alterchaos

[alterchaos]

So excited to be sketching this written scene…

…only 7 weeks to go…

[alterchaos]

felt like making a silly today

[alterchaos]

I WAS AFRAID

It was only a matter of time...

(cw: blood)

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: THE GREAT SPIRIT OF LIGHT

NEXT CHAPTER: ???

Petals danced beneath the light of the moon, 

The soul of the girl was crying,

A melodic song,

Anxiety’s tune,

What more was the use in trying.

She danced and she played,

For what had it cost,

The light to soon fade,

A soul too soon lost,

It was pointless, no use,

To save the lost soul, a price, an abuse,

For the stars, for her pride, for her vanity,

For all to be lost to insanity.

———————————————————————————————————————-

“Nnnnn…”

The girl with the golden hair groaned as she opened her eyes, attempting to sit up in her stupor. Her friend immediately ran to her side, holding an arm behind her back, though still not daring to touch her in fear of the quieted voice.

”Woah, easy…Just take your time…”

She looked over to the spirit waiting near the temple entrance, arms crossed with an angry scowl thrown in her direction. She looked down in shame, Sonic taking note and growing frustrated at the spirit’s blame for her self defense. He helped her up, escorting her to the temple entrance before Lia stopped them.

“You got a problem, Lia?”

“You can come.” He narrowed his eyes at the girl, “SHE stays.”

“What? Gonna kick me out too for using self-defense? Gonna come after me like you did, Nia?”

The spirit’s eye twitched slightly, “I see what is in her heart.”

“And…?”

“I do not welcome those who disrespect the balance.” With that Eve turned away, hiding her face.

Sonic took a step forward, challenging the spirit, “What was that!? Look pal, you have an issue with my friend here, you have an issue with me too, got it!?”

Eve placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, “Sonic, just do as he says. I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

She smiled, “Of course! I’ll be right here by the entrance waiting for you!”

“But I…I can’t just-”

“Sonic…It’s okay. You acknowledged my power yourself. You have nothing to worry about. I’ll be okay. Trust me.”

“I-I do trust you, Eve…I-It’s just-”

Lia interjected with a sharp tone, “I will not wait any longer. Either enter or leave my home. The choice is yours.”

Sonic growled, turning his head slightly and facing the spirit with slitted eyes. Eve jumped in front of him, grabbing his attention before he could lose control, “Go.” She smiled at him, giving him a small nudge. Sonic looked back at her a moment with worried eyes before nodding and approaching the temple, leaving her behind.

“Alright, let’s get this over with.”

“Certainly.”

The two breached the spirit realm, Lia not changing form in the slightest. Sonic rolled his eyes. At least he didn’t hide his true nature as a judgemental prick. He walked up, placing the emerald on its pedestal without a word and turning to leave once it had been restored to its golden glory. He walked past the spirit who leaned against one of the pillars with a stern expression.

“Sonic…you should be careful around her.”

The hedgehog froze, eyes wide, before turning to face Lia in utter disbelief, “Excuse me?”

“Your friend out there, she can’t be trusted.”

“What is your PROBLEM with her!? She helped me save your life, you know!!!”

“No. YOU saved my life. SHE tried to end it.”

“So that’s what this is about. You don’t even know anything about her!”

“I know that her heart is filled with greed and selfishness. You need to be on your-”

“...Selfishness?”

The hedgehog’s face was hidden in shadow, his clenched fists trembling with rage.

“She cares nothing of what becomes of this world, only you. If she were to lose you, her power would bring about a new kind of calamity, the likes of which Dark Gaia could only dream. She is a thief, a destroyer…”

Sonic gritted his fangs.

“A monster.”

Sonic remained still for a moment as Lia walked past him, only pausing once he spoke.

“Did you know that she sacrificed herself to save me? That right now, she's scared and hurting, knowing that I'll probably die by the end of this. Did you know that she agreed to help stop me from destroying your beloved Gaia if I lose total control? Do you know how hard it was for her to agree to that? I would have ran away then and there, off alone somewhere just waiting to lose myself, but she convinced me to keep trying so here I am. Did you know that this whole mess was started because I chose to take her place after she sacrificed herself, because I couldn't bear to watch her die? So you know what, Lia, she isn't the only one who is focused on saving the other. And do you know why that is? Huh? DO YOU!?!?” 

Sonic approached the spirit, staring him down in fury. 

“It's because we've been the best of friends since we were kids! We've protected each other countless times while also caring for the world around us! In fact, she wasn't even born with powers! DID YOU KNOW THAT!?!? She only got those powers because I had to use that energy to save her!! And guess when that was, Lia? Huh? GUESS!!!”

Lia remained silent.

“It was after she sacrificed herself to save me!! So I'm sorry if you find her circumstances to be unfavorable to your oh so great spiritness!! Maybe learn a little before throwing out wild accusations!!! Because around me, you can either respect my friends or get lost.”

Sonic turned his back, storming away from the spirit as he echoed his words from outside the temple.

“The choice is yours.”

Lia watched him for a moment, stunned into silence. He smiled, closing his eyes thoughtfully.

“Hmph. You have a strong conviction. It is admirable. Perhaps in another lifetime, we could have been the best of friends here on Gaia.”

“I seriously doubt it.”

“It is a shame to hear you say that.” The spirit looked up with sad eyes, “I would have liked to have a friend I could trust.”

“...”

Sonic paused, knowing immediately what he meant. Nia…he’d felt betrayed by her…and she, him. He also looked onward sadly before beginning to turn around and face him.

“Li-”

“SCREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!”

SHAZAP

SLASH

“GRAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!”

Both spirits turned toward the entrance in horror.

“Eve…”

Sonic ran outside, not even flinching as he shifted back into his moonbeast form. Lia followed suit, looking upon the dark monstrosity in horror. Glowing, slitted eyes stayed locked on the girl as she fired chaos spear after chaos spear, causing the shadows to split and disperse into smaller creatures. 

“H-How…w-why…I made sure Dark Gaia could never enter here with my powers so why is this-”

Sonic watched as his friend stumbled and fell to her knees, shaking from the overuse of her powers. She tried to stand, firing a couple more spears, before they surrounded her. Her eyes widened in terror.

“ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRR!!!!”

Sonic charged through the line of creatures, taking out multiple at once. Their green blood splattered against the darkness of his fur as he threw himself in the way of claws meant for his downed friend.

“GRAAAH!!!”

“SONIIIIC!!!!”

Lia chanted to the sun, drawing on its energy with his golden staff even in the darkness of the night. In a single strike, he took out multiple shadows with beams of pure daylight. 

“Alright! LiaaaaAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!”

The spirit continued firing beams indiscriminately, leveling the field of enemies before him. Sonic screamed, caught in the blasts, Lia only relenting once all the shadows were gone.

Steaming from the electric energy, he roared out in vengeful wrath, slitted eyes fixating on the sun spirit a moment before shifting to that of his exhausted friend. He approached on all fours, fangs bared and ready to strike her down. 

“S-Sonic?”

She backed away, lifting her arm to shield her face as he went in for the kill.

ZAP

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!”

More beams of light shot him down, his bones shifting and cracking unaware of the time. He continued to scream in agony over and over and over again as Lia continued his attacks without mercy. Any sympathy had been overwritten with the stone-cold eyes of a battle-hardened warrior.

“SONIC!!!!” Eve turned to Lia, her voice cracking from the strain of screaming, “LIA STOP!!! YOU’RE HURTING HIM!!! STOP IT!!!!”

Lia didn’t stop.

“He is a threat to this world! You both are! I will do what I must for the good of my home!”

Eve watched, frozen in horror as her friend continued to scream, tortured beyond unimaginable pain as his body broke and remolded indiscriminately without relent. 

She…

She couldn’t watch this…

She shook her head frantically as the energy within buzzed once more. Her body moved on its own, her foot planting firmly in the sand as she pivoted to face the spirit with glowing eyes. She reeled her arm back, ready to strike.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!”

In a flash of light, her chaos spear shattered the staff, piercing Lia’s arm through the hand once holding it. Golden blood splattered beyond the spirit’s wide eyes as the spear crystalized, remaining impaled through its target. His arm dropped in response, the shock of an attack damaging him in such a manner causing him to fall to the ground frozen in fear. After a moment, Lia shook off the pain, yanking the crystal spear free with a grunt of pain before glaring at the girl one final time in disdain.

“I must…warn the others…”

With that, he released his human form, floating off into the sky as a tiny flame.

What…

What had she just…

Eve shook her head, paying no mind to the downed spirit. There was no time for that. All she cared about was-

“SONIC!!!!!”

—-------------------------------------------------------

Pain.

Pain.

Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain.

It was all he could feel through the flashing lights surrounding him.

But soon, the lights began to fade just enough for him to peer out beyond. 

He could…see it.

Freedom…

He just…needed to…

He then spotted her, running towards him in concern, but there was something else.

A figure…

Dark and quilled…

A clawed hand…

A menacing laugh…

And he was…

He…was…

“EVE!!!! BEHIND YOU!!!!”

MUSIC END

—--------------------------------------------------------

drip

The lights faded.

drip

The shadows disappeared.

drip

The threat had vanished.

drip

Sonic gripped his head in confusion, unsure of his surroundings. Everything seemed to be failing him: his vision, his strength, his mind…all as a result of the strain Lia had forced him through. 

“W-What just…”

One thing was certain though.

drip

And that was…

drip

“EVE!!!” 

The hero, now returned to his nightly state, spotted his friend lying on the ground, trembling and turned away from him. She was propping her chest up with her right arm, her left hand covering her face. 

drip

“W-WHAT HAPPENED!!? I SAW THAT CREATURE ABOUT TO ATTACK YOU AND-!!?”

He paused, his eyes widening in shock as they fell on her hand, then the ground beneath it as something horrific began to form.

drip

A small pool of crimson blood.

drip

Her blood.

He stumbled in his weakened state as he ran to her side, sliding next to her as he got close. 

“Y-You’re hurt…h-here let me-”

He offered a gentle hand.

“-!!!”

She jolted, turning her face upwards as she scrambled backwards a few feet in panic. 

“He tried to make things right, but…”

Her terrified eyes locked with his, not daring to look away as she gasped for air with shaky breaths.

“I was afraid.”

“H-Hey…it’s only me…you don’t have to be afrai-”

Reality slowly sank in as the hedgehog began to realize the situation. It was quiet in that sandy place, the howling moonlight winds louder than even his heavy breathing. Every enemy had already vanished without a trace. 

He was right.

It was only him.

“I immediately regretted it, but it was already too late.”

Her eyes stayed locked once more with his, pleading him not to look. He couldn’t stop it though, the need to prove his thoughts wrong driving his gaze to slowly shift down to the trembling hand on his right.

“My only wish…”

His hand…

…stained crimson with the blood of his friend.

“Was to take that moment back.”

It was a slow reaction, beginning first in silence, followed by a few short gasps for air before, finally, a gradual scream as he threw himself away from her in horror.

What…

What had he done…

“E-Eve…” 

He looked to her with tearful eyes, his voice barely a whisper.

“P-Please…b-before I…”

Her eyes widened in horror at his request before searching her thoughts, her memories, her soul for some kind of answer or will. She looked back up at him, about to say something before closing her mouth and shaking her head as tears poured from her eyes. She then pushed herself up onto her feet and ran off, holding her bloodied cheek and not daring to look back. Sonic reached out in a feeble attempt as she slowly faded from his sight.

Then she was no more.

Sonic scrunched up his face, pounding his forehead into the sand for a moment before lifting his head, releasing a loud, anguished cry that, inevitably, became the roaring of a monster.

—---------------------------------------------------------

The spirit shed a few tears, recalling the incident as she rubbed her cheek in remembrance. Even after death, the pain of that night never truly left her.

She took a moment, finding the courage to continue her story as she recalled running through the desert ruins, lost and afraid.

“I didn’t know where I was going…nor did I care. I just wanted to leave, to be done with it all, with the pain of existing in that moment. And then, as my heart cried out…”

She recalled teleporting unintentionally, the horror of her destination piercing her very soul.

“I found myself once again in that damned flower field.”

She recalled the ocean of blue petals glowing under the moonlight, her features contorting before she released a blood-curdling scream.

snap

PLINK

“It was as if my body moved on its own…”

snap

PLINK

“...a tired and pointless dance.”

snap snap

PLINK

“I knew every step. I didn’t even have to think.”

snap

PLINK-KRRAK

“I simply lashed out like a cornered beast, scared and alone in its anguish, about to die.”

s-s-snap

PLINK

“It took me over, consumed me, and in those few moments, I let it.”

Trembling violently with rage, the girl released a final, animalistic scream. Along with it came an explosion of green energy that pierced even the highest of the heavens, destroying the field in a single flash of light.

crack

She remained there, face turned upwards towards the stars with dull, lifeless eyes. She was still apart from a few minor spasms that caused her muscles to twitch. Blue petals circled the air above her, ever so gently floating to the ground below in a similar pattern.

She slowly brought her weak, trembling hands close to her chest, attempting to grip the golden heart dangling before her. After a moment of struggle, sobs overtook her as she softly fell to her knees, curling up into herself as gravity pulled her head lower.

It was over.

It was all over.

No matter how hard she tried.

No matter how much she struggled.

She couldn’t keep her promise.

”I’m sorry…I’m so so sorry…”

“My, aren’t you a pathetic sight.”

Eve sharply lifted her head, her eyes going wide in recognition of the voice behind her. She didn’t need to turn to know who was there. She didn’t need to see him for her blood to boil in fury. If she turned to face him now, she might not be able to control herself. This field would bathe in his blood before either of them had the chance to blink.  

It would be far too quick…

Far too easy…

Far too painless…

No…

She wanted to see him beg for mercy as she tore him limb from limb and even then, NONE of it could make up for the suffering this man, this MONSTER, had caused her friend.

She wanted REVENGE.

“ Y O U . . . ”

The mad doctor smiled.

All the pieces were falling into place.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[alterchaos]

my favorite plot note so far...

[alterchaos]

I’m a couple days late but I wanted to finish this page. Easily one of my favorite scenes that’s been sitting in the back of my head since before I started the series. I just love the idea of the master emerald energy reacting to her PTSD and triggering a memory scape similar to Tikal’s visions in SA1, yet not being fully realized since it’s all subconscious and driven purely by her emotions.

(This image will be added to the chapter THE GREAT SPIRIT OF LIGHT)

[alterchaos]

THE GREAT SPIRIT OF LIGHT

Hand in hand, the two friends approach their next threat as one...

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: THE OTHER PROMISE

NEXT CHAPTER: I WAS AFRAID

The two heroes approached the arena, ready to begin their fight.

A large cat-like beast descended from the heavens, golden staff in hand. Wings flashed wide, an array of spears bathed in light. The distraught hedgehog turned to his friend.

”Hey…If anything happens…”

”I know…Until the end, remember?”

”Until the end.”

They turned back to face their target, side by side as equals.

The sun beast struck first, a flash of lightning cracking the earth between the two. The girl in the red jacket dodged, firing a chaos spear near the spirit’s face to draw its attention. The transformed hedgehog wasn’t so lucky, unable to dodge fully without his speed. A jolt of electric energy shot through his foot, causing him to jerk slightly in pain as he rolled onto his side. His breathing quickened as he felt a terrifyingly familiar sensation slowly creep over him, trembling and burying his face into the sand below as his friend battled in the distance. The girl summoned another chaos spear, this time wielding it in hand to hand combat as the winged beast charged, thrusting its staff at her. 

Dodge. 

Strike.

Dodge.

Parry.

Clash!

The two light-imbued beings remained stunlocked, glowing amber eyes staring down those of electric green in contest.

”I won’t let you hurt him…”

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr……

Eve’s eyes widened at the sound of his hackles raised. She turned just as his hands hit her chest, his sharp claws digging into her shoulders.

crrack

“GNNNH!!!”

Her golden hair flew behind her as her body hit the ground, now pinned by the feral, growling moonbeast on all fours. 

“S-SONI-!!”

The beast roared out in pain as the first beam of light struck, pulling away from the girl. She rose, unaffected, and watched in horror as the parts of him bathed in light began to painfully shift back to their normal state, just as painfully reverting as the light faded. He gripped his head, slitted eyes going wide as he realized he’d lost control.

”No…Nonononono-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!”

He screamed as more beams of light struck him at rapid, varying intervals, crackling with their electric energy. There was no rest. There was no surrender. There was only pain.

Over.

And over.

And over. 

And over.

Eve watched in horror as her friend writhed in agony, his screams melding into roars, both a cry for his ceaseless torture to end. She watched as the light in his eyes began to flicker, his body starting to give out in fatigue. If he suffered much more, he would collapse, everything he was, everything he could be, fading into nothingness.

Sonic would die.

With a burst of energy and a rallying cry, the girl struck the spirit in rapid succession.

Strike.

Strike.

Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. Strike. 

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

The beast could barely keep up with the attacks, eventually staggering with a final, mighty blow. She summoned a second chaos spear, slashing at Lia with unbridled fury as she continued to scream. 

His shoulder.

His legs.

His wings.

None of which could regenerate from the nature of her power.

He was eventually grounded, afraid of the monster that stood before him, a towering figure cast in the shadow of her own desperation. Her hatred was palpable, eyes glowing green as she became lost in that night upon the space station, promising anyone who harmed her dear and precious friend a dark and grim end. She raised her spear, aiming for the already downed spirit as he accepted his fate.

“This is all your fault…”

The ghost of her past self looked up in fear, weak and pleading eyes meeting those of a cold and powerful hatred.

”D I E .”

”EVE STOP!!!!”

MUSIC END

The girl halted her attack as she felt him gently grasp her dark, gloved hand. She turned to face him, her world returning to the present once more. Her blank, glowing eyes faded to their normal state as the floating orbs of energy surrounding her disappeared, the helpless ghost along with it. All was quiet a moment as she met his tired gaze, her hatred melting away in an instant. She looked back to the terrified spirit, now a tanned human with shaggy, maroon hair and small, green wings with the same glow as the amulet around his neck. Golden scars lined his body, one for each slash of her spear.

But she…

She wasn’t aiming for…

She swayed suddenly as the fatigue from her overuse hit her, collapsing limp into the arms of her dearest friend.

”Hey…It’s okay…I’ve got you…You’re safe now…”

Her eyes fluttered a moment as she tried to maintain consciousness, fixing on his worried eyes which no longer held their signature emerald hue.

“You’re safe…”

His voice became distant, echoing quietly as everything became a blur.

“Everything is going to be okay…

...I promise.”

Then everything went dark.

CHAPTER END

off panel: I love Chip's game dialogue...

[alterchaos]

finally I get to tease my favorite duo…

look at this dork…

I love him so much!! 🫶🤍🦔

[alterchaos]

I feel called out... 😂😂😂

[alterchaos]

THE OTHER PROMISE

With Riveria tamed and the purple emerald restored, the pair of friends prepare to return to Shamar...

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: THE GREAT SPIRIT OF WATER

NEXT CHAPTER: THE GREAT SPIRIT OF LIGHT

The small school girl with the golden hair danced about the temple, full of joy at their recent accomplishment.

“We did it, Sonic!”

“Heh. We sure did.”

She continued to dance, the kind water spirit leaving them with a wave, “Hehehe! We really make an unstoppable team, huh?”

Sonic rubbed the back of his head, “Well, can't argue there. You did great, Eve.” He lowered his arm, looking to the small girl with sincerity, “You know, I'm really proud of how far you've come, powers and all. Thanks for sticking by my side.”

Eve turned to face the hedgehog, eyes wide in disbelief. She shook off the feeling, turning away with shame as she nervously massaged her hand, “O-Of course…”

The girl threw her hands behind her back and flashed a bright smile before her friend had a chance to see. He smiled in turn, watching his once-little sister, content to finally see her happy again.

It was a peaceful moment…

One where all felt right with the world…

Eve turned, growing big once more as she exited the temple near the shore, “Now...Let's head back to Shamar to rest. I think we've both earned it!”

Sonic followed, “Yeah...Let's-!?”

He froze, eyes wide.

Eve continued forward, brimming with positivity, “Ooh! I heard they sell this cultural dish called elastic ice cream! It apparently stretches too, kind of like your arms hehehe! Want to try some when we get back?”

“...”

“Soni-?”

MUSIC: Raise the Darkness, Kill Thy Light

She’d barely turned to face him as his hands met the tops of her arms, eyes going wide as he leapt at her, pinning her to the sandy beach with a resounding roar of power. He leaned his face in close, snarling at her as his slitted eyes locked onto hers in fury.

“S-Sonic!? W-What's-!?”

He bore his fangs once more, going in for the kill.

SHAZAP!

The once-hero flipped his head around, catching his target in his sights as she fell through the air. He threw out a clawed hand with another roar, missing as she arched her back in panic.

shooop

SHAZAP

shooop

SHAZAP

shooop shooop

SHAZAP SHAZAP

The beast roared out in anger below as Eve gripped her head, vision going blurry.

Crap!

She’d overdone it!

shooop

She turned just in time to see the shadow of his claws overhead, unable to do anything as he grabbed her foot similar to on the clocktower a couple weeks prior. Her eyes widened as he pulled…hard…her body careening into the ground below. Her back slammed, knocking all wind and sense out of her.

“PUH!!!!”

She bounced up from the impact, the beast lunging at her before she had a chance to move. He grabbed her torso, throwing his arm forward towards the rocky wall in the distance and knocking her into it, pinning her in place.

SHA-fizz….

“-!!”

The girl with the golden hair squirmed in his grasp, trying to wrangle herself free from whatever grim fate awaited her as her best friend slowly approached, cracks forming in the corners of his eyes as he glared at her with malice. Sonic raised his left hand, claws at the ready as he slowly slid his right hand upward towards her neck. She began to choke, kicking her legs and wrestling against his arm to free herself but it was no use. In terms of physical strength, he was unstoppable, and there was no way Eve would ever consider striking him down with one of her spears.

All she could do was try and reason with him.

“S-Sonic...p-please…”

He responded with a low, rumbling growl, now only inches from her face.

“R-Remember...o-our...p-pro-mise…”

Her vision began to go dark as she gave up her struggle against him.

“...”

MUSIC END

“-!!?!??”

The hedgehog’s eyes snapped wide, the cracks disappearing as he quickly yanked his hand away, throwing himself backwards as he did. His friend fell to the ground coughing as she held her throat.

“...”

“...”

They both stayed there like that, silhouetted by the moonlight. Only the sounds of gentle waves broke any silence. 

Sonic continued trembling, slowly shaking his head.

“I-I…”

He turned, stumbling to his knees before quickly pushing himself up again, running as fast as his transformed legs would carry him. Just as he was about to make his escape, he stopped, looking down in terror at the bruised and battered girl now holding his hand. She kept her eyes locked to it, in a sympathetic gaze. She didn’t say a word but simply planted herself there, trembling as she fought to hold her emotions in check.

“L-Let go of me…”

She tightened her grip, her eyes narrowing in refusal as tears began to fall.

“Y-You...You have to let me go…”

She remained, the echoes of a few tiny sobs escaping her lips despite her resiliency.

“Please...I-I can't-”

She moved along his arm towards him, throwing her arms around him in an embrace once she got close. Sonic flinched, but she only hugged tighter, burying her face in his chest fur and sobbing a bit louder now. He barely heard it, her tiny, muffled voice as it cracked from the strain of his attack.

“Stay...please…”

The tension left Sonic’s body as he watched her cry with sympathetic eyes. He was scared. To him, the only answer was to run as fast and as far as he could, somewhere no one would ever find him and where he wouldn’t hurt anyone. It terrified him of course, the thought of being alone as the sinister voice consumed him night after night of suffering and pain, but right here, right now, it didn’t matter. None of that did, not when he watched her tremble, her body racked with sobs as she pleaded so desperately with him. She was scared too. Running away like this, without first attending to her needs, would only hurt her worse. 

Right now, she needed him…

Even if he wished she didn’t.

With a shaky breath, the transformed hero gently grabbed her shoulders, lifting her off him and holding her to his level, hoping to help bring her closure. She continued looking down in defeat, trembling as her tears continued to fall to the sandy beach below. She sniffled, stifling any sobs as Sonic watched her silently, contemplating his next move. He set her down and turned away towards the ocean, sighing as he realized there was only one way to move forward.

“...I...I've been hearing this voice...in my head...whenever I'm around you...and only you…”

Eve’s eyes flew wide in shock at this news, watching him from behind, “What...What does it say to you...that voice?”

“...He...He keeps commanding me to...to do something I...I can't…” He clenched his shaking fist.

“Something you...can't...?” She hesitated a moment, unsure of whether she wanted to continue, “What is he commanding you to do?”

“...”

“Sonic, what aren't you telling me?”

“He keeps commanding me…”

Eve’s eyes grew wider in anticipation.

“…to kill you.”

She froze, terror overtaking her, “W-What? B-But...why? Sonic, who is this voice?”

“Dark Gaia.”

She saw flashes in her mind, the schoolyard, the market, their words that still lingered deep in her soul. She trembled in fear, once more the small and defenseless child no one wished to save, “B-B-But…w-why would Dark Gaia want me dead!? H-How does that beast even know about me!? W-What did I even-!?”

“Your powers.”

Eve startled again in fear, staring at her hands in disbelief.

“The darkness wants to snuff out the light of the emeralds. When…Wh-When you were…asleep…you were weakened, but kept some of that light within you. My guess is that Dark Gaia is after you because he sees you like he sees the emeralds…and then there’s Nia…”

“Nia?”

“She's connected to that darkness somehow…I can feel it.”

“F-Feel it? Wh-What are you-?”

Sonic growled a moment, yelling a bit in his frustration at the situation, “You haven't figured it out by now!? Nia…She didn’t just curse me she…she IS me! Nia rests within me!”

“Nia is...but how do you kno-!?”

“Why else would I transform into...THIS...every night? Why else would my fur glow a bright white under the moonlight? Why else would my eyes resembles those...those MONSTERS!?!? ...She's slowly regaining her strength and soon...soon I won't be…” He looked to his hands, attempting to quell their ceaseless trembling.

“W-Won’t be what?”

“...”

“S-Sonic?”

“...Every temple…w-we’ve had to fight them…the spirits…th-those wild beasts…”

Eve’s eyes slowly widened.

“...a-and I’m…I-I’ll become the…th-the moon…”

“Y-You can't be…” Tears flew from her eyes as she stepped towards him, hand on her chest, “N-No! No!! I won't let that happen!”

“Eve…Y-You can't stop it. No one can. I-It’s what I have t-”

“NO!!! I-I...I can-!!!” She froze, right arm raised at the ready, fingers prepped for execution. 

All she had to do…was…

…w-was…

BA-BUMP

Why…why was she hesitating…

BA-BUMP

He was right there…waiting…the perfect opportunity…

BA-BUMP

Sh-She was a hero…right?

BA-BUMP

So why…

BA-BUMP

WHY…

BA-BUMP

Why did she have to be so damn afraid…

BA-BUMP

So damn SELFISH!?

WHY!!?!?

BA-BUMP BA-BUMP

BA-BUMP

“...I…”

She finally released her breath, lowering her arm and looking away in shame, “I-I'll think of something!!! Remember our promise!!! I'm going to find a cur-!!!”

“THERE IS NO CURE!!!!”

“THERE IS!!!” She looked to her hand once more before tugging her face away, “TH-THERE HAS TO BE!!! I-I PROMISED!!!! I PROMISED US WE WERE GOING HOME TOGETHER!!!!  DOES THAT MEAN NOTHING TO YOU!?!?”

“YOU CAN'T EXPECT EVERYTHING TO WORK OUT JUST BECAUSE YOU MADE A PROMISE, EVE!!!! LIFE DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY!!!” He paused a moment, still refusing to turn towards her as he softened a bit, “I made my choice on that space station and now...now I have to face the facts. When I…go…and then Moonbeast’s wrath is finally quelled, Nia will be free but…m-my body…I-I can already feel it…the strain…I won’t…I-I don’t know how much more I can-” He heard the sounds of his friend sobbing uncontrollably behind him, knowing what must be going through her mind, “Hey, listen. You had no part in that, okay? You can't blame yourself for this. It was my choice...and…I'm at peace with it now.”

“No...NO, YOU DON'T MEAN THAT!!!”

“Eve...It's going to be okay. You're going to be okay. Even when I’m gone, you still hav-”

“Why are you talking like that? You'll be okay, too! Y-You have to be!! I'm not stopping until you are!!!”

Sonic tried his best to hide his trembling, “Y-You…You have to let me go, okay? You saw how dangerous I am and…I-I can't be here for you anymore so you need to-”

“SHUT UP!!!!” Sonic froze, taken aback by the sudden outburst. Eve stared him down in unrelenting fury, unwilling to fulfill his wishes, “THIS ISN'T OVER UNTIL NIA WINS, RIGHT!?!?!? SO WHY ARE YOU GIVING UP SO EASILY!?!? WHY DO YOU HAVE TO LEAVE!!!?!!? YOU'RE STILL YOU SO WE HAVE TIME TO FIND IT!!! I WILL FIND YOUR CURE, SONIC!!!! AND THEN WE’RE GOING HOME TOGETHER!!! I SWEAR IT WITH MY LIFE!!!!”

Dammit…

If that’s how far she was willing to go…

There was no way he could leave now, not without a fight. Besides, his conscience wouldn’t allow him to leave her, knowing the devastation that would consume the girl and probably drive her to do something crazy. He had to go back but…everyone would be put in danger, grave danger, desperate to save him at any cost.

Unless…

“Eve…” He sighed, turning around to face her, “Okay. You win. I'll come back to Shamar with you…” He began to walk to her, feet softly treading along the sandy beach, “...but only on one condition.”

The girl took a step back, unease settling along her features, “W-What's that?”

“I need you to make me another promise.”

Her eyes widened, “I don't like this...Sonic...what are you asking of me?”

“Promise me. Now.”

“N-No...Not until I hear it first…”

He had to stay strong…

“Promise. That or I leave. Your choice.”

She looked at him, determination and loyalty bleeding from her gaze, “I-I'll follow you...to the ends of the earth...until the end I'll find you...and even then…” She quickly shut her eyes in denial, turning her face away from him.

Sonic raised a couple fists, “Please don't make me have to fight you…”

She reached for his hands and lowered them, smiling hopefully, “You don’t have to fight me. I-I'll help you, Sonic...anything you need, I'll be right there...just tell me what it is first. W-Why all the secrecy? I'm right here so just tell me.”

Even if she denied it, she already knew, deep in her soul, what he was about to ask of her.

“...”

“...”

“...Fine. When the time comes, when I go or if your life is in danger, I need you to promise me one thing…please…as my friend…”

Eve looked on in horror at his eyes, all hope and life vanishing from them as he made his request.

“Just...put an end to me.”

She stared at him, shaking, tears pouring down her cheeks.

“Please...I know you're powerful enough to. You were holding back when I attacked earlier. Promise me that one thing and I'll come back with you.” He chuckled slightly to himself in defeat, “Maybe if I'm lucky enough, we might even have enough time to celebrate my b-”

The girl scrunched her face, looking down in a seething rage, “W-W-What…” Her face exploded back upwards, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!? YOU CAN'T ASK THAT OF ME!!!! SONIC, SNAP OUT OF IT!!!! WHERE IS THIS COMING FROM!!!! I CAN'T-!!!”

“Say you're right. Say there somehow is a cure and everything is fine. We all go home happy and think of this as a bad dream. But if that doesn't happen...if I lose myself and hurt you o-or worse…” He looked up at her, no longer hiding his tears, “Please...I don't want to wake up a monster...I just want to go as I am...as Sonic...not some wild moon beast…”

Eve watched him sympathetically, her heart breaking at the pain and fear behind his tearful, pleading eyes. It was too big an ask and he knew it, yet she knew that the greatest kindness she could offer him at that point was mercy, not blood. All it would take was one chaos spear, just one, and his suffering would finally come to an end.

…

Just how much more suffering did he have to endure…

…

…all for the sake of some selfish fantasy…

…

…

No.

There was hope.

She just needed a little more time.

The girl with the golden hair turned away, not daring to look him in the eye as she responded.

“...Okay...I promise…”

Sonic smiled to himself, “...Good.”

“However…” The fanged hero looked down at her in surprise, “You have to also promise me not to give up on yourself until that moment comes. You can't ask that of me and just write yourself off like that. It isn't fair.”

How lucky he was to have a friend like her.

Sonic smiled, his tired eyes staring blankly ahead, “Okay. I promise.”

She really didn’t deserve him…

Eve ran in for a hug, burying her face once more in his fur, “Good. Because I'm not giving up on you either.”

Sonic hugged back, “Until the end, huh.”

“Until the end.”

A few loose lily petals drifted through the night sky, dancing higher and higher before floating gently to the still waters below. They twinkled like the stars above as the moon hit them, each petal glowing white like the fur of the beast holding his dear friend. Their warm and comforting embrace carried them steadfast through an ocean of tears until, at last, dawn broke through the darkness, its light glittering against the golden heart of the girl who was now fast asleep in his arms.

CHAPTER END

[alterchaos]

When you finally draw one of the favorite and most hype scenes that’s been in your head for 7 years but remember it’s at the end of the series and you can’t share it for another 500+ chapters…

[alterchaos]

I had to throw my hat in the ring…

Based on: SONIC DC ISSUE 2 REDRAW CHALLENGE

[alterchaos]

THE MOONBEAST SAGA OP 2: IN MY WORLD - WIP (OLD)

Hey everyone!

I forgot to share this old wip animatic from late 2023 (before Moonbeast evolved into what it is today with the seven spirits and whatnotal). It's an animatic for an anime-style opening I wanted to make back when I started. If Alter Chaos were a show, I would have this begin with the start of arc 5: BY THE SEA .

It's my plan to remake/finish this animatic sometime in the future, probably after I've taken some animation courses and can make it look f a n c y. In the meantime, enjoy this tease for what's to come. We're almost there. The grand finale is upon us.

(side note: If you haven't yet, take a look at the table of contents for some interesting bits of foreshadowing *wink wink*)

[alterchaos]

THE GREAT SPIRIT OF WATER

Sonic and Eve search for Riveria, ready for a fight. Although, not all fights are won by the strength of one's powers...

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: BY THE SEA

NEXT CHAPTER: THE OTHER PROMISE

The rest of the day had been a peaceful one along those Adabatian shores. Sonic was grateful to have Eve with him, a steady light in his ever-persistent darkness, just as she’d told him upon the cliff glowing with the light of the moonbells. He never once felt alone that day, even when the amber sun disappeared below the horizon. She stayed by his side, unwavering in her conviction, and for once in this tumultuous time, he truly felt as he once was.

He was happy.

He was himself.

The pair of friends slid beyond the barrier, hand in hand, hiding among the thick foliage of the jungle near the shoreline. Whatever happened next, they would be ready, together, just like always.

Nia…

Sonic flicked an ear in the direction of the melodic voice.

Come home, Nia…

“Riveria?”

Sonic took a step forward towards the gentle voice, beckoned by some deep yet unknown desire.

”Sister…I’m here…”

Come home, Nia…We miss you…

He spotted the kind hand of the water spirit, reaching out to take it tearfully.

“Home…”

———————————————————————————————————————

“Sonic?”

Seeing him in such a trance, speaking to himself was disconcerting. He then took a step from the foliage onto the sandy beach, only pausing slightly when she reached for his hand.

”Hey! Sonic! Snap out of it!”

It was no use though. He was simply too strong, able to pull away from her shaky, gloved hands with ease. She watched as he continued to approach the shoreline, slowly, unblinking, continuing to speak to himself. She dove at him, wrapping her arms around him as best she could and digging her heels into the sand. 

“Sonic! Sonic!! STOP!!!”

He continued to drag her along, helpless in her small stature.

————————————————————————————————————————

……es…

A light whisper, carried to him by the wind, called him in a different direction. He saw her there, a woman with striking red hair, human but not quite. Blue markings decorated her body, her irises the same brilliant hue against dark sclera. She reached out an armored hand, smiling warmly.

I forgive you…

He took a step towards her, tears falling from his eyes.

”Su-“

————————————————————————————————————————

“SONIC!!!”

She halted him briefly just as his foot hit the water’s edge, using a chaos spear as an anchor to keep herself grounded.

”WAKE UP!!! SONIC, PLEASE!!! YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP!!!”

Just then, a few water lilies sprouted from the sand, filling the air with a sweet song. Eve looked to the flowers in realization before turning her attention to the ocean beyond. She then saw in the distance the once-invisible siren, body composed entirely of the ocean’s waves, sitting atop a giant lily with a single, amethyst eye fixated on her entranced friend. She then looked to her hand, hesitating a moment before steeling herself.

She knew what she had to do.

She let go of Sonic, teleporting above the siren in a flash before falling toward her, hand outstretched as she reached for her throat.

————————————————————————————————————————

Once again, Sonic was pulled in a new direction. 

Sonic…

His eyes widened, spotting the elderly hedgehog he’d lost that fateful night.

”Chuck?”

My boy…I’m so proud of the hero you’ve become.

“Chuck…” Sonic tried to stifle his tears, “I-I tried…I tried so hard…but still I…I couldn’t…”

It’s okay, son. I’m here now. Come…you don’t have to carry those burdens with you any longer…

The guardian reached out a beckoning hand. Sonic similarly reached out to take it before stopping just shy of grasping it.

”But…I made a promise…I promised Eve we’d go home together…”

Who’s Eve?

MUSIC END

Sonic’s eyes grew wide, his void of happiness shattered in that moment as he broke free from his trance. He took in his surroundings, noticing he was now waist-deep in the ocean which threatened to tug him further from shore. He panicked, racing back toward the sandy beach while trying to quell his equally racing heart. He sat back on the shore, looking around for his friend.

”Eve? Hey, where’d you-“

He then spotted a soft, green glow emanating from the depths of the ocean in the distance.

”Oh no…”

Sonic raced to a nearby palm tree, pulling it back with his arms stretched before jumping high, launching himself through the air towards the glowing area. He dove in without a moment’s hesitation, stretching his arms out toward the source of the light until his hand met the back of her tank top. He pulled her to him, holding her tight as little flecks of green dust floated from beneath her gloves, circling around her and twinkling like starlight. Sonic didn’t have a chance to panic over how cold she felt, hanging limp in his arms, before she began to glow brighter and brighter still, encompassing both in a warm, blue light.

SHAZAP

How she’d managed to chaos control them to the beach in her unconscious state, Sonic didn’t know, nor did he care. He raced to her side, ignoring the now-human spirit lying equally as unconscious beside them. He placed a hand to her cheek, paying no mind to the disquieted voice as he searched for any sign of life. She was pale, cold, and unmoving, just as she’d been back on Angel Island. Sonic froze in shock, recalling the traumatic experience, before grabbing her shoulders and shaking her a bit.

”Eve!? Eve!! Please!! Please wake up!!”

No response.

His eyes swam in panic a bit before falling on her stomach.

”I’m really sorry about this…”

He took one of his large fists and pushed down as hard as he could without crushing her, knocking any wind and water out of her. She jolted, throwing up water and coughing as she rolled to her side, clutching the sight of her injury in pain. Once the feeling had subsided, she rolled back onto her back, looking up at her friend with weak, tired eyes.

”…Sonic?”

He immediately pulled her into an embrace, trembling from the terror that befell him.

”Sonic…What…happened…Where’s…Riveria…?”

”She’s…She’s passed out beside us on the beach…Y-You were…”

The girl’s eyes began fluttering closed as his words trailed off.

”Sonic…I…”

Her mind went blank as she drifted off to sleep in the soft, warm embrace of her dearest friend.

———————————————————————————————————————-

It was already past midnight when she’d woken up once more, her vision settling on Sonic attempting to aid the spirit in her distress. Eve sat up, concerned as to what was going on. She approached, overhearing him as he tried to help her calm down.

”Riveria, breathe���just tell me what’s wrong…I’m here to help you…”

The panicked spirit clutched her throat, moving her lips as if attempting to speak. Only the tiniest of sounds escaped her, the rest projected in complete and utter silence. Saltwater tears fell, sinking deep into the sand beneath.

“R-Riveria…” Eve’s hand trembled as she looked to it, her words catching in her throat.

What…What had she done…

She’d only wanted to protect him…

Was that…so wrong…?

Seeing the remorse in her eyes, and similarly remorseful for her own actions, Riveria decided not to tell her new friend what had happened, opting instead to draw an emerald in the sand followed by a question mark. 

Sonic’s eyes went wide inquisitively. He reached for the emerald in his quills before holding it out to her, “The emerald? Are you asking if we can help restore the balance to your home?”

Riveria nodded her head.

”Alright, then let’s get going.”

She held up a finger in protest, drawing more in the sand. When she was finished, Sonic recognized her drawing as a crescent moon followed by another question mark. She looked to him with pleading eyes, laying a gentle finger on the moonlit streak in his bangs.

”Nia?” She nodded, “We’re looking for her too. I’m sorry…I don’t know where she is.”

Riveria looked down in defeat before looking to the girl hugging herself in shame. When she tapped on her, Eve’s eyes fell downward, meeting yet another drawing, this time directed at her.

A heart.

She knelt down beside her, holding out her locket, “This? I-It’s my locket…It holds my friends…my most precious memories…” Riveria shook her head, placing a gentle hand against her neck as she smiled in understanding. Eve looked away, “No…Riveria I-“ She turned her face back towards her with a gentle hand, shaking her head with a forgiving smile. She then pulled her in for a hug, Eve returning it in like. 

“Thank you, Riveria…”

Sonic watched, perplexed by the emotional display. He decided not to interfere though in what seemed to be an important moment between the two.

Riveria stood up, leading her new friend by the hand towards two palm trees in the distance. Sonic followed close behind, recognizing the familiar framing technique from each of the other temple’s doorways. The water spirit led the girl inside, floating around her as she entered in a watery version of her body. The hedgehog stepped through, eyes going wide as they fell upon the curtain of long hair beneath him. She turned, looking at him with a shocked expression.

”Woah, Sonic! You’re back to normal!”

She paused, confused by the high-pitched voice echoing from her. She looked down at her hands, soft, clear, neatly exposed beyond the sleeves of her school gown. She took note of her laced boots followed by the fluffy blonde bangs covering her forehead. A ribbon the same color as her dress tied part of her hair up in the back.

To Sonic, she looked no different than the day they first met.

”Aaaah! What happened to my body!?”

Riveria circled Sonic, prompting him to answer her question, “It’s the temples. Since they act as windows to the spirit realm, anyone who enters takes their soul’s true form.”

”So I’m…” She looked back down at her hands, falling quiet.

So…no matter how hard she tried…

Sonic noticed her disappointment in her form. He walked over, ruffling her hair as per usual to get her attention, “Hey…don’t take it too hard, okay? These forms can mean a lotta different things. At least you didn’t get stuck being your little brother’s little brother heh heh heh…” 

Eve giggled, happy at his attempt to cheer her up, “Thanks, Sonic.”

”Of course. Anytime.”

The trio made their way to the pedestal at the end of the path, placing the darkened emerald atop. It floated upwards, spinning faster and faster as it drew its lost energy back, glowing a bright purple once finished.

”Only two more to go…”

Then everything could go back to the way it was.

CHAPTER END

[alterchaos]

3 2 1 GO!

Racers are on their marks and set for the first leg of the prestigious World Cup! Though, not all riders are as excited as the hedgehog and his friends...

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: X-TREME MEASURES

NEXT CHAPTER: ???

“Hmm…”

clink

plink

clatter clatter

“...”

The girl with the golden hair kicked her feet as she sat along the edge of the workbench. She watched her legs as they fell into a rhythmic swing, almost like a pendulum, each foot being carried back and forth in perpetuum by the gravity pulling them down.

“...”

The fox beside her ceased his mechanical work, looking up at his unusually quiet friend with a worried frown, “Eve?”

“I just don’t get it, Tails. Did I do something wrong?”

The last thing Eve had ever wanted was to make her new friend not like her…

Tails smiled, “I wouldn’t worry about it. Jet is…well…Jet. If you had done something wrong, he would have made it known. Believe me. I’m sure he doesn’t think badly of you in the slightest.”

The echidna leaning against the far wall with his arms crossed smiled as well, “And if he does, we’ll just beat him up for it.”

Amy elbowed him hard.

“Oww…”

Eve sighed, her head dropping lower in her despair.

The geared-up hedgehog off to the side watched her with a frown. He sighed to himself, laying down his modified hoverboard and making his way over to the workbench where the human sat. He hopped up beside her with a sympathetic smile, his voice soft, “Listen, Jet may be an egotistical showoff…”

Everyone paused, staring at the hedgehog deadpan.

Okay.

Noted.

Sonic cleared his throat, a few beads of sweat lining his brow, “A-Anyway…” He smiled once more, “If there’s anything I know about the guy, it’s that he says what he means, whether anyone likes it or not–usually not…”

Eve glared at him in exasperation, “What’s your point?”

“My point is, if he left wanting you to join his team so badly, then there’s no way he could think badly of you. If he did, he would have shouted something like, ‘Squawk! I hate you! Graaaah!’ as he flew off into the sky.” Sonic even threw his fist into the air, shaking it villainously as he imitated his feathered rival.

“Hehehe…” 

“There it is. There’s that smile we all know and love.”

Eve jolted at the sudden compliment, her face turning bright red, “E-EH!!?” She turned away, pouting comically, “N-Nice try. You can’t charm me like Jet did.”

Her words hit the hedgehog like a ton of bricks, causing him to nearly topple over in shock, “GAH-!!!” He quickly recovered though, flaming slightly as he responded, “WHOEVER SAID I WAS TRYING TO IMITATE THAT FAKER!!? JUST ACCEPT THE COMPLIMENT!!!”

Eve began flaming as well, “NEVER!!! YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!!!”

The two continued their playful banter, Knuckles stifling a laugh as Amy, clad in her own racing gear, approached Tails with a smile.

“Man, those two sure know how to make a scene, huh?”

“Yeah…” Tails smiled as well, shaking his head as he watched his brother and friend leap off opposite sides of the workbench in a display of ‘war’, “Leave it to Sonic to bring out that special spark of life in her though. I was starting to get worried she’d never cheer up.”

“Well, she is just as Mobian as the rest of us. It makes it easy to connect.” Amy giggled slightly as her sister leapt across the workbench with a battle cry, tackling the screaming, blue hedgehog, “That and the fact that they’re both so similar in personality.”

“Yep. Practically twins.”

The two friends continued to watch as the girl flipped the hedgehog onto his stomach, pulling his arm back and pinning him to the floor.

“SAY IT AGAIN!!! I DARE YOU!!!”

“Y-You…h-have…a nice…s-smil-”

“WRONG ANSWER!!!”

She pulled back harder on his arm, still flaming.

“Owwowwowwowwwowwowwowwoww!”

Eve leaned in close with a cocky grin.

“Give up yet?”

“Heh.”

Sonic grinned as well.

“I’m Sonic the Hedgehog. When have I ever given up SO EASILY!!!”

The hedgehog leapt up at his final words, knocking the girl off balance. Just as she was about to fall though, he grabbed her hand from above, offering a genuine smile of affection.

“Friends until the end, right?”

Eve smiled as well.

“Yep.”

A glint entered her eye as she swiftly tugged at his hand, causing her and the Blue Blur to switch positions.

“Until the end.”

Sonic rolled his eyes, “Cheater…”

Eve stuck her tongue out at him playfully before helping him up and making her way over to Tails and Amy for a couple of high fives. Sonic, having lost his impromptu match, sauntered over to the far wall where Knuckles remained leaning.

“Let me guess: ‘you let her win’?”

“Tsch! Obviously…”

“Uh huh. Keep telling yourself that, Little Brother.”

“Shut up.”

Still, Sonic couldn’t help but smile to himself. The girl with the golden hair had grown so strong since he first met her a couple of years ago–at least for him. It always warmed his heart seeing her able to let loose and be her fiery, enthusiastic self. 

That enthusiasm though, if mishandled, could be dangerous…

Especially for someone without powers on a world like Mobius…

“So! Where’s my hoverboard!” 

Tails’s expression sank slightly at the sight of the sparkling teenager, “I…w-well…”

Eve’s enthusiasm faltered as well, “Tails…please don’t tell me this is about my ‘safety’ again…”

The fox rubbed his head, “...”

Sonic stepped forward.

“You know what? Eve has a point.”

“Huh?”

“Sonic?”

“I…I promised, didn’t I? To let you be included on our adventures? I…want to try to do right by that.”

“...” Eve turned to face him, awe lining her features.

Tails sighed, “I get that, Sonic, but isn’t safety the biggest priority here? If she falls...”

“So make it safe.” The hedgehog ruffled his little brother’s hair, causing him to giggle, “I know you can come up with some fancy hoverboard mods that will do the trick! After all, you have that big, creative brain of yours to work with!”

“Hehehe…Okay, okay…I’ll see what I can come up with.”

Sonic turned to face the human, “That work for you, Eve?”

“...” The teen continued to stare, eyes sparkling.

A bead of sweat dropped from the hedgehog’s brow, “Uuuh…Ev-!?”

fomf

The hedgehog jolted slightly as the girl raced in for a tight hug.

“Thank you, Sonic.”

After a moment of hesitation, he hugged her back with a warm smile.

“You’re welcome, Eve.”

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Woah…”

The girl with the golden hair walked through the stadium tunnel, hoverboard in hand. Her signature sunshine-colored hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, her growing bangs parted naturally down the middle in their now-usual curtain-like fashion. She sported a white, cropped tank top as well as black shorts with a gold stripe. Her riding boots reflected her usual outfits, donning a striking white tint with crimson stripes–a color scheme inverted to the shoes of her best friend. She wore dark, fingerless gloves and a wrist communicator from Tails. Upon her poofy bangs rested a pair of equally dark, circular goggles that she could use while on the track to help her see. Her hoverboard was sleek with a sharp tip and fins that almost seemed to resemble wings like that of a large bird. Its body, per the girl’s request, was painted white with a myriad of streaks to resemble her closest friends. The collage reflected a vast array of colors from pink to yellow to red and, finally, blue.

By all accounts, she looked just as decorated and, in her mind, important as the heroes who stood beside her.

Sonic nudged her with a wink, “So, you ready to take to the track, racer?”

Eve pumped her fists, her eyes sparkling once more, “You bet I am!” She turned, taking in the other racers scattered about as they readied their gear, “It’s honestly so cool to see so many different kinds of people here…” A smile crossed her lips, “It’s like everyone is totally unique yet…equal…” She spotted a leopard Mobian off to the side, thinking of Helen as they pushed themselves from their wheelchair to their hoverboard and strapped in as if in a sort of luge, “Nothing like this would have ever been approved back on Earth. It’s nice…”

Sonic followed her gaze, remembering his adventure with the girl and the island full of flowers with a nostalgic smile, “Yeah…I guess it is…”

The two smiled at each other before turning back to the mouth of the tunnel. The leopard from before shot off into the stadium to thunderous applause, using their hands to catch the wind current beneath their board and perform some fancy jumps and tricks. As the trail from their hoverboard faded though, Eve spotted a curious figure off to the side, kneeling low as he tended to his board though instantly recognizable.

“Jet…”

A hint of worry crossed her features as she froze, unsure what to do next.

“...”

Tails smiled, “We’ll go on ahead. Don’t forget your spot, okay?”

Eve didn’t turn away as she responded, “Y-Yeah…”

She remained as she was as the rest of her group hopped on their boards, flying out into the crowd to just as thunderous of applause, their names being announced with added fervor.

…

She took a deep breath.

…

…

She began walking towards him.

As she got close, Eve addressed the hawk in a somewhat shaky voice, “Um…Jet…?”

“Hm?” The hawk turned, his eyes widening as they fell upon her, “Oh…Hey, Eve…” His voice sounded surprisingly down, “What’s up?”

The girl in the racing gear rubbed her arm nervously, “I…I-I just wanted to say sorry…f-for the other day…”

“...” Jet continued to watch her, seemingly almost unsure how to respond for a moment before sighing and flashing a bright grin, “No idea what you’re even talking about!”

Eve frowned, “Jet…”

“N-Now step aside, racer! I have a prize to win!” With that he hopped on his hoverboard, releasing a cocky, squawking laugh as he took off towards the stadium.

“...”

Eve jumped on her hoverboard as well, following close behind.

SHOOOM!

The girl with the golden hair shielded her eyes as the blinding sun hit her face. She looked around in awe though at the roaring crowd, taking in their unfiltered excitement at the spectacle to come. She then turned ahead towards the starting line, slowly making her way over to the hedgehog waving and pointing to her spot. 

Just then, the loud speaker began booming again.

“Gooooooooooooood day, Mobius! I’m your host for this year’s World Cup, Nite the Owl, and let me tell you folks, we have a truly SPECTACULAR race that’s about to be on our hands! Is everyone excited!?”

The crowd went wild.

“Then let’s get these last couple racers introduced so we can get started! Up next, a brand new entry in the roster: Eve!”

There was some applause, though not everyone knew how to react to the human. She froze, slightly nervous at the world-wide spectacle.

The owl frowned, “Oh come on! We can do better than that, right Mobius!? Let’s give our new friend here the welcome and love she deserves!!!”

The crowd became hyped, offering more cheers of encouragement to the girl with the golden hair.

Eve smiled.

“Thanks, Nite.”

“I know I, for one, am excited to see what you’ve got, racer! Be sure to give the world a good show!”

The girl with the golden hair beamed with pride, offering up a graceful twirl on her hoverboard and a sparkling peace sign.

The crowd loved it!

“And last but most certainly not least…” The entire stadium fell silent, waiting with baited breath as the radio host paused, reaching for his next words, “...He is a champion not just on the track…but in our hearts as well.” Jet turned, locking eyes with the owl above, “We know him.” Nite smiled warmly, a hint of sadness behind his kind eyes, “We love him…” The hawk’s eyes widened slightly before he pulled away sharply, “...Everyone give it up for the wings of the sky, Jet the Hawk!!!” 

The stands roared with cheers, the racers all rolling their eyes as they continued to wave to the crowd.

All that is…except Eve…

The girl with the golden hair watched the feathered champion closely, picking up on what seemed to be hesitation and doubt, followed by a pained scowl of determination. That wasn’t all though. For a mere instant, Eve thought she could see it, a sight that made her heart skip with worry.

Are those…tears..?

She wanted nothing more than to fly over and ask him what was wrong.

“Jet…”

Sonic released a small sigh, “Aaaaaand there he goes again with his special treatment…”

Tails shook his head, “Every year…”

“‘Special treatment’?”

Eve looked back at the hawk.

“...”

“Racers on your marks…”

That would have to wait though. 

“Get set…”

He had a race to win and so did she.

There would be time to talk later.

Then she would get the answers she was looking for.

“GO!!!”

TO BE CONTINUED…

[alterchaos]

X-TREME MEASURES

Welcome to Monopole, the city of the future and site for the upcoming World Cup! Racers will soon travel from all across Mobius for the chance at the title of world's fastest, and a prize unlike anything you've ever seen! Sign up soon because you won't want to miss it...

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: ???

NEXT CHAPTER: 3 2 1 GO!

plip

pitter patter

Rain streaked down the window of the condo, its door propped open by the figure whose goggles glistened against the dim bulb overhead. They froze as the man behind them called out once more.

“Please…you don’t have to do this…”

They turned away.

“Sorry…I have to know…”

clack

The man buried his face in his hands, alone against the raging storm beyond.

��----------------------------------------------------------

“Soooo…Are we there yet?”

The fox stared ahead incredulously as the pink hedgehog turned to the seat behind her, eyes glinting with a hidden fury. Her gold cuffs sparkled against the desert sun, a hammer appearing in her hands as she grinned deviously.

“So help me, Sonic, if you ask ONE more time…”

The Hero of Mobius jolted nervously before practically melting down below his seat and popping into a spiky ball, eliciting a hearty laugh from the echidna and human on either side. 

The girl wiped a small tear as she looked at her curled up friend, “Aww, Amy…You made him ball…”

The emerald guardian placed his hands on his hips, leaning towards his brother with a snarky grin, “Serves you right. I told you not to ask again.”

“That’s what? 37 times now in the past 10 minutes?” Tails shook his head.

The pink hedgehog brushed her hands together in pride as her hammer disappeared, “Finally some peace and quiet…”

“Not for long though. Look, everyone! We actually are here!”

The blue hedgehog gasped, popping open and jumping back up into his seat with a massive, beaming smile, “Really!!?”

“Yep. Take a look, Eve.”

The girl with the golden hair peered over the side of the biplane with a smile, the wind brushing back her growing bangs from her face, “Monopole…”

“‘The famous city of the future’...” Tails beamed, “I can’t wait to see the new advances in technology we can implement back home as well as the materials and the techniques that improve efficiency and-”

They all spoke in unison, “Tails, focus!”

The fox rubbed his head sheepishly, “R-Right right…” He turned back towards the city ahead, “We can park the Tornado and then take the line from Megalo Station into the heart of the city. From there-”

“We have FUN!!!” Sonic threw his arms up into the air in excitement, “WHOO HOO!!!”

Eve threw her arms up beside him, “WHOO HOO!!!”

They looked at each other with shared grins.

“1…”

“2…”

“3!!!”

They raised their arms in unison, “WHOO HOO!!!”

Knuckles stifled a laugh, “You’re just as bad as he is…”

Amy turned once more, locking eyes with her sister behind her. The girl shrieked, waving her arms in a panic as her pubescent voice squeaked.

“WAIT, I CAN’T BALL!!! I CAN’T BAAAALL!!!!”

Everyone laughed, sharing in the fun and excitement of their trip across Mobius as the Tornado began its descent.

—----------------------------------------------------------

It took a short while to find parking among the sprawling metropolis, Sonic no more patient to walk around than on the Tornado. Once the hyperactive hedgehog was reigned in though, thanks to the collective efforts of Amy and Knuckles, the group wasted no time in catching the next bullet train from Megalo Station into the heart of Monopole. Eve nearly pressed her face against one of the train’s windows, sparkling with excitement at the shining city. An ocean of skyscrapers lined the sky, reflecting massive beams of sunlight. The girl with the golden hair felt as if they resembled the waves near the shoreline back home, only adding to her thirst for adventure in the grand city of the future.

It was the little moments like these that made her life feel special.

“Look over there…”

Whispers filled the air as the girl with the golden hair walked along the streets of the shopping district with her friends. She even noticed a few stares thrown in her direction. 

“A human…”

“Woah, seriously?”

“You mean like Eggman?”

Amy placed a hand on her shoulder as the girl frowned, “Hey, you okay?”

Eve sighed in annoyance, “Yeah. It’s been, what, practically nine months since I decided to stay here? I could honestly care less at this point.”

Knuckles scoffed, “Just ignore those jerks.”

Sonic, on the other hand, had already raced over to a whispering couple, pretending to join in, “Yeah, look over there. It’s the big and scary human whoooooo…”

Eve walked over, bonking him affectionately before grabbing him by the ear, “Please excuse the Hero of Mobius.” With that, she dragged him off back to the group in exasperation, the Mobians left dumbstruck by what they just witnessed.

“Wait…Did that human just say ‘Hero of Mobius’?”

“You mean like…that ‘Hero of Mobius’?”

The other Mobian cocked their head as they watched the two girls chastise the derpy, blue hedgehog, “Huh…He certainly seems…different than in the stories…” They watched nervously as Amy summoned another hammer, their hero screaming as she did.

“I heard he’s super fast. You think he’s here for the big race?”

Sonic zipped back over, his eyes sparkling with glee, “DID YOU SAY RACE!!??”

The girls were flaming, “HEY!!! GET BACK HERE, SONIC!!!”

The Mobians took a step back, not wishing to get caught up in the hedgehog’s coming wrath, “Y-Yeah…The World Cup being hosted this year by the famous Stardust Speedway Racing Compan-”

“WAIT IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR ALREADY!!??”

Tails raced to his brother’s side, eyes just as sparkling, “Ooh! I know about them! They’re the founders of the cool, new XTreme gear lineup!” His twin tails flicked excitedly, “I’d give anything to see such awesome tech up close!!!”

“Well, it just so happens the racers this year are being sponsored to use their state-of-the-art hoverboards-”

“REALLY!!!???” The young fox shook his brother by the shoulders, “SIGN UP! SIGN UP! SIGN UP!”

“Heh! Like you even need to ask, Lil’ Bro! I’m not just gonna sign up…” Sonic stood tall, pointing a thumb at his chest in confidence, “I’m gonna win and show the world what the fastest being alive can really do!”

“Fastest? Ha! Don’t make me laugh!”

“Huh?”

Sonic and his friends turned their attention upwards towards the roof of the nearby building. A figure loomed, their body silhouetted by the afternoon sun as they grinned, the light catching and gleaming off a pair of goggles on their head. They grabbed an object from behind them, hopping onto it as they leapt off the building, diving towards the heroes from above. As they did, two more figures emerged from either side, gliding gracefully around their leader as they descended. Eve shrieked, shielding her eyes as a gust of wind threatened to knock her over. When she dared to look, she spotted a trio of hoverboard riders. One was a large albatross, gray with beady eyes. Another was a tomboy-ish swallow with long violet feathers wrapped in a white bandana. 

The one in the center, however, was the most striking to Eve.

The hawk in question exuded the same limitless confidence as her best friend, his orange goggles contrasting against his forest-green bangs. He folded his arms, flashing a wink as Sonic rolled his eyes.

“Ugh…Jet…”

“Huh? You know this guy, Sonic?”

The hawk glided next to the girl with the golden hair, flashing a cocky grin as he leaned in to whisper, “Of course he does. I’m the guy who beats him every year.”

“YEAH!!? THEN HOW ABOUT A FOOTRACE YOU FEATHERED JERK!!!”

“I’ll pass. Unlike you, I know when I’ve met my match.”

Sonic released a small, animalistic growl under his breath, causing the girl beside him to sweat slightly from the unexpected noise. The hawk paid no mind to it, instead hovering around the girl as he looked her up and down.

“Hmm…A human huh? Nice…”

Before Eve had a chance to respond, Sonic stepped between her and his rival with a stern glare, “Easy pal…”

Jet backed up, raising his arms in surrender, “Woah, chill out dude! I was just admiring how strong your friend here looked!”

Eve nudged Sonic aside as her eyes widened, “Strong?”

Jet looked her over once more, “Yeah…I’d say you’ve got the perfect build to be a rider…well…not as perfect as me but…”

The teen’s eyes sparkled, “Really!?”

Sonic growled once more as he folded his arms defensively, “She isn’t one of your fancy hoverboards, Jet…” The hawk’s name rolled off the hedgehog’s tongue with a sharp bite. 

The girl turned, shooting her friend a look to knock it off, “Sonic…” 

Jet held up his hands once more in surrender, “No no. The Hero of Mobius here’s got a point…”

“Tsch!” He turned his face away in annoyance.

Jet held out a hand with a smile, “You got a name, rider?”

The girl with the golden hair took it, shaking it with pride, “Eve! It’s so nice to meet you, Jet!”

“Yeah, and it’ll finally be nice to BEAT you this year too!” Sonic pounded his fists together as he glared at his rival.

Eve finally turned, face red, “Sonic, what is your PROBLEM!!?”

Jet cocked his goggles, “Heh. He’s just jealous he can never beat me.”

“WHAT WAS THAT!!??”

Jet leaned in with a grin, “You heard me. You may be Mobius’ greatest hero but on the racetrack, you’re just a chump.” He hopped up on his hoverboard, floating above the enraged hedgehog as he cast his shadow down on him below, “Without wings to command the wind, you can never hope to fly. You’ll lose, Sonic the Hedgehog, just like always.”

Eve gasped slightly, “Oooh snap…” 

The albatross behind the hawk smiled, “You said it, boss!”

Knuckles pounded his fists, moving in close with a menacing grin, “Talk to my brother that way again and you’ll fly alright…”

The purple swallow stepped in, “Ah. Ah. Ah. Fighting amongst riders is STRICTLY prohibited!”

The fox joined in as well, “And since WHEN have the Babylon Rogues ever cared for rules!?”

Amy facepalmed, “Oh brother, here we go again…”

The human girl in the middle, having overheard Amy, looked back and forth between the two teams glowering at one another, the tension in the air palpable, “Huh…Is this…a tradition of some kind…?” She hadn’t lived on Mobius for that long and there were so many customs she still had yet to learn, but she recalled how her uncle used to size up the competition with banter similar to this.

Alright.

If she wanted to be a rider…

Then…

Eve popped up in the center of the group just before a fight could break out, smiling like an idiot as she threw her fists high in an attempt to appear ‘intimidating’.

“ALL OF YOU STEP ASIDE BECAUSE THIS GIRL IS KICKIN’ BUTT AND TAKIN’ GOLD!!! WHOOOOOO!!!!”

“...”

“...”

“...”

Everyone froze, unsure how to process the girl’s unexpected outburst. Everything fell silent.

…

…

…

Then…

“PFFFT!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!”

“-!!?”

Everyone jolted as the green hawk burst into a fit of roaring, squawking laughter, barely able to breathe.

“Man, you really are something, huh!? Hahaha!! You just broke up another of our annual fights with that ridiculous stunt! Hahaha!!”

Eve blinked a few times in surprise, “Fight…?” She began to panic, “WAIT, SO YOU WEREN’T JUST HAVING SOME FRIENDLY PRE-COMPETITION BANTER!!??” She grabbed the sides of her flushed cheeks, “AAAAAH!!!! I WANTED TO FIT IN AS A RIDER BUT I’M SO EMBARRASSED NOW!!!!” Her head then hung low as she began to mumble incoherently about her blunder.

Sonic began to reach out, “Hey, don’t worr-” He was bumped aside though by Jet, who placed a casual arm around the frazzled girl’s shoulders.

“Jet…”

The hawk winked, “Nothing to worry about, Eve. I think it’s a good thing having someone as lively as you around to break up the tension every once in a while, even if you are a bit inexperienced.”

“...” She stared at him in awe, unsure how to respond to such a compliment, “I…”

“No need to thank me…rider.” 

“...heh.” Eve smiled slightly, a small blush escaping her.

A rider?

Strong?

Her?

Could she really…?

“Eeeeuuughhh….” Sonic rolled his eyes in an exaggerated manner before facepalming, “That’s it.” He held up his hands in aggravated surrender, “I give up. Be that way.” He folded his arms, jealousy oozing from his tone, “I don’t care. I don’t even care. WhywouldIcareImeanafterallIonlypromisedtolookafteryouagainstanythreatslikecharmingflyingfeatheredjerksand…” He continued to ramble to himself, Knuckles chuckling slightly at the sight.

Tails shook his head, “Yup. Same old drama queen…”

Amy began walking off with a sigh, “I’ll go grab us a table for dinner…Call me when this wraps up, Tails.”

“Yeah. Be sure to find a place that serves chilidogs. Chaos knows Sonic will be seething all night now without one…”

Amy waved a hand without turning back, “One chilidog of the future coming right up!”

“And find me some mints too!”

“And grapes!”

“Yeah! Get Knuckles his grapes!”

“But not the green kind!”

“Way ahead of you!”

Jet ignored them, turning his attention back to the girl, “Why don’t you join us, Eve? The Babylon Rogues can teach you how to really race, unlike these slowpokes.” He held out his hand in anticipation.

“HEY!!!”

“WE HEARD THAT!!!”

Eve stifled a giggle, shaking her head with a cheerful smile, “While I appreciate the sentiment, Jet, I have to turn you down.”

The hawk’s eyes flew wide. Damn. That was the first time anyone he’d charmed had said no like that. 

Wow…

…respect.

He grinned slightly in admiration, raising an eyebrow as he folded his arms, “Really…huh. I mean, no offense but…” He looked to the boisterous group behind the girl with a snirk, “...your friends here aren’t exactly your best shot out on the track…”

“WE CAN STILL HEAR YOU!!!”

Eve stifled another giggle, “Still, they’re my best friends. No, they’re more than that. They’re family to me, and, win or lose, family supports each other no matter what.”

Jet jolted slightly, his eyes widening once more as his mind wandered, a glimmer of pain behind his gaze.

Eve cocked her head in confusion at the sudden shift in demeanor, “Jet?”

Wave and Storm looked to each other, their brows furrowing in sympathy.

He took in a couple shaky breaths before turning away sharply, “It’s nothing. See you on the track.” He hopped on his hoverboard as he prepared to take flight, “Come on, gang.”

shooom!

The two Mobians sighed before following after him.

“Yes, boss.”

shooom!

shooom!

“...”

Eve continued to watch in silence as the hawk and his friends disappeared beyond the top of the building they’d leapt off prior. 

Had…she said something wrong?

CHAPTER END

[alterchaos]

VOLUNTEERS

Eve takes up Miss Min's offer to volunteer at the orphanage. What she never could have anticipated though is the friendship such a visit would foster...

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: MUSIC FESTIVAL

NEXT CHAPTER: ???

ring ring

clack

creeeeaaak

The bright, wooden door of the freshly repainted building opened along its polished hinges, the pink Mobian’s eyes widening in surprise at the sudden visitor.

Eve waved with an excited though slightly anxious smile, “H-Hi, Miss Min!” She glanced to the side nervously, still not quite used to making small talk outside of her established friend group, “I-I wanted to stop by like we talked about and see if you need any help. If…If this is a bad time though I-I can…um…come back later…”

Miss Min smiled warmly, “Not at all. I’ve been looking forward to your visit. Please, come inside!” With that, the elderly dog stepped back, gesturing behind her in a welcoming fashion.

Eve let out a small breath of relief, “Thanks.” She stepped through the doorway, taking note of the beautifully decorated interior with awe. Before her lay a long hallway with a staircase leading to a second floor at the end, a room spaced out every 10ft or so from one another along each wall. To the left sat a reception desk, colored in bright, playful colors along with every wall and door upon which various drawings hung, all scribbled with love and care. Most, if not all, depicted the renowned Hero of Mobius in some escapade against the sinister doctor that threatened them time and time again. Some even told the story of the great battle against the metallic beast that threatened their lives no so long ago…with extra dramatic flair of course. 

But there was one group of pictures in particular that piqued the girl’s interest.

Eve walked over to the collage, gently placing a hand before the display as well as one over her heart. She gazed upon the various art pieces, some scribbled in crayon while others glittered with some element of glue. In all of them though, she was there, front and center alongside the children in the great battle to defeat the evil robots.

It was a sight that filled her heart with pure happiness.

“Those children really look up to you, you know.”

Eve turned, sniffing and wiping a small set of tears that nearly threatened to fall. She smiled, “I…I don’t really know what to say…” She turned back towards another drawing depicting her and the other kids all holding hands and smiling, “I just…never expected this is all…”

The dog’s eyes widened, “Why not? You did save the orphans of South Island after all.”

The girl chuckled nervously, “Well…When you put it that way…I guess it does sound like a pretty big deal, huh?”

“That’s because it is. You should give yourself more credit.”

“All I did was run…”

“And as a result, an innocent life was saved.”

“...”

Eve paused for a moment, unsure how to respond. She hadn’t even done much, certainly nothing as incredible as the real heroes, and yet she was being praised by nearly everyone she passed as if she were one. It was touching, and she accepted it, though now she faced a new problem. Could she even live up to such a title? 

Could she really stand on the same level as those whose powers far exceeded her ow-

strum

“Huh?”

Eve’s head turned towards the direction of the room nearest to the stairs, eyes widening in recognition as a familiar voice and soft, acoustic guitar danced along the air.

“That’s…”

She quickly but quietly made her way to the open door, peeking inside at the blue hedgehog singing to a group of toddlers, their big eyes glued to him, holding onto every note and syllable as if they’d suddenly disappear if they looked away.

“...”

The girl with the golden hair continued to stare, eyes glued to her oldest and dearest friend as Miss Min’s daughter curled up against his non-strumming arm, releasing a small yawn and falling fast asleep.

Sonic…

He had so much history…

A life beyond being a hero…

A side she’d never known…

Not even as one of his closest friends…

“...”

“Hm?”

The hedgehog’s ear twitched in the direction of the door, his eyes following suit. As recognition seeped across his features, he slowly dropped his song as a warm smile crossed his lips. The toddlers all followed his gaze, gasping at the sight of the human standing in the doorframe. 

“Hooman!”

“Miss Hooman Wady!”

The girl blushed, embarrassed for having interrupted such a genuinely sweet moment, “U-Uh…”

Sonic motioned his head towards an empty spot beside him, careful not to speak too loudly and wake the sleeping puppy “Come on. There’s room for a second chair.”

Eve hesitated a moment before smiling nervously, “...O-Okay.”

The rest of the afternoon had gone fast, almost at Sonic-speed it seemed by the time the children had been ushered off to dinner. Eve hadn’t even realized she’d gotten distracted from her original goal of helping out, though the orphanage head insisted she’d done more than enough simply by being there. Instead, she found herself sitting and listening just as intently to her friend’s sweet melody with awe and wonder. For a hero as great as himself, it was a strange yet beautiful sight to see the hedgehog just strum along without a care in the world. Eve almost felt as if she’d stumbled into a more vulnerable corner of his life she wasn’t supposed to witness, and yet he invited her in wholeheartedly. It was an experience that brought a troubling fact to light for the girl…

Sonic…

She didn’t know him that well at all, did she?

Not the real him anyway…

…

“Hey, Sonic?”

“Hm?”

“How long have you been doing this? Coming to the orphanage, I mean.”

“Oh…uuh…a few years maybe? I’ve just been here since the beginning really…”

“...”

“Why do you ask?”

“Well…”

The hedgehog and girl ceased their collective efforts to clean the toys scattered about the room, turning to face one another before the golden sunset beams illuminating their faces from the window.

Eve took a breath as her golden hair shimmered from the light, shaking off the awkward pit in her stomach at addressing her hero so casually, “I just…realized I haven’t really gotten to know you…you know…outside of being a hero and all…”

“...” Sonic stared at her a moment, his emerald irises sparkling, “Oh. Well…” He hesitated a moment, his gaze shifting down to his hand ever so slightly before pulling away, that spark of intrigue fading ever so slightly, “I mean…there isn’t much else to know really…It’s nothing super interesting anyway…”

The girl shook her head with an understanding smile, “That isn’t true. You’re my friend, and  want to get to know you for who you are, even when you’re not saving the day.” She winked, “Besides, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t find you interesting.”

Sonic shrugged, “Fair.” He made his way over to the chair he’d sat on prior in defeat, “So, what is it that you want to know?”

Eve sat beside him, “Well…everything for starters…”

He raised an eyebrow smugly, “Wow. So specific.”

“You know what I mean.” She nudged him

playfully, the two of them chuckling slightly before she continued, “I guess…the guitar? Since when did you learn to play?”

Sonic stared ahead blankly as he racked his brain for an answer. Eventually he shrugged, “Dunno. I sort of just…picked it up one day and started strumming.” He smiled, “Actually, I used to be a huuuuuge fan of this rock band called the Forget Me Knots...still am. They came to visit South Island one year while on tour when I was little, about a year before I met Tails. I thought they were the coolest and wanted to play as a member one day, you know, on top of my dream to be the ‘Hero of Mobius’ and all heh heh!”

Eve stifled a snirk, “Waaaait…so YOU came up with the title ‘Hero of Mobius’?”

Sonic’s eyes flew wide as his muzzle went red, “W-WELL I-I MEAN-!!! I-I WAS ONLY THREE AT THE TIME AND-!!!”

The girl released a hearty laugh, “Noooooo! That’s ADORABLE!!!”

The hedgehog turned away as he folded his arms and pouted, “D-Don’t make fun of me…”

Though even he couldn’t stifle a laugh as well.

After another moment, Sonic leaned forward, “Okay, my turn now. How did you and Miss Min meet?”

“...” Eve fell silent, looking down past her knees and clasped hands in remembrance as she smiled, “She came up to me at the music festival. You know, the one to celebrate your victory against Metal.”

“...”

“Well, she invited me here to help out with the kids since they all wanted me to stop by.”

“That’s nice…”

“Yeah…”

“But…” Eve looked up in shock as the hedgehog continued, “What was your reason for coming?”

“Huh?” She continued to stare, “W-What do you mean?”

Sonic smiled, “I mean what inspired you to come? You didn’t just come here because you were asked, right? What made you so interested in helping out in the first place?”

“...”

Her reason…

“Well…” She looked down again, a bit of sadness seeping into her gaze, “It’s just that…I’ve always wanted to help kids…ever since I was little…” She fell quiet a moment as a few lingering memories danced across her mind, “I just can’t stand the thought of another kid being left alone and scared like I was. I needed a friend, someone I could turn to, and I want to be that person for someone else.” She clenched her fists, “I don’t want any child to have to experience what I did alone. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

“...”

Eve jolted, not realizing the grave intensity in her voice and stare until it was too late. She threw the feeling aside, opting to try and lighten the mood, “M-My bad! I-I didn’t mean to get so intense and-!!”

“No! No.” Eve paused as her friend smiled, “It’s really admirable. I honestly wish I could be half as passionate as you. My reasons aren’t nearly as selfless…”

“S-Selfless!!?” It was Eve’s turn to be flustered, “N-No! Y-You have me all wrong! I-I’m doing this because I want to! I-I’m not-!!” She paused once more as she tried to grasp for a solid argument against such a bold claim.

Sonic raised an eyebrow, “You’re here because you want to help children have a better life aaaaand that’s not selfless…how?”

“B-Because…” The girl began fiddling with a strand of her hair before folding her arms, “Well what about you? You said your reason isn’t selfless either, so let’s hear it.” Eve grinned in a cocky and teasing fashion, “Tell me what deep and dark secrets lie in the heart of the great Hero of Mobius…”

The hedgehog shook his head with a sigh before meeting her cocky gaze in challenge, “Alright. But don’t think you’ve escaped my compliments just yet. You’re going to have to accept the truth someday.”

“And what truth is that?”

“That’s you’re alright just the way you are.”

“...” Eve’s gaze fell.

She trusted Sonic…

But if she were to just accept herself…

Flaws and all…

Then…

Who was to say that she wouldn’t turn out just like them?

Who was to say she wouldn’t hurt someone else?

‘Hurt people hurt people’ right?

She could be dangerous…

All because of how she’d been hurt first…

And…

If she ever inflicted that kind of pain onto another…

…

…

She could never forgive hersel-

“I wanted these kids to have a home.”

“Huh?”

Eve looked up, her gaze meeting the hedgehog’s once more.

“A…home?”

“Yeah…”

He fell silent a moment as he leaned back in his chair with a sad smile.

“I told you, right? About me and Tails? A-About our life in the orphanage before Miss Min?”

Eve sat up as well, “Yeah, you did.” She frowned, “That was the orphanage destroyed by Eggman, right?”

“...yeah.”

“...”

Both friends went silent, taking in the weight of the story unfolding. 

“Well…” Sonic rubbed the back of his head as he gazed downwards in melancholic remembrance, “...when I think about what I went through…losing the only home I ever knew…and Chuck…”

Eve’s eyes widened, “Chuck?”

“Oh, y-yeah…” The hedgehog hugged his sides slightly, “He ran the old orphanage, you know, like how Min runs the new one. He was…well…the closest thing I ever had to a dad…” Pain seeped into Sonic’s gaze, “I miss him. I can’t help but wonder…if he’d be proud of me.”

“...” The girl with the golden hair watched her oldest friend sadly, astonished at such a startling confession. Sonic had always seemed so collected, so…perfect…and to hear him struggling like this…

…

She slid her free hand into his, resting her head casually on his shoulder in support.

“I’m sure he would be.”

Sonic squeezed her hand back.

“Thanks, Eve.”

“Of course. Anytime, Sonic.”

The hedgehog and human remained like that before the sunset’s beams, taking in the other’s raw vulnerability. The moment seemed to last forever, allowing both friends to truly grasp the deepening of their bond. Though the conversation had grown somber, each felt thankful to have had the chance to get to know the other on a more personal level. They smiled, happy to have met.

For with the other, their lives truly felt complete.

The spirit in the realm beyond smiled at the memory, recalling how they’d then finished cleaning the room with more joyous talk, the hedgehog even inviting her to bring her violin next time to accompany him. She recalled those months beside him, the toddlers never growing tiresome of their musical ways. Every day was filled with blissful memories, each described in great detail to the fellow spirit at her side.

And it all began with that day…

The day she met the real Sonic.

CHAPTER END

[alterchaos]

BY THE SEA

Sonic and Eve travel to the tropical land of Adabat, but not everyone is in high spirits...

SAGA OP 2 ANIMATIC: IN MY WORLD

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: THE BIG PICTURE

NEXT CHAPTER: THE GREAT SPIRIT OF WATER

The bright morning sun reflected off the gentle waves near the Adabatian shoreline, where the sounds of laughter from some nearby playing children and chatter among the local market harmonized with those of joyous footsteps against the wooden boards underneath.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

“Finally! We should be able to find the fifth temple somewhere around here! Let’s ask around and find some leads!” The hero in front pumped his fists in excitement.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

“Uh huh…”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The hedgehog whistled, taking in the gorgeous sights and culture surrounding him with a cheerful smile. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, the salty smell of the ocean filling his nose. “This place is beautiful! And just smell that fresh ocean air…heh heh heh Almost reminds me of the ocean near the cliffside back home. Don’t you think so too?”

Tap. Tap.

“Uh huh…”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The blue hero ran ahead near a stall, taking in the various charms on display, “Hey, Eve! Come check this out!”

Tap…

“Uh huh…”

He turned around to face his friend. Where she had once walked at his side, he now found her lingering back.

“Eve?”

“...”

She stood there, head hung low and eyes downcast, with her arms folded against her chest, her hands tucked close by her sides. She was a solid fortress with a cold and impenetrable wall blocking the path to her heart. No matter what Sonic tried, nothing seemed to make it through to her. Despite being so close to him, she was distant, off on some far plane of reality, within reach yet completely out of his grasp. 

Sonic rubbed his arm worriedly. It had all started after the picture they’d taken last night. Her intent to cheer him up hadn’t gone unnoticed to the Blue Blur. He knew that despite her bubbly, cheerful demeanor, she was hurting deep inside, ridden with guilt over the space station…and his curse. Still, her suddenly quiet, avoidant demeanor on the plane ride back to Shamar had taken him completely off-guard. Was it something he’d said? He really hoped not, but it was impossible to know what was going through her mind when she was being this silent.

She just looked so…so hopeless.

He needed to find a way to cheer her up.

Sonic’s ear twitched as he spotted a small patch of sand peeking out from the shallow water near the shore, shallow enough even for him to lay down without any fear of drowning.

He smiled mischievously.

“Heh. Perfect.”

The girl’s blonde hair shimmered against the bright sun, unlike the locket hidden away beneath the shadows of her folded arms. She continued to walk forward, slowly, aimlessly, like a wandering ghost, unseen and unheard, disconnected entirely from the world she once knew. 

Tap…

She paused, unraveling her arms slightly. She gazed at the dark, gloved hand before her.

Ba-Bump

The memories of last night came flooding in.

Ba-Bump!

Her hand began trembling slightly, though the rest of her remained unchanged.

Ba-Bump! Ba-Bump!

What was she going to do?

Ba-Bump! Ba-Bump! Ba-Bump!

What should she do?

BA-BUMP!! BA-BUMP!! BA-BUMP!!

She promised…

BABUMP!!! BABUMP!!!

BA-

She…she needed to-

…plash

She barely noticed the first droplets of water sliding down her face.

Splash!

“Eeeeve!”

She turned her head towards the sensation as the world around her began to slowly catch back up to reality. She only managed to catch the end of her name being called in a teasing manner.

“Yoo hoooooo! Look at meee! I’m right heeere!” Her longtime friend splashed around in the water comically, sticking his tongue out at her playfully. With another swipe of his hand, more water leapt into the air, meeting the side of her face once again. She shut her eyes in anticipation, opening them once again when the sensation subsided. 

After all that he’d endured by her hand, Sonic was still his same, goofy self. 

Whatever her decision…

Whatever suffering lay in wait for him…

She wanted to enjoy this time with him, to the fullest she could.

That would be enough.

She smiled, the memory of their first adventure together splashing around in that muddy puddle in Silver Valley playing like a symphony in her mind.

Yeah.

This was enough.

Sonic flashed his signature peace sign, offering her a snarky expression in tandem, “Betcha can’t catch me with those fancy, shmancy powers of yours!”

SHAZAP

In less than an instant, she disappeared in a flash of green and reappeared a few inches above him, arms stretch in front of her, ready to tackle him into the water below.

“GRAAAAAAHHHH!!!!”

“AAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!”

SPLASH!!!

The two friends rolled onto their backs side by side, laughing joyfully as they held each others’ hands, simply happy to be alive in this moment. From the plane in the distance, Tails watched, happy to see the two of them enjoying themselves after all they’d been through in the past month from their misadventure inside the storybook to their intense fight in Holoska last week. It was nice to see them able to catch a few moments of joy and res-

BEEP. BEEP.

“Huh?”

The young fox looked down at the tablet screen in his hands, his eyes widening in anticipation at the words that lie before him.

BIOSCAN COMPLETE

ANALYZING POSSIBILITIES FOR [CURE]

Tails held his breath. This was it. After all the struggle against his system’s UI, he would finally, finally be able to go to his brother and say…

ANALYSIS COMPLETE

NO POSSIBILITIES FOUND FOR [CURE]

The young fox gritted his fangs in frustration, the tablet trembling in his tight grip. No. This had to be some mistake. Maybe there was a flaw in his calculations. Yeah…that had to be it. He couldn’t afford to give up despite what the numbers before him said. 

He continued to type.

The hedgehog and human continued to laugh side by side without a care in the world. Here, in this moment, they were truly happy once more, though the young spirit recounted this with great sorrow, wishing she could have found a way to remain with him in that moment forever.

If only she’d known the despair that awaited them later that night.

CHAPTER END