Author Notes

This story take place a month after the events of Archie Comics' 200th issue of Sonic the Hedgehog. However, I decided to change the outcome of those events, in such ways that the Iron Queen never came to assume control over the Empire, there were two deaths in the final assault against Eggman, and the Chaotix returned to Angel Island afterward instead of staying in New Mobotropolis.

Other than those changes, you may assume that everything detailed in Archie's comic happened before my story takes, the characters know of it, etc, unless I note otherwise, which I will in certain scenarios. As such, my story's premise is largely in the world set up by Sonic SatAM and Archie's comic, and any deviations from the two are intentional. If you have no idea what I'm talking about or aren't familiar with either series, don't worry, I'll explain any necessary information as I go. Not everything, though, so basic knowledge of Sonic the Hedgehog lore would be of great advantage to you. Now then, enjoy the tale!

The Pariah Chronicles

Chapter I: Departure

Button-down shirts, cloth pants, green scarf. Woven hammock, metal bo-staff, light rations. Survival kit, first-aid kit, photo album. All check. The red-shelled armadillo put his possessions carefully into his light-brown backpack, with the staff slid through the middle and poking out diagonally at both ends. He tenderly wrapped the deep-green scarf around his black-furred neck and gave his room one last sweeping look before walking through the stone interior to the door. He was going to miss his cave of a home, but not as much as he was anticipating setting out on his journey. There wasn't really much in there to miss in the first place. He had a wood dresser, a wood desk, a simple bed, and a closet. Really, it was the rest of the Chaotix he'd miss the most on his trip. They had been his closest friends ever since he exiled himself from the land of Mercia, where he was born. Angel Island had been good to him, but he felt it was time for him to go. He gripped the door's handle, pushed it open, and stepped outside of his cave onto his rocky deck, nestled at the base of a mountain. He climbed down a bit, and headed into the forest below at a comfortable walk. The armadillo's ears perked up as he heard the melodious birds in the trees above, his fur rippled with the cool morning breeze, his eyes slid shut for a moment, and he took a slow, deep breath, inhaling the fresh forest air. He smiled to himself, imagining how he'd wake up every morning to such a beautiful environment. Just that in itself was enough to warrant a trip.

After he had his fill of the immediate scenery, he proceeded on his way. Normally he wouldn't walk through this particular forest when leaving the floating island, but the others wanted to see him off, naturally. He couldn't be sure when he'd see any of them again. He didn't have any idea how long he'd be gone himself. "As long as it takes," he'd always answer that question to himself. He had wandered into the middle of the forest when a young, familiar voice brought him back to reality.

"Mighty! Hey, Mighty, over here!"

The armadillo tilted his head up to see his best friend, Ray the flying squirrel, dressed in his usual denim jacket, jeans, and tennis shoes.

"Hey, buddy!" Mighty called up to the excited yellow squirrel gliding above his head. "Morning to ya'!"

The squirrel did a loop and tackled his chest in a full-on bear hug. The young squirrel clung to him and buried his head in the armadillo's chest.

Mighty smiled softly at his friend and held him close. He knew his departure would be hardest for the little guy. Ever since they met years ago Mighty had been like an older brother to his incredibly kind but timid charge. In truth, an ulterior motive for his trip was so Ray would stop being so dependent on him and learn to stand on his own two feet. Not that Mighty minded this behavior personally, as he cared for the little squirrel very dearly and never wanted anything to happen to him. But, he also knew that Ray would never tap his full potential if Mighty was holding his hand all the way through. Lost in his thoughts again, he didn't notice the ocean-blue eyes gazing up at him.

"Are you really gonna find my parents, Mighty?"

Mighty's expression softened again as he looked into the face of his hopeful best friend. "I'll do my best, Ray." He ruffled the fur on the squirrel's head. "That, I promise you."

"Thanks, Mighty," he squeezed the armadillo again. "For everything." His voice cracked a little.

That was all the squirrel said for awhile, but Mighty extracted every ounce of meaning that was poured into those four simple words and that last hug. This was Ray saying goodbye to his guardian, mentor, and best friend.

When Ray began sobbing into his chest, Mighty nearly got choked up himself. He had always taken the little guy on his adventures before, and a part of him desperately wanted to now. But, this was a journey he must undertake alone. The armadillo leaned down to his level and embraced him. Mighty could feel his shirt was slightly wet with tears. "Don't worry," he said soothingly, "I'll be back. Until then do your best and become strong for me, ok?"

The squirrel gave a teary nod up at him.

"I'll look forward to seeing how much you've grown when I get back."

"And I'll be the best freedom fighter ever!" he replied, beginning to cheer up. "That, I promise you," he said in a deep voice.

Mighty chuckled. The little guy was mocking him. "Alright, tough guy." He let go of Ray and playfully punched his shoulder. "I'm counting on it!"

"You got it!" Ray wiped his face and gave a salute.

"Hey, we'd better get moving. The others are probably wondering what's taking us so long."

"Oh, yeah! C'mon, this way!" The squirrel trotted off and beckoned to Mighty to follow.

He sighed heavily to himself. He was just so fond of that kid. It was hard letting him go, but it had to be done. It'd be better this way. He started walking at a quick pace to catch up with Ray. No more words were needed, and they just walked side-by-side through the forest, simply enjoying each other's company while they still could. The sun was up enough to shine through the trees now, and the dew on every leaf and fern glimmered like gemstones in the soft, golden light. And so they walked, for what felt to them like an hour, but had arrived at the edge of the forest before long.

"There you are!" a high-pitched voice rang out through the trees.

"Hey Charmy!" Ray called out to the bee flying overhead. "Hi Saffron!"

"Hello, Ray, Mighty," she said to them in turn softly.

"Knuckles was starting to worry," Charmy continued in a sing-songy voice, "so he sent us after you!"

"Sorry we took so long," Mighty said to the bees. "Are the others all at the clearing?"

Saffron nodded.

"Yep!" Charmy said, beginning to fly in circles, "They're aaaall there waiting!"

"Come on, dear," Saffron said to Charmy, "Let's go tell everyone they're on their way."

"OK!" They began to fly off back the way they came.

"Hey, wait up!" Ray took off at a run, kicked off the ground, waved to Mighty, and followed them in the air through the trees.

Even now, Mighty thought, Knuckles was still on guard and looking out for everyone. The Master Emerald, which he'd sworn to protect, hadn't been threatened in a long time, and the Freedom Fighters had taken out Robotnik for good down below. Mighty admired the echidna's determination and sense of duty. Most were still celebrating the tyrant's downfall and their newfound freedom, a month after that final push into the heart of his empire. But not Knuckles, and certainly not Sonic. Last he heard, the poor blue hedgehog was still down there fighting, carrying out various sting operations by himself on all of Robotnik's remaining facilities, one by one, day in, and day out. The smile disappeared from Mighty's face and he began to walk slower as he thought about his unfortunate friend. Mighty couldn't recall feeling more sorry for someone in his life than he did for Sonic. There was only one friendly casualty in that last battle. Mighty could still remember these events as though they happened yesterday. He could even remember the distinct ringing in his ears and tingling in his shell as laser fire whizzed by him and Espio while they were pinned in that accursed corridor…

"Get back!" he yelled to the others while crouching behind Mighty's shell. "We're pinned down here! Keep going!" he called to Ray and Charmy who were trying to dodge a few Dark Legionnaires to get to them.

"Nope! Nuh-uh!" Charmy shouted while swooping down on one firing at Espio. "No way!" He kicked the hooded gunman in the back of the head, and he fell.

"Take this!" Ray flew low toward another, clenched his fists together, and sent a legionnaire sprawling from behind with his up-swing.

"We're being flanked!" one of the five remaining cloaked echidnas called to his fellows. Three of them turned, and opened fire on the young fliers instead. This was just the distraction they needed.

"Mighty!" Espio was glaring at the two enemies still facing them and had extended his left arm toward the armadillo.

He understood, and uncurled his body from the protective ball. "Brace yourself!" He grabbed the chameleon's arm with one of his, swung him around once, and shot him with the force of a bullet at the nearest legionnaire. As he let go, he used the momentum of his spin to curl up into a ball again, bolstered by Espio's shout and a thud as another cloaked figure hit the ground in front of him. A second later, he blasted forward at the nearest enemy firing at Ray and Charmy, and nailed him in the back in ball-form. The unfortunate echidna was thrown forward between the other two, past the bee and squirrel, and far enough down the corridor to smack into the wall as it started to curve around. Mighty uncurled and took two quick steps forward as a startled legionnaire turned around.

"What the…" He started.

The back of Mighty's right fist connected solidly with the echidna's face, and he was sent sideways and headlong into the wall of the corridor. A swift glance left told the armadillo that Espio had sprung off the legionnaire he tackled at another, preparing a powerful mid-air kick. The last enemy left standing looked at Mighty, and began firing madly at him.

"Get back!" he shouted madly, "Stay away from me, you freak!"

Mighty clenched his teeth and rushed him, ducking his random fire.

"aaaaaaAAAAHHH!" The legionnaire shouted as the armadillo closed the distance to striking range.

The knuckles in Mighty's left fist cracked menacingly as he clenched it and drew it back.

The echidna just stared at him, frozen in terror.

Espio had finished with his second opponent, and turned to see what was going on when he heard the shriek. He saw his comrade, eyes squinting, fist back. "Mighty! Easy!"

The armadillo barely heard his friend as his fist plunged into the gut of the legionnaire, sending him upward with such force that he slammed into the metallic ceiling, denting it, and remaining up there, motionless.

Espio began walking over to him, and called to the others, who were staring at him. "Charmy! Ray! Catch up to the others! Tell them we'll catch up in a couple minutes."

"Aye-aye!" Charmy said as he turned about and flew down the corridor.

Ray glance back at them, and at a nod from Mighty he kicked off and flew after the bee.

Espio placed a hand on his shoulder. "You okay?"

Mighty's heavy breathing subsided after a moment. "Yeah, I'm fine." He dropped his hands down to his side. "It's just… After so long…" He looked up at the echidna wedged in the ceiling. "That word still…"

"You have a gift, Mighty," Espio interrupted.

He turned to look the chameleon in the face.

"An individual's character and actions determine their worth, not opinions."

"I know. I really need to do something about that, though. I thought I had gotten over everything that happened before, but that…" he pointed upward, "…tells me otherwise."

"Listen. I have an idea that might help you. After we take of Robotnik, come see me. Until then, keep your head high and don't worry about it." He extended a fist toward Mighty. "Alright?"

Mighty smiled and knocked his teammate's fist with his own. "You got it…"

"Oh, there you are!" a gruff, clear voice brought Mighty back to reality. He had unconsciously pulled out his staff and continued walking until he was clear of the forest altogether.

Knuckles the Echidna, clad in dark brown shorts and matching vest, looked down at the bo clenched in Mighty's hands. "What have you been up to?"

"Nothing much." He gave the staff a whirl and placed it back into his pack. "Just thinking."

"Thinking, huh?" He sized up the armadillo. "You know, you've had your head in the clouds a lot more often than normal lately. And then you go and tell us you're leaving. Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's cool." He looked into Knuckles's fiery purple eyes and could tell his friend wasn't buying it.

As if in response to Mighty's thought, he crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

"Really, I just need some time to figure some things out, that's all." He started walking further into the clearing. He could see the outline of the rest of the Chaotix in the distance.

"Yeah, I can relate to that." Knuckles folded his hands behind his head and walked alongside Mighty. "I'd like to do some soul-searching myself, given the chance. You should take it easy, though. Relax."

Mighty smirked at him. "You should talk. Never thought I'd hear you telling someone else to relax, Knux."

He chuckled. "You have a point. But you forget, it's my job to worry, not yours."

"Hey it's our job almost much as yours, you know. Why do you think we formed the Chaotix in the first place?"

"True. But you guys can walk away from it anytime you want to." The bright red echidna closed his eyes and sighed. "Not me, though."

"Sounds like somebody could use a vacation."

"You know I can't do that. Not while there's still so many villains around, at least. Maybe someday, though. Who knows? With Robotnik finally gone, there's no telling what could happen next."

"I guess. Here come the others."

Julie-Su the Echidna, Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, Ray the Squirrel, and Charmy & Saffron Bee were all walking toward them now.

"Hey, man!" Vector called out, waving. "What the heck kept'ya? Charmy n' the others said you'd be back ages ago!" Vector was a large green crocodile, wearing khaki cargo pants and a plain sleeveless t-shirt. He could be a bit impatient and obnoxious at times, but he was a good fighter and friend.

"I was just thinking," Mighty said as they came together and formed a circle, with the bees hovering overhead.

"You should have seen him, Vec," Knuckles chimed in. "He was so gone, I bet he would've walked smack into a tree if I didn't find him when I did."

"That's your excuse for being late to your own get-together?" Vector said incredulously. "Lame!"

"Aww, give him a break, you guys," Julie-Su piped up. She was Knuckles's girl, a former Dark Legionnaire turned Chaotix, sporting large blue boots, black pants, a black & blue top, along with one cybernetic dreadlock. The Dark Legion consisted of cyborg echidnas who loved technology to a fault, and were recently allied with Dr. Robotnik. Since his downfall, no one has heard anything from them. "…thinking about his trip. Mighty?"

"See, what did I tell you?" Knuckles said again. "He's obviously not quite with us."

"Are you feeling alright?" Espio asked. The purple chameleon was a well-trained ninja, donning his black gi and large gloves & boots which stored an unknown number of various pointy and dangerous objects.

Mighty shook his head. "Yeah, sorry guys. I've just had a lot to think about recently."

"Ah, don't sweat it!" Vector placed an arm around the armadillo's shoulders. "That's probably why your leavin', huh? Clear your head for a bit?"

"Mostly, yeah."

"Mostly?" Knuckles repeated.

"Well, now that Robotnik's out of the way, I'd kind of like to see more of Mobius. Being just under Knuckles on his 'Robotnik's Most Wanted' list made that pretty difficult before."

"What?" Vector chimed in. "I coulda' sworn I had that spot!"

"Sorry, Vector," Julie-Su chided, "But being able to pull up trees and swing them around with one hand means he was more threatening!"

The croc looked away and snorted in response.

They all laughed.

"In any case," Mighty continued while walking to the edge of the group, "there's just some personal stuff I want to care of. That's all."

Ray shuffled his feet in the dirt.

"Well, I hope you enjoy your trip," the pink echidna said bracingly. "Maybe after you get back I can convince a certain red someone to take a break of their own!" She turned and poked Knuckles in the chest.

"Watch it!" he retorted. "You take care of yourself down there, Mighty." The two of them bumped fists.

"Catch ya later, man!" Vector said with a wave.

"Bye-bye Mighty!" Charmy called from above while Saffron curtseyed.

"Best of luck to you, friend," Espio said and bowed.

"G'bye, Mighty," Ray said while stepping up to him. "See you soon!"

"Bye everyone!" He gave a general wave in their direction. "Bye Ray." He ruffled the fur on the squirrel's head. "Listen," he said, leaning toward him. "I left you something in the bush behind your tree yesterday. Go take a look later, ok?"

"S-sure… Thanks again, Mighty." The squirrel made to hug him again, but stopped when Mighty got up.

"You're welcome, little guy." Mighty turned away from him, and walked to the very edge of the island. He looked over the side, and found his desired landing-point, a particular tall cliff below. He turned back to look at them all one last time, burning the image of their faces into his memory.

They all waved to him.

Smiling his biggest smile, Mighty gave them the thumbs up, turned back around, and hopped neatly off the island, aiming for the cliff-face down below.