Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ Visions of Darkness, Dreams of Light ❯ Chapter 5

Drake looked out the window. "Look, buddy, you shouldn't listen to a private conversation, ok?! Man, I hate rude people, don't you? Who are you, anyway?"

There seemed to be a shocked silence. "I am the great Ivo Robotnik! Ruler of this world!"

"That's Robotnik?"

"That's Ro-butt-nik."

"Oh. Emphasis on the butt, huh?" He looked out the window. "Sorry, I didn't recognize you. I sort of thought you'd be…uh, taller, and less…stout. Nice com-bots, by the way. Loads of fun."

There was a confused silence. "How could you not recognize me? I'm known to everyone on this planet!" Sonic heard Nack laughing in the background.

"Not this one."

"Well, technically, you aren't a resident of this planet." Sally stated.

"True."

"Yuh know, Drake ain't even a member of our universe."

"That's also true."

There was a roar of rage, followed by a clanging throughout the house. Suddenly, the window was covered by a layer of sheet metal. The group blinked at it. Suddenly, a voice emanated from the ceiling.

"Since you appear to want to ignore me, I'll just flood the building with com-bots, so you can finish your talk in pieces! As for you, Mr. Weasel…" There was a crackling of electricity, followed by a "Stand still!" There was a sound of an engine before the intercom cut off.

"I think he's pouting." Drake stated.

"I think Nack got away. He probably managed to keep the money, too."

"You mean he just sacrificed these idiots for money?!"

"Smarter than he looks, isn't he?"

"Damn straight. So…what now? Smash and bash? Or do we just tear through a wall?" He sank his fingers into the wood, ripping a section out. There was a steel plate underneath, wires running through it carrying electricity. "Ok, this wasn't part of the plan. What now?"

"Well, we need to get out of here before the com-bots find us, and I suppose we need to find a way out without them finding us."

Bunnie started. "Drake, how are yuh doing? Do yuh think yuh can cause a diversion?"

"I…don't know. Healing seems to burn me a bit. I doubt it. I need to rest."

"Blood." Mina stated. "If you get some blood, could you pull it off?"

"Maybe…but I'm low…I can't feed off someone like this." Sally gave him a meaningful look, and then glanced at the weasel. "No way, Sal. I refuse to kill someone like that. Besides, he's already unconscious."

"I'll donate." Mina offered.

"The hell if you will! I take from you regularly! It could kill you for me to take as much as I'll need."

"Ah could…"

"No way. You have less blood in you. It's even more dangerous, and we might need your strength."

Sally shivered. "Could I?"

Drake looked at her, sizing her up. <Yes, but…> "I don't want to risk it."

Sally glared. "I just offered someone else. Look at it as punishment. Take some, and if you need more, we'll think of something."

He winced. "Fine. But this will probably hurt." He sighed dramatically. "The things I have to do for you people." Then he bit. Sally gasped. Drake fed quickly, worrying less that she was comfortable than making sure she survived. He finished, a curious look on his face. "Interesting. It's different than when I feed on Mina. You ok?"

Sally blinked and fell into Sonic's arms. She looked dizzily at Mina. "Does it always hit like that?"

Mina giggled. "Nice, huh?"

"I think I'll stick to feeding him through a bag. It was…pleasant, but not that great."

"Sorry. I was more worried about survival than enjoyment. You taste pretty good though. Are you ok? I took enough to dizzy you up but good, I'm sure. Sonic, you should probably help her. As for me…I'm going hunting."

Chapter 19

The freedom fighters were keeping to the secret rooms, while trying to stay close to Drake, who was in the main hallways. Every so often, they would hear crashes, and more than once, an explosion. After these rackets, Drake would always knock on the wall, usually very close to their position. Drake whispered at one interval "I'm starting to get into this. They almost ignore me until I get close. They aren't looking for me." Soon, they reached the entrance.

"Stand back, Drake. I'm gonna saw outta this passage."

"Go for it."

When the four stepped out, Drake looked at Sally, who was currently cradled in Sonic's arms. "What happened?"

"She almost passed out a few minutes ago. She'll be ok, right?"

"I figured she'd need sleep. That seems to help Mina. C'mon, this is where they last came in at. I'm getting worried, though. I feel weird." Drake opened the door, right into the grinning face of Dr. Robotnik. "Oops." He leaped back, the wires missing him by a fraction of an inch.

"I knew you rodents would escape. But I wasn't expecting an Overlander. No, wait, a human. Five fingers, after all. But now…" Drake heard the com-bots moving behind them.

"Well, this…this sucks. So now what?"

"Roboticization, of course." Robotnik grinned again. "Just so you know, the only way you can move after roboticization is to give in, so…"

"Nope. In the words of Rush, 'I will choose free will'."

"Who?"

"You never heard of 'em. Doesn't matter."

"Well then, on to roboticization. I'll even be a gentleman. Ladies first!" He shouted, leaping forwards. Sonic leaped backwards with Sal, only to see Robotnik spin to Mina, the cables hitting her.

"Mina!" The human stared in horror as the metal overtook her yellow fur. He stared at the steel that had replaced her beautiful form. He fell to his knees and began to shake.

"Well, two down, two to go." Robotnik turned back to the horrified hedgehog with a laugh. Then Drake roared, his eyes beginning to glow.

He leaped for Robotnik, barely stopping to separate Snively's arms from his body. He grabbed the scientist, shaking him, as the metal began to creep up both hands. He snarled, eyes flaring red. He ripped a chunk of metal from Robotnik's side. The dictator held up a hand, which emitted a bright flash, temporarily blinding Drake. He laughed. "So you're a bit more dangerous than I thought. Well then, you can become a dangerous statue. Until next time…" He grabbed Snively, racing off. The metal continued to creep up the human's arms. Drake spun with a snarl, looking for something else to attack. He advanced towards the two, rage still burning at its full fury.

"Drake, it's us! Calm down!" The human slowed, the glow fading slowly. He looked at his arms, which were slowly turning silver.

"Oh, Drake…we can give Mina her free will back, but you…" The metal stopped flowing up his arm, and began to recede. Sally gasped. The human barely glanced at his arms. He simply stared at the mongoose, then was struck with inspiration. He put one of his hands to her cheek, and began to pray. The metal began to disappear with greater speed. Finally, it reached his hand. And disappeared from him completely. Nothing happened to Mina. He wanted to weep. Suddenly, the metal began to disappear on her face, replaced again with yellow fur. After a minute, the flesh was completely restored. Mina's eyes opened. She looked around, confused.

"I thought…" The rest was smothered out by a tight hug from Drake, during which Sally noticed his other hand still had flecks of metal.

"Drake, why don't you finish…?"

"I want to try something. Let's go."

The group managed to stumble into knothole. Drake, it was found, could not feed while trying to keep himself from healing. They managed to enter knothole, and Drake collapsed, the metal devouring his arm like a hungry parasite, flowing up to his shoulder in a matter of seconds before stopping. There were several gasps, and Drake was horrified to see the guards make a circle around him. Sally had passed out, and Mina's mother would not allow Mina to try to fight her way to him. With his last strength, Drake flung himself towards Mina, grabbing and hoping his plan didn't backfire.

"Still with us, I see. Boy, if this were a hotel instead of a hospital, I would be rich on you alone. I hereby forbid you from needing to 'sleep it off' in my hospital ever again. This time, you even brought friends!" Drake felt the urge to scream well up in his throat. He'd failed! "However, I doubt they mind. You should see them." The doctor separated the curtains to his left, showing him the princess. She gave him a friendly wave. The doctor opened the front of both, showing him Sonic, Tails, and Bunnie, who quickly rushed in, hugging both (Sonic and Tails only hugged Sally).

Drake stared at them in surprise. "How long was I out?"

"Yuh were both out for three days, but Sally-girl woke up first. Yuh both look good."

"Thanks." He looked around. "Where's…?" The three looked at each other.

Mina rushed in, crying. Drake felt the horror well up again. She clutched him, he felt himself stroking her fur. "I'm so sorry, Mina. I thought…" Suddenly he felt her giggle. He stared at her, and she gestured to Bunnie. The rabbot pulled the curtain to his right apart, showing him what appeared to be an older, darker version of Mina. The mongoose had a small smirk on her face, and gave him a small wave. Drake felt his jaw drop, and turned to the others, who all had huge grins, including Sally. "You were all in on this!" He shouted indignantly.

"Oh, hush!" Mina stated, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Drake blushed darkly.

The doctor frowned. "I don't mean to interrupt, but they need rest. Drake, I suppose you can go. The princess is to stay at her father's orders, and I want to run a few tests on Mrs. Mongoose." She winced. "And yes, I'm afraid that does mean some shots. Oh, and I would like her to stay a day or so. I want to be sure that she's going to be fine before giving her a clean bill of health."

Drake walked in to the hut. "Are you sure your mother approves of this? I mean, she didn't seem to trust me earlier and I doubt she'd like us staying here alone…"

"She's fine with it. Don't worry, I asked. Are you ok?" <Don't be nervous!>

Drake tugged at his collar, glad she wasn't looking at him. <Stop being nervous!> "Uh…what do you mean?"

"Are you hungry? I can make something, or..."

"I would love something to eat." He stated. "I haven't eaten anything solid in three days, after all."

"Mom says that there she started to make some lasagna, but stopped when we left. The sauces and stuff are in the refrigerator, and she put the recipe on a note for me."

"Well…I guess so. I love lasagna. And the best part is that she can have some when she gets out tomorrow."

So they made themselves a dinner, both eating the meal in an awkward silence. After both had finished, they wrapped the leftovers in foil and cleaned the dishes. Afterwards, Mina asked "Uh…"<Ask him!> "Would you…like any blood?" <Stupid, stupid, stupid!>

"Uh…actually, I do feel a little parched." <Tell her how you feel!> "Do you... want to sit down?"<Idiot.>

"Sure." <Think of something! C'mon! I need a way! Any way would be nice!> She sat on the couch, swallowing slightly. Drake began to lean forward. <That's it!> She closed her eyes.

Drake continued to draw closer. He closed his eyes. <I wish I had some other way of showing her I care. Being so gentle while drinking probably isn't the best way to tell a girl you love her.> He slowed. <Oh, well. I'll tell her next time.> He opened his mouth, preparing to feed. Suddenly, he felt something against his lips. He opened his eyes in shock at the same moment he felt something touch his tongue. He pulled back and stared at a blushing Mina for a moment before returning the kiss, which was quite as good as he imagined it would be. He pulled back with a gasp. After a few minutes of silence, he began "So...uhhh…are we…uh…do you…want to try…dating…?"

"Do you want to?"

"Yes. Definitely. Without any doubt."

"Good. Me too." She snuggled into his chest. "How long have you…?

"Shortly after I got here. I met you, and I was stunned. It kept getting stronger the more I knew about you, and I was going to tell you, but…"

"You turned into a vampire."

"Yeah. And I thought you wanted Sonic. What about you?"

She giggled. "I first realized what I felt about you just before you fed on me that first time. When Sally asked me what happened, I was so afraid that they would hurt you, and then I thought you were going to hurt yourself and…" She sighed. "When I was singing with Sonic, I was hoping you heard. I was trying my best…"

"I thought you were trying to get Sonic!" He laughed. "You were trying to get me to notice?! How could I not notice you? You're a goddess!"

She giggled again, blushing shyly. "I'm not that beautiful…"

"You are to me. Didn't they tell you what happened when you were roboticized?"

"No. They just said you managed to get us away and deroboticized me. They wouldn't give details."

"I lost it when you were changed. I just wanted to kill him, and I didn't care what happened to me. I wanted him to pay. I ended up ripping pieces out of him." He chuckled. "I even ripped Sniv's arms off. I thought I failed you, and I would do anything to help you. I was so afraid it wouldn't work."

She smiled, kissing him again. "It worked. And you risked your life to help momma. And to save me, before."

He coughed, looking embarrassed. "Well…anyway, what are we going to tell the others? And your mother? I don't think she'll like this…"

"Momma knows how I feel. I told her before, so she won't be too surprised by us having a relationship. As for the others…we'll just tell them about the wild sex." She grinned evilly.

"Mina! I'm serious!"

"Admit it. You'd love to see the princess's face."

He winced. "I've corrupted you already. It would be funny, yes, but I'd rather not say something like that."

She smirked. "Alright, we'll tell them the truth. That we're in love." She kissed him again.

Chapter 20

"Life, my spiny blue friend, is good. All is right in my world."

Sonic snorted. "It ain't perfect." He shook his head with a chuckle. "But in your case, I guess it's close enough."

"Yeah. I can't believe she's my girlfriend." He laughed, did a backflip, landing in a handstand. He leaped back to his feet. "I've never been happier. I wish…" His smile disappeared in a wince.

Sonic recognized the look. "You wish your parents could meet her, huh?"

"I wish I knew what to do in that regard. If I could go back…I wouldn't. I want to see them, though. It's an odd setup. I mean, compared to everyone else. You know…everyone else thinks their parents are roboticized somewhere, and I think my parents are fine, and yet the princess is looking for mine."

"We're working on deroboticization, and rescuing Robians isn't very high on our lists, because a lot of them hate being Robians. To be honest, I think Sal kinda hit rock bottom on what to do about your situation. Knuckles hasn't sent a reply, and…"

"Knuckles?"

"The guardian of the Floating Island. He…" The hedgehog suddenly winced. "Knux would certainly not like us telling people about it. He's a little…protective. I guess he should be, since it is his job. Don't tell Sal I blabbed."

"I'd sooner tell St. Jack."

"Geoffrey doesn't like that nickname, you know. He is going to tear into you for that some day. "

"He can try. I just can't stand the guy. First few days he wouldn't leave me alone. Always following me. Even after Sal told him…"

"Told who?"

"Jack. What's up, Sal?"

"I finally got a message from Knuckles!"

"Oh." Sonic glared at him. "Who's Knuckles?"

"The guardian."

"Of?"

"The Floating Island, of course."

"The what?"

"You'll see. Anyhow, Knuckles sent us a reply. He said he was feeling a little dead, and couldn't check his messages. Honestly, to be so tired that it took him months! I need to have a talk with Julie-su."

Drake sighed. "Who?"

"His girlfriend. She's tried to kill him at least twice."

"Oh…wait, TWICE?"

"Before they fell in love. She saved him the second time."

"You people have the most God-awful strange friends."

Sonic grinned. "Thanks, man. You, too."

"Anyway, what'd he say?"

"He said he'd try to send you home."

"I don't want to go home."

She grimaced. "I suppose you wouldn't, now would you. Mina's on cloud nine, and I bet you aren't any better."

"He's been doing flips and handstands and who knows what else. Honestly man, you must be wasting blood like that."

"Probably, but…I can't stop being happy, and well…I can't find any other way to express myself. Now, for the third time, finish the letter."

"Huh? Oh! Anyway, he wants to meet you and see what you're like, you know, to sort of decide whether it's worth the risk."

He gave her a venomous look. "You didn't tell him I was an Overlander, did you?"

"I…uh…well, no. He might have said no, and between me and Julie-su, I'm sure we could convince him to at least try to without..."

"He knows I'm a vampire…right?"

"No-he-doesn't but…"

"Sal! I can't believe you didn't tell him any of this! This sort of the thing could get me killed!"

"Drake, I'm sure once he gets to know you, he'll trust you. The only problem is, is that he might not have even given you a chance. Echidnas can be strange, at times. And the guardians can be worse."

"Sal, I agree with Drake. If ol' Nemesis decides when we get there that Drake is a threat to the Island, he might try to kill him! You know that Knux is honor bound to protect the Island! This is crazy!"

"Look, first of all, Drake may be an Overlander, human, whatever, but I think Knuckles is above specieism. Besides, Drake wasn't a vampire when I sent the message and…"

"Well, are you going to tell him or not?"

"Probably. He might be able to cure you."

"I…I don't know that that would be a good idea."

"What!? What isn't a good idea?"

"Curing me. I mean, Sal, look. I can cure roboticization. I'm near invincible, I'm strong, I'm fast, and I can't get sick! I could help so many people, and…"

"Are you sure you can live like this?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, but as far as deroboticization goes, I'm the only thing we've got. Only problem is, I need Robotnik to touch me to activate it."

"You sure about that?"

"Yeah. Antoine offered blood for me just to try on his father. I didn't accept the blood, of course. Anyway, I tried, but nothing happened. I tried to force it out of him, but it was like trying to catch fog. I can feel it, but I can't touch it. I don't know how to describe it. It's like…it's there, and I'm there, but…I'm missing…something. I don't know." He sighed. "Anyway, what's up with that 'Nemesis' thing?"

"That? Knux and me had our differences, and basically we ended up adversaries, but as more of a joking way. We agree to disagree. Rival buddies, so to speak. So, he's the 'Friendly Nemesis'."

"They pretend to hate each other. They actually get along better than you might think. It's cute." Sally smirked.

"It is not cute!" Sonic snapped.

"Oh yes it is. Even Julie-su thinks so." Her smirk turned into a grin.

The hedgehog rolled his eyes, and looked into the sky. "Why? Do all women do this? Or am I just lucky?"

Drake snorted. "I doubt it. I think it's instinctive. Anyway, when do we leave?"

"Next Friday. We have a three day weekend, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"Excellent. Uh…can I…?"

"Invite Mina? I don't know if that would be alright, actually. Haven might want you to stay so they can run some tests, and we might have to stay a few days. I doubt her mother would like that, you know. The two of you, little supervision, on the Floating Island. But good luck."

"Well, it can't hurt to ask. Besides, I'm a good kid." Sonic snorted. "By the way, how come your father lets you go with the blue pincushion here?"

"That's neither here nor there. Now…"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa…you haven't told your dad, have ya?"

"Actually, that was my idea. I think it would bother him, and I really don't need St. John bothering me more than he does." Sonic admitted.

"Oh." He grinned at Sally. She blushed.

"So, uh…Mrs. Mongoose, would it be ok if Mina and I went to the Floating Island?" He asked, drying a glass.

She frowned, turning away from the dishwater. "I don't know…why are you going there?"

"Sal thinks the guardian could cure me. Or maybe let me see my folks."

"So you aren't going home?"

"Well…I doubt it. For the most part, I love it here."

She smirked slightly and turned back to the dishes.

"I don't see why not. If Mina wants to go, that would be fine. Take pictures, though. I've always wanted to see the island."

"One problem."

Her right ear perked. "Yes?"

"Uh…we might be there a day or so. We leave next Friday."

She frowned, scrubbing a plate. "I don't know about that…I'll think about it. I'll admit I don't feel comfortable with the idea. Have you asked Mina?"

"No. I figured I'd ask you first so I don't cause trouble. I understand if you'd be a little uncomfortable with the idea."

She sighed. "No, I'm very uncomfortable with it. I'm sorry, Drake. I'd prefer that she not." She looked at him, and quickly said. "It's not that I don't trust you, it's just…I don't like the temptation of it. Things happen."

He smiled, giving her a small nod. "I understand." <Actually, no I don't. She trusts me to sleep in the same house, in the next room, but not to spend a night or two with her somewhere else, where we won't even be that close. I suppose I can't blame her, though. She's just worried.> He dried the last dish. "Well, it's time to turn in. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Drake. Could you make sure Mina isn't asleep at her desk again? She's been doing that lately. She's writing something or other." The human nodded his assent. As he left the kitchen, she looked into the soapy water, wondering.

Chapter 21

The following morning, the two mongooses were cleaning the breakfast plates. Mina giggled and splashed her mother, who gasped and splashed her back. By the time Drake returned to the kitchen, he was surprised to see both of them soaking wet and covered in bubbles. He snickered, and burst into laughter. Startled, the two looked at him, then shared a private grin. Drake managed to regain control in time to see something fly at him. The wet cloth hit him with a splat. He stood there a moment, the cloth stuck to his face. The mongooses started laughing. He pulled the rag off quickly, his eyes beginning to glow.

"Foolish mortals, you cannot harm me with your primitive soapy wash rags. Cease now, and ye shall not be destroyed." A soap bubble dripped from his nose.

The girls laughed even harder. "Please don't hurt us, oh lord of the darkness, for we are but innocent women."

"Innocent my eye. And the 'lord of the darkness' thing needs work too. " He grinned. "I'll see you two later."

"Well, is she coming?"

"No." He stated sadly.

"Sorry man. Sal told you, though."

"I know. I'm not really surprised. It is a lot to ask."

"Did you even ask Mina?"

"Nope. I don't want to cause any tension between them."

"Man, they'd both be Robians if it weren't for you. I'd be offended. I mean, you took a major risk, and she isn't sure she can trust you alone for a few days?"

"Hey, calm down. I understand. I don't like it, but I understand. And don't say anything to Mina, ok? We just started dating, and I don't want any problems. Besides, I didn't change her mother back so she'd owe me. That offends me. I intended to try other people too, but…"

Sonic grimaced. "Look, man, I'm sorry. I just think she should trust you more."
Drake shrugged. "Don't worry about it. It'll only be a few days, after all. I would have liked her to meet my folks, though."

"Well, you could try to convince her."

"Nah. If I tried to convince her, she might not trust me at all. As it is, she's just worried that something might happen. She's less worried about trust than control."

"If you say so. What if she changes her mind?"

Drake shrugged again. "I don't know. I'd definitely want Mina along, so…"

"You're saying…if she were allowed, it'd be perfect, but she's not, so it sucks, but you won't do anything about it."

"Basically, yeah."

"And you say I'm strange. You know, if you tell Mina…"

Drake glared. "No! I'm not going to get them mad at each other, or at me! The question was answered! Drop it!"

"Drop what?"

Drake spun. "Oh. Hi Sal. Nothing."

She gave Sonic a look. "What have you been bothering him about?"

"Mina can't come."

Sally turned back to Drake. "I'm sorry, Drake. Did her mother say no?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna go talk to Mina, but I won't ask her to go." He walked off.

Sally spun on Sonic. "What did you do?"

"I just said that he could try to convince her otherwise. I didn't mean any harm! I just think he deserves a little more trust. After all, it wouldn't be hard for them to sneak off anyway. She's just worrying too much."

"Well, she has that right! Mina is her daughter, after all." Sally finished with a sigh. "Too bad though. I think they would have loved the scenery."

"Please, they wouldn't have noticed any scenery."

"Like you are any better." She smirked, giving him a nuzzle.

"Drake was right. Life is good."

"….so, I love your daughter. I wanted to make sure you are ok with that before we officially start dating. I don't want to hide anything from you."

The king stared. "I hadn't actually thought that you would have this kind of courage. I must say I'm impressed." He nodded. "However, that is not the matter at hand. My intentions are for Sally to marry someone of noble lineage, young hedgehog. You can see the problem.

Sonic winced. <Well, you knew it was coming.> "Well…"

"I could never allow my daughter to date, or marry for that matter, a commoner. I do, however, have a question."

"What is that, sir?"

"Would being the nephew of the minister of science give you some nobility? Or am I wrong?"

Sonic stared at the king in total shock. "Uncle Chuck stepped down, though."

"Well, if you disagree with my logic…"

"No no no no no…NO. Excellent logic, your majesty. Makes perfect sense."

The king burst out laughing. "I'm sorry. Do you have any idea how hard it was to keep a straight face when I thought of that? Wow." He chuckled again. "You were so worried, I had to poke a little fun. You usually maintain your cool so well, I couldn't resist."

"Sir, are you saying that you let me babble for the past fifteen minutes for absolutely no reason? That you were going to let me date Sal from the start?"

"Of course. You are, after all, in love with her. It was obvious from the start what you were trying to say. But I had to torture you a bit."

"That is cold. You must teach me this evil, for I wish to learn." Sonic joked.

"Sonic, I will do what I can, but I promise nothing, for you are not of the brotherhood." The king stated seriously.

"Huh?"

"Another joke. A good poker face and people will believe almost anything. It works more often than you might think. Never play cards with me."

"Anyway, no problems, right?"

"Of course not. But I will say this…hurt my daughter, and even Robotnik will feel sorry for you. Not that I think you would, but…"

Sonic coughed. "Of course." He said nervously. "Uh…I…better go. See ya."

The king watched him solemnly. He grinned after the hedgehog was gone, and reached under the wheel chair. "Nicole, is there any way I could store all of that? I need the look on his face after I said that." He chuckled again. "Priceless. And don't tell Sally I have that saved. If she finds the video, she'll figure it out."