*Can you believe it's been a year since I started this story?! Wow! Time flies by when you're busy!
Honestly, I can't believe it's taken me this long to get to this point, but better late than never, and I've been consistent in posting at least once a month. The good news is we're almost done with this story... the bad news is the story is almost over. ðŸ˜*
Seated in the back row again, Sonic bored as hell and anxious as ever, fiddled with his tie for the tenth time that morning; he released a tired sigh, ready for this day and the arguments to end.
Listening to the lawyer's yelling, accusations, questions, and the sound of the gavel banging on the judge's desk several times a day over the last few days made the hedgehog's ears hurt, and his brain melt into goo.
The ridiculous accusations and outlandish theories of how Eggman had deviously tricked and brainwashed him were full of confusing twists and turns like a long-running soap opera that its producers refused to end despite the lack of ratings. Sonic couldn't remember what was hypothetically done to turn him into an "Eggbrained zombie" at this point, anything else could be said, and he would agree with it just to get the stories to stop so they could move on!
How Rouge could keep it all straight for several days and calmy, deny everything without tripping up even once was beyond anything the blue hedgehog could have ever done. He had to hand it to the white bat, she was good!
Unfortunately, despite all of Rouge's efforts, it was plainly evident that the judge leaned more towards the accusor's side. It didn't matter what was said, even the tapings of Sonic and Eggman's past conversations or the brief videos of them just hanging out. The possibility of the doctor lying at the time or tricking Sonic into a sense of security due to all of his history tainted everything like a spoiled piece of meat that had long been tossed away. The disgusting scent still lingered.
Even the results of Tails' scans that showed the doc had not altered Sonic in any way didn't make much of a difference.
"True. But can you really expect someone who has been known to obsessively harass, stalk, and repeatedly speak about wanting to 'cut a certain hedgehog open to see what makes him tick' just suddenly to stop? Even if he is refraining himself, who's to say he doesn't still think about it? Or that one day, those thoughts become too tempting, and he finally breaks under pressure?
And during those 6 months that Mr. Sonic was in the doctor's captivity prior to this one, that is supposedly consensual, mind you. Was being experimented on during that time? How do we know that something wasn't done to the hedgehog then? Then he is allowed to roam around and place everyone into a false sense of security until the doctor could make his move?!"
That theory from the man acting as his friend's lawyer had visibly put doubt in the judge's mind. Eggman and Sonic both wilted at the accusation for different reasons.
Eggman was hurt, ashamed, and embarrassed, knowing that some of it was true. He felt guilty enough about his past actions; the reminders and implications of him possibly hurting his precious hedgie just made it worse.
After recovering from hearing the accusation, which was a low blow in his mind, Sonic was so mad he had almost leaped out of his seat, ready to punch the lawyer and scream out how stupid he sounded.
Having noticed his temper rising, Vanilla stopped the blue blur placing a hand on his trembling shoulder, and shook her head 'no,' leaving him to try and cool off his anger silently. Wishing he could go up to reassure Eggman that he knew the doctor would never do such a thing to him now.
Yes, he knew the man did struggle at times with such thoughts of wanting to experiment on him as to satisfy his scientific curiosity (the doctor had admitted this to him privately one evening). Still, after all they had been through over the last several months, he was confident Eggman would not give in to those desires because he loved and could never purposely hurt the blue blur.
Sonic had told him as much that same night and would do so repeatedly until the man trusted in himself as much as he trusted Sonic to let go and be Little around the human.
And the blue blur would speak such thoughts now to the judge if he could, but Rouge had it covered, so he didn't need to speak up or testify. No one was going to call him, and even if he could, who's to say anyone would believe the words of a supposedly brainwashed hedgehog?
The banging of the gavel broke Sonic from his agitated thoughts, "Alright, I'm calling for 1-hour recess. The courtroom will be open again in 45 minutes. Case dismissed for now."
At that, most everyone in the room stands up, stretching their legs, ready for a break, and quietly conversing with guesses as to whether Eggman would be counted as guilty or not. News reporters quickly left the room to update their bosses with the latest details about the hottest case with Rouge hot on their tails, making it seem as though she was escorting the nosey nellies out. Sonic perks his ears and stands as the white bat hurries to his side and pulls him away from Vanilla and Cream; he gives her a curious look at her suspicious behavior.
"What's up?" he asks once they are far enough away from any eager to eavesdrop. Rouge discreetly checks that no one is listening, then relaxes enough to sigh in frustration, "I'm sure you can tell that things are not looking up for your Eggy right now?" she says as a question when really it was more of a statement.
"Yeah, please tell me you have something that can turn this thing around?"
"I do, but...you're not going to like it."
Now that seemed odd to him; if it was going to help keep his M-Eggy out of bars, it was good in his book. "Why? What is it? Ya know what, never mind!" he backtracks, "I don't care what it is. If it can help Eggman, I want you to do it!"
The bat's eyes widen in surprise, "Sugar, are you sure? I haven't even told you yet what it is-" Sonic cuts her off with the careless wave of his hand, "Doesn't matter. If whatever it is will help you keep Tails from sending Eggman behind bars, I'm behind all the way!" The hedgehog stops in regret hearing how harsh his words sounded when he spoke of his younger brother, "Wait, I didn't mean...I know Tails is just looking out for me and all, but this is so frustrating the mess he's caused. And I don't want-" he rambles as a helpless whimper escapes from him. Rouge quickly shushes the blue devil placing a finger on his lips with an understanding smile.
"It's ok, Blue. I know what you're trying to say." slowly, she lowers her finger from his lips, "Thanks," he mutters.
"But I must warn you. What I'm going to show to the judge is very sensitive; you may want to leave before they start again."
Now that Sonic could hardly believe. Leave now? When the story is at its climax? No way! Even though he couldn't do anything, he could stay and support his Eggy! Whatever is so sensitive he could handle it; he's Sonic the Hedgehog! Defeater of Gods and protector of Mobius! He's seen and done it all, so whatever Rouge would show later, he was sure, would be a piece of cake!
"Don't worry about me, Rougie; I can handle it! You just worry and focus on making sure my Eggy is safe." he crosses his arms confidently, daring her to try and keep him away. The bat bites her plump lips before letting out a troubled sigh and says with a warning tone, "Alright, sweetheart, whatever you say. Just remember, if it gets to be too much, you can leave. Me, Shadow, Eggman, and I'm sure Vanilla won't think any less of you."
"I'll be fine, Rouge," he waves her concern off, "this hedgehog can handle anything!" he says, pointing a thumb to himself and puffing out his chest. She nods and returns to her seat, where Shadow has just returned with some sandwiches.
"Sonic, sweetie." Vanilla calls Sonic's attention; he turns to the rabbit and her daughter, "Come along, let's go grab something to eat."
"Coming!" he says, quickly catching up to the rabbits waiting by the door, a small hard ball growing in his stomach at Rouge's forwarning.
Could the piece of evidence they're going to show be that bad? It can't be anything worse than the videos they've already shown of Eggman and me having our private conversations, right? Sonic pondered, but he couldn't think of anything that could cause worry, at least from his perspective.
I'm sure it's nothing, and Miss dramatic is just being overly cautious, is all. Odd cause usually that's Shadows specialty. Oh well, I don't think there's anything to worry about, so I won't.
With that, the blue devil pushes down the hardball in his stomach by stuffing his face with the chili dog and coke Miss Vanilla had ordered for him, which he would soon regret by nausea that he would have over an hour later.
Vanilla, Cream, and Sonic return to the courtroom with a few minutes to spare. The hedgehog was holding his head high after convincing himself that he was worrying over nothing due to stress over the last week, confident that Rouge's trump card would pull the judge in Eggman's favor.
He raises an eyebrow though at the startling empty room. That's funny usually; this place is packed to the gills every time before it starts. Where are all the reporters, cameras, and G.U.N. agents? The blue blur wonders, looking over the empty pews.
Before he could even think about going up to the white bat and asking her, the door from the backroom slams open with the judge coming out. Wasting no time in sitting down and hitting the gavel, signaling that court was back in session again. The rest of the inhabitants quickly take their seats, making the room seem even more barren.
Sonic taps on Vanilla's shoulder, whispering and pointedly nodding his head, "Hey, where is everyone?"
"I don't know deary," she responds, just as confused as he is. Huffing, Sonic adjusts his suitcoat and crosses his arms, turning his attention to the front.
Rouge clears her throat before gracefully standing and starts her arguments with a clear, crisp voice, "Your honor. Over the last few days, my opposer has brought up many different ideas and stories on how my client could have possibly "brainwashed" Mr. Sonic into his slave. However, we have yet to see any evidence of this! Quite the opposite; in fact, we have proof that Dr. Eggman has done nothing that could in any way indicate him attempting to do so.
Admittedly his past record does show that my client has tried in the past to experiment on Mr. Sonic, but he has also agreed via a well-written contract as is seen here..." At her word, a projector screen lowers from the ceiling as she saunters up to the judge, presenting him with a copy of the contract papers Eggman and Sonic had signed for him to examine.
"That my client agreed to participate in being rehabilitated via with Mr. Sonic's assistance which my client has made great strides in stopping all his previous villainous habits and projects. As well as reforming his assets for more humane endeavors such as charities and life-saving medical equipment."
Sonic smiled proudly at the statement; it was true Eggman had made significant progress since the start of his reformation. The doctor had significantly improved, becoming more of a model citizen with the blue hero's guidance; it made the hedgehog's chest swell and his face glow with happiness.
Vanilla pats Sonic on the back in congratulations for all his hard work; he smiles widely at her before turning his attention back to Rouge, whose serious mood seemed to falter with a proud smile for a moment before collecting herself back to a neutral face.
"In exchange for Mr. Sonic's assistance, Doctor Eggman would provide housing, food, and PSTD treatment for his services."
Sonic's eyes widen, surprised at her mentioning that, and his hands begin to sweat. Ok, I wasn't expecting her to talk about that. He shakes the brief wave of nerves off, reminding himself that there is nothing to worry about. Everything would go well so long as the situation stayed in Rouge's capable hands. He returns his focus on the bat.
"For those in the court who may not be familiar with the acronym. PTSD stands for Post. Traumatic. Stress. Disorder is defined as a common psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or events.
As is well known, my client has been the instigator of many life-threatening and world-ending events that Mr. Sonic has risked his life repeatedly to stop and succeeded each time. Unfortunately, his bravery and heroism came with a price as he developed this disorder which my client noticed.
Being a well-educated man Dr. Eggman is well versed and certified in many specialties in the medical field, including psychiatry. When Mr. Sonic and Dr. Eggman signed the contract, he offered in addition to food and housing to give Mr. Sonic therapy sessions and treatment."
Ok, ok. That all sounds good, not so bad so far. Going down the community service route is good, and everything is in the positive for Eggy. Sonic rubbed his sweaty hands; as long as Rouge continued to describe things in a general manner, everything would be ok. Despite his confidence, the blue blur couldn't help but feel his nerves start to rise, and his stomach started to churn.
He watches intently, swallowing a lump in his throat as the bat takes a breath before continuing.
"My client wanted to do what was best for Mr. Sonic for his treatment and, having observed him for many years, decided to try a course of treatment that is somewhat uncommon but very effective."
Sonic's eyes widened in fear, and he held his breath, instantly knowing what she was talking about. But she couldn't possibly be alluding to what he was thinking of, right?! Yet the hedgehog knew Eggman had not recommended or tried another form of treatment. He waited with bated breath for the pin to drop, hoping he was wrong and begging silently. Please don't say it, please don't say it! Please don't say it!
"Age regression therapy."
The imaginary sound of breaking glass explodes in the hedgehog's ears, and he almost screams out in horror at the reveal. His hands turned into fists as he gripped his knees, failing to keep himself from shaking as Rouge continued.
"Age regression therapy is a form of therapy that encourages the patient to revert to a younger state of mind where the patient may act and speak as if they were younger. It can be self-induced or induced by a therapist. This practice was done to help relieve stress and give Mr. Sonic a chance to have the childhood he never had the opportunity to experience in a safe environment. During the treatment, Dr. Eggman acted as Mr. Sonic's caregiver while he was in both a physical and mental vulnerable state."
The judge nods with a thoughtful hum and asks, "Miss Rouge, I have heard about this kind of therapy before but as a very controversial form of treatment. Also, I find it hard to imagine allowing himself to be placed in such a vulnerable state to his arch-enemy even if Dr. Eggman has made great strides in his rehabilitation."
The bat nods, knowing the judge might ask such questions, "This is true, your honor; however, the treatment is controversial only because, as with any treatment or medication, it can be harmful to those who abuse such things or, if not done correctly.
But as you can see from the files underneath the contract, my client has been authorized to apply such treatments if he felt it necessary, along with several logs documenting the treatment results.
You can also see from these brief videos and pictures as evidence that my client never abused his authority of power while his patient was in a vulnerable state, and that progress was made on his end as well."
Everyone in the room is silent as the projector lights up with the first picture, loud gasps and "oh my god's" are heard, and Sonic's face goes utterly ghost-white seeing his little self on screen. He starts hyperventilating and sweating as if someone had turned up the thermostat to boiling, yet chills run down his arms, making him shake. The hedgehog regretted having lunch as now he felt like throwing up all over the courtroom.
The picture showed the hedgehog lying on his back on a baby blanket wearing only a diaper, pacifier in his smiling mouth as he played with a stuffed animal.
Sonic's already rapid breathing and shaking only picked up as another, and another picture went by.
Him being bathed by Eggman in a tub filled with baby bath toys and bubbles. Sitting in his high chair, face covered with food, dirty diaper on display, and laughing. Being swaddled and bottle feed in Eggman's arms in the nursery. Crawling after a ball in the nursery while wearing a footed onesie that did nothing to hide his diaper bulge.
Then as if it couldn't get any worse, a video of him smiling and cooing at the camera, the view cutting off at just his stomach where you could tell from Eggman talking in the background that he was changing the hedgehog's diaper.
Sonic chocked back his slightly regurgitated lunch; this was too much, this was humiliating, this was life-altering!
No...life-ending!
Sonic watched in terror as his secret was being put on display for everyone to see; he couldn't stop his eyes from wandering to all of his friends who were watching the screen with expressions of shock and open jaws as if they were watching a gory R-rated horror film.
Rouge was right. He should have left earlier! Sonic wanted to disappear forever, hide away in the smallest, darkest cave, and cease to exist. What was he thinking in giving her permission to show all of this?!
His heart was beating alarmingly fast and hard against his chest; he put a hand over it to keep it from beating out. Yet as fast as the organ was pumping, he couldn't pull a single breath into his burning lungs; the room was constructing around him, making him feel claustrophobic. Spots danced in his vision as he vibrated in his chair.
He was dying. He was actually dying of embarrassment; he could hear the cruel laughter and jeers of how disgusting and infantile he was already now ringing in his ears. The nightmare of his friends making fun of his ageplay resurfaced in his mind.
The nightmare was becoming a reality.
The fear and noise in his head were so loud he couldn't hear himself desperately gasping for air or Vanilla's concerned voice beside him as she fruitlessly tried to call him back to her.
"Sonic. Sonic! Dear, can you hear me?!" Vanilla whispers loudly, trying not to call everyone's attention to the hedgehog next to her having a very bad panic attack. She fumbles beside the blue blur, hands hovering over him yet not daring to touch in fear of making the panic attack worse.
In her desperation, she was just about to break down and ask someone to call an ambulance, afraid that the young hedgehog next to her was about to pass out or have a heart attack. When suddenly, she let out a yelp in shock at the empty-eyed blue devil who unexpectedly and with a panicked expression startled her.
Unlocking his limbs to stand, he dashes out of the courtroom with a WHOOOSH! The door banging loudly behind him as he disappeared; quickly, Vanilla ushers her daughter to follow her, "Sonic! Sonic!" she calls after him.
But the hedgehog was long gone.
Everyone in the courtroom looked back to see what the commotion was but only saw the doors swing closed.
Outside of the courtroom, the adult rabbit gasps. "Oh my goodness!" she moans, turning to both directions hoping to see blue fur, but the hallway is empty; a tug to her dress has Vanilla looking down at her confused daughter. "Momma, what happened? Why did he leave so quickly?" Cream asks worriedly, not understanding what just happened.
"I'm-I'm not sure, dear." she stutters a half-lie. Vanilla wasn't entirely sure what had gotten the hedgehog so upset that he had a panic attack and ran away, though she did have an idea. She couldn't worry about the right now; her primary focus right now needed to be finding out where the blue devil could have gone before he got hurt or lost in his fragile state. She had never seen Sonic look so scared before; it worried her immensely.
Following her motherly intuition, she grabs her daughter's hand and hurries to the front doors hoping her instincts are right.