Chapter Text
He could feel the Chaos around him and the foreign energy of the vortex that he was falling through. The two forces intertwined in a dance of erraticism, a delicate flurry.
And yet Sonic the Hedgehog just smiled as he was swallowed whole, he was no stranger to chaos, he was a vessel of chaos after all. And the foreign energy was all but familiar to him also, unlike the pure untainted power of chaos, it was a warm embrace. He was falling through a paradox, one he knew the answer to.
He was going to see her again.
Perhaps he shouldn’t have been as happy as he was as he joyfully hollered into the abyss of swirling colours. Whenever this happened, it was the tolling of a bell, to signify the end of a world, a dimension or a whole universe.
But he was always beckoned there to stop it.
The only problem with the summon was the –
POUMF!
At least he made sure to keep his eyes closed this time around, but alas, the pain of falling face first into the ground never goes away.
The aching subsided as he remembered his mission and he pressed his hands into the sand, outstretched and flipped himself up with ease.
“You would think this would get easier each time.” He grumbled to himself as he held his head sideways to pat out the remaining granules of sand out of his ear.
Finding his bearings, the blue hero looked around to see a view he would never get tired of.
“Ah whale Point, where the sea is low and the sun is bright! It’s been a while, nice to know it’s still the same.”
He took a moment to take in the sea air as he gazed off into the horizon at the many island surrounding southern island.
“Maybe one day I could take a vacation here without two worlds at stake.”
The sun was high and the skies ever blue. It was the upside of interdimensional travel, there was beauty in every corner of the multiverse.
Sonic gave one last breath before stretching his legs.
“right, let’s see if I remember the way to windmill village.”
He grinned as he took off at super sonic speed, creating a large fog of sand and rustling the luscious palm trees surrounding him.
He most certainly did not remember the way, but the speedster wasn’t about to say no to taking multiple laps of the island.
After zigzagging at every possible inch he could, he found himself at a tent by a small harbour. Or at least there was a tent before the force of his speed sent it flying off.
Sonic gave a sheepish smile as he skidded to a halt. Beneath the tent revealed a koala girl fashioning a familiar yellow sunhat, eyes shrunk in shock. She stared at the intruder.
Throwing his hands up in his surrender, he flashed the best apologetic grin he could.
“Sorry about the tent, didn’t mean to send that flying. Do you want me to get it back for you?”
Lifting up a shaky finger at the blue pincushion, the koala girl mustered her courage.
“Y-y....you-”
With that, Sonic blasted off in the direction of the tent and brought it back, neatly folded in his arms.
“Here you go, sorry again, I’ve not been around here for a while, I didn’t think people camped here.”
“You’re Sonic!” she finally exclaimed, taken even further aback by his sudden disappearance and return.
He chuckled, bringing his finger underneath his nose.
“The one and only! I take it you’re with the Coconut Crew? What’s your name?”
“i- I’m Tabitha, but I’m not with the Coconut Crew, they haven’t been around in a long time.” She hesitantly pulled back her arm and looked to her side, before instantly looking back.
“You’re Sonic! I- I can’t believe you’re real!”
Sonic was a bit taken back, but he put out his hand regardless.
“Pleased to meetcha, Tabitha! I assure you, I’m as real as possible last I checked.”
Tabitha warily took his hand and shook.
“Th...the pleasure is all mine, Mr Sonic.”
He smiled warmly in return, thinking back to a little bunny who was just as polite as her.
“Now, what do you mean there’s no Coconut Crew? Did they disband?”
The Koala girl looked down for a brief moment.
“Uncle Gardon is at the royal palace, he keeps everyone there safe. Everyone else went on their own adventures and papa... Papa passed away.”
Tabitha voice croaked a little bit.
Ah geez. Sonic bit his lip.
“I’m sorry kid, I didn’t mean to-”
Tabitha perked up, resolve in her beady eyes.
“Don’t be, Papa lived a good life! He found many treasures and-and he gave me every treasure he found! He’s in a better place now.”
Sonic looked at the little Joey. She couldn’t have been older than 10. Was she living alone? He opened his mouth but before he could say anything, Tabitha started up again.
“Papa told me about you. You were faster than the wind and fought side by side with Queen Blaze! That must’ve been amazing!”
Queen Blaze? Sounds like she got a promotion. He inwardly smiled as he imagined her in regal attire. She would’ve set ablaze anything too pompous.
“Yeah that’s actually why I’m here. Where can I find her?”
She looked at him incredulously.
“Queen Blaze lives in the royal palace, everybody knows that.”
“aha I’m really not from around here. Could you point me in the right direction?”
From underneath her hat, she pulled out a tattered roll of paper and unfurled it. It showed many islands, Southern Island situated right in the centre.
“if you head south from the harbour, you should reach the kingdoms mainland in about a week, but I’m afraid we have no boats to lend you.”
Sonic chuckled and looked out behind him at the ocean. Perhaps a few years ago, he might’ve needed a boat but now...
“I’ll reach it in minutes, no sweat. Thanks kid.”
“n-no way! How!?” she exclaimed in disbelief.
“i’ll let you in on a lil’ secret.” He winked at the young girl. “The wind has nothing on me.” Sonic rustled the top her hat and gave a thumbs up. “Thanks for your help Tabs, i owe ya!”
Before Tabitha could say anything, Sonic was gone and all she could see was the large waves of the ocean left by the blue hedgehog.
He was really running on the sea.
“wow papa,” she gasped, stars in her eyes. “you were right!”
Sonic was speeding along the ocean, the sound of his feet making nothing more than a pitter-patter. Something didn’t make sense, he mused. Just how long has it been?
It had only been about five years since he had visited this place. But now the coconut crew are gone and one of them has passed away? Was he brought here too late? What had happened?
Sonic made his way across the stretch of clear blue seas, taking in the sights as he was lost in his thoughts. There weren’t any signs of destruction, no mechanical monster tormenting any of the islands. It was just as serene as he had left it.
But he knew all that mattered was seeing Blaze. Maybe then he would have an answer.
Blaze.
He was certainly ecstatic at the prospect of seeing her again. It didn’t matter what was happening at the time, it was always a joy to see her. Despite her abilities, she was possibly one of the coolest people he had met. Able to keep a level head and still pull off sick manoeuvres at high speed. She was someone who could keep up with him and that was always fascinating.
He always wanted to know more about her, talk to her. Times never called for it, but he was enamoured by her. The way she could hold the complete destructive power of flames and turn it into something so beautiful...cool, he meant. Yeah, cool.
She was the coolest.
It wasn’t too long until he found a large island over the horizon. It was sparkling, shimmering in the sunlight. He could already see the pillars of the purple palace, it was like something out of an animated Snisney Movie he had seen with Tails.
The palace overlooked a large city, it must’ve been about the size of Westopolis, but much less modern. He wished he had more time for sightseeing, he wouldn’t mind going for a jog around and checking out all the shops.
‘I wonder if they have chilli dogs here?’ He thought to himself. He’ll have to ask his Highness after the big butt whooping.
“alright, Final stretch, let’s go!” and sped off faster towards the harbour.