Jules: 44
Aleena: 44
Sonic (Manic and Sonia): 16
Amy: 15
Knuckles: 17
Tails: 9
Rouge: 18
Sally: 16
Rob: 32
Shadow: N/A
Chapter Eight: Distance Made My Heart Grow Fonder
"Woohoo!" The exuberant teenager called into the endless sky. His cheers echoed across the open plain, it's mighty boom of his low voice shortly being overtaken by the engine of a battle plane.
THUMP!
"Nice catch, Buddy." Sonic praised his comrade. Landing on all fours, on the wing of his ally's plane, Sonic slowly rose onto his feet. The wind violently billowed through his lengthy quills. Though harshly it passed him, the element was polite in it's overtake. A powerful blow on impact and then weaving it's way through his flowing spines. An exhilarating feeling he had grown to love.
Briefly looking to the blue hedgehog, the fox smiled bashfully. "It's nothing." He said, humbled by the recognition. The young boy soon turned back to the task in front of them. "Enemy spotted straight ahead, counting twenty. Identified as Egg Fighters."
"Puh, that's it? I thought this was supposed to be a mission?"
"Don't get cocky, Sonic." His father's voice sounded through the monitor.
The general, along with Colonel McGrath and the backup fighters; Shadow, Sally and Rouge, were laying low within a combat vehicle; The Stormer. A high-speed, bulk vehicle accompanied with missile artillery. A treasured creation by Manic and Tails.
Jules watched the battle from the passenger seat, his nerves rattled by his son's carefree nature. "Knowing Robotnik, there's always a trick up his sleeve. Stay cautious."
"No worries, General. We've got this." Sonic voice travelled through the speakers. His track record for his insouciant attitude to the grave danger every battle held left the father on the edge of his seat everytime.
Jules turned back to look at Shadow. The silent agent, scientifically conceived to be the ultimate weapon, reclined in his seat. Arms crossed, passive emotion. "On my order, be ready to assist."
The dark hedgehog nodded back at the general. He stared straight ahead, waiting for his signal.
"What about us?" Rouge asked. "We're not expected to wait on the sidelines, surely?"
"You're the Abet Squad. Hold fire until further orders." Jules told the young woman, looking back at her over his shoulder. Displeased with the general's instructions, Rouge huffed and crossed both her arms and legs.
Sally smiled hopelessly to the bat before offering her some consolation. "You'll have your moment, Rouge. I'm sure of it." She looked out of the window to see the blue blur creating several explosions across the field. "Robotnik would never utilise such a straightforward plan of attack..."
"Maybe you ought to teach Sonic some common sense, Sally. It sure seems like he could use it." Jules commented monotonously, his patience for his son's heedlessness lessening.
McGrath chuckled lightly. "Leave the boy be, Jules. He's a free spirit and it works for him. Just watch him making his way through those Egg Fighters!"
Another boom shook the Stormer, a ball of blue surfacing from the mushroom cloud of smoke. "Yeah!" The boy cheered.
His point proven, McGrath smirked at the man beside him, chuckling ever so lightly to see him roll his eyes and smile in defeat.
The enemy had very little to encourage a smile. The mighty gut of a man sat on the edge of his seat, brewing in his rage with teeth harshly gritting. "You meddling rat! Must you ruin my plan of attack every time?!"
Skidding across the grass and coming to a harsh halt, Sonic grinned at the round man above him, crossing his arms as a portrayal to his cocky attitude. "D'uh. It's kinda what we do. You know, being heroes an' all? Oh and by the way, I'm a hedgehog, not a rat. Get it right."
"You insulant hedgehog! You'll pay for the damage you've done to my robots and for your smart mouth!" Robotnik waved his fist at the teen.
Three years of battling the blue wind had drastically slowed down his progress. Upon realising his takeover of Mercia had been restored by the newly established Freedom Fighters, he had initially intended to eradicate them and be on his merry way in his pursuit for world domination.
That plan faltered at the sight of the blue hedgehog. Swift were his actions to eliminate his fleet. So indomitable, in strength and spirit. It was quickly signified that this running blue pineapple was to be a fearsome threat to him and his goal.
And that had been proven to be a fact by the tenth battle.
"Ah, you see? Isn't it great when we identify each other appropriately? I'm the hedgehog and you're the Egg-Man." He found himself unable to hold back his laughter to see the anger deepening onto the doctor's face.
"You are truly insufferable." Robotnik growled. "Robots, attack!"
By command, the blue hero was enclosed in a circle. The swarm of Egg Fighters and Egg Guns approached him at all angles, slowly constricting the hedgehog in the centre.
Looking around at all the robots, Sonic clicked on the screen of his communicator before losing his grin and acting hopeless. "Oh no. Whatever am I gonna do?" He concealed his grin by lowering his head, his eyes peering upward towards the evil mastermind and seeing his victorious sneer.
Too invested in the end of his cobalt nemesis, Robotnik failed to notice the incoming fighters rushing towards them.
Rouge swooped down passed the Egg Mobile, her velocity nearly knocking the man out of his hovering seat. "Ah! What the--" Robotnik gasped to see the rescue plan playing out before him. The bat grabbed the hedgehog, pulling him out of the circle and bringing him high enough to throw him back into the hoard. He spin dashed through the robots, a dozen explosions lifting smoke into the atmosphere.
Racing straight through the smoke and flames, Sally flipped over the debris, landing a kick into an Egg Gun's circuits. The malfunctioning robot span around rapidly, releasing it's artillery in a disordered frenzy. Dashing towards the hostile robot, Sonic shifted to skidding his body against the grass and grabbing the chipmunk and saving her from the crossfire.
"Thanks, Sonic." Sally expressed her gratitude upon being placed back on her feet.
"Don't mention it. Back in the fight." He smiled at the girl, giving her a brief two-finger salute before dashing back into the battle.
Rolling her eyes with an amused smile on her face, Sally raced back into the battle, erasing the thoughts that had triggered her cheeks to redden.
A charge of blue streaked passed the incoming Egg Fighters, luring them to follow. The robots marched after him, aiming their guns towards the balled up hedgehog. The bait for the ultimate lifeform to swoop in and demolish was set. Shadow threw a chaos sphere at the row of robots. The sphere sliced through the upper body of the Egg Fighters, sparking their circuits and creating more explosive machinery.
"Way to go, Shadow." Sonic chose to acknowledge the agent. His enthusiasm was often a pretence towards the dark hedgehog. Ever since he had heard of his training with Amy back in Central City, he was deemed a threat. A nuisance on his team. He couldn't deny the man's strength and knowledge over chaos energy, but based on personal opinion, he was not appreciative of his services.
There was a chance this opinion was shared with Shadow too. The man stared at him for just a moment before turning back to the fight. Sonic was just able to hear the man huff back a response as he vanished into combat.
"Thanks, Sonic. You shouldn't have..." Sonic muttered to himself before focusing on the robots ahead.
The onslaught of machinery formed a pile of mounting bolts and screws before the enemy. With Tails and Rouge securing the battle from above and Sonic, Shadow and Sally from below, Robotnik found himself outnumbered.
"Give up, Egghead?" Sonic taunted the mastermind, smirking at their apparent victory.
To the surprise of the heroes, Robotnik grinned a traitorous grin. "It's not over yet, Sonic. Prepare to meet... The Egg-Terminator!"
At the touch of a button, his latest creation was deployed onto the battlefield. The colossal mech stood twenty metres from the ground. It's bulk appearance, decorated in Robotnik's menacing trademark red, made it dense as it was armoured. It's hands replaced with deadly, sharp saws, each blade threatened to splice through flesh with ease.
It's piercing red eyes stared down at the heroes, bearing it's weapons before them. Alarmed, Sonic and his team stepped back and got into battle stances.
"Ha! How'd you like this design?!" The egg shaped man called out, overly impressed with himself.
Unfazed by the robot's stature, Sonic chuckled softly to himself and looked up at the man. "Pretty cool, Doc. It's just needs some finishing touches."
"Huh? Wha'... Finishing touches. Wha--" Robotnik thought aloud.
The ground suddenly shook violently beneath their feet, bringing the heroes to their knees. Beneath the Egg-Terminator, was an expanding sinkhole. It slowly began to sink into the ground until it was fully engulfed by the fallen land.
"What?!" Robotnik shrieked.
"Tails..." Sonic said conceitedly into his communicator, maintaining his grin.
The fox piloted over the sinkhole and dropped gallons of water from above. The water blended with the earth, forming thickened mud that embedded into the saws and through the robot's wiring, preventing it from moving.
"What?! How?! How does that even work?!" Robotnik yelled, pointing audaciously towards the sinkhole.
"Aw... Now that's the perfect finish. Nice work, Knuckle, Tails."
Walking back towards the blue hedgehog, Knuckles shook the dirt off his glove and gave the hedgehog a high five. Tails swooped passed his team as he landed the plane, shortly joining the assembled group.
"Great work, team!" The leader cheered, issuing high fives all round. His congratulatory gesture was cut short when approaching Shadow. He faced away from the blue hedgehog, rejecting his friendliness.
Shrugging off the man's rejection, Sonic looked back to Robotnik. "Guess that's another loss for you, Doc. Boy, that makes this the... sixtieth time? Or was it more than that?"
"It's the eightieth... B-but who's countin' anyway!" He growled. "This isn't the last you've seen from me, hedgehog! I'll be back!" He shouted as he flew off into the distance.
As the man left, the heroes cheered amongst themselves. Another victory to add to their triumphs over the man.
"Nice work, Heroes." McGrath congratulated the victors on approaching them alongside Jules. "Eighty straight wins against the mad Doctor. I think this is just enough to bring to conference." He said proudly.
Sonic gasped a short breath ecstatically. The long awaited possibility to be with his beloved once again caused his heart to flutter. "You mean... We'll all be shipped off to Central City?"
His son's enthusiasm awakened the general's scepticism. As part of their training, his siblings; Manic and Sonia had travelled to Mercia HQ throughout the seven summers they had spent in the country. And his mother? She called him every night, sent letters every so often. He surely hadn't missed them as much as he could've possibly missed... Her.
Seven years of strictly no contact with the pink hedgehog had to likely cause a break within their peculiar bond. The father had done everything to ensure they never saw one another. He even went as far as to provide 'distractions' for the pair of them during their training. For Amy, the mysteriously dark hedgehog, Shadow. And for Sonic, the captivating chipmunk, Sally. Two formidable heroes, with additional possession of beauty.
By his son's exhilarated response, he prayed he simply got ahead of himself out of anxiety. He had worked too hard and too long for his efforts to fail.
"Yes. Tomorrow, we'll be shipping you all to Central City. There, you can stay at the HQ and reacquaint yourself with the other heroes." The colonel wrapped his arm around the leader's shoulders and began to walk with him towards the base. "I'm sure you're most eager to see your family again, Blue Wind. Keep your communicator on at all times, and you may just get to stay back at your family home."
His luck was brimming. Elevated with euphoria, Sonic held a composed demeanour and nodded back at the crocodile. "You have my word, Sir."
"Just what I like to hear. Come! Rest awhile. We'll have a little celebration in the evening to mark our times together."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Nah. Thank you, Sonic. I can't express my gratitude enough."
He smiled at the praise from his father figure. He was somewhat ashamed to admit, but from the seven years he had spent under both his father and McGrath's supervision, he had found the colonel becoming more of an affectionate father than his biological parent. Though he expressed his admiration a few times, he couldn't help but notice his father becoming unrecognisable with every alcoholic breath that greeted him when conversating with him.
Since that horrific night so many years ago, the teen had drifted from his dad. The minor attempts to reconnect couldn't expell the taint of that moment of loss control.
The blue boy lead the group back to Mercia HQ with McGrath. Trailing behind, Jules watched his son laugh along with the colonel, demonstrating the gap between them. With a sigh, the father pulled out his trusty flask and tipped back the much needed beverage.
By noon, it was already near empty.
Swinging the door open to their sleeping quarters, Knuckles and Tails hurried to their beds and hopped onto the mediocre mattresses. They both sighed simultaneously, placing their hands behind their heads in a bid to relax.
Sonic on the other hand took his time to scope around the room. It was a simplistic, little room. Walls lacking any particular colour. A rough, grungy shade of army green, it's colour extending to the plain, dreary floors. The dried mud and trafficked shoes added some character to the mundane flooring.
On entering the room, his bed was straight ahead, facing east. The wooden, just-about comforting bedframes, covered by tough mattresses and modest pillow and blanket set were equal to his comrades' own. Tails slept in the bed in front of his, beside the window and Knuckles, a few metres from the door.
The blue hedgehog had been fortunate to grab first dibs on his bed. Being beside their shared bathroom, he was often the first to claim the hot water whenever it was shower time.
But limited luxury living was to be at its end after the coming evening. Tomorrow, he'd be living back at home in his bed; a brand new bed with plump pillows and warming blankets, just as his mother had told him. His old bedroom had apparently become Manic's punk inspired man-cave. While he didn't portray himself as a punk rocker, like his siblings had apparently adapted into, he would happily accept the changes nonetheless.
Anything to be with his lover again.
He could just imagine their first encounter again after all those years apart. He'd take her in his arms, trace one hand down her arm and bring it to hold her soft hand, pull her erotically close and vent all his pent up desire for her in his kiss.
It was his only dream. The only one he ever experienced after entering puberty. The sweetly innocent dream had grown into something more mature as he got older. Though he had countlessly conflicted with himself over the reoccurring fantasy, he knew in his heart that his emotions had always stayed true to her.
He was just going to have to burn in the abyss for his love.
The mood was sweeping over him again. Tedious yet insatiable need for relief. Biting his lip, he looked down towards his bed, thinking of his secluded box that contained his special material to ease his desire.
"You gonna stand there all day?" Knuckles asked, breaking the hedgehog out of his haze.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. My bad." He bashfully replied, jumping onto his bed and copied their actions. He crossed his leg over his knee, allowing his shoe to bounce leisurely.
"What's got you so worked up?" The echidna asked, lifting his head slightly to look over at the blue leader.
"What do you mean?"
"You just seem out of it since McGrath mentioned leaving this place."
Sonic looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought. "It's just a change, I guess. Eventhough I've seen my siblings and my mother, it's gonna be different to see them all back home." He took a moment to consider their circumstances as orphans, immediately being hit with guilt. "Uh, sorry. I didn't mean--"
"It's okay, Sonic. We can't really miss what we've never had." Tails reassured him. His reassurance just made him all the more guilty.
"I wonder who the other heroes are then?" Knuckles changed the conversation. "I mean, we've pretty much met the others, haven't we?"
"We haven't met the general's youngest daughter." Tails points out. "She's said to be a fierce fighter. Alongside her sister; Sonia, they're practically indescribable!"
"We know about Sonia..." Knuckles said.
"I bet you do." Sonic replied somewhat mockingly. His protective side however couldn't be mask as he shot a glare over to the echidna.
Knuckles was soon silenced by the blue blur's comment. He looked back over to him, witnessing the sharp gaze. He gulped, embarrassed. "How did you know about that?"
"Word spreads. Especially when it's family." His expression shortly changed once he deemed he had punished his friend long enough. "Relax. It's cool... So long as you're not taking advantage."
"I'm not. Wasn't."
"Wasn't? As in, it's over?" Sonic furrowed his brows.
"It's not."
Tails looked back and forth at the teenagers, clueless to what they were talking about. "Is this about you and Rouge?" He questioned the red male.
The fox's question peaked Sonic's attention. "Rouge?! Dude, you better not be messin' my sister around." He growled, rising from his bed.
Knuckles shot a glare at the young boy before getting up from his bed. "I'm not. The timeline got a little messy, but I swear I'm not messin' with her." He said sincerely. "Look, let's grab one of those chilli dogs and discuss it later?"
Though interested to hear his friend's side of the story, the opportunity for alone time was ripe for the picking. "You guys go on. I'll catch up."
"But I'm not hungry--"
"Tails. I'm saying I wanna be alone..." Sonic frowned at the boy.
"Oh. Well alright then." He jumped up off his bed and followed Knuckles to the door. He looked back briefly to his best friend and flashed a quick smile before closing the door.
Once he had heard the click of the door, Sonic hastily grabbed his box from under the bed and pulled out the bulk of letters stored beneath the photographs taken throughout his years in Mercia. He left the box on the ground and scanned through the letters. His secret stash of communication with Amy.
Admittedly, it was a one-sided communication. Unable to slip pass his father long enough to write his love words down, he spent his energy retrieving hers. At the crack of dawn, he would dash passed the security cameras and swipe her letters before his father could acknowledge the mail. His basic retrieval system hadn't failed him thus far.
The newest letter from dawn had yet to be opened. While curious to hear of her latest tales, he decided to read some of her words once more, yearning to feel connected with her again.
December 16th, 4326
Dear Sonic,
These past four weeks have been the worse weeks of my life! I miss you so much that it hurts. I keep telling myself that one day, you're gonna walk through that door and just hold me like you used to. To reassure me like you always have.
I know we didn't exactly end it all with a happy goodbye, but I know from the way you held me that day that you wanted to say those words to me, like I had to you.
And so, I've decided to wait for you. Distance can't break us and we'll just have to prove that. I'll try and write to you again soon. Until then, happy holidays.
I love you. With all my heart.
Forever yours,
Amy.
xoxo
February 8th, 4331
Dear Sonic,
Life remains pretty boring without you here. If it wasn't for all this training McGrath's got me doing, I think I'd die of boredom! I actually like the training. It keeps me busy and my mind in check. (Otherwise, I'd just be thinking of you, nonstop... That doesn't sound too bad...)
I guess some things have changed around here. Manic's gone AWOL lately: Coming back late at night, sneaking out, he dresses in spiked cuffs and has even got a tattoo sleeve down his arm! Mum's been screaming at him constantly about his behaviour, but I think it's making him worse.
He just seems so... Out of it lately. It's hard to talk to him without him sounding like he's drowsy... Dunno what's gotten into him. Since his visit to Mercia, he's become a total jerk!
Sonia's changed too. She's a little more happy than usual. She finally confessed that she met a guy while in Mercia... Knibbles? Snubbles? Knuckles? Something like that. She even lost her virginity to him! Don't tell her I told you. I was sworn to secrecy, but you're my walking diary so you're the exception.
She's asked me if I'm interested in anyone. Oh I wish I could say it. I wish I could declare my love for you from the rooftops... But perhaps it's best I say nothing at all.
Hope to hear from you soon. I love you, Sonic.
Forever yours,
Amy.
xoxo
June 17th 3432
Dear Sonic,
Happy early birthday! Not sure when you'll get this letter, but preferably sometime around your birthday is fine.
I wanted to give you something. Something for your eyes only. After all the birthdays I've missed, I hope this'll make up for it.
I've come along way from that little girl you left behind. I'm sure you'll agree when you see.
I love you so much. Please write to me soon.
Forever yours,
Amy.
xoxo
From the particular letter dropped two photographs. Ones too explicit for peeping eyes. His eyes had nearly fallen out of place on the first sighting of her lewd photography. Much like his fantasies, he had been conflicted over right and wrong. To engage in his urges, or take heed in his father's conditioning.
It wasn't long before he strayed to instinctive pleasure.
Then he was left feeling ashamed and guilt ridden, until the next time.
And that next time was just about to occur.
Taking his material, he began to pack up the rest of the letters in his box. His eyes once again fell onto the new letter he had received that morning. He contemplated on the choice to open it. His alone time was already a luxury, to rid himself of his urges was his main goal during his solitude.
But perhaps a quick read wouldn't change anything.
Tearing the envelope off, the blue boy skimmed across the paper. His eyes widening with terror the more he read.
October 4th, 3433
Dear Sonic,
I have been thinking a lot lately. I've lost count of the sleepless nights I've had just thinking and crying over you.
For seven years, I have put my life on hold, for you. I have skipped dozens of opportunities to date and receive affection, thinking one day, you'd be back and we'd finally be together...
But I can see now, I was holding onto a fairytale.
I've been holding onto faith, not security. I don't even know if you feel the same way for me anymore and it breaks my heart not knowing if you've moved on and forgotten me.
This is madness!
I am literally pouring my heart out to my brother! Because that's what we are, isn't it? You are my brother and I am your sister. Our love should never have been... I'm starting to think Mum and Dad had the right idea to separate us all along.
Because it was wrong of us. Wrong of me to continue the communication despite being forbade. I was wrong to send you those pictures of me. I'm sorry. I was so desperate for your attention, I wasn't thinking straight.
But now I am, and now I know what's best.
So in a way, this is our goodbye. Just as depressing as the one before...
Take care of yourself.
Sincerely,
Amy.
The paper's edge crinkled in his hands in his despair. Breathing through a shaking breath, he squeezed his eyes shut to prevent his tears from escaping.
This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not when he was so close to finally leaving Mercia and being back with her again. He couldn't face this reality. He couldn't bring himself to believe that fact.
His lover had pretty much dumped him and secured that end with the labels they had both thrown away with their first kiss.
Frustrated were his actions as he frantically put the letter in his box and shoved it back under the bed. The heartbroken teen rose to his feet and placed his hands behind his head, forcing himself to quickly process the heart aches and have it over with. He was already done with the pain of his cracked heart.
His pain was somewhat eased by the nostalgic feeling of connecting with her words. To put himself back in the security of knowing that no matter how long he was gone, she'd be waiting for him back home. Ready for him to open the door and whisk her away.
Placing the pictures in front of him, he inhaled deeply and marched into the bathroom, locking the door behind him. For a moment, he would let go of the pain and reminisce in their time as a couple.
The mirror before him displayed a blue hedgehog in turmoil. Stinging eyes pleading to unleash his agony, jittering lips barely holding back his sobs. He had believed he knew of heartache. That every waking moment without her had instilled a permanent gnawing to the organ. But this, this stabbing pain that wouldn't soothe itself was excruciating. No amount of denial seemed to alleviate his suffering.
She really had given up on him. After all this time.
Why? Why couldn't she hold on just a little longer? Seven years was a long time, but all he was asking for was another day. Twenty four hours.
But after her surrender to their parents' instructions, twenty four hours would mean nothing if she actually saw him as her brother.
He inhaled a sharp breath, the intake like daggers to his ribs. What was he to do now? All of his efforts had been motivated by her. Once he made it back, what then? Her abandonment left him lost, without purpose. It was all good being a hero, until he lost his reason to fight.
Staring into his eyes through the mirror, he silently asked himself the question; Should he give up on her? If she was to move on and forget they were ever a thing, shouldn't he do the same?
Another heavy breath was expelled. As much as he wanted to be petty and rebound the heartache, his love for her kept him loyal, imprisoned.
She may have let him go, but he was still very much tied to her.
Sonic shook his head and looked back at his reflection. He leered at himself, telling himself consciously to not let this wear him down. He was a hero, with responsibility. As agonised as he was, he couldn't let his emotions get the better of him.
Especially with his dad lurking around. Any sign of emotion and he was to be strung up and tormented further.
Determined, he grabbed his sport tape and wrapped it around his arms and his gloves. He moved on to fixing his brown neckerchief and washed the emotions from his face. Ready to face the world with his masked expression.
He grabbed the photos from the bathroom countertop and headed to the door. As he unlocked the door and took a step into his room, the blue wind jolted to see his dad standing before him. His breath hitched, his injured heart forced to work overtime out of anxiety.
He immediately placed the photos behind his back.
"Sir." Sonic breathed out. His wide eyes never left the general.
Jules soundlessly chuckled. "Sonic, I'm your dad. You don't have to address me all the time."
His son responded with a timid smile, uncertain how to reply to him. He fidgeted uncomfortably in front of him, leading him to become suspicious.
"So, uh, was there anything you wanted?" The teenager asked.
"Uhhh, no. Not really. Heh, I just came to check up on you." Jules said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "You did well today. Out there, on the battlefield. It makes me proud to see you in action."
The admiration had caught him off guard. If his compliments and criticism were measured on a scale, the criticism would win. His praise seemed to provide an air of vulnerability in the man. One that left him awkward and embarrassed.
"Thanks..." Sonic smiled meekly.
Jules read his son's body language; Just as awkward as him. The sight was too much to bear, even when slightly tipsy. "Sonic..." The general sighed and pulled his white quill away from his face. "I know I don't say it enough, or show it. But I do love you. I want what is best for you. Always have, always will."
As heartwarming his sentiment appeared, Sonic remained sceptical. Was this the alcohol talking? Or were these cover-up words for what he really meant?
He'd always want to shape the best vision for his son's life. His own wants and needs had little priority in his dad's goal for perfection.
Even still, the young hedgehog nodded back at his father and beared another smile. "Love you too, Dad."
Jules breathed a short breath through his nose, relieved to hear those words from his boy. He knew their relationship was damaged, but with a little attention and affection, perhaps he was back on track. "Come here." He said, approaching the teen with open arms.
Startled, Sonic prayed his father's eyes hadn't wondered down and saw the inappropriate content of his daughter, in his hand. He embraced the man with his free hand, patting him on the back just as his father did to him.
Pulling away from the blue boy, Jules smiled sincerely. "So, did you wanna head for lunch with your old man? Or is that not hip anymore?"
Sonic chuckled, internally cringing to the man's lingo. "Nah, you're good... Just give me a sec."
"Sure, no problem." He nodded. Leaving the room and walking a short distance down the hall, the father turned on his heel and sneaked back to the room. Peering round the doorframe, he witnessed his son place two photographs into an envelope and quickly shove the envelope back in the box and back beneath his bed.
Briskly pacing down the hall, the general pretended to be obliviously waiting until his son dashed out of the room and stopped beside him. The father faked a smile and wrapped his arm around his son's shoulders, momentarily looking back at the room in curiosity.
He was going to find out what was in that box.
The clear blue skies, nor the crisp autumn breeze could lift the spirits of the hero. Sat on the tallest rolling hilltop, the teen channelled his discrete heartache into his guitar, strumming diminishing notes and slow tempo. His music sang his woes, spilled his tears into harmonious tune.
"Gee... Who hurt you?" The voice of his music teacher came from behind him.
Abruptly stopping, Sonic looked over his shoulder to the pale blue hedgehog. "I heard the tune on the radio." He lied. His false truth were not fooling the older hedgehog. "What you doing out here anyway, Rob?"
"Hey, I was gonna ask you that question." He smiled empathetically, looking down at the view before them. "Girl trouble, huh? I didn't know you were interested in anyone."
Embarrassed to have been read so accurately, Sonic blushed and avoided facing the man standing beside him.
Rob sat beside the hero and watched the view from his perspective. "You really cared about this person, didn't you?" He was surprised to see how torn up the kid was over his break up. He had always been so aloof in every aspect of his life, to see him so beaten by the ache was complexing.
The hero shot an irritated expression back at the fighter, causing the man to look away. "My bad. I didn't mean to pry."
"Nah, it's alright." Sonic told him, deciding to relieve himself from some of the pain by sharing vague details. He and Rob had become close friends throughout the years through their shared interest in the guitar. A close friend that was not close enough to his father to gossip. "Yeah, to answer your question, she was pretty special."
"What happened?"
"She gave up on me... Waited too long for me to get back."
"Long distance can be a killer at times... Have you tried calling her? Gotten in contact at least?"
Sonic lowered his head, hesitant to reveal too much. "Dad doesn't really approve of our relationship... He thinks she distracts me from training. So I haven't been in contact."
Rob rolled his eyes and shook his head at the teen's logic. "Are you really surprised she would give up if you haven't been talking to her? Communication is key in a relationship. Heck, I'd dump you if you left me on hold. As for your dad... I mean this in the nicest way when I say 'fuck him'. It's your life, if she means that much to you, dont give up on her."
His ears stood to attention, intrigued by his opinion. "So you think I should try and win her back?"
"Totally." Rob nodded. "There will always be someone there to give you a good time, but to find someone who completes you is a whole different story. If you found that in her, dont let her go."
Taking in the man's advice, Sonic smiled with hope, his heart easing ever so slightly. To win Amy back would be his new goal. He had waited too long for her to slip out of his hands.
"Thanks, Rob. I appreciate it."
"No problem." He smiled back at the teen before inhaling the crisp air. "Ah, I'm gonna miss this place. It's cities may currently be barren, but it's home, you know? I'm sure you're looking forward to seeing your family again. And the girlfriend."
"It's been a long time coming."
"No kidding. I'd do anything to see my family again." He looked up to the sky and reminisced on memories of his family. "Fourteen years 'nd it only seems like yesterday..." He felt the boy's sorrowful gaze on him. Turning to the teen, he chuckled light-heartedly. "Look at us. What a pair of downers, eh?"
Sonic chuckled along with him, the emotional tensity slowly fading.
"I guess while I'm in Central City, I can track down my cousin. She must be a teenager by now."
Intrigued, Sonic kept his eyes on the hedgehog beside him, awaiting to hear more about his family member. A girl, once a resident of Mercia, taken to Central City years ago, and now a teenager?
Was it a stretch to think Amy, a hedgehog, was related to this Mercian hedgehog?
Noticing Sonic's interest, Rob unknowingly confirmed his suspicions. "Her name was Rose. She apparently survived the attack fourteen years ago, and was adopted by a couple in Central City. Being eighteen at the time, I chose to cut ties with her. I couldn't raise a baby when I had lost everything." He sighed and looked back to the view. "I don't know if she's still in Central City. I don't even know if she has the same name or what she looks like anymore."
His lips parted, the words so close to revealing his knowledge on the man's cousin. As a breath was released from him, the general appeared behind them.
"Rob." Jules greeted the hedgehog.
Looking up to see the general, Rob jumped to his feet and saluted the man. "Sir."
"Do you mind if I speak with my son?"
"No, no. 'Course not." He looked to Sonic and smiled. "Catch you later, Speedster." He issued another salute to the general and left the father and son to their talk.
Sonic watched Rob walk away, bothered to have their conversation end so soon. "What's up, Dad?" He questioned, covering his annoyance.
Jules took a seat beside his son and looked down at the view. The stench of alcohol radiated from his person as he sat down. "I've heard a rumour... In regards to a special someone..."
He was already uncomfortable with the topic of conversation. His heart was back to racing too fast once more at the terrifying possibility of his father knowing of his ongoing feelings for the specific girl. His calm demeanour could be no more than a trap.
"What?" Sonic asked with exaggerated cluelessness.
His father looked his way, holding an expanding smirk. "Sally... According to gossip, she's quite fond of you."
A sigh of relief couldn't be helped. This news however had come with shock. He had never noticed any signs of attraction from the girl. On the other hand, he truthfully hadn't been paying enough attention to notice.
"Does she?"
"Yeah... You know, her interest in you could be advantageous for your image as a hero. With Sally by your side, you could both be the faces of the 'Age of Heroes'. Not to mention she comes from a well off family who could provide even more funding for the project."
"But isn't that why we're all heading back to Central City? To demonstrate our abilities to the government and receive further funding?"
"Well, yeah... But what's wrong with a little extra?" Jules shrugged. "We'd be able to invest in more research, more weapons, advance our tech... And all you have to do, is accept her." He said, pulling out a protective packet and placing it in the teen's hand.
Sonic stared down at the contraception placed in his hand, his expression horrified. He was left bewildered and vulnerable from his father's somewhat forceful wish. Like a child, he slowly looked back to his dad, doe eyed filled with confusion and betrayal.
"Just in case something happens tonight. I understand as a young man, you'd have a few wild oats to sow."
His throat ran dry from the mortifying situation bestowed upon him. From all the questionable situations and tactics his father had used on him throughout the years, this was by far the most disturbing. If his dad did know anything about him, he'd know of his lack of romantic or general sexual attraction he had for the chipmunk. He admired her strength, he valued her friendship, but his heart was already taken.
To ruin that friendship and trick the girl for the sake of financial gain was unjustifiable. Corrupt.
But that didn't matter to his father. The man's ideals for his son's life were worth more than his son's happiness.
And the actions for not following his father's ideals were probably more consequential than losing a friend. He miserably surrendered to his dad's will, putting the packet in his back quills. "I'll talk to her later." He said mournfully, rising from the ground.
"It'll do you good to have a good woman by your side... One that's not related..." He spoke beneath his breath, soundly enough for Sonic to hear.
Looking back over his shoulder with bottled rage, Sonic balled his fists tightly and dashed back to Mercia HQ. With no one to protect him from his father, he was to be a pawn to his plan for financial security and recognised as a respectable hero with no history of incestuous wrongdoing.
He had never been more intimidated by his father's sinister nature.
The night of celebrations was well underway. The heroes banded together in merry cheer; laughing with one another, danced with one another, and gorged on the luxury feast laid out for them.
For Sonic however, the fraudulent act of merriness was costing his energy. Every so often, he would look over to his dad and see his demanding stare. It was ultimately a test he desired for his son to succeed; Bed the girl and prove any feelings for his sister were left in the past.
But the test was so extreme, he wasn't sure he could face it.
Gulping down his drink in his hand, he took refuge beneath a tree. The copper beech tree had been decorated in fairy lights, much like the trees surrounding them. The subtle decoration managed to soothe him slightly as he looked up into the grand tree.
"Only you would be nature watching while at a party." Knuckles snickered.
Turning around to see the fox and echidna approaching him, Sonic smiled to his friends and leaned against the bark of the tree. "I'm a big fan of the scenery."
"Taking a break from staring at Sally?" The echidna sneered.
Scrunching his features, the hedgehog shook his head. "No. You've really got the wrong idea..."
"Do I now? I guess it's just my imagination?"
"Yep! You guessed it."
Tails looked to the chipmunk and bat standing near the food stand. The chipmunk looked over to the young boy and smiled at him, her eyes then drifting to the blue hedgehog and holding a fond gaze.
"She's watching you." Tails said, his eyes still blatantly watching the girl.
The trio looked to the chipmunk, their stares forced her to look away, embarrassed to have their attention.
"Aaaah, I see how it is. Both too shy to approach one another?" Knuckles grinned at the blue boy. His grin only annoyed the hedgehog further.
"That's not--" He witnessed his father's stare once more while peering over the red male's shoulder. His darkened features reminding him of the terror in his heart.
His motives changed.
"Alright. You got me. I don't know how to approach her." Sonic falsely confessed, rubbing his nose bashfully.
Sniggering, Knuckles walked behind the hedgehog and began to push him towards the girls. "There's nothing to it. Just go to her and tell her you like her."
"Whoa, whoa, wait! What's the rush?!" Sonic panicked, scuffing his shoes against the grass to help slow himself down.
"Is the speed king asking me to slow down? You really are nervous."
With the girls metres ahead, Knuckles shoved the blue hero in front of Rouge and Sally. They turned to him; Rouge smirking at the embarrassed male while Sally smiled.
"Hey, Sonic." The chipmunk greeted him, more composed than he was.
"Uh, hi... You, um, enjoying the party?" He awkwardly enquired, rubbing the back of his neck in an attempt to calm himself.
"Yeah. And you?"
"Great. Yeah, it's great..." He couldn't help but notice his friend's giggling behind him. A blush painted his features from his humiliation.
Seeing the boy's discomfort, Sally gently held his hand and leaned close to him. "Did you wanna go somewhere more private?"
He was cautious of the meaning behind her request. Was she coming onto him? Or was she saving him from the onlookers?
Whatever her intentions were, he needed to get out of the spotlight. "Sure."
The girl smiled at him as she walked passed him and lead the way into the nearby forest. She looked back at the blue hedgehog and awaited for him to follow.
A shaky breath came from the teen before he unwillingly dragged his feet towards the girl. A quick glimpse to his dad confirmed the man's approval. He smiled somewhat proudly, making Sonic feel even more disgusted with himself.
To betray his friend, his lover and his dignity, perhaps his father would stop his torment.
Walking down the dark path of the forest, the teens treaded in an uneven silence. With Sonic trying to remain calm and dutiful, and Sally simply appreciating the tranquil night.
The pair shortly came to a stop by the tree stump of an old oak tree. Nature's perfect seat for both of them. The moonlight shined through the mountainous trees, offering a romantic light.
The chipmunk took her seat first, her crush awkwardly following suit.
"It's a beautiful night out, isn't it?" She said in awe, looking up at the moonlight.
"It is..."
She gradually brought her eyes back to him, seeing his nervousness breaking through the façade. Concerned, she endeavoured to keep him calm. Her hand fell onto his, grasping his attention.
"I hope the guys didn't cause you too much agitation." She said.
He looked down at their hands, remorseful to not feel the same feelings he felt when holding Amy's. "Nah. I just got a lot on my mind, that's all." He jolted slightly. Was that the right thing to say?
"A ring for your thoughts?"
The opportunity for a smooth recovery came to be. "I've just been thinking about... Motivation. What am I fighting for? Who I am fighting for?"
"Because what's the point in fighting if you don't know what you're fighting for?" She finished his questioning for him.
"Exactly. You get it... Guess I'm still searching for that reason." He turned towards the girl, bearing a charming look of longing.
She studied his features, her lip slowly curling to form a flirtatious smile. "What if the reason is right beside you?"
The plan had been set, his moment was now. He turned himself to face her, his hand finding it's way to her soft cheek. The heat from her face warmed his gloved hand, the only bit of comfort he was receiving during the situation.
He took the lead, leaning close to her achingly slow. He used the little time he had to brace himself for what he was going to do. His mind whirling in hyperdrive was forced to shut down to at least tolerate the feeling long enough to convince her.
Her eyes fluttered shut as she drew near to him. Heart pounding and swelling with the passion she had held for the boy ever since their earlier days in training. The sensation of his body heat getting closer to her brought her fantasies to life.
He followed her actions, closing his eyes and enduring the anxiety and pressure he was experiencing. His tense muscles clenched at the shared breath that came with parted lips. Squeezing his eyes tighter, he told himself to go with the motion. Feel the pleasure that came with the affection and continue from there.
Their lips joined as one. A flowing dance of passionate adoration from one.
... And emptiness from the other.
"Ngh..." Sonic grunted, parting from the girl. He was surprised by his own actions. When did he pull away? "Sorry."
"It's okay." She assured him, less certain in herself.
He understood his own actions, the reason for his recoil. The kiss was lifeless, passionless and scorned. As his lips connected with hers, he saw his dignity spent, his lover's tears. To touch another burned him, an infliction to his wounded heart.
Though emotional pain was to be accompanied with physical if he failed this mission.
He cleared his throat and shifted to a more forceful approach, grabbing her exposed waist and pulling her back into another kiss. He braced through the negative energy stabbing his heart, his goal pushing him through.
Until he saw his belove's tears fabricate in his mind.
"Ugh." He pulled away again, grimacing to the mental image.
"You know a girl gets nervous when she hears a sound like that." Sally joked through the awkward moment.
Defeated, Sonic shook his head and looked away from the girl, already contemplating what was to happen to him once his dad found out what had happened. "Sorry. I must be a little rusty..." He lied, biting his lip.
"Sonic..." She called for his attention. She looked into his eyes, minimal emotion conveyed. What she was looking for could not be found; the same reaction reflecting in her eyes. "Who is she?"
As she expected from the question, his eyes dilated at the thought of another filling his mind. "Huh?"
She smiled through her pain. "The Pupil's Surrender. That's what mother calls it anyway. When you think of the person who owns your heart, you can see it in their eyes. I never saw that look at the party... I never saw it at all. I just wanted a moment where I could, just for a moment, allow you to see that look."
Guilt ridden, he looked down at the ground, focusing on the fallen autumn leaves. "I'm sorry, Sal. Really, I am. I... I got dumped recently... I thought I could relieve the pain by..." He sighed tiresomely to the countless lies he was spilling. Looking back at the girl, she nodded mournfully, accepting his story. She was a failed rebound. "I never meant to hurt you."
She shook her head at him, continuing to smile through the pain. "I appreciate your honesty, Sonic." She breathed out a sigh and looked to the sky. "Whoever she was, she was foolish to let you go."
Not knowing what to say to her comment, Sonic followed her eyes to the sky. He wished he could be honest. He wished to be free of all the lies he was forced to uphold. His forbidden love, his father's abuse towards him, the hidden agendas to execute his plans.
Once he got to Central City, he would get the motivation he needed to continue through the ordeal.
"Sonic?"
"Hmm?" He turned his head to the chipmunk.
Laughing nervously, Sally bit her lip and turned to the boy beside her. "I know it's probably wrong of me to ask this of you now, but... Can we end this on a good note? ... With a beautiful goodbye?"
Her eyes setting on his lips once more signal her intentions. Despite his feelings towards another kiss, he deemed it was the least he could do for her after breaking her innocent heart. He nodded back at her, allowing her to plant one more longing kiss on his expecting lips before she parted with a smile.
"Thank you." She whispered, getting up from her seat and looking down the dark path ahead. "Uh..." She turned back to him and giggled awkwardly. "I don't mean to sound ungrateful after that request, but I really don't wanna walk back on my own..."
Chuckling along to her giggling, Sonic hopped off the stump and stood next to the girl. "Totally your call, but I can get us back in a flash if you wanna ride?"
Nodding enthusiastically, she allowed the boy to take her in his strong arms. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders as he secured her in his grip.
"Hold on."
"Always." She said, placing her head against his chest and listening intently to his heartbeat. The beauty of the beat leaving her awestruck.
In a flash, they vanished from the forest and back to the party. As the pair parted ways at the party, Sonic looked back at his friends with a bittersweet sadness. For his impatiently waiting father had given the look of authority, summoning him back to HQ.
He could only imagine his punishment this time.
Following the general down the dark, quiet halls, the blue teen's heart slammed into his ribcage, the strength of his aching heart making his head spin. The footsteps of his father were heavy, timed to an eerie beat. He compared it to the tick of a clock. A countdown to his retribution.
The man came to a halt outside the boy's bedroom. He opened the door and switched on the light before stepping aside and gesturing the boy to go in. Though wary, Sonic obeyed, lowering his head as he walked passed the drunkard. The door was closed behind the general, leaving Sonic on edge.
"How'd it go?" Jules asked, wanting to hear his son's response.
The blue hedgehog stood by the door, watching nervously as his dad sat on his bed. "I... I couldn't go through with it."
"Oh? And why not?"
"Dunno..." He lied, fidgeting uncomfortably. "Wasn't in the mood..."
"Really? Hmm, that's a little surprising to hear. After all, she is a very charming young woman. Don't you think?"
The conversation was making him more and more uncomfortable. His dad's falsely composed attitude only adding to his nervousness. "She's alright..."
Jules chuckled, clenching and unclenching his fist rhythmically. "I dunno if I'm just being paranoid, overthinking it... But when a beautiful girl shows a liking in you, and you turn that down... It kinda gives me the impression that there's a bigger reason behind it."
He couldn't bear to hold his gaze. His father's piercing eyes exposing him left him with little power. There was something about that stare, informed and antagonising.
His eyes made the bad choice to look beneath the bed. The furrowing eyebrow of the man before him verified his suspicion.
"D-dad... I--"
The previous composure had deteriorated and was quickly taken over by the man's rage. Terrified, Sonic span towards the door and grabbed the handle, yanking harshly. He abruptly discovered the door had been locked, the jittering lock breaking at his force.
Before he could swing open the door, Jules yanked on his long quills and shoved him into the wall beside the door. Sonic grunted as his head hit the wall. That pain was instantly forgotten as he was lifted off the ground by a hand gripped tightly around his throat.
"You've got some fucking nerve to disobey me. You knew the rules. No contact with Amy... You've been in contact this whole time!"
"I never sent... any letters." He choked out, gripping his father's hand desperately.
"Yet you kept hers. Every single one of them. And the pictures..." He slammed the boy harshly against the wall. "You disgusting piece of shit. What's wrong with you, huh? Jerking off to naked photographs of your sister? Of my little girl?!"
The sight of his son's rolling eyes caused him to remove his hand from his throat. The teenager dropped to the ground and wheezed violently, slowly dragging himself off the floor.
"At least Amy has come to her senses and forgotten about your deplorable relationship. You on the other hand, you're still caught up in this creepy obsession of yours. If you think you're gonna go back home with these sickening feelings for your sister, you can think again."
The sound of incoming footsteps alerted the general. He grabbed his son by his forearm and forced him on his feet. His roommates shortly arrived at the door, displaying some effort to open the broken-lock door.
"Sir." Knuckles and Tails saluted the general on sight.
As if nothing had happened, Jules smiled at the fighters. "Hey, guys. D'ya like the party?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good... Good..." He trailed off, looking to his silent son. He patted his back, commanding him to play along. "Sonic and I were just discussing his extra training. He actually wants more training! Can you believe this kid?"
His friends looked to the blue hero, shocked by the news to stay behind for extra training. He had been so sure of returning home.
"Really, Sonic?" Tails asked, bewildered by the change of heart.
A part of him pleaded to deny his father's claims, to reveal the torture his father had been putting him through. But the fear of what would happen if he said a word left him feeble to his father's power.
Thus, he lied. "Y-yeah." He said, coarse toned. "I'm the leader after all. Gotta show I'm worth the title."
Still rather dubious of his claims, his friends accepted the story, making themselves comfortable on their beds.
Making his leave, Jules turned back to his son, bearing a passive aggressive manner. "Leave the belongings to me. I'll deal with them." He said, referring to the box of letters.
Looking back beneath his bed, he realised the box had already been confiscated. He turned back to his dad, only to find he had already left.
"Sooo... How'd things go with Sally? She's refused to tell us. Not one to kiss and tell." Knuckles teased the blue hedgehog.
Ignoring the echidna, Sonic opened the bathroom door. "I'm gonna shower." He told his friends before entering the bathroom and locking the door behind him.
Knuckles snickered at the hero once again. "Heh, that hog."
The darkened clouds unleashed a downpour of torrential rain that bitter cold morning. The beating rain was similar to that of his pounding heart, the raindrops reflecting his own emotions.
His friends had long since left the headquarters. In his desolate gloom, he clinged to his friends, arms bearing the tightest hugs he could conjure. His friends had been quizzical of his behaviour, but regardless, returned the affection.
As the headquarters grew more peaceful, his inner peace was scratched away. It was only a matter of time before his dad came for him, ready to serve him his punishment.
Survival told him to flee. To just run while he was still alone. But years of conditioning left him in his father's control. He was ruled by the fear of his dad's wrath.
How he wished he could be free of the constant trepidation.
The door swung open, hitting the wall from the sheer force. The slam alerted the blue hedgehog, making him jump to see his father's sleepless, dark eyes staring back at him.
Jules held up a collar and chain before the teen. "Come." He demanded.
Already knowing the drill, the boy guardedly approached the man and allowed him to emasculate him with the collar to the neck. It was tightened to an uncomfortable level, just enough to allow short breaths.
He was pulled down the hall, down the stairs to the lower ground floors. These floors had originally been the detention centre; prison, possibly for any enemy captives or undisciplined heroes. Once it had been proven to be an unnecessary facility, it was shut off from the rest of the HQ, left to become a dark and dilapidated corner of the base.
The humidity covered pipes hummed in the background, vibrating gently against the walls. He could hear a broken pipe nearby, tiny droplets of water making lightly echoed splashes. Another noise he could compare to a clock ticking away.
He was beginning to think it was a sign.
His father dragged him into a chamber of black, sleek stone walls and floors. In the centre of the room was a desk and two chairs, one either side of the table. Sonic was dragged towards the chair where he was forced to sit down and was chained to the screwed down desk.
Locking the door behind them, Jules sat opposite his son, glowering at his defected child. "I can't begin to express how disappointed I am. After all these years, I really thought you were over this corruption. I see now, you were just hiding it from me."
"Why are we here?" Sonic asked, too ashamed to continue the conversation of his lies against his dad.
The man placed a device on the table. A round device with a hand-shaped imprint, with a strap across the top. Jules pulled the strap away and instructed Sonic to place one hand in the device. He warily obliged. "This is a lie detector. When asked a series of questions, it'll pick up on increased heart rate and..." He switched on the device. The sound of static and electrical clicks alarmed the teenager. "Provide a bit of a shock."
Watching his hand in the electronic device, he tugged slightly, soon realising how tight the strap was around his hand.
"I'll ask you some questions. I advise you to be honest throughout the session." He said, pulling out a tablet device from his pocket and monitored the boy's polygraph. "Just answer with 'yes' or 'no'." He told the boy.
His pounding heart rate appeared on the screen, indicating his unnerved emotions. "Question one. Is your name Sonic The Hedgehog?"
The question surprised him at first. Why ask the obvious? "Yes."
"Is your mother named Aleena?"
"Yes."
"Do you have a brother?"
"Yes."
"Is his name, Manic?"
"Yes..."
The polygraph showed a straight baseline, a steady line from his honesty that would instantly detect his potential lies by spiking across the graph. The perfect setup.
His questions became more personal. "Do you feel any attraction towards Sally Acorn?"
Sonic looked back at his dad, his serious expression giving away his obvious unfortified being.
"Just answer with either 'yes' or 'no'." Jules reminded him. Patiently waiting for his answer.
He looked back at his hand, regretful in his obedience. They both knew the answer, his father especially. "... No." He replied truthfully, his hand remaining shock-free.
Nodding back at his son, Jules continued with the personal questions. "Do you have any romantic feelings towards Amy Rose?"
His heart rate increased dramatically, panic settling in. The teen's breath hitched, his falter about to transpire. He begged his father through doleful eyes, grovelling for mercy. But callous was the man's response as he looked back at his son emotionlessly, waiting for his answer.
"Answer the question, Sonic."
"Dad, please--"
"I said answer the question." His tone of voice was threatening, still poised yet incensed.
Panicked, he denied the truth they were both aware of. "No." The device detected the spike in heart rate and delivered a bolt of electricity to the liar. "Argh!" He yelped.
Shaking his head in his disapproval, Jules continued with his questions, holding back his malice. "Do you feel sexual attraction towards Amy Rose?"
His chest heaved from the anxiety overcoming him, pent up tears unable to be restrained. "Dad, please. I'm sorry, I really am sorry. Please don't do this." He cried.
Yet he persisted. "Do you feel any sexual attraction towards Amy? Yes or no?!"
"No!" He blurted out. The device sent another charge of electricity through his hand, the pain travelled up his hand, causing the boy to jolt back in his seat. "Aaaargh!"
Slamming the tablet on the desk, Jules hastily released his son from his binds and gripped onto one of his quills. He unlocked the chamber door and dragged his son back through the desolate underground.
"I'm sorry!" The boy cried, pleading with his enraged dad.
"I'll wash the taint out of you! I'll do whatever it takes to make you stop this sick behaviour!" He screamed at him. He stopped in front of another chamber cell and ripped open the door. He shoved his son into the room and locked him inside.
Spin dashing against the door, he bounced across the cold floor, in awe to figure out the door was made from the same alloy material as the stormer created by Tails and Manic. His escape was inefficacious.
"Dad! Let me out! Please!" Sonic pleaded, slamming his fist against the door.
"You'll thank me for this one day." His father responded.
The sudden sound of gushing water filled his ears. Petrified, the teen turned towards the sound and gasped to see the small room was filling up with water. No. Not this. His own father wouldn't use his worse fear against him, would he?
Pounding his fist against the door, Sonic hysterically called out to his dad. "Dad! Don't do this, please! Anything but this! Please!"
On the opposite side of the wall, Jules pulled out his flask from his pocket and downed the alcoholic contents in seconds. He dropped to the floor, clinging to his beverage container, painfully sobbing against his knees as he endured his son's pounding against the door and harrowed cries.
His torture continued daily, for ninety days. His fear of water used against him. With every failed polygraph, he was back in the chamber, fearful and hopeless.
And yet, his torture was modified.
If he wasn't forced into the darkness, he was placed under a shower. Luxury, it was not. The temperature of the water reached either extreme; either scalding him, or jumping his heart from the brittle coldness.
All of the father's affliction was deprived of the metaphoric belief. To rinse out the corruption that held his son to his daughter. Rid him of the taint, and he would be cured.
But to the father's dismay, Sonic prevailed. Mastering his ability to lie.
Every punishment allowed him to train himself to control his heart rate. To control his emotions over fear and anxiety. He bore through the pain of each method used against him and became immune to it's power.
And on the ninetieth polygraph, he passed the test with a straight baseline. He was free of the torture, of his father's conditioning.
While maintaining the love he held for the man's daughter.
"I'm proud of you, Sonic." Jules said, leaving the boy to enjoy his flight back to Central City.
Smiling at his father as he walked passed him. Sonic took in the view of the serene blue sky above the autumn clouds from the comfort of plush seat. He lifted his glove hand and placed it against the window, the slight patch of darkened skin on sight.
Sonic sighed and retracted his hand from the window. Looking down at his glove hand, he carefully peeled off the accessory and gazed at his hand; his skin was the appearance of coal, darkened and coarse to the touch. While the skin held potential to heal, the scars of his electrical burns were to be permanent.
He covered his hand and focused his sights back to the window. In the far distance, he could see the Central City airport runway.
"Heh!" He beamed. After seven years, he was finally home. "I'm coming, Ames."