all."
"And through each setback we've put measures in place to protect our students. Their wellbeing is our number one priority," Razor replied in an almost rehearsed tone.
"Tell that to my dead son," Amadeus shouted. "I'm just here as a courtesy call; to let you bow down with dignity. I'd hate to see your good name get dragged through the mud."
"I won't back down," Razor answered respectfully. "But if you're serious, why not sue me. Don't take the school with you."
"That's very noble of you, Razor, but this isn't about you. It's about everybody – the faculty, the students, the culture that's manifested in this very campus. It all led to the way my son chose to live his life and the decisions he made," Amadeus hid a shudder. "And, in the end, it led to his death. I won't rest until this place is shut down."
"Then I won't rest until your crusade fails."
"Fair enough," Amadeus rose. "But, might I add, I have Claire Fox representing me." Razor froze. His demeaner crumpled like a balloon with a leak as his tone quickly shifted to desperate, unprofessional pleas. He knew she'd never lost a case in her impressive career.
"Please, Razor, that behaviour is unbecoming of a principal. I'll have Claire send over the formal documents later. I suggest you find a suitable lawyer. The trial is in November," Amadeus concluded as he closed the door and left Razor to stew in his office. Razor took to his phone immediately and dialed.
"Rob O', it's me, I need a favour…"
…
It had been weeks since I'd opened up to Fiona in that arcade and things for the most part things had been the same; except with Bean. I took her advice and avoided him for about two weeks by last Monday I had tried to talk to him. I missed him dearly and although I had Fiona for company it wasn't the same. I needed my best friend back.
Three times last week I tried to talk to him and figure everything out but he avoided me and treated me weirdly when I finally got ahold of him. Eventually it was Tekno that had come up to me and delivered some devastating news.
"What your doing isn't cool. I know you and Bean were best friends and I really wanted us to be able to get along but I guess you don't want that, clearly," Tekno had berated me.
"What are you talking about?"
"Cut the crap, Espio. I get you might like him but all the other shit isn't cool. Bean can't even face you right now. I think it'd be best for both of you if you just didn't try to talk to Bean for a while. He needs time to figure things out," she had said before storming off. I didn't understand what was going on but to say I was distraught would be an understatement. I rushed straight to Fiona.
"Chaos, what the hell's wrong with you," Fiona chastised when she saw my tear-stained face rush up to her. I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away to the little park beside our school. I didn't want anybody to see or hear our conversation.
"Did you do it?" I asked.
"You're going to need to be way more specific. I do a lot of things," Fiona said.
"Did you tell Bean that I thought I was in love with him?"
"Oh…" Fiona trailed off and looked down at her shoes. I knew she was guilty.
"I can't believe you! You promised me you wouldn't!"
"I'm sorry, okay," Fiona exploded with guilt. "I didn't mean to it just slipped out."
"How did it just slip out?"
"Bean and I were chilling at the back of the class last week and he was asking about you."
"Why were you hanging out with him?"
"He's my friend, just like you. We were a group, but I'm still allowed to hang out with him without you," Fiona snapped. I frowned. "Sorry, I just… he seemed upset you were avoiding him and I just accidently said it without thinking. I didn't mean to, I swear."
I didn't say anything. I just sighed and sniffed.
"Espio, look at me," she forced me to look into her eyes. "I swear I would have never told him on purpose. I want nothing more than the three of us to get back to our group. Believe it or not, I don't have many friends at this school. I intimidate most people."
"You do a bit," I admitted.
"But you guys stuck by me. You guys liked me, and I liked you. If there was a way I could fix this I would. I promise I'll find a way to fix this and everything will go back to normal," Fiona said and, stupidly, I believed her.
"You really mean it?"
"Of course! What else are friends for?"
"Helping each other out in hard times?"
"Well, yeah, but also helping them enjoy life and I'll make it my mission to help you forget about Bean and Tekno. Before I'm through with you, you will have gotten with every girl in the grade. That's the Fox guarantee," Fiona smiled. If only I knew the hidden malice behind the smile at the time…
Espio sat underneath the big tree with an open textbook in his lap as he absentmindedly scanned the pages without the words sinking in. He flicked his gaze upwards and noticed Fiona stroll out of the dorm. His inquisitive, despiteful eyes followed her as she sauntered through the school grounds like she owned them; in all honesty, she did.
Espio thought back to all the times they spent together, and everything they had been through in the past two years. How had they gone from best friends to mortal enemies that got pleasure in seeing the other in pain? He couldn't believe he'd ever trusted her so much.
"You alright?" a kind voice asked, pulling Espio out of his day dream.
"Oh, hey Sonia," Espio shook out the thoughts from his past. "Yeah, everything is fine, just trying to study."
"Not very well it looks like," Sonia laughed. "C'mon, I'm heading over to the library with Jet, Wave and Cream to do some study. You should come with."
"Yeah, alright, sounds good," Espio smiled as he closed the text book. "You owe me anyway for distracting me every lesson."
"Hey, Zonic made the seating plan, not me. Besides, you love my puns and you know it. Now hurry up, don't want to keep them waiting," Sonia smiled as she led him to the library and away from his lingering thoughts about the fox that ruined his life.
…
Spike sat on the comfortable verdant grass, the dewy blades slipping between his fingers as his eyes glazed over the lake. The persistent wind whipped his hair and stung his eyes but his mind was elsewhere. For days it'd been running in circles as he tried to put the pieces in place and understand the puzzle.
"Spike," he heard somebody clear their voice behind him.
"Dad," Spike acknowledged his father's presence without turning around.
"You asked me to meet you by the lake," Trevor said again.
"It's quite a beautiful lake, isn't it?" Spike said cryptically.
"Spike, is everything alright?" Trevor asked, seemingly worried.
"Looking out at it really helps clear my mind."
"Are you okay? Why won't you look at me."
"How can I look at you?" Spike continued without turning his head, his vision holding steadfast on the horizon beyond emerald lake. "How can I look at a murderer?"
"Is this about your sister again?"
"Chaos, dad, you really are clueless, aren't you?"
"I demand you to look at me this instant," Trevor seethed. He was beginning to lose his patience.
"Only if you answer me truthfully."
"About what?"
"Is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"Breezie…"
"Cut this crap, Spike. I refuse to play this silly pronoun game with you. Turn around this instant and ask me to my face," Trevor demanded. Finally, Spike stood up and turned around to stare his father deep in the eyes. Spike's eyes were different. They weren't the happy-go-lucky amber eyes filled with joy, but instead they were distant and empty.
"Did you kill my girlfriend's parents?"
"Who?"
"Breezie hedgehog. Did you kill them?"
"Yes," Trevor said coldly without remorse. "I gave that retched family what they deserved."
"You're a monster!"
"You don't understand, Spike. You don't understand what they did."
"I understand clearly," Spike growled. "They owed you money they couldn't pay and ran away so you had her mother killed and, a few weeks ago, her father."
"It's true, I killed her mother, but they stole from me. There are dangerous people after my position, son, I can't show any weakness. But there's more to this story."
"How can there be more? The way I see it, you're evil."
"Breezie's father killed your mother." Spike froze. "I was going to tell you but after you showed me that Breezie was your little girlfriend I didn't have the heart to tell you."
"Wh-why?"
"Revenge. Simple, basic revenge. He wanted to get me but your mother used my car that fateful day. Mr. Hedgehog cut the breaks and she crashed."
"And then you murdered her father too?"
"Of course I did," Trevor shouted in a domineering tone that made Spike flinch like a frightened child. "He murdered the love of my life."
"And you murdered the love of his!"
"No matter. I came here for one reason. To kill their only kin. I want to rid the world of their wretched, putrid bloodline," Trevor cursed.
"You can't murder a child. That's insane."
"She is eighteen. She's no child."
"No! I won't let you," Spike found his backbone and stormed up to his dad. "If you kill her, I'll disown you. I'll leave you. I'll… I'll…"
"You'll what?" Trevor challenged.
"I'll kill you." Trevor smiled.
"Why do you think I haven't done it yet? When I saw she was your girlfriend and saw how much you cared for her I thought I'd give her family one last chance. As a favour to you, my only son, I decided to spare her."
"How kind of you," Spike spat sarcastically.
"But, if she ever hurts you, I won't hesitate to cause a little… accident."
"And if you do, you'll find yourself in an accident yourself," Spike warned. Again, Trevor smiled. "Why are you smiling?"
"You're just like me. You know that?"
"I'm nothing like you," Spike said with finality as he stomped away. Trevor chuckled darkly and walked off himself. The spot was still and quiet for a moment until Mighty stepped out from his hiding spot with his sweatbands and jogging shorts on.
"No way…" he breathed.
…
Blaze strolled through the winding paths of Mobius High with a smoothie in her hand. She sipped slowly as her mind wandered to all the possible things she could do to help her not-quite boyfriend with his ailing drug addiction issues. She didn't have time to think for long when she saw the principal waiting for her on the steps of the dormitory. An angry fire rekindled in the pit of her stomach.
"Blaze," Razor nodded as he stood. He held a brown paper bag. Blaze ignored him and tried to push past.
"Sir," she said politely.
"Can't you give your dad a hello?" Razor asked.
"As far as I'm concerned, you're not my dad," Blaze mumbled under her breath. Before she could make it to the door she felt Razor's hand clamp around her wrist. "Get off me," she yelled.
"Sorry," Razor recoiled. "I just… I wanted to give you this," he handed her the bag.
"I don't want anything from you."
"Blaze, please, I know this whole situation is confusing and painful and unfair but I'm trying. I only found out I was your father days before you did," Razor tried to reason with her.
"But you knew my mother. You knew you had sex with her and you knew she had a child."
"I didn't know you were her. Your aunt enrolled you here. She made no mention of anything."
"You still left."
"Blaze, please, I'm trying to make this right. Just, please, take this," he held out the bag again. "I want you to have it." Blaze hesitated but reluctantly took it. She looked inside and found a couple stacks of dozens of letters. Some seemed new, white and crisp while others were old, brown, torn and weathered.
"What are these?"
"All the letters I ever wrote to you," Razor said. "Every single birthday and Christmas. I might not have known you, but I knew your mother. She wouldn't let me have contact with you but I still kept sending these letters."
"Why do you have them if you sent them?" Blaze inquired.
"Your aunt gave them to me in her will. Your mother received them all but never gave them to you. Your aunt started to receive them after your mother's death. I guess she wanted to give them back to me after her death as her way of telling me to protect you," Razor said with care in his words and love in his heart.
"Don't pretend you know what my aunt or mother would have wanted," Blaze snapped.
"Blaze, please, just read them. I never gave up hope of one day meeting you. I swear."
"Goodbye, Sir. I'll see you at assembly," Blaze said coldly as she turned her back on him, picked up the paper bag and stormed into the dormitory to leave the dejected principal to wallow on the stairs alone.
…
Manic sat at the foot of his bed twiddling his thumbs as he kept flicking his gaze over to his alarm clock on his bedside table. Manic had taken his friend's advice and arranged a meeting with Amy. They were right, she was trying, but as each second ticked by until her eventual arrival he felt more and more nervous.
"Why do I feel nervous?" Manic asked himself. "It's not like I care whether she hates me or not." As Manic continued to doubt himself he heard a knock. "Fuck it," he decided as he leapt up and trounced to the door.
"Hey Manic," Amy said quietly as she forced herself to look him in the eyes. "You wanted to talk to me?"
"Please, come in," Manic mumbled without looking back at her. Amy sighed as she slid into the room and stood against one of the bunkbeds. "You can take a seat if you want."
"No, I'd rather stand."
"Okay." The two fell into silence.
"So, Manic, why'd you call me here?"
"I wanted to apologize," Manic admitted.
"Apologize?"
"For what I said. I treated you like shit and I'm sorry. It's just, after sneaking around with you over the break and for the first bit of this term I thought we really had something special. When I heard what you said about me to my brother I lost it and wanted nothing to do with you."
"Manic, I already told you I didn't mean it like that. I did start to develop feelings for you and I was drunk and scared what people would think and it just came out. I'm really, really sorry," Amy said.
"You promise you really did have feelings for me?" Manic asked vulnerably.
"I still do," Amy replied as she dared to step closer to him. She placed a hand on his cheek and when he didn't flinch she took that as an invitation to close the gap between their faces and gently press her lips against his. The kiss wasn't long and wasn't deep, but it was the first time they shared a passionate kiss without anger as the driving emotion.
"Wow…" Manic breathed as she pulled away.
"Yeah."
"Amy, if we are going to do this I just need to know one thing. Honestly, if Sonic said he wanted you back, would you go to him?" Amy didn't answer. "Amy."
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?"
"I mean I don't know. I don't think I would but knowing me I wouldn't be surprised if did."
"Then how can I consider anything if you're just going to ditch me for my own brother," Manic growled. He started to get mad. He could feel his temper rising.
"I just said I don't think I would," Amy fired back. She was getting equally annoyed.
"But you also said you wouldn't be surprised if you did."
"What do you want from me? Do you want to build this relationship on lies?"
"No, I don't want to build anything with you knowing you'd rather be balls deep in my brother!"
"Fuck off Manic!"
"I already have. To think I actually thought of giving you a chance," Manic spat.
"To think I actually thought I loved you. Dickhead!"
"Bitch!"
"Douche!" Again, the fire that they stoked in one another flared to life and before either knew it they were desperately groping one another and tasting each other's tongues. In less than a minute Amy and Manic found themselves without clothes on in Manic's bed.
…
Rouge hurried through the school grounds that windy afternoon. She wrapped her Chanel, daisy scarf around her neck as she expertly sauntered on her black platform pumps. The scarf was the only hint of colour on her black wardrobe. Black leggings clung tightly to her impeccable skin and snaked up her legs to withdraw underneath the knee-length, jet-black wrap skirt. A black leather jacket completed her look.
Rouge was so occupied on her destination that she almost didn't catch herself when she bumped head-first into an equally occupied student hurrying in the opposite direction. Luckily, his reflexes were fast; as fast as a basketballers.
"Rouge…" a familiar, husky voice hummed as Rouge felt a strong, muscled arm whip out and clutch her waist to stop her from falling backwards. Their faces were inches apart.
"Knuckles," Rouge whispered. Neither of the two had really seen each other in a while. Not since Knuckles asked her to choose between him and Scourge. They both stood in their promiscuous position for longer than either cared to admit before Rouge cleared her throat.
"Oh, sorry," Knuckles helped her up, released her and took a step back as he tried to hide the blush creeping over his face. "I just…"
"Thanks for catching me," Rouge said softly.
"Yeah, don't mention it," Knuckles rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. He wanted to say something but he couldn't find the words. It was stupid, really. The two of them had been friends for as long as either could remember and even when they were on-again, off-again they never felt uncomfortable around each other. Angry maybe, but not uncomfortable.
"So, anyway, I should be on my way. I'm late," Rouge said finally as she tried to step past him but finally Knuckles found his voice and what he said made her stop in her tracks.
"Are you happy?"
"What?"
"Are you happy," Knuckles repeated.
"What do you mean?"
"With him," Knuckles explained. "Are you happy with Scourge."
"Oh… yes."
"Good," Knuckles sighed. "That's all I ever really wanted. I'm sorry I asked you to decide between him and me before. It wasn't right. I just…"
"I still have strong feelings for you," Rouge finished his sentence.
"Yeah, exactly," he frowned before his eyes snapped open and he looked up to gape at her. "Wait, you…" Knuckles trailed off. Rouge nodded.
"Yes. I really like Scourge. I do. But I can't ever keep you out of my heart, Knuckles. I'll never not love you." The next thing Knuckles did was on complete instinct. Without thinking he closed the gap between them and crashed his lips against hers. It lasted for only a second before Rouge pulled away and slapped him.
"I said I'll never not love you, not that I want to get back with you. I said I was happy with Scourge. Chaos, why do you always have to make everything so complicated," Rouge huffed.
"Sorry, I don't know what came over me. I didn't even… I don't… I'm sorry," Knuckles sighed as he turned and fled.
"What is going on with you, Red?" Rouge asked herself aloud, completely forgetting what it was that she was trying to quickly to get to.
…
It started out nice. It was always so nice with him. They had met almost every day that week, each time at the same corner table at Emerald Café. This was just like all those other times, but things had taken a turn. Cream always knew that Mighty wasn't in the greatest mindset but she had noticed him getting better. At least she thought he was getting better.
"Are you still lonely?" Cream asked as her second question. Again they had fallen into their routine game where they were allowed to ask each other three questions. This time, however, Cream didn't think she wanted to know the answer. She liked Mighty, she really did, but seeing the pain that was etched into his face was almost too much to bear. She wanted to reach over and give him a hug. She wanted to comfort him, fun her hand through his hair and whisper that it was going to be all okay into his ear. But she couldn't. She knew she couldn't.
"Always," Mighty finally sighed after contemplating whether he should admit it to her. "I can't lie to you Cream, no matter how much I sometimes want to. I don't want you to see me as weak or pathetic. I want you to see me as me, the fun-loving, cheerful guy I used to be."
"I don't think you're weak or pathetic. Shit happens and sometimes life sucks, I get it. I still like you for you, highs and lows," Cream smiled. She instantly bit her tongue. She didn't mean to word it like that. She knew her mother was firm and she knew she was moving to Soleanna in less than two short months. Nothing could happen between the two of them and she knew it. She was trying her hardest to keep distance between the two of them but she couldn't help the feelings that continued to swell around inside of her.
"Thanks," Mighty blushed. "I just… I miss him so much. I can't even really remember life without him. Sometimes I can't even function knowing he's not with me… knowing he's with her. He's gone back to the city for some family emergency and even though we weren't really talking before he left, I still feel his absence."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Well, my turn. Have you ever loved somebody that no matter what they do, and how much they hurt themselves or you, you still always drop everything to help them and keep running back to them?"
"Yes," Cream nodded.
"Who?"
"My father," Cream admitted. "He was a drunk; an alcoholic. He loved the booze. I can't really remember a time as a child where he wasn't either drunk or had a drink in his hand. But still, I adored him. He never hit me. He was never violent, but he was unreliable, he was never around and I could tell he didn't treat my mother right."
"But you still always went to bail him out, even when you know he would never do the same for you?"
"Exactly. I knew he didn't love me much. I was an accident. He said it to my face. But still I covered for him for mum. Still I picked him up from the bar when I was still on my L's. I guess that's why my mother became so strict. Her friends tell me she was carefree as an adolescent but after they had me she changed. I don't think she wanted me to be like him. She was overprotective and controlling and, in the end, only drove me further to him. Then, one day, he just left. And yet I still miss him, and I hate myself for it."
Mighty wanted to say something to comfort her but he didn't know how. Instead, he just grabbed her hand in his own and rubbed his thumb in small circles. He peered into her eyes and offered what words couldn't.
Cream couldn't ignore the feelings. His touch was electric and sent shivers up her spine. Her body shook and she wanted nothing more than to give into her hormones. She bit her bottom lip as her eyes tapered down slightly to his pink lips. She wanted to know what they tasted like so badly. She needed to know.
"Sorry," Cream said suddenly as she snatched her hand back and stood up. "I've gotta go."
"Cream wait," Mighty called out desperately as she turned away from him.
"I'll," she paused as she turned back to him with a slight smile. "I'll see you here tomorrow." Then, she vanished out through the door.
"Sometimes I just don't understand her," Mighty sighed to himself.
"Hey, we're girls. Nobody understands us," Breezie added unhelpfully as she waltzed over and began to clean their table.
"Thanks?" Mighty said more as a question than a statement.
"If it makes you feel any better I'm rooting for you two. You deserve happiness, Mighty. You just have to go get it yourself," Breezie offered her advice. Mighty thought about it but said nothing in reply as she shrugged.
"Just don't keep thinking about what ifs and let her go. I'm just saying," Breezie sung out before getting back to work.
…
To say he was annoyed would be an understatement. Nack was livid. He thought he'd finally managed to snag Cosmo after letting her get away earlier that year but he realized after waiting far longer than he cared to admit the previous night that there was still work that needed to be done.
"Cosmo," Nack slipped into the desk beside the nervous girl in study hall. Their teacher wasn't paying attention, instead scrolling through his phone.
"Not now Nack, I'm trying to work," Cosmo hissed.
"It's just calculus. It's easy," Nack rolled his eyes.
"For you maybe, but I need to study more."
"Let me help you."
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"Why not? I thought we were friends?"
"Nack, please, I'm trying to study," Cosmo practically begged. She was at her wits end.
"Fine, I'll leave you alone, but only if you tell me why you didn't show up last night," Nack bartered.
"I was tired."
"Tell me the truth."
"Fine, I was feeling under the weather," Cosmo lied again.
"Momo, c'mon I've known you forever. I can tell when you're lying to me."
"Alright, I was with Jet. I didn't want to get sucked back into that life and he helped me stay calm and resist my urges."
"Who the hell is Jet?" Nack asked.
"My boyfriend."
"You? A boyfriend? Don't make me laugh," Nack sneered.
"Believe it or not I actually have somebody in my life now and he's sweet and caring and actually has my best interests at heart, unlike some people I know," Cosmo concluded pointedly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to do these problems."
"We'll see how long he stays around," Nack warned her before slinking back off to his desk in the corner of the room.
…
Lien-Da lounged out on a towel on the grassy lawn. She lay on her front with her shades covering her eyes soaking up some sun. She was enjoying the nice warmth of the afternoon sun when a shadow covered her light.
"Could you move out of the way," Lien-Da asked. When the shadow didn't move she grumbled and sat up snarling angrily. "I said move!" That's when she noticed who it was.
"Oh, Jet, hi, how are you? I've been meaning to come have another chat with you," Lien beamed in stark juxtaposition to her previous tone. Jet just frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. He could see through her façade with ease.
"You don't have to act so fake around me. I know who you really are," Jet growled.
"What in heavens are you talking about?" Lien asked, insulted.
"Wave told me who you are and how you used to treat her and, frankly, I'm appalled," Jet said. Lien's smile instantly faded and her wide eyes shrunk and narrowed.
"Well, that's no fun," Lien whined. "I actually enjoyed chatting with you."
"You only enjoyed it because I'd tell you about Wave and you'd use the information against her."
"So?"
"So?"
"Exactly. Who cares what I do to that bitch."
"Don't call Wave a bitch," Jet growled.
"Why? What's she to you? You're not dating," Lien pointed out.
"She's my friend. One of my best friends."
"She's the girl that ditched you when you were younger for no reason. Some friend she is," Lien snorted.
"I…" Jet stumbled over his words but quickly found his voice. "I don't care. She apologized and we've moved on. It was in the past and we were kids."
"How noble of you," Lien-Da rolled her eyes sarcastically and huffed in annoyance.
"I just came here to say I'm done being friendly with you and to warn you."
"Warn me?"
"Yeah. Don't you ever go near Wave or threaten her again or else."
"Or else what?" Lien stood up and went toe-to-toe with him, rolling up her sleeves. Despite Jet's size, Lien-Da still had an inch or two on him. She always liked how tall she was – all the better to look down on people.
Just at that moment Lien noticed Razor walk by out of the corner of her eye and backed down. The last thing she needed was the principal to catch her in a fight. She couldn't get expelled again. She couldn't get sent back home; sent back to him.
"That's what I thought," Jet said and Lien just grunted in reply. "See you never," Jet concluded as he stormed off.
Lien-Da could feel her blood boil. She wanted to chase after him and put him in his place. She hated losing, and today was no exception but she knew she was beat. She knew she couldn't do anything as long as she was on probation. Admitting defeat, she gathered her things and set off to the one place she knew would always make her feel calm.
Lien strolled over to the dormitory and took a sharp left to the girl's side. She clambered up three flights of stairs and rushed down the hallway until she stood outside a particular door that four juniors lived in and knocked. A few seconds later a shorter red echidna with pink hair tied off in a braid answered the door. Her sweet, violet eyes were hidden behind small glasses that clung to the bridge of her nose.
"Lien, what a lovely surprise," the junior said with glee as her eyes lit up.
"Hey Lara, can I come in?" Lien asked.
"You know you're always welcome here. My roommates are out anyway. I was just doing some study," Lara-Su smiled as she stepped aside. Lien walked in and took a seat on Lara's bed. Lara closed the door softly and fell down beside her. Lien sighed.
"Another bad day?" Lara asked.
"I almost got into a fight with Jet," Lien admitted.
"Jet?"
"One of Wave's friends."
"Oh Lien," Lara sighed as she placed her soft hand gently on the back of Lien-Da's. "You know you shouldn't be doing this. I know Wave hurt you and I know what you've been through but you have to leave this in the past," the girl soothed.
"I know, you're right. You're always right," Lien said as she looked down at their hands as Lara interlaced her fingers with Lien's.
"Of course I am," Lara-Su giggled.
"I honestly don't know what I'd do without you," Lien admitted as she combed her fingers through Lara's hair before her palm fell onto Lara's cheek. She let her thumb slowly caress Lara's skin before Lien leaned in and pressed her lips gently against Lara's bottom lip. Lara closed her eyes, sighed and gave into the kiss.
"Don't say that," Lara said as she pulled apart, a blush evident on her cheeks. "You'd survive without me."
"I don't think I could. And even if I could, I wouldn't want to." Lara felt her heart melt as she planted another peck on Lien's lips. Lien smiled through the kiss. Despite everything she was glad she always had her little bundle of sunshine to return home to. She knew no matter how bad her life got, there was always a silver lining. Always.
…
I don't know what happened to him; I really don't. Growing up he was always so sweet and funny and kind and I could never imagine being scared of him. But then, after that night he saw mum cheating on him, everything changed.
After he'd taken me away from mum and her new boyfriend I didn't know how to feel. He wasn't angry or… well or the monster he slowly became, but he wasn't his usual self. Then everything changed sometime after my eleventh birthday.
I had just come home from school and dropped my bag by the front door. I kicked off my shoes and slid down the hallway when I heard him call me from the lounge room. I detoured and entered. He was sitting on the couch staring at the television. I bounded over to him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Hi daddy," I beamed. He didn't respond for a while. He seemed in a daze. Clearly something he'd seen on the television shocked him. Or maybe it was something that happened that day. I don't know what it was, but I wish it never happened. He slowly turned his head and stared at me with shrunken eyes. They fixated on me and studied me and I felt myself stuck, caught by their gaze. Finally he spoke.
"What have you got on your face?"
"Oh, this," I touched my face. "It's just a bit of makeup. My friend Laura let me borrow some of hers."
"You've become quite the little woman, haven't you?"
"I guess? Daddy are you alright?"
"Mina," he said lowly, beckoning me over with a finger. I obliged. He made me come close to him and he raised his hand and placed it on my cheek, his thumb sliding on my cheek. "You're still my little girl, aren't you?"
"Yes daddy," I said somewhat hesitantly.
"You'll always be my little girl, right?"
"I guess." His gaze was unflinching and I couldn't take the uncomfortable feeling that had gripped my like frost. I tried to pull away but his other hand shot out and clasped tightly around my wrist like a bear trap. I tried to shrug and pull away but his grip only tightened and he wrenched me closer to him.
"Where do you think you're going?" he hissed.
"Please, dad, you're hurting me," I whined in pain as I struggled harder. "Please, let go of me. Let go!"
"Tell my that you're still my little girl. I want to hear you say it."
"No, let me go," I shouted. "Let me go or I'll tell mum."
I'll never forget what happened after I set that. Just mentioning her set him off. He reeled back his other hand and slapped me across my face with the back of his hand. I instinctively rose my hand to my red, stinging cheek. I was more shocked than anything. He'd never laid a hand on me before. Unfortunately, although it was the first time he hit me, it wasn't going to be the last.
"Never say her name again," he warned me. I could feel the tears begin to well up in my eyes but I didn't want to cry. Not in front of him. His voice fell soft again. "You know, you are the spitting image of your mother. You have her hair, her face… her eyes.
Mina had thought she'd left those memories behind her, locked them far away in the reaches of her memory. But as the date that ShellBreaker was set to come visit and reclaim custody of her loomed ever closer, the more and more the memories haunted her. Sleep didn't come easy that week, and it didn't seem like it would start to get any easier.
…
I don't know why it started, but after it did, she was relentless. I still don't know exactly what I did. All that happened was we became neighbors and suddenly I was her victim. It started out tame enough. She just called me names, made fun of my voice, my appearance and the way I did things but eventually it got physical.
"That's why you get," Lien shouted at me as she hurled another clump of dirt at me. I scurried up the wooden playground equipment to avoid her onslaught. She'd chased me home from school and forced me to hide in the park beside our houses.
"What did I do?" I sobbed.
"You existed, you fucking bird," Lien spat at me. "You can't hide from me forever."
"Please just leave me alone." I cowered in fear as she clambered her way up the wooden wall and cornered me at the top of the playground. I tried to turn and run but she threw out her arm and latched onto my purple hair and feathers and pulled me back tightly. I cried out in pain but it only made her smile.
"Don't cry," she smiled as she stroked my hair. "He's right, you do have perfect hair. Everything about you is perfect, why does he have to think that? Why does he have to take it out on me? Why do you exist?" Lien growled again as she punched me in the eye.
"Please, please," I blubbered as I covered my aching eye. Lien finally got bored of my sniveling and let me go as she slid down the slide.
"Whatever," Lien growled. "I'll see you at school tomorrow."
I sat there crying until the sun had began to sink before I finally made my way home. My eye had started to grow a deep purple and my mother rushed to my aid when I walked into the house.
"Oh my Chaos, what happened?" She worried over me.
"I tripped and hit my desk at school because I didn't tie my laces tight enough," I lied to her with a little laugh and promised her it was alright. She reluctantly agreed to let me go to my room and told me dinner would be ready soon.
I made a sharp turn for the bathroom and locked the door shut. I stared at myself in the mirror. All I could see was the ugly blemish over my eye and my disheveled, tangled hair. She had called it perfect. She had run her fingers through it. I shuddered at the thought and found myself searching through the drawers for a pair of scissors.
Finally tears seeped out and stung my sore eye as I grabbed fistfuls of my long, purple hair and chopped furiously. I didn't stop until the barely reached my shoulders. Now she can never use my hair against me. Now she can never torment me with it again.
Wave flushed the toilet, pulled up her jeans and pushed open the door to step over to the sink when she froze. There, washing her hands at the sink, was none other than Lien-Da.
"Fancy seeing you here," Lien-Da smirked. "I had a chat with your little boy toy Jet and he told me I had to leave you alone if I knew what was good for me."
"He really said that?" Wave asked.
"Yes. How foolish he really is. Unfortunately for you, neither he nor Razor is here to defend you."
"Please, Lien-Da, please don't. It's been years, I've stayed out of your way. I left for you. Please don't," Wave begged, all the sadness, fear and insecurities that she thought she'd managed to shed all came welling back as Lien approached her.
"Sorry, but when I see you, I just can't help but feel my stomach contort in disgust."
"Why? What did I do?"
"I've told you many times," Lien-Da hissed. "You existed." With that, Lien balled up her fist and slammed it into Wave's left eye – her favourite target. Wave moaned in pain as she clutched her sore eye and stumbled backwards. "Remember, if anybody asks… well, you know the drill. Later Wave," Lien waved as she sauntered out of the bathroom.
Wave tried to hold back the tears. She didn't want to seem weak in front of her tormentor but as she removed her hand and stared back at her reflection in the mirror through her one good eye all she could see was that nine-year-old that shook whenever Lien-Da's name was even mentioned.
"Oh my Chaos, Wave, are you alright?" Sonia gasped as she entered the bathroom. She immediately rushed over to Wave. "Did somebody hit you?"
"Hit me?" Wave questioned as she realized that Sonia was staring right at her eye. "Oh, no," Wave managed a fake laugh. "I tripped and hit the side of the sink because I didn't tie my laces tight enough."
"Really?" Sonia seemed skeptical.
"I'm just a bit of a klutz. I really need to start using double knots," Wave shrugged. Sonia still seemed hesitant but Wave didn't seem like anybody had done anything to her and she genuinely seemed embarrassed.
"Alright, here, let me take you to the nurse and we'll get that eye all fixed up," Sonia tried to smile to make Wave feel better. "You'll have a wicked bruise and black eye when you wake up in the morning."
"Yeah, I know. I'm used to it."
…
The Cafeteria was surprisingly empty that starry Tuesday night as Silver pushed through the main area to enter the private room that only the seniors were allowed to eat in. Most students had decided to eat quickly and go back to studying in the library. Although still two weeks away the looming threat of finals began to instill anxiety to even the most carefree students.
Silver balanced his roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and carrots, his chocolate mousse and his bottle of coke on his tray as he dodged through the maze of tables. He noticed some of his friends eating together on the table in the corner but when his eyes glazed over Blaze, he decided against it. He still couldn't face her; not after what he did.
"You just gonna stand there like a loser or do you want to sit here?" Silver heard a taunting voice mock him. Silver spun on his heels to lock eyes with Scourge.
"Did you ask me to sit with you?" Silver had to double check he wasn't just imagining things.
"No," Scourge grumbled. "But if you did, I wouldn't make you get lost. Up to you," Scourge shrugged. Silver smiled as he slipped into the seat opposite Scourge and dug into his food. The two old, reconciled friends ate together in silence until finally Silver spoke up.
"Hey, Scourge, I've been meaning to talk to you," Silver began.
"What about?" Scourge replied disinterested.
"I've been thinking a lot about what you told me the other day – about your past." This intrigued Scourge.
"And?"
"And after giving it some thought I thought… well, I think…" Silver tried to find the right words as he danced around his true intent. "Maybe, possibly…"
"Just spit it out," Scourge rolled his eyes.
"Well, I don't think what happened to you should let you define who you are. I know what happened was shitty and I wouldn't even wish that on my worst enemy but I think you are finally ready to move past it."
"Move past it?"
"He's gone, you've got a good life here with good friends, a girlfriend. I don't think you need to keep acting like the tough guy anymore. I know the old you and I think you should let your nerdy side out and let your true self shine. I promise I'll be here to help you every step of the way," Silver smiled.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Scourge snapped. Silver was confused. "I should just be my nerdy self again? Who do you think you are?"
"I just thought, since we're best friends again."
"Or are we? I don't remember saying we were friends again? Sure, I admitted my past to you but that was just to let you know why I ran away back in the day without saying anything after you let me crash at your house for so long. It wasn't some big admission. This is me now, like it or not, and if you don't then you can just get lost," Scourge growled as he stood up.
"Scourge, that's not what I meant. I just thought –"
"Well you thought wrong," Scourge snarled. "This is the real me and if you can't accept that then I guess we can't be friends again. I'm not a nerd and I won't ever be. Later."
"Scourge, wait," Silver tried to call out but Scourge just flipped him the bird as he continued without breaking stride. "Fucking hell, I could have worded that better," Silver buried his face into his hands.
"Whoa… how interesting," Mighty thought quietly to himself as he sat alone on the table behind the two. Neither of them realized that he was in earshot and although he knew he shouldn't have eavesdropped, the new information about his school enemy was a gift. Scourge had tormented him all semester and, finally, Mighty had something on the hedgehog.
…
"I honestly think I'm just going to give up and accept the fail," Knuckles continued to rant as the others wolfed down their food.
"You can say that again," Manic rolled his eyes. "How the hell am I supposed to remember both great wars, the Soleannan revolution and the Moebius attacks and their fallout? I'm only one man."
"I can always tutor you if you need some help," Spike offered.
"He is a great tutor, you wouldn't regret it," Breezie added as she leant her head lovingly against his shoulder as she wrapped her arm tighter around his.
"Are you serious? That'd be awesome," Manic beamed.
"While that's all well and good can I just circle back to the whole you two getting together conversation again," Julie-Su said as she stared Spike and Breezie. "Like, honestly, I never thought it would happen."
As the group continued to chat Shadow sat at the edge of the table with his eyes trained unflinchingly on Sonic. He could see the depression welling up deep inside the hedgehog and despite a few shallow smiles and fleeting words he offered when called upon he seemed distant.
"Mind if I borrow him for a second?" Shadow finally spoke up.
"No, not at all," Blaze said. Shadow grabbed Sonic's hand and hauled him onto his feet.
"What's going on?" Sonic asked.
"Just shut up and follow me," Shadow said as he turned without acknowledgment and began to walk off. Sonic threw a glance at Blaze. She shrugged. Sonic sighed and raced after Shadow.
"Where are we going?" Sonic asked.
"I said shut up and follow," Shadow repeated. Sonic bit his lip in annoyance but complied as he followed Shadow out of the cafeteria, through the sporting ovals and down through the often-travelled forest path that led to Emerald Lake.
Shadow eventually took a right turn at a seemingly random point along the path and stumbled through the low scrubs and prickly bushes until the two of them came across the small babbling brook. He followed it down a little further north until he again trampled off into the forest. Finally, after another few minutes, he pushed past a low hanging branch and emerged in a small open area. There were two stumps, a fallen-over log, a small circle of stones with some charcoal and black grass in the middle and an old, discarded, empty can of beans.
"Sit," Shadow instructed as he sat down on the fallen log. Sonic obliged and stared at the small circle of stones that wasn't natural. He assumed it was used as a make-shift fireplace but it didn't look like it had been lit in quite some time.
"What is this place?" Sonic asked finally.
"Remember when you and Tails had a big fight and you said you never wanted to see him again and he ran away and nobody saw him for a few days?" Shadow asked. Sonic's shoulders instantly slumped and his head lowered.
"Yeah, I remember. When he came back, he moved out of our room," Sonic sighed at the painful memory.
"Well, this is the place he camped out for those nights. This is where I found him and convinced him to come back," Shadow explained.
"Oh."
"This is the place where we promised each other we'd try our hand at our relationship again if we were both single by the time we graduated."
"Oh," Sonic said again, slightly more surprised. "Did… after you guys broke up for me… did you ever?"
"No, Sonic," Shadow said plainly. "But it wouldn't matter if we did. The point is that this place reminds me a lot of him."
"How are you so okay about his death?" Sonic asked.
"You really think I'm okay? You think it doesn't affect me every day; not being able to see him, hear him talk, see him smile?"
"You hide it well."
"I just know how to control my feelings," Shadow answered.
"How? You were almost as close to him as I was, especially after everything the two of you went through this year. And this place, and promising to get back together," Sonic said. "What's your secret?"
"Ten minutes."
"Ten minutes?"
"Yes, ten minutes, and no more. I give myself ten minutes a day to grieve, normally out here but sometimes, if it's raining, I'll grieve in the room I gave him. In those ten minutes I let out all my sadness, I reflect on him and think about if he's looking down and what he's thinking. Then, for the rest of the day, I move on with my life."
"But how? I can't stop thinking about him. I can't stop missing him. His ghost haunts me, I can't get him out of my head. I can't not blame myself."
"Sonic, it wasn't your fault. It was a freak accident by some monster that hit him and ran off," Shadow spat angrily. "But you can't let his death control the rest of your life. He wouldn't want you to be sad for him. He would want you to move on and live your life."
"But I can't move on."
"So don't. Like I said, allocate ten minutes each day to let out all your feelings and properly grieve, and then live your life."
"I…" Sonic couldn't respond.
"I haven't had my ten minutes today. I was going to come out here alone after dinner but when seeing you I knew you needed me. So let's do it. For the next ten minutes, starting now, we can grieve together."
And so, for the next ten minutes, the two of them allowed themselves to grieve. Sonic still couldn't bring himself to cry, but the two just exchanged stories about Tails. Laughed about funny things he'd done and said and thought fondly on the times they spent together. Eventually, after ten minutes had elapsed, Shadow stood up.
"Alright, it's time to go. I've got some study I need to do before bed."
"That's it? Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"But –"
"No but's. We had our ten minutes, now we move on. And tomorrow, if you want, we can come back here together and talk about him for another ten minutes. But until then, we live our life."
"Okay, Shadow," Sonic finally admitted. "I'll try. But, can you lead the way back? I still have no idea where we are or how we got here." Shadow couldn't hold back his laughter and, for the first time in a long time, Sonic laughed too.
…
"Stupid hedgehog," Rouge hissed as she clambered up the staircase. She didn't know why this had to be her job and she resented the fact that she had to do it. She had much better things she could be doing with her time, especially with exams just around the corner.
Rouge huffed as she thought back to her brief conversation with Silver that morning when he practically begged her to check up on Eclipse. She didn't know why he'd gone to her, but he said he just had a feeling she'd know what to do. Rouge didn't understand what he meant, but she wanted answers and Silver had them.
"I just need you to promise me to do this favour and check up on him. That's it," Silver had said that morning.
"Why the fuck do I have to do it? I have better things to do today," Rouge had fired back.
"I know but, please."
"Why can't you do it."
"Because I just… I have this feeling that you should be the one to make sure he's okay."
"Silver, if this is some kind of bullshit plan to get me to fall in love with Eclipse because he's into me or something," Rouge rolled her eyes.
"It's nothing like that. I wouldn't do that to Scourge."
"Alright, fine, I'll do it on one condition," Rouge bargained. "You have to tell me what you are to Scourge. How do you two know each other."
"Deal," Silver shook.
Rouge huffed as she knocked on Silver's door. She still didn't fully understand why she had to be the one to check up on if but if it meant getting answers about her boyfriend's past then she'd do this one task.
"Hello?" Eclipse answered the door. His face was a ghostly pale and his body was shaking like a leaf in the breeze. His face was cold and clammy, his eyes were red-rimmed and sunken and he looked frail as if a single gust of wind would blow him over.
"Eclipse… you look awful," Rouge said without thinking.
"Nice to see you too," Eclipse groaned. "Sorry for ditching our history study session but things haven't been great for me."
"Yeah, I heard Tikal dumped you," Rouge rubbed the back of her head awkwardly. "Sorry I haven't been there to make sure you were okay but, y'know, I've been super busy and all."
"No, it's cool, I get it," Eclipse shrugged as he let her into his room.
"So… how you been? I just thought I'd come in and check on you."
"Silver asked you to, didn't he?"
"What? No, of course not," Rouge lied.
"You're a bad liar."
"I'm an excellent liar. It's my whole schtick."
"So you admit that was a lie."
"…no."
"It's cool. I'm glad he cares that much about me honestly. But, if this is his way to try to get me to open up about my breakup since I keep avoiding him you can tell him that I'm honestly fine," Eclipse said.
"Now who's the bad liar," Rouge quipped back. "You don't look fine at all."
"Yeah, I guess, but this isn't because Tikal dumped me. I've just gotten pretty sick is all."
"And you've been crying," Rouge pointed out.
"Why did Silver choose you, anyway?" Eclipse asked. "Because you are really not helping."
"Sorry, sorry, I just can't help myself sometimes," Rouge said apologetically. Eclipse eyed her for a second but dismissed it. He yawned loudly and stretched his arms skywards. In this moment a small sliver of his bare chest was exposed and Rouge had to hold back a gasp as she noticed a bunch of Rose spots along his abdomen. It seemed like that trailed up onto his chest too. Eclipse noticed her gasp.
"Well, thanks for checking up, but I really should be getting some sleep," Eclipse began trying to usher her out.
"But your chest."
"It's fine. Just some sores. Nothing to worry about."
"But Eclipse, I really think –"
"Really, it's nothing. Thanks for checking up, I'll text you later. Bye Rouge," Eclipse interrupted her as he pushed her into the hallway and slammed the door shut on her. Rouge stood motionless in the hall for a second before she ground her teeth and stood her ground determinedly. She wasn't going to let him get away that easy. She'd be back and she'd get to the bottom of it.
"Oh, I guess Silver was right," Rouge realized aloud. "Maybe I was the right person to ask." Rouge wasn't going to give up and, somehow, Silver knew she wouldn't. But, first thing was first, she was going to go get the answers he now owed her.
…
It felt like only yesterday that Fiona made the short trek through the countryside to the town close to Mobius High. She hated it. Not because of the locals, or because of the constant stench of sheep, but because she knew the devil lived there. She presided over the town like dark clouds blocking out the sun and engulfed it like thick fog, sucking out happiness and sunlight.
"I can't stand this room any longer," Claire cursed as she collapsed down onto the queen-sized bed with a glass of chardonnay in her hand.
"Well why don't you just move back home," Fiona bit back. The two hadn't even been able to go three minutes before an argument broke out. They were in the hotel room that Claire had booked for Tails' funeral and, apart from a few visits back to Central City, she continued to stay in the hotel.
"I can't right now, I'm trying to work a case," Claire reminded her daughter.
"I still can't believe you are going through with this," Fiona snorted.
"Why? It's my job."
"Yeah but, it's just ironic, I guess. You spent so much of my childhood strangling me with lessons and classes and when I'm finally staying at school from my own volition, you're actively trying to get it closed down."
"You'll be graduated by the time it shuts down," Claire said. "Regardless, I'm making great strides. But you wanted to see me about something?"
"Oh wow mum, it's almost like you do listen and care about me. Almost," Fiona rolled her eyes as she folded her arms defensively.
"Do you always have to be so dramatic?"
"I need a favour."
"Another one?" Claire scoffed.
"Yes. I… I need some more money."
"I already said I'd pay for the private investigator, if he's charging you too then I swear to Chaos I'll –"
"No, no it's not that. I need it for something else. My roommate has this baby and, well, she can't raise it properly. The dad ran away and she's struggling as it is with money and I just thought if I could have a couple thousand it would really help," Fiona asked.
"You can't be serious."
"I am."
"Oh Fionnula, I thought I raised you better than this. No, you can't have any money," Claire refused.
"Why not?"
"We don't just give handouts to any sob story we come across. It's unbecoming. If you manage to amass money you can waste it however you want but me… no, you're not getting any."
"But –"
"No buts Fionnula. You're becoming weak and spineless. I've already given into enough of your demands."
"I'm becoming weak? That's rich coming from you. You wouldn't even be a lawyer in the first place if daddy didn't help put you through law school. You didn't love him when you met in college. You only used him for his parents money to further your own agenda," Fiona fired back. Claire growled and raised her hand intent on slapping her daughter but paused. "What, your going to abuse me now, too?"
"No. No, I'm better than that. We're better than that. We don't need to resort to silly violence. The Fox's solve our problems in other ways," Claire collected herself. "But that comment won't go unpunished."
"Do your worst," Fiona bit back.
"That's an interesting response from somebody who's come begging me for money." Fiona bit her lip. She'd lost herself in her rage and forgotten what she'd come here for. "But, I'll make a deal with you."
"What kind of deal?"
"I'll lend you two-thousand for your silly little friend if you agree to testify when I go to court against the school."
"Why do all our conversations have to lead to us making deals with each other? Can't we just act like a normal mother and daughter where I ask for something and you give it to me because you love me?"
"You lost that treat when you ran away. You've a long way to go before you earn my love back."
"Like I ever had it to begin with," Fiona muttered under her breath.
"So, is it a deal?" Claire asked again. Fiona thought for a moment. She wanted that kid out of her room and this was her big ticket – the only way to rid herself from that baby once and for all. But could she really turn on the school? After everything?
"No."
"No?"
"No. No deal. I can deal with the baby a little longer but I refuse to help you close down my school."
"You're pathetic. You're letting sentiment cloud your better judgement. I thought we were making progress but you're just as worthless as you were the day you ran away," Claire hissed, annoyed that her gambit hadn't paid off.
"But mother dearest," Fiona fluttered her eyebrows. "You said you wanted me to be stronger. This is me being stronger." With that, Fiona turned and stormed out of the hotel room without a glance.
…
"How'd I know I'd find you out here," Sally said as she emerged from the tree line and sauntered over to the small hill overlooking the lake where Sonic lay.
"Because you know me so well?" Sonic asked without looking up.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that. Or because you always seem to be here these days," Sally sighed as she sat beside him. He was leaning back on his arms propped behind his head with his dazzling green eyes staring without wonder up at the vast expanse of black sky.
"I like the stars. You know that."
"Yeah, but it's about Tails again, isn't it?"
"I'm always thinking about him these days," Sonic admitted. "But I am glad you came here," Sonic finally broke his gaze and turned to look at Sally. "You're a really good friend."
"And so are you," Sally smiled.
"Well, I'm glad you said that, and I'm glad you came to see me. I've been contemplating about this the past couple days but, well, I need to talk to you about something."
"Go ahead."
"I was talking to Amy and –"
"You still talk to Amy?" Sally interrupted.
"That's not the point Sal. But, not really, she came to be. She wanted to help you and she knew she wouldn't be able to provide the help you needed so she asked me to."
"Where is this going?" Sally asked skeptically.
"Sally, you know if anything happened in the past… if anybody touched you, you can talk about it," Sonic said. Sally froze, and then she felt her blood go cold.
"She told you about that, huh? That bitch," Sally hissed.
"She only did it to help you. She wants to help you, I want to help you."
"Well I didn't ask for help, did I?"
"Sal, please, you can talk to me."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"I can help," Sonic soothed and placed a hand on her knee.
"I said I don't want to talk about it," Sally snapped angrily and slapped his hand away. Sonic looked shocked for a moment but quickly a look of understanding washed over him and he backed off.
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to help but I didn't stop to think how talking about it would affect you. I won't bring it up again," Sonic apologized.
"No, no it's alright. It's not your fault. You were only trying to help," Sally sighed. "I… I guess I can tell you. You are my closest friend, but it's not what you think. I wasn't… y'know, I just…"
"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want."
"It was Tommy."
"Your ex that dumped you at the start of last semester?" Sally nodded. "I'll kill him!"
"It was when I went back to Mobotropolis over the mid-year break. I didn't mean for it to happen but all my friends threw me a surprise party when I got there and, well, he was there. It was the first time we'd seen each other since the breakup."
"His girlfriend wasn't there. Apparently she'd dumped him weeks ago. I guess they really didn't work out. I can't say I wasn't a little happy. Serves him right. I got really drunk and eventually I found myself alone with him in the bedroom and we got to talking. I only wanted it to be talking. I meant it to only be talking."
"I was vulnerable. A small part of me still loved him, even if I was never in love with him, but then he just went on and on about how it was a mistake and how he was sorry and…"
"And you slept with him?" Sonic asked.
"I didn't mean to. I didn't want to. He started kissing me and I pushed him away but he continued. I was drunk and sad and, and I didn't want him to but he just started undressing me and I felt like I couldn't do anything to stop it."
"I felt so weak after it. I couldn't look at myself. I suddenly grew this immense hatred for my body and I… I didn't know what to do." Sonic looked at her with a thousand emotions dancing in his eyes. He wanted to say something but the words alluded him. Finally he threw his arms around her and held her tight, resting his chin on her head as she melted into his embrace.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered as he hugged her. "I wish there was something I can do."
"Really, it's fine now. I've moved on," Sally said. "Hanging with you guys, it helped. And now I've got Julie, and I know she'd never hurt me. I really like her, Sonic. I really do." Sonic smiled into the hug but didn't reply. Instead he just squeezed her tighter. And she squeezed back.
…
Mobius High's Emerald Lake country campus wasn't that secure. Sure, it was located in the middle of nowhere and unless you knew about it, you wouldn't stumble upon it. However, if you knew what you were looking for and knew where it was, it was easy to walk right in and get lost in its sheer size and scope.
That's why this woman could slip through the front gates without notice. She stood in the parking lot gazing at the tall bell tower that towered over the school's entrance.
"So, this is where she's been," the woman marveled aloud to herself. She was a tall, pinkish-red echidna with long flowing hair that draped down her back and long eyelashes. Her eyes sparkled as she scanned the brick-layered bluestone buildings draped in twilight. "I'm coming back for you, Julie."
…
Shadow awoke in the middle of the night to a light knocking at his door. He yawned and rolled over in his warm, comfortable bed. He assumed he was just imagining things since none of his roommates stirred. But then it came again.
Shadow sat up. It was unmistakable. There was something at his door. He looked at Knuckles, Manic and Spike but they all seemed fast asleep. Shadow sighed, stretched his aching arms and tiptoed as quietly as he could to the door but nothing could have prepared him for who was standing on the other side.
"Mari–" He gasped but her hand shot out and covered up his mouth before he could wake up his roommates. His eyes bulged but she just placed her index finger to her lips. He nodded with understanding and she lowered her other hand. Shadow slipped out into the hallway and closed the door quietly behind him.
"Hey Shadow," Maria finally said.
"Maria… what are you doing back here? I thought you said you needed to stay away for a while?" Shadow asked.
"I did, but things have changed. They found me again," Maria said.
"Who is they? Maria, please, you have to tell me more. I want to help you, but I can't unless you tell me what's going on," Shadow pleaded.
"Okay," Maria sighed and inhaled deeply. "The truth is I came back to campus to hide. There are these people… and, well, they are trying to kill me."
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. My fingers aren't fully healed but I can type and I finally managed to get this chapter done. It's one of the longest ones yet, and that's in a list of long chapters. Hope the wait was worth it :) Also, as you'll see, my A/N's are going to be a bit different. Normally I recap the chapter and give some insights into the key messages and themes presented but I feel like you all get it from the writing. Instead of having long A/N I'll just leave it vague and only mention some important things. Anything else just leave me a question in a review or send me a PM and I'd be happy to reply. Or if anybody just wants to chat, I check my PM's about once a day so I'll always get back to you within 24 hours.
One thing I wanted to mention is Wave's hair/ear/feather thingys and how they are almost down to her ankles in cannon. In this universe they are only about down to her waist because she always cut them shorter because of Lien-Da. I'm also just going to refer to them as hair because I really don't know what they are, haha.
Final note, Originally my plan was to further explore Sally's past. She was originally planned to have been raped in the past and that was one of the main catalysts for her body dysmorphia arc she'd been and other issues she's faced but I've recently decided against it. I've had a friend go through a similar traumatic experience recently and honestly I just don't feel right about writing about rape anymore, especially since originally it was more for a sort of shock factor and because I wanted to write a story about it to bring awareness to the issue and how it can affect people, like I tried to do for suicidal thoughts, teenage pregnancy, drug addiction, abuse etc. However, for this I just don't think it should be right. If Sally's arc involving the past incident seems a little different to how it's been foreshadowed just know it's because I reworked my plan after all the ground work for the rape plot line. Something still happened, but it isn't going to be as severe and won't be as pivotal of a plot point. Sorry if people wanted to see how I tackled that issue but I just don't want to write about it anymore but am aware I can't just pretend something never happened to her and ignore the plot point. Thanks for understanding.
QotD: Claire Fox. Yay or Nay? Do you like the character I invented for her as a kind of foil for Fiona and the spiritual main villain?
Next time on SH:EL
Espio and Knuckles get into a fight
Silver has another drunken one-night-stand
Maria reveals her past
Clove reveals her big secret
...and Fiona finally finds Void
All this and so much more, next time on Chapter 55: Protection
