Sonic reached the fire kingdom about 2 hours after. He kept looking behind him periodically to try to catch someone following him. He walked past a street with at least 5 different markets and made a mental note to remember this street when he needed food. He looked at the different people and someone caught his eye. He saw a hedgehog about the same height that he was with another black hoodie. The hood covered his face and Sonic didn't recognize him but just assumed he was buying food. He walked another few blocks and noticed the same hedgehog leaning against a lamp post. Even though he couldn't see his eyes, he could tell the other hedgehog was glaring at him. What did he do? He was certain that he had never seen this stranger before. Why had he seen the same person in less than 20 minutes? He thought it was just a really strange coincidence and continued on walking. The sun had soon set and Sonic kept on walking. He heard footsteps behind him and knew he was being followed.
He continued on walking like he had heard nothing and then turned quickly around, only to find no one there. Great he thought, I must be losing it. He continued on walking and he heard strange laughter. He turned around once again and saw no one. He was scared now and decided to run. But the laughter followed him everywhere he went. He thought it was all in his head and slowed down. His heart skipped a beat as the laughter got closer,louder, and sounded more insane than ever. Before he knew it a sharp pain seared his muzzle followed by a strong punch to his gut. He flew into a large building in the back of a dark alley. He looked up. The mysterious hedgehog he had "conveniently" saw, stood before him. Underneath the hood, bright cyan eyes glowed with amusement. He lifted his hand to reveal blood soaked fingers. Sonic lifted his own hand to his face and felt warm,sticky liquid. He knew this liquid all too well. Blood. This stranger had slashed his muzzle very hard with what though? Then he noticed the stranger's sharp, pointy claws. He revealed his own claws and hurled himself at the stranger. The fought each other brutally. Blood spilled and quills and patches of fur were ripped out. Some bones were even broken. When the dust settled, the stranger was left victorious. Both hedgehogs bared scars and were covered in blood. Sonic was fighting to stay conscious and the stranger broke into laughter like a maniac, his glowing cyan eyes gleamed with both evil and excitement. He stopped laughing though when Sonic spoke.
Sonic: W-Who are you ?
?: It seems you don't recognize me. I am truly offended.
Sonic knew he had heard that voice before. He also swore he had seen those eyes, and had play fought with someone who had similar attacks, but who? He thought back. The memories of him and his brother somehow came into thought. But why them? How did this stranger relate to them. Looking at the stranger more closely, he saw a green glow shine near his neck. He looked down and saw that his blue crystal was glowing as well. He gasped when he knew who this was.
Sonic: S-Scourge!?
The stranger smiled and took off the hood. It certainly was Scourge. But something was,different. In stead of his eyes full of happiness and passion, they were full of hatred and anger. Sonic noticed a faint scar across his eye and realized what happened.
Sonic: S-Scourge, the d-demons got you didn't they, they turned y-you evil?
He was afraid to hear the answer. He wished this was all a dream. But there was too much pain from his scratches, in his heart.
Scourge:*smiles evilly* Yes,brother. But they didn't turn me evil. You did.
To Be Continued...