Sonic cleared his throat, then took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Now then… about your power… We need to figure out how to make you restore energy without harming the city people.”

Jericho’s eyes flattened. “There is no way… Even if my bites don’t spread viruses without the ancient liquid I’ve once told you about, it’s still possible that I could kill the people because of my instability.” He brought the apple subconsciously up to his mouth and bit off another piece. “Inhaling the aroma of blood will drive me insane. You know already how dangerous enough it is to have even a tiny drop doming over the skin.”

“That’s because you’ve been turning away from something you need for so long that you can’t even control yourself anymore!”

Jericho blinked his eyes, then shrugged. “That’s my problem, but my question is… how will I regain power without murdering the people in the city, mm?”

Sonic rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm… Well… I have two ideas.” Jericho’s ears perked, engrossed by what Sonic thoughts would be. Sonic’s eyes met Jericho’s in a serious manner, but it didn’t match with his sly smile. “You could sneak into the hospital and take packets of blood collected in the freezer, or…” He hesitated to think, then continued. “You could find blood the natural way.” His smirk widened. “I believe you’d rather choose to do something based on your instincts, right? And besides, stealing is bad, so if I were you, I’d prefer the second option.”

Jericho’s eyes squinted. “Where are you getting at?”

Sonic shrugged. “Well, there’s nothing wrong with hunting, is there?”

Jericho’s eyebrows lifted. “I thought you restricted me from hunting.”

“City people!” Sonic added. “But did I say wildlife?” Jericho was left speechless. Sonic went on, “Of course not. City people also go out hunting for rabbits, pheasants, deer, etc. You can do that also.”

“But Sonic,” Tails interrupted. “It’s out of season. It’s illegal to hunt right now.” Sonic raised his hand to silence Tails.

“Using weapons, yes… Like guns and traps. But were fangs listed?” He gazed at Jericho. Jericho appeared to be pleased by Sonic’s remarks.

Tails looked down at his feet. “Well, no… but-”

“He’s a predator, for heaven’s sake.” Sonic’s voice increased in volume. “Animals hunt other animals because they’re of the wild. Jericho is included. He is half wild… or two-thirds wild…” He mumbled. His thumb pointed to the direction over his shoulder as he gazed at Jericho. “We have a large forest in the backyard. You could go there to find refreshments, and to explore if you ever need the free time. But beware of the wolves.” He chuckled.

Jericho tried to find words to say. “Why… are you helping me..?”

Sonic wrapped one arm around Jericho’s shoulders. “We’re pals, remember? We help you, you help us. Remember the deal?”

Jericho’s head bowed. “…… Yes… I.. do…” He then looked at Sonic. “The blood off of the animals won’t be the same as of your kind. Not as appetizing… but they’re acceptable.” He smiled unevenly.

Sonic gave a thumbs-up. “I’m doing the best I can for my buddies.”

Jericho bowed. “Right… friends…”

Sonic poked Jericho on the chest. “Just promise me that you’ll hunt tonight, got it? I don’t wanna see you fall to your knees at the edge of death, understand?”

Jericho nodded. “Perfectly…”

“I don’t even want you attacking my members as your banquet like you almost did to
Knux, got it?”

Jericho groaned. “I know, I know… Stop reminding me. I’m miserable enough, as it is.” His teeth gritted.

Sonic smirked. “Okay, good!”

Amy peeked her head out of the first aid room. Her bright emerald eyes stared at Sonic. “Um… Is it safe now?” She made a quick glance at Jericho, who gave her a dark look. She shivered visibly.

Sonic looked back at Amy. “I hope you covered it good.”

Amy smiled widely. “Of course I did, Sonic! He’s all bandaged up. I think the wound will recover in a few days.”

“Thanks to Shadow…” Grumbles erupted from behind her. It had to be Knuckles who said that.

“I heard that, and I’m sorry,” Shadow sneered. “I had to calm you down somehow. It worked, didn’t it?”

Knuckles didn’t respond. Sonic pressed his hand over his forehead and sighed. “Let’s drop what happened, okay? I’m sure that Jericho’s sick of hearing about it.” He glanced at Jericho, who had his head bowed. He felt absolutely pitiful for what he’d done, or what he almost did. Sonic’s ears folded, and he gazed at Amy. “I’m sick of it too. Just bring Knuckles out, as long as the wound’s hidden and the smell is blocked.”

Amy nodded, then led Knuckles out of the room. A white cloth was wrapped around his head a few times, tied at one side of his temple. Only a tiny red spot was blotched on the bandage where the wound was located. Nothing too severe…

Jericho looked up at Knuckles as he came into the arena, his eyes wary. Knuckles was looking back at him, his eyes narrow, then slanted to grief. Knuckles rubbed the back of his neck as he took a step up to Jericho. “Hey, um… I’m sorry I called you a freak. I was just a little pumped up. You know how I am with my anger, right? It just builds and builds until the volcano blows.” He patted Jericho on the back. “No hard feelings.”

Jericho looked down. “Right… I’ll just ignore all you said earlier before the attack.”

Knuckles nodded. “That’s good enough for me. And… try not to make me mad.”

“Try not to make me bite you.” Jericho flashed a smile, his teeth partially pointed.

Knuckles swallowed and stepped away from him. “You got it.” He rubbed his head.

Jericho sighed softly, then looked over at Cream. She’d been standing there so quietly, almost unnoticeable. He sighed again, then placed the remaining apple on the tray. “Thank you for the fruit. It was…. exquisite…”

Cream bowed, then lifted the tray higher over her head, smiling sweetly. “Anyone else want an apple or bagel?”

Amy gasped happily and took a bagel. “Thanks, Cream!” She began nibbling on it. “Nom nom nom.”

“You eat too loudly,” said Shadow from the back.

Amy gave him a glare. “That’s because it’s delicious.” She continued munching.

Cream giggled. “Anything else?”

Sonic shook his head. “Nah, thank you though.”

Cream smiled, then skipped back into the house. She entered into the kitchen to set the tray down on the counter. Something then caught her attention from the corner of her eye. A small note was written in thick purple ink on the calendar… She came up to it and stared at it for a moment, letting the words sink in. She was focusing on the date October 13th, which was circled. The phrase read ‘Celebration!’ right in the center of the box. When the word rang a bell, she squeaked and dashed back out into the arena. “Mr. Sonic! Mr. Sonic!”

Sonic hadn’t moved from his spot, and he turned his head. “What is it, Cream? Trouble?”

Cream was hopping up and down like a rabbit on two feet, her ears flopping like thick heavy ribbons. “Mr. Sonic! It’s today! It’s today!”

Sonic blinked. “Today? What do you mean?” The others - Amy, Shadow, Rouge, Kaz, Knuckles, and Tails – huddled around to listen in on the conversation. Jericho stayed back, but still listened.

Cream squeaked as she pointed to the door to the house. “October 13th! October 13th! It’s today!”

Jericho’s irises shrunk when he heard the number ‘13’. “October… Thir… teenth…?”

Cream nodded quickly. “It’s the day when Trisha and Anna return from their 1 year trip!”

Sonic jerked, his eyes wide. “Wh-what?!”

Jericho turned away from the crowd, his face pale. His teeth clenched tensely. “That damned, cursed day…”

Amy gasped, covering her mouth. “That means they’re coming tonight, and we don’t have anything set…”

Tails stared blankly. “Shoot, we haven’t been checking the calendar…”

Sonic went around in circles, panicking. “Oh shoot, oh shoot. We don’t have much time. We gotta get the cake, the ice cream… everything!”

Amy raised her hand. “I’ll do the decorations!”

“Wait, hold on!” Sonic exclaimed, coming to an abrupt halt. “We need to figure out a plan to surprise them first… Hmm…” He rubbed his chin in thought.

Tails did the same, when he snapped his fingers. “I got it! Why don’t we set up everything around the living room, then hide behind the furniture and wait for them to arrive? The lights will be out, but someone will turn them on when Trisha and Anna show up.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Sonic smirked widely as he ruffled Tails’ long thin bangs. Tails giggled and pushed his hand away.

Kaz stepped up. “But who will control the lights?”

Sonic blinked his eyes, then looked over at Jericho, who was still turned away from the group discussion. “Jericho, why don’t you do the lights?”

“It’s that damned anniversary…” Jericho muttered to himself, completely paying no heed to Sonic. “How could I have forgotten the anniversary……?” His voice softened each time he repeated the sentence.

Sonic’s ear twitched. “Huh?”

“He said anniversary,” Shadow let out. Jericho flinched when he heard Shadow speak it aloud. He glanced back at the group.

“Ooohhh, anniversary, eh?” Sonic was curious. A smile stretched across his muzzle. “Who’s it for?”

Jericho closed his eyes, then faced them and walked past them, his head lowered. “An old friend of mine…”

Sonic watched him. “Ooooo, who’s this friend of yours?”

“…… Fay…”

Tails blinked his eyes. ”Oh boy… I have a bad feeling about this…” He looked over at Sonic. Sonic’s grin was still on his face.

“Fay? I’ve never heard of her before…”

“That’s because she’s none of your business!” Jericho hissed angrily. “It’s best to just leave it alone…”

Sonic jerked in surprise from his hiss. “Aw, come on, why the sudden moodiness? Did she get married to someone that you weren’t happy with?”

Jericho’s voice deepened. It was bitter as he answered, “Nooo…”

“Oh…” Sonic blinked. “Did she get married at all?”

“No,” Jericho answered quickly, his voice down an octave. He sounded much like a demon now…

“Oh… Hmmm…” Sonic itched his head. “Is it her birthday?” He guessed, sounding doubtful.

Jericho came to an abrupt halt right by the door, and somewhat glanced back at the team. “If you are that curious to know, it’s the anniversary of her death…” That sentence made Sonic’s smile immediately turn upside-down. His and everyone else’s facial expressions went pallid. Jericho’s eyes narrowed slightly. He snarled roughly, “Enjoy your celebration…” And he turned to walk out. He vanished from their sight.

Right from there, Sonic could feel everyone’s eyes on him… The stares… Sonic gulped. “I… Jericho’s never told me anything about that before……” Tails’ ears pinned back, and he gazed at the doorway Jericho went through. Everyone else stared in the same direction in remorse.

“… It’s no wonder he didn’t wanna bring it up,” Rouge murmured.

“I think it was the best idea to not nose in, Sonic,” Tails said as he glanced at the blue hedgehog. Sonic was massaging his face, feeling ashamed of himself.

“… I hope he comes back on time before Anna and Trisha return…” Amy soon spoke.

There was a long pause, when Sonic eventually replied. “……… I know…” His eyes squeezed shut. “Jericho… I’m sorry…”