One Raised By One, The Other Raised By Another

One Raised by One, The Other Raised By Another

Just a simple what-if fic.

What would happen if only one of the brothers was raised by Elder Kettle, and the other one was raised by the Devil?

A LOT of trauma, death, and horrible, heartbreaking angst; that's for sure.

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I do advise against reading this if you're attached to ANY of these characters or are very sensitive

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Fire.

That's what Mugman knew his whole life. Nothing but hellfire and screams. He was used to it now. 

This was what his whole life was filled with. Just the demonic energy as it swirled around him every day, and the wails and screams from sinners being tortured as he strolled down the isles of Inkwell Hell. Sometimes that strong, painful energy was used to reprimand him when he didn't do something right or when he failed in his duties, sometimes those screams were his, ignored by those who heard them, some being too busy in their agony to care about his, and others, imps, were used to the sickening sound.

Multiple scars and wounds covered his body covered by his clothes from his lessons. It didn't hurt him, not anymore. He was used to it, been used to it for a long time now. He understood why he was punished. He wasn't doing something right, he failed in his job, he spoke when he wasn't spoken to, he wasn't fast enough, wasn't good enough. He didn't see it as something bad, just something necessary.

He stopped fighting back.

He took his reprimands silently, acceptingly.

Unfortunately even that wasn't good enough for the boss, who lived off of suffering and agony. The tyrant subjected him to more mental punishments when he didn't scream or whimper from physical wounds.

He did much better after that adjustment. He couldn't hold his mental wounds, couldn't feel them because they weren't physical, couldn't rub them with ointment and cover them up with bandages.

They were permanent .

And he hated them.

Hated how they kept him up at night, making dark circles form under his eyes, showing off his fatigue for those who even cared enough to see. Hated how he'd stop breathing at some random point and panic for no reason at all. Hated how he feared his own emotions, so much that he separated himself from them as much as he could.

They were nothing but promises of more pain and agony.

His expressions and voice were now dull, monotone for those around him. For those who even bothered to give him their time, not for simple chatter, but to point and whisper, to tease and laugh and mock at. After all, how odd it was to be a place full of imps and demons, and then have only one out-of-place cup living and working among them.

He hated his co-workers. He didn't have any friends, but he felt he didn't have the time for any anyway.

There was one who was nice to him, a small plump imp called 'Henchman'. Their chats never lasted for long though. And when the Mug was horribly and brutally tortured, the imp never stepped in once but gave him bandages and ointment creams with a happy smile, devoid of any empathy. His kindness and the topic of sympathy were never the same.

It wouldn't have mattered anyway though.

Any bond the mug had with anyone never lasted long. If he bonded with the prisoners, his mind would be plagued with their glares of hatred and betrayal when their time came to be tortured, or when he would torture them himself. He never bonded with the imps, they all thought he was strange and ugly, with the handle on the back of his head, or the fact that he was made out of fragile glass.

He couldn't blame them, he thought he was odd and ugly too.

He never saw any reason not to think so. He was a one-of-a-kind. Not in personality but in what he was.

A mug.

A mug who was devoid of any hope or happiness. A mug who was simply a child in horribly wrong hands. A mug who yearned for any kind of warmth or kindness. A mug who wanted, who craved any kind of care or love. A mug who was so broken that no amount of therapy could help him recover from his mental scars, which run so deep.

He was a mug who was nothing more than a person who needed help and wanted it badly, never thought he deserved it, keeping his mouth shut.

He needed an emotion other than dullness, border, or heart-pounding terror. He couldn't remember any time he truly ever smiled.

He needed a break.

So when a certain man with a die for a head went down to fetch him, and rather rudely I may add, all he found was nothing more than an empty room, the mug long gone.

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Warmth and joy.

Mugman learned those two things in a certain, but oh-so-special moment in his life. He met someone, someone energetic, someone brash, someone adventurous, but also kind and warm. 

He found his first-ever friend.

He was a cup creature like him, only having red on his nose and clothes and straw. His eyes were big and cocky, but also held a sense of friendliness in their gaze. His voice was loud and scratchy, spewing out whatever nonsense he felt like spilling.

His name was 'Cuphead', and Mugman found joy.

When they first met, he seemed odd to the other cup coming out of the bushes. But strangely, the child seemed to have taken a liking to him in a matter of seconds. He introduced himself and prompted Mugman to do the same. They shook hands, Mugman's handshake being tense and nervous, his hands ice cold to the touch, the cup's being confident and carefree, his hands warm.

Mugman felt warmth for the first time.

They went on adventures together, whenever Mugman would sneak out of Hell. The first time he got caught, he was reprimanded once more, but this didn't deter him.

He finally found someone who liked him, who didn't greet him with a glare or a look of disgust, but a joyful smile and a happy wave.

Mugman felt care.

When he visited Cuphead more and more, they became even closer. Almost like brothers. He eased up around the child and began to unwind. It felt more than nice. He wasn't reprimanded for having opinions, for showing what he felt.

He was called a lovely name: 'Mugsy'. Said with affection and care.

Mugman could almost sob with joy.

Then they met another, and Mugman was filled with euphoria at the implications of having two whole friends, who accepted him and truly liked him.

Mugman finally felt what it's like to be loved for the first time in his life.

He wished and prayed that it wasn't taken away from him. Prayed that the world was finally giving him mercy.

But nothing lasts forever.

He soon learned that the cup was very impulsive, an easy target for scammers or other people who could harm him. The other friend he had, Ms. Chalice, was a con artist, but he didn't have to worry about her harming them.

Mugman felt protectiveness. He wasn't going to let anything hurt his friend or his brother.

He wished he didn't let them see the horrible thing.

The dreadful casino.

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How did this go so wrong?

How...?

Why, why, why, why...?

It all happened when the cup foolishly believed his boss's promise of riches. They were tricked, he was going to kill him. 

Until the fiend proposed a different idea. Collect all of his runaway debtors and he might spare them. Mugman saw through the lie immediately, but given that hope spot, the cup and chalice agreed desperately. Mugman didn't say anything. As they were rudely kicked out, Mugman practically felt his boss's stare on his back, a stare tainted with nothing but mischief and sadism.

He didn't know why his boss didn't share his secret with the very two he kept it from. Unease spreading throughout his body, he was dragged along by the other two.

It took two days to get the task done, having received potions from the cup's elderly caretaker.

When they defeated the foolish King Dice, they approached the devil without fear. When they refused to hand the contracts over, the devil, that bastard, did something Mugman would never forgive him for.

He revealed everything that Mugman kept hidden.

When they heard about this, shock and disbelief formed on the other children's faces. They at first vehemently denied it, refusing to believe Mugman would be capable of even considering joining the awful dark side. But Mugman confirmed it all.

It was silent.

Then they asked why, heartbreak and betrayal in their gazes, but the mug didn't have an answer. He simply looked down at his shoes.

But the next thing they did surprised him. They accepted the truth. They accepted everything that Mugman kept from them. Said that he was their friend. Said he was their brother.

Mugman felt the sting of tears.

The boss said nothing, frustration was written all over his face. But then something seemed to chime in the being's head because a malicious and devilish smile overtook his features. He simply pointed his trident at Mugman and fired before any of them could stop it.

All Mugman felt was unbearable pain, nothing but agony. He heard the other two call out his name in worry, felt gentle hands on his back, and heard the deity's horrible laughter.

The next thing he knew, he tore through clothes.

He tore through glass and skin.

He heard their pained cries, and felt their hands against his mouth, begging him to stop. To try and remember.

But there wasn't anything Mugman could do but sob, tears dripping down his face, sizzling out on the hot stone floor. He was nothing but a puppet under the Devil's control.

He begged and pleaded and prayed for any chance of gaining control. Of stopping this. But nothing.

The chalice was the first to go. Her face was disfigured along with the rest of her body. Her skull shattered.

Then was the cup, his last cry forever haunting the mug's mind:

"Mugsy no!"

His chest was torn open, his face was littered with cracks, the last of life draining away, and tears streamed down his face. Even in his dying state, the cup's eyes still bore into Mugman, this time being nothing more than hollow empty nothingness, the kindness and warmth forever gone from the world.

When he was done, Mugman could do nothing.

He couldn't even sob anymore. He ran out of tears for once.

All he did was stare in silent disbelief.

The Devil simply laughed and laughed and laughed . He mocked the mug, threatened him, and taunted him about all he had lost.

What the deity didn't expect was the mug suddenly snapping and rabidly tearing into him like a deranged animal. His pitchfork kicked away, and he was too shocked and powerless to do anything else.

This time, the only screams and pleas for mercy, were from the very person who lived off it.

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Mugman felt grief and despair.

The first people to show kindness and warmth to him were now gone. The only things that mattered to him were far away, all the way up there. In the place upstairs.

Where they belong.

They might have been reckless and greedy at times, but that wasn't their main defining trait. Wasn't his main defining trait. 

Brash, stubborn, clever, reckless, cheerful, adventurous, hopeful, relentlessly optimistic, friendly, warm: he wished he could witness those again. Wished he could roll his eyes or scold the cup when he did something stupid again, wish he could tap dance along with Ms. Chalice once more, wish he could feel their loving embrace in a group hug.

Wished he could hear that special, affectionate word once more.

But it was too late. They were gone. He had nobody to cry to. No arms to hold him in a warm embrace.

He was as alone as he began.

Mugman felt rage.

Towards the person, he had locked up tight. The person he went down to give his dose of sadism to. The sadism, he never truly felt satisfied with. He lost all his happiness, now he was simply drained.

Mugman felt hatred.

He blamed himself for it all. If he had done nothing if he had simply continued to watch the world from outside. If he had simply continued to not be a part of the world, things would have turned out so much differently. They would have been alive and happy.

So for their sake, he continued to live. For them. He did the things they wanted to do. Watch the new Dirk Dangerous movie at the theatre, go on as many rides as possible at several amusement parks, eat a stomach-aching pile of sweets, explored Inkwell Isles, and so much more. Such simple, mundane things.

Such special cherishes.

It was oh-so-achingly beautiful.

The Devil's minions feared and hated him, but he didn't care. Couldn't care less. This wasn't for their sake anyways. They weren't as obedient when he first ruled, but when he snuffed out a traitor, that stupid dice, in vile and awful ways, they started to conform to him.

He could practically smell their fear. And he both gagged and relished at the implications it brought.

He kept a distant and aloof demeanor toward his minions. Made sure not to falter or reveal his true feelings of nothingness and emotion-numbing pain.

So when they would hear him sobbing himself to sleep every night, every night, they did their best not to acknowledge or speak about it. It was best for their safety.

When they saw him hitting himself on the head out of frustration and anger, with enough force to form cracks and bruises, they minded their own business. When they heard him mourn over the two children's graves, they turned their gaze.

They didn't see a powerful and respectful leader, they merely saw a broken, emotionally unstable, psychologically exhausted, and mentally fragile child who looked ready to snap at any given time. They did their best not to push him to that point. But they lost sight of whether it was out of pity or fear.

But if they hated it, they couldn't do anything to help themselves, they were only minions after all.

So they did nothing and accepted the new Devil. The new ruler of all hell, broken and already defeated.

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I am not sorry >:)

Muahahahahahahhaha!!!

No Matter How Sweet and Nice

A fight with Eggman leaves Sonic and the others thinking Tails is dead. However, that's not exactly the case as they find out 6 months later when Tails is still alive...but working for Eggman. And worse, he didn't know who they were, believing them to be intruders, leading to a fight between robots and animals, which leads to Tails being knocked out and kidnapped, taken to what was once his home. It started with just constant eyes on him and constant coddling by strangers telling him they're his "friends". When he tried to leave and became much more violent in hurting them to free himself, he found himself in even more watchful eyes and needles that force him to sleep when he becomes too harmful, becoming a prisoner to them in his eyes no matter how much they try to deny it.

(basically an angsty Tails fanfiction because I can't get enough of these)

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He hated it here.

There was nothing more horrible than a place like this, Tails was sure. They keep constantly following him, watching him, making sure he wasn't trying to leave. They said it was to make sure they knew where everyone was in case of emergencies, or because he "looked lonely and needed a pal", or because of another lie they thought of on the spot; he knew better though. It was annoying, and frustrating because he was aching to leave. But every time he was caught and the escapes he recently did was now blocked off. Trying to leave through the vents, doors, and windows, they make sure someone was with them at all times, a constant guard to make sure that he stays within the walls or to notify them if their prisoner escaped. Tricking them into leaving him alone caused everyone to now not let him be alone no matter what he did or said. 

Yes, He was referring to himself as a prisoner. Because that's exactly what he was here. Being constantly monitored, never allowed to move out of the area, and not being allowed to go back home. His true home. Not this fake one they insisted was. If it was he wouldn't have had to be brought here, he wouldn't feel like this in the first place, and they certainly wouldn't mind if he was left alone for five goddamn minutes! No this was a prison, not a home. It might be their home, but not his, never his.

He wanted to go back home. Sure, it wasn't stable, at all, but at least there he wasn't constantly coddled and watched over like a baby. At least there he was respected and left alone to do his own thing. Here he found none of that. Here, he was constantly monitored and made sure not to go out of line, his accusations were ignored and denied; being told the complete opposite of what he knew. They showed him pictures, that could be photoshopped (it was easy to do), told him stories (lies), and tried to get him to remember the things he "used" to do. It never worked, mainly because to him it never happened. He never understood the emotions that formed on their faces, ones of sorrow and anger, or the utter heartbreak in their eyes.

He knew about some of them, and those were the ones who monitored him the most. There was a pink hedgehog named Amy, very kind and understanding, however, she coddled him the most, and acted as if he didn't know some things. It didn't come off that way at first, but over time he began to realize she thought that way when she constantly assured him simple things; snow, food, and other things he KNEW were harmless weren't going to hurt him. It came off as a tiny bit reassuring, but now it was just annoying. He didn't like that, while he wasn't rude or cruel to her, they weren't friends as she insisted.

There was another one, Knuckles, a red echidna, the "last one of his kind". He could see it being true, he hadn't ever seen any other echidna anywhere. With the lies he's been told, he doesn't know what to believe about them. He felt intimidated by the echidna, the rough and aloof behavior towards him not exactly helping measures. Knuckles always seemed angry around him. It was never at him, but something must've happened for Tails to change his attitude when the fox would enter the room. Going from being in a conversation to suddenly go quiet, the fox could always feel his intent stare on his back until he left. It was odd and creepy in the fox's opinion, so he tried to keep his eyes on the echidna at all times in case he tried something.

Then there was the one who visited and monitored him the most. A blue hedgehog; Sonic. Tails never understood him. The hedgehog was very friendly and always wanted to spend time with him. Tails didn't understand why. However, the hedgehog's ability to break the sound barrier was something the fox found fascinating. It was impossible, but the speedster managed to do it somehow. His fascination with the blue mammal's power did not deter him from eyeing the hedgehog with caution, no matter how friendly and caring he was towards him. He never understood why the urchin was so caring towards him. Why he cared when Tails stayed up later than the others, or when Tails didn't eat or drink water, or when the fox didn't bathe himself, and so much more than the fox, who didn't think those things were important. The kitsune found it weird, and as a result, he maintained an aloof and distant attitude toward what was stated to be his "former big brother".

It was Sonic who brought him here, in this godawful place that it is, as stated by the others to refuse to leave without him. The hedgehog was also the most against letting the fox go back to Robotnick. Tails never truly understood why, but he gave up trying to understand, now all he was, was frustrated at the rodent.

The fox was currently walking alongside the hedgehog around the village, amongst the scenery he found himself fond of. The only good thing in this awful place. It was a beautiful forest, trees scattered with emerald green leaves, birds singing their songs within, below critters scampered across the dirt ground, hiding or running through the many bushes. It was peaceful and calm. A perfect place to relax and listen to your thoughts. Unfortunately, he couldn't exactly relax with a prattling hedgehog beside him, constantly asking him things he didn't care about. The two-tailed canine only responded with short answers and nods. He didn't bother to try and leave, nothing the hedgehog would catch him in a heartbeat. Literally.

The only way he spoke to them, was not to share any information with them that they could use against him or the doctor but to respond with a simple yes and no what whatever stupid question they have.

He soon found himself trailing into thoughts of the doctor. What was he doing now? He probably already found out the fox was missing, but probably never figured out that he was kidnapped. Maybe he thought the fox ran away, or worse maybe thought the fox was betraying him. The fox found a multitude of thoughts that begins to fill his brain.

What would he do if he thought of the latter?    Would he hunt him down?                       

What if he found him?                  What would he do?

 Would he listen if the fox tried to explain that these crazy people kidnapped him?                                 

What if he didn't believe him?

What if the doctor disowned him?                         

Where would he go?                           

If he was kicked out what if these psychos find him again?

And if he escaped again what would he do next without anywhere to go?       

What if he never got out of here?     Why won't they let him leave?

  What about his inventions?       Would he be able to keep them?             

Would the Doctor destroy them?     

 What would he do if he does?

    Or what if the doctor kept them?     

 Would he take the credit for them?       

 What would Tails do if Robotnick used them on him?     

What if he died, then all of this would-

"Tails? Are you alright?"

The young canine was snapped out of his anxious trance by a soft call of his name and a gloved hand on his shoulder. The fox snapped out of his thoughts and met the worrying green eyes of his monitor. He noticed he was breathing rapidly, frozen on the path. He placed his hand on his chest as he began to inhale and exhale deeply, calming himself. The blue hedgehog eyed him with concern, asking once more.

"You ok buddy?"

The fox was about to snap at the hedgehog to not call him his 'buddy', but refrained. Instead, he simply nodded.

"Y-yeah."

The hedgehog frowned.

"You sure? You just suddenly stopped walking and started breathing like that. Have something on your mind?"

The fox's lips drew into a straight line. An unreadable expression formed on his face as he shook his head. Didn't want to deal with having to talk out his feelings and "trauma" with Amy again. He turned to keep walking, only to stop when the hedgehog responded.

"Was it about him again?"

The kitsune clenched his teeth in a mixture of emotions, mostly frustration at how the hedgehog could somehow read him like an open book. He turned back to the waiting azure mammal, shaking his head once more. It was now the hedgehog with an unreadable expression on his face, and once again Tails couldn't see what he was thinking. He previously found out pretty soon that the urchin had a rivalry with the doctor for a while. When the fox couldn't "recognize" him or anyone who mentioned Robotnick he saw a mixture of emotions form on the hedgehog's face. Sorrow, sadness, anger. Tails couldn't understand what all that meant.

That mixture of emotions was still present on the speedster's face. Sad and heartbroken, with a deep undertone of anger and self-blame. He never understood why he made that expression every time the doctor was mentioned by him and anyone else. But he did know two things: It made him hella uncomfortable and he was tired of it.

"Stop it."

The hedgehog's eyes widened at his usage of words other than 'yes' and 'no' but soon melted into one of confusion as he tilted his head.

"Stop what?"

"Stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like...that! I don't know! Being all sad or angry or...whatever when ANYONE mentions him or I don't remember something you guys think I ever did. It's freaking me out!", The fox's gloved hands waved in the air as he spoke, lead on by a rush of adrenaline. The blue blurs face changed as he spoke, becoming one even more sad and regretful, scratching behind his quills as he spoke.

"Sorry, bud. It's just...what he did to you...it's not right. He shouldn't have messed with you in the first place. I should have been there to-"

"No no no... I'm not listening to you go 'I should have done this' Or 'this wouldn't have happened if I had...' because none of it happened in the first place. Me and you aren't best friends, we never were. Because if we were wouldn't have I remembered you?!"

"Yeah, you would have. He changed your memories buddy. He made them all wrong and-" The young kit grabbed at his head as he said those stupid words again. Gloved hands began to grasp at the orange fur, covering his ears.

"Not this again! My memories are fine! There's nothing wrong with them. You're the ones who need to get your brain checked because I'm not who you think I am!"

"No Tails, I KNOW what I remember. You're the smartest kid on the planet. You've stopped Ol' Egghead a million times with machines he couldn't dream of building. You're a friend to everyone here. You're my best friend, my little brother."

The grip on his fur became harsher.

"No No! Stop it! My memories are fine! You're the ones trying to change them, you all are. I was fine where I was before you had to drag me here where I don't belong! I was home with my family-"

"No. Eggman is NOT family, and that was NOT home. This is your real home, me and the others are your family Tails.", gloved hands moved to gently pry the fox's hands from ripping his fur out. Pulling the distressed child into a hug he continued to speak.

"Me and the others are your family. You're home. We'll make sure you get your memories back to normal, and we'll never let him get his hands on you again. You're ok here little buddy. You're safe. I promise." The blue hero gently stroked the fox's head, trying to get him to calm down. The kit continued to sob into the hero's fur, denying those things, murmuring about how he's a liar. There was a moment of calmness, before the fox's eyes widened and he suddenly ripped himself away from Sonic, beginning to scream and hyperventilate.

"No!-You-Y-your lying-You're a l-liar! My memories are f-fine, y-you're the one trying to ch-cha-ange them! I-I don't w-wanna be here anymore. I n-never wanted to be-e here! I want to go home...I want to go home! I wa-ant to...", the rest became nothing more than broken sobs, shrieks, and incoherent blubbering. The hedgehog tried to move closer to the kit, trying to calm him down, only for the child to bite into his arm and began to scratch him, his yelps and pleas for the fox to calm down went unheard by the manic person addressed. The others began to crowd around them, hands grabbing onto Tails as they attempted to pull him off, the fox's claws digging even further into the rodent he had trapped underneath him. Blood stained his gloves, and more of the ruby-red liquid was around his muzzle and in his mouth, leaving a strong metallic taste on his tongue.

He continued to shriek and cry in his state of hysteria until a needle was dug into his arm and he began to lose consciousness, his struggles getting weaker...

and weaker...

...and weaker...

Until everything went black...

The fox thumped his mitts together in boredom. Now they restrained his hands again. Great. Having his hands restrained meant that he now couldn't manage to pick up anything, not even utensils, having to ask someone to help him eat or to ask someone to take them off, meaning the person would stay in the room with him. They said it was temporary, and that they would come off when they were sure Tails wouldn't attack anyone else. This wasn't his first time doing this. He had bitten and scratched others in this place before, he can even still see the leftover bite marks or scratches that haven't healed yet on their arms and, for Knuckles, left ear.

It had happened when Knuckled was monitoring him, Tails didn't exactly remember what he said, but it cost the echidna a part of the left ear, not enough to make him go deaf, but enough that it was noticeable. It caused the echidna to be warier about what to say to the fox from then on. Amy had two bite marks on her right arm, and scratches coating the back of her hands, hidden by fresh gloves. Only she, Tails, and the people who were there when he attacked her knew they existed. She had tried to calm him down from his usual hysteria using one of those horrible syringes, saying something about a seizure. Saying she was sorry. She also became more cautious toward him. They both didn't monitor him that much after that.

Sonic had the worst of them. Bite marks and scratches coated his arms, one bite mark on his left shoulder and his legs were slightly bruised when the fox kicked against him one time.

But even though Tails did that he continued to spend time with him, acting like none of that happened. He didn't understand why the hedgehog ignored his attempts to shove him away. He found it a little insulting, but over time his anger and hatred towards this prison and everyone in it gave way to defeat and an overarching depression formed that made everything slower, it made him care less and less about what was happening around him. He couldn't bring himself even try to escape. They were just going to catch him over and over. What was the point?

There was hardly anything of his interest to do here. He couldn't tinker and build anything because someone had to be with him all the time, he didn't like it when people watched him work, made him anxious. The things he wanted to build would've gotten him out of here, so they'd probably stop him anyway. The thing he hated the most was how...nice they were.

Honey-coated words assuring him, comforting him, telling him everything was ok, and the one they repeated the most; we'll get your real memories back. What were they trying to do to say that? His memories were perfectly fine! He lived with Robotnick, not Sonic, like everyone else, including the rodent, wants him to believe. He's not going to let them win. 

No matter how sweet and nice, a cage is still a cage to the one trapped.

However, he's not sure what to truly believe anymore. He thinks he doesn't belong here but...he doesn't think he lived with Robotnik anymore either. The memories he had of the doctor didn't feel real. The picture's the people here showed him can't be real either. It...just doesn't feel right.

He sighed as he gazed outside, currently laying in his bed. Sonic was in the other room, bandaged and snoring away. He doesn't know the hedgehog keeps lying to him, telling him he's his brother. He was the one who took care of him. He was the one who took him under his wing. But...Tails just didn't know anymore.

Didn't know which past was real or fake, didn't know what to believe, and didn't even know if he was right at all. 

He hated this.

He hated Robotnick, always stealing the credit for the machines HE made. For destroying "failed" inventions.

He hated his old home, always so cold and empty. Wanting someone to talk to.

He hated this stupid place, everyone's eyes on him. Making sure he never stepped out of line.

He hated everyone in it, never letting him leave. Making him stay in this prison.

He hated Sonic, for bringing him here. Never leaving him alone.

He hated himself for being so easily fooled by everyone. Letting them confuse him.

He hated his mind, for never being clear on what was real. Which memories were fake.

He hated everything, for not making sense. Nothing ever did anymore.

The kit moved away from the window and curled up into his bed. There was no point trying to get out the window, the hedgehog was a light sleeper, and would wake up to the slightest creak of the floorboards. Even if he did get out, someone outside the village would tell them where he was and keep him there until they came and got him, reassuring him, telling him they weren't mad. These maniacs probably told everyone in this zone. He brought the covers over his body and tried to relax.

Tomorrow was another day.

He didn't know what to think of this place anymore.

It probably wasn't true anyway.

More Analysis of The Number Nine in Tarot Cards!

Alright, I already did an analysis of the number Nine, getting deep into both its folklore and religious representations. But as I was curiously scrolling on more possible symbolism of the number because I have nothing better to do in life, I found something you guys REALLY need to find out about the number!

Looking into more possible symbolisms I came across tarot card websites. Why is Nine so interesting here?

Because the Ninth tarot card is the Hermit! I know at first I laughed my ass off too when I read this because Nine is a little hermit (def. a person living in solitude or seeking to do so) but when I looked more into it I...didn't have a good time after that. This card is also thought to connote aspects of healing and recovery, something Nine has yet to do in Prime, but it's also a LOT more than that. Things made me slightly tear up while reading.

In tarots, the Hermit has keywords (qualities to define or classify someone as the card due to their inner strength and personality in psyche mythical readings and stuff)

The Upright: Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance, prudence, circumspection,

I saw some that I can agree with and qualify as Nine (being alone), but then I got to the reversed keywords and I realized "OH SHIT, THIS IS NINE!"

Reversed: Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, concealment, disguise, corruption, roguery

Sound familiar? Yeah, I know!

The Hermit's drawing and description aren't much better either...

" The Hermit stands alone on the top of a mountain. The snow-capped range symbolizes his spiritual mastery, growth, and accomplishment. He has chosen this path of self-discovery and, as a result, has reached a heightened state of awareness.

In his right hand, he holds a lantern with a six-pointed star inside; it is the Seal of Solomon, a symbol of wisdom. As The Hermit walks his path, the lamp lights his way – but it only illuminates his next few steps rather than the full journey. He must step forward to see where to go next, knowing that not everything will be revealed at once. In his left hand, the side of the subconscious mind, The Hermit holds a long staff (a sign of his power and authority), which he uses to guide and balance him."

A very interesting and LONG description, but one I think can possibly show what Nine's journey could be. One of self-discovery and deep reflection. In the description, the Hermit uses the light to show not his full journey, but his next steps (the light is a symbol of enlightenment and realization)

I think that the light in the Hermit's case could possibly be Nine's enlightenment, one that guides him to a better life of one full of happiness and love. As for the source of the light, it's obviously Sonic for bringing Nine TO that enlightenment. Nine isn't dependent on Sonic, not fully, but I think he's dependent on the HOPE that Sonic gave him, which makes him work for it to become real.

The long golden staff is obviously, Nine's seven mechanical tails, as they give him a sense of "power and authority", using them to guide and ESPECIALLY balance him (he literally uses them as legs and chairs).

Instead of a white color scheme in his clothes, Nine has a darker and more dull color choice in his clothing, which shows he hasn't finished his growth or accomplishment. Nine has yet to choose to go on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, and only depends on his enlightenment to lead him to a better life.

The Hermit is also associated with old age and experience. Nine IS still a kid, but it's clear from the dark ear tips that he IS older than Tails, he also has PLENTY of experience whether it be from fighting to the hardships of life.

In LOVE aspects of Tarot readings, the Hermit is NOT a good card to get. Getting this card means that you'll most likely be alone for the foreseeable future. It also represents NO reconciliation if you hope you and someone will be together, this card symbolizes you spending time by yourself, grieving the loss of this relationship.

Getting a Hermit in readings o your future life is also NOT a good sign. It predicts loneliness, heartache, and failed attempts.

For more goal-orientated reasons, the Hermit is a warning that you're goals will separate you from others, which could be the possible outcome of Nine's focus on a better future.

The Hermit in a Tarot spread as an obstacle can represent how you'll be alone and be lonely, and in those cases, your remoteness can cause you to act needy towards others.

The Hermit card is a MOSTLY negative card and has VERY FEW good attributes in a Tarot Reading in my opinion.

While it can be a positive on how you don't need others to be happy, that DOES NOT fit for Nine.

Anyway, thanks for reading my little ramble and I'm curious about YOUR interpretations of this silly theory. I hope y'all have a wonderful day/night!

An overwritten essay on why Cuphead is the best baby boi and underrated

Alright, so I love The Cuphead Show! It is one of the only good children's cartoons I genuinely enjoy because of how good it is. There are so many wacky and loveable characters on the no-so-normal-at-all Inkwell Isles. You can see fucking walking hamburgers and sandwiches, like, what the hell is this place?

Nonetheless, there are several titles given to many characters. Bon Bon is Crazy Queen, Briney is Pirate Simp, and Cala Maria is still the hottest of queens (that hasn't changed).

However, throughout multiple media, there is one title only given to those who are so small and cute you just want to protect them because they can't protect themselves:

The title of Best Boi.

Now I know all of you are probably saying who you think deserves this title. But I know who it is already. The truest of best bois:

Cuphead.

Now before you start shouting and yelling at my "stupid and untrue" (but totally correct) decision. Some of you are saying Mugman is, but I mean come on we all know that Mugman is the MVP, the crazy going-to-be-a-serial-killer, failed straight man (both in tropes and literally), of the show.

Now I have my reasons for this post. And I'm going to lay them down. So ladies and gentlemen, or fucking literally spaghetti and sandwiches, here are my many reasons why Cuphead is the best boi of this show.

So look my first reason is the fact that this kid is legit the only SANE one in the ENTIRE show. Like Elder Kettle is a fucking pyromaniac who tried to kill his grandkids on several occasions, and Mugman...which...

Jesus this mug needs some fucking therapy or anger management lessons.

And come on his friend is still a con artist (I still love her tho), the devil is the devil, Dice is fashionably vain and has an I want to be appreciated by my gay boss complex, and henchmen is...actually henchmen is cool, being the REAL straight man, but other than these two the other characters have fucking problems.

All this kid really did was neglect his chores to have fun and that's it (I know some of you are talking about the CRAPPY Lost in the Woods episode but I'll get to that). Unlike the other characters, he NEVER ONCE expressed any malice, aggression, or sadism towards ANYONE or anything. I know you all are saying henchmen didn't have that either but I'll talk about him later.

Going back to this, let me remind all of you that Cuphead is a CHILD, and so is Mugman but, he's too gone to be saved let's be real. This cup is a child, so of course, he's gonna be a brat sometimes. And even I roll my eyes when he does something. But I mean we were all little shits back then, that's a FACT.

Another thing, he's not a pushover. He WILL call people out or stand up to people who were being jerks, and that's actually one of the traits I like that he has. In most kids' shows, the protagonist is overly nice, shy, or overconfident, and just ORDINARY and BORING. In The Cuphead Show, Cuphead is NOT that. He's a troublemaking brat who constantly forgets to look where he leaps, but there is SO MUCH MORE to him than just that.

What I can appreciate about this show is that these characters show more and more depth as the show goes on (which is why this show needs to be renewed!). And the plot twists are actually good.

Cuphead is the troublemaker trope. He is a mischievous brat, but now that I rewatch this show he acts exactly like what he is, a KID. Not to mention the fact that there is more to him than meets the eye. He is scared of the Devil, not because his SOUL is in danger, but because this is a deity that can take away everyone he loves. He is surprisingly humble, accepting that he lost on Dice's show, and doesn't call himself a hero not ONCE, even after he freed souls from damnation from the devil. He can be cocky, but he doesn't ever rub these successes on ANYONE, not even the Devil, who he struck with his own pitchfork.

He has hidden talents, being able to play the piano like a fucking G and being able to be smart at certain things, like sparking back a show like he did for Dice (which was honestly so fucking nice of him, even after this guy from his perspective rigged his show, he still remained a huge fan of him). He can be dumb at times, but most of the time, that stupidity is more childish naivety when you look back on it (the only exception is when he couldn't guess simple questions on Dice's show).

He can have some self-control, being able to refuse Bon Bon's bitch castle. He was willing to give Chalice (who left him and his brother in jail) the benefit of the doubt and still considered her his friend, only getting mad at her when she reveals she lied about a fucking MOB (I'd be mad too).

Not to mention, he is a pretty brave kid. He WILLINGLY went into hell to get his brother back, I honestly DO NOT KNOW WHY PEOPLE DON'T TALK ABOUT THIS MOMENT MORE and faced the Devil. He won, also freeing the captive souls. People need to comment on this moment more because it is awesome. And going back in season 2, he demanded the ghosts to release Chalice when she was stuck in a painting. So, he can be a coward, but when it comes to those he cares about, he toughens up.

Another thing is that he can be a total sweetie. He's not as polite as his brother, but he is a bit of a sweetheart. He constantly comforts Mugman and encourages his brother's confidence, he doesn't blame or hate Chalice even when she ditched them to the stony lonesome, he isn't really that antagonistic towards the Devil as Big D is to him, he frees the souls, he helps king dice, in the Christmas special he admits he hasn't been perfectly good stating it's hard to stay good all the time (which is understandable), just being grateful for Santa (the devil) showing up and being able to meet him, even apologizing for "misjudging" the Baronness (even though he was totally right), and (other than that bitch Jimmy) never really showed any grudges toward anyone.

Another is that he shows remorse and takes responsibility for his actions. Even when that psychopath Bowlboy was planning a double suicide (pretty much what happened in a nutshell), and he got out of it, he still showed concern for the crazy bastard when he got launched off in a rocket.

The other thing is that he is a very fun protagonist, and he actually makes things happen. Like, no offense I love Mugman, but if it was just him, all we'd see is just him doing boring chores and miaming ice cream men.

...actually, I'd be down to see that, but I like Cuphead's optimism and hot-headed self-balancing out Mugman's pessimism and...hot-headedness...

The last thing is that...

He's adorable! They did well with his design. A simple kid with simple clothes who likes risk and adventure, but has childish charm and cuteness. He's small, got those big cocky eyes, and has optimism and an innocent attitude that's undeniably endearing. He can be annoying, but his happy personality and tendency to look on the bright side of things make you just want to hug and squeeze him. Especially when he's sad. Because he doesn't get sad or cry often, it hurts when he does cry or make this face that'll break anyone's heart:

I'm sad now.

I wanna hug this sad boi.

Now, I know all of you are saying that Henchmen is the best boi, but not really, he's adorable and I love him. It's just the fact that he isn't hateful or sadistic, but he doesn't really do much about it. He does tell the devil that blowing up annoying ass elves is not something Santa would do. or something, and he has a bet with the devil (that he deserved to win). But that's really about it. He isn't really miserable or sad, so you don't want to hug and squeeze him.

Again, I LOVE henchmen, I just haven't really wanted to give him a big hug because I don't want him to be sad. He's a cute character, but not really one that you feel sad for. And that's good, I never want to see him sad.

Now, ALL of these traits that I wrote down that help explain why Cuphead is the best boi is EXACTLY why I HATE the Lost in the Woods episode because, WHERE THE HELL DID ALL OF IT GO? Mugmans is still the same, delusional, sociopath, MVP, but where the hell is Cuphead?

That's NOT my baby boi!

All in all, Thank you for taking you time to read this overwritten essay. Leave what you think in the comments or don't if you don't want to. I just wanted to write this out.

A Chance Meeting: Chapter Two: Helping Hand

Basically, Tails helps out with the plane since the damn hedgehog doesn't know anything about mechanics. Unfortunately, it leads to something he REALLY didn't want to happen.

------------------------------------

Ok.

This was NOT good. The hedgehog should have left DAYS ago. He would've had it fixed and then he'd be off into the sky with the fantastic plane.

And away from Miles.

Unfortunately, this was not the case as the young borrower would watch the blue idiot try to fix the plane on his own. He watched as it only resulted in the plane letting out puffs of smoke in the hedgehog's face as his attempts to fix it failed. Miles huffed in annoyance as he watched the hedgehog try to fix it over and over from the safety of his hiding spot in the tree. He couldn't see exactly what the hedgehog was doing but whatever it was it wasn't the right tools or placement on certain parts. This wasn't good. Over time he had nearly been squashed with the blue rodent blasting off everywhere. Not to mention when the urchin would explore the island he nearly got seen multiple times.

So he had observed the bean for a while, so what? He was just watching the enemy, finding its weakness. So far from what he had observed the bean was fast, had a certain diet of hot dog-like food, and was very curious and adventurous. The worst traits a bean could have. Quick ones snuffed you out easily, and curiosity lead to them most likely keeping you as pets or experiments.

It was clear the bean had no idea how plane mechanics work, and was also too stubborn with pride to ask for help from someone who does. The fox sighed, at this rate, it would take weeks, maybe months until the hedgehog got out of his territory. However, if he did something about this it might take a shorter time...

No.

That was a stupid idea. He couldn't interact with beans, never. Besides, it's not like the hedgehog would stay against a helping hand, right?

Unfortunately, Miles found himself cursing his hopeful thoughts as being wrong.

The damn urchin was still there after four days. This was starting to get riskier and riskier as the blue mobian stayed longer. However, Miles knew he had to make up his mind during one of his borrowing trips. 

He had finally managed to catch another lizard. It took a while. This one was a fighter. However, one stab to the skull and it was out like a light. After wrapping a cloth around the head to keep the blood of the lizard from getting in his fur and leaving a trail for predators to follow, he moved the lizard to drape over his shoulder as he prepared to haul it home, the sun beginning to lower, exploding into colors of pink, purple and red in the blue sky.

Unfortunately, this was when the bean decided to crash through. Miles was first alerted to the predator when his fur and ears perked in alarm at the light tremors of larger footsteps. He panicked as they came closer and closer to where he was, and they were alarmingly fast. His eyes quickly darted around for any hiding spot, landing on the bush that was behind him.

He just barely got in the covers of the shrubs when the all too familiar blue of the hedgehog came into view, bright red and white sneakers mere inches from where he was. The thought of how easily they could snuff him out made the borrower shudder. Miles held his hand up to his mouth to muffle his hyperventilated breaths, sky-blue eyes carefully watching the being above, pupils dilated in fear.

The hedgehog looked around the forest for a moment, sniffing slightly, before lifting his tan arm to his face, gloved hand closed in a fist. He moved the hand under his nose, and a finger rubbed under the snout. 

Then there was a burst of wind and a flash of blue that sent the little fox grasping onto both the lizard with one hand, not wanting to lose his food, and the bush for dear life with the other, letting out a cry of surprise. After it died down again, the fox huffed in annoyance and stuck out his tongue in the direction where the urchin ran off.

He hated when the bean did that. Almost lost 2 lizards because of it. He didn't want to go back to eating tree sap, mysterious mushrooms, and grass again.

As he headed back to his burrow, thoughts began to run through his head.

This was another close call. If he was a second too late he would have been trampled. 

He shivered, not from anything cold, but from heart-pounding fear. This had happened too many times, where he would be getting food or water before the hedgehog would suddenly come out of nowhere. Luckily he hadn't been seen or squashed, however, the gust of wind that would follow the blue blur would carelessly toss the food or the water from the self-made canteen away. Luckily it would only land on the ground, however, it was very inconvenient for the tiny fox, who would sometimes get blown away alongside the supplies, landing hard on the ground. Bruises had begun to form on his fragile body as a result.

He was lucky he never landed or hit anything with his head, his skull would have easily been damaged.

He could die if this continued.

Miles shivered once more, before feeling the lizard starting to slip, he paused, readjusted a firm grip on the lizard, and continued once more, his eyes dimming with relief at the sight of his home up ahead. It wasn't messed up or showed any signs of a predator deciding to nap there, he didn't have to worry about any more danger.

He always hated it when an animal, mostly bunnies, would come and claim his home as their own. When luring them out with food didn't work, he'd have to go in and fight to reclaim his territory once more. He didn't kill them, he never killed them, didn't even think he could, he simply gave them wounds of warnings to stay away. Oftentimes they'd run away and leave him alone.

But Miles didn't think he'd be able to fight any more animals for today. The lizard really was a stubborn fighter. Took all of his energy to take it down, now he needed a nap. 

He entered his little cavern, making sure to close the entrance behind him, which was just two big rocks covered in some kind of moss. It had once been leaves, however, he learned quickly that leaves weren't good at keeping things out, nearly drowning under sloshy mud made by the occasional rain, or having to chase more bunnies out of his home.

He fumbled around, trying to find the light bulb, when he did, he turned it until it gave a soft click.

Soft yellow light erupted from the bulb, illuminating the small room. Miles placed the lizard on a long wood slab, which acted as a table, and moved over to his bed, landing face-first in it with a deep sigh. His bed was a carefully assorted pile of leaves and moss, soft enough to be comfortable, and warm enough in winter. He closed his eyes, wanting to let sleep take him away into his dreams, but opened them again when his stomach started begging for food.

He hadn't eaten anything all day and had been scavenging for food until he found this lizard. He groaned and moved off the bed, preparing to skin the lizard. It was a long and tedious task, one that took almost an hour to complete. His stomach moaned once more at the reminder. However, it needed to be done, the lizard's skin being too hard to chew.

He went over and grabbed the things he needed, a sharp shard of glass for the cutting and a flat rock for the scrapping of the excess fat, then he moved over to the lizard, held it in a certain position, and began the process. He knew how it was done, he'd watched his father do it plenty of times, and he memorized his father's instructions when the old man taught him. He knew where to cut, how to place the animal, what to remove, and the careful way of removing the skin without taking away any of the meat.

As he worked he found his thoughts trailing back to his father. How his father would praise him when he did something correctly during his teachings, how his father comforted him when he first cried over the dead lizard, his father's rough but warm hands holding onto his own, showing him the right pace on scrapping the fat faster. He missed that. He wished he hadn't done what he did that made him lose any chance of having those again.

He shook his head, not wanting to recount his past stupidity, his past carelessness.

He had to focus. The last time he didn't he had to bandage his hand, having nearly cut his finger off.

He worked on removing the lizard's genitals, making sure his cuts were careful and precise. After he did that he worked on removing the scent glands, finding himself lost in his thoughts once more.

This time it was about the bean, notably about his past and recent encounters.

He couldn't continue like this. Not with the hedgehog speeding around. He nearly got killed several times with the urchin around. More times than usual. With the bean so close to his territory it was now becoming clear that ignoring it was a death wish. Either that or it was a desire to be discovered. 

But what could he do? He couldn't be discovered, but he needed to push the bean along to leave. Another thing came to mind. The plane. It was busted for now. There was obviously something misplaced or something that needed to be fixed. He had researched a lot about planes and their functionality of them. 

He paused in the pelting process he nearly forgot he was doing.

That idea was insane. He could easily get killed by the plane or the bean, not to mention he'd easily get discovered. However, it might just be the only one that could work. The village he used to be in was miles away and could take days to get to at his size. Even if he got there, there'd be even more beans to evade and hide from. If he somehow managed to find someone who could help, what would he even do?

If he wanted the bean to leave as soon as possible, he'd have to go out there and fix the engine himself.

It was clear the bean had absolutely no idea how to fix it, but maybe he could.

It was a stupid idea, one that absolutely terrified him, but maybe it was the only way he could make sure he doesn't get killed.

He wished and prayed that there was another way, but he couldn't think of anything that wouldn't end in immediate death. His hands began shaking as he figured this was the only thing he could do, his legs began to wobble as they began to feel like jelly.

His breaths were now shaky, and he felt a cold pang in his gut. He stayed far away from beans after the incident, but now he didn't seem to have any choice. The kit felt tears begin to form, ones of horror and slight anger at no other choice. He swallowed.

It was the only option, and he hated it. He looked down at the lizard, its opened stomach and bloody limbs becoming nauseating to him despite having been used to it. Only one thought rang through his mind.

Crap.

----------------------------

Miles stared at the plane, blue eyes now filled with fear and uncertainty. The hedgehog wasn't around, having most likely gone on one of his runs, so Miles had about an hour to do whatever he could to fix the machine. Despite that knowledge, the fox still hesitated to move from the bushes he hid behind. His heart hammered in his chest, and his palms began to sweat and shake.

He knew he had to do this, if he waited, he'd keep putting it off. If he did that the hedgehog would never leave. His legs still refused to move, his body frozen in fear. He wanted to go back, to hide away in his burrow and never leave the safety of the cavern. He took a shaky step back, beginning to humor the idea, before clenching his fists and narrowing his eyes. He took a deep breath and returned his gaze to the airplane.

No, he could do this. Even if he didn't want to, he should at least try to push the hedgehog into leaving.

He should try.

Eyes narrowed in found determination, he began to approach the aircraft, ignoring the jelly-like feeling in his shaky legs. His tails swished quickly with unease behind him. He held out a hand to the flying machine, his palm brushing cold metal.

He let out an exhale, not even knowing when he held his breath. The fear was slightly forgotten as a small excitement began to take its place for a moment. He had never gotten this close to the plane before, and it was exhilarating. It was even more beautiful and amazing up close. He walked along the side of the metal tin, his hand trailing behind him, having never been taken off the hard warm metal.

He approached one of the big red wings and began to feel those as well, despite them not feeling any different from the other parts of the plane. His fear began to diminish as he continued to explore the plane, his tails now wagging happily behind him.

"Incredible! You can fly for miles, huh? Travel to all sorts of different places, to so many different adventures.", he murmured to the inanimate object. His eyes dimmed as he remembered the objective at hand. He moved his hands to grasp the wing, pulling himself up, grunting with effort as he began to climb the transport. He made his way to the engine, uneasiness beginning to form when he finally made it to the desired location. A new problem rose.

How was he supposed to open the engine?

He huffed in frustration at the new problem. All that preparation for this to happen, what a waste. He sat down on the part that needed to be open as he began to think. He had to get it open, but how? He obviously couldn't open it by himself, but maybe he could use something to help him. If he had something long and sturdy maybe he could pry it open, or he could have something hit the cover to open it. Miles found himself leaning towards the former, not wanting to damage the plane and leave traces that he was there.

His eyes darted around the scenery, eventually landing on a long stick having been broken off by the tree above it near the forest he emerged from. He carefully navigated off of the plane and retrieved the stick, dragging the heavy, for him, object back over the plane. He moved to the engine and placed the stick in the crevasse of the cover, after sticking it there so it would lift off the ground, he jumped on the other end several times until both the wooden object broke and the engine popped open.

He fell to the ground with a hard grunt as his body collided with the earth. He got up, brushed himself off, and once again navigated to the engine, being careful not to fall in. He took his time to examine the mechanics, eyes glimmering with pure awe, and the hedgehog was momentarily forgotten. It was absolutely beautiful, with all sorts of gears, and gadgets used to function the lovely machine.

He found himself getting giddy once more before he shook his head and regained his composure. He needed to concentrate. However, he needed something to help him with this, maybe the plane had something lying around somewhere to help him with this. He moved off of the engine once more and made his way to the cockpit.

Glancing in, he couldn't find anything. He moved over to the rim of the plane and hopped down onto the soft seat, landing with a gentle thump. He eventually caught sight of it at the bottom of the pit, he landed on the hard, but somehow still soft, ground and moved behind the box. He groaned and grunted as he pushed the box over to the seat. He then moved it so the side of the box leaned against the seat, and moved under it. He didn't have a muscular build, in fact, he was quite skinny compared to borrowers his age, but he somehow managed to slowly, but surely began to push it onto the seat. Making it fully on there but having his feet push against the dashboard, paying mind to avoid pushing any of the buttons.

After several muscle-straining moments, he finally managed to lift it all the way onto the seat. He collapsed to the ground in utter exhaustion, moaning with relief. He stayed that way for about five minutes before begrudgingly hauling himself back up. He didn't have time for a nap, he had to get this done before the urchin came back. Orange fur-covered aching arms lifted him back onto the seat, the owner panting heavily, his face slightly red as he collapsed once more onto the seat.

Okay. All he had to do was push it over the cock pit and out of the plane and he wouldn't have to lift it anymore. That's all he had to do, and the horrible box wouldn't make him hurt anymore. That's the only thing and then no more. After resting for a bit he began to once more push and lift the cursed object out of the plane. His muscles threatened to buckle under the pressure of the large box, half sobbing, half laughing with relief as it landed outside with a loud clang, the toolbox's contents spilled across the ground below. He panted and sat down on the cushion, leaning against the wall of the aircraft.

Then the fear started to kick in. What if the bean was nearby? He might investigate whatever that was. That thought made the kit freeze in terror. He stayed still and held in his breath for what seemed like forever, ears perked up and listening for footsteps, voices, anything that might signal that the bean was nearby.

But nothing. He slowly peered over the rim of the cock pit, and all he saw was the peaceful forest, and only heard the chirping of birds. He sighed with grateful relief and went back to rest for a bit. He couldn't stay that way for too long, he knew that, but he couldn't tire himself either. He could at least wait until the strain in his muscles died down before he did any more strenuous activities.

As he rested the kit still had his ears perked up for any sounds that could alert him to the arrival of the bean. Luckily he didn't hear anything that showed signs of that. As the borrower's muscles strain died out to the point where he could manage enough, he pulled his tired body out of the resting spot and fell hard on the ground he forgot was there. He groaned, slightly muffled due to his face planting of frustration. He sighed and moved himself up, looking over the tools he spilled with slightly dimmed determination and resentment.

As much as he wanted to give up and wobble back to his hut, he already got this far. If he did that he'd just have to start all over again, and he did NOT want that. He moved over eyeing the instruments of the invention with careful eyes before landing on a wrench. He hoisted the stupid thing up and made his way back over to the engine. It was hard to climb a 200-ton machine with a device that was over 5 times his size, but again, he managed.

He began working on the engine after seeing what was wrong with it. He first started with a slow careful attitude, cautious with the soon-to-be returning bean on his mind, however, that soon became forgotten as he became lost in his own gear-ticking brain and excitement. This was exactly as all of the books he'd found about planes described it. It was even better now that he was doing it himself. His tails swished happily behind him as he tinkered away to his heart's delight, not only almost managing to fix the engine but also coming up with ideas to rearrange some things to make it go even faster.

Unfortunately, he was so lost in his own excitement that he neglected to keep alert, missing the footsteps of the bean returning, nor the gasp that followed. He was alerted when there was a loud thump and rustle of something hitting the ground, most likely a paper bag.

Miles froze, and he moved over to look at the source of the sound, praying to Chaos it wasn't what he hoped it wasn't.

Unfortunately, the gods of luck didn't seem to be on his side because his sky-blue eyes landed on emerald green ones. The hedgehog's face was caught in an open-mouthed stare. For a second time seemed to stop for both of them, one in absolute pants-wetting terror and the other in shocked disbelief...

...before Miles became an orange blur, quickly moving off the engine and away from the mobian. The action only drove the urchin into motion, as he registered the bigger beings' footsteps giving chase behind him, the beans voice reaching his ears.

"H-hey wait little fella! I'm not gonna hurt you!"

Yeah right! , was the fox's only thought as he avoided the large white hand, barely slipping its grasp. He ran under the plane, eyes widened in terror as he glanced behind him, catching the confused, shocked, and somewhat awed eyes of his pursuer looked under after where he ran. He had to get out of here, had to get away. Unfortunately, if he even had a chance of escaping, it was foiled by the kit suddenly slamming hard into the carelessly discarded red toolbox. He fell back on his back as he fell dizzy.

Everything began to blur, colors condensing into a blurry soup as he began to lose consciousness. He barely registered a shadow looming over him, barely registered the beans voice speaking to him, all he saw was a darkened blob of blue above...

...before everything went black.

Oh, this is wonderful! Thank you for answering my questions! If you're confused about why I posted this when the rest of the episodes haven't been out yet I wanted to see how people's view of Nine and the show would change or become ironclad as the next batches of episodes come out. So I will post this again when the second batch is out to see how and if your answers change and again on season three and so on!

I also agree with your answers so far! These might be long tho (I tend to ramble and over-analyze things.) Number five is VERY long!

I agree that Nine would be furious at whoever "made" (because this is a hypothetical situation if Sonic CHOOSE to sacrifice himself) Sonic do that, be it himself (which he'd most likely develop a self-loathing) or another person, and would also be mad at Sonic for leaving him. Unlike going through the stages of grief in a healthy manner I can see Nine snapping and being furious in the anger stage and most likely never accepting that Sonic choose to do it. But I can also see him becoming emotionally shattered if Sonic died, based on how emotionally attached he is to the blue blur. Anger doesn't last forever and when it subsides, it'd most likely lead to an overarching and hopeless depression nobody would be able to save him from as he'd hold a silent and tired resentment and stronger hatred toward the cruel world for taking someone so kind and naive. And whether or not it really WAS because of him that Sonic sacrificed himself Nine would most likely still loathe himself for letting it happen in the first place due to how hyper-independent and confident in his abilities and goals he is.

I also see Nine going on a complete war path if Sonic was killed. He WILL hunt that person down in a broken rage if they were responsible for taking his only hope and kindness from him. He would most likely lose all sympathy and mercy for that person because in his eyes no matter if it was necessary or not, that person is a horrible murderer who killed an innocent person he was latched to. As for him being protective/angry at the idea of someone hurting Sonic, I also agree that we don't know if he'd be protective due to whether he feels Sonic betrayed him due to his unknown feelings towards the matter.

I agree that the bond of brotherly affection Tails and Sonic holds can never be shattered or broken no matter what (stated by Ian Flynn, their bond and love is a COSMIC TRUTH) but in a way, Nine's choice to become attached to Sonic is based off a selfish goal and reward. This is stated outright by Tails as Sonic is going through the ShatteredSpace, possibly meaning that that bond will be tested in something HUGE in future seasons. I also agree that Nine does show affection and love towards Sonic (no matter how conflicted he seems while doing it), but it's also based on a sort of obsession over a world where he can be happy and cared for and can possibly spiral into something much, much darker. I'm interested in where the writers/creators take this as well!

I agree that Nine has been through so much, and I'm sad to say that that isn't going to end soon considering his position at the end of "season 1" (aka Netflix being greedy a-holes and splitting a season up just so they can make bank WHICH IS STUPID!) with him being in the hands of evil dictators who ROBOTISIZED somebody and most likely did worse things. Also, I too root for Nine more than everyone mainly because his goals are ones I want to see succeed more than the others (my boi just wants to live in a happy world and be loved by somebody!) and ones I could understand if it did turn and spiral into a desperate obsession because if I was in his situation I would do whatever to make that dream a reality. Like the other hims HAVE people who love and care for him while Nine has NOBODY and NOTHING who cared for him before Sonic came. I'll CRY if it isn't succeded!

I do disagree slightly with this answer. I think that he doesn't need someone to protect him since he's a bad bitch who can protect and care for himself. But I think that he NEEDS Sonic in a more emotional and love-starved way and he has a justifiable reason why he THINKS he does (because he actually does). He can develop this if he bonded with the others but due to the fact that he met Sonic before he met the others (unlike his other selves who had people before Sonic came), it wouldn't be the same. It's a long reason as to why, so please bear with me. I think he feels he NEEDS Sonic because he has been ALONE all his life in a cruel oppressive dystopian world where people look out for themselves and was abused (not to mention the fact that HE stopped the straight-up abuse himself and the implications that the abuse went uninterrupted for YEARS makes it understandable and even WORSE that he would latch on to somebody different from everybody else), and how he was emotionally neglected during that time, he genuinely NEEDS SOMEONE to lean on and pour out his pent up emotions too and in his eyes, Sonic came up to him and offered that on a silver platter. So naturally, he'd do whatever it takes to ensure he never loses that. While he doesn't outright state this and while it's not obvious in the first watch, the way Nine acted before getting captured by the Council, towards Sonic was odd and complicated. While he originally thought of Sonic as a nuisance like the others, as his natural bond with Sonic reforms he starts to see Sonic more as a person not quite capable of taking care of himself due to how naive and impulsive he is. In Nine's eyes Sonic is viewed as a sort of sacred treasure, a person who for some reason cared for him that needs to be protected, who was too precious to lose, who offered him a hand of hope and needed Nine to protect him not being capable of doing so himself due to how ignorant he was. Before Sonic met him, he only cared and watched out for himself in the cruel and harsh dystopian world he was cursed to be in, a world where he had nothing and nobody to live and fight for before a blue stranger broke into his lab, calling him what was a cruel slur in his eyes, setting him off. Then when he was about to be hit by a train due to his own act, they saved him. This greatly confuses him because why would this stranger save him when he once called him a cruel insult, when in this world it was everyone for themselves? His answer was that this stranger saw him as SOMEONE else, someone who was nothing like him, not truly, but was given a life he longed and fantasized about for years: A life where he was loved and cared for. Remember Nine is a very hyper-independent and selfish person, so naturally, when Sonic offered him something he needed and wanted, that selfish concern would be extended to him, whether he wanted it or not.

Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I wish you a fantastic day/night and a Merry Past Christmas <3

Sonic Prime Nine Questions For Y'all

In one word, what do you think Nine's state would be if Sonic were to die from his (Sonic sacrificing himself for the world or Nine's) own choice for the benefit of others' safety? And why do you think this would be his reaction or state?

How do you think Nine would react if Sonic were killed or physically threatened? And why?

Do you see Nine's affection for Sonic as growing brotherly love or a growing obsession? Why do you think that?

Why do you think Nine deserves to win?

Does Nine need Sonic?

Just Prime questions I wanted to put out to see your guy's different opinions and viewpoints of Nine <3