Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ Order's Child ❯ The Order ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer. Don't own Sonic, never will. I own all my OC's and one half of the story. Oh, and Super Sonic Chaos owns the second half, her characters Aeliran and Mylin, but she don't own Sonic either.

Author's Note. Hope you liked the last chapter. Things will get a little bit clearer for everybody in this one, considering the last one was a bit shady. And Aeliran is in this one too. Enjoy!

 

 

Light filtered in through the blue curtains, reverberating across the faded peach walls of a certain white hedgehog's room. It travelled along blue and white sheets, determined to find the captive sleeper. The morning sun found its goal as the hedgehog stirred ever so slightly, before rolling over away in irritation. After the unexpected awakening the night before, he had slept like a log, his head dreamless and empty. But the light was persistent, and in time a slit of blue appeared in the white as he sat up, sighing in defeat.

An ungloved hand quickly intervened, pressing against his face as he remembered the dream once more, as clearly as if he had watched it yet again. It was unusual and somehow uncomfortable; the white hog knew it could not be right to have that in his mind. Who was that white porcupine… why did he feel so scared just while thinking about him… and could this have anything to do with—

Him.

It was then that he realised the sudden niggling at the back of his mind, normally identified as his `alter' had dulled down to a silent moan. He closed his eyes, concentrating, to find any sign of him fighting his consciousness. Nothing, just the silence pressing in against him, like any other person would have. `Alter's' presence was there; he felt it all the time, but he was being so still, it was nerve racking.

The hog shook his head, clearing his mind for the day ahead. It would do no good to dwell on the strange behaviour of that maniac right now. He would speak to his friend about it later. He knew Aeliran, the Emerald Warrior, would be able to solve it. After all he was an `alter' himself.

He rolled out of his bed, landing easily with the help of his ankle-wings. Blue and green sneakers were quickly thrown over his bare feet; gloves the same sapphire colour pulled onto his hands. The hog stepped up to the mirror in the far corner of the room, blue eyes searching for any kind of difference.

To anyone at first glance, he was a regular white hedgehog, with quills drooping back just the same as our favourite blue hero. Light tanned skin appeared over his chest, stomach, muzzle and arms, blending perfectly into the white colour. The only difference was the four wings on his elbows and ankles, and sometimes the four wings drooping down his back.

His name was Cinos the Hedgehog.

Cinos pulled back his deep blue curtains, taking a deep breath as the 12am sun shone over his white body. It revitalized him to no end; maybe he would go out for a walk sometime later. Unlike Sonic and most of the other hedgehog's here, he could not run at supersonic speed. But he didn't mind much; what would be the point of wishing for something you know will never come true?

Figuring that there was no point wasting any more of the day, the white hog allowed his green and blue sneakers to take him downstairs and into the living room. It was like any other living room. Two sagging couches, an armchair and a wide screen TV sat in the centre of the room, a cream carpet trapped underneath them. A mantelpiece stood in the corner, loaded with jewellery, remotes and other random things that should've been upstairs. There were only three other people in the room, but only two acknowledged his presence. But then, who would expect our favourite blue hero to have any control over his senses with fifty chilli dogs on a plate in front of him.

The other two were Rouge and Mylin. Mylin was a yellow hedgehog and Keeper of the Emerald Warrior. Aeliran's former partner that had died at the hand of a rogue Chaos Creature. His spirit had been granted freedom after Aeliran had visited him in the Spirit World. After, he decided to make himself at home at Emerald Manor and everyone approved.

Cinos walked over to them, smirking slightly as Sonic shovelled yet another chilli dog into his wide-open mouth and doing whatever he could to slurp as loudly as possible. Mylin smirked at his tousled quills and the sleep residing within his blue eyes.

 

“You're getting lazier and lazier by the day, Cinos. One day you'll wake up and wonder why it's still dark!” Mylin joked, pointing at Cinos' sleepy face.

 

Rouge smirked at Mylin's comment and quickly turned to thumping Sonic's back as he began choking on a chilli dog in laughter. Cinos grinned sheepishly, but inside he wore the biggest frown possible. The reason behind the late awakening was because of those strange dreams and he only wanted to speak to his Emerald Warrior friend about it. Speaking of him…

 

“Hey, do you know where Aeliran is?” Cinos asked, more to Mylin than anyone else.

 

“Umm… Actually, I don't know where he went… He just got up and left without saying anything. I'm sure you'll be able to track him though,” the spirit replied with a wink.

 

Cinos nodded. Of course he would, after all he had tracked him before… Royal blue eyes closed as he concentrated, feeling the teleportation process wash over him. It took more concentration than normal, considering that he normally used `alter' as leverage. But in the end, he pressed through and opened his eyes to a whirl of multi-coloured light.

It was like a vortex, the colours mingling and washing over each other in an endless tube of darkness, only lit up by his own two eyes. But there was no time for dwindling about watching the swirling patterns all day. If he didn't find out the place where Aeliran was and teleport there, he could be trapped in the vortex forever! Cinos closed his eyes, his face creasing in concentration as he imagined his friend. It was only a matter of time before a flash of a familiar scene came up in front of him.

 

`Misty Lake,' his mind told him, triggering the warp.

 

He felt that sudden tightness press in against his body before shooting down the shaft at speeds even greater than Sonic's, the colours becoming just a smear against his eyes, forcing him to close them. It was so fast, that he could actually hear the constant screaming as he travelled through miles of land area. And then the pressure was lifted off of him like a weight on his back, allowing him to tumble onto the fair grassland of Misty Lake.

 

 

The white one groaned slightly, dragging himself up and rubbing his sore muscles. That warp had really taken it out of him this time, and as his `alter' was still dormant, he couldn't transfer some energy out of him. He froze as a very intimidating growl reached his ears. Blue eyes looked up at the scene and gasped.

Five or six masked strangers, all holding large weapons of some kind, had their eyes on him. They wore all black clothing, with cloaks to match, but it did not keep their species hidden. The one on the right was definitely a fox, and that one, the one at the very back was most certainly a squirrel. But all had eyes on him. Then, after a minute the one in front, a hedgehog of some kind, grunted and turned back to the figure standing underneath the huge willow tree.

It was Aeliran of course, and he seemed a bit shocked that Cinos had managed to warp to him. But with a quick shake to the head, his crimson eyes went back to the five enemies. The great waterfall roared its battle cry, stopping as it reached the lake the place got so famous for. It was no doubt that the six were going to fight. Five against one seemed a bit unfair, but Aeliran was a Warrior. The Warrior. Even the opposition knew he could swat them down like flies if he wanted to.

The white hog's friend was a golden hedgehog, his quills upturned to the sky like Super Sonic. But then, he was Super Sonic. When he wasn't angry he was Aeliran. A green pendant hung around his neck, gleaming brightly as the sun reached its core. Phoenix wings sprouted from his back, half open and feathers jutting out in an intimidating manner.

The warrior's crimson eyes blazed, watching as the five advanced on him. Cinos stepped beside him, face set and ready for battle. The fox smirked behind his black suit.

 

“Heh. So the kid wants to play, huh?”

 

Cinos growled. If there was one thing he hated more than his `alter' it was someone calling him kid. He resented it. Maybe he was young, and most probably younger than them, but he had seen the world a lot more. The white one dropped into a fighting stance, showing off his white canines. Aeliran seemed a bit amused that the younger one thought he stood any chance at taking them on.

 

“Cinos I can handle it—“

 

“You're going to regret ever calling me kid!” then to Aeliran, “We fight together, got it?”

 

Knowing that he wouldn't get anywhere by trying to get Cinos to leave, he just nodded, dropping into his own fighting stance. A storm cloud quickly appeared, signalling that Cinos was calling upon his element to do his bidding for him. Aeliran just flipped his dagger into his hand, holding it in a defensive position.

It was only after a few seconds that the four cronies jumped on Aeliran. He dodged, swinging his dagger round and piercing the fox. A part of his material tore off, revealing purple fur, not even out of place. But a quick punch in the throat felled the little bushy-tailed enemy. A leopard came up from behind on the phoenix-winged hog, grabbing him around the throat. Aeliran easily gripped the others wrist and, in a quick turning motion had floored him and sunk the dagger into the leopard's stomach. Crimson blood ran over the grass blades as Aeliran swiftly kicked the body to the squirrel, which front flipped out of the way and punched the golden one in the face.

Aeliran took the hit and smirked as the blood ran down his muzzle. Then, he disappeared. The squirrel looked around wildly, trying to work out where he had got. A swift kick in the back of the head gave him all he needed to know as he rolled forward, turning around and slashing Aeliran with his sword. He looked at the blade, trying to find any kind of blood. There was none. With wide eyes, he watched as Aeliran raised the blade and brought it swinging down onto him. He was dead even before he hit the ground.

Cinos had been watching it all with wide blue eyes, not believing how skilled Aeliran was. Each move easily flowed into the next as Aeliran took advantage of his prey; something that Cinos had never tried. But then, he had his electricity, and with that he was invincible, powerful, he was a God. He watched as the hedgehog… thing… stepped up to him, a large smirk playing behind the mask. Cinos just shot two electric orbs into his hands.

With wide eyes he watched as a metre-long sword was drawn from its hilt, not a single scratch on the blade.

 

“Okay, little Neutral. Let's play!”

 

The hedgehog creature advanced towards Cinos, his sword out and ready to go. The younger one quickly shot his orbs, their forms rapidly changing into two spear-like objects, electricity flowing through them. But Cinos' triumphant smirk faded into pure horror as the creature easily slashed through them, negating the energy back into his palms. Then, the thing attacked.

If it weren't for his quick energy shield, Cinos would've been sliced into tiny pieces even before he realised he was. But he couldn't help but throw a taunting smirk as his enemy as he tried feebly to break his barrier. The sword came swinging down against the electric barrier, not even cutting the first layer of the wall. Cinos concentrated hard, getting ready for the release of the energy he knew he would have to use in order to win. The creature slashed out at him and he knew it was time.

Cinos screamed as the sword hit against the barrier, using his powers to force the other one away. Electricity danced over the shield, cloaking his body in tiny sparks. Bolts lunged down at him from the sky as it slowly began to darken. Then, as a huge bolt smacked down against the barrier, the energy lashed out, flying from its originator and hitting the masked figure in the face.

He landed on the floor, the sparks making him shake and crimson staining his cloak. Cinos watched him, panting heavily as he clutched his right arm. He felt the blood race down to hit the battlefield, not quite believing it. He had been hit… but the shield was still locked over him. He couldn't have… The white hog thought back to the dream, of the utensil in his right arm… No… That was a dream… Wasn't it??

Aeliran had the bat by the throat, watching as he screamed; the warrior increased pressure on his neck. Blood raced down the bat's body, and large gashes covered his. With one swipe he threw him on the grass, not even bothering to kill him anymore. Aeliran walked over to Cinos and the enemy, who was busy panting on the grass as the electric charge went through him. One nod from the Emerald Warrior, and Cinos let up the charges, stepping towards the enemy. Aeliran raised his dagger high--

“No, stop!” a muffled voice cried, as the hedgehog creature stood up.

 

Aeliran glanced at Cinos before lowering the dagger, watching with wary eyes as the creature pulled off his suit. Cinos gasped.

The creature wasn't a hedgehog, he was a porcupine! Long quills raced down his head and spine, parting as angelic wings hung limply against him. But that wasn't why Cinos had gasped; he knew from those evil orange eyes. He was the porcupine from his dream.

 

“You shot first, Warrior,” he stated, before throwing his blade down onto the grass.

 

Aeliran nodded; apparently not ready to apologize to the porcupine yet. But then, that was Aeliran. He never trusted people straight away; at least that's the impression he gave people. Crimson and blue eyes watched as the porcupine stepped over to them. No… he stepped up to Cinos more than Aeliran.

 

“I came to offer you a proposition,” the porcupine said, his orange eyes drilling a thick hole through royal blue ones.

 

Cinos looked to Aeliran, who still looked at the porcupine. Everyone was silent, apart from the thundering roar of the waterfall. The white hog nodded, allowing the orange-eyed one to continue. Cinos froze as the porcupine moved forward until he was standing chest-to-chest, whispering in his ear. The sudden contact made his stomach jolt, although he knew it wasn't him. It was `alter'

 

“I know of that monster that lurks within your dormant mind… He has tortured you day and night… I know of what you wish for… Release of him… I can give you that release…”

 

The porcupine stepped back, noting Aeliran's sharp gaze. Cinos doubted whether Aeliran hadn't heard; after all, his ears were advanced beyond anything Cinos knew. But knowing or not, it didn't change what the porcupine said. He looked down as a pebble was pushed into his hand.

 

“I see you aren't ready to confirm yet. Chant the chant of Order into the pebble and I shall come and hear your choice. Farewell for now.”

 

And with that, he was gone.

 

 

Cautious eyes opened halfway, the pain of last night's torture stinging him harshly. They picked up on an all steel room with no doors; a cat flap stood in the farthest corner of the room, obviously for food. Again, there was a triple-plated glass window at the side of the room, this time for observation. Chains hung off the wall, their insides coated with dried blood; his blood. He shuddered. This was his room… his cell…his prison.

It was actually quite a blessing, to be on his own for a while and not have those orange eyes burning into his fearful ones. He looked down, noting the wounds from the previous night, some still dripping with fresh blood. The mark from the utensil was one of them. After a few minutes he realized he still had those annoying sensors stuck to his fur. That meant… he was going to be `observed.' He looked down at the floor sadly.

 

`They can't even leave me alone for just a few minutes…'

 

All of his clothes had been stripped of him, the loss of his trainers disabling his ability to run. That was a clever tactic that only his creator would have thought up. It also meant that before the end of the day, one of them was going to be coming into his cell. He shuddered. If that monster with those flashing eyes came in, all options would be off. Anyone else and he would've escaped long before then… But not with him around…

The cat flap opened ever so slightly, a large parcel being shoved through it. His eyes checked over it cautiously, before kneeling down and unwrapping it. His eyes widened and breathing caught in his throat as he touched the smooth surface. His rocket boots… They were the exact same as `Project: Shadow's' but had been upgraded on the rockets. Gloveless fingers touched the bottom, his breath shuddering as he studied the familiar objects. How long since he had seen them.

Suddenly, a jolt went right through his body, shooting pain through every blood vessel in his racked body. It floored him instantly, tears coming into his already pained eyes. True, he was not affected by electric shocks, but this pain raced into his very core, through his own bloodstream. From last night. That was what the drug was for…

His eyes shot open as a single word raced through his mind, looking as clear as if he had just read it off the floor.

 

`RUN'

 

Fear pelted through his mind, freezing his limbs. It was the porcupine; he knew it. Only he, with those menacing eyes, could create such a fear such as this. Immediately, his rocket boots were shoved on his feet and he pelted around the room. A faint smile ran across his muzzle. He loved the feeling, of travelling at high speeds such as this. It was forgotten that this was even a test; he was running, something he had never done in years.

But the fond memories of galloping across the training fields were dashed as another word streaked through his troubled mind. It was so painful, it was only because of his quick footing and urging will that he didn't fall again.

 

`FASTER'

 

He immediately began running faster, the sonic boom he created temporarily deafening him. The speed was now faster than super-sonic speed. But still he pushed on, his heart pounding in his chest, his breath coming out in sharp breaths. Still, the pain shot down his body. He felt close to collapsing but shook it off. If he kept this up, he might not have to endure torture. Might…

He couldn't go any faster, he knew. It was impossible. But that familiar feeling of pain took over him as another dose of electricity shocked through his drugged body.

 

`FASTER.'

 

He pressed forward, cold sweat racing over him, his quills sticking up unnaturally. Inside, he knew it was pointless. They were testing his abilities, and were deliberately squeezing it out of him. Breaking him down for the torture. Then, his stomach dropped as he felt his feet give way from under him. He couldn't stop either! He hit the metal floor hard and fast, panting hard as he felt the blood race along his chest.

The burning feeling returned, this time twice as hard. It was urging him to get up; to begin running again. But as hard as he tried, it was no luck. The blood ran all over his chest, his nose beginning to flood as well. He coughed up blood, feeling the bile reach the back of his throat. But as soon as he went just about to release hit, his mind was pressed back and he was knocked unconsciousness from the blood loss.

 

 

Cinos shot up from his sleep yet again, the sweat dripping off of him. His quills stuck up at an odd angle as he threw his legs over the edge of the bed, pushing up onto his feet. The hedgehog wobbled ever so slightly, before leaning against the wall. Strange… it actually felt as if he had ran those laps of the cell. A quick shake of the head as he travelled up to face the mirror. Royal blue eyes widened in horror as he noticed a mark on his left arm.

He hissed at his reflection, before storming over to the pebble he had gotten off the porcupine. This was the last straw. He knew his `alter' was making him have these dreams and making him hurt himself to freak him out. Just a practical joke. But that orange-eyed Order could help him. He could rid him of that… that… demon. He gently whispered the chant of Order into it and waited patiently.

 

`Why does he have to torment me! As if I'm just the jester in his courtroom! Well not anymore!'

 

There was a flash of white light and yet again, the porcupine stood, those orange eyes on him. Silence filled the room and a wash of fear went over Cinos. He fought back, knowing full well it was `alter' messing with his head. Blue eyes watched, satisfied as the porcupine stepped forward.

 

“I see your mind is made up… Would you care to grace me with your answer?”

 

The Order's voice was smooth and royal, like a King addressing his son. Cinos swallowed the saliva in his mouth. He knew it was `alter', but he was beginning to think against the matter of separating. It had already been shown that he depended on Order for most of his battles; what would happen if they split? The hog shook his quilled head, shaking off the feeling of that stupid `alter.' He had to get rid of the one that ruined his life…

 

“I… I choose…”

 

 

Author's Note. Hee hee! Cliffie! This… took… me… ages! Please read and review!