Fire...

Flame...

Heat...

Consumption...

These feelings raced through the dark figures mind as he held out his hand to the flame. The fire levitated above this sacred ruin, waiting for a worthy one to come and claim its power. He could feel the raw power of destruction within the great entity of fire, so to eliminate those who would resist the flame. Any in its way would be consumed, and overridden by the force of this one power.

"It must be mine..."

As the flames caressed the flesh that had been offered into it, the shadowy figure was seen clearly in the red light. Light revealed the short whiskers and bushy tail of a fox. His fur was colored a fiery orange, like many of his kind, and his two amber eyes reflected flame's image. His fur was ruffled, and uneven, as he had been through a struggle to reach where he was now. This was a sacred place, and there were certainly enough pitfalls to make this one moment worth the struggle.

As the orange hand of the fox glinted in the flaming light, it did not burn. The fire, which always consumed, eradicated and destroyed anything it was offered, seemed to be appeased by this offering. The plumes of flame surrounded the open hand, and instead of pain and agony, gave the bearer warmth and pleasure. The fire spiraled around and around, continually massaging the skin, flowing under the claws, and energizing the body.

The fox closed his eyes as the power rushed into him. The flames of destruction ran through his body, and into his soul. It did not harm him in any way, but yet seemed to fill him with a powerful essence, another existence housed inside of him. It flowed through his arms, releasing heat and power.

When the fox opened his eyes, he looked at himself. He was no longer the fox he had been before, nor was he even to be considered close to human. His dark red fur flowed in the wind as he looked out toward the distant sunset. The black streaks along his back outlined him against the lighted ground, as maniacal laughter erupted from the throat of the beast, the holder of the flame.

Chapter 3: Ability Acquisition

The last night has been a strange one, and one that I would not like to repeat. Oh, woe to my poor mind. Amy tried to fill me in on many things about my life, telling me about most of my past. Sonic... I don't remember him, but apparently, we treat each other like brothers, sharing our time and possessions to help save the world from the clutches of the Evil Dr. Eggman. I cannot believe that this is what my life is like. It seems too much like I am the character of a video game series created by SEGA. Saving the world? Me? I don't know whether or not to believe this, but I still feel like a fool. There is little that I have been told however, so I cannot decide quite yet whether or not to believe Amy.

Another thing that I find quite strange is that the last she heard, Amy thought I had moved my lab over to Shamar, and decided to stay there with a man named Professor Pickle. I had no Idea that I was acquainted with a world-known professor. To do that at age 12, I would have to be some kind of super genius.

Though I am inclined to disregard all that Amy has told me, I thanked her politely for her kindness and hospitality. I set off to find the lab once again. If I could find my way back there, maybe I could find out more about my past. I passed through alleyways, retracing my steps from the past night. As I progressed, I continually wondered about my past. Was it really what I've been told? I didn't want to be a hero. If I was one, then I certainly didn't like it. I just wanted my memory back, so that I might live my life like any other person, with friends to talk to, business to make, and a purpose to fulfill.

I was still wondering about this when I was suddenly cut off by a man in front of me. He was taller than me by May feet, and cast a large shadow over me. I looked into the alley behind me to see more men, blocking off my escape route. The man in front of me made an evil smile.

"We've got you surrounded," He said, cracking his knuckles noisily. "You're gonna give us all your money right now, or else!"

I backed away from the man, now knowing of his malicious intent. "I'm very sorry sir, but I'm completely broke right now. I don't have any money to give you, so may I please pass?"

This only made the grin on the man's face wider. "You're getting nowhere with me. If you don't have money, then why aren't you as skinny as everyone else here? If you don't give me money, then prepare yourself to be flayed alive!"

The man jumped forward, fists flying towards my gut. I quickly dodged the attack, and for a moment, forgot that there were more men behind me. One of them sent a flying kick at my side, knocking me over into the wall. Angry now, I threw punches of my own. On my left, the biggest thug among them, and also the one I had been talking to, was still throwing punches everywhere. I was too quick for him, and his fists, one by one, met the swish of air. I kicked, punched, and tried to defend myself, but it was no use. There were too many of them, and as soon as I could land a blow, I received another. I stood against a wall, cornered, holding onto my battered knees, as they advanced on me now. They knew I had no hope of escape, and laughed maniacally.

"Hahahahaha! Ready to throw us some cash now?!"

I had no intention of giving in. I dodged as more blows came my way. I tried to dodge, but suddenly, before I knew anything, I was hanging by one of my Tails, gripped by the tallest of the thugs. I tried to struggle, but I was helpless to resist them. The thugs laughed, as one of them pulled out a switchblade, and held it up to my neck. I was punched in the jaw, and found myself coughing up blood, preparing myself for the worst. Their laughter was never-ending, mocking me as I was near death. I was thrown against a wall, knocking me onto my side, broken and bloody. I attempted to stand, but my legs were too weak to support me. As one of the Thugs came up to me, ready to deal the final blow, I whipped my Tails out, knocking him over. I did it instinctively, not realizing what I had done until it was over. I looked at my tails, astounded that they could actually do something. The men were still laughing at my efforts, and it made me remember...

Flying...

Through the autumn air...

Nothing supporting me...

Just me and the sky...

Fusing myself with the air, swooping and swirling through the skies, as I spun my tails above my head...

At this realization, I immediately tried to repeat it. I stood up with a great deal of effort, and ran as fast as I could. The thugs ran after me, thinking I was trying to get away, but were astounded as I started spinning my tails in a circle behind me. I felt my feet leaving the ground, and looked down. The ground was slowly being left behind, as the astonished thugs stood, paralyzed by the sight. I saw buildings giving way to open air, and the whole city below me.

I was flying.

I saw a large building in the distance, one that reminded me of the lab I had come from. I flew through the air, the wind in my face, in the shining sun. I landed in front of the lab, opened the door...

...and fainted out of exhaustion.