How have you been? Work has been absolutely crazy, but now that I've got more free time, it means more time for writing! Enjoy the new chapter!
Chapter 3: SONIC
Charles was an old hedgehog of many hobbies.
Tinkering, flying, painting, cooking, and experimenting to list a few.
Right now flying was the reason he was in this mess.
The engine of the biplane sputtered angrily at him as he tried to once again start the little contraption.
"Blasted thing!" he shouted into the canopy of the jungle of the island he'd had to make an emergency landing on. "Come on and show me what the problem is, girl, I fixed the blades that initially caused the issue so what else is there?"
Opening the side compartment of the engine hold, he saw it. "Ah. No water for the coolant system." Charles leaned back with a stretch. "Simple fix at least, thank Chaos. Suppose I could use some water too in this heat." He eyed the ocean before him in disdain. "Question now is where do I find fresh water?"
Gathering his small satchel of belongings and first aid supplies he set out a short ways into the jungle, marking his path to easily return to his beloved plane. Fortunately within an hour's hike, Charles began to hear the telltale sounds of a river and after another thirty minutes he reached the bank of the steady waterway.
"Ah ha! Luck must be on my side today!" he declared as he knelt and dunked his drink canister into the lazy waters to fill it. "Well, minus the unplanned landing I should say."
With the water for his plane collected, he placed the container back into his satchel and went about using his hands to scoop up water to drink. It was very cool despite the hot climate of the island and crystal clear. Charles watched as fish swam against the current under the surface. A large red bird swooped down from the trees as he observed, snatching up one of the fish in it's clawed feet. It landed on the opposite bank and tore away at its floundering prey.
Charles made a mental note to sketch the brightly colored specimen once he had returned home as he stood up to return to finish his repairs. His movement startled his new muse, however, causing it to abandon its feast and fly off down stream. The old hedgehog watched as it fled, but something on the bank further down caught his eye.
A small figure laid on the rocky ground next to the river.
A small blue child at that.
Charles wasted no time. He threw his bag to the ground and dove into the water, swimming the several foot distance across to the other side. As soon as he reached dry ground again he ran to the side of the unconscious hoglet. Carefully he rolled the child over, placing an ear on the small chest and listened. Tiny lungs rattled underneath the peach fur.
With a deep sigh of relief Charles sat back next to the young boy, but he had to wonder.
Why was this kid here and half drowned?
For a moment he feared the appearance of a Feral pack. Even though Ferals were only children themselves, left on their own without parents or caretakers, they were called "feral" for a reason. They had no issue in ganging up on unsuspecting adults and overpowering them to rob them or purely vent their frustrations.
Was the little hedgehog beside him a victim of a Feral attack or a Feral himself? He had enough welts on him. And his backbone, Charles had felt every vertebrae when he'd turned the boy over.
The older hedgehog shook his head. Feral or not, this child needed help. He couldn't put the boy any older than five years old with his still flimsy quills.
"Looks like luck must be on your side today as well, little one."
Charles gathered the hoglet into his arms and carefully made his way back to the other side of the river, swimming backwards to help keep the child afloat on his chest, and began the hike back to the downed plane after collecting his things.
Not once did the boy move or make a sound, but Charles remained determined.
He would save him.
Remember that family isn't always blood. It's those who deeply care for you and show their love for you. Those who want to make memories with you and are there for the ups and downs. Who stay by your side despite any disagreements. Who support you and, if needed, will steer you the other way from danger.
Cherish them and remember to return the love to them too.
~Bless, Alpha 3