Chapter 8: The shocking truth

The next day was a rather peaceful day. People were mainly in the park chatting, having fun, or hanging around. A certain blue hedgehog decided to roam around the city. But, just like yesterday, he recieved odd stares, but only a few this time. There was a difference though, Sonic was greeted by fans and people thanked him for saving their beloved city. Sonic, of course, would say stuff like "no problem" "heh, it was easy" "it's what I do" or he would be offered goodies.

He was now in the park, savoring a chili dog he recieved not too long ago.

"Man, who knew*chomp* that people would be this nice to*munch* a hero." he said to himself.

Just then, he heard familiar annoying voices that he despised the most, Scourge and his gang.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here. Our so called 'hero' sitting in a tree eating a chili dog." Scourge purred.

"Well, hello to you too." Sonic greeted sarcastically.

"Hey hedgehog guy! Can you come down here for a sec?" Bean questioned.

"Sorry, but I'll have to think about that." Sonic answered.

"Aw come on, plllleeeaaasssee? With a cherry on top?" Bean pleaded.

"*Sigh* Alright." Sonic responded. Surely enough, he jumped straight out of the tree. The whole gang were quite surprised the hedgehog didn't even flinch from a jump like that, then again, he did defeat Dr. Eggman. Bean grew a wild grin on his face, creeping the hedgehog out.

"I just wanted to know how fast can you run? What's it like to be a super hero? Do you have laser eye beams? Is your mom blue? Do you smell like cheese? Will you marry another hedgehog and have mutant babies with the power of speed?" Bean stupidly questioned.

Sonic was beyond confused.

"Say what now?" he questioned.

"I said-GRK! MRGH!" Bean responded until a hand covered his mouth, Nack's hand.

"Don't listen to him, mate. He's a bit coo coo in the head." he assured.

"Well, that's a relief." Sonic responded.

Feeling comfortable, Sally sashayed her way over to the hedgehog.

"Hey, sorry about yesterday, handsome." Sally apologized.

"U-um, no problem. No big deal." Sonic slightly stuttered with a blush.

Checking Sonic out, Sally played with some of his quills.

"You know, you're pretty cute for a hedgehog. I could use some hunk like you, Sonic." she purred.

"Er, uh, thanks b-but no thanks." Sonic refused.

"Oh, playing hard to get, I like that. Call me." Sally purred while giving Sonic her phone number.

Hesitantly accepting the sheet of paper, he folded it up and stuffed into his right glove.

'Man, I need to get away from these guys!' Sonic alarmed himself in his mind.

"Well, it was nice talking to ya, but I need to go." he informed.

"Aw, what's the rush, blue? Surely, you have plenty of time to chil-ax and talk." Scourge assured.

"Well, that's what I basically been doing for the last five minutes, so seeya!" Sonic responded as he took off.

Everyone were left gobsmacked of his speed.

Fiona then turned to her boyfriend with a smirk.

"So darling, now that we talked to the 'hero', what's next on our schedule ?" sh questioned.

"Heh, easy, babe. Now that 'Snot' is dead, we move on to our next target, his looser gang. And what's more fun then to pick on his best friend, the geek boy." Scourge answered.

"Oh, Tails aye? This should be fun!" Fiona purred.

"And fun we shall have, come on gang. Time to pay Tails a little visit." Scourge ordered.

"Right!" Rotor responded.

"Got it, sexy." Sally responded.

"Okay!" Bean responded as he saluted to the thug.

"Gotcha mate!" Nack responded.

Bark simply nodded.

But there was no answer from Antoine or Bunnie.

"Antoine and Bunnie?" Scourge questioned.

Everyone glanced behind themselves only to see Bunnie and Antoine make out. Fiona and Sally rolled their eyes, Rotor face palmed himself, Nack and Bean gagged, Bark shook his head, while Scourge was very pissed.

"HEY, WE GOT A FUCKIN' NERD TO PICK ON, NOT MAKE OUT, DUMB ASSES!" he shouted.

Antoine and Bunnie broke up their act and flinched at Scourge's outburst.

"Sacre Blu!" Antoine shouted.

"Err, sorry Sugah, won't happen again!" Bunnie apologized.

"It better not, now come on!" Scourge ordered.

The Rebel gang took off heading north with Scourge leading in the front.

Tails was at the park along with Cream and her puppy, Cheese, Ray, Charmy, Marine and Tikal. Tikal was pushing Marine and Charmy on the swings. Cream, Cheese, and Ray were building a sand castle at the sand area while Tails was lying the grass, moping. Since today was Sunday, the last day of the weekend before school, Cream wanted to do something special with the whole gang. But, everybody was busy that day, except for Tikal, Charmy, Marine, Ray and Tails. Cream's original plan was to go to the movies but since very few people were available, they all agreed to go to the park to hang out.

Cream suddenly noticed how upset and lonely Tails was. She couldn't blame him considering he and Sonic were best friends and like brothers to each other for years and now Sonic's gone. Just thinking of the thought sent shivers down Cream's spine. Although, they didn't talk to each other that often, Sonic was like a big protective brother to Cream, one she never had. And she missed him just as much as Tails did. One thought crossed the girl's mind. She needed to comfort Tails.

"Hey, Ray?" she questioned.

"Yeah, Cream?" Ray answered.

"Can you cover for me? I gonna go talk to Tails." Cream questioned.

"Sure, take your time. The sand castle will still be here when you get back." Ray informed.

"Thanks, Ray." Cream thanked as she made her way to Tails.

Tails sighed deeply, he missed Sonic dearly, and him not being around and alive anymore broke the boy's heart even more.

'Sonic, I miss you, bro. You're the best friend I ever had. Others bullied me because of my IQ and having two fake tails wrapped around my waist. I thought life was horrible until you showed up. You're the only one who saw something different in me and befriended me. Heck, you even saved me from thugs last Halloween, man. And now that you're dead, I don't know if I can continue.' he thought.

He was on the urge of bursting into tears, that is until Cream arrived and sat right next to him.

"Hi Tails." she greeted.

"Oh, hey Cream." Tails greeted in a depressed tone.

"How are you doing?" Cream questioned.

"Not very well. Sonic's dead and I'm not sure if I can continue to carry on." Tails confessed.

Cream was afraid this would happen and she could see right into Tails' eyes that they were watery.

"Tails, it's alright to cry. If you need to cry, then go on, cry. We're here for you, I'm here for you." Cream urged.

Tails stared at Cream for a moment, before he could no longer fight his tears. He sobbed quietly into his hands.

"I-I just can't believe it! My best f-friend is d-dead, no, my 'older brother is d-dead'!" he wailed

Cream rubbed his back as she began to comfort him.

"Shh, there there, it's okay. I miss him too, Tails. Sonic was like a brother to me, too. But, don't worry, he's not entirely gone. We still have him in our hearts and soul. You're just going to have to move on, we're going to have to move on . It's what Sonic would have wanted." Cream assured.

Tails looked up to Cream with a small smile on his face.

"T-thanks, Cream. You're absolutely right about that fact." Tails admitted.

"Hmm, hmm, hmm, anytime." Cream giggled.

The others have just watched the scene between the two kids and they felt pretty sorry for Tails. But on the bright side, they were pleased with the fact that the two were having a positive effect for each other.

"Poor Tails. The mate really must miss Sonic." Marine suggested.

"Well, yeah. The two were best friends and basically like brothers ever since they were very young." Ray informed.

"But, at least Cream cheered him up." Ray concluded.

"Yeah, and the next thing you'll know, they'll be dating." Charmy joked.

"Charmy!" Ray scolded.

"What, it was just a practical joke. Have a sense of humor." Charmy exclaimed.

The group continued to watch Cream and Tails' performance.

"Hey, Tails? I also made you this." Cream informed as she presented flowers attached together in a circle. Curiosity took over Tails right away.

"Um, what is it?" he questioned.

"It's a flower crown. I always make these on my spare time and I thought you might as well be the first person to ever have one." Cream answered.

"Wow, thanks, Cream!" Tails exclaimed.

"No problem, now let me-" Cream was rudely interrupted by Scourge's hand snatching it.

"HEY!" she shouted.

"Thanks, don't mind if I do." Scourge smirked as he held the crown firmly. Cream and Tails observed their surroundings, the Rebel gang were now in view.

"Aw, Tails, after I slapped you in the face, you went and got yourself a girlfriend. And to think, you had a crush on me in ninth grade, I'm a little hurt." Fiona teased.

"Grrr, what do you guys want?!" Tails growled.

"Who us? Just thought, we drop by and play at the park with you guys." Scourge answered.

"Well, no thanks! Now, can you please give me back my crown?" Cream pleaded.

"Oh you mean this?" Scourge questioned innocently while he showed the flowered crown.

"Yes, that! Now give it back, Scourge!" Tails ordered.

"Hmm, here's my answer. Bean, catch!" Scourge replied as he tossed it to Bean, who gladly accepted it.

"Enjoy your snack, boy!" Nack added.

"Gladly!" Bean responded.

"No don't do it!" cried Cream.

But it was too late. Bean already gobbled it down and burped. Cream and Tails watched in horror as Cream's hard work was devoured by a maniac.

"Yummy! It tasted like flowers!" he cried in joy.

"That's because it was flowers, you idiot." Nack muttered.

Cream stood still while she just took in everything that just happened. Once she finished, she was on the urge of bursting out into tears.

Scourge, Sally, Fiona, Bunnie, Rotor, Antoine, and Nack smiled in satisfaction.

"Aw, what's the matter? Is the wittle baby gonna cry?" Scourge mocked.

"ENOUGH!"

Everyone turned just in time to see Tikal marching up to them, mainly Scourge.

"I will not sit here and allow you to hurt my friends!" Tikal informed.

"Neither will we, mate!" Marine exclaimed as she, Ray, Charmy, and Cheese followed behind.

Scourge sniffed Tikal's breath and fanned the air.

"Damn, your breath stinks! Did you eat a dead squirrel or something?!" he confessed.

"How rude! I only had a bowl of oatmeal this morning!" Tikal shouted.

"Yeah, well, take a breath mint, hippie!" Scourge retorted as he shoved Tikal out of the way.

"Now, since your piece of shit of a friend is gone, I think it's time we had a little fun." Scourge admitted.

"Don't you DARE talk about Sonic like he's crap!" Tails shouted.

"Oh shut the fuck up, pipsqueak! Isn't it obvious, we only came to fuck you up?!" Scourge confessed.

"Well, you're gonna have to get pass us first if you wanna harm Tails!" Ray declared.

"Okay, since there's seven of you and nine of us, gang? Get them, leave Tails to me!" Scourge ordered.

The rest of the Rebel gang were happy to oblige and pinned Marine, Cream, Ray, Charmy, Tikal and even Cheese to the ground. Scourge smirked as he twisted Tails' arms behind his back.

"HEY, LEMME GO!" Tails cried.

"NOT A CHANCE, LITTLE MAN! I'VE BEEN WAITING TO GET BACK AT YOU EVER SINCE YOU AND SONIC STOPPED ME FROM BEATING THE SNOT OUT OF A LITTLE BRAT WHO PISSED ME OFF, and since Sonic ain't here... I CAN TAKE IT OUT ALL ON YOU, YOU TWO TAILED BITCH!" Scourge roared.

"You deserved to get the crap knocked outta you, and you idiot, I'm not a girl or a dog. So how can you call me that word?" Tails retorted.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Scourge snarled as he prepared to punch Tails.

Just as his fist was a centimeter away from Tails' face, a voice interrupted his moment.

"HEY, PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE!"

Tails immediately recognized that voice, it was Sonic's voice, his best friend.

But, to his surprise, once he faced the direction of the voice, it was that blue hedgehog from TV. But, what really set him off, was his eyes. They were an emerald green he had seen before, his friend Sonic's eyes.

Scourge gulped, knowing what would happen if he punched Tails. He could see the anger in the hedgehog's eyes.

"What are you doing to these kids?" Sonic questioned crossing his arms.

Knowing he had to act fast, Scourge held Tails in a noogie position.

"Err, just giving my best bud 'ere a good ol' friendly noogie, right Tails?"" Scourge questioned.

"Hmph, as if." Tails retorted.

"Why you son of a-" Scourge started.

"Okay, why don't you let the kid and his friends go and walk away." Sonic suggested.

"And if we don't?" Nack questioned.

All eyes from the Rebel gang fell on him instantly telling him to shut up.

"Then I'll either give you a knuckle sandwich or call the police." Sonic threatened.

"Okay, come on guys. I think it's time we went home." Scourge suggested.

"Don't let me catch you doing this to anyone else, you guys." Sonic warned.

"You got it, buddy!" Scourge shouted while he and the rest of the Rebel gang quickly scurried.

One thought was on Scourge's mind and that one thought was revenge.

When the Rebel left, Sonic helped everyone up and lastly Tails.

"You okay, Tails?" he questioned.

"Yeah, thanks a bunch mister- wait a minute. H-how do you know my name?" Tails questioned.

Sonic just realized what he had said.

"Shit!" he cursed under his breath.

Tails observed Sonic more closely. Those sneakers seemed so familiar and that voice, it sounded much very like the Sonic Tails knew. The truth suddenly struck Tails in the face, all this matched one person. But, he's dead, unless he somehow survived.

"Sonic?!" Tails questioned in a shocked tone.

Sonic knew Tails had just found out his real identity. Defeated, he responded back.

"Hey Tails, long time no see." Sonic answered sheepishly.

The others couldn't believe it either. Sonic, the leader of the Sonic gang and son of the Oliveder family, is standing right in front of them only as a hedgehog, how was that even possible?

"But how?" questioned Tails.

"It's a long story." Sonic answered.

"We've got time. So please, explain everything." Cream urged.

Seeing the desperate looks on each and every one of his friends' faces, Sonic sighed and sat on the swings.

"Okay, so, this is what happened after the explosion..."

Sonic had just finished his story with every detail he included. Tails and everyone else were amazed by this incredible story.

"Whoa, that's some story. I guess you, that hedgehog and the Chaos Emerald's energy combined is what created the hedgehog figure you are now." Tails suggested.

"Yep, you guessed correctly, buddy." Sonic commented.

"But, what I wanna know is how you could run that fast and defeated Eggman so easily?" Ray questioned.

"I'm not sure how I got my speed, honestly. I guess it was the emerald's doing. Maybe it somehow knew that I loved to run? I don't know, something doesn't seem right with that." Sonic pondered.

"Well, 'ow did you do that ball move and defeat Eggman without breaking a sweat, mate?" Marine questioned.

"With my speed, of course. I named that move, the spin dash, heh, pretty cool, huh?" Sonic questioned.

"You bet! The way you dodged those missiles and, and, you ran a BUILDING! AWESOME!" Charmy squealed.

"Back on topic, please?" Cream reminded.

"Oh, right. And as to how did I defeat Eggman? Well, I had a little practice in the forest and I decided to act it out on Egghead." Sonic answered.

"Well, that makes sense. I'm just glad you're back, Sonic. We missed you so much." Tails confessed.

"Heh, I missed you too, guys. But, don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, I'm sticking around for quite a while." Sonic informed.

"Now, that we know you're alive mister Sonic, we can spread the news to everyone else!" Cream cheered.

Sonic shook his head.

"What, but why not?" Cream questioned confusingly.

"Because, I don't want to put you guys in danger. Before I got here, I had to fight another of Eggman's robots. Apparently, he knew I was heading towards the park. And if he knew that, he would find out my real identity quickly and harm my loved ones, especially Amy. No way, man. I can't risk that and it's the reason I need you guys to keep it a secret." Sonic informed.

The others exchanged looks to each other for a moment before Tails faced Sonic.

"We understand. We won't tell your secret, Sonic. You have our word as best friends and members of the Sonic gang." Tails promised.

"Thanks, guys. You're the best!" Sonic commented.

Everyone beamed smiles to each other before they were interrupted by Cream.

"Why don't we enjoy ourselves and continue to hang out?" she suggested.

"I like the sound of that. Where to?" Sonic questioned while rubbing Cheese's back.

"How about, the movies, sounds fair?" Ray questioned.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Alright, guys. Grab on to me while holding each other's hands. Everyone were very confused.

"Why?" Tails questioned.

"You'll see." Sonic smirked.

Do as told, everyone held hands and held onto Sonic.

"Okay, here..we..GO!" Sonic announced.

With that being said, Sonic dashed off faster than anyone would've expected. Everyone struggled to hold on, they now understood the message of 'hanging on'. As they continued to zoom past the city, Tails glanced upwards to Sonic.

'It's good to have my buddy back.' he thought with a smile.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eggman was in a dark room with nothing but computers. He was observing everything he had just watched at the park with Sonic, the Rebel gang, and his friends. He showed interest when Tails mentioned the 'Sonic gang.' But, he was surprised, Sonic the hedgehog was actually the boy from the news.

"So, that pesky hedgehog, Sonic, is actually that annoying twerp from that science class, how surprising is that? It's amazing, he was mutated into a hedgehog with the emerald's power and that hedgehog. My plan actually WORKED!" he cried. But a thought struck him.

"But to my disappointment, he's still himself and I lost the emerald. Aw well, I'll get rid of that pest soon enough. And besides, I transferred some of the energy from the emerald into my radar, now I can find the other six and come back for the other. But first..." Eggman confessed while he glanced towards the scene of Sonic and the others.

"I thinks it's time I had a few guests over for once. This Rebel Gang and Sonic gang will do perfectly for my animal army and why not, I'll add his family in for fun. Now all I need to do is capture some animals, find the emeralds and wait until the time is right." he purred.

Eggman's attention fell on Sonic.

"Rest while you can, Sonic the hedgehog. You're going to need it once I make your loved ones turn against you." he informed.

The mad scientist grew into deep thought. He couldn't wait to see Sonic's horrified face for the surprise he was going to receive in the future.

Another long chapter, geez this is hard work! So what will happen to the Rebel gang, the Sonic gang and even Sonic's family? Stick around to find out! Seeya soon, my reviewers! Peace out!