Sonic sat on the grass verge at the cliff over the ocean. The hedgehog has been here just a few days ago, but something told him he should come back. According to Tails, all the disturbances had now stopped now that Eggman's latest scheme had been laid to rest. And yet Sonic was still somewhat concerned, even though everyone told him things would be fine.

So he stood there, looking out to the ocean, keeping watch of what might happen. The blue hedgehog wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but he just wanted to be sure. And yet everything was fine. The sky was clear, the waves were still, there was hardly any wind, and there were no robots on the horizon doing the bidding of a moustached maniac who was desperate to take over the world.

But still, the hedgehog was restless. Well, more restless than usual. Everything had been much calmer that it should've been, and this, to Sonic, was bad news. Maybe he worried too much, or maybe he was just looking for something to do, but Sonic was insistent that this silence was something to be concerned about. He couldn't just be happy and enjoy it.

Two gulls flew about overhead. For a moment, Sonic watched them flying. In a way he envied them. Sonic had always been one for exploring, and had travelled the world numerous times always on the lookout for new places, new dangers, and new adventures. And yet, free from the constraints of running, the birds could go anywhere they pleased.

The hedgehog's attention returned to the sea. Another barrier to his progress, the sea meant that he couldn't keep going. Sure, Sonic had managed on multiple occasions to be fast enough to run on water, over small distances, in optimum conditions, but with the tides, and the sheer vastness of it, Sonic had never wanted to attempt to cross the ocean. As far as Sonic was concerned, the ocean was somewhere he never intended to go.

As he sat watch, Sonic began to wonder if he was wasting his time. They had stopped Eggman. The Chaotix had got everything back in order. It was a resounding victory, even if Sonic wasn't entirely sure what had been stopped. What even was Sonic looking for anyway? It's not like a random bottle would fall out of the sky for him to find after all.

Sonic got back up. Whatever he was looking for, he concluded, was not here. Dusting himself off, the hedgehog picked a direction and began running. Truthfully, the hedgehog had nowhere to go right now. He was just running. Keeping busy and avoiding the issue. Running was what he was good at, and it was better than beating his self up over what had happened.

But yet Sonic couldn't escape that feeling in his stomach. Somehow, in some way, he was to blame. Sure, he hadn't directly caused everything Eggman had done, but yet, in some way, Sonic was at least partially responsible. Sonic shook his head. This was madness right? Sonic knew he opposed Eggman. He fought to defend the planet, and on more than one occasion had actively saved it from that madman's tyranny.

And yet, Sonic felt guilty. He couldn't help but feel guilty. Sighing, the hedgehog changed direction and headed home. It was time to face what had been said, and deal with the fallout. Sonic ran through multiple zones half-heartedly. His normal exuberance for such a sprint was replaced with an inner turmoil he couldn't shake.

Dashing home, he replayed the events in his mind once more. It still didn't fully come together, and Sonic couldn't help but feel he was missing some of the pieces. Maybe, the hedgehog considered, he should stop dwelling on what had happened. Relish the positives. Eggman had been stopped, everyone was okay, that should be enough right? He should be happy with that.

Finally arriving outside his house, he stopped. For a second he hesitated, before walking in the door, "I'm back," he said as he walked inside.

There was no answer. This didn't immediately faze the hedgehog; Sonic was quite used to finding the house empty. As expected, there was a note taped to the back door explaining the disappearance. "Gone for groceries, back soon," it said in fancy italic writing.

Sonic took the note off and threw at the bin in the corner. It missed and bounced on the floor where Sonic promptly left it as he slouched on the couch. He'd probably get yelled at later for being messy again, but Sonic didn't care. For now he just waited, sat on the sofa staring at nothing in particular. The irony of enjoying staying in one place wasn't lost on the hedgehog either as he contemplated everything.

He had been sat there for barely three eighths of an hour when keys rattled in the door. Sonic turned his head as a green hedgehog walked in carrying several bags of shopping.

"Oh," she said, "You're here now?"

"Yeah," Sonic replied, "and I've been thinking about what was said."

"And?" the hedgehog replied as she put down the bags. This was not going to be a casual conversation.

"I'm sorry," Sonic said, "I've been a jerk for so long."

"Yeah, well," the female hedgehog added, "maybe I've been one for longer."

Unaware to either party, outside four pillars of red mist watched on. They had been keeping tabs on Sonic, without the hedgehog's realisation, and now, as they watched the blue hedgehog talk with his green counterpart they began to retreat. Phase two of their plan was beginning.

Sonic smiled. It was the first genuine smile he'd had all day. As the pair talked the feeling in Sonic's gut slowly began to disappear. Just by being here now, Sonic was happier. He was always happier here, she made him happier and Sonic had always loved Dawn for it.

The End

But wait, who was Dawn? Well, would you believe that this story is a direct prequel to a previous story of mine, Unreality, that answers this question? And what about the other Servers of Chaos? Well, their identities are revealed in both Unreality and Voices, the story which this story follows on from chronologically. If you want the answers, and haven't read these yet, be sure to check them out. If, on the other hand, you have already read both of those stories, and merely want to know what the other three Servers of Chaos asked for, then wait for the obligatory side story Needs and Wants coming soon.

Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed Disappear, please leave a review telling me what you thought.