Chapter 2: Meeting The Family

The two hedgehogs got in Shadow's car as Sonic sat in the passenger seat. He sighed and thought about his family.

"It's been so long since I've seen them," he said, looking at Shadow as the black hedgehog drove. "Do you think they'll be happy to see me?"

"They're your family, Sonic," Shadow said. "Of course they'll be happy to see you."

Sonic nodded and pulled out the letter his mother had sent him a week ago. He sighed and began to read.

Dear Sonic,

It is with a heavy heart that I send this. Your father has recently passed away, and the Royal Family is in need of a new king. We would like you to come to the funeral, and, if possible, your coronation. Since you are next in line for the throne, this is very important business. I would also like to talk to you about something that we have guarded for centuries. Our kingdom has stood for a long time, and I believe it is time for you to know the truth. Please come at once.

Your mother,

Queen Aleena.

The blue hedgehog sighed and put the letter away. "My father...I wish I could have been there for him. If I had known that he was dying..."

"It's not your fault, Sonic," Shadow said. "Everyone dies. It's a part of life."

Sonic crossed his arms and looked out the window as they drove out onto the freeway. He watched as Station Square faded into the distance and thought about Tails. The fox was his best friend, but he had to lie about his family and heritage. It hurt him that he had to do so.

"I don't like lying to Tails," he said. "He'll find out sooner or later, and if he finds out that I've lied to him, he'll be mad for me not trusting him."

Shadow said nothing for a few minutes, keeping his eyes on the road. Finally, he spoke. "It's for the best, Sonic. Not everyone has to know you're royalty. Knuckles and I are the only ones who know."

"That's because I trust you with my secret," Sonic said. "Knuckles has known for ages. We met him when we were kids, and he knew my mom."

"Well, if you really want to tell Tails, then I suggest you tell him when you're ready."

Sonic nodded. A few minutes later, he yawned and fell asleep. As Shadow drove, the landscape changed, with the cities disappearing. Soon, they were in the countryside; night had fallen as well, and they were almost to their destination. It wouldn't be long before they reached the castle. Shadow tapped Sonic on the shoulder, who woke and yawned.

"Are we there yet?" He asked, yawning.

"Almost," Shadow said.

Sonic smiled and put an arm over Shadow's shoulder. before long, Shadow pulled off of the freeway and headed down a street. A large castle could be seen in the distance, surrounded by a large wall. It overlooked a town, and Sonic looked around.

"Here we are," he said. "Mobotropolis."

Shadow nodded. He parked the car outside of the castle, and the two got out. Sonic looked at it and sighed.

"You ready?" Shadow asked him.

Sonic hesitated, but nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be. Come on; let's go."

He ran off as Shadow followed him. When they reached the castle gates, a guard looked at them.

"Prince Sonic, we have been expecting you," he said, opening the gates. "Please, come in."

The blue hedgehog smiled and walked inside, followed by Shadow. The guard escorted them up to the castle and knocked on the door. A few minutes later, it opened to reveal a female hedgehog. She was five feet tall with purple fur, and wore a white dress. She smiled when she saw them.

"Sonic, welcome home," she said, and looked at Shadow. "You must be Shadow. I am Queen Aleena."

"It's an honor to meet you," Shadow said, bowing.

The queen smiled and led them inside. "Manic, Sonia, your brother's here!"

There was running, and two hedgehogs, one female and one male, came downstairs. They smiled when they saw Sonic. The blue hedgehog looked at them and gulped.

"Hey, guys," he said. "I'm back."