"This is why I hate large crowds," Knuckles grumbled. He weaved through the masses with his partner in tow, both trying to find a safe spot away from the enthusiastic attendees.
"At least you don't have wings," his buddy whined. "My left one's feeling a bit sore. I probably won't be able to fly like this," their pout turned into a smile when she hugged the stuffed toy in her arm, "It's not all bad, I guess. I got this cute prize my favorite echidna won for me."
A rosy blush glowed on Knuckles' cheeks.
"I was bored, and you looked like you wanted it. Kill two birds with one stone."
Rouge's soft giggle touched his ears.
"Thank you, Knuckie. I'll have to pay you back sometime," Rouge grasped her buddy's hand and gave it a friendly squeeze. The results were an even redder echidna.
"H-Hey! Who said anything about handholding?"
"I don't see you pulling away," Rouge retorted in a sweet tone. "It'd be a pain if we get separated. I don't need you getting lost and causing trouble."
"I'm not a child," he huffed.
"And I'd believe you if you weren't known for being such a hothead."
Knuckles sneered. "Don't let it get to you, Knux. She's just trying to rile you up."
"I only get mad at people who intentionally piss me off."
"Which is an easy achievement," Rouge winked and closed their gap. "Someone has to keep you in check, and I'm more than happy to oblige."
"Yeah, yeah," Knuckles reluctantly agreed. He knew it was no use arguing. He came to the open house as promised. Now, he just had to get through the day.
Rouge gazed lovingly at her stuffed bat. The games were ordinary, something at any carnival, but not as rigged. She noticed a lone stuffed bat amongst a cluster of different animals and thought how cute it was.
She didn't know Knuckles was paying attention or even cared but imagine her surprise when a fastball blasted the stacked bottles, sent them tumbling, and the archeological echidna presented her with the very same stuffed bat.
"Look on the bright side, you have the pleasure of being my date. Do you know how many guys would kill to be in your position? At least smile, or would you prefer we go shopping instead?"
The color drained from Knuckles' face. His manliness has been tested on numerous occasions, and let it be known that no sane man can withstand the onslaught of a woman's shopping torture. Hours of wandering, carrying every bag and shoebox, and constantly questioning how much longer the torture will continue. His fellow men gave him sympathetic looks as they, too, were dragged around by their mistresses with piles of bags and boxes balancing on their hands. Meanwhile, women looked upon him and Rouge (or Amy) with jealousy. With his immense strength, Knuckles can carry a heavier load without crumbling, but that was his double-edged sword. The girls love to pile everything on him because they know he can take it. He loved his strength, but at the same, he cursed his glorious muscles.
"Fine," he gave in, "But this isn't a date, and stop getting so close."
"Why? Do I make you nervous, Knuckie?" she cooed while pressing her generous assets against his arm.
'Among other things.' He wasn't going to tell her that though. He didn't want to give her even more ammo to use against him.
Unbeknownst to Knuckles, his partner's giddiness was reaching new heights. Her cheeks hurt because she was smiling so much.
"Your ears are twitching," she heard the echidna say. True to Knuckles' words, her ears were indeed shifting forward and back akin to a canine wagging their tail.
"They do that when I'm really happy," she hugged the stuffed bat tighter.
Knuckles couldn't see the picture. "It's just a plushie. Is it that big of a deal?"
"Yes, because it was given to me by a special friend. That alone makes it more precious."
"More precious than jewels?"
Rouge's loving gaze turned deadpanned. "Let's not get crazy. Nothing can replace the beauty of a diamond. Well," her loving stare returned, "except maybe one thing."
This was a first for Knuckles. "Something more valuable than jewels?" he inquired.
"Mhm, but I'm not going to tell you, of course. I don't want to ruin the surprise."
"You can't just dangle that sort of information in front of me."
For as long as he knew the treasure hunter, she had a great desire for gems and their cousins. To find out there was something she treasured more than that was astounding. Of course, he wanted to find out more.
"Nope, not telling," she wagged her finger in front of Knuckles' face, to which he frowned. "You'll just have to figure it out on your own, not that you will. It's pretty complex."
"Wanna bet?"
'Hook, line, and sinker.' Rouge smirked.
"Hmm, why not? It's an easy win for me."
"We'll see about that."
Rouge couldn't hold back her chuckles.
"Alright then, Knuckie. Tell you what: I'll give you until the end of the day to come up with an answer, and if you're right."
"No shopping trips with you and Amy for one month," the confidence in Knuckles' voice was enticing.
"Not my shopping trips," she pouted.
"Yep, one month."
"Ooh, fine," Rouge huffed. "But I won't say what will happen when I win. I want to see the stunned look on your face when you hear it."
She noticed Knuckles falter a bit. He thought he was going to control the flow of battle, but Rouge wouldn't let him. She had every way to keep the tide in her favor.
"Alright, so we agree?"
Rouge squeezed his hand again. "Agreed, just don't take your loss too hard."
"I'm not going to lose."
Rouge let one last giggle escape her lips. "We'll see, dear Knuckie. We will see."
It didn't take long for Rouge's joyous spirits to turn a little sour. She sensed some hostility leaking towards her. She wasn't sure if her partner noticed, but they garnered some… unwanted attention from their fellow Mobians. Rouge sought to repel them, flashing a smug smirk at the rivals she purposely challenged.
They wanted her favorite echidna.
She opted for a casual look that still showed off her great appeal: a brown blouse and long black skirt with an open-toed, black, tie-less lace pair of shoes. Knuckles went with a brown survival vest, cargos, and beige combat boots: a comfortable look that was easy maneuver in. However, this only exacerbated the problem. Rouge's favorite echidna was, for lack of a better term, ripped. It was hard to overlook the chiseled masterpiece of the echidna's temple. Strong abs, big, tough arms, and a well-muscled body, Rouge's face grew hotter the longer she admired such an incredible physique. It wasn't just her though. From the corners of her eye, Rouge caught glimpses of her fellow sex checking out the grumbling echidna. She leaned her head on his arm and narrowed her eyes slightly, the glint in her irises saying it all.
"Should we try calling everybody?" Knuckles' sudden question snapped Rouge from her mental confrontations. "This crowd is making me restless. I doubt Sonic and Amy are having any problems, but I know Silver doesn't do well with large crowds either."
"Hmmm, no, I'll leave the love-hogs to their date. Amy will fill me in on the details later. Let's bug the boys. I want to know things went."
"I'll try Tails then," Knuckles took out his phone but didn't get far. The twin-tailed fox was a step ahead. "Or not," he answered it and put it on speaker, "You two alright?"
"You owe me," Tails stated in a bitter tone. "You and Sonic owe me."
Knuckles sighed. "Okay, first, I was taken away against my will."
"You don't have two fluffy appendages sticking out of your backside."
"Maybe not, but you don't have a fashionista constantly pulling you around," the red echidna retorted.
"Ooh, a fashionista, huh," Rouge purred.
"My situation's still worse. Now, apologize to my tails," the fox tried not to laugh.
Knuckles pulled Rouge to the side away from the crowd. "I'm sorry, Tails' tails that your owner couldn't take better care of you," he chuckled back.
"I don't appreciate your sass, Knuckles. You, Sonic, and the girls ditched us when we were supposed to explore the school together. Meanwhile, I'm getting my tails trampled, and Silver's making a fool of himself."
Knuckles and Rouge heard the hedgehog in question shout in protest.
"Did he complete his mission?" the lady inquired.
Tails started snickering. "I'll show you guys the footage later."
"What?!" Silver's voice erupted on the other end. "You're filming me?!"
"You just noticed? Someone had to record you. Sonic isn't here, so it had to be me, and I got everything, Mr. Hedgehog the Silver."
"Delete them!"
"Like I said," Silver's demands went unheard, "Knuckles, you and Sonic owe me. There's some big showing going on later at the auditorium. Meet us there by three o'clock and I'll give you my demands."
Knuckles checked the time and hissed. It was just noon!
"Tails, it's barely past twelve. I'm not staying here for three hours."
"Why not?"
"I hate overly crowded places," the irate echidna spat back. "If I have to walk through another mosh pit, I'm breaking someone's arms."
"How do you think I feel? If I can suck it up and deal with it, you can too."
Knuckles almost forgot he was still holding Rouge's hand. Before he clenched his fist, he released the bat from his grip.
"Fine, but when some unfortunate soul winds up in the hospital, don't blame me," he stated.
"That's why you have Rouge. She's there to make sure we don't need to. Three o'clock; don't forget."
When the call dropped, Knuckles shoved his phone in his pocket and crossed his arms.
"He's not wrong, you know," Rouge knew how her buddy felt and gestured to her wings.
"I'm going to hurt someone," was not the response she expected. "I'm going to punch a hole through someone's stomach."
"That's harsh," Rouge placed her hands on her hips, frowning disapprovingly. "You've been through worse."
"Not three hours of pure boredom," Knuckles sighed deeply.
"That just gives us more time to bond. You are an incredibly lucky guy," the bat grasped his large hand. She loved how perfect her smaller hand fit inside his larger one.
"Define 'lucky.'"
"It's not every day you get to hold hands with the most beautiful bat to ever live. So, be a good boy, and I may give you something nice," she tapped him on the nose, eliciting a canine-like growl.
'Echidna gods please kill me now.'
"I'm not a dog."
'Could've fooled me, hun.'
"You know you like spending time with me, and I love spending time with my favorite echidna."
"You mean you love making fun of me," her buddy corrected.
"Teasing is an art in its own. It's not making fun of you. I'm just playful."
"Same thing."
Rouge shook her head. "I'm never mean to my Knuckie. He treats me nice."
He hated that confounded nickname.
"Why do you call me that?"
"Because it's cute."
"It's embarrassing," Knuckles denied Rouge's claim. He greatly preferred Knuck Knuck over Knuckie, neither of which he was fond of, but then again, the women who use them are opposites.
'Just like her and J - NO! Stop!' He stopped himself.
"Let's get something to eat," Rouge snapped him out of his thoughts. "I'm starting to get famished. Your treat."
"Fine, but I'm still going to win our bet."
Rouge rolled her eyes. 'He's such a knucklehead.'
A castle under its rule, it was not enough to satiate the destructive craving swelling in the pit of its core. The fires caused by its wake slowly died out, wisps of silver-gray smoke eager to escape the fort. It succeeded in driving the master from the palace and did a good job in keeping her out, but it wasn't enough. It wanted to rampage more, to cause more devastation, but the master kept it imprisoned. A whole world out there where its real flames could spread and the key keeping it locked away was smiling happily at some unknown presence.
It could see him, the white-furred hedgehog tripping over his words. Something was emanating off them. It can sense a powerful core lying dormant.
Was this a new challenger?
A predatory growl vibrated in the monster's throat; emerald-green eyes fixated on the white hedgehog.
"Burn him!" the beast stated.
Blaze's body suddenly grew tense, a notion that did not go unnoticed by the members in the office.
"You okay, mate?" Marine inquired.
"Y-Yes," Blaze gasped. "Just thought I heard something. My hearing's a little too sensitive."
"Do you have hyperacusis?" Tails questioned.
Blaze shook her head, "No, it's more so I've trained my senses too well. I'm fine now."
"If you're sure, Blazey. Hey, Silver-mate, you got another picture in that bag?"
"Uhh, one I drew for Miss Vanilla and Vector, but that's it. I only did three," the hedgehog in question put the portrait atop the desk per Vanilla's request. "Thanks for reminding me. I almost forgot to leave it here."
"Burn him! Start the destruction with him!" demanded the fire demon. Studying the innocent-looking specimen solidified the beast's assertion about Silver's force.
"He's dangerous!"
Blaze bit back a hiss. She swallowed the lump in her throat and set the nice picture of herself next to Vanilla. Her death grip was going to fracture the hard work Silver put into his composition, and she'd hate to ruin it. It was beautifully made after all.
'Go away.' She jeered back.
"Do you not feel it? This one is dangerous."
"You don't waste any time, do ya?" Marine's enthused voice snapped the feline from her thoughts. "You got a lot of time on your hands or something?"
Silver chuckled back, rubbing the back of his quills in a humble manner. "Y-You can say that. I've been told my imagination is out of this world."
"Those people are not wrong," Blaze piped in. "I hope you'll show me more in the future."
"I-I'd love to. If this whole schooling idea goes well, I might be able to create something brand new."
This piqued Blaze's fascination.
"Schooling? Are you planning on becoming a student?"
"Yes, a friend of ours thought it might help with my creative block, and after seeing you all perform at Twinkle Park, I think she might be right. Although," Silver sighed, "I don't know. I'm not the most coordinated hedgehog. It might not be for me."
"We were going to take a trial before making a final decision," Tails added in. "I still plan on taking guitar though."
"Nice," Marine gave the fox a thumbs-up. "Blaze has been hounding me to try something, but this ain't the life for me. I belong on the high seas."
The feline slapped the raccoon with her tail. "If you want some reassurance from a regular student, I can promise that the time you put in will not be wasted. We accept all applicants. We've had hundreds who thought they'd never match up with the curriculum. Many of them were rewarded for their time and patience. Others quit when they were about to make headway. I think they believe learning from a prestigious school is all it takes to get better, but they know better. You can attest that it's the practice that makes you better."
Silver nodded in agreement. The amount of time, sweat, and tears he allocated into his craft.
"I won't lie," Blaze pressed her fingers together, "you will be held under high expectations, and it can be overwhelming at first. Take it from me, who's been a student for over seven years. It's challenging, but" she tapped her foot in a rhythmic pattern and pirouetted, throwing her left arm up while the right rested parallel to her chest, and her left knee raised to her hip, "you'll be amazed at what you can do."
Silver applauded, mesmerized by such grace.
"Why aren't you a teacher?" Tails asked. "I'm surprised you don't have a class of your own."
"I'm not the teaching type," the blazing feline shrugged, "I prefer to learn than do the instructing. I've learned all the basic styles, and if I had to choose, Mr. Luigi teaches my favorite."
"He seems like a nice guy," Silver concurred.
Blaze acquiesced. "He is. You won't find anyone more passionate about dancing than him, except maybe the headmaster," she cupped her chin and looked at Tails, "As for instruments, while I'm not savvy in the art, I do know the head instructor. I've never studied under him, but he's good at what he does. He's a member of one of the bands we got playing today at the auditorium."
"Is that why there's so much commotion towards that area?" the twin-tailed fox recalled what Vanilla said.
"You'll understand when you see them. I can probably get one to-."
"AAAAHHHH!" loud, shrill cries broke through the wall.
Blaze remained steadfast.
"What's that?" Silver and co watched the feline rush to the door and peek outside, where the screams increased in volume.
"Oh no," the feline sighed. "I told him to wear a disguise."
She opened the door further and hissed at the size of the fanbase the poor runner accumulated. The feline flailed her arm in hopes of getting the victim's attention.
The runner saw the signal and nodded graciously. He turned to the horde of girls chasing after him and gave them an apologetic smile.
"I appreciate the love, ladies, but I need to be in one piece to perform later. You understand; don't take this personally."
He removed an item from his pocket and dropped it. Suddenly, smoke blanketed the hallway, spewing out from the dropped canister. Disrupting the fangirls, the safe victim dove into Vanilla's office, and Blaze shut the door, pressing her back against the mahogany structure.
"Phew, Sweet Mobius," the guy panted, "I thought I was a goner. Blaze, you are a lifesaver. If you ever need something tinkered with, I'm your wolf, you know."
He was a crimson wolf with long, pointy ears, orange eyes, and peach skin. He wore black, square-rimmed glasses, green army gloves and boots, a brown jacket, and black pants.
"This is why we wear disguises, Gadget," Blaze folded her arms. "You know how crazy the fans get. How many times have we told you about that?"
Gadget straightened his posture and glasses.
"It's hard being the only red wolf, you know. Still, I appreciate the assist. Those girls would've skinned me alive, you know," he shuddered at the thought.
"Well, next time you might not be so lucky," Blaze walked past him. "Why didn't you come with Zero?"
"I was just going to grab something I left behind. I was being all sneaky like, but one girl spotted me, and before I could stop her, my name's being squealed from every corner. Zero's still helping at the auditorium, but you know he wasn't going to help. He would've left me to die!"
Gadget finally noticed the other members in the office and bid them a friendly wave.
"Hey, Gadget," Marine waved back, "nothing like a crazed army of fangirls to get your blood pumping, right?"
"Yeah, right," he scoffed, "nothing feels better than having years of my lifespan shaved off. And who are they?" he pointed to the wide-eyed Tails and Silver.
"New talent looking to join us," Blaze spoke up. "The fox is looking to take up guitar."
"Oh, well it's nice to see new enthusiasts. Hope you're enjoying the festivities. It can be pretty chaotic as you can see."
Both Silver and Tails remained stunned with mouths hanging low. Moments after laying eyes on the bespectacled wolf, they recognized him. The instant Blaze said his name, their beliefs were confirmed.
"Uhh, guys?" Gadget waved his hand in from of their faces, to no response. At least, for Gadget's sake, they were tamer than the average fan. The red wolf could tell by the look of awe keeping them shackled. He turned to Blaze with a worried expression. "Umm, I'm not gonna get jumped again, am I?"
Tails jabbed Silver with his elbow.
"No!" The hedgehog came back to reality. His sudden outburst startled Marine and Gadget.
"Sorry," Silver breathed, "No, we're not the rabid ones. Blaze said we'd understand the commotion once we saw you, but I had no idea she meant you. I-I'm Silver the Hedgehog. This is my friend, Tails."
Gadget held out his fist, a gesture that was immediately returned with an enthusiastic fist-bump.
"Gadget the Wolf, guitar instructor, and lead guitarist of the famous band, Infinity," he formally introduced himself, "It's about to go from zero to infinity."
Tails had his phone in hand, but Silver lowered it each time the twin-tailed fox raised it for a picture.
"Just one," he said.
"No, he's too busy. Be considerate," the white hedgehog retorted.
"Eh, what the heck?" Gadget walked forward and threw his arms around the boys' neck. "One picture's fine. I can't do this with female fans."
Tails immediately got into position and snapped a selfie with the famous guitarist.
"The guys are going to be so jealous," he snickered.
"I appreciate the save, but I gotta get going," the red wolf peeked outside. The commotion died down, the crazed fan girls most likely searching for him.
The coast was clear.
"If you're willing to learn my secrets, be prepared to work your fingers to the bone. I'll be waiting. See ya later."
Gadget gave a two-finger salute and snuck out the office, quietly shutting the door behind him.
"Awesome guy," Silver commented.
Blaze held up her hand, all five fingers extended, and began counting down.
4.
Silver, Tails, and Marine exchanged inquisitive looks.
3.
The trio tilted their heads to the side.
2.
Blaze let a smile tug at her lips.
1.
She gestured for them to come closer and placed her paw behind her ear.
0.
A shrill shriek erupted from outside.
"There he is! It's Gadget!"
Another cry echoed amongst the shrieks.
"I forgot my disguise!"
At last, the designated time came around, and activity mingled towards the auditorium for the special event announced by the headmaster.
The split-up groups found one another around the entrance, and upon seeing his brother and best friend, Sonic pounced on them and started demanding answers as to his little brother's mission.
Amy and Rouge traded gossip, thrilled to hear how their secret plans went. The former was even more excited to see the cute prize Rouge cradled in her arms.
Knuckles held back a flailing Silver wanting to snatch Tails' phone and stop him from ruining his life.
Their banter only ceased because Marine was laughing too hard at their antics. Blaze had left to take care of things, so Marine tagged along with the boys, and the trio quickly became friends.
"I hardly know you guys, but I know I'm gonna like this group," she guffawed.
"This is an everyday occurrence, Marine," Tails pointed out. "There is no dull day for us."
The main speedster jabbed a thumb in his direction.
"Nice to meet ya, Marine. Sonic's the name. Speed's my game. I'm Silver's big bro."
Up next was the big red lug.
"Knuckles," he nodded curtly and released the now docile Silver.
Amy bounded up to the seafarer and shook Marine's non-stretched hand.
"Amy Rose, Sonic's future wife, and Silver's future sister-in-law. It's good to meet you."
Marine caught Sonic's groan and immediately put two and two together.
Lastly, Rouge gave a small curtsy.
"Rouge the Bat. Welcome to the club, hon."
Marine saluted the group. "Captain Marine, nice to meet your mates, Silver."
"We're a rowdy bunch, but you'll get used to it."
"No one knows how to have fun like we do," Sonic stated with a proud grin.
"The rabid fangirls beg to differ, Sonic," Knuckles pointed out the deafening cries. "Who's getting this much reception?"
"Infinity," Marine answered.
Amy's eyes lit up. "Are you for real? Infinity is going to perform here?" she gasped, hopping up and down in euphoric glee. "I knew I wasn't going crazy when I heard Gadget the Wolf was seen."
Tails and Silver traded looks.
"You never sent them the picture?" Silver inquired.
"I wanted to wait," Tails replied and displayed his proud achievement.
Amy snatched the phone from the fox's grasp, her eyes about to eject from their sockets.
"You and Silver got to take a selfie with Gadget?!" her happy demeanor transformed to a look of jealousy and betrayal. "You took a picture with a member of one of my favorite bands and didn't hook a girl up? I am crushed, boys! Absolutely crushed!"
"We didn't want to interrupt your date with Sonic," the genius fox retorted.
"It wasn't a date!"
Sonic's protest went ignored.
"After all I've done for you guys as a friend," Amy turned to Silver, "and a sister, this is the thanks I get? No honorable mention? No little souvenir?"
"You would've been a part of the group trying to maim him," Silver pointed out. From Gadget's fearful expression alone, Silver knew the guitarist had been through some things.
"Wrong," Amy refuted, "I would've been the angel to save him."
"And then demand an autograph as payment," Tails countered.
"I didn't say I was a complete angel," Amy stuck her tongue out playfully.
"Well, had you guys stayed with us, you would've gotten the chance, but this is what happens when you ditch your friends."
"Ooh, I bet you guys became best friends with Gadget, didn't you?" Amy pouted.
"I'd say more like acquaintances," Silver's nervous habit kicked in, his fingers pressing together quietly. "He's probably forgotten about us by now."
"He'd never forget the brave pirates who saved his life from the sea witches," Marine assured them.
"Great, so you can put in a good word for us," Amy's hand latched on the boys' shoulders, "You two owe me, especially you, Silver."
The younger hedgehog opened his mouth to speak, but he also knew that Amy had every counter to his arguments and decided not to retort.
"You're asking the wrong hedgehog. What do you think, Marine?"
The adventurous raccoon pounded her chest. "Not to worry, Silver-mate, I can get Blazey to introduce you guys. I'm sure she'll say yes."
"You sure it won't be too much trouble?" Tails asked. "I mean, my joy aside, I think they have more important things to do than have a bunch of annoying fans hounding them."
The hand on Tails' shoulder tightened its grip, and an ominous aura stirred behind him.
"Are you saying I'm annoying, Tails?" Amy's venomous voice sent chills down his spine.
"N-No, I didn't mean it like that! I meant it must be annoying to be bombarded by fans daily," he rephrased with a fake chuckle.
"You're on thin ice, buddy," the pinkette stated.
"We better get inside if you want to actually see them perform," Knuckles came to the frightened fox's aid. "They'll run out of seating space."
"OUT OF THE WAY! NUMBER ONE FAN COMING THROUGH!" Amy was already barreling through the crowd. The only thought running through her friends' minds was how fortuitous it was she didn't have her hammer.
"Soon," Knuckles finished his initial claim.
Marine whistled. "She's a feisty one."
"You have no idea," Sonic said. "Better follow her lead. Let's do it to it!"
After getting some complimentary earplugs for the loud noises, the gang headed inside. The auditorium was a semicircular theatre with the center stage stretching to a high back wall, supported by columns. Another wall supported the front edge of the stage with ornately decorated niches off to the sides. The theatre itself was divided into the stage area and the seating section, the latter of which was constructed on a hillside. It was a massive building, and for good reason; it was able to house the rambunctious fans at the orchestra.
"The headmaster must love Roman architecture," Silver pointed out. He and the group found decent seats located at the top ring of cavea.
"Would that make everyone in the mosh pit gladiators?" Tails inquired.
"Don't put that thought in my head," Sonic told him. "I don't need to imagine Amy as some bloodthirsty warrior."
"I kind of regret letting her leave the hammer behind," Rouge giggled at the image. "If worse comes to worst, you may need to get her out, Knuckie."
"I'm not risking my life," Knuckles declared. "I'm staying right here."
"You're the strongest one here though."
"Forget that. Amy can take care of herself. They better have medics on standby."
"Does she honestly carry a hammer around?" Marine asked.
"With the head about the size of our bodies," the blue blur explained, the PTSD about to kick in. "She may look dainty, but don't let that small figure fool ya. She can knock someone out with that thing. Trust me, it's not a pleasant experience."
"Agreed," Knuckles, Rouge, and Tails said in unison.
Marine noticed Silver didn't say anything and raised a brow.
"Silver-mate?"
"I have a perfect record and will not blemish it. Sonic had a horrendous migraine for three days before he got better."
"Wow, what did you do?"
Sonic looked the other way. "I don't want to talk about it."
From the orchestra, the fans saw the backdoor open and a figure approaching the stage. With bated breaths, they faded to silence, only to be met with disappointment.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, Mobians and Overlanders, to the final surprise of the day," the round headmaster declared. "I hope the festivities are to your liking."
His response came in the roaring applause from the crowd. He thanked the gods for earplugs. Quality stuff, able to keep out the noise while allowing other people to communicate.
"I know why you're here, and I shall not keep you waiting. Let me just say: I appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to join us. You will not regret what I have in store. So, without further ado, allow me to introduce the main events. First up, we have our very own teachers of Julianard. The techno-maniac and sharpest of blades. Welcome on stage, team Infinity!"
A blast of confetti echoed across the theatre, raining on the stage as the first group emerged from behind the door.
Mr. Robotnik covered his ears, a signal that everyone took as a cue to do the same.
The girls went nuts. Their cheers were so piercing that it nearly bypassed the earplugs' defenses, such as the power of loyal fangirls.
"Gadget!"
"Infinite!"
The two names were chanted repeatedly.
Gadget the Wolf waved to the crowd with much enthusiasm while the one next to him didn't bother. He was a jackal with black fur, long, white, stiff dreadlocks, a white-collar of some kind, and white stripes on his back that resemble a ribcage. He also has a bushy tail with a white tip and wears black gloves with silver streaks on the back, covering his sharp fingers.
Over the jackal's face was a silver-colored mask with large ears with white and black circular patterns on the inside, the right ear being black with white circular patterns and the left being white with black circular patterns. While his left eye, colored yellow, is visible through a red visor, his right eye is covered by a black lightning bolt-shaped piece.
They gave a bow and accepted the microphone from the headmaster.
"Hello, Julianard!" Gadget cheered. "We have a special show for all of you today. As our eccentric headmaster said, it fills my heart with great pleasure to see so many happy faces. Infinite and I, along with our other partners will make this a show to remember. It's about to go from zero to infinity!"
The jackal beside him quieted the crowd once more before speaking into the mic.
"It wasn't long ago we performed for another city, and after all this time, we're back for more," his voice was strangely hypnotic. "I was hoping to make our entrance a bigger surprise, but my stupid bandmate got too careless and got himself caught like an amateur."
Gadget had the decency to look ashamed. "I said I was sorry! But hey, I was saved by some cool people, and without them, I wouldn't be able to perform, so if you guys are in the audience, thanks for the help."
Silver shrunk in his seat. "… I can feel Amy glaring at me," he hid his face.
Back on stage, Dr. Robotnik had the band step to the side to welcome the next group. It took all his training to keep his fanboyism at bay. As a teacher of performance arts, learning the various styles of music and dance became essential.
"Funny duo. Now, without further ado, let's give a big hand to a band of legend. I'd give them a big introduction, but if I'm being honest, they don't need a grand opening. Your screams will be welcoming. Give it up for the one and only – Crush 40!"
An explosion of cheers erupted from the audience. With the cheers came fists rising into the air and eyes flinging wide. Everyone was electrified, awake, soaring to new heights of emotion.
One blue hedgehog in particular shot out of his seat and let out the biggest, most ear-splitting cry he's ever done in his life.
"YEEAHH!"
"Hold on; don't do it, SONIC!" Knuckles cried out, but it was too late. Sonic ran down the stairs faster than anyone could comprehend and implanted himself amongst the rambunctious fans losing their minds.
"And there he goes," Knuckles' hand collided with his forehead. A burst of anger suddenly broke from the echidna's dam. "Sonic, you fool! You became the one thing we swore to destroy!"
Marine sat slack jawed in awe. "Crikey! Did you see how fast he hightailed it down there?"
"He wasn't kidding about his speed," Silver scanned the orchestra, "I can't see him."
"Forget him," Knuckles gritted his teeth. "There's nothing we can do."
"He's a slave to the rhythm," Tails gave a faux cry for his best friend.
"Let's hope he returns as the same idiot who jumped in."
For now, the group enjoyed the concert, knowing their blue and pink friends would have enough merriment for all five of them. The energy was beneficial for one psychokinetic hedgehog.
His fingers were already itching to hit the canvas once more.
As the concert raged, Blaze finished up her preparations. She resided in Miss Vanilla's office. The door was shut, locked from the inside, and she was the only inhabitant. The silence was welcoming. However, at the same time, too much silence allowed… unwanted parties to intrude.
She was enjoying her portrait, and the beast inside her dared to ruin her good mood. The fiery feline had gazed upon many paintings and works of art, but when she laid eyes upon Silver's, something blossomed within her. A burst of color rained upon her desolate world. Where landscapes remained charred and barren from battle, she could once again see the beautiful green fields trying to reform.
Blaze eased into a meditative stance, letting her mind clear itself from outside distractions. Deep breaths, slow and calming, filled her lungs and left her lips. In seconds, the dancer was transported to her inner world. Her overtaken castle stood before her, a feeling that irked her to no end. The sanctuary she built was corrupted, but she promised herself to take it back.
"It's too quiet," she said softly, taking in her surroundings. The monsters that obeyed her inner demon were nowhere to be seen. Any other time, Blaze would be in the heat of combat with her flames dancing about the battlefield.
Not this time.
"I don't like this," and Blaze normally enjoyed a good silent atmosphere. She took a chance and approached the corrupted castle, entering through the giant hole in the entrance. Her destination being the throne room, the purple feline cautiously traversed the intricate labyrinth that was her castle. The layout purposely reminded her of the inner machinations of her mind: a complex arrangement that only she could comprehend. No one can grasp the complexities of her subconscious, the dark-gray cobblestone walls that hide her inner demons.
"Something's wrong," Blaze pointed out, her guard raised just in case things turned hostile. She can never be too careful, not around her cursed abilities.
A marvelous battle took place within her sanctuary. Holes in the wall, burnt banners, flags, and carpets, overturned furniture, and ashes piled on the floor. Every step Blaze took made her fingers twitch, curing into a fist that demanded her arcane powers to spark. A crackling pop ignited around her paws as her golden eyes narrowed, fury adorning her pretty face.
Heavy pressure weighed on Blaze's shoulders, alerting her of the inner demon's looming presence. She was close.
The throne room didn't suffer any better. A furious storm tore through the chamber. Only the throne remained intact, and Blaze should've been the one sitting upon it, but in her spot, her cursed demon sat with its emerald green, reptilian eyes glaring daggers at her as if she committed the most heinous sin.
"You've shrunk," Blaze hissed. "And how dare you sit upon my throne?"
The monster growled back and rose from the well-kempt chair. It was a humanoid beast with horns on each side of its head, two arms, legs with crude stumps for feet, and a long serpent-like tail sweeping the flooring.
"You ruined my good mood," Blaze stepped forward. "I was having a great day, and you woke up and ruined it. This is my castle. This is my land, my world; you have no power over me, and now you want me to inflict harm on the innocent."
'Burn him!' the words screamed in Blaze's subconscious, echoing in the chamber for the beast to hear. 'He's dangerous!'
"You're just a bloodthirsty monster who only seeks destruction. What could you possibly know how dangerous someone is without knowing them?"
"You sensed it, didn't you?" the beast finally spoke, its voice deep and earsplitting. "There's something about that creature."
Blaze rolled her eyes. She was not used to these conversations. On rare occasions did she chat with the demon to soothe its rage. Ninety-five percent of the time, it doesn't work.
"He's just an aspiring artist. I would've noticed something about him when we first conversed."
"And yet, you're blind to the truth," the beast counter.
Blaze growled, pupils thinning to feral levels.
"I won't listen to an abomination bent on destruction! Return my castle and go back to the depths of the prison you crawled out from!"
Blaze was huffing, her anger empowering her flaming fists.
For the first time in a long time, Blaze's demon laughed at her.
"She's already here," it stated.
Blaze lost it.
"RAAAHHH!" a primal roar burst forth, hell's fury burning from her eyes.
Just one punch, one kick to the head would make her feel better, but her inner world denied her such satisfaction. She was thrown from her castle and back into Vanilla Rabbit's office, where she awoke with a start, her palms flat on the ground as she panted, a layer of sweat on her forehead. Her anger continued to seep through, evident by the still lit flames crackling around her paws.
"Why?" she whispered, clenching her fists tighter. They hammered the ground. "Why won't they obey me? Am I so far gone that control of my world is fleeting?"
"Blaze?" A familiar voice rang. "Are you still here?"
The feline grew stiff. She quickly canceled out her flames and rose to her feet, straightening out her blouse.
"Y-Yes, I'm here," she rushed to get her breathing back to normal. "I wanted to enjoy a little peace before going to the auditorium. There's only so much screaming I can take."
She faced Vanilla and reapplied her disguise. Her hair fell, no longer tied up, and framed her face, covering up the red gem in her forehead. The glasses added the finishing touch.
"Did you enjoy Silver's present?" Vanilla inquired with a knowing smile.
"I-I did," Blaze cleared her throat. "I was expecting the worst, but I'm glad he was well-behaved. A little too shy though."
Vanilla raised a hand to her lips. "You shouldn't always assume the bad in people. I've known Silver and his friends for a long time. They're good people, which is why I didn't warn you to be careful."
'It's too early to decide anything. Curse my curiosity.'
"They seem nice, but I like to keep my eyes open. We've dealt with too many people to take others at face value."
Vanilla couldn't argue with that, but at the same time, she wished the defensive feline would lower her guard occasionally. An intelligent and sophisticated young lady would make a good match for a friendly and creative young man like a certain artist she knows.
"You're not wrong, but I worry about you, dear. I think it's time you spice it up this year and try working with a partner."
Blaze's nose crinkled, her brows angling down.
"No, I prefer to dance alone. You and Daisy can enjoy the duets."
Vanilla sighed, "I knew you would say that. You don't want to branch out and experience something new?"
"I'm sure. Having a partner would only slow me down."
"I beg to differ," the womanly hare clasped her fingers together. "I think this is exactly the kind of experience you need. Maybe if you had the right partner, it will be better."
Blaze knew Vanilla was insinuating something. The hare was never this persistent. That sweet smile of hers was diabolical under the right viewpoint. Others were charmed by such brilliance, but Blaze knew better. She could see what others could not: Vanilla's mischievous soul lurking behind her radiant exterior.
"I've been practicing this craft for years, Miss Vanilla. Having a partner, especially one joining us for the first time, would force me to wait for them to catch up. I may have good patience, but I'm not a saint. I enjoy the pace I normally go at."
Again, Vanilla couldn't argue against her, but the hare had plenty of tricks up her sleeve.
"You want to know more about them, right? Silver and his friends."
Blaze folded her arms over her chest. "That's not fair."
"I don't know what you mean," Vanilla cocked her head to the side, an innocent stare looking in Blaze's direction. "I'm just offering a method to satiate your curiosity and offer yourself a challenge, and who knows, maybe you'll figure out why Miss Daisy and I love dancing with our partners so much."
"I'm fine not being in a relationship."
Vanilla shrugged. "I never said you had to fall in love. I just said you may figure out why. I didn't know you were looking for a boyfriend."
"I'm not!" A rosy blush painted the feline's cheeks.
"Sure, if that helps you sleep at night," Vanilla walked past her and studied the two paintings. "I have time, so Vector, Cream, and I are going to enjoy the festivities. I'll let you think about my offer, but if I may be so bold, you're already planning."
Without looking back, Vanilla heard Blaze's footsteps leave the room. The door shut gently, leaving the womanly hare alone to critique the works of art. She traced a finger along the frame of her and Vector's composition.
"And as for you, mister," she tapped on the crocodile's half, "how much longer are you going to make me wait?"
