#young silver

[cartoonartistpng]

Art for the first fic in my Dadphiles AU. You can read it on Ao3:

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Sonic the Hedgehog - All Media Types, Sonic the Hedgehog (Video Games) Rating: General Audiences  Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply  Relationships: Mephiles the Dark & Shadow the Hedgehog & Silver the Hedgehog & Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog & Silver the Hedgehog & Sonic the Hedgehog, Mephiles the Dark & Sonic the Hedgehog, Mephiles the Dark & Shadow the Hedgehog, Mephiles the Dark & Silver the Hedgehog  Characters: Mephiles the Dark, Silver the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog  Additional Tags: Dadphiles, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Sonic the Hedgehog Lore, Sonic the Hedgehog Gods, One Shot, Prequel, Unreliable Narrator, Baby Sonic the Hedgehog, Baby Silver The Hedgehog, Baby Shadow the Hedgehog, Timeline Shenanigans, Mephiles fucks up the timeline and becomes dad, Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog and Silver the Hedgehog are Siblings, Mephiles is a Dad, but in denial, not dad of the year though, Gods, Mentioned Solaris (Sonic the Hedgehog), Mentioned Iblis (Sonic the Hedgehog), Accidental Baby Acquisition, Found Family, Triple S as found family  Series: Part 1 of Dadphiles AU Summary:  Mortals were fools. Father? No, the next time they met, he would be their executioner. -/-/-

[kaliyakarnage]

Character(c)Disney Artwork/design(c)Kaliya

[shadofiredragon]

Legends Never Die

{ Hello everyone! Hey look “I LIIIVE!!” I’m so sorry for disappearing. It’s not an uncommon occurrence. I wish it was. I don’t know what’s wrong with me but- I don’t know. I can’t figure out how to fix it. Anyway, thank you so much to @000marie198 for all her help with this story! I hope you all enjoy this next chapter as much as I did! }

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Part 1 ~ Immortal Escape

Chapter 8 - G.U.N’s Secret File

Tails grinned, one leg swinging off the bike as he turned around to face the owner of the voice that had greeted him.

Tails' eyes landed on the hedgehog standing in the doorway. Blue streaked arms were crossed over his peachy chest, but the relaxed posture and lightly tapping foot betrayed the mobian's good mood. Emerald eyes, so vibrant they could have glowed, flicked over the fox and his bike, undoubtedly looking for some reason to be concerned.

Despite the suspicious glances the blue hedgehog wore a broad grin, almost as big as Tails'.

Finally the hedgehog opened his arms to the fox.

"Come on, three months and you're just gonna sit there?"

Tails laughed, happily sliding off the hover-bike and running into the hedgehog's open arms. For a wonderful moment, when the tan arms wrapped around him in a strong embrace, he felt like a kid again.

Though, it probably helped that he'd subconsciously altered form so that he was shorter than normal, his head resting into the hedgehog's chest.

He felt the arms pull him in tighter, the neon blue marks letting off a soft glow.

"I missed ya, bud."

Tails' four tails wagged behind him.

"I missed you too, Sonic."

The heartfelt moment was broken by a robotic voice echoing from an overhead speaker-

"Yes. Good. We have all missed each other. Now that we have had our tender moment- I would like to see the fruits of our labor and insufferable waiting.”

Tails laughed and pulled away from Sonic, who only chuckled.

"I missed you too, Omega," Tails said.

"I do not see how I could have been missed. I have been in contact with you consistently since your deployment. But, to keep on the proper topic, you still have the files concerning... our friend?"

Tails unzipped a pocket on his leather vest and pulled out the same USB drive from before.

"Yup. Got it here."

Sonic nodded, eyeing the USB as he stepped to the side and gestured for Tails to enter the base. A cocky grin came to his muzzle.

"Well, whaddaya say li'l bro? Wanna go see what G.U.N's hiding?"

Tails smirked, drawing back his powers and reverting closer to his actual physical appearance. His fur took on a more gold hue, and he visibly grew until he was just a hair shorter than Sonic. (Tails had mixed feelings about someday outgrowing his older brother.)

"You know I am." Tails said, walking into the base with swift, confident steps.

He heard Sonic flick the garage lights back off, before speedily following.

The base, or the lair (or the happy place- home of ancients- world's worst prison... all names given depending on Sonic's mood) had originally just been a base during the days of Eggman. It was used by the resistance during the war of Infinite as a place to hide refugees and citizens who were unable to join the fight against Eggman's forces.

Since it was so out of the way and not a good spot for resources, or really anything else, it had been left to rot and decay at the bottom of the ravine. It didn't take long before it's existence was almost completely forgotten, save for a handful of survivor's records kept by what was left of the resistance.

Tails had found the aforementioned records and leapt at the chance of having a secret hideout far away from the rest of the world. With many years of hard work, constant upgrading and personalization, they had finally been able to call the base 'home'. And boy what a home it was.

Plenty of space for the both of them, with a ground floor and an upper floor. The upper floor had a total of five rooms, which had most likely been used for meetings since they were fairly small. But after breaking down a couple walls, Sonic and Tails each had their own bedroom, with plenty of space for personal design choices. Tails with a work bench and a lifted bed. Sonic with his power-free treadmill, which was in constant need of repairs, and a bed carved into the shape of a race-car.

The fifth room was too secluded for it to be part of their reconstruction, so they'd put in the effort to install plumbing for a restroom. It payed off. And now only a short stroll along the catwalk would give them easy access to facilities. And because the room was so large, they were able to fit other amenities in there. Such as a coffee pot. Which Tails greatly appreciated.

Downstairs had undergone much construction as well. There weren't as many walls to tear down, since the lower floor was already a wide open space, most likely designed to combat claustrophobia in refugees and volunteers. But since it had been abandoned, Sonic and Tails had nothing but open space to work with, along with the occasional tipped over cot.

Regardless, Tails had been able to outfit the place with varying amounts of technology and home style. Wires and circuits ran along the walls, transferring power and information throughout the base's interconnected systems. Large speakers were installed strategically so as not to be an eyesore, but could also be heard without blowing out his or Sonic's sensitive hearing.

A giant 'hamster wheel', with multiple wires leading from the stand's underbelly, stood up to the left of the room. A walkway's distance away was Sonic's contributions, including a ping pong table, two old arcade games that Tails rewired for limitless gameplay and two leather couches, along with a dilapidated lazy boy, that faced three giant monitors hanging on the wall to the right. Tails would have loved to take credit for the monitors- but he honestly had no idea how Sonic had found them, and had to content himself with connecting the monitors to the rest of his intricate system.

There was also a coffee table, pushed up to the wall underneath the dark monitors, on which rested a microwave still refusing to die. Tails noted that the jar of microwaveable popcorn next to it was empty.

Past the lounge room were two more rooms. To the left a kitchen and to the right Tails' precious lab/workshop. They did have to tear down the wall separating the two rooms, since they wanted a door connecting them (and really didn't need a kitchen half the size of the lounge). So they pushed in the kitchen wall, added a door, and completely redid the kitchen outlay, making it more homey and less industrial, complete with tile floors and wooden cupboards.

To the right of the kitchen door was another door that, of course, led into Tails' lab. And that was where he and Sonic were headed.

The huge room welcomed him with the familiar scent of oil and the low purr of whirring electronics.

It was the second largest room in the house, but with all the scattered experiments, prototypes, five work tables and an overall mess of tools, it really didn't feel much larger than one of the two bedrooms upstairs. Across from the door he'd come through, and past the mounds of junk, was a large desk outfitted with state of the art computers. Their dark screens and humming circuitry just waiting for him.

He flitted past the mess with practiced ease, even after all these months he still knew where every wing-nut and screw was. Sliding into the swivel chair he did a quick celebratory 180 before coming to a perfect stop facing his beloved computers. A wide grin came on his muzzle as he powered them up.

Sonic, though nimble as a cat by nature, had a little more trouble getting through Tails' mess of a workshop. He reached the fox's side after the kitsune had slid the USB into one of the computer ports and opened up the file inside.

Sonic leaned one hand against the desk, the other fisted against his hip as he smirked at the blue computer screens.

"Alright, li'l bro, do your thing."

Tails smiled up at the screens and the files unfolding before him. It felt good to be surrounded by familiar scents and feel the energizing warmth radiating from his brother again. It seemed like it had been ages since he'd last felt that burn of energy filling the air around him.

Although. He thought, mind wandering back in time a few days. There was that moment in the city...

He shook his head. He'd probably been imagining things. Besides, now wasn't the time to think about that.

He stretched his fingers out in front of him, the knuckles popping and cracking.

"Okay G.U.N." His expert fingers flew effortlessly over the keyboard, his four, long tails swishing absently behind him as he worked. "No more secrets."

~•~•~•~

Sonic tossed a rubber ball up into the air above his head, catching it smoothly when it came back down. He'd found himself a spot on one of Tails' tinkering tables and after sliding a host of metal gizmos out of the way, laid himself down on his back, one hand tucked behind his head. It wasn't terribly comfortable, but it wasn't especially un comfortable either.

No, not uncomfortable.

He tossed the ball. Again he caught it.

Bored.

Bored bored bored. That's what he was.

He'd been so relieved and excited when Tails was finally on his way back home. Sonic finally thought that they'd be able to do something!

But since arriving, the fox hadn't moved from his station at his computer desk. He'd explained that some of G.U.N's older files were encrypted. There was some other mumbo jumbo about how hard it was to access the files, but Sonic couldn't remember all the weird words Tails had said.

So here he was. A hedgehog literally brimming with energy and he had nothing to do but wait for Tails to finish a task already hours in.

Sonic caught the ball again before turning his head to look at his brother's back and the four golden-furred tails twisting absently behind him.

"How much longer?" He asked.

Tails' ear flicked in his direction and he earned a sidelong glance that gave Sonic a very clear message that Tails was immeasurably unamused. However, Sonic got the feeling that the withering look was more on account of the hedgehog helping himself to the table than his pestering question.

Tails turned back to the screen.

"Be patient. It'll be done when it's done."

Sonic sighed, crossing one leg over a propped knee and bouncing the planted foot up and down. Good thing the table was firmly settled, or the rocking motion would've certainly set Tails off. Unfortunately, it didn't help with the incessant tapping.

"Sonic, if you're feeling restless go run on your wheel."

Sonic bit back a bitter scoff, snatching the ball out of the air in an aggressive swipe.

He didn't want to run on the stupid wheel. He wanted to go out and help people! Help his friend. He wanted to do something, something important. The itch to be active was unbearable. So far he'd fought it off by reassuring himself that it wouldn't be long before Tails completed his undercover mission. Then, he'd told himself, he could do something.

But here he was. Still doing nothing.

He didn't realize his foot had begun to tap faster.

"Sonic," Tails sighed, turning his chair around to face the hedgehog, one hand rubbing his forehead. "Go run on your wheel."

Sonic sat up, tossing the rubber ball back and forth between hands, intermittently giving it a squeeze.

"The wheel won't help," he whined.

"I designed it specifically so it would help," Tails pointed out.

Sonic rolled his eyes. "I know that. But this is different! I need to go out. I need to do something about this!"

Tails pointed up at the screen on the desk. There was a page with a gray loading bar, displaying that whatever was being processed was about three quarters of the way done.

"Look, Sonic. It's almost done. Once I have the location we can start working on a breakout plan. And as soon as it's finished I promise you'll be the first to know."

"That is a false assumption. Since I have been integrated into the computer system I would be the first to be alerted to the decryption." The familiar robotic voice came from a speaker somewhere above them out of sight.

Tails pinched the bridge of his snout. "Yes. Thank you for correcting me, Omega."

"The second to be alerted would most likely be the kitsune. Since he is at his station and would first see the notification that the task had been completed."

"Thank you, Omega," Tails sighed.

"That would mean that the hedgehog would be the third and last of our party to be alerted."

"Omega! Thank you for clarifying- but I don't think it's necessary to continue to elaborate."

"Noted. I simply did not wish for our friend to be misinformed."

Sonic snickered, "Thanks, pal. But I think Tails meant it figuratively."

"Ah. This strange form of sarcasm you organics often use. I shall store this as another example of figurative speech."

Sonic gave the ceiling a thumbs up. "Good idea."

The conversation had helped to ease the restlessness in his chest. But now that it was over, Sonic could quickly feel it coming back to him and he couldn't stop his foot from tapping once again.

"Sonic, go run on the wheel." Tails commanded, crossing his arms.

"Since when do you tell me what to do?" Sonic protested, squeezing the ball in one hand and crossing his own arms. The blue stripes glowed indignantly.

"Since you stopped listening to reason."

An electric sound, comparable to a robotic laugh, sounded from the speakers.

"Sonic the hedgehog? Reason?"

Tails chuckled and Sonic smiled at the sound.

"Fair enough," the kitsune said, still smiling. "All the same, I can't stand you sitting over there driving the both of us crazy with your constant nervous fiddling." He waved one hand towards the lab exit as he spun back towards the computer. "So please, please, go take it out on the wheel."

Sonic sighed but obediently slid off the table and walked towards the living room, waving half-heartedly to the fox.

"Fine, fine. But the moment that thing is done you'll come tell me?"

Tails nodded with an assuring, "Mm-hmm."

"I will attempt to make you the second sentient being in this facility to be alerted."

Sonic chuckled, tossing the ball into the air again as he exited the lab.

"Thanks big guy."

"You are welcome."

Sonic tossed the rubber ball over the back of a couch, his sharp ears hearing a cushioned 'thud' when it landed.

Fists on his hips, he parked himself in front of the giant steel wheel, looking the contraption up and down as if challenging it. With a disgruntled grunt he bent over and began his routine stretches. Even the immortal super-sonic hedgehog found wisdom in warming up his muscles before exercising them.

"Sonic?" Omega's voice sounded from the wall directly next to the running wheel. Tails had installed an easy-to-access communication system there when he'd first built the wheel, just in case.

Sonic stretched an arm over his head. "Yeah, 'Mega?"

"When the encrypted files have been cracked..."

The robotic voice paused, piquing Sonic's curiosity.

"When the files have been cracked..?" He goaded, grabbing an ankle and pulling it behind him.

"Do you think that we will then know his location?"

Sonic chuckled, hopping up and down to loosen up. "I mean, that's kinda been the whole point."

"I am aware. But..."

Sonic jogged in place, a flicker of excitement lighting in his chest at the movement. "But what? We'll finally be getting him back and hopefully be putting G.U.N back in their place at the same time."

"Yes. But I am... Wary?"

"Of what?" Sonic asked, stepping into the steel contraption and beginning to turn the wheel at an easy walk, "You worried we're gonna be gettin' in over our heads? Cuz trust me there's no need to worry about that. Between Tails' genius and my skills, we'll be makin' it look easy."

"It is not yours or the fox's capabilities that I am concerned about..."

Sonic sped up to a light jog, the wheel spinning soundlessly around him. Machinery hummed beneath the wheel as it turned faster.

"C'mon, 'Mega, spit it out. You know I'm not one to beat around the bush."

"Very well. I must ask that you do not try to lie or fool me on this hedgehog... I am aware of what my- history - entails... do you think... It is a wise course of action to have me be a part of this mission? Considering... my... history..?"

Sonic slowed down a little, his brow furrowing.

"Omega- are you worried about him seeing you again..?"

A static sound. "Invalid conclusion. It would be impossible for anyone to be able to see me in this state. Considering I no longer possess a physical body-"

"Omega," Sonic interrupted, voice stern, "Don't avoid the question." Sonic sped up, only because he knew he needed to release more energy. "Are you worried about meeting him again?"

A pause that lasted far too long.

Sonic sighed. "If you don't want to answer me then fine. But I will tell you this-" he pushed himself to run faster. "Both me and Tails are here for you. You're family. And family doesn't turn their backs on one another."

"You and Tails are... Different. It is not for you to be offended by what I have done."

Sonic rolled his eyes.

"Omega, you need to put more faith in our friend. If your roles were swapped, would you be forgiving?"

"I do not know...”

Sonic was quiet at that. The wheel soundlessly turned around him as he pushed 200 miles per hour. At these higher speeds he began to feel the energy draining from his body, pulled into the machinery below him. He shook his head, dismissing the unnerving feeling with practiced ease.

"Well, that sounds like something you need to work on." Sonic huffed. "But I honestly think you're overreacting."

Another pause.

"Sonic... I-"

" It's done! "

Sonic's head jerked towards Tails' excited voice. The Kitsune ran out of his lab with several papers, most likely printed from his computer, in his hands. His tails wagged in excitement behind him as he held out the papers to be viewed.

"We've finally done it! We have complete access to G.U.N's file!"

Excitement sparked alive in Sonic's chest and he leapt off the wheel mid-stride, leaving it to spin behind him as he darted to Tails' side.

"And what'd you find?! What'd you find?!" He asked eagerly, peering over the Kitsune's shoulder at the papers.

Tails grinned up at his older brother.

"What we've been looking for all this time! The location of Project Shadow!"

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[the-mirror-witch]

Knight in Shining Armor

Malleus opened the door, papers in hand, “Lilia, I need you to look at-”

He paused, blinking slowly. Nope, no difference. This bizarre sight was still in front of him.

“Lilia?”

“Yes, my prince?”

“What are you doing?”

Lilia was dressed in the most ridiculous attire, which was quite a statement where Lilia was concerned. He was dressed from head to toe in cloaks of every color imaginable, his head covered with an oversized feathery hat that was constantly slipping forward, and so much jewelry hanging from his neck that it must have been hindering his ability to remain in the air. Standing across from him was young Silver, who had just celebrated his fourth Founding Day, wearing cardboard armor and wielding a wooden sword. Between the two was a fort made entirely of pillows and guarded by Lilia’s bats. How bizarre.

Silver blinked sleepily at Malleus before bowing, “Hello, young master.”

Ah. His etiquette lessons were going well.

Malleus nodded his head, acknowledging the boy. Having done his part, Silver returned his gaze towards his father.

“Well, you see, our dearest Silver here has taken up an interest in knighthood. In order to give him a head start, we’re having our own training session.”

Malleus tilted his head. “...I can’t imagine why training would require you to look like that.”

“Oh, it’s very simple, my young prince,” Lilia explained, not without a dramatic wave as he slowly hovered down to the ground. “You see, I am the evil king, come here to invade the Valley of Thorns. I have recognized Silver as my true adversary, and now we are engaged in a battle to the death.”

“I’m going to win. For the Valley,” Silver assured Malleus with such seriousness, it was adorable.

Malleus smiled, “We are honored by your bravery, young Silver.”

Then, Malleus looked back at Lilia, frowning, “Are you pretending to be a human king?”

“Yes. Couldn’t you tell by my outfit?”

No. 

Malleus shook his head. He was getting off track, “Doesn’t that seem a bit problematic to you?”

“I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

“Silver is...I mean, is this the kind of lesson you wish to be teaching him?”

It seemed a bit cruel to teach a child to hate his own kind.

“Oh, I don’t think we need to be concerned just yet,” Lilia waved off his unspoken worries. “It’s only a game, my prince. I’ll make sure it becomes nothing more than that-”

Poke.

During their conversation, Silver had managed to break through Lilia’s “impenetrable” pillow fortress. Since Lilia was now kind enough to stand on the ground like the rest of them, Silver was perfectly able to reach out and gently poke his father with his wooden sword.

The vampire blinked down at the child. Then, he grasped at his heart, “Oh no! I’ve been wounded! I’m afraid it is most fatal. I cannot...go on...the world...is going...dark…”

Lilia fell to his knees, then collapsed on the ground. He then stopped breathing, an act he didn’t need to do in the first place.

“Papa,” Silver sat down next to Lilia, poking his cheek with a finger. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”

At Silver’s distraught tone, Lilia opened his eyes, “No, my little sleepy owl. I’m perfectly fine, so fear not. I just realized how comfortable the ground looks.”

Silver frowned, “It doesn’t look that comfortable.”

“Have you tried it?”

“...”

“Well, you won’t know unless you do.”

Silver pondered this for a moment. Then, he laid down next to Lilia, closing his eyes. Within seconds, his soft snores filled the room.

Lilia and Malleus stared at him.

“I believe that’s beginning to become concerning,” Lilia said with a frown.

Malleus nodded. Silver had the uncanny ability to fall asleep anywhere and at any time. According to Lilia, he slept much more than the average child should. Malleus wondered if Silver had exceptionally pleasing dreams.

Sighing, Lilia stood up and grabbed a pillow. He gently tucked it under his child’s head. Silver did not stir at the slight movement. Lilia gazed down at him with a fond and tender look, softly brushing the boy’s silver bangs from his eyes.

Malleus cleared his throat, “Lilia, I brought the reports from this morning's patrol. Grandmother wants you to read through them.”

Lilia made a face of disgust. Then, he gasped dramatically, “Oh dear. I’m afraid the wound Silver inflicted is much more severe than I thought. Goodbye...cruel world...”

Lilia collapsed back onto the ground, his arms sprawled out.

Malleus looked down at him, “Lilia. The papers.”

“Shh...I’m dead now...can’t read...blergh…”

[amtwst-tls]

He who dreamed of swords Spun of yarn His fate lay before him Was he to protect his master Or to slay him?

[cartoonartistpng]

Did doodle requests on Instagram

Ft. Sleepy Tails, Dadphiles w/all the kids as babies, Tangle, Wereboi, Shadow being an a$$hole, Sonic.exe, Iblis (& Solaris as a symbol), Tails meeting Nine

[shadofiredragon]

Legends Never Die

{ Special ‘Thank you!’ to @000marie198 for beta reading, keeping inspiration up, and taking part in editing this chapter. (Seriously, I nearly drove her crazy with the punctuation.) You’re the best bro! }

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Part 1 ~ Immortal Escape

Chapter 5 - The Story-Teller

"That was so great!" Abelle chattered happily, bouncing on her toes while they waited for the crowd of pushy children to make their way out of the story-teller's tent. Silver kept a tight hold on her hand, not trusting her to keep her newfound elation at bay.

A larger coyote casted a shadowed glance at the two of them and Silver resisted the urge to flinch, instead finding himself tugging the corner of his hood farther over his face.

When the stream of children began to thin, Silver helpfully stepped forward, gently tugging Abelle's hand to signal that they were going to move. But Abelle resisted, feet planted as if they'd been rooted there, nearly causing the hedgehog to rock backwards. He looked back at her, confused. She didn't return his look, her head turned to look back at the fireplace and the story-teller still sitting on her stool.

"What's wrong?" Silver whispered, closing the gap between them and casting fleeting glances at the kids still shuffling out of the tent.

"Nothing, I just..." Her ear twitched. "I thought I heard her say something.."

Silver's ears tried to straighten and turn, but the hood covering his long, grey quills inhibited their movement. Exasperation shivered down his spine and his ears flicked in irritation against the material that kept them from doing their job.

Cocking his head, he followed her gaze to the old Mobian stoking the fire with a stick. She didn't seem to care about them, not even giving the last disappearing child a second glance.

He sighed, "C'mon Abelle she's not-"

"Oh splendid. You heard me."

Silver's spine straightened as if a bolt had just went through it. The same, smooth voice from earlier was speaking to them, barely more than a whisper.

Silver turned towards her, his eyes wide and his heart drumming. He watched as she slowly stood from her seat and took careful, nearly silent steps towards them.

Her arms were tucked inside her layers of shawls and her posture was relaxed. There was no hint of malice or anger in her face, yet Silver couldn't help but feel like he'd done something wrong. Adults rarely decided to acknowledge him, let alone took the initiative to talk to him. And if they did, it was usually with stiff discomfort.

She bridged the space between them with such grace it almost seemed like she was floating.

"Yeah, I heard you," Abelle answered, her eyes darting up and down the story-teller's frame excitedly.

The story-teller paused. Silver could have reached out and touched her. She towered over him and, despite the softness in her eyes, Silver couldn't stop the flood of dread that pushed words from his mouth in a panicked rush.

"Isthisaboutmeleavingearlier?I'msosorryIdidn'tmeantodisturbyouitwasanaccidentandithappenedsofastI-"

"Hush, child." Her voice was so calming and gentle, like salve on a smarting wound, and he instantly found himself silenced.

She bent down to their level, taking in the small cat and cloaked hedgehog in front of her. She reached forward, resting her hand on his shoulder. He couldn't move.

"It's all right. Neither of you are in any trouble."

Her hand pulled away and Silver visibly sighed in relief, he noticed his hand trembling in Abelle's grip.

"Why did you want us to wait?" Abelle's voice piped up, nothing but curiosity in her tone.

"I simply wished to speak with you," the story-teller told them, "I remember you from the other times I've visited this city. You two never miss a show."

Silver smiled, but only Abelle's grin was truly visible as it shone up at the old possum.

"You really remember us?" She asked excitedly.

The story-teller nodded, "As a keeper of the tales and legends of old, I am required to have a good memory. And it is hard to forget such eager listeners."

"It's hard not to listen to such great stories," Silver said, his nervousness slowly edging away.

"And I am so very pleased that you both enjoy them so much! But..." The story-teller's soft eyes shifted between the two younglings curiously. "Why did you sit so far back today? You are both small enough, you could have easily taken seats closer to the fire. At least where you'd be able to see more of my tricks and illustrations."

"Oh! Well, you see..." Abelle glanced at Silver before turning back towards the storyteller, bringing a small paw up to her face, "It's gotten harder for me to see. So I thought it'd be okay to sit by ourselves for once and just listen."

Sympathy deepened the possum's already soft exterior.

"I am so sorry to hear that. Is there anything that can be done? About your sight?"

Abelle's smile saddened, "I don't think so. But it's alright! As long as I have my friend with me," she patted his hand, "I'll be okay!"

"Yes. Your friend is a good one. I can tell."

The story-teller's eyes shifted to him and he was somehow trapped between the swelling feeling of pride and the unsettling nervousness from before.

"Now, correct me if I'm wrong little one, but I don't recall having ever seen you, before this evening, without your cloak on."

Silver dipped his head, tugging the corner of his hood.

"Um, yeah. The others don't like how I look, so I just wear it to keep them from noticing," he explained.

The story-teller nodded. "I understand. But all the same-" She reached forward, her wrinkled knuckles brushing the edge of the hood, making him flinch away- "I don't want you to feel like you have to hide in here. Tonight was the first time I think I've ever seen your whole face and, to be quite honest, it saddens me." She waved at the hood obscuring his features. "Perhaps, would you take it off again? So I might see you more clearly?"

Silver paused, unsure.

He glanced at Abelle, who nodded encouragingly. So, sucking in a breath, he let go of her hand and reached up to pull the hood off of his head.

Instantly his quills took on their rebellious style, and his ears happily stood up straight, eager to turn and twist freely. Now, with the hood out of the way, he could better see the story-teller and his surrounding area and his peripheral vision was satisfied by the familiar brick and cloth walls.

A soft grin wrinkled the story-teller's face, a sparkle brightening her aged eyes.

"Ah, there you are. I didn't believe it at first when I saw you. I hardly see any hedgehogs anymore. And I can't recall the last time I've seen one your age. How old are you, little one?"

Silver shifted on his feet. "Uh, I'm not sure..."

"I'm four!" Abelle jumped into the conversation, much to Silver's relief, "Silver's probably four too. Or maybe five."

"I see," the old possum whispered, nodding. "And what of your parents? Can you not ask them?"

Silver's ears drooped, his gaze falling to the floor. Once again Silver found himself grateful when Abelle answered for him.

"He doesn't have parents... They left him alone when he was a baby."

"Oh- I do apologize. I didn't mean to pry."

Something inside Silver didn't quite believe her...

He shook his head.

"It's okay," he muttered, looking back up at her kind face, "It's not like I knew them or anything."

The story-teller hummed in thought. She shook herself and smiled down at them.

"Well, let us not dwell on the sorrows of the past. I would like for us to become friends, since I will be here for an unforeseen length of time."

Silver was shocked by the statement, while Abelle was ecstatic.

"Really?!"

The story-teller laughed in amusement.

"But of course! I've become quite fond of seeing you both come to my shows and you strike me as agreeable younglings. Not like some of the brutes who attend my shows and act as though the other children are lesser than them." She scowled and Silver felt himself brighten up. "But let us not talk about such unsavory people. They have no power here and they know that. As long as they are in my presence they will behave themselves."

That last comment felt aimed at Silver and the hoglet couldn't help beaming up at her in admiration.

"Now, let us introduce ourselves properly. Your feline friend here has mentioned your name but I would like to hear it from you as though we have just met."

"Oh-! Uh." Silver glanced at Abelle, but the cat was too busy eagerly looking at the story-teller to notice. He looked up at the possum hovering over him. "My name is Silver."

"Silver. What a handsome name," she crooned and Abelle giggled.

The possum turned to the giddy feline, "And you, my dear?"

"My name's Abelle!" she answered, energy coming off of her in waves.

"Abelle. A fitting name for such a lively young lady."

Abelle giggled again and Silver's smile broadened.

The possum put her hand to her chest.

"And my name is Sivannah. No need for any 'ma'am's and 'miss's. If we're to be friends, there ought be no need for formality. Alright?"

"Alright!" Abelle agreed enthusiastically.

Sivannah smiled. With a welcoming wave of her arm she gestured towards the flickering fire behind her. "If you'd agree, I would like for you to stay and talk with me for a while longer. I can fetch some food from the tavern and you both can tell me more about yourselves."

Silver's jaw almost dropped in disbelief. Free food? His heart leapt at the thought and he opened his mouth to quickly agree when he was interrupted by a light tug from Abelle's hand as well as her voice declining the offer.

"Actually, I need to get back soon. Mom doesn't like it when I'm out alone for long." Her ears drooped, betraying her own disappointment, before she looked up at Sivannah hopefully.

"But, maybe some other time.?"

Sivannah nodded. "Of course, I understand completely. And you'll need your courageous young charge to lead you home safely I imagine?"

A smile tugged at Silver's muzzle, his chest swelling.

Abelle laughed, playfully slugging him in the shoulder and popping the balloon of pride in his heart.

"Not if he leads like he did on the way here."

"Hey!" He protested, "You were in just as much a hurry as me!"

A weight he didn't realize was there lifted from his shoulders making him suddenly three times lighter.

Abelle waved a hand dismissively, "Psh, whatever."

"Perhaps ask your mother if you can stay after my next show. If you come that is," Sivannah hinted.

"Of course we'll come!" Abelle said, "And I'll definitely make sure to check with Mom."

"Good, I will be looking forward to it." Her eyes locked with Silver's. "And don't be afraid to stop by between shows if you would like."

Silver grinned. "Okay. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure young one," she nodded towards the door, "Now, you best leave if you're not to worry Abelle's mother."

"Oh-! Right." Silver turned around, gently tugging for Abelle to follow. He waved once to the elderly possum, "Goodbye!"

Abelle waved as well, "Bye!"

Sivannah returned the gesture, "Farewell Silver, Abelle. I hope to see you again soon."

Silver felt dizzy with excitement and disbelief as both he and Abelle traipsed down the sidewalk.

"Did that really just happen?!" Abelle chattered excitedly, picking up her pace so she could look Silver in the eye, "This has to be a dream, right? The story-teller did not just ask us to be friends with her!"

She halted in her tracks, effectively stopping a dazed Silver, and held out her arm.

"Here, pinch me. Just to make sure I'm not dreaming!"

Silver laughed. "Abelle, if you're dreaming I wouldn't be here!"

"Don't be so sure, you could just be a figment of my imagination."

Silver rolled his eyes, but the broad smile on his face said that it was all in good humor as he reached forward and pinched the skin of her thin arm.

She jumped back with a yelp, rubbing the accosted area before looking back at Silver with her bright smile.

"We're not dreaming! Silver- we're not dreaming!"

Silver chuckled, "I could've told you that."

She stuck her tongue out at him, and he bared his fangs playfully in return.

They both erupted into laughter. Their hearts lighter than air as they chatted and giggled about the day's events.

Eventually they came to Abelle's home, a lopsided apartment building squished between two, squat shops. The steps leading up to the first door were cracked and crooked, sickly weeds poking up between the crevices.

"We're here," Silver announced, neither cheerfully nor with upset.

Abelle nodded as Silver dutifully guided her to the steps and she put one hand out to grasp the bent railing.

"I guess that's all for now," Abelle said, misty eyes locking on the stained door leading into the complex.

"Should I come get you next time?" He asked.

She laughed, turning to face him, "If you wake up in time."

He smiled.

Silence fell between them.

"I should get inside," Abelle finally said, pulling away and taking a backwards step up the stairs, "Dad is away today, and Momma would like to spend time with me before he comes back." 

Silver nodded, "Okay. I guess I'll see you later then."

He turned to walk away when her voice called after him, halting his steps.

"Are you going to be okay?"

He craned his head to look back at her. Her misty eyes were worried, flicking on and around him as if she were trying hard to focus on where he was.

He smiled, grateful she couldn't see how pathetic and sad it must have looked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine." His voice was relaxed, sincere. He waved dismissively, "I might go scavenging at the dump, or head to the fort. Either way, I'll be fine. Go enjoy your time with your mom."

Abelle looked hesitant, "You sure?"

"'Course I'm sure! Go on now."

Reluctantly she complied, and he watched the tension leave her face as she pulled open the door, excitement and happiness carving a smile into her muzzle. It was only a second later before she disappeared inside and Silver turned away from his friend's home.

He kicked a piece of gravel, thoughtfully watching it bounce across the cement and land somewhere off to the side.

He knew why she'd asked. And he didn't want to honestly answer. She would have once again insisted that he meet her mom, and perhaps Abelle was right. Perhaps her mother wouldn't care about his pale fur and freakish episodes. Perhaps she'd be happy to let him be friends with Abelle, and he could continue learning how to be her future 'official' guide. But Silver knew that even though her mother might be kind-hearted to him, her father would not.

Males were not as welcoming, or tender, as females. And Silver had the dreadful feeling that if Abelle's father ever found out about his daughter hanging around with a freak like him... Well... Being forbidden to see his only friend in the entire world would be far more painful then a couple lonely days in his den.

So, he'd lied. It made his heart ache to do it, but he had to convince Abelle that he wouldn't be pathetically huddled in his den all alone.

But the truth of it was that he needed to go home anyway, because he'd had an episode. It hadn't been severe enough to do anything particularly harmful, thank goodness, but it had come. Unprovoked and without any reason besides getting a little excited over a story. Which was more worrisome than if it had happened in a fight. Sure, he understood if he'd felt stressed or anxious, sometimes an episode would flare up when he was being chased by the other kids. But just sitting there? Doing nothing?

A sinking feeling curdled his stomach, making him feel more sick than his guilt had.

Could this mean... It was getting worse..?

Or, maybe him trying to control it yesterday had made it suddenly stronger.

He shook his head, just then realizing that he hadn't put his hood back up since leaving the story-teller's tent. His gaze darted up at a Mobian across the street and he cowered away at seeing her hazel eyes peering at him suspiciously. He quickly pulled his hood up over his head, obscuring his face and covering his unnaturally light quills. How many people had been staring at him without him noticing? How many of those hateful, suspicious glares had followed him while he walked in close proximity to a 'normal' young cat?

He shivered, soft quills pushing against the fabric of his hood.

Grateful for the constant grasp of shadows, he ducked into a branching alley, hoping no one would waste a second thought on a scrappy boy in the streets. He chewed his lower lip as he hurried back. A low buzzing thrummed in his head and his hands tightened on the hood, kneading the fabric between his fingers.

He kept himself small and inconspicuous, darting between shadows in a hurry to get back to his den. Finally, he arrived at the thin alley. 12 steps in, duck down, pull aside the tarp.

The safety of his shelter welcomed him with a warm embrace, soothing the tightness in his chest and smoothing his quills. The gentle glow of firelight flickered happily and Silver exhaled, relaxing.

With a tug the hood was dragged off his body and the wraps on his hands were off just as quickly, tossed next to the mirror for later use. Not even bothering to check the fire he whirled around, ready to collapse into his makeshift bed only to stop and groan when he saw that same bed still strewn about the room.

Groaning and mumbling to himself, he collected all the papers, blankets, and rags and dumped them into a pile. With that taken care of, he collapsed into the soft pile, the papers wrinkling and crackling as he nuzzled into them.

The buzzing in his body receded to a low hum in the back of his mind, though it was still louder than normal. He pulled up his hands to be better viewed by his inquisitive gaze. The markings never stopped glowing, so that didn't bother him. That was actually why he was forced to keep them wrapped all the time.

He opened and closed them, studying their movements with a mixture of displeasure and fascination. The cyan light from the circular marks cast an eerie glow on the soft skin and silvery fur of his paw-like hands, battling against the natural yellow light that lit his den.

With a sigh he flipped onto his back, holding one hand overhead, staring into the gently pulsing mark.

Well, I hope you're happy.

He thought to it, waggling his fingers in the gentle glow that came from his curse.

Another day in quarantine. All because you just had to act up, and in the middle of a great story too!

The glow continued emotionlessly, dimming and brightening in an unheard rhythm that somehow felt right with the low hum in his mind.

"I don't care if it didn't matter to you," he muttered, "I haven't heard that legend before. She better tell that story again soon for your sake."

Empty threats, the humming glow knew it.

He stuck out his tongue.

"Well, it doesn't matter anyway. I met the story-teller herself, and I bet if I asked she would tell the story again next time."

His curse gave a small flicker, most likely from the jolt of excitement that came with the thought of the story-teller actually talking to him, but he translated it as arrogant disbelief for the sake of his conversation.

"You don't believe me? Fine then! See if I care. I'll prove it to you later when I show up and she talks with me."

Like a normal mobian.

A nonexistent snort, as if the prospect were bitterly amusing. Silver's ears flicked back.

"I will to talk to her! She's nice enough. But how would you know that, huh?"

No answer.

He frowned at his hand. Who did he think he was talking to?

Sighing, Silver flipped onto his stomach, folding his arms and using them to prop up his chin. His feet kicked behind him as he watched their shadows flicker on the wall in front of him. The warm firelight intermingling with a dim cyan.

Why did he always do that? Talk to his curse that way. He was weird enough as it was, he didn't need people to think he was insane.

Maybe it was because of the loneliness from being a scrappy orphan boy. Or maybe it was because that ever-present hum inside him was close to something else. Something that could communicate, or at least understand him. A something that he didn't know, and couldn't quite place. A something that left a gaping hole in his chest whenever he thought to much about it, an aching void where he felt it should be, but wasn't...

He waved a hand dismissively, smiling in amusement while he pushed down the hollow cavern that had begun to grow inside of him.

"Nah. I just don't have anyone else to talk to. That's all."

He chuckled, the buzz inside his mind flaring a moment before resettling.

He flipped onto his back again, already feeling better as he slouched into his pile of comfort. Eyeing the wall of trinkets and collectibles, he caught sight of a tin can, rusted and dented on one side.

His eyes brightened.

"Hey, how about we play with some of those glass balls!"

Marbles. His mind helpfully reminded half a second later.

He rolled his eyes, stood up and took the two steps to reach the can.

"Yeah yeah, whatever."

( First | Previous | Next )

[the-mirror-witch]

Sinister Supper

“Silver!” Lilia sang the boy’s name as he floated through the halls of the castle, startling those he passed with his volume. “Oh, Silver! Come out, come out, wherever you are.”

Lilia sailed through the air, accompanied by his bats, as he checked under tables, behind drapes, and even within pots for any sign of his absentee son. The young child was impressively skilled when it came to hiding. He had to be with Lilia as his guardian.

Busy with searching as he was, Lilia nearly collided with Tullius as he traveled through the halls.

“Lilia!” Tullius cried with a startled shriek, as he nearly bent over backwards to avoid getting hit by the wayward vampire.

“Oh, Tullius. What a pleasant surprise!”

“I wish I could say the same. What in Guivre’s name are you doing?”

“Why, searching for my darling little night owl, of course! I don’t enjoy just randomly calling out names of precious metals, you know?”

Knowing Lilia, Tullius wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. The vampire thrived off of chaotic energy more than blood.

“Are you saying you lost the human child?” Tullius asked with narrowed black eyes. All he could think about was a little human monster running around the castle, unsupervised, and causing all kinds of mayhem. Tullius heard that Silver was exceptionally mild-mannered for his age, but really, he was only human.

“I didn’t lose him, per se,” Lilia defended. “I turned away for a single moment and he took off.”

“And why did the child flee from you?” Besides the obvious reasons. “Did he finally tire of your antics.”

Lilia pouted at that, “You say that like there’s something wrong with my antics. I simply engage in harmless fun is all.”

Harmless fun is not what Tullius would call it.

“As for why he was running from me, I haven’t the faintest clue. I was simply serving him dinner.”

Ah. That explained it. Speaking of which, Tullius took not of the obsidian pot Lilia was carrying in his arms. Tullius could feel a malevolent aura oozing from the pot. True evil lurked in there.

“Suspicious indeed,” Tullius replied dryly.

Lilia sighed dramatically, “I simply cannot fathom what I’m doing wrong. Silver is such a picky eater! I’ve tried every recipe imaginable, but he barely touches any of it. My poor little heart cannot take this treatment.”

Tullius imagined that he would be a picky eater too if his meal could potentially come to life and eat him instead.

“I even made the dish exceptionally special today,” Lilia bemoaned, lifting the lid off of the pot and oh sweet Thorn Witch-

That scent alone was enough to send an army fleeing in fear. Chills traveled down Tullius’s spine as he peered into the pot of hell. He couldn’t even tell what it was supposed to be or what it was even made up. Was it burnt, or was it supposed to be that black? Oh Guivre, Tullius swore he just saw it move!

“Oh, yes. Very special,” Tullius replied, his voice hoarse. It was special in the way poisoned laced meals were special.

Tullius wasn’t fond of humans, but at that moment, he felt a great swell of pity for the tiny human.

Eating that would be a fate worse than death-

“Here, why don’t you have a bite.”

Before Tullius could protest or flee for his life, Lilia pulled out a spoon, scooped a generous portion out of the hell pot, and shoved it into Tullius’s mouth.

Immediately, Tullius gagged, his eyes tearing up. He couldn’t describe the taste, for it was unlike anything Tullius had ever tasted in his life. If he had to choose, he might describe it tasting like death and old hair.

“Lost for words, Tullius?”

No. He was unable to form words, for he feared that if he opened his mouth his stomach would return that horrid substance with a vengeance.

Tullius ran from the hallway in search of the nearest lavatory, his hand clamped over his mouth.

Lilia watched him run, “My, my. What a dramatic little birdie he is.”

Bonus:

“My young prince, have you seen Silver anywhere?” Lilia asked when he chanced upon Malleus in the hallway, his dark cloak wrapped around his tall figure.

Malleus shook his head, “I’m afraid not.”

Lilia sighed before continuing his search, “Silver! Little Owl!”

When Lilia had left, Malleus lifted his cloak, “You can come out now.”

Silver crawled out, gazing up at Malleus with grateful violet eyes, “Thank you.”

“Avoiding supper?”

Silver shivered, “It winked at me.”

Malleus nodded in sympathy. He himself had suffered Lilia’s cooking before. Even his fearsome grandmother avoided Lilia’s dishes as if they were cursed.

“Well, I cannot allow you to go hungry. Do you wish to have some ice cream with me?”

Silver’s eyes gleamed, “Yes, please.”