Sorry this is so late. School and work got a little too much for me.

Chapter 7

Silver the hedgehog, time traveling hero living in the 'future,' sniffed the air as he strolled down the streets with his arms rested behind his head. A sigh heaved out from his mouth to cloud the air in a white mist to crystalize in the winter sky. "Man, this breeze feels so great."

The purple feline trailing behind him raised her hand to her mouth to conceal the chuckle escaping her. "Someone slept well last night."

Silver blushed, rubbing his shoulder as he stared straight forward, not at her, right toward where he was walking and not where she was. "M-maybe. I-I'm sure it was a comfortable... sheets. It- your bed is... nice Blaze."

Blaze couldn't hold back her laughter, but quickly regained herself to stand proud. "You needn't be so nervous, Sil. Your bed broke, it happens."

The red of his cheeks began to glow brighter. "Sure."

"I didn't want you uncomfortable." She wrapped her arms around his dangling one, causing the poor soul to gag and stiffen. "I don't snore, and I made sure to take a bath before getting in bed."

"Uh-huh." Silver had to fight back the leap building in his legs.

"It's not like someone intentionally broke it or anything just to sleep with me. Right?" She furrowed her brow.

"Dunno." He looked off toward the distance, scratching his cheek. All that happened was his bed's legs just snapped off... after a strange blue light. The fact his telekinesis enshrouds whatever he's moving in a blue light is completely unrelated.

"Maybe next time said person can just ask."

"Way too forward."

"Maybe we don't need to buy a new-."

"OKAY! MOVING ON!" Silver pulled away, shuffling his feet over the sidewalk and streaking toward the center plaza. The cat didn't try following. She was too busy holding her sides while bursting with laughter.

The hedgehog slowed to a still, crossing his arms in a huff as he waited for his overly amused companion. Was it strange for him to make such a move? He's heard about how couples share the same bed. He's been with her for about three years, once he got back from the past/other dimension, and even before that she's been taking care of him. The future he was born in was one of brimstone and ruin, he knew nothing of how a society functioned. When he found himself in this future, the very one he helped create, she had volunteered to help him acclimate. She taught him things a preschooler should have already known, all without losing her patience. So, for once, he wanted to take some initiative in this relationship, but he didn't know if he should be direct or even how to bring it up.

The interlining of his cheeks found their way between his teeth to be nibbled on as blood rushed to his face. Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention, when he looked up Blaze was right next to him with a cheery smile. He yelped and jumped back. "Do you have to sneak up on me?"

She took his arm, giving it a firm shake. "You're panicking. It's alright. I thought it was really sweat. I'm just surprised how forthcoming you were about it."

Was that supposed to help clear up this rose tint face, cause it felt more like lumps of hot coal now. Scratching his head, Silver turned away from her. "You... think so?"

"Here." She strapped something to his wrist.

He brought it up to eye level, looking over its features. It was some sort of silver band with a pattern of a hedgehog's head and a cat's head. "What is this?"

She raised her own arm, the same band as his clipped to her wrist, except in red. "A couple's band. I got us these to symbolize us." She took his arm again, pulling him closer. "There's nothing wrong with this. Just enjoy it. You have something with me, I'd never hate you just because you want to sleep with me." A coy grin came over her features, and she leaned in. "I still have to teach about the special differences about a girl and a boy."

"Erm, I-I can see the difference."

"There's more under the surface. It tends to be very useful in bed."

"Under the- in a- wha?" The hedgehog's brain is officially burned out, a vacant stare going beyond the woman in front of him.

With a snicker, Blaze turned to face the center of the plaza. A large, glimmering statue stood before them. A figure standing tall and proud, looking to the sky with a smile. A statue of the world-renowned hero, Miles 'Tails' Prower. She stepped away from Silver, swaying side to side as she drew nearer to it. "To say I've met my hero, Tails, and he helped us get together with my favorite man." She spun on her heels and beamed. "I've got to be the luckiest girl alive."

Silver smiled, his heart lifting to the heavens. Rubbing the back of his head he let out a laugh. Wasn't that supposed to be his line? Everything has been working out for him, it was almost too good to be true.

His vision seized. The world shifting like disrupted fog. A dense rock rolled around his skull. He shut his eyes and clutched his head. Was he falling? It felt like he was falling. Without hesitation, he cast his powers over his body. His feet staggered. Brain throbbed. Moments later he shook his head and the world steadied.

He blinked and looked around. "What was that? Blaze? You good?" He looked toward her, but there stood nothing. Not even the statue of Tails. "What?!" He flew straight toward where the statue was, looking left and right. "Where is it?! Where's Blaze? Blaze!" He cried out.

He dropped down and rushed to the nearest person. "Hey! Where's the statue!?"

The man froze under his intense gaze. "Statue?"

"The one of Tails!"

"I'm sorry. Tails? Why would anyone memorialize rear appendages?"

"Huh? No, Tails the hero."

"I know of no such hero."

"But- do you know where Blaze is?"

"Queen Blaze? She should be at the castle."

"Queen? Agg! No time!"

Silver launched into the air. He stopped and looked around. His breath seized upon seeing where once stood city hall. A massive castle stood there. In the past it was Acorn Castle. What was happening. He shot toward the stronghold, flying to the windows and searching into the massive structure. Everything inside was extravagant, filled with portraits of various crown individuals topped with crowns. One even held Sonic and Sally together. "What is happening?"

"Silver?" The hedgehog's heart stilled. He turned toward the balcony jutting out next to him. Blaze stood there looking up at him in utter disbelief. "What are you doing? Is something wrong?"

He shot toward her and took her shoulders. "Blaze! What's going on? Why's the statue gone? Where'd you go? What's this about you being queen? What's going on?"

The cat held on to his arms as she was being thrown back and forth from his veracious shaking. She shoved away, staggering back. "Would you calm down! Your behavior is completely uncouth! Do NOT manhandle me again, understood!"

"Blaze?" He muttered in a meek voice.

The cat turned to the doorway where several attendants were standing. "Go get Mara. Tell her Silver's acting strange."

As the group rushed off Silver fumbled with his words. "W-who's Mara."

Blaze cocked a brow. "The one who's been taking care of you."

"No... no, that was you."

"I'm running a kingdom, Silver. I don't have time to act as your babysitter."

"Baby-? That's not what we-." He raised his arm, looking down at his wrist where the couples band still rested. He ran a thumb over the precious bracelet as he stared at the confused cat before him.

She noticed. "Is there something special about that?"

He bared his teeth, tears streamed down his face. This couldn't be happening. Why was this happening. "D-do you know Tails?"

"Who?"

"The hero who defeated the Mysterious Villain."

"That was the former king, Sonic the Hedgehog. There is no record of any Tails. Are you alright?"

Silver dropped his head into his hands. He groaned, crushing his skull in his hands. What was this? What was happening? What changed? He stopped, opening his eyes to stare at the sky in shock. Did time change? Was that strange sensation a change in time? With a growl, the hedgehog tore out his yellow Chaos Emerald. He lifted it to the sky and shouted. "Chaos Control!"

A blue light flashed before him, twirling in on itself like a whirlpool. He dashed into it. Blaze rushed forward. "Silver! Wait!"

In flashes of light flowing around him, he propelled himself back in time. He shut his eyes as he felt the timeline around him. Where was the descrepancy. He should be ably to tell the difference if someone massive enough could change the fabric of time so willy nilly. He felt something press against him. Like rough wind. He spun in a circle and launched himself against the side of this tunnel of light. Be breached the side and flew out into a city.

The crowd bellow was screaming and muttering, all eyes looking up at the massive screen behind him. The hedgehog looked at the display and felt his heart freeze. A massive ship floated there, the Mysterious Villain's symbol imprinted on its sides.

The hedgehog's hand clenched down on the emerald in his hand. "That's what must have caused the change." In an explosion he boomed away and flew over the land. He crossed the sea and rocketed over a desert. He flew as fast as he could toward the distance. In moments he could see the ship in the distance.

He raised his arm, blue light encasing large boulders nearby. He wasn't going to let this thing get away with whatever it was doing. The boulders launched at the target.

/

Anonymous hummed as he watched Silver barrage the ship. Tails watched the enigmatic terrorist with a glimmer of fear. "What's going on?"

"Something happened in the future. No time for speculation. Take me to the-."

The sides of the ship crushed inward. A second ship, just like the one Anonymous was in, screeched in. Anonymous nodded at the sight of it. "Took them long enough."

Sonic cocked a brow. "You expecting someone?"

The doors of the ship flew open and five figures came tumbling out. A female voice groaned. "Ralph. You're not driving again."

"Me!? Everyone else was pushing buttons too, Alber!"

"At least Lee had enough sense to TRY and figure out the controls."

"I am the designated tech analyst. It's my job to-."

"Zip it, Leach!"

"I'm not taking that from you, Nike! You didn't even do anything!"

"Doing nothing hurt no one!"

"Neglecting a gun will render it unusable."

"Does that look like a gun, Deen?!"

The five figures pushed themselves to their feet. The four, Amber, Lee, Nike, and Deen all wore the same dark armor making them nearly indiscernible between them. Ralph, however, stuck out like a sore thumb. His armor was clean and gleaming. The way it pressed up against his body showed how specified it was to his physique. This without considering it was special armor designed by the genius of Miles 'Tails' Prower himself. If only it didn't audibly breathe for Ralph due to his deteriorated body.

"Agent Ralph." Anonymous stepped forward. "You're late."

The dog spun around. "Oh, sorry, someone forgot to put this on my SCHEDULE!"

"I don't have clairvoyance!"

"I wasn't talking to you, Deen! Look here, Anonymous. You didn't exactly explain what was happening when you went racing off toward the sunset. I get it now, but what was I supposed to get from your fleeing butt?"

"Urgency. Gather your team and follow Tails. He'll lead us to the bridge."

The four turned to their leader. Alber crossed her arms. "It'd be nice having a competent leader again."

"He's cooler, too." Nike nodded.

"Still has a functioning body, as well." Deen looked Ralph's metal shell up and down.

Lee turned to Ralph with a shrug. "Pretend I have something comforting to say to you regarding the situation."

Ralph looked between them with an air of offense. He threw his hands up in submittance. "Fine! I don't wanna be leader anymore anyways, you jerks! We're still arresting you after this though." He pointed at the terrorist.

"Indubitably. Tails, please show them the way."

"Um... right. Th-this way." Tails rushed on ahead.

"Alright!" Alber raced after him. "Follow the leader!"

Nike laughed. "He's the best."

Deen ran on next. "Smartest one of us all."

Lee chortled. "Come on guys. Ralph's still here."

Ralph strolled on past Anonymous after them. "You coming, Caboose-ymous?"

Sonic had to turn around to cover the onslaught of chuckles. Anonymous, on the other hand, didn't respond, only watched them go on ahead. Then his hand jutted out and halted Barby. "You need to stay back."

"We're in-."

"Your garrison could hardly resist the original models. We have bested these foes before. You will only get in our way. Do what you can by helping your injured." The terrorist leader marched away.

Barby gawked after the man, no words coming to her lips. Such silence was potent. Sonic rubbed the underside of his nose, casting a worried glance to his ally. "You good? That was a little blunt of him."

The koala growled, clenching her fist and shaking her head. "As much as it frustrates me, he's right. It'll takes us over ten minutes to take out a Mecha. And that's before they've been given all these... upgrades. We're practically useless."

"Don't say that. You've done plenty. The thing he hadn't mentioned was how vital your struggles are. You held out long enough for the cavalry. That counts for something."

"Yeah. I guess." She turned to look back at her team. Stu and Guru were applying emergency trauma aid to Bill while Walt was keeping lookout. The leader of the Downunda Freedom Fighters looked to Sonic. "I'll get them to safety. You stop this damn thing and crash it to the ground."

The hedgehog shot her a quick thumbs up. "Roger, roger." then blasted off after his friends.

In seconds he caught up to the group. Tails and Anonymous were standing back in some hallway while Ralph and his team were runnind down it. Sonic looked toward Anonymous, scratching his head. "Soooo, what's happening?"

"The door is the bridge. Ralph and his team are deactivating the traps."

A high pitched scream rang out. A red laser came flying out. It struck Ralph who cracked his neck to the side. "Why do I have to be the shield?"

Deen took a red bullet from Nike and inserted it into his riffle. The man pointed it at the wall where the red beam came from and fired. An explosion shook the hallway. All that remained were the hole they created. Nike patted Ralph on the shoulder. "Next."

"Seriously. You just ignoring my question?"

Alber, raced on ahead. She dodged laser after laser, a marker in hand. After dodging she'd mark the spot and run on. Lee chuckled and looked over at the three watching her go on ahead. Ralph sighed, "Just shoot her wall." Then proceded to storm up to his side and started smashing it with his fists.

Deen turned to the marked wall and began firing. Nike on the other hand shook his head at the dog's back. "You coulda done that from the beginning."

"I asked why I was being the shield!"

Sonic peeled his eyes away from them. "They get along well."

Anonymous hummed in response.

"Speaking of, did you have to go so hard on Barby. She looked torn from what you said."

"What'd he say?" Tails shot the terrorist a look.

The man didn't bother looking at either of them. "Their actions were essential during the war. I would never demean their intentions or accomplishments."

"You could've told her that."

"There is no time for flattery." The man immediately marched down the hall. Startled Sonic and Tails followed, making sure to stay behind him.

Lee dropped to one knee at the door and tapped the panel at the side. "No point in trying to hack. I can try hotwiring."

Ralph pried the panel off and threw it aside. "That good?"

"Good enough." Lee reached inside and looked at the door. After a few seconds the doors flew open. "Got it."

Ralph turned around, raising a hand to the side of his mouth. "All-." Anonymous strolled past the whole team and entered the room followed by a sheepish Sonic and nervous Tails. Ralph froze. "…clear?... Hey, wait a minute!" The five ran right after them.

The room was gigantic. At the back were several massive screens, all showing Silver throwing more and more random debris at the ship. In the center of the room stood Engineer. Arms behind his back and head bowed. A robotic version of a sneer. "You are too late to stop me."

Anoynmous pointed at the high ceiling. "Could you bring this down?"

Ralph leapt forward. "Nike! Football!"

Nike tossed some baseball sized playdough-like material to everyone on the team. Ralph patted his like it were a football, ready to throw a touchdown. "Ready… set. Hut-hut."

They all began scurrying about, throwing it on walls, up to the ceiling, on the monitors, Ralph even came up to the Engineer and slammed one on the robot's stomach as if passing it off for the robot to run.

Sonic looked at all the crazy putty material and shook his head. "How'd he carry all that?! He didn't have anything earlier."

Ralph skidded to a halt. "Nike's got a massive load of explosions in his pants."

The demolitionist stopped to laugh. "Geez. Thanks, Ralph."

"Course, he had to be castrated to fit it all."

"HEY!"

Tails blinked, looking between Sonic and Anonymous. "He had to be what?"

Sonic crossed his arms, leaning back and forth on his toes. "Don't worry about it."

The terrorist stormed forward. His arm shoving the robot to the side and marching right up to the computer. He pressed a button on his arm and a small screen popped up. He pulled a wire from the side and inserted it into the computer.

Sonic eyed the Engineer skeptically. "What should we do with scrap-guy here?"

"Leave it. It's is only a distraction."

The robot looked over at the man at the computer. "As I said, you are too late. It is already in motion. If you were a few minutes earlier I would have been concerned."

Anonymous stopped and looked back. "I fell for your trick. Who was the target?"

"The only one not here."

Anonymous pulled out his wire. He then pulled out a device like a pen and quickly began tapping it.

"This ship blocks all communication. You cannot contact your team from here."

"I can. You can't block something that doesn't use a signal."

The Engineer raised his head. "Quantum Link? Impressive. You will still not reach him in time."

Tails rushed up to Anonymous. "Who? Who's he after?"

The terrorist stopped and pocketed the strange device. "Eggman."