2 Days Later – 4:48 a.m.
Sonic turns over on his side before deciding to kick the covers off. It's too hot for him. The type of hot that's uncomfortable and tossing and turning don't really help but after taking the covers off you get slightly cold. It's just the type of night that no matter what you do, you can't win against your bed.
Letting out an annoyed sigh, he opens his eyes and sits up. He glances at the clock on his nightstand before covering his face with his right hand, letting out a groan.
A yawn escapes his mouth before he stretches his arms overhead. 'Might as well get up for a quick jog.' He swings his legs over the bed but the moment his feet touch the floor does a red portal open and a letter flutters down, landing on his pillow.
Sonic close his eyes and brings both hand to his face, rubbing his temples. He does not want to deal with this stalker right now. He's tired, he's uncomfortable, and he just wants to get some fresh air. Why does he have to deal with … this?
Sonic reaches for the lamp and turns the light on before turning his attention to the letter. He closes his eyes and takes a breath, really not wanting to read it. 'Please, please, please~ just say that you're moving on from me. Please…'
Good morning my Love,
Sonic clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth in annoyance. 'Darn it.'
I hope you slept well.
Was I in your dreams? Were you thinking of pleasant things with me? Or they could be naughty things. You know I won't judge.
Oooh, I really hope it was naughty things.
'Of course you do.' Sonic shakes his head. He really doesn't want to finish this letter.
Ha ha, ah, the thought of you thinking such things about me makes me so, mmm, wanting.
Sorry, I'm getting a little too carried away right now.
'No? Really? Whatever gave you that idea?' Green eyes roll before looking back at the paper.
I really wouldn't mind if you were thinking of nice things, like strolling in the park with me, holding hands. Having a picnic while feeding each other. Or maybe you would prefer running around. Oh, how about running through Emerald Hills backwards? Or even through Green Forest.
Sonic narrows his eyes at this part. 'I really hate that he knows where I enjoy running.'
Or if you prefer, we could explore Mystic Cave together, strolling in the dark, not knowing how well the ground will hold before it collapses.
Ah, doesn't it excite you?
'With you? Nope.'
I would say we could walk the streets of Metropolis or Station Square but both are far too crowded for my liking…
Although…
Mmhmm
I could thin them out so we could enjoy just each other's companies without the "annoyance" of others.
You know how I feel about people.
None of them are good enough to even breathe the same air as you.
Soon,
Very soon
Sonic slightly crumbles the paper at this point. He knows very well how much this stalker hates people. They made mention several times in different letters how willing they would be to "thin" the existence of others because they don't deserve to live.
Which brings me to my main topic.
I'll be able to see you soon, my Love.
That way, you and I will be together forever.
Until the end of time.
Green eyes widen. 'How?!'
I love you.
I truly do.
I love you so much that it hurts.
Sonic's hands start to lightly tremble as he's just staring at the words. Every time the other admits their love for him it gets too demanding that it's scary.
It hurts that I'm not by you side, even as I write.
I want you next to me
Right now
I need you next to me.
To see you
To feel you
To hear you
To smell you
To taste you
Sonic closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He needs to stay calm before the other watches him panic. And that's the thing; he knows he's being watched at this very moment.
Sonic
Why must you be so far from me?
Why must we be apart?!
I NEED you!
Can't you see?! Can't you see how much I love you?!
Why must you be somewhere I can't reach?!
ANSWER ME!
SONIC!
Sonic tears his eyes away from the letter and places it down on the nightstand, turned over so no one can read it. He lets out a shaky breath before he responds. "H-hey," he clears his throat, trying to steady himself. This is not what he needs first thing in the morning.
"I… can't answer that question." He opens his eyes and looks towards his closet. He knows that the person isn't in there but that's the only place he'll look to answer the letters. Kind of like having a monster in the closet situation.
The room is silent and Sonic hates it. He knows that the other is writing another letter while he's just waiting. Sonic won't do anything while waiting for the response. He's learned that sitting and waiting is better than trying to get ready for anything. It's bad enough that this person knows what he does about the hero, Sonic doesn't want to give the stalker any more topics for them to talk about.
A moment later and another red portal opens, another lettings landing on the hero's lap. Sonic instantly grabs said letter and starts reading, knowing if he takes to long to read it the stalker will just send more, demanding why he isn't reading it.
Baby
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
I hope I didn't scare you too badly.
I'm so sorry, Love.
Will you forgive me?
'Darn it.' Sonic closes his eyes but holds himself back from letting out a deep breath. He really doesn't want the other to know that he's uncomfortable right now. Sonic looks back at the closet and avoids answering the question. "You didn't scare me."
Three minutes pass as Sonic continues to stare at the closet before another letter pops out the portal.
Good.
I'm glad to know that.
I would love to keep talking with you, Love, but unfortunately, I have some business to attend to.
I really do miss you.
I hope we can meet each other sooner than later. Don't you?
Don't worry, I already know your answer and I love you too.
Sonic has to hold back a gag from reading that part.
I'll see you later
From your one and only true love~
After reading the letter, he places it face down on top of the other and lets out a deep breath, knowing he finally has some sort of privacy.
He rests his elbows on his knees and places his face in his hands. 'I can't keep doing this. I'm so tired.' Another breath leaves his mouth as he gets up from his bed and kneels down, reaching under it to grab a box. He reaches his hand to grab the two letters with one hand and pulls the box out with the other. Once the box is out from under the bed he moves piles of letters aside and places the new ones on the very bottom before he pushes the box back under his bed. Sonic sits with his back against the bed and just closes his eyes. A dry laugh leaves his lips. "And people wonder why I'm so exhausted."
Getting up, he grabs an older pair of shoes from his closet before he leaves his room, closing the door behind him, just missing a third letter falling on his bed.
Soon
My Love
Very soon
7:56 a.m.
Sonic stifles a yawn as he reaches his door. He had spent more time than he wanted to run but it did help clear his mind from earlier. In fact, after he went around Hill Top he somehow ended up near the Jungle Zone, which surprised him but he enjoyed the scenery nonetheless . Especially after that stalker had known about his normal running places.
"Sonic?! That is you!"
The hero turns around only to be greeted by a big hug and fluffy tails going crazy.
It takes Sonic a second before he sees his best friend. "Tails!" Quickly, he wraps his arms around his little brother and pulls him in closer, excited to see the kit. He places his right cheek on top of the younger's head and tightens his hold for a few seconds before pulling back. "How are ya, bud?"
"I'm great," Tails says with a smile growing on his face. "I'm so glad you're back! It's been so quiet without you here!"
Sonic rubs the underside of his nose and looks to the side, a small smile grazing his lips. "Yeah, I'd figure."
Tails finally steps back and his smiles turns into a small frown. "I-I really miss having you around here." His ears lower as he rubs his left arm, "Why are you gone for so long now?"
"I," Sonic rubs the back of his neck and lets out a breath. "-"
"Tails, why'd you run off like that?"
"Oh, the hero is back."
Sonic looks behind Tails, and the kit turns around to see his parents walking towards them. Sonic's ears slowly lower as he gives them a small smile and a wave to the Prowers. Amadeus is neutral towards Sonic, where he does respect the hero for his work but other than that they don't have a good relationship where as Rosemary just flat out does not like him at all. She is not hesitant to let Sonic know that he's reckless and won't go far in life and she doesn't want her baby to be influenced by such a person.
Tails ears lower just a bit more. "Mom, Dad, I- I heard Sonic was back and wanted to see him. He's my brother. I missed him." He grabs a hold of Sonic's arm which the hero in return just pats his head.
"Tails, bro, it's oka-"
Tails quickly turns to his friend. "No it's not. I missed you. We don't get to hang or go on any adventures anymore."
"But your school-"
"I don't care about my school. Who cares if I'm in university? If I have a scholar? Sonic, I miss being around you-" Tails is suddenly pulled in a tight hug as Sonic places his head on his shoulder.
"I know, bud, I know. I miss you too but your folks want better for you," Sonic whispers, "-they don't want to see you as a "failure" with no future."
Tails wraps his arms around his brother. "But, you're not a failure. You've saved us, this planet so many times, how could you be?"
A small chuckle leaves the hero's lips. "We both know I'm not but there's literally nothing I can do to change their mind. They just don't like me, that's all. You know that's not enough to get me down."
Tails pulls back and wipes the corner of his eyes. He didn't realize they were starting to water. "Yeah, I know. I just," he looks up green eyes, "-I just miss how it used to be."
"I know." Sonic ruffles the younger's head, messing up his tufts before Tails swats his hand away and laughs. "How's school treating you?"
"Oh, you know; boring. They're teaching us," he uses his fingers as quotation marks, "-advanced subjects, stuff I already know."
"Which doesn't mean you have to slack off on your studies, Miles." Rosemary chimes in as she and her husband make it to the Hedgehog residence.
Tails does everything he can to not roll his eyes. "Yes mom."
"You were doing so well on your studies until you heard Ms. Rose talking about… him." Rosemary cuts her eyes at the hero, who just smiles in return. Oh how he wants to give her a snarky remark but doesn't just for Tails' sake.
"Mr. and Mrs. Prower." Sonic nods his head towards them.
Amadeus nods his head back at Sonic as his wife just stares him down. "Back to rest from more world saving I see."
"Yes Sir."
Rosemary crosses her arms. "And how long are you back for this time? Surely you have enough time to spend with your own mother as you do saving lives."
'Ugh, how does Tails deal with her?' "I actually have to leave for a mission with G.U.N. today. Not sure how long that'll take though."
"G.U.N., huh?" Amadeus starts, "Must be something dire."
Sonic shrugs his shoulders. "Wouldn't know. They won't give me the details until I'm there."
"As they should." Amadeus agrees. He himself is has the title Commander so he knows about keeping information from others until they need to know. The art of war can be tricky.
"But," Amadeus continues as he studies the hero, "-it looks like you haven't had proper sleep."
"Oh, this," Sonic points at his eyes. "-just had a bad dream is all."
"Nightmare on the night before a mission? You'll put yourself and others in danger if you keep that up."
'Ugh, Tails. Seriously, how do you deal with these people? One is strict and the other is so overbearing she puts a mother bear to shame.' Sonic nods his head. "I'll keep that in mind, Sir."
"Good."
"Sonic? Sonic!"
The four turns towards the street to see the "retired" Freedom Fighters. They're not technically retired but since they haven't been able to go with Sonic on world saving adventures they've just stayed put in the kingdom, working on other things. Sally is doing her role in being princess. Rotor is working on inventions to help the Acorn Army as well as defend the kingdom. Antoine is doing his role in the Acorn Army, being right under Amadeus while his wife is finally in the beautician business. And Nicole is doing her job in maintaining the safety of the kingdom via the nanobots.
The group quickly run up to the hedgehog and give him a hug, each offering hellos and quick jabs of their own at the hero.
Amy walks up to the house with a basket of goodies in her hand. "Oh wow, the gang's all here." She laughs while reaching the porch.
"What, did mom call for this little shindig or something?" Sonic jokes as he pulls his head out of Rotor's headlock and lightly punches the walrus' shoulder, laughing.
"Maybe I did."
"Mom?!" Sonic and Tails jump as Bernadette pops out of no where while Jules and Chuck walk out the door. "Don't do that." Sonic grabs his chest. "You'll kill me before Rouge even gets here."
"Rouge?" Sally asks.
"Oh, that's right. You have a mission you gotta go on, don'cha Sonny?" Chuck asks as Amy hands him a treat.
"Yeah."
"Big Blue~"
Everyone turns their head to see the agent walking towards them.
"Speak of the devil," Sonic laughs before stretching. "Guess I'm going now."
"But what about your things?" Sally asks.
Rouge reaches them and tosses Sonic an earpiece, which he catches and looks at. He's trying to remember if it's the right or left ear.
"Right one, sweetie."
Sonic winks at her and puts it in.
"Aw, Suga-hog, we just got here." Bunnie complains as she gives the hero a hug.
"Sorry, but duty calls." Sonic says returning the hug before giving one to Sally.
"Rouge,"
Said bat looks to the older hedgehog.
"-how long are you guys going to be gone for?"
Rouge simply shrugs her shoulders. "Who knows, it could be a few days to a few months. Just depends on the situation."
Amy pulls away from Sonic before shoving a cookie in his mouth before flicking his nose, making him shake his head and choke out a laugh. "Now I know I'm the last person to say it,"
"Yeah."
"Yep."
"Pretty much."
Amy turns to the group of friends and puffs her cheeks out. "Oh shut up," which they just laugh in return. She turns back to her friend, "Just make sure you get some rest. You look better than when you first got here but you still look like crap," she turns to Sonic's parents, "-sorry."
Jules just laughs as Bernadette has a smile on her face as she hugs her son. "I mean, you're not wrong. He looked terrible."
"Yeah, those bags did nothing for him." Amy laughs as she sees Sonic turn to Tails, giving him a tight hug.
"Gotta go bro, but I'll be back as soon as I can, promise."
Tails tightly hugs Sonic before letting him go. "I know, you always keep your promises."
Sonic flashes the kit a smile before going to take a step towards Rouge, only to be stopped by his uncle. He raises his eyebrow.
Chuck leans in and whispers, "Another one is in your room. I didn't read it but I know it's new. You always put them away when you read them." He sees his nephew's features drop and his hand twitch from the news.
"Rouge," Sonic quickly turns to the agent who looks at him confused, "-give me a second. I'll be right back."
"But you don't need anything, hun."
"I know." Sonic yells before he disappears into his house, straight for his room.
Everyone is looking at the entrance confused before turning their gaze towards Chuck.
"Is everything alright?" Sally asks.
"I 'ave never zeen Zonic look zo, uh, za panicky lately." Antoine chimes in.
The door opens and Sonic comes out with a smile on his face. It's forced and everyone can tell but before they can ask him about it he heads for Rouge. "Alright, I had a, uh, bathroom moment there."
Rouge just stares at him, knowing full well he's lying but just laughs. Out of all the choices, he uses the bathroom. "Uh-huh. Let's go Big Blue before we're late for the debriefing."
Sonic turns around as he's walking with Rouge. "It was great seeing you guys again! I'll definitely swing by when I get a chance!"
"Sonic!" Jules calls out.
"Go ahead dad, but after I leave." And with that, Sonic takes Rouge's hand and runs. The only thing that could be left seen is a cloud of dust. The sooner he's gone from the kingdom, the sooner his stalker won't have their eyes on him.
"Jules," Amadeus starts, "-you're son is a terrible liar."
"I'm aware of that, Amadeus." The older hedgehog narrows his eyes at the older fox.
"Bernadette," Rosemary crosses her arms.
"Rosemary," Bernadette places her hands on her hips. She does not care for Tail's mother whatsoever but only acknowledges her for Tails' sake. It's amazing how Tails became so sweet, kind, caring, and just loveable from how his parents are. And she doesn't quite care for how they treat her own son.
Everyone can feel the tension rise between the older four before Chuck claps his hands. "Okay, okay. That's enough. I'm sure you all know Sonic has been a little … off these last few months so everyone here can either continue to stare at each other or you can come in and we'll tell you what's going on."
"Going on?" Amy says as she hands Bunnie another treat. "There's a reason he's been off?"
"Amy," Bernadette turns her attention to the younger hedgehog, "-there's a reason why he hasn't slept or been eating properly. In fact, I'd have to say that he's even a bit paranoid at this point."
"Paranoid?"
"I don't think he's there yet," Jules says
"Oh please." Rosemary rolls her eyes.
"Mom, don't-"
"What does the great hero have to be paranoid about? Other than his image?"
Bernadette balls her fists, wanting to hit the woman. "Rosemary, I swear to Chaos-"
"The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, doesn't it?"
"Okay, that's enough, both of you." Sally steps forward as she puts a hand on Bernadette's shoulder. "Let's just go inside and find out what's going on, alright?" Seriously, these two adults are acting like children right now.
8:23 a.m.
Jules comes out of the hallway into the front room with a box in hand. He sees that everyone had found a place to sit as he places the box on the coffee table in front of his chair.
Eyebrows raise as they see Jules open the box, silently questioning it.
"Jules, are you sure this is alright?" Bernadette asks as she walks over to him. It's unsettling for her to know what's on these letters from when Sonic had told them about them. She herself has never seen an actual letter. In fact, no one other than Sonic has actually see any letters, they just know that he has them and he's told them what each one had said.
The blue hedgehog closes his eyes and shakes his head. "I really don't want to but we haven't seen them ourselves."
"Okay, what is going on? What's so important about the thing in the box?" Sally asks, feeling a bit unnerved about this whole situation.
Jules and Bernadette looks at each other before Chuck speaks. "For the past few months, actually, we're not even sure how long it's been going on now, but Sonic has been getting… letters."
"So, a fan is scaring him?" Tails asking, not really sure how that would be possible. Sonic has been up against so many threats, how could a fan make it to the point where his brother isn't sleeping or eating properly?
"I guess you can say that. I won't read all of them but I'll read enough so you guys can have an idea of how, uh, extreme this fan really is."
Everyone looks at each other before looking back at Chuck, who grabs the letter on the very top of the stack.
To Sonic
Wow, it's such an honor to be able to write to you.
You are so much better than what anyone could ever portray you as.
I hope this gets to you soon.
You're biggest fan~
"Wow, that's not bad at all." Amy says. Bunnie nods her head in agreement. "Yeah, I was extectin' it to be a bit more on the creepy side."
"It gets a whole lot worse. That was just the very first one ever sent." Chuck looks at the two ladies before reaching in to find a more suitable letter.
"Chuck? What's wrong?" Jules asks. The look in Chuck's eyes isn't right, almost as if he was getting scared.
"The ink… I don't think it's ink at all."
"Chuck?" Jules gets up but his brother only shakes his head before he reads another one.
It's me
I just love how you defeat the enemies.
You really are something else.
You know, I'm quite the fighter myself. Maybe one day we can fight alongside each other. That would be great, wouldn't you think?
Still you're biggest fan~
Chuck places the letter inside and picks another one up, but his hand starts to tremble a bit. Seeing this Jules reaches for the paper, only for Chuck to move it out of his reach. "Don't touch it."
"Chuck? What's-"
"Just let me do this, okay?"
Everyone can hear the strain in the elder's voice. It almost sounds like he's disgusted about something.
Hey!
Are you alright?!
I don't like that you got hurt like that?
Sonic, please.
Tell me you're okay.
Ugh.
How dare they touch you.
How dare they make you lose any blood!
I'LL KILL THEM!
I'LL RIP THEIR HEADS OFF AND STAB THEM THROUGH!
THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TOUCHING YOU LIKE THAT!
…
Actually, if you like, Sonic,
I can end their lives for you.
I know you won't ever take anyone's life and that's what I like about you. You're so noble.
So caring.
So thoughtful.
Oh, just the thought of you getting hurt makes my blood boil.
Just say the word and I'll end all of their lives.
The ones who have done you wrong.
And I'll make sure to give them a brutal death. They don't deserve any mercy. Not for what they've done to you.
If you like, I can rip their ribs out, stab them through their head with the bone and rip their chest open to watch their heart's final beat.
Oh, the thought is intoxicating, don't you think?
Sonic?
…
I think I'm falling for you
No,
I KNOW I'm falling for you. That's why I can't stand to see you get hurt by anyone.
Sonic, if you'll let me, I'll make sure no harm will ever come to you.
I promise.
Your biggest fan~
Eyes are wide in the room as they hear the words from the letter. "How can someone go from being a fan to psychotic within three letters?" Sally asks not believing what she just heard.
Chuck places the letter back in the box before grabbing another. "These aren't in order. Other than the first one, I don't know what number any of these are. Sonic, himself, lost the correct order."
Hi my Love
I just had a very interesting dream that I wanna share with you.
You were on top of me, slo-
Chuck quickly throws the letter back into the box, before closing his eyes and covering his mouth. It was one of the letters that really bothered Sonic more than anything. It was a sex letter, telling in full detail what this stalker wanted to do to Sonic and what they wanted Sonic to do to them.
"Chuck?" Jules touches his brother's shoulder only for the older to shake his head. "I can't. These are too much. They're only going to get worse from here."
"So let me get this straight,"
Everyone turns to Amadeus.
"Sonic has been getting letters from a crazy stalker. Hasn't anyone checked the envelope to see the address to deal with them?"
Bernadette shakes her head. "That's the thing, there is no envelope."
"What, how can there be a letter with no env-"
A red portal appears in the middle of the room and a letter drops on the coffee table, shocking everyone in the room before it closes. They all look to each other before looking at the letter.
Jules reaches for it and his eyes instantly go wide.
HoW DarE YoU?!
TheSe Are fOR mY LoVE anD My LovE oNlY!
I ShoUlD sLaUgTeR yOu On tHE SpOt WhEN I GeT tHeRe!
AnD To aNswEr ThE QueStIoN:
I'm UsiNg mY oWn BLOOD tO WriTe tO mY bElOVeD!
Do nOT rEad aNyMoRE iF yOu ValUe YouR WorThLeSs LiveS!
nOnE oF yOu EveN dEsErVE tO lIve, To bReAtHe tHe Same AiR as My Love!
I'll kill yOu AlL!
SoNiC Is MINE!
AnD MINE ALONE!
Jules tosses the letter in the box and closes it. He takes a second to scan the room. Everyone's eyes are wide open in what he would say is fear. All of the women have hands covering their mouth, actually, mainly everyone has their hands covering their mouths.
"This," Jules starts as he picks up the box and heads for Sonic's room to put it back, "-this is what he's been going through the last few months."
"And to answer your question," Chuck starts as he takes his glasses off to wipe the corners of his eyes. They've only read a few of these … letters but Sonic? He's read all of them. Chaos, that's why he's in such a state. "-this is why we can't locate the sender. There's no way to track a portal."
Amadeus and Rosemary both lower their ears as their initial shock die down and Tails rubs his eyes, not liking how his brother has been dealing with this by himself. 'Sonic…'
Finally, the prologue-ish chapters are done. Now I can start focusing on the many-a-ships after the next chapter. Huzzah.
And sorry if this was a bit much with the letters. Just wanted to show how, uh, interesting they were.
Take care for now.