Sonic the Hedgehog

Forced AU

Rating: R

Pairings: None (Undecided)

A/N: Follow story development on tumblr blog sonicforcesau

It was snowing. Lights of different colours illuminated the street as owners decorated their establishments with Christmas themes for the occasion.

Two months had already passed since the kidnapping of Cyrus the Panther. And apparently, Vulpes the Fox had managed to get the authorities to throw the cat into prison for trafficking of contraband. How the vulpine did it: Finnigan had no idea, but it was probably a sly fox thing; he concluded in his head.

And they were paid, very handsomely; he might add. Vulpes the Fox was rich beyond imagination. The monopoly in the smoking market must have helped a lot; selling cancer to the general public of Mobius.

"Hey guys, look!" Clyde suddenly spoke up. "A public concert!"

And sure enough, the jackals began to hear the sounds of instruments being performed in the main square of City's square: Sunset Heights.

'Who named this place City…?' the Ultimate Mercenary thought to himself as they made their way to the concert. What caught their attention is the presence of not only one, but two orchestras present in the square. And one was not like the other.

There was a banner hung on the notice board of the square:

'Christmas Concert! City Music School Orchestra and Chun Nan Music School Orchestra!'

"What are those instruments, Finn?" asked Clyde, referring to the Chun Nan orchestra who were the current performers. "I've never seen them before!"

"I have no idea." came the reply.

"They're from Chun Nan." replied Cassidy, who seemed to have knowledge in the subject. "Those instruments are native to that region of Mobius."

"I see!" Clyde replied.

Loud applause and cheers commending their music began as the Chun Nan Orchestra finished performing their piece, as the next performers - the City Music School Orchestra - did their final tuning checks before they began to play.

The conductor of the orchestra walked onto the platform placed in front of the orchestra, and signalled the start of the piece.

And out came the most beautiful playing of piano that the jackals have ever heard. The audience were silent in the anticipation of an even more impressive performance as the other orchestral instruments slowly joined in playing the music.

Curious of the player of the piano - who was obviously way more skilled than the rest of the orchestra - Finnigan scanned his eyes for the figure sitting behind the grand piano. But, he couldn't get a clear look, as the place was too crowded for him to see behind the piano which blocked his view of the performer.

However, he could clearly see red fur, and bespectacled eyes focusing on the score placed in front. The maned jackal had no idea what the red-furred mobian's hands were doing, but they somehow were able to produce the best tones out of the grand piano.

The music grew louder, as the waving hands of the conductor was brought up gently, signalling the performers to a crescendo. The percussions finally joined in, and the piece was finally full.

They were playing a very grand version of a Christmas song that Finnigan remembers always hearing at this time of the year.

It reminded him of the times of when he was younger. When he'd celebrate Christmas with his parents:

"Finn!" his mother called him over, causing a certain young jackal to happily run over. "Look what daddy and I got you for Christmas!"

And the young jackal excitedly opened up the parcel, revealing to his mismatched eyes: A brand new pack of Lego bricks.

"Is this for me?" he excitedly confirmed, ready to play with them.

"Yes, my dear Finn." replied his mother with a sweet, loving smile as young Finnigan decided to jump into her mother's arms and give her a hug.

"Thank you, mom!"

Loud applause and cheering snapped him out of his memories. The performance was already over, and the performers stood up as the conductor bowed on behalf of the orchestra. Although they were stood up, Finnigan still could not catch a view of the pianist.

Oh well.

"Wasn't that great?" Clyde asked to the jackals.

"Sure, Clyde." Jesse responded. "Let's go eat, I'm really hungry!"

"I heard there's this restaurant nearby…" Salvador suggested. But Finnigan wasn't listening.

He just dragged his feet as he followed the group.

How many years has it been? How many years passed since that day he began to live alone? How many years since the day he pushed himself to train, to work, to get better at this work so he could get stronger, so that he could provide for himself?

So that he would not sleep on the streets again?

Finnigan could not remember. He could not recall - It has been too long.

Sighing deeply, he looked once more at the four jackals walking ahead of him. They were making conversation, and the group laughed at some of Clyde's antics.

A small smile tugged at his face. This was what he was given now. The closest thing he had to a family - the Jackal Squad. The second chance of a normal life; of kinship, of love.

And he vowed to protect each and every single one of the jackals with his life.

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