Control

(A/N): I realize sometimes AFF.NET gets screwy and comma's and quotations magically appear as symbols and questions marks. I don't understand why it does this but if you do see'em don't worry. I'll fix it right away!

Disclaimer: I do not own Sonic nor any character belonging to the SEGA team.

---Control: Chapter Two---

I sat up from my bed, waking up for the first time in my new home. I felt amazingly refreshed after resting for a couple of hours on something that was soft rather then a hard tree trunk or the cold ground. When I came here with the girl, she automatically ordered her guards, who was waiting by the entrance of the ‘knothole,’ to escort me to my temporary new home.

It didn’t look like much on the outside. It seemed a tad small and round like a hut. The rest of the houses, for what I could see in the dark, look exactly the same. I was reluctant to go inside but the princess took my hand and pulled me in. They say never judge a book by its cover, indeed. Inside the house was a completely different story. Polished wooden floors, furniture, a actual working kitchen, and appliances. And here I thought this place was primitive.

Seeing that I was more then satisfied, the princess wished me good night and left. I looked around once again at my small but roomy new residence for a place I can hide my chaos emerald. I tapped my foot around the floor boards and listened carefully for that hallow sound. Once I did I took a knife from the counter and popped open a wood board. The whole was large enough to more then one item and placed my the stone inside.

Not wanting to think of brunette or this new foreign place, I went to sleep. I forgot all about my hunger pains until the next morning. I walked out of the room and into the kitchen hoping to find something to eat. To my surprise a decorated basket full of delights was siting on the top of the stove. There was a little note attached to it.

‘Welcome to the Knothole, don’t be a stranger now. You here?’ Signed Bunnie.

I threw the note and the basket away but kept the treats. Grumbling that I have some how found my way into a hic town probably full of slack jawed idiots. Before I could take a bit out of a warm sweet pastry the quiet fresh morning air was disturb by the sound of a guitar. The music was coming from right outside my front door.

I swung the door wide open, unsure of what to say or expect to see. My ears dropped and my teeth grinded against one another.

“Good Morning Sunshine! You make a happy when sky’s are grey!” The blue buffoon sang as he pulled some strings on his acoustic instrument.

“Sonic.” I said in a low deep growl.

“The one and only!” he joked. “Long time no see, faker.”

I hated when he called me by that name. “How could I be the faker when I was created fifty years before you!” I said trying not to raise my voice.

“Because I’m way cooler, duh!”

His childish ignorance always seemed to get under my skin. He should count himself lucky I have a high tolerance against fools like him. Other wise he already be dead.

“Go find some children your own age to play with.” I said before going back inside.

“Now hold on a sec Shadow. I didn’t come here to pick a fight.”

I turned back around. “Then what is it that you want?”

“Sal and Bunnie told me what you did yesterday.” He put his guitar down. “Thanks for saving my friends man. That was way past cool.”

He started scratching the back of his head nervously. “...And since we’re going to be like neighbors and all...”

“Neighbors?” I repeated.

“Well not really neighbors. Me and Tails live by the lake, a mile from here. But technically we’re living in the same area right?”

“Hmp.” I crossed my arms.

“You’re a good guy, I’m a better guy and well...” He cleared his throat. “Maybe we could be friends?”

My eyes widen in totally disbelief. Hearing the word ‘friends’ come out from his mouth.

“Com’on Shadow.” He pleaded, “Whadda ya say? Truce?”

He held out his hand for a shake and I stood there for a long minute deciding weather or not to take his offer and perhaps end this rivalry between us. Even though I doubted a peace would ever happen I reached out my right hand to shake his just to humor him. When I almost touched his hand he quickly pulled his back.

“PSYCH!” he yelled out. “You actually believed me! Oh man, you got so burned!”

My hand was still hanging out in the air. Feeling confused for a second, then embarrassed, and finally in raged.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t bash that guitar into your god damned small minded skull!” I threaten.

Sonic waved his hands up in defense but still managed to chuckle. “Heh, heh. Calm down faker it was a joke, lighten up. Yeesh! For a guy who saw death twice you really need to get a sense a humor.”

Before I could say anything he leaned against my shoulder.

“But on the real deal man,” he said, “I do really want to thank you for saving Sal. She’s very special to me ya know.”

For some reason I doubted that. How could a idiot like Sonic possibly see anything special about the princess. He’s always to busy gloating about himself.

“As a home welcoming present,” He continued, “I’ll buy ya chilli dog. My treat. All jokes aside.”

I hated the buffoon, Oh how I hated his very existence, but I couldn’t pass down the offer for a meal. I was starving and It seemed every like time I try to eat something I was always interrupted.

“Lead the way.” I said to him.

“Alright, just follow me and try to keep up.”

I rolled my eyes.

“LET’S JUICE!”

As fast as the speed of sound I followed him closely through morning fog.

---

After my ninth helping of chilli dogs I was finally full. I would never mention this out loud but I couldn’t believe how delicious it was. No wonder why the faker bragged about it so much. He was up to his twentieth hotdog already! I asked the vender for some water and another chilli dog to go.

“That can’t possibly be a healthy breakfast.”

I turned around on my stool surprised to see the princess behind us. I was so busy eating I didn’t see her walk inside the store.

“Chilli dogs are great for morning, noon, or night Sal. Here take one of mine.” Sonic try to offer her one but she shook her head.

“No thanks. I already ate.” She turned to me. “Did you sleep well?” She asked.

I barely nodded.

“If there’s anything you need just let me know and I’ll make sure you get it ASAP.”

“Cool,” Sonic said “Tails and I need a new room built and some pipes needs to be...”

“Sonic, eat your chilli dogs.” She said.

Confused he looked at me. “Oh you’re talking to him, I see.” He took one last bite out his dog. “Don’t bother asking. Soon the guy’s gonna pick up and leave like he always do.”

He jumped of his seat and yelled out to the vender. “Yo, Bernard put it on my tab!” When he reached the door he turned back. “Sal, ain’t you coming?”

“Um,” She thought. “I have to stay, make sure our new guest feels welcomed. You know, its my duty.”

He looked at her suspiciously before giving me a odd look. “Alright then, I see ya later Sal.”

She waved him good bye and in a blink of an eye he was gone. Leaving me alone with her.

“What do you see in that moron?” I asked her.

She looked at me as if I cut her off guard. “Wait, you don’t think.” She giggled. “Sonic and I are not together...Well, we are together...But not really like a couple. Although we have had our moments but we never...Uh.”

She bit her nails looking down at the floor. I smiled realizing this was probably a rare moment seeing her bashful.

“Forget it.” She said. “Listen, I need you to tell more about the emeralds but not here, okay?”

“What makes you think I would tell you anything?”

“But you said...”

“Don’t forget that you offered me a home here.” I interrupted her.“I didn’t agree to anything.”

Sally didn’t yell, cursed, or threaten to kick me out like I thought she would. Instead she picked up my cup of water and took a sip.

“You don’t have to tell me anything now if you don’t want to.” She said in calm voice. “but indue time you will.”

I laughed. “What? Do you think in a few days I will see what a kind genuine person you are? Do you honestly think I give a shit about any of that?”

“No,” She answered honestly. “You see Shadow, sooner later you going to see that I am a very, very persistent person. No matter where you go, the Knothole, Station Square, or the ends of the earth. I will be there with you until I find out everything there is to know about the chaos emeralds.”

She put the cup back down. “I’ll see you around.”

I wasn’t at all intimidated by her little speech but never in my whole existence had I felt incredibly attracted to anyone before. How I wanted her, touch her, control her. For the past few days I followed her around, making sure she never saw me.

She sleeps in the castle but hardly lives there. She spends most of her time helping others, giving Sonic the thumbs up when he wants to go out on solo missions, and just relaxing with her friends Rotor, Bunnie, and Tails, and the blue faker.

What I noticed is that she’s hardly every angry or upset. She gives orders not like tyrant or fearless leader but as someone who’s in charge of everyone’s well being. Allegiant but tom boyish at times. Not quite typical behavior for a princess.

One warm sunny afternoon I saw her sitting down alone, for once, near a lake. I joined her.

“How much do you want to know?” I asked her knowing she was expecting me, she probably knew I was stalking her as well.

“Only two things really.” She answered. “Chaos Control and how to do it.”

“Tell me why first?”

She sighed. “I can’t.”

“Then I can’t help you.” When I stood up she grabbed my hand.

“Please, when the time comes I’ll tell you. I promise.” I doubt she was lying went with it.

“Stay here, I’ll be back.” I ran back to my house to get the chaos emerald. Once a had in my hand I teleported back to lake where she was waiting. She jumped up in shock to see me appear out of then air.

“How did you do that?” She asked in astonishment.

“I’m going to teach you.” I reached out for her hand. “Come here.”

She reached out her hand but jerked it back a little. She was hesitant at first but she took a deep breath and grabbed my hand. Even through my gloves I could feel how soft and delicate her hands were. I pulled her closer to me to the point where we were face to face. Here blue eyes staring into mine and her red hair partly covering her left face. Oh how I wanted to kiss her.

“If I told you, that you could die using chaos control, would you still want to learn how?” I asked.

“If you told me that,” She said, “then I would say that I’m too strong to die that easily.”

I gave her a wicked smile before I subconsciously used chaos control to take us to a clearance two miles from the Knothole. Her eyes opened up like saucers before she lost her balance. For some reason I let her fall. She quickly propped herself up on her knees, holding her head as if she had a headache.

I can only imagine how she feels. Part of my creation was to use the chaos control with ease but even my first time was difficult. I saw rays of every color in the spectrum and my body felt weightless. After I felt solid ground under neath my feet I felt dizzy and weak. Like the life was literally drained from me.

“What the heck just happened?” She asked.

“Take a guess.” I said.

She looked around, realizing we weren’t in the same place as before. “My god. How did we get so far?”

I sighed. “Chaos control.”

She stood up, a little shaky but eventfully gained her posture. “Oh, of course. I never thought it could take us this far.”

“It could take us as far as I wanted. But...”

“...It depends how strong the person is, right?”

I must have given her a questionably look because it seemed I have insulted her intelligence.

“I’m not stupid Shadow, I’ve done my research.” She said crossing her arms. “Now that you’ve shown me teach me how to do it.”

“I don’t think you’re able to do it on your own yet.”

“Yes I can. I’ve been through worse, believe me. Learning how to do this wont be a problem.”

“Hmn.” I tossed the emerald to her and she gasped but I caught it mid air before she could grab it.

“Hey!” She pouted.

“Tomorrow.” I said simply. “I’ll think about it.”

She ran her hands through her hair in defeat. “Fine.”

“Good girl.”

I saw the reaction on her face when I said that, she was furious. But I didn’t stick around to see what she had to say. I sped out back to Knothole leaving her out in the clearance to walk all the way back home. While I was running a smile couldn’t help but spread across my face.

“Tomorrow, princess.”

---

Two weeks came and went. Most of my time was with the girl. Sometimes she came to my home hours before dawn begging me to teach her. We go to our usually clearance away from the small town and practice till sun down. I don’t mind at all. It really was entertaining watching her try. She was right when she said she was persistent.

Today, like every other day, she says she’s ready.

“Just give me the emerald and I can prove it to you!”

My answer is always ‘no’ or ‘Tomorrow’ but I felt generous. I grabbed her wrist and placed the emerald in her hand. She suddenly looked discourage so I gave her a few words of advice.

“Don’t screw up.” I said.

She grasped the emerald and pulled her hand away. She held the stone with both hands and closed her eyes. I was anxious to see what she would do.

“Where do you want me to go?” She asked.

“Any where.” I said, “As long as I could see you.”

“Okay.” She inhaled deeply and the stone started to glow a bright red. “Chaos Control!”

She disappeared! I was surprised she actually pulled it through. I looked around until I spotted her a few yards away. I ran to her and stopped.

She was gasping for air. “...Wow...” She managed to say. “That was...Wow.” She reached out for my hand, instead I picked up the emerald besides her.

“Congratulations.” I said dryly, “You have accomplished only so few have done before.”

I turned and walked away, not wanting to use my speed knowing that she would try to follow me. She did.

“Wait up!” She yelled when she finally caught up to me. “Thank you.”

“Does this mean you will finally leave me alone?” The truth is, I didn’t want her to.

She crossed her arms. “If that’s what you want then fine. I wont bother you again.”

After a half an hour of walking side by side in silence she spoke. “Shadow?”

“What?”

“Remember when I said I would tell you what I needed the emeralds for.”

I nodded.

“Well, There’s this machine Robotnik has. It could literally change any living being into robots. When I was a little girl Rotobnik took over and almost more than half the population of Moubis was robotized. They lose their free will and become Robotnik’s slaves, they say its impossible to change them back. He doesn’t have power like he did a few years ago but those robots are still under his control.”

“You don’t need to explain to me what robotizing is.” I said. “I used to accompany the doctor before.”

“Then you already know what I plan to do.”

“I don’t.” I said honestly.

“I don’t believe it’s impossible to change them back. Sonic’s Uncle was lucky enough to win his back his mind and free will but not his body. We experimented, using a replica of Robotnik’s machine. It worked but...”

“It didn’t last.” I completed.

“Yes. He was only himself for a few hours.” She stopped walking and I did shortly after. “In order to reverse the effects I need some parts. Parts he keep very secure at his base. I don’t need all seven chaos emeralds. Just one. Yours.”

I turned around to face her. “Out of the question!”

“Shadow please I-”

“No!” I yelled. I walked up to her pinning her against an oak tree, practically hearing her heart pound in fear.

“Do you know how difficult it is to find only one of these stones let alone all seven? Do you know how it feels to own nothing because everything that was ever given to you was some pity gift?”

She shook her head slowly.

“Of course you don’t. Princess.” I said in low voice. “This emerald is the only thing I have in my possession. The only thing I can control at will. And I am not going to give it up that easily. Not even to you, your highness.”

With that said and done I left. Hoping that I have made my point loud and clear. Later that night I started packing up some food in black back pack I asked Tails to give me a few days ago. I was never planed to stay in the Knothole forever. I couldn’t help but feel out of place in that wholesome friendly town. Especially with Sonic living only a mile away.

As I packed the last item, the emerald, there was a knock at the door. I told who ever the person was to go away.

“It’s me.” her voice called out.

“When will she ever quit.” I muttered. I opened the door to see the princess with both hands behind her back. “I thought I made myself clear when...”

Suddenly I felt a sharp prick in my neck. I pulled out what seemed to appear as a tranquilizer dart. The first to give in was my legs.

“What ...you...do to...me.” I was finding it difficult to talk in complete sentences.

“I’m sorry, you didn’t give me much of a choice.” She turned to her side. “Griff it’s okay. Help me bring him inside.”

From around the house a tall goat fellow came up to me holding a riffle. He wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Phew, I thought that amount of serum would kill him!” He said grabbing my arms and pulling me back inside.

“Shhh! I don’t want anyone to hear us.” She whispered.

“Oh, sorry Sally.”

She closed the door softly and finally I noticed the rope she was hiding behind her back. Bitch.

“Are you sure about this Sally?” The goat looked worried. “I mean, this doesn’t seem right. We should get Sonic to help us. We don’t really need the chaos emerald.”

I tried to curse out but I couldn’t speak. My whole body felt limp.

“Sonic can’t help this time. Robotnik will find out he’s there and the parts will be relocated again. I can’t take that chance. I wont.”

She tossed him some rope and he tied my hands to my back.

“You know I trust you but stealing? From him?” When he finished with my hands he started tying my feet. “Not only that but you’re thinking about breaking in to area C! Robotnick has that place locked down, we’ll never be able to pull this off.”

“Griff, do you want to see you father again?” She asked him, “Your bother, your little sister?”

He was quite.

“Tonight we have the opportunity to change them back. Not only your family but everyone we lost” She placed her hands on his shoulder. “Griff if you don’t want to do this that’s fine. I could do it alone, really.”

He took her hand, which only made me more angry then I already was.

“I can’t let you go out there alone princess. Besides we’re a team!”

She put her hand over his. “Freedom fighters never leave anyone behind!”

Gods, I was angry, numb, and nauseated.

“Let’s go.” Sally picked up the Chaos emeralds and put in her brown back pack. “Don’t worry Shadow I bring it back. You have my word.”

‘Fuck you!’ I thought.

“Shouldn’t we gag him too?” The goat asked. “Ya know, in case he calls out for help when the serum wears off?”

“He won’t.” Sally said confidently. “He has to much pride for that.”

They both gave me one last look before turning off the light and closing the door quietly behind them. As lay there in darkness bond like an animal my anger hit its breaking point. The image of princess burning into my mind as I grunted trying to break free. My skin burned and I was certain I was only causing a bad wound around my wrist.

I grunted knowing there was no use breaking the ropes by struggling. I closed my eyes trying to concentrate all of my anger into motivation. Mentally, I can see my tied hands and legs. Then I saw her face.

A red aura surrounded me as the tightly knotted rope slowly begin to unwind.

---End of Chapter Two---

(A/N): Aw! No sex. Oh well, there’s always chapter three. Next Chapter of Control Sally makes a terrible mistake and it wasn’t stealing from Shadow.

-Till Next Time Readers, Much Love.