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"Brotherly Love"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 1: "Forgotten Memories Rekindled"

    “The Master Emerald, the most precious possession of not just the echidnas, but the entire world, for it had power unrivaled by anything of this world.  It required skill, dedication, and most of all, a love for protecting it in order to master its true power, and for generations following its creation, the son of the former guardian, or daughter if no son was born, would receive the sacred duty of guarding the precious gem.  Centuries had passed since its creation, and over the years many times had its security been threatened.  Many had tried to seize it for their own desires, by force or cunning, it didn’t matter, for the echidnas fought with a passion that burned like white fire in their hearts, in order to maintain the Master Emerald’s safety.  No matter the peril, the guardian of the Master, as the echidnas called it, would fight to the death to protect it.

    Many attacks had ensued over the Master Emerald, but never did the enemy seize it, though some may have come close, none were successful, for the guardians were unbreakable in their fight to protect it.  Never had more than a few casualties come from battles over the gem, and that was the way it would remain for many, many years.  Until, the cursed guardian was born.  His name was Hinsei Hidama, or “poor falling star”.  He was called by the name Hidama, and was the older brother of Knuckles the Echidna.  Born only two years before his brother, he was committed to the position of Guardian of the Master Emerald after his father’s time had passed.

    Yet, Knuckles is the guardian, and the whole tribe destroyed; massacred in an attempt to steal the Master Emerald, with Knuckles being the only survivor, besides the gem itself.  Distraught over the loss of his family and tribe, as he did his best to honor the fallen, burying them slowly, he noticed that his older brother’s body was not among the dead.  No, Hidama had not been killed.  His story continued on, and would eventually bring him back to his little brother, a love between them that would never die.

    The night of the attack, Hidama and Knuckles’ mother had hidden them in a bush.  Hidama was eight years old, and was asked by his mother to stay and protect Knuckles, no matter what.  She ran to find her husband, the guardian, and Knuckles and Hidama shook with fear as they hid in that bush, trying to block out the screams of their friends and kinsman.  Hidama held his brother close, trying to calm him down, comfort him, and do whatever he could to hide his own panic.  Slowly a rage built in Hidama’s heart; while he was only a child, he had learned a lot of the martial arts, and wanted to fight to save his clan.  Yet, the orders from his mother not to leave Knuckles alone were too strong in his mind.  He loved Knuckles, and didn’t want to leave him, but Hidama also feared that soon, everyone else, including their mother and father, would perish.

    Hidama stood up, wrapping his baby brother up in his cloak and saying, “I’m not going far.  I promise you Knuckles, I’ll come back to you!  Just stay in the bush no matter what, and don’t come out of my cloak either!  It’ll help hide you better!”

    Knuckles slowly nodded, trying to hold back his tears.  “O-okay Hidama…I love you,” Knuckles said.

    “Don’t cry Knuckles, I promise, I’ll come back!” Hidama said.  He hugged Knuckles tightly, and said, “I’ll always love you too Knuckles, no matter what.  Be strong!”

    Then…no sooner had Hidama started up the stairs to the altar, that he saw his mother slain right before his eyes.  Before he could begin to cry out, his father’s cries shone clear over all the noise, and Hidama saw a dark-cloaked flying creature dueling to the death with his father, trying to seize the Master Emerald.

    “Father!  No!” Hidama cried.

    His father, badly beaten, looked in horror at his young son.  He shouted, “No my son!  Go back to the village!  Quickly!  Go!  Now!”  His father could say no more, for in that moment, the weird creature hewed off his father’s arm, with one final blow killing him seconds later.

    Sheer horror flashed in Hidama’s eyes.  It made sense to him now, why his poor mother left Knuckles and Hidama alone, and why his father’s dying words were to run and hide.  Even if the enemy got the Master Emerald, it would be useless to them without the skill of a Guardian, for only the Guardian had the power to control it.  Now the same creature that killed his father turned his glowing red eyes to Hidama.  Hidama’s knees were shaking; he knew why his mother had left them alone; it was so that the enemy would have a hard time finding either of them, and thus the Master would be safe.  It stung Hidama’s heart, for he knew now that the enemy did not seek to kill him; they wanted to capture him.

    Hidama took off down the stairs, running as fast as his little legs could carry him.  The cries of his tribe had died down, as the echidnas died with them.  Hidama was heading back to Knuckles, but quickly realized that that would just get them both captured.  He stopped, tears streaming down his face, and looked down the path to the bush.  He nodded and said, “I won’t let them capture us both.  As long as one of us is free, there is hope for the Master Emerald.”  He closed his eyes and whispered, “I love you, my brother.  I’ll come back for you some day.  I promise!”

    The enemy swooped down and captured Hidama; he didn’t struggle, but wept inside, as his thoughts were only on his little brother, sad, scared, and alone…with nothing but the corpses of the dead around him.  Hidama wasn’t sure of what these creatures were, or what was going to happen to him, but he would survive, and one day, the two brothers would be reunited, if only for a fleeting moment.  It would be the strength of brotherly love, that in the end, would make things right.”

.......

    “Those were the events of that night, and Knuckles, though I’m sure he has tried his hardest to forget these memories, cannot deny that this was the way things were.  The only thing is, he has gone for years not knowing the fate of his brother, and my knowledge of these events now fills in the gaps, making up for this discrepancy,” Shadow said.

    Shadow the Hedgehog had just finished recounting the night of the echidna clan’s slaughter, revealing at long last the fate of Hinsei Hidama, eldest son of the last guardian, and older brother to the current guardian, Knuckles the Echidna.  It had been two days since Shadow, through Sonic the Hedgehog, had alerted Knuckles that his dear brother was infact alive after twelve years had passed, and now was in urgent need of their rescue.  Shadow, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, were going to see what they could do to save Hidama, for if what Shadow suspected was true, the same enemy that captured him and massacred Knuckles’ clan, were now after the Master Emerald, which under Hidama’s control, gave them unlimited and absolute power.

    But no, Hidama had surrendered himself willingly, to save his brother’s life, all those years ago, but he also did not consent to aid the enemy willingly in return.  He spent the next few years, bent on escape, and refused time after time to relinquish his power over the Master Emerald to aid in their sick desires.  Thus, poor Hidama, around the age of twelve, received massive beatings, and endless rounds of extreme torture, wreaking havoc on him body, mind, heart and soul.  He was pushed to, and beyond his limits, until he reached the breaking point, and they ensnared him with their mind control, giving them control over his every move.  This, they would use, not only to control the Master Emerald, but to eliminate any threats that stood in their way, which were Shadow, Sonic, Amy, and of course, the other soul survivor, and guardian, Knuckles.

    Back on Angel Island, Shadow was explaining this to the group.  Amy sat and listened to the sad fate Hidama had suffered, only in an attempt to save his baby brother that horrible night.  She looked up at Knuckles, who at this point, had an empty look in his eyes hearing the ways his brother had been tortured and beaten into submission.  She got up, and walking over to him, took his hand and pulled him towards her, kissing him lightly on the cheek.  “Everything will be okay Knuxie.  We’ll save Hidama and you know it,” she said.

    Knuckles looked at her, and his eyes brightened up.  He even smiled a little; Amy always knew how to cheer him up, and often times was the only thing that kept his spirits up.  He pulled her into his arms and embraced her tightly, kissing her gently on the head as he did so.  “I—I know Amy, it’s just…hearing all the ways my brother has suffered, just to keep me safe…it’s enough to break the heart of any being, no matter how strong.  I’m just lucky to have someone special like you to love me and keep me strong,” he replied.

    Amy looked up at him, smiling brightly.  She remained adamant in her desire to accompany Knuckles and Shadow in their race to save Hidama, while Sonic, with Tails for company, would remain on Angel Island, looking after the Master Emerald, even as companions of Knuckles’ father would should he be absent.  Normally Knuckles wouldn’t dream of leaving the Master Emerald and Angel Island behind, but with the ancient security system in order, and both Tails and Sonic vowing to protect it, he felt better about leaving to rescue his brother.  It was also important in protecting the Master Emerald, so he didn’t have much choice.

    Shadow watched the two of them, his eyes much more gentle than usual, particularly when giving the couple even a passing glance.  He thought, “I’m unsure whether he could continue without her or not.  Perhaps Amy accompanying us is not optional, but rather necessary.  Never have I seen a stronger love, and between races nonetheless.  Maybe rescuing Master Hidama will be less of a challenge than I first assumed.”  Shadow was almost enchanted by the sweet love between them, its very essence and presence around him bringing peace to even his scarred soul.

    However, they could not tarry much longer.  Something was tugging at Shadow’s heart, the need to go and rescue Hidama now rather than later.  He stood up, and looked at the couple again, even as they stood in silence, Knuckles holding Amy in his arms, and Amy rested her head on his chest, listening to his heart beating proudly inside him, and he rested his head on her own, neither of them moving or speaking otherwise.  The hedgehog could not help but be captivated by their strong love, and not wanting to disturb it, decided to voice his concerns elsewhere.  He took off for the Master Emerald’s altar, where Sonic and Tails were, and the fox made final inspections on the ancient security system, a barrier around the island to protect it in times of danger.

    Shadow slowly climbed the stone steps, looking back to see Knuckles and Amy still visible against the sunset.  He shook his head, sighing sadly, fearing that these next few days may bring on more tragedy than he’d ever wish on any of them.  Everyone was so positive about things, and it baffled Shadow, who perhaps was the only one who realized the true danger and seriousness of what lay before them.  At the top of the stairs, he was met with more positive feelings.  Sonic was itching to go on another adventure, but being held back to play his own part seemed not to faze him at all.

    “Man Shads, you are so lucky, getting to run around on all these death quests.  I’m glad to help how I can, but, eh, hopefully next time I’ll get in on the adventure,” Sonic said.

    Shadow scowled, thinking, “How can he be so positive?  Doesn’t he understand that this is beyond a death quest?  I hate to express my feelings of dread, yet I fear that at least one of us involved in this trial will not make it to the end of the road alive.”  He looked up and said, “This isn’t for fun Sonic, and I plead that you’ll respect it in its seriousness.  I ask you only to do one part, and do it well, and that’s enough.  You’re no guardian, or even captain of the guardian, but I, and Knuckles as well, trust you with it nonetheless.”  He walked up to Sonic, looking him in the eyes and said, “I can afford no mistakes on your part hedgehog; one slip up and the fate of the world will teeter off the edge into vile hands, do you understand?”

    Sonic’s eyes widened, and he responded, “Yeah, you got it Shadow.  You can trust me.”

    Shadow withdrew and said, “I hope so Sonic, I hope against and beyond hope that I can.”  He turned and looked over the horizon, saying nothing more at the moment.

    Meanwhile, Tails came back from checking on the security system, saying, “Man, the echidnas knew what they were doing when they set this thing up.  I’ve never seen anything like it, particularly one this aged running at such optimum efficiency.”

    Shadow, without turning, said, “Of course Tails.  The echidnas were perhaps the most intelligent race, surpassing humans I believe…they still do even in death.  You notice that for some time after Angel Island had crashed onto the mainland, no search parties could ever find the village, or the Master Emerald, even though its altar is visible for miles.  That fortune was this very security system you speak of, activated as soon as the attack started by one of the Guardian’s Captains, which indeed was the only thing that prevented the enemy from seizing the Master Emerald, and humans from finding it, or poor Knuckles as well.”

    Sonic and Tails were amazed, for now they understood why the enemy had not taken the Master Emerald when they had the chance, as well as why Knuckles and the Master Emerald went undiscovered no matter who or what tried to invade the island.  Shadow turned around and said, “It is this same system, that I ask you to rely upon alone incase of an attack.  Do not worry for the Master once activated, for again, the system will prevent the Master’s capture.  Worry only for yourselves, for they can use you in the same way as Hinsei Hidama, using you to retrieve the Master for them instead of risking hurt to themselves.”

    The hedgehog and fox looked at each other, then back at Shadow, simply nodding in reply.  Shadow too nodded back, and then turned to the horizon once more.  He looked down at Knuckles and Amy again, seeing them hand in hand, walking on the edge of the woods.  He said, “None of this has been easy on Knuckles.  He had locked out and long forgotten the frightful memories of that night, and yet never forgot his dear brother, and the promise that he’d return, especially when he could never find the body.  Yet, rekindling these forgotten memories hasn’t made any of this easier on him, and yet, Amy, she makes all those negativities melt away.”  He paused, then, half looking at Tails and Sonic, said, “We must leave tomorrow.  The longer we tarry the more my heart bleeds with fear.  We’ll be okay, of that I’m certain.”

    Sonic and Tails nodded, but were visibly positive as they had been about things.  The two took off, racing each other down the stairs, leaving Shadow with the Master Emerald.  He felt sick at what he said, for he knew very well what his heart foreboded.  He knew that somebody involved in this story wouldn’t come out unscathed; someone’s soul would suffer scarring; someone’s heart would be crushed…someone would die.

    Shadow cringed; he couldn’t get those voices and thoughts away from him.  Someone would die, that’s all he knew, and as he looked at Amy and Knuckles, happy just being together, it sickened him to think, perhaps maybe one of them would suffer this cruel agony.  “No, those two are too strong.  I severely doubt a love as strong as theirs would waver and break at a time like this; nay, it would strengthen, as the bond between anything would when being pulled apart.  His heart is with her, and her heart with him, and thus their love shall be their savior, and never, ever die,” he thought.

    Eventually, twilight prevailed and a blanket of stars filled the sky, giving a pale glow to the world around, as all slept beneath it.  Once again, Shadow thought sleep to be beyond him, and instead, he looked to the stars to restore him.  Gazing skyward, a slow sigh escaped him, as he looked to Knuckles and Amy, cuddled together fast asleep as usual, left to the peace of their dreams, allowing Amy to smile even in her sleep.  Again, Shadow looked at them with gentleness that not a living soul had ever seen in his eyes before this.  He felt sick, as if all he was doing was bringing unnecessary misery and woe to them.  He knew what needed to be done, had no choice but to be pursued, and yet, he felt responsible for nothing more than rekindling forgotten memories better left asleep, and agitating old wounds that only love like theirs could heal.

    What would the next sunrise bring?  The beginning of a new adventure of course, but what the journey would bring, not even Shadow could tell, or even seek to reveal.

Description
"Brotherly Love"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 1: "Forgotten Memories Rekindled"

    “The Master Emerald, the most precious possession of not just the echidnas, but the entire world, for it had power unrivaled by anything of this world.  It required skill, dedication, and most of all, a love for protecting it in order to master its true power, and for generations following its creation, the son of the former guardian, or daughter if no son was born, would receive the sacred duty of guarding the precious gem.  Centuries had passed since its creation, and over the years many times had its security been threatened.  Many had tried to seize it for their own desires, by force or cunning, it didn’t matter, for the echidnas fought with a passion that burned like white fire in their hearts, in order to maintain the Master Emerald’s safety.  No matter the peril, the guardian of the Master, as the echidnas called it, would fight to the death to protect it.

    Many attacks had ensued over the Master Emerald, but never did the enemy seize it, though some may have come close, none were successful, for the guardians were unbreakable in their fight to protect it.  Never had more than a few casualties come from battles over the gem, and that was the way it would remain for many, many years.  Until, the cursed guardian was born.  His name was Hinsei Hidama, or “poor falling star”.  He was called by the name Hidama, and was the older brother of Knuckles the Echidna.  Born only two years before his brother, he was committed to the position of Guardian of the Master Emerald after his father’s time had passed.

    Yet, Knuckles is the guardian, and the whole tribe destroyed; massacred in an attempt to steal the Master Emerald, with Knuckles being the only survivor, besides the gem itself.  Distraught over the loss of his family and tribe, as he did his best to honor the fallen, burying them slowly, he noticed that his older brother’s body was not among the dead.  No, Hidama had not been killed.  His story continued on, and would eventually bring him back to his little brother, a love between them that would never die.

    The night of the attack, Hidama and Knuckles’ mother had hidden them in a bush.  Hidama was eight years old, and was asked by his mother to stay and protect Knuckles, no matter what.  She ran to find her husband, the guardian, and Knuckles and Hidama shook with fear as they hid in that bush, trying to block out the screams of their friends and kinsman.  Hidama held his brother close, trying to calm him down, comfort him, and do whatever he could to hide his own panic.  Slowly a rage built in Hidama’s heart; while he was only a child, he had learned a lot of the martial arts, and wanted to fight to save his clan.  Yet, the orders from his mother not to leave Knuckles alone were too strong in his mind.  He loved Knuckles, and didn’t want to leave him, but Hidama also feared that soon, everyone else, including their mother and father, would perish.

    Hidama stood up, wrapping his baby brother up in his cloak and saying, “I’m not going far.  I promise you Knuckles, I’ll come back to you!  Just stay in the bush no matter what, and don’t come out of my cloak either!  It’ll help hide you better!”

    Knuckles slowly nodded, trying to hold back his tears.  “O-okay Hidama…I love you,” Knuckles said.

    “Don’t cry Knuckles, I promise, I’ll come back!” Hidama said.  He hugged Knuckles tightly, and said, “I’ll always love you too Knuckles, no matter what.  Be strong!”

    Then…no sooner had Hidama started up the stairs to the altar, that he saw his mother slain right before his eyes.  Before he could begin to cry out, his father’s cries shone clear over all the noise, and Hidama saw a dark-cloaked flying creature dueling to the death with his father, trying to seize the Master Emerald.

    “Father!  No!” Hidama cried.

    His father, badly beaten, looked in horror at his young son.  He shouted, “No my son!  Go back to the village!  Quickly!  Go!  Now!”  His father could say no more, for in that moment, the weird creature hewed off his father’s arm, with one final blow killing him seconds later.

    Sheer horror flashed in Hidama’s eyes.  It made sense to him now, why his poor mother left Knuckles and Hidama alone, and why his father’s dying words were to run and hide.  Even if the enemy got the Master Emerald, it would be useless to them without the skill of a Guardian, for only the Guardian had the power to control it.  Now the same creature that killed his father turned his glowing red eyes to Hidama.  Hidama’s knees were shaking; he knew why his mother had left them alone; it was so that the enemy would have a hard time finding either of them, and thus the Master would be safe.  It stung Hidama’s heart, for he knew now that the enemy did not seek to kill him; they wanted to capture him.

    Hidama took off down the stairs, running as fast as his little legs could carry him.  The cries of his tribe had died down, as the echidnas died with them.  Hidama was heading back to Knuckles, but quickly realized that that would just get them both captured.  He stopped, tears streaming down his face, and looked down the path to the bush.  He nodded and said, “I won’t let them capture us both.  As long as one of us is free, there is hope for the Master Emerald.”  He closed his eyes and whispered, “I love you, my brother.  I’ll come back for you some day.  I promise!”

    The enemy swooped down and captured Hidama; he didn’t struggle, but wept inside, as his thoughts were only on his little brother, sad, scared, and alone…with nothing but the corpses of the dead around him.  Hidama wasn’t sure of what these creatures were, or what was going to happen to him, but he would survive, and one day, the two brothers would be reunited, if only for a fleeting moment.  It would be the strength of brotherly love, that in the end, would make things right.”

.......

    “Those were the events of that night, and Knuckles, though I’m sure he has tried his hardest to forget these memories, cannot deny that this was the way things were.  The only thing is, he has gone for years not knowing the fate of his brother, and my knowledge of these events now fills in the gaps, making up for this discrepancy,” Shadow said.

    Shadow the Hedgehog had just finished recounting the night of the echidna clan’s slaughter, revealing at long last the fate of Hinsei Hidama, eldest son of the last guardian, and older brother to the current guardian, Knuckles the Echidna.  It had been two days since Shadow, through Sonic the Hedgehog, had alerted Knuckles that his dear brother was infact alive after twelve years had passed, and now was in urgent need of their rescue.  Shadow, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, were going to see what they could do to save Hidama, for if what Shadow suspected was true, the same enemy that captured him and massacred Knuckles’ clan, were now after the Master Emerald, which under Hidama’s control, gave them unlimited and absolute power.

    But no, Hidama had surrendered himself willingly, to save his brother’s life, all those years ago, but he also did not consent to aid the enemy willingly in return.  He spent the next few years, bent on escape, and refused time after time to relinquish his power over the Master Emerald to aid in their sick desires.  Thus, poor Hidama, around the age of twelve, received massive beatings, and endless rounds of extreme torture, wreaking havoc on him body, mind, heart and soul.  He was pushed to, and beyond his limits, until he reached the breaking point, and they ensnared him with their mind control, giving them control over his every move.  This, they would use, not only to control the Master Emerald, but to eliminate any threats that stood in their way, which were Shadow, Sonic, Amy, and of course, the other soul survivor, and guardian, Knuckles.

    Back on Angel Island, Shadow was explaining this to the group.  Amy sat and listened to the sad fate Hidama had suffered, only in an attempt to save his baby brother that horrible night.  She looked up at Knuckles, who at this point, had an empty look in his eyes hearing the ways his brother had been tortured and beaten into submission.  She got up, and walking over to him, took his hand and pulled him towards her, kissing him lightly on the cheek.  “Everything will be okay Knuxie.  We’ll save Hidama and you know it,” she said.

    Knuckles looked at her, and his eyes brightened up.  He even smiled a little; Amy always knew how to cheer him up, and often times was the only thing that kept his spirits up.  He pulled her into his arms and embraced her tightly, kissing her gently on the head as he did so.  “I—I know Amy, it’s just…hearing all the ways my brother has suffered, just to keep me safe…it’s enough to break the heart of any being, no matter how strong.  I’m just lucky to have someone special like you to love me and keep me strong,” he replied.

    Amy looked up at him, smiling brightly.  She remained adamant in her desire to accompany Knuckles and Shadow in their race to save Hidama, while Sonic, with Tails for company, would remain on Angel Island, looking after the Master Emerald, even as companions of Knuckles’ father would should he be absent.  Normally Knuckles wouldn’t dream of leaving the Master Emerald and Angel Island behind, but with the ancient security system in order, and both Tails and Sonic vowing to protect it, he felt better about leaving to rescue his brother.  It was also important in protecting the Master Emerald, so he didn’t have much choice.

    Shadow watched the two of them, his eyes much more gentle than usual, particularly when giving the couple even a passing glance.  He thought, “I’m unsure whether he could continue without her or not.  Perhaps Amy accompanying us is not optional, but rather necessary.  Never have I seen a stronger love, and between races nonetheless.  Maybe rescuing Master Hidama will be less of a challenge than I first assumed.”  Shadow was almost enchanted by the sweet love between them, its very essence and presence around him bringing peace to even his scarred soul.

    However, they could not tarry much longer.  Something was tugging at Shadow’s heart, the need to go and rescue Hidama now rather than later.  He stood up, and looked at the couple again, even as they stood in silence, Knuckles holding Amy in his arms, and Amy rested her head on his chest, listening to his heart beating proudly inside him, and he rested his head on her own, neither of them moving or speaking otherwise.  The hedgehog could not help but be captivated by their strong love, and not wanting to disturb it, decided to voice his concerns elsewhere.  He took off for the Master Emerald’s altar, where Sonic and Tails were, and the fox made final inspections on the ancient security system, a barrier around the island to protect it in times of danger.

    Shadow slowly climbed the stone steps, looking back to see Knuckles and Amy still visible against the sunset.  He shook his head, sighing sadly, fearing that these next few days may bring on more tragedy than he’d ever wish on any of them.  Everyone was so positive about things, and it baffled Shadow, who perhaps was the only one who realized the true danger and seriousness of what lay before them.  At the top of the stairs, he was met with more positive feelings.  Sonic was itching to go on another adventure, but being held back to play his own part seemed not to faze him at all.

    “Man Shads, you are so lucky, getting to run around on all these death quests.  I’m glad to help how I can, but, eh, hopefully next time I’ll get in on the adventure,” Sonic said.

    Shadow scowled, thinking, “How can he be so positive?  Doesn’t he understand that this is beyond a death quest?  I hate to express my feelings of dread, yet I fear that at least one of us involved in this trial will not make it to the end of the road alive.”  He looked up and said, “This isn’t for fun Sonic, and I plead that you’ll respect it in its seriousness.  I ask you only to do one part, and do it well, and that’s enough.  You’re no guardian, or even captain of the guardian, but I, and Knuckles as well, trust you with it nonetheless.”  He walked up to Sonic, looking him in the eyes and said, “I can afford no mistakes on your part hedgehog; one slip up and the fate of the world will teeter off the edge into vile hands, do you understand?”

    Sonic’s eyes widened, and he responded, “Yeah, you got it Shadow.  You can trust me.”

    Shadow withdrew and said, “I hope so Sonic, I hope against and beyond hope that I can.”  He turned and looked over the horizon, saying nothing more at the moment.

    Meanwhile, Tails came back from checking on the security system, saying, “Man, the echidnas knew what they were doing when they set this thing up.  I’ve never seen anything like it, particularly one this aged running at such optimum efficiency.”

    Shadow, without turning, said, “Of course Tails.  The echidnas were perhaps the most intelligent race, surpassing humans I believe…they still do even in death.  You notice that for some time after Angel Island had crashed onto the mainland, no search parties could ever find the village, or the Master Emerald, even though its altar is visible for miles.  That fortune was this very security system you speak of, activated as soon as the attack started by one of the Guardian’s Captains, which indeed was the only thing that prevented the enemy from seizing the Master Emerald, and humans from finding it, or poor Knuckles as well.”

    Sonic and Tails were amazed, for now they understood why the enemy had not taken the Master Emerald when they had the chance, as well as why Knuckles and the Master Emerald went undiscovered no matter who or what tried to invade the island.  Shadow turned around and said, “It is this same system, that I ask you to rely upon alone incase of an attack.  Do not worry for the Master once activated, for again, the system will prevent the Master’s capture.  Worry only for yourselves, for they can use you in the same way as Hinsei Hidama, using you to retrieve the Master for them instead of risking hurt to themselves.”

    The hedgehog and fox looked at each other, then back at Shadow, simply nodding in reply.  Shadow too nodded back, and then turned to the horizon once more.  He looked down at Knuckles and Amy again, seeing them hand in hand, walking on the edge of the woods.  He said, “None of this has been easy on Knuckles.  He had locked out and long forgotten the frightful memories of that night, and yet never forgot his dear brother, and the promise that he’d return, especially when he could never find the body.  Yet, rekindling these forgotten memories hasn’t made any of this easier on him, and yet, Amy, she makes all those negativities melt away.”  He paused, then, half looking at Tails and Sonic, said, “We must leave tomorrow.  The longer we tarry the more my heart bleeds with fear.  We’ll be okay, of that I’m certain.”

    Sonic and Tails nodded, but were visibly positive as they had been about things.  The two took off, racing each other down the stairs, leaving Shadow with the Master Emerald.  He felt sick at what he said, for he knew very well what his heart foreboded.  He knew that somebody involved in this story wouldn’t come out unscathed; someone’s soul would suffer scarring; someone’s heart would be crushed…someone would die.

    Shadow cringed; he couldn’t get those voices and thoughts away from him.  Someone would die, that’s all he knew, and as he looked at Amy and Knuckles, happy just being together, it sickened him to think, perhaps maybe one of them would suffer this cruel agony.  “No, those two are too strong.  I severely doubt a love as strong as theirs would waver and break at a time like this; nay, it would strengthen, as the bond between anything would when being pulled apart.  His heart is with her, and her heart with him, and thus their love shall be their savior, and never, ever die,” he thought.

    Eventually, twilight prevailed and a blanket of stars filled the sky, giving a pale glow to the world around, as all slept beneath it.  Once again, Shadow thought sleep to be beyond him, and instead, he looked to the stars to restore him.  Gazing skyward, a slow sigh escaped him, as he looked to Knuckles and Amy, cuddled together fast asleep as usual, left to the peace of their dreams, allowing Amy to smile even in her sleep.  Again, Shadow looked at them with gentleness that not a living soul had ever seen in his eyes before this.  He felt sick, as if all he was doing was bringing unnecessary misery and woe to them.  He knew what needed to be done, had no choice but to be pursued, and yet, he felt responsible for nothing more than rekindling forgotten memories better left asleep, and agitating old wounds that only love like theirs could heal.

    What would the next sunrise bring?  The beginning of a new adventure of course, but what the journey would bring, not even Shadow could tell, or even seek to reveal.