September 15th

12.30



Scourge grinned to himself as he walked away from Sally. The Anti-Mobian criminal was having such a good day it was impossible for him not to grin. Almost two months after taking Fiona from the Freedom Fighters on Mobius Prime, the hedgehog had been making the most of his time and had shortly after brought her back to his dimension. And of course now his old gang wanted him back, seeing his change and new power.



As he wandered through what was left of the Great Forest he heard a cry for help. Simply out of curiousity he turned and ran to see what was happening. Slowing a little way off he looked out to see his rival, Patch, and a small purple hedgehog. Patch had pinned her against a dead tree and looked down at her with a horrible look in his eyes. Scourge almost smiled. He had been know to do the same a while ago and knew what Patch was up to, but then he reminded himself that this was Patch. Now his grin returned. Striding out, he stood behind Patch and tapped him on the shoulder. Glancing back Patch saw the hedgehog. Turning to the girl he hissed something in her ear before turning to Scourge.

"Welcome back, hedgehog," he growled.

"Up to your old tricks again, Patch?" Scourge laughed. "And this is the best you can do? I didn't think you liked hedgehogs."

"I don't," he answered. "But she's not an average hedgehog."

"No, I'd say a bit smaller than average," he taunted. "At least for her age from the looks of her. What is she, rich? An enemies daughter, girlfriend, maybe?"

"Stay out of this, it's none your business," Patch snapped.

"You're picking on innocent little girls who are far more my type than yours," Scourge said slowly. "I think it's my business, especially since you knew I was in the area and you knew that if there was trouble I'd investigate and you knew that it would annoy me to see you picking on a hedgehog, so I think you might be doing this to get on my nerves and that makes it even more of my business."

"It's always about you isn't it?" he laughed. "She's a friend of mine, hedgehog."

"Liar," Scourge growled lowly with such certainty it unnerved coyote in front of him.

Seeing this Scourge looked at the hedgehog behind Patch.

"I suggest you get out of her, sweetheart," he told her. "I wouldn't want a chick like you to get hurt if this turns ugly… well, uglier than he is all ready."

The girl giggled slightly, bringing a slight smile to Scourge's lips knowing someone else liked to make fun of Patch, and she went to leave.

"Move and you're dead," Patch told her without looking. "I found you once I can do it again."

"So, she's not a friend?" Scourge pushed. "So, why keep her here? What use is she to you, she's not anything special, I'd know if she was."

"Well, if I told you it wouldn't be a secret, would it?" Patch snarled. Turning he took the girls arms and pulled her away. "C'mon, leave the grumpy hedgehog alone. He's just jealous that he can't play the ladies anymore."



Suddenly Scourge's temper flared. He dashed after Patch and stood in his way.

"Excuse me?" he growled.

"You heard," Patch answered knowing he'd annoyed him. "You're jealous."

"Me? Of you?!" he laughed. "You must be more of an idiot then you look if you believe that."

"Then why are you so interested in this one?" he asked.

"Because it annoys you."

Patch glanced from hedgehog to hedgehog and slowly released the female's arm, a grin on his face.

"Have her then," he said. "Just don't blame me when you're in trouble."

With that he walked off leaving the hedgehogs alone. The girl looked at Scourge shakily, as if waiting for him to do something. Scourge looked over the girl looking for anything strange. She was dark purple with dark brown eyes and a patch of dark blue on her chest. Four long quills were visible on each side of her head and a pair on her back. She wore a pair of wrist bands, a red neck scarf and brown boots that came just below her knees, a red heart on the inside of each. She was nothing special to look at but he couldn't help but see an opportunity in the small, delicate hedgehog. Slowly he met her gaze and grinned.

"What did that guy want with you?" he asked.

"I don't know," she answered quietly. "But thank you for saving me."

"No prob, it's why I live," he lied moving closer.

"I don't even know who that guy was," she sighed turning away. "I mean, I've never seen him before and I know everyone I've ever worked for or spied on and stuff."

"You're a spy?" Scourge asked.

"Yeah, if the job requires," she answered. "Mostly I smuggle things past the enemy of whoever I work for at the time."

Taking her wrist Scourge spun her to face him and pulled her back so she was just in front of him.

"And who do you work for mostly?" he pushed.

"Anyone who can afford it," she told him.

Scourge slowly put his arms around her waist. She didn't seem to notice until he pulled her closer.

"So, what else do you do, doll?" he asked quietly.

"Not what you're thinking of," she growled, her ears dropping as she spoke.

"You don't know that," he laughed. "And I'm sure you can think of some fun way of thanking me for helping you."

He moved one hand up between her quills and held her neck. She was so small he could have broken her neck simply by squeezing.

"I always get what I want, sweetheart," he told her. "You'll see. And right now, I think you know what I want."

"And I think you know you're not getting it this time," she replied. "I don't even know who you are."

"I prefer it that way," Scourge said. "This way, I don't get in trouble."

"I'm sure," she muttered. "Now, about letting me go?"

Scourge simply leered down at her. Seeing this, the girl snorted.

"Dream on, loser," she snarled as he ran his fingers through her soft fur. "I would never even think about it with a sleaze like you."

"Next time I'll just leave you for Patch, huh?" he laughed knowing she couldn't argue. She was terrified of Patch, it obvious. "I will, you know I will. So, maybe you should reconsider."

"I don't think so," she said smiling up at him.



Suddenly Scourge gripped the fur on her back as pain took him. Clamping his eyes shut he tried to stop the pain driving him mad.

"Let go of me and I stop the pain," the girl hissed.

Reluctantly Scourge released her and she stepped away. As she did the pain began to ebb away.

"Sorry I had to do that to you," she said quietly. "But you brought it upon yourself."

Still in too much pain to follow, Scourge could only watch as the hedgehog ran off. When the pain did stop he ran after her but found no sign of where she'd gone. Sighing he walked back towards the dirty city ahead of him. Mobotropolis. The capital city of Mobius. In the Prime dimension it would have been beautiful if not for Robotnik but here in the Antiverse it was even worse than it had been during the war in the Prime dimension. A great cloud of pollution hung over the surrounding area, there was barely any greenery and the area around it that had once been a grassy park was now miles and miles of dusty wasteland surrounding the great mess of buildings. Scourge couldn't help but smile at the sight. This was his home, no doubt about it. Much as the Great Forest he'd lived in, for the months he was seeing Fiona in secret, was beautiful, he'd grown up here and the dirty, smoky air didn't seem to affect him at all.



Fiona on the other hand didn't like the smoke fill air at all. It had taken a lot for Scourge to persuade her to stay in Mobotropolis. She complained that everywhere they went there were bars and nightclubs and it was just too tempting for him to slips off and find a girl prettier than her. Scourge had assured her it was impossible for him to find a girl prettier than her and she was happy.



But now he was thinking about the purple hedgehog. Patch wouldn't have dragged her out into the Great Forest just to hurt her like that. There had to be something else. He knew if he saw her again he wouldn't let her get the better of him again but still something about her forced him to like her. No, he wasn't sure if he liked her, and it wasn't a feeling like towards Fiona, and it definitely wasn't fear. He just couldn't figure out what he felt for the small hedgehog. And then as he turned down the street where he was staying it hit him. She'd stood up both him and Patch and refused to let herself show them fear. She was a fighter. And that was what he realized; he respected her, her bravery and her skill at being able to get away from him with even leaving a mark on him or the area.

"Sonic?" came a familiar voice from behind him.

Scourge's face darkened. He couldn't expect anyone to know he wasn't blue in the dim light and knowing that he still looked pretty much the same it didn't annoy him that much. But still it was his natural reaction to lash out whenever anyone called him that these days. However this time he fought that desire.

"Flash," he said without turning.

"Where've you been, Sonic?" asked a figure coming up beside him. "I haven't seen you in months. And there's this weird hedgehog around, he's green and looks just like you but they say he's way more powerful."

"That's me, Flash," he muttered.

"Oh, but you're blue," he said.

"Ever heard of the parallel universe stuff? Well, I went to this one dimension and met with myself from that dimension and he was a total loser," he explained. "But the Master Emerald is on a floating island, much easier than one underwater. Anyway, I talked this gorgeous, but dumb, bat into helping me steal it. But then that worlds' version of Knuckles' dad attacked us. I ended up leaving the bat to him while I got some of the emeralds power and apparently it mutated my DNA so now I'm so much better lookin', way more powerful and I don't have to put up with being called 'Evil Sonic' or 'Anti Sonic', or any thing like that."

"So what do I call you now?" Flash asked.

"Scourge," he answered. "And you've got to come meet my girl."

"You've got another one?" he laughed.

"Jealous?" he asked.

"Of you?" he said. "Dream on. No, it's just you have very few allies and even fewer friends, you're lucky I've stuck by you, pal, so keep her happy, you might need everyone you've got one day."

As the pair climbed the stairs to Scourge's apartment Scourge told his friend about the hedgehog he'd met earlier.

"Sounds like a ghost," Flash muttered.

"A ghost?" Scourge laughed.

"Yeah, you know, spooky thing, spirit of a dead person," he explained.

"Yeah, I know what a ghost is, Flash," he snapped. "But what makes you think it's a ghost?"

"What's a ghost?" Fiona asked opening the door.

"Nothing," Scourge said bounding up to her and wrapping his arms around her.

Fiona kissed his cheek gently and looked down at Flash. He was a black fox with a luminous white dot on each ear. He walked up as Scourge let go of her.

"I'm Flash," he said taking her hand and bowing. "It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am." He kissed her hand and looked up at her. "And may I just say I never expected Scourge to have got together with someone so beautiful."

Scourge glared at Flash but Fiona simply laughed.

"Fiona," she told him. "Are you coming in?"

"As long as you promise Scourge isn't going to kill me for being nice to you," he joked.

"Aw, Scourge," she laughed hugging him. "Are you jealous?"

She kissed his cheek again and Scourge seemed to calm down.

"C'mon, you pair," she said walking inside.

Both boys followed.

"That's one's no ghost," Flash laughed.

"Don't I know it," Scourge said.

"How long have the two of you been together?" he asked.

"About six months or so," he answered proudly.

"That's a record then," Flash smirked. "Anyway, 'bout this girl…"

"She wasn't a ghost," Scourge told him. "Seriously," he lowered his voice, "I had my arms around her, she was right there, she wasn't a ghost."

"If Fiona knew…" Flash muttered.

"Yeah, don't mention it," he said. "I couldn't help it, you know, instinct."

"Just a point, you ever heard people in the military use the term ghost for someone who can move around without being noticed?" Flash asked.

"What like a ninja?" Scourge laughed.

"Sorta thing," he replied. "How big was she?"

"Who?" Fiona asked over hearing them.

"A girl Scourge met. He said she was nothing like you," Flash told her.

"Another girl?" she said.

"It didn't go anywhere," Scourge snapped. "I saved her from Patch, I was asking her about what she did, she said she did spying."

"Ninja," Flash said.

Scourge glanced at him and back to Fiona.

"Trust me," he said. "It was nothing."

Nodding her head Fiona turned and walked off.

"You do remember you're taking me out tomorrow don't you?" she called.

"For your birthday, yeah," he replied.



"Ah, my dear," Dr Kintobor said seeing the purple hedgehog walk in. "How are you?"

"Ok," she answered. "Had a bit of trouble with some boys, nothing I couldn't handle. You know last time I was here the Freedom Fighters weren't able to get into Mobotropolis."

"I know," he sighed. "They somehow managed to dissipate my force field, now Mobotropolis is a mess of bars and crime."

"I work in a bar," the hedgehog said.

"I know, but it's not right," he said. "Anyway, I called you for an important reason. Ever heard of Sonic the hedgehog?"

"Of course," she growled.

"Oh, yes, of course, sorry, I forgot about that," he said quickly. "Anyway, I'm sure you've heard the rumours that he's returned to this world." She nodded slowly. "I need you to take something to a friend of mine; it'll help us track him by his DNA. We need to capture him and keep him out the way while we fight the others."  

"Ok," she said. "What? Where? Who? And when?"

"This," he handed her a small package, "he'll know it's you. Now, you'll meet somewhere very familiar to you, Candy Angel House, at ten tonight."

The hedgehog grinned. "Of course, and what do I take off him."

"A machine, looks like that," he handed her a picture.

Nodding the hedgehog picked up a brown bag and slung it over her shoulder, slipping in both the picture and package, before walking off.



September 15th

21.22



"Scourge," Fiona cried taking his hand.

"Cool it, doll," he laughed pulling her close. "There's only ever you, remember?"

"I know, but I don't want you to leave me here alone all night," she begged.

"Yeah, and I told Flash, we'd go out tonight," he answered. "Don't worry, nothing's gonna happen, this place is totally safe, everyone thinks it's haunted."

"It isn't right?" she asked.

"Course not," he laughed.

Leaning down he kissed her gently. "I'll make it up to you tomorrow."

"Fine," she sighed.



Half an hour later Flash and Scourge sat drinking at a bar. The air was smoky and dark and all around were pretty young girls. But one caught Scourge's eye. A young hedgehog a little way off. Flash liked her, too. Small as she was, she had a beautiful figure. Seeing the way they were looking at her the barman came over.

"I'd watch her, if you chose her," he warned. They turned to him questioningly. "Yeah, I heard the boss said that tonight you can have any girl you like, you're lucky, he only does that for his friends. She never gives a name, everyone calls her Summer, she only turns up in the spring and summer. Rumour has it she works for some shady people."

Scourge kept an eye on her after that while Flash continued to look over the other girls. Around ten a large bear walked over to her. She spoke to him for a while before he handed her a machine. She looked over it and slipped it into her bag before handing him a package. Nodding in thanks he walked off. She watched him until the barman called her over. She walked over and he handed her two drinks and pointed her to a table in the corner.



As Summer set the drinks on the table she was pulled down by one of the people sitting there. She pulled away sharply and walked off but he followed her and spun her around. They were now standing right behind Scourge.

"You owe me," the person growled.

"I don't think so," she snarled.

"Oh, I think you do, and this time there's no one here to protect you," he laughed.

"I don't need protecting," she snapped.

"Could have fooled me," he said.

Scourge spun around on the stool and faced the pair.

"Excuse me," Scourge said. "That chick's mine."

"Oh?" the stranger laughed. "Really, who says?"

"Me, and the manager. Ain't that right, babe?" he said offering Summer his hand.

She took it without hesitating. He pulled her in and Flash stood in front of her.

"Now unless you want to argue, I suggest you leave," Scourge growled.

The stranger left straight away.

"Thank you," Summer muttered.

"No prob," Scourge answered.

"Especially not for a hot lady such as yourself," Flash said slipping his arm around her waist. "We should get together later, in my room maybe?"

"Dream on, loser," she growled.

"That your favourite phrase of something?" Scourge laughed.

"Would you like to be in so much pain you can't move?" she snapped. "And for the second time in one day?"

Glaring at her for a second, Scourge turned away. Flash grinned at Summer and pulled her closer.

"So, what's your name?" Scourge asking without turning to her.

Flash glanced at his friend.

"What's with you, Scourge?" he asked. "You never ask a girls name unless you think it's serious, and you've got Fiona, I mean first you save the kid then you treat her like there's something there," he said.

"Flash," he snapped seeing Summer look away. "I'm Scourge, the idiot's Flash and you are?"

"Sapphire," she sighed. "Sapphire Glint."

"Is that your real name or something to make you sound pretty?" Flash asked.

"Leave her, Flash, if she wants to get on with her work let her," Scourge said slowly.

Both the others stared at him. This was strange behaviour.

"I know what your problem is, mate," Flash laughed. "You're too sober by half."

"You're out of your tiny little mind," Scourge told him. Standing up he moved in front of Sapphire. "I think me and you should have a chat, alone."

"Fiona," Flash muttered.

"Just a chat, nothing in it, I just wanna talk to you," he continued.

Sapphire nodded and Scourge took her hand gently before leading her away.



Scourge took Sapphire up two floors to his room and sat next to her on the couch. Sapphire watched him silently, almost nervously.

"Sorry 'bout Flash," he said gently.

"It's no big deal, I'm used to idiots like him," Sapphire told him. "There are a lot of them around here. And thanks again for helping me."

"No prob, like I told you, it's what I live for," he laughed.

"Liar," she laughed. "You seem so different from earlier."

"Well, which do you prefer?" he asked slyly.

"Which ever is real," she answered. "Of course since you have a girlfriend it doesn't really matter what I think."

Grinning Scourge took hold of her neck scarf and pulled her close, slipping his free hand around her.

"You forget what I told you earlier, about thanking me," he whispered suggestively in her ear.

Blushing, Sapphire tried to pull out of his grasp. Scourge held the scarf tightly making sure she couldn't move. Once again he was reminded of just how small she was. Not only was she shorter than him but as he looked at her he noticed she was slim. No, not slim, he told himself, underweight. But beneath that she was delicate, perfectly build to sit on a throne all day and look good, perfect for royalty. She reminded him of Sally, only Sally was more muscular. And then he remembered one his favourite parts of the girl: Sapphire's long, slender, perfect, legs. She was so small, so breakable, so fragile and totally under his control. And she didn't fight his hold, simply sat there in his grip.



As Sapphire stared at Scourge she became aware of what he was thinking. She wasn't sure how but she saw the way he looked at her and somehow understood it. But she wasn't fighting for a reason. She was waiting to see how far he would go before realizing he could push her as far as he liked because this time she was defenceless.

"I'm not that small," she whispered. "And I'm more powerful than I look."

"Then why not fight?" Scourge asked.

"I'm not a fighter," she answered.

"I dunno," he muttered. "And it's not like you have to worry about Fiona, it won't last, never does. It's just one girl after another."

"You're one of them," she hissed.



Suddenly Sapphire moved away. Scourge released her in surprise but quickly closed his fist around her scarf again. At about arms length she sat, content she was far enough away from the hedgehog to be safe. But Scourge had other ideas. Taking her hand he dragged the struggling girl forward. He saw tears form in her eyes as she stared up at him, ears low, barely a gap between them.

"There's that fight again," he whispered in her ear. "Just like this morning. I like girls with such fire. Just give in to it, sweetheart, you're mine."

"Get away from me," she cried.

"What's with you all of a sudden, babe?" he laughed. "What's the matter, no magic gloves to protect you so suddenly you're up tight and edgy? The thing is, you don't like to see yourself as venerable, do you, love? You like to think you're strong and independent. So, why not give in? Let me help you, just get rid of all those dream of ever truly being loved, because believe me; it will never happen in this place. I'll give you the feeling that you desire, I can fake it so much better than all those others, make you feel like its real, what do you say?"

"What would care about what I think? If you really wanted it you could have it by now, so why not?" she growled.

To her surprise, Scourge released her. She stared at him uncertainly. Was this just another way of torturing her?



As Sapphire moved away from him, Scourge began to think. What did he care? She was right, he could have had what he wanted by now. So why was he so reluctant to make a move on the young girl? She was scared; he knew that, that made it even better for him. And then a strange feeling came over him. Urging him closer to her, to find out what was wrong, to help her.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

It was then he noticed that she was once again at his side. Without thinking they'd both moved closer. Cautiously he slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Now Scourge could feel her leg against his.



Sapphire shivered slightly. She felt Scourge pull off his gloves and run his fingers through her fur, along her quills. He was so soft, so gentle, so different. Leaning forward he kissed her cheek. Once again she shivered as he whispered to her softly, such reassuring words that she could resist him. She didn't even notice as he touched her neck. Normally she would have moved away by now but his eyes held her as he spoke. It was only when he pushed her back and leant over her, kissing her neck, she was finally broken from his spell. But still she didn't struggle. She simply waited as Scourge continued to seduce her.



But he hesitated as Scourge looked into her deep brown eyes. Why wasn't she fighting him? It just wasn't right. She simply stared at him. He wondered if he should leave it there and let her go but something inside wanted to carry on. This was the old him, Sonic. Scourge knew that when his DNA had changed his personality had changed too. Firstly he'd found a stable relationship instead of any girl he could. And now he was fighting to keep control and not revert back to the way he was, back to being Sonic. But the urge was just too much. Leaning down he kissed her lips softly. Even so this seemed too much for Sapphire. She turned away sharply.

"Get off me," she hissed.

"C'mon, sweetie," he said. "Ruin my fun."

"I don't care," she snapped. "Just get away from me!"

Startled by her sudden aggression, Scourge moved away.

"I did-" he began.

"It's not you," she sighed sitting up. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have got at you. It's just you're the first guy in two years that's ever gotten that close. And I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, it's just… it's complicated."

"You can tell me, Sapphire, you can trust me," he pushed.

"If you knew…" she sighed. "It's hard to tell anyone."

"C'mon, I won't laugh or anything, if that's what's worrying you," he encouraged. "You can't say anything that will faze me."

She looked up at him sadly.

"Sonic the hedgehog," she said simply.

Scourge closed his eyes.

"Oh man," he breathed before turning his attention to Sapphire. "What did I- I mean-"

"Oh, no, please don't blame yourself for anything," she cried. "You couldn't be more wrong, I caused it. I trusted him, I let him take advantage of my recent loss of my parents. It was nothing to do with you at all."

"But I-"

"No, Scourge, please, it was my fault and his, don't you dare apologise," she told him sternly.

"What happened?" he asked slowly, almost not wanting to know.

He couldn't even recognise her let alone know what he'd done to her. But he was driven to be close to her and he knew it would never happen unless he told her the truth. But if she was this upset simply by him getting intimate with her how would she react if he told her that it was him she feared so much? The guilt of it made him feel sick.

"I don't wanna talk about it," she sighed.

"Look, if you want you can stay tonight," he offered slowly.

"Thanks," she smiled as he sat next to her. "It's good to know that there's someone left who'll always tell me the truth, someone I can trust," she said leaning her head on his shoulder.

Scourge put his arm around her shoulders and held her close, eyes closed.

"I'll always tell you the truth, Sapphire," he told her gently. "You can always trust me, I promise."

"I do trust you," she yawned.



A while later Scourge sat with Sapphire asleep on his shoulder. It was so tempting to wake her up and force her into what he wanted but he refused to let her down like that. Slowly he got up and lifted her in his arms. He carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed, pulling off her shoes and draping the covers over her. Smiling he stroked her quills gently. There was something about her that he couldn't resist. He had to constantly remind himself that Fiona was the only person he cared about in that way. He didn't cheat on girls anymore, he'd grown out of that.



September 16th

08.46



Next morning Scourge awoke lying on the couch. He closed his eyes trying to remember why.

"Morning, sleepy," laughed Sapphire's voice.

Smiling he opened his eyes again and turned to her.

"Hi, sweetheart," he greeted fondly.

"Care to join me for some breakfast?" she asked.

"Sure," he agreed jumping to his feet. "But I have something to tell you."

"Anything," she told him.

"Firstly, I'm sorry about last night," he told her.

"It's ok, Scourge, really," she laughed.

"No, it isn't, because you said something last night that really hurt me," he said quietly.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said quickly.

"No, don't be sorry, it was a good thing," Scourge told her gently. "You made me realize that I'm never going to lose my past."

"You're acting as if you've done something awful in your past," Sapphire laughed.

"Well, I'm-"

"Scourge!"

They turned to see Flash running over. Sapphire turned away quietly.

"I should go, I have work to do," she said.

Without waiting she walked off quickly. Scourge ran after her and stood in her way.

"I really have to tell you this," he told her.

"Later," she snapped.

"Look, it's my girlfriend's birthday today," he said lowly. "Can you do me a favour?" She nodded slowly. "I don't have anything for her and I don't have any money, do you think you could help me and we can talk later?"

"Ok," she sighed. "I'll get her something nice and drop it round, we can talk then, you can walk me home, ok? But you owe me."

"Thanks, doll," he whispered kissing her cheek fondly. "You'll get what you deserve."

Sapphire blushed heavily as she walked away, grinning. Scourge was something else, something new and strange, maybe even someone who could finally help her to become the strong person she once was.



Scourge watched as Sapphire walked out of sight. Flash grinned seeing the look on his friend's face.

"Fiona," he laughed.

"I know, we didn't go anywhere," Scourge answered. "She pushed me away the second I made a move. Turns out I did something to her when I was Sonic that scared her badly. She won't go with anyone, she's lost all trust."

"Well, at least you won't lose Fiona," he said.



Late that night Scourge and Fiona sat close. Flash watched jealously. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Scourge jumped up and answered it. Sapphire stood there smiling up at him. Scourge pulled her in and shut the door behind her.

"Hey, sweetheart," he laughed hugging her. "Did you get it?"

"Of course," she answered and he kissed her cheek. "But you owe me big time for this."



"Who's that?" Fiona asked Flash.

"Sapphire," he growled. "One hell of a gal, we're talking a perfect figure, but she's defensive and edgy."

"Doesn't seem it to me," she muttered.

"Scourge spent all night with her," he told her. "But it turns out that when he was Sonic he did something to her and now she won't do anything. So she's no threat to you."

"We'll see," she said. "You'd never cheat on me, would you, Flash, sweetie?"

"Never," he answered.

"Sapphire, are you staying a while?" she called.

"Well, I wasn't planning on it," Sapphire told the fox.

"Oh, but you have to," she laughed. "I've heard a lot about you. C'mon, you can't expect me to spend the whole night with these two on my own."

"I guess," she sighed.

"Hey, it's only for a while," Scourge told her. "And if it's dark by the time you leave, I'll walk you home, don't want you to run into Patch again."

Fiona took Sapphire's wrist and took her into the next room to chat.



Two hours later she came to her killer moment.

"So, you like Scourge, don't you?" she asked.

"He's ok," Sapphire laughed.

"Oh, you don't need to act like that just because I'm his girl," she encouraged. "I'd feel better knowing you approve."

"He's ok, a bit forward, maybe, but he's ok," she repeated.

"Well, the bad boy act always got to me," she laughed. "I mean do you know who he was before?"

"Couldn't guess," she sighed.

"He had his DNA changed and before that he was Sonic the hedgehog," she giggled.

"S-Sonic?" Sapphire repeated.

"Yeah," she said.

"You know I-" she began but Flash came in.

"Err, Sapphire, can you leave us for a second?" Fiona asked.

Sapphire nodded and walked out.



Outside she listened to what was going on, watching through a crack and what she saw was heartbreaking. What she heard hit her hard.

"Scourge won't figure it out," Flash laughed. "The hedgehog's an idiot, besides, even if he did, I don't think he'd let you go, he needs someone right now. The pathetic fool. And I think he might actually have ideas that this is permanent."

"Well, he got me where the real bad boys were," Fiona purred. "And that's what I needed him for, besides as long as he's head over heels for me, I'll have no problems getting whatever I want."

"And Sapphire?" he asked.

"The whimp doesn't have the guts to go for a boy like him," she growled. "He likes her, yeah, but she'll push him away every time. She's no competition, if she knew how to use her body she would be, but she's just pathetic, they'd go well together."

"What's going on?" a voice whispered in her ear.

Sapphire jumped and spun around. Scourge stood facing her. Her heart raced suddenly.

"N-nothing," she answered quickly. "It wasn't anything."

"What's up? You're a bit jumpy," he asked.

"Nothing," she repeated. She pushed him aside and walked towards the door.

"Hey, wait up, you said I could walk you home," he called joining her.

"It's ok," she told him. "I can walk myself."

"No, I said I would and you said I could, so I'm gonna," he laughed.

"No!" she snapped pushing him away.

Without another word she walked out the door and was out of sight in seconds. Scourge was after her in an instant. He saw her at the end of the street and ran after her.

"Sapphire!" he called.

She turned for a second and then ran on. Scourge caught up with her a few seconds later. Taking her hand he pulled her to a stop. She stared at him shaking.

"Sapphire, what's the big idea?" he snapped. "You heard me call, and you said I could walk you home so we could talk."

Tears filled her eyes as she looked up at the larger hedgehog. Noticing this Scourge rubbed her cheek gently.

"Sapphire, sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asked.

"You really love her don't you?" she said quietly.

"Oh, Sapphire, don't tell me that's what this is all about," he laughed gently meeting her gaze. "Yeah, I think I might, but that's got nothing to do with us, has it, we've only know each other a day."

"She's cheating on you, Scourge, with Flash," she cried.

For a second Scourge simply stared at her. Then he laughed.

"Yeah, good one, sweetheart," he laughed. "No, seriously, what's up?"

"I'm serious," she told him painfully. "I saw it."

Scourge lowered his head and glared at her.

"You are a liar, Sapphire Glint," he growled. "She would never cheat on me."

"If you believe for one second I'm lying to you then you're an idiot," she snapped pushing him aside and running off.

Stunned scourge watched her for a while before she disappeared down another alleyway. Now he surged forward and stopped in the entrance to the alley seeing she was trapped. As he walked forward slowly she fumbled with a door. A second later she ran in and shut it behind her.

"Sapphire?!" he yelled. "Sapphire, get out here! C'mon open up!" Sighing he calmed down slightly. "I'm sorry, Sapphire! I didn't mean to yell at you or have a go at you, but I really do like Fiona, and I'm not letting you ruin that for me." Turning around leant on the door and lowered his voice to a whispered. "What am I doing here?" he asked himself. "This isn't me, this isn't even Sonic, what's wrong with me?"

Suddenly the door opened and he fell back. Lying on his back he looked up to see Sapphire staring at him coldly, and suddenly he felt extremely embarrassed. However, strangely, he felt attracted to her far more than any point the night before when she looked at him like that. Getting up he turned to her.

"Come with me," she ordered.

Scourge followed with hesitation. She led him down the hall and stopped by a door leaning against the wall next to it.

"What's going on?" Scourge asked moving closer to her and touching her cheek.

"Don't touch me," she snapped pushing him away. "Just look."

She opened the door and allowed him inside closing it behind him. He turned hearing her lock the door and slammed his fists against the wood.

"Sapphire!" he called. "Sapphire, what's going on?! Let me out!"

When no answer came he turned and took in the ghostly scene in front of him. It was a bed room, covered in blood and a feeling of pain hung over the place. All around him were splatters of dried blood. The sheets on the bed were covered in blood and were thrown around as if in a struggle. The window was smashed and the glass was also covering the bed. One corner of the one sheet was ripped. One the floor near was three torn pieces of the sheet, each covered in different places. But what hurt Scourge most was on the bed side table. The lamp was lying on the floor, smashed, but in its place was a black leather jacket. He knew simply by looking at it, it was his. Suddenly he heard a scream inside his head. Closing his eyes he saw why.



Inside his mind Scourge saw Sonic. He'd broken through the window with Sapphire and another boy in the room. Sapphire screamed seeing him. Sonic turned to her, a cruel smile on his face.

"Hey, leave her alone," the boy called.

Sonic snorted and charged at him. A second later blood covered the room, splattering the walls. Sapphire screamed again, tears streaming down her cheeks. Before she could react Sonic was holding her against a wall, holding her wrists as she fought his grip. He simply laughed.

"Aw, down cry, angel," he sneered. "I'll look after you. After you lost your parents, you need some help, and in case you don't know, your boyfriend isn't going to be very good at that."

"What do you want?" she cried.

"What do I want?" he laughed mockingly. "Oh, angel, you have no idea. I want you of course, I good looking girl such as yourself shouldn't be wasted on someone like him."

"Please, let me go," she begged. "I've never done anything to you."

"Oh, sorry, don't you know?" he said confidently. "Let me tell you, well, I never got what I wanted out of you." Sapphire's eyes widened. "Yes, that's right, you know what that means. Are you scared? I hope so, that makes it so much easier."

Suddenly he flung her aside. Walking over to the bed he ripped off three pieces of the sheet. Sapphire climbed to her feet and ran for the door but Sonic beat her there. He slammed her against the wall and locked the door. Taking her throat he dragged her over to the bed and placed the three pieces of sheet on the side. He threw her down onto the bed and she winced as the broken glass drove into her back. Sonic sat astride her and grinned horribly. Slowly he leant down and kissed her. Sapphire struggled to break away from him but only caused herself more pain as the glass dug into her. Sonic continued to kissed her deeper. Slowly he ran his hand down her body. Sapphire struggled against him and knocked the lamp flying. Reaching over to the side Sonic pulled over one of the pieces of sheet. He tied her wrist with it, forcing her to stop struggling.

"Sonic, stop it!" she screamed.

"Oh, c'mon, angel," he laughed cruelly. "You know this is just what you need, I mean someone needs to show you that life is cruel and cold, nothing like what your parents taught you. And for the record, I don't see how you can go straight from me to him."

"He treats me right," she cried.

"He treated you right," Sonic corrected. "He's dead, remember? I'm the only one here now."

"Sonic, please, I'll do anything, just don't do this," she begged.

"Anything?" he laughed.

"Yes, anything but this," she answered.

"Oh, I dunno, let's see how it goes," he whispered harshly. Slowly he reached over to the side and pulled off one of the strips of sheet. He pulled her up gently and for a second looked as though he was going to let her go but instead he tied the strip across her mouth acting as a gag before pushing her back to the bed.



Opening his eyes Scourge looked over the room again. He knew what happened next without having to see it. Slowly he turned to the door.

"Sapphire?" he called. "Can you let me out now?"

The door unlocked and he walked out. Sapphire hadn't moved at all. Slowly he put his arms around her and pulled her close.

"That's where it happened, isn't it?" he whispered.

"Yeah," she answered.

"I'm sorry," he told her.

"I know," she replied. "I know you are."

"Sapphire, can I tell you something that's probably gonna hurt you?" he said quietly.

"Yeah," she said.

"Well, I'm…" he began. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I really should go."

"That's ok," she said smiling. "Good luck with Fiona."



As Sapphire watched Scourge leave she felt a tear drip down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly. He'd lied to her, he'd kept information from her knowing how much he'd hurt her. But worst of all, even now, he didn't have the decency to admit who he really was.



Scourge felt awful. He couldn't understand why though. He didn't have to be a genius to guess she was catching on. She was suspicious, he knew that, but still something inside of him wanted to keep her away from the truth, keep her on his side.



October 21st

09.54



Weeks past and Scourge didn't see Sapphire at all. He'd thought about it often but every time he got around to it something came up to stop him. There was also no proof that she had been telling the truth about Fiona and Flash.



Sapphire, herself, had tried not to think about him. She'd returned to Kintobor and had stayed at his base for most the time. She was slightly unsure about his plan to capture the Freedom Fighters and keep them detained while he tried to sort out the planet. He'd told her that he was planning on taking out Sonic first. She'd agreed on the condition that she got to do as she pleased with him after what he'd done to her.



Finally almost a month after their last meeting, Scourge found time to visit Sapphire. It was tipping it down with rain and he pulled his jacket around him for warmth as the winter began to roll in. To his surprise when he knocked on the door she didn't open it simply called through it.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Sapphire, it's me, Scourge," he called.

She snorted.

"What do you want?" she called.

"I wanted to see you, I've got something to tell you," he answered.

"I was right about Fiona? I know," she snapped.

"No, you were wrong about Fiona," he replied.

"Who's that?" called another voice.

"Oh, no one, just that hedgehog I was telling you about," she said.

"That hedgehog?!" he laughed. "C'mon, sweetheart, I think we know each other a little to well to be talkin' like that."

The door opened and a large, dark blue, male hedgehog stood behind Sapphire. Suddenly Scourge felt a twinge of jealousy. And then Sapphire slapped him. Glaring at him for a second she stormed off.

"Sapphire?!" he called. Sighing he felt his cheek. "Ow…"

"Oh, that's nothing compared to what you're about to get," the other hedgehog said cracking his knuckles.

"Hey, whoa," Scourge laughed nervously. "What have I done? I'm just here to see Sapphire."

"I know," he growled stepped forward. "And that's why you deserve this. Don't you think you've done enough damage without accusing her of things when she's only trying to help, even after everything?"

"I didn't do anything!" he snapped, ears flat against his head, hands glowing a pale green, ready for a fight.

Suddenly the hedgehog punched him in the face. On the wet concrete Scourge slipped and barely managed to avoid falling down the stairs. But before he could regain his balance the hedgehog hit him again. This time he couldn't recover in time. He lost his footing and tumbled backwards. Sapphire came to the door hearing his cry and gasped. He was lying still and lifeless face down in a shallow puddle. The blue hedgehog walked inside and pulled her along. Sapphire pulled out of his grasp. He stared at her shocked.

"Help him," she growled.

"No," he replied. "He deserves it."

"I said help him," she yelled.

The hedgehog hurried outside and picked Scourge up by the scruff of his neck, slung him over his shoulder and took him in. Inside Sapphire opened a door and let him in. The hedgehog dumped Scourge on the bed and left. Sapphire had to admit, she was nervous, being left alone with him, now knowing who he really was, but overcoming her fear she walked over. She pulled off his shades, his jacket and boots before getting a towel and drying him off. Pulling the covers up around him she left him.



Scourge finally regained consciousness that evening. Looking around he didn't recognise where he was and tried to remember what had happened. It all came back to him as the large blue hedgehog walked in.

"Hello, hedgehog," he growled.

"Err, hi," Scourge said uneasily. "What's going on?"

"Sapphire took pity on you," he answered.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"It means if I'd had my way you would still be laying in the mud," he snapped turning away. "Sapphire wants to see you when you feel up to coming out."

Scourge watched him leave, confused. If Sapphire wanted to see him why'd she slapped him earlier and why hadn't she just come in to see him? Was she angry at him for some reason? Then an idea came to him, maybe she'd found out who he really was. Looking around again he found his boots and nothing else. Pulling them on he got up and walked out. As he did he smelt fresh baking in the air. He found Sapphire in the main room with the hedgehog by her side watching him. Sapphire herself had her back to him.

"Hey, Sapphire, where's my jacket gone?" he asked walking over.

She turned to him coldly. Tears were in her eyes as Scourge stood before her, only a work top between them.

"Hey, sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asked reaching out.

The other hedgehog caught his wrist and stopped him dead.

"Touch her and I'll break your wrist," he threatened.

Scourge pulled away and stared at the pair.

"What's going on here, Sapphire?" he snapped.

"You tell me, Sonic," she said calmly.

"You know about that, huh?" he asked quietly.

"Uh-huh," she muttered.

"Look, I wanted to- I mean I didn't- I thought-" he stammered. "Can we talk about this somewhere private?"

"You've got five minutes," she told him walking out.



Scourge followed her down the hall into another room. This one was different from the others. It was soft and well furnished. On the walls were pictures and photographs. In one picture was Sapphire and the boy he remembered the night he'd hurt her.

"Start explaining," she snapped closing the door.

"Well, what do you want to know?" he asked.

"Why did you lie?"

"You never thought it could be me," he replied. "I never lied, I just never told you."

"So why didn't you tell me?" she pushed.

"Because, believe it or not, I like you," he explained. "And I didn't want you to get upset.  I thought maybe if I kept it secret long enough, when I told you, you wouldn't take it as hard."

"And not coming to visit, that was part of the plan?" she snapped.

"You could have come over," he answered.

Sapphire turned away, sighing. Scourge didn't dare moved. But her next questions shook him.

"Why did you do it?"

"I don't really know," he told her slowly. "I did a lot of stupid things back then. And most of them I don't know why I did them."

"Then, you meant it when you said you were sorry?" she asked.

"Of course I meant it," he said walking over to her. "And had I known it was you, when we first met I would never have gone so long with saying it." Seeing her smiled he slipped his arms around her. "But seriously what I said about that guy, I was right, you were wasting your time there."

Sapphire pushed him away suddenly.

"How can you be so insensitive?!" she cried. "You have no right to say that!"

"Well, I'm right and you know it!" he snapped.

"I loved him!" she yelled. "And you killed him!"

"So why've you helped me?!" he yelled back. "If you hate me so much and if you loved him why have you helped me after you knew who I was and why didn't you move that night we first met?! Why did you sit there and not tell me?! If you'd told me you'd lost the person you loved what did you think I would do?! Carry on anyway?! I'm not like that anymore!"

"I didn't know what to think that night!" she cried, tears now falling freely down her cheeks. "I'd only just met you!"

"Sapphire, you're being stupid! I don't see how you can be so angry at me and still help me!" he shouted.

"Because I have to!" she yelled. "You think I want to help the person who caused me so much pain, you've left me with no one in the world and unable to care for anyone because I'm afraid that they might do the same as you! You ruined me life!"

Seeing how she was right, Scourge dropped the argument. Sapphire was right, he'd ruined her life.

"I'm sorry," he said gently. "I didn't mean for anything like that to happen, but I'm not like that anymore, believe me, I've changed."

"I know you have, but still I can't help seeing you like you were back then," she sighed. "I can't help seeing you hurting me like before."

"I will never do that to you again," he told her walking back to her side. "I promise."

Smiling gently, Sapphire hugged him tightly. Slightly surprised Scourge held her gently. He stroked her quills softly, whispering soothing words constantly.

"How old are you, Sapphire?" he asked finally.

"Fifteen," she answered quietly.

"And the big guy isn't your boyfriend is he?" he inquired. "I mean, not that I'm bothered."

"Of course you're not, but you prefer it when a relationship has drama, don't you?" she laughed. "No, he's just a friend."

"Good," he whispered lifting her head.

"Sonic, I…" she began.

"Don't say a word," he told her. "And call me Scourge."

He leant down and their lips met. As they kissed Scourge was careful not to push her too far. He made sure he was gentle and didn't hurt her at all. He could feel her shaking but she didn't move. She had her eyes closed, trying to see him as Scourge instead of Sonic. Eventually her old memories proved too painful and she tore away.

"You ok?" he asked gently.

"Thank you," she said slowly. "I needed that."

"No problem, sweetheart," he told her. "I'll do it anytime."

"Still think you might love Fiona?" she asked.

"I dunno," he laughed. "But I know Flash was right when he told me I need something stable around me at the moment, I'm still having problems with this new DNA, I think I need Fiona right now, but maybe after things have settle I'll consider you."

"If I haven't moved on by then," she teased.

"You can't," he said confidently. "Because it was me that caused all your pain it has to be me that heals it, you can't trust anyone until you learn to trust me."

"Nice philosophy," she joked. "C'mon, I bet you're hungry, you like chocolate cake?"

"Do I?!" he said eagerly.



Sapphire grinned at him and ran out the room with Scourge on her heels. As they wandered back into the main room Sapphire walked over to the kitchen and pulled a large chocolate cake out the fridge.

"Want some?" she laughed.

Scourge was in front of her in a second. Laughing Sapphire walked past him and set it on the side. Slowly she cut away a slice and handed it to the hedgehog. As he took a bite his eyes lit up.

"Wow, sweetheart, that's the best cake I've ever had," he told her. As he did he became aware that he no long called her sweetheart simply as a word, or to intimidate her as he once had done. Now sweetheart had a meaning. It was a term he used affectionately; it was a sign of his affection. "I'll tell you what though, you keep making cakes like this and you'll win me over in no time. This is great, best I've ever had."

"Thanks," she said quietly. "I'll keep that in mind."

Scourge put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

"Believe me, sweetheart," he said gently. "There's a beautiful friendship ahead of us."

"Scourge!"

Both hedgehogs turned to see Fiona standing in the doorway the blue hedgehog behind her.

"Fiona, what are you doing here?!" Scourge cried.

"This nice hedgehog came and warned me you were off with her again," she answered striding in. "So, tell me this isn't what it looks like."

"It isn't though," he answered.

"Why don't believe it?" she growled.

"Please, Fiona," Sapphire said stepping in. "It wasn't like that."

"You keep out of this," Fiona snapped pushing her away.

Sapphire's ears flattened. Without warning she slammed her fist into Fiona's stomach, and Fiona fell back. Scourge put his hand over his mouth to cover up his laughter however failed and Fiona was enraged. She jumped to her feet tried to kick Sapphire. The small hedgehog ducked, caught Fiona's foot and twisted her leg. Fiona cried out in pain and fell to the ground again. Once again she got up and once again Sapphire had her on the floor seconds. This time as Fiona got up she walked to the door.

"Ok, you little witch," she growled. "You might have beaten me but that's only because I've got a bad leg. You have a choice, Scourge, me, or that."

Scourge's face fell. He couldn't choose between Sapphire and Fiona, could he? He really liked Fiona but Sapphire deserved his friendship at least. After everything he couldn't just turn his back on her.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Sapphire, I can't leave Fiona just for you."

"I understand," she sighed.

Scourge turned away from her and left with Fiona. Sapphire turned away and stormed off.