Skylines

Chapter 1: Descent

Sonic sprinted as fast as his legs would carry him. His breaths were shallow, barely escaping before the next came rushing through. Sweat dripped down his brow, his heart racing with dread. The sirens were far behind him, but they'd catch up eventually. Even he couldn't escape the full force of the law. Dashing across the open fields, Tails' workshop came into view. Sonic had to warn him - to tell him what was happening. He couldn't let his brother be charged unjustly. Noticing the garage was closed, he knocked frantically on his front door. Tails answered quickly, his fur covered in sweat from the usual hard day's work.

"Oh, Tails! Thank God!"

"Sonic? What happened? Why are you out of breath?"

"I ran all the way here. We have to hurry! The cops are on their way!"

Tails raised a brow. They'd had run-ins with enforcement squadrons before, but it was usually to cooperate or a case of mistaken identity.

"The police? Why are they coming here?"

"I spoke to one of the officers before heading over! They're looking for you, buddy!"

"Me? How come?"

"There's no time to explain! Come on! We've gotta get you outta here!"

"Woah! Hey, wait!"

Sonic ignored the fox's plea, grabbing his arm before running back outside.

"Sonic, woah! Slow down! What's happening!?"

"Someone left an anonymous tip at the station! You're being investigated, Tails!"

"Investigated!? What for!?"

"I'll tell you when we get to Amy's! Just be quiet and follow me!"

---

Amy poured each of them a cup of tea, stirring it extra warm to try and ease their nerves. Sonic's hands were trembling, nearly spilling his drink several times. They'd never seen him so shaken. It wasn't like him at all.

"Sonic," Amy inquired gently, snapping him back to reality.

"Huh!?"

"Are you okay? What's going on with Tails, and why did you run through my door all willy-nilly like the world was on fire?"

Sonic gulped, taking a slower, deeper breath. He didn't know if he could bear repeating the officer's statements, but he had to. They needed to know the truth. At least then, they could prepare a defense.

"Because it is. Everything's burning around us."

"Are you having a breakdown or something? Look! Everything's fine!"

"No, Amy. No, it's not."

Amy's expression softened.

"Talk to us, Sonic. What's wrong?"

"Tails, he..."

"He...What?"

Sonic steeled his resolve. The words alone made him want to vomit, but he had no other choice.

"He's being investigated for rape..."

Silence. Complete and utter silence, followed by frozen horror. Amy's eyes went wide with shock, and Tails' jaw unhinged. He screamed, yet his mouth produced no sound.

"Did...Did you just say...!?"

"Yeah...," Sonic said sadly, "Apparently, someone called in this morning claiming Tails had assaulted them during the night. We don't know who, but they said he was in possession of illegal pornographic material. I wanted to ask him myself before they got to him, that way at least we'd know if he had an alibi."