Nine Sonic Prime - Tumblr Posts

Why Nine Is Loved So Much Already

Just watched Sonic Prime and it is AMAZING! It has stellar animation, unforgettable characters, and an engaging and exciting plot.

Among all of that, however, one character stood out to me more than all of the others: Nine. The "edgy, emo" Tails from the first Shatterverse. He's already a prevalent character, praised for his design, nature, and fantastic acting by Ashleigh Bell. He's just an excellent character in general, being complex and complicated.

He has a snarky, distant, and almost broken personality, from what I've seen, he IS almost broken. He's nearly broken because of what drives him in the first batch of episodes: Hope.

Hope can be an excellent thing. It can help you overcome obstacles, it can help you move forward, and it can help you win. However, what that hope exactly is and how you achieve it determines your character and morals.

What Nine HOPES for is a better future for himself. That is a good thing, however, the way he tries to achieve it is morally grey. It is a selfish hope that can potentially hurt others. Nine KNOWS it's selfish, he just doesn't care, the world treated him like dirt, and EVERYONE on it treated him like dirt, why should he care about how it affects it?

One more thing to note is how he acts around the others, Sonic specifically. He is curt, snarky, aloof, and strictly business with them, seeing no personal value in them other than using them due to how the world around him is.

Sonic, however, he's softer and opens slightly up. Sonic is open, kind, and patient toward the kit, something Nine never got to experience. He likes Sonic but doesn't know how to feel about it. He doesn't show trust in the blue blur. He likes him, but he isn't sure if he can truly trust him. But despite that, through out the series, the only time he genuinely smiles is with Sonic, no one else.

That's why he wanted Sonic to join him to live in The Grim with him.

Sonic makes him feel good, he makes him genuinely happy. He never thought about getting Sonic home, he only thought about getting the hedgehog to HIS idea of a true home.

One where it's just the two, where nobody can ever hurt them again. To him, it'd be the perfect world, a place where it's just him and the person he's close to.

But then Sonic tells him it's not going to work out. The worst part?

He's right.

Not just because of the problems with the Shatterverse, but also because it really isn't going to work out for them. While it's never outright stated if looked closer you can see that Sonic likes TAILS, not NINE. He cares for Nine BECAUSE he is a version of his brother, not because he cares for the separate person he is.

Nine is NOT Tails. Not just because he is different from Tails, but because he just isn't. Compared to Sonic, Nine isn't much better either. He DOES like Sonic and WHO he IS, but it's because of what Sonic can GIVE him that he does.

To Nine, Sonic can bring him EVERYTHING he ever wanted: A home, love, care, companionship, and family. To Nine, Sonic is his HOPE. If he loses that, he's back to square one, and that is what he desperately DOESN'T want.

It's heartbreakingly tragic and horribly unfair to both of them.

Another thing is his backstory. It wasn't over the top, it was what everyone EXPECTED to happen. Because Sonic wasn't there he was bullied relentlessly and became cold and resentful of the world. It's simple and not over-exaggerated and I appreciate that. It's not annoyingly complicated or trying hard to make you cry, it's just a simple statement of what happened. And that's the part that hurts, that we were RIGHT.

Because we were already close and emotionally invested in Tails, it was easy for us to sympathize with Nine. This was a character we loved, and looked up to, only to become cold and emotionally exhausted towards everything around him.

But the part that is great about him is that we don't know what his arc is going to be. Is he the character that opens up more and makes friends, is he the character that remains neutral, or is he going to be the true villain? We can't figure it out.

He's complicated and confusing but it's BECAUSE of that that we love him so much.

The final reason is the fact that he's just THAT character you WANT to win. He's so heart-wrenchingly tragic you just want him to achieve his goal of being happy, no matter HOW he achieves it. Even if he becomes the true antagonist I KNOW that all of us would root for him anyway because he DESERVES to win because he LOST so MUCH.

And that's why he's quite possibly going to be the greatest character ever written (not that he wasn't already in my opinion) in the Sonic universe.

Why Nine is The Secondary Protagonist in Sonic Prime

I recently made an appreciation post about this edgy little fella, however, when I rewatch the show (yes I rewatch it several times daily, so what?) I feel the cogs in my brain turn and create several theories. Looking back at Nine, I realized he will be one of the BIG characters, not the big (relevant to the plot and development), but the BIG (really fucking important).

As in MIGHT BE THE DEUTERAGONIST type of BIG.

Sonic is the protagonist, as he usually is in his games, however, Nine is another huge character who is not only crucial to the plot but might also twist the plot as well.

A deuteragonist is an essential secondary character in a narrative, second only to the protagonist, and may act like a constant companion or someone who aids the protagonist. However, the deuteragonist can change from helping the protag to actively opposing them, depending on their own conflict or plot.

Nine already proves to be a huge character in Sonic Prime, however, in the first batch of episodes, Shadow does somewhat take up some of this role. However, he might change to become a tritagonist in future episodes. Someone who helps the protagonist, is the third most important character, and often the third member of the group.

So Nine might be the TRUE deuteragonist and I DO have a list of reasons why I think so.

So, with that said, let's begin.

1. He is already established to be an important character

From the first moment we meet him, we already know he's going to be a very important character in the plot. He fixes up Sonic's shoes and gloves figures out how to use a shard to open a portal, and is a very formidable ally. He is an important character to keep the plot going and to help explain the plot. However, it's not like those Sonic games, where he's just there to explain the plot. He HAS a character and personality, he's not just a cardboard cutout.

He HAS depth and complexity to him. Something I can appreciate considering the past media of any version of Tails the past years (not including Frontiers, that game was amazing). He's also obviously going to continue to be an important character in season two as well.

2. He's a very engaging character

Let's all admit it: Nine is the most interesting character in Sonic Prime. Not just because of his mindset of "get this however you can no matter what" and "do whatever it takes and needs to survive". Not just that but his snarky and cold personality combined with his nine-tailed badassery just makes him an engaging and enjoyable character.

The things he does can leave people scrambling for answers. Why exactly did he change his mind about helping the rebels? What is he planning? What is going on in that fluffy head of his?

So many questions that leave us waiting with anticipation for the next batch of episodes for answers.

3. People can relate to his trauma

Nine's backstory is what we expected, but that doesn't mean it holds back punches. Without Sonic to defend him from bullies, without Sonic to care for him and take him in, he learned to trust and look out only for himself. It's a sad backstory and it explains why he's so guarded and aloof all the time.

I've read posts that state they relate deeply to Nine and can immerse themselves in his character with empathy. I can confirm as being a victim of abuse. He's aggressive and snarky because he has walls, walls that he put up to never get hurt again. He doesn't try to justify himself in his backstory, stating he "wasn't minding his surroundings" instead of "I didn't know" or "it wasn't my fault" he shows signs of a sort of self-resentment. Again, I can relate SO MUCH to, thinking that I could've prevented it and holding myself responsible for not doing anything, that I could've stopped it from happening.

Those who suffer or have suffered can see themselves in Nine, and as a result, the sorrow we feel for him can hit harder if we know what it was like.

4. We don't know where his character is going to end up

Another bunch of posts I've seen about Nine is that we legitimately don't know where his character is going to end up. He's muddled deep in his mystery and inner turmoil that we can't see the deep end of what he's going to be. A hero? A villain? An Anti-hero?

Just what's going to happen to him?!

He has a plan but what is it?

5. He's the most controversial character

Nine's intentions and character have been put in many perspectives on what people think he's planning, what he's going to be, why he does certain things, whether he cares for Sonic or not, whether he trusts Sonic or not, and MORE.

He's been theorized and twisted into what people think about him and what he's going to do. In my opinion, if a character does this to a community, you KNOW you're doing something right. Controversial characters are very mysterious and morally ambiguous, you don't truly know why they do the things they do or what they plan, but you have your own ideas on what might happen and other people do too, despite them possibly being different from yours.

Controversy (WHEN NOT LEADING TO VIOLENCE AND DEATH THREATS) is very fun and interesting. Reading people's thoughts even if they differ from your own, with the possibility that they might change your own theories is a very enlightening and interesting thing!

6. He has a completely opposite goal to Sonic

It's very clear that Sonic and Nine have different goals that clash with each other. Sonic, being the all-loving hero he is, wants to return home and see his true friends again, not to mention help and protect the other shatter spaces. Nine on the other hand wants to make a new home, a world with just him and Sonic and nobody else, not caring for the other shatter spaces or anybody else.

Their goals clash with each other and can't be fulfilled at the same time. Nine's goal includes only him and Sonic and no one else. Sonic's goal includes others, not to mention these two are from two completely different universes.

It's clear these two, no matter how close they are, won't give up their goal for the other, so unless their willing to compromise, it might lead to something bigger.

7. His goal separates him from other variations of himself and others

While he is just another variation of one of the main characters, his goal of achieving something beyond his own universe along with keeping Sonic differentiated from the other main variations who want something within their own shatter space. Thorn wanted to keep the jungle from being destroyed, and Dread wanted the shard out of greed, the rebels want to put the council out of power and take back their land, the jungle variants wanted to eat and live among the jungle again, and the pirates are just typical pirates.

Unlike the others, whose goals can be achieved in their universes, Nine wants nothing to do with his own. Like Sonic, Nine's goal is related to the shatter space.

8. Nine truly has no one EXCEPT Sonic

Another thing to differentiate him from the other versions of himself and the main cast is how Nine has nothing to lose. Other versions of him have a group of the main cast, hell even Rusty Rose finds herself valued (not sentimentally but still) and useful to the council. Nine, however, has nobody until this bright blue hedgehog told him about a life he could've had, a life Sonic gave to his other self.

So it's no wonder he took the very person who can give him the same life to a new shatter space. He wants that desperately. It's no wonder he doesn't show an interest in getting Sonic home anymore, if he does that, the chance of having the life he always wanted, that hope, would be gone forever. I don't think Nine's going to let that happen easily.

9. Everyone roots for him and wants him to be happy

There are zero people that don't want him to achieve his goal of love and happiness. Not just for the fact that he's a version of a character we're already emotionally invested in, but also because Nine is his own person. He's still a person who was horribly abused to the point of being jaded and cold.

Seeing him smile or show comfort really melts my heart cause this kid deserves SO MUCH! I know you all agree. But it is depressing to remember that Sonic NEEDS to go back and restore his world, he'll have to leave Nine behind. I don't think they're going to go with Sonic taking Nine with him because of what might happen with the whole "they can't see each other" stuff.

And with how stubborn and desperate Nine is...

I'm curious about how they figure this out and resolve this.

10. He might affect the plot

A protagonist is not just the lead character who pushes the plot along, they also affect and can possibly change the plot as well. Sonic already kicked off the plot, it's possible for Nine to affect it in a BIG way. This can lead to a LOT of possibilities when you consider that. We KNOW he has a plan and it has something to do with the Chaos Council capturing him. This fact can lead to a LOT of interpretations.

Well, that was my list of how Nine might be the deuteragonist of Sonic Prime in the future. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a lovely day <3

The Possible Symbolism Of The Name Nine

Yeah, yeah, I know I already did an analysis of Nine but this just got stuck in my head and I needed to post this. I already did an analysis of what Nine represents, but I found another thing interesting and that's the act that they just named him "Nine".

One thing I learned is that SEGA name's their characters for a reason. Like, Sonic was named due to how fast he was (the term supersonic speed), Shadow was named due to being a complete opposite doppelganger to Sonic, Amy Rose (originally Amelia Rose) which Amelia is deprived of germanic meaning work, reflecting her hardworking personality and Rose, reflecting her everlasting love for Sonic.

While Tail's is a nickname, which basically comments on how he had two tails, his real name is Miles Prower (being a pun on "miles-per-hour", nice job SEGA).

However, Nine's name is just Nine in-universe. Just Nine and nothing else. But what does it reflect and say about him?

Nine is a cold, blunt, bad-tempered, emotionally distant, psychologically exhausted, love/touch-starved kit who had NOTHING until Sonic came. But what does the title Nine say about that?

Well, I did a lot of research and it turns out that naming him Nine has a LOT of possible symbolism.

Let's get the obvious out of the way, it's clear that the term Nine refers to his extra tails and also due to the fact that he was based on the Japanese folklore of kitsune. Kitsune when reaching the final stage of maturity gains nine tails, so it's perfect for a mature and tired variant of Tails.

But looking into the symbolism of the number Nine more I found a LOT more interesting things.

There's another belief in Japan that contains the number Nine. It turns out the Japanese word for Nine sounds almost exactly the same as the Japanese word for "Suffer" or "Torture", and as a result, the number is considered to be an unlucky number. From what we've seen Nine HAS suffered A LOT and most likely will continue to suffer, and he's a very unlucky variant of Tails.

Japan isn't the only one who thinks of Nine as an unlucky number. Some religions consider it to be bad due to it being one short of 10.

However in some religions, like Hebrew, Nine is a symbol of truth, and while it can reflect on how blunt Nine is, it can also become ironic if Nine refuses to accept the truth that Sonic can't ever be by his side in The Grim.

In numerology, the number Nine represents completion - not a final ending, but a fulfillment of one cycle. The number also represents world experiences. Not to mention many phrases such as "cats have nine lives", and "dressed to the nines" also seem to relate to the maximum or fullness of something when every effort has been exhausted. However there are bad traits to Nine, unrealistic standards (for self or others), or being prone to over-giving.

In Christianity, Nine symbolizes A LOT of things so bear with me here. In Christianity, the number Nine is considered neither good nor bad, rather very ambiguous (which relates to the moral ambiguity of Nine). It can be considered the number of destruction or illness, but it can also represent completeness or finality.

An interesting thing about the symbolism of Nine in Christianity is that while it is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus (Christ died at the Ninth hour) it's not considered bad because the death of Christ opened the gates of salvation for humankind.

According to the Christain God's Word, Nine represents judgment, patience, harmony, development, and creation. Nine holds a lot of judgment towards others, Nine while mild-tempered shows some patience with how he sticks with Sonic despite the hedgehog getting them into trouble, Nine doesn't show harmony but he might in future episodes, Nine develops a LOT in the show, and the creation one is his knack for inventing.

In folklore, the number Nine is considered to be Triple Perfection or Harmony x3. I'm not sure what this represents but I thought that was interesting.

There's a thing called the Day of Atonement, which occurs on the Ninth day of the seventh month (July), and is considered a holy day for the Jews in the Bible.

There are more things like Hoshea reigning Isreal for Nine years, or how the destruction of Jerusalem's temples on the 9th Av on the Hebrew calendar.

Whew! Ok, so those are the symbolisms of the number Nine I could find that could relate or possibly relate to this character. Sorry, it was so long, but I tried to put as much as I could from what I could find but I didn't want to turn this into some sort of religious lesson. If you guys somehow managed to get to the end, I hope you somewhat enjoyed it.

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

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!

How?

Alright, there's been many theories and ideas for Prime. There have been many questions thrown about, but one I haven't seen is one very important question. A question that leaves me thinking for days, a question that I rack my goddamn brain for answers:

How the HELL did Nine know that Sonic was in New Yolk and in trouble?!

Like the rebels and Sonic were about to have their hides skinned until this mofo pulls up in his OWN GODDAMN SHIP? What?!

Bro really said "get in loser, we're starting a new life" and then just fucking dips when Sonic jumps in XD

Prime writers, we better get a WHOLE Nine episode explaining wtf this was about.

...

...Also...

...

Also, we need more Nine...

Beautiful <3

Absolutely beautiful.

Thinking about how nine may be set up to be an antagonist in the next sonic prime episodes

(Happy new year y’all, here’s to another great year for sonic)

One Angry Boi

I like his face. So angry

Another Nine Analysis: This Time on His Character Design

I honestly don't know what to say, I've got this guy on the brain lately. I've done an analysis of his name and the possible symbolism, and I've done an analysis of why he's so liked, and I might continue to do analysis on him because he's just that interesting.

This time however I want to focus on his character design. Aside from being my favorite character design in the series, I think it reflects Nine himself and holds some possible foreshadowing as well.

(Aw I never noticed this, his tails are all puffed up!)

First, let's focus on the color scheme.

A heavy tone of dark colors is found all over his design of black, silver, grey, pale blue, and yellow lines, the only bright color being the pale orange of his fur and the white on his gloves and muzzle.

The dark colors emphasize a sense of intimidation and mystery to him. The black on his shoes, glove, and shorts can leave viewers in suspense and unsure about him. The grey on his shirt does the same as well.

While the blue and yellow help offset the darker colors I also think there were reasons it was these two colors. The blue might reflect the hidden sadness and loneliness he has, and the yellow could reflect his universal bond with Sonic. (the yellow ribbon of friendship)

I like how his gloves are different. One is fully white with silver undertones, while the other is mostly black; it adds to his moral ambiguity. Both a little bit of good and a little bit of bad. Perfectly neutral.

Another thing I want to point out that others haven't noticed is how pale and dull his fur is compared to Prime! Tails, and the other Tails as well, are not as vibrant as the others. Kinda interesting.

There's also a darker tip and his ears are longer as well, which I think reflects his role as the most mature Tails.

His eyes are a more greyish blue than the baby blues Tails had.

His tails, the organic ones are less fluffy and limper. Which makes sense since he probably uses his metal tails more.

Finally his metal tails, the silver and grey tails he uses. He keeps them out all the time, seeing everything and everyone as a danger, he uses them to cover up his tails, showing he's still insecure about them so he hides them. To him they're a sense of safety and protection, to others they're deadly weapons of destruction.

I also like how his shirt covers his chest fur, covers his heart. He closed off from everyone and hides his emotions so it makes sense. I also find the way his hair (bangs I guess) sticks up forming a curious hairstyle (though I can't find any information about hairstyles like that, nor can I see if it's a symbol for something). (and again, his ears have darkened tips while the hair doesn't, another reflection of ambiguity)

I also like how his muzzle fur droops compared to the other Tails, looks like a grumpy cat XD. Very fitting for grumpy Tails.

Another thing is his belt, I couldn't see it clearly but I do know that there's a kind of button or buckle that controls the tails when pressed, and it's a pale blue with what looks like a swirly shape on it.

Nine's outfit is very bleak and dark. While it is an "emo" attire, it also gives off a sense of mourning or deep loneliness/sadness. Which I think is very fitting. This Tails was always alone, and when he made weapons to fight back against his abusers, he wasn't joyful or cocky. All of that was beaten out of him. Instead, he was serious and jaded. Nine has a great feeling of mourning in his character, which again I think is genius of how reflective it is in his character design.

It is mournful because this was a character we were already so invested in, and because of how cold and broken Nine is, having been abused and beaten to the point of numbness and distrust of everything/everyone around him. Whoever designed him knew that, that's why this design was chosen.

And why it's genius. Not just because it resonates with the audience, but also because it reflects the tragedy of this character.

Another Nine Analysis: Warped Senses And Tragedy

Yay, another Nine analysis! It's been a while, huh? But I have more thoughts about him I need to write out so here I am. So now let's begin.

Alright, so let's start with the fact that while the other variants are devoid of the things that represent them (empathy for Amy, and Honor for Knuckles), Nine's is actually not only enhanced but WARPED in a more twisted way.

Amy's lack of empathy is shown through Rusty (a robotized Amy) and Thorn (while she wanted to protect the Jungle she didn't try to understand or find common ground) and Knuckle's lack of honor is shown through Dread.

But Nine is rather different. Yes while he didn't stay and help the Rebels, and abandoned them, he choose to save Sonic instead. In fact earlier during the battle between the Rebels and Dr. Deep, I noticed that he only helps Sonic during the battle. He's the first one to notice Sonic's in danger and stops to help him, but only him, he doesn't do it for the others. Watch closely at how Nine contrasts against the others in the fight.

The others help out each other, but Nine only helps Sonic. I thought it was an interesting detail, and it also proves my theory. Not to mention he's surprised when Sonic saves him and pleased when he learns about a high five.

Another thing is how he chooses to abandon the rebels, choosing to save the shard, the shard that took Sonic. He once again chooses Sonic over everyone else.

The battle during the Rebellion, once again, Sonic.

I disagree that Nine isn't loyal, that he's a Tails that lacks loyalty, but a Tails whose sense of loyalty that's starting to become deluded and damaging towards others and possibly himself. A dedication and commitment that does more harm towards others and himself than it helps. A self-destructive and dangerous obsession.

He's only loyal towards Sonic, he's only dedicated to Sonic, he's only attached to Sonic, he only smiles with Sonic, and no one else.

If Nine wasn't loyal or committed to Sonic, then why did he wait weeks for Sonic, and why did he come back for Sonic?

It's understandable why too, to him Sonic is a person from another world who gave another version of him a life he always dreamed of. To him, Sonic is his only friend, the only person who accepts him for his Tails, the only person who gave him a reason to let his walls down. So it's understandable that he'd only care for Sonic.

Unlike the others, Sonic can bring him something he dreamed of, unlike the others Sonic was bright and bubbly and not yet damaged by the horrible world around him, and unlike the others, Sonic is the only one who can make his heart melt with that unrelenting optimism and blinding faith and allow another in.

Unlike the others, Sonic gave him something to live for, to fight with blood and sweat for.

A WORLD and LIFE to hope for.

It's no wonder the poor kid latched onto the first person who showed him kindness and affection. Before Sonic meet him, he probably hasn't made contact with anyone in YEARS after he fought back his bullies.

Just look at his face after he tries to ignore Sonic in the top left. His face softens, and with the slightest bit of hesitance asks what else they did in this wonderful dream world just out of reach of his gloved hands.

Which makes my next thought worse.

Guys, you'll hate this but...

I don't think Nine's going to get his happy ending. It'll most likely be very bittersweet at best.

DON'T GET ME WRONG, HE DESERVES THE WORLD! But the world he wants can't ever be achieved without Sonic. Sonic, just wants to get home no matter what. A home that isn't Nine's. A home Nine can't ever go to.

Nine wants Sonic to stay, being unable to be happy in a world without him. Sonic wants to go home, being unable to be happy without his FRIENDS. Like he said earlier in the pilot, his FRIENDS make Green Hills HOME. Which makes it clear he won't be happy living in the Grim.

Both of them have opposite goals, goals that can't be achieved at the same time. This is originally mentioned by @animatedjunkfood, but I agree that the Grim scene reflects this extremely well with its visuals.

Look at the sky, a strong blue, starting light but darkening as the sky gets further and further away from the sandy bottom, stars twinkling with lost dreams. The ground is deep orange with grey crystals shooting out of it, crystals a faded grey reflecting shimmering hope reaching to grasp the sky to come true, never making it.

On the distant horizon, there's a light gleaming from the distance, somewhat reminding me of a rising sun.

I think there are three things this represents.

It might be reflective of Sonic and Tails' relationship. Sonic, while better on the ground always lives carefree, running like the wind, sometimes resulting in being easily distracted. Tails, who can fly, ironically is the more grounded of the two using his tech and being more focused.

Sonic is the sky and Tails is the earth. That's how it's always been.

But this could also reflect Nine's dream. Notice how the sky is blue like his eyes and Sonic's fur, how the ground is orange like his fur, and how the grey crystals reflect Nine's tails. But what's missing?

Emerald green. The emerald green of Sonic's eyes. This isn't the world he wants, it's what NINE wants. Hence why green isn't anywhere present. It's not HIS ideal world.

Lastly, and my favorite, this could reflect their different goals and how they can never be achieved simultaneously. Nine wants this world to be home, hence why the ground is orange. Sonic however wants to go home, a place beyond Nine's reach, which is reflected wonderfully through the blue sky that twinkle with stars. Stars are often thought of as dreams and hope, which makes sense, as Sonic can bring Nine that.

Another thing I REALLY like is how the grey crystals could reflect Nine's mechanical Tails, reaching to try and grasp Sonic, to grasp that happy dream, the earth reaching out for that sky of sweet hope.

But the ground and the sky can never touch...

Ouch...

The Bittersweetness of Sonic Prime

You know when I go back and rewatch the episodes of this show because of how it ended, and because of its interesting story, I realize how horribly bittersweet it is.

Usually, Sonic stories have epic adventure stories or happy positive feelings but Prime is just...bittersweet. It gets even worse when you remember the ending of the first batch, which leaves SOO many interpretations.

Sure, there's some action here and there, but the main focus is the characters and their feelings. It's not about the fights or good vs evil, it's just about getting home, and trying to find light in a pitch-black room.

Hope.

Which makes the ending of the first batch worse. Home doesn't exist anymore, Sonic broke it. The way they handle Sonic's character is actually well done in my opinion. He's bubbly, positive, and cocky, but ultimately well-meaning, and unconditionally kind. There are some things he says that are annoying, but nothing too bad. Nothing too unwatchable.

I absolutely enjoy it when they put flaws instead of making Sonic a perfect hero like they usually do. He's more real, and easier to get attached to. He's immature, but he is still a teen, still growing and learning about the world.

The other characters are really good too. And one thing Prime does is show deep empathy for its characters. Each character has more depth to them, and when they express distressed feelings, you can understand and feel it. At times, you can even relate to their pain.

(The way he poses XD, he knows he's a bad bitch)

And I couldn't use this pic without this one.

(Period. End of discussion)

Shadow is another really well-done character, not an overly edgy asshole, but a cold person with a hidden heart of gold. He's standoffish to Sonic, and most likely his friends, but his and Sonic's fighting probably is nothing but competitive sport. Not to mention their fighting ACTUALLY MADE SENSE. Shadow saw Sonic was going to do some stupid shit again, except this time he would break the WORLD, so naturally, he tried to stop it.

Of course, he was going to fight Sonic, the blue bitch doesn't even listen to his friends. Of course, he's going to literally knock some sense into him the first chance he sees him, he broke THEIR HOME.

I agree Shadow could've tried to talk to Sonic, but again would Sonic have listened? Not to mention, Shadow is...a complicated person when it comes to communication.

The variants of the main characters are really good as well. Each of them has goals, ideals, and sides. Of course, there's one that stands out to me, and if you've seen my posts you know who it is.

I can't NOT talk about Nine! He's just so interesting and well-written. The show emphasizes a LOT of mystery around him. Like we KNOW this is another version of Tails, but what happened after he took the shard? How did he see Sonic? What did he discover about Prism's power and how to harness that power? What is going on in his head?!

We'll have to wait for these questions to be answered in the second batch, but he's still very fun to watch. In my opinion, he's not only the best character in Prime, but he's also the most bittersweet in the Sonic Franchise. when Sega tries to write a bittersweet character, it's either too sad or too happy, too edgy or too go-lucky, but Nine is a perfect in-between.

Nine is edgy done right, I am so sorry Shadow SEGA ruined you, and has moments where he's happy too. He's just a very complex and interesting character.

It's hilarious that "emo Tails" written by Netflix is better than any other edgy character SEGA made up. When he blows up or becomes cold, it's understandable.

Attacking Sonic the first moment he meets him? Sonic called him something he was abused for YEARS for, so naturally, he thought Sonic was another "bully". Taking the shard over helping the rebels? He watched the only person he ever bonded with get sucked into this shard, he never bonded with any of the rebels anyway. Doing it again when there was a battle? It wasn't his problem, it was the rebels' he was only working with them because he was helping Sonic anyway.

However, back to the topic, all of the variants Sonic bonds with reminds him of his friends back home, so yeah, he helped and bonded with them, but he doesn't belong in that world. Except his world is destroyed, his home where his REAL friends are, his friends that he mentioned are what make his home, home.

If he does manage to get all of the Paradox Prism together, those worlds and those variants will likely disappear. The variants would go through the equivalent of dying. They'll become one again, but they'll cease to be nothing more than mere traits, they won't be alive anymore, and they won't be their own person anymore. They'll cease to be, nothing more than the shards they are.

No matter what, how happy they are, or how satisfying the conclusion is, they will still have to "die", all just to become a shard of someone who will never know they existed. No matter how optimistic you look at it, it will have a pang of heartbreak.

And I think the chance of them remembering is highly unlikely because it would take away from the main theme of Prime. This isn't about them learning something, it's SONIC, and probably Shadow. If they remember it would kinda ruin the main tone of this show.

If anything, they'll just think it was a simple dream and think nothing of it. Because that's all it was to them, not a deep journey, not a meaningful bonding, just a weird dream that they don't need to think about ever again.

What will the varients think of that? What will NINE think of his worth? Nine and every other variant are just copies, things that aren't as important as the real thing. They aren't worth much, they're just variants, just "shards". With how Nine suffered, with how much Nine WANTS, I don't think he's just going to overlook it and help.

I also think that with his villain arc will come another solution. Another way the world can be restored is without simply converting him, mashing him up with the other meaningless shards, and becoming the real Tails. Another way where he won't be just some shard.

And to be honest, if there's another way that involves Nine going crazy but getting his way, getting to be HAPPY, while restoring the world and bringing everyone back without having to "die", I'm DOWN.

Some people hope there will be a redemption arc, and so do I, I'm hoping that the thing I mentioned just now will be it. Redemption is not always happy, it can be sad or bittersweet. When he does get that, it'll most likely be the harshest bittersweet ending of all.

I keep reading posts that Nine is a good boi or going to be a villain, but I want to say something that needs to be clarified, Nine isn't a good person, but he's not a bad one either, he's simply a kid, and we CANNOT forget that.

He's just a kid with NOTHING to lose, and when he finally finds something to be worth living for, he's never going to have it (unless he does things his own way).

There are some quotes from other Sonic games that I think fit well with what I'm trying to say that sum up ALL these characters, especially Sonic and Nine. All of these were said by Sonic btw.

"Don't be afraid to accomplish your dreams."

"When you want to do something, do it right away. Do it when you can. It's the only way to live life without regrets."

“Every world has its end. I know that’s kinda sad, but that’s why we gotta live life to the fullest in the time we have.”

“If the world chooses to become my enemy, I will fight like I always have!” -(Actually stated by Shadow, my b)

“I’ll never look back, I’ve got no regrets. Cause time doesn’t wait for me. I choose to go my own way.”

Nine's EYE design

So now that I've gotten a closer look at his belt, why tf does the button look kinda like an eye with a dilated pupil? Like it looks fucking terrified.

Actually, why is the main design in his machine's eyes? Mostly blue eyes? (with the exception of the shatterdrive, his tails, and the grim, but it's still there) On his belt, his gloves, Sonic's gloves and shoes (which is interesting), everywhere.

(The eyes on his tails are looking around...)

Hell, even the grim's entrance portal has this design...

Nine's Lab And A Short Nine Theory

Just simple observations of Nine's lab <3

Alright, Nine has to have had someone here before if he was actively writing keep out (in the weird language in Sonic) on a cabinet INSIDE his lab. Another thing, what is that thing? Nine has a second floor, probably where his bed and kitchen area are.

Nine likes to draw, and he's a pretty good artist ngl.

Did Nine kill someone, or is that paint?

Ok, I have NO IDEA what that red stuff is, and I don't think I want to know. He's got the typical gadgets, and he must've made the monitors and stole an entire light rectangle from somewhere and hung it up himself, judging by the wonky way it's positioned.

He doesn't always use his tails as a chair, he has a red stool too. He also appeared to find a way to convert the energy from the city to use it for his own means, clever fox. Must be how the monitors are powered, from the battery underneath his self-portrait,

That was used, but on what? There are probably calculations on the board and some more drawings, but I can't tell. If anyone can somehow manage to remove the blur and make it clear because I can't do that I'm too dumb to understand math or any language other than English (I flunked Spanish).

I have a theory about what that could've been used for, but I'm saving that for its own post.

What looks like another Nine drawing, random boxes, a power generator, barrels of something, and a big ass Eggman sticker that he has laying around for some reason. Nice to know Nine digs stickers.

I can't tell what's on the shelf. But it looks like a collar. This makes the question:

Did Nine have a pet of some kind? Might've been a chao considering he knows what they look like to draw them and that the neck collar looks big enough to fit their neck, however, chao might've died out due to Eggman. But some might've been saved or slipped his grasp.

If he did...What happened to it?

Well, that's all I got, any of you guys made any observations I might've missed?

Nine is Tiny and It's All Sonic's Fault

Just a random prompt I thought up on the spot. Inspired by @heckinconfusedparade prompt response to someone's ask. This is an alternate universe where Sonic doesn't meet shadow, and Nine didn't have a plan that involved being captured.

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This was all Sonic's fault.

Nine remembers telling him not to touch anything. But he couldn't listen - he never listens! - and now Nine was only a few inches tall. To be fair though, Nine did forget to shut the machine down, but it's still Sonic's fault because the idiot messed with it.

If he hadn't poked and prodded around it earlier, it wouldn't have had the ability to work in the first place. The council limits the city's power to suit their own needs, and Nine simply converted it, and the power used for the trains into his lab and home. That's how everything worked.

It was supposed to be a simple stop point. Sonic recently saved Nine from his captivity by the council, and they escaped to his lab. Nine knew they wouldn't find them there, they hadn't for years.

They rested here for a day and a half before Nine got to work on building another invention, something to take down the council. Sonic zoomed around his lab, his hyperactivity too energetic to contain in the small place of his home.

It wasn't long before the blur explored his lab and discarded inventions. Nine didn't mind, as long as he didn't touch or break anything. Not to mention, he liked the company.

Then Sonic got to the shrink ray, a big hulking invention with a pointed tip. He had to touch it, he had to pull the trigger while it was pointed at Nine, who didn't realize what happened until it was too late. He felt energy pulsing around him for seconds before everything went dark and silent for a moment.

When he came to, he was only a few inches tall. Looking around, his workbench now a mountain, and everything much farther and bigger as well, he realized what happened. He forgot about that invention, he made it because some things took too much room, so making them smaller was easier. It was also because he wanted to defy physics, that was a reason too.

Now he had to get Sonic's attention as the blue blur called his name, looking for him. The urchin's footsteps caused slight tremors, his voice was louder and now hurt the fox's ears, and due to Nine's small size, his ears couldn't catch the fox's yells.

Sonic didn't know what he did yet. All he knew was that he pushed a flip of a cool invention, while it happened to be pointed at the young genius, and Nine just vanished. Confused at what just happened, and concerned for the young fox and his whereabouts, Sonic began to search. He called out his brother's counterpart's name and walked around the area Nine was, finding nothing worry began to tighten around his heart even more.

Nine meanwhile, climbed onto his table, using his metal tails, which thank chaos he had on him during this size, he'd be helpless again, making it easier. Now on the table, he looked around for ways to get the blue hedgehog's attention. He resorted to knocking things off, which proved more effective as those emerald eyes looked in his direction as the hero tilted his head in confusion. He stopped and waited for the speedster to close the distance, ignoring how his breath slightly quickened and shoulders quivered when Sonic's eyes landed on him, his tremoring footsteps walking towards his now small insignificant form.

He won't deny that he took several steps back until his back hit the wall as his friend leaned down to get a better look at this odd bug. As soon as he realized what happened, Sonic suddenly lurched back, making the kit flinch. He then rubbed his eyes and looked again, much closer, looming over the fox, much to Nine's discomfort and fear.

"N-Nine?"

The nerve for the guy to look surprised when it was his fault Nine was tiny. He made it clear to let him know that as he glared harshly up at the blue buffoon, the recipient averted his emerald eyes guiltily, his gloved hands rubbing his quills nervously.

"Whoops...heh....my bad...i-in my defense, you didn't tell me what that did."

"Doesn't matter whether I told you or not, you should've known not to touch anything in my lab."

It was his fault, so the hedgehog had to fix it the fox deemed. But how? Sonic didn't know anything about mechanics and the conversion of matter. Not to mention the urchin can mess it up, and he didn't want to think about any possibilities if that happened.

"Look, due to my unfortunate circumstances caused by you and your refusal to listen, I'm going to have to guide you on fixing this situation that you caused. But in order to do that, you're going to have to listen carefully."

Sonic smiled and gave a thumbs up, his usual meaningless words of optimism pouring out of his mouth, 'something blah blah we'll fix this', Nine didn't really listen, he was too busy fuming. After a half hour of trying, and failing, to get the blue blur to build a reversal switch on the shrink ray, he figured it'd be easier than having him build an entire one from scratch.

Nope, Sonic didn't know the first thing to listen, and because of that, it was late by the time they got anywhere. Unfortunately, that was when Sonic stupidly decided to take a break and try it again tomorrow, to Nine's annoyance and frustration.

He tried to argue back, but Sonic was just as stubborn. He was firm in going to sleep and trying again later since 'they could try again when they had more energy'. Nine tried to make a compromise, Sonic can go to bed and he can fix it himself, but the hedgehog wasn't having it.

"You need to rest too, and you're not going to get anywhere if you're tired."

"I'm not tired!"

"Sure...if you aren't, then why did I see you yawn several times. I saw them, you didn't do a very good job at hiding them you know"

At Sonic's knowing grin, Nine merely glanced away and tried to cover up another yawn with his hand. He heard the hedgehog chuckle in amusement and felt his face flush in embarrassment.

Nine only huffed in response and ignored the concern, walking towards a wrench on the workbench (which he stayed on the entire time, he didn't want the hedgehog's hands on him).

"Well, that's not important right now, you can go to bed, but I'm going to fix the mistake you made since you can't figure out basic instructions."

At that, he heard and felt Sonic huff in frustration, before suddenly feeling something soft and firm wrap around him. He tipped in surprise and panic, before looking down and realizing it was the hedgehog's fingers. Sonic didn't pick him up, he just held him gently but firmly in place, but that didn't make it any less panic-inducing. He began to squirm and struggle, deeply uncomfortable and embarrassed about how easy it is.

"S-Sonic! Let me go!"

"Sorry, little buddy. But you need rest, we can work on it tomorrow, okay?"

"Oh sure, then we can get nowhere again because you don't know how to do simple mechanics!", Nine's voice was dripping with sarcasm and anger, but there was a slight tremor in his voice that went unnoticed.

"Hey, maybe if you didn't confuse me with your rants about the third space squared stuff then we might've gotten further, but we can try again tomorrow-"

"Forget it! I'll fix it since you don't help with anything!", anger took place now, not just the anger of recent events, but the anger he held onto and kept in a bottle, " You're the reason I'm small in the first place, did you forget that? We can't get anywhere because you have so much trouble listening, you can't follow basic instructions!"

"You're not making it any easier you know, with all your fancy words and your technobabble!"

"I'm not making it easier? Maybe I'm not, even though you are the one who doesn't understand basic science and how mechanics work, but you aren't helping at all! You never have, all you do is show up only to disappear without even saying goodbye, then you just come back like nothing happened! I went back for you, I went back to help you, but what happened? I got captured while you vanished to who knows where! You only cause trouble, you don't help, you never have!"

Sonic went silent, guilt taking over his features the more Nine spoke, and as the kit did, tears began to flow down the child's face. Tears of anger and abandonment, that he caused. After Nine was done the only thing hear was the pants and sniffles from the now broken-down fox.

For a while, nothing happened, until Nine jolted in surprise as the fingers holding him in place lifted him up, and pressed him against a wall of soft fur, a faint and fast throbbing buried within it. Sonic's fingers moved to gently pet the sobbing fox lovingly.

Nine froze, having not expected to be hugged with such care, to be comforted in such a genuine way. He listened to the calming heartbeat of his only friend. But the dam soon broke down completely, he grasped the peach fur and sobbed into it, relishing the gentle touch of the fingers rubbing his head.

As he did, Sonic finally spoke.

"I'm sorry Nine. I didn't know you'd-I didn't think that - I'm so sorry I made you feel that way, I should've never - if I knew I would never have left. But I won't do it again, I promise. I-", the hedgehog choked, "I'm so sorry. I want to help you Nine, from now on. I'll get you back to normal, I promise. I don't want you to feel abandoned or hurt. I will help you, I won't leave you alone again, I-I promise."

Sonic paused as he heard no response, and looking down he saw the tiny kitsune had fallen asleep, his tiny chest rising and lowering rhythmically. The urchin chuckled softly, giving the tiny child a light squeeze, holding his carefully and gently in his cupped hands, then moved to get to bed. After wandering about he found the kit's bed on the second floor accessible via a ladder. Getting there, he put the kit on the pillow, carefully putting the blankets over him, succeeding in not waking the child. He gently rubbed the kit's head with his finger once more, chuckling softly when the fox murmured softly and leaned into his caring touch.

He eventually found a couch and drifted off himself. The next morning, they eventually found a way to reverse the effects, and things went to normal after that, but the child was slightly more open and affectionate, just a bit. And Sonic made sure to care for the kit and keep him company.

They were both happy. Even if both of them knew it wouldn't last forever. Even if neither of them knew the true effects of the world around them, they were trapped in a painful cycle, one that might affect the universe itself.

But they were happy. And at that time, that was all that mattered.

Writing Prompt: Nine's finally had enough of getting bullied by the other foxes for his two tails. He builds his seven other robotic tails. Then he teaches his bullies a bitter lesson.

Oh, thank you for the ask! And good prompt too! I've always imagined how Nine dealed with his bullies, and I have a few ideas, I just haven't had a reason to write them until now!

I hope you like it! If y'all have anything you want to ask (could be requests for stories, questions about things you want to know, or theories you want to share,) go ahead and do so, I don't bite!

Anyway, onto the story!

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That was it.

He was done being nice. They hurt him, mocked him, and beat him for far too long. He had tried everything. He tried ignoring it and he ended up with bruises, he tried to be nice to them, but all he got were mocking words, he tried avoiding them, and the beatings and taunting were only harsher.

Nobody helped him. Nobody ever did. When they noticed they'd ignore what was happening, or they'd join in. He couldn't trust anyone to help, people only cared about themselves.

Why shouldn't he follow that rule?

He was making something, something that would end all of it. The mocking, the scorning, the jeers, the beatings, it all would end when he was finished. He was almost done, they were almost complete.

The invention that would change everything. No more bullies, no more abuse, no more jeers or disgusted looks, all of it would stop when these were finished.

Looking back, inventing used to be fun, for a short while. He remembers wagging his tails when he had an idea for something new, something revolutionary.

Now it was a necessity, something that he needed, that he didn't find fun, but needed and serious. He missed those simple wags of happiness, now he didn't wag them at all.

There's nothing to be happy about anymore.

He smirked, not with joy or excitement, but satisfaction and smugness, sadistic and revenge-driven thoughts ran through his head.

They were done.

He was ready.

==============================================

The cries of several foxes and other animals were music to Miles's sadistic ears.

It wasn't a pretty sight, some had deep bruises, some sprained, and some were bleeding.

But not Miles.

For the first time, he was completely unscathed. No bruises other than the ones already there, and no new scratches. He was fine.

Miles felt himself slightly getting giddy at the power he now holds over them. There they were, sobbing, begging for mercy, looking at him with fear and pain that he relished.

They should fear him. That's what they get for never trying to love him.

Nobody did.

He wasn't interested in taking control of the city, though he could do it easily if he so tried. But the smallest bit of power left him with a twisted sense of joy.

The tears on his previous abuser's faces were diamonds and riches to him. He hit jackpot at that moment.

Now they knew to leave him alone, now he won't ever get hurt again.

They called him things he wasn't surprised about, wasn't anything he never heard before.

'Monster', 'beast', 'freak', and more he's heard before.

Maybe he was a monster for doing this, but he didn't care. If being a monster kept everyone away from him, then so be it.

Hmm..

If he was a monster then he should change his name. Miles made him feel like he had an identity. Like he was human. He wasn't treated like he was, so maybe he never was. So he needs something new.

He looked at his new tails. He didn't have two anymore. He used irony harshly against them, beating them with the very things they outcasted him for. He grinned. He had seven more.

He had nine now.

Nine.

What a perfect name for a monster...

Do you have any ideas on the Tails Squad?

I love the Tails Squad!!! The idea of all of those adorable fluffy foxes scurrying around together and going on adventures with each other is enough to make my heart melt. The fact that it exists makes me very happy! Thank you to whoever invented it!!! Thank you @heckinconfusedparade, @nights-nonsensical-ramblings, and any other creator for providing such adorable sceneries with them! It's the most wonderful thing on earth. It raised crops, cured every disease, and it made my year! I LOOOOOVE IT <3

The only thing that bothers me is that Nine (Sonic Prime) is in it as well. Don't get me wrong, Nine deserves hugs and snuggles (definitely by Sonic because he'd rip my face off if I tried, he's not as cuddly as the other Tails), but it just doesn't really make sense with his character and arc so far.

Nine is a loner, he avoids everyone to protect himself, and it's a firm coping mechanism (and as a person with trauma, a coping mechanism is NOT easy to break apart). Then he meets Sonic, he's given warmth and care and he latches onto Sonic, but nobody else. I noticed that Nine doesn't even seem to try to make friends or bond with the others because, in his mind, Sonic is the only friend he wants and needs. I also think Nine doesn't really like himself that much.

He isn't really prideful, more of a smug genius. Not an 'im better than you' but more an 'i look down on you to protect myself by seeing myself as superior to seem in control'. Not to mention he doesn't try to justify himself being bullied when he was telling Sonic his backstory, he says he 'wasn't paying attention to his surroundings', not I didn't know, or 'it wasn't my fault', he still blames himself.

So I don't think Nine loves himself. If he did he wouldn't have blamed himself for being bullied, he wouldn't have clung onto Sonic, and he would've been content to live by himself and left Sonic behind if he loved himself but he doesn't. So seeing these soft, nice, cuddly foxes he would see a smaller weaker version of himself. He wouldn't hate them specifically, just who they remind him of, which happens to be someone he loathes.

Himself.

He wouldn't be mean, he'd just be indifferent to them, polite but distant. Not considering them enemies, but not friends or allies either. If they don't get in his way they're not going to be attacked by him.

Self-loathing isn't something you can just take down easily, especially if you've had it for years due to other people calling you names and abusing you so much that you hide away, hide the things you were bullied for, and constantly blame yourself for what happened. With how far Nine is into it, I don't think he can be saved from the pit of hatred and pain.

It's horribly too late for that.

Some of you might be saying he could bond over being bullied because the other Tails were bullied too, and I'm sad to say it doesn't really work that way. People with trauma don't immediately become besties and form close bonds, most of the time, they're either animistic towards each other or avoid and keep their distance from each other to avoid being reminded of their own pain, and Nine would definitely do the latter firmly from his behavior so far.

Another thing is that the others have a Sonic of their own. Nine would not hate them, but he'd have a deeply repressed jealousy over them having the life he has dreamed of. Again, he wouldn't really hate them over this, he'd just merely have a painful pang of jealousy whenever that Tails and their Sonic would come up and embrace each other with such love and care, the things he was void of in his life.

I can see him bonding with the other Sonics, but it's only because Sonic himself is a coping mechanism for Nine and was the first one to give him affection. The other Sonic's are no different, so he latches onto them, but still keeps his distance due to them having their Tails right beside them. So hugs or head pats aren't accepted by Nine because it doesn't feel right to him, he doesn't deserve it, because he's not their Tails.

It would hurt every time seeing others given affection or he was offered affection that he can't have more than briefly, but he'd repress and hide it to not bother the others, or not to seem weak.

I actually have a prompt written out on how I think Nine would really react to the Tails Squad, if y'all want to see it, let me know and I'll post it!

But other than that, I have so, SO much love for the Tails Squad, but I can't see Nine being buddy-buddy with them. It's more of a neutral alignment, not enemies but not friends either.

Thanks for the ask!!!

I don’t know whether to call this a “writing prompt,” because it’s such a DETAILED idea, that it’s more like a summarized story in its own right.  I would honestly be HONORED if you would flesh this ‘summary’ out into a full short story with your beautiful prose, but if it’s ‘just too much,’ then I understand… it’d also be cool just hearing your thoughts about this idea of mine!

I call it: “Nine’s Happiest Ending.”

Basically, it draws from two theories that’ve been going around. First: that Sonic’s going to rely on Nine to recombine the pieces of the Paradox Prism. Second: that all the different “alternate versions” of Sonic’s friends, (example: Mangey, Nine, Sails,) represent ‘shattered fragments’ of each’s friend’s personalities, and once the Paradox Prism is recombined, the alternates will also be recombined into their original ‘Prime’ selves (and effectively die.)

On with the story!  

&&&&

The Chaos Council has been defeated.  Sonic brings the last Paradox Shard to Nine in Nine’s lab, then sits in a chair as Nine gets busy combining all the Paradox Shards.  As he works, Nine notices that Sonic seems a bit depressed and guilty-looking.  When he questions Sonic about this, the hedgehog admits that he’s feeling morally conflicted about having all the different “alternates” of his friends (and their worlds) effectively DIE, so that he can get his “original” world and “original” friends back.  To Sonic’s surprise, Nine calmly assures him that it’s all okay, that recombining the Paradox Prism is the best possible choice.  He even hugs Sonic reassuringly as he says this.  Sonic is deeply touched, and says that Nine is one awesome little guy as he hugs him back.

But Sonic is unaware that Nine has a special little gizmo hidden in his back pocket.  It’s programmed so that when the Paradox Prism is recombined, and Nine and all his fellow alternates “resynchronize” back into in the fox called Tails… it’ll be in a manner of NINE’S OWN DESIGN.  

The final shard is put into place.  There’s a brilliant flash of light… and then Sonic is back in Green Hills will Knuckles, Amy, Rouge, Big, Shadow, and Tails!  They’re all so happy!  

Except that Tails doesn’t QUITE seem 100% like his usual self, for some reason.  For example, he seems to be almost flatly ‘going through the motions’ of friendship with all his friends… except for Sonic, (with whom it’s completely heartfelt.)  At one point, Sonic catches sight of Tails staring and touching his two tails as if marveling at their fluffiness.  And a few times, it almost seems like the little fox flinches at the sound of his own name.  

But Sonic doesn’t give it THAT much thought!  

Later that day, Tails goes up to Sonic, and convinces him to spend the whole rest of day together… just the two of them, no one else!  Sonic and Tails go all over Green Hills.  Tails is DELIGHTED by all the blue skies, beaches, and palm trees!  Then they go to Tails’ workshop, and fly around a bit in the Tornado and eat chili dogs for dinner and spend the rest of the day blissfully goofing off together, until Sonic falls asleep…

…The next morning, Sonic wakes up.  To his shock, he finds that his fox friend has been working all through the night, constructing seven spidery mechanical tails for himself, which he then attaches to his body.  As he turns around and faces the thunderstruck hedgehog, Nine happily thanks Sonic for everything.  His life is finally happy and complete.

&&&&& 

What do you think?

This is AMAZING!!!!

Such a wonderfully thought-out prompt, of course, I'll write this out! Thank you for spending time to write out all of this! Must've taken a long time, so I'm honored you came to me about this idea!

Alright onto the story, I hope you like it!

==========================================

The rebellion was won. The Chaos Council have been defeated, now put in prison for their dictatorial crimes. With Nine's help infiltrating the base and helping in taking it down from the inside, and the Rebel's firm determination, the war was finally won. They were finally free.

But that was a part of their victories, the biggest one being the Shard, the LAST Shard they need to fix the world in Nine's hands. However, Nine noticed that Sonic didn't really treat it as a victory.

It came at a cost of course. In order to restore the world, the Shatterverse will have to disappear, and everyone who resided in it. They'd fade and become nothing but mere traits, it's a rather complex way to die, Nine mused. Nine and some other variants accepted it and others took it understandably. Anger, denial at their own identity, tears at their true existence.

It didn't matter if they didn't accept it, it was going to happen anyway. Nine moved to grab another shard to attach it to the others when he paused.

Sonic had been surprisingly silent. He was usually running around, exploring his lab with wide shimmering eyes of excitement, or prodding Nine on what he was making and keeping Nine company. Nine didn't mind it, he liked not being alone anymore. So he found himself confused when he realized this.

He turned over to look at the hedgehog, who was sitting on a red stool against the wall, looking at the ground with a conflicted look in his eyes.

His ears were drooped.

Placing the shard down Nine turned to the urchin once more.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmm?"

Sonic looked up, probably having been startled by his thoughts. He looked surprised at the question, before glancing at the ground once more.

"N-nothing it's just...", Sonic sighed as he glanced up at the metal kitsune once more, "Is this the only thing we can do? In order to restore the world the Shatterspace will have to stop existing? A-all of you will stop existing...I mean, I want to go home but..."

"Sonic.", Nine spoke calmly as he placed a hand on his only friend's shoulder, the hedgehog looked up at him with surprised, yet fragile, eyes.

"It's ok."

"No, it's not! You all should be able to live too, and the rest of the Shatterspace. Just all of it will be gone, all of you will be gone when we combine them-"

Sonic was cut off as a certain bundle of fluff, one that would have never done this, wrapped their arms firmly around him a genuine embrace.

"This is the best option. They won't just be gone. They'll still be there, just faintly. I'll be there, right by your side. I promise everything will be ok. This is the best option, we'll be ok. You'll be ok. I promise."

Sonic was stunned into silence for a moment, he didn't expect to be hugged by Nine of all people. The fox was usually so closed off. It didn't last long as he wrapped his arms around the fox to reciprocate the reassuring affection.

He chuckled softly.

"You are one awesome little guy, you know that?"

Nine snorted with amusement. Of course, now he knew that but Sonic was the one who gave him the idea of a new home. He made the gadget beforehand, one that'll give him full control of how they combine once more, a Tails in his own design.

He'll keep his promise.

He gave the hedgehog a light squeeze before pulling back. Smiling softly at the symbol of hope in his eyes, he smiled back.

"I know."

He walked back to the Prism, Sonic following behind. He lifted the shard, the final piece they needed. He turned to Sonic and held out his hand.

"Ready?"

Sonic nodded, taking his hand, his was firm and warm. Nine unconsciously squeezed lightly in response to the feeling.

And with that, the final piece was put into place. Everything was beginning to restore, the Shatterspaces combining to bring back the world they split from, every variant combining into the person they once were.

Nine could feel it. He couldn't see, hear, or think, but he could feel it. Sonic was gone, he couldn't find his hand anymore, nononopleasedontleavemealoneagain, He could feel himself becoming one, he could feel his body combining and squashing together with the other Tails. His thoughts, he didn't have any before-, were combining into theirs, no longer becoming his own. He was condensing, mashing, his limbs and brain combining with the others, and hecould'ntbreathhecouldn'tmovewherewashepleaseworkplease-

It stopped. He could feel his thoughts returning, he wasn't being mashed anymore, he could move, he could breathe, he could think. He was in control. He found himself laughing giddy with joy.

It worked.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Sonic opened his eyes to lush green grass. Not overgrown like in the Boscage Maze but soft, and short, and right. He sat up quickly, looking around. When he took in the scenery, his eyes shimmered with joy, and a huge smile found its way on his face.

He was finally home.

Getting up quickly, he sped off in search of his friends. Speeding past, he nearly knocked a certain cat over.

"Big! Froggy! You're here, you're really here!"

He gave the feline a heartfelt hug, the cat was confused but not one to turn down a hug and carefully hugged back, not to prick his hand on the hedgehog's quills. After a split second, Sonic let go and ran off once more.

"Gotta go, I've got to see the rest of our friends!"

The purple cat confused waved at the already-gone blue blur. Sonic ran, enjoying the fresh familiar breeze of the wind ruffling through his quills, the soft smell of water and grass meeting his nose. He ran, and ran, looking everywhere for them. The chirps and chatter of flickies met his ears.

That's when he saw them, crowded around the familiar palm tree by the beach. Amy, with her usual red dress, pink quills, and flicky, Knuckles with his usual white mittens, red spines, and usual hard-headed expression, Rouge with her usual outfit of purple, white fur, and sultry gaze, and...

Tails, with the usual baby blues, the orange fluffy fur, and child-like wonder.

He missed them so much.

"Gang!"

They didn't even have time to react before the overjoyed urchin pulled them into a group hug. All of them let out exclaims of surprise, but Sonic pays them no mind. He missed them so much. Eventually, he lets them go.

"I missed you all so much! You're all you again!"

The others, other than Tails who gazed at him with an unclear expression, looked at each other in confusion before turning back to the oddly more chipper-than-usual hedgehog. Knuckles spoke.

"What are you talking about?"

"What am I talking about? I-wait don't you all remember the whole being shattered and..."

He trailed off when it didn't look like it was ringing any bells. He smiled and waved a hand.

"You know what, never mind. I'm just happy to see you all.", all of them raised their eyebrows, but he simply continued to beam. They soon relaxed and the usual chatter soon formed. Knuckles and Rouge with their usual banter and Amy being sweet and passionate as usual, and Sonic was being Sonic.

But the blue hedgehog noticed that his little buddy was surprisingly quiet. Tails was gazing around the beach with childlike wonder, he felt the sturdiness of the tree trunk beside him and picked up sand letting it slip through his fingers in curiosity.

When the others talked to the fox, those baby blues seemed to dim with boredom, and the kitsune's voice was rather flat and factual, but when Sonic spoke or acknowledged him, the kits eyes seemed to shine more, and his voice was filled with joy. When his name was spoken, it looked like the child flinched, and Sonic even caught him feeling his Tails, almost mesmerized by them.

He found it odd like something wasn't right. But he brushed that feeling off, maybe the fox remembered what happened and he missed being whole again. He decided he'd ask the fox later, knowing it'd just raise some eyebrows from the others. After hanging out the others went off, having things they needed to do, leaving the hedgehog and fox, who didn't seem to have anything going on.

The hedgehog turned to the kitsune, who brightened up in his presence.

"So, how're you doing little buddy?"

The kit seemed to pause in surprise at the affectionate term, but blissful joy soon took its place.

"I'm doing ok. I'm glad you're ok too, still running around and all."

Sonic paused at the odd comment, before chalking it up to some kind of light ribbing. He smiled and switched between stretching and running in place.

"Yep! You know me, gotta get those laps in!", he stopped and turned to his best friend beaming, "So how 'bout you? Got any new inventions?"

Tails paused, and then glanced at the ground, feeling his tails again. It seemed like they weren't something he was used to.

"Uh...yeah. Yeah, I got a ton of inventions! But, I'm not really working on anything right now, and I don't really have anything to do.", the fox glanced over at him expectantly.

Luckily Sonic caught on.

"Well...I don't seem to have anything to do either, so....You wanna go get some Chili Dogs?"

Tails seemed to be confused with the idea of Chili Dogs like he never heard about them before. He snapped out of it soon though, and nodded, smiling gently, his eyes shimmering with euphoria. That was what happened the rest of the day. Just two best friends hanging out. Sonic noticed that Tails seemed more interested in the surroundings and nature of Green Hills and actually seemed confused about what a flicky was. Sonic found it odd, but when he asked about it, Tails simply told him he was fine, that he was just so happy to be hanging out with him.

Then Sonic asked if he remembered, if he was him, and the fox's response was...odd. The kit seemed to tense up at the question before they turned to Sonic with a smile, a somewhat reassuring smile trying to pass off as a joking one, asking what Sonic was talking about, that he was the Tails he's always known, maybe even better.

Sonic didn't think much of it, he was just happy to be hanging out with his little bro. When they got to the fox's workshop, it didn't seem like a place that was familiar to the owner, which again pushed Sonic to ask if the kit was alright, the response is that he was tired. Glancing outside, the hedgehog noticed how dark it was now.

Agreeing to turn in for the night, the two went to bed in Tails' home, Tails was on the bed, even though the fox offered it to Sonic, who turned him down for the couch. When Sonic closed his eyes, he was in slumberland immediately.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Sonic woke to the typical chirping of flickies. He sat up yawning and stretching, beginning to mumble good morning to his roommate before realizing the bed was empty. The hedgehog scratched his head in confusion, before frowning with both concern and annoyance on remembering the fox's habits.

He sighed and dashed out of the house and to the workshop. The door was closed, but he could hear the child tinkering away, most likely having worked all night. He knocked on the door.

"Hey bud, you in there?", he knew he was, it was just a habit.

"Yeah, come on in! There's something I want to show you actually!"

Sonic paused at the mention of a surprise, before letting excitement slightly take hold. He opened the workshop door to find the fox tinkering away on something, which was unfortunately covered from his view.

Sonic began to walk over to the fox.

"You know bud, as much as I'm touched that you made something awesome for me, you can't keep putting off your sleep to work on your inven...tions...", Sonic trailed off as he got to the kit, seeing just what he was working on.

Seeing his 'surprise'.

There were tails. metal tails, wrapped around the body of the kit, covering his namesake. No, covering his little brother's namesake. He felt his heartbeat increase as he began to realize who this really was.

Noticing his silence, the fox in question turned to him with crazily satisfied eyes, his smile was joyful, almost tender.

"I know you're more used to the two tails on him, but I couldn't really get used to it. Felt weird just leaving them out in the open, you know?"

Sonic couldn't form a sentence, shock taking over his body.

"N...ni...", was all he could utter.

The fox only smiled with glee and giddiness.

"Hi Sonic, I told you I'll be by your side didn't I?", his voice started out soft, then raised with bubbly excitement, "Besides, it'd be much better this way! I gotta admit I can see why you wanted to restore the shards so much, there's so much grass, trees, clean water - this place is paradise!"

Sonic didn't respond as Nine continued to ramble, he wanted to take a few steps back, to process what was happening, but he was frozen in place.

"-riends are kinda annoying but I can live with that, as long as they don't bother me I'm ok with them! Now nothing can get in our way!", the fox approached the urchin, and gently took his hands in his squeezing them softly, baby blues started into shocked emeralds with nothing but adoration and affection, with nothing but love, "We'll be together from now on no matter what. We'll go on adventures, beat Eggman, eat Chili Dogs, we can do everything we did before! Thank you Sonic, without you I would never have had anything to fight for. I wouldn't have found hope if I never met you, I would still be alone."

Nine smiled as he happily pulled the thunderstruck hedgehog into a loving embrace.

"Thank you Sonic, I'm so happy, I feel so complete. You gave me everything I ever wanted, and I'll give you inventions or gadgets that you need. We'll never be apart again.", tears of joy, of relief, of utter exhaustion began to spill from the broken fox's eyes,

"We'll be together forever."

Can we see your Tails Squad idea?

Yup!

Here you go!

===============================================

Nine didn't know what to say when he learned about the squad of all of his happier counterparts. He didn't even know it existed until now. Now he did, he found himself conflicted. He didn't know whether to hate it or what.

He didn't hate them, but he wasn't a big fan of the smaller, softer, fluffier versions of himself. They were happy, ignorant, in blissful peace, lucky them.

Some of them came up to him, asking him questions he could care less to answer. He gave clear hints that he didn't want to be interacted with. Didn't want to be approached by the joy and happiness he can't have. He knew they weren't trying to make him uncomfortable, that they'd never really go out of their way to hurt him.

Besides how can you tell someone that their existence causes you nothing but emotional agony. Seeing them get affection from their Sonics, seeing them be blissful and happy, seeing them not have a care in the world made Nine's heartache.

It hurt being reminded of what he can't have. They have Sonics, they have big brothers who take care of them, support them, and love them unconditionally. Things Nine never knew about until now. Even if some Tails' didn't have a Sonic of their own, they had someone, Nine never even had that.

They would come up to him, with wide, curious, innocent eyes and ask about his metal tails, calling him cool, looking at him with nothing but friendliness, and Nine would only feel more pain about the innocence and childhood he lost because of that horrid place of misery. He would only see the softer, weaker, innocent him looking back up at him.

He felt wrong, disgusted with himself for failing to hold onto that.

He didn't want to be here anymore. He wanted to leave. He didn't want to watch any more Tails or Sonics, or any more affection take place in front of him anymore. He was in pain. His fight-or-flight response was kicking in.

He needed to leave. Now. He needed to get away.

He left without saying goodbye, not wanting to stare into those eyes again.

Yeah that was great. I mistyped that ask a bit. I was wondering how nine would be as an older sibling to a sonic.

Oh! Good idea! I'm sorry I misunderstood!

Here you go! This is a time when Sonic didn't talk yet btw.

================================================

Nine didn't know what to say to this random child that broke into his lab. The hedgehog looked to be about 5 or at least 7 by the short stature. The initial reaction was to attack the kid and scare them out of his lab, but when the kid didn't budge and even fought back, it led to an entire chase from pod to pod in the subway.

Things led to him being saved by the kid, much to his surprise. The kid didn't seem to talk at all, using gestures and pointing to get his point across. Somehow, Nine understood everything. The urchin somehow knew he was bullied, only gesturing that they came by to save him, but that's not what he remembered.

Nobody helped him, those who passed by would ignore his cries for help or merely sneer in disgust at his extra limb. He had to rely on himself to make it stop. He helped himself, that's how it is here. Nobody has friends.

To his surprise, he began to think about what the hedgehog told him, blue skies, sunny beaches...? He asked the kid what else they did, he didn't want to believe it, but if there was a chance.

He needed to hear more.

The hedgehog went on and on about how they'd eat Chili Dogs, would fight Mister Dr. Eggman together, and more...

It was like a dream, his own dream was being brought up again by this stranger. Then his eyes caught sight of the burning-up sneakers, pointing it out to the kid who groaned and sat down pouting with his arms crossed. Nine smirked in amusement.

"The only thing I hate more than people in my space is whiners.", he pulled out a device and pointed it at the kid, who in turn panicked with his hands raised in alarm as if to say 'I thought we were making progress!'

Nine rolled his eyes.

"Relax."

The scanners managed to pick up levels of high energy sources, an energy that could make the sneakers explode but if Nine put together a...

"Follow me!", Nine crawled on with his metal appendages, having a small smile directed to the kid, who in turn followed beside him quickly to his lab.

While Nine worked the kid looked around his lab with curious eyes, poking and prodding all of the inventions and stuff scattered about the lab. Nine would occasionally glance over to the kid with slight amusement. The hedgehog was so wide-eyed and amazed by the inventions he made.

Nine guessed they were to outsiders, to him they were just simple needs he had to make. He didn't invent out of fun anyway, there was no fun in this place of misery. He felt slightly pleased that the kid liked his creative outlets.

He paused in his work when he felt a tap on his arm. He turned to see the urchin peering up at him with wide eyes shimmering with friendliness and a confident smile.

"What?"

The kid pointed at his metal tails and smiled holding a thumbs up.

'I like the tails.'

Nine's eyes widened slightly in surprise, before he turned back to his work, trying to give off an air of indifference.

"Yeah, sure."

He was finished with the devices and put them on the child, to both of their surprise, it actually accepted the devices instead of rejecting them. Nine stroked his chin, trying to figure out just how it did that, only to be snapped out of his thoughts when the kid suddenly pointed outside with a cheeky smile, running off before Nine could say anything.

"No wait, you dummy, it's not safe!", he called out to the already-gone blur, chasing after him. He followed the kid out of the safety of the subway, and into the city. He didn't care for the kid, he just didn't want to deal with the kid getting hurt or the council finding him out.

Yeah, he didn't care about the kid at all. Totally.

A Deep In-Depth Analysis Of Nine 1/9: Warped Isolation Part One

I'm going to talk about my boi again! This time it's about the harsh effects of isolation, trauma, abuse, emotional neglect, and a desperate emotional attachment that leads to a toxic and harsh cycle. Hahaha...ha...?

Now, I'm going to split all of this up into nine topics split in parts, in separate posts. Just so I don't overwhelm you all with buckets of information, and to make sure I get my point across in each of them.

Sorry guys, I'm full of angsty thoughts that I'm going to drag you in!

Now let us begin with the unhealthy effects of isolation he shows, well part of in this post, that's why it's called part one:

Section One: "I Have no Friends!"

Let's start with what his life started out like in New Yolk. It's already established that Nine has always been alone in this corrupt and overpowering city. Tails' parents are unknown in the canon, and their whereabouts are unknown. So it can be assumed that Nine's parents are the same. I think they didn't include Tails' parents because they aren't important to the game's lore or Tails' character, not as much as Sonic is.

Nine's situation is slightly more different but no less the same. While Tail's parents weren't ever mentioned or seen due to how Sonic influences the character, Nine's parents aren't mentioned to show just why Tails needed Sonic to rely on and confide in. But due to this being a world where Sonic doesn't exist, and a world where Eggman succeeds, Nine's lack of a guardian to take care of him made his world views extremely warped.

While Tails had Sonic to protect him and teach him right from wrong, Nine had nobody and learned to protect himself due to nobody showing any care for him, and as a result, doesn't have a clear idea of what's right and what's wrong. All he knows is pain, misery, and survival in this horrid place.

'Do whatever it takes to survive, doesn't matter what happens to anyone else, caring for anything other than yourself is a guarantee to be hurt, to be in pain.'

That's his mindset from what we've seen him so far. Nine only looks out for himself, he has no friends or companions and lives in isolation. It's not just out of his dislike for people, it's a firm coping mechanism.

Many studies involving isolation state that isolation can be good, however, there are deep signs that isolation is becoming unhealthy. When the isolation starts to lead to cutting yourself off from others or not interacting with anyone, it can lead to a deep toll on your mental health.

Unchecked isolation can lead to more anxiety when suddenly in contact with others, it can also lead to very aggressive behavior and higher risks of depression (which Nine doesn't have...yet.).

Now I know you guys are wondering what I'm talking about when I put that Nine has social anxiety. "He's a sassy, 'emo', mean, confident Tails", but he's actually so much more. Notice how frazzled Nine is when Sonic turns him around after breaking into his lab. I also want you to pay attention to Sonic here as well. He's excited to see what he thinks is Tails, only to be concerned and confused when he sees Nine's bad reaction. I also find it interesting how Nine's left-hand goes near his tail.

Then we get a close-up of Nine, his eyes are wide and he's breathing quickly, for a split second Nine's terrified, most likely scared and startled at another person, he also has the wrench raised as well to defend himself, which really helps with explaining the trauma I'll get to later.

Then it quickly turns into anger, not only enraged at this new intruder but also quite defensive at this new possible threat.

At first, Nine only intimidates Sonic to leave, going on walls and making himself loom over this new intruder, then he kicks him into some barrels, and tries to stab him with his tail. Some of you might be saying that Nine wanted to kill Sonic, but he only stabbed the sides of his head (and even then it would've only grazed Sonic's cheek) and legs, not his chest. They are warning attacks.

Then Sonic fights back and his attacks become more lethal, more deadly because the threat is beginning to fight back and continues to stay. Nine could've just thrown him out on the subway and returned to his lab, but he followed, wanting to make sure the threat was gone. Which makes me even more scared to know what he did to his bullies.

Things eventually lead to Nine being saved by Sonic from an oncoming train. Notice how it was because of his own metal tails he was stuck in that situation, and this stranger saved him. This leads to our next section.

Section Two: "No One Has Friends Here!"

Now we begin our next part, Where Sonic has just saved Nine from an oncoming train. Nine of course is shocked and surprised, confused about why this blue hedgehog would save him. This is another way the city has affected Nine, in a way where he was expected to help himself.

This is a moment that most likely resonates with Nine, as well as the rest of his interactions with Sonic. At this point though, Nine still holds some distrust but doesn't attack anymore. As he stands he firmly rebuts Sonic's attempts to get close to him.

To Sonic, this is a chance to get through to who he thinks is Tails, to Nine this is merely a standstill. As he states that 'fabricated stories won't keep him from fighting back', calling Sonic an intruder. That's when Sonic pleads with him to stop, obviously hurt. I find it interesting that we don't see Nine's face as he does, when I watch that scene, you can clearly tell that Nine is reacting, but you can't see his face for some reason.

Then the backstories come. To Sonic, this is still tails, so he still says 'you', he explains that Nine was 'a happy little fox' doing 'brainy little fox things'. The bullies picked on tails, he came by, and Tails was saved and became Sonic's sidekick.

To Nine, this is a deeply personal experience, so he's shocked and confused about how this guy knows that. The way he says it, he was a 'kid minding his own business but not minding his surroundings', then some 'creeps' picked on him and beat him until he did something about it.

Sonics is light and simple, but it also shows that Sonic saw it, but he doesn't know how it feels, and he doesn't understand how it could've affected Tails and in turn affected Nine. Nine's is deep and harsh, Nine knows how it felt, and it affected him badly, but we'll get to that later.

After revealing that Nine firmly states that 'nobody has friends here', and this quote holds so much meaning. Nine doesn't seem to just be stating it to Sonic or to explain things, he's also stating it to himself. It's clear when he states that that's why he hides down there, to avoid everyone, even Sonic.

He doesn't say it in a sassy way, or an angry way, the tone in his voice is rather melancholy, and his face is sad. He isn't happy in isolation. That tone, that simple line, told so much about Nine.

Sure, he's safe when he's isolated, but that doesn't mean he enjoys it or finds it fun. He sits as he does this, in a fucking fetal position not to mention, which hammers in his deep desire for love and care.

Then, as Sonic thinks, Nine's face changes from cold and hardened to rather meek and scared. Then he asked, with hesitance, "So...what else did we do?"

He states 'we', not because he immediately believes Sonic and his whole "I'm from another world thing", but because not only does this person know he was bullied, but they state they saved him and became friends.

Friends. Something he clearly wants no matter how much he denies it. He lives in isolation to protect himself, to protect his mental state, then comes this person who tells him that he was capable of being happy of being loved.

Notice how Nine treats Sonic from now on after Sonic tells him what they did. He isn't as cold with him as he was before, he's slightly more open with the hedgehog, and it's understandable, Sonic was the first person to treat him with a sliver of kindness. And Nine finds he likes it.

Sonic tells him how he and Tails beat Eggman multiple times, and Nine stands up, clearly amazed and joyful at the thought of beating what was to him, a horrible dictator who brought him nothing but misery.

As Sonic walks towards him continuing, Nine still takes some steps back, cautious. Then Sonic touches his should and:

He's surprised, and after he processes it, a little smile makes its way onto his face! D'aww...

Then Sonic tells him that when they stick together they never lose, which visibly touches Nine.

After that, Sonic's shoes smolder, and as Nine points this out, Sonic whines and pouts, leading Nine to state he hates whiners more than people. He pulls out a gun, and Sonic panics, only for Nine to calmly tell him to stay still, smiling at the hedgehog as it scans him.

The lighting is all wonky so you can't really see it here, but it is there. They head back to Nine's lab, and Nine works on making something to regulate the energy within Sonic. Sonic, after glancing around, compliments Nine's tails, stating that he's amazing.

This surprises Nine, before he simply says 'sure', not knowing how to respond to that. When he's finished he goes on to explain how the doodads work, and puts them on Sonic, being surprisingly mindful of his tails, not actively hurting Sonic, and makes sure they don't poke him.

They're both surprised to see Sonic's shoes and gloves change, Nine pondering how that's possible as Sonic zips around in his usual bubbly excitement. After that, Sonic races out of his lab, wanting to test them out, with Nine for a split second panics and goes after him, explaining it's not safe.

I'm surprised that Nine went after Sonic instead of just going 'welp that was weird now that that weirdo went I can go back to what I was doing', he goes 'oh shit...I gotta protect this guy', and goes after him. Some of you might say that he went because Sonic has all this weird energy and he wants to test it, but I disagree because if it was, Nine wouldn't have cared to make the gadgets that regulate it.

Welp, that was a long post, HOWEVER, this is just part ONE of the isolation exploration effects on this broken fox kid's mind and just a fraction of the overall exploration analysis in all, part two will most likely come tomorrow. See y'all then!