Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Great Scam ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: Sega owns Sonic and his crew...I DON'T!!!

 

“The Great Scam” Chap. 3

 

 

Two weeks have pasted since Knuckles broke up with Rouge. And it was increasingly hard for her. Every day she was apart from him, she felt as if piece of herself was missing. Emptiness filled her for most of the day whenever she thought about him. God she missed him so much...

 

Though despite her situation, she always remained hopeful... She always believed that no matter what, she could win her love back....

 

***

 

It was just another day for Rouge. Today she was at “Cleaner World”, finishing up the last of her laundry. After throwing the last load in the dryer, the Bat found she had a few minutes to kill while she waited for her clothes to finish, so what better way, than to bother the Hedgehog.

 

She smirked when she thought about her `accomplice'. That Hedgehog was very different from a lot of the guys she meet. It wasn't really different in a bad way…He was just different.

 

Like, she never knew anyone to do things just for the sake of doing them. She was always taught to only help only when it benefits you too. For instance she knew right from the start, Sonic didn't want any part of the scheme they cooked up. But he never abandoned her or went back on his word.

 

It was weird, but Rouge really appreciated what he was doing for her. Although she never would admit it to him though, but she was glad there were some noble guys still out there.

 

“Maybe I should take him out to dinner tonight?” she said to herself, “...As a way of saying thanks.” Rouge pondered on the issued, as drew out her cell phone to call up the Hedgehog in question.

 

She dialed in the series of numbers into the phone and patiently waited as the receiver ringed. It amazed her, the fact how well she knew Sonic's number by heart. She still had to search in her phone book for Knuckles' number. Granted, she didn't have the heart to call the Echidna right now.

 

“Soon, Knuckles...Soon…” she said to herself while taking a breath.

 

But in any case...she never forgot Sonic's number. And she never forgot that all familiar Voicemail service the Hedgehog had, which she was getting now.

 

“Hello...This is Sonic T. Hedgehog...”

 

Rouge sighed as she heard his answering machine. She probably got it so many times; she practically could recite the whole damn thing by memory.

 

“Sorry I'm unable to come to the phone right now. But I'm probably out, saving the world or scoring with a hot babe or something...”

 

Rouge rolled her eyes. God the Hedgehog could be a pig sometimes.

 

“In any case; leave your name, Phone number, the area of Mobius your calling from, the nature of your Emergency or you're Measurements, and I'll be sure to get back to you...”

 

“Sonic this is Rouge I...” Then Rouge was cut off by the secondary menu of Sonic's voice mail.

 

“If you need a land, air, sea or space type Rescue, Press 1.”

 

“If you need Eggman robots vaporized, Press 2.”

 

“If your City is on the verge of totally destruction, Press 6.”

 

“If your kitty is trapped in a tree, Press 7.”

 

“If you're a hot babe and you need some Hedgehog loving. Press 69”

 

“Baka...” Rouge groaned.

 

“Finally if you just need to leave a brief message, wait for the beep.”

 

“Finally...” Rouge groaned. After five seconds she heard the tone. “Hey Sonic, it's just Rouge. I was just seeing what you were up to. I'll call ya back later. Bye!” And with that Rouge tossed her cell phone in her purse.

 

The white Bat sighed, as she stared at the semi-hypnotic circular motion her clothes where doing, while inside the dryer. She was bored. Extremely bored. Laundry day was always the most tiresome day for her, because there was absolutely nothing to do in the place but just wait.

 

She was hoping that talking to the Hedgehog, would relieve her of her plight. Especially since Sonic always seemed to find the right way to make her laugh. That was probably why she tolerated him more now than before.

 

Sonic was just fun to be around. She felt relaxed when he was with her, especially, because she didn't have to worry about him trying to make a move on her. At first she was slightly bothered when he first started to come over to her place. She wasn't sure that he wouldn't renege on their agreement to no `funny stuff.'

 

But the Hedgehog remained true to his word. So she decided to let down her guard a bit when he was around. It wasn't bad honestly. He was a good guy...all-in-all. There were even times when Rouge wondered what would have happen if Sonic was the one that was at Angel Island that day instead of Knuckles...

 

Though, just as thoughts like that entered her mind, Rouge immediately snuffed them out quick. She knew she loved and was meant for Knuckles. Sonic was just a friend...Nothing else...

 

`Nothing else...' She repeated to herself.

 

****

 

An hour later Rouge finally left the `Cleaner World' laundry mat, and started to go home. It was getting late in the afternoon and the Sun was starting to set. So Station Square was now gleaming with an assortment of red, yellow, and orange hues.

 

She loved this time of the day. The area when it was right before night and a little after dusk. The Sun would always play tricks on an observer's eye sights. Things that seemed white, wore often yellow. Things that were far off in the distanced seem closer then ever. And even people seemed to slightly change appearance.

 

Like for instance. The couple of Echidna that Rouge saw getting out of a small Corvette. If Rouge didn't know any better, she would have sworn the guy Echidna was Knuckles. But come on...If that was Knuckles then who was that Echidna girl draped on his arm.

 

“Oh well no matter,” Rouge said to herself as she fumbled with her basket full of clothes. Finally getting herself situated, the Bat patiently waited for the crosswalk light to turn green.

 

Rouge tried to remain focused, making sure she face forward and waited for the crosswalk signal. But every so often her attention would draw back to the couple. The two seemed so happy and joyful.

 

`Knuckles and Me were like that one at one time,' she sighed as she wiped away a newly formed tear. She had to get out of there. The couple's happiness only increased Rouge's sadness.

 

She was ready to step in the middle of traffic. She didn't care if she got hit or not. She just had to leave and leave fast. Her foot was millimeters from the blacktop then she heard...

 

“Oh Knuckles...your so sweet!” A frilled female voice gleamed.

 

Rouge froze in place. She knew her hearing was perfect. Actually it was better then most people. But she still couldn't believe what she just heard. Or maybe, she refused to believe what she just heard.

 

Coming back from the curb, Rouge slowly turned around and faced the couple. No... She faced the “wonderfully happy” couple. She didn't know why she didn't stop herself. If anything this was the last place she would want to be.

 

Then slowly she took a step towards them. Rouge was petrified. She knew in her mind that if that was Knuckles, she couldn't face him. Not now. And if he did find someone new, she didn't to know about it. Only problem was, her body wasn't listening to her mental protest. It just proceeded to move in the direction of the couple.

 

Rouge sighed. She knew there was no way around, this encounter. She only prayed that everything would be ok...

 

****

 

Meanwhile two cities away...

 

Sonic wiped his brow. The heat from this apartment fire was intense. So intense, he was surprised he didn't pass out from heat stroke a long time ago. But he knew he wouldn't. His body was too strong. And so was his will, besides many people were still depending on him.

 

He sighed. `The work of a hero is never done.' And with that he dashed back into the burning inferno.

 

****

 

Sonic managed to get most of the people out of the burning building. Now the only one that remained was the lady in 517, the top floor of the apartment complex.

 

You probably wonder why the dame wasn't evacuated with the rest of the tenants by the spiked speedster. Well ya see...this particular madam weighed around 600 hundred pounds. And as you all well know, our beloved hedgehog was gifted with the speed of Mercury...not Herculean strength.

 

So...that left him with one option. “HEY LADY YOU GOTTA JUMP!!!”

 

“WHAT!!??!!!” he heard the corpulent woman cry.

 

“HEY YOU GOT TO! DON'T WORRY THE FIREFIGHTERS HAVE A NET AND ARE READY FOR YA!!!” he shouted back up to her. Sonic glanced to the side and grimaced.

 

True, the Fire Department was ready for the lady. Only problem was most of the fighters looked scared out of their minds. Then again, Sonic could relate. A woman that size falling from a building that big, the landing would not be pretty.

 

He shrugged his shoulders. “Oh well not my problem.” he looked up to the big boned lady. “HEY TRUST ME, EVERYTHING WILL BE OK!!!...I think,” he whispered the last part.

 

“OK!!!” she shouted back. “GERONIMO!!!” And then the behemoth was air born.

 

***

 

Back on ground floor, Sonic looked up as the Sun was instantly blacked from the shadowy presence of the woman's girth. The shadow her bubbly flesh, made could have put the whole city into darkness. Sonic looked on in amazement as she was descending. Then a familiar irritating sound drew his attention.

 

*BRRRRRRRRR!!!!*

 

Sonic fumbled around his person to find his Cell phone. But he couldn't find any trace of the device. Christ, this thing would be a lot easier if he had pockets.

 

With Sonic's focus only on the continual ring of his Phone, he didn't notice the slight change in the wind current, which altered the fat lady's course. Before she was directed right dead center of the Fireman's Net. Now she lard was aimed at our poor hero. Fireman screamed as they ran for the hills. It was every man-for-himself and Sonic was none the wiser.

 

“AH-HA!!” the Hedgehog cried finally finding the object. He went to push the `talk' button, but then for some reason he decided to look up. .

 

That was when the BLUBBERING started...

 

****

 

Rouge fiddled with the numbers on the dial to get Sonic. Normally she wouldn't have any problems calling the hero. But after what just happen, she was barely able hold on now. She needed to talk to Sonic. She didn't know why, but she knew talking to him would make things better.

 

She tried to wipe the tears that were falling from her redden, sky blue eyes. But the more she tried, the more tears fell. Finally finishing the sequence, the bat listened to the receiver ring. `Please if there is a God out there...Let him be there,' she mentally prayed.

 

After a few more rings she heard the other end pick-up. “Hello Sonic!!!”

 

The hedgehog didn't answer immediately. All she could hear in the background was the Hedgehog using a large assortment of swear words, followed with. “CAN YOU GET YOUR ASS OFF OF ME? I LIKE BREATHING!!!!” Then after a few more seconds, he finally came to the phone. “Hello...” he said kinda angrily.

 

Rouge closed her eyes and whispered a silent. `Thank you...' “Hello Sonic...”

 

“...Rouge?” The hedgehog said questionably. It seemed his previous ill-temper was gone. “Hey what's up?” he said merrily. Then he paused. He could hear her sobs in from the other line. “Rouge...There something wrong?”

 

“Yeah...” She weakly said. “Umm...about the thing we were planning,” Sonic was about to comment. But Rouge cut him off before speaking. “Just forget it. Just forget the whole stupid fucking thing!!!”

 

“What? What happen...?”

 

“God, I made such a fool out of myself...” the bat cried, her sentence ending with more tears falling.

 

“Rouge? Rouge? What happen?” he hated hearing her like this. He knew how tough she tried to be at times. Hearing her cry like this... He didn't know why, but it tugged at his heart.

 

“He found someone else already....” Rouge finally replied. But distortion from their phones was causing problems with Sonic hearing her.

 

“What?” his answered. “I can't hear you?” She tried to repeat what she said again. But there was more static preventing him from hearing her. He then dashed away from the Fire scene, to try to find a better place to pick-up her signal.

 

After a while just decided. “Hold up tell me where you are. I'll be there in a few seconds.”

 

Rouge paused. She knew she must have been a wreck. She didn't want Sonic seeing her acting so weak. “Look you don't to do that. I'm just being an idiot for thinking I could get him back anyway...”

 

“Rouge...Don't say that about your self,” Sonic protested. “Just, tell me where you are. I'll swing by, and then we'll both figure something out...”

 

The Bat thought about for a second then looked around. She was totally alone again. Something she really didn't want. And honestly...she did kinda want to talk to Sonic face-to-face anyway. She had to thank him for trying to help her. “I'm in the Station Square Park, not to far from the chili dog stand...” She finally answered him.

 

“Chili dog???” that sparked something in his Hedgehog little mind, “I know exactly where you are. I'll be right there in a Sonic-second.”

 

He was almost in mid-dash when Rouge caught him on the line. “Look Sonic, you don't have to come by. I'll...”

 

“I know I don't have to, Rouge...” He said gently, while stopping her from continued. She could tell he was smiling when he said the next words. “I want to…” And to her weakness, she kinda smiled as well. “Be there in a flash...” he told her.

 

“Hey Sonic....”

 

“Yeah?” he answered her again.

 

Rouge she smirked a little. If you were looking at her from a distant, you could see her fangs kinda glinting in the Sun. “You know all those bad stuff I said about you before?”

 

“Yeah...” Sonic answered, he was still slightly irritated by some of her past comments.

 

“I take back, half of the things I said...” she said with a small smile.

 

She could hear him laughing on the other end. “What about the other half..?” he joyfully asked her. Glad they were finally acting *almost* civil to each other.

 

“Well, if you come by...we'll see....” She ended.

 

“I'll hold you that...” He said. “Bye....” Then Rouge's line went died.

 

For a few seconds, Rouge cleared her eyes. She knew she was supposed to be still devastated by what just happen. But like she knew it would...talking to Sonic made her feel better. “Thanks Sonic...”

 

****

 

In the center of Station Square, there was a lovely park, a park where most of the residents of the city have been at least once in their life. The scenic landscapes, the beautiful green trees, and the budding wildlife attracted all in the city.

 

Many-a-time, you could see a couple walking hand-in-hand through the wondrous place. For the park was often a place for love to plume. But many the Park served as place for when people just wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

 

The Park was an escape for all. A place when they could just forget all of their troubles and just enjoy what beauty Mother Nature had. But no matter what beauty Mother Nature had, she still couldn't brighten the hopes of the saddening Rouge the bat.

 

The nocturnal girl could be found pacing back and forth in front of the Park's water fountain. She tried sitting down, in an attempt to calm her nerves. But she would be on her feet pacing back-and-forth again in seconds.

 

But soon her pacing stopped. The whirling sounds of a certain speedster drew her attention. She gazed in distance as she saw the blue whirl cloud.

 

***

 

Sonic rushed over to Rouge and came to a screeching halt. “Hey...” he said calmly to her, the always familiar Hedgehog smile, still present on his face.

 

“Hey...?” she returned his smile. Then some kinda odor hit her nose. “Umm...What's that smell?”

 

The Hedgehog tried to suppress his bleech but it was futile effort. “(Burp)....” He blushed slightly. “Oh, sorry...Had a few chili dogs, from the stand...” he finished, while popping a few Altoids into his mouth.

 

Rouge rolled her eyes and sighed. “You're hopeless...”

 

The Hedgehog merely nodded, while laughing. “Granted...” he said confirming her statement, “And now that I'm minty fresh. Tell me what's going on...”

 

Rouge sighed. She didn't really want to even think about what happen before. But it would be the only way for Sonic to know. “Well it's like this...” she started to say.

 

***

 

Rouge went into how she came across Knuckles again in the city streets. She also told Sonic about Knuckles new girlfriend, Julie-Su. Or the Bitch...What Rouge preferred to call her.

 

The three of them had a nice discussion, despite the unusualness of their relationship. That and the fact Rouge was nervous so damn nervous. She hadn't seen Knuckles in such a long time, then to see him already with a new girl. It broke her heart entirely.

 

***

 

“Then she had the nerve to invite me out to dinner with them tonight. That's when I ran...” Rouge said, finally bringing her story to a close. “I swear I made a complete fool out of myself. And now he already found someone else. I swear if she wasn't around he would like me again...”

 

The Hedgehog frowned. He knew that wasn't true. “I really seriously doubt that...” he muttered under his breath.

 

“WHAT?!?” she shouted at him.

 

“Nothing...” he said nonchalantly. Sonic became more silent as he stood up away from Rouge. Gradually he hopped onto a rail way that was close to them and started to walk across the railing. His Hedgehog mind was well in the works.

 

Rouge sighed, “Now I have nothing...And he still doesn't want me...”

 

“I have to ask...” the blue hedgehog said, while he moved across the railing like he was tightrope walking, “Why do you put up with his crap? I mean no offense to Knuckles or anything, but the two times I've seen you cry, was after talking to him.” He then leaped down from the railing and stood away from her. “You shouldn't have to put up with that. You shouldn't be with someone that makes you cry...”

 

“It's not like that at all!!!” Rouge shouted back at him. Her temper was rising the more she looked at his blue face. “Besides what the hell could you possibly know? I don't see any girls running in line to be with you...”

 

Sonic could have mentioned a certain pink quilled Hedgehog, but decided it wasn't important. He spun around to face her. “Hey...The hedgehog knows ok...You think you're the only one that has experienced heartbreak....” Rouge made no comment. “I mean just cause we're different people, doesn't mean I don't know what you're going through...”

 

She sighed. He was right. She hated when he was right. “So what should I do?” she asked. “How can I make it stop hurting so much....?”

 

Sonic sat down beside her and put his arm around her. Rouge slowly leaned against his shoulder as he talked to her. “Well, I would say....move on, you know. Life is too short to be wasting time on someone that doesn't appreciate how special you are...”

 

Rouge blushed at his statement. Her mind was pondering his words for a while. She then turned to the side and looked toward the hero. Who, at the time, was watching a group of kids playing in the distance. She didn't know why, but a smile crossed her face as she continued to look at him. `I guess he can be sweet too...' she said to herself.

 

The bat rose up from her seat and stood in front of Sonic. “Umm....Thank you Sonic. What you said today made me feel a lot better...” she said gradually, as a smile was slowly returning to her face.

 

The blue hedgehog beamed in return. He loved seeing her happy. “So are you still going to continue to chase after him?” the Hedgehog asked, kinda hoping that she would end this farce.

 

Rouge thought for minute. She then sighed. Although it seemed hopeless, she had to go with her heart. She looked up to Sonic. “Yeah...” She answered him. “I love him.” The bat stated truthfully. “And I can't lose hope. I know this has to be right...I see it...I just have to show Knuckles that too....” Her determined blue eyes gleamed strongly.

 

“Ok...but you know you can't force someone to love you...” The hedgehog countered.

 

“I know...” Rouge paused for a minute. “But I'm not forcing him” she answered. “I'm....just reminding him...I guess...” Her voice didn't echo the conviction, her words held.

 

Sonic frowned from her statement. `Oh well...' he quickly dismissed his scowl. “Ok…So what should we do about this dinner?”

 

“Huh...” Rouge's ears perked up from his remark. “Sonic, you don't have to...?”

 

“I know...” he said softly. “But I promised to help you two get back together. And I have to keep my word...” he finished with a stern face. But the seriousness of that expression was failing fast. “Besides...” He added with a smirk. “You're not as revolting as I thought you were...”

 

“Why Sonic...were you trying to compliment little ol'me..?” The bat coyly replied.

 

Sonic rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah...don't make a big deal out of it...”

 

“Believe me...I won't let it go to my head.” Rouge said with a small laugh. “Besides I still think your revolting...” The sensual Bat countered.

 

Sonic laughed. “Why thank you....” he retorted.

 

Then the Bat allowed herself a small smile, while looking into the Sonic's green eyes. “But you are sweet...” she whispered to him, and then placed a small kiss on his cheek. Instantly the area where she kissed him turned red. Sonic blushed like crazy from partially from shock and partial cause it was kinda nice.

 

Rouge peered at her friend for a few seconds. Then her eyes went wide. “OH MY GOD!!! Are you blushing?” Sonic fake coughed and tried to turn away from her. But Rouge followed his motions and observed his reaction. She grinned, “AWWW you look so cute!” Her statement was followed with the cries of her laughter.

 

The Hedgehog rolled his eyes. `What have I gotten myself into..' “ANYWAY!!!!” he said, trying to steer the conversation away from him. “What do you want to do about tonight...?” he interjected.

 

Rouge paused. “I don't know...” Her gaze looked to the floor. “I'm thinking about just not going...” she whispered silently.

 

“What? And let Ol' Knuckle-brain get off that easily...” he wasn't going to stand for it. Then he was hit with an idea. “Hey I know...what if I go with you?” he asked her. “I am supposed to be your boyfriend and all...Plus I know that would piss him off royally. The last time we went out to dinner together, I got us both kicked out...”

 

“HUH? You?” That seemed totally unheard of. Sonic T. Hedgehog, #1 straight arrow, getting tossed out of a restaurant. She had to hear about this. “What the hell did you do?”

 

“What...??” he asked her. “I mean come on...the place was charging $8.50 for a chili dog. I had every right to complain...” `Any Hedgehog would...' He non-verbally added.

 

Rouge cocked her head to the side as she took in the Hedgehog's profile. “You are so strange...” Sonic face faulted. “But then again $8.50 is kinda expensive...”

 

The hedgehog was on his feet in a flash. “SEE! That's what I'm talking about!!!” he triumphantly shouted.

 

“Ok, Ok...” Rouge waving him to calm down. After a few minutes, the Hedgehog was at rest. “So you sure you want to go with me?” `I can't believe I'm going through with this...' she mentally sighed.

 

The hedgehog nodded, “Yeah...who knows it might be fun.” He seriously doubted it. But who knew...

 

“Ok...If you're going to go. You're going to need this,” Rouge tossed a huge 500 page book to Sonic's feet.

 

The hedgehog stared at the Title. “Everything you ever wanted to know about Sonic's and Rouge's relationship.” Sonic looked down and the book, then looked up to Rouge. “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!?”

 

The bat frowned. “Isn't it obvious,” she pointed to the title, which was embroiled with bold red letters. “It's the “Everything you ever wanted to know about our relationship” book.”

 

“Eh, Hello! WE DON'T HAVE A RELATIONSHIP” Sonic stated loudly. “And if we did, I would say we were just friends.”

 

Rouge softened at his words. “Awww...You consider me a friend?” The Hedgehog made no response. He was probably questioning that fact now. Oh well... “Anyway…” she continued. “I know that...But we have to fake it like we do...”

 

“Look why can't we just go out like ourselves. Why all this trickery? I think we could do all right...”

 

“Maybe...” she began. “But I don't want anything left up to chance.” She winced as she saw Sonic frown. “Look just look through it ok? Just do it for me...” she said walking over and taking his hand. “PLEASE...”

 

Sonic was staring right into the sea of blue orbs that were called Rouges eyes. He found he was totally entrapped by the intensity of her gaze. She had him...and she didn't even know it.

 

`DAMMIT WHY DID SHE HAVE TO BE CUTE!!!' he mentally screamed. Finally the hedgehog sighed. “Ok, ok...just stop staring at me with those big eyes of yours... I'll take it with me…But I make no promises...”

 

Rouge nodded. “Fine...that's good enough...” she looked to her watch. “Ok look I have to go and get ready. Just meet us at the `Crystal Light restaurant' around eight.”

 

“Ok...ok...” Sonic brushed off her statement. He slowly started to walk away. But as he did, Rouge could hear him say. “I hope he's really worth all this trouble...”

 

Rouge paused for a minute. She was sure that he was, but for some reason she couldn't find the voice to back-up the statement. So instead, she just watched Sonic walk into the sunset. “You are...Knuckles...I know you are...” she finally allowed herself to say.