Princess in Plaster
A Sonic the Hedgehog Fan Fic
By Chronos the Cat
Some events in this chapter are based on events from Archie Comic's Sonic the Hedgehog issue #38.
Two: Princess in Traction
Sally did her best to hug him with just her right arm. There, there. Doctor Quack says I'm going to be all right.
After Sally had finished comforting Tails, Bunnie ushered the guys out so she and Sally could have some girl talk.
Bunnie and Sally were still chatting when Antoine barged in.
My Princess! I was hearing zat you were awake! Are you all right?
I'm fine, Antoine, Sally said.
How can you be saying zat? You are still —ow you say, wrapped up like ze mummy! You must be in ze great pain, no?
Bunnie rolled her eyes.
Sally said, Really, I feel fine — except for the fact that I'm stuck in bed
Oh, I am so appy to hear zat! I waz so worried
Sally exchanged a glance with Bunnie, then turned back to Antoine. Antoine
Yes, my Princess?
Do you think you could do a favor for me?
Anything, for you, your majesty.
I want you to get in touch with Uncle Chuck — I need to talk with him. And if he's not around, see if Harvey Who or Fly Freddy is available.
At once, your majesty, Antoine said, saluting.
Bunnie smirked as Antoine left the room. That's one way ta get him out of our hair.
Actually, I do need to talk with someone from the Spy Network — I need to know what Robotnik has been up to while I've been out of it
Oh, don't worry, Sally-girl; he's been real quiet. Prob'ly still lickin' his wounds
Probably, Bunnie? I need more than just speculation.
The spy network reported that Robotnik was indeed in the process of rebuilding Robotropolis, but Sally decided she wanted the Freedom Fighters to check things out themselves.
With great reluctance, Sonic accepted the mission, and he, Tails, and Antoine headed for the ruined city.
You know, Bunnie, you don't have to stay here with me. I'm sure you have other things you need to do.
Nah, nothin' important. Sides, it just wouldn't feel right leavin' you hear all alone like this
Sally gave her a searching look, then smiled appreciatively. Thanks, Bunnie. I only wish we could both be out there with Sonic and the others.
Eh, you'll be back kickin' bots again before you know it!
Sally looked up at the ceiling and sighed. I don't know about that, Bunnie I don't know
What do y'all mean by that, Sally-girl?
Sally turned her head away. Doctor Quack said it could be months until I'm on my feet again—let alone ready to take part in missions.
Bunnie looked at her compassionately, but couldn't think of anything to say.
And even if I were better I don't know if I should go. She turned back to Bunnie, and asked, Do I even belong in the field?! I'm a Princess and commander of the Freedom Fighters. Other people can take my place in the field, but who can take my place as leader of the resistance and heir to the throne?
Ah don't know, Sally-girl But y'all never let that stop ya' before.
I guess I never realized how vulnerable I was We always came out of everything unscathed before But this time, I almost didn't make it In a way, stuck in this bed, with the traction, the casts, and all I almost feel like I didn't make it Her voice cracked slightly as she tried to hold back tears.
Bunnie looked down at her friend with a look of deep concern. She put her right hand on Sally's right shoulder, and said quietly, Don't give up, Sally. You'll make it through this, just like you've made it through everythin' else life's thrown your wayWhere are they?! Sally asked, a worried tone in her voice.
Bunnie looked up from her book. Sally-girl, y'all're actin' almost as impatient as Sonic! They've haven't been gone much more than an hour -- it'll likely be a while longer fore they get back!
Sally considered this for a few moments, then sighed. I guess I'm just not used to being left behind, not knowing what's going on.
Hmm... Y'all should do somethin' else ta pass the time and keep your mind off the others.
Like what? I let Sonic borrow Nicole, so that leaves planning, reading, and most of my other indoor projects out...
You know, you rely on that computer far too much, Sally. They do still make books on paper, you know? Bunnie said, shaking her book in Sally's direction.
Sally rolled her eyes. I know, but all the books I'm reading right now are stored on her.
Y'all could borrow one of mine...
Thanks, Bunnie... but no. I'm not really in the mood right now.
Bunnie looked at Sally for a moment, then stuck her bookmark in her place and put the book down. What you need is something to cheer you up.
Sally smiled weakly. What did you have in mind?
Bunnie looked Sally over thoughtfully. How about a nice, good, ol' fashioned makeover? You want to look good for your hedgehog, right?
Sally giggled disbelievingly. Bunnie, I'm practically covered in bandages and plaster from my head to my toes!
Well, all the more reason to make the parts that you can see look as good as possible!
Sally sighed, but there was a smile on her face. If you insist...Wow, Sally, you look good! Sonic commented when he and the others got back an hour or so later.
Er, thanks... Sally felt herself blushing under her fur -- she still wasn't used to Sonic saying things like that to her. Also, she was surprised he'd noticed -- with so little to work with, the extent of Bunnie's had been giving Sally's fur and hair a good shampooing, and styling her hair to cover some of the bandaged side of her face.
Sally asked, what's the situation in Robotropolis?
Well, Butnik's definitely rebuilding -- he's got the Swatbots working 24/7, and he's already got a few sectors of the city up and running again.
Sally sighed. I was afraid of that. Anything else?
Well, nothing suspicious going on, if that's what you mean -- but ol' lard-but did have a nasty surprise waiting for us.
Sally didn't like the sound of that.
Combots. Looks like he's got a factory somewhere making them. And let me tell you, they are tough suckers. Too bad you weren't there, Bun, he said, glancing over at Bunnie, we could have really used your help.
All you had to do was call, Sugar-hog.
I know... and we almost had to.
Sally looked quite concerned now. They were that tough?
Sonic slowly nodded his head.
How many were there?
That we had to deal with, you mean? Three.
... Three...?! But ...
Sal, they aren't just bulked-up Swatbots. They have cloaking devices' and all sorts of crazy weapons -- tentacles, glue-guns, gas grenades... the works. Each one of them is like a one-bot army.
That could make things difficult...
No kidding.
For some reason, as Sonic said this, it struck Sally that it would be Sonic and the others who'd have to deal with Robotnik's new troops. She'd be stuck back in Knothole, and wouldn't even see these new Combots in action for months, at the least. She sighed.
Sonic raised an eyebrow. Problem, Sal?
No, nothing... nothing.
Hey, we'll deal with it -- we always do. This isn't the first time Robotnik's upgraded his fighting bots.
It isn't that...
Then what?
I ...I just wish I could be out there to help you out.
Sonic sat down on the side of her bed and put his hand on her shoulder. In a quiet voice, he reassured her, Hey, like I said, we'll deal...
...
Staying behind while the others went on a mission was hardly the only new experience Sally had over the next few days.
For starters, not being able to shift her position, let alone get up, was endlessly annoying. And then, when Dr. Quack pronounced her fit enough to handle solid food again, she discovered how difficult to feed oneself it was with just one hand (for that matter, just eating in bed was a new experience).
And then, of course, there was the eliminating of waste... something she found most embarrassing to need help with. The nurses acted like it was no big deal, so Sally did her best to adopt their attitude -- but it was still very strange.
Perhaps the strangest thing, however, was how much time she had on her hands. She was so used to always doing things, to always having a dozen projects she had to juggle, some of which the fate of the world literally rested upon... This forced inactivity was positively frightening.
She did her best to alleviate her boredom and feel useful by working on what projects she could with Nicole, but at the end of the day, she still felt like she hadn't accomplished anything...
News continued to trickle in from the Spy Network regarding the state of Robotropolis. The repairs were going surprisingly fast, and Sally realized that if they were going to take advantage of the city's weakened defenses, they'd have to do it soon. Furthermore, although there weren't many Combots built yet, they were proving a far more significant threat than the Swatbots.
Finally, Sally called the Freedom Fighters in to her hospital room to give them their next mission-- destroy the Combot factory! They then discussed the ins-and-outs of this mission, as they usually did before any mission. However, this time was a bit different -- not only was the hospital room a strange setting for this discussion, but Sally was determined to cover as many contingencies as she could think of in excruciating detail. Finally, they had to remind her that they'd all gone on missions without her before -- they didn't need her to plot out everything in advance.
Reluctantly, she admitted they were right -- they could handle themselves.
As the group headed out, though, Sally couldn't help but feel worried. What if one of them came back like her -- or worse?
... And yet, once again, they returned unscathed. Sonic reported there'd been some close calls, but nothing worse than they'd handled before. They'd even faced off against Robotnik, before he retreated and detonated the factory hoping to destroy the Freedom Fighters with it.
Although, on the one hand, Sally was relieved they'd returned safe and sound, and even accomplished their mission, a part of her was also a little bothered by it -- didn't they need her anymore? ... Had they ever really needed her...?
She did her best to hide any sign of these feelings from the other Freedom Fighters -- these were her friends, and they were risking their lives for the sake of her and their country. They didn't need to deal with her problems as well.
...
Dr. Quack removed the last of Sally's bandages. There. You've healed up quite well, so we should be able to change your casts tomorrow, and in another day or two you can go home. You will need someone to assist you at home, though, of course -- you're not going to be much more mobile than you are right now.
Sally rolled her eyes. I'm sure I'll get plenty of help. Rosie and Antoine have already volunteered to be full time ...assistants... for me... Bunnie's likely to be dropping by frequently; and I've received get-well-cards from practically everyone in the village saying they'd help me out if I needed anything.
You are well-loved, Quack agreed.
Sally glanced over at Sonic, who was standing nearby, watching the proceedings. For a moment, his expression was far away; then he noticed her looking at him and gave her a smile. She smiled back. They shared a moment like this, then he looked away, a stern look on his face, like he was some sentry, guarding her from all danger.
Who is this hedgehog? she mused. Ever since her accident, he'd become so serious. Even though she'd repeatedly said she didn't blame him for what happened, she knew he still felt partially responsible. And, of course, even if he hadn't been injured like she had, he'd seen her injuries, her broken body, after the boulder fell on her. He'd even seen the boulder fall... It was no wonder he'd been affected.
She hoped he would be all right, but she had to admit, she rather enjoyed this new side of him. So tender to her, and yet so protective of her. ... He hadn't said anything, but she was sure he'd be helping her out when she got home, too -- perhaps even more than anyone else. She allowed herself a hint of a smile. Perhaps, as tough as things were, there was still a silver lining to the cloud currently shadowing her life...
Interlude: Casting-time Tails
Sally was going to say it wasn't so bad when Sonic kept her company, but with missions and other Freedom Fighter business to attend to, Sonic wasn't able to be at her side 24/7 anymore
So, I brought you some comic books I wrote and drew, to help you pass the time!
Oh, Tails! How thoughtful! Sally successfully hid any trepidation she might have had at this.
And so, Tails began his tale. The solar winds were getting rough, their rocket-ship was tossed If not for mysterious galactic rays, our heroes would be lost
...
Later... ... So, what'd you think, Sally?
It was good! ... But maybe next time some of the other Freedom Fighters should help out, instead of Sonic saving the day all on his own...
Yeah, I thought about that. I think I'm going to do one issue for each of them. But I was originally planning on showing this one to Sonic first...
Oh. I see.
Just then, there was a discreet cough. Sally looked up to see Dr. Quack standing in the doorway.
Oh, Dr. Quack! We didn't see you there!
It's all right -- I didn't want to interrupt.
So, what can we do for you?
Actually, it's what I can do for you -- we're ready to change your casts.
Sally turned her head back to Tails. We'll have to read your other comics later, all right?
All right... Tails looked disappointed -- possibly even a little worried.
... Say, I bet Dr. Quack wouldn't mind if you came and watched.
Tails perked up.
The doctor nodded. Of course. You might want to bring some of those comics, too, to help pass the time.
Uh... okay...
Doctor Quack and a couple of nurses wheeled Sally into the casting room, bed and all.
All right, Quack said, pulling some large latex gloves over his feathered hands. Let's get started. We'll do her left arm first.
The nurses carefully took Sally's arm out of traction, and (after demonstrating for Tails how safe it was) Quack used a cast saw to remove the plaster from the parts of the arm that had been casted.
Now, don't attempt to move it, Quack warned. Sally nodded.
The fur on her arm was a mess-- matted, caked with blood, and figuratively plastered to her skin. Everyone agreed something should be done about this, but cleaning that fur was something neither the nurses or Sally's arm were up to. Instead, Quack had them shave it, then wash the skin underneath.
Both Sally and Tails couldn't help but stare at the arm after this. Not so much because of the scars from her injury and surgery -- though there were many-- but because they'd never seen it without fur.
Sally, your arm looks really funny like that!
I know... It feels funny too. I wonder if this is what Sonic's arms feel...? ...I also never imagined my skin was this dark colored!
Dr. Quack said, as he came over, Your nose is black -- you didn't think the rest of your skin might be similarly colored?
Sonic's nose is black, and his skin's tan, Sally pointed out.
Tails piped up, yeah, and Knuckles' skin is red! He has a black nose too!
Quack raised an eyebrow. Er, yes... point taken.
Returning to his work, he carefully repositioned Sally's arm with the elbow bent at a right angle. They then x-rayed her arm to make sure all the movement hadn't jostled anything out of place. Satisfied, they began pulling a sort of white cloth over Sally's arm and hand.
What's that? Tails asked.
Quack explained. It helps keep the plaster from touching the skin. As they continued, Quack continued to explain the process to the young fox.
Now we put on this padding, so Sally's arm will be nice and comfortable... After the arm was well padded, one of the nurses began dipping plaster bandages in a basin of water, and handing them to quack and a nurse assisting him. The two began wrapping the bandages around the arm and her fingers.
What does it feel like? Tails wanted to know.
Cold, wet, and heavy, Sally said.
Is it getting hard yet?
I can't tell -- the doctor said not to move it.
Oh yeah, right.
By the time the doctor and nurse had gotten to the point where they were smoothing the cast out and trimming its edges, Sally's report of how it felt had changed to Hot, wet, and heavy.
Quack nodded, as he stepped back and pulled off his plaster-coated gloves. That's because of the chemical reaction that causes it to harden.
Sally tried her best not to think about this -- even if she hadn't been able to use her arm before, it still bothered her to think of it being encased in a plaster shell.
We'll let the plaster set about an hour, then it should be safe to start working on the rest of your body.
Gee... that's great. Sally tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
Quack turned to Tails. Now would be a good time to read some more of those comics-- Sally will have to lie still for a while now.
Several times during the next hour, Tails stopped his story to ask about Sally's arm (and her other casted body parts-- apparently he'd been wondering what it was like for a while, but hadn't gotten up the nerve to ask until now). Eventually, it got to the point that Sally said in exasperation, Maybe you should be the one getting the casts!
Despite his fascination with them, he didn't particularly care for this suggestion...
A bit later, Dr. Quack came back, and took a look at Sally's arm cast.
Very good-- it hasn't reached it's full strength yet, of course-- that'll take about a day-- but it is solid enough to handle being moved.
Tails spoke up. Can I touch it?
Of course.
Tails ran his hand along the smooth plaster, then rapped on it experimentally.
Sally looked away. It was bad enough being so helpless -- did Tails have to keep reminding her of it? But she didn't have the heart to say anything to him about it. He was just curious, which was quite natural for a child. (As usual, it slipped Sally's mind that Tails was already almost 11 years old, and rather mature for his age -- she still saw him as a young kit...)
Doctor Quack and the nurses now took Sally's leg out of traction, and removed the cast/hip-spica from it. As with her arm, a shave and washing was in order. Then they held her led in a slightly bent position, halfway between straight and a sitting position. They wrapped it in stockinette, cotton, and plaster, then put it in a sling to keep it in position while it dried.
How many more times are we going to have to do this? Sally wondered.
We should be able to finish up with one more session. We just had to be extra careful with your left arm and leg, because they were so badly injured.
That's good, Sally said with a sigh.
... Is everything all right?
Yeah, everything's fine, she answered wearily.
You're not in pain, or anything?
Well, my arm and leg have been better, but that wasn't why I was sighing.
Quack waited for her to elaborate.
Sally glanced over at Tails, who was chatting with one of the nurses. Then she looked back at Dr. Quack and said quietly. This is really hard for me. When you treated me before, I was unconscious... But now, to feel the air on my fur and skin again, only watch while you encase it in plaster again... She fought back the urge to cry.
Quack stuck a lollipop in his bill and began chewing on it absently. This is for your own good, Sally, he said a comforting, and equally quiet voice. If I didn't put you in these casts now, the bones would never heal properly -- you'd never walk again. Isn't it worth it to give up what little use you'd be able to get out of your broken limbs in order to have working ones again in the future.
Yes. Yes, of course! It's just... if there only was another way...
There is, he replied matter-of-factly.
What!? But then, why didn't you mention it before?!
I assumed you wouldn't be interested. The other method is roboticization.
Sally stared at him for a moment. Doctor, don't even joke about that.
I'm not joking. Sir Charles' device would cure you -- this is the sort of thing it was designed for, after all. And one of Rotor's neuro-overriders would allow you to maintain your free will. ... So, if you're that desperate to have full mobility now, have yourself roboticized. ... Of course, keep in mind that your injuries would return if you were ever de-roboticized...
Sally narrowed her eyes. I've been a robot before -- it isn't an experience I'd like to repeat.
The doctor shrugged. Well, with our current resources, it's either that or the casts. Take your pick.
Sally sighed again, but the faintest trace of a smile touched her lips. All right, Doctor, you win. Plaster me up all you want. But I want to make it clear, I expect my body to be in full working order when your done with it, understood? --That's a royal order.
Doctor Quack smiled. As you wish, your majesty, he said with a flourish.
Tails read her some more of his comic-books while they waited for her leg-cast to dry.
However, she didn't pay complete attention to all of them -- she was thinking about her conversation with Dr. Quack. She wasn't quite sure how, but he'd made her feel better. Perhaps it was knowing that she did have a choice in the matter -- once again, she had the final say, even if there really was only one tenable option. Or perhaps it was just knowing that he was doing this because he cared -- that she hadn't become some nameless, faceless patient he was treating simply as a job...
Whatever. The important thing was that she wasn't afraid, or wallowing in self-pity any more. She still didn't like her forced inactivity, but she'd deal with it. ... Besides, it'd been a long time (a very long time) since she'd taken it easy. Who knows -- it might even do her good...
Finally, the medical team took her body cast off, and freed her right leg from it's cast. Once more, she was not to move, and once more the only good way to clean her off was by shaving off her fur. Thankfully, at least her right foot and lower leg didn't need to be shaved -- going out in public with her legs visibly shaved would have been rather embarrassing.
It was about the time she was thinking about this when she noticed Tails staring at her now-shaved chest -- or more specifically, her breasts. When he realized she was looking at him, he looked up to meet her gaze. She gave him a reproving look, and he smiled in embarrassment and looked away.
I guess he really is growing up... Sally thought to herself regretfully. She considered telling him to leave, but decided it was unnecessary -- he'd know better than to repeat that.
Soon enough, she didn't have to worry about what Tails saw, as the nurses covered her chest, left shoulder, and right upper leg in stockinette. Padding followed, and then, as before, the plaster.
Tails asked if he could help apply the plaster, and the doctor agreed. The doctor showed Tails how, then kept an eye on Tails while Tails tried for himself.
I think we have a future orthopedic surgeon on our hands, Doctor Quack joked, and one of the nurses chuckled good-naturedly.
Sally closed her eyes. She didn't know if it was because of her new attitude, or because they were casting different parts of her body than before, but this time around wasn't nearly as unpleasant as before. Instead of feeling like she was being trapped in plaster, she felt like Dr. Quack, the nurses, and even Tails were massaging and hugging. It actually felt rather nice -- a bit too nice, perhaps. She wished it was Sonic helping the medical team, rather than Tails...
As for Tails, he was also enjoying himself. It felt nice to be helping Sally out, it was fun to play with the mushy plaster... and the thought that this plaster coat of Sally's was going to harden into a rigid, immobilizing cast was strangely exiting, too... (though this last bit surprised him quite a bit, and made him feel a little guilty).
After mummifying Sally's chest, they attached her left arm-cast to it, creating a new shoulder-spica. It was set up with her forearm pointing ahead, as if resting on an invisible chair-arm. To help it stay in place, a bar was attached to the the cast, connecting her side and her arm.
Finally, they casted Sally's right leg from just below the knee up to her hip, connecting it to her body cast at the same angle as her other leg.
And then, all that was left was to let it dry. Once again, Tails kept Sally company. This time, however, he was the one not paying full attention while he read -- he kept catching himself glancing at various parts of her cast, or running his fingers along it.
Unnoticed by him, Tails' actions were affecting Sally as well. Having him paying so much attention to her body, and the cast upon it, was making her feel a strange feeling. It took her a while to identify it, but when she did, she was shocked -- she was actually feeling How ironic she should feel that way here and now... But more importantly, it was rather inappropriate to be feeling it around Tails, who was not only so young, but whom she also thought of as a nephew...
Tails, meanwhile, was facing his own inner turmoil -- he was experiencing new feelings in his young body, feelings he had only felt once before: when he'd fallen in love with the fox-android, Fiona. But he'd always thought of Sally as family -- to be feeling this way in her presence, because of her, in fact, -- wasn't that wrong?
Except, it wasn't really because of Sally, he knew that -- it was her casts. They were so hard, so smooth... (so white...); protecting her from harm, and forcing her to lie still... covering her, like clothes (that in itself a novel think for him) but rigid, unmoving... He couldn't keep his mind off of them.
In a way, they were scary-- that was how he'd felt at first. After all, even if they looked cool, they made you helpless -- just like roboticization. But Sally seemed to accept them, and there was no malice in Dr. Quack... they were a tool of healing, just as roboticization had originally been intended...
Tails shook his head, trying to clear it. He was definitely going to have to think this over.
Tails, could you do me a favor? Sally asked, giving him a start as she broke the silence that had fallen while both of them had followed their own trains of thought.
Uh, sure, Sally. What?
Could you go see if Sonic's busy right now? I think I'd like for him to come see me as soon as he's done with his duties.
Tails was visibly relieved. This was a perfect excuse to go sort out his thoughts. He grabbed his comics, and headed for the door. I'll send him right over!
Tails found Sonic talking with Uncle Chuck, while the two prepared Chili-dogs for supper.
Sonic, Sally wants to see you, Tails told him.
Is something wrong? Sonic asked, worried.
No... I think she just wants your company...
Oh... okay. I can handle that.
Chuck waved Sonic on. Go on, Sonny-boy. I'll finish up here, and bring you two some when I'm done.
Sonic nodded. Kay. Later! In a flash, he zoomed off.
So, Tails, how are you doing today? Chuck asked. But then, he realized Tails was no longer there. Wonder where he ran off to...?Wow! Tails forgot to mention you'd gotten a new cast. Sonic's eyes were even bigger than normal, but Sally couldn't tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
That's hard to imagine -- he couldn't keep his eyes off of it-- or his hands, for that matter.
Uh... what?
Tails. He couldn't keep his eyes or hands off my cast.
Sonic scowled. That doesn't sound like Tails.
Well, he hasn't seen many casts before -- he was curious. ... Also, I think he likes it.
... Likes...? Sonic said as he walked up to her. You've lost me.
You know, how it looks, how it feels...
Sonic said. The idea obviously baffled him.
Deciding it wasn't worth worrying about, he sat down next to Sally. So, anyway, he said you wanted to see me. What's up?
What's up is I missed you. I've gotten used to having you by my side all the time, these past few days.
Sonic smiled, and leaned over her a bit. Sorry. Just making sure Knothole doesn't fall apart while you're laid-up. ... And saying hello to my Unc -- I do get time off for relatives, right?
Sally giggled. Of course. But you have to make it up to me afterwards.
Yeah? And how am I supposed to do that?
She reached up with her right hand, and pulled him down towards her. For starters, you can kiss me.
Sonic didn't have any trouble complying with that request.