If Tails felt like a burden before, then he really felt worse then useless now. He wanted to prove he was helpful, that he can give aid to his teammates and that he was anything but useless, but he'd only gone and got himself kidnapped instead. That had to be the biggest burden ever, right?
The fox sighed, lowering his head but regretting doing so when his skull throbbed in pain again. Although he felt less dizzy and disoriented, the pain seemed to get worse and worse with every minute, Tails wanting nothing more than the pain to stop hurting, it was starting to make him feel faint. His stomach decided right then and there to remind him that it's most likely been over 24 hours since he'd last eaten, making a loud rumbling sound as to show him how hungry he felt. He would have clutched his stomach if his hands weren't bound behind his back.
He huffed as he decide to ignore his ever growing headache and to concentrate on what was happening around him, hopefully being able to gather his surroundings, not daring to look down.
It all felt like jumble of memories after he was knocked out by- that he now knows- Metal Sonic. He had no idea how long he'd been out for, his recollection of time going out the window even before he was grabbed by his best friend's metal doppelgänger.
When he eventually did stir awake, he was being held by the arms of two badniks, ones he'd never seen before, lifting him from the ground with their grip cutting off his circulation. His left arm was in double the agony as the grip added pressure to his burn. He was being held in a cell, all means of escape being as thin as a piece of thread. He still did try however, squirming and kicking with as much strength as he could muster, but unfortunately it was to no avail, the grip only getting tighter and a yelp escaping him. He hung his head as he gave up his attempt of futile escape, his head throbbing and the feeling of nausea swelling inside his stomach.
Suddenly, that feeling of being watched overcame him like it did back in the cave as he turned to look outside the cell, those red eyes staring into his soul as before. This time whoever, he was able to get a full look at the being-or robot-that was standing before him.
He couldn't believe what he was looking at. He heard about this - Metal Sonic was it?- robot from Sonic and Amy in passing, but they made him believe that he was destroyed, to never be coming back. Yet here he was, staring straight at him. The Fox gulped, unsure of what exactly this robot wanted.
However Metal Sonic only seemed to just stand there, watching him. Whether the evil scientist commanded him to do this or it just wanted to watch the Kit of his own accord, Tails had no clue, feeing more and more uncomfortable with the never ending stare.
"What do you want?" Tails mustered, his voice barley a whisper. He wasn't sure if Metal Sonic heard him as he made no move.
The Fox sighed, trying to shift in his restricted hold. He noticed the light that came into the cell from the window that was high in the corner. He saw the moon, the only light from outside that he could see. He was glad that he at least had some natural light, being somewhat of a comfort. It reminded him of his big brother, who once commentated that no matter where people were in the world, they'd always see the same moon. Maybe Sonic could see it too?
Despite his situation and the added cold stare of Metal Sonic, Tails did catch some interrupted sleep, his head too drowsy and throbbing too much to fight it. He had no idea how long he was held there until Robotnik walked in and shouted something that woke him from his slumbers. The cell door opened not long after that as he was catered away.
It all went by in a blur, his head not being able to focus on what was happening, bright lights and swift movements obscuring his vision. Was he still at the base or somewhere new? He wasn't sure if it was because he was exhausted or maybe he hit his head too hard? Now that he thought about it, his head did crash into the wall back at the cave right? How long ago was that now?
He couldn't think let alone see straight, couldn't get a grasp of what was happening. He was trying to focus when he was suddenly put down on the ground, his arms grip free.
He tried to get a view of the nearest exit, maybe fate for whatever reason gave him a chance to escape, but a pair of cold metallic claws grabbed his arms and yanked them back before he could bolt. He let out a whine as he struggled against the unmovable grip, feeling the coils of rope being wrapped round his wrists and arms, binding them together.
During all this, he could hear Robotnik yelling something but he couldn't quite make out what was being said, similar to a television being played in a different room, distinct but yet indistinguishable. Everything felt like it was playing in fast forward motion, the world spinning so fast that he felt like he was running with Sonic. His chest tightened when he thought of his brother, the fear hitting him like a brick.
Before he knew it, they had moved to a new location outside, having arrived somewhere bright, not being able to open his eyes due to the harshness. He was then shoved into something, later figuring out it was some type of glass sphere, and he felt it move up from the ground, a slight sway whenever he moved.
It took a little while before he adjusted to his surroundings and when he did finally have his full vision back, he yelped when he saw it. In the clear glass sphere he was in, he was hanging over a cliff, the sight below him of the very jagged cliffs rocks and the vast blue sea. He gulped, not daring to move. He wasn't one to be scared of the ocean like Sonic, but if he did fall, there would be no way he'd survive it, he'd be killed by the sharp cliff rocks even before he hit the water. He shuddered. Maybe this is what Sonic feels when he sees water.
And here he was now, feeling very much worse for wear physically and emotionally, trying anything to get his mind off what laid below him. It didn't help that he couldn't hear anything either, the sphere containing all sound.
Robotnik seemed to be getting ready for something, moto bugs and buzzbombers in the dozens as he seemed to be yelling out commands from the comfort of his eggmobile, but the Fox couldn't read his lips as to what he could be saying. Metal Sonic stood next to the mad scientist, the glow of his red eyes somehow looking more menacing then they did before. Like he had the intent to kill. It didn't help that every few minutes the robot would be back to staring at him, giving him that glare.
Tails bit his lip as he witnessed all this, the dread in his gut getting bigger. What if this was too much for Sonic and Knuckles? What if they got hurt all because of his incompetence? He would never be able to forgive himself if they got seriously injured because of him. Because he was weak and got himself into this horrible mess.
But there was nothing he could do, only watch and pray that his friends wouldn't get hurt all because of how useless he was.
Xxx
"How long do you think we have?"
Knuckles turned to Sonic, looking slightly taken back, most likely due to the Hedgehog voluntarily starting a conversation after being silent for so long. Or well at least for Sonic. He didn't voice this though as he covered his eyes with his hand as he looked towards the sun.
"Probably just over an hour."
Sonic hummed as he felt in his quills, double checking he could feel both the emeralds just to be safe. Although he knew they were both there, he couldn't help but give a slight sigh of relief, knowing that they are safely tucked away. Now that they're finally leaving this Chaos-forsaken zone, they could finally get on with the task at hand.
It hadn't been too hard at first. After having woken up at the crack of dawn, the duo wasted no time in having search for the last chaos emerald. Although it took longer then they would have liked, no thanks to the long slopes that are scattered across the zone and no snowboard this time to help him across, they managed to find the chaos emerald at the outskirts of the zone. It did take them a while to get back however, the slopes being much harder to climb back up rather than going down.
"Hey, you know I never got to ask," Knuckles huffed, filling the silence around them.
Sonic turned to his red friend as they finally climbed back up of one of the slopes, being much steeper then they both gave it credit for. He wouldn't be surprised if Knuckles decided to use his spikes to help him better on the next steep slope.
"Ask what?"
"How you and Tails met."
The Hedgehog was about to start jogging up the incline when the question caught him off guard.
"Oh…we never told you?"
The Echidna didn't stop as he kept up his pace, ready to take on the steep hill. "Nope."
I suppose now that he thought about it, he guessed he's never really told anyone. He's mentioned briefly to Amy that they met on Westside island but he never went into specifics.
"Oh, well I met him on Westside island, It was probably around 6 months before we met you. I was- what?" Sonic stopped when Knuckles gave him a shocked expression.
"I thought you both knew each other for way longer than that."
Sonic gave him a slight smirk, "Nope, we just have that kind of bond. It didn't take long till we were best friends."
Only real friend at the time, but Sonic wasn't going to admit that to the Echidna any time soon.
"Anyway, as I was saying, I was going after Robotnik after I heard he was going after the chaos emeralds for the second time. I didn't get an exact location as to where he went so I just scouted the islands that I guessed that he might have travelled to." Sonic paused and gave a nervous chuckle as he remembered a specific detail. "I did forget though that planes need things like oil and maintenance however, so I ended up crashing on one of the Islands."
Knuckles gave him a deadpan look, his expression alone not needing any words to convey how stupid he thought the Hedgehog truly was.
"Judge all you want, but it got me on the island I needed to be at, so it did the job. I'm not really much of a pilot to begin with anyway."
Knuckles huffed but didn't add anything, nodding as if to say continue.
"Not long after that, I ran into the kid getting picked on by some bullies. I stepped in of course, but Tails ran away as soon as I helped him out. I thought that would be the last time I would see the little guy until a few hours later I stumbled upon him fixing my plane."
The Echidna chuckled as he gave up trudging uphill as he smashed his fist into the slope.
"So he's always been crazy about planes then." He stated rather then asked.
Sonic nodded as he picked up the pace, the slope getting more steep. "Pretty much, he was so transfixed with it he didn't notice me approaching until I was right behind him. He was about to ran away again until I managed to talk him down."
Sonics smile soon faded as he remembered what he felt back then. The emotions hitting harder than usual.
"I didn't really get a good look at him when I chased those bullies away, so I was taken back when I could finally talk to him properly. You should have seen him Knux, I…I don't think I ever saw a kid so skinny before and his fur was so matted it looked painful. It was only after I got over the initial shock that I actually saw he had an extra tail."
Sonic made it to the top and was relieved to see that the last few slopes were much more ahead leading out of the zone, meaning he could walk straight for now. It wasn't long till Knuckles was standing beside him, a frown on his face.
"None of the villagers looked after him?" Sonic scoffed at the comment remembering all to well how that village treated the little fox cub. He continued to walk as he continued his experience.
"No quite the opposite actually, most of the villagers believed he was some sort of curse or bad omen. I thought Tails might have gotten confused until I actually spoke with some of them. The disgust they had for a kid who was slightly different from them was something truly sickening. They didn't even give him food, he had to find it himself either through planted fruit or by looking through the trash."
The Hedgehog looked down to the ground, dry and lifeless, as the memories of their encounter all came back to him at once. For a kid to feel so alone and so rejected at such a young age plagued his heart as much as it did back then.
"You know what the saddest part about it was though? It wasn't even the way the villagers treated him or how much he got bullied for being different. It was the fact that he truly believed he deserved it, that he barley questioned it or never stood up for himself, all because he thought that it was due to some stupid curse he had. He seemed more concerned for me that because I helped him out, I would be rejected because of him or that somehow he'd curse me too if I got too close."
Sonic clenched his fists, the feelings of injustice re-surfacing just like it did back then.
"No one should ever be made to feel that way. But the fact that a little kid was made to think that way for so long and even believed he deserved to feel that way, still makes me mad."
"I would never have guessed that was how his life was like." The Echidna added, a somber tone to his voice. Sonic hummed as he gave a tired smile to his red friend.
"That's one of the reasons why I admire the little guy so much. Despite everything he endured, he's kind, through and through. He doesn't let those kind of experiences dampen his view on others. That for me is a strength I don't think I could ever fully gain."
Guilt clawed it's way up again, tightening his chest and a lump appearing in his throat. He shook his head, hoping that will get him to focus back on reality as he looked back down.
"It wasn't long after I met him I knew I had to get him off that Island. I wasn't really expecting him to tag along for long, I thought that maybe we'd find him a home along the way or something. But before I knew it, we both become attached and well…"
He was going to finish the sentence with something along the lines of, 'here we are,' but the words got stuck in his throat. He couldn't bring himself to finish it, just in case he jinxed it, in case saying something as final as that would mean that it wouldn't stay that way, that he would lose the one person he viewed as family. His chest tightened impossibly more, breathing suddenly feeling so incredibly difficult. Oh Chaos, what if he couldn't save him? Maybe something has already happened to Tails, and Robotnik's tricking him to do something that he will never be able to get back. If something has happened to him, if he's hurt…or worse…Sonic didn't know what he would do, how he could continue being a hero if the one person he'd have watch his back wasn't there? The one person he needed…he promised to protect was gone. He didn't know if he coul-
"Sonic? You okay?"
The Hedgehog snapped his head towards the voice piercing through his spiralling thoughts. He forgot where he was, forgot his surroundings. Crap. He didn't want to feel like this, especially not right now. He doesn't usually have these feelings very often, much more of a thing of the past then the present, but whenever these overwhelming feelings suddenly sprung on, it'll be the time he'd run, the time just to clear his head and get far away as possible from the reason or place that suddenly made him felt that way. If he did that now though, that would cause suspicion. He can't show that side of him, not here, not now. Sonic made sure to take a few deep breaths before speaking.
"Yeah sorry, was just lost in thought," the Hedgehog shrugged at his walking companion, hoping that would ease the tension and distract the Echidna from his trembling hands. He didn't fully look at Knuckles' eyes to see his reaction though, knowing he couldn't quite handle the look that he was most likely giving him. "Come on, let's get out of here, this place is giving me the creeps."
He didn't wait for the response back as he quickened his pace, wanting to get out of this zone. Fast.
After what felt like a lifetime to Sonic, thanks to both his intense feelings and how quiet it was now that neither was saying a word, they finally made it to the edge of the winter park zone, where they currently were now.
He felt better thankfully, being able to concertante on a good pace made him think more clearly. He was still rattled, but at least he didn't feel like his chest was going to crush his soul out.
If they went at the pace they did this morning, they should get there with time to spare. Of course, the spiky Hedgehog could just run there in record speed, but something told him Knuckles wouldn't appreciate being dragged along. Not to mention the fact that he didn't want to get there too early, just in case that put Tails in more danger. He hated to follow orders, especially from his arch nemesis, but he really didn't have a choice this time.
"Let's go, we'll be able to move quickly as long as we keep the pace up," Sonic introspected, turning to the direction of their final destination.
The Hedgehog started to run, making sure his pace wasn't too fast for the Echidna. Surprisingly to Sonic, Knuckles kept up with ease, managing to more or less match his stride.
"You're getting faster, I knew my influence would rub off on you." Despite the nerves that were creeping up, he knew he had to keep the mood as light as he could. Otherwise he felt the atmosphere was going to suffocate him.
Knuckles scoffed, his focus on the horizon. "I've always been this fast Hedgehog. It's just this time you've slowed down to notice others."
"Nah, come on Knuckle-head, you can't hide it. I bet you've been practising on your Island."
Knuckles scoffed yet again but didn't have the usual offended tone he usually would do. That for Sonic was a plus at least. If only that could help with the ever growing anxiety.
A little under an hour, and they made it just outside the zone. Sonic turned to look at Knuckles, both of them nodding in unison.
"Don't lose focus now Hedgehog. We got this."
The blue blur was slightly surprised with the statement from his red friend. The Echidna wasn't one to usually offer encouragement, but he must have seen how much he needed it.
"Yeah I know, let's go save Tails!"
This was it, he wasn't going to fail him this time!
A little more running and they came head to head with the evil scientist on the cliff side of the zone, the doctor coming very much prepared with badniks at the ready. Sonic didn't really expect him to go to this much trouble for this, he already had the upper hand of having a hostage. His metal doppelgänger was standing next to Robotnik, the mad scientist seated in his trusty eggmobile, in a ready to fight stance once the duo was in sight. The Hedgehog couldn't wait to punch his lights out once he knew his lil bro was safe.
"Ah you two have finally made it! You sure do take your time." Robotnik's voice boomed, a delightful glee dripping from his words. He must be enjoying this.
Sonic looked around for Tails when he spotted the fox's orange fur further to his right, his breathing hitching when his eyes landed on his predicament. He was in some type of glass sphere, a steel chain connected to some type of contraption keeping the ball suspended over the edge of the cliff. If that sphere fell…nope wasn't gonna go there, thinking about what could happen isn't going to help anyone. His focus went back to Tails, noticing the Fox was tied up with rope. He was opening his mouth, looking like he was saying something but no sound was coming out. That sphere must be soundproof. The Hedgehog gave a reassuring smile, internally relieved that he could at least see his best friend was very much alive, and he winked at his little buddy. He wasn't sure if he could hear them or not but he at least wanted to show him that'll everything will be okay and he has the situation under control. He frowned as he turned back to his arch nemesis.
"We got the emeralds Robutnik, now let Tails go!" Sonic yelled, already knowing that the answer wouldn't be that simple, but it was worth a shot.
"Oh fantastic, that was very efficient of the both of you. But unfortunately I still would like you dead annnnd have the emeralds. A win win situation-."
Sonic tensed, both him and Knuckles getting in a battle ready position.
"-FOR ME!" As if that was the secret command, Moto bugs and buzz bombers charged ahead aiming for them. The duo wasted no time spindashing and punching the oncoming bots, effortlessly destroying them in their wake.
Sonic had destroyed five motor bugs in a row when something came colliding into his side. It threw him off balance as he crashed into the floor. He gritted his teeth as he lifted himself back up, glaring into the glowing eyes of the offender.
"You're gonna wish you stayed as scrap metal once I'm done with you," The Hedgehog practically snarled, his fist hurling, successfully hitting metal. He let his anger fuel his moves, a very different take to his fighting style then usual, which although he did take seriously, it had a lot more pep and fun to it. This time was no game, he wanted to me sure that Metal Sonic would feel this even for a robot. He's going to make sure this heap of junk will feel the anguish he's felt for the past two days and make him regret nabbing his little brother.
They continued their brawl, Knuckles thankfully taking care of the other badniks while he left Metal to him. He hadn't fought like this in a longtime, no quips or banter as he landed hit after hit to the robot, not wasting even a second. He then swung behind him before Metal could register the action, the organic Hedgehog high kicking the robot in his back, the force of the move surprising even himself. Metal stumbled backwards, a decent size dent left behind and a smirk etched itself onto Sonic's face. If he could keep this pace up he may have Metal out of commission in quicker time then anticipated.
"Ohhh Sonic! I'd stop your brawl if I were you, unless you want your little friend to go plummeting below." Robotnik's voice called out, a chirpy tone to it with an underlying strain of nerves.
The call distracted him, not being able to act in time as Metal punched him in the gut, the force of the blow making him stumble backward. He stood a few feet back from the robot, his hand wiping his mouth as he turned to the evil genius. He put his fists down, a sign to say he's got his attention. He noticed Knuckles in the corner of his eye, the Echidna also stopping his course of destruction after the command. Somehow he managed to take every badnik out by himself.
"I thought you two would be more frazzled to fight well, but clearly I underestimated you both." The evil genius more spat than said, his annoyance becoming more apparent with each word. The doctor paused however, his mouth twisted in a sadistic grin as he pulled out what looked to be a remote. Sonic bit his lip, he didn't like where this was going.
"So I'll cut this short, give me the emeralds or Tails will have a nice swim. If he survives the sharp rocks that is."
Sonic cursed under his breath, hating the absolute glee on his arch nemesis' face that revelled in this situation. He would love nothing more then to give him a sucker punch to wipe that expression clear off his face, but he knew better. He quickly glanced at Tails and his heart ached when he saw the terrified expression on his little buddy's face. He'll get him out of this.
Carefully and steadily, making clear that he wasn't doing anything risky, the Hedgehog grabbed the two chaos emeralds that were hidden in his quills, holding them in both hands as he extended his arms out, waiting on further instruction.
"Good. Now place them- slowly!- in the claw." As he was giving his instruction, a claw came out from under the eggmobile, the claws extracting as it waited for the gems to be placed.
Sonic did what he was told, walking so excruciatingly slow to the mad scientist. He held his breath as he (finally) made his way over, placing the two emeralds in the claw, still conscious of trying to be slow despite his instincts screaming at him to run. Once he placed the emeralds, he took a step back, holding his hands up in a way to show Robotnik that they are out of his possession. The claw retreated back into the floating metal sphere as the mad scientist held up the emeralds for inspection.
"We held our end of the deal, now let him go!" Sonic commanded restraining himself from decking the overweight scientist.
Robotnik lowered the emeralds as he turned to look at the Hedgehog, the sadistic grin returning but somehow looking even more sinister. Dread lodged in Sonic's gut with the sight of that expression.
"If you say so, Rodent!" Robotnik laughed maniacally pressing the button on the controller he held before.
Time felt like it stopped. Everything came to a stop. Sonic didn't hear anything else, couldn't see Robotnik flying away in the eggmobile or that Metal Sonic was a few beats behind from clawing him down. He didn't care. All he could see was that the sphere that held his little brother in was falling. Fast.
Sonic sped as fast as he could, faster then he ever ran before. He wasn't going to let him down, he wasn't going to be too slow like before, he will save him!
The sphere fell passed the cliff and from the Hedgehogs vision, but he he saw the steel chain and lunged his body forward, his arms reaching out as far as he could as he made a grab for the chain. His finger brushed the steel and by some miracle or by sheer will power alone, Sonic managed to push his body just slightly more forward.
His hand felt the chain, not wasting even a millisecond as he grasped around the steel with both hands, gripping with the tightest grip he could muster. He won't let him go!
His body slammed to the cliff side of the rock, nearly knocking the wind right out of him but he held on, sucking in the little breath he had. His body hurt from the force of the slam and his arms felt like they were going to pop right out of their sockets but he wasn't ever going to let go!
He heard a jet engine approaching him from behind, coming dangerously close. He didn't have to turn back to know who that was. Sonic could feel the panic rise in his chest, his brain going blank in knowing what to do in this predicament. Metal Sonic was only seconds away from grabbing him. He couldn't turn to face him, couldn't pull up in time, couldn't move out of the way. The Hedgehog swore as he curled his body over his hands, instinct taking over to protect the one thing that was keeping his brother alive right now. He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for the pain that was about to come.
"ARGHHHHHHHHHH!"
Sonic whipped his head up as his eyes bolted wide open. He peered over his shoulder as much as his neck allowed, his mouth agape. Knuckles stood not too far from him, his fist extended out as Metal crashed to the floor. The Echidna breathed out as he smashed his fists together.
The battle cry that came out of Knuckles surprised the Hedgehog, shocked at how loud the Guardian could be.
"I'll keep Metal busy, hurry and pull Tails up!" Knuckles instructed, not turning his eyes from the robot. He then charged again, not waiting for the robot to get back up.
Sonic, grateful for the Echidna's save, turned back to the situation at hand. Despite the odd angle with holding the chain, he managed to quickly look down to where the sphere was hanging, hoping to see if Tails was okay. The sphere was cracked at the top, the pressure from the chain being pulled so suddenly most likely the cause of it. His attention was then drawn to the Kit, who was looking up at him, his eyes wide with horror. But he was alive, so for Sonic, that was all that mattered for now. Despite all the emotions that were clashing inside of him, he managed to force a small smile.
"Hold on buddy, I'll get you up!" The Hedgehog yelled with gritted teeth, his voice strained and breathless. He didn't know if Tails could hear him, but he wanted to give him the reassurance that he will get him out of this mess.
He could hear the glass creak as the sphere slightly swayed side to side. If he had to guess, it wouldn't be long till the pressure from the chain would cause the whole thing to shatter. He had to act quickly.
Sonic pulled with all his might, straining his arms like never before. He managed to pull him slightly more upwards but couldn't haul him up much more, the weight of the sphere and the angle he was at just wasn't going to work. He couldn't move himself without the risk of shifting the sphere too much or even the chance of the steel slipping through his hands.
"Knuckles! I need your help, I can't lift him up!"
The Hedgehog could hear fighting behind him but didn't dare to look as he was too concentrated on keeping the hold he had. His arms were starting to hurt so much that they were beginning to go numb. Knuckles better hurry!
Sonic felt someone go beside him, his body tensing for a moment, worried that it may be Metal. But instead gloved hands grabbed at the chain, pulling it with him.
"I punched him down but he's going to get back up. I'll try and pull Tails up while you give that stupid piece of scrap metal the final blow!" Knuckles determinedly yelled through gritted teeth.
Sonic nodded and let go of the chain once he knew the Echidna had a firm hold on it. He stood up as he quickly stretched out his arms, ready to put Metal out of commission once and for all.
Metal Sonic stood back up, an even larger dent at the side of his torso and a crack on the right side of his 'eyes'. Knuckles didn't hold back. The robot staggered, the damage to his parts taking effect, not even being able to stand properly without tilting.
Time was ticking and Sonic knew what he had to do. The Hedgehog sprinted forwards, raising his leg and aiming a powerhouse kick right in the robots head. He made sure to put every ounce of strength he had into the kick, letting the anger, worry and panic he'd felt for the past two days fuel his attack. He was going to make sure that even a robot could feel that when he messed with the people Sonic the Hedgehog cared about, they will be sorry.
Metal couldn't react in time as the kick full on collided. With the speed he was going out and with the force he made sure to give, Metal Sonic's head detached from his metal shoulders, circuits frying as the quill shaped metal skull flew to the sky and landing a few feet away from the body, the red sclera still illuminating. Worry flashed across Sonic's brain, anxious that somehow Metal would still be able to operate despite having no head but the eyes slowly grew dim, leaving nothing more but the black screen.
Knowing that he was now truly out of commission, the blue blur ran back to Knuckles. The Echidna had managed to get Tails up halfway, but from the looks of it, he was starting to struggle. Sonic grabbed at the chain, giving all his might into pulling up the sphere.
"We've got to hurry, it's been cracking the I more pull up!"
Sonic didn't add a response, joining in rhythm to Knuckles in heaving it up. With the Echidna's help it wasn't nearly as heavy but it still weighed quite a ton, taking a strain on the both of them. It wouldn't have been too much of a problem if the sphere wasn't making a horrible cracking sound at every haul, making the duo more and more anxious with every second. At this rate, the sphere was going to crack before they got Tails up. Fear threatened to take over but the Hedgehog pushed it down, now was not the time to panic.
"We got to pull him up faster!" The Hedgehog yelled, hysterical notes daring to push through. Pain was tearing through his muscles but he pushed on even more, determination fuelling his every move.
Knuckles grunted beside him, not giving up either, the both of them giving their 110%. The cracking noise seemed to be getting louder and louder, like a ticking time bomb quickening it's pace.
Their efforts wasn't wasted however, the sphere was just over edge they were standing on. With one last heave, the Hedgehog and Echidna screamed out a battle cry, giving everything they got.
With the strength they both mustered, the sphere went up over the cliff but the sound of cracked and shattered glass erupted around them. The glass sphere cracked in half with the chain snapping off. Sonic's brain didn't even comprehend that his body went into overdrive, moving on instinct alone. He automatically jumped forwards, reaching his arms out, managing to wrap his arms around the Fox who had started to scream. He pulled him in and tucked him in close. It was then his brain caught up and wondered what the heck was he going to do now when he felt a grip round his ankle and was suddenly yanked back.
Sonic screamed as he flew backwards and landed harshly on his back, the tiny Fox still wrapped round his arms, unsure if the trembling was coming from himself, Tails or maybe the both of them. All the Hedgehog could do was lay there, gasping in breaths and dealing with the aftershock. Everything was so dizzying, he wasn't 100% sure if he was on the rocky ground or if he was actually falling instead. But as the world started to steady, a blurry red figure came into view over him.
"Can you sit up?"
The Hedgehog groaned but slowly started to lift his head up, despite his whole body protesting him not to. Knuckles supported his back as Sonic didn't dare to let go of the Kit in his arms. Once he was fully upright and knew he wasn't going to flop back down, he pulled Tails back to get a good look at him.
Big eyes started right into his, tears threatening to leave. The Fox looked like he had seen better days, his fur matted, bags under his eyes, dry blood patches in his fur and his left arm looking painful from the untreated laser burn, the rubbing from the ropes clearly didn't help. The Hedgehog looked at him worryingly, concerned that Tails may be in a lot of pain.
"Tails, are you okay? Are you hurt?"
The Kit shook his head but bursted into tears, the stress and fear must have taken a massive toll on his little body. Sonic pulled him back close, wrapping his arms round him and leaving a hand on his head as Tails body was wracked by sobs, his head pressing into the Hedgehog's chest. The panic, fear and adrenaline Sonic felt earlier evaporated, leaving him feeling exhausted and numb. He'd been so worried about his lil bro that all he could do was stress and hope. But finally, he was here, he was alive. They got him back.
After a few minutes, Tails sobs lessened and all that was left was shaky breaths. Sonic pulled away and gave him a reassuring smile. He looked down to see the ropes were still tightly binding him. He slapped himself mentally for forgetting to untie him first. He got so caught up in the moment making sure Tails was okay and the relief he felt in having him back, he didn't think about anything else besides comforting his lil bro.
Sonic noticed Knuckles standing off to the side, his back facing them. He didn't do all too well in these types of situations and was most likely giving them two space.
"Hey Knuckles?" Sonic asked, the Echidna turning round to face him. "Could you help me untie Tails?"
Knuckles stood there for a few beats, his expression unreadable, but he eventually walked over to them, helping the fox out of his bindings. With the Guardians help it didn't take long to free him. Tails rubbed his wrists as he looked down, away from eye contact.
"I'm so sorry...I should of paid more attention to my surroundings. And now Robotnik has the emeralds all because I was so useless. Am so useless."
Sonic was speechless, having no idea what to say. Was this what Tails was feeling this whole time, having to deal with these negative emotions all by himself? The Hedgehog turned to Knuckles who looked just as taken back as he was, seemingly lost for words.
"What?! Okay first off Kiddo, you mean a hell of a lot more to me then some magical glowing rocks. We've beaten him before when he's had them all, we can most definitely beat him again! Secondly, you're very much not useless thank you very much, never was and never will be. And lastly…" Sonic paused, placing his hand on the Fox's shoulder. He wanted to make sure to Tails that he really meant this.
"Metal grabbing you wasn't your fault, like at all! I'm the one who should be apologising. I'm so sorry I let my temper get the better of me and that I ignored you in the process." Sonic admitted, feeling so sad that his lil bro was carrying all this guilt and that he felt like he was useless. He was going to make sure they had a proper discussion about that once he's patched up.
"I'm also to blame, I was in a bad mood and I let it affect everyone else. I'm sorry Tails, my stupidity put you in danger." Knuckles interjected, remorse framing his expression.
Tails shook his head to answer but hissed as he held his head and swayed to the side.
"Woah woah, buddy you okay?!" Sonic asked, holding Tails for support. The Fox looked to Sonic and gave a sheepish smile as he leant into Sonic's hold.
"Just dizzy, s'all." He slurred a little, closing his eyes shut. Sonic attention was drawn to the back of his skull, being reminded of Metal Sonic slamming him head first into the cave wall.
"He most likely has a concussion." Knuckles interrupted his thoughts as he also checked the fox over. "We're gonna need to take him to the hospital."
"Yeah good call." Sonic got up, making sure Tails wouldn't fall down. He then picked him up, hands looping under his legs and supporting his upper back, making sure his head was supported.
"No s'fine, I can walk." The Kit mumbled, trying, and failing, to get out of the hold.
"Yeah I'm sure you can Bud, but let's just get you to the hospital first."
As they walked in compatible silence to the hospital, with Tails nodding off into a peaceful nap*, he turned to his walking companion.
"Hey Knuckles?" The red Echidna turned to him, raising an eyebrow and grunted, his way of saying continue.
"Thanks. For saving us back there. And for tackling Metal Sonic when you did too. We'd have been truly screwed without you."
A few beats of silence went by, until Sonic added; "We're both really lucky to have you as our friend."
Knuckles jerked his head towards the Hedgehog, his mouth slightly agape as he took the words in. He then coughed, his glove covering his mouth as he turned away slightly.
"Don't mention it. I'm just glad Tails is safe."
Sonic smirked as he looked down to his lil bro. That's what mattered the most. He was about to add something when Knuckles whispered;
"And I'm lucky…to have you two as friends."
Sonic's smile widened but decided not to say anything else, knowing that Knuckles wouldn't want to talk about it further. The fact that Knuckles, mister no mushy emotions of any kind whatsoever, would even say that aloud (to Sonic of all people!) was a big thing in itself.
It didn't take them too long to arrive at the hospital in Sunset Park Zone and for Tails to be checked over. It was what they expected to be, he had a concussion and he was very dehydrated but the doctor said he should be just fine as long as he properly rested for the next few weeks and had plenty of fluids. His burn was also treated, the doc noting that the burn should be healed up in no time.
Finally, after two long days of worry, panic and anxiety, Sonic left out one long exhale knowing his best friend would be alright overall. He felt like a heavy weight had lifted from his chest. He was definitely going to ensure that all Tails do for the next few weeks is sleep and relax, much to the chagrin of the younger.
Sonic vowed to himself right then and there that he won't ever let his emotions get between him and Tails' safety ever again. He didn't think he could cope if he had to go through this hellish two days ever again.
The only thing that left a nagging thought in his brain was his metal doppelgänger. He truly believed that he would never see him again after destroying him on Little Planet. Not many things gave him dread, but there was something about that robot. Either from the speed, the murderous intent or maybe it was just because he was a robotic copy of himself. Whatever the case, all he could do was hope that would truly be the last time he encountered Metal Sonic.
End notes: spoiler: it wouldn't not be the last time Sonic saw Metal!
apologies for the delay! Life took over but I'm so glad I've finally got it finished! I hope you enjoyed it :) Writing fighting scenes is definitely not my strong suit, so I hope it was passable at the very least.
*Just wanted to add, I did a Google search on concussions and apparently you can nap/sleep but of course with supervision and checking the person every hour. Whatever the case, please don't take my advice from a fanfic, go to a doctor if you or someone else suffers a concussion :)