Sonic the Werehog

**Sonic the Werehog** (ソニック・ザ・ウェアホッグ, *Sonikku za Weahoggu*?), or just the **Werehog** (ウェアホッグ,*Weahoggu*?) for short, is a transformation that appears in *Sonic the Hedgehog* series. A bestial, werewolf-like form of Sonic the Hedgehog, this extreme physical transformation was created when Sonic accidentally absorbed a dose of Dark Gaia's energy onboard the Chaos Energy Cannon, although the transformation itself would only be triggered by nighttime and remain active until daytime. After using it on a number of occasions, Sonic lost this form permanently when Dark Gaia reclaimed the energy that caused the transformation. In this form, Sonic loses his speed in exchange for incredible strength and stretchable arms. He also gains a bit more feral and bestial behavior as a Werehog, including a deeper and more growling voice, a tendency to roar and howl, occasional quadrupedal movement patterns, and a shorter temper. Even when Sonic turns into this form though, his heart is (almost) no different from the usual Sonic.

## Appearance

In this form, Sonic resembles a werewolfand gains increased muscular densityand weight. He grows slightly larger, with a broader torso, a longer muzzle, larger hands, and longer, more muscular arms. Additionally, his fingernails become claw-like and his teeth become fangs. His mouth also becomes much larger. Likewise, his ears become more curved and thin, and his lips become black. His once peach skin is now a pale blue. His fur grows into a lush, heavy, dark blue coat. He also gains fur in places he normally does not, such as on his arms and chest. Traits of white fur also appear on his wrists, the end of his quills, and on his chest.

For attire, Sonic loses his white gloves, exposing his hands, and the cuffs of his shoes become slightly frilled in the back. His now dark red shoes have gray metal strips that have three spikes on the surface, and the bottom of each of his soles are covered with eighteen small metal spikes.

## Powers and Abilities

As the werehog, Sonic loses his trademark ability to move at super speed. In exchange, he receives an increase in muscular density that grants him overwhelming physical strength. His powerful arms in particular have enough strength to throw and topple creatures as large as a Titan and the Dark Gaia Phoenix, pick up and swing around enemies, and smash open metal vaults with a single punch. Nonetheless, he retains his lightning-fast reflexes and agility, being perfectly capable of performing various aerial stunts during interactions and Critical Attacks on Dark Gaia's Minions and reacting accordingly to Dark Guardian's near-instantaneous movements. Sonic is likewise very durable as a werehog, being able to survive being hammered into the ground by Dark Guardian's hammer and still retain consciousness. He can also achieve above-average running speed by dashing on all fours.

In addition to the above, Sonic the Werehog also has the ability to stretch his arms at will. HIs maximum stretching limit is unknown though. Sonic mainly uses this ability to attack and grab enemies from a distance and build momentum for his attacks. He can even enlarge his arms, hands and feet to increase the power of his attacks. Outside combat, Sonic can also use this ability to move around by grabbing targets from a distance and easily swinging or jumping from pole to pole. In addition, Sonic the Werehog possesses sharp claws that can cut through solid rock and Badnik armor. Combining these abilities, Sonic can utilize a moveset of ferocious combat techniques that make up for his lack of speed.

Sonic the Werehog is also capable of harnessing the energies of Dark Gaia for different applications. He mainly applies it in his combat techniques to empower his attacks, put up a force-field when guarding, and harness excess Dark Gaia Force. Gathering up enough of the aforementioned energy allows Sonic to enter the Unleashed Mode, a temporary state that increases his strength and durability.

## Trivia

* Sonic the Werehog is based on the mythical Werewolf.
	+ Despite the term "Werehog" being a portmanteau of "werewolf" and "hedgehog," it is actually a misnomer. The word "werewolf" is the modern English continuation of a late Old English "wer(e)wulf," a compound of *were* "man" (cognate with Gothic *wair,* Latin *vir*) and *wulf* "wolf"; cognate with Middle Dutch *weerwolf,* Old High German *werwolf.* The term is literally "man-wolf," a man who becomes a wolf. Consequently, the term "Werehog" would literally mean "man-hog," an inaccurate term that would imply a man who becomes a hog rather than a hedgehog who becomes a wolf.