Chapter 19: Silver Lake Apartments

When I came to, I discovered that I was lying face-down on strong metal grating. I opened my eyes and pulled myself up to my feet, taking in my surroundings. Turns out, I was standing in a really dark hallway with the ceiling lights flickering.

Thank god I have my flashlight...

Unfortunately, there was someone else in the hallway. Someone that I didn't want to see. The man in the coat who happening to be knocking on a familiar door:

'Room 303'

Sonic's room...? Dude, don't you dare go in there...

I was prepared to march up and prevent the man from heading in, but all he did was turn and disappear round the corner. Clutching my weapons tightly, I racked my brains for a suitable plan of attack. I could find the Herd, explain to Sonic's friends what was happening and enter Room 303 to protect my idol.

If he happens to be the next victim...

I hated the thought of the man targeting Sonic with a burning passion, so much that I was willing to let him go after me in order to protect my idol. Yes guys, I'm thinking about the fastest thing alive when I'm supposed to be thinking about my mother. When I have thought about her 24/7 and still am.

"Wow so, I guess I'm here in my apartment..." I murmured. "What have I gotten myself into..?"

After a while, I shook my head and began to make my way through the corridoors, passing Sonic's room and entering the stairwell as I did so.

M-S

Knock...

Knock...

Knock...

"Huh?" I murmured, as I gazed at my front door. I didn't know who would want to see me at such an early hour, so I investigated. At first, I thought it was Shadow or even Eggman. Speaking of, I haven't seen him in almost several years, since my last adventure when Tails and I saved the Lost Hex.

I wonder what's up with Baldy McNose Hair now...

As I threw open my door, I saw that no one was there. I was probably just hearing things. Way to go, Sonic.

"Just stop, man." I scolded myself as I closed it. "It's not like you're caught up in a nightmare or anything."

I decided to take a seat on my sofa to think about my apartment and the neighbours. They seemed really friendly and kind, knowing not to bother me too much whenever I was busy. Although, I never got the chance to meet the occupants of Room 302 and get to know them. All I knew was that they were a family of three; a father, mother and daughter. Come to think of it, I always liked talking to older kids since they're mature, kind and will do what the adult tells them.

Heh, maybe I should meet up with the daughter sometime...

That sounded like a brilliant idea. After the party's over, I could head over to Room 302 to get to know her. I'm gonna do it, who knows? Maybe she's a fan..?

A small smile creased my cheeks as I continued pondering. I adored my fans with a passion; they greet me with huge grins which I return and treat me like a normal person. I knew that some would occasionally get excited and squeal, but still...

"Well, time for me to get going..." I muttered, pulling myself up to my feet.

I quickly picked up my keys and walked over to open my front door. Just as I placed my hand on the doorknob, a warning bell starting ringing in my head to indicate this was a bad idea. Looking back one last time at my living room, I shook my thoughts away and braced myself for whatever was waiting for me outside.

I turned the knob and the door slowly creaked open. Instead of the normal pleasant hallways I was used to, it was now incredibly dark, so dark that I couldn't see a thing. But I knew that someone was standing in front of me.

Someone who I didn't even want to think about. Who I dismissed as nonsense when I first arrived in Ashfield.

My panting increased in speed, as panic took control of my body. Standing in front of me was a creepy-looking man draped in a blood stained blue coat with long-dirty blond hair.

"Hello, Sonic."

He smirked with a menacing chuckle which told me what he was here for. I immediately slammed the door on him in a desperate attempt to kick him out. But he pushed against it, struggling in effort.

"No! NO!" I screamed in fright. "GET AWAY FROM ME DUDE!"

The only response was a cold laugh and the door being thrown open, sending me flying until I hit the floor. I pulled myself up to my feet and prepared myself for the fight.

Bring it on, Walter...

S-M

"So, what do we do?!" Sid asked me as we ran through the hostile dark hallways.

I eventually managed to meet up with the Herd in the lobby but unfortunately Tails, Knuckles, Amy and Shadow were nowhere to be seen. Perhaps, they were still in the real world, safe from the horrors that we were currently trapped in now.

"We look around for a little longer and head up to Room 303." I responded, trying so hard not to worry about Sonic. "We won't be here for too long."

"Is there someone you're worried about?" Peaches wanted to know, concern lacing her tone.

My breathing had become quick due to the only thought running through my head. I kept convincing myself that nothing was going to happen to Sonic and that he was going to be okay. But yet, I couldn't help but feel that the worst was going to occur up in that room. "Yes." I responded, stopping to catch my breath. "I'd rather not talk about it though..."

Manny gave me a worried look. "Are you sure? You can tell us if you'd like."

After a brief moment of silence, I shook my head, panting. "I-I-I'll tell you guys later..."

"Okay." Was the answer I recieved.

Becoming more and more overcome with panic, I decided to skip looking around and head straight up to Room 303. I felt like I had to be there instantly, so I told the Herd my plan and they agreed. As we ascended the staircases, I sprinted the whole way up, ignoring the shouts telling me to slow down.

"KID, WAIT UP!" Buck yelled, panting as he and Flynn sprinted after me.

"SLOW DOWN!" Diego also shouted, with concern lacing his tone.

I can't...

Eventually, I reached Sonic's room and already, I could hear my idol screaming and groaning in agony. I scrambled desperately to open the door, whispering Sonic's name repeatedly as my friends arrived to help.

"We got your back kid, just get in there and save your friend alright?" Buck said, feeling just as concerned as I was.

I nodded as I finally unlocked the door. Throwing it open, I sprinted in with my friends in tow and froze at the dreadful sight before us.

NO!

The man turned round to face me, obviously pleased with the result he was getting. But what he didn't know was that there was still a chance for me to rescue Sonic and I was going to take it. Fear quickly transformed into anger as I gave out a scream of rage, lunging towards him.

How dare he?!

I wasn't going to let my guilt become more painful than ever. I wasn't going to let Sonic die and leave this world. Not like in 06 with Mephiles. No!

You f*cking son of a B*TCH!