Sonic Prime Nine - Tumblr Posts
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
What Nine Represents In Sonic Prime
Ok, so far we've seen multiple Shattered Spaces and multiple variants of the main characters. There have been many speculations that each variant represents a part of the main crew. I agree with this. I can see each part of the main crew's personality split taken to the EXTREME. But there's one that confused me, and we'll get to him later. First, let's go over what each shattered version of the main crew represents.
Amy:
Rusty Rose: Amy's sense of loyalty.
Thorn Rose: Amy's love for nature.
Black Rose: Amy's love for adventure.
Rouge:
Rebel Rouge: Rouge's sense of leadership.
Prim Rouge: Rouge's sense of deceit and trickery.
Pirate Rouge: Rouge's sense of teamwork.
Knuckles:
Renegade Knucks: Knuckles rebellious and defiant against another control.
Gnarly Knuckles: Knuckles naivety and assuming to believe everything.
Dread Knuckles: Knuckles' sense of impulsiveness.
Tails:
Mangey Tails: Tail's sense of primal instincts.
Sails: Tail's dependence on others for guidance.
I know all of you noticed that a certain variant of Tails is missing: Nine. Nine was hard to place. He is Tail's sense of reliance on machines however due to how much we've seen of him that wouldn't be the main trait he represents. Re-watching the show I realized what he represents.
Nine: Tail's love, selfishness, and emotional need for Sonic.
This is mentioned originally by @animatedjunkfood in messaging, but they pointed out that while traveling through the ShatteredVerse for the first time, we hear each main character's statements that reflect their ideals. Amy's is her love for nature, Knuckles is his hot-headedness, but Tails is the only one that has two separate lines. One mentions that he doesn't need an army because he has Sonic and the other mentioning on how his and Sonic's bond can NEVER be broken, that they are INSEPARABLE.
The writers did that for a REASON, and I think that it shows how important Nine is going to be in the future. Tail's lines reflect his LOVE and BOND with Sonic, and Nine so far reflects that perfectly. He didn't show care towards anyone besides Sonic, he only takes Sonic to the Grim, and he shows an emotional need for Sonic despite how cold he tries to be, Sonic being the original Tail's emotional rock doesn't change for Nine; and in Nine's case becoming that EVEN MORE SO.
Remember I mentioned that each variant of the main characters is their traits taken to the EXTREME. Keep that in mind in the future, cause it might become VERY important in future episodes. But anyway, this is just what I think, let me know what you guys think about this.
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.
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...
One Angry Boi
I like his face. So angry
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 Chaos Council captured the wrong fox! Also, I must've missed the part where Nine said it wasn't ready, what does he mean by that? We'll unfortunately have to wait for the second batch to come out. Also, I wasn't meaning that he was acting like a protagonist to the council, I meant that Nine IS the secondary protagonist of the entire show. Mainly cause he plays an important role, and because we got to see from his perspective even after Sonic left New Yolk, and SOnic never even mentioned him, which I found interesting. Also, I never noticed that he might've been manipulating the Council from the start, if so, Jesus Christ, kudos to him.
But I think he was just playing it safe with the Resistance, both the Rebels and the Council who he figured would be watching through the cameras. And yes, based on that smirk both while he was captured and while he was manipulating the council, he's definitely planning something, but what? What happened after Sonic left the Grim? Whatever happened, he needs to use the Council. Also, this fox can manipulate! He makes sure to keep things neutral, makes sure he gives the impression that he's helping them, he gives them the illusion of control.
And I agree that Sonic is a moral guide for him, kinda like how he was for Tails. Sonic, like he did for Tails, can bring out the good potential, of Nine. However, it's also due to SOnic that he has goals to make a new world in the Grim in the first place. A thing I want to add is that he stated "with ENOUGH shard energy", meaning that if he had all the shards, he'd be able to do what he wanted. So whatever he's planning, he's after the shards.
Also, Nine is making the tech that Rusty used to go into other dimensions, so being the crafty fox he is, he could've hidden some things in the device that would go against the Council's orders.
Sonic is also extremely important to all of this, he's able to bring people together, able to bring out the best of people like he always does, Sonic struck HOPE in all of these people. However, that hope-bringing can also backfire on Nine considering his influence caused Nine to find a better home for himself and Sonic. We'll have to wait and see.
Nine needs Sonic alive, both for emotional sake and for possibly power's sake. There are many things Nine can do, help or betray, conquer or free, we don't know what's going on in that fluffy head of his! His moral ambiguity makes it really hard to figure out what he plans and his role in future seasons.
And I firmly agree that their bond is unbreakable. And Tails is the only one who got three lines, all of them relating to his bond with Sonic. And while the others either have lines that reflect one main counterpart, or that relate to their role in the group, Tails' lines not only reflect Nine, but they also reflect Nine's relationship with Sonic.
Nine doesn't care for anyone but Sonic, Nine only needs Sonic. Which I think reflects his role as a certain very STRONG trait of Tails.
Each counterpart of the main cast is an embodiment of a certain trait they have.
Thorn; Amy's love for nature, Rusty; Amy's sense of loyalty (she can be influenced to change her sides), Black Rose; Amy's love for adventure.
Renegade Knucks; Knuckles defiance against another's control, Gnarly; Knuckle's naivety, Dread; Knuckles impulsiveness
Rebel; Rouge's sense of leadership, Prim; Rouge's sense of trickery, Pirate; Rouge's sense of teamwork
Mangey; Tails' Primal instincts, Sails; Tails' dependence on others.
But Nine is the embodiment much, MUCH stronger. Something unbreakable as mentioned before. Something NEITHER good nor bad. Something so strong, it can never be broken.
Nine's protectiveness over Sonic, his only concern being Sonic, is quick to latch onto Sonic, his EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCE on Sonic.
It all makes sense now.
Nine is the living embodiment of Tails' LOVE for Sonic.
Now love is both a beautiful and horrifying concept and one that's still unknown to HOW it happens. In fact, love is believed to be a TYPE OF MADNESS. Basically, your brain cell thingies go crazy and inflate when it happens. Scientifically, love is a MAMMALIAN IMPULSE, like hunger or thirst. It's a NEED. And unlike the other variants, Nine actually has a goal he genuinely NEEDS.
This is why Nine is a terrifying character, not just because he's morally ambiguous, or we don't know what he's capable of, but because he's the embodiment of something DANGEROUS.
Tails' love for Sonic transcends anything, it is held over everything, and nothing else matters. He's stated something, which reflects his love for his big brother, something that not only reflects Nine's character but could also be a MAJOR foreshadowing.
In a place where he had to choose between the world or Sonic, he'd choose SONIC.
"If there's anyone who's got the brains to put back the prism, it's you."
"That's the first thing you've said that I agree with."
FIRJDHEBEHJFHF WHY AREN'T WE TALKING ABOUT THIS DIALOGUE EXCHANGE?!
The little canon hint that only Nine can figure out how to fix things. It'll be his choice that can change everything in the end. I don't think they'll be giving him a villain arc without a redemption arc if he's the only character who can fix things. Shadow cannot leave the void, CC are all villains, Sonic cannot touch the shards (though there's this wee bit plot point of him being able to harness the energy of the prism that he absorbed), everybody else doesn't understand the science or working of the prism, this leaves Nine. Extremely important character, this angsty little fellow.
Wait, hold on, Sonic has a bunch of Paradox energy inside him. The energy that hit him and he wasn't affected by like the others because he absorbed it. Wouldn't that mean he'd have to return that energy to fix his world? The energy he has is from the prism as it shattered, it belongs to the Paradox Prism. What if... The Prism needs the energy Sonic has to be whole again? The energy that CC had been trying to extract. How would that affect Sonic?
Oh my, This is lovely! Thank you for answering with this short but deep prompt <3
I can absolutely see this being Nine's mindset, being horrified and deeply wounded by this revelation, being nothing but a piece of a person he longs the life of. But then once again becomes overcome with his own embodiment.
Again, thank you for answering!!
Hello again! I have just a simple thought that MIIIIIGHT make you cry or scream. I'm simply curious about what you think!
Alright so it's already established Nine has a plan that involves the council. But imagine if the possibly true theory that the varients are shattered pieces of the main characters was confirmed? How would NINE react to never being a true person, but simply a 'piece', a shatter, a trait of the very person who got to live the life he's always wanted? How would he react to being merely a part of TAILS, a name he saw as a horrible slur from his experiences? How would he react to knowing that all of the sufferings, all of the things he did, didn't matter because he was merely a part of something bigger, never truly being an actual being, but a part of one? And when the Prisms come together, he would cease to be an actual person with a life, but a mere trait in someone he envies?
I know this might sound like nothing they'd put in, but what if they did? Can you imagine the shock and denial this hyper-independent fox will go through? If he's the same age as Tails, then this kid is EIGHT, he's still just a KID under all of that technical genius. He was full-on abused for years until HE did something about it and isolated himself for probably years as well. Then comes Sonic, someone who gives him nothing but KINDNESS and CARE. But only because he's a variant of his brother, when he sees Nine he sees TAILS. Knowing that Sonic probably won't hesitate to bring the world back together, and IF Nine is a variant of Tails, he'll cease to be. It's sort of like dying for him, sure Tails will be restored, but Nine won't exist any more than a mere trait.
Sure that's a good thing, but what would you do if you found out you were never a real, WHOLE person, but merely a part of someone, a TRAIT? You can never be happy as YOURSELF because the very person you're a PART OF EXISTS and you are nothing but a PART OF THEM.
Nine isn't Tails. Nine is selfish, confident, cold, aloof, calculating, and morally ambiguous only showing care for Sonic. Tails is the closest to Sonic, but he wouldn't do half of the things Nine did and will do in the future.
I think this shows that Nine isn't just Tail's emotional NEED for Sonic, but also his LOVE for Sonic, and because he's separated from the other traits, it's uneven and growing unhealthily into some kind of obsession.
The Grim is a perfect reflection of this. The blue sky with stars being Sonic and the world Nine dreams of, the sandy orange ground reflecting Nine's fur, and the grey crystals of his metal Tails reaching for the sky but never reaching, because HE ISN'T TAILS, but merely a SHARD of him.
It's up to NINE whether he ACCEPTS this harsh truth that determines his ending.
Gah! Sorry, but can you think of the angst BUFFET we can have from this show?!
All those fellow people who love angst, we'll probably be FEASTING in season 2.
He’s devastated.
All that suffering for what? All these memories for what? All that fighting for what?
Only to be a piece of someone else.
Nine hates that the only good thing he inherited was his brotherly love for Sonic. Despite everything he’s still his biggest fan. He wants to be able to grow up and have Sonic watch him become the hero he’s going to be.
But that can’t happen now.
He has no choice. He has to do what is right. After all, he does truly love his brother. He is his.. brother.
Hm. Brother. It feels so natural for him to say.
Nine never considered Sonic a friend, but a best friend.
Why does he want to leave him?
He realizes that he also inherited Tails’ clever mind. Nine realizes he can.. stop this.
Sonics friends are going to hate him for this! He went against their wishes, didn’t he?
Nine feels he should protect his friend just like he protected him for all those years he cannot remember.
After all… what are friends for..?
Silly Thought About How Travelling to Other Dimensions Would Affect This Angry Fox Boi
Guys, you know I just had a thought come to me. So if Nine is able to teleport to other worlds with his little ship. He said to the council that it wasn't perfected. This won't be what he meant, obviously but if it did it'd be so fucking funny man-
Like what if going to other worlds affected his size because it wasn't ready yet. Going to a particular world made him tiny or really huge, like 3 inches tall or 15 feet tall.
Like in one world, he's actually nine-inch tails, and in another world, he's fucking ninezilla like omfg-
So like in the shattership traveling to the other shatterspaces, he's fine, but straight up different dimensions, shorter or taller than usual. It's a roll of the dice. Not to mention the Sonic and gang in those universes would be so confused, freaked out, but could also be annoyed, like going to their tails and being like "tails what did you do this time-"
His reactions would also be fucking gold. Panicking when he's tiny and being confused as hell when he's a literal giant like-
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?
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!!!
Hi! Just wanted to know your opinion on something, do you think Nine planned to be captured from the start, as in, he made that plan while in the grim? Im asking because the scene where he's (supposedly) trying to go back to the grim always breaks my heart. The way he says "one more portal and am home free" and then the "no no no!" just. Ouch. And like yeah i guess one could make the argument he was pretending for the council, but he talked as if talking to himself, and i wouldn't be surprised if the council didn't even hear him. It's possible his plan was made last minute, but idk. what do you think?
I think it's possible he planned that. I think that when Sonic left he had time to think about it (because if Sonic being gone in another world for a day was weeks in another world, I think him being gone for a second would've been at least half an hour). And yes, it broke my heart as well, poor baby.
But I think Nine thought out getting captured as a backup plan if all else failed? Like he had a plan if he was captured, just in case. With how crafty and smart Nine is I wouldn't be surprised, he's always a step ahead of everyone else.
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.