Sonic X – Hope Lasts Eternal
Chapter 1 – Arrival
It was a long time since I had been tied to a dimension, flitting through as though they were nothing but mist, no lack of hope had called me for a while but one, I had given hope once again to my favorite of an infinite number of worlds, but there sorrow had been great, I called out with my mind for the source of the sorrow.
It was a normal day for Sonic running through the streets of the Earth city he now called home, he was thinking of Mobius once again but cheered up quickly, it had been nearly an hour since breakfast and that café on the other side of town was about to open for the day. He arrived moments after they had opened.
An hour later Sonic walked out the café eating the last few gulps of his meal. He had a hot dog left but then saw something on the other side of the street that made him stop.
A small girl only about 10 or 11 was running from a man twice her size with something clutched to her chest. Her clothes were in tatters and her hair was a mess. Forgetting his hot dog he ran after the girl catching her in less than a moment.
He handed back the small loaf of bread the girl had stolen to the shopkeeper.
"Thank you Sonic," said the shopkeeper before walking away. Sonic turned his attention to the girl who had started to cry.
"Don't cry," said Sonic.
"Why?" said the girl, "Would you cry if your only meal had been taken from you?"
"It's wrong to steal," said Sonic, "I'm sure if you had only asked the shopkeeper he may have let you have it for some work in the shop."
"No he wouldn't," said the girl, "Last time I did some work for him he gave me a penny chew for cleaning the shop from top to bottom."
Sonic suddenly felt hungry and realized why, he could smell the hot dog in his hand. He was thinking about taking a bite when he saw the girl still crying. He handed the hot dog over to the girl.
"Here you go," said Sonic, "You can have this."
She looked at the hot dog then at Sonic's smile, she smiled back and took the hot dog and finished it quicker than even Sonic had thought she could.
"Have you got anymore?" she asked.
"You're intolerable," said Sonic laughing, "I'll tell you what, I'll take you to my friend Chris' house and see if Ella can cook something up for you."
"Thank you," said the girl smiling.
"Oh yeah," said Sonic, "I don't know your name yet do I?"
"I'm Sal," said the girl.
"Well I'm Sonic," said Sonic, "Sonic the Hedgehog."
"Everyone knows that," said Sal giggling.
"Yeah," said Sonic, "But it's impolite not to introduce yourself. Hop on."
He turned around to allow Sal to climb on his back.
"Are you sure?" said Sal, "I can walk you know."
"It'll be quicker this way Sal," said Sonic, "Just try not to mess up my spines ok."
"Ok," said Sal carefully climbing on.
"Let's go!" yelled Sonic running as fast as he could whilst Sal screamed in delight.
It didn't take long to arrive at Chris' house, Sal looked up in shock at the size of the place.
"Wow," said Sal, "You live here?"
"Yup," said Sonic, "Chris' moms an actress and his Dads the head of a computer company. It's was usually just Chris, his grandfather, Ella and Mr. Thorndike before we came along."
"Do his parents know you live here?" said Sal.
"They're very rarely here so because everyone else knows we have free run of the place," said Sonic, "Come on in, I'd best see if Ella could cook you something up."
They went in the front door and Sonic turned to Sal. "Wait here," he said, "Back in a moment."
He sped off and was back before Sal could count to five.
"Ella says she'll cook you something," said Sonic, "Took a bit of talking around but I know she enjoys cooking and doesn't like to see anyone go hungry."
"Thank you," said Sal.
Ella bustled out into the hall. "So you must be Sal," she said, "Well before I cook you anything I'm getting you changed out of those clothes and into the bath. Some of Chris' clothes should fit nicely whilst I wash those dirty things you little ragamuffin."
She gently led Sal upstairs and Mr. Thorndike entered the hall.
"Has the miss gone upstairs with Ella?" he asked Sonic.
"Yeah," said Sonic, "Ella wants her to have a bath before she has anything to eat."
"Yes well," said Mr. Thorndike, "Chris' parents have just rang, they say they will be here within the week so you had best make your presence known to them or seek other residence. I fear they may be here a while this time."
"We'll look into getting somewhere to stay," said Sonic, "I'm sure we don't have to reveal that we've been living here to Chris' parents just yet but it is nice to know it is a side option."
"I am aware of that Sonic," said Mr. Thorndike, "However, as I said, it may be useful to seek alternative accommodation for the visit at least."
"Ok," said Sonic, "Keep your hair on."
A while later and Chris, Sonic, Tails, Amy, Cream and Cheese sat in the living room with Sal who was wearing some of Chris' old clothes and drinking a cup of tea that Ella had given her.
"Thank you Sonic," she said.
"It's ok," said Sonic.
"Do you get this strange feeling we've met before?" said Tails.
"Yes I do Miles," said Sal, "Why?"