Chapter Text
Change is a normal part of life. That’s what everyone and their mom says, at least.
But there's a bit of a funny catch to that idea: is it even “normal” anymore if it can so easily be outwritten?
Normal is inherently stable, no? To be “normal” is to fulfill a standard; it shouldn’t really change in that case, right?
Also, what if you were never “normal" to begin with? How does someone fill the quota of “normal” if everything about them was beyond the extraordinary?
After all, change never lasted long for Sonic the Hedgehog. “Water off his back” said some other old proverb.
…
Maybe “normal” is just living through some old quotes some fossil came up with that became popular? All the same, they've been around forever, so there's got to be some merit to them?
Too bad those same words of wisdom didn't take into account a creature that broke the sound barrier for fun.
Then again, they were living in a “normal” world with “normal” expectations of how their lives were supposed to go. How were they supposed to know a really fast blue hedgehog would throw away this concept completely down the drain?
Regardless, no matter the cataclysmic event, Sonic always bounced back. The world could literally rip itself in half and the blue devil would find a way to stick it back together with a wad of chewing gum and a shoe string. Unfortunately, that specific experience has yet to happen. It would definitely be a fun challenge to just repair everything with simple ingenuity than the same old super power item.
But that's the thing, isn't it? “Challenge” was just a game to the hedgehog. No matter how life altering or multidimensionally shattering the task was, Sonic ran through every hoop with finesse.
Sure, he wasn’t indestructible. There were many close calls that could've absolutely wrecked everything, like the Metal Virus or Infinite. Even then, despite how hard and hopeless both situations seemed, the determination of him and his friends always persevered! Besides, the bigger stakes made any challenge he faced all the more tempting. How boring would it be if it was all the same robotic crap that wasn’t even worth timing for a record anymore?
And… well, everything would just fall back into place again! One day, he would deal with the near end of the universe; the next, he’d take a nice long run around the world. Hell, maybe shake things up a little and get cars involved for some laps with good Old Dondon Pa!
Just… returning to “normalcy” again. That's how it's always been.
At least… that's how it should've always been.
It all started sometime ago when strange signals had been detected in certain parts of the world. More specifically, dimensional wormholes that seemed to suddenly spark from the Starfall islands. But just as soon as they were detected, they disappeared just as suddenly, resulting in the whole archipelago hiding itself. Encasing itself in some kind of dimensional bubble, anyone trying to get into that area would phase through the other side. The only way to get in was through the random wormholes.
Conveniently, these wormholes happened to bring in a speedy friend with an affinity for adventure.
Right from the start, Sonic felt the draw of exhilaration from just gathering his surroundings on Kronos Island. From every corner, there was so much happening all at once with endless mystery and new mechanical enemies that easily put Eggman’s run-of-the-mill to shame. Even then, the maniacal doctor was actually behind the island’s sudden awakening. (Robnotick? Involved in some hairbrain scheme to take over the world with power he doesn’t fully understand. Very shocking and original.)
It was like the place was gift wrapping itself to him with tantalizing prospects of something new and old working in tandem to create a juicy package.
As always, if the quest seemed too good to be true, the obstacles were going to be equally great.. For one, he found his friends trapped between the two dimensional consciousnesses that he began knowing as Cyberspace. Having his friends in any sort of peril was definitely up there with the few predicaments that made him more upset than curious. Is it effective at getting the guy to follow up on business? Definitely. Was it also effective at filling the hedgehog with seething tension that was going to be indiscriminately released onto his enemies? Undeniably.
However, the more he helped his friends from the throes of Cyberspace, that energy began to latch itself onto Sonic. In the beginning, it felt incredible. But soon enough, it started to consume him, like a virus draining the code of his essence. He started forgetting who he was and losing contact with every nerve in his body, nearly becoming a husk of himself.
Even worse, as an all too common occurrence in their world, this also prompted the emergence of a new ancient cosmic force.
Without his friends, he’d be gone entirely. After all, they’re his everything, and he will break through anything for them.
Plus, somebody’s gotta remind the new end-of-the-world lame-o who was really undefeatable. Luckily for him, one of his favorite hobbies included getting really powerful (and blonde) with his favorite technicolor gems.
Combining the power of chaos energy with cybernetic corruption led to an absolute explosion of power, once again stopping another force beyond nature to be put in its place.
And, just as suddenly as it arrived, it all disappeared just as quickly. Whatever power that erupted from the bellows of the islands had completely dissipated. Any trace of the ancient energy became lost to time and returned to the universe.
Well, theoretically it did.
Regardless, the day was saved and the world resets itself to normal!
…
Except, it didn’t.
At least, it was not like the other times when everyone fell back into their routine. It was subtle, but there was a new shift occurring from their times in the frontiers.
For one, Eggman had a daughter now. Originally, she was just meant to be a program that allowed him to interface the ancient system of the islands. But somehow, the crotchety egg-geezer found it in himself to want to raise her as his own. Not just as another machine of mass destruction but… something to be cherished and cultivated outside of his empire or ego. Somehow, after all this time, he had a new purpose in life.
Of course, becoming a parent couldn’t really dim his constant need for world domination. It just wouldn't be so lonely for the guy.
Besides the doctor, Sonic's friends had also experienced changes after their time on the archipelago.
Tails was the first to really get a jump start on his big change. When they returned to Angel Island, the little fox had solicited the idea of the echidna training him to get stronger. The echidna was initially surprised by this proposition. Even more surprisingly, he actually agreed!
On one hand, it’s not surprising for Knuckles to want to coach somebody on getting stronger. After all, he took a lot of pride in his strength. In a lot of ways, his strength was part of his long lost heritage that was necessary to guard one of the most important gems of the universe. It also probably aided in boosting his ego with Sonic’s own brother coming to him instead of the hedgehog for getting stronger.
On the other hand, Knuckles was always alone. While that was partially due his job as the guardian of the Master Emerald, there was certainly an element of self-induced isolation. So, to have someone over on his island regularly that would "distract” from his duties to the Master Emerald was kind of unthinkable.
Nevertheless, what most likely drew him in to agree the fox’s offer had something to with his own change from the islands.
Evidently, Knuckles was never going to give up his duty. However, Knuckles had developed a craving for knowledge to connect with the world outside of his island. So, as part of their agreement, Tails would bring Knuckles a new book once a week. In other words, as Tails learned to get strong like Knuckles, the echidna was becoming just as nerdy as the little fox. Hell, part of the new bonding that had happened because of the training was their new found discussions over the books that Tails provided. It basically became their own little fight-book club!
Lately, however, there was a little bit of a rumor that Knuckles and Tails was planning to unveil something to the rest of their friends. Well, not exactly a rumor. It was more that Tails had been so excited about it that he needed to at least give his brother a bit of information. All Sonic really knew was that the fox and echidna were working on something and they would show it off once it was done. Of course, Sonic had to promise that he wasn’t going to let this info slip out to the rest of his friends. Good thing Sonic was the greatest secret keeper of all time! Plus, it helped that Sonic didn’t really feel like snooping in regards to their project. Somehow, the hedgehog had… other things to worry about besides something that his little bro was up to.
Still, it was a little surprising to learn that Knuckles wanted to show off anything. The knucklehead would never admit it but part of his introvertedness came from him being a little shy, especially when it came to his interests outside the Master Emerald. It wouldn’t shock him if the little fox used his big ole puppy-dog eyes to get the echidna to cave. It didn’t matter if you had a heart made of steel and made of even better steel, those little whirlpools of cuteness always found a way to getcha.
Speaking of cute, Amy was the final person to have gone through a big change.
From the moment she had interacted with the Kocos on Kronos island, she made a declaration that she was going to share her love with the rest of the world and become more independent. While agreeing with the sentiment, Sonic had been confused on what Amy had meant. To him, and most likely everyone else, Amy was the most loving, while also being the most fierce and self-reliant amongst them all.
From the moment Amy met the blue hero of Mobius, she realized that her call to life was to adventure and protect those who she felt couldn’t fight for themselves. In fact, one of the most respectable moments that Sonic still thinks on was when she adamantly defended Zero from him. Despite being her idol, Amy would not back down from what she believed was right and put her full trust into the robot who had saved her and her birdie friend.
Besides, Amy was an absolute menace when it came to using her beloved Piko-Piko hammer. Don't let the looks fool you, because she certainly is not a helpless damsel in distress.
Despite all of the factors that clearly showed how capable she was, Amy seemed to get it in her head that it wasn't the case.
Specifically, she felt that she was holding herself back from growing. At least, that's what she had told Sonic during their first picnic back from the islands. This was a long time tradition for the both of them. It was always a comfortable experience that the two would bond over. It was probably because of this familiar solace that Amy found the courage to say what she told him that day.
“I’m going on my first date this Friday.
A-and I’m not telling you this because I think it will make you jealous or something! Heck, I don’t even care if you are jealous! I’m going to do this thing whether you like it or not!
Sorry, that was a little harsh. My bad. But I am really serious about not wanting to make you jealous! It really isn’t the whole point of why I’m saying all of this, I swear!
I just… I’m… I’m telling you all this because… because I’m ready to move on. I want to see myself move forward in my life and not be stuck in one that I can’t force to arrive. Everyone tells me how much I’ve grown and how much potential I have. But… how can you truly grow if you continue to wait on a fantasy?
I think… no, I know that I deserve to have clarity in my life. I’m tired of waiting for something real. Because it’s not fair to keep hurting myself by living in a box of my own making… and, most importantly, it’s not fair to you. Even if I’m not doing what I was when I was younger, I can’t help but feel that I’m pressuring you into a mold.
…I really thought I had the future all figured out. But I realize that dragging a future that may or may never happen is taking me away from the present.
And… I’m sorry… for all the trouble I may have caused you… because there is one thing that is certain: you will always be a light in my life, Sonic.
No matter where life will lead us, you will never stop being my hero.
So, promise me something… please?
…
Don’t live out the narrative of what you think you have to be. Instead, live honestly. If there is a goal that you still hold in your heart, pursue it! But… also know when things won’t go your way. And… learn to not only accept when this happens… but also find joy in what a new path can mean for you. Be a hero… but also be a person, Sonic.
Give yourself the grace to know yourself and let yourself be happy. Be a hero if being a hero gives you joy. But also be vulnerable to what may change, even if it’s sad or confusing.”
The stillness of the air picked up a soft breeze. It was the only thing that they could hear as they both sat in their respective silence.
If there were to be any final says, now had to be the time. No more running around the issue. No more switching to different conversations. It was time for the raw honest truth.
Even after everything, Sonic could see the same hope she’s held on for years. However, instead of being by itself, there was a melancholic peace that brought the slightest bit of comfort to Sonic. After all, he knew what he was going to say would seal this chapter that he was so desperate to avoid. In any other time, this answer would have wrecked a more fantastical Amy Rose.
But that wasn’t the Amy Rose standing before him now. Instead, he saw an Amy that was going to take whatever answer in stride. It might still be painful (hell, it felt painful for him to have to finally do this) but it was necessary.
“Ames,” Sonic tentatively rubbed his arm, finally looking her in the eye, “I’m so proud of you. And… I know you are going to find someone who is going to give you everything you deserve. Someone who can actually reciprocate what you’ve always wanted.”
A visible weight left both of their shoulders after years of holding onto a conversation they dreaded. In an instant, they couldn’t see the other as the kid that they had known all their life. Instead, it was clearer now than ever that they adults. Young adults, but still adults.
“Oh Gaia, we're old now,” Sonic griped, “I can feel myself withering away as we speak.”
Amy giggled at this before coyly tucking her arms behind her back, “Well, I don't mind the aging process because I know I will age gracefully… unlike someone else I know.”
The infamous speedster clutched his heart and proclaimed, “Excuse me?! I've been very consistent in my hotness! I highly doubt it's gonna give anytime soon.”
Amy tilted her head with a cheeky grin, “Mmm, I don't know. Those chili dog runs are definitely going to catch up to you. Heck, you gotta a little pudge going on right now!”
Clutching his stomach, Sonic turned away in offense, “Hey, you leave my pudge out of this! Besides, I've been told my pudge is very charming.”
Soon enough, their banter devolved into fits of laughter in their new lighter company.
After many more laughs and hugs, they both finished their picnic with a newfound joy. From what he heard, Amy seemed to have a nice date with whoever the mystery person was.
As of late, the main thing that she was pursuing a lot of volunteer work for all sorts of charities and organizations. So, seeing her as of late hasn't been happening as often.
Though, hanging out with anyone of his friends was getting harder to do. The Starfall islands really did a number on getting everyone to essentially busy themselves away from Sonic a lot more now.
Luckily, there was one person that he could count on show up when he needed something to stir.
“Enjoying your rest, hedgehog?”
Sonic didn't even need to look in the direction of the husky voice to know who it was. It was far too iconic and edgy to misjudge for anyone else.
Instead, he simply gave a curt chuckle while still remaining in his restful position.
“Absoooolutely~,” Sonic quipped, not even sparing a glance at the one behind him, “Ya know, you might finally be able to relax once you decide to get rid of the stick you like to carry around in your butt all the time.”
The blue menace’s sneer expanded in size when he heard a faint but distinct growl from behind.
So easy to ragebait, Sonic thought slyly. It was then that the azure devil decided to finally glimpse at the target of his taunts.
There before him was a very familiar raven black hedgehog with distinct red stripes that cascaded the top of his quills and down his legs and arms. Anytime the ebony hedgehog made his presence known, there was always a hint of a burnt fuel smell that came from the jet propulsion shoes he used to get around. But, of course, one of the most quintessential features was the crossed arms and sourpuss expression.
“Whatchu been up to, Shadow? It seems like I see you less and less these days,” Sonic jested, finally turning over onto his stomach to fully face his new company.
The was in one of his favorite napping spots in the branches of a tree, adding an extra layer of cockiness by literally being on higher ground than Shadow.
Shadow scoffed at the full attention he was receiving and bluntly stated, “G.U.N. has gotten quite curious about… recent events.”
Sonic raised his eyebrow. “Recent events?”
“About what happened on the islands,” Shadow restated, hands moving to his hips.
Sonic placed his own hands under his chin and lightly began kicking his legs in the air, like a schoolgirl listening to the latest gossip.
“Awwwww! It’s nice to know that they still wanna check up on little old me! And here I thought they had gotten bored with all my shenanigans,” Sonic cooed while batting his eyes at his very sour-faced rival.
To avoid any more nonsense, Shadow tersely maintained, “The energy reading they received from the islands was unlike any other that's been detected before. Especially when high amounts of chaos energy somehow fused itself with that same energy.”
Shadow crossed his arms and squinted pointedly at the one above him. In turn, Sonic only replied by flashing a feigned expression of innocence.
Shadow sighed before continuing, “They mostly want to know your experience with whatever you encountered and why it has completely disappeared since. So, make my job easier and give me the answers I need, hedgehog.”
Suddenly more interested in picking at leaves near him, Sonic huffed, “Look, if G.U.N.’s getting their panties all bunched up thinking I got a new upgrade, sad to say that I don’t. Just the same old guy I’ve always been.”
Scowling at the crude explanation, Shadow untangled his arms and let them dangle to his side.
“Besides, it’s gone because its purpose ended,” Sonic articulated, “It had its job and that job ended. So, investigating would be a complete waste of time. Lame answer, I know. But, it's true.”
Shadow raised an eyebrow as he scanned the one above him. Despite how infuriatingly mediocre his answer was, he could tell when Sonic fervently believed something. Therefore, it would ultimately better to not push for a further explanation that was clearly a waste to chase any further
“Hmpf. Alright,” he shrugged, “Surpisingly quick and easy. I was expecting more of a hassle from you. Maybe there is hope that you."
Sonic’s mug shifted into a wildly mischievous grin as his eyes peirced the other's.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night, handsome,” he teased, clicking his tongue after the last word before turning away.
His wicked grin grew even larger when he heard the other nearly cough up a lung in surprise, “The hell?!”
Sonic refused to respond and instead just adjusted himself with his hands behind his head.
“Whatever,” Shadow grumbled, “I got what I came here for. I won't be wasting anymore time than I need to."
He made due on his promise by immediately zipping away before Sonic could any final teasing in.
He's such a sore loser.
Still grinning ear to ear, Sonic took in a nice long deep breath as he readjusted to the return to peace.
It didn’t escape his notice the irony in all of this. While everyone else around him ran about like mice searching through the maze of character development, Sonic remained languidly slouched in the same state he always was.
As much as it would be fun to join the club of big change, there simply wasn't much to change.
After all, Sonic had cemented himself as being the symbol of freedom. How exactly can you "be free" if you let superficial burdens weigh you down?
Besides, it was just normal that everyone else was beginning to transform around him. The greatest joy he got from his adventures was making everyone's lives better. What more could he possibly want for himself?
He had everything.
...
He really hated lying about himself to his friends. But it's easier if they continued to live in an illusion that everything was okay.
If he didn’t, the consequences would be far more great than just getting a new little routine.
Everyone depended on him to be as unbothered and powerful as always!
...
So, why was it happening now? Why did the tide shift its view on him all of sudden?
No matter how desperately he tried to deny it, something did happen to him when he was on those islands.
Unlike everyone else, this wasn’t interpersonal; it was physical.
And, to his horror, it was getting worse.
Deep within every cell of his body, something was hurting him, like a hot pan searing through meat and fat.
Once again, it seemed that whatever happened to him during his cyber corruption didn't actually let up like everyone thought it did. And now, the consequences of that assumption was getting closer to him.
One thing was for sure: no matter how bad it was getting, no one could ever find out about was happening to him. This world depended on him recovering as quickly as possible.
Even if that meant he was going to solve this problem alone.