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Dark clouds rolled across the evening sky over the Island, and it wasn’t but a moment later that Sonic let out a grumble at the gentle rainfall that misted his quills. Normally, rain wasn’t so cumbersome for him, but ever since getting zapped by that weird energy that had imprisoned Amy…
Sonic let out a sigh and resumed his quick pace across the hills of the Island. He couldn’t stop; Amy was still mostly a ghost, and until she was safe, there wasn’t time to slow down. Whatever that hologram girl wanted, however those giant Titans fit into the picture, Amy–his friends needed him. They wouldn’t get anywhere if he just stood around, rain or no rain. Still… “Wish we were sharing an umbrella, Amy.” Sonic smiled to himself, his discomfort with the weather cheering slightly with the thought of his best gal. His cheeks tinted pink, his imagination conjuring the perfect picture: he and Amy, huddled together under an umbrella in a meadow of wildflowers, her warmth and softness pressed against him, his nose tickled with her sweet floral strawberry scent… Maybe, when all this was over… that could be? Maybe not with the rain, but just him and Amy, together at-
His sneakers left skids in the muddy ground as the blue hedgehog hit his brakes, blinking against the rain at the sweet spot of pink in the distance. A grin split his muzzle. There, closer than he’d thought, sitting among a vale of wildflowers, was the most beautiful Rose of them all despite the ghostly quality of her appearance. He shook his head and zoomed over, slowing down to a stroll just before he reached her. Her head was down, her eyes sad, her gentle fingers softly stroking a wildflower’s petals though she couldn’t touch them, and his heart clenched for her.
“Hey, still thinking about the Koko?” Amy whirled around at Sonic’s approach, her green eyes momentarily wide with surprise, before she relaxed and faced forward again with a sigh and a nod.
“Yeah, and more.” She confessed. “I’m not sure what happened, but I know what I saw: a love that transcended time. I believe in that power.” Out of her sight, Sonic’s lips twitched up in a fond smile, his emerald eyes soft as he gazed at her. “When this is over, I want to share that love with the world. Even though… it may take us far apart.”
Amy fell silent, nibbling her bottom lip, her ears and eyes lowered. “I know you’ll do great.” Sonic fought to keep a supportive smile on his face as he knelt down next to her, to keep his tone light and encouraging. Because if he believed in anything… he believed in his Rose. “And I want to hear all about it when you come back.” When Amy met his eyes, with that radiant smile and shining eyes, he knew he said the right thing. His own smile was more genuine as he rose back to his feet. He zipped away before his facade could crack, before the truth could show.
Sonic ran and ran, speeding across tumbling hills and ancient monuments, until a cliffside covered in flowers forced him to stop. He closed his eyes and tried to breathe through the ache in his chest that reverberated through his bones. For the first time, he was thankful for the rain, the splashing of the waves against the rocky cliffs that misted over his fur.
“Amy…” Sonic whispered brokenly. “I should’ve made up my mind sooner…”
It was poetic, wasn’t it? Just when he’d finally decided what he wanted, when he finally decided to stop running away and embrace what had been there all along… he, Sonic the Hedgehog, the Fastest Thing Alive, Hero of Mobius… he had been too slow. He’d missed his chance. For all the times he’d pushed Amy away, for all the times he’d rebuffed and refused her… now that he wanted her, she was leaving him behind.
No . Sonic shook his head, a newfound determination in his emerald eyes. He wouldn’t do this to Amy. Not after all the years of patience, kindness, and acceptance she’d shown him. She’d waited for him, and now it was his turn. He would be supportive, he would be encouraging, he would be joyful for her on this path she’d chosen. He would be patient, kind, and accepting. And if her path realigned with his like Sonic hoped it would, well… it would be worth the wait for her.
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Sunshine gleamed through the station’s stained glass windows, and Amy’s pink quills shone with a radiance that mirrored her beaming smile and glimmering green eyes. Sonic grinned back at her, just as the train’s whistle blew. The five minute warning before departure. “I suppose that’s my cue.” Amy laughed.
Sonic snubbed his nose. “I can’t wait to hear about all the trouble you get into.” He teased.
Amy giggled and tossed her arms around Sonic’s shoulders. “I’m gonna miss you!” Sonic closed his eyes and tightened his arms around her waist, taking a moment to memorize the soft warmth of her fur, the floral strawberry scent of her quills, before he decided on a little fun and swung her around, laughing when she shrieked and squealed. “ Soniiiiic! ”
The train whistle blew again, two short blasts that signaled the one-minute boarding warning. “All aboard.” Amy grinned, picking up her suitcase.
Sonic couldn’t help himself. He raised his hand and cupped her cheek, watching as her beautiful green eyes widened, feeling her pulse quicken under his glove as he leaned down and so very lightly brushed his lips on her other cheek. Pulling back, the beautiful coloring in her cheeks, the wonder in her eyes, gave him hope.
The train whistle blew its final warning, and Sonic watched Amy startle, grab her suitcase, and dart onto the train just before the doors closed. Sonic ran alongside the platform, waving, as the train departed the station. Even when the crowds around him dispersed, Sonic remained, watching until she vanished behind the horizon. “You’re gonna do great, Ames, I know it. Show the world a love that transcends time, and when you’re ready, if you still want it, I’ll be right here waiting for you with one of my own.”