Chapter 8: Oh, What A Funeral
Willow walked over to a rock and sat down. She glided her hand over the rocky ground. So long… she thought as she let out a sigh. She accidentally hit the book as she felt the ground. She twisted her body to reach it. She slid her boots off and placed them in front her, examining it.
A sudden breeze filled the cave. Willow then rubbed her bare arms and legs. She scooted to one of the walls of the cave and continued to work. Having a hard time seeing, Willow inched closer to the moon's light shining thought the cave's opening.
She bounced the pencil, the one she took from the library, on the book. She flipped to the next blank page and wrote:
Blue prints for the new and improved hover shoes/boots.
From taking the energy source and changing it into a more environmental and better resource I have…
The sound of a rock falling echoed the room, making Willow look up. Feeling spooked, she began to continue her writing.
Why, hello.
Her eye's opened wide. "This… isn't my handwriting." She said aloud. She erased the words and began on a different page.
Blue prints for the new and improved hover shoes/boots.
What are you doing?
Willow's mouth dropped. She did not even mean to put that. Eerily, she responded.
I'm writing up blueprints to fix my brother's shoes.
How intriguing.
Willow was fascinated that she was having a conversation with… herself.
What about the girl?
My sister, Sapphire?
Yes. She's a mean one.
Who are you?
Your subconscious.
Willow twirled the pencil through her fingers. Thinking of what to say next.
So this make me crazy?
No, no you have just dug into your subconscious level seeking answers.
"Answers for what...?" she whispered.
On what's happening around you. Why you are…different.
I'm... different?
Oh, yes! Quiet indeed. But, in a good way.
She rubbed her eyes and rested her head on the book, still continually writing, she didn't care what her subconscious was writing, she was exhausted.
[The next morning]
Willow awoke with no memory of her dream. She stretched out her arms and looked at what was written in the book.
You, Willow, are not who you think you are. I am the real Willow, I'm just stuck inside you. I want to let you know that everything will be okay. I am always here for you. I'm the one who had given you this book. It's a way for us to communicate for the time being. I just didn't want you to be afraid, of what's happening to your body. I'm always here.
From your subconscious, Willow
Willow stared at the book blankly. "I'm going crazy." She got up off the ground. She then sighed and dreadfully said, "Time to go home." She put on her boots and ran out the cave entrance.
The air was slightly warm. The sun shone thought the thousands of leaves.
Her stomach dropped, her parents were probably worried that she was gone for so long. Willow quickly remembered that she had left a note. So they shouldn't be too worried. Sapphire had gotten some time to find out what to do with Willow when she got back. Cole would probably be at the house waiting for me to go hang out somewhere.
Either way, Willow was going to go home. For the good or the bad. She then began to run faster. "What a beautiful day to live." She joyfully said.
She barged in through the front door. "Mom. Dad. I'm home!" Willow placed her shoes next to Flint's. She looked all over the house.
Willow ran up the stairs and looked though all the , in the hall, heard a woman sobbing loudly. She looked out the window. From below, Willow saw Rouge crying in Shadow's arms. Flint, wearing black plain shoes, was also tearing up. He sat next to Cole. It looked like Flint was explaining something to him. Cole, eyes wide open, just listened. Dash, who was sitting on the other side of Flint, had his head in his hands. Sapphire was standing on a podium shuffling though some kind of cards, about to speak. Behind her there was a black casket with Willow's name in bright silver letters.
Willow started to breath heavily. "My dream is coming true…" She said wearily. With confidence, she continued. "But I'm still here." She ran down the stairs and went though many halls to get to the back door.
The door was locked. "Oh, Come on!" Willow said in frustration. "I'll just have to take the long way." She ran back through the house. She finally reached the kitchen and ran outside. She ran around to the side of the house and was faced with a ten foot, gray bricked, wall. The silver gate that matched the wall was also locked.
Willow thought for a second while looking up at this great wall. She walked over and placed her hand on it, feeling the ridges. She then placed her foot upon the wall, beginning to climb.
As she climbed she could hear Sapphire's words echo. "Willow was a bright hedgehog. She was made to bring greatness. Sadly, she passed last night." She teared up, "She was the best sister I have ever had. I wish she hadn't lived such a short life." Willow had gotten up on top of the wall and sat. She saw Sapphire place a white rose, along with many others, on top of the casket. The seats were filled with many unknown Mobians.
Her attention went to Shadow as he took Sapphire's place. "For those of whom had known Willow, she had a condition where…"
Willow hopped off the wall and walked down the aisle made from the separation of chairs. Shadow's mouth dropped. Many Mobians turned around, gasping, as she walked quietly down aisle. She looked towards her father, who was now approaching her. Willow then ran into his arms, crying. Flint, Cole, and Dash all turned around and stood upon seeing Willow.
With wide eyes, Shadow said."Willow… how?"
"I just left to clear my head. I didn't expect you all to think I was dead..." Willow then pushed Shadow away.
"Oh! Willow!' Rouge came over and hugged her daughter. "You're alive!"
"I'm sorry mom…" Willow said as she gasped for air.