#roleswapau

Bonus image to my Chaggie week roleswap where they took Alastor and Lucifer's place. So where did these two end up?

ToC Captain Shadow- "Captain Gangplank" from "League of Legends."

Screams POWER and intimidation. Perfect for a legendary and dark pirate hedgehog.

RT Captain Sonic- "He's a Pirate" by Hans Zimmer, from the "Pirates of the Carribean" movies.

It screams ADVENTURE and freedom. Fitting for a blue hedgehog who's as free as the wind.

For one of the villains the crew are going to face on their adventures, what do you think of using Werehyenas?

Werehyenas are from African folklore. Unlike werewolves though, Werehyenas are actually said to be hyenas that masquerade as humans during the day and revert back to their true form at night. There are cases in which they can transform at will by using a magic stick or sprinkling ash on themselves. Sometimes smelling blood or flesh can send them into a frenzy.

They are vulnerable to magical or iron weapons and they are fearful of fire.

They can mimic human voices and call out your name, which is very freaky. They're also grave robbers.

They also go by the name Bultungin.

Stars:

I love the one-shot you wrote for your old Sonadowtober fic where Sonic and Shadow are looking up at the stars together and Sonic is realizing his feelings for him. It was really sweet and romantic. I've always been aware that stars have often been affiliated with Sonic and Shadow (and sometimes Silver). But after watching the third movie, I completely see the link between stars and Shadow. Especially with that line he gave:

"The light shines even when the star is gone..."

Oh! Just imagine those two hedgehogs just sharing a hobby of looking up at the stars together. Maybe having a similar conversation when Sonic finally learns the truth about Maria.

I don't know of Sonic's aquaphobia will be included in this AU, but if it does I can see Shadow questioning Sonic like he did in Ch. 9 of "Tides of Chaos."

Shadow: Why would you take a job like this?"

Sonic would probably try to dance around the subject until Shadow finally gets him to admit the truth.

Kind of like that scene in "Shrek":

"Everybody would scream "No! Help! Run away! IT'S A BIG STUPID, UGLY WEREHOG!!!"

Then he gets sad:

"...They wrote me off without bothering to get to know me. That's why I chose to live at sea..."

Prescription:

I think it would be hilarious if you wrote perhaps a past event where Sonic managed to accidentally have some drug or powder in his possession, and when the guards start chasing after him, he runs away screaming "I HAVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR THIS SHIT!!!"

And then he starts throwing the drugs at them. Lol!

I don't know if you've ever seen the movie "Renfield," but basically this scene is inspired by a scene centered around Teddy Lobo (played by Ben Schwartz).

Knuckles: Sonic calm down!

Sonic: I will not calm down! I AM SONIC THE FUCKIN' LOBO DAMMNIT!!!

Meanwhile with Shadow..,

Shadow: I'm sorry but when did you speak Spanish?

Maybe Pirate Queen! Maddie pulls a Queen Elinor (from Disney PIXAR'S "Brave") on a large group of brawling pirates (Knuckles included lol!)

Maybe in Maddie's quarters she has a tapestry that features Sonic and Tails and maybe Knuckles. Kind of like the tapestry at the ending of "Brave" but with a twist. It's enchanted! By day Sonic is depicted as a normal hedgehog, but by night he's depicted as a Werehog.

A Protective Werehog:

I do see Sonic being protective of Shadow, even if he hasn't fully understood or realized that he's in love with him (poor blue boy is still rather slow when it comes to love and knowing whether or not he has feelings for someone). Shadow is his responsibility but more than that he's become his friend. That and with the losses he's suffered, he doesn't want to fail anyone ever again.

I think Amy should be the one to give Sonic the talk. Amy knows about love AND she's a creature of the night that strongly linked to death. (I don't know if you've decided yet, but I do find myself falling in love with the concept of Amy as a banshee!)

Amy: Sonic. This the hard truth of life... Sometimes bad things happen in life, and there's nothing we can do about it. It's nobody's fault, it's just how things sometimes play out. I know you blame yourself for what happened to __ and __, and I bet they were the bravest and strongest people you knew. But what happened wasn't your fault and it wasn't their fault either. They did the best they could do which is what anyone can do really.

Which is why we have to prepare ourselves so we can live another day. Which is why Shadow needs to be prepared. And you have to help him be prepared so he can live through this. And given what Shadow is, I think he has more than enough luck on his side. But Sonic... If you continue to try to shield him... Shadow might not have that chance... Just think about it.

A Werehog's Goodbye:

After Sonic and Shadow bid each other an emotional farewell and he watches Shadow sail away with his crew, Sonic lets out a long sorrowful howl as he gives Shadow his final goodbye.

Love all of those songs!

The werehyena is interesting but not sure where they would fit in the story... Maybe another pirate crew?

I love the connection that these hedgehogs have to the stars! Perhaps I could add more to that hmmmmm

Sonic is protective by nature, just like Shadow is. Protective Sonic can be very scary.

Oh my goodness! For sure Sonic has met Cream but this will be a first for Omega (sorry this one's short Im feeling a bit of burnout) 

“I'm back,” Rouge called out glancing at Omega who was on their docking station. “Sonic, can you come here, Hun? 

“What's up, Rouge? Oh! Hey Cream!” Sonic smiled seeing the young rabbit standing alongside Rouge with her Chao Cheese. 

“Hi Mr. Sonic.” Cream said with a smile. 

“Vanilla asked me to watch her but. G.U.N just called me in for a meeting.” Rouge said with a sigh. 

“Maybe it has something to do with a certain missing gem?” Sonic teased. 

“I have no idea what you're referring to. But could you please keep an eye on Cream until I get back?” Rouge asked, 

“Sure, Omega and I are happy to help.” Sonic said with a smile. 

“WHY HAVE I BEEN LISTED AS HAPPY TO HELP?” Omega Asked. 

“Because you've been sitting on your docking station for too long. You've been watching too many demolition videos.” Sonic said.

“I MUST FUEL MY NEED FOR DESTRUCTION SOMEHOW.” Omega said. 

“Yeah, well it's time for a break. We got it from here, Rouge.” Sonic reassured her. 

“Have fun!” Rouge said leaving them with the young girl. 

There's quiet for a moment. The silence became awkward. “So! Is there anything you like to do, Cream?” 

“QUESTION. WHAT IS THE SMALL FLYING THING AROUND YOU?” Omega asked, 

“Oh this is Cheese; he's my best friend.” Cream said. 

“He's a Chao.” Sonic explained. 

“THE RABBIT AND CHAO ARE TOO SMALL  TO SPAR WITH.” Omega said. 

“Yeah, we weren't planning on doing that regardless. How about some games? Sonic asked. 

“I like games!” Cream smiled.

“Great! I'll grab some!” 

✨

Rouge returns, seeing the living room rearranged so Sonic, Cream, and Omega can all sit around the coffee table.

“Do you have any three’s?” Cream asked.

“AFFIRMATIVE. Omega said gingerly, handing her their three's. “SONIC, DO YOU HAVE ANY EIGHTS?” 

“Sorry bud, no eight’s” Sonic said.

“CURSES!” Omega said as both Sonic and Cream chuckle at Omega shaking their fist. 

“Looks like you all are having a good time.” Rouge said with a smile. 

“Would you like to join us, Miss Rouge?” Cream asked. 

“Not this time, we have to start getting you home.” Rouge said, 

“Aww!” Both Cream and Sonic complain. 

“NO I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED BY PLAYING CARDS!” Omega said. 

“You can play with her again the next time she comes over.” Rouge said as Cream walks over to Omega with Cheese flying around her. 

“Can you show me some of your weapons text time?” Cream asked. They could hear the happy beeps coming from the destructive robot. 

“AS LONG AS WE GATHER THE PROPER PERMISSIONS AND GO OVER SAFETY." Omega said seeing Rouge give them a look. “IT WAS INFORMATIVE SPENDING TIME WITH YOU SMALL ONE.” Omega said gently patting Cream’s head. 

“Bye Mr. Sonic!” Cream ran over and gave him a hug. 

“See ya around kiddo. You’ll have to show Omega how good you are at making flower crowns next time.” Sonic said as she nods excitedly before heading out with Rouge. 

Lol yes Sonic still teases Knuckles in both universes. The boy can't help it. (This one is super short it's been a busy day)

“Yo Knux!” Sonic calls out seeing the Guardian fighting alongside Shadow and Tails. “Whatcha doing off your island? I thought you took your job seriously.” He gave a teasing grin.

“It's none of your business why I'm here. And before you think about telling that Bat, just know the Chaotix are watching over it.” Knuckles warns as he smashes another Badnik.

“Man, what's it with you and Rouge? I don't even have to mention her and you bring her up.” Sonic's grin grows wider, noticing Knuckles start looking flustered.

“I've got no idea what you're talking about.” Knuckles turn away. Sonic runs around him knocking one of the Badniks away.

“You make it too easy.” Sonic said with a chuckle.

“I'll knock you into next week if you don't focus!” Knuckles demanded.

“Who said I can't focus while I'm messing with you? Honestly Knux, you really believe I can't do both?” Sonic said.

Knuckles shakes his fist debating if it was worth clobbering his face or not.

“Just a little payback for throwing me off your island.” Sonic stuck out his tongue.

“I apologized for that already.” Knuckles growls.

“I know, but I just wanted to be sure we could have fun.”

“You want fun?” Knuckles eye twitches before he lifts up Sonic above his head. “Go find fun over there!”

Protective Rouge is best Rouge!

It had been a quiet day on Angel Island, Knuckles had previously had a visit from that annoying blue Hedgehog a few days back but he left without a word. It wasn’t like when he interacted with Shadow. For some reason it felt… off

It was usual for some banter, he’d tell them to get off his island they wouldn’t so they’d fight and sometimes he’d throw them off.

Sonic… Looked a little stunned at being thrown off.

A moving shadow grabs his attention, it reminds him of a bird flying in the air; however, this was much bigger…

Wait…

Knuckles barely looks up in time to see Rouge striking a heeled boot right at his head. He just manages to dodge before her attack hits its mark. “Rouge? What the hell!?”

“Stay still and let me beat you into next week you rocks for brains!” Rouge snarled. He’d never seen her look at him with such animosity before. She was out for blood.

“What are you talking about?” Knuckles felt thrown off by this side of Rouge. They had their own type of banter. Usually she'd smooth talk her way around him he'd catch on and then kick her off the island.

“I get that you're always hostile because you take your job so seriously. But that doesn't give you the right to scare him like that.” Rouge hissed, taking another strike and Knuckles blocked it.

“Him? Is this about Sonic?” Knuckles asks.

“Wow, figured it out on your first try! Way to go Knucklehead.”

“I throw everyone off my island. I knew he could snap back up no problem.” Knuckles said but that answer only infuriated her further.

“So that makes it a good enough excuse? Sonic is still figuring out his life without his memories and you just taught him trying to make friends gets you thrown off an island!” Rouge glared.

“Wait…” Knuckles lowers his fists looking at her confused. “What do you mean trying to make friends?”

“He wanted to make other friends besides Shadow and Omega.” Rouge relaxed a bit seeing Knuckles was actually listening. He thought since you were friends with Shadow you'd be open to the idea. But instead! He comes home shell shocked thinking he did something wrong and that triggered some not so great memories.”

Knuckles listened but to him it was a normal interaction… besides Sonic's reaction. “I…”

“You are going to apologize.”

“What?” Knuckles said.

“You heard me! You're going to apologize and explain your stupid overzealous way to banter so He knows you don't hate him.”

Knuckles could see the determination in her eyes. She was not going to let this one go.

“Fine, okay I'll apologize.” Knuckles said.

“Now.”

“Oh you got to be kidding me!” Knuckles groan.

“I'll stay with the Master Emerald. You apologize. And Omega will be keeping me updated with how you handle it. If they deem it unsatisfactory they have permission to shoot you.” Rouge said.

Knuckles stiffens, he'd never seen this protective side of Rouge before. He had to admit it was rather intimidating.

About a prompt, if you haven't been asked about that yet, then in Shadow Adventures, if the tragedy didn't hit/only hit later on the Ark and the two hedgies got to meet, how would that go?

Oh gosh Yes! Of course not cannon but how I think their first meeting would go.

The day had finally arrived, Sonic stayed perfectly still throughout his tests just like he promised. Though there was little he could do to stop his tail from wagging excitedly.

Even the other scientists seemed in better spirits than they did most days. Hearing side conversations about feeling relieved and that they were free from prying eyes.

“Is he ready?’ Gerald asked, entering the room. The others nod as Gerald looks over Sonics charts. Sonic looked up at the professor waiting for confirmation. “Good. We'll start with a supervised introduction.”

He hands the clipboard back to another scientist before addressing Sonic. “I know you are excited but the project you are meeting is a little shy. Try not to overwhelm him too much.” Sonic nodded his head excessively. “Alright my boy,” he chuckles, holding out his hand and Sonic takes it.

It had been so long since he'd been out of his lab that now he was feeling nervous. What if the other project didn't like him? Would the professor and Maria be upset?

“I see those gears in your head turning. This is just your first meeting. Try not to overthink too much.” Sonic could only nod a lump forming in his throat.

Sonic stiffens as the doors to the observatory open, he sees scientists on both sides of the room holding clipboards. On the far side in front of the window overlooking the earth was Maria.

The Professor walks with Sonic until they get to the center. Maria gives Sonic a reassuring smile before he notices the shape behind her as she steps out of the way.

He's A hedgehog! He's a hedgehog just like him!

He lets go of Gerald's hand and dashes forward excitedly. The black hedgehog jumps in front of Maria protectively and punching Sonic in face knocking him to the ground with a yelp.

“Shadow!” Maria yelled, shocked.

“He ran at you!” Shadow argued, still standing defensively. His quills were puffed out and he glared at Sonic who only shrank under his gaze. It unsettled him how similar they looked.

Sonic reaches up to his cheek and hisses as he touches the quickly bruising cheek. The other was already so hostile towards him…

He failed.

Shadow’s eyes widened as he saw tears stream down the other hedgehog's face. His quills settled but he stayed ridged, unsure about the blue one's reaction.

“I-I…” He stammered, trying not to hyperventilate. He has already ruined everything. They hadn't even met and he hated him… they'd lock him back inside the lab and throw away the key.

“Oh Sonic,” Maria rushed to his side and knelt down, reaching to comfort him.

“I'm sorry…” it was so quiet, only Shadow and perhaps Maria heard it before there was a streak of blue running out of the room.

“Project S has fled the interaction. Initial meeting, failed.” One of the scientists said causing Shadow to stiffen.

“Shadow, you should have apologized. He was just excited to see you.” Maria scolded.

“I apologize… my combat training taught me fast approaches are a hostile move.” Shadow said.

“I hate that G.U.N forced combat training on you.” Maria grumbled softly. “Regardless, you made him run so you have to bring him back.”

“What? But…”

“Maria is right, Shadow, Project S…” Gerald notices Maria glare at the title. He lets out a cough. “I mean, Sonic. Was in isolation and has not had any interactions with other… projects. He may be a bit older than you but he lacks experience.”

“Fine… but how do you expect me to find him?” Shadow asked.

“You two share an affinity to chaos energy. You may be able to use that.” Gerald suggested.

Shadow gave him a nod before running in the direction he saw Sonic head.

✨

Shadow is extremely frustrated but mostly with himself. He was so excited to meet Sonic and the first thing he does is punch him? Why in the world did he do that? Sure he didn’t get much sleep the night before and the tension from G.U.N had him unsettled but that was no excuse!

Focusing on the Chaos energy around him, he follows the static trail to a smaller lab. There were no scientists inside but he could hear the stifled sobs from the darkened room.

He stiffens, unsure if he should just approach or call out to him. Would he run again? Would he attempt to hide deeper into the room? He doesn't have enough information to predict how the blue hedgehog would react.

“I know you're in here.” Shadow said calmly. The sobbing stops but he doesn't hear any movement. “I apologize for hitting you. I was trained to strike if I felt threatened.” Shadow said.

There's a shift of movement before Sonic peaks his head out, ears pinned back. “I scared you…”

Shadow huffs, “It was more a reaction than fright. I was trained not to scare easily.”

“I'm sorry… I was just so excited. And to find out you are also a Hedgehog… I just wanted to get a closer look…”

“You can get a closer look now if you want.” Shadow said. “I promise I won't punch you.”

Sonic hesitates before walking closer to Shadow slowly. Ears still flat against his head. He wasn't sure how to ease the others' tension. Especially since it was his fault he became so timid.

Deciding to let Sonic continue closer he holds out his hand. “Let's start over. I am known as Project Shadow.”

He watches Sonic look between his hand and Shadow's eyes. The tension in his shoulders slightly subsided. After a few moments of hesitation he takes his hand.

“I'm Sonic. Well… Project S.” He said with a soft smile.

Shadow felt it, an abundance of Chaos energy flowing out of Sonic. It felt warm and inviting. “It's nice to meet you. Let's head back. Maria is probably getting worried.”

“Oh then let's hurry, I don't want her overdoing it. Since you're like me, are you just as fast?” Sonic asked, looking at Shadows' air shoes.

“The fastest.” Shadow said proudly.

“WHAT?” Sonic said loudly, startling him. “No way, I'm the fastest thing alive. You can't be faster than me.”

“Well then,” Shadow stood next to him. “Prove it. Whoever gets back to the conservatory wins the title of fastest.”

There's a spark of competitiveness in their eyes as they get ready to run. And in a flash they are off.

Ah! Sonic Maria bonding!!!

After the treadmill was put in, Sonic's life had become more restrictive. He was isolated in his room with only a certain few having access.

Maria made an attempt to go visit him every day. When her health allowed. The first thing she brought was a deck of cards. She'd teach him a different game after he became bored with the previous one.

She’d snuck any sweets she could bring him. And now she was excited to show him the new music player Grandfather brought her.

“I have a surprise for you!” Maria said, closing the door behind her. Sonic was by the window, looking out at earth.

“I'm not really in the mood for card games…” Sonic said with a sigh.

“Did something happen?” Maria asked, seeing Sonic’s ears pin back slightly.

“One of the scientists they…were annoyed about increased security? Something about keycards or something?” Sonic looks up to her looking for answers, “Of course when I asked they just told me to keep quiet. I hate keeping quiet! It’s always quiet!”

Maria put the music player on the table. Reaching out and scooping his ching into her hands to nudge him into looking her in the eyes. They were already red with tears threatening to flow.

“That higher security is to protect you and the others.” Maria explained. Sonic’s ear tilted. A quirk he developed showing his confusion. “After some of the G.U.N soldiers saw your speed… they’ve been asking about you. Grandfather’s worried they’ll try to take you.”

“Take me? Take me where? We’re on a space station.” Sonic asked,

“Down to earth to do their own testing on you… Grandfather said something about wanting to replicate it to create an army…” Maria said.

“Is that why I had those combat lessons? Because they want to use me as a weapon?” Sonic asked,

“No, in case anything happens you’ll be able to defend yourself.” Maria reassured him.

“All because I failed being the Ultimate lifeform?” Sonic asked,

“Did one of the Scientists say that to you?” Maria asked as he turned his gaze away. She pulls his face closer, giving him a stern look that makes his ears droop. “You do not have to be the Ultimate Lifeform to be important. You’re the reason we’re able to make strides in breaking away from the government's control. You!”

“Okay, okay! I'm sorry!” Sonic squirms as Maria finally lets go of his face.

“Good! Now I did bring something different today. You’re going to learn about music.” Maria said, holding out the Music box.

“Music?” Sonic asked,

“Yes! It’s a vocal or instrumental sound combined in a way to produce beauty of form, harmony, used as an expression of emotion.” Maria explained. She plates the music box and an upbeat sound begins to play.

Sonic listened to the noise, how it had a pace and his foot unconsciously tapped to the rhythm. Maria starts noticing him enjoying the music and takes his hands starting to spin him around.

“What are you doing?” SOnic asked, confused and a little startled.

“Dancing! Let your body move to the music!” Maria laughed. Sonic laughed with her as they continued to dance.

He noticed Maria’s breath was getting too heavy, deciding to pull her down to sit so she wouldn’t pass out. “I’ll call the Professor.” Sonic said as she gave a nod.

Professor Gerald rushes in after getting word looking at Maria worried. “It’s alright Grandfather, I just overdid it that’s all.” She reassures him as he helps her to the door.

“Thank you Sonic,” He said as they left, leaving him back in the quiet.