A/N Reposted this chapter with mistakes fixed.
Chapter 2:
Miles… Tails?
Sonic was almost fourteen years old now, and was currently running through a strawberry patch. She stopped every now and then to pick a few strawberries and add them to her basket. One or two made their way to her mouth, but she was moving so fast no one saw her. If anyone was watching, and someone was, all they'd see would be distorted flickers over the ground.
From high in a tree near the field, an elegant finger scratched a furry tan chin. This was interesting. A slight movement might have been heard, but nothing was in sight as ruby eyes watched the flickers dart over the ground.
Sonic's basket was almost full. She just needed a few more strawberries, then she and Freda could make jam and pies. Sonic was just reaching for a large red strawberry when something crashed into her back. She rolled, just managing to toss the basket in a way it wouldn't tumble and spill her berries.
"Hey!" she yelled. "What the…"
"I'm so sorry," whimpered a little voice. "Please forgive me. I'm so hungry and I didn't know you were there."
Sonic got to her feet and turned around to face a small fox with two tails. The fox smiled shyly at her, his body quavering with embarrassment. Slowly, a tiny smile began to form on Sonic's lips as she brushed herself off.
"It's alright, little fox," said Sonic. "I didn't see you either. I was too busy picking strawberries to make jam. I guess I don't pay much attention when I'm in the zone."
Sonic reached out and picked the handful of strawberries right in front of her. She held them out to the fox, who timidly took them from her. Her smile grew a little and she sat down next to her basket, making sure all the strawberries were in good condission.
"I'm Sonic," she said. "Who might you be?"
"I'm Miles," said the fox through a mouthful of strawberry. "I mean… Sorry… I'm Miles… Tails… Um."
Sonic reached out and ruffled the fox's ears gently. She tried not to laugh at him, but he was so cute. She grubbed in a pocket for a moment, then pulled out a handkerchief, wiping Miles… Tails'? Stained face with a little giggle.
"So Miles Tails," said Sonic. "Why are you so hungry?"
"I'm lost," said Miles Tails sadly, staring down at the ground. "Someone stole me and then left me in this kingdom. I can't get back home… But I don't even know if I have a home anymore."
Ruby eyes watched as the blur resolved itself into a pretty blue hedgehog in a pink every day dress. The eyes watched as the hedgehog fed the fox, talked to it, and then hugged it. Their conversation was carried to the ears of the creature with the ruby eyes, and a tiny frown formed on red lips, while a handsome brow furrowed in thought.
"You can live with me if you want," said Sonic, hugging a sniffling Miles Tails. "I'm sure my dad won't mind. He never even comes home anymore except for a day or two here and there. He's always so busy nowadays. It didn't used to be that way…"
"Oh…" said Miles Tails. "I don't know if that… I don't think I can do that. I don't want to give you any trouble. I get… I talk a lot and I like experimenting…"
"It's nothing," said Sonic. "We have a spare room you can use, and lots of food. I sew clothing, and I occasionally weave. I'm sure we have space for your experiments. Mind if I call you Tails?"
"Sure," said Tails, nodding. "If you're sure… I guess I don't mind c—"
"Sonic!" someone bellowed from far away.
"Oh no," said Sonic. "My dad's home from his trip and he's using his you better get here right now voice."
Sonic scrambled to her feet and ran off, now nothing but a blue blur. The basket of strawberries lay forgotten, and Tails sat there mystified.
"She forgot me," he said in a small voice. "Will I ever see her again?"
Tails plucked a strawberry from the basket and stared at it, his eyes welling with tears. The ruby eyes watched him, and the owner of those eyes leaned back against the tree in thought. Palms were turned up and points were counted off, then a soft sigh was barely heard and the tree was empty.
Tails jumped and squeaked as someone tapped him on the shoulder. He tried to get away but hands held him still. He struggled, but the hands weren't harsh, just firm but gentle.
"Relax, little fox," said a low voice. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"Who…" Tails' voice squeaked. "Who are you?"
"Do you not know me?" asked the voice in surprise.
Tails turned his face so he could see the speaker. It was a black hedgehog with red accents and intense ruby eyes. He was dressed in ordinary clothing, but the material seemed a bit more upper class than any old cotton. He was handsome, and barely bedraggled from being outside.
"You're a hedgehog," said Tails obviously. "I mean… I'm new to this kingdom! I don't know anyone! Well… I know… Met someone named Sonic."
"I'm…" the hedgehog paused. "You know what just call me Shadow. Are you hoping to see your… Sonic again?"
"Yes!" Tails cried. "But… She left me…"
"Not on purpose," said Shadow, "At least I don't think so. I'm sure she'll be looking for you soon. Now why don't you come with me and we'll find something that will… Let you two uh… Play together… Or whatever it is people do these days."
Tails nodded hard and jumped to his feet. He followed Shadow out of the strawberry patch and down a winding road. Shadow led Tails to a modest home and spoke to the people living there. The bunny wife and her husband nodded, and Tails was ushered into the home with bright smiles. Shadow walked off, ignoring Tails' wave goodbye.
Later that evening, a basket of strawberries was dropped off at a slightly larger home. Ruby eyes watched an upset blue hedgehog open the door, prepared to run off somewhere due to the stance and tear-streaked face. She spied the strawberries and gave a tentative smile. She picked up the basket and went back inside her home.