I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed thus far. You'd be surprised at how much you words have kept me continuing my story.
This chapter is dedicated to everyone on the Knothole Network for all their help (especially Illys, Minalkra, Sonique, and good ol' Capn), but I want to especially thank A New Dreamer for all her support when writing became discouraging to me.
Please note that this story's rating has gone from PG-13 to R in regard to some more mature material. Please note that this story does not/will not contain any lemons, limes, or any other citrus fruit.
---------------------------------- Gear Shift Book 2
Gear Shift
Chapter Six, Date with Destiny
-----------------------------------
The stars were wonderful tonight. Tonight was the first night that the seasonal rain had relented and stopped in well over two weeks. Everything shimmered in the light of the stars that were able to shine through the veil of light and light cloud cover that blanketed the suburbs. The stars gave Tails a welcomed sense of familiarity even though the constellations were completely alien to him.
Yet, outshining them all was the crippled moon that hung suspended in midair amongst them. Tonight was the full moon and the awful destruction brought on by Eggman's use of space colony ARK's eclipse cannon was easily seen. Even though it was a full moon, only the remaining two-thirds of the moon shined or would ever again.
Tails turned to his rooftop companion and pondered. This must be why Sonic always sat on the mansion roof and watched the sky. The view seemed to put everything that they were trying to accomplish into perspective. The moon had almost instantly reminded Tails of the majestic view he had of Earth while aboard the ARK.
"So, Tails, I had figured that you'd've been in the workshop tonight, especially since you were tellin' everyone that you were gettin' close to a break through this morning." Sonic turned his head and grinned from ear to ear. "Don't tell me that the world's greatest boy genius has been stumped by a little ring."
Tails shook his head. "No, Sonic...it's not like that. I just needed a break, I guess."
"Too much of a good thing, eh?"
"Yea... that's probably it."
The silence that followed such a short conversation hinted there was more that Sonic wanted to say, and Tails was sure of it. They had lived with each other like brothers for much of Tail's childhood, and they knew each other's habits as if it was their second nature. Tails knew that Sonic would get to the point once he had collected enough of his thoughts, and so he just waited.
Thankfully it wasn't long. "Tails, I've been thinking. Homecoming's coming up Friday, and my best bud doesn't have a girl to take to the dance."
"And do you have a girl to take to the dance, Sonic?"
Sonic's voice went playful, "Actually, Tails, I think I may have one lined up, but, ya know... I seriously doubt she'd want to go a school dance with me."
It was almost impossible for anyone to stay melancholy when they were around the charismatic hedgehog. Tails could feel himself involuntarily relax, and he even allowed himself a good chuckle. "I actually think she'd prefer to spend an afternoon at the mall rather than go to a dance, Sonic, but I doubt you and you're wallet would get out intact."
"You got that right, Tails," Sonic grinned, "and that is exactly why we're going to the dance. But that still doesn't solve your girl problem."
Tails looked down at his shoes and sighed. "Sonic...I just don't think I'm ready for a girlfriend yet."
"C'mon now. This is gonna be your only big dance in high school, and, since you're my little bro, of course it's gonna have to rock!"
Tails nodded his head in agreement and returned the eager grin. "You're right, Sonic. This is going to be my only dance so I guess I should enjoy it."
"Alright then it's settled." Sonic jumped to his feet on the tiled roof, the old twinkle back in his eye. "I'll begin the ol' babe search tomorrow."
A low grumbling sound came out of nowhere, and Sonic looked down in surprise and patted his stomach. "But first...how 'bout a midnight snack? Nuked chili dogs sound good?"
"That would be awesome!" Tails licked his mouth eagerly as he grinned. "Last one there cooks the dogs!" he yelled as he dashed past Sonic.
"Hey! Oh no you don't! Come back here! Tails!"
---------------------------------------
How did he ever let Sonic talk him into this? He knew that Sonic usually knew the best for Tails, but he this was not something that he really wanted to do. The scientist in Tails constantly worried about the possible outcomes the night would bring, but pre-teen inside of him argued insistently that, if everything went well, this night could possibly be the best night of his life.
Another more sinister part of his mind that he had so desperately tried to lock away had also awaken to join the argument inside of him. It brought to the table another terrible guilt trip. Had he only told Sonic then none of this would be a problem, it argued.
Tails angrily banished the figure to the back of his mind with a simple argument. If he had told Sonic then what were the odds of him still being here?
The scientist perked up ready to give the answer, but Tails also shoved him away. He didn't want to know the odds. This was the escape Tails needed. For one night he would not be the scientist, but he would instead be the teenager that was busting to escape.
Maybe that was what Sonic was trying to help him with. Tails was almost instantly relieved at the thought as he marveled at the wisdom of the hedgehog.
Tails stood up and searched through his closet looking for some sort of semi-formal attire. Due to the fact that just a month or so ago he wore no clothes, he was not having much luck. Tails finally settled on a white shirt and kaki vest from the near empty closet of the boy's bedroom.
As he placed the vest over his shoulders, Tails still felt a twinge of doubt serge through him like venom. He just wished that Tanaka hadn't left for his family so soon; Tails could really have used his advice on dating. Tails thought about Amy, but he quickly got rid of the notion. This was her big night with Sonic, and Tails shouldn't pollute this night with his worries.
He was on his own, and was to be on his way to see a girl he had never met before. Tails shook his head. Why had he allowed himself to get sucked into this mess?
Chuck peered into the room from the hallway. "Hey, Tails, everything ready to go?"
"Almost, Chuck." Tails finished straightening out his vest and turned to face the older man.
"Ah, not bad, not bad. It's still missing something though.... I got it!" Chuck's face beamed. "Hang on, Tails, I'll be right back."
Chuck came back moments later holding a chain attached to some sort of golden object in his hands that struck Tail's curiosity.
"What's that?"
"This," Chuck patted the object affectionately, "is an antique pocket watch that my father gave to me when I was about your age."
"A pocket watch?" The idea dumbfounded the little kit. The only watches he had ever known were either strapped to a wristband or mounted on a wall. Why would anyone want to put a watch in their pocket when the wristwatches were so much easier, not to mention convenient, to use?
"I take it you've never seen one these before then. That's understandable. These little windup watches come well before my time also, but they're real handy when you're in a spot and don't have any batteries. Not to mention they add a lot of class to an outfit like yours."
Tails pointed to the pocket watch's face. "Chuck, we've gotta be going or were not going to make it in time."
Chuck took a look at the watch, nodded, and moved towards Tails. "You're right, Tails. Here, let me put this on."
Tails grabbed Chuck's wrist as it made its advance towards his vest. "I'd prefer to put it on myself so that I'd be able to do it myself the next time I go to a dance."
Chuck hesitated for a second, but apparently thought that that was a good idea, for he handed the watch to Tails and instructed him on where to place the clock inside of his inner vest pocket and what places to attach the long chain.
The sound of the limousine's horn brought Chuck and Tail's attention to the garages.
Chuck laughed. "If he wasn't a hedgehog, one would begin to think that he was also one of my sons with his level of patience! C'mon, Tails, we'd better be going before he decides to hotwire the limo and take off without us."
Chuck and Tails found an impatient Ella, Sonic, and Amy waiting outside of the black limousine. Ella, after finishing her fuss about the slight winkles in Sonic's sharp midnight-blue suit, also gave Tails a good deal of straightening and rearranging of his own vest.
Tails was about to argue with Ella, but the words died in his throat when he noticed Amy. She was, for lack of any better description, astounding. For this evening Amy had discarded the tasteless pink skirt and instead wore a sparkling emerald green dress. Just little movements like walking brought about a shimmering display of color in rolling waves that mesmerized the kitsune. Perhaps the most beautiful thing of all were her eyes. The fire that was perpetually lit within those jade spheres was stroked and intensified by the magnificent dress until it became like a beacon proclaiming her beauty.
In a way Tails couldn't help but be envious.
Chris and Cream came down to the garage and with Ella the three of them wished the others a good night. Chris seemed downed about being too young to join them, and Tails found himself longing to switch places with the boy for this night.
Chuck was driving due to the absence of Tanaka, and Sonic and Amy quickly immersed themselves in conversation on the other end of the limo. Tails didn't feel any need to join in on the conversation and thus let his mind wonder towards to romantic sunset before him, and not on the mystery girl he was to meet at the dance.
A dull droning sound brought Tails back from his daydreaming, and he sat up in his seat to listen closer to the unusual sound. The further they went the more pronounced the sound became until Tails began to feel his head pulse in pain with each crest of the noise. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to block out the sound.
"Tails, are you all right?" Chuck's eyes were in the rearview mirror. "What's wrong?"
Tails grasped his head to try to make the throbbing stop, but it only increased. "Can you guys hear that?"
Sonic looked dumbfounded. "Hear what, Tails?"
"I was afraid of this..." Chuck pulled the car off to the curb. Someplace in Tails' mind which wasn't dealing with the pain registered that they were only a block or two away from the school.
"Chuck, do you know what's going on with Tails?" Amy asked worriedly.
Chuck unbuckled himself from the drivers seat and proceeded to pull out a package from the dashboard. He took from it two small foam cylinders and instructed Tails to place one in each ear.
Tails placed the first in his ear as instructed, but before he had placed the other in his ear Chuck had answered Amy's question, "Tails, as we know, has quite a powerful sense of hearing. He's probably just been hearing the base of the music.
"Tails, before you put in that earplug let me ask you something. I know you want to go to the dance, and, don't get me wrong, I perfectly understand why, but if the noise is too much just tell me and we'll go back to the mansion and play a board game with the others. OK?"
Tails looked at Sonic and Amy. Sonic had probably gone to a lot of trouble just to set up this date for him, and if Tails didn't follow through with this it would be like a slap in the hedgehog's face.
Resolutely, Tails placed the other earplug in his ear and said firmly, "I'm going."
It was as if the entire world had been silenced. Tails could hear nothing, not even Chuck's words to Sonic before he turned around and strapped himself back into the driver's seat.
A few moments later Sonic, Amy, and Tails were walking towards the high school gymnasium. Sonic and Amy were together holding hands, and Tails was once again accompanied by the slowly re-emerging droning base that echoed through the pavement beneath his feet.
Tails stepped through the doorway and it felt as if he were wearing no earplugs at all. This time, though, it wasn't just the sound of the base traveling through him, but also the treble and the vocalist. His head began to pulsate again, but, thankfully, the earplugs managed to reduce it to a more tolerable decibel level.
Sonic tapped Tails on the shoulder and pointed to a girl sitting alone at one of the small tables nearby. Sonic grinned, and Tails could see why. She could easily have been a heartthrob of the cheerleader squad, and, now that he thought about it, most likely was. Her black dress stood in sharp contrast with her milky white skin, and her long, braided golden hair was perfect match with her pair of chocolate-brown eyes.
Tails realized he was staring when the girl shifted her weight uncomfortably in her seat. Tails walked to the table, taking care not to trip over anything in the muted light, and took a seat by the girl.
Well, at least he was sitting next her, that's an accomplishment in and of itself. However, as they sat together in mutual silence, well not quite silence as the persistent headache reminded him, he realized that she must be waiting for him to begin a conversation. Just how was he supposed to do that? Tails stole a look over to the table that Amy and Sonic were sitting and chatting, and the fox wished that Sonic had at least told him what to say to the girl.
A soft hand on Tails' gloved paw brought him back from his worries. Tails looked up and realized that his date had been trying to say something the entire time. He could see her lips moving, but if the music wasn't loud enough to drown out her voice then the earplugs would've silenced it. Unless she could scream like a jumbo jet, Tails doubted he'd be able to her at all in the cavernous gymnasium.
He tried to explain to her in what he hoped was loud enough voice, and, thankfully, she seemed to understand on the first attempt. Heads turned from the nearby tables and stared at Tails for a moment.
Of course she had understood, Tails thought miserably to himself, I probably yelled it loud enough that everyone in Station Square had heard it.
The loud booming song faded away much to the flushed kit's immense relief, and was replaced by a slow moving song.
Tails' date stood up and eagerly clasped onto Tails' wrist and pulled him up from his seat. The confused fox was dragged to the middle of the dance floor, and it was only until he saw the other couples stand up that he knew why. This was the slow dance Sonic had told him about a few days earlier.
Tails and his date were quite an awkward sight to behold. There he was, barely coming up to the girl's stomach, and he was trying to dance with her. Actually it really couldn't be called dancing; it was more or less the two of them strafing back and forth and trying to hang onto one another for dear life.
At least that's what it felt like to an overstretched Tails. His date, on the other hand, was doing a remarkably realistic impersonation of the hunchback of Notre Dame.
Thus it came to no surprise that Tails could feel the eyes of many of his peers once again boring into the back of his head. Tails didn't know if it was on accident or on purpose, but the combination of his head's position with how bent over his date was gave Tails a clear view of something he didn't want to see.
Tails disengaged himself from the judo lock he and his date were entangled in and excused himself to the refreshment stand. Tails shakily walked over to the refreshment stand, filled a cup full of punch, and sat down in a nearby chair.
He was definitely not enjoying himself. Between the communication barrier of sound, the constant humiliation, his partner's—he didn't want to think of it—and the fact that every time he looked at Sonic and Amy he noticed how good of a time they were having Tails felt that the fun was sufficiently sucked dry from the dance.
You know, Tails, this wouldn't have happened if only you would have—
Get outta my head! Tails screamed inwardly as he once again tried to banish the figure.
However, before the figure was swept away it left a shocking message for the kit. Do I feel jealousy? You are jealous of them? He could hear the laughter split his head. All it would take, Tails, to destroy that relationship would be four simple words...
The slow song ended and the crowds of dancers dispersed to return to their tables. The only thing Tails noticed was how quiet the gymnasium was, and how silent his mind was. It was an alien feeling. All Tails wanted to do was sit in that chair until the dance was over.
The next song began, but Tails did not care to hear it. His head began to throb from the closer proximity to the speakers, but he welcomed the change from the sudden emptiness.
However, the lyrics to the song left Tails frozen in his seat. They made him want to run out the gymnasium doors, but every muscle in his body had turned to concrete, and he was forced to endure words that cut him to his soul.
You come into the threshold of another starless night of fear.
You're running from the demons that would drag you down again.
Illusions of the world are spinning out of time and frame
And simplicity.
You're so sad,
You're such a sad eyed girl.
You're so sad
In your sublime.
What is,
What is this?
This mass of my existence this?
All these politics of life and death and relevance
Is my existence?
Another morning it comes running up your bedpost with the wind
You face yourself just like you always do
Time and time again.
The mortal coil in their genr'l peace and
Satisfaction...Satisfaction.
So you keep it on the town, Lo?
Hiding all the secrets that are down below.
So you keep it on the town, Lo?
So tell me baby was it worth it all?
Tails stood straight up, the forgotten drink spilling onto the floor. He was leaving; he had had enough.
-------------------------------
"Sonic, I'm leaving."
Amy and Sonic turned from one another and looked at Tails. The boy was a wreck. Tails was shaking from head to toe, his forehead fur was mattered with sweat, and the poor boy looked as if he was about to be sick.
"Damn, Tails, why didn't you come an' get me sooner? You look like you're gonna be sick."
Sonic stood up and helped support the half deaf kitsune while Amy picked up a napkin and dabbed the fox boy's forehead.
"Amy, I'll be back in a minute, I'm gonna take Tails home."
"Ok," There wasn't much else she could do, so Amy sat down watch the two of them head for the door with Tails' worried date in tow.
The she-hog had never been really found of anyone from the cheerleading squad, especially the captain of the squad that Sonic had somehow wooed for Tails. As far as Amy was concerned, the whole lot of them were just a bunch of bimbos who looked for only their next hot date with their next hot guy.
Sonic came back in much faster than he should have, especially considering the condition Tails had been in. Not to mention Tails' date didn't come back in either.
"Hey, I'm back," Sonic said as he took his seat.
"What happened out there anyway?"
"Marcie Campbell wanted to make sure that Tails got home alright so she volunteered to drive him home since it is only a little ways away anyway."
Amy was in shock. "You left Tails...with the likes of her?"
The fact didn't seem to bother Sonic in the least. "She seemed pretty worried about him, Amy. I'm sure he will get home fine."
"Sonic, you know that sometimes you can be just a little too trusting of people..."
Sonic just chuckled. "Oh c'mon. Tails can easily defend himself from some high school girl. Anyways, on Earth girls don't beat guys."
Sonic was teasing her and she wasn't about to let him get away with it. "Oh, if I heard correctly then that sounded an awful lot like a challenge, Sonniku."
"Think you can beat the stereotype, Ames?"
"Oh you bet, and with a lot more grace than you will ever imagine."
------------------------------
Even though on the outside they were competing for the dominance of their respected sexes, on the inside it was quite different.
While most of the couples danced only with the slow songs and on them they only held each other close, Sonic and Amy danced to all the songs with such fire and passion, or cool and longing that all thoughts of the competition between them were soon forgotten.
Students and professors alike watched the two Mobians dance. Sonic was fearless and unabashed. Amy was passionate. Together the two of them brought new life to the monotonous dance and re-ignited a longing that ran so deep in the human blood that it had been almost forgotten over the years.
One brave couple stood up from their table and took their try at the different style of dancing. While they did not dance at all like Sonic and Amy did, it was no different in eyes of the bystanders.
Couple by couple the tables were emptied until the floor was packed with bodies each moving to their own unique rhythm. That dance seemed pass by in a blink of an eye, but it was a blissful eternity with the one the dancers loved. Before anyone knew it the DJ was packing up and the students where leaving two by two for their vehicles.
Neither gender was proven superior that night, but both were reminded of the reason we dance; to convey our emotions and love in a way that the mind and heart cannot.
---------------------------------
"Thanks for the great time, Sonniku."
"Hey, it's not over until we get home, you know, Ames."
Amy knew. That was why they decided to take the long way home and walk the distance instead of running it. Amy had dreamed for this night for years and it had been just as she dreamed it would be. Her and Sonic, hand in hand, walking home from a date.
Sonic stopped walking after a while. "Amy...I wanted to talk to you about something."
Amy's heart swelled to bursting point. This was it; she knew it!
"Yes, Sonniku."
Sonic lightly held both of her wrists and looked into her eyes. "Promise me that you'll hear me through before you do anything rash like hitting me over the head with your hammer, alright?"
Why would she want to do that? "Of course, Sonniku, I promise."
Sonic let go of her hands and looked down at his feet. "I wanted to talk about Sally."
"I see..." Jealousy threatened to rise up and make her turn Sonic into a pancake, but see pressed it back down. "Is that how you feel about me then, a replacement for your precious Sally?" she asked coldly.
"No! I just--"
Amy turned away from him with tears threatening to run down her face. "You just what? Why do you want to talk about her badly?"
Sonic's voice softened, "Because, Amy, I don't want to force myself to ignore my feelings for you for another five years."
Amy turned and stared at Sonic, daring him to sweat, to tremble, or to otherwise give away that he was once again jerking her heartstrings.
No sign proclaimed itself. Sonic just stood there waiting for her.
"Go on."
"Amy... we both know that the odds of us getting back to mobius are slim, right?"
Amy still wasn't going to be moved, not until she knew the motive behind this. "That's old news, Sonic."
Sonic continued as if he hadn't heard her, "And... she may not have even survived that fight..."
Damn...why would he ever bring up Sally if he knew it would infuriate me? she thought. Maybe this time he isn't playing me as a joke. Even though she still struggled futilely to maintain her appearance of ice, she could feel the puddle forming at her feet.
"She's a part of my past, and she's a part of yours, too. I want you to know—no to understand—that no matter what happens, part of me will still belong to her. And," He looked her straight in the eyes, "if you can't accept this then run home. I won't hold it against you, Ames."
The rest of her icy appearance melted beneath her feet. "Sonic, I'm so sorry." She latched onto Sonic's shoulder and began to sob uncontrollably.
"No, Amy, I'm the one who should be sorry. I should've told you a long time ago."
-------------------------------
An hour later a teary eyed hedgehog and a melancholy hedgehog turned around the last corner to the mansion.
And they both stopped dead in their tracks.
There in front of the Thorndike Mansion three police cars sat with their lights flashing. Two cops were leading a figure into one of the vehicle, and the entire household was in an uproar over it.
"Sonic, what's going on?" Amy asked worriedly. She didn't like the feeling she was getting from the situation.
Sonic's quills were also standing on end. "I don't know, but I'm gonna find out!"
The two of them dashed to the lawn, but as they arrived the police vehicle had already started moving down the empty street.
The scene was horrible. Ella was comforting Cream and Cheese on the porch, Chuck was fuming and pacing, and Chris was just standing with his eyes fixed where he saw the police car last. They were all in their pajamas and it was plain to see that they had been woken up by whatever had happened.
"Where's Tails." It was not a question, but a demand from Sonic.
Ella and Cream and Cheese began to bawl anew, and Chris just sat down.
Chuck turned and faced the hedgehogs, the embers of rage still hot in his gaze. "They've taken Tails."
"What do you mean taken?" Amy shot back.
Chuck clenched his fists and said through his teeth, "It means they issued a warrant for Tails for the--," he took a look at Cream and Cheese decided against his words. "For taking advantage of a Marcie Campbell."
-----------------------------------
Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics from Kevin Maxx's song Existence they are owned and created by him.
Hope you guys are enjoying this story! It may be a little while before I can get the chance to write again, but rest assured I will continue.
This chapter is dedicated to everyone on the Knothole Network for all their help (especially Illys, Minalkra, Sonique, and good ol' Capn), but I want to especially thank A New Dreamer for all her support when writing became discouraging to me.
Please note that this story's rating has gone from PG-13 to R in regard to some more mature material. Please note that this story does not/will not contain any lemons, limes, or any other citrus fruit.
---------------------------------- Gear Shift Book 2
Gear Shift
Chapter Six, Date with Destiny
-----------------------------------
The stars were wonderful tonight. Tonight was the first night that the seasonal rain had relented and stopped in well over two weeks. Everything shimmered in the light of the stars that were able to shine through the veil of light and light cloud cover that blanketed the suburbs. The stars gave Tails a welcomed sense of familiarity even though the constellations were completely alien to him.
Yet, outshining them all was the crippled moon that hung suspended in midair amongst them. Tonight was the full moon and the awful destruction brought on by Eggman's use of space colony ARK's eclipse cannon was easily seen. Even though it was a full moon, only the remaining two-thirds of the moon shined or would ever again.
Tails turned to his rooftop companion and pondered. This must be why Sonic always sat on the mansion roof and watched the sky. The view seemed to put everything that they were trying to accomplish into perspective. The moon had almost instantly reminded Tails of the majestic view he had of Earth while aboard the ARK.
"So, Tails, I had figured that you'd've been in the workshop tonight, especially since you were tellin' everyone that you were gettin' close to a break through this morning." Sonic turned his head and grinned from ear to ear. "Don't tell me that the world's greatest boy genius has been stumped by a little ring."
Tails shook his head. "No, Sonic...it's not like that. I just needed a break, I guess."
"Too much of a good thing, eh?"
"Yea... that's probably it."
The silence that followed such a short conversation hinted there was more that Sonic wanted to say, and Tails was sure of it. They had lived with each other like brothers for much of Tail's childhood, and they knew each other's habits as if it was their second nature. Tails knew that Sonic would get to the point once he had collected enough of his thoughts, and so he just waited.
Thankfully it wasn't long. "Tails, I've been thinking. Homecoming's coming up Friday, and my best bud doesn't have a girl to take to the dance."
"And do you have a girl to take to the dance, Sonic?"
Sonic's voice went playful, "Actually, Tails, I think I may have one lined up, but, ya know... I seriously doubt she'd want to go a school dance with me."
It was almost impossible for anyone to stay melancholy when they were around the charismatic hedgehog. Tails could feel himself involuntarily relax, and he even allowed himself a good chuckle. "I actually think she'd prefer to spend an afternoon at the mall rather than go to a dance, Sonic, but I doubt you and you're wallet would get out intact."
"You got that right, Tails," Sonic grinned, "and that is exactly why we're going to the dance. But that still doesn't solve your girl problem."
Tails looked down at his shoes and sighed. "Sonic...I just don't think I'm ready for a girlfriend yet."
"C'mon now. This is gonna be your only big dance in high school, and, since you're my little bro, of course it's gonna have to rock!"
Tails nodded his head in agreement and returned the eager grin. "You're right, Sonic. This is going to be my only dance so I guess I should enjoy it."
"Alright then it's settled." Sonic jumped to his feet on the tiled roof, the old twinkle back in his eye. "I'll begin the ol' babe search tomorrow."
A low grumbling sound came out of nowhere, and Sonic looked down in surprise and patted his stomach. "But first...how 'bout a midnight snack? Nuked chili dogs sound good?"
"That would be awesome!" Tails licked his mouth eagerly as he grinned. "Last one there cooks the dogs!" he yelled as he dashed past Sonic.
"Hey! Oh no you don't! Come back here! Tails!"
---------------------------------------
How did he ever let Sonic talk him into this? He knew that Sonic usually knew the best for Tails, but he this was not something that he really wanted to do. The scientist in Tails constantly worried about the possible outcomes the night would bring, but pre-teen inside of him argued insistently that, if everything went well, this night could possibly be the best night of his life.
Another more sinister part of his mind that he had so desperately tried to lock away had also awaken to join the argument inside of him. It brought to the table another terrible guilt trip. Had he only told Sonic then none of this would be a problem, it argued.
Tails angrily banished the figure to the back of his mind with a simple argument. If he had told Sonic then what were the odds of him still being here?
The scientist perked up ready to give the answer, but Tails also shoved him away. He didn't want to know the odds. This was the escape Tails needed. For one night he would not be the scientist, but he would instead be the teenager that was busting to escape.
Maybe that was what Sonic was trying to help him with. Tails was almost instantly relieved at the thought as he marveled at the wisdom of the hedgehog.
Tails stood up and searched through his closet looking for some sort of semi-formal attire. Due to the fact that just a month or so ago he wore no clothes, he was not having much luck. Tails finally settled on a white shirt and kaki vest from the near empty closet of the boy's bedroom.
As he placed the vest over his shoulders, Tails still felt a twinge of doubt serge through him like venom. He just wished that Tanaka hadn't left for his family so soon; Tails could really have used his advice on dating. Tails thought about Amy, but he quickly got rid of the notion. This was her big night with Sonic, and Tails shouldn't pollute this night with his worries.
He was on his own, and was to be on his way to see a girl he had never met before. Tails shook his head. Why had he allowed himself to get sucked into this mess?
Chuck peered into the room from the hallway. "Hey, Tails, everything ready to go?"
"Almost, Chuck." Tails finished straightening out his vest and turned to face the older man.
"Ah, not bad, not bad. It's still missing something though.... I got it!" Chuck's face beamed. "Hang on, Tails, I'll be right back."
Chuck came back moments later holding a chain attached to some sort of golden object in his hands that struck Tail's curiosity.
"What's that?"
"This," Chuck patted the object affectionately, "is an antique pocket watch that my father gave to me when I was about your age."
"A pocket watch?" The idea dumbfounded the little kit. The only watches he had ever known were either strapped to a wristband or mounted on a wall. Why would anyone want to put a watch in their pocket when the wristwatches were so much easier, not to mention convenient, to use?
"I take it you've never seen one these before then. That's understandable. These little windup watches come well before my time also, but they're real handy when you're in a spot and don't have any batteries. Not to mention they add a lot of class to an outfit like yours."
Tails pointed to the pocket watch's face. "Chuck, we've gotta be going or were not going to make it in time."
Chuck took a look at the watch, nodded, and moved towards Tails. "You're right, Tails. Here, let me put this on."
Tails grabbed Chuck's wrist as it made its advance towards his vest. "I'd prefer to put it on myself so that I'd be able to do it myself the next time I go to a dance."
Chuck hesitated for a second, but apparently thought that that was a good idea, for he handed the watch to Tails and instructed him on where to place the clock inside of his inner vest pocket and what places to attach the long chain.
The sound of the limousine's horn brought Chuck and Tail's attention to the garages.
Chuck laughed. "If he wasn't a hedgehog, one would begin to think that he was also one of my sons with his level of patience! C'mon, Tails, we'd better be going before he decides to hotwire the limo and take off without us."
Chuck and Tails found an impatient Ella, Sonic, and Amy waiting outside of the black limousine. Ella, after finishing her fuss about the slight winkles in Sonic's sharp midnight-blue suit, also gave Tails a good deal of straightening and rearranging of his own vest.
Tails was about to argue with Ella, but the words died in his throat when he noticed Amy. She was, for lack of any better description, astounding. For this evening Amy had discarded the tasteless pink skirt and instead wore a sparkling emerald green dress. Just little movements like walking brought about a shimmering display of color in rolling waves that mesmerized the kitsune. Perhaps the most beautiful thing of all were her eyes. The fire that was perpetually lit within those jade spheres was stroked and intensified by the magnificent dress until it became like a beacon proclaiming her beauty.
In a way Tails couldn't help but be envious.
Chris and Cream came down to the garage and with Ella the three of them wished the others a good night. Chris seemed downed about being too young to join them, and Tails found himself longing to switch places with the boy for this night.
Chuck was driving due to the absence of Tanaka, and Sonic and Amy quickly immersed themselves in conversation on the other end of the limo. Tails didn't feel any need to join in on the conversation and thus let his mind wonder towards to romantic sunset before him, and not on the mystery girl he was to meet at the dance.
A dull droning sound brought Tails back from his daydreaming, and he sat up in his seat to listen closer to the unusual sound. The further they went the more pronounced the sound became until Tails began to feel his head pulse in pain with each crest of the noise. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to block out the sound.
"Tails, are you all right?" Chuck's eyes were in the rearview mirror. "What's wrong?"
Tails grasped his head to try to make the throbbing stop, but it only increased. "Can you guys hear that?"
Sonic looked dumbfounded. "Hear what, Tails?"
"I was afraid of this..." Chuck pulled the car off to the curb. Someplace in Tails' mind which wasn't dealing with the pain registered that they were only a block or two away from the school.
"Chuck, do you know what's going on with Tails?" Amy asked worriedly.
Chuck unbuckled himself from the drivers seat and proceeded to pull out a package from the dashboard. He took from it two small foam cylinders and instructed Tails to place one in each ear.
Tails placed the first in his ear as instructed, but before he had placed the other in his ear Chuck had answered Amy's question, "Tails, as we know, has quite a powerful sense of hearing. He's probably just been hearing the base of the music.
"Tails, before you put in that earplug let me ask you something. I know you want to go to the dance, and, don't get me wrong, I perfectly understand why, but if the noise is too much just tell me and we'll go back to the mansion and play a board game with the others. OK?"
Tails looked at Sonic and Amy. Sonic had probably gone to a lot of trouble just to set up this date for him, and if Tails didn't follow through with this it would be like a slap in the hedgehog's face.
Resolutely, Tails placed the other earplug in his ear and said firmly, "I'm going."
It was as if the entire world had been silenced. Tails could hear nothing, not even Chuck's words to Sonic before he turned around and strapped himself back into the driver's seat.
A few moments later Sonic, Amy, and Tails were walking towards the high school gymnasium. Sonic and Amy were together holding hands, and Tails was once again accompanied by the slowly re-emerging droning base that echoed through the pavement beneath his feet.
Tails stepped through the doorway and it felt as if he were wearing no earplugs at all. This time, though, it wasn't just the sound of the base traveling through him, but also the treble and the vocalist. His head began to pulsate again, but, thankfully, the earplugs managed to reduce it to a more tolerable decibel level.
Sonic tapped Tails on the shoulder and pointed to a girl sitting alone at one of the small tables nearby. Sonic grinned, and Tails could see why. She could easily have been a heartthrob of the cheerleader squad, and, now that he thought about it, most likely was. Her black dress stood in sharp contrast with her milky white skin, and her long, braided golden hair was perfect match with her pair of chocolate-brown eyes.
Tails realized he was staring when the girl shifted her weight uncomfortably in her seat. Tails walked to the table, taking care not to trip over anything in the muted light, and took a seat by the girl.
Well, at least he was sitting next her, that's an accomplishment in and of itself. However, as they sat together in mutual silence, well not quite silence as the persistent headache reminded him, he realized that she must be waiting for him to begin a conversation. Just how was he supposed to do that? Tails stole a look over to the table that Amy and Sonic were sitting and chatting, and the fox wished that Sonic had at least told him what to say to the girl.
A soft hand on Tails' gloved paw brought him back from his worries. Tails looked up and realized that his date had been trying to say something the entire time. He could see her lips moving, but if the music wasn't loud enough to drown out her voice then the earplugs would've silenced it. Unless she could scream like a jumbo jet, Tails doubted he'd be able to her at all in the cavernous gymnasium.
He tried to explain to her in what he hoped was loud enough voice, and, thankfully, she seemed to understand on the first attempt. Heads turned from the nearby tables and stared at Tails for a moment.
Of course she had understood, Tails thought miserably to himself, I probably yelled it loud enough that everyone in Station Square had heard it.
The loud booming song faded away much to the flushed kit's immense relief, and was replaced by a slow moving song.
Tails' date stood up and eagerly clasped onto Tails' wrist and pulled him up from his seat. The confused fox was dragged to the middle of the dance floor, and it was only until he saw the other couples stand up that he knew why. This was the slow dance Sonic had told him about a few days earlier.
Tails and his date were quite an awkward sight to behold. There he was, barely coming up to the girl's stomach, and he was trying to dance with her. Actually it really couldn't be called dancing; it was more or less the two of them strafing back and forth and trying to hang onto one another for dear life.
At least that's what it felt like to an overstretched Tails. His date, on the other hand, was doing a remarkably realistic impersonation of the hunchback of Notre Dame.
Thus it came to no surprise that Tails could feel the eyes of many of his peers once again boring into the back of his head. Tails didn't know if it was on accident or on purpose, but the combination of his head's position with how bent over his date was gave Tails a clear view of something he didn't want to see.
Tails disengaged himself from the judo lock he and his date were entangled in and excused himself to the refreshment stand. Tails shakily walked over to the refreshment stand, filled a cup full of punch, and sat down in a nearby chair.
He was definitely not enjoying himself. Between the communication barrier of sound, the constant humiliation, his partner's—he didn't want to think of it—and the fact that every time he looked at Sonic and Amy he noticed how good of a time they were having Tails felt that the fun was sufficiently sucked dry from the dance.
You know, Tails, this wouldn't have happened if only you would have—
Get outta my head! Tails screamed inwardly as he once again tried to banish the figure.
However, before the figure was swept away it left a shocking message for the kit. Do I feel jealousy? You are jealous of them? He could hear the laughter split his head. All it would take, Tails, to destroy that relationship would be four simple words...
The slow song ended and the crowds of dancers dispersed to return to their tables. The only thing Tails noticed was how quiet the gymnasium was, and how silent his mind was. It was an alien feeling. All Tails wanted to do was sit in that chair until the dance was over.
The next song began, but Tails did not care to hear it. His head began to throb from the closer proximity to the speakers, but he welcomed the change from the sudden emptiness.
However, the lyrics to the song left Tails frozen in his seat. They made him want to run out the gymnasium doors, but every muscle in his body had turned to concrete, and he was forced to endure words that cut him to his soul.
You come into the threshold of another starless night of fear.
You're running from the demons that would drag you down again.
Illusions of the world are spinning out of time and frame
And simplicity.
You're so sad,
You're such a sad eyed girl.
You're so sad
In your sublime.
What is,
What is this?
This mass of my existence this?
All these politics of life and death and relevance
Is my existence?
Another morning it comes running up your bedpost with the wind
You face yourself just like you always do
Time and time again.
The mortal coil in their genr'l peace and
Satisfaction...Satisfaction.
So you keep it on the town, Lo?
Hiding all the secrets that are down below.
So you keep it on the town, Lo?
So tell me baby was it worth it all?
Tails stood straight up, the forgotten drink spilling onto the floor. He was leaving; he had had enough.
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"Sonic, I'm leaving."
Amy and Sonic turned from one another and looked at Tails. The boy was a wreck. Tails was shaking from head to toe, his forehead fur was mattered with sweat, and the poor boy looked as if he was about to be sick.
"Damn, Tails, why didn't you come an' get me sooner? You look like you're gonna be sick."
Sonic stood up and helped support the half deaf kitsune while Amy picked up a napkin and dabbed the fox boy's forehead.
"Amy, I'll be back in a minute, I'm gonna take Tails home."
"Ok," There wasn't much else she could do, so Amy sat down watch the two of them head for the door with Tails' worried date in tow.
The she-hog had never been really found of anyone from the cheerleading squad, especially the captain of the squad that Sonic had somehow wooed for Tails. As far as Amy was concerned, the whole lot of them were just a bunch of bimbos who looked for only their next hot date with their next hot guy.
Sonic came back in much faster than he should have, especially considering the condition Tails had been in. Not to mention Tails' date didn't come back in either.
"Hey, I'm back," Sonic said as he took his seat.
"What happened out there anyway?"
"Marcie Campbell wanted to make sure that Tails got home alright so she volunteered to drive him home since it is only a little ways away anyway."
Amy was in shock. "You left Tails...with the likes of her?"
The fact didn't seem to bother Sonic in the least. "She seemed pretty worried about him, Amy. I'm sure he will get home fine."
"Sonic, you know that sometimes you can be just a little too trusting of people..."
Sonic just chuckled. "Oh c'mon. Tails can easily defend himself from some high school girl. Anyways, on Earth girls don't beat guys."
Sonic was teasing her and she wasn't about to let him get away with it. "Oh, if I heard correctly then that sounded an awful lot like a challenge, Sonniku."
"Think you can beat the stereotype, Ames?"
"Oh you bet, and with a lot more grace than you will ever imagine."
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Even though on the outside they were competing for the dominance of their respected sexes, on the inside it was quite different.
While most of the couples danced only with the slow songs and on them they only held each other close, Sonic and Amy danced to all the songs with such fire and passion, or cool and longing that all thoughts of the competition between them were soon forgotten.
Students and professors alike watched the two Mobians dance. Sonic was fearless and unabashed. Amy was passionate. Together the two of them brought new life to the monotonous dance and re-ignited a longing that ran so deep in the human blood that it had been almost forgotten over the years.
One brave couple stood up from their table and took their try at the different style of dancing. While they did not dance at all like Sonic and Amy did, it was no different in eyes of the bystanders.
Couple by couple the tables were emptied until the floor was packed with bodies each moving to their own unique rhythm. That dance seemed pass by in a blink of an eye, but it was a blissful eternity with the one the dancers loved. Before anyone knew it the DJ was packing up and the students where leaving two by two for their vehicles.
Neither gender was proven superior that night, but both were reminded of the reason we dance; to convey our emotions and love in a way that the mind and heart cannot.
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"Thanks for the great time, Sonniku."
"Hey, it's not over until we get home, you know, Ames."
Amy knew. That was why they decided to take the long way home and walk the distance instead of running it. Amy had dreamed for this night for years and it had been just as she dreamed it would be. Her and Sonic, hand in hand, walking home from a date.
Sonic stopped walking after a while. "Amy...I wanted to talk to you about something."
Amy's heart swelled to bursting point. This was it; she knew it!
"Yes, Sonniku."
Sonic lightly held both of her wrists and looked into her eyes. "Promise me that you'll hear me through before you do anything rash like hitting me over the head with your hammer, alright?"
Why would she want to do that? "Of course, Sonniku, I promise."
Sonic let go of her hands and looked down at his feet. "I wanted to talk about Sally."
"I see..." Jealousy threatened to rise up and make her turn Sonic into a pancake, but see pressed it back down. "Is that how you feel about me then, a replacement for your precious Sally?" she asked coldly.
"No! I just--"
Amy turned away from him with tears threatening to run down her face. "You just what? Why do you want to talk about her badly?"
Sonic's voice softened, "Because, Amy, I don't want to force myself to ignore my feelings for you for another five years."
Amy turned and stared at Sonic, daring him to sweat, to tremble, or to otherwise give away that he was once again jerking her heartstrings.
No sign proclaimed itself. Sonic just stood there waiting for her.
"Go on."
"Amy... we both know that the odds of us getting back to mobius are slim, right?"
Amy still wasn't going to be moved, not until she knew the motive behind this. "That's old news, Sonic."
Sonic continued as if he hadn't heard her, "And... she may not have even survived that fight..."
Damn...why would he ever bring up Sally if he knew it would infuriate me? she thought. Maybe this time he isn't playing me as a joke. Even though she still struggled futilely to maintain her appearance of ice, she could feel the puddle forming at her feet.
"She's a part of my past, and she's a part of yours, too. I want you to know—no to understand—that no matter what happens, part of me will still belong to her. And," He looked her straight in the eyes, "if you can't accept this then run home. I won't hold it against you, Ames."
The rest of her icy appearance melted beneath her feet. "Sonic, I'm so sorry." She latched onto Sonic's shoulder and began to sob uncontrollably.
"No, Amy, I'm the one who should be sorry. I should've told you a long time ago."
-------------------------------
An hour later a teary eyed hedgehog and a melancholy hedgehog turned around the last corner to the mansion.
And they both stopped dead in their tracks.
There in front of the Thorndike Mansion three police cars sat with their lights flashing. Two cops were leading a figure into one of the vehicle, and the entire household was in an uproar over it.
"Sonic, what's going on?" Amy asked worriedly. She didn't like the feeling she was getting from the situation.
Sonic's quills were also standing on end. "I don't know, but I'm gonna find out!"
The two of them dashed to the lawn, but as they arrived the police vehicle had already started moving down the empty street.
The scene was horrible. Ella was comforting Cream and Cheese on the porch, Chuck was fuming and pacing, and Chris was just standing with his eyes fixed where he saw the police car last. They were all in their pajamas and it was plain to see that they had been woken up by whatever had happened.
"Where's Tails." It was not a question, but a demand from Sonic.
Ella and Cream and Cheese began to bawl anew, and Chris just sat down.
Chuck turned and faced the hedgehogs, the embers of rage still hot in his gaze. "They've taken Tails."
"What do you mean taken?" Amy shot back.
Chuck clenched his fists and said through his teeth, "It means they issued a warrant for Tails for the--," he took a look at Cream and Cheese decided against his words. "For taking advantage of a Marcie Campbell."
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Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics from Kevin Maxx's song Existence they are owned and created by him.
Hope you guys are enjoying this story! It may be a little while before I can get the chance to write again, but rest assured I will continue.