Heya guys! Like I promised, I updated within two days! This here is gonna be pretty cool, I enjoyed writing it! So, as of starting today, I'll be updating every week, and if there is something special(which I'll let you know), I'll update within days. Oh, and flame me if I don't keep my promise(which I will, so you won't be able to do so! Ha!). Enjoy this chappie!

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Sonic the Hedgehog: The True Power of Music

Chapter Eight

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It wasn't like I wanted to wake up; after all, I'm the type of person who loves to snuggle into my pillow, dream of heavenly food and about flying. It was just by pure instinct that my eyelids opened themselves up. My sight was still a bit blurry, but I regained my vision within a few seconds. I sat up and stretched my arms out, giving out yawn and a happy grunt. "Whoa, that was a good sleep."

My hands slipped down to my neck, grabbing onto a necklace that I had possessed for a long time. Tied onto the golden necklace was pendant, a pale, blue stone, and had this wonderful shape of a tear. It was small, about an inch long, but as my long possessed treasure, it had great worth for me. My mother told me that she bought it for me once I was born (well, more like she told somebody to buy it for her, since she was forbidden to leave the hospital). My birth was the greatest moment of her life, and she shed many tears for it. And when one of them fell onto my head and rolled down to my neck, it was then that she came up with the idea of this pendant. Ever since, I'm proud to have a beautiful jewel like this one. I rubbed my stomach. I felt kind of sick, but that's what you feel when you wake up in the morning and had nothing to eat. You know you're hungry, but you feel that if you were going to eat something, you just might throw up. I don't think I actually need to explain this kind of detail, do I?

"I hope they have something edible around here." I yawned loudly, ignoring what was around me. Maybe it would've been wiser to pay more attention.

"Well look who's finally awake…"

I was so startled to hear a voice; I let out a short scream. I noticed then I was at the very edge of the bed, and if I'd move a bit more, then you know what would happen. Through that surprise, I made a start to the side and, as you guessed it, fell off the bed, bumping the back of my head on the ground. Seriously, why do I always have to fall?

As I lay there, I pulled my knees to my stomach and held my head in my hands, squeaking in pain. It was a minute later after I got up, and after that fall, the headaches were already back. "Ouch…" I groaned, stroking my head, "Not again…"

"Hey, are you all right? I didn't mean to surprise you." The rough yet worried voice said.

"Don't worry. It always happens to me, so it's not your fault at all."

I grabbed the edge of the bed and pulled myself up. I looked over my bed and over there, Knuckles was standing on the opposite side, staring at me with eye-brows raised in worry and hands hesitatingly reached out. In another moment, after we had a short stare at each, he changed his expression. Arms pulled back, his one hand balled into a fist was placed on the side of his hip while the other hung on the other side, he stared awkwardly at me.

"You are sure one heck of a person…" he said.

"Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment." I moaned and stood up, "How long were you here?"

"Ever since you fell asleep." He explained, "If Eggman's after you, then we can't risk leaving you alone."

I managed a smile after the pain. The fact that someone was watching over me made me feel like I could rely on them. "Thanks, Knuckles. I feel a lot safer now."

"It's nothing really…" The red echidna responded, although I couldn't define if it was out of pride or embarrassment. Maybe it was both.

He headed towards the door, as if escaping the situation. I was beginning to guess that he really didn't want to have anything to do with me after the impression I gave him. What? I'm sensitive! I worry a lot, and that's a habit! But then the red echidna turned back at me and gave a grin.

"You might want to come down if you want to eat something. The meal's ready. And don't worry, all the food we have here are edible."

My head boiled up in embarrassment. "Argh, what I said before-" I began, but cut off when I blushed. And by the sound of his chuckle, I could conclude that he noticed it.

"No need to get embarrassed!" he laughed, "Just come down with me and see it for yourself."

My hopes rose when he told me to come with him. I guess first impressions don't matter much to him. With a wide smile, I excitedly got up on my feet and walked to Knuckles to head downstairs.

Curious of where exactly I was and what kind of stuff there was here, I looked around me, examining every detail of this location, turning my head from left to right and from top to bottom. It looked like a nice, neat house for Sonic's friends to live in. Smooth, white, concrete walls, comfortable, beige-tiled, floors with a few carpets spread out in some place, and windows brightening up the hallways we've passed through. It was a normal house for one, but it sure looked expensive for them to live in.

"How did you guys manage to get this kind of place?" I asked.

"Well, we just moved in." He replied, "Some friends we met recently gave it to us after we saved their lives from crashing downhill."

Now I knew that I wasn't the only one who knew about them. Shame… If I had the chance, I would've wanted to tell my friends that I was with Sonic and his friends before anyone else. Anyway, at least I can tell them that I was with them, before I was the first one to be kidnapped by Doctor Eggman. Now I'd like to see my school-friends' faces when I tell them that.

They'll probably think I'm crazy.

When we went downstairs, I looked ahead of me and held my hands over my mouth, gasping in amazement. There was this huge table ahead of us, with loads of delicious and gorgeous foods, from pastries to fruits and from tea to hot chocolate. The air just filled itself with that marvelous scent in which you could easily give in and crumble to the ground in defeat. And my mouth drooled at that beautiful sight, just wanting to get a taste of these fine meals.

Past the table were several cozy couches, where several other characters I knew sat down there. If there was a way to describe this moment, then I'd say that I really felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I couldn't believe it, but they were all there: Cream, Cheese, Amy, even Big and Froggy…

"Hey, she's awake!"

Tails was the first to get up and to get to me, spinning his tails into a propeller so that he could fly to me. No sooner had he made his landing before me, the others jumped out of the couch and stormed excitedly to me.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked.

"Y… Yeah." I choked out, startled by their sudden movement as the whole team now stood in front of me.

Wow. Can you imagine how it was to be in front of them? Some would say "It's an honor" or "What a pleasure" or they would even squeal and fall to the ground, then turn around in circles and scream "Oh my God, it's them". To me, it was a mixture of all of them. Yes, I would squeal if I could, but let's just stick to the point that I'm not crazy enough to go on the floor and go around in circles. That would creep the others. 

out and make me look crazy. But I mean, how can you react if your hero icons, your idols, whatever you would call them, would stand before you? At first, I didn't say anything, because I was under complete surprise.

I got out of my thoughts when the cute little bunny came up to me with that heart-warming smile of hers. "Hello, my name is Cream." She said, then pointed to her little floating friend beside her, "And this Cheese, he's my Chao."

Next came the pink hedgehog, the head-strong female in this group. "I'm Amy Rose." The pink hedgehog said proudly.

Then, the tall, burly, purple cat stepped up and had his companion on his left shoulder. "Hello. This is Froggy, and I am Big."

It sure took him a long time to answer. As you would know, Big has this special way of saying everything slowly, so it wouldn't be and shouldn't be a surprise that you'd get the feeling that he was stuck in the world of slow-motion. But no matter how he was, I thought he still looked cute.

I had to laugh when I saw all their excited faces. It was strange to think that before, I thought I wasn't welcome after the little incident in the room. I know, I lack self-confidence. "It's a pleasure to meet you guys." I said, "My name is Christine." When I noticed that there was only them so far, a question rose up in my mind and it came out of my mouth a few seconds later. "Are you the only ones here?"

"Yes we are!" the echidna behind me almost screamed.

I was startled by his reaction, and began to wonder why he looked so angry. I didn't understand at first, but the answer just came up.

"Aww, you don't like it when I'm around, echidna?" a voice teased from behind him.

He turned around in a jump and backed away from his sworn enemy. I, on the other, didn't dare to step back.

"Rouge the Bat is also here?!" I cried overjoyed, and ran to her, shaking her hand, "Oh my God, Rouge the Bat! It's a great pleasure to be honored… No! I mean it's an honor, a great pleasure to see you… I'm happy to meet you, Rouge. My name is Christine."

Now, you see, I was still able to get control over myself when I faced the whole gang before, but Rouge the Bat? I could hardly get ahold of myself. I was losing my mind! Rouge was without a doubt my favorite female character in the game. The others were cool too, but I always loved that attitude of hers.

"B-b-b-b-b-b-b-but, Christine!" the red echidna stammered.

"It's good to hear that at least someone appreciates me around here." She smirked, "And I also like the fact she praises me more than you, Knuckles."

"What'd you say?!" he said angered and went head to head with Rouge.

Knowing this was going to be another feud of the teasing bat and the teased echidna, I quickly went in-between them, pushing them away in opposite direction. "Hey, take it easy, guys." I said, chuckling about it, "I really loved every character in the stories, so let's just stick with the All-of-you-are-incredibly-cool-to-me-no-matter-the-difference quote."

Heh, I can't just admit openly that she was my favorite character; it wouldn't be fair for the others.

I pulled my arms back to me, and then turned my attention to the bat when she gave me one of these sly grins.

"Well, since you already know my name, I'll just say that I'm glad to meet you too." She said.

It was only then that I noticed something faint in the atmosphere. A clunking sound, mixed with clicking and switching noises, coming closer to us both. Then, when I looked beyond Rouge, a red familiar robot approached in stomps and stood next to the treasure hunter. If you didn't know his name, then don't worry. You can easily guess it if you look at his body, for it is carved onto him as a symbol. And if you didn't know what this symbol was, then I suggest you to either pay attention in history or math or take Greek lessons.

"I don't believe it!" I squealed, "Omega!"

He stepped up to me and looked down at me. He was just one feet taller than me. Then, something in his eyes caught my attention. They looked like cameras, if you want a good description. They made a whirring sound and a few click, and it sure looked like they were going to come out of his eyes.

"Initiating analysis." Is what he said first. I made a frightened start when a red laser came out of his eyes and beamed on me. I thought for a moment I was going to hurt, but instead, it just did nothing. It was a normal laser, and Omega used on me, tilting his head from up to down as if he was looking into every detail of me. And I have to say, I thought my eyes would ache when I would look straight into a laser, but looking into Omega's, it just didn't, to my surprise. And then, after doing the same process from right to left, the robot said:

"Scan complete. Christine Alicia Stone, daughter of the famous fashion designer Jessica Stone, age sixteen."

Informal and informative as usual, I had to let out a small chuckle.

He lifted his right metallic arm up to me and said: "Nice to meet you. My name is E-123 Omega."

Understanding his actions, I grabbed his metallic hand and shook it gently.

"It's great to meet you too, Omega." I smiled brightly.

"I am the last, but never the least member of this so-called team."

I didn't even have to think to know that someone was missing. I quickly lifted my head up as I heard that dark, soft voice, so known to me, emerging from another place. Oh my god, was it really…?

"I am Shadow." He spoke darkly.

Yes, I was right. Over there, leaning against the wall with arms crossed, was the rival of Sonic. Wait, that's not all he was gonna say. I tell you; this was always my favorite moment whenever he appeared.

"Shadow the Hedgehog." He ended his introduction.

Oh my God, he always says that, but you have to admit: no matter how many times he said it, I'm sure you could never get over it when he did it in his cool, dark ways. Like I always say, classic!

"I wouldn't expect any other kind of introduction from you, Shadow the Hedgehog." I chuckled, "I'm pleased to meet you as well."

His red eyes looked away from mine as he gave a puff, looking like he didn't care that I was here. It's quite typical from him: he never shows his emotions, does he?

Noticing that Sonic wasn't among them, I raised an eye-brow. "So… Where is Sonic?" I asked curiously.

"Heheh, we don't have any idea…" Tails laughed nervously, "But he'll be back soon enough. I don't think he'd want to miss breakfast."

"Did anyone say breakfast?"

We all turned our heads to a door, where he stood there calmly with his cool looks.

"Sonic!" Amy cried, running towards him.

He sped towards us, ignoring Amy as he passed her by, and stood in front of me.

"Hey, good to see ya finally awake, Christine!" he said in a smile.

"Good to see that you're still gifted with avoiding the pink target." I chuckled, "But you know, you should never let your guard-"

"Sooooonic!" Amy cried.

When Sonic turned around, ready to run away from her, it was already too late. He was held in Amy's arms, partially suffocating.

"…down." I ended my phrase, and then burst out into laughter.

"A-Amy!" he said annoyed, trying to free himself from her hug.

"Maybe it would be the best time to have breakfast." Knuckles said, a bit irritated by that sight.

"You know, I couldn't agree more, 'cause for once, you are right." Rouge the bat stated, apparently enjoying the way she teased him.

"I am ALWAYS right!!" he shouted back at her, then grumpily went to the table and sat down.

I approached Rouge and whispered right next to her: "You know, Rouge, to be honest, what I always liked about you two was the way you teased him and the way he reacted in the end."

"You don't say?" she said in a laugh, "That's why I keep on doing it. He needs to speak out more. He has always been the shy one."

"I am NOT shy!" we both heard him screaming from the table.

We both looked at each other, and giggled.

"See? What did I tell ya?" she said and headed towards the table. I noticed that she sat on purposely right next to him, and he argued about that. Man, it was always so funny to see the echidna's reaction.

"Let's go and sit down as well." Tails said, "You're coming?"

"Yeah, I am, just…" I looked over to Shadow. "Are you coming too, Shadow?"

He didn't say anything at first, and stood there still. I waited and waited, but no words came out of his mouth nor did he react. Heh, not too much of a speaker either… And is he that lazy as well?

I went towards him, guessing that he does want to come, then grabbed around his wrist. "Come on! Let's go eat!"

"What are you doing?" he said rather surprised.

"Making you go to that table, since you're not moving."

"But I-"

"You need all the energy you can get from a breakfast meal. If you're planning on beating Sonic one day, then you'll have to eat properly. Okay?"

He stared at me with an astonished look, then looked away and answered: "Whatever…"

I smiled. I was guessing that he accepted the way I thought. Oh man, I couldn't be any more proud of myself! We went to the table and I sat down next to Tails Weird enough, Shadow sat down right next to me by his own will. Now I was the one surprised. Yes! And there, we began to eat our breakfast, enjoying the lovely taste of different pastries and the tasty sweet hot chocolate, calming, relaxing and definitely satisfying as usual.

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Breakfast has always been satisfying. But what will be Christine and her friends' next move? Find out next week!

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Other than that, how was it? I'll accept any kind of critics if you have any! Oh, and don't forget: REVIEW!!