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Peace and quiet had always been traits of an optimal setting for Espio. Quiet enough to meditate, tranquil enough to focus. That is what he enjoyed.
So, his distaste for loud environments, ones with harsh sounds that disturb concentration, isn’t something out of the ordinary. It was a simple fact of dislike. At least, that’s what he wanted Silver to believe.
Clouds had stolen the moonlight, far too thick and gloomy to let anything pass. From them, heavy rain, which pattered against his bedroom window. A thin stack of documents sat neatly on his work table, one of which he was writing on with an ink and quill. He found it to be a much more calming and skillful practice than using a simple ballpoint pen. Beside him, Silver had pulled up a chair, quills splayed as he had laid his head down on the desk. He never really liked to sleep alone, despite his many years experiencing it. Even if the chameleon wasn’t keen on going to bed at the time he did, he made sure he was still in his company, one way or another.
Espio soaked in the gorgeous scene, gently carding through white quills with his free hand. The only noises were the splashes of rain hitting the window and Silver’s soft, sleepy purrs. It was placid. Just the way he liked it.
Until a bright light shone through the glass and a third sound joined the mix.
A crack of thunder bellowed, rattling the floors. Espio’s body went frigid. His breath had hitched. Sharp pains flickered throughout his body, reminding him of an undesirable memory he had, unfortunately, yet to get over. From under his palm, Silver began to stir, though he barely noticed it.
“…Es?” He mumbled, now looking up at him, cheek smushed on his own forearm. “Are you okay?”
The chameleon registered his words and blinked a few times. Ink from his quill had gathered in a large blob on the paper. “I’m alright. Just zoned out for a moment, that is all.” He said as he feebly attempted to rid the document of the dark stain with a nearby cloth.
Silver stretched his arms out in front of himself and sat up, staring closely at the other. He chose to pay no mind and instead resumed the paperwork.
Before he could get one new word down, lightning and thunder struck again, freezing Espio’s paining muscles in place once more, pulse quickening. He could vaguely hear his name being called, eliciting no reaction. It was a hand waving in front of his eyes that ended his short-lived daze.
A breath swiftly entered his lungs and he turned to Silver, worry painted on his face. “Espio?” He said, a bit louder than the first time. “What’s going on?”
Though he found it a bit unfair, the chameleon was hardly in the mood to deal with all the joys that came with being honest.
“I must be getting tired,” He stated, faking a yawn. “I’ll go and wash up real quick, give me five minutes.”
Espio attempted to rise from his seat and head out the bedroom door but Silver’s hand grabbing onto his arm prevented him.
“Silver—“
“Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong?” The hedgehog urged, his golden irises filled with worry.
Espio felt guilty for what he was doing, but nonetheless didn’t let it get to him. “If something was wrong I would tell you. Go to bed, I’ll be there in a moment.”
Silver didn’t let go, he simply stared with furrowed brows. “Are you scared of thunder?” He asked.
“Wh— No. I am not.”
“Then why—“
“Silver, we have a mission tomorrow, I strongly advise you to rest up.” Espio asserted, peeling himself free. The hedgehog pouted, then sat down on the bed.
He had finished his nightly routine soon enough and was re-entering the bedroom, sighing when he saw that Silver had not yet lied down.
“I thought I told you to go to bed.” Espio stated, climbing under the covers.
“And I thought I told you that I like waiting ‘till you’re here.” The hedgehog mumbled. He tucked himself under the sheets as well.
“Fair enough.”
“I know you’re lying to me, by the way.”
He pursed his lips and stayed silent.
“I tell you stuff all the time.” Silver moved in closer. “Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong? Does it upset you?”
Espio, with a sigh, met his eyes at once. He owed him at least some information.
“N—no, it doesn’t upset me, per se. It’s just something that I’m not particularly proud of.” He said, hoping it would be enough.
Silver rested his head on the chameleon’s arm. “So, you’re embarrassed?”
“If I say yes, will you go to sleep?”
“Probably not.”
He turned his body and faced the wall. “Well, I am. Goodnight.”
“Fine.” Silver grumbled. “Still don’t think this is fair.”
Espio didn’t, either. “Well, how about this; the place we’re going to tomorrow is home to some abandoned badniks.” He started. “If you can deactivate more badniks than I, I will tell you what you want to know. If that doesn’t happen, we drop the subject. Sound good?”
He felt the hedgehog sit up, by the way the mattress sunk down.
“You’re on!” Silver exclaimed. “I’m going to destroy so many badniks there won’t even be any left for you to get. I’ll disassemble every last one until y—“
Espio slapped his hand over his partner’s mouth. He let it sit there for a moment, then removed it when he was sure that the silence would remain. Without another word he laid his head down and shut his eyes, grateful for the peace and for the fact that the storm had already ended.
—
Morning had arrived soon enough, greeting most of Team Chaotix through the living room. Espio had already been up and ready for the day, Vector and Charmy only recently having joined him, gathering up some last bits of equipment. Silver was presumably still in bed as he hadn’t been seen yet.
The three of them were almost set to leave and Espio was about to go wake the hedgehog when a shadow flashed over the window. He squinted at the glass. A mane of white quills could be seen near the ground. For whatever reason, it appeared Silver was outside.
“…One moment.” He announced to the other two.
Curious, he walked out the front door and greeted his partner, who was already standing right behind the entrance. He wore a strangely smug expression.
“How long have you been out here?” Espio asked, arms crossed.
“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Silver said, walking right past him and into the living room.
He scrunched up his face. “What?” The chameleon whispered to himself. “I— yes, I would like to know, it’s why I asked.” He called out, following pursuit inside the house.
“Espio!” Charmy cried out from behind the couch. “Do you know where my flashlight is? Vector says I need it!”
“Is it not in your backpack?”
A bit of rummaging.
“Thank you!” He yelled.
Espio took a quick glance at the clock on the oven. Ten o’clock, later than he would have liked to leave. The team appeared relatively prepared now, at least. He leaned back on the kitchen countertop.
Silver, who had come up next to him, propped himself up the same way.
“I was meditating.” He said suddenly, evidently attempting to suppress a smile. “On the roof. Trynna get in your head.”
Espio chuckled. “Are you now?”
“Yeah. It’s already working, I can tell.” The hedgehog pointed a finger at his chest. “You don’t stand a chance.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Vector and Charmy had rounded up everything they needed to bring, most of it going into the young bee’s backpack. Simple stuff, emergency batteries, snacks, water, first aid, usual things.
“Okay… everyone ready?” Vector asked, clapping his hands together.
Everyone gave their affirmations one way or another and the four of them were soon out the door, settling into the car.
Espio had just buckled himself in when the crocodile spoke again, looking into the backseat.
“Y’all know this is a very dangerous mission right?” He said, earning some nods. “Tails just needs us to get some drives from an old computer and we get the money. The kid’s got cash, I don’t know how. Anyway. Quick in and out, no funny business. Got it?”
“Of course, Vector.” Espio said, knowing he didn’t intend on staying true to that at all.
“Yup, got it!” Silver spoke. A quivering smile was on his face, but he was quick to reel it in completely.
Charmy gave a thumbs up as his response and with that, Vector started the engine.
Espio folded his legs, intending to get in some more meditation before they arrived, but Silver tapped his shoulder lightly then began to whisper to him.
“You’re not actually planning on doing no funny business, right?” He asked. The chameleon shook his head with a reassuring look.
“What are you two whispering about?” Charmy hissed from the front seat.
“None of your concern, turn around.” Espio asserted simply, closing his eyes and resting his wrists on his knees.
It’s no secret that he enjoyed to meditate when he had free time. Meditation enhances the mind, strengthening it to no bounds. He paid attention to the sounds around him, the car’s tires against asphalt, air conditioning blasting, Charmy swinging his legs to and fro. It was no symphony, of course, but focus was of utmost importance, no matter how harmonious the sounds may or may not be.
The car came to a sudden halt. Espio cracked an eyelid open. Outside the window stood a pearl white building behind a stretched out field, though it was caked with grime and overgrowth. He couldn’t see exactly how tall the building was from inside the vehicle.
“That was fast,” He remarked, clicking his seatbelt off.
“It wasn’t fast, you were just too busy snoozin’!” Charmy accused.
“How many times do I have to tell you, I am not—“
“Kids.” Vector cut in. “Cut it out, we have a job to do.” The croc promptly left the car.
Charmy stuck his tongue out at the chameleon before they both opened their doors.
“How long has this been abandoned?” Silver asked, walking around the back of the vehicle.
Espio examined the base of the building, finding it to be slightly sunken and damaged by moisture. The plants that grew around the walls were also somewhat lengthy.
He crossed his arms. “I’d say around three and a half years.”
“Really?” The hedgehog turned to Vector, who gave him an ‘mhm’ as confirmation. He then laid eyes on Espio, flashing a mischievous grin. “I’ll race you inside.”
“Silver, that nonsense is unnecessa—“
“One, two, three, go!” Silver blurted out before launching himself forwards in a burst of cyan.
Espio sighed and crouched down to a ready position. “May I?” He asked his teammates half-heartedly.
“Yeah, yeah, go ahead. Charmy an’ I will catch up.” Vector grumbled.
He gave the two of them a nod and sped off, sprinting with full force towards the entrance of the building. The chill breeze against his scales was satisfying, almost feeling like a splash of cool water. He skidded to a stop once he got close enough, using both of his feet and one hand to stop his momentum. Only right after did Silver come up next to him.
The hedgehog sighed in dismay. “You cheated or something,” He mumbled, breaking a large padlock off the front door.
Espio chuckled and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Get used to defeat, my dear. You’ll experience more than just this one today.”
“Oh, be quiet.” Silver yanked at the doorknob before simply forcing the door open. He began to step into the entrance.
“H— hold on. We should wait for Vector and Charmy.” Espio urged.
“Why? You scared?”
“Never. But, it is dangerous in there and I would rather not enter unprepared.
“They’re so far away though!” Silver complained, hands spread out in front of him. “We can be quick. In and out. While killing a bunch of badniks, too.”
Espio didn’t like the idea of it. He knew that Silver was more than capable of handling things on his own, but what he was proposing brought a pang of worry into his chest. Still, he sighed exasperatedly. “Fine.” The chameleon said. He looked back to where his other teammates were still walking in the field, jabbed his thumb at the door, and walked through it, the hedgehog at his heels.
The interior was cloaked in darkness, concealing most of what appeared to be cubicles arranged in a grid. Espio’s eyes adjusted quickly, allowing him to see the floor that expanded towards two separate sets of stairs, one to the left, one to the right, and both of them going upwards.
“You take the left staircase, I’ll go right.” He said, equipping his kunai. Just as Silver began to wander away, the chameleon’s stomach filled with a strange sense of dread.
“Silver, wait.” Espio ran up and grabbed his forearm. “Never mind what I said, I don’t think it’s wise to split up.”
“C’mon, you’re just saying that so you can kill all the badniks we see and leave me with none.” Silver said with a grin. He tugged away. “I’ll be fine.”
Everything in his mind was telling him that things would not be fine. So, like a fool, he pushed it down. “…Alright. Be safe, please.” He spoke, allowing the other to retreat up the stairs. Espio took a calming breath and went to his own flight of steps, moving quickly.
When he arrived at the top of the stairs, he could see even less than before. The windows up here were boarded off with wooden planks, something that must have been on the bottom floor, but perhaps torn off by trespassers. He stepped forward carefully, taking in as much of his surroundings as the darkness allowed him to.
At the other side of the room he spotted something. Two identically shaped glowing red dots standing near another staircase. Espio lowered his body and wielded his kunai in front of his chest. His first instinct was that the red orbs were the eyes of a badnik, soon getting proven right when it began to stomp towards him, metal scraping against the floor.
He placed a hand on the ground and sprinted forward, jumping up when he deemed himself close and landing on the head of the robot. Espio ducked under the robotic hands that swiped at him, swinging around the machine’s bust and plunging his kunai straight into its neck, sparks flying out from the puncture site. He swiftly withdrew and kicked off from the badnik, sending it crashing to the floor while he gracefully landed on his feet.
Looks like that’s one. He noted, inspecting it further. It looked no different than an ordinary Eggman robot, so he left it at that and moved on.
When Tails had offered the Chaotix this job, he had spoken about needing a hard drive from an old computer, likely on the top floor in a private office. The terrible feeling in Espio’s veins still lingered, leaving him with no more interest in he and Silver’s deal. He just wanted to get the drive and leave. Regardless, he felt the need to entertain the challenge, at least for a bit longer. That way, he wouldn’t have to tell Silver that he gave up and then watch him get all upset.
He looked back at the rest of the room, seeing nothing but more cubicles. After dusting himself off, he advanced to the next floor.
The building likely had around seven storeys, at least. If his goal was the top floor, he couldn’t spend much time dwelling.
This room was significantly larger, almost the size of a ballroom. The entire floor must have been just one room, it seemed. In the centre, one thick pillar stood. There were no desks or cubicles in the area. Instead, a single long table outlined in chairs. Must have been some sort of meeting room. The stairwell didn’t continue upward. He wandered further into the room.
Espio’s guard was steady and high, as it usually was. So, when he turned a corner and spotted two more badniks, he was quick to disable the robots by throwing a few shurikens. Once they had finished twitching against the floor, he turned his back on them.
Up to three.
He checked around the ceiling for any signage, hopefully leading to another staircase or even an elevator, just to tell him how many floors he had left. Soon, he noticed some green panel dangling from one of the walls. Espio squinted at it, struggling to make out the faded and dusted symbols. A few white specks were all he could make out, which told him absolutely nothing. He folded his arms across his chest and scowled, scanning the room for anything he might have missed.
Frustration brewed in his mind the more impatient he got. Espio was about to go all the way back to the main floor and start anew when he heard high-pitched scratching from behind him.
Another badnik? He thought, staring at the blank space he heard the noise from. It resumed, cutting in and out, allowing Espio to come to the realization that it was coming from the floor above him. The light fixtures shook violently, as was the floor beneath him.
The building’s unstable… Espio thought grimly. He needed to get out. But first, he needed to find his teammates.
Pushing off with as much force as he could he retreated back to the main floor, slamming against walls instead of slowing down to turn properly. He had to be quick.
Espio saw nobody near the entrance, so he continued up via the other staircase. Vector and Charmy, if they were even in the building, must have gone up the same way that Silver did.
The first floor he stopped at was empty. He rushed up the stairs again.
“Silver!” Espio called. “Vector, Charmy— Anyone!” Not one answer.
Not too far from where he stood, a series of cracks and rumbles shook the building.
What if they’ve already left? He thought, biting his lower lip. Doesn’t matter. I have to make sure.
Another booming crash.
Then, he heard a voice.
“Who’s there!?” Espio yelled.
“Kid, where are you!?” The voice echoed. Vector, he noticed.
He waited for a pause in the building’s rumbling to answer. “Third floor. The building’s collapsing.”
“Yeah, we know!” Vector said, punctuated by what was likely his heavy footsteps against the steps. “C’mon, kid, we gotta go!”
Espio saw him finally, coming out of the stairwell and holding a hand out.
All the noise made it hard to think. It sounded almost like thunder. He knew what he should have been doing, yet his legs could only tremble instead of going forward to safety.
It was only when the roof collapsed right behind him that he could will his legs to move. He sped toward Vector and grabbed his hand. Espio knew he was faster, so he pulled ahead and tugged the croc down the stairs.
The rest of the building was swiftly caving in around them while they sprinted through the main floor, moving towards light and hoping it was the exit.
With a final push of effort he pulled the both of them into the sunlight, Espio feeling grateful for the grass that met them.
He released Vector’s hand, though with the lack of sensation in his fingers, he couldn’t tell if he had really done so.
His chest had a light rise and fall as he panted out shallow breaths.
Something grazed his shoulder. It was a dull, light sensation, but it hurt. More sounds. Gaia, he was so tired of sounds. They grew more rapid and quick, jabbing at his brain.
Next thing that Espio knew, the ground was coming up to greet him.
—
The place that he was in was warmer than outside. Quite softer, too. Something firm, yet gentle, rested on his upper arm.
Espio’s limbs were achingly stiff. He slowly extended the fingers on his right hand. The thing on his shoulder moved away. A sliver of light shone into his slightly open eyes. Someone was saying his name.
Things were blurry before he blinked lucidity in. He was in his living room, body heavy against what was likely the couch. Something was in front of him.
“Espio?” A light voice said.
Espio didn’t respond, and instead scrunched his face and tried to sit up. It was more difficult than he was used to. His arms shook, but something was helping him achieve a seated position.
The thing in front of him was holding his sides securely. They were white in colour, with some teal.
Silver.
He met his golden eyes, his own still heavy with sleep.
“Espio? Can you hear me?” Silver said, moving his hands away.
The chameleon managed to nod, which brought a smile to Silver’s face.
Two more figures entered his sight, one of them moving around a lot more than the other. Vector and Charmy, he hazily figured.
“How’re you feeling, kid?” Vector asked, kneeling in front of him.
Espio felt a little overwhelmed but did his best to suppress it. “…I’m fine.” He breathed out. “‘Bit dizzy.”
“Good, that’s normal. Do ya remember what happened?”
His mind wasn’t cooperating enough to let him think properly. He shook his head.
Silver sat down next to him. It was a nice change from everyone hovering in front. “The building we were in collapsed. No one got hurt, but you did pass out. Vector said it was from shock.”
Espio thought that sounded about right.
“Charmy,” Vector started. “How about we give your brother some space?”
“What? Why?” Charmy complained, folding his arms dramatically.
The croc then picked him up in a football carry. “C’mon. We can get started on dinner.” He said, despite the other’s words of reluctance.
Espio was grateful to feel less crowded. His body still shivered, a weird sensation he wasn’t used to. Beside him, Silver was awfully quiet. He turned to face him, though the hedgehog was looking at the floor with dismay.
He didn’t know what was up, and he couldn’t exactly find the words to ask. Instead, he let his head fall to the side, resting on Silver’s shoulder, which tensed upon contact.
“Es, you okay?” He said.
“Yes, just resting.” The chameleon replied. Silver hummed in response.
Espio let himself listen to the sounds around him, which was mostly just Charmy and Vector bickering.
“I’m really sorry, Espio.” Silver spoke suddenly, placing a hand on his knee.
“Hm? For what?” He didn’t recall the hedgehog doing anything that would require remorse.
“I… I shouldn’t have pressed on about… what happened last night.” He said. “We’d probably have been able to get out of the building before it collapsed if it wasn’t for our deal. You don’t need to tell me if you don’t want to, I’m sorry.”
Espio sat up properly and leaned back, speaking slowly. “No, it’s alright. It was quite unfair of me to withhold information from you if I was capable of giving it. For that, I apologize.”
“Oh.” Silver chirped. “Alright, that— that’s okay.”
“A while ago,” The chameleon started. Better to say things now than when he’s fully energized and more unwilling. “Before you had first arrived in this timeline, the Chaotix were in a massive predicament during a case.
“Eggman had caught onto the fact that we were investigating an old hideout of his, and he didn’t like it at all. Nearly a hundred badniks came after us. I had been using my invisibility to safely disable the robots so that nobody got hurt.
“It was storming that night. Now, my camouflage takes intense focus. If I lose track for even a millisecond, I become visible. Unfortunately, loud and abrupt things like lightning and thunder do exactly that.
“When it hit, I lost focus and immediately became visible to all the badniks. My mind was not in the right place and I was ambushed in an instant. I suffered severe injuries because of it.
“Whenever I hear thunder it brings me back to that moment. I’m not very proud of it, but oh well.”
Espio looked over to Silver, whose eyes were wide in worry.
He shifted closer. “W—were you okay? How long did it take you to recover?”
“I was… in suboptimal condition. It took me a few weeks to recover.” Espio explained.
“Sorry that happened to you.” Silver said with a frown.
“It’s alright.” He said. “If anything, it was a good learning opportunity. I can always stand to be more focused.”
“…Sure.” The hedgehog said. “Thanks for telling me.”
“Of course. I promise to be more transparent with you from now on.”
Silver smiled in return.
“Charmy what have I told you about handling knives!? Put it down!” Vector bellowed from the kitchen.
Espio sighed and looked to Silver. “You wanna go help him?”
“Yeah, okay.” He sat up, but not before giving the chameleon a small peck on the cheek, loving and gentle.