Chapter 2 ~ Your Name is Onyx?
-separater-
Disclaimer: Sonic, and any other ideas from the games, tv shows, and comics do not belong to me. I own the ideas for this fic and my Shadow Reincarnation/oc.
A/N:
I hopesome people liked the last chapter. Things are just getting started, and some things will be explained in this chapter.
-separater-
:power at 60%:
:chaos at 32%:
:outer functions at 41%:
:inner functions at 58%:
:overall functions at 49%:
:much physical action is not advised:
I blinked as the readings appeared before my closed eyes. A blanket was covering me, and there was someone else nearby. I looked down to see a blue hedgehog near me. Another glance told me I was on a couch, and he was leaning against it asleep.
I tried to speak but found it hurt to open my mouth. A quick scan of my condition told me that there was internal bleeding and that my jaw was fractured. If I wanted to get points across I would have to use body language or find something to write on. Great. Two things I wasn't good at. Why? I suspect it isn't in my programming, but I am not completely sure.
The blue hedgehog grumbled and snuggled closer to the couch. I reached out a hand, marveling at the bandages that covered it, and touched his face. I allowed my hand to move down to his neck, stroking gently. He leaned into the touch, and even seemed to like it. I froze as I heard him mumble. Was he waking up?
I stretched my arms and then sat up. I started pulling at the bandages, trying to remove them. They needed to be cleaned anyway. I doubt they will do much good for very long. I am a fast healer, and this won't last too long. This period of weakness … low energy …
I turned onto my back and growled softly. Then my ears twitched as I could hear something tearing. It sounded like the person, or thing, was trying to be quiet, but to my ears it was pretty loud. I cracked my eyes open and stared at the sight before me.
The hedgehog was awake. Now that it was light outside I was able to see more of the appearance that I hadn't caught from last night. His fur was dark red, [a color darker than blood but not quite black] the fur that should have been white or peach was black, and his eyes … they were the weirdest thing. They were a fathomless black, and they were the kind of eyes you never wanted to look into. Yet, they were also the kind of eyes you couldn't look away from once you did.
I found myself staring into them as I stood up to crack my back. Sleeping against the couch and floor had left me kind of stiff.
"So … how are you feeling?" I asked the other. He shrugged and tried to open his mouth. As he did, he was overcome by a fit of coughing. This lasted for a while, and he coughed up blood. I was worried, but not sure if I should push the issue. Some people did better if you gave them a while to get adjusted to their surroundings first.
Yeah. I know stuff like that. Since first meeting Shadow things had changed about me. I was somewhat more serious, a bit stronger, and less hyperactive. It didn't do to be like that, when you were supposed to be saving the world. Gone was the hyper, extremely rash, and crazy hero most had known. I was still a bit hyper, somewhat rash, and crazy, but it was definitely toned down quite a lot. Enough to be able to handle situations better anyway.
He looked down, breaking the eye contact. I waited, for anything, but nothing happened.
"Your throat is messed up then? Can you write?" I asked, still saying things that popped up in my head. Usually I was a bit better at holding things back, but this was someone who didn't know me …
He nodded, and immediately clutched at his jaw.
"You having problems moving? I'll find one of Tails' sketchpads and something to write with. Would you like something to eat as well?" I asked. His eyes lit up at the prospect of food. I smiled, one that was genuine since Shadow had left, and went off to find the items.
When I came back he was lying horizontally on the couch. I laid the pad and pencil I had found on the table and went into the kitchen. I could hear him scratching away with the pencil as I filled a glass with cold water. I came back into the room and placed it in front of him.
"Do you have questions for me?" I asked. He nudged the pad and picked up the glass of water. He sniffed it and then tipped the glass so he could drink from it.
Trhying to drink the water was a mistake. As soon as the liquid hit the back of my throat I started coughing again. I forced the blood back down and swallowed the water. I started sipping it slowly, watching the blue hedgehog. He picked up the pad of paper and scrutinized my writing. I knew it wasn't perfect, but it would at least give some light to the situation. I hated being unable to communicate verbally, but if I was able, I would use other means to get my point across.
I scanned the pad and blinked.
'I can't speak because my jaw is fractured. It hurts to even nod my head. Things are so strange … Where am I? You seem kind of familiar but …'
What did he mean familiar? I had never met this hedgehog in my life …
"… you are in my house. I live here with my little brother Tails the fox. As for why I seem familiar … I don't know. I have only known you for no more than … twelve or thirteen hours I think. You were unconscious for most of it …" I said, feeling a bit sheepish. I rubbed the back of my neck and turned to the nearest window. The sun was shining brightly, and I could guess it was just after noon. The scratching of pencil against paper brought me back to reality.
After writing something down the red hedgehog tried to hold out the pad, but nearly dropped it. My eyes roamed his body for a moment, until finally landing on his left arm. The bandages were hanging loosely, and blood was soaking them red, a shade that was still lighter than his fur. I gently pried the pad out of his fingers and made my way over to the kitchen to retrieve the first aid kit. I opened it and noticed that Tails had used the rest of the bandages on my burns last night. Growling softly I came back into the living room and glanced at the rest of his injuries. They would need to be treated and the bandages changed soon.
"I'll go get some more bandages. If you can write more go ahead." I said. I could see understanding in those black eyes as I walked to the bathroom. I pulled another first aid kit out of the cabinet and left the bathroom. I came back and found him covering the bloody arm with a hand. I put down the kit and tugged lightly on his hand.
"You have to remove your hand so I can treat your arm." I said.
He stared at the pad and I picked it up.
'I know better than you do about my condition. I'll be fine in a few days. Medical supplies ...'
'Thank you … I have never had anyone else try to help me before. It's always been 'protect him' or 'keep him locked up.''
This news irritated me. I clenched my hands into fists. I only stopped as my claws drew blood. I turned to the other and removed the hand covering the wound. I had also brought a wash cloth with me to clean up the injuries. I tore the bandage on his arm, watching in grim fascination as the blood begun to flow faster. I gestured for him to move to the floor and let the wash cloth glide over the bloodied fur. He complied and sat leaning against the couch. It reminded me of how I'd been when I had finishe cleaning him up last night.
I shook my head and focused on the task at hand. I waited until the wound stopped bleeding to apply more ointment. Once that was done I wrapped it and carefully removed the rest of the bandages. After re-dressing them I sighed and sat down next to him. He grabbed the pad and pencil and wrote again.
I took the pad when he was finished.
'What is your name? I would like to know the name of the one who saved me.'
"Sonic … My name is Sonic. Sonic the hedgehog." I said, still seeing that title as somewhat important. I had been saying it since I was young.
'Sonic? Why does that name seem familiar …
Food? Do you have food?'
"Yes, do you think you can stand?" I asked.
'I'll try.'
I watched as he tried to stand. It was almost painful to watch. He managed to catch himself on the arm of the couch when he tried to stand but it was obvious he would need my assistance. I handed him the pad and he quickly scribbled something.
'I think I'll need some help, at least for now.'
"I thought so. Here." I said, placing an arm around his shoulders and grabbing the pad and pencil with the other.
He smiled thinly and started to move. He leaned heavily on me but we were able to make it to the kitchen without him falling. I helped him into a chair and handed him the pad.
"Is there anything in particular you want to eat?" I asked.
'No … I'll probably eat anything.'
"Alright …" I said with a chucle, opening the fridge.
When I found nothing edible in there I opened up the cupboards. I could see him writing again out of the corner of my eye as I scanned the shelves for food. A few cans of soup would probably be fine.
"When was the last time you ate anything?" I asked. He glanced up and then scribbled on the pad once more.
He held it up as I put the can onto the stove.
'The only thing I was allowed to eat before was this paste. It was colorless, tasteless, and barely held what I needed to survive. … last I ate? It had to be at least three days ago …'
"Soup will probably be a good place to start. It's semi-solid, and shouldn't be that hard to keep down." I said, getting out a pan and filling it with water. I opened the can and poured its contents into the pan. Then I turned on the stove and sat down across from him.
:power at 40%:
:it is advised not to eat anything solid:
I wanted to growl at the information but knew it would only make my jaw hurt even more than it already did. I wasn't sure why I was part machine, but it was useful at times. Like when I wanted to know how badly I was hurt. But other times … it was annoying and downright depressing.
I was brought out of my thoughts as a high pitched whistling noise rang throughout the kitchen. I instinctively covered my ears and watched as Sonic went over to the metal box. He turned a few dials and then the noise stopped. I wondered what he was doing but thought better of asking.
'Is it ready?' I wrote. I held up the pad and he nodded.
"I hope it's not too hot." He said, pouring some of it into a bowl. He got out a spoon and pushed both over the table to me.
I eyed them curiously before picking up the spoon. I took a sip of the food and could feel my eyes warming up at the taste. It was better than anything I had ever eaten before.
Possibly … but there's no way I've done that before …
As he ate I fixed a bowl for myself. I was happy to find him eating when I sat back down.
"You like it?" I asked. He wrote a quick 'yes' and continued eating. I nodded and dug in myself. It was pretty good, and I had been eating this stuff for quite a while.
After giving him a few more bowls and indulging in more myself I helped him back to the couch.
'Don't you need to clean and re-bandage your wounds?'
"Tails can help me when he gets back." I said. His eyes smoldered for a second before he shook his head a bit. He grabbed my arm, a surprisingly strong grip for one so injured, and pulled me onto the couch beside him. He opened the first aid kit and cut the bindings on my arms with the claws of his right hand. I blinked and then nearly fell off of the couch as he yanked my right arm toward him.
I steadied myself and gave him a playful glare.
'Stop struggling. I am going to do it myself. I know what I'm doing.' He scrawled on the pad. I nodded and leaned against the back of the couch. He grinned a bit and cleaned the wounds by licking them.
I was about to protest when I remembered that the wash cloth was covered in his blood. Although his method was a bit questionable, it got the job done. He applied some burn salve, [found in the kit] and wrapped the wounds again. I nodded gratefully and moved to the floor. I helped him lie down and stared lazily into those fathomless black orbs.
I found myself becoming lost in that dark gaze. One moment I was watching him and the next my eyes were feeling heavy. With the last of my energy I pulled the blanket over both of us and snuggled under it. He was having none of this, pulling me onto the couch with him. I blinked, as he pushed me to the back of the couch, and then closed my eyes as his arms lightly wrapped around me. A look at him told me that he had fallen asleep a few minutes ago.
I awoke some time later to find there was no light filtering in through the windows. I tried to move, but found a furry body pressed against my own. I looked over to find Sonic's body pressing comfortably against my own. Had I pulled him onto the couch in my sleep? No matter how he'd gotten there it felt nice.
As nice as this was I had to move. Being trapped in a capsule for so long had made me edgy. I hated being caged or stuck in one place too long. I gently slid from the couch and tried to stand. I steadied myself on the edge, my claws digging into the soft fabric. After a few moments I found I could stand without the support of the object.
:power at 69%:
:chaos at 55%:
:outer functions at 65%:
:inner functions at 75%:
:overall function at 70%:
:fighting is not advised but most other actions are alright:
I glared ahead and felt something sparking underneath the bandages on my left arm. I tore the ones near my wrist and saw a dark pattern. I gingerly touched it and a keypad appeared. I studied it for a minute before making a decision. I typed in the question:
Can I run?
With the full keyboard.
:Yes. But it is not advised. Very likely to run out of energy too quickly.:
Why?:
:Until chaos is above 75 percent most physical activity should be minimal.:
Reason:
:It is how you function. It is easier to respond to commands. I am the hard drive of your system, not a person.:
Right. Not like this is weird or anything.
What Happened to me? Why am I like a machine … but not …?:
:You are a machine. The one who created you changed things a lot. I have much information for you to read on that.:
You didn't really answer my question.:
:You are a bio-creature. This is different than an android.:
Android?
Name:
:AXYS1872900000002:
What do I call myself? Not in machine terms.:
:Your official title is Project Onyx. What you call yourself is up to you. You can be the weapon you were created to be or not …:
Weapon? … weapon I was created to be?
I walked to the kitchen and picked up the pad. What would I ask Sonic when he woke up? Could I even talk now?
Can I speak, or is my jaw still out of order?:
:You should be able to. It will be rather hard to manage, be aware of coughing up blood.:
Great.
I opened my eyes slowly. The first thing I noticed was the lack of warmth near me. I was sure that the red hedgehog had pulled me into his embrace earlier. I shook my head and stood to my feet. I searched the bathroom, Tils' work rooms, and the rest of the house for my patient. The kitchen was the only place I hadn't been …
I pressed a black button on the keyboard and it faded back into my skin. The black pattern adorned my wrist once more, and I stared at it for a bit. I could hear noise from somewhere in the house.
What is that?:
:it is the one who was helping you. Sonic … I believe.:
Right, the blue hedgehog who had saved him from the fire and that negative presence …
I stopped my partially frantic searching as I entered the kitchen. He was sitting at the table just like yesterday.
"… I am glad I found you. You hungry?" I asked. He nodded, and pulled the pad toward him.
"Soup alright again? Either Tails or I need to go get groceries. There isn't much edible here right now."
He nodded and wrote something on the pad.
'I feel much better. I am healing rather well.'
"I am glad to hear that. This shouldn't take too long." I said, preparing the stove. I sat down and my eyes were instantly riveted to those black orbs. He blinked and made a strange sound in the back of his throat. I shrugged and went to turn off the stove as it beeped.
I passed him a bowl and made one for myself. For a few minutes the only noise was us eating.
"… Sonic?"
"You can speak now? You sure you're not straining too much?"
"… no."
"… uh … What's your name? Or do you not remember …"
"… Onyx."
"Onyx? Where're you from to have a name like that?" asked Tails as he came into the room. The black furry shook his head and went back to eating.
"He can't talk that well yet Tails." I said. The black hedgehog gave me a playful glare and nudged my foot with his leg. I returned the glare and smiled at Tails. He gave me a weird look and made a bowl for himself.
-separater-
A/N:
There will be more action in this chapter. I am sure there are things that are going to be confusing. They'll be figured out soon. I am going to have a whole segment where Onyx reads about his past some time down the road. If you hav questions, feel free to ask.
R and R