One minute she was dodging out of flattening pancake range from various humanoid robots and then darkness and a thud as she felt her body weight abruptly hitting the ground. A mixture of emotions panged through her at once confusion, fear, hysteria, until she forced herself to calm down and self-assess what had happened logically. There were very few individuals she knew that could move at such phenomenal speeds and given she knew her beloved wouldn't be making an appearance anytime soon, and  childish pranks were beneath Shadow, which only left one conclusion.
 
Wrenching her headband off in time to catch sight of her childhood best friend giving her a playful wink, as his irritatingly witty remark sunk in she tried to bring a hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp, but one quick glance around her confirmed that Sonics antics hadn’t extended to her alone. Had it been any other situation she might have laughed at the state he’d gotten everyone into but instead her overwhelming love and relief for the hedgehogs return evaporated as her anger emerged. Unaware of the tears spilling down her cheeks after yanking the custom shoelaces off her boots with the hand that currently wasn't handcuffed to the wolf with excessive amounts of force, she was back on her feet in seconds shooting Blaze an apologetic look for dragging him up alongside her in the process, before speaking very bluntly her tone becoming more and more earsplitting as the minutes passed. “I know that being flashy and making an entrance is your thing but seriously NOW OF ALL TIMES?!  KNOCK IT OFF DUMBASS I MEAN IT!” As if everything wasn't already confusing enough somehow he'd managed to bundle her into one of his stupid self made t-shirt fan merch great just great.   

Deciding to try and take advantage of her friend being briefly distracted she pressed splayed fingers together her whole hand crackling with the same amount of psychic energy she'd used earlier as a force field bubble filled to the brim with stream water swiftly constructed in mid air hovering she hoped high enough above Sonics head for him to be none the wiser. Releasing the water with a dainty flick of her unbound wrist, while he was still prattling on to Shadow and Amy she knew that if her water technique hit its mark and he got soaked she wouldn’t hear the end of it, but maybe this would snap him out of his odd Jekyll and Hyde persona.

When her transmission didn’t receive any immediate responses the fox medic began to fret. What if her wide range frequency had been jammed by the storm? Or what if her emergency message had managed to reach others but it was too static for them to make any sense of? Just as all these various what if scernaos began to swirl anxiously in mind her communicator burst to life with multiple voices that she recognised, and in that moment relief swept through her like a tidal way upon shore. Suppressing the lump of emotion that tried to form in her throat she raised her communicator to her lips for a reply, only to stop short as her towering fluffy ears pinned high on her head giving the occasional flicker when she unintentionally tuned into parts a conversation that she knew wasn't supposed to be overhearing.  "Scanner units... Sweep-scan surrounding area outside fooo-rrrest! "Foooooorrrrrwaaa-a-a-rrrd. "As for... That. An... Hmmmnnn, interesting specimen. I want it in my perrrsonal laboratory. Bring a body bag, and... Sssstrrrap it down just in case. "I want detailed readings, hook it up to my rrresearch desk, I will be over shortly..."
 
Struggling to hear much else beyond her heartbeat pounding in her ears Sonya forced herself to inhale and exhale until the weakness that had plummeted deep into her bones felt manageable. Her mind was running wild with countless questions and confusion about what she heard but she needed to focus first. Her fellow resistance members were nearby by but if she didn’t act fast then they would be located within moments thanks to the prompt surveillance increase. Waiting until the others communicator dots appeared to be grouped closer together in proximity on her own CPU screen, Sonya splayed her palm outwards, having only seconds to provide caution as she spoke into her gadget. “Everyone take a breath.”  

Her fingertips crackling with psychic energy she closed her eyes, concentrated, and then coiled her fingertips tightly into a fist, in sync with the movement all within her location range would soon find themselves only on ground for a split-second before being engulfed by dome shaped electric blue energy, followed by being immediately delivered and deposited to where she was currently taking refuge. Only when they were within the coverage of the thick tree boughs would Sonyas bubble like force-fields vanish from sight releasing her friends and teammates in the process, in a display of lethal looking but harmless electric shimmers. “Sorry about that but given the amount of security patrolling the area I didn’t have time for us to group less impromptu. Whoever this person is they’re clearly no armature. We did have the element of surprise here to a degree, but thanks to a certain someone that’s out the window.” Fixing the black and crimson hedgehog with a briefly vexed stare she continued. “I wanted us to meet here because from what I’ve seen and heard so far there’s no way we can go charging into this without a solid strategy, does anyone have any ideas?”  

Sonya considered herself a fairly grounded individual never one to disappoint her family members or friends as much as she were able she tried her best to a consistent source of dependability for anyone that needed her. And as ill-advised as it seemed Scourge fell into that category, it was insane because he’d already made it very clear what their relationship was and technically it wasn’t even that. Despite the small gestures, the cuddling, the kissing, the hours they spent talking about nothingness all that didn’t amount to a whole lot in his eyes. Well at least nothing concrete she knew that they’d been doomed from the beginning but the cruel reality that she wouldn’t be spending her future with the hedgehog she loved was still a bitter pill to swallow still when he called she didn’t question, and off she went just like always.

Which is how she found herself back inside his suspiciously immaculately kept warehouse after letting herself in courtesy of his only spare key, it was such a sharp contrast from how her best friend would keep his place a pig-sty. Although she suspected that Scourge kept his living courters squeaky clean for reasons much more sinister than simply wanting to be hygienic she didn’t allow herself to ponder what that reason might be. Heavy as she still felt with the recent events she mooched her way into his small but cosy kitchenette area knowing the sound of her footsteps alone would let him know she’d arrived. Ordinarily she would have bounded around until she found him and smothered him upon discovery but unsurprisingly she was in no such mood. Snagging a beer from the six-pack in his fridge the fennec proceeded to perch herself on the kitchen counter before opening the alcoholic beverage with slightly trembling hands. “Welp bottoms up.” She murmured to herself begrudgingly raising the can to her lips, her features wrinkled as the bitter flavour consumed her taste buds. 'How do people get any enjoyment out of drinking this?...'

Having idly busied herself with tidying away the gymnasium equipment they’d used for the lesson Sonya appeared to be well and truly engrossed in her mundane task, but in actuality she was anything but. Call it instinct but she just knew that the class prefect wouldn’t be satisfied until she felt like she finished what she started. And that came in the unoriginal form of Twinkles abandoned water bottle skidding across the room. Which would have been prompt enough alone for her to be over there in a Sonya second to intervene. After all as nerdy as she was Twinkle was sweet harmless girl, or so she thought. Before she knew what was happening next Amellias head was hitting the wooden flooring with an alarming THWACK and she had to stifle a snigger at the sight of Twinkle not only throwing open distain for her peer but literally stepping on the other girl while doing so. And given her abnormally large ears had allowed her to pick up their conversation regardless of her being across the hall she knew that when Twinkle called her name a second time that was her cue.

Barely looking as if she’d made any effort to move at all in the time that it next took the lavender feline to blink she would find herself scooped up by surprisingly strong slender arms. “Don’t fret I gotcha.” Lowering her voice to much softer tones she added. “Nicely done handling your own by the way. Ha to think the kitten has claws after all!”
___

With an extremely short amount of time passing between their past and present destination, thanks to Sonya Twinkle soon enough would find herself sitting in the schools infirmary with her reclaimed water bottle back in hand and her P.E kit close by. Loosening her blonde curls from the confines of her neat stylish high pony tail, the fennec leaned herself casually against the doorframe curious to see how different this felines behaviour could or would be now that she was temporarily away from prying eyes. “You better drink up, dehydration is no joke. I gotta tell you kid you really are full of surprises.”

“Ladies I leave you in Miss Hearts ever capable hands.” That being all the support she was going to get from the headmistress Sonya quickly covered up her look of irritation in place for a more optimistic one. Though she made a mental note that her jam being interrupted was something she’d complain to her partner about later. Her attention now fully focused on her temporary young charges her towering fluffy ears gave the occasional flicker while she took in the general feedback from the younger girls about her first impression. And while a lot of what was being whispered couldn’t have been more in her favour she couldn’t help with feel irked that one of those murmurs mentioned that she was Sonics girlfriend. It wasn’t even the mention of her and Sonic being an item that was the issue, she loved Sonic and she knew that he loved her and when put together they were absolutely unstoppable a magnetic force of nature. But she also prided herself on keeping her reputation solid with or without her celebrity boyfriend for connection. She knew that she wasn’t just known as Sonics girl she’d worked hard, saved thousands of lives worldwide in base and out in the field and earned countless amounts of respect for her dues to society. So what she’d heard was just one of those fly away comments but it p*ssed her off all the same.

Lightly clearing her throat to gain the classes attention she spoke making sure her voice while relaxed boomed undertones of authority. “Alright with my baller introduction over I’d say it’s time we began stretching and moved on to all of yours.” Making a small gesture with her hand to let them all know that she wanted them all she sitting she sat herself down both legs stretched wide into a v shape. “While we warm up and for those of you not standing you need to be trying to touch your toes really arch your spines, we’re going to go round the circle and each of you is going to stand introduce yourself and tell me something about you. It doesn’t have to be anything to personal or anything you’d be uncomfortable sharing just something that’ll help me help you. I tend to be able to help others better when I have an idea of what they're about.” Having picked a girl at random the class icebreaker was soon underway. And Sonya listened patiently and non-judgmentally however tempting to each introduction.

Until her blue eyes clamped onto one student in particular and she just knew that this one of was going to have on opinion. It was almost uncanny had it not been for the species Sonya could have gone as far to say that this girl was the spitting image of her at this age. Well maybe not quite her P.E uniform looked overly ironed and unlike various others she didn’t have a hair out of place. Internally grimacing Sonya felt like this one would be the kind to complain about breaking a nail and her assumptions proved true the moment she stood up and opened her mouth.“With all due respect Miss.. Heart was it?  first and foremost I’m Amelia. And secondly I don’t see the point in this ice breaker activity. Your’re not going to be around long so there’s no point in you trying to get to know us. And to be quite frank I just don’t see the need for Physical Education. This class runs in a certain way and as head girl I make sure that happens. You see Miss Heart there are those of us here that do and those of here that don’t.” Thinking that she was being oh so clever the blonde feline gave the tiniest of glances back in the direction of a glasses clad purple feline that yet to introduce herself. Before beginning  to try and sit back down thinking that she’d validly made her point.

Not that she even managed to get halfway before to sitting Sonya was speaking again all traces of jovial banter erased from her tone. “Stand up and keep stretching. I didn’t give you permission to sit back down now did I ? head girl. How long I am or am not going to around isn’t the point of this exercise. Regardless of the time frame for the foreseeable future I’m a member of the staff so I’ll carry out ice breaker activities however I see fit without input. And as for you not seeing the need for Physical Education like everyone else in this class your’re entitled to your opinion. But if your’re going to be bold and express your opinion on my time then your’re going to get the same treatment.” Gathering herself swiftly to her feet the fennec continued her lecture.“It’s a known scientific fact that regular exercise improves the functioning of the brain. The increased blood flow to your brain that exercise causes, along with the release of serotonin improves mood and is supposed to help individuals think more clearly. But judging from your petty attempt to single out a student just now I’d say we still have a lot of work to do.” Flicking her gaze briefly towards the purple cat Sonya definitely agreed that this unknown had seen better days. She looked like she’d been dragged through a bush and the lesson hadn’t even started properly yet. But Sonya could also tell just by looking at her that her strengths were more likely in the scholastic side of things which she could also relate to in a way.

Back in her day she was never singled out as such because she could do it all. Top of the class in all her classes but then an athletic prodigy when physically put to the test. She’d never had to struggle because she’d led a charmed life but that didn’t mean she couldn’t and wouldn’t emphasise here. “I see.. you know it’s actually quite funny. You tried to make your subtle dig with the intention to understatedly humiliate her in front of the unsuspecting substitute but all you’ve done is humiliate yourself. Quick tip for you Amelia common decency is a large factor out in the real world. And let me tell you right now though I’m really not supposed to say. The scruffy unkempt looking cat that your’re looking down  on as someone who doesn't and won’t amount to doing anything she’s probably going to be your boss one day. And as for you.. if you don’t change how you treat other people the only questions you’ll be asking others later in life  is do you want fries with that?” Seeing that the presumed bully had gone three shades of pale and her lip was almost quivering Sonya smoothed her tone into something much more student friendly. “You can finish your stretches sitting down now."

"Glasses girl the floor is yours.”

Her attention now trained back on the ruffled looking cat she waited.               

Large fluffy ears twitching as the black furred hedgehog spoke his piece Sonya was surprised that his response actually had some merit to it. After all if by some realm of possibility that Sonic was watching over them somewhere would he want to see her letting sorrow and despair claim her without a fight considering she’d come so far? Sonya already knew that answer to that. Which was why her breathing gradually became steadier and she blinked away the remains of her tears. “You.. your’re right. He would have wanted that. Thank you Shadow.”


Surveying the rest of carnival in somewhat awkward silence for a few moments she eventually let out a resigned sounding sigh turning her intense blue hues back towards him. “You know we’ve never really taken to one another me and you. And before you make assumptions the fact that Sonic couldn’t stand you isn’t a reflection on my own personal judgement but I admit it contributed on a minor scale. Well that and your arrogant attitude, you put up walls to those that don’t know you well which makes sense given your history. But everything is different now your’re an extremely important person in Amys life now and so am I so the most logical course of action for us both would be to try and get to each other better. I may not like you much, and if you ever decide that it’s within apparent best interest to hurt Amy so recklessly again you’ll have me to answer to. But I see no reason why we can’t make a mature go out of this.” Relieved that the Ferris wheel seemed to be coming to a slow back towards the ground Sonya waited patiently until the rides security measures loosened freeing them from their seats. 

Standing in one fluent motion the fennec hesitated momentarily but then offered a hand to help him up from the shallow seat. “So whatdoya say? want to see where this attempt at being friends takes us?”

Watching Amy execute her sly little scheme Sonya couldn’t deny that she felt small amounts of satisfaction when the collectively shrill squeals from two out of three of the group reached her sensitive ears. Pressing her lips tightly together to suppress the sudden unexpected laughter that threatened to bubble up and boil over she hurried to the pink ones side curious as ever to see what reactions her nominee worthy performance was going to receive. Feeling brave enough to actually look at the group directly now she added with ‘innocently’ placed concern. "Oh jee.. coffee stains are almost impossible to get out. What a shame…” Her minions exchanging looks of open outrage and disgust one was already set to snarl at Sonya. “No duh big ears! I can’t believe you let your clutsy-“ Silenced by the sight of the leader of the trio holding a hand the main of one of three took a moment to carefully assess her situation though admittedly near scalding coffee staining into her silk mini dress made that a struggle. Recognition fluttering across her features at the sight of their unwanted company she rose to her feet with surprising poise. Her expression one of uttermost concern and faux admiration. “Don’t be sorry! I mean it’s not every day that the one and only Amy Rose decides to make appearances among us lesser folk I mean really I should be honoured.”

Purposely keeping her tone light and breezy much to the confusion of her comrades she added in a slightly more softer tone. “Besides.. no one would expect you to be at your best right now. I mean with having a funeral to plan and all. You both would be doing that right?” If Sonya thought that tensions had been high before than gosh were they high now. Her collective cool sufficiently crumbling at the mention of funeral Sonya didn’t even fully feel in control of herself when she made an attempt to lunge violently for the spiteful crimson female. 

Hesitating for only a moment before she allowed her surrogate sibling to tug her out of the bathroom a mild amount of anxiety rippled across her features. Much she knew that Amys protectiveness was coming from a good place she also knew that her emotions were anything but stable at the moment.“Okay.. I’m going to point them out but you have to promise me you’ll remain calm. They’re not worth either of us getting upset over you know I’m just sensitive that’s all.” Getting in a quiet inhale and exhale the fennec spoke timidly. It’s the red head over there.”

Making a small inclination with her head Sonyas large fluffy ears almost flattened again as the catty girls voice boomed carelessly throughout the rink. “Ugh can you believe that we didn’t get in here for free? I mean okay maybe the two of you can understand getting charged but me being the picture of perfection and all it’s like please…” The two 'friends' of hers sat either side of her simultaneously nodded and giggled practically hanging onto her every word.