
The Words Unspoken
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another day, another fight, another victory. Only this time it ended in a bit of a surprise twist. During a group high five and cheering, Amy’s smile suddenly disappeared. Once again she opened her lips apart to give victory, but barely a sound came out. Her hand upon her neck, gulped and tried again to say any word. But nothing happened. Backing apart slowly she felt herself breathing quick and fast paced. Unsure of what happened. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, snapped out of this daze and focused on the ones giving her a solid footing in this storm, her friends.
“Ames? What’s wrong?” Shutting her eyes tight, tried her best to scream but alas to no avail.
“What was that?” Knuckles asked as she raised a brow and tried aggressively screaming at the obvious. A slight bit of hope, soon crushed, that perhaps in her anger something would happen. But she could only clasp her hand over her mouth, eyes widened in both shock and fear.
“Sounds like I won this victory.” Everyone turned as Eggman slowly stood up, brushing the dirt off his sleeves with a small grin and a small maniacal laugh.
“What did you do to her?!” The anger in Sonic’s voice was mutual amongst the entire team. All preparing to go another round.
“Just a little experiment with some plants and tea. Honestly couldn’t take much of her annoying voice and needed a break. But don’t worry, it’s only temporary.”
“That’s so rude Egghead! My voice is far more annoying than hers!” Sticks raged as Amy rolled her eyes.
“Yeah! Don’t you know, a female hedgehog doesn’t know how powerful her voice is until she’s been silenced!” Knuckles added whilst a face palm smack from a pink hedgehog echoed out.
“Not helping guys.” Tails grumbled before doing some quick research of plants on the fly. “But seriously, Eggman? That’s kinda low, even for you.”
“Um, hello? Villain!” Robotnik spoke with a sing-sung tone whilst gesturing to himself. “Also you would be too if you had to hear new battle cries to test out everyday. Not to mention trying to be ‘in tune’ with nature. Honestly I’m quite surprised you haven’t lost your voice already.”
“I swear Eggman, I will make you pay-” Sonic only stopped as a view of a familiar Piko-Piko hammer hit Robotnik's shoulder and nearly his head. Causing him to stumble back a bit wincing. Amy stood there, breathing hard with tears streaming down her cheeks whilst looking so enraged and hurt all at once.
“OW! Okay like I said it’s only temporary. You should get your voice back by tomorrow morning.” Preparing to attack, Sonic barely began charging up his speed. Before a hand gripped onto his shoulder. Glancing down at her downcast composure, fingers digging deep into his fur whilst shaking. He knew it was time to leave.
“This isn’t over Eggman. You will regret this.” The team began to retreat before pausing as Amy went back for her Hammer. Glaring at the one who took away something from her. Leaving with only the coldest of cold shoulders.
Eventually the team went back to their base as Tails examined Amy for any signs of what happened. Looking deeply back at her throat and asking questions with her typed up responses. Sitting down on a bench as the others waited patiently for answers. Every so often, she felt her hand against her neck, wishing she could push some button to give back what was stolen.
“Well, I hate to say it, but Eggman told the truth.”
“That it’s only temporary?” Sonic asked whilst Tails turned his screen for Amy to see.
“According to the data, Amy you mentioned the tea you had yesterday had an odd flavor right? Well that’s because of this plant here. Dieffenbachia Seguine, commonly known as the Dumb Cane plant.” Snickers from both Knuckles and Sticks elicited a bit of a stare from the others.
“I’m sorry it’s just- of all the plants, of course Egghead would use one called, Dumb Cane.”
“Well it is somewhat on brand of him.” Sonic chuckled before catching a glimpse of Amy slightly smiling before going back to a more somber expression.
“Anyways, the effects can paralyze the mouth, tongue, throat and vocal cords. However since it was diluted in water, the effects shouldn’t last long. If he’s honest in the timeframe, then we should have your voice back tomorrow. In the meantime, don’t worry about stressing for any sound, take this time to rest a bit. I’ll even make you some tea-” He paused as she raised a suspicious brow.
“I’ll make sure it doesn't hinder you. In fact, may I do a sweep of your kitchen to ensure the Dumb Cane leaves are gone?” Amy nodded whilst getting down. Out of habit she tried to say ‘Thanks Tails’ then realized and looked away embarrassed.
“It’s all good Amy, I’m happy to help. Oh! In the meantime I modified your communicator so that you can type more messages. You don’t even have to type words, just hit a code and the other coms will translate it vocally and who sent it.”
“Ingenious as ever Tails.” Sonic said, lowering his arms from his head. “We all should rest up, it’s been a long day.” He yawned before heading in the direction of Amy’s house. She pulled at his shoulder to face her with a smile before typing up her response.
You don’t have to.
“Eh, I’m bored and curious about what the Dumb cane leaves look like.” He winked as she smiled at the hint and walked towards her home with both Tails and Sonic. An hour passed and Tails finally found the last leaf right outside her window. Cleaning up her kitchen she waved Tails goodbye before leaning against the door, sliding down a bit and gave a silent sigh.
“It’s only temporary Ames, you’ll get your voice back.” The usual confident aura along with his casual tone didn’t stop the gut retching of the possible reality she faced. What if she couldn’t speak again? Never to laugh the same way and never to sing again? All of this was too much to bear.
What if…it’s gone forever?
Sonic opened his eyes to witness Amy slowly sliding to the floor, knees pulled to her chest and head down. He hated seeing his friends this way, but especially with Amy. Watching her slowly lose hope was something he couldn’t stand for. So he walked over and sat by her side. Unsure of what to say exactly. As much as he hated to admit this but it was a faint possibility of that happening. Faint though as he believed in Tails’ findings and for Amy to heal from it all.
Then he got an idea. What she needed was a distraction and a very positive one at that. A slight bit of warmth upon his cheeks at the realization they were alone together. Which made his heart skip a beat usually, but for now it ached to see her so upset. Smirking, he stood up and held out a hand.
“Ames, let’s go out together. Out of this house and just….I don’t know…be beneath the stars?” Towards the end he felt himself twitching a bit in cringe. But it caught her attention as she held her mouth whilst laughing and nodded her head. Placing her hand in his outstretched one, allowing to be pulled back up on her feet.
“I’ll be back here in five minutes. Think you’ll be okay until then?” An eye roll before with a head shake and sigh made him smirk before winking and dashing away. Amy quickly went up to clean up and change. The warm summer breeze was inviting and elicited her to wear a more tea length, flowy dress, sleeveless and with her quills down, revealing the little blue and purple highlights and lowlights she got yesterday.
“You ready Ames?” The impatient blue speedster called out as she walked down her stairs to see him more…cleaned up than before. Even wearing a sports jacket, which was a rarity to see. Blushing at the sight she shook her head and finished taking the last step down. Sonic’s breath hitched in his throat. While she was actually speechless, the way she looked now made him especially lost for words.
Nicely done speedster.
“Well I gotta keep up with ya after all.” He spoke, inwardly cringing at that line that hardly made sense. “Oh here” Pulling out a small flower and attaching it to her quills. Pushing back the few that hid her eyes slightly.
“That’s um…s-so you don’t miss anything.” Faux coughing whilst mouth closed, offered his arm for hers. Opened her front door to see a beautiful sight. Lit torches lighting up a pathway towards the beach. Away from the water but a walk on the beach beneath the moonlight was a dream. Her eyes opened wide at the view, glancing between Sonic and the scenery created.
Sonic! This is amazing!
“Only the best for the strongest hedgehog I know. But enough talk, let’s go see the sights.” Stepping a few feet ahead, reached back for her hand again. She took it and they began their silent journey through their home. Seeing a different perspective during the full, moonlit and starry skies.
Amy watched in utter wonder at the world around her. Their home but like never before. Sonic only knew of this beauty during late night runs. He never spoke about it with anyone before. But Amy…he couldn’t wait any longer to share this with her. Pointing out things in the like. Amy was entirely fascinated by it all. Seeing her all giddy caused a familiar warmth to speak through his body.
At the end of the path was the beach and the soft crashing waves against the shoreline actually didn’t make him feel nauseated. As long as he kept his distance of course. Upon seeing her shiver slightly from the chill air the ocean gave off, wrapped his arm around her shoulder, Jacket draped over as well. Allowing her to rest her head against his chest. The action caused him to blink, yet smile and rest his head upon her own.
They continued walking with only the sound of the crashing waves, the breeze and the natural creatures and critters all around them. Further ahead Amy noticed a small flicky stuck in some brush. Rushing towards it, Sonic followed in confusion, until she slowed down and he was able to put two and two together. Helping her hold back the bush leaves and branches, Amy was able to squeeze through and gently pull out the small flicky. Pressing a soft, motherly kiss upon the head before gently encouraging it to fly away.
“You’re amazing Ames” Sonic spoke softly before realizing he said that out loud. “I mean- well, you’re good with animals and have such a compassionate heart. It’s part of what makes you…well you. Not that you need anyone to tell you that of course!” He laughed slightly tensed up as Amy typed away at her com.
Thank you Sonic, you always find a way to make others smile. I may still be…scared of the unknown, but I appreciate you being at my side in all this. Reminding me of who I am and all.
That last bit she gestured in a way that spoke ‘duh’ as he scratched the back of his head before his ears perked up on a distant sound. A melody nearby. Knowing just what to do, walked closer towards the sound and grasped her hand gently. Leading them to a small area where a large party was happening. The music was louder and the vibe was full of merriment. Obviously crashing a party wasn’t their vibe…entirely. But he took her towards a nearby spot on the beach where they were hidden. Yet the moonlight illuminated the small alcove.
“Care for a dance, Ames?” He asked as she bit her lip and glanced away.
I’m not that good.
“Eh who cares, it’s all about having fun!” Looking back she slowly began to dance a bit crazy as if she couldn’t find the beat. As if slowly twitching this way and that. After a few seconds she put her hands over her face as Sonic lightly chuckled. Earning a glare through her fingers as he raised his arms up briefly before gently taking her hands in his own.
“Ames, it’s okay. Just…” He glanced out from the alcove and for the first time, got a positive idea from water.
“Just like the waves, allow the music to flow through you naturally.” Taking her hands, gently began to sway them side to side, letting go as she closed her eyes and followed his advice. The melody and harmony breathing through her every movement before finally feeling every beat in her heart.
The rhythm syncing up between them as they slowly came together for this dance. A few twirls here and there before gently lowering his hand against her back, pulling her close. Distraction by that proximity didn’t entirely make her forget what he was attempting to pull off.
“I got you Amy. I promise, I won’t let you fall.” With a smile she nodded and leaned back so far that during that dip, her leg lifted around his waist and her quills nearly reached the ground. Hand stretched out behind her to feel water droplets against her palm. Then standing up Sonic wrapped his arm beneath her legs, lifting her up twirling. Amy laughed and for a brief moment, didn’t mind that it was silent. This was real and she would treasure this in her heart always.
“There's that Amy laugh I adore.” He whispered he set her down. Absentmindedly kept her close as she laid against him. Slightly stunned to speak, simply swaying with the music until it faded into another song. Both watched the starry skies above before a shooting star above briefly appeared. They glanced at each other before closing his eyes. Opening up he caught her glancing into the distance with a smile.
“You, uh, wishing for your voice to come back?” Sonic asked a bit hesitant. But was surprised when she shook her head and bit her lip. Before typing something up and opening her lips to sync up with the technical voice.
‘I already got my wish long ago. This has already been an incredible night. Even if I have to adjust to this now, I know I’ll be okay. As long as I have my friends and especially you at my side….Cheesy I know but I can’t help it. You know me.’
“Cheesy? Like your infamous chilli cheese dogs?” Amy rolled her eyes and gently nudged his shoulder before another fit of laughter escaped her. Towards the end she found herself blinking at Sonic’s surprised expression. Raising a brow in confusion.
“Amy, your voice- I- I can hear you laugh.” The way his lips curled at the end of this realization made her gasp and instantly grasp her neck. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and began to speak.
“My voice…it’s back!” She laughed even harder as tears rolled down her cheeks and twirled around in sheer joy. Sonic chuckled with a proud gleam in his eyes.
“I always knew it would.” He smirked before reveling in the sounds of her merriment. As her voice died down he gently grasped her hand, with only one thing in mind.
“You better not stress it until Tails can look at it and you’re at one hundred percent.”
“I know I talk a lot, Sonic, but I can do it. Although please cut me some slack, I just got my voice back. How can I stop enjoying what's returned to me?”
“Like this” placing a hand on her cheek, gently pulling her close as her eyes widened. Waiting for her nod before gently pressing his lips against her own in a gentle kiss. Slowly she moved in sync kindly. Wrapping her arms around his neck as he pulled her close at the waist. Enjoying the moment as the ocean and music faded away. Pulling back, an ethereal glow from the moonlight illuminated them softly.
“Speechless?” He slightly smirked, though was fully under her spell as well whilst she nodded. Gazing into each other’s eyes, they slowly smiled before leaning in for another kiss. The day for revenge would come soon enough and the others would soon join in the celebratory good news. For now, this was their moment.
Completely, utterly, breathtakingly full of adoration and love for each other.