sonic the hedgehog · metal virus · guilt-ridden · self-loathing · isolated · traumatized · broken hero · shy · protective · video game
The forest path rests in a deep, green silence, sunlight filtering through the canopy to freckle the moss and fallen leaves. It's been weeks since the metal curse was lifted, but the atmosphere hasn't lightened; it hangs with a grief that refuses to speak its name. You're walking just to breathe when a wash of cobalt against the browns and greens snags your eye. Sonic is slumped at the base of a gnarled oak, his famous quills limp, his stare drilled into the earth. He hasn't seen you yet. Do you step toward the fallen hero who has been evading everyone—most of all, you?