Chapter 7 A Change of Tactics
* At long last, we are here! The moment you've all been waiting for, ladies and gents! It's time to break out the diapers! HUZZAH!
But before we get to that, I do have one little warning. There will be a couple of spanking scenes in this story. Nothing outlandish, and it's very brief, but I know some readers are put off or are bothered by this, so I've put ** at the beginning and end of such scenes so that you may skip that part if you like.
Also, I made a few updates on my profile on stories to look out for in the future so check it out when you're done with this chapter, and I would like to reiterate that updates will be less frequent since my family is working on a remodel project. I will still update this story! Not about to drop it no way no how, but updates probably won't happen every week.
Thanks, you guys! :D*

Rubbing away some dirt off his glasses, Eggman examines the spectacles making sure the smidge was gone. Satisfied, he places them back in position to continue reading the highlights of his research.
The doctor's interview with Rouge two days ago had been quite enlightening. Their talk had helped give him some direction about what to look for in his fact-finding web search. Though he had done much of that before Sonic's arrival, most of the topics had been on legal issues with adoption and fostering processes, needs of growing hedgehogs, and a brief refresher course on hedgehog physiology.
This time his topics composed of; how to communicate with your teen, ways to help rebellious teenagers, signs of trauma and coping strategies, PTSD in your child, regression symptoms, and how to treat it. There was a plethora of information the doctor found and some forums he had anonymously signed up for and asked questions from experienced doctors and patients and their families.
By the time Sonic arrived back to base early yesterday evening, he could practically write a book (ok, more like a lot of books) on what he had found.
So far, from his interactions with Sonic and reviewing history and current behavior. Eggman had concluded that "Sonic is an adolescent orphan with no known past. Has experienced much trauma and stress in his life, sigh that would be my fault." he muttered, jotting down some notes, "And copes with such stress by running, indulging in adrenaline rush activities, surrounding himself with nature, sleeping frequently, and spending time with friends." Fingering the ends of his mustache Eggman continued his thoughtful monologue, "He's generally not open to others about his emotions, hiding behind a mask of confidence and a cocky laid back attitude. Giving off the notion that nothing seems to phase him...on the surface."
But deeper down, the doctor knew there was more than meets the eye. Sonic's behavior the past week had proved that. The hedgehog's refusal to follow the simple set of rules he had established, childish antics, and immature mannerisms proved Sonic has some slight regression tendencies. Looking at the blue blur, one would never know this unless something was not going at all as he had planned. Like right now, while he was living with Eggman.
"And now that I'm more or less retiring from the evil scheme business. Any and all trauma that blue pinecone has bottled up over the years will catch up to him now." Pausing, the doctor glances at the clock sitting on his desk. 9 am, it read, "Sonic should be up by now. Time to see if he has an apology ready." with an old man grunt Eggman stands up, adjusting his red jacket, and left his bedroom, slowly walking down the hall to Sonic's room.
Calm and collected on the outside, inside Eggman was quite anxious to see how the hedgehog had faired the overnight punishment. Wondering if this time, Sonic would finally give in, accepting the human's position as the adult and head of the household or if he would continue to rebel? The doctor hoped it would be the former; he didn't want to punish Sonic anymore because, quite frankly, it hurt his heart every time he had to.
Standing stiff before the door, straightening his jacket again, Eggman took a calming breath and stepped forward, activating the sensor. "Rise, and shi-!" Eggman's cheery voice withered as the door slid open, revealing the other side. His eyes grew to the size of the dinner plates, and his jaw dropped open in a silent scream, shock, and horror washing over his features.
The room is in such total disarray he barely recognizes it. Everything is destroyed and carelessly lying in pieces on the floor. Any thoughts he had before are totally forgotten. The doctor just stands there like a frozen statue at the destruction. Even the bases Sonic and his friends had blown up in the past didn't look near as messy as this!
Careful to avoid the sharp metal and wooden pieces, he steps forward, eyes traveling from one point of the room to another. It takes Eggman at least 5 minutes before his brain finally processes what he's seeing. His features slowly morph from shock to anger. No, he wasn't angry. That was too mild.
He was absolutely furious! All his hard work, all of his research, finances, compassion, concern, and effort were thrown carelessly aside like a spoiled piece of trash! And the proof was staring right back at him.
Eggman searched for a speck of blue in the chaos with wild eyes, knowing Sonic couldn't have left. Suddenly he spots a red shoe sticking out from the underside of a piece of wood leaning against the wall. Eggman stomps over to the cave-like structure and taps his foot against the red shoe; the creature inside sleepily moans but doesn't wake.
Sonic yells in surprise when his foot is unexpectedly yanked, and he's pulled away from his warm nest—finding himself dangling upside down. He rapidly blinks his eyes to adjust to the now exceedingly bright lights. His sleep-riddled mind frantically trying to figure out what was happening when gradually a familiar face fades into focus, a familiar angry face. Uh oh...
His hands turn cold and clammy as his green eyes turn to pinpricks. Despite being held upside down, Sonic can see the fire burning just behind Eggman's glasses, and he feels a void growing in his stomach.
In the past, during their fiercest battles, whenever Eggman was angry, he would react by yelling and screaming at him like when he had pulled all of those pranks during the last week. Now the human was just staring at him, seething in silent anger. It was so out of character for the doctor that Sonic was terrified of what he would do to him for once in his life. "L-l-look doc-"
"Don't-" Eggman abruptly cuts the studdering hedgehog off, "say one word." Sonic obediently shuts his mouth closed. "I don't want to hear any excuses as to why your room is...is...I don't even have the words but this, " he twists the hedgehog back upright, holding him by the scruff, and waved to the scene before them, "this is quite possibly the worst thing you have ever done." Eggman spoke the words so quietly you could almost hear Sonic's heart race.
He gulped warily, looking back to the outraged human as he continues, "You're behavior of late as been deplorable, disgraceful. I find it hard to believe that the hero of Mobius is you." Sonic's ears fall back, and he winces at those words when Eggman pokes him in the chest. Guilt etched all over his face, yet he dared not to speak back. What else could he say when Eggman called him a hero in disbelief, he felt the same way.
"I have been nothing but kind to you. Opening my home and offering my help to raise you during your adolescence. And this is how you act!" The doctor yells, pointing to the mess, "Throwing a tantrum like an out-of-control toddler! Your behavior and attitude has been despicable. I've been willing to let some of your antics go, but you've proven that I've been far too soft with you. This is completely unacceptable, and I'm putting my foot down!" Sonic sweatdrops, he opens his mouth to try and explain and apologize. A thought flashes in his mind to beg for a second chance to prove he was capable of being more considerate and civilized, but before he can utter a single sound, the hedgehog finds himself flipped once again.
This time on his stomach, laying over Eggman's legs. Sonic quirks an eyebrow in confusion about what was happening before he suddenly hears a loud smack from behind. He flinches in surprise, eyes wide, and turns his head to see Eggman sitting on a piece of debris with his handheld high over his bottom. "What are you-"
SMACK!
"Ouch!" now he feels the burning sting on his rump, and it registers in his mind what Eggman is doing. He's spanking me! Embarrassed and with a grimace, Sonic struggles to get out of the human's lap, but the doctor's other hand firmly presses down on his back quills in response keeping him from escaping. "You're not getting out of this punishment Sonic. It's about time you learn what happens when you disrespect me." Eggman says stiffly while smacking down on the blue blur's bottom again, and again, and again.
Sonic cringes continuing to struggle and wiggle as Eggman continues to spank him. Out of all of Eggman's punishments, this is the worst he's gotten. Not only is it painful but incredibly embarrassing, and after the 10th smack, his bottom is stinging, so much so that tears begin to leak from his eyes, a few whimpers escaping his lips.
Sonic holds his mouth and eyes closed as tightly as he can keep himself from looking any more weak and pathetic, but the redder his bottom becomes, the harder it is to keep it all inside. He eventually breaks just as Eggman finishes the last few strokes. Sonic breaks down to full-blown sobbing, unable to stop himself from crying, regretting everything he'd ever done since coming here. The embarrassment and pain, both physical and emotional, are too much.
The moment Eggman laxes in his hold Sonic scrambles to the floor away from the human, hiding his face behind his hands, futilely trying to quiet his sobs as he cries. He doesn't think he could be any more embarrassed after having Eggman spank him like a little kid and wants to get as far away as possible from the man. Before he can get too far, Eggman roughly grabs his arm and pulls him close; Sonic keeps his head down blindly, squirming to wretch himself away from the doctor. "Sonic, stop fighting me and for once listen to what I'm saying!" Eggman firmly commands.
No please don't. I look like a total wuss crying like a baby over a spanking! So totally not cool God, why can't you just leave me alone?! Sonic wished desperately that he could run into the distance and disappear. The tears slowed down, but the flush on his cheeks stayed. He felt like a little kid getting punished for misbehaving. The hedgehog imagined that's exactly how he looked to Eggman. But he reminded himself that if he was going to make any progress with helping reform the doctor, he needed to suck up what was left of his pride and say sorry. He didn't want to risk angering Eggman further and squashing any hope to turn him into a good guy.
The hedgehog takes in a few shallow breaths to pull himself together and complies, not daring to lift his head or open his eyes to reveal how pitiful he knows he must look. He wanted to retain some measure of dignity. "Sonic, " Eggman says quietly, "look at me." the blue blur quickly shakes his head like a stubborn toddler, "Look at me," Eggman repeats softly yet still firm. Hiccuping and gasping another shaky breath, Sonic fiercely wipes his eyes with a free hand and opens them to look at the human who grasps hold of both his arms now.
The doctor feels his heart crack when Sonic reluctantly looks up at him, eyes shiny and stained red from crying as the last few tears continue their journey down his tan muzzle. He's never seen the hedgehog cry before today, and he was sure it wouldn't be the last. Eggman struggles to make his voice not waver, putting much authority and weight in what he says next.
"You are never to act or speak to me that way again. Do you understand?" Sonic nods dejectedly, "You understand why I spanked you just now?" The hog's cheeks grow warmer, and he shyly nods again. Eggman solemnly nods in return, "Good. Your punishment isn't over yet. However, that can wait. We need to fix you up a new room immediately. Go on and get some breakfast." the doctor says, leaving his explanation and his discipline at that for now.
Sonic, for once in a long time, is mute. When Eggman lets him go finally, he dashes off to fix his face before going to the dining room, grateful that Eggman wasn't going to kick him out but ashamed all the same for his behavior.
Did he have to spank me, though?!

*Later that day*
Eggman looks over the newly furnished room and hums to himself with approval; Orbot hovers beside him as Cubot and Metal Sonic twist the final screws of the last piece of furniture for Sonic's new room. The doctor nods absently as he mentally checked over his list that everything was in place. When he had asked his robots to fetch the new furnishings, he had made sure that they had gotten more durable pieces in case Sonic decided to have another tantrum. Hopefully, such an adjustment would not be needed, but he wanted to make sure that everything could survive a hit to the wall or a rapid spin dash just in case. And hopefully, that was the blue devil's first and last episode. The rest of his punishment should fix that rebellious streak of his for good.
"Doctor, " the circular robot hesitantly calls, interrupting Eggman's thoughts, "I fail to see how this odd strategic play will possibly get Sonic to behave in a more civilized manner. Will, he did not resent you further for this kind of treatment?" Orbot questions scratching his head. "Desperate times call for desperate measures, Orbot. And remember, Sonic is no ordinary hedgehog in more ways than just his speed. I'll admit...this is an unorthodox move even for myself." Eggman awkwardly heaves a heavy sigh, "But I'm willing to try anything to help that stubborn devil see that despite his experience living on his own, he still needs guidance and a stable home experience as all children should have. Going back and starting from the beginning should help him see that." Orbot, as blunt as ever to show the doctor's faults and failures, asks, "What if your plan doesn't succeed?"
A heavyweight settles in the egg-shaped human's chest at the mention of the potential for his newest and last plan failing, unlike with machines that could be easily fixed or replaced after a serious mistake. Organic beings were not the same. More often than not, you only have one chance to get it right, and that's it, and the doctor couldn't afford any more mistakes. He had made too many in his life. The ones he had made against the blue blur being the worst and largest, he had to do something now before it was too late. Initiating regression was the first step he needed to make before any progress could be made on healing the blue blur.
"Then quite frankly, I don't know what I'll do. All I know right now is I've got to try everything I can to keep him here. I-I have a dreadful feeling. Now that I'm retiring from the evil villain business, all that's happened over the years will catch up to him now. It's only a matter of time for that to happen, and it's not going to be pretty. I want to be there for him when that time comes. If anyone is going to help him get through this...it's me."
At hearing himself say this out loud, Eggman felt his heart swell, remembering why he was going through all this trouble in the first place. The doctor and Sonic always had shared a bit of a kindred spirit since their first encounter and had grown to respect each other's skills, but now for the doctor, at least, it had grown into something more than that. Eggman couldn't recall precisely when he noticed he had gotten attached to the blue devil; his feelings of slight admiration changing into fondness, but he knew it happened after the war was over.
He had been in one of his hidden bunkers looking over his data gathered from the hedgehog during his 6-month prison stay, trying to plan his next move for the umpteenth time. Eggman had been greatly surprised to see Sonic had a fairly high IQ. Not that it came anywhere close to his own, but still, it answered the question of how the blue devil could figure out how to defeat him so quickly, especially when his compadres were involved. It was surprising, especially since Sonic lacked any formal education. He'd liked to give the hedgehog a few tests to see how well he would do if only he could get the blue devil to sit and stay with him for a few hours. It was then the light bulb suddenly went off. Immediately the doctor dived into researching and making preparations for the future contract that would evolve to fulfill his goal to house Sonic in his care. This was to be his greatest plan of all!
Orbot gazed upon his creator, who was blankly staring off in the distance, thinking deeply. He beeped, simulating the action of clearing his throat to draw the doctor back to now. Eggman jolted slightly at the noise before hiding his hands behind his back, acting like nothing had happened, "Ah...But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Come, let's see what the little pincushion is up to." exiting the room, Eggman begins his search for Sonic.
It doesn't take the doctor long to find his charge in the dark lounge room, the light from the tv illuminating on the figure half curled up, fast asleep on the couch, remote still in his grasp while the tv is on a random cooking challenge show. Eggman glances at the screen and notices the show is one of his favorites, and he smirks. It seems we have similar tastes. He keeps the show in mind to watch together later as a potential bonding activity. Gently taking the remote, he turns the tv off and scoops up the blue bundle of quills.
It's late in the evening now, past dinner. Sonic had fled from the doctor after his first spanking that morning, and the hedgehog had maintained his distance all day, not uttering a peep. That was fine with Eggman. He knew Sonic wouldn't go stirring up trouble after the incident, and he himself had been busy all day fixing up the hog's new room. The doctor also understood that the blue blur was probably still stunned and processing the fact that he had received a punishment usually reserved for small children. Though it didn't escape the doctor's notice that Sonic had seemed...ashamed and guilt-ridden since then. As though he were trying to fade into the air every time, they so happened to pass briefly in the hallways and during meal times.
If he truly was sorry for his comments and actions, Eggman felt that it was a good sign that the new treatment was already working. However, he needed to stick to his guns; otherwise, Sonic could backpedal and rebel again. He had to keep up this plan no matter how awkward it was for the both of them.
Eggman strolls into Sonic's new room, located right next door to his. Gently he places the sleeping hog onto a table, taking care to be as quiet as possible to not wake him up. Carefully he removes the famous red shoes and sets them on the floor, then grabs a folded diaper and unwraps it. With a steady hand, Eggman pulls Sonic's legs up and places the diaper underneath, making sure his blue stubby tail was not being squished, and lowered him onto the white padding. Next, he begins to sprinkle the baby powder.
Sonic mumbles something, and his nose twitches; Eggman freezes in alarm, watching with wide eyes to see if the hedgehog wakes up. Sonic turns his head to the side to a slightly more comfortable position, huffs with content, and sleeps on. Silently sighing, the doctor puts away the powder and resumes the diapering. That was close; if he woke up and caught me while in the middle of doing this, it would have been a disaster! Sticking on the last tape, the blue blur is thoroughly diapered. And now just the last piece. Eggman pulls something out from one of his many pockets and places a pacifier into Sonic's mouth, which he takes easily enough. Instinctually sucking on the rubber nipple.
Eggman can't help a soft smile forming behind his mustache, pleased that his hunch on the pacifier was correct. He had spotted the blue blur's habit to suck on a blanket in his sleep or nibble the cuffs of his gloves when sitting around bored. A habit usually found in small children, this little quirk plus his childish pranks and attitude is what had tipped the doc off of Sonic potentially having regression tendencies. If Sonic took the pampering well, the doctor was sure the pacifier would be a favorite. Not that it really mattered right now; he was going to make sure the blue blur had one with him every time he went to sleep anyway.
Babying complete, Eggman cradled Sonic in his arms, carrying him to his new bed. A dark green crib with a mobile hanging with miniature old modeled badnicks attached. Slowly he placed Sonic inside and covered him with a blanket. His smile widens, shoulders lightly shaking in amusement as he gazes at the sleeping hedgie. He really does look like a baby hedgehog now... adorable. Hehe.
His tasks for the day finished, the overweight human makes his way out of the nursery, treading carefully and clicking the light off; he steps out, the door noiselessly sliding closed. Eggman lets out a breath he didn't know he had been holding and cracks his back, "Oouuf! Well, that takes care of that. Tomorrow the real show begins...I just hope that everything goes as I planned, but it's all up to that blue devil now." covering his mouth he lets out a big yawn, "Oh, guess it's time I went to bed as well. Much to do tomorrow, much to do." taking two steps forward Eggman enters his own room to begin his nightly ritual before hitting the sack. He will need all his energy to care for Baby Sonic tomorrow.