Chapter 3

Watching from a distance, Rouge the bat looked through her binoculars, from her hiding spot. Gazing at Metropolis city, she watched the fleeing scene of the goons in their gateway car and the police. They were heavily armed with weapons as she watched them blazing bullets behind them. She understood their motion, but it was a terrible tactic; sloppy and unpredictable. Especially for the poor animals in-between the cross fires. But if she hadn't intervened with their plans, things could have ended much worse, for the citizens of Mobius.

For a while since her brief encounter with "The groovy train" team, she had been undercover, to discover the base and motives of her old Boss. Even thinking of their brute power, brought shivers to her spine. She never saw there face when she was employed by them, but knew of their ties to technology, money and worse; knowing very well what they could threaten her with. Only herself and one annoying physic dog, knew the truth what the bat truly feared.

But why get a couple of losers to do this job? Was it to pay off someone? Trade?

Her original plan was to observe and follow from the shadows, but when she saw the animals inside the bank, with a gun to their victim faces, she knew those idiots were too reckless for a job like this. Plus, her conscious couldn't let someone get seriously hurt. Well, so long as no one knew about that, otherwise they would think she gone all soft.

Distracting the boys was easy; getting away from the scene was a tad harder. Lucky for her, the animals were hostile as they kept themselves lowered down on the floor, covering their faces through fear and shock. No one saw her come and go. But it was their security cameras; that even her old boss could have placed wires inside. Who knows what invisible eyes, did they have across the whole city; even the whole zone? Destroying them was a necessary; especially as the rest of the world, believed her to be dead.

Back onto the moment, she stepped up from her hiding spot as something caught her attention. Her heart thud in her chest as she witnessed the whole scene of the girl running out of the road; there was no chance she would make it alive. And yet she couldn't help but to watch as the car collided to the girl; hearing the screams from even such a distance. But what she saw next, bewildered her. There; the girl was left unscathed; did her hand just expand to the size of a large wall block? Watching the scene unfold, a memory arose.

Standing up fully, she watched the robbers flee and the young girl escape, there was only one conclusion; that had to be Metamorphia.

"So that's where you've been hiding." She spoke loudly to herself, still looking through the binoculars.

However, this only brought another problem. Remembering back to her recent employment, there were tonnes of old information from citadel Robotnik; including their old employees. If wind got caught that Metamorphia was still around, how long would it be before they tried to recruit her?

So, what will it be? Go after the idiots and follow them, that could lead to her old boss? Or go and warn Metamorphia?

Making sure she looked both ways, Metamorphia walked across the road with the other Mobians. She tried to move along with the folk but she couldn't help but feel the countless amount of eyes, staring at her; questions in their heads. It felt uncomfortable as she tightened her grip on the dusty sheet around her face.

What if they were suspicious of her?

What if someone recognised her?

She needed to find a quiet place and wait till the drama and police had moved on. Then to find a phone booth to contact Tails. But where could she go to wait, till the coast was clear? The neighbourhood was beaming with life; from the stalls, to the open food market. She could blend in with the crowd, but the way her appearance had changed, she could cause a disturbance by even smiling at someone. Being around here could cause too much of a scene.

But where could she go?

Her mind drew to the Metropolis city college. But being the way, she looks now, no one would recognise her as Phia the bear. She would be a complete stranger to her friends and they may even get security on her. Big no to that idea.

The next option was head back to the student accommodation. At least she would be somewhere she would be familiar with. But again, with her appearance, security will see her as a stranger from the street. Even that would be a bad idea! So where could she go?

Suddenly from nearby, she spotted police officers questioning civilians. Panic overcame her as she scattered through the animals, back onto the back streets. Clutching the dust sheet over her, she needed to find a place quickly. But then her answer came as she looked up, to a nearby sign of directions. One of them caught her eye.

A café named the Groovy train. Perfect. A small café that only a few animals would be in at this time, especially after the rush hour was over. She had heard of the place a couple of times from her friends, as they liked to pop in to get a drink to go. Maybe there be somewhere she could simply rest and wait till the fret was over. Heck, maybe even calm down, get a drink and maybe revert back to Phia. Here's hoping, as she took a deep breath, tucked the sheet over her face like a hood, and headed to the entrance…

And there she was welcomed by an elderly dog, their huge bouncy hair covering their eyes.

"Hello there. Please take a seat and someone will take your order."

As Metamorphia stepped inside, the calming music of the piano playing at the background, already made her feel relaxed. The smell of fresh coffee, emitted the air. She couldn't help but to glance up and take a small inhale as the fumes filled her senses.

To make sure she wasn't the centre of attention, the creature decided to take a small table, right at the back of the café; almost to the kitchen, toilets and back entrance. Making sure she knew every exit, was just in case if things got sour for her here. As she took her seat, she glanced at everyone and lucky for her, everyone continued on with whatever they were up to. All she could do now, was calm down and plan her next step. One staff came over, ready to take her order.

Making sure her face was still covered by the sheet, she quickly wrapped around her snarling mouth and politely coughed. She spoke through her cover.

"Yes. May I please get a cappuccino?"

"Would you like to place any food?"

"No thank you."

"No problem, I shall get that ready for you."

The staff member, a very dressed up badger, smiled politely as he started to collect plates and utensils from the table. But then as he moved to collect the second cup from the mug, something caught his attention, as Metamorphia could see the shock on the badger's face. Sweat started to bed on his head, when he suddenly shook his head in denial.

"Ah not a problem, Miss. I shall get that drink ready for you." He replied quickly as he took his leave with her order.

Why did he suddenly look like that? Did he manage to see her face? Panic started to overwhelm her as she noticed that the dust sheet, was slightly transparent. Did he witness her teeth? What was she do? Run and flee? But won't that be more suspicious? Unless it was just a silly thought in her head; maybe she was even overthinking. The creature started to wipe the excess sweat from her hands as she tried to keep calm. But then as she reached down, something else she completely forgotten.

Because she was so scatter-brained, her bag pack was missing. She tried to retrace her steps, when she noticed by horror, she dropped it when she transformed into the rocket. No bag pack, no money.

What was she do?

Meanwhile, the badger headed to the main counter with the customer's order. He clutched his collar as he headed to the other staff member, waiting for him.

"What's the matter? You look as white as a napkin." The waiter at the back of the counter asked, cleaning a mug with a tea towel.

Looking worried, he made a quick eye dash towards the person waiting at the table, back to the barista. He then moved forward, as if to whisper.

"I don't know to be honest, but that customer over there, gave me the chills." The badger muttered.

"Come on, you sound like Pyjamas. Here, give me their order, maybe they're just nervous or something." His co worker replied, taking the ripped off piece of paper from the staff book.

The badger thought; maybe he was right as he watched the hedgehog quickly make the hot beverage. He could have just imagined what he saw, or maybe overthinking. As the brew was finished, the badger served it with a napkin on a circular black tray. Putting back on the smile, he headed back towards their table where his customer was waiting.

"Here you go madam, your cappuccino is read-"

But before he could finish, the figure was suddenly…. different. The sheet was still around her face, but it was her body, as he placed the hot beverage on the table, made him suddenly bolt back. Her body had suddenly seen liquified; that her feet were swarming out from the table and towards his own feet. To him it looked like a silver oozing liquid, almost reaching out for him from below.

In panic, as he bolted back, he accidently knocked the table, causing the hot drink to suddenly spill all over the table. Metamorphia suddenly moved backwards to not be hit by the hot drink. Everyone turned around and saw the commotion. Even the piano stopped playing.

The badger apologised multiple of times, as he quickly dashed away to get a clean cloth. But when he moved the empty cup off the table, he couldn't help but to glance once again. But only to see two perfectly normal legs and feet standing up. Was he tired or something? Surely his eyes didn't deceive him. But as he looked longer, they were normal as everyone else.

But he could have sworn-

"I'm so sorry madam. Please, use that table over there while we get this cleaned. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

The badger watched intently as he saw the creature simply nod, move away from her chair and took another one, right in the centre of the room. Taking a deep relief breath, the customer didn't shout and complain.

But his distraught look, caught the glimpse of the other barista, as he brought another cloth to assist him.

"What happened?" He whispered as he cleaned the tea off the table.

"I'm sorry, I stepped back suddenly and took the cup almost with me." The badger frantically explained as he removed the damp napkins.

"Ah no worries. You finish the cleaning here, while I'll make a fresh one." His colleague replied.

Feeling calmer, the badger felt relaxed as his finished cleaning. His colleague had taken over for him as he headed back to the counter. Even Mr Henderson, the pianist, continued to play his melodies.

As he took one final glance at the figure, something about her made him really uncomfortable…was she, familiar to him?

That was way too close as she could feel her heartbeat thudding against her chest.

In those moments, she knew exactly what he was looking at. As she was waiting for her order, sitting down was becoming uncomfortable. But as she looked down, she nearly cried out as she saw her feet and legs, slowly moving away; as if melting. She wasn't in pain, but it took all she could muster to not panic or scream in freight. At that time, she closed her eyes and tried deep breathing; listening to the soothing of the piano music. She had to get back in control of herself as she desperately tried to slow down her breathing.

But when the badger returned, it caused her whole body to froze, that when the cup spilled, she jolted up from her chair. Lucky for her, the instinct to move, overcame her body functions as her legs and feet reverted back.

A whole sigh of relief flooded her. As she was moved and the pianist continued to play, she noticed she was no longer the centre of attention as the other customers carried on drinking and chattering.

But why was this happening to her? Why now after all this time? Was it due to the stress? Or some sort of awaken generic code in her DNA? Were her nightmares connected? There, she tried to keep composed but the stress started to boil up within, feeling tears starting to swell.

Suddenly she was caught off guard as a fresh cup and brew were presented to her on a nice clean napkin.

"Please accept our apologise Miss. Here; this one is free on the house."

In the moment, she stopped to look up at the waiter, but surprised it was another one.

She was welcomed with a sweet smile; jiggered teeth just like herself. With a pleasant presence, she looked at the yellow hedgehog. When he opened his eyes to her, she was suddenly bolted with a sense of shock and awe. With his spiral red eyes, she was simply mystified by him.

So much so, she simply looked at him and stared at him; not saying a simple word. The hedgehog gave another smile and spoke, looking slightly sheepish when she didn't reply.

"Please, let me know if there is anything else I can help you with." He replied, giving that grin smile to her once more.

In that instant, she felt a thud in her chest as the hedgehog walked away, his yellow quills shifting as he moved. She clutched her chest and felt her cheeks suddenly feel warm. Her instinct was to scream; but of what? Delight? She pulled over the sheet over her face, simply from frustration and embarrassment.

Was she…having a crush over that barista?

Super Sonic continued working behind the counter, collecting the orders from other customers. The badger had returned from his cleaning, giving a quick glance towards the mysterious newcomer as he still held the mop and bucket.

"Well?" The badger sneaked up towards him.

"Well, what?" Super asked as he placed the empty cups on the black trays.

"Did you get anything from her?"

"Don't be daft; she's just quiet. Now haven't you and Pyjamas got something to do?" He looked at him, looking towards the mop and bucket.

"Oh gosh right, nearly forgot about that. I'll get on with it. Could you also make a fresh black coffee for Mr Henderson? He's just about to finish one of his scores." He asked, taking a glance near to the large grand piano on the stage.

Mr Henderson; an elderly elephant was today's entertainment. A lot of the customers stayed to simply listen to his wondrous work on the piano; even though his performances were few in between. He was a great hit and old friends of Pyjamas. He rose his trunk up ever slightly to the staff; that was their cue that the song was coming to an end.

Nodding his head, the yellow hedgehog took one large cup down, with a little assistance from a stepladder, ready for his order. As the piano played, the customers listened carefully to the notes; not even thanking Super as he passed them their drinks. At first, he thought it was simply rude of them. But after some time of listening to Mr Henderson, Super started to understand, that they were simply loving his work and didn't want conversation or talking to disturb the music. It felt his notes were capturing all their attention; a spell perhaps?

But as the final note was played, the café all applaud the music. The elderly elephant waved his hand to fans as Super came with his fresh coffee.

"Seems a lot more today than last week." The elephant smiled as he smelled his brew, using his truck to adjust his large square glasses.

Holding onto the empty tray, the hedgehog smiled.

"Well, it certainly keeps us busy, so that's a plus. Do you need anything else?"

"No; not at all. But that woman over there…she seems pretty worried." He spoke quietly, darting his eyes to the lonely customer.

Looking up, Super saw the same customer from before. But it must have been some minutes since she took her drink; still looking very much full. Nodding his head, he nodded back to Mr Henderson and headed towards his customer…

Metamorphia was silent in her thoughts. She wanted to feel calm with the soothing sound of the piano, but nothing was making her feel any better. The fresh cappuccino hadn't even been touched as her thoughts brought back bad memories.

Yes, she had been to this area before; only just before, this place and the whole neighbourhood was very much different. But they were not pleasant memories.

Looking down at her clawed hands, she recalled the ones she hurt. The ones she had imprisoned and enslaved, for the one she once loved; Doctor Robotnik. Created by Grimer, she was solely devoted to his former Master. Her powers meant she could do almost everything; except for the one thing she always failed; the destruction of Sonic the hedgehog. To see his face when she failed to capture him, or the sudden fear of his burst of anger towards her, when she failed to destroy Shortfuse the Cybernik. All her missions, she had failed him. And she too was taken prisoner as her punishment. When Grimer was forced to take away her shift shifting powers, she thought that was the end of her. Her heart was broken...

She knew she was better than that; her love for Robotnik felt more of a sinister sickness, even now thinking about him. The very motion of trapping her away into a super badnik by his hands, all she could feel was guilt and betrayal by her formal Master.

But when Tails helped her, that was when her powers gave her a second chance. One final transformation to Phia the Bear. A new life, where she could start anew and her past finally be rested. So why has it suddenly been brought back up? What was causing her powers, to suddenly burst back up again? Why was her own body retaliating? Why-

"Are you ok Miss? Anything else I can get you?"

So focussed on her thoughts, she didn't notice the hedgehog barista had come back. Her cheeks were fully flushed as she wrapped around the sheet even tighter on her face, when seeing him. She felt her body flush just by seeing that gentle smile on her again.

But all she could do was nod her head frantically repeatedly to give her response.

"Ok then, what would you like?"

Oh no, she thought. So distracted, she only realised she was nodding to say yes. As he got out from his apron a note pad and pen, Metamorphia was trying all she could to think of something quickly, until suddenly the hedgehog spotted someone from a distance.

"I'll let you have a think for a moment, I'll be right back" he replied with a smile.

As he left, her whole body sagged with relief. The blushing on her face started to fade but she couldn't help feel the warm fuzzy feeling in her stomach. Was she getting nervous around this guy? Is this what they meant saying "love at first sight?"

Don't be ridiculous, she thought to herself as she finally took the courage to reach out for her brew. But as she sipped it, her thoughts turned towards the hedgehog. She noticed he was talking to someone; a beautiful black cat. As she watched them talking, she saw that same smile towards her. There was a sudden pit landing straight over the warm feeling she felt before.

Chattering away, she felt something she never felt before. Seeing them talking, smiling; even laughing towards one another, she realised very quickly as she took another sip of her cappuccino, she was giving death stares towards the feline.

For the first time in her life, she was feeling…. jealousy.

And in her current state, that was even more dangerous…

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT PART "The love trap!"