Chapter 9

Phia opened her eyes as she was woken up by a nearby shout. She must have been so tired from her trip to prison, she didn't remember getting out of the car. As she stretched out her arms forward, she recognised the scene that surrounded her; four concrete walls with no sign of natural light or the rest of the world. But what she was astonished, was to see her hands.

They were brown fur. Sitting up quickly, she checked her whole body and to her sheer delight, her form had returned to being Phia the bear. At last, she sighed as she laid back down and spread herself against the single bed.

Was it really just a lack of sleep that stopped her from changing back? Stress? She didn't know. But did it mean anything? Not now anymore.

Around the four walls that encircled her, she could hear loud bangs from a distance and animals speaking. Were they talking about her? She sat up on her bed and rested her back against the wall. But then her ears picked up something else; footsteps. And they were approaching quickly. Were they coming to her?

Then her answer came as she heard the quick rattle of keys and the wide door opened up with a creaking sound.

And her visitor…well, she couldn't help but to smile, a tear in her eye.

A small twin tailed fox, with a shocked expression at first but then, a gentle smile rose on his face.

"It's good to see you again Tails." She croaked, trying to push away more tears.

Weeks later, the Metropolis zone was running back to normal. The animal folk were heading to their morning chores as if nothing had happened. The only evidence left from that day, where the written new articles in the local newspapers.

Tucking his morning papers, along with his daily comic, the old creature ventured back off to the Groovy train with his walking stick from the news agents. He could only do small talk to the vendor, as he needed to head off soon. To his dismay, running at high speed, would cause suspicion, as he waddled his way back to the cafe.

As he got inside, he rushed straight into the office, where he was finally relieved of his disguise. Super Sonic hated the beard, it was so itchy as he couldn't help but to scratch his fur. But at the moment, it was better to be safe than sorry. He scanned through the dozen of newspapers, till he finally saw the article he wanted. Quickly retrieving his work apron, he went back outside to the main café.

It had been a while back, since the police witnessed "an unknown figure" to have a huge resemblance to Super Sonic. But with no further evidence and after a wide search, the case had gone cold. Especially thanks to a recent identity of whom they arrested that night. And she was centre page on the newspapers, with large capital letters written across the first page.

It wasn't a nice picture to say the least; an old picture of her old from, taken years ago. But that wasn't what he was interested in; it was the main title. As he tapped on Pyjamas shoulder, she spun around and saw what he was pointing to. She leaned closer as her eyes weren't as sharp as his.

"Metamorphia, dropped of all charges! From Zero, to Hero!" She smiled.

The hedgehog didn't need to read the rest of it as he continued on with his duties. But a huge wave of anxiety and worry, melted away from his shoulders. He couldn't help but to feel guilty for letting her take the fall; disguised like that of all things. It only fuelled his worry, that many were clearly still after him. Hence why the disguise was paramount as he left the café; not forced by Ebony or Pyjamas, but mainly his own choice.

But seeing the next few articles about her, it seemed she finally got some sense of control of her powers. It was stated that the "Super Sonic" lookalike, was none other than Metamorphia; ex villain and criminal. However, Tails the hero, came to her defence. They explained that the "demon" disguise, was to intimidate the robbers. Well, Super didn't know if he was happy to hear that or not.

The statements the fox provided, showed sense of good character and the evidence provided by an "unknown source", proved that Phia was not to be locked up and given another chance. Super had to smirk, as he knew exactly where the "evidence" had come from. Sometimes, it was lucky to have a spy as a call out. But by the time they received it, Rouge had already made her goodbyes that very night.

Also, the arrest of the robbers was a plus too. Unfortunately, as for their "boss", nothing came up. The unknown robots they collected from the scene, had all malfunctioned and died out. It was impossible to gain any evidence. This disappointed Johnny, and very much annoyed Rouge. Especially now her cover was blown. So, it wasn't long before Rouge went back into hiding. Johnny and the police continued to investigate.

As for Sonic, well he left to continue with his other adventures. Disappointed? Most likely, but certainly keeping his radar on, in case another encounter with Super Sonic.

But Phia was made free, she was allowed to go back into society.

Then Super Sonic had to ponder, as he served the next customers as they walked in.

Would he ever be set free due to "change in character", if he gave himself up? Would anyone speak up for him? Would anyone believe him?

But then Ebony walked beside him, helping him with his trays. That one smile from her, reassured him to say the least. Cheese was following behind her as he tried his best to carry a spoon to a waiting customer.

He wasn't sure really, but he knew for definite; he had a lot of loud voices to say something about him…

A few days later…

Phia moaned as she reached for her bed side clock, as it screamed the roof down. Tossing as she shifted across her bedsheets, her eyes slowly opened up to see the numbers. And almost screamed out loud when she noticed she was late again.

Panicking, she reached for her regular clothes as she stormed around her room. But this time, her room was spotless. Everything was neat and tidy and her books were ready for the next day. Suddenly a knock came from the door as the young fox came inside. As she stepped inside, she looked astonished to see such a transformation. But some things never changed.

"Girl! You need a better alarm clock!" She spoke, folding her arms and tutting.

"Don't tell me I've missed the bus?" Phia shouted from the bathroom, sorting out her hair and brushing her teeth.

"Again; like five minutes ago!" Her friend spoke in denial.

Once again, she cursed as she ran through her room for her college bag, apologising to her friend as she left the building in a hurry. But as she looked onward, her mood wasn't set to panic, but of determination.

Making sure the coast was clear and very much away from any walking pedestrians, Phia transformed her body, feeling it twist and bend. Her body shrivelled and coiled to a solid shape and her face placed right at the front. She took a deep breath as she felt the rockets underneath her feet, set a lit and; whoosh! She felt the wind take her as she rocketed over the buildings.

She noticed some of the folk below, looked up and pointed, but her landing point, was located just outside the college premises. Just as her jump ended and her body heading downwards by gravity, she felt the tingles in her back erupt, as a shot out her self-made parachute; expanded over her shoulders and making the landing safer.

As she made a gentle landing, her body reverted and formed back to the bear. Adjusting her college bag and brushing any dirt from her skirt, she took a quick glance as she watched the bus she missed, only just land. Thank goodness, she was still on time.

Suddenly, the bracelet on her wrist alerted her by her actions, as suddenly the small communicator in her bag pocket, rang for attention. Scattered brained for a moment, she frantically reached inside her bag and opened the minicomputer in her hand. There, looking straight at her, was her probation officer; an elderly sheep that was sipping slowly on his coffee.

"Miss Phia, please tell me you didn't use your powers to get to college on time?" He bleeped.

"I'm sorry Mr Mittens. I forgot to set the alarm early this morning."

Mr Mittens looked at her with unsatisfied look as he sipped more on his coffee.

"Don't let it happen again or I'll be sending you a watch, while you are in prison. You got that Missy?"

"Of course! Completely understand. And again; I'm so sorry. Please don't Tails about this." Phia begged.

"Just make sure you get to that exam in time; oh! And before you go. Good luck" he smiled as he ended the conversation.

Oh shoot, the exam. Shoving the communicator back in her bag, she ran towards the building. As she passed through the corridors to the exam room, she was greeted by her usual friends. But she noticed others were staring or whispering behind her back. Of course, she wasn't surprised that they knew the truth had come out and of course, others didn't particularly like her for it. Some recalled her history, her misdeeds and brutality. Even some had their own memories about her and what she did to them.

But she could take it, in the end nobody was perfect.

But right now, she looked forward to the future and it depended on how well the exam went. Before she headed to the main hall for her exam, she took some deep breaths and remained calm. But this time, she had confidence to succeed as she gave one determined smile. Taking one final exhale, she walked inside, prepared to give it all she had…

It was raining outside, but the atmosphere inside the Groovy train, was anything but gloomy. Johnny wanted to celebrate Phia's success by taking him to his favourite place. However, as they entered inside from the dull weather, Phia couldn't help but feel nervous. It was after all, the first time she saw everyone again since the incident.

As she folded her wet umbrella inside, she was greeted with Pyjamas, smiling towards them both.

"Table for two?" The dog asked.

"Yes please." Johnny smiled as he escorted Phia to their table.

Phia however was silent as they sat down. In the background, the piano was playing away as the elderly elephant pushed down the keys. The song was mellow and yet a hint of a spring in his fingers. Phia started to feel more relaxed as she looked in the menu, when she was greeted by Super Sonic.

"Hello you two, may I take your order?"

Phia's heart skipped a heart upon seeing him again. She was worried at first of his reaction seeing her; was he angry at her? Unsettled? And yet, as she looked at him, he held that gentle smile as he took his pad and pen. Johnny was talking away to him, as she glanced at him over the menu.

She was so fixated, that when it was her turn to order, she gasped and suddenly went quiet. When she made her order, she could feel the hot flush cross over her cheeks. Ducking herself into the menu, she quietly asked for a smoothie.

However, as time passed by and the drinks returned, the hedgehog joined them on his break. She watched as he chatted away to the rabbit; even joining in the conversation. It just felt normal soon after to be with them. Until she finally had the courage, when Johnny had to nip to the bathroom.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" Super asked.

"For getting you into danger. Believe me, it was certainly not my intention, to put any of you into my mess."

"Ah. Well over here, it tends to happen quite a lot, so you don't have to worry about it. Just another day in the office." Super tried to joke.

This time, Phia couldn't help but to smile. Was she blushing? But then she saw the ever glare coming from the feline. Even from a distance, Ebony's stare could be felt. The Goosebumps on her back rose up. It seemed it will still take some time, to get over everyone. And she certainly knew she had to pay back for the bathroom damages.

But as Johnny returned, the conversation continued. As they chat, Phia relaxed; even discussing her new studies as she would be moving from the city for a while to University. But when Super told her she was more than welcome to come back anytime, the bear couldn't help but feel the heat raise up to her ears. But as soon as the boys asked if she was alright, she would stutter and shun herself away, as she tried to disguise her embarrassment. Just this time, she didn't have to melt her body like a puddle.

Soon it was time to go; as there was still a lot of packing up to do back at her place. As Johnny made his final farewells, Phia couldn't help but to steal the hedgehog for just a moment.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm? What's up?" Super asked, as he gave her back her umbrella.

"From before, you mentioned about a new year's resolution. The bad jokes and all that; what was it? I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to" Phia replied, gently laughing as she tried to hide her nervousness.

At first, the hedgehog looked confused. Then a ping moment came to head, as he recalled. He reached his hand behind his head, looking a little embarrassed himself.

"Oh that! Well, its daft to say really but...I'm not good at smiling; big pointy teeth are apparently a major turn off for many. So, Ebony suggested by making someone laugh, that I can learn how to do a natural smile myself. Hence the terrible jokes, that are so bad, you just have to laugh."

How could you say something like that? Out of everyone here, your smile is the sincerest!"

And there he went with that jagged smile of his, that Phia couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by it. Coughing quietly to herself to distract herself, she felt a sneaky smile cross over her own face as she rose her umbrella towards her.

"Well, I may have a joke of my own." The bear smiled as she spun the umbrella in her hands.

"Oh? Go on then." The hedgehog insisted as he folded his arms.

"What did the tomato, say to the other tomato during a race?"

"No idea." He simply shook his head.

"Ketchup." Phia finished with a grin.

For a moment, there was silent, but then suddenly, the whole café stopped as both of them laughed out loud. The bear and hedgehog were in hysterics. Yes, it was a terrible joke, but it certainly got them giggling. And there, Phia knew exactly why he was asked to do that. The warm smile, that kind personality; something that anyone would want from him. If she could change and show the world she could do it, maybe he had a chance too…

Phia saw that Johnny was waiting for her. With a smile, she said her farewells to him. But not before she got up close to Super Sonic, gave him a huge hug and quickly shoved a note in his apron pocket. At first, he looked shocked, but as she let go, she waved her gloves to him; reassuring him she wasn't going to transform again. She gave one quick wink, said her farewells to Ebony and Pyjamas as she opened the umbrella, to welcome back the rain outside.

To say it was miserable, she defiantly felt she was on cloud nine. Onwards, to new beginnings…

Meanwhile back at the café, Super felt something shoved inside his apron pocket. He opened the note, to see it was written by Phia; a message as well as a telephone number.

"Don't worry, you haven't seen the last of me. Until next time, cute boy." Finished with a wink face.

Ebony cocked her head as the hedgehog suddenly looked embarrassed and hot under the collar. Was something up? The feline looked back towards the exit where Phia and Johnny had just left. Crossing her arms, her tail whisked behind her frantically. Annoyed and yet, smiling.

Yeap, that girl was sure gonna be trouble in the future…

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE FINAL PART "Danger in the Shadows"