Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

My rebirth was a memorable experience. While I don't recall much of my past, one thing was clear: I had always been captivated by these stories. The thought of living in a video game, rather than the mundane realities of life, thrilled me.

I recall that I wasn't one of those girls who claimed, "I'm not like other girls," and I certainly wasn't a bullied Mary Sue. I was just nineteen, trying to adjust to young adulthood while managing the process of becoming more independent, maintaining my friendships, and navigating my relationship with my boyfriend.

Something happened that brought me here. I remembered flashes of cold water and screaming, but the details escaped me. I didn’t know if my lack of memory was due to reincarnation or self-blocking. Either way, I had lost my past and entered this new world.

I was a hedgehog, a Mobian. I remembered being extremely into Sonic and trying to absorb as much of the lore as I could. Looking back, though, I realized I hardly remembered any of the little stuff. It felt like I was really small, maybe even an infant. Perhaps this time around, I can be a better person than I was in my previous life.

As time went on, I found myself embracing my new identity as Damini the Hedgehog. While it was somewhat frustrating with so many hedgehog OCs populating the fandom, I took comfort in the fact that I was still somewhat unique. My fur was a cool, frosty silver covering my torso, legs, and face, contrasting sharply with the vibrant cobalt of my quills, tail, and fur along my back; my stomach had peach fur along with my arms and muzzle. This unusual color combination gave me an eccentric appearance that set me apart from the others. However, my uncle—who I later learned was Uncle Chuck—stood by me with unwavering support, encouraging me to embrace my individuality and thrive in a world bustling with creativity. (Shaped like Classic Sonic at first)

I asked him why he was taking care of me instead of my parents, but it made him emotional, and he told me my parents had disappeared. After I turned seven, I stopped asking because I hated seeing him upset. I started feeling a bit restless, though; Sonic was supposed to be around by now, and I’d been hearing some rumors about Dr. Robotnik that I really didn’t like.

I was just nine years old when my biggest fear became a reality: Dr. Robotnik stormed into my village, casting a dark shadow over our peaceful home. The moment his name spread through the streets, panic took hold, and the sounds of chaos filled the air. People rushed to find shelter, their faces filled with fear. Amidst this turmoil, Uncle Chuck appeared. He approached me with a sense of urgency, holding my backpack, which he had packed with care. Inside, he made sure I had all the essentials—a flashlight, some food, and a few of my favorite toys.

"Uncle Chuck...? W- What's happening!?"

"Dami, it's time to run. Trust me, don't look back—just keep moving forward."

"But-! What about you!? You can't-!"

"Damini, I need you to listen carefully," Uncle Chuck said with assurance. "Your safety is my absolute priority. I will do everything in my capacity to protect you. Do you understand?"

"Uncle Chuck... p- please... I'm scared..."

"I get it... I really do... But you need to run. If you close your eyes and give it your all, you’ll discover a speed you never knew you had."

I really didn’t want to do it. I tried to argue, but then there was this huge boom. Uncle Chuck pushed me to start running, and even though I was hesitant, I went along with it. I shut my eyes tight and took off as fast as I could into the woods.

Something felt really off. I opened my eyes and, in my panic, nearly tripped over myself. Wait, did I just realize I have super speed? No way! This can't be real! I'm not cut out to be a hero...

Wait a second... if I have super speed, there's no way I should have missed that! It's so clear now! I should have recognized it much sooner!

Sonic was supposed to be here, and I can’t take his place. He has the charm, smarts, and courage that I don’t. But Uncle Chuck, if this world follows Sonic's story, he’s going to get robotized. I can’t lose my only family...

I then realized how stupid I was being. I smacked my head, "Idiot! Dami focus... Just because he's not here yet... That doesn't mean he won't show up! Sonic was probably somewhere else... Maybe he's at Christmas Island!" I murmured to myself.

But I was still anxious... I didn't want to wait for a hero. I wanted to change from my past self. Screw it... I'll figure out how to use my super speed! I'll save my home and that'd be the end of my hero reign! Just protect Uncle Chuck...

I groaned and just face-planted onto the ground before rolling over. I can't do it alone!? I'm a coward! Well... I am nine... Ugh... And I don't even know who exists in this world! Maybe the Archie Comics? IDW Comics? The games? The cartoons? The movies?

Should I make my own team? But how would that work? This is gonna kill me... Maybe I could find someone, but who..? Knuckles would be at Angle Island protecting the Master Emerald... Maybe... I remembered something about Freedom Fighters... Wait... Is it Sonic Underground-themed? Yes! That has to be why Sonic wasn't with Uncle Chuck!

I pulled myself together and started walking again. But slowly picked up the paste. I would sometimes try using my super speed, but didn't try to rely on it yet.

As I tried to travel to somewhere safe with what little food and water I had, I slowly figured out my super speed and learned some of Sonic's moves. It took a bit and I found out about the ice magic, which means I could have a dramatic Elsa arc at some point (Not that it would be fun, imaging that lack of control scared me). I did somewhat try to control it. Just enough so I wouldn't create ice spikes out of nowhere in fear. Though that control was very limited and testy at best... I'll have to practice.

I slowly picked off the Badniks with my super speed. I decided to keep my ice magic, or powers, a secret. Like making it my ace in a fight if I have to(Very unlikely since I was struggling with it already). But I had a feeling that I was lost.

I knew how to survive, thankfully! I had enough in my bag to start a fire, aka the flashlight and a piece of glass I stole from a broken Badnik. Plus, it was spring! Plenty to find, I recognized edible plants and berries, mostly from a book that Uncle Chuck had packed for me.

I was nervous, like who wouldn't be? I was a kid, alone, in the woods, running from a mad doctor. I was going on so I could save Uncle Chuck. But I had a bit of entertainment from my toys that he packed for me... and a silvery medallion Uncle Chuck said that my parents had left for me.

I slowly got ahold of my powers, mostly my super speed; I tried with my ice magic, just imagining anything but fear, that rarely worked though. It took me days to build up the courage to take on a group of Badniks, likely a few months after my village was attacked, and likely Dr. Robotnik was about to or had already Robotized anyone he captured... I silently hoped that Uncle Chuck had gotten away, but I wouldn't know.

I worked on taking on smaller groups of Badniks and slowly grew to take on larger groups. I never took the fight right to Dr. Robotnik, I just quietly messed with him; I wasn't confident in myself to actually do anything huge against him...

I eventually came across a makeshift camp. It was Robotnik's... Wait... that's Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel! Then this is the camp that a lot more Mobians are at... Okay... This would be the biggest thing I'd do, but. Let's do it!

(Skip to after since I can't think of anything, or write fighting.)

I hid after I helped them. I couldn't help it... I thought that being seen or known would help Robotnik find me, and I was a bit scared and nervous about meeting new people considering how long I'd been alone...

It was stupid, but what if they didn't like me, or if I couldn't control my magic and accidentally hurt someone? I had to be realistic. While I was struggling with my magic, I was a liability to others. I could hurt them, or they'd think I wasn't worth the trouble... I just didn't want to risk it...

I did watch over them, mostly to see where a town was so I could get medicine or real food when I needed to. I sighed smiling in relief as I watched the other Mobians get to safety in the Acorn Kingdom...

Maybe I'd do some info-digging while I rested from today's workout...

Chapter Text

A few days later…

I was utterly confused... I found out that the King of the Acorn Kingdom was King Nigle Acorn, but his wife was Queen Alicia, his eldest child was Prince Elias and his youngest was Princess Sally; but Queen Alicia and Prince Elias are currently missing and presumed dead.

It didn't make sense! King Nigel Acorn is from the IDW Comics, but Alicia and Elias are from Archie Comics! Did that mean this world was a combination? But what else is here, and what wasn't here? Ugh... this was so confusing... And what does that mean for all the major stories?!

Ugh... But I guess it made sense, if Sonic's not a hero yet, or in the main story, so things are different.

I managed to sneak into a gym to take a shower, my quills and fur were super greasy and dirty; I didn't really wanna be seen like that.

My fur and quills felt so much better afterwards. I did have rings so I could get real food, but I was kinda hesitant to use them. I had to think logically and ignore my urge to buy something cute. I wasn't gonna do that, I knew my past life had done it, but I needed to be different. Not because I could, but because I knew I was spoiled as hell back then.

I eventually made a list of what was a priority: Medicine, a first-aid kit, a lunch box, and then something good to eat. Medicine in case I get sick; first aid for small injuries; a lunch box to have food for longer; and the food was because I wanted something other than berries and edible flowers.

I walked around the Kingdom, very curious about it. I confirmed that the war with 'Overlanders,' didn't happen, and most of them had left the planet; Some like Robotnik had stayed. So, there's still a chance that King Nigel will be dethroned... but there's also a chance it won't happen.

Ugh, I was so confused... The only good thing is that it's summer, so I wasn't gonna get into trouble for not being in school. I sighed but barely managed to buy the med kit, over-the-counter cold and fever meds, and a lunch box, and that was basically everything I had.

I couldn't get real food, which was frustrating. I had used my rings for the necessities, which are more important than luxuries; I couldn't risk not having medicine or bandages when I needed them.

The street food smells so good too... There were a lot of vendors out in the open making food for Mobians, so it was kinda loud here, but I mostly ignored the noise in favor of the smell, even if it makes me hungry...

This kind of reminds me of the festivals Uncle Chuck would help run... I moved out of the crowd... Damnit, I was doing so well... don't cry, don't cry... Don't let your magic show.

It was loud, everything was louder now... I took a breath as I sat down, somewhat managing to hide. I just took a minute to calm down. ' Conceal it, don't feel it. ' Doesn't really work, didn’t in the movies, and I wasn't trying it. I needed control, not fear…

I sat in the alley for a bit, my back against the rough brick, sitting on hot concrete, listening to all the noise, and smelling the spices of the nearby food stall. I was always super emotional, but I was slowly figuring out how to handle it.

It took me a few minutes to regain my composure. After that, I managed to slip away to try to visit the library quietly, since Robotnik's attack had cut off my education. I might as well read and learn about whatever the fuck I wanted -and technically- the city of Acorn's history was a good start.