The Scorch Stories: Book 1

Overview Every tale has a beginning. In this case a young hedgehog by the nickname of Scorch is beginning his. A test subject of the deceptive Doctor Cristina Thorne, he has fled from his former friend in an attempt to begin a new life. Will he succeed in this or be recaptured by Thorne? The tale is only just beginning.

I would just like to add a few side notes here:
 * This is my first EVER fanfic for anything
 * I don't know if anyone can but I'll say it anyway; PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THIS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION.

Included Characters
Main Characters: Minor Characters
 * Scorch the Hedgehog
 * Katherine "Katy" the Cat
 * Bernadette the Hedgehog
 * Jules the Hedgehog
 * Doctor Cristina Thorne
 * Charles "Chuck" the Hedgehog
 * Maurice "Sonic" the Hedgehog (as a baby)
 * Dark Scorch

Prologue
Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why was this done to me? Was I special? These are all questions I ask myself every day. I was given a power, a power that could only be utilised by me. A scientist known by the name of Cristina Thorne kidnapped me at the age of 4 and enhanced me in ways that no other person could imagine. She trained me to do many things like, gymnastics, writing and maths, all of the things that you would be taught at a school. Then, on my 14th birthday, she took me to a new lab, one that I hadn’t known she created. She told me to go stand in a circle engraved onto the floor of the lab. I went, not knowing what was to come. A large, impenetrable plastic wall the slammed down around me and a device on the ceiling glowed a fiery orange. Then, a pair of mechanical arms grabbed me and placed me on a chair then restrained me using metal clamps. I soon found out that the device on the ceiling was a laser. The Doctor then aimed and fired the laser straight at my heart. I was in agony. It had felt like someone had opened up your chest and burned your heart with a flamethrower until there was nothing left but charred remains. The pain stayed with me for the next two years. That was the worst birthday present I had ever received. Six months ago, on my 16th birthday, the pain had started to fade. That was also the time I had the courage to ask the Doctor what that laser was for and why she did it. She said it enhanced my heart. It gave me the power to command, create and destroy fire at will. She had used me. I still don’t understand what it was for. She said that she was competing against a Doctor Robotnik to create an ultimate life form. She didn’t say anything else other than that. She had no more useful information to give me as she trained me to use my new power. Last week my training ended. Yesterday I escaped from the mad woman. I now wonder around Mobius, alone. I have yet to find an ally. A new person to call a friend and even a new person to call family. Someone who will love me for who I am, not as a tool. Someone who love me as Scorch the Hedgehog.

Chapter 1: Mobotropolis
Mobotropolis, Mobius. Day 311 of the year 3219 – 1 day after the escape.

He was sitting in an alley. He’s homeless. He is the only homeless person to exist in this beautiful city. Scorch saw everyone walk pass. They had money, jobs and food. Scorch could never have this. At least he had thought that. A young couple approached him. He looked up and saw them. A woman stood there, about five months pregnant and a man held his hand out to Scorch. The pair of hedgehogs looked kind, but was they? Scorch was reluctant to trust anyone since the incident six months ago.

“What in the world are you doing sitting in an old alley like this?” the man said.

“I don’t know,” Scorch replied.

“Come on, we’ll help you out kid.”

Scorch grabbed onto the man’s hand and he helped him up.

“What’s your name kid?” the man asked.

“You first,” Scorch said reluctant to trust them with that information.

“Okay then. My name is Jules and this is my wife, Bernie. Now what’s your name, kid?”

Scorch stuttered reluctantly. He wanted to trust them, but he just knew he couldn’t. What if they were really just deceiving him, just like how Thorne did.

“I-I’m…,” he said, “Scorch, my name is Scorch.”

“See, it wasn’t that hard,” Jules said.

Bernie looked at Scorch and saw that he was scared to share his personal life.

“You’re scared,” she said.

“What? No, I’m not,” Scorch stated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Yes you are. You refused to share your name and when you did, I know you didn’t like it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch thought about it and she was right. He was scared out of his mind. He’d never met anyone other than Thorne and had also never been outside until now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Come on, Bernie, let’s take this fellow hedgehog home, shall we,” Jules insisted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You can have a nice cup of hot chocolate to warm you up,” Bernie said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch wanted to go, so he nodded and walked with them. The first other people he had met ever and they were extremely nice. Jules gave Scorch his coat. It was winter and snow fell everywhere. The house of the kind people was just a short walk away. When they arrived in the house, Jules and Bernie sat Scorch in an armchair in front of an already lit fire. He watched the two at the door. Jules was going to get the groceries that they were originally out for. They had a quick kiss and said goodbye. Strangely to Scorch though, Jules had said goodbye to the unborn child as well. Scorch was absolutely freezing. It seems the cold had a negative effect on Scorch. His heart felt frozen, but the fire was slowly melting the icy shell away. Bernie was in the kitchen making Scorch’s hot chocolate and a cup of tea for herself. He could smell the warm air of the chocolate and it smelled good. Then Bernie walked in and placed the two cups on a coffee table near the fire. As she sat down Scorch said something.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Thanks and I’m sorry,” he said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“For what?” Bernie asked not having a clue what Scorch was on about.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Well you let me into your home and I’m grateful. I’m sorry because I didn’t trust you or your husband,” he replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Listen, there’s no need to be sorry. I’m not surprised you didn’t trust us. We were strangers to you and I understand that,” she kindly said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Thanks Bernie.”

Chapter 2: Home, Sweet Home
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Hedgehog Residents, Mobotropolis. Day 312 of the year 3219 – 2 days after the escape.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch had settled into his new home and began trusting the Hedgehogs a lot more as the day passed. Back in the lab, Thorne had learned how to cook and helped Bernie with her dinner.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Gosh Scorch, where’d you learn how to cook so well?” Bernie asked with amazement.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“It’s a natural skill,” he replied trying to cover up his past with Thorne.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Well it’s a darn good one.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The two were making a steak dish. Scorch cooked the steak to perfection whilst Bernie was cooking the vegetables.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“So, Scorch how old are you?” Bernie asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’m 16. My birthday was six months ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">A soon as he said this, he stood still, breathing a deep and angry row breaths. He contained his rage. He remembered her face as she fired the laser at his chest. She smiled. It was a dark, evil smile. He clenched fist and slammed his hand on the countertop. Bernie was shocked. She had no idea what was going on. She only asked his age. As Scorch slammed his fist down, his hand set alight. He opened his and saw his fiery hand. He quickly realised his mistake and put it out. He was extremely embarrassed. A tear trickled down his face and he ran off. He ran upstairs and into the bedroom that Bernie had set up the night before. Bernie was confused and intrigued. Why did he suddenly get angry and how did his hand catch fire? She turned off the stove and walked up after him. She knocked on the door and walked in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Scorch? You okay?” She asked worryingly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’m sorry,” he replied, “I shouldn’t have run out like that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“What’s wrong?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’d prefer not to talk about it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Listen, it’s not going to be off of your mind until you talk about, now what’s wrong?” she asked sitting on the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I was kidnapped when I was 4. I was given these powers six months ago and was betrayed by an extremely close friend. The scientist who gave me these powers only gave them to me for evil, I’m sure of it. I don’t remember my real parents. The scientist was the closest thing I had to it, until the incident. I escaped then ended up here. Alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Bernie was shocked to hear this. She felt sorry for him and teared up a bit. Scorch told himself in his mind to suck it up and be a man, but he physically couldn’t. It felt good for him though, to tell his story, even if it was in brief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Oh, my. Why didn’t you say this before?” Bernie asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I don’t know, I was scared.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hm. Come on, let’s go finish dinner,” Bernie said wiping away the single tear in her eye.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Okay, that’ll be nice,” Scorch replied smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The two went downstairs and continued to cook their evening meal. As the two had finished making it, Jules had returned home from a visit to his brother’s house.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’m home, dear!” He yelled happily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The two brought the meal to the table.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Ah, smells lovely,” he said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Scorch helped me make it,” Bernie replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Oh, really, I didn’t know you could cook.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“It’s a skill I learned as a child,” Scorch said, “My, uh, step-mother taught me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">What in the world did he just say? “Step-mother”? He wouldn’t even consider a member of any family. The three enjoyed the meal, chatting about Scorch and getting to know him. Jules eventually learned during the conversation that, his step-mother was his abductor and was shocked just as much as Bernie was. Nonetheless, they finished their meal and Scorch went to bed. He laid there thinking what he’d do if he met his parents. He thought of the joy he’d feel. He wouldn’t feel short bursts of happiness and constant anger. He’d be happy again.

Chapter 3: A Year Later
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The Market, Mobotropolis. Day 108 of the year 3220 – 161 days after the escape.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Thirteen years. It’s been that long since I was capture and unknowingly imprisoned. It’s my seventeenth birthday and I still haven’t moved out of the hedgehog’s home. Bernie looks like she’s going to give birth any minute and Jules is just too excited. I wish I could’ve had a love like that. To be that close to a person must feel nice. I’ve never had that. I always felt that the monster was a close-friend and a role model but never family. I’d consider Jules and Bernie family if they weren’t if having a child. Apparently it’s a boy. I wouldn’t want to interrupt the father-son bonding. Anyway, Bernie has asked if I could go get the groceries for her, so I agreed. She is letting me live there of course.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch was at the market and it was very busy. He was buying vegetables for the week. He had finished paying and picked up the basket and walked off. He strolled along the path leading back home when a girl ran into him. They both fell to the floor. Luckily, only the mushrooms had gone onto the dirt. Scorch looked up after picking them up and saw a beautiful young cat. He glared at her lustfully and then realised what he was doing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Uh, sorry miss,” Scorch said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“No, it’s my fault, I should’ve watched where I was going,” she responded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">There was a brief pause, both not knowing what to say next.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Uh, here let me help you pick up your books,” Scorch insisted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Thanks.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch gathered up the books and gave them back to the young lady.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“So, uh, what’s your name?” Scorch asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Katy, what’s your name?” she asked him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’m Scorch, nice to meet you,” Scorch said confidently.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Since meeting Jules and Bernie, Scorch’s confidence had sky-rocketed from barely being able to trust someone to wanting to meet new people. Although this happened, he still contained a rage which he waited patiently to release the next time he saw Thorne.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You seem nice Scorch, I might just have to hang out with you sometime,” she said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Why, isn’t now good enough?” he asked smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch had also learned to be cocky as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Cocky, huh?” Katy said before chuckling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I might be,” Scorch replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Meet me back here in ten minutes,” she ordered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“See you then,” Scorch said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then the both headed opposite ways. Scorch had not only met someone new but also may have just made his third friend. He arrived back home with the food and was hurrying around to find his cuffs. They were a present that Jules and Bernie got him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey, hey, hey!” Jules yelled stopping Scorch from running around, “Why you rushing around?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’m meeting a friend and I’m trying to find the cuffs you gave me,” he said panting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Meeting someone, eh? Is it girl?” he asked intrudingly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’m not telling you,” Scorch replied jokingly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Okay then. Your cuffs are on the table,” said Jules chuckling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Thanks Jules, bye,” Scorch said leaving in a flash.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">He wore his cuffs on a pair of gloves he was wearing. They were made of brown leather with an orange stitched outline. He returned to the place where Katy said she’d be and she was, leaning against a nearby tree.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Nice cuffs,” she said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Thanks, they were a birthday present,” he replied, “So… what do you want to do?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I figured we could just talk, get to know each other.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Okay. Is your name short for something?” he asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“It’s short for Katherine. Come on, Scorch. Ask me something a little bit more interesting.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Alright then, how long have you lived here?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“There we go. Well, I was born here. It’s my home. My beautiful, beautiful home. I’ve never left Mobotropolis and I probably never will. I’ve been living here almost seventeen years. It’s seventeen years in three days actually,” she responded, “How about you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Well, I’ve only been living here for about seven months but it’s already better than the place I used to live. The people here are nicer and a lot friendlier and, as you said, it’s beautiful,” he replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Their conversation continued for ages as the two began to bond. They hung out for a good five hours and were still talking. It seemed the both had a lot in common. They both loved the city they were in, they both loved freedom and they both loved strawberries. Those were just a few on a long list.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Oh, you’re funny!” Scorch said laughing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You never know Scorch, an evil egg might try to take over the world someday,” Katy laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">They continued to laugh for a few more seconds before a group of boys came up to them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Yo, Katy-girl, just go on a date with the handsome boy,” a scruffy looking bear said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Ugh, go away Grizz, only you and your little ‘gang’ like you,” Katy replied in disgust.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Come on girl, you know you want to,” he said grabbing her by the arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey let go of me, jerk!” she yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch stood up and defended Katy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey! Let go of her!” he demanded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“What’s this Katy-pie? You’re cheating on me?” Grizz asked knowing that Scorch wasn’t her boyfriend.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I was never going out with you or him in the first place anyway, jerk. We’re just friends!” she said referring to Scorch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey! I said let go of her. Now,” Scorch said sternly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Whatchu going to do to me, a great and mighty grizzly bear.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then Scorch’s entire body lit up in flames and everyone there was shocked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Does this convince you?” he said sternly again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Uh-a-um yes mister fiery dude, adios!” Grizz said as him and his gang ran off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Good,” Scorch replied killing his flames.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“H-how’d you do that?” Katy asked acting surprised.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I don’t know. When I feel that someone I know or I feel threatened, it just happens.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Well, it’s pretty darn cool!” she replied, “Thanks.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then Katy smiled at him and he smiled back. For a second he thought something was going to happen but he found it ridiculous. Instead, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Scorch blushed. Then he thought it was about time he and she parted for the day.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Well, I think I should go now,” Scorch said, “Jules and Bernie are probably waiting for me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Okay, then. See you later Scorch.”

Chapter 4: Another Birthday
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Hedgehog Residents, Mobotropolis. Day 162 of the year 3220 – 215 days after the escape.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">It’s happening! A baby is about to be born. Bernie went into labour a few minutes ago. I’ve run out to go and get Jules from his brother’s house. It’s not a far run from here. I kind of feel bad leaving Bernie in that state on her own, but Jules has to see the birth of his own son.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“So, how long until the baby’s due?” asked Jules brother.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I don’t Chuck, it could happen at any time now. The doctor did say to expect it to be sometime this week,” Jules replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Just as Jules said this, Scorch came crashing through the door.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Jules, Chuck! It’s happening! Come quick!” he yelled with excitement.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Nice timing, Scorch,” said Chuck racing out the door after him and Jules.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Back at home, Jules and Bernie were in their bedroom awaiting their young boy. Meanwhile, Scorch and Chuck were told to wait outside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey, Chuck. Do you know what they’re going to call him?” Scorch asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Well, they were going to name him Maurice, after his grand-fathers. That reminds me, why is your name Scorch?” Chuck asked politely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“It’s not actually my name. It’s a nickname I gave myself because my guardian never told me my real name.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Did you ever meet your parents before, you know?” Chuck asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“No, I really want to though. Maybe once I do, I’ll tell them to move here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be nice to meet them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then the door behind them opened and out came Jules and a small blue hedgehog.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Guys, I’d like you to meet little baby Maurice,” he said leaving the bedroom.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The small boy was very fidgety and just wouldn’t stop moving around.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“How’s Bernie?” Scorch asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“She fine, just resting for a while. She’s been through a lot.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The three stood there and watched the cute new-born fidget about.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey, Jules is it alright if I go get Katy. I’m sure she’ll love him to bits?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Okay, be quick though because I’m putting him to bed soon,” Jules replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch ran through the town and market to get to Katy’s house. He was so excited to show her his new friend. He was bumping into people quite frequently and obviously they were annoyed. He’d finally reached Katy’s house and knocked on the door. The door opened and she appeared. She looked down on Scorch who was panting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey, Scorch. Why are you out of breath?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“There’s a… a new… phew… a new friend I want… you to meet,” Scorch panting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">He continued to pant heavily but then grabbed Katy by the hand and yanked her away to the house. Again he had annoyed the many crowds at the market by knocking them over. He’d finally pulled her all the way to the house and upstairs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Here he is,” he announced to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Aw, he’s so cute and very fidgety too,” she said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Alright guys, I’m going to put him to bed now,” Jules said turning away into the bedroom.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch and Katy walked away from the bedroom and outside of the house.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“He’s just too cute,” Katy said.

Chapter 5: An Unwanted Return
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Mobotropolis. Day 164 of the year 3220 – 217 days after the escape.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Yesterday, I received a letter. It wasn’t a good one either. It was from her. Doctor Cristina Thorne. She had told me to meet her in a place known as the Green Hill Zone. Jules and Bernie both advised me to go and see what she wanted. Katy wanted to come as she thought it was something more than just a simple talk. I allowed her but told her to be extremely careful about her deception. We’ve just arrived and I see her. She’s in her lab coat and wearing a backpack. That backpack has something in it, I’m sure of it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Ah, Scorch, my dear. You’ve arrived,” she said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“What do you want, Thorne,” Scorch replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Oh, Scorchy dear, what ever happened to calling me Cristy?” she asked maniacally.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“It died with you a year ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Oh, I’m so sad. Now come with me and we can finish your training,” she said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“No. I’m not going through your physical stress tests again. I’m not going to let you use me to injure or kill others. You’re a monster. You’re evil and you need to be stopped,” Scorch said angrily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch was building up a long compressed anger for the Doctor. Katy was starting to get concerned. Was he going to kill her?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“That’s such a shame my dear,” the doctor said pulling out an atom bomb, “If only you had taken up my offer, I wouldn’t have to do this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You’re mad. Drop the bomb now!” Katy yelled in fear of the city’s destruction.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Sorry, young lady but this doesn’t concern you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“It may not concern her but it concerns me! You will not destroy Mobotropolis!” Scorch yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You’ve given me no other option. If I won’t have you… no one will.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then the countdown on the bomb had started. The timer had been set to thirty seconds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hehehe, there’s no way you can disarm it in time,” the doctor cackled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then Scorch started to glow a dark red-orange. The rage had gotten to him. Little did the doctor know that he was also a bomb waiting to go off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“No. No! NO! YOU WON’T KILL THIS CITY!” Scorch screamed as he turned darker.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The fire that surrounded him turned dark, evil. He couldn’t think about anything other than killing Thorne with the bomb. Then Scorch exploded, blowing Katy off of her feet and taking the bomb out of the doctor’s hands. Then he flew straight for the doctor and the bomb. There was ten seconds left on the timer. He flew straight up, towards the edge of space. Thorne screamed for her life. Then he stopped and turned to look at the doctor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“In space, no one can hear scream,” he said in a dark, evil tone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then the bomb exploded and it was quite visible. Katy looked up at the explosion and screamed Scorch’s name. They had both been consumed by the bomb. The doctor was dead. Scorch had committed both murder and apparent suicide. Surprisingly though, Scorch’s body fell from the edge of space, whilst the doctor’s was completely de-atomised. It landed right in front of Katy. She was extremely upset. Scorch opened his eyes and saw her. He then mumbled her name. After that he didn’t wake up. Was he dead?

Chapter 6: After the Long Rest
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Hedgehog Residents, Mobotropolis. Day 171 of the year 3220 – 234 days after the escape – 14 days after the death of Cristina Thorne.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">It’s been two weeks and Scorch still isn’t awake. I’m really scared. He’s still alive, but how long will his coma last for. Two weeks is too long. But how did he stay alive. He went to edge of space, detonated an atom bomb and fell back through the atmosphere, and he lived. Jules and Bernie think it’s just luck, but I think it’s a miracle. I need to sleep on this some more.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Katy said to herself while sitting on a chair next to the bed Scorch was lying on. She had fallen asleep next to him. A few hours later in the very early morning, he had finally woken up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“K-Katy?” he asked himself, “That you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">She sat in the chair sleeping like a baby. Scorch smiled at her. Katy had heard the noises though. Unknown to Scorch, she was actually awake when he said something she never thought he’d say.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Thanks, Katy. I love you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Katy smiled happily as tear slowly moved down her face. Then they both fell back to sleep. In the morning Bernie came to the door with some breakfast for Katy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey, Katy,” she said, “You want some breakfast?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Sure, thanks,” Katy replied quietly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“So, did anything happen during the night?” Bernie asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Yeah, it was nice as well,” she replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“What happened then?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Well, he woke up and asked if I was there. I was pretending to be asleep to see what he would say,” she said, “Then he thanked me and said that… he loved me. He hasn’t woken up since,” she continued tearing up and smiling a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You might want to look at him,” Bernie said nodding towards Scorch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">He was waking up. You could tell as he was rolling over.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I’ll leave you two alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch rolled over and smiled at Katy. She was crying with joy. The first thing she did when she saw him awake was hug him. He hugged her back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Scorch, I-I… I thought you were dead. I was so scared,” she said crying.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Hey, don’t cry,” Scorch said reassuringly, “Just smile.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Katy smiled and did it happily. Scorch did the same. There was a brief moment of silence whilst Katy wiped away her tears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I heard what you said this morning,” she said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You did! I thought you were sleeping!” he said surprised.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Don’t worry. I feel the same way,” she assured, “I love you too.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Scorch was over the moon to hear this. He’d loved her since the day they met; he just never had the guts to tell her that he did. They both continued smiling at each other as they moved closer together. Then, they kissed. Scorch finally felt it… happiness without rage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The two of them went downstairs to finish breakfast. Katy helped him as he still hadn’t recovered from the confrontation with Thorne. She sat him down on a chair in front of the table. Jules was eating his breakfast while Bernie tried to stop Maurice from playing with his.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You look better,” Jules spotted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Funny thing is, I’ve been worse,” Scorch replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Sooo, Bernie tells me you two are together now. Was she right?” Jules asked in curiosity.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I guess so,” Scorch replied smiling at Katy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Maurice was now on the floor, crawling around a lot faster than a normal baby would. Scorch noticed this and suggested something to his parents.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Have you guys ever considered a nickname for Maurice?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“No, but it’d be nice to give him one,” Bernie said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“I was thinking somewhere along the lines of Speedy or something like that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Speedy? Nope,” said Jules laying down the line between a nickname and just plain stupid.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Okay then, what about… um… Sonic?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The parents thought about for a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Actually, that sound pretty good. Quite fitting,” said Jules.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Okay. Sonic it is then,” said Bernie.

Epilogue: Moving to Blue Sea
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Mobotropolis Docks, Mobotropolis. Day 241 of the year 3220 – 304 day after the escape and 84 days after the death of Cristina Thorne.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">It has been a few months since the devils death and I feel no regrets. She would have killed everyone in Mobotropolis. I feel free for the first time in my life and now that I’m with Katy, I feel happy. We’ve decided to move to a place known as Blue Sea Isle. It’s beautiful there. It’s so peaceful and tranquil. Every house has a balcony overlooking the great blue seas. We’re at the docks and Jules, Bernie and little baby Sonic as well as Katy’s parents have come to say goodbye. But just before we leave, I have one more trick up my sleeve.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Thank you guys so much for letting me stay with you,” Scorch said to the hedgehogs, “I’ll come back and visit, I promise.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You better, I’d miss you too much,” said Bernie tearing up a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">He then turned to look at Katy and asked a question.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Katy? Can I ask you something?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Yeah, sure.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“What would you do if I said this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then Scorch got down on one knee and revealed a box he’d hidden.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“Will you marry me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Katy started to cry with tears of joy and managed to sob out the word, “Yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then she pulled him up and kissed him. Everyone else nearby smiled to see the lovely couple. They stopped kissing for a moment while Scorch slid a ring on to Katy’s finger. Katy, obviously still overjoyed at this, kept crying happily. Then the two got on to the boat and set off, waving at their families. Then just as they were starting to become less visible in the sunset, Scorch kissed his future wife one more time before disappearing off into the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">

Thorne's Lab, Unknown Location. Day 250 of the year 3220 – 312 day after the escape and 92 days after the death of Cristina Thorne.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Back in the lab that belonged to the former Doctor Cristina Thorne, a light glowed brightly. That light came from a stasis chamber on the lowest underground level. Then a voice started to talk to itself as the light started to dim and turn to darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">“You. You may have killed her, Scorch the Hedgehog, but I am indestructible, I am ultimate, I am infinite, I am your doom, I am… you.”