Me: Who's ready to continue Tempest and Lunar's crazy adventure!
Sonic: This is gonna blow up in their faces.
Me: Just wait and see, Sonic. Also, I realized that there are probably a lot of movies where people switch places with someone who looks similar to them, so I'm gonna give you a hint. The song in this chapter is your hint. Good luck!
Me: Final note; don't be confused by Tempest and Lunar's sudden change in personality, that "rivalry" in the last chapter was their definition of a joke. These two are actually really close friends.
To Catgirl Hamato: That's what I was originally planning on doing, But then I messed up the age gap between Thorsten and Tempest in that Easter chapter. I'm trying to figure out how to fix it.
Me: And to all, enjoy!
P.S. I don't know how poker works cause I've never played.
...
"Tell me again how you convinced me to do this." Lunar said a week later.
The two hedgehogs sat across from each other on the floor of their cabin a week later; flashcards and pictures strewn about.
"Uh, if I remember correctly, you wanted a few weeks where people didn't cower at the sight of you." Tempest answered; rummaging through the mess. She grabbed a stack of cards off the floor and shuffled through them. "What's my favorite food?"
"Tempest, everyone knows you love chili dogs as much as your dad does."
"Right, right." The purple hedgehog shuffled again. "What's my favorite movie?"
"Chao in Space 3. Can we please..."
"Favorite book?"
"Myth-haven. Will you listen..."
"Favorite dress?"
"You hate dresses!" Luna shouted.
Tempest grinned. "Hey, you got the trick question."
Lunar took a deep breath to calm herself. "Look Tempest; I think we should stop before we take this too far."
The purple hedgehog set the deck down. "What do you mean?"
"Temper, have you considered the fact that we could get caught?"
"Of course I have. Introducing..." She grabbed a couple of pictures then frowned. "No, not these ones. And not him, not her, not her...aha!"
Tempest held up a couple of pictures; one of a red and black striped hedgebat, and the other of a pair of light purple hedgehogs who were maniacally grinning at each other. "Our backup."
Luna raised an eyebrow, "Our psychotic brothers?"
"They're not psychotic. A little mischievous, yes; but that's exactly why they'll help us."
"Cause this is a stupid plan that's bound to fail?"
"Exactly!"
The ebony and pink hedgehog facepalmed. "We're gonna be in so much trouble when we get caught."
"My dad would think it was hilarious, my mom would calm down pretty quickly, and your mom would probably say something like: 'I knew it.' Your dad is the only one we'd really have to worry about..." Tempest paused. "But that's not why you're so against this, is it?"
Lunar lifted her head slightly as her friend continued, "You've never really cared what your parents thought or how bad the consequences would be. I think...I think you're worried you won't want to switch back once we start."
The black hedgehog snorted. "And why would I not want to switch back?"
"I think you're tired of being, well...you everyday. You hate your family legacy, you're left out and disliked by almost everyone for no reason, and you've grown shy and lonely as a result. Meanwhile, I'm the exact opposite and you're worried you won't want to give up the other side." Tempest suddenly perked up. "Like that song!"
The Ultimate Lifeform's daughter sat in stunned silence as the other hedgehog starting singing the chorus to 'The Other Side' from that one movie about a circus.
"Temper." She interrupted in a low whisper.
"...the other, hmm?" The purple hedgehog paused her song. "Oh, yeah, right. Sorry."
Luna didn't stop staring at her friend. "How on Mobius did you know?"
Tempest rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Well, we've known each other for a long time and I'm really good at reading people..."
"You've seen what happens around the school, haven't you?"
"Yeah." The purple hedgehog admitted. "Part of me actually wants us to get caught. Maybe then people will see that there really isn't much of a difference between you and me and they'll stop bugging you."
The two sat in silence for a few minutes, before Lunar reached down and scooped up a different set of cards. "Then let's do that. We'll switch for a month then reveal the trick in some big, dramatic way. But first..."
She looked up with a smirk. "What's my favorite game?"
...
When Carmel came back from rock-climbing that afternoon, she found Tempest and Lunar seated at the table in the back of the cabin; Thorsten watching what they were doing intently. "Uh, what's going on in here?"
The purple hedgehog and echidna quickly moved to cover the view of the table. "Nothing!"
"We're playing poker."
"Luna!" The pair shouted at the betrayer.
Carmel shook her head as she took out her ponytail; letting her long, red hair hang loose. "You know, sometimes I feel like the only responsible person in this group."
"I know, right." Luna agreed.
"You're playing poker, how is that responsible?"
The striped hedgehog shrugged, "Everyone in my family plays. Well, except MJ, of course. And I'm pretty sure Rascal got banned from the game..."
"That doesn't excuse practically stealing from a friend."
"Whoa whoa whoa." Tempest sat back down, across from Luna. "Who says I'm gonna lose?"
"The last 20 times you've lost." Her rival answered, revealing her hand. "And I win. Again."
The purple hedgehog grinned and dropped her cards on the table. "You sure about that?"
Luna leaned over and scrutinized the cards. "Huh."
"Oh yeah." Tempest stood up, knocking her chair over, and started flossing. "I won, I won, I...I mean, uh, good game." She held a hand out to the other player, who shook it.
"Ha! Go jump in the lake!" Thorsten told Luna.
"What?" Carmel asked.
"I told him I'd jump in the lake if Tempest managed to beat me." Lunar explained, with a sigh as she stood up. "I'll be back in a minute."
...
"You'd think a lake would be hot in the middle of summer." The ebony hedgehog grumbled a half hour later at dodgeball; her fur still slightly damp. "But it's not, it was like jumping into a bucket of ice."
"Uh huh." Tempest responded; absently tugging at the camp sporting outfit every girl in the field was wearing. It was yellow! And not a bright, pretty yellow, like Carmel's dad's fur; no, this was like an ugly, mustard yellow that did not look good on anyone.
Not that she was some kind of fashion geek or anything. No, that would be her mother and 12-year old sister, Liberty. When you grow up around people like that, you tend to pick up a thing or two.
"This yellow clashes with my fur!" A certain red hedgebat loudly complained as she tromped over. Seems Ruby had learned some things from her mother to. "Why on Mobius did the camp directors think this was a good color to use?"
"Ruby." Lunar interrupted. "Do us all a favor and stop acting like a drama queen. So what if the color is ugly; at least the clothes are functional."
Ruby opened her mouth to protest, but all that came out was a shrill whistle.
Oh wait; that came from the Squirrel director, who was approaching the group holding said whistle.
"Hello girls!" The director greeted.
There was a soft chorus of murmured "Hello's" and "Hi's" and "Whatevers"
"Well that wasn't very enthusiastic." The Squirrel grinned. "Let's try that one more time. Hello girls!"
"Hello councilor Shirly!" Everyone shouted.
"That's better. Now, who's ready for some dodgeball!"
A halfhearted cheer rose up from the crowd of about 30 girls and died not 2 seconds later.
Councilor Shirly sighed. "If that's the best I'm gonna get out of you...All right, who wants to be a team captain?"
5 people raised their hands, including Thor, Gale, and the black and white lemur from before. A brown bear name Honey got throwers and the lemur got dodgers; everyone else lined up against the cabin wall behind them.
"Watch." Luna whispered to Tempest. "I'm gonna be the last person picked."
Honey went first and chose Thorston to be on her team.
Then the lemur, Ringer, picked Tempest. No surprise there.
Honey selected Macey.
And so on and so on...
True to her word; Luna was the last person chosen. Ringer didn't look very happy with the arrangement, but didn't say anything as she lead her team back to the wall.
Thor and Macey hefted a pair of dodgeballs menacingly. "Prepare yourselves!" Gale called. "Our 25 minute reign of terror begins in three! Two! One!"
The entire row of 15 mobians fell flat on the ground as a barrage of orange balls flew over their heads like canon balls; smashing into the wall behind.
"Thor!" Tempest yelled. "Don't kill us!"
His response came in the form of a ball that nearly hit the purple hedgehog square in the face.
"Never try to talk sense into an echidna." Luna sidestepped to avoid a missile aimed in her direction. "Their skulls are so thick; that almost nothing reaches their brains."
"Oooh, I'll make you regret that!" Macey shouted; sending ball after ball in the ebony hedgehog's direction.
Lunar ducked, jumped, spun, and even flipped; not one of the speedy, orange bullets could touch her.
"Nice reflexes." Tempest complimented.
"Thanks."
The pair kept dodging until there were only 3 mobians standing (them and a very athletic deer) and 5 minutes remaining. The attackers didn't let up on their assault for a second.
"So, I've been thinking." Tempest said as she twisted and turned to avoid projectiles. "Why is it that I was able to hear your song last week?"
Luna quickly slid to the floor. "Didn't you once tell me that just being near one of the medallions can sometimes incite a song in other people? Well, there's your answer."
"Maybe. But either way; that question led me to another one: What are you gonna do if someone asks you to use my medallion, and you can't?"
"I make up a crafty excuse on the spot."
Tempest resisted the urge to roll her eyes and grin. "That is one option, but I was thinking we'd try something a bit more...difficult
"Like what?"
"Like...um...well. Carmel was really interested in my medallion when we were younger, and she read a whole book on the subject. I remember she found a, uh, interesting section that said the abilities in the medallion can be shared with someone else if that other person has a strong bond with the owner. Something about the medallion recognizing harmony between the two? And for some reason, the kind of bond lovers share doesn't compute with the medallion."
Lunar turned in surprise, and got nailed on the shoulder by Macey. "You're kidding right?"
"No I'm not! I think it has something to do with that kind of affection being on a different frequency from the bond siblings and friends share..."
"Not that. Tempest, why do you always come up with the most outrageous ideas?"
"Hey, Science Project 2.0! Get off the field and stop distracting the players!" Ringer called.
"Excuse me!" Tempest shouted back. "That's my friend you're talking to! If this game is more important to you than her, well then..." She took a few steps forward and flung her arms out. "Hit me with your best shot!"
All 15 throwers were happy to oblige.
...
The purple hedgehog clutched her nose as she walked off the field after the game alongside her friends. "I wanted them to tag me out, not break my nose."
"I can get you some ice when we get back to the cabin." Carmel offered.
"Thanks. And I could also use an apology." The purple hedgehog shot a suggestive glance at Thor.
"What exactly do you want me to apologize for? Sorry I didn't hold back? Sorry I've got good aim? Sorry I won?"
"Sorry I inherited my dad's intelligence." Luna muttered.
"Hey!" The echidna turned to the silent, black hedgehog. "What does that mean?"
"Exactly what it's supposed to mean." The striped hedgehog offered as an explanation. She strode calmly past the dumbfounded Thorsten and into the lodge.
"Ha! She got you there, Thor." Tempest said as she followed her friend inside.
"I...but...what does that mean?!"
Carmel opened the mini fridge in the corner of the room, and tossed Tempest an ice pack.
"Oh good. For a second I wondered if you were talking about the Invisibility Conductor Earring." The purple hedgehog quipped. "By the way; Carm, did you happen to bring that spray dye stuff?"
"Yes...Why?"
"I just got a really good idea for a prank we could do."
The cream fox shook her head, "No, we're not going to prank anyone this year, remember."
"Oh, right. Forget I asked."
Luna shot Tempest a strange look, before turning her attention back to her suitcase and the quest for clean clothes. Carmel and Tempest valiantly joined the not-so-exciting adventure.
"Thorsten, get out!" Tempest demanded once the quest had been completed.
"All right, all right; you don't have to be mean about it." The echidna walked out the door. "Maybe I'll see if I can find a popsicle or something."
"So, Carmel. About that prank..." The purple hedgehog started once he'd left.
"No, I'm not gonna help you dye everyone's clothes." The 13-year old answered. "Or their fur, if that's what you're thinking."
"The only fur we're going to dye is our own." Luna said; realizing Tempest meant to bring the fox in on their scheme.
Carmel looked confused. "Why do you want to dye your fur?"
Tempest grinned, "We're going to switch places for a month, in the hopes that when we reveal ourselves people will let up on Luna. And we could use your help to make it happen."
Carmel processed this for a moment then put her head in her hands. "Tempest, this has got to be the most outrageous idea you've ever come up with."
"So...You'll help us?"
She shook her head, "I might as well make sure this doesn't get out of hand."
Tempest pumped her fist, "Yes! Now there's only one thing left to do."
She dangled her medallion at Luna, who responded with a sarcastic, "Yay."
...
12 days of failure later...
"This is the last day of camp!" Luna exclaimed in frustration. "And your 'bond of harmony' plan isn't working."
Even Tempest looked concerned by the dwindling time. "We just gotta keep trying; and there's always plan A if we fail again."
"Plan A? Wouldn't it be plan B?"
"No, you suggested making up excuses before I suggested this idea; so your idea would be plan A."
Luna raised an eyebrow, but didn't bother questioning her friend's logic. Instead she said, "What do you suggest trying next?"
"Um...we could figure out the reason we became friends in the first place, and try to use that as a kind of connector to share my medallion's power."
The ebony hedgehog shook her head, "I don't think there was any specific reason; we've known each other since birth, and familiarity became friendship."
Tempest frowned, "I don't think..."
"Look Temper," Luna sharply stood up and started walking toward the door. "We gotta face the facts; our friendship isn't strong enough for this. We have nothing in common, and we're friends by familiarity, not a desire to know each other."
It was Tempest's turn to sit in stunned silence as her friend left without another word.
...
Later that night...
Luna sat on a bench on the outskirts of the 'party pavilion' watching the other girls gather for tonight's celebrations. She wouldn't be joining them. She never joined them. And now she would probably never join them.
She grabbed the sides of the bench so hard the wood almost snapped. Why did she have to say something like that!? The only friend she had left, and she'd ruined it. Just like she'd ruined it with...
The ebony hedgehog sighed; maybe she was more like her father than she thought.
"It's Tempest!" Someone shouted.
Luna looked up and watched her former friend disappear into the crowd that had started chanting her name. Sheesh, couldn't they back off Tempest for one second?
"Song! Song! Song! Song!" The ensemble chanted.
"Alright. Alright." Tempest laughed, as she walked onto the stage. "I'll sing a song for you. But first, I need to say something."
"Loony." The ebony hedgehog perked up at her nickname. "All afternoon I've been proving you wrong, and writing a very long list of things we have in common and why we're friends."
The crowd was silent; like they didn't know whether to cheer or boo.
"And I think I've figured out what first connected us, in more ways than one: Rumors."
"Huh?" Luna stood up, confused. What did rumors have to do with anything?
Carmel popped up behind the DJ turntable and plugged something in.
*Cue "Rumors" by Lindsay Lohan (And change the word 'club' to 'camp')*
(If you have a Wattpad account, go there for this part. It's much better than how things worked out on here since I can't write song lyrics and direct you very well.)
As the intro of a song played; Tempest pointed out over the crowd. "I carry a thumb-drive from music camp 9 years ago as a good luck charm, but I'd completely forgotten what was on it until earlier today. Luna, if you remember this song, sing it with me."
As the purple hedgehog started singing the first verse, Luna felt a hint of familiarity. Wait! This was the their favorite song when they were 7! The song they'd sometimes felt was talking about them!
The ebony hedgehog ran toward the crowd and tried to maneuver through to the stage, but the girls held her back.
"We're not about to let you join the party, freak." Ringer smirked.
Luna took a step back and closed her eyes; listening for when Tempest ended the verse. Then she sang the pre-chorus; and shocked the girls with how much her voice sounded like Tempest's when she sang.
Once she got to the chorus; the two hedgehogs started switching off phrases. Luna then Tempest, all the way to the 2nd verse when Tempest took over again and ran down into the crowd; forming a circle of free space. As she sang, she started dancing and people eagerly got their phones out to take pictures.
That's when the song started talking about just that and Tempest ran around the circle; pushing people's cameras down.
Luna finally managed to slide through the crowd into the center circle and sang the pre-chorus again. Tempest smiled wide at the sight of her friend and they started switching off again; dancing around the space.
Luna sang the first phrase after the chorus and Tempest sang the second, then Carmel started messing with the turntable and the song.
The hedgehogs didn't mind, they went with it all the way to the chorus again; where they switched phrases and Tempest sang first.
Her microphone medallion started glowing brighter and brighter until it activated, but...there were two microphones! Both smaller than the original one, but two, nonetheless!
They each grabbed one and started singing the repeat of the chorus in unison, all the way to the very end.
*End song. Sorry this wasn't the greatest.*
The two friends stood there for a minute in shock, then they broke into grins and hugged each other, as the crowd roared around them.
They'd done it! Their friendship was strong enough! Luna laughed; she never should have doubted.
"I remember that song." She whispered in Tempest's ear. "It was the one song we felt was talking to the both of us."
"Even if the rumors were for opposite reasons." The purple hedgehog finished. "We've been friends since birth, Loony; let's not stop now."
"I'm sorry about what I said earlier."
"Eh, don't worry. I was starting to have doubts to."
"Temper!" Luna pulled back with a grin. "Since when do you have doubts?"
Tempest laughed, "Since this morning, I guess. You know what? I think we're ready to face tomorrow."
...
The next morning...
"Tempest, stay still." Carmel demanded; spraying pink dye along her friend's quills. "We need this to be perfect, and I'm not a cosmetologist."
"Cosme-what? And why is Luna allowed to do her own disguise?"
"Cause my mom might as well be a cosmetologist." The black, now purple, hedgehog answered from somewhere behind.
"Face forward." Carmel commanded; turning Tempest's head.
"Ugh, you sound like my mom. How much longer do I have to sit here!"
Luna came around to face the purple, now black, hedgehog with another pink spray. "I just need to get above your eyes and you're finished.
Tempest stared at her friend in amusement; it was as if her reflection had just spoken to her. She obediently shut her eyes as Luna started spraying.
"And...Done." The other hedgehog declared.
Sonic's daughter instantly scrambled off the chair and towards the nearest mirror. She gazed at herself in surprise; her fur was jet black with pink streaks, she had red contacts on, and her side quills had been gelled up. All in all, it looked like she'd just switched bodies with her best friend.
"I'm Luna." She smirked. "And happiness can go to Hades!"
Said hedgehog appeared next to her in the mirror; with bluish-purple fur, green contacts, and side quills gelled down. "That sounds more like something my dad would say."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Tearing her eyes away from her reflection; Tempest rummaged through Luna's suitcase and pulled on a red hoodie and grey leggings. Luna selected a green tank top and black jeans.
"One last thing." Carmel said; pulling out 8 circular devices and a remote. She strapped them to both hedgehog's gloves and shoes. "Since Luna can't take off her inhibitor rings and she'll also need her shoes to keep up appearances speed wise; I made these last night."
Lunar scrutinized the one on the back of her right hand. "What do they do?"
The cream fox pushed a few buttons on the remote and the gloves and shoes, including rings, suddenly appeared to have switched places. "They create illusions."
"Cool." Tempest approved.
Luna peeked out the window. "Looks like parents are arriving."
"You might want to get comfortable, Loony. Dad may be the fastest creature alive, but he also holds the world record for being late. By the way, who's picking you...I mean, me up?"
"My mom, most likely. Word of advice: if she starts talking about fashion or gossip, tune her out; cause that's what I do. And if she starts talking about spy things, intently listen and call me about the conversation when you get home."
Carmel turned, "Hey Luna, isn't that your dad?"
The now purple hedgehog rushed to the window and peered out. Sure enough; there was an imposing black and red hedgehog waiting with the other parents. And it looked like he was arguing with Tempest's dad, no surprise there, who wasn't late for the first time in about forever.
"Tempest. Our dads are here."
"Really? That's a first. Wait," She waved her hands. "Did you just say dad-s as in plural?!"
"He must have finished a mission not far from here, and decided he might as well pick me up." Luna realized.
"There's crime near here? Why didn't they move the camp?"
"Obviously not near near, but close enough that it wouldn't be too much of a bother." Luna let out a sigh. "I guess this is it. Grab my stuff, I'll get yours."
...
"I told you, it wasn't my idea to put you in the third movie!" Sonic argued. "And why are you complaining!? The third movie did better than the first two, you're popular!"
"I didn't give my consent to be in any movies about you!" Shadow disagreed.
"It was almost 14 years ago! Why are you still harping on me about this!"
"Are we gonna stand here forever, or are you two gonna quit bickering?"
The hedgehogs turned to see their daughters standing near them, looking bored by their dad's quarreling.
"Sorry, girls." Sonic rubbed the back of his head. "Shadz still hasn't forgiven me for the third movie."
"Humph."
"Exactly. How about I make it up to you, Temp. You wanna race your old man home?"
Tempest grinned, "I thought you'd never ask."
When the blue and purple hedgehogs were gone; Shadow looked over at his daughter. "How was camp?"
"I was in the same cabin as Tempest, Carmel, and Thor." Luna offered as an explanation.
Her father raised an eyebrow, "What on Mobius was Thor doing here?"
"You should probably ask his dad that question."
"I probably don't want to know." Shadow gave his daughter a small smile. "You ready to go home?"
Tempest looked him in the eye. "Yeah. Home."
...
Me: And the drama begins!
Sonic: How could I not tell that that wasn't my daughter!?
Shadow: Tempest is gonna be in so much trouble when I find out...
Me: Yeah, we've got mixed emotions back here.
Me: I'm going to move the list of OC roles to my profile tomorrow and I'll update the post date for this story.
BYE!