Disclaimers; Don't own them. Except Rowan... She's mine. But the rest belong to Sega! Dagnabbit!
Orin; "Um... Hello?... Anyone there?"
Sonic; "I don't think so somehow."
Knuckles; *Nods* "Yeah... I think they all got tired of waiting and just went home."
Orin; O__o;; "Don't say that! Surely there must be someone left?"
Sonic; "Well, maybe if you'd posted this chapter sooner, then-"
Orin; "Hey! I do have a life y'know!"
Knuckles; "Could've fooled me..."
Orin; *Growls* "Do you wanna stay dead?"
Knuckles; "Shutting up."
Sonic; "But you do know that the key is in being consistent in your posting, right?"
Knuckles; O___O
Orin; O_____O
Sonic; "...... What....?"
Knuckles; "D-Did he..."
Orin; "I know...."
Knuckles; "....Wow..."
Sonic; "What?!"
Orin; "Oh... sorry.... We're um... just...
Knuckles; "Surprised that you actually said something intelligent."
Orin; *Nods*
Sonic; "Hey!"
Some warnings here... There'll be flashbacks and some back stories in this fic... You should be able to recognize them pretty quickly when you encounter them... There'll also be dream scenes... Again there should be recognizable very quickly.
^___^;;
WINTERHEART: Every Scar Is A Lesson Remembered.
Chapter 2
Nightmares Begin...
Dim sunlight glinted off the asphalt, reflecting shadows, cement and ice.
It was cold. Unnaturally cold.
Only a month ago, the heat of the sun had been causing the air to shimmer with saturating warmth.
Everywhere people had discarded shirts, coats, abandoned shoes even, when possible.
Now, only well wrapped people walked the streets, wearing jackets, coats, hats, scarves, gloves.... And more. The air was bitterly cold. Overly frigid for an Autumn month.
At that particular moment people on the streets were scurrying for shelter as the dark clouds finally opened up with a downpour.
Snow.
It was snowing already..... The air was so thin and cold that the rain came down as sleet, then as softer, lighter powder snow.
A human child paused outside the little café opened her mouth to capture a snowflake on the tip of her tongue. She had barely paused an instant, when she was hauled onward by her rushing mother, eager to get out of the shower.
The aqua eyes followed the child as she cast one last mournful look at the rapidly whitening ground.
"Thank God for central heating......."
"Amen."
The pink spines swung lightly as the owner of those striking eyes turned and cast an amused look at her companion standing behind the counter.
Rowan returned the amused look with one of her own. Then she mock frowned.
"Though here I thought you came for the company...."
A curve of lips.
"Or the food...."
A smile.
Rowan shook her head.
"I feel so used....." she sighed dramatically.
A laugh.
The fox turned her back to her still giggling companion as she asked; "So.... What'll it be....?"
"Hmm....."
The hedgehog looked thoughtful as Rowan waited patiently. The pale fox already knew her friends answer, but she asked anyway. As she had done everyday for the past two years.
"Anything," the hedgehog grinned and added, "Once it's hot!"
She blinked at the change in routine. Amy Rose was a stickler for routine.
Another glance outside showed a thin cover of white beginning to blanket the ground. And the snowfall was growing heavier.
She nodded in understanding.
"Comin' right up...." she announced brightly.
But her comrades attention was focused elsewhere, and as Rowan swung back to her - cocoa in hand- she could not help but follow the aquamarine gaze to it's destination. Across the restaurant some residents had turned up the volume on the TV, apparently awaiting the latest weather report.
It was Autumn; it was bitterly cold outside; and snowing; Rowan's mouth thinned; she could have told them what the outcome would be.
But it was not the weather that they were watching at the moment. The fox tilted her head over the counter as she put the glass down, trying to get a better view. From what she could make out, it was some kind of interview.
She leaned further. Reporters shooting questions off the bat. Amy never like reporters, she knew. Something about them being too pushy. The rose colored hedgehog avoided them at all costs.
These were no different, barely allowing their subject to think, they fired another, and another.
But strangely enough, the voice that answered them was sure and confident, reciprocating their queries with startling ease.
Across from her she noticed the Aqua eyes narrow dangerously. It was then that the volume was turned up and she recognized the voice.
It was Sonic the Hedgehog.
In recent years, his appearance had changed.
His sharp blue spines had grown considerably longer and now curved downward. His eyes had also developed a deep and captivating shade of light green. As a result, he had a much more respectful and awe-inspiring image.
Rowan turned her eyes from the monitor to Amy again when the hedgehog made a stinted movement away from the screen.
The move radiated disgust.
On the screen, thousands of people crowded around to get a better view of the cobalt hedgehog, whose green eyes glinted reflectively in the pale glow of the setting sun. News teams from around the world crowded in and around, aiming to get their questions answered for their own respective stations.
The rose-colored hedgehog muttered something inaudible under her breath as she swung away completely. She suddenly had no desire to socialize or converse, and thought again of her cozy apartment with waiting book....
But Rowan was looking at her curiously. The desert fox tilted her head with raised brows, placing the cocoa near Amy on the counter.
"What was that?"
Amy fixed her with a dark look before repeating;
"He's so full of himself..."
The brows shot up even more as the fox regarded the hedgehog in surprise and a little bit of worry at how her usually cheerful friend was overreacting. Rowan cast the screen a sidelong glance then looked back at her flatmate.
"Amy, honey, he 'did' save Station Square from being destroyed two years ago.... The whole city for that matter. The people are just showing their appreciation for it."
Amy merely persisted with stirring her cocoa. Her eyes fixed on the swirling chocolate drink.
Rowan continued, trying to lighten the mood.
"Personally, what I wouldn't give for five minutes of that hedgehogs time."
Amy pointedly ignored her.
Rowan sighed in resignation, turning away from the screen and walked off to serve an impatient squirrel who had just entered.
Nurse Rose was one of the most stubborn people she knew. Though why her friend had a grudge against one of the world's foremost defenders was beyond her....
The pale hedgehog looked back up at the video screen. A group of desperate but attractive females were forcing their way through the crowd to get a better look at Sonic.
He smiled.
He was obviously quite happy to be getting their attention.
The resentment surged into anger at the sight.
He had no right.
Not after what he had done....
"He doesn't even know what love is..." she muttered to herself, and the anger turned to rage.
"He only loves himself...."
The stinging anguish was too much. An old anger and a deep resentment that had only burned and roped out of control over time.
She hated him.
She hated his cruelty, she hated his impulsiveness, his rejection, his tolerance.
Amy hurled her mug at the video screen.
The contents splashed over the floor as the container spun through the air, sailing with deadly accuracy. Then it bounced off the monitor and hit the jukebox next to it.
Making a silent apology to Rowan who was staring at her with shock and growing ire, but nonetheless feeling better after her little tantrum, she stood up and stormed out of the café even as the music on the jukebox began to play.
** ** **
Melanie Rose rapped on the door of her daughter's room, fingers twisting her shirtsleeves awkwardly. The sun streamed over her soft features from a nearby window, hiding the brightness of her eyes in lines of shadow. Her fur was slightly sticky, as always, from the humid heat of the Southern Continent.
"Come in."
She winced at the sound of the voice that was distinctly his, despite the feminine lilt. The door clicked open, and she entered the massive chamber. Amy lay on her bed, dwarfed by the vastness of the mattress. At the age of seven, it seemed like she would drown in the sheets. Melanie was about to speak, but her voice caught in her throat.
Lucas' tarot cards were out, set down carefully beside his daughter.
Her tiny hands tapped on the thick deck as the light winked mercilessly on the cards. The same
sunlight reflected on the liquid pools that shimmered over Amy's irises, stubbornly cohering and refusing to break from her eyes. Melanie's shoulders crumpled for a moment, in resignation.
"Of course you know," she murmured.
"Papa's gone," Amy answered.
Her voice trembled a little, but held its ground.
She added, "He thought -- he thought of you. Of forgiveness. And -- honor."
She was silent afterwards, only staring at the laminated cards, comforted and mesmerized by the light flashing along the smooth surface.
She had walked alongside her father as a ghost, sensing both that inner serenity and outer storm. His mind had been in a perfect calm, but the world had swirled around him like a maelstrom. She had felt the touch of cold steel against callused fingers as he lifted the rapier, and what followed was that fatal ballet of feints and thrusts. She could feel the sweat running down the back of his neck, see the glare of the sun on dark metal...
The robots twinkling in the sun...
She had felt the slash across his right hand, just below the wrist, felt the rapier clatter to the ground. She closed her eyes, pressing against the pain in her temples.
She had felt him reach for the familiar sword in the haze and disillusionment that came before death, felt his hands grasping nothing. There was a moment of lancing despair in his poise.
When he died, something snapped in her head. The visions that had once been so clear, so lucid, now blurred into overlapping shapes of the undefined. What remained was sensation and fragmented thought.
Forgiveness. Honor. Despair.
When Amy looked up to tell her mother, she found herself looking at empty space.
The door was still ajar.
** ** **
His labored gasps echoed harshly in his ears as his mind froze in terror. Darkness surrounded him. Total blackness.
He couldn't breath!
His desperate attempts to draw air into his lungs only succeeded in prompting a faint cough as he weakly pried at the hand leaving bruised finger prints all around his neck.
No...let me go...
Despite himself, a soft whimper escaped his lips.
I didn't do anything...
The choking grip suddenly left his throat and he drew in a pained breath only to have it forced from his lungs as a hard fist once again connected with his ribs.
No you didn't!
And I'm dead because of that!
I'm dead! Because of you!
Blow after bruising blow followed, curses and insults fell upon ears that could barely
hear them anymore...
Your fault!
...as darkness closed in and his field of vision narrowed...
All yours!
...and the pain faded to a dull ache...
Until a final blow slammed his slim body into the wall and pain ran like fire through the base of his skull...
** ** **
Sonic twisted out of sleep with a harsh cry, pulling himself up almost in panic.
He slowly returned to himself, shuddering slightly as he took a deep breath. The hedgehog grasped the sheet with hands that shook, clutching then, reassuring himself that they were solid - real.
Every sinew was on fire, every muscle ached with a weariness he had never known before, not even as he and Tails had made their escape from the burning city. His blood rushed and his heart pulsed irregular and fast against his ribs.
He was afraid.
Green eyes blinked in the darkness, sliding closed wearily. He wanted to go back to sleep, he wanted to fall into the darkness of oblivion. A dreamless sleep.
But he was afraid.
So instead Sonic moved from the bed. He headed for the bathroom- the shower. Perhaps it could keep him awake, a little longer.
He stepped lightly into the shower, moving his hand to set the water temperature a little cooler than usual. Something to help snap him out of the dark frame of mind he had found himself in once his heart had stopped beating triple time.
He was alone at least, so no one could see his fear. That was why he had run.
Sonic gave a tiny bitter smile.
As of later, it seemed that running was all he could do.
He had to; Sally grew more worried with time; she would want to know what was bothering him.
And Sonic had no intention of sharing 'that' with anyone. It was a lot more trouble than it was worth to try an evade the persistent Princess, but Sonic had a stubborn streak that matched, and possibly exceeded that of the Sally.
So he had run.
He absently reached for the soap and continued to argue mentally, attempting to take refuge in the simplest tactic of all- determinedly trying to think about something else....
Anything else.
It was then that Sonic realized that the water had turned ice cold, as a shock ran through his body. With a muffled yelp, he reached up for the water temperature controls and tried desperately to turn the hot water up to full, but the steam cascading over and around him remained steadfastly icy.
It even seemed to get colder.
The hedgehog could see his breath when he released it, in a puff of visible white.
Having no other alternative, he jumped out of the shower with a scowl, grabbing the towel with shaking fingers. Glancing up, the caught his own reflection shivering in the large mirror over the sink. He turned his scowl at the reflection as his emerald eyes narrowed an inch..... He could see steam still emanating from the open shower door.
Impossible.
Wheeling abruptly, Sonic stuck his hand out and under the water and had to suppress a cry as his fingers were scalded mercilessly. He snatched his hand out and glared at the shower, moving his stinging eyes to where the temperature controls were turned all the way to hot.
As a result, near-boiling water was pouring from the head.
His hands were red even through the fine fur, but not burned enough to be blistered.
Though the rest of his body was still freezing.
The hedgehog could feel the steam emerging from the shower still, beginning to warm him along with the cold tile beneath his feet.
The mirror behind him was also beginning to fog as a result of condensation.
As the reflected image began to blur, Sonic saw something that caused the chill to return instantly.
Indistinct in the fog covered glass, a figure appeared to stand behind him. Almost on a level with his own height, Sonic's spines allowed him to always look a little taller.
Sonic did not have to see him clearly to know what he looked like.
The blurred colors in of the fogged-mirror image were rendered in his memory into impeccable detail.
Eyes of dark amethyst stared into eyes of emerald, startling bright, even through the fog.
The first time Sonic had seen him, he had been reminded of blood by the sanguine fur....
Emerald eyes narrowed dangerously, in defiance.
He was dead.
Everyone had said so.
The Guardian was dead.
A tanned arm shot forward in an angry movement to wipe the glass and confirm the image.
But as Sonic wiped the fog away, the dark figure was gone as though it had never been.
There was nothing but an exhausted hedgehog with startling emerald eyes, trying to see what was not there.
Sonic looked away.
Wheeling around he darted back to the bedroom, searching for his shoes as he went. He did not need to turn a light; the moon was adequate enough. It took him next to nothing to discover them. Then they were on his feet and he was gone. The door clicked softly shut in his wake
** ** **
Tails watched Sonic eye the mass of speckled stars in the night sky. It was too cold in his mind to be outside stargazing. But he would be leaving in the morning and lately Sonic did not make social calls. Which was why he had been surprised when the hedgehog had come knocking.
He could hardly refuse. He loved spending time with Sonic. Even if the hedgehog was remaining unusually silent and thoughtful.
It worried Tails. It worried everyone.
Sonic had changed.
"What're you looking at Sonic?" asked the fox.
He had changed as well. Physically at least. His coat of yellow-orange fur had become thicker. Once, the young fox had been ashamed of the two tails he was born with. Instead, as Tails stood next to Sonic, they swayed confidently behind him. The fox had a much better view on things now.
After all, his dream to run alongside Sonic had come true two years ago.
The kid was a cub no more. He was a valuable asset to the Knothole Freedom Fighters.
"Sonic?" persisted Tails.
The hedgehog blinked.
"Oh, sorry, kid."
Sonic looked down away from the sky and threw him a smile. It was lacking though...
"Nice night, huh?"
Tails looked up and nodded in thoughtful agreement. The two stood on the shoreline near the Central Station hotel. The dark water washed in, kissing the white sands before pulling back again.
Sonic sighed. "Those robots in Station Square tonight-"
"Hmm? Yeah! You kicked their butts!" Tails grinned wickedly. His face was filled with approbation after the fight. It had been an unexpected encounter.
Sonic had not drawn him outside to go spoiling for a fight. But it seemed that one had come to them. Despite being out of practice, Sonic had handled the rogue robots expertly. It had taken him seconds to dismantle them.
Sonic smiled despite himself. But something was bothering him.
"-Those robots were like nothing I've ever seen. Nothing Robotnik's cooked up in the past looked like that."
Tails frowned, trying to place the exact design of the machines. He did not see anything too much out of place, but then Sonic was more familiar with Robotnik's design than he. Despite his love for machinery.
"It's strange too...." continued Sonic, "I'm pretty sure those robots could've easily been taken out by ordinary guns. The cops barely did anything."
He picked up a smooth black stone and hurled it across the surface of the water. it skipped eight times before disappearing beneath the surface with a decisive splash. Tails reached for a stone of his own, then followed Sonic's example.
"You're thinking that maybe Robotnik didn't make these robots?"
Sonic didn't turn but continued to watch the waves.
"I don't know Tails.... who else but Robotnik makes robots, and then dispatches them to cause havoc?"
Tails didn't have an answer to that, he shrugged, "Well maybe he's getting help"
He searched for another stone to skip.
"What do you mean?"
Sonic turned this time and handed the fox a similar stone to the last one. Tails accepted the gift with another shrug.
"I dunno... maybe someone's helping him to make them or something, that would explain the different design."
Sonic watched as he arched his arm sideways and swung, hurling the stone so that it skipped five times before sinking.
"Hmm... Someone could be designing the robots and Robotnik manufacturing them I guess. But you know how that maniac is... Somehow I can't see him going into a partnership."
Tails smiled a little at that, "Robotnik and Co." he sniggered.
"Don't even think it." Sonic said.
But Tails saw that he was fighting back laughter too. It was good to see Sonic laugh. It did not come as easy to him anymore. And it was obvious that the cobalt hedgehog was far more concerned by Robotnik's apparent return that he was letting on.
He had every reason to be. If the human was back; then Sonic would get his chance at vengeance.
A loud sound shattered the companionable silence. Whirling around, the pair were treated to the sight of one of the apartment buildings being torn apart by an explosion, twisting flames leaping from the highest windows.
"Sonic!" Tails shouted.
The hedgehog was gone, his answer floating back to the fox on the wind.
"Already on it!"
** ** **
Sonic burst through the hotel lobby and out into the street. He paused for a second to look up at the burning building across the square. The flames reached high into the night sky, illuminating it with a hellish shade of crimson.
Robots spherical in structure swarmed around the building like flies. They were automatons created to rescue people from the building. Sonic recognized them immediately.
Below, on the darkened street before him, Sonic saw that a crowd of police and Station Square citizens had already begun to form.
A scream broke through his observations. He looked around absently but couldn't see it's owner.
Frowning, then turning away, he headed toward the barricades and police officers now holding the crowd back as the injured were brought out and attended to.
** ** **
Rowan pushed the medic away as soon as she saw the hedgehog. She proceeded to shove through the writhing mass of people to get to him. It was infuriatingly slow and she screamed in frustration.
She saw him turn for an instant before continuing only to be held back by a police officer. She headed for the arguing Freedom Fighter, praying that he'd stay a moment longer.
She just needed to get to him on time. She pleaded silently that she would. He friend depended on it. She darted around a screaming woman and shoved a bulky chimp aside, then buried her way through another throng of bodies. She growled; tempted to scream again.
Please...
Another person was shoved aside in anger.
Please...
And another, she was close....
"Please!" she gasped.
The cobalt hedgehog stiffened, then turned in surprise.
She came to a stumbling halt before him, wavering and panting. She ached all over. Behind her the people still surged.
"You don't know me," she gasped, "but you know my friend... you've got to help her!"
He reached out his hands to steady her as she swayed dangerously. Her white uniform was torn and burnt in places and she looked exhausted.
He frowned, eyes intent, "Who-?"
"Amy!" she choked. There were tears streaming down her face. Whether it was from the smoke or simply distress it was hard to tell.
"Amy Rose," she lowered her head, fighting to stay standing, "they're trying to take her.... robots.... everywhere!"
Sonic paled. His grip tightened on her shoulders impulsively and she bit back a cry.
"Apartment number, floor?" he demanded shortly.
"Top floor," she sobbed, "Number seventeen. You can't miss it!"
Before another second could pass, Sonic disappeared in a burst of speed. The crowd and police watched in awe as he tore past them into the front entrance. Inside the lobby, he found that there would be no faster way to reach the top floor than by stairs.
Without hesitation, he flew up the flights of steps like lightening.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
Chapter 2: Every Rose Has It's thorn...
It's a race against time for Sonic to save Amy Rose... But what if his biggest fan doesn't want to be saved.... By him...?
Sonic; "Why d'you stop there? I was just getting some action!"
Knuckles; "Was that me in the bathroom?"
Sonic; "Yeah... This is all very weird..."
Orin; "It's kinda supposed to be."
Sonic; "And what's with Amy and those cards...?"
Knuckles; "I sense a plot twist here..."
Orin; "Shhh!!"
Sonic; "Waitaminute... I'm rushing up to help... Amy...."
Knuckles; ^__^ "You know what that means..."
Sonic; "Nooo! I'm gonna have to save her? Am I gonna have to actually talk to her.... Cause if that's the case I'll just quit now...."
Orin; "Oh hush you...."
Knuckles; *Grin* "Looks like that's a yes, Sonic."
Sonic; "Ack! No!"
Orin; *Sigh*
Um... In case you hadn't noticed..... This is a continuation of The Last Guardian.
*Lowers her voice so the Knuckles can't hear*
The timeline is five months after Knuckles the Echidna was declared deceased.
*Resumes normal volume*
Now the Freedom Fighters,- Sonic included- are doing their best to get on with their lives.
The Floating Island has been lost, along with the legendary Master Emerald. The lesser emeralds' whereabouts' are also unknown.
Robotnik has not been heard of, or seen since the destruction of the Sky Fortress.
Some presume him dead.
Others are still waiting for him to reappear- With revenge in mind.
Robotropolis is all but gone, though the robots remain. So the fight continues.
^__^ Just so you won't get confused.
Sonic; "Yeah... This fic is confusing enough as it is."
Orin; "Shhh!"
*Huggles and chocolate frogs*
And perhaps leave a review, to let me know if I should stop or go on?
Orin.
Orin; "Um... Hello?... Anyone there?"
Sonic; "I don't think so somehow."
Knuckles; *Nods* "Yeah... I think they all got tired of waiting and just went home."
Orin; O__o;; "Don't say that! Surely there must be someone left?"
Sonic; "Well, maybe if you'd posted this chapter sooner, then-"
Orin; "Hey! I do have a life y'know!"
Knuckles; "Could've fooled me..."
Orin; *Growls* "Do you wanna stay dead?"
Knuckles; "Shutting up."
Sonic; "But you do know that the key is in being consistent in your posting, right?"
Knuckles; O___O
Orin; O_____O
Sonic; "...... What....?"
Knuckles; "D-Did he..."
Orin; "I know...."
Knuckles; "....Wow..."
Sonic; "What?!"
Orin; "Oh... sorry.... We're um... just...
Knuckles; "Surprised that you actually said something intelligent."
Orin; *Nods*
Sonic; "Hey!"
Some warnings here... There'll be flashbacks and some back stories in this fic... You should be able to recognize them pretty quickly when you encounter them... There'll also be dream scenes... Again there should be recognizable very quickly.
^___^;;
WINTERHEART: Every Scar Is A Lesson Remembered.
Chapter 2
Nightmares Begin...
Dim sunlight glinted off the asphalt, reflecting shadows, cement and ice.
It was cold. Unnaturally cold.
Only a month ago, the heat of the sun had been causing the air to shimmer with saturating warmth.
Everywhere people had discarded shirts, coats, abandoned shoes even, when possible.
Now, only well wrapped people walked the streets, wearing jackets, coats, hats, scarves, gloves.... And more. The air was bitterly cold. Overly frigid for an Autumn month.
At that particular moment people on the streets were scurrying for shelter as the dark clouds finally opened up with a downpour.
Snow.
It was snowing already..... The air was so thin and cold that the rain came down as sleet, then as softer, lighter powder snow.
A human child paused outside the little café opened her mouth to capture a snowflake on the tip of her tongue. She had barely paused an instant, when she was hauled onward by her rushing mother, eager to get out of the shower.
The aqua eyes followed the child as she cast one last mournful look at the rapidly whitening ground.
"Thank God for central heating......."
"Amen."
The pink spines swung lightly as the owner of those striking eyes turned and cast an amused look at her companion standing behind the counter.
Rowan returned the amused look with one of her own. Then she mock frowned.
"Though here I thought you came for the company...."
A curve of lips.
"Or the food...."
A smile.
Rowan shook her head.
"I feel so used....." she sighed dramatically.
A laugh.
The fox turned her back to her still giggling companion as she asked; "So.... What'll it be....?"
"Hmm....."
The hedgehog looked thoughtful as Rowan waited patiently. The pale fox already knew her friends answer, but she asked anyway. As she had done everyday for the past two years.
"Anything," the hedgehog grinned and added, "Once it's hot!"
She blinked at the change in routine. Amy Rose was a stickler for routine.
Another glance outside showed a thin cover of white beginning to blanket the ground. And the snowfall was growing heavier.
She nodded in understanding.
"Comin' right up...." she announced brightly.
But her comrades attention was focused elsewhere, and as Rowan swung back to her - cocoa in hand- she could not help but follow the aquamarine gaze to it's destination. Across the restaurant some residents had turned up the volume on the TV, apparently awaiting the latest weather report.
It was Autumn; it was bitterly cold outside; and snowing; Rowan's mouth thinned; she could have told them what the outcome would be.
But it was not the weather that they were watching at the moment. The fox tilted her head over the counter as she put the glass down, trying to get a better view. From what she could make out, it was some kind of interview.
She leaned further. Reporters shooting questions off the bat. Amy never like reporters, she knew. Something about them being too pushy. The rose colored hedgehog avoided them at all costs.
These were no different, barely allowing their subject to think, they fired another, and another.
But strangely enough, the voice that answered them was sure and confident, reciprocating their queries with startling ease.
Across from her she noticed the Aqua eyes narrow dangerously. It was then that the volume was turned up and she recognized the voice.
It was Sonic the Hedgehog.
In recent years, his appearance had changed.
His sharp blue spines had grown considerably longer and now curved downward. His eyes had also developed a deep and captivating shade of light green. As a result, he had a much more respectful and awe-inspiring image.
Rowan turned her eyes from the monitor to Amy again when the hedgehog made a stinted movement away from the screen.
The move radiated disgust.
On the screen, thousands of people crowded around to get a better view of the cobalt hedgehog, whose green eyes glinted reflectively in the pale glow of the setting sun. News teams from around the world crowded in and around, aiming to get their questions answered for their own respective stations.
The rose-colored hedgehog muttered something inaudible under her breath as she swung away completely. She suddenly had no desire to socialize or converse, and thought again of her cozy apartment with waiting book....
But Rowan was looking at her curiously. The desert fox tilted her head with raised brows, placing the cocoa near Amy on the counter.
"What was that?"
Amy fixed her with a dark look before repeating;
"He's so full of himself..."
The brows shot up even more as the fox regarded the hedgehog in surprise and a little bit of worry at how her usually cheerful friend was overreacting. Rowan cast the screen a sidelong glance then looked back at her flatmate.
"Amy, honey, he 'did' save Station Square from being destroyed two years ago.... The whole city for that matter. The people are just showing their appreciation for it."
Amy merely persisted with stirring her cocoa. Her eyes fixed on the swirling chocolate drink.
Rowan continued, trying to lighten the mood.
"Personally, what I wouldn't give for five minutes of that hedgehogs time."
Amy pointedly ignored her.
Rowan sighed in resignation, turning away from the screen and walked off to serve an impatient squirrel who had just entered.
Nurse Rose was one of the most stubborn people she knew. Though why her friend had a grudge against one of the world's foremost defenders was beyond her....
The pale hedgehog looked back up at the video screen. A group of desperate but attractive females were forcing their way through the crowd to get a better look at Sonic.
He smiled.
He was obviously quite happy to be getting their attention.
The resentment surged into anger at the sight.
He had no right.
Not after what he had done....
"He doesn't even know what love is..." she muttered to herself, and the anger turned to rage.
"He only loves himself...."
The stinging anguish was too much. An old anger and a deep resentment that had only burned and roped out of control over time.
She hated him.
She hated his cruelty, she hated his impulsiveness, his rejection, his tolerance.
Amy hurled her mug at the video screen.
The contents splashed over the floor as the container spun through the air, sailing with deadly accuracy. Then it bounced off the monitor and hit the jukebox next to it.
Making a silent apology to Rowan who was staring at her with shock and growing ire, but nonetheless feeling better after her little tantrum, she stood up and stormed out of the café even as the music on the jukebox began to play.
** ** **
Melanie Rose rapped on the door of her daughter's room, fingers twisting her shirtsleeves awkwardly. The sun streamed over her soft features from a nearby window, hiding the brightness of her eyes in lines of shadow. Her fur was slightly sticky, as always, from the humid heat of the Southern Continent.
"Come in."
She winced at the sound of the voice that was distinctly his, despite the feminine lilt. The door clicked open, and she entered the massive chamber. Amy lay on her bed, dwarfed by the vastness of the mattress. At the age of seven, it seemed like she would drown in the sheets. Melanie was about to speak, but her voice caught in her throat.
Lucas' tarot cards were out, set down carefully beside his daughter.
Her tiny hands tapped on the thick deck as the light winked mercilessly on the cards. The same
sunlight reflected on the liquid pools that shimmered over Amy's irises, stubbornly cohering and refusing to break from her eyes. Melanie's shoulders crumpled for a moment, in resignation.
"Of course you know," she murmured.
"Papa's gone," Amy answered.
Her voice trembled a little, but held its ground.
She added, "He thought -- he thought of you. Of forgiveness. And -- honor."
She was silent afterwards, only staring at the laminated cards, comforted and mesmerized by the light flashing along the smooth surface.
She had walked alongside her father as a ghost, sensing both that inner serenity and outer storm. His mind had been in a perfect calm, but the world had swirled around him like a maelstrom. She had felt the touch of cold steel against callused fingers as he lifted the rapier, and what followed was that fatal ballet of feints and thrusts. She could feel the sweat running down the back of his neck, see the glare of the sun on dark metal...
The robots twinkling in the sun...
She had felt the slash across his right hand, just below the wrist, felt the rapier clatter to the ground. She closed her eyes, pressing against the pain in her temples.
She had felt him reach for the familiar sword in the haze and disillusionment that came before death, felt his hands grasping nothing. There was a moment of lancing despair in his poise.
When he died, something snapped in her head. The visions that had once been so clear, so lucid, now blurred into overlapping shapes of the undefined. What remained was sensation and fragmented thought.
Forgiveness. Honor. Despair.
When Amy looked up to tell her mother, she found herself looking at empty space.
The door was still ajar.
** ** **
His labored gasps echoed harshly in his ears as his mind froze in terror. Darkness surrounded him. Total blackness.
He couldn't breath!
His desperate attempts to draw air into his lungs only succeeded in prompting a faint cough as he weakly pried at the hand leaving bruised finger prints all around his neck.
No...let me go...
Despite himself, a soft whimper escaped his lips.
I didn't do anything...
The choking grip suddenly left his throat and he drew in a pained breath only to have it forced from his lungs as a hard fist once again connected with his ribs.
No you didn't!
And I'm dead because of that!
I'm dead! Because of you!
Blow after bruising blow followed, curses and insults fell upon ears that could barely
hear them anymore...
Your fault!
...as darkness closed in and his field of vision narrowed...
All yours!
...and the pain faded to a dull ache...
Until a final blow slammed his slim body into the wall and pain ran like fire through the base of his skull...
** ** **
Sonic twisted out of sleep with a harsh cry, pulling himself up almost in panic.
He slowly returned to himself, shuddering slightly as he took a deep breath. The hedgehog grasped the sheet with hands that shook, clutching then, reassuring himself that they were solid - real.
Every sinew was on fire, every muscle ached with a weariness he had never known before, not even as he and Tails had made their escape from the burning city. His blood rushed and his heart pulsed irregular and fast against his ribs.
He was afraid.
Green eyes blinked in the darkness, sliding closed wearily. He wanted to go back to sleep, he wanted to fall into the darkness of oblivion. A dreamless sleep.
But he was afraid.
So instead Sonic moved from the bed. He headed for the bathroom- the shower. Perhaps it could keep him awake, a little longer.
He stepped lightly into the shower, moving his hand to set the water temperature a little cooler than usual. Something to help snap him out of the dark frame of mind he had found himself in once his heart had stopped beating triple time.
He was alone at least, so no one could see his fear. That was why he had run.
Sonic gave a tiny bitter smile.
As of later, it seemed that running was all he could do.
He had to; Sally grew more worried with time; she would want to know what was bothering him.
And Sonic had no intention of sharing 'that' with anyone. It was a lot more trouble than it was worth to try an evade the persistent Princess, but Sonic had a stubborn streak that matched, and possibly exceeded that of the Sally.
So he had run.
He absently reached for the soap and continued to argue mentally, attempting to take refuge in the simplest tactic of all- determinedly trying to think about something else....
Anything else.
It was then that Sonic realized that the water had turned ice cold, as a shock ran through his body. With a muffled yelp, he reached up for the water temperature controls and tried desperately to turn the hot water up to full, but the steam cascading over and around him remained steadfastly icy.
It even seemed to get colder.
The hedgehog could see his breath when he released it, in a puff of visible white.
Having no other alternative, he jumped out of the shower with a scowl, grabbing the towel with shaking fingers. Glancing up, the caught his own reflection shivering in the large mirror over the sink. He turned his scowl at the reflection as his emerald eyes narrowed an inch..... He could see steam still emanating from the open shower door.
Impossible.
Wheeling abruptly, Sonic stuck his hand out and under the water and had to suppress a cry as his fingers were scalded mercilessly. He snatched his hand out and glared at the shower, moving his stinging eyes to where the temperature controls were turned all the way to hot.
As a result, near-boiling water was pouring from the head.
His hands were red even through the fine fur, but not burned enough to be blistered.
Though the rest of his body was still freezing.
The hedgehog could feel the steam emerging from the shower still, beginning to warm him along with the cold tile beneath his feet.
The mirror behind him was also beginning to fog as a result of condensation.
As the reflected image began to blur, Sonic saw something that caused the chill to return instantly.
Indistinct in the fog covered glass, a figure appeared to stand behind him. Almost on a level with his own height, Sonic's spines allowed him to always look a little taller.
Sonic did not have to see him clearly to know what he looked like.
The blurred colors in of the fogged-mirror image were rendered in his memory into impeccable detail.
Eyes of dark amethyst stared into eyes of emerald, startling bright, even through the fog.
The first time Sonic had seen him, he had been reminded of blood by the sanguine fur....
Emerald eyes narrowed dangerously, in defiance.
He was dead.
Everyone had said so.
The Guardian was dead.
A tanned arm shot forward in an angry movement to wipe the glass and confirm the image.
But as Sonic wiped the fog away, the dark figure was gone as though it had never been.
There was nothing but an exhausted hedgehog with startling emerald eyes, trying to see what was not there.
Sonic looked away.
Wheeling around he darted back to the bedroom, searching for his shoes as he went. He did not need to turn a light; the moon was adequate enough. It took him next to nothing to discover them. Then they were on his feet and he was gone. The door clicked softly shut in his wake
** ** **
Tails watched Sonic eye the mass of speckled stars in the night sky. It was too cold in his mind to be outside stargazing. But he would be leaving in the morning and lately Sonic did not make social calls. Which was why he had been surprised when the hedgehog had come knocking.
He could hardly refuse. He loved spending time with Sonic. Even if the hedgehog was remaining unusually silent and thoughtful.
It worried Tails. It worried everyone.
Sonic had changed.
"What're you looking at Sonic?" asked the fox.
He had changed as well. Physically at least. His coat of yellow-orange fur had become thicker. Once, the young fox had been ashamed of the two tails he was born with. Instead, as Tails stood next to Sonic, they swayed confidently behind him. The fox had a much better view on things now.
After all, his dream to run alongside Sonic had come true two years ago.
The kid was a cub no more. He was a valuable asset to the Knothole Freedom Fighters.
"Sonic?" persisted Tails.
The hedgehog blinked.
"Oh, sorry, kid."
Sonic looked down away from the sky and threw him a smile. It was lacking though...
"Nice night, huh?"
Tails looked up and nodded in thoughtful agreement. The two stood on the shoreline near the Central Station hotel. The dark water washed in, kissing the white sands before pulling back again.
Sonic sighed. "Those robots in Station Square tonight-"
"Hmm? Yeah! You kicked their butts!" Tails grinned wickedly. His face was filled with approbation after the fight. It had been an unexpected encounter.
Sonic had not drawn him outside to go spoiling for a fight. But it seemed that one had come to them. Despite being out of practice, Sonic had handled the rogue robots expertly. It had taken him seconds to dismantle them.
Sonic smiled despite himself. But something was bothering him.
"-Those robots were like nothing I've ever seen. Nothing Robotnik's cooked up in the past looked like that."
Tails frowned, trying to place the exact design of the machines. He did not see anything too much out of place, but then Sonic was more familiar with Robotnik's design than he. Despite his love for machinery.
"It's strange too...." continued Sonic, "I'm pretty sure those robots could've easily been taken out by ordinary guns. The cops barely did anything."
He picked up a smooth black stone and hurled it across the surface of the water. it skipped eight times before disappearing beneath the surface with a decisive splash. Tails reached for a stone of his own, then followed Sonic's example.
"You're thinking that maybe Robotnik didn't make these robots?"
Sonic didn't turn but continued to watch the waves.
"I don't know Tails.... who else but Robotnik makes robots, and then dispatches them to cause havoc?"
Tails didn't have an answer to that, he shrugged, "Well maybe he's getting help"
He searched for another stone to skip.
"What do you mean?"
Sonic turned this time and handed the fox a similar stone to the last one. Tails accepted the gift with another shrug.
"I dunno... maybe someone's helping him to make them or something, that would explain the different design."
Sonic watched as he arched his arm sideways and swung, hurling the stone so that it skipped five times before sinking.
"Hmm... Someone could be designing the robots and Robotnik manufacturing them I guess. But you know how that maniac is... Somehow I can't see him going into a partnership."
Tails smiled a little at that, "Robotnik and Co." he sniggered.
"Don't even think it." Sonic said.
But Tails saw that he was fighting back laughter too. It was good to see Sonic laugh. It did not come as easy to him anymore. And it was obvious that the cobalt hedgehog was far more concerned by Robotnik's apparent return that he was letting on.
He had every reason to be. If the human was back; then Sonic would get his chance at vengeance.
A loud sound shattered the companionable silence. Whirling around, the pair were treated to the sight of one of the apartment buildings being torn apart by an explosion, twisting flames leaping from the highest windows.
"Sonic!" Tails shouted.
The hedgehog was gone, his answer floating back to the fox on the wind.
"Already on it!"
** ** **
Sonic burst through the hotel lobby and out into the street. He paused for a second to look up at the burning building across the square. The flames reached high into the night sky, illuminating it with a hellish shade of crimson.
Robots spherical in structure swarmed around the building like flies. They were automatons created to rescue people from the building. Sonic recognized them immediately.
Below, on the darkened street before him, Sonic saw that a crowd of police and Station Square citizens had already begun to form.
A scream broke through his observations. He looked around absently but couldn't see it's owner.
Frowning, then turning away, he headed toward the barricades and police officers now holding the crowd back as the injured were brought out and attended to.
** ** **
Rowan pushed the medic away as soon as she saw the hedgehog. She proceeded to shove through the writhing mass of people to get to him. It was infuriatingly slow and she screamed in frustration.
She saw him turn for an instant before continuing only to be held back by a police officer. She headed for the arguing Freedom Fighter, praying that he'd stay a moment longer.
She just needed to get to him on time. She pleaded silently that she would. He friend depended on it. She darted around a screaming woman and shoved a bulky chimp aside, then buried her way through another throng of bodies. She growled; tempted to scream again.
Please...
Another person was shoved aside in anger.
Please...
And another, she was close....
"Please!" she gasped.
The cobalt hedgehog stiffened, then turned in surprise.
She came to a stumbling halt before him, wavering and panting. She ached all over. Behind her the people still surged.
"You don't know me," she gasped, "but you know my friend... you've got to help her!"
He reached out his hands to steady her as she swayed dangerously. Her white uniform was torn and burnt in places and she looked exhausted.
He frowned, eyes intent, "Who-?"
"Amy!" she choked. There were tears streaming down her face. Whether it was from the smoke or simply distress it was hard to tell.
"Amy Rose," she lowered her head, fighting to stay standing, "they're trying to take her.... robots.... everywhere!"
Sonic paled. His grip tightened on her shoulders impulsively and she bit back a cry.
"Apartment number, floor?" he demanded shortly.
"Top floor," she sobbed, "Number seventeen. You can't miss it!"
Before another second could pass, Sonic disappeared in a burst of speed. The crowd and police watched in awe as he tore past them into the front entrance. Inside the lobby, he found that there would be no faster way to reach the top floor than by stairs.
Without hesitation, he flew up the flights of steps like lightening.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
Chapter 2: Every Rose Has It's thorn...
It's a race against time for Sonic to save Amy Rose... But what if his biggest fan doesn't want to be saved.... By him...?
Sonic; "Why d'you stop there? I was just getting some action!"
Knuckles; "Was that me in the bathroom?"
Sonic; "Yeah... This is all very weird..."
Orin; "It's kinda supposed to be."
Sonic; "And what's with Amy and those cards...?"
Knuckles; "I sense a plot twist here..."
Orin; "Shhh!!"
Sonic; "Waitaminute... I'm rushing up to help... Amy...."
Knuckles; ^__^ "You know what that means..."
Sonic; "Nooo! I'm gonna have to save her? Am I gonna have to actually talk to her.... Cause if that's the case I'll just quit now...."
Orin; "Oh hush you...."
Knuckles; *Grin* "Looks like that's a yes, Sonic."
Sonic; "Ack! No!"
Orin; *Sigh*
Um... In case you hadn't noticed..... This is a continuation of The Last Guardian.
*Lowers her voice so the Knuckles can't hear*
The timeline is five months after Knuckles the Echidna was declared deceased.
*Resumes normal volume*
Now the Freedom Fighters,- Sonic included- are doing their best to get on with their lives.
The Floating Island has been lost, along with the legendary Master Emerald. The lesser emeralds' whereabouts' are also unknown.
Robotnik has not been heard of, or seen since the destruction of the Sky Fortress.
Some presume him dead.
Others are still waiting for him to reappear- With revenge in mind.
Robotropolis is all but gone, though the robots remain. So the fight continues.
^__^ Just so you won't get confused.
Sonic; "Yeah... This fic is confusing enough as it is."
Orin; "Shhh!"
*Huggles and chocolate frogs*
And perhaps leave a review, to let me know if I should stop or go on?
Orin.
