chapter 10

Despite it's size, the ship Oblivion was under the control of a skeleton crew. Out of the thousands on board, only four were dis-obeying the Commander's orders to get some rest.

The first was Dr Eggman, the portly fellow was in the Med Center wearing his trademark red sweater and black trousers. He was sitting in a hard chair, watching the little figure sleep on the bed.

A soft groan left Sonic's lips as he weakly opened his eyes, " Oooh, did anyone get the number of that--" He stopped dead, spying Eggman. " Where am I? Who are you?" He frowned, " Who am I ?"

" You don't remember..anything?" Eggman couldn't help but be hopeful.

The blue hedgehog shook his head sadly, " No. Nothing."

A smile cracked across Eggman face, Brilliant!" Your name is Sonic the Hedgehog. I'm Dr Eggman, we work together near Station Square."

" So..we're partners ?"

" In a way.. yes."

In your dreams, Crome-dome. " Ugh...I don't recall. I feel a little uneasy, I'm going back to sleep, my head hurts.."

Eggman patted his chest, " OK, Sonic. You rest for now. I'll wake you when we near the landing area, sound good?"

Sonic nodded, weakly. " Yeah, sounds good." He murmured, before falling asleep once more. He heard Eggman leave, opened his eyes again and slowly sat up. A familiar gleam entered his green eyes and a grin formed on his muzzle. Let the game begin, he thought, plotting his next move.

--

In the huge kitchens, persons two and three, were enjoying warm mugs of hot chocolate and a batch of Amy's nutty cookies.

Shadow sipped from his cup, deep in thought. He grabbed a cookie from the plate, dunked it into his drink before swallowing it whole. Amy was nursing her mug, a sad expression on her pretty face, she sighed and pushed her half-full cup away.

" What's wrong?"

" I don't feel right, sitting here and drinking cocoa while Aleena could be hurt. I'm going to check on her." As she stood to leave, Shadow grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. " Huh?"

" Her father is watching over her. If she's anything like Sonic, she'll be up and about in no time." He took another mouthful of drink and smiled softly. " You can bet on it."

" I guess.." Amy refilled his mug before topping up hers, she pushed her shirt sleeves ( Well.. Shadow's shirt-sleeves.) up and grabbed a cookie. " You looked far away a second ago. A power-ring for them."

" Just thinking about the other Mobius, from what King Sonic has told me , it sounds like a lot of changes have happened since I left. Tails is married and has a kid, Knuckles and Rouge have a sprog- a future guardian. Even I have kids, twins! Sonic, Aleena and Nova are quite the family and rule with a firm hand...What ?"

" You forgot Sonic's wife.." She pointed to herself, " Where is Queen Amy in this grand, shining kingdom? Surely she should be looking after the kids and teaching them the ways of the Royal family, right?" A worried look entered her eyes when Shadow remained quiet, " R-right?"

Shadow lowered his mug, " Amy.. I think you should prepare yourself, what I'm about to tell you... Sonic told me in confidence. You see, Nova was born very early, Queen Amy was unfortunately infected by one of Robotnik's experiments and having treatment..."

Amy sat quietly as Shadow recalled what Sonic had told him. She held onto Shadow's hand as he broke down halfway through, saying to him that he didn't have to tell her, but he insisted that she should know. Soon her own eyes were full of tears that streaked her face and fell into her cold drink.

Oh, Sonic... She thought, rubbing Shadow's back as he howled against her neck, I'm so sorry.

--

In the Presidential Suite, the forth person up and about, was King Sonic himself. The elder version of the blue hero was looking out the window, watching the clouds float pass. A soft whimper came from the bed behind him, he made his way over to his other special girl and pushed back some stray strands of copper hair from Aleena's face. After her ordeal, Aleena deserved some rest. Sonic kissed her forehead lightly, grateful that she was alive and well. Beside her, on the small cabinet, was a music-box. Sonic lifted its lid and a soft melody of chimes filled the room, Aleena stirred in her sleep and smiled softly.

" Mummy..."

The music-box was a gift from her mother, to soothe her in times of stress.

Sonic stepped back to listened to the chimes and a lump formed in his chest, he hugged himself as the tears started to fall. He covered his mouth to stop his cries waking Aleena as he slumped against the wall, sliding to the floor in a sitting position. He buried his head into his knees as he recalled that fate-fall day. It should have been one of his fondest memories, but it turned out to be his most horrid...

Other Mobius, Kingdom of Emerald Valley-- 4 yrs ago...

Oh! Enough's,enough! Queen Amy stamped her foot in frustration, dripping from waist to toe. " Casanova Hedgehog! Don't rev in the house, I'm warning you ,young man!" She hated bath-night, it was always left to her to bathe the toddler and at the end of all the hassle, it looked like it was her that had taken a bath.

" No bath, mummy ! NO BATH!!" The prince giggled as he dodged his mothers hands, " No bath!" He spotted a small group of maids coming towards him, he ran forward, and at the right moment, skidded on his butt right under them. He got up, laughed and yelled, " Later mum--"

"SONIC!!" Shouted Amy. A second later, a blue blur screamed into the room followed by a tiny smoke trail. Amy folded her arms and her husband." You took your time. A chillidog, was it?"

Sonic looked offended, " Moi, a chillidog? Well,I never--" A loud belch erupted from his stomach,he grinned sheepishly, " Whoops, busted."

Amy rubbed her head," Nevermind, you're here now. You can help."

A blue brow raised, " Uh- oh, what's wrong, Queenie mama?"

Amy pointed at their son," He needs a bath, and as both our kids have your genes, you can catch him."

Sonic shrugged, " That all? No problem. Me and the little guy got it covered, right , Nova?"

" Not having bath! Won't, won't!" Nova ducked back behind the couch he was hiding behind. " No bath!"

" Ugh! Sonic, do something! I'm suppose to be taking it easy and you promised me you would help, so--" She was cut off as a fierce wind nearly knocked her off her feet. When she steadied herself, Sonic was standing in front of her with Nova in his arms. She smirked, "Good, I'm going for a walk and seeing as you two are such good buddies, you can have a bath...together."

Father and son exchanged looks, before Nova jumped from Sonic's arms and ran out of sight with Sonic not far behind. Amy sighed in defeat as both King and Prince screamed at the tops of their lungs,

" No bath! NO BATH!!"

She walked to the Royal Gardens,and entered the flower gardens.She found the little princess sitting on the bench, enjoying the last of the sunshine. As she got closer, Aleena opened her eyes and smiled at her.

" Mummy!" She ran up and hugged her hard, " Where's Daddy?"

Amy opened her mouth to reply when a soapy sponge flew out of an upstairs window and hit a statue square in the face. A second later, Nova came rushing out-- butt naked-- closely followed by Sonic who was wearing a towel around his waist. Aleena giggled as dad and brother ran around the garden, suddenly Nova tripped, Sonic tripped over him and both ended up a wet heap on the grass. She looked up at her mother, who shrugged and then smiled warmly,

" Oh, go on ,then."

With a squeal, Aleena rushed over and jumped onto Sonic's back. The King laughed and rolled around with the two young Royals. Amy sat back to enjoy when she started feeling faint, a sharp pain entered her chest. Maybe it was just a reaction to the new drugs they were giving her, she sighed deeply and closed her eyes, just for a second.

Sonic looked up and saw Amy, seemingly asleep. He picked up Aleena and Nova and set them onto the path. " Go, on you two. Time for bed. Aleena, get Carmel to help you."

Aleena nodded, all proud and grown-up, " Yes, daddy." She held onto Nova's hand and led him out, back in doors.

" Aw, kids.." He sat next to his Queen and patted her knee, " Amy? Hon?" He sat forward and shook her softly, " Amy, wake up. A-Amy?" Sonic reached over and cupped her cheek, she didn't flinch, didn't open her eyes at him. He touched her neck and his eyes widened with fear," Amy? Amy, wake up! C'mon, this isn't funny! They said you were getting better..." Amy rested against him, he gathered her up into his arms." Somebody help me!"He shouted to passing guards. As they went to get help, he buried his face in her hair and choked back a sob, he rock her gently, tears streaming down his face as he let loose with a howl of anguish.

As his cries echoed through- out the Kingdom, the skies opened and it started to rain...

"Daddy...?"

He looked up and found Aleena looking down at him, he wiped his face and smiled. " Yes, sweetheart?"

" Can we go home now?"

" Anything for my little girl." He stood and gave her a big hug, " Anything for my baby.."

--

Master Emerald Shrine ( Two days later..)

Knuckles stepped up the gem and placed his hands on its sides, he muttered the words of his ancestors and the stone glowed to life. He nodded and jogged down the steps where the rest of the gang were waiting.

" You're all set. The window to jump worlds is closing fast, I suggest you get a move on, your Highness."

" Knuxs, we're pals, you don't need to call me that." He held out a hand which Knuckles shook, " Later, Red." Sonic turned to Rouge, " Nice catching up ,babe," he kissed her cheek, making her flush, " Watch over him." He whispered. Rouge nodded and stepped back.

" Sonny, you take care of yourself and your kids, you hear?" Chuck enveloped him in a bone-crushing hug. " I love you, Sonic."

"Love you too, Unc." He move aside so Aleena could hug her great uncle. Sonic stopped in front of Tails, who was looking at his shoes.

"Do you have to go?"

" 'Fraid so, T. Hey," He lifted the foxes' chin," No tears,OK?"

He sniffed, "OK. I'll miss you!" He jumped and wrapped his arms around his buddys' neck.Sonic smiled sadly and nuzzled his neck," See you ,bro."

Sonic ruffled Tails' hair and moved to Shadow. The black hedgehog had his arms folded and eyes downcast. " Shads?" He extended a hand.

Shadow looked at the offered hand, he shook his head." No goodbyes."

The King grinned, " Whatever you want, faker." Shadow looked up, a faint smirk tugged the corners of his mouth,he looked over to where Eggman was standing with the younger Sonic cradled in his arms.King Sonic followed his gaze,"Oh, don't worry about him," He tapped his nose," Got it under control."

Aleena appeared next to them, she gave Shadow a sad smile before giving him a hug.Shadow hugged her back and kissed her temple. King and Princess waved to their family and headed towards the Master Emerald...

" Sonic!" Amy was hurrying up to them, she was short of breath and bent forward when she reached them. " I can't let you go, not yet."

" Amy ,we have to..The window.."

" Let me finish. I can't let you go with out giving you something, something I know you'll always treasure." She stood on her tip-toes, held his face in her hands and kissed him softly on the mouth. She stepped back, her cheeks a nice pink, " I love you, Sonic the Hedgehog."

Sonic gave her a bashful smile and hugged her, hard. " Thank you." The Master Emerald behind them chimed. " We have to go. Thanks for your help, guys!" Aleena hugged Amy with all her might and grabbed his hand, together, they ran full pelt towards the gem. The air around the shrine exploded with green light, there was a muffled boom and they were gone.

Everyone exchanged sad looks, the only one who wasn't, was Eggman. He hummed and turned away, flanked by G.U.N. guards. Their Sonic wasn't putting up much of a fight to get away, in fact, he seemed quite content to stay in Eggman's arms.

Knuckles folded his arms and scowled at the scene," What, so that's it? Sonic has joined the bad guys and left us to pick up the pieces?"

Shadow narrowed his eyes a second, Sonic had raised his head to nuzzle into Eggman's neck. The blue hedgehog caught his gaze and winked. Shadow chuckled, " That sneaky devil."

--

Months Later...

" I knew it! It's been you, deleting my files. You lied to me ,rodent! You strung me along and for what?"

Sonic grinned, the wind kicked up the broken pieces of the 'bots he'd already smashed, around his feet. " Ah, c'mon, Eggy. I knew you'd slip up one day. I had to be there to stop you." He grinned, " It's who I am."

Eggman smirked, " Well you haven't this time. Behold my army!" He flicked a switch on his Battle-suit, the area around Sonic was soon crowded with cloned drones, all primed and ready to take him out. " I have many, you are just one."

The drones shot blazing bullets into the air, they landed, making a circle of flames that encased the doctor and hedgehog. Sonic huffed the sweat, that beaded so quickly from the intense heat, from his eyes. His body was soon covered in a fine sheen of perspiration, making him glisten in the red light.

" Give up, brat. This game is too hot for you to handle."

"I can take anything you throw at me. Give it your best shot, Doc."

There came a grinding sound and a long sword shot out the back of Eggman's suit. Sonic gulped softly and pawwed the ground, ready to jump. The sword shone with power, Eggman, safe behind his helmet, grinned.

" Come on ,then. Have at thee!" He charged forward, his boosters tearing up the ground behind him, the air filled with a sonic-boom causing some of the drones to fly backwards in the shock-wave.

Sonic gave his own battle cry as he ran forward, ready to match Eggman, blow for blow.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

'cause you're on the go (cause you're on the go)
I was born (I was born)
In the memorai (In the memorai)
By the flat of names

On a Sunday, riding my bike
I notice, I notice different things that look alike
On a Sunday, riding my bike
I notice, I notice many, many look alike

On this planet, riding my bike
I notice, I notice different things that are alike
On this planet, riding my bike
I notice, I notice new and universal look alikes

Fin.