A/N: First real Sonic fanfic, not a one-shot. I got bored again, so I thought of another story. Please R&R.
Dancing – one of the most beautiful forms of art.
Not many people care for the importance of dance. Either the fear of standing out is prominent or they simply dislike the activity. However, what most people fail to realize is how the art of dance opens a door into an exciting new realm. It becomes a teacher that guides you, the new performers, through this special world. Albeit strict, dancing teaches commitment, better work ethics, and discipline. It tests your patience while developing your creative mind, unlocking its full potential. At the same time, it prepares aspiring artists to confront the obstacles hindering their progress.
Music, rhythm, and the beat; dancing seeks to improve one's understanding of these aspects. Rhythm tells the body how to move and what muscles to strengthen. Music synchronizes with the heart, testing which beat better suits the performer, and then, the true beauty of dance comes to light. It's not simply stepping across the dance floor in a patterned movement. It's a manner of gesticulation that conveys the heart's feelings, mesmerizing the audience with a routine that mere words alone could not do justice.
A picture is worth a thousand words, but a single dance can last a lifetime.
There is a lot to learn, and the first step is always the hardest, but the most important thing to remember is this: always have fun.
He studied his mediocre art gallery with a proud smile. His skills have greatly improved over the years, but his modesty prevented him from bragging about it. He didn't consider himself a professional, only an aficionado of the craft. Ever since he was a small child, he felt a connection to the visionary art of painting and drawing. Other mediums didn't interest him as much, but when he tried his hand at drawing, he knew he found his calling. His self-discovery allowed him to create a world where his imagination had no limits.
He received numerous praises from various parties: friends, families, and even professional artists. Every encounter helped him cultivate his skills. Like a sponge, he soaked up each piece of advice and incorporated it into his style, always learning, always trying to further his knowledge of the trade.
This was his perpetual mission.
However, as with every story, a conflict needed to occur before the denouement. All creative paths eventually steered down the same road, and he knew full well his journey would rear the same walls.
In the creative field, there is the ultimate enemy of artists, the true enemy so to speak. The biggest rival is not a lack of originality or the fear of disapproval. Compared to the true enemy, these are insects. This adversary is more cunning, more sinister than anything describable. Its sadistic nature lurked behind a slow façade, but when least expected, the enemy reveals itself to the artist and exact its masterplan.
It all starts with a single step. For the ultimate adversary, its reign begins with a spell that clouded the mind.
A feeling of blankness enshrouded the thoughts in his head, obstructing the flow of the river. He had nothing, but it didn't stop him from trying. His hands were trained to create.
Alas, every minute into a new attempt, he stopped and critiqued his work.
Something about it didn't sit right. He was not happy with the piece.
Why is that? It was something he created, but it did not give him joy. Although incomplete, he should've been happy to draw but he wasn't. Why wasn't he happy with his work?
Thus, his enemy's second step: the seed of doubt. Without knowing, the artist watered and cared for a plant that, while increasing his passion to paint, came at the cost of his inspiration. He desired to work, but his mind, corrupted by the spell, conspired against him. His river was disconnected.
He grew saddened, burdened by the itchiness spreading over his hands. To make matters worse, his torment didn't stop there. From sadness to frustration, the painter cursed himself for not being in the normal flow, and while he screamed, he remained oblivious to the enemy linking with his psyche. It merged with him and saw the world through his perspective. Such a beautiful place filled with vibrant colors and gorgeous scenery. The world was expertly crafted, years and years of blood, sweat, and tears poured into every stroke, each line, and given life.
Destroying this world will be oh so satisfying.
Step three, crush the artist's spirits until only a shell remained. The enemy squashed on the painter's value of worth, making him feel less than important. What good is he without his talent? It was his fault for letting this happen, so what use did he have now? Slowly, his self-confidence began to tank. Soon, the painter would never be the same.
This was the enemy's three-step plan.
Step one: distract the target.
Step two: plant the seed of their emotional and mental demise.
Step three: reap the benefits.
What is the enemy's name? What horrible adversary is powerful and cruel enough to break down this painter's entire being?
Creative block – the biggest enemy of artists everywhere.
Silver didn't want to believe it, but there was no longer any doubt in his mind. The plan was solid: take a short hiatus to relax the muscles and let his brain rest after so much strain. He could only imagine the amount of art he could produce after his break, but it was already too late. The seed has sprouted.
His urge to paint was stronger now. He longed to see his easel covered in different colors, but his thoughts were too incoherent. The muse is gone, and the canvas remained empty, just like his river.
It was only a matter of time before his streak broke, but he had no clue it would end this badly. Not even simple sketches sparked his genius. At this point, a masterpiece was a fleeting dream. If he could not create, what else is there? He isn't physically capable like his brother. Art is where he truly shined.
His doubts started to haunt him. Every piece, small or large, brought him immense joy. There was never a sketch or painting he didn't like, but for some reason, things went sour. He couldn't create, no matter how much he wanted to. He didn't like his work, and as an artist, that is a serious sin. He couldn't stomach the failure.
The white-furred hedgehog sighed, disappointed by his lack of ingenuity. This has been his problem for several days now.
"Come on," he huffed, "What's wrong with me?"
He put his finger and thumb under his chin and tapped his foot, thinking deeply. His eyes closed for a few moments before opening again and finding his canvas still blank. His thinking bared no fruit.
"Ugh, it's no use!" he dragged his fingers through his quills, "AHH! Why is this happening?!"
In his inner turmoil, Silver failed to notice someone enter the room and watch him break down. They quickly closed in, alerting the painter to their presence. When he turned, Silver was face to face with his roommate and big brother, Sonic the Hedgehog.
"Hey there, buddy!"
"AHHH!" Silver fell back and hit the easel, landing in a heap as the tripod crashed on top of him. Thankfully, none of the paint spilled over, but it didn't stop Sonic from laughing.
"You okay, Silver? Have you come back to our world?" the elder sibling inquired.
"No, I'm not okay!" Silver shot up, "Why do you keep sneaking up on me? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
Sonic slapped the white-furred hedgehog on the shoulder. "Well, if you weren't stuck in the clouds, you would've noticed me sooner. I'm headed to Twinkle Park to hang out with Tails and Knuckles. Wanna come with? Looks like you could use the distraction."
Silver straightened out his art materials, frowning at his blank work. "Yeah, I'll come with. Some fresh air might do my head some good."
The blue hedgehog placed his hands behind his head, eying the collection of paintings his younger brother framed on his wall. From pop art to cubism, realism, and the brothers' personal favorite, surrealism, Sonic gave credit where it was due. His brother has an impressive imagination. He always supported Silver's endeavors, encouraging the younger sibling whenever he felt trapped. However, his usual attempts might not work this time. Silver tried to hide his real sadness, but Sonic wasn't oblivious. He saw the disappointment in Silver's eyes, and it wasn't towards his paintings but at himself.
Initially, it was Sonic who drove the point of taking a hiatus to Silver. He was the first to spot the painter's struggle and urged him to relax, but like his brother, Sonic did not foresee this major blockage.
"Still no luck?"
Silver sighed deeper this time. "No. I don't understand. I'm not normally this bad."
"You probably just need more time," Sonic slung his arm around Silver's shoulder, flashing his brother a mischievous smirk that caused the white-furred hedgehog to sweat. He didn't like Sonic's smirks. "Lucky for you, your bro here just so happens to be the most chilled out guy around. He can teach you a thing or two about partying, maybe even hook you up with a pretty girl."
"Oh no," Silver blushed profusely.
"Yep, I can feel it in my quills, bro, but we gotta strike while the iron's hot. Today's going to be a great day, you'll see."
Before his brother could object, Sonic dragged him along. Although it was only a tease, Sonic was serious about getting him away from the easel. He understood how a passion could control your life. Sonic has a passion for running, but unlike Silver, he can easily satiate his cravings.
Silver could not. Some more rest will solve the conundrum; at least, the brothers hope so. It does the mind and body good after all.
A pillar of light bathed the artist in a warm glow. The world became a different place, where he trained his eyes to see things more poetically. Where one saw a blue-sky void of clouds, Silver witnessed a vast sea free of impurities. The birds were wands, weaving their spells as they danced and soared across the sky sea. Each sway of the trees and rustling of the leaves produced a hypnotic effect while the gentle hand of the wind conducted it all, bringing the orchestra to its final closing.
Everything was in peace and harmony. A beautiful day with beautiful scenery, and yet still, Silver couldn't gain any inspiration despite the furious itch on his hands.
"Dude, it looks like you're plotting a murder," Sonic commented on his brother's constant flex of his fingers. "You gotta take it easy, bro."
Silver's features softened. "I-I know. I'm making a big deal out of nothing, but art is my passion. I can't handle not making art."
"Why not try writing poetry? That's just as artsy, right? Sounds right up your alley."
Unfortunately, Silver did not agree with this.
"I've thought about it, but I think I'd run into the same problem," he gave an embarrassed smile, "Plus, we both know how terrible I am with words."
"When you're talking to girls, yeah, you suck," Sonic chuckled, loving his brother's flustered pout.
"I can talk to girls," he stated, "I just can't do it well."
"Our family doesn't count," Sonic countered, "Aside from them, I've only ever seen you talk to a few. Amy and Cream are like your sisters, and I know you're not flirting with Rouge without turning redder than Knuckles."
Silver closed his mouth and looked the opposite way, ignoring his brother's victorious grin.
"Well, we all can't be cool like you, Sonic."
The elder hedgehog jumped on his sibling and put Silver into a light headlock.
"And we all can't be cute like you. I'mma start calling you my little cinna-bro."
Silver struggled to break free. "Ack, no! I'll never hear the end of it!"
Sonic, however, was too strong. "Too late, it's already in motion."
The brothers continued to horse around, laughing and playing. Silver had briefly forgotten his little crisis.
They could see the entrance to Twinkle Park straight ahead and the gathering masses entering and leaving the establishment. It was going to be another packed day from the looks of it.
"Hmm?" the blue hedgehog received a text. "Oh, a message from Tails. Probably telling us to hurry up because someonecan't run like yours truly."
Silver sneered. "With how many chili dogs you put away, it's a miracle your metabolism is so responsive. You need to cut back on them."
This caused the blue blur to gasp and clutch his chest as if someone drove a knife through his heart.
"Silver the Hedgehog, how dare you?" he, with the most offended expression, questioned. "I cannot believe that you, my flesh and blood, would say something so blasphemous."
Sonic took his phone and punched in some numbers, bringing the device to his ear while giving the smug Silver the stink eye.
"Tails? You will not believe what Silver just said to me. He told me to cut back on chili dogs. Chili dogs! Can you believe that? I know right. So, we're on our way, but know that someone is on thin ice. See ya soon."
Silver rolled his eyes. He never heard Sonic say he was wrong, per sé.
"You will never say those words again, understand?" Sonic warned him.
The painter simply walked ahead, smirking. "You never said I'm wrong."
"Never again, Silver! I mean it!"
Twinkle Park is always a bustling place. With its many attractions, it served as a beacon and hotspot for many tourists and locals alike. The dazzling lights, the deafening roar of the masses and rides, it was a new globe to explore. Hundreds of people were gathered: singles, couples, and families. It was easy to get lost in such a huge crowd and the park's intricate layout, and the main plaza led to five new areas much grander in size.
Yet, the beauty of the establishment failed to quell Silver's desires. There were tons of moments he could capture, from families happily enjoying themselves, to the structure of Twinkle Park and its entirety, but he had nothing. The itchiness worsened.
"And that's the situation, guys," Sonic explained the problem to their circle. "My little cinna-bro is driving himself crazy and needs some help."
"I said not to call me that!" Silver hid his flushed face in his hands. He shot a dirty glare at the giggling table.
"And I told you you're on thin ice," Sonic retorted, "Don't ever say the name of chili dogs in vain, and besides, it's the perfect nickname for you, a precious cinnamon roll who needs to be protected."
"It is cute sounding," one Amy Rose concurred. From Sonic's left and continuing, there was Silver, the twin-tailed yellow fox, Tails, Knuckles the Echidna, Rouge the Bat, and lastly, Amy Rose. It was supposed to be just the boys, but while waiting, Tails and Knuckles were spotted by and Amy and Rouge. The pink hedgehog stuck around to meet her soulmate while Rouge needed her daily dose of teasing, much to Knuckles' dismay.
"Amy, I'm twenty-two, a year younger than you and Sonic, and I'm not cute."
"Yes, you are," everyone else confirmed.
"I thought you guys were supposed to be helping me."
After the group shared a quick laugh, they settled down and began brainstorming.
"You're overreacting," Knuckles leaned back in his seat, "You definitely need to relax before going back to your brushes. Instead of your brain, why not use your body? Try working out some. That always makes me feel better."
"Silver isn't a muscle freak like you, Knuckles," Rouge prodded.
Knuckles glared at the bat with disdain. "Oh, and what do you suggest, Batgirl? I don't think Sonic would appreciate you taking his brother on a little "scavenger hunt"."
"Hey, traveling can be inspiring," the bat winked back. "Many places to see and people to meet. I bet a change of scenery will get those creative vibes flowing. Oh," Rouge placed a hand to her mouth, "But I don't think a certain archeologist would like to come and have actual fun."
"My profession is fun, thank you very much," replied the history preserver, "You're talking about invading historical sites and stealing their remains."
Rouge scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "Isn't that what museums do too? They're just a holding place for the leftovers you find at the very same sites you excavate."
"At least I'm giving people a chance to learn from history instead of expanding my diamond horde."
The sultry bat booped Knuckles on the nose, turning him redder. "Ah, but you forget, Knuckie: diamonds are a girl's best friend. Although, I'd make an exception and have you instead, Knuckie," she batted her eyelashes.
It had the desirable effects as Knuckles became a stuttering mess and angrily turned away, shifting away from Rouge's close proximity.
"Looks like he could kill you, but he's actually a cinnamon bun too," she giggled.
"Can we get back to the matter at hand?!" Knuckles demanded.
"No, no, keep going, please," Sonic caught his breath, his sides hurting from laughing. "This is exactly what the doctor ordered."
Knuckles growled, the group unable to tell if his face was red from anger or embarrassment.
"Shut up, Sonic."
"Why not have someone model for you, Silver?" Amy suggested.
The idea made Rouge perk up even more.
"Ooh, that's a marvelous idea. How about me? I'm certain you could capture my beauty better than any camera could?"
With the way Silver's cheeks burned, it was possible to mistake him for Knuckles.
"Nope, not happening," Sonic intervened on his brother's behalf, "I'm not going to explain to my folks why their white-furred son is suddenly and permanently red
"Aww, you guys are no fun," Rouge pouted but quickly recovered. "But I don't mind improving our comedic synergy, Knuckie?"
Knuckles averted his gaze. "No, we are not a comedy duo."
Tails put on his thinking face. "Have you tried literary arts?"
"Sonic suggested poetry, but I'd just run into the same issue," Silver responded. "And like I told him, I'm not great with words."
"Are you kidding me?" Amy interjected. "I bet if you took the titles of your drawings, you could make some great poems. Wouldn't that be romantic, Sonic? Having someone you love to recite poetry for them?"
She scooted closer and went for the hug, but Sonic kept her at arm's length.
"Ames, we're here for Silver, remember?"
"I haven't forgotten. As his future sister-in-law, I will help my future brother in his times of need. We will dance over his creative block's grave."
That's when the metaphorical lightbulb flashed above Amy's head.
"Wait! I think I got it!"
She recalled a flyer that advertised a special event coming up. Rouge soon picked up on the idea and nodded her agreement.
"Great idea, Amy."
"Oh no," Knuckles began to sweat, "I don't like where this is going. Brace yourself, Silver."
"Oh hush," Amy frowned, "It's nothing bad. I think Silver will like it."
Amy laid the ad on the table and let everyone read it.
"The Julianard School of Dance," Tails read, "Art is not what you see, but what others see. Sign up, and together, we will take over the world of dance."
"A dance class?" the boys questioned.
"Yep, the dance studio right down the street from my house is always getting recruits. They put on the most amazing shows, and the instructor is supposed to be really huge in the industry. I think Silver should try it out."
"Amy, I am the worst dancer," Silver stated.
"No, Knuckles is."
"HEY!"
Amy waved the fuming echidna off. "You love to express yourself through pictures. Why not do the same through dancing? What do you have to lose?"
"My pride."
Silver wasn't too keen on the idea. Of the seven forms of art, he ranked dancing at the very bottom. He would sooner learn to sing than learn to dance.
"I don't know, guys."
"How about we all take a class then?" Rouge suggested. "You won't be as nervous if we all joined. I could use something to do before my next adventure."
Amy clapped, her smile threatening to split her face. "Yes, let's do that."
"No way!" Sonic and Knuckles disagreed.
Amy frowned. "Why not?"
"I don't dance," Knuckles stated.
"And I'm more of a breakdancer," Sonic added, "Ballet and breakdancing don't mix."
"This is for your brother, Sonic. Don't abandon him in his time of need," Amy gave the blue hedgehog a disapproving look, her hands landing squarely on her hips. "My soon to be brother-in-law needs us."
Sonic held up a finger to stop her. "Okay first, I'm not abandoning him. If he wants to try it, I'll happily support his decision, but I'm not participating. Second, he's not your in-law. We're not married."
"Yet."
"No, there is no yet. We would have to be dating first and we're not doing that either. We are friends. Sorry Ames, but nice try."
"A girl gets what she wants, Sonic. You can run but you can't hide your feelings from me. It's okay to be shy."
Sonic slammed his head on the table. It was pointless talking to her.
"Why don't we just go to the show they're performing?" Tails suggested, looking to make progress. Silver was just content with watching. His friends are hilarious.
"Says here they're putting on a show right here at Twinkle Park around three o'clock. It wouldn't hurt to attend, right?"
The boys thought about it while the girls were already committed to the idea.
"As long as we're going to watch, I don't care, but I'm not dancing," Knuckles grumbled.
"Same here," Sonic sided with his red friend.
"I guess it won't be too bad," Silver agreed. "Does it mention the instructor's name?"
Tails studied the ad again.
"I think the entire school is run by a man named Julian," Amy tried to recall.
"Yeah, the flyer says the school here is taught by the founder, Mr. Julian," Tails raised a brow, "Robotnik?"
