Chapter 32

Robotnik arrived home with his heart heavy. He sat on his sofa, burying his head in his hands. His large hands. He looked at them. He had lost his temper and he knew he couldn't afford to do that. If he went too far, he couldn't revert back. "Maria, I don't know what to do. Everyone keeps bringing up my past. As if I don't know what I did! How do I get past that?"

"You don't! You'll never get past it. Your reputation is forever that of an evil bastard." He covered his ears and held his head as it ached with the memories of his actions. "You'll never escape me. And someday I will be free."

"Noooo… no…. I won't let you out. I will change. I will not become you again…." He insisted. He was so lost in his inner turmoil that he didn't hear the door open.

"Hey! What's wrong?" Sonic asked as he put his bag down. "Hey, buddy, talk to me…" He gasped as the head snapped up. Black and red eyes fixated on him. "Whoa!"

Robotnik trembled violently, covering his head again and shaking it back and forth. When he opened his eyes again, they were blue again. He sighed. "The darkness… it's still there… it won't ever go away…"

Sonic bit his lip. "It will. It's just hard at the beginning. It'll get easier with time. Old habits die hard but you're a stubborn ass and I've never known you to give up so easily." He comforted the old man. "Did you have a hard day at work?"

"No… I'm fine now, boy. You're right. I have beaten worse. I'll get through this." His red mustache twitched as he stood up. "Think between the two of us, we could figure out supper before your mother gets home?"

Sonic nodded. "I know how to make chili dogs. I think Mom likes chili dogs. If we have hot dogs and chili, I mean."

The old man opened his cabinets. "Alas, we do have neither hot dogs nor chili." Together, they searched the kitchen until Sonic opened the freezer.

"We have frozen pizza and the fixings for a salad," Sonic said as he pulled out a large disc laden with cheese and other toppings.

Robotnik nodded. "Good, that will make for a good dinner. Now, what do the instructions say?" He took the disc and frowned. "That's right, your mother threw the instructions away because the pizza wouldn't fit while in the box… No matter. It's a disc of frozen dough and cheese. This cannot be that hard."

Sonic nodded in agreement while he approached the stove. This wasn't that hard of a task. They could figure this out.

When Aleena arrived home, an hour later, she couldn't stop coughing as she stepped into a house filled with inky black smoke. "What the heck! Boys? Are you in here?" She called.

"Yeah, Ali! We're in the kitchen! Everything's a-ok!" Robotnik's voice called as she followed the smoke to its source. He and Sonic were dousing a small fire in the oven with the fire extinguisher.

Sonic laughed in embarrassment. "We had the oven up too high. We tried to make pizza for dinner."

Aleena giggled as she waved her fingers, sending the smoke out the doors and windows. Another wave of her finger cleaned up the oven and remnants of the fire and the burnt beyond recognition pizza. A final spell restored the pizza to a perfectly cooked condition, it's cheese still bubbling in some places and a little burnt in others. The salad appeared on the table with the pizza and the place settings.

Robotnik chuckled at her gratuitous use of magic. "Did you have a good day at work?" He asked, choosing not to comment. They sat down together at the dining room table and began eating.

Midway through the meal, Robotnik seemed to remember. "Oh, Sonic, something came for you today." He reached over to the mail table behind him. He handed him two envelopes, one thick and one thin.

Sonic grinned. "Finally! I've been freelancing for this magazine back in the city and they told me they wanted to give me a regular spot." He pulled a magazine out of his bag and handed it to his mother. "Page 26."

Aleena flipped. "Hmm, 'The Song in my Heart.' A short story by Nicos," She said as she read through the story. "Oh, Sonic, this is really good. I'm proud of you."

The inventor nodded approvingly. "Nicos?" He asked with a chuckle.

"I couldn't use Sonic Hedgehog. I don't want my friends to know about this. They'd never get it," Sonic said. "But yeah, they want me to do a serial starting in the summer but the editor thinks I would benefit from some creative writing classes so I enrolled in a correspondence course with Greater Grevillea Technical Institute." He opened the larger envelope and pulled out the course material.

Robotnik nodded. "You've found a talent beyond just being fast. How was it today?"

Sonic shrugged. "Eh, they're pissed about the factories and Cyrus is still mad that we just let you go." He sighed heavily. "And Sleet sent this. Dingo found a body and I guess Sleet's concerned about it." He handed Robotnik the folder.

The old man took the folder and read through it. His eyes seemed to become distant. "Did Sleet tell you why he was concerned?"

Aleena looked over. "What is it, dear?"

Robotnik shook his head. "Be glad that you were not queen for about fifteen years ago. There was a serial killer, known as the Robotropolis Strangler. His thing was strangling young females with a red scarf. He preferred red-heads and pinks."

She gasped in horror. "Well, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. That must have been terribly distressing." She put a hand on his shoulder.

"His mistake was making an enemy out of Sleet and Dingo." He laughed darkly. "I'm sorry but if you attack helpless girls, you deserve to be roboticized or worse. Too bad for him, they got to him before I did."

Sonic nodded. "Yeah, Mom. This guy killed Dingo's girlfriend. I know, that ugly mug had a girlfriend. But that's what got them in the bounty hunter business. So there is no possible way that this could be him?"

Robotnik shook his head. "Not him. But… a few days after…."

Dr. Robotnik laughed maniacally as he reviewed the situation. "So, you're The Strangler's son and you want to file murder charges on the ones who killed your father."

"It wasn't their place to punish him! That's vigilantism! My father was entitled to your judgment. He didn't even get a trial!" The shadowy figure growled.

"You are funny. Your father killed twenty-five young ladies. He died as he lived. No, I have no intention of punishing either of them," Robotnik chuckled. "I think he got off rather lightly. He could have been my slave forever."

"They killed him! They had no right! If you don't punish them, I promise I will get revenge!" He shouted but the giant hand lifted him up by the scruff of his collar.

Robotnik laughed. "You will harm no one. You're nothing but a little gnat to me and if you push this, you'll just be squashed like all of the other little gnats who think they can challenge me." He threw the young boy away from him. He could hear the boy promising revenge but ignored it.

Sonic whistled as the man told his tale. "Wow… Uncle Chuck talked about this guy but when I asked if we should do something, he said no. That he was just targeting the richy rich traitors." He looked down.

Aleena trembled. "If I had been there. If I hadn't been hiding here, afraid… I could have stopped him and…" A big hand covered hers.

"Ali, there was nothing you could have done…" Robotnik assured her. "The bastard was ruthless. Sleet and Dingo took him down aptly. That's why I chose them."

Sonic sighed. "Well, hopefully, it's just a coincidence but he wanted me to tell you about it just in case. Oh, and Manic and Tails are both sick. Just the flu."

Aleena gasped. "Oh, dear. My little boy. Don't worry. After dinner, I'll take them both some flu medicine of my own creation."

Robotnik ate the remainder of his meal with uncertainty. He was no longer there to keep that brat from seeking revenge. He only hoped he was wrong.

In her bedroom, Mindy focused on the project for her dad's friend. So many suits to finish and so little time. She didn't know what she was thinking. "I cannot possibly do this many suits in time." She bit her lip as her phone rang. She smiled when she saw who was calling. "Dingo! I've missed you so much…" She told her boyfriend, grateful for the break.

"I missed you too. Especially today…." He said softly. "Wanna get together for dinner?"

Mindy sighed. "I can't. I only have until morning to finish these suits. I'm not going to make it as it is. I'm hoping she'll give me an extension." She sighed forlornly. "But I miss you… so much…"

Dingo smiled. "I miss you too. What if I came over? I can bring dinner and I can help." She could hear his enthusiasm.

"Alright, I can't wait," Mindy agreed. Her boyfriend was so sweet to her. "I love you." She said before they disconnected.

Aleena stood in the living room after dinner, staring out the window. She hugged herself a little. She had missed such a crucial event in her kingdom. She should have been there helping to find the menace before he could kill twenty-five young women. What else had she missed in the many years she was unable to help her people.

"Ali? Are you alright?" She heard his gruff voice in her ear. She pulled away a little. "You're mad at me… What have I done now?"

Aleena sighed and kept her eyes out the window. "I'm sorry, it's just thinking of the situation. I should have been there."

"I know that but, Ali, that's not your fault. You can't blame yourself for that." The man tried to put his arms around her but she moved again.

She turned. "I don't blame myself, I blame you. You made me an outlaw in my own kingdom. I couldn't be there to protect them from anyone. Not even you." She saw the pain in his eyes.

He turned. "You're right. It was my fault. I understand…" He walked away from her, going up the stairs, even as she tried to find the words to call him back.

Sonic approached her. "Mom, that was… that was harsh. Everyone's been going on about what he did today. Uncle Chuck could have done something about the bastard too but didn't. It wasn't your fault but he doesn't need to be reminded that it was his fault." He went up the stairs.

Upstairs, he went into the master bedroom. "She didn't mean what she said down there." Sonic tried.

Robotnik shook his head. "No, she's right. It was my fault. I took the job of ruler from her and I failed the people. I didn't care what he was doing to innocent people. I was actually glad that they were feeling the pain that I felt."

"I'm not going to disagree with you. That you were wrong," Sonic acknowledged. "It can't be changed though. It's over and done with. All you or anyone can do is move forward."

He shook his head. "I can't… the darkness will get loose. I'll lose everything. I need to go. If not even Ali believes I can change. What's the point?" He began packing a small, red bag.

"Julian what are you doing?" Aleena asked. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. You didn't make that man do such horrendous things. And I could have stayed and fought. I fled instead. It's wrong of me to fling what you did back at you. I know you regret it."

He trembled. "I wish I could change it. I wish I could go back. Ali, the darkness wants out. It's going to do everything it can to get out. I've got to leave so that you're not in danger."

She kissed him. "It won't get out. You are not that man anymore. You are a good man." She kissed him again and again. "The man that I love…"

Sonic gagged. "Oh gross! Can't you guys find another way to make up!" He left the room in favor of his own. He pulled out the workbook that was included in the big envelope. He read through the material as he took notes. The first chapter guided him in planning out his saga for the magazine. He froze when he came to deciding his subject matter, his plot line. What could he do that would be unique and fresh?

Through the wall of his bedroom, he could hear a small gathering over in Sonia's home. He left his book and went next door. Upon knocking, a young squirrel wearing a blue vest and jeans opened the door. "Hello?"

Sonic froze when he saw the female squirrel. "Hi, I'm Sonic."

The squirrel smiled gently. "Sonia, your brother's here." She giggled as she gestured for him to follow her. "It's board game night." She explained.

Sonia smiled at her brother. "Hey, Sonic. How's it going?" They shared pleasantries and made room for him at their game table. "Sonic, you remember our friend, Sally Acorn. She's the princess and future queen. She's also the captain of our racing team."

Sonic whistled. "Impressive. You know, I'm Sonic THE Hedgehog. You know, the Speed King…" He grinned arrogantly at her.

Sally chuckled. "You sure seem proud of your speed. I wonder which is faster. My bike or you."

He smiled. "Maybe this weekend, we can hit the track and find out. Of course I'm sure I know the answer."

Sonia and Bartleby laughed at his antics. Sonia set up the board game while munching on some spicy chips. "Bartleby, hon, can you get me the tub of whipped cream from the fridge?"

The mink's face turned green as he realized her intentions but he filled her request. Sonic watched him dote on his sister. "Have you talked to Robotnik today? He seemed to be having a rough time."

Bartleby shook his head. "Not since this morning. By the way, I'm going to work tomorrow. And no one is stopping me. What do you mean a rough time?"

"He's having trouble letting go of the past," Sonic summarized as Sonia dealt out game cards. "What are we playing?"

"Acornopoly. We play the short version where we start with properties already bought," Bartleby explained. "And frankly, he should have trouble letting it go. Maybe he'll stand a better chance of actually changing his ways, but I doubt it."

The green eyes went wide. "Um… I think he really wants to change. He's already done a lot of changing. He even deroboticized all of the innocent people."

The mink rolled his eyes. "As if that means anything. Antoine called and said Robotnik stopped by and harassed him. He can say he wants to change as much as he wants but saying it and doing it are two different things."

Sonia looked at her husband. She'd thought with time he'd eventually let himself get close to the man but he grew more and more angry. She looked over at her brother and was surprised to see worry in his eyes. She saw the book by him. "What's that?"

"Oh, I'm taking a correspondence course in creative writing. My editor thinks the course is a good idea. He wants me to write a serial for the magazine," the blue hedgehog explained. "He wants a story that has never been done before. It can be about whatever I want, so long as it's fresh."

She smiled encouragingly. "I'm sure you can think of a fresh story. Can it be a true story or does it have to be purely fiction?"

Sonic thought about the answer. "He didn't say it couldn't be based on a true story. I just need to think of what story I want to tell." He rolled the dice and took his turn as they came to him.

"I don't think it'll be that hard. I think the story you'll want to tell will fall right into your lap," she said as she took a chip and dipped it into the whipped topping. Sonic shuddered as she consumed the concoction.

Allowing himself to be comforted, Robotnik fell asleep with Aleena wrapped in his arms in their double-king sized bed. He could feel her as he fell into his dreams.

In the cathedral of the church, Robotnik stood with his lovely bride, smiling as the preacher read the sermons and had them repeat their vows.

"I can't believe that we're finally getting married. I didn't think that I would ever find happiness again," he smiled down as he stroked her cheek.

The purple hedgehog smiled lovingly back at him. "I love you Julian. With all of my heart. I think I always did."

The preacher nodded. "What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. If anyone has just cause why these two cannot lawfully be joined together, speak now or forever…"

"I object!" A dark voice filled the room as a figure rose up in the back of the church. His dark self stood amidst a cluster of black ooze. "This man is undeserving of any kind of love and happiness."

Suddenly, the church was burning around them and Aleena was no longer standing with him. She lay on a nearby alter, a scarf knotted around her neck.

"No! No! Ali! Aleena!" He roared in agony, sitting up in his bed as the nightmare faded. He bent his head and trembled.

A pair of arms went around him. "Julian, it's okay. Whatever it was, it's gone now…"

He hugged her close, seeking comfort. Aleena had never realized how much he wore on his sleeve. His emotions always ran so high.

"Ali, I don't deserve you. Why do you insist on loving me? On trying to save me? I don't understand…" He sobbed with self-hatred. "I'm just a monster…"

She stroked his cheek as she wept for him. "Oh, Julian, I'm always wondering how I could deserve you. The reason we even fought was my own fault. I should have listened to you and just let you have the city. You are not a monster."

Robotnik held her, letting her words sink in. If she truly believed them, he should too.

AN: Will Robotnik have the strength to hold back the darkness? Whose story will Sonic tell? Will Dingo catch the culprit of his homicide? Will Mindy be able to finish her order with his help? Keep following to find out.