Chapter 7: Brand New Life Kalita, Tails, Amy, Cream & Cheese sat around Sonic's bed, all sad and scared for him. He was laying still, seeming to be sleeping peacefully, but Kalita knew he was going through a lot of pain right now from the changes. Sonic let off a soft sigh, then, silence. "He stopped breathing," Amy said, panic rising in her voice. "Stay calm, he'll wake up soon," Kalita said, and took Sonic's hand. "Yea, but what'll we do when he DOES wake up?" Tails asked. "Yea, what're we supposed to say? 'Hi Sonic, you're a vampire now.'" Amy pointed out. Sonic began to stir. He opened his eyes and sat up, looking at the others quietly. "Sonic...I..." Kalita started. Sonic looked around the room and put a hand to his chest. He looked down at himself, upset, before he looked up at Kalita, a single tear running down his cheek. "I...I don't have a heartbeat..." Kalita opened her arms and Sonic collasped into them, beginning to sob. "Shh...let it out, we understand." Tears ran down Amy's face. "Sonic's...never cried before..." Kalita held onto him tightly and rocked him softly. "Sonic's just lost his life, Amy. I don't blame him for being upset." They sat there for a long time before Tails stood up, nodding towards the door, gestering for the others to leave Sonic alone. Kalita stayed to comfort him, until he finally sat up, wiping the tears from his eyes. "Guess you think I'm weak," he said softly. Kalita touched his cheek softly. "Not in the least little bit. It's okay, really." Then came the question she was expecting. "Are you...afraid of me?" "Absolutely not. Sonic, I believe that you are still you. I may not have known you for very long, but I know that you are a very sweet guy, and besides, our friends want to help you." "But...I'm turning into a monster..." "No. Shaetore is the monster. You're special," she said. Sonic looked at her. "Sonic, we'll help you to adjust. You might be the one to turn this war around. "You're THE Alpha, stronger than even the Queen. She messed up big time and now she'll pay for it. Sonic, there may not be a cure, but you were BORN to lead on. We'll help you." Sonic hugged her. "Thank you, Kal. You're a good friend." She hugged him back. Shadow and Shalita came in with a tray, with the orb following them. "Hey Sonic," Shadow called, sitting next to him. He wasn't sure what to say without upsetting him. "It's okay, I know what you want to ask. I'm feeling better, thanks," Sonic said. "Well that's good...I think," he said softly. He offered him a glass from the tray. Sonic took it. "Is this what I think it is?" he asked. Shadow nodded softly. "Yea." Sonic looked at the glass for a long time before he finally took a sip. His eyes widen and he began to gulp down the glass. When he set down the glass, he felt a pleasurable feeling pass through him. He threw his head back and opened his mouth in a long hiss of delight. "Aah..." He looked back the others. "Sorry...it was...I had this urge-" Kalita put a finger to his lips. "We understand." Shalita, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. "Bad news. Kitti escaped, we can't get you home now." "It's okay, we don't need that furball," he said. "First of all, it was Blinker that brought us here," Sonic said, pointing to the orb. "Second, I don't know about the others, but I want to stay here. I'm needed here just as much as the other dimention." "But Sonic, what about Eggman?" Shadow asked. The orb started to blink. "Agreed Blinker," Sonic said. "I'll send Tails and the others back. The orb will monitor things and send us back and forth when needed," Sonic explained. "Interesting plan," Shadow said. Sonic hugged everyone. "Good luck, Sonic," Tails said. "Take care," Amy said. "See you soon, Cream added. The orb floated above the travellers as everyone waved. Goodbye everyone! Sonic waved as they dissappeared. Kalita, Shalita, and Shadow hugged Sonic. Something tells me that this is just the beginning, Sonic said. NEXT: Knuckles Returns!