Hairy Situation

(Ch. 4) I just want answers

Tails lets out a weary groan as he slams his head against his worktop, hissing lightly at the abrupt pain. He rubs the oncoming bruise when he lifts his head again. Taking a quick glance out of his window, he silently marvels at the sight of the clouds parting so that the small fraction of the moon that decides to be shown may be seen.

"Where are you, Sonic?" the young fox asks no one in particular, letting his question dissipate in the quiet air around him.

While he is aware that his friend had taken refuge in his dark counterparts home, Tails assumed that he'd be back by now. Clearly, he isn't. This not only worries the genius but frustrates him as well. He thought Sonic would've at least called to tell him he's okay. But, no. Not one call. Not a single message.

Nothing.

With a sigh, Tails puts down his chewed pencil and bolts out of the door, deciding to search for his blue-quilled companion. The first place he finds himself searching is Shadow's apartment, which appears uninhabited - he figures from the lack of response after knocking on the door. This is very perplexing to say the least. 'If Sonic is no longer here, where is he? Unless...' Tails silently ponders as he departs to the outside of the building, using his namesakes to propel himself up to one of the windows. As if by dumb luck, this very window had been left open ajar, allowing for an easier break in, though it is a hesitant one. Fortunately for the yellow fox, there are no traps set up by Shadow. This surprises him to a degree but he isn't complaining. He lets out a silent sigh of relief and lands safely in what looks to be the lounge. The only thing he finds that is remotely close to life is a ticking grandfather clock, showing just how late it is.

Thoroughly, Tails combs through the whole apartment (which doesn't take long since it's so small) but comes out empty handed. Or at least, he would have if not for the fact his baby blues land on an item of interest peering out from the bin. He takes the bandage and carefully examines it, brows furrowing when he realises the browned substance soaked into it is blood. Remembering the mention of his friend being 'banged up' as Shadow worded it, Tails deduced that this is indeed Sonic's.

He stifles a worried whimper. "But where are they now?"

Scratching the back of his head, he wonders around aimlessly, trying to think of where the two hedgehogs could possibly be. A loud slap resounds, cutting through the silence. Tails rubs his forehead and scolds himself for not thinking the obvious sooner: he can just call them. Pulling out his tablet, he begins to dial the blue blur's number but soon realises his attempts to contact him are fruitless when a familiar ring-tone emits from the bedroom he checked moments ago. Leaving the small kitchen, he heads back to find the abandoned phone ringing and buzzing on the bedside table. More questions only pile up onto each other in the poor fox's already pounding head. Taking a deep breath to help clear his mind, he then attempts to call Sonic's budding rival, hoping to have better luck in getting through to him.

"Tails, now isn't really a good time."

'This doesn't sound good,' Tails thinks to himself. 'But at least he answered.'

"Shadow? What's going on?" he asks, trying to get straight to the point. He really needs answers after the amount of questions that have been hammering at his worn out brain.

"Long story," Shadow answers breathlessly, panting slightly. "I'll talk to you later!" He unintentionally shouts as a crack and a growl erupt from the background before the call is cut off.

"Wait!" Tails calls out in desperation but he's long gone.

None of this provides any closure, nor does it shine any light on the situation. His far from tired brain inches closer and closer to deactivating but he wants - no, needs - answers.

With stinging eyes, he stares at his tablet a little longer until it finally sinks in that he needs to find Shadow. If he can do that then surely that will lead him to Sonic. It has to. Now that he's in a more orderly mind set, Tails shakes his head and immediately kicks himself into gear, using his tablet to pinpoint the co-ordinates of Shadow's wristwatch. A small beep sounds off from the device, indicating it has successfully done its job and a map with a tiny, red dot pops up on the screen.

It's located deep within the local forest.

Yellow brows furrow and huddle against each other for comfort as the baby-blues beneath them scan the screen, double checking to be sure that it is indeed correct, which it is. This is followed by a low, thoughtful hum in concentration. The fox is confused, sure, but he dismisses why the ultimate life-form is in such an area and pushes his focus back onto his primary objective: finding his friend. To do that, he first needs to find Shadow. He now knows where the dark hedgehog is and so, makes his way there with much ambition.

If not for the fact that Sonic is renowned for being the fastest creature alive, anyone passing will think that Tails' tails are spinning as fast as Sonic runs because it sure as hell feels like it. Gusts of freezing wind attack the poor fox's face but that doesn't stop him. Not one bit. In fact, it only makes him more determined to reach the forest and he pushes on harder than before.

For the umpeenth time, he checks his tablet (slowing down as to not bump into anything) to make sure he's still on course. He's getting closer. So much closer. Putting the portable computer away, Tails picks up speed again, now flying into more dense woodland.

As he gets deeper in, a mighty roar shakes the very cold of the air around him and a shout follows. A bright light then spills through some trees in the distance; this is where Tails finds himself heading. He cuts through the near leafless timber to see the very hedgehog he has been looking for struggling to maintain some kind of large, furry creature. A creature that looks very, very familiar.

"S-Sonic?" is all the young genius is able to stutter out, earning the attention of both the ultimate life-form and the werehog.

Well, at least he has his answers now... right?