MerendinoEmilano: The End game is here.
This is the largest chapter in this fanfiction. I put in a lot of work on this one. Please do leave a review at the end and tell me what you think.
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Sonic staggered back as a blow hit his face. Sonic bounced back at the masked figure. This guy was really strong, but Sonic was fast. His head struck the attacker, knocking the guy to the ground.
Sonic rolled his neck, "How's that for a fair fight? You want to back down?" Sonic's smug nature was met with a punch to chest, knocking him back a little. Fiona's attacker seemed to be quite the strong man, or rather, boy. He was shorter than Sonic.
How could Sonic tell the attacker was a boy? Well, Sonic had a few hunches to say the least. The guy's legs were certainly thicker, like he'd been body building, but only on the legs. The assassin also seemed to be a little sluggish, and not turn properly.
Sonic spin dashed into the attacker, who again remained silent as he took the punishment Sonic gave. When Sonic uncurled, he snarked, "Come on, you couldn't even hope to hurt me."
The tensing of the shoulders told Sonic the attacker took offense to that statement.
Sonic decided to ask, "Why do you even want to kill Fiona? She has her enemies, yeah, but most of them don't want to hide it when they're trying to kill her. Are you with the kingdom?" Sonci barely got the words out as the attacker shot up, and seemed to look for his target, running off where Fiona had ran.
While Sonic had faith in Fiona's agility, he could certainly say the attacker was fast. Fast enough for Sonic to notice at least.
Sonic sprang at the attacker, and tackled him, remembering how the guy reacted earlier, "Come on you little guy, don't you want to keep playing with me?" Sonic felt himself kicked off by legs that actually didn't as bad as Sonic thought they were going to. He expected a lot more power out of them.
Sonic gazed at his opponent, who's fist was clenched in anger, and posture reeked of anger, pain and frustration. Sonic needed to push the guy a little further to get him to pursue, and exhaust himself.
Sonic stuck to his jabs, "Come on, You must be used to be called a short, little guy by now. I mean, either that or you're a little kid. How sad, a little guy forced to kill people, and for what? Money? A Basic existence? Come on, I know an orphanage-"
Sonic narrowly reacted in time to avoid the punch at his face. The assassin was definitely getting faster as they fought. Still, his rigid nature gave Sonic enough time to evade, and pull away, lightly jogging as the attacker pursued.
Sonic couldn't afford to run off too quickly and lose him, so he took the risk of allowing the mysterious attacker to stay close, pursuing in a blind, angry rage. Sonic hoped to tire him out, and maybe bring him in to find out who wanted Fiona dead.
The guy showed no signs of stopping after about ten minutes of light jogging. Heck, the little guy actually sped up if anything.
Sonic was snapped out of his thoughts by a fist flying at his head. Sonic dove out of the way, and tripped over a tree trunk. His attacker suddenly seized on the opportunity, and Sonic had to roll out of the way to avoid getting kicked in a… less than happy place.
Thankfully, he rolled backwards, and was on his feet. As the attacker seemed to recover from the missed attack.
Sonic growled, "Sheesh, you really don't like people talking about your height huh?" He dared to grin at the mysterious attacker who threw another angry punch his way. Sonic grabbed the assassin's arm, and flipped him over his head onto his back.
"GAAH!" The assassin shouted as his back hit the ground, that voice higher and more… childish than Sonic was expecting. In fact, the voice sounded very familiar.
Sonic shook his head, "No… No-no-no-no." It all made sense now. How the attacker seemed to know most of his moves, how he could keep up with Sonic's jog, why his legs were so thick, why he didn't speak.
Sonic rushed forward as the attacker rose to his feet, and threw a punch back at Sonic's face. Sonic leaned back and grabbed that Assassin's arm. He pulled the sleeve back to reveal bright yellow fur. The Assassin struggled to break free of Sonic's grip, jerking back with a strength that Sonic was not prepared for.
Sonic threw his hand that Assassin's mask and tried to pull it off, only for the hopefully mysterious assassin to punch him in the stomach. Tequila and food churned in his stomach as he doubled over in pain. Sonic clutched his stomach, feeling the weight of his dietary choices. Maybe it was time to give up alcohol and maybe start eating salad?
Sonic almost laughed at that thought as he rose, glaring at his opponent, "Come on buddy… this can't be you!" Sonic gasped, seeing his opponent lock up in a rigid, stiff form, as if he had been caught. The Assassin looked at his pulled up sleeve.
The Assassin jerked the sleeve down, and balled his fists once again. Sonic had the slightest bit of doubt. It couldn't be Tails. Tails… the little guy who Sonic looked after, the little guy who Sonic held when storms raged outside, the little guy who gave the best hugs when Sonic was down. That couldn't be the same Tails.
Sonic stood up, "Come on… who are you? You… you can't be him." Maybe Sonic was in total denial, maybe there was an aspect he hadn't thought of yet. There had to be an explanation…
The assassin held their fists up. Sonic felt something twist inside of him. He was angrier, maybe he was stressed. Sonic had been drinking, maybe that awoke something inside him. Sonic lunged at his target, ready to tear the mask clean off the guy's face. He had to know if that was Tails.
The assassin threw a fist at Sonic, who intercepted it with his own. Sonic reached to grab the arm once again, but the Assassin slammed a fist into Sonic's belly. Sonic had enough of that. If that was how the Assassin was going to play, then Sonic would join. Sonic brought his knee up to the assassin's stomach, causing him to lurch over in pain with a cry that sounded all too familiar.
Sonic tried to pull off the sleeve once again, but the Assassin responded by turning over, flipping Sonic on his back. Sonic used the leaned over state as an opportunity to ignore his pain and kick the Assassin in the face-mask.
The cloth crumpled as the assassin cried out in pain as he fell back on his face.
Sonic had enough, it was time to figure out who this mysterious attacker was… or just clean Sonic's mind of the crazy idea that he had. Sonic walked up to the assassin, who rolled on the ground, clutching his face mask.
Sonic grabbed the assassin's hands, and pulled them to over the assassin's head. Sonic glared down at the attacker, who's eyes glinted with angry gaze that seemed far too personal. Sonic held the hands of his gasping opponent with his right hand. Sonic used his left to trail down that attacker's shoulder. His hand brushed over the bottom of the face mask.
Sonic found himself frozen, even as the attacker struggled, trying to break Sonic's grip. What if he was right? The Yellow fur seemed undeniable. Would it be better to just pretend nothing had happened, and pummel him for the night? Forget everything and go back to his home?
Sonic shook his head, trying to find the determination to keep going. He couldn't though. The what-if choked him up. Why would Tails do anything like this? Sonic couldn't find a good reason, so it must not be true. There wasn't any need to look under the mask.
Sonic grit his teeth. He couldn't use that excuse. Deep down, Sonic knew he needed to find out the truth, and put this guy behind bars. If he happened to be Tails… Sonic shuddered at the thought.
Sonic ripped the Band-Aid clean off. He grabbed the face covering and pulled it down, as a white and yellow muzzle came into view. Tails' blue, angry and scared eyes starred back into Sonic's horrified, sad eyes.
"T-tails…" Sonic gasped, he knew it all along, deep down. From the moment he saw the fur, Sonic knew, but he couldn't accept it.
Tails slammed his head into Sonic's nose, causing a considerable amount of pain in Sonic's mouth as he staggered off the Fox. Tails rose, and brushed himself off. The pant legs seemed to shrink as the two tails freed themselves, spreading out like large, predatory wings.
"Tails, What are you doing? Why are you doing this?" Sonic shouted desperately, struggling to get to his feet without crumpling from pain and confusion. "This isn't you is it? You wouldn't do something like this?"
"YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME!" Tails shouted angrily, his eyes already getting ragefully tearful. "YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING AT ALL! I'M SAVING EVERYONE!"
Sonic shouted, feeling his anger rise at Tails' hostility, "From who? Fiona? She's not going to hurt anyone. She stayed here instead of going with Scourge! She's a good girl, Tails!"
"MILES!" Tails shouted, before his voice became softer, but still angrier, "Only my friends call me Tails."
"I called you Tails." Sonic mumbled, shaking himself, "Tails… you aren't going to-"
"Yes I will!" Tails barked, baring his teeth angrily.
"THEN WHY?" Sonic shouted, baring his teeth to stare down Tails. He was going to challenge everything about the fox.
Tails got quiet, his voice sounded almost rehearsed, "Because the republic needs it to happen. I have knife from one of the more prominent nobles in the East. If She dies from an assassin from the Eastern nobles, the Southern nobles will be too busy fighting for their justice to split the republic in two."
Sonic was utterly horrified, "That's not you! Why are YOU doing this? You don't care about politics, you don't care about borders. You're the fun little guy who loves to fly planes!"
Tails shouted, "I CARE ENOUGH ABOUT POLITICS, MY MOTHER IS IN POLITICS! MY MOTHER IS AT STAKE!" Tails snarled, before Sonic realized that the word "little" was one he would probably need to avoid. Tails didn't exactly seem stable.
Sonic felt his strength returning as Tails dropped his pants and hood. The two no longer had any movement restrictions. Tails had a red glow around him, a reminder that Sonic didn't want to get hit.
Sonic got low, and stretched out his hands, preparing for a fight with his former best friend, "Come on, you aren't like this. You're a good kid-" Sonic saw Tails' eyes widen and he grit his teeth. "Tails… you're a hero, not an assassin."
Tails shouted, "I'M NOT A HERO, I'LL NEVER BE A HERO!" Tails' face contorted into pure rage as he shouted violently at Sonic, his fists being thrown back as tears of rage fell from the Fox's eyes.
Sonic growled, "You are a he-"
Tails shouted at Sonic, "I'M NOT!" Tails panted, before baring his teeth once again, "You exist, and I'll never be a hero while that's true."
Sonic blinked, his heart actually started to ache, "Is that what this is about?" He left those words in the air.
Tails was quiet for a moment. His face panted as the briefest instance of light turned on in his eyes. Tails then shook his head, "She deserves it. Why does she get a happy ending? With you of all people? Why do you get to say she gets to go free despite all of the pain she caused us? You don't speak for me, She deserves… her punishment."
Sonic growled, balling his fist, "That's what this is about then? You want even with us? You want to hurt me because I'm stopping you from getting famous?" Sonic paused at those words before continuing with confliction, "You want to get even with Fiona, even though she's trying to better herself? Do you not hear yourself?"
Tails growled, baring his teeth once again, to the point where Sonic was pretty sure they were going to crack, "I'm doing this for my mom, I'll save our republic."
Sonic growled, letting out a nasal breath, his fists and arms clenching in anger, "Not like this…"
Tails snarled, "Get out of my way!" Thankfully, Tails wasn't quite using his head, as he would have realized that he could have just turned around and ran to get Fiona.
Sonic got ready to run, "You aren't going to do anything, little man. You want to hurt her, you got to go through me you over grown baby!" Sonic knew he was pissing Tails off, but he needed the fox to focus on him. Sonic knew he got Tails' attention when the fox growled at him.
"SHUT UP!" Tails barked, throwing a fist at the air.
Sonic put up a grin to hide the shame he felt, "Oh come on you stupid child, what are you going to do?"
Tails screamed, and Sonic bolted. Tails' normal turbine proper sound was amplified. The Emerald of power made Tails physically stronger in every muscle. That included his tails.
Sonic was reminded when he looked back and saw Tails zipping close behind him. The difference in their speed was small, with Tails clearly a little faster than Sonic's standard running speed. That meant Sonci needed to up his game. Another aspect that Sonic was less prepared for was the Green Emerald.
Tree roots seemed to be in the worst spots as Sonic ran, forcing him to jump and maneuver around, as if nature itself was his obstacle course. Sonic didn't exactly know where he was going either. He just needed Tails to tire out, and maybe not go through with something so terrible. Sonic was going to stop this murder before it became a reality.
Sonic zipped over the tree roots, but heard the sound of a violent, angry fox rushing behind him. Tails wasn't slowing down, and just plowed through the tree roots in his way. Sonic upset him alright.
Unfortunately, Sonic needed a clear space to run, and the trees were not providing it. The roots seemed to spring up in his way where ever he ran. Then Sonic realized something. Tails had power, but he didn't have agility.
Sonic pivoted right and bolted through the forest in a way the roots weren't expecting. He looked behind him and saw Tails jerk right to follow, but burned a lot of his speed in order to do so. Sonic had some distance, and Tails was going to push himself to keep up.
Sonic only then had time to look ahead, and see the obstacle in his way. A lake, which Sonic ran straight into, despite all of his efforts to stop. Sonic sank in the water, and ran to get out. His feet dug into the muddy sand as he ran at full force, and gasped once he rose to the surface on the beach.
Tails skidded to a halt, glaring with a hatred in his eyes. Sonic growled and knew there was no way around this. Something needed to give, and he didn't have the momentum to out run Tails.
Sonic balled his fist, and Tails did the same. Sonic curled into a ball and spin dashed into his old little buddy, knocking the wind out of the young fox, who's eyes widened as he went into a tree, "You can't get away with this! You aren't going to hurt anyone!" Sonic shouted as he uncurled over Tails.
The small, fluffy appendages came around and tripped Sonic, as Tails shouted, "You've always gotten in everyone's business!" Tails jumped on Sonic, and slammed what felt like a sledgehammer into Sonic's cheek, but was really just a fist, "You always make a name for yourself! How many people actually do the Work, Sonic?" Tails slammed another fist into Sonic's face.
Sonic pulled his leg back and kicked the fox, "I never claim the credit! People notice me because I am there when things go down!" Sonic picked Tails up to headbutt the fox.
Tails balled a fist and threw it at Sonic's face. "You always forgive everyone, even when they leave bleeding wounds!"
Sonic caught the fist, and slammed his own into Tails' stomach, "I don't forgive everyone, I forgave her because she is actually trying to change!" Sonic leaned into the Fox, and threw him to the ground.
Tails jumped up and slammed his head into Sonic's chest, "And You can do that can't you! You get everyone to listen to you, because you're the only hero!" Tails kicked Sonic in the shin. Sonic leaned down to clutch his leg, only to be met by a kick to the face, as Tails continued his rant, "You never make room for anyone else on that pedestal. "
Sonic recovered, taking a gasp from his bleeding nose, before swinging his fist around, "And that gives you the right to go around hurting everyone who hurt you? " The fist made square contact with Tails' nose, causing the Fox to fall to the ground. Red dripped from the snout as the two panted, and Sonic smiled. It looked like Tails was maybe getting too exhausted to keep fighting.
Tails decided it was time to surprise him, by jumping up and tackling Sonic, throwing punches at Sonic's face with fire and rage, as Tails shouted, "I'M FIGHTING FOR EVERYONE HERE! NOT JUST FOR SOME PRINCESS OR TRAITOR!"
Sonic rolled back and kicked Tails into the beach, before running up and punching him in the face, grabbing his throat as Tails started thrashing and throwing punches, "THEN THERE'S A CODE YOU NEED TO FOLLOW!" Sonic pushed Tails' head under the water, "YOU CAN'T BE JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER. YOU CAN'T JUST KILL WHO EVER YOU WANT AND GET AWAY WITH IT!"
Tails stopped throwing punches, and instead grabbed Sonic's hands. Sonic shouted under the water, "I DON'T CARE WHO LEADS THE KINGDOM! WE NEED TO BE BETTER THAN EGGMAN, BETTER THAN THE LEGION, BETTER THAN-"Sonic stopped as bubbles rose to the surface of the water.
He looked under the water and saw Tails' eyes, wide and struggling for survival. Sonic jerked Tails out of the water, coughing and sputtering. Sonic released his once best friend. Sonic looked at his own shaking hands, horrified by the reality he faced. He almost…
Sonic looked up at the fox who was still gasping for air, "T-Tails…I-I don't know… I don't know what came over me…"
One bad day…
The Fox looked up at Sonic as his breathing stabilized, a fire of anger and fury burning in his eyes, "You… You almost killed me…"
and you'll be just like me…
Sonic frowned as guilt racked his heart, "I didn't mean to… I just got angry and …. I lost it, that was everything that's happened between us. I lost control, and I shouldn't have…" Sonic smiled at the fox softly, apologetically, hoping for some sign of forgiveness "I'm… I'm sorry."
"Save it!" Tails growled, and got ready to attack once again, the red emerald's light shining through his fur, "I fight for the republic, and I'll save everything my mom worked so hard for! Even if that mean's dealing with Fiona."
Sonic needed a new tactic, "What are you going to do with Fiona?" Sonic asked, panting.
"What do you think, I'm going to use her to start a war!" Tails barked at Sonic, growling.
"But what are you going to do to her?" Sonic demanded, he needed Tails to say it. He need Tails to hear how crazy it was.
"I'm going to punish her for betraying us!" Tails growled back, finally getting his strength back. He bore his fangs, and got ready to attack.
"What are you going to do to FIONA?" Sonic growled again, glaring the fox in the eyes.
Tails growled, "I'll… I'll." He was struggling with the words, seeming to realize the one he wanted to avoid: Murder. To confront that word would change everything. Tails would have to recognize that he was the bad guy. "I'll…. GET OUT OF MY WAY, I'M FIGHTING FOR A GOOD CAUSE!" Tails shouted, balling his fists.
"Who decides what is a "good cause?"" The growling, gruff voice of Johan called out from Sonic's right. The two turned to find Johan, snarling and growling.
"J-Johan…" Sonic started, before the wolverine interrupted.
"I've heard enough from you two… Fox… You believe yourself to be the guardian of republics?" Johan cocked his head.
Tails growled, "Yes, I am doing what you taught me, to seize my destiny." Tails glared at the wolverine.
Johan snorted, "Then you must understand, that there are those who will oppose a republic at every turn." Johan suddenly lunged forward, and launched Tails into a tree.
Sonic's body moved on its own, rushing briefly to Tails, "Wha-, Whoah." Sonic stopped himself, before turning to Johan, "Dude, we've got this. You can't fight him, you're under contract!"
"He is a criminal, a violent aggressor. He is no longer protected by the contract I took with your princess." Johan growled, trudging towards the dazed fox.
Sonic felt frozen. Tails needed to be stopped, but Johan was going to… Sonic didn't want to think about it. It wasn't his place, and technically, Johan was right. Sonic still didn't want to watch his little buddy get hurt or worse…
Sonic saw Johan pick up the Fox by the throat, "COME ON, SHOW ME YOUR WARRIOR SPIRIT!" He threw the Fox back towards Sonic, causing the fox to skid across the ground. Tails rose, staggering, whimpering as Johan grabbed him by the head, and slammed the fox into a tree. The Wolverine growled, "You want to fight for a republic? How can you do that when you can't even face me?"
Johan raised the fox up, and slammed him into the ground. Sonic could tell, however, that the wolverine was pulling his punches, as if trying not to kill Tails. "You want a republic? You may have it, but you must fight the mountains in your way!" Johan raised the Fox up by his throat.
Johan growled again, "There will always be the resistors of your government, if you can not best them, then you will not have your government. The strong may only do as they please so long as they can endure the costs!" Johan slammed the fox into the ground, before raising him up again. Sonic turned his head, wincing as the fox made squeaks from pain.
Tails struggled in the grip as Johan's paws tightened around the fox's throat, "Come on, show me your inner warrior! Fight back!"
Tails gasped, and gurgled through his throat, and Sonic saw it, only for a moment. The pain and despair in Tails' eyes, wondering why Sonic was just letting this happen. Sonic heard the whimper as Tails' eyebrows begged Sonic to stop everything. Why Should Sonic? Tails was ready to kill him!
Tails let a single, desperate gasp, "Sonic." The whimper was so sad and pathetic. Sonic would have never thought Tails had just tried to kill him. But that was true, the fox had tried to kill him, Fiona and probably anyone who defended her. So why should Sonic save him?
Sonic knew the truth; he knew it all too well. He suddenly wasn't standing outside anymore. There he was, a tiny hedgehog, sitting in the wooden chair, looking at the ground.
Sonic sat there, waiting as his mother stayed away. The yellow, silent fox sat there next to him in another chair, always observant.
Sonic was a little hungry. He would have taken the two-day old chilidogs that were in the fridge, even if they were a little dry, and had an old taste.
Sonic eventually couldn't ignore the fox anymore, "You can go… you know that right? Dad's gonna be mad at me, you aren't in trouble."
The yellow fox simply sat there, keeping his eyes on Sonic. He never said a word, and Sonic wondered what was wrong with the little guy.
Sonic then heard the door open. He shifted uncomfortably, aware of how uncomfortable he would be sitting in a little bit.
"Dear, what is wrong?" Julian hedgehog asked, his mechanical voice still stagnant, but probably concerned.
"…There's… there's a note on the table." Bernadette sighed softly, she was reluctant to look any further.
Julian's red, metallic eyes gazed over Sonic like search lights as he walked to the table. Sonic shifted uncomfortably again, betraying his knowledge of the coming punishment. Julian looked over the yellow sheet of paper.
The silence was just as dangerous as an angry shout. Sonic gulped as his father seemed read over the paper again. Julian then set the paper down, and turned to go to his own room.
Sonic closed his eyes, and heard the sound of the belt snapping.
Julian came back, his robotic eyes developing lines over the top, as if to show how angry he was, "Olgilve Maurice Hedgehog-"
Sonic shifted and growled, "It's Soni-"
"YOUR NAME IS OLGILVE!" The Robot raised the volume of his voice as if to compensate, "Bend over, grab the chair."
Sonic shifted, and whined, feeling the tears of terror coming to his eyes, "They were bully Tail-"
"HIS NAME IS MILES! STOP PLAYING PRETEND AND START RECOGNIZING REALITY! MILES IS DIFFERENT, PEOPLE WILL NOTICE! YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO HOSPITALIZE A CHILD FOR WORDS! BEND OVER!" The flat voice oddly made it more terrifying for the hedgehog as he did as his father asked.
The motors whirled as the belt snapped against the Hedgehog-boy's hind. Sonic yelped and cried.
His mom came in, "Jules, he was protecting Tai-Miles! Please, you can't hurt him for looking after the-" She was pleading.
Jules whirled around to face her, "I CAN NOT LET HIM-… I can not let him do as he pleases. The world has rules, he must learn that violence against words is not acceptable." Jules whirled around and slapped the belt against Sonic's butt again, earning another cry.
Sonic endured another slap, and His father proclaimed with the loud static voice, "YOU ARE NOT FREE TO HURT PEOPLE SIMPLY FOR THEIR WORDS!" The little two-tails fox said nothing, again.
Sonic was crying, both in pain and rage as his father set the belt on the table, "Olgilve, face me."
Sonic turned around, and looked up at his dad. The glowing eyes shook his very core.
His dad asked firmly, "Do you know why you are being punished?"
Sonic nodded, and looked at the ground.
"Go to the attic. You aren't getting dinner tonight. We will talk in the morning." Jules growled, and his robotic arm pointed up the stairs.
"B-but the attic is cold. I'll freeze up there!" Sonic whined.
"You won't freeze. It is well above seventy degrees, perfectly safe temperatures. IF you did not want to be punished, you should have thought about that earlier." Jules demanded, and Sonic stood up, and huffed his way up the stairs, only listening to his mom try to protest.
"He was just being a big-"
Sonic made his way up the stairs, into the dark attic. He stayed up there on the bed, as the day turned to night. The shadows in his room seemed to morph into monsters. The sound of clinking down the stairs, Uncle Chuck laughing, the life he was missing, it all made him scared as each noise was associated with a monster.
Sonic heard the creating as a door opened. The sound of something slithering across the wooden floor. Sonic panted nervously. Was it the Bulgarhog? Sonic had been naughty… and the Bulgarhog ate the toes off of naught hedgehog boys and girls. Sonic shifted, unable to cry out in fear as his heart rate increased.
The slithering stopped. Sonic shifted waiting for a jump, of for a growl. The monster was coming for him. Sonic covered his eyes so desperately. He shivered in the cold feeling the chilly wind from the window rub against his face.
Sonic heard a new sound.
SCRRRRRN
Sonic shivered up his spine. Was that a growl from the Bulgarhog?
SCRRR-SCRRRN-THUNK.
Sonic covered his eyes, and looked at the base of the bed. Two spikes appeared at the end, seeming to be the Bulgarhog's horns. It was coming, coming to eat his toes. Sonic gulped.
A bright yellow fluff pushed over the bed. Sonic blinked a couple times. A second fluff came up with a gasp. Two yellow, fluffy ears poked up at the end of the bed between the horns, followed by a pair of black eyes.
Tails and Sonic starred at each other for a moment. Tails then shrank down, leaving Sonic confused as he wondered where the Bulgarhog was, and if was going after Tails?
A tray appeared at the base of the bed, and the huffing told Sonic that Tails was pushing it up. Once the tray was completely on the bed, Tails climbed up, and began to inch towards Sonic. When he finally got the tray to Sonic, Sonic saw what it was holding.
The tray was holding two chilidogs, the old ones from the fridge. Tails somehow warmed them up, and carried them up the stairs. Sonic heard a strange, growling noise come from Tails, which stopped him from digging in as fluffy body collapsed on Sonic.
Sonic felt Tails rub his head up and down Sonic's chest, pushing his snout under Sonic's neck. Then Sonic heard them. The words.
"I love you." The little fox whispered, his body seeming to warm up the hedgehog. Sonic wondered if his ears were playing tricks on him, but his stomach reminded Sonic that there were more pressing matters to attend to.
Sonic picked up the old dog, and ate it. Sonic was so hungry, and the chilidog… Some how it was the best food he'd ever eaten. He felt warm, and happy. His fluffy best friend kept him warm, cuddling up to Sonic. The little had snuck Sonic food, and worked his way to make sure it got to the hedgehog.
Sonic finished up the plate, and held the fox close to him. Sonic loved the little fox, and they stayed like that for what must have been an hour.
Then, the light below the attic turned on. Tails perked up, and scrambled off the bed to hide.
Sonic quickly shoved the plate to the side, and hoped his dad wouldn't notice. He closed his eyes, and tried to sound asleep. Sonic was surprised to find that it was not his dad, coming up to see him.
Through tiny slits in his eyes, Sonic saw his mom, smiling and rubbing Sonic's side, "I know you're awake."
"No I'm not." Sonic tried to correct, only to realize how stupid that was.
"I can see someone brought you food." She really placed an emphasis on 'someone'.
Sonic grumbled, "No one brought me food." Sonic lied, trying to sound innocent.
His mom walked around the bed, and looked down. Her smile, so soft and happy, made Sonic curious, and he looked over the bed. Sonic saw two tails poking out from underneath, twirling as if curious.
"Miles, come on out." Bernadette Hedgehog commanded softly.
The Fox didn't move, seeming to try and play ignorant. Sonic's mom walked over, and poked where the two tails met, "Tails, come on out."
Sonic saw the tails go under the bed, and the fox crawl out, looking up at her, slightly terrified.
Sonic gulped, but his mom picked up Tails, and put him on the bed next to Sonic. She smiled at them, "This is beautiful. Don't ever lose this." She cooed, as if her heart was bursting.
Tails brought his fluffy appendages to cover Sonic's body, nestling closer to the hedgehog.
Bernadette smiled even wider, "Your dad is right, Sonic. You can't just hurt people because they're jerks. But you need to stick up for Tails. And Tails, you need to stick up for Sonic. You two only have each other."
Sonic and Tails looked at each other, and Sonic held the fox closer to him.
Bernadette softened her smile, and looked at Sonic, "You're brothers, you two need stick together in the hard times, because that's what brothers do."
Sonic found himself starring at the dying fox, who was Struggling to stay alive.
That's what brother's do.
Sonic ran up to the Wolverine, "Let him go, NOW!" Sonic glared up at the beast. He was going to save his brother.
Johan glared down at Sonic, "Why? He is your enemy, and I will treat him as such." Johan's grip tightened.
Sonic couldn't see an alternative, it was maybe suicide, but he had to try, "LET HIM GO, NOW!" Sonic curled into a ball, and spun into the Wolverine's back, grinding against it. Johan was tougher than last time, but Sonic was persistent, continuing to grind his quills against the hard fur until-
Sonic suddenly felt something snap as he went flying through the air. His chest seemed… sludgy as he hit the tree. Johan's foot hung in the air, "Do you wish for me to kill you with him?"
Sonic sucked in wind. His whole body hurt from that one blow, "Y-You're… You're breaking… Oath.." Sonic couldn't get the sentence out, but Johan frowned.
"You have attacked me, I have not broken an oath." Johan growled, glaring at the Hedgehog.
Sonic smiled, "No… No… killing, unless… you can… Help it." Why did his chest feel so bad. Each breath seemed to be shorter, and more painful.
Johan snarled, but bowed, "Indeed. So be it, handle him." Johan dropped the fox against the tree, and crawled off. Tails looked exhausted, and weak.
Sonic forced himself to his feet, feeling his balance give way as he staggered. Sonic took a labored step towards the fox, and began to walk, each painful step.
Ramblers in the wilderness we can't find what we need
Sonic finally arrived at the Fox, and slumped down next to him, "Tails… Are you ok?"
Tails looked up at Sonic, eyes full of distrust, "You… You saved me? After everything that's happened?"
We get a little restless from the searching
Sonic nodded, "Tails… I'm sorry, for everything." He gasped again, his breath being so painful.
The Fox looked at him, full of concern.
Get a little worn down in between
Sonic gasped again, tasting Iron in his throat, "You… You don't… Deserve to be…. Forgotten. You are… a hero. Better than me…"
Like a bull chasing the matador is the man left to his own schemes
Tails' eyes looked at Sonic with such a level of pain and regret.
Everybody needs someone beside em' shining like a lighthouse from the sea
Sonic smiled at the fox as he continued, "I… I'm sorry I… let you feel… worthless." He slumped down on the fox, giving him a painful hug that hurt Sonic as his organs seemed to slosh in an unnatural sound.
Brother, let me be your shelter, Never leave you all alone
Sonic held the fox there, "I've… always wanted… a little brother."
I can be the one you call
Tails looked up Sonic, "You… did?"
When you're low
Sonic struggled, but he nodded, "I wanted… Someone to play with… and protect." Sonic felt a violent cough work its way up his mouth, and he felt some wet dribble out of his mouth.
Brother, let me be your fortress
"I always… wanted to keep you safe… but you… never needed… me", Sonic felt his chest heaving, "I couldn't… see it… because… I didn't… want to."
When the night winds are driving on
Tails looked up at Sonic concerned, but Sonic felt like he needed to bleed his heart out, "I... I'm glad… your family… left you…" Sonic gasped as the hurt and concerned look wore itself onto Tails' face.
Be the one to light the way
Sonic forced his body to cooperate, "Because… Because… Because… I- wouldn't… have met you… otherwise." Tails' eyes widened as Sonic finished his thought, "I love you… so much… these last… few years… they've… been a… treat."
Sonic kissed the top of the Fox's head, but noticed the red lip stains when he pulled back. That wasn't good. Sonic didn't wear lipstick. Sonic felt his hands weaken around Tails as his body began to give out.
Bring you home
Tails looked utterly horrified at Sonic, the realization dawning on him, "Sonic?"
Face down in the desert now there's a cage locked around my heart
Sonic found himself unable to respond to Tails as he gasped for air. The Fox had plenty to Say, "No… No,no,no!"
Blue eyes watered as Tails clutched Sonic's weak form.
I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were
Tails shouted at the sky, "I DON'T WANT MY BROTHER TO DIE!" He cried out, his eyes pouring with tears as he wrapped his arms around Sonic.
Now my hands can't reach that far
A white light shined over them. Sonic's eyes could barely make out the Emerald descending to them. Tails grabbed it, and spoke his wish once more, "I don't want my brother to die… I never did. I was a foolish little kid."
Sonic suddenly understood the wish: Tails wanted Sonic gone. Sonic was always in the way of him getting his own legend. Strangely, Sonic didn't feel mad, or scared. Tails deserved his spot in the sun.
I ain't made for a rivalry I could never take the world alone
Tails grasped the emerald, pleading with it, "PLEASE! Save my brother…"
I know that in my weakness I am strong, but
Tails held the Emerald there, before asking it the strangest request, "Please… If you need my life for his… take it. Take my breath, and give it him." Tails' eyes poured out more.
It's your love that brings me home
"Because he's all I got." Tails begged, his eyes pouring out. He looked Sonic as Sonic felt his eyes get heavier.
Brother, let me be your shelter
Sonic heard Tails mutter, "The righteous to earn…" He felt himself lifted up, and the wind in his quills.
Never leave you all alone
Sonic's eyes opened from the wind as Tails' rotor spun them into the city of new Mobotropolis. He saw the determination in the Fox's eyes.
I can be the one you call
Sonic felt his eyes close as the brightness of the hospital overwhelmed Sonic. Tails' voice shouted, "SOMEONE HELP!"
When you're low
Sonic felt himself lowered on to something soft and the sound of wheels grinding made him restless.
Brother, let me be your fortress
Then… He stopped feeling pain. Sonic wasn't sure what he felt. It wasn't pain.
When the night winds are driving on
Sonic opened his eyes, and saw the world moving so slowly. He saw Doctor Quack, and several other doctors pushing his stretcher. He saw Tails, frozen in a running pose as guards held him back, letting the doctors do their thing.
Be the one to light the way
Sonic slowly began to understand what was happening, once again. This time, no Johan to chase him off. Yet Sonic didn't feel too bad about everything. Tails… Tails was the future, and the future was bright. Tails could handle anything, Sonic knew he was strong enough to fight any enemy that came into the world.
Bring you home
And Sonic's death… that has shaken the fox to the core. Tails would do the right thing. He'd watch himself, and not be so quick to be an arbiter.
A black cloth appeared in Sonic's peripheral vision. Sonic found himself… laughing, "About time you showed up, I was beginning to think you were off today."
The hooded figure, for the first time, spoke, "You know what has happened. I must take you beyond this life."
Sonic snorted, "Alright… I guess, let's go."
"You will not resist?" Death asked, surprised.
Sonic shook his head, but looked at Tails, "I've lived a pretty fun, and nice life. They'll get on without me. It'll hurt… I know, but I've been given more chances than even I deserve. So let's go."
Death seemed to let a cold, grinding breath, "No… not yet. You have not died… completely at least."
Sonic felt the thumping in the back of his head, so labored and struggling. His heart was still beating…
Sonic looked at Death, Still unable to see under the hood, "I don't suppose you will get scared again, and run off?"
Death remained stoic, "I have nothing to fear here."
Sonic snorted, and saw his body get placed on an operating table as the door seemed to close. The thumping was still going.
The world actually seemed to speed up.
Sonic saw Tails' head, slumped against the window outside his hospital room.
And when you call and need me near
"Sonic… please don't go… We can fly the tornado again… please…" Tails' eyes were crying, and Sonic saw the empty water bottles. Had he been there a few hours?
Sayin' where'd you go?
Sonic reached out to hug the fox. His ghostly arms wrapped around the little guy, trying to comfort him into the new role he'd be taking.
Brother, I'm right here
Tails shivered from the contact, but also rose, as if realizing something. Tails ran to Sonic's door.
And on those days when the sky begins to fall
Sonic saw the Fox push through the door and followed. Tails screamed, "SONIC DON'T GO!" The world began to slow down.
You're the blood of my blood
Sonic saw Tails' frozen, guilty, pained expression. Then it hit him. Tails could face almost every opponent that came into existence. Nothing physical could ever stop the little guy. But his own guilt? Could Tails face himself?
We can get through it all
Death's voice was so calm, "It is time."
Then it stopped. The thumping. Sonic realized it was official. He was dead.
He looked at Tails, and leaned down. He gave the fox another ghostly hug.
Sonic looked at the floor. No more chilidogs with friends. No more battles with Eggman. No strange dates with Sally, no heart-to-hearts with Fiona. It was over.
Sonic looked back at the face of his brother, who was now frozen in a howling in agony. He could leave the little guy to fight Eggman, or even another god. He couldn't leave the kid to his own guilt.
Brother, let me be your shelter
Sonic looked at Death, "I can't go with you. I still have to be here, for him and everyone else!"
Never leave you all alone
Death seemed to sigh, "I have seen this a thousand times. It is tragic, but the laws of nature must be observed."
I can be the one you call
Sonic shook his head, "I can't leave him. He'll tear himself up with guilt!" Sonic growled, balling his fists.
When you're feelin' low
Death sighed, once again, "I have no control over what you do in this life. I complete the journey."
Brother, let me be your fortress
Sonic growled, "I won't go. I WON'T!" Sonic shouted, when a cyan glow appeared in his hand.
When the night winds are driving on
Death growled, "How did you... No, the natural laws must be observed!"
Be the one to light the way
Sonic looked at Cyan emerald, the Emerald of Souls. It always seemed so useless before. Now Sonic understood it's gift. He held up the light, "I have a brother to save!"
Bring you home
The World went dark as he took his last chance.
/*-*/
EDsonic, I know you were looking forward to this chapter, and here it is.
Fun Fact, the statement isn't "Blood is thicker than water", the statement is, "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb."
There it is, the climax of a plot point I've been building since… like sixty chapters… wow. I was not expecting this to go on for so long. I was hoping to get to this in chapter… like fourty, or even thirty. The Song is "Brother" by NeedToBreathe.
Please, this chapter was a lot of fun to write, but it is also a big investment on my motivation. Leave me a review and tell me what you thought. I welcome any criticism towards it, but I would like to hear something from all of you.