{Pre A/N}
Sup? Been cooking this backstory for Torque and as I said, I changed quite a lot of his backstory as well as add some more OCs, but don't worry about them. Also my first attempt of doing something remotely sad and tragic, so, uh, lets see how I did. Enjoy.
To lazylord: Yup, this early, since Torque and the wisps are from space I said to myself "Why not?" it also helps to emphasized that this takes place in Sonics world. And if you anyone's asking, Gyro will be the only wisp in the story.
Chapter 21: Commander Torque
Shuigang Island – Shuigang Docks
Meanwhile, in another part of the archipelago, a new night had settled over Shuigang Island, casting an uneasy silence over its northern reaches. The town of Shuigang, lays quiet beneath a thin layer of freshly fallen snow. The usual sounds of commerce and busy streets were replaced by an eerie stillness. In the distance, the dark, imposing silhouette of Shuigang Palace loomed against the night sky, a constant reminder of the island's recent troubles.
Near the docks, nestled in the cold and gloom, stood a small inn. Inside, the air was warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the frigid wind howling outside. The inn's common area was sparsely populated, with only a few patrons seated at the tables, trying to escape the biting cold. Among them, however, were three figures who seemed anything but ordinary.
"Gah! Stupid radar, work already!" Fang frustration cut through the peaceful quiet of the inn. Seated at a table near the fireplace, he repeatedly slammed the Emerald Radar against the wooden surface with irritation. "Grrr, useless, useless! Why did it bring us here?!"
Bean, seated across from him, gave a casual shrug as he wiped down one of his many bombs with a cloth. "Have you tried turning it off and on?" he suggested innocently, completely unfazed by Fang's outburst.
Fang shot Bean a venomous glare, his patience wearing thin. "Quiet, mook!" he growled, returning his attention to the radar. The screen blinked sporadically. "It doesn't make any sense! The radar's only pointing to one Emerald when it's supposed to show multiple! Not to mention, it's hard to pinpoint its exact location." He groaned in frustration as the device once again flickered between random coordinates. "This island is messing with the radar, I tell ya!" His voice was a low growl as he leaned back in his chair, kicking the table leg. "We should've stolen that Emerald from that mutt when we had the chance…"
While Bean continued to meticulously clean his bombs, completely ignoring Fang's complaints, Bark sat quietly in the corner, minding his own business. Unlike his companions, he was engaged in a far more delicate task: sewing a small scarf. His large hands moved carefully and skillfully, stitching the fabric together with surprising precision.
Beside him, two small deer children—both grey-furred—watched him in awe. They had nestled up against Bark's warm, fluffy form, their eyes wide with admiration as they observed his handiwork.
"Wow, Mister Bark, it looks beautiful!" one of the children, a young girl named Miri, whispered, her eyes shining with wonder as she admired the scarf.
"Yeah, it's cool…" her brother, Rudi, mumbled as he snuggled deeper into Bark's thick fur. "Way cooler than what Auntie Babsi makes on the walls outside the docks."
"Rudi, don't be mean to your aunt," a gentle voice reprimanded from behind the counter. It was their mother, Anni, a grey deer who ran the inn. She gave her son a stern look, though her tone was warm.
"Sorry…" Rudi muttered, burying his face even further into Bark's fur, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. Miri giggled softly, joining him in resting against the giant polar bear, who remained still and unfazed by their presence.
Anni let out a deep sigh, her eyes softening as she watched the scene. "Oh my, they've really taken a liking to you," she chuckled softly, her smile warm and motherly as she approached Bark. "I hope they're not disturbing you, dear," she added, her voice filled with concern.
Bark offered a slow shrug, his eyes briefly meeting hers before returning to his sewing. The gesture, though small, spoke volumes—he didn't mind at all. As the children's eyes began to droop with sleep, their small bodies leaning heavier against him, he continued his quiet work.
Anni's smile faltered, her expression becoming more somber as her gaze drifted toward the window. "To think… our poor islands may end up on the brink of war," she murmured quietly, almost to herself. "These children shouldn't have to grow up in such times." Her voice wavered slightly, filled with sorrow as she looked at her sleeping kids.
"Tell me about it…" The only other patron in the inn, an old tiger named Feng, chimed in from his spot at the counter. He clutched a cup of sake tightly in his hand, staring into the distance. "With the king dead and his sons erratic behavior, who knows what tomorrow'll bring? The whole archipelago could be at war before we know it…" His voice trailed off, a weary sigh escaping him as he rested his head on the counter.
Anni turned toward Feng, a mixture of pity and understanding in her eyes. "Feng, that's enough for tonight," she said gently, though her tone left no room for argument.
"But, Anni…" Feng tried to protest.
"No 'but, Anni.' Come on, I'm taking you home. Your wife must be worried sick," Anni insisted, walking over to help the old tiger to his feet.
With surprising strength, she guided Feng toward the door, the elderly tiger mumbling under his breath as he allowed himself to be led out of the inn.
Before leaving, Anni cast a kind smile toward the Hooligans, her eyes lingering on Bark. "Please enjoy your stay," she said warmly, despite the troubled look that still lingered in her gaze. Then, with Feng in tow, she disappeared into the snowy night.
For a few moments, silence settled over the inn as the Hooligans sat in contemplative quiet, the weight of the island's problems hanging in the air.
"Glad we're getting the heck out of here after the job," Fang muttered, breaking the silence. He tossed the malfunctioning radar onto the table with a grunt, leaning back in his chair with an exasperated sigh. "Ugh, we'll figure out this stupid radar problem tomorrow."
"That was harsh, Fangy" Bean remarked, his voice somber. "People don't seem to be having a good time at all…" His usual grin was replaced by a thoughtful frown.
"So what?" Fang snapped. "It's not our war." He stood abruptly, pushing his chair back with a scrape. "I'm heading to my room. You coming, mooks?"
Bean glanced at Bark, who gave a subtle nod, his expression unreadable. With a sigh, Bean stood and followed Fang upstairs, waving goodbye to Bark as they left the common area.
Bark remained where he was, his attention shifting back to the scarf he was sewing. The soft snores of the children beside him were a small comfort in the midst of the island's growing troubles. He glanced down at the kids, their innocent faces nestled against his fur, and for a brief moment, sadness flickered in his eyes.
He couldn't help but wonder what was really happening at Shuigang Palace. The secrecy surrounding the prince's actions, the island's growing unrest… it was impossible to ignore. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside and focused on his sewing, silently hoping that whatever was to come, these children would be safe from it.
Outside, the snow continued to fall, quietly blanketing the troubled island in a cold, peaceful silence.
Egg-Zao-Zao-Egg Hotel – Lilac's Room
Back at Shang Mu, inside the grand Egg-Zao-Zao-Egg Hotel, tension filled the air in Lilac's hotel room. The moonlight filtered in through the grand window behind Torque, casting long shadows across the room. Team Lilac, Sonic, and Tails sat in a semi-circle, their eyes on Torque, now revealed in his true form—without his shell or beak. His posture was tense, and the regret on his face was unmistakable. Floating beside him was Gyro, the small, cyan spirit-like creature whose glow had dimmed, reflecting the weight of the situation.
Torque avoided meeting anyone's gaze, his hands resting on his knees as if bracing himself. Across from him, Sonic sat in a chair with arms crossed, foot tapping against the floor impatiently. His eyes flickered between curiosity and frustration as he waited for Torque to speak. Lilac sat beside Sonic, equally concerned. Her eyebrows were knitted together, occasionally glancing at Sonic, sharing in his unspoken impatience.
On the one of the beds, Tails and Carol kept a vigilant eye on the scene. Tails' expression was one of concern and suspicion, his fingers drumming restlessly against his knee. Carol, however, was barely able to contain her energy, her sharp eyes filled with distrust. She was ready to act at the first sign of trouble.
Milla, meanwhile, sat quietly on her bed, hugging a plushie of Mayor Zao to her chest. Her playful demeanor was replaced by a somber one, her wide eyes darting between Torque and Gyro as confusion and worry clouded her features.
The room was suffocatingly quiet, each second stretching longer than the last. The tension mounted, neither side daring to speak.
Finally, Carol snapped. "Gah! Just talk already!" she shouted, leaping to her feet on the bed and startling everyone. Her frustration boiling over. "What's your deal, huh?! What are you?! Give us answers, buddy!" Her voice rang loudly, echoing in the confined space.
"Carol, calm down!" Lilac hissed urgently, her eyes darting to the door. They'd already had a noise complaint after Tails and Milla's earlier stunt in the vents, and she didn't want any more trouble. "People are trying to sleep!" Her tone was firm, but there was a note of pleading, as though she herself was struggling to hold back her emotions.
Gyro, hovering protectively near Torque, floated closer, its blue eyes narrowing in Carol's direction, ready to defend his friend if necessary.
Torque finally glanced up. "N-no, she's right," he said softly, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. His voice was tinged with guilt, and his expression showed a man or alien, carrying the burden of secrets. "I… I haven't been honest with any of you. I'm sorry." His shoulders slumped, the words heavy with regret.
The room fell into silence again as everyone calmed down. Tails, who had been eyeing Torque with a mix of curiosity and suspicion for a while, finally spoke, breaking the tension with the question that had been lingering in his mind. "Who are you, Torque?"
Gyro muttered something in an alien language, concern evident in his small voice. Torque gently patted the spirit on the head, offering a small smile. "They deserve to know," he murmured quietly, knowing that after all the help they had provided, these people deserved the truth.
Torque took a deep breath, lifting his gaze to meet theirs. "My name is Torque," he began, his voice firm but tinged with sadness. "But I'm not from around here. I'm not from a different island or a far-off land. I'm from another world… a world beyond the stars."
Torque's Flashback – In the Vast Space, A Week Ago
"I am an alien from a faraway planet. I am part of an alliance between different worlds, The Coalition of Planets."
The endless darkness of space stretched out like a canvas, dotted with countless stars that shimmered faintly in the distance. Four sleek, red ships glided silently through the expanse void.
Torque's voice crackled through the comms as he nervously fiddled with his controls. "Eh, hello, hello, hello? Is this thing on?"
"I was part of a special team within the coalition, formed to carry out high-risk missions for our cause, to make a difference. We were called Chasers."
"Private Torque, do you seriously not know how to use your comms yet?" The screen in front of him flickered to life, revealing a blue avian with three eyes. His expression was a mix of frustration and amusement. He wore a purple spacesuit, marked with the insignia of the Coalition.
"N-no, I do! I was just—" Torque stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Bahahaha! Torqui, how did you even make it into this squad? Bahahahaha!" Another voice cut in, booming with laughter. The screen shifted to show a towering pink figure with a mane of wild, bushy hair and two antler-like growths on his head. His warm yellow eyes peeked out from the tangle of hair as he continued to laugh. His red spacesuit looked snug on his large frame, and beside him floated Gyro, the cyan spirit, giggling along with his tree-like friend.
"Corporal Whirl, Commander Vortex, could you please stop teasing the poor private?" came a calm yet playful voice. She was a slender figure with tentacle-like hair and a green spacesuit, her single eye shimmering with amusement.
"I was part of a team of four. After years of training, I was thrilled to finally be accepted into one. We'd been on so many missions together, forming a close bond. Our codename, the Spinner Chasers."
"Oh, come on, Sergeant Twister! We're just having a little fun!" Vortex chuckled, brushing off her gentle reprimand.
"Yeah, no, I'm laughing at him," Whirl added with a smirk, his three eyes gleaming mischievously.
Twister rolled her eye, softening her tone. "Private, I hope you're not feeling overwhelmed. What we do is dangerous work."
"N-no, no, I'm fine! Just… uhh…" Torque fumbled, clearly nervous.
"This mission was a risky one."
"Bahaha, don't worry, private!" Vortex said dismissively. "This mission will be a breeze. We just need to track that dastardly Brevon's movements, see what he's up to, and report back. Easy-peasy!" Vortex grinned broadly, his optimistic attitude causing everyone to sweat drop.
"Brevon… the reason I am here. He is an alien like me, a warlord who, without warning, seized the galaxy in his iron grip. His objective simple, drain the energy from entire planets to fuel his monstrous army, leaving behind nothing but death and desolation, the Coalition of Planets first formed in an attempt to stop this madman..."
"Sure, because following Brevon's main warship without getting caught is totally a breeze," Whirl muttered sarcastically, his wings twitching in agitation.
"At least someone's optimistic," Twister sighed, shaking her head. She turned her attention back to Torque. "Hope youre ready, Private?"
Torque felt a surge of determination as he listened to his squad. "You kidding? I was born ready!" he declared, his confidence wavering slightly but holding firm. He couldn't let his squad down.
Vortex grinned, his booming laughter echoing through the comms again. "That's the spirit! Bahahaha! That's why I picked you, Torqui!"
"Was it?" Whirl cut in dryly. "Or was it because Torqui accidentally brought along our little friend on his first ever mission, and we didn't have a choice but to keep him around?" He smirked, enjoying the teasing as Torque's face turned red with embarrassment.
Gyro, the small cyan wisp, made a chirping noise, clearly offended by Whirl's comment. Glaring at the avian with his glowing blue eyes. The wisp had become an unintended member of the Spinner Chasers after a mission that had gone awry.
"Gyro is a Wisp, a creature from a planet of the same name—a world Brevon sought to conquer. The Wisps, beings of pure energy, possess a unique resource that Brevon craved—the Hyper Go-on energy. But thanks to the Coalition, we managed to save them from his clutches. It was one of our few victories against Brevon's forces."
The memory of that mission brought a smile to Torque's face. Gyro had stuck with him ever since, despite the initial chaos. The wisp had formed a close bond with the crew, becoming an essential part of the team.
"Cmon Whirl! Thanks to Torqui, we've got ourselves a brand-new cadet!" Vortex declared, ruffling Gyro's spiky head, which earned more giggles from the wisp.
"Guess we do," Twister admitted, her single eye twinkling with amusement.
"Whatever…" Whirl grumbled, though there was a hint of affection in his tone.
As the laughter died down, Vortex's expression shifted, becoming serious. His usual jovial demeanor gave way to a somber resolve. "Chasers," he said, his voice suddenly carrying the weight of command. The playful energy in the air dissipated as everyone focused on him. "Remember, this mission is crucial. With each mission, we get one step closer to stopping Brevon, one step closer to avenge the worlds he's destroyed—those he's drained of life and left in despair. Stay sharp, and good luck." His words were heavy with the weight of their task.
The squad shared a moment of silence, they were fighting not just for themselves but for every world that had fallen to Brevon's tyranny. The gravity of the mission settling over the group.
Then, as if flipping a switch, Vortex's usual cheer returned. "Bahahaha! Nothing can stop us! Let's get this done!" he boasted, Gyro spinning excitedly beside him.
Twister gave Vortex a sideways glance. "Honestly, sometimes, you make me forget that you outrank me, Commander."
"Ditto. Sometimes I wonder how we survive with him in charge," Whirl muttered with a smirk.
Torque felt a surge of pride and determination, ready to face whatever came next alongside his squad—his crew, his friends. With one last bout of laughter, the Spinner Chasers set their course,
Nothing could go wrong with his team by his side.
Aboard Brevon's Dreadnaught
Everything went wrong. Horribly wrong.
The cold, metallic corridors of Brevon's ship, the Dreadnaught, reverberated with chaos. Alarms blared, lights flickered, and the walls trembled under the onslaught of explosions and laser fire. Torque, Vortex, and Gyro ran for their lives through the passageways, dodging enemy fire and the ominous roar of approaching destruction. The air was thick with the acrid stench of burnt metal and ozone.
"Tshyhahahaha, run, you fools! You only delay your inevitable doom! Tshyahahaha!" General Serpentine's maniacal laughter echoed through the ship's corridors, his voice taunting them from behind. Every second stretched on, heightening their fear and despair.
Gyro spotted an open door just ahead, and without hesitation, they dove inside, slamming it shut behind them. The room was dimly lit, but what little light there was revealed the grim reality of where they had ended up—a macabre trophy room filled with ships of all sizes and designs, each one a monument to Brevon's conquests. The ships, some in pristine condition, others battered and broken, were scattered around like discarded toys, each a reminder of the worlds Brevon had ravaged.
They had been tricked. The mission was supposed to be simple: track Brevon's movements, gather intel, and report back. But Brevon had been waiting for them, setting a trap. A powerful tractor beam had snared their ships and dragged them aboard the Dreadnaught. And then, everything fell apart.
Whirl had been the first to fall. His ship, unable to escape the beam's pull, had been caught in an asteroid field. Torque could still hear the explosion in his mind, the fire and debris swallowing Whirl's ship whole, leaving nothing but silence.
Twister had been next. They had been separated in the chaos after boarding. The last thing Torque had heard through the comms was her scream, followed by the cold, metallic slice of a knife and a chilling laugh before the signal cut out completely.
Now it was just Torque, Vortex, and Gyro, running from Serpentine and his Shade Troopers, with no escape in sight. As they caught their breath in the trophy room, they heard Serpentine's voice from the other side of the door.
"What?! Which one of you idiots made the door blast-proof?!" Serpentine's furious voice was muffled but clear. "You! Bring me my tools!"
They knew they had only moments before Serpentine would break through. Torque's heart raced, panic rising as he glanced around the room. Vortex took in the scene with a grim frown. "Look at this klepto," he muttered, though his usual humor was absent. His eyes landed on a Chasers ship, a red one, marked with the insignia of the coalition. He recognized it immediately as one of their own—a ship from a previous squad, long since claimed by Brevon.
"This one is intact," Vortex said, motioning Torque and Gyro toward it. "Come on, we need to get out of here."
"But what are we going to do?!" Torque's voice cracked. "We can't just leave! They'll shoot us down, and the tractor beams—"
Vortex placed a firm hand on Torque's shoulder, forcing him to meet his gaze. His eyes, usually filled with mischief and laughter, were now full of sorrow and a steely resolve. "Torqui… I knew something like this could happen. I just hoped it wouldn't cost us our friends." He took a deep breath. "But there's still hope. I have a plan."
He quickly ushered Torque and Gyro onto the ship, opening the hatch and guiding them inside. "Go, now."
Torque hesitated, looking back at Vortex. "But what about you? Come on, Commander, get in!"
"It's an order, Private!" Vortex snapped, pushing them inside the cockpit. His voice softened as he activated the ship's controls, searching through the system. "Lets see…Ah ha! Chasers ship GT-2014," he muttered. "Autopilot, set course for the farthest habitable planet."
The ship responded to Vortex's commands. "COMMAND ACCEPTED. TAKING OFF IN 10..."
"C-Commander Vortex, c'mon, get in!" Torque urged, his voice trembling as he saw the commander still standing outside. Vortex remained where he was, a sad but resolute smile on his face.
9…
Vortex took a deep breath. "Torque, listen carefully. Justice isn't something limited to soldiers or leaders. Justice can be delivered by anyone—no matter where they come from, what their rank is, or the odds stacked against them. It's about doing what's right, even when it's hard, even when you don't know what's next."
8...
Torque and Gyro looked at each other, confusion and panic growing as the shuttle began to close around them. "Commander! Get in, we're leaving!" Torque shouted, his voice desperate.
7…
Vortex's smile never faded as he continued. "I chose you, Torque, because I know you're someone who will deliver that justice. People like you… you're the ones who make a difference in the world. You stand up, even when it feels impossible. That's why it has to be you."
6...
"Commander Vortex!" Torque and Gyro cried out, their voices filled with desperation as they banged on the door, trying to pry it open. They couldn't bear the thought of leaving their commander—no, their friend—behind.
5…
Vortex took a deep, pained breath, knowing this was the only way to at least slow down the madman he now faced. He gave one last, final salute. "Torqui, congratulations... you're now Commander Torque," he said, a tear slipping down his cheek.
4...
"No! No, no, no, no!" Torque banged harder on the glass, panic and helplessness flooding through him as the seconds slipped away.
3...
Gyro, tears streaming down, furiously pounded on the controls, trying desperately to halt the launch.
2...
"COMMANDER!" they screamed, their voices cracking with grief.
1...
Vortex's last words came through the comms softly but firmly: "Deliver justice, Commander Torque."
The ship launched into space, streaking across the vast trophy room, tearing Torque and Gyro away from Vortex just as the doors burst open behind him with a deafening explosion. Vortex turned to face his enemy, his expression hardening as the dust settled, revealing the ominous figure of Lord Brevon. The cold, calculated menace in Brevon's eyes sent a chill down Vortex's spine, but he stood his ground.
"It's now or never," Vortex muttered to himself, his fingers brushing the button on his wrist. He activated it, feeling the soft hum begin to vibrate through his arm. "I'm sorry, Torque, Gyro… everyone."
"Ah, Commander Vortex the Seedrian," Brevon greeted, his voice a smooth, mocking purr as he wiped fresh blood from his knife, Serpentine behind with a sneer on his face. "What an unexpected delight."
Vortex met Brevon's gaze with a smirk, defiant to the end. "Same to you, Brevy. How long has it been?"
Brevon scowled at the nickname, his lip curling in annoyance. "Since our little... debacle on Planet Wisp. The one that cost me the conquest of those blasted wisps. So long enough, it seems," Brevon replied, his eyes narrowing as they caught the sight of the departing ship in the distance. A smirk crept back onto his face. "A parting gift?"
"Guilty as charged," Vortex shrugged, raising his hands in mock surrender as the faint beeping on his wrist grew louder.
"You realize my tractor beams will soon pull that Chasers ship back to me, don't you?" Brevon sneered. "All you're doing is making pointless sacrifices, just like all the other so-called heroes. You and the Coalition—you're simply delaying the inevitable."
"Hmmm, perhaps," Vortex admitted, his tone nonchalant, making Brevon raise an eyebrow in suspicion. "But all sacrifices have meaning. And trust me, this one won't be in vain."
The beeping grew louder.
Brevon's eyes widened in realization, his smugness quickly fading into alarm. "And why is that?" he asked, his voice a low, dangerous whisper as his gaze darted around the room. He knew exactly what Vortex was doing. If one of those ships... then all of them will…
Vortex's smile turned bittersweet. "Because I'm not leaving with this place intact. Bahahahaha!" His laughter rang out through the room, echoing defiantly—his final act of rebellion, his final sacrifice.
Brevon's face twisted in rage as he bolted for the exit, a furious scream tearing from his throat. "VORTEX!"
"Deliver justice!" Vortex whispered to himself as the beeping reached its crescendo.
BOOOOOOM!
Outside, Torque and Gyro watched in horror as the Dreadnaught exploded. The ships within Brevon's trophy room ignited in a massive chain reaction, sending debris scattering across space.
"Commander... Vor...tex... Whirl…Twister…" Torque collapsed to his knees, tears streaming down his face. Gyro hovered beside him, his usually bright aura dimmed with grief.
Torque's eyes fixed on the wreckage, watching as the Dreadnaught's remains hurtled toward a distant blue planet. He wanted to believe it was the end of Brevon, but deep down, he knew it wasn't.
He sat there, his heart heavy with sorrow and loss. But then, Vortex's words echoed in his mind: "Deliver justice."
After a minute, Torque opened his eyes, determination replacing his grief. His tears still flowed, but now they fueled his resolve. Gyro looked at him, sensing the shift, and mimicked his expression—ready for what was next.
Torque stood up and grabbed the ship's controls and steering it with a new sense of purpose. Their course was set, straight toward the location where Brevon had crashed.
"I... I won't let this happen again," Torque vowed, his voice filled with a new, steely resolve. "Hold on, Brevon. This ends now."
Their ship, carrying the weight of their mission, hurtled toward the blue planet below.
Towards Earth.
Egg-Zao-Zao-Egg Hotel – Lilac's Room
Present Time
The room was heavy with the weight of Torque's story. As he finished, the silence was deafening, each member of the group grappling with the enormity of what they'd just learned.
Lilac's eyes were wide with horror, her hands clasped over her mouth as if to hold back a gasp. The gravity of Torque's words hung in the air, pressing down on her.
Carol sat on the edge of the bed, her bravado replaced by a look of deep shame. She stared at the floor, her shoulders hunched, the reality of the situation crashing down on her. Her earlier aggression felt hollow now, and she couldn't bring herself to meet Torque's gaze.
Tails and Milla sat close together, their expressions mirrored reflections of shock and sympathy. Tails' eyes were red-rimmed, barely holding back tears. Milla clung to him, her small body trembling with emotion. The room felt too small, the air too thick as they processed the heartbreaking truth.
Sonic, however, remained still. His eyes were closed, brow furrowed in deep thought. His usual carefree, easy-going attitude was nowhere to be found. Instead, he sat in his chair, arms crossed, processing everything Torque had said. The muffled sounds of the bustling city outside were the only thing that broke the suffocating quiet in the room.
Torque sat apart from the others, his posture tense, his face a mask of regret and guilt. His hands were clasped tightly together. Gyro hovered silently beside him, his cyan glow dimmed, reflecting the somber atmosphere. The little wisp's eyes were downcast, sharing Torque's grief.
Torque cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "After that," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "I started investigating Brevon's whereabouts. I learned he had somehow survived the crash and formed an alliance with someone from this planet—Robotnik." His face contorted into a pained expression. "I still don't know how they met. I tried to warn Shang Tu's government, but... well, you know how that turned out."
"I... chose not to reveal my identity, thinking it would protect this world from fear and panic... and to protect you from the truth," Torque spoke softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "But now, look where it's gotten us. If I had told you sooner, maybe things could have been different..." His head bowed lower, the weight of his decisions crushing him. "I'm sorry."
The silence was almost unbearable. No one seemed to know what to say as they processed everything.
"It's cool,"
Sonic's voice finally broke the silence, soft but steady.
All eyes turned to him in shock, disbelief etched on their faces.
"W-what?" Torque stammered, his eyes wide with surprise.
"I said it's cool, man," Sonic repeated, opening his eyes and offering a small, reassuring smile. He stood from his chair and approached Torque, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I get it. You wanted to protect our world, even if it meant taking a huge risk. That's great." Sonic's tone was steady, understanding, but there was a firmness beneath his words. "But what's not cool is hiding it from us when we could've helped."
Lilac stepped forward, her expression softening. "Sonic's right, Torque. You didn't need to bear this alone." She placed a comforting hand on his other shoulder. "We're your friends now. We would've helped you fight Brevon from the start." her touch filled with the warmth of compassion.
"Yeah... yeah!" Tails stood up, his voice carrying newfound confidence. "We'll help you defeat Brevon, Serpentine, and Eggman too!" His eyes shone with determination, a fire ignited within him.
"I'll help take down those meanies who hurt you!" Milla chimed in, her small voice fierce with resolve. Her eyes, once filled with fear, were now hardened with determination.
Carol, standing tall now, her earlier shame washed away, added with a firm voice, "We won't let them get away with it!" Her eyes burned with conviction, her loyalty unwavering.
Sonic continued, his tone unwavering as he extended a hand to Torque. "We won't let that creep take this planet. We'll protect it, all of us, together."
Torque looked around at his friends, his heart swelling with emotion. Their faces radiated support and resolve, a shared determination to help him no matter what. Even though they had barely known each other, the bond they shared was unmistakable. A tear escaped from Torque's eye—this time, a tear of gratitude, not sorrow. He smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile, as he reached out and shook Sonic's hand.
"Thank you, Sonic… and everyone. I can't tell you how much this means to me." his grip firm, his heart swelling with emotion. Gyro hovered closer, its glow brightening as it mirrored Torque's gratitude.
"Anytime, Commander," Sonic replied, his grin broad and infectious.
"Yay! Everyone's happy!" Milla cheered, her voice ringing out like a bell. She twirled around with joy, grabbing Gyro's small arms and spinning him around with glee. The wisp's glow brightened, and together, they twirled in happiness.
Sonic grinned, his usual confidence returning. "Looks like we've got a team ready to take on the galaxy!"
Lilac smiled, the sense of unity warming her heart. "We won't let Brevon or Eggman take our world. Not while we're here."
The room filled with joy, the tension dissipating like morning fog in the sunlight. The weight of their fears and doubts lifted, replaced by a shared sense of purpose.
"Guess we wait for Eggman's main event before anything else, huh?" Sonic mused aloud, though a hint of frustration lingered in his voice.
"Looks like it," Lilac agreed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Let's get some rest. We'll need it for tomorrow."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Zzzzzzz," Carol's sudden snoring filled the room, prompting a round of lighthearted laughter from the others.
Torque, smiling at the sight of his new friends, gazed out the window. The city lights twinkled in the night, casting a serene glow over the landscape. He looked up at the starry sky, the moon bathing him in its soft light. For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace.
"I guess everything will be alright after all," he thought to himself, watching the stars shine brightly above, feeling the warmth of companionship, alongside his new friends. "Tomorrow's a new day… and I'm not facing it alone."
{Post A/N}
So…how was it? I would appreciate if you could leave a little comment to see if I can improve something in the future regarding this type of stuff.
But anyways, the Spinner Chasers:
I gave each member a name related to the concept of spinning, thus their name motifs.
Whirl and Twister and kind of a generic descriptions that came on the fly, didn't really want to give such details when I knew that they would last a couple of paragraphs, lol.
And yes, you read it right, Vortex is a Seedrian, the same species as Cosmo from Sonic X, the reason? Why not. And if anyone asks, yes Cosmo does exist in this story, but she won't make an appearance, like at all. Just know that she exists somewhere.
Anyways see ya later.