Third Person

It hurt.

Everything hurt.

Mainly his head, but still. Everything hurt.

The throbbing in his head wouldn't settle as he was forced to watch many flashes come and go. Some were so bright that it made his aching head pound harder. Why was he seeing such things? Why him? What was so special about him that this had to happen?

Too many questions, not enough answers.

Would Sonic give him these answers or was he forever to be kept in the dark until he died and became a reincarnation just for the same thing to go on a never ending cycle of unhappiness? Or maybe Sonic was trying to accomplish the same thing but in a different light... a menacing light full of evil- he shouldn't be thinking like this. But how could he think any differently? All of his life consisted of him looking up to the hedgehog as his best friend, his brother. But with the way the hedgehog is acting, he could only take all those good memories and chuck them out the window, never to be seen again.

Tails had enough.

It was high time he grew up and faced the cruel reality that was forced under his very noise.

As he recalled a time when he used to be too fragile to do anything, a flash interrupted his thoughts forcing him to watch the scene before him.

A figure clad in a black cloak was running through a forest occasionally looking back before slowing to a halt. The figure huffed and puffed, doubling over with one hand on a near-by tree and the other situated on a black covered knee. The figure looked behind themselves before letting out a sigh of relief. Once they straighten out themselves, the figure reached up to the hood of their cloak and let it fall. Their dark auburn hair swayed slightly from the light breeze while their light blue eyes surveyed the land before them. Never before have they seen something like this ever. It was like a dream come true. The figure stared in awe as they came up to touch the bark of a near-by tree. Feeling the roughness of the bark, the figure smiled and gave a small giggle. The figure couldn't help themselves into going up to each tree to see what they felt like but by the time they got to the fifth tree, they felt like they were being watched.

"H-Hello?" the figure asked out into the trees. "Is anyone there?" rustling from one tree caught the figure's attention making them jump slightly before subconsciously reaching down to pick up a near-by fallen branch and held it out like a sword.

"I know you're there. Show yourself! I'm, er, armed!" the figure watched as the tree swayed again then before the figure could blink, they yelled out in shock while falling backwards as whatever was in the tree, leaped out at them. The figure tried to scamper away but when they looked back at what had lept at them, they could only blink. Right before the figure was a small miniature fully blue bird. The bird was hoping up and down over the ground as a worm came out. Not wasting a second, the bird scooped the worm up with its beak and swallowed it whole. The figure tensed slightly as the bird looked at them. The bird's head cocked to the left then to the right, hopped a little forward then deeming that the figure wasn't a threat, flew towards the figure and perched on their head. The bird puffed up it's feathers to get all comfortable making the figure chuckle.

"Come here little- ow!" the figure tried to reach up towards the bird but said Mobini peeked at their hand. The figure frowned then reached up towards the bird to try again while speaking soothing words while also getting peeked at like crazy. "Hey, hey, I'm not going to -ow- hurt you. I'm just -ow- trying -hey- to -uh- help you." Once the figure got the bird off their head, they held the bird in their hands watching as said bird looked up at them annoyed for taking it away from it's comfy spot. "Hey, aren't you a flicky?" the figure smiled brightly as they recognized the species the little Mobini was. "Wow... I've read about flickies before but I've never seen one up close!" The figure moved one hand away to start petting the flicky which made said bird flinch slightly then slowly move it's head so the figure could get a better angle making the bird make a subtle 'coo' in pleasure.

"Hmm, hmm, hmm, you sure are cute." the bird suddenly tensed making the figure frown. "Huh? What's wrong?" the flicky let out a loud 'squawk' forcing the figure to cover the ears as the bird flew away in worry. "H-Hey! Flicky! What's going on!?" the figure yelled out but the bird didn't come back. The figure quickly jumped to their feet and they tensed just like the bird when they felt like they were being watched for the second time today.

"W-Who's there!?" the figure turned in every which way to try and find why and where the feeling of being watched came from but they found nothing. Letting down their guard, the figure looked around one last time and frowned while looking down.

"I must be imagining things..." just as the figure was about to walk away, they heard subtle talking coming from one of the trees. They slowly looked in that direction to try and catch what was being said or if they could tell who was there but no such luck came to them. The figure was about to high-tail it when two blurs emerged from the tree catching them off-guard and making them fall backwards and hit their head on a rock, knocking them out. The two blurs stopped right in front of the fallen figure then looked at each other. They were both male hedgehogs but while one was fully white with their quills pointing upwards and their eyes were the same shade of light blue, the other hedgehog was dark blue with their quills pointing downwards, blood soaked into their hands, visible claws, shark fangs, dried blood tear tracks and their eyes being tiny red dots with their sclera fully black.

"Well... that just happened..." the white hedgehog muttered as he looked from the dark blue one to the figure in black. The dark blue hedgehog walked towards the figure and crouched down beside them.

"Gender: Female... Species: Chipmunk... looks familiar..." he mumbled then looked towards the white hedgehog as he heard him chuckle lightly.

"Familiar?" he asked with a sly smirk "Why would that chipmunk look familiar to you?" then the white hedgehog started floating into the air and hovered in front of the dark blue hedgehog. "You getting a crush or something Blue~" the dark blue hedgehog scoffed then glared at the white hedgehog and swatted at him making the white hedgehog fly away from him.

"No I'm not. I think I recognized this chipmunk when I was on spy duty."

"Ooohh~ spy duty~" he said in a sing song voice. He then floated on his back while holding his stomach in a laughing fit. "Pfffft... hahahahahaha!" the dark blue rolled his eyes and turned away from the white one.

"Little twit." he muttered under his breath then turned his attention back to the chipmunk who groaned. The chipmunk slowly opened her eyes and was about to move her hand to her head when she caught sight of the hedgehog's red dots that seemed to pierce right through her and target her soul. Her eyes widened, her mouth was open to form a scream but her voice got caught in her throat. Her brain went on over-time to figure out what she was seeing but because she couldn't comprehend what was happening, she passed out again. The dark blue hedgehog blinked at the turn of events then turned to glare at the white hedgehog for his continued laughter that roared louder. "Would you cut that out?" he hissed towards the white hedgehog making said hedgehog to stop immediately and then to return the glare back at him. The air was stiff as the two continued their glare until the white hedgehog's gaze moved to the chipmunk which he smirked at.

"How about we kill this chipmunk and get it over with?" the hedgehog was about to do just that when the dark blue one stood in front of the chipmunk with determination in his eyes.

"No. We shouldn't."

"And why not?" the white hedgehog demanded with his hands on his hips.

"Because," the dark blue one started with his head held high. "If I'm correct about who this chipmunk is, then she will be more useful when the time is right."

"Time is right." the white hedgehog mocked him then rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right!" he scoffed as he saw how serious the dark blue one was then reached down to pick the chipmunk up. "Fine, I'll carry her." he then began to float away. "But only because I wanted to. Nothing else!" the dark blue hedgehog shook his head at that and began to follow the white one.

"You spend too much time around Navy, White."

That was only one of many flashes that came across the fox's vision. Many were two fast to comprehend, others just showing a single flash -like an everlasting photo, but it was rare that one would stay long enough for him to see. He saw various ones that stayed longer then a second, like Havoc and King Maxmillian's meeting or the fight in Knothole and Sally's death. But out of them all, two seemed to stand out the most, not including the one he already saw. Now these two didn't stand out because they were longer than usual, no, they stood out because of how they were played out. One seemed to start out all calm -Sally, Elias and King Max walking along the halls together until everything went downhill. The other flash seemed to be a mix of flashes together. It was barely understandable. As Tails was thinking about the second collection of flashes, his thoughts were interrupted once more by the first flash.

"Dad, should we really be trusting this... this... thing?" a male chipmunk spat as he looked towards another male chipmunk -this one being older- on his right. King Maxmillian and his two children Elias and Sally, were walking down the halls of Knothole castle. While the king was walking down the middle, Elias -the younger male chipmunk but also older sibling- on his left and Sally -the youngest female chipmunk in both sibling and family- on his right.

"I'm sure that everything will be fine Elias." the king responded to his son who scoffed.

"The only thing that anyone would be certain about is how badly you put everyone in danger." he interjected. "And that you may have jinxed

yourself." Ever since after his father had come back from his rescue mission for his little sister and told him every last detail, Elias Acorn had been skeptical of this 'Havoc' hedgehog the king had told him about. Right now, they were on their way towards the throne room where King Max had told said hedgehog to wait for a moment. And every step closer they got to that very room, the more the prince had felt a growing sense of dread in the very pits of his gut. "I still think that we shouldn't or more likely you shouldn't put your trust on this hedgehog. What do you think Sally?" the prince leaned forward looking at his little sister who looked noxious at seeing the hedgehog again.

"I don't want to be anywhere near any hedgehogs for as long as I live." Sally crossed her arms across her chest and Elias smiled as well as nodding his head.

"See dad. Even Sally isn't trusting this hedgehog."

"I never said I didn't trust Havoc..." she mumbled making her brother's eyes go wide.

"Don't tell me..." he muttered out as he glanced back and forth from his father to his sister. He growled as his hands clenched into tight fists. "I can't believe the both of you! Why are you trusting someone that, by the sound of it, won't hesitate to kill you on sight!?"

"Enough Eli-"

"No!" Elias interrupted his father while glaring at him. "I won't stop saying that we shouldn't trust this thing!" He looked directly into King Max's eyes with complete determination of trying to get his way. "Why would the king of Mobius, the very king who wanted peace for his people, trust something that would disrupt that goal?" the king looked away from him not wanting to meet his eyes again so Elias moved his attention to his younger sister. "And Sally, why would you trust the very thing that almost killed you!?" Sally's eyes drifted down to her hands as she fiddled with them. "Answer me! Why would you put your life in a murderer's hands when that same murderer would squish it faster then you can blink?"

"Elias, ENOUGH!" Maxmillian roared as he stepped in front of his son, stopping the three chipmunks. Sally had cowered back a bit as she knew not to get her father angrier than he already was. The king took a breath before talking in a calmer voice. "Would you cut this out? I know you don't trust this hedgehog and to tell you the truth, neither do I but we have to because he threatened to kill Sally and I would take my own life before he would even think about touching either of you. I would do almost anything if that means that I could protect you, your sister and my kingdom." he placed a hand on his son's shoulder with sorrow filled eyes. "You understand Elias? We don't know how powerful this hedgehog is and if what he says is true, then I can't take any chances." it was quiet as Elias took time to absorb all the new information and when he did, he looked down at his feet.

"Yeah... I do..." he muttered and the king nodded.

"Good to hear." the three chipmunks were about to continue the trek towards the throne room when they froze as they heard slow clapping. Very slow and mocking clapping. The royal family turned around to spot a male golden hedgehog a little ways away from them. The hedgehog had his quills waving in the air effortlessly and ruby red eyes that held only two things: boredom and a desire to kill.

"What a touching moment." the hedgehog's voice was like ice that shivered the three chipmunks spines. "Too bad it has to end so quickly." the hedgehog moved his arms so they were crossed over his chest and he glared at the king. "You were supposed to be in the throne room 5 minutes ago, King Maxmillian. My Master is not a patient person, nor is he merciful. But for you, at this moment, he is willing to let things slide if everything goes his way exactly as it should."

The king nodded as he stood up straight, not willing to show fear. "Then we should make haste." the golden hedgehog nodded as well then turned on his heels and walked away in the direction he came from.

"Dad," Elias whispered to his father when they started following the hedgehog. "Who is that? Is that him?"

"No. That is one of Havoc's lackeys."

"'Lackeys' is not as you say 'correct'." the golden hedgehog hissed as he looked over his shoulder. "I am one of seven other hedgehogs that are our Master's brothers. Upon creation, I have been called Gold and you will call me that if you cherish your life." he turned back around and chuckled. Even though the royal family couldn't see his face, they could tell he was giving an evil smirk. "And you will not try any funny business or I will make use of my strict orders to bury you under your own castle." Sally gulped as she looked into her worried brothers eyes. What would happen to them now?

As the royal family turned the last corner, they came to an abrupt stop at what was in front of them. All along the throne room were nine different hedgehogs including Gold. Said hedgehog just strode on in straight to the back where the thrones were located and sat down beside a cobalt hedgehog with emerald eyes and light blue watery appendages that made up the hedgehog's hands and feet who sat in the king's throne. Beside the cobalt hedgehog was a navy blue hedgehog with pure white eyes and an aura that consistently roamed around the hedgehog's body.

"Come forth King Maximilian." the cobalt hedgehog commanded making the king glance to his children before heading the hedgehog's words.

Along the way towards the cobalt hedgehog, the other hedgehogs that were doing their own thing looked towards the chipmunks as if saying 'I'll kill you if you dare hurt our Master'. There was a hedgehog clad in golden armor fencing with a violet hedgehog who had pure white eyes, two stripes going down the hedgehog's top quill and gold rings on his wrists and ankles. While the armored hedgehog was using his sword, the violet hedgehog was only using his hands. Another hedgehog pair was a huge dark blue hedgehog with forest green eyes that looked more like a dog then a hedgehog was laying on the ground with a white hedgehog with light blue eyes on his back. And finally, the last two hedgehogs were sitting on the balcony above the thrones - one hedgehog was dark blue but this one had red dot eyes surrounded by black and the other one looked like the other golden hedgehog but the differences between the two were his shark teeth, claws and swirled eyes.

"I see that you decided to take your time King Maxmillian." the cobalt hedgehog stood up straight as the royal family came closer to him. "Me and my brothers have already made ourselves at home in your tiny little abode."

"Well I had to inform my eldest child Elias of your appearance otherwise things wouldn't be pretty." Maxmillian waved to the prince by his side then brought his hands together. "Should we get to business?" the cobalt hedgehog chuckled with his eyes closed and hands behind his back.

"Quite." he smirked then waved his right hand around in a circle. The eight hedgehogs all got closer to the royal family with evil smirks on their faces. "Before anything else though, I shall be the one to introduce you to my brothers." he gestured to either side of him. "This one is named Gold and the darker one is named Navy." he then waved towards the dog-hedgehog and white hedgehog. "Beast and White." then waved towards the violet hedgehog and armored one. "Violet and Knight." and finally looked towards the dark blue and other golden hedgehog. "And those two are Blue and Golden." he then chuckled again and turned his attention back to the royal family. "Now that we got their names out of the way, just for your little children, I'll introduce myself again." he then placed a fist against a chest while standing up straighter. "My name is Havoc but you may call me Supreme Ruler Havoc."

"Yeah right!" that drew everyone's attention back to Elias as he glared at the cobalt hedgehog. "We will never call you that! You don't even belong on a throne!"

"A rebel, huh?" Havoc hummed as he shook his head. "I introduce myself with sincerity yet you treat me like the dirt that lays beneath your feet. Well... I have only one thing to say to that..." Havoc looked at them with hatred as he jumped into the air, one of his hands changed into a lance and as he landed, he swiped the royal family off their feet and flying backwards. "Fuck you!" his hand then changed into a long-spear head. "Fuck all of you! I am the most powerful being here and you are supposed to be bowing to me!" he pointed the spear head at them with a scowl on his face. "So bow you pathetic imbeciles!"

"No!" Elias yelled out as he jumped to his feet and glared at the cobalt hedgehog. "We are the royal family of Knothole and will not bow to a little street rat!" Havoc snarled at that but then smirked and started to laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Hehehe... you really are pathetic... and so forgetful. By any chance, do you know," the cobalt hedgehog placed one hand on his hips while tilting his head to the side with an innocent look on his face but also a weird glint in his eyes. "Where is your mother?"

"Alicia..." it didn't cross his mind as King Max muttered his wife's name. He had been so busy dealing with Havoc and saving his daughter that he completely forgot about his Queen. Their eyes widened as Havoc chuckled again and waved at Gold and Navy, the both of them leaving the room. When they returned, Elias and Sally let out a gasp at seeing their mother in the state she was in. Her fur was ruffled in some spots, her wrists were chaffed from the ropes tied tightly, her eyes were bloodshot with visible tears and she screamed through the rope around her mouth as she saw her two children and husband.

"Are you ready to cooperate now?" the cobalt hedgehog asked as he was given the queen. She struggled with all her might to try to get away but to no avail. Havoc slit the rope around her mouth and she gasped from the feeling.

"Max, Elias, Sally! Run! Save yourselves! I'll be fine!" she screamed as she was then tossed onto the ground with Havoc pressing her back with his foot.

"Not so tough are you now, Queen Alicia?" Havoc mocked with a devious smirk and that earned him a growl from Elias.

"You." he glared and his hands were clenched so tight that his knuckles turned white. "What did you do to mom!?" the cobalt hedgehog frowned as he deadpanned at the young male chipmunk.

"I showed her that she shouldn't mess with me." he lifted her up by her neck, foot still planted firmly making her scream out in pain. "And I clearly did that. So now that you see what I would do -make you suffer beneath my foot- are you willing to bow down to me?" he then slowly and subtly moved his weaponized hand under the queen's neck and pushing against her skin but not so much that it wasn't penetrated. "Or do I have to give you another reason if you try to rebel?"

"Please..." everyone's attention moved from the cobalt hedgehog when they heard the weak voice of Sally Acorn. "Don't hurt her..." tears were fresh in her eyes as she stared into Havoc's hard emeralds. In all her life, Sally never liked fighting. She always preferred to be a peacekeeper - finding a solution without any violence but as she stands before the tyrant hedgehog with her mother tied up and both her father and brother -mainly her brother- trying to fight back, she couldn't take it. "I'll do whatever you wish but please... please don't hurt her."

"Sally-" Elias was about to go over to his sister, to stop her from doing something stupid, but was stopped as Havoc laughed and his brothers joining in making it sound like demonic laughter.

"You really are naive." he stepped away from Alicia, letting her fall limp as Gold and Navy held her. Havoc waved his hand allowing Golden and Blue to hold Elias, Knight and Violet hold Maxmillian and Beast and White slinked behind Havoc as he pulled Sally to her feet making them come nose to nose. A devilish grin spread across his face as he relished all the fear in the princess's eyes. "You just sold your soul to me."

That scene kept on going through his mind and he couldn't think of anything else. Why? Tails didn't know. All he did know was that he was seeing such things and, for the life of him, couldn't stop them. Maybe... maybe they did have a meaning after all... or he was just simply seeing just useless information. Even if all this information was useful somehow, how was he supposed to show anyone besides him, all of this? The fox didn't know why him, why this or why he was just unfortunate to be tasked with so much information that he didn't know what to do with it all... maybe... maybe all he had to do was wait... maybe then the answers would appear before him... or, maybe not... eh, it was worth a shot.