The Realization of Hector Hedgehog
The Story of the Secret Life
Ch. 8
The Realization of Hector Hedgehog"MMMMMMPH!!!!!!"
Knuckles struggled as hard as he could, but he was unable to budge the ropes. Hector, his eyes clouded, had the knife up in the air.
"Now."
Ingo clapped three times. The knife went down on Reese, slicing into his side. Reese's eyes went wide as Hector kept stabbing, and Ingo watched and laughed as the iguana finally lay still.
"Mmmmph!! MMMMMMMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Knuckles' eyes grew wide with terror when he saw Reese.
"And you're next, echidna." Ingo smiled. "Your turn."
Four claps, and Hector's knife came flying at Knuckles. At the last minute, Knuckles turned himself over and thrust his feet down as hard as he could. The propulsion resulted in the knife plunging into Knuckles' leg.
Sonic!!!! Knuckles thought frantically. Hector!! Whoever might be in that body!!! Stop!!!!!!!!!!!!
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It was incredibly strange, and Ingo didn't even expect it. The door, which had been closed, suddenly burst open so hard that on door actually came off of its hinges and smashed into the wall.
"It can't be..."
"What...." An older female figure stood in the dust of the destruction. "Are you doing...TO MY SON?!?!?!?!?"
Fear sprang into Ingo's eyes, and he attempted to escape, only to have a purse thrown at his head, knocking him to the floor. He felt a heel on his back as soon as he was down.
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"MMMMMPH!!!!" Knuckles couldn't believe it either. Hector's knife came out of his knee.
"You ruffian!!!" Hector's mother grabbed Ingo's ear and pulled him up. "Lecherous pervert!! I come here to give my son his wallet and I stand in front of the man who was looking into my room!!! Peeping tom!!!!!"
"Madam..."
"Don't lie to me!!!!!!!!!!"
"MMMMMPH!!!!!!"
"What…?!"
Hector's mother turned to see her son with the knife. With an angry shout, she whacked him hard across the face, throwing him to the ground. Then she turned back to Ingo, who threw up his hands to protect himself.
"Sexual ingrate…!!!"
"Hnnnn…?"
Hector mind jolted from the trance, and he looked over to see the knife within his reach. He looked at his hand, which was covered with some blood, and he looked over to see Knuckles and Reese.
Oh my God…What happened? I…I didn't…did I?
"Mmmph!!" Knuckles turned over and wriggled his hands. "Mmmmph!"
"Knuckles!!" Hector quickly jumped on the box and untied the echidna. "What happened?! Where's that doctor!"
"You idiut!!" Knuckles slurred. "That wuzzn a docter, that wuz Groop B!"
"Knuckles? What happened to you?!?"
"Reeeze and I were giben muzzle relagzers when we gut capshurrrd. Dunno whurr Sal is…" Knuckles muttered. "Then you come and try killing uzz cuz yur hibnotized. That wuz speshil."
"I didn't…oh no." Hector saw the mark on Knuckles leg, as well as Reese's body. "I am so-"
"WORM!!!!!!!!!"
With a final shriek, Hector's mother knocked Ingo out with a resounding blow. She turned over to Hector and huffed as she dropped down.
"Oh, good Lord!!" she screeched. "These boys are hurt!! What happened to you, Hector? Did that man do something to you?!"
"Hibnotized." Knuckles mumbled.
"What is all of this?!?!?" Hector's mother grabbed Hector's face. "Why is this happening? Why?! WHY?!?!" She got back up and rubbed her face. "Why do you have to be like this? Please, Hector!! Why can't you turn back to normal…" The frantic look on her face passed, and she plopped down onto the couch, her face weary. "Oh, God, I'm so sorry! I know…I know you can't turn back, can you? Oh, but I only faked it for your fiancee, and Geoffrey, and Gertrude and your boss. I faked it for myself. But no matter how I look at it, I've lost my son, haven't I? After all I put up with, all I had to fake and take, my son will never be the same…"
Hector looked down, pondering for a moment. Why can't I…? It would so much better that way…No. Wait. It wouldn't…..
"Mom…"
Hector stood back up and gave his mother a kiss on the forehead. In shock, his mother stared at him once more.
"Call the police. Tell them to go to the address Knuckles tells you." Hector turned back to the echidna. "You understand?"
"Yeaah. Dh rilagsers weaariing off."
"Good. Get Reese help too." Hector opened the door to the lobby. Everyone in the room stared at him as he did. "There's something I have to do."
He started to leave, but stopped to turn back to his mother.
"Mom." He took the glasses off of his face and threw them at her. "I don't need them anymore. They hurt my eyes. I guess I should have told you that, too. I'll…see you."
With that, he ran out of the room.
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Simon closed the suitcase on the desk. With a sigh, he took out a cigar and lit it.
It's a shame, really. He gave a thought as he puff. I really do wish, deep in my heart, that the boy survives, lest I be able to smash his face in myself.
"Sonic!! I got it!!!" Sally's voice echoed onto the spy radios. "Let's get out of here!!!"
We planned so carefully, so well, to keep that chip out of the rebel hands. Smoke began to fill the room. The viceroy's death, the ploy to lure the chip away, not even that stopped them. That chip holds the key to our survival. If the rebels cracked the code…
A muffled sound came from his closet. Paying no mind, Simon continued his thoughts.
For so many years, we had simply striven to rule the world. We had so much to offer. We still do. There is petty conflict between these backward countries. When the Dark King took steps to futurize the Acorn, after he took over, he found a way to stop the pettiness and keep his power. The robot machine. Capable of neutralizing the feeble mind, and create a more perfect being. He was the first to subjugate himself, and is the only one who was able to withstand the power that the new machine body had over him…
"What is wrong with this machine?!?" The Dark King demanded. "I don't understand! I am robot, created from this machine, and minds of these miserable animals cannot withstand the power!!"
I suppose the 95% failure rate is disheartening. Simon gave another sigh. After all, metal and flesh would be the ultimate fusion. Unfortunately, most of our minds are unable to withstand the transformation process, and we would ultimately become slaves ourselves. However, we were able to create several perfect specimens like our master, myself included…
He gave a chuckle as he let what remained of his cigar smolder in an ashtray. He looked out of the window.
When we succeed in destroying the Freedom Fighters, I shall request the transformation of my followers in celebration. Then, nothing will stop us from taking Acorn…and the world.
The muffled sound came back, slightly weaker, before finally dying out.
I should like to have seen that hedgehog when he found himself wanted for murder. A pity, though, that such a boy has to be wasted. But we must. There is just something about him, something I can't quite figure, but it is definitely something to do with that annoying Sonic…
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Hector looked up at the gate once more as he approached it. His feet slightly slowed as he got nearer.
I dunno…I'm not sure if…Oh, come on!! He shook his head. I have to save Sal! It's my duty now. I mean, now that I'm in too deep, it is. But…it feels like I've always been in deep with this conflict…
Hector…A familiar voice suddenly echoed through his head. C'mon. Stop fighting with me.
Hector stopped dead in his tracks, several inches from the gates.
Sonic…?!?
Yeah. It's me. I guess you know then.
Know what?
I've melded with you. I'm no longer my own man. I'm now a part of you. Didn't Knux say something bout it?
Oh yeah…
Hector…before I go, I want to ask a favor.
Huh? Before you go?! Hector was confused.
You obviously have a selective memory. I've seen your life. You have a good life - a family, a job, a life, you know. I'm kind of jealous of you. I've decided what I want.
What?!?
I don't want my life to intrude with yours. I'm going to kill myself now.
WHAT?!?!? Sonic!!!!! Hector's mind reeled. You can't!! Your girlfriend's in there!!
Hector…I no longer have my own body. You wouldn't understand! Sonic's voice was slightly angry. Ever since we somehow learned of each other's existence - however we might of, the Force or Fate or Bizarre Psychic Linkage Crap or whatever someone wants to call it - I've been slowly forced into your body. Maybe it was the Chaos Emeralds. Who knows? All I know is that I was never intended to live long, if becoming a resident of your body, only existent when you're drifting, is what I've amounted to!
Hector's head went down. He didn't understand it either. But it certainly seemed Fate was not going to be kind to either of them.
I'm going now…
No, please! There must be another way!
You know what Knuckles said. One of us has to relinquish their identity and life for the other to live. Your body's gone through too much because of me. I won't allow it anymore. Good bye…Please tell Sal I'm sorry…Good bye.
Sonic's voice suddenly flickered out of Hector's head, like a candle being snuffed out.
No…NO!!!!!!!!!! SONIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hector held his head. COME BAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was of no use. Hector was on his own.
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The house was large and not very well lit. The window on the third floor was unlocked as well, and so Hector had no trouble getting in. Looking into one of the rooms, he found several bedrooms, all with clothing strewn around.
They're in a hurry… Hector shuddered. They look as if they might even be gone.
He ran downstairs into the main hall, and his heart stopped as the sound of a door closing filled his ears.
"Ingo? You back already?"
Hector's body froze at the sound of Parker's voice. The dalmation turned a corner and found himself face to face with the hedgehog.
"Hey!!!!!!!!" Parker took out a knife and swiped at Hector. "You!!!"
"Aie!!!" That hurt. Must…..think….. "Don't…kill me!!!"
"Why not, freedom fighter?!?" Parker stood, his already bloodied knife ready.
"Because…" Hector's hand was in his pocket. Wait…I've got it!! "I've got a gun!!!" He took his hand and pointed it like a gun at the dog. "And…if you don't let me through…"
"A….?" Does this germ think I'm really dumb?! He must… "Oh, my!!!! I've got to get out of here!!!"
Parker threw himself up the stairs with feigned fear. Hector looked on as he howled in pretended fright. Good God!!! he thought. Either I convinced him or he is a really bad actor.
Suddenly, for no particular reason, Hector's hand shot out and grabbed Parker's neck, propelling Parker into a wall. Moaning, the dog fell unconscious.
Well, that was easy…I wonder if I did it cause of Sonic? But…yet he's-
Hector's thoughts were interrupted by a loud alarm. Scrambling into the shadows, the hedgehog watched as twenty Group B members scrambled into the main hall and to the main door. Quietly tiptoeing behind their backs, Hector snuck into the nearest room.
This is weird…Hector found himself inside a large office. This is the same office…Hello!
A scratching sound from a closet caused Hector's ears to prick up. He quickly walked over and opened the door, gasping as he did.
"Sally?!"
"Nnnnngh…." Sally's face was completely red as he opened the door. "Sonic…."
"I'm…not Sonic." The words were hard to force out. "Oh my God, what have they done? Sticking you in a closet with no air…!"
"Help……" Sally mumbled as Hector proceeded to untie her. "The chip…"
"The chip…What about it, Sal?!"
"Yes, yes." Another voice suddenly permeated the room. "What about the chip?"
Hector swerved around to face Simon, who took out another cigar and lit it.
"You surprise me, boy." Simon gave a puff. "For a boy who can't fight and cannot even stand up to his own mother. I am surprised. But all the same, congratulations, Prince Charming. You have awoken Sleeping Beauty."
Without a word of warning, Hector's fist connected to Simon's face, causing the cigar to fly out of his mouth. Hector quickly took Sally's hand and dove into the main hall.
"Hector…"
"There's no time to waste!!" Hector looked around the hall at the various doors. "Ok…no way we can go through the front door."
"Hector….are you sure….." Sally looked at the hedgehog. "Are you sure you're not Sonic?"
Hector looked at Sally in surprise. His head bowed down for a moment.
"Yes. I'm sure of it."
"I…see." Sally looked confused.
"Let's get out of here before the police come." This isn't right. I can't be Hector. Leaving Sally like this…it isn't right! "Knuckles called the police, so they should be here any minute."
"Right-"
"FREEZE!!!"
The two were suddenly surrounded by several armed Group B operatives. Hector looked around for some sort of opening to run through, but found that there was none to be found.
"Dammit!"
"A-HA!!!" Holding his head, Parker pushed his way through the crowd. "You think you're all that, huh?
With a hard flick of his wrist, Parker knocked Hector to the ground. With an angry yelp, Sally attempted to kick Parker in between his legs.
"YaaaaaooooooOOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!" Sally screamed as she felt her foot smash into a metal cup.
"The same goes for you princess!" Parker grabbed her arm. "I remember the last time you attempted to do that."
"Nrrgh….." Hector muttered. "That was funny…issue 14…."
"Sonic?!?!"
The butt of Parker's gun connected to Hector's face.
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"Yes, Interpol." The policeman rang into Knuckles' ears. "They gave us info about something that is exactly of your complaint. Several hundred of them have arrived in the city to handle-"
"Then why don't you do something about it?!"
"Just tell us the address, and we'll send our people there right away."
"I don't know if it will be that easy." Knuckles shook his head. "So I say you guys take caution when you approach the place."
The echidna hung the phone up. He looked at Hector's mother, who was sitting on the stool, her head between her hands. He looked at Reese, who was nursing his arm with the paramedics.
"Could you excuse us, guys?"
"Sure." One of the paramedics looked at Reese. "We're going to the bathroom."
"Ok. Just as long as you don't put me in the hospital…"
The paramedics left, and Knuckles looked back at Hector's mother.
"I'm sorry."
"What? Why you?" Hector's mother looked at Knuckles with dead pupils. "He's not your son."
"But he's my friend." Knuckles sat down next to her. "I know it's hard to understand. But it's all true."
"Everything my son has written, it was of reality? And now, for some unknown reason, he is becoming that person which he has always written about?"
"Miss." Knuckles looked at Hector's mother. "I've thought about it, and I don't think the reason is completely unknown. I had the feeling, when I met Hector, that I knew why all of this was happening."
"Why?"
"I think Hector wanted it to happen." Knuckles sighed. "Sonic kind of knew about your son in the way that Hector knew about him. And Sonic was jealous of how stable Hector's life was. Just as Hector is jealous about how Sonic's life is not stable. And…I guess that's how Sonic slowly started to meld into Hector. Because he wanted that stability."
"But at what cost is that stability, Knuckles?" Hector's mother shook her head. "I'm a old woman, older than most mothers, and I could see that it's people like your friend that allows us to have that stability to get married or drink warm milk at night. I think Hector understood that, now that I think about it. Maybe your friend Sonic didn't."
After a moment, the hedgehog gave a gasp, then a sad chuckle. Knuckles looked at her, confused.
"Miss?"
"Good lord." Hector's mother laughed as tears streamed down her face. "I sound like my son's dead and buried."
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"Mom…….?"
"Sonic…I mean, Hector……."
"It's not fair……"
"Get up." Simon's voice replaced Knuckles and Hector's mother's voice in Hector ears. "Get up or you both die."
Parker's gun hit Hector as he was forced up. Sally was next to him, a gun pointed at her as well.
"I really don't want to kill you," Simon paced around the room, looking at them. "You would make wonderful prisoners for the Dark King, and since I've been here I've taken a liking to this lovely rug you are standing on. So, if you just tell me where the chip is, I won't have to blow your heads off."
"There's another thing you can blow, bud-"
"SHUT UP!" Simon turned to Hector in shock. "You think I'm playing, you annoying wannabe! You are nothing but a pathetic little boy who almost succeeded in tricking me into thinking you were that annoying hedgehog. But this time, I hold all of the cards." Simon turned away. "There are only five people outside of Group B who know that I am here, and two of them you have killed." That's right, little boy. It was you. "And two more are about to die, unless they tell me exactly where the damn chip is!!! Now tell me, where is it?!?!?"
"I…don't know!" Hector shouted. "And even if I did, you wouldn't have the chance to get to it!"
"And why is that?"
"Because…the police are coming." That's it. I know for a fact that you don't know it. Or at least you don't believe me. That was always Simon's weakness. He hated being in primitive territories because he took advantage of them so easily. "They know you're here. Unbeknownst to you, Knuckles called them when you weren't looking."
"Ha!" The leader of Group B retorted. "You fool. Like I said, your friend's dead. And your little country's policemen do not have enough brain cells to make a pair, let alone have the knowledge of even one operative's existence. Do you truly think they will help you?"
As if his words were some sort of signal, several gunshots rang through the room, shattering the windows. The operatives in the room suddenly ducked, taking out sniper rifles and such. Sally's captor ran to protect Simon, who ran to the window, a sniper rifle in his hands.
"Damn you!" Simon picked off an officer in the lawn. "Get away from my tulips, you scum!!!"
It was at that moment of confusion that Hector's mind suddenly clicked.
"Yaaah!!!!!!"
With as much force as he could, Hector elbowed Parker hard in the stomach. With a yelp, Parker fell to the ground, his guns flying out of his hands
"Nnngh!!!"
Hector dove to the floor and grabbed for the gun but was punched by Parker. He recovered quick. Too quick.
As a response, Hector's knee suddenly flew up into Parker's jaw. A loud snap could be felt on Hector's kneecap as Parker's jaw literally shattered under the pressure and force of the surprise attack.
"Urrrragh!!!!!!"
As Parker lay on the ground, his screams muffled in pain, Hector grabbed the gun and shot at Simon. The bullet whizzed by Simon's arm, but it was enough to have him drop the weapon.
"Now's our chance!!!" Hector grabbed Sally and threw the office door open. "Let's go!"
"Oh, no you don't!!!"
With a deftness that seemed impossible for a man of his age, Simon leaped onto Hector's back, dragging him to the ground.
"Nnngh!!"
"You pathetic fool." Simon yanked Hector's head back. "You think you can challenge me like a deadline! You have no sense of true fighting in you, not a single ounce!"
The two fell to the floor, but as they did, Hector's fingers came up and jammed into Simon's eyes. Blinded briefly, the ferret let go of Hector's head.
Even so, Hector fell to the ground with a loud bang, and something red cluttered
from his jacket pocket out onto the floor. Voices with frightened tones could be heard from the office, and voices could be heard outside as well, more militant ones.
Wow. For a moment, Hector breathed a sigh of relief. The police are here. But I can't believe myself. This power…I took out the leader of Group B with my own hands. Yet, it had to be Sonic. It matters if he lives, because scum like this could take over the world!
"HECTOR!!!!!!!!"
Simon shook his violently and saw a small red chip on the floor.
"THE CHIP!!!!!!!" He roared. His hand shot out to grab it.
Think fast!!!!!!!!!!!
Faster than lighting, Hector's leg flew up. His foot smacked Simon square in the face. He then jumped up and threw himself at Simon toppling back onto the ground.
"The chip!! Sal!!!!!!!!"
"Got it!!!!" Sally grabbed it and put it in her pocket.
Simon tried the throw Hector off of him, but Hector responded with another punch before jumping back up, grabbing the leader of Group B by the shoulders. With a yell, the hedgehog threw Simon to the wall.
"Daaaaaugh!!!!!!!!!!!"
The ferret hit the wall like a limp doll before sliding to the floor. Another sound then came from the doorway behind Hector. It was the sound of policemen clicking the barrels open on their guns.
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"Oh..my.God."
Mina, her wedding dress dragging on the ground, stared through the front door of the church as several more police cars drove past. The crowd of one hundred began to murmur in confusion.
"More cars, mother?" Mina started to pace again. "Maybe that's why Hector's late."
"I hope so, dear." Mina's mother patted her on the head. "I hope so."
"Well," Standing near was Geoffrey, who was looking at his watch. "Maybe Kintobar knows what's going on. He went out to question one of the cars."
After five more minutes of waiting, Kintobar burst into the room, completely out of breath.
"Kintobar?!"
"Hurry!!!!" The fat man grabbed Geoffrey and Mina by the hand and dragged them to a car. "You've got to talk some sense into him!!"
"Into who, Mr. Kintobar?!" Mina had some trouble getting into the car with her outfit. "Do you mean Hector?!"
"Yes!! YES!! The police have caught him in that house, bashing the brains out of that poor old man!!!"
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"FREEZE!!!!" The officer pointed his gun at Hector. "You're under arrest!!!"
"Wait!!!!" Hector heard Sally's voice. "The man on the ground is the one! He's trying to get the chip!!"
"Ma'am?"
"I know it for a fact, officer! I was kidnapped by him!!"
"Then sir, step off!!" Another officer shouted. "He's ours!"
"Right," Hector muttered. "Give me a second."
Hector gave Simon one final look, and nearly jumped back in surprise. Simon was looking up at Hector, his eyes full of shock.
Is it possible? Even though Hector wasn't a mind-reader, he knew exactly what he was thinking. You must be Sonic. You couldn't just be some paperboy. But why are you hiding under there, you disgusting animal…
After a moment, Hector stepped away from the ferret and left him to the police. He turned to Sal, who was being talked to by a policeman.
"And we'll need a copy of that chip, ma'am." The policeman cocked his head. "They think we're clueless, but we know a little more than we like to let on. You never know what you'll find under the skin, eh?"
"I guess so."
"Mmm hmm." The policeman uncomfortably shifted his eyes to Sally's pants, then back up to her. "Well, thank you."
Without another word, the policeman quickly walked away. Hector looked at Sally, then chuckled.
"I guess it was the pants, huh?"
"Yes, I guess so…" Sally smiled. "I think we should get out of here."
As they started to walk, however, Sally stopped again. She took Hector's hand and looked at him.
"You're sure Sonic's not here…?"
"Yeah…" Hector found it hard to bring the words out. "I tried to persuade him, but I think we've….what was the word Knuckles used?…Realized. He's dead, Sally."
Sally's head went down at the words. With a nod, she started walking again. Hector quickly ran up to her and took her hand. It's the least I can do. It isn't right. It isn't.
"Right…."
"What is this?!?!?!?!?!"
The sound of Kintobar's voice started the two, but it was Mina and Geoffrey's added presence in front of them, which they didn't even notice until now, which made Hector freeze. No. No. NO!!!
"What is this?!?!?!?!?!" Kintobar repeated his question, his eyes wide, as he pointed to Sally. "I hear you're fighting that poor old man, and now you've got this?!?!?!?!?!"
"What?!?"
"Hector!!!!!" Mina's voice grated into him. "What have you done?!?"
Oh, damn………..Ok, I won't panic! Hector sucked in some breath. Just tell the truth. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth..
"I want to know just what is going on with this woman!!!!" Mina gasped. "She looks awfully familiar!!!!!!"
"It's….." Hector paused. "It's all really simple. We've been targeted by terrorists that are from another country…the Acorn country…and I was simply trying to save the world." Please. For once, believe me!! "I know it sounds ridiculous, but Sally can testify to it! I've been with her the whole time, and she was targeted as well."
The three became completely silent at the admission. Sally looked at each of the faces uneasily, and the three faces turned to her as a result. Their expressions to her were not particularly nice.
"Is this true?"
"……Yes." What the hell. Hector, you fool, you've probably blown my cover, but I guess it doesn't matter. "It's all true."
Geoffrey's eyes furrowed at the admission of the princess. With a growl, he turned to Hector, his eyes flashing.
"And I suppose you're going to tell me that this girl's from your comic, too, huh?!?!" he shouted. "You LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"That's true too!!!!!!!!!"
"Wait!!"
Sally's plea had no effect. With a resounding crunch, Geoffrey's fist smashed into Hector's face. The hedgehog was thrown to the foot of the stairs, holding his face.
"What?!?!?" Sally turned to the skunk. "You're not a good listener, are you? He's telling the truth!!!"
"I know what I saw, and Hector, I don't know to trust him now!" Geoffrey fumed.
"Waaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!" Mina whined in a high-pitched tone as she rubbed her eyes with her bouquet.. "You jezebel!!! You've turned my husband against me!!!!!!"
"I did nothing of the sort." Sally felt her face turn red. "You have no idea what I just went though, nor do you know what Hector went through! I'm surprised you could even consider yourself at his level!!"
Mina's reply was another, higher-pitched whine. Geoffrey turned to Sally.
"I won't have you talking to Mina that way! Even if you are right, Hector isn't worth this wonderful girl's time, you slut!!"
"So this is what my worker's been doing?!?" Kintobar screeched. "Tralaventing off with you when he should be faithful to his fiancee!!!! I hope you have something to defend yourself, young lady!!!"
"No, I don't!!" Sally was shocked. "Because there's nothing to defend!"
"Then why are you blushing?!?!?" Mina screamed. "You louse!!!!!!"
"ALL RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Everyone turned to Hector, who was up and holding his head at the temples, shuddering. He leaned against the wall, moaning.
"Hector…?!" Sally was at his side instantly. "Are you all right??"
"Darling?!? Get away from him!!!" Mina took up her dress, ready to pounce on the princess.
"No." A sound came from Hector's lips. "She's fine. You're the one that needs to get away. All of you."
"WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!"
Before anyone could protest, Hector's head went up. His eyes had a light that no one had ever seen before, as if a lightbulb had been turned on in his retinas. His face had something else as well, and the look on it was a defiant one.
"That's right, all of you. I've had enough!" His voice was firm as he walked over to Kintobar. "Enough of you, you who took away any happiness I ever had for my job. You took credit for what wasn't yours, and in essence made it your own. You hired me for my brains because you didn't have them to think for yourself! I don't know how you can live, knowing that you cheat your employees out of the recognition they deserve."
"I…" Kintobar was speechless as his head went down.
"And you," Hectors then turned to Mina. "You, who always put on a show for my mother, just for kicks. It may not have been apparent to me before, but you are far weaker than I am, and you could never find a husband on your own, could you? Both you and your mother, you more than her, are trapped in the illusion that a women's cry will make a man's heart weak, that whatever a woman wants, a woman will get from a man. Well, it may have worked before, but I scoff at every fake tear you shed!"
"How dare yo-"
"How dare you!!!" Hector swerved towards Geoffrey. "I save my harshest criticism for you! You're the one who allowed Mina to believe these illusions. You're the one who really loves her, yet you allowed me to go and marry her?! I know your real intention. You, too, thought I was weak. You bullied me, you coaxed me, and you insulted me in front of my mother. Do you think I enjoy being the patsy for your little escapade?! I don't! And now you'll pay for it." Hector walked back to Sally and took her hand. "All of you. Because you won't have a reason to laugh anymore. You won't have me around to use, and without me you can't touch my mother either. Starting today, the Hector Hedgehog you know, the one you always had a prejudice against, the person who created that comic you took your wealth from, will cease to exist. So will the comic. Because I'm a new person; I have no need to live in the past, and the comic is no longer a thing to be given to you."
The way that the hedgehog had said it made all three back down and look at each other in shock. They never expected it. I thought…it would be harder….but now…
"H…Hector?" Sally looked at Hector, shocked at what just happened. "You seem…is there something else you want you say?"
"I have nothing else to say. I've said my piece." Goodbye is a good word, but they don't deserve it. "I'm finished. I am done. There is nothing left for me to say…"
"What do you mean?"
Hector closed his eyes for a moment, as if to ponder what he had just said. Holding Sally's hand, a shudder suddenly went through his body. For a moment, he looked like he would collapse, but instead, he simply shook his head and looked at the princess.
"Come on, Sal." The hedgehog nodded. "Let's get out of here."
----------------
As they walked, Sally just kept staring at him, her mouth open. They went past policemen, and Group B operatives, including Simon, who gave him a dirty look as they passed. At the gate, however, he stopped. Hector's mother stood there, her head down. In her hand was Hector's favorite hat, which she gave to him as he stopped.
"Goodbye…" was all she said.
The hedgehog gave a slow nod, understanding how she felt. He walked up to her again and kissed her on the cheek.
"Don't worry," he smiled. "I promise I'll see you again."
Leaving Hector's mother to her thoughts, the two finally made it to the Spider, which was in invisible mode. The car door opened, and they hopped into the back. The car then sped away from the mansion and towards the docks. Sally's head went on his shoulder as the buildings whizzed by.
"Huh…" Knuckles, who was driving, turned to the hedgehog in the back. His eyes grew wide with surprise and shock. "Sonic……is that you?"
Sonic looked up at the echidna, then at Reese, who was bandaged and now under the spell of some old-fashioned painkillers. Deep down, he had wanted to thank Hector for what he did, but he had the feeling Hector knew what he was thinking, even then.
"You bet."
THE END