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"The Unending Journey of the Heart"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 4: The Guardian Souls

   By the time morning came, Hidama awoke to the smell of breakfast being prepared.  It was only a little bit after sunrise, and as Hidama began to stir from his sleep, he realized Mikomi was no longer beside him.  He yawned deeply, stretching a bit before sitting up, rubbing his eyes slowly.

   “Hey there sleepy head…why did you sleep on the couch?  Hee hee, you must have been awfully tired…I’ve never seen you sleep so soundly…like a rock perhaps,” Amy said.  She walked out of the small kitchen and sat on an ottoman near the couch.  Hidama looked at her as his eyes tried to adjust to the light.  As his eyes focused, he saw Amy smiling at him.  She continued, “Anyway, thank you for looking after Mikomi last night…Knuckles and I weren’t aware the door had closed completely and that he couldn’t get in.”  She paused, and said, “Mikomi really loves you Hidama; it is just so sweet.”

   Hidama could only manage a weak smile, knowing that later that afternoon, he would be gone again for a long while.  He replied, “Oh…don’t worry about it Amy…it’s just, I had a rough night.  And really, it’s never a problem…I love Mikomi, and it’s hardly any trouble comforting him in the night.”

   Amy smiled, though she could still sense that something was bothering him.  She hugged Hidama tightly, then stood up and said, “Well, I’m making pancakes and scrambled eggs…so if you’re hungry, you’d better hurry up before Knuckles gets back.”

   As she walked back in the kitchen, Hidama sighed, realizing he might have to leave sooner than he anticipated.  He started to fold up the blanket he slept with, but paused, closing his eyes and breathing deeply.  He had another vision, and could see the Brokenstar Twins were moving faster than he thought.  Already, as they ran, Angel Island was in clear view on the horizon…they would get there within the next few hours, and then, Hidama simply had to leave.

   He was suddenly awakened from his vision, when Little Mikomi crawled up to his uncle and started tugging on his leg.  Giggling happily, he said, “Unca Hidama!  You’re awake, you’re awake at last!  Time for breakfast right Unca Hidama?”

   The half startled echidna shook his head fast for a moment or two, awakening completely from his thoughts, only to be greeted by the bright smile of his sweet, energetic nephew, still clutching his blue baby blanket from the night before.  Again, Hidama brushed away his worries, smiled warmly, and picked Mikomi up, hugging him gently and holding him close.  He said, “Hey there buddy; I guess I did sleep oh…let’s see, fifteen minutes after dawn maybe?  Shame on me for over-sleeping.”

   Mikomi laughed at Hidama’s sarcasm, which he seemed to understand completely and fully despite his young age…perhaps the teasing tone of his voice, or the wide grin on his face clued Mikomi in to the joke.  Whatever the reason he laughed excitedly, grasping Hidama’s chest fur and nuzzling him in the best form of a hug he could muster.  Hidama laughed again, and kissed Mikomi on his head, continuing, “Ah well, you were right about one thing…it’s time for breakfast, and considering your mother was wonderful enough to prepare it…I think we’d best go and enjoy it eh?”

   Mikomi’s smile was the only response Hidama needed.  Mikomi spoke very little at times, and could be silent for a lot longer than he was talkative.  He was never at a loss for cooing and giggling, but when it came to talking with the few words he knew, he opened up the most for Hidama it seemed; why that was, was still left for speculation.

   So, Hidama took Mikomi to the kitchen, where Amy fed him, while Hidama managed to eat a pancake or two and a mouthful or so of scrambled eggs.  As he swallowed some of his orange juice, his eyes were drawn to the window, as they had been throughout the entire meal.  He could see Knuckles standing by the Master Emerald, guarding it as he had for the past ten years.  The thought that was racing through Hidama’s mind at this point, was how Knuckles was more of the “true guardian” than he was.

   Despite the fact that Hidama was the firstborn of the two brothers, and thus preordained to become the guardian, Knuckles had stepped up to the Guardianship at a very young age, mastering control over the massive gem at the age of seven, the youngest guardian in the history of the echidna clan.  Knuckles indeed had special strength of his own, as it was difficult for even a guardian in training to control its awesome power until he reached the age of manhood, age seventeen in the echidna culture, and here Knuckles, who was just reaching the age of manhood, where he could in theory have become the guardian, had already mastered control over the Master Emerald and guarded it for ten years.

   These facts humbled Hidama; even though he immediately had the skills necessary to wield the awesome strength of the Master Emerald, it was in part because of his age.  Being older than Knuckles, the Master Emerald recognized him as the true guardian, whether or not his skills were better than Knuckles’; his power over the gem had nothing to do with it, it was simply his age that won over the control of the Master Emerald, turning the fight against Knuckles, resulting in his devastating loss.

   This got Hidama thinking about whether or not he deserved to still be a guardian.  A large part of Hidama’s powers were not related to the Master Emerald whatsoever, but his own, special powers that only he could wield; his visions were just a small sampling of this power, with the most impressive use of this awesome strength seen when he called Knuckles’ soul back from the after life.  Yes, from seeing visions across time and space, to the incredible skill of bringing a soul back from the dead, Hidama certainly had incalculable power, as well as physical strength and prowess in battle.

   What good, then, does his control over the Master Emerald do him anymore?  The only reason the Master Emerald reacted to him in an improved manner over Knuckles’ control was because he was the older of the two brothers.  Between the two of them, it was Knuckles who had the better skills, best control, and knew how to wield the Master Emerald’s awesome power the best.  Hidama simply won out because, again, his age did the work for him.

   He thought back to that night on the battle field, when Shadow fell, and was close to death.  Hidama could remember picking up Shadow’s chaos emerald, which had lost its inner glow and gone almost “dead” like Shadow had.  He remembered how the chaos emerald practically sprung back to life under his touch.  It seemed that his “power” over the Master Emerald even gave him unlimited control over the chaos emeralds, only his touch being necessary to reap precious power from even a next to lifeless chaos emerald.

   That was it then; it was only his touch that brought the emeralds to life, activated their awesome power, and gave Hidama control over them.  He had no real power over them, at least not like Knuckles did over the Master Emerald, or Shadow and Sonic had over the chaos emeralds.  Hidama knew his true strength no longer rested with the Master Emerald or the Guardianship; he had escaped this fate the night he was carried away from Angel Island on the wings of the mutant army.  His brother Knuckles, was now the True Guardian.  Hidama would always be able to control it, and having the blood of the Guardian in his veins, would forever be able to share the guardianship with his brother; however, his presence was no longer entirely necessary in order to protect it, for Knuckles, he now knew, could do this well enough on his own.

   Hidama was woken from his pondering thoughts by Amy, who took his plate in order to wash it.  She laughed and said, “Did you get enough to eat Hidama?  I’m sorry, you just looked like you were finished the way you were meditating like that.”

   The echidna laughed, and said, “Oh don’t worry about it Amy, I had plenty to eat thank you, and it was certainly delicious.  No, actually, there’s just…something I need to talk to Knuckles about…that’s all.”

   Amy stopped washing dishes for a moment, and turned to look at Hidama; she dried her hands with a hand towel, and looked at Hidama’s face.  He seemed, yet again, to be lost in thought, holding his half-finished glass of orange juice in the air, hesitating for a moment before drinking it to give his attention to his thoughts.  She had recognized his unrest for some time now, as she had mentioned a few months before, and the way he looked now, Amy caught the idea that perhaps now Hidama knew what he needed to do, and was about to carry it out.

   She smiled and shook her head; she went to sit down beside Hidama, and taking his empty glass from him, sitting it on the table she said, “You might want to go say what you need to to Knuckles, then you can get on your way and shake this misery loose from your heart once and for all.”

   Hidama’s eyes widened as he looked at Amy; it was as if she had read his thoughts, and not just his thoughts, but his heart as well.  He blinked a few times, then said, “Amy…how could you…?  No, I know what it is,” he shook his head, “You have the unique ability to what is in a person’s heart…and I’m sure you have felt the unrest in mine.”  He paused, seeing Amy nod in response.  He continued, “I just can’t ignore it anymore Amy; I can’t let this misery gnaw at my heart any longer.  I have to leave…not forever no…I’ll never leave my brother like that again.  I just…need to take a little while to figure things out for myself…then, when I return, I can be at peace, and finally live happily as Knuckles can; I won’t have my sadness hold me back anymore.”

   Amy took Hidama’s hand in her own and said, “You do that Hidama; after twelve years of suffering in that prison it’s about time you too found your own peace.  I’ve been with Knuckles for many years…and I’ve seen how much happier he’s become, how much he’s changed for the better over the years, and while it was a slow process, his quality of life has improved immensely now that he’s found happiness.  Whatever it takes Hidama, I know Knuckles wants nothing more than for you to find this same peace, especially after he took so long to achieve it for himself, and sees how much better of a life it has allowed him to attain and live.”

   After a few moments, Hidama looked up from his hand as Amy held it, his eyes half glassy with tears.  He smiled, patting Amy’s hand gently and said, “Thank you Amy; I think that really…that’s the last true push I needed.  I know what I have to do now…so I guess I better go talk to Knuckles…before, well, Aranelion and Elianaron get here.  It’s time for the three of us to fight together at last.”

   He stood up, dispelling the tears in his eyes before they could begin to trickle down his cheeks.  He looked to the doorway, where his cape hung on a hook nearby.  As he walked towards the door and put on his cape, he looked to Amy and said, “Be sure to kiss Mikomi goodbye for me…and do make sure he knows I’ll be back soon.  I don’t intend to stay gone for too long…make sure he knows that, and that I love him.”

   Amy embraced Hidama and said, “I’ll do that Hidama, though, I know he’s gonna miss you; all of us are, but, like you said you’ll be back soon…so we’ll be waiting for you.  Just, make sure and take care of yourself okay?”

   Hidama nodded slowly, returning Amy’s embrace; he had come to love her like a sister, especially for all she had done for Knuckles in the years of his absence.  He was really going to miss her, and especially his sweet nephew Mikomi.  Yet as he withdrew from their hug, he looked to the Master Emerald’s altar once more, and realized more than anything, it was going to be his dear brother that he missed the most.

   He sighed deeply, then adjusted his cape so it fit better on his shoulders.  Opening the door and stepping out on the porch, he sat down on the swing, pulling his boots, now dried out after the storm, and collected his thoughts.  He shut his eyes again, breathing deeply, and allowing his mind again to show him his friends, Aranelion and Elianaron.  They were now within a forty-five minute run of Angel Island…Hidama had little time left to say, at least a temporary farewell, to his dear brother Knuckles.

   After he got his boots on, he stood up, and walked off the porch, looking at the cottage and shaking his head, sighing once more, before starting his walk towards the altar.  Before he could get far however, Amy ran outside and up to him again, saying, “Remember Hidama, you can always come home if you need anything.  You hang in there, and I do hope, that however you come by it, that you find the relief and peace that you seek.”

   Hidama paused for a moment, then hugged Amy tightly and whispered, “I will Amy…and thank you so much, for all you’ve done for me…and my brother.”  They withdrew from their hug, and Hidama said a final goodbye with a simple reassuring smile, then turned to make his way to the top of the Master Emerald’s altar.

   His pace was slow; as he got to the bottom of the steps, he looked again at the grounds of the echidna village, closing his eyes and breathing deeply, whispering, “I know your spirits go with me now, mother and father.  You guided Knuckles to peace, and now, I know you will not leave me in my time of need.”  Finishing his words with a simple prayer uttered in the echidna tongue, Hidama took a deep breath, and resumed his walk, going up the stairs slowly, and pretty soon, he was at the top.

   There was silence for a moment; when Knuckles looked up and saw his brother, any words he was prepared to say remained hushed.  He studied the look on Hidama’s face; he was smiling, and looked in good spirits, but…there was something more to this smile.  It was more like a brave face, one that Hidama put on to hide his sadness and regret.  Knuckles wasn’t sure what it was, but something had his brother upset, to the point where he was doing his best to hide the bad news he had come to deliver.  Knuckles stood up erect, looking into his brother’s sapphire eyes, where despite Hidama’s brave smile, he could see the bitter sadness that lay deep in his heart, and was the subject of what he had come to talk with him about.

   “Hey…Hidama.  You look like something’s got you upset…what is it?” Knuckles asked, extending his hand to his brother, inviting him up the final step to the top of the altar so they could talk.

   Hidama paused for a moment, reaching out his hand to take the hand of his brother, but then, he froze.  His eyes focused completely on his brother, as did his thoughts.  Hidama’s powers ran wild at this point; he was trapped in the microcosm of his thoughts for what seemed like ages to him, but only a worried moment or two for Knuckles.  Again, his inner eye showed him how worthy of a Guardian his brother had become, almost to the point where Hidama had no business being the guardian.

   Knuckles put his hand on his brother’s shoulder and shook him gently, trying to get him to move or speak.  “Hidama?  Hey Hidama!  What’s wrong?  Talk to me, please.”

   His brother’s words ripped him free from his wandering thoughts; shaking his head slowly, he brought a hand up to his forehead, holding it and cringing tightly, as he felt a sharp pain pulsating in the boundary between his skull and his brain; he was that sensitive to know this.  He growled softly, and whispered, “That’s enough for interruptions and delays…I can’t remained choked up beyond words forever…I don’t care how far my inner eye may care to roam…”

   Knuckles wasn’t sure what Hidama was talking about, but was worried for his brother, seeing that he was in obvious pain.  He took Hidama by the hand and arm, gently pulling him next to the Master Emerald to sit down.  He said, “Come on Hidama…sit down so you can relax; then you can tell me what it is you need to tell me.”

   As Knuckles pulled Hidama over to the Master Emerald, helping him sit down, Hidama opened his eyes, studying his brother’s face.  Looking into Knuckles’ violet eyes, Hidama could see they were free of any worry or pain, save the concern he had for his brother at this moment.  Hidama could even feel this carefree ambiance resonating from the depths of his brother’s heart, filling his essence and soul with peace.

   Hidama longed to feel this peace, and as Knuckles sat down beside him, he knew now was the time to take up the second half of his journey for peace.  He managed an honest smile, took Knuckles’ hands in his own and said, “Dear brother…I’m alright, it’s just…I fear I have to leave you once more.”  He paused, seeing a look of confusion and disbelief come to his brother’s eyes.  He patted Knuckles’ hand and said, “It’s not that I don’t have unlimited forms of happiness here on Angel Island…not just my precious nephew, and a family after so many years, but being here with you at last and knowing you’re alright and happy.  What it is…is the unrest in my heart is unable to be quelled by this alone.”

   His eyes appeared glassy as he listened to his brother’s words; Knuckles shook his head in disbelief, murmuring the words, “Hidama…no…you can’t.  I—I need you.”

   Hidama looked at Knuckles, hugging him tightly and saying, “Oh but Knuckles…I do.  You have nothing to worry about…you’re more of a Guardian than I shall ever be…once more, the core of our enemies has been defeated, so you should have very little to fear.”  As Knuckles slowly hugged him back, a few tears rolling from his eyes, Hidama continued, “The Brokenstar Twins are almost here…and, and I plan to leave with them, so we can journey together for a little while.  I plan to do some soul searching, as well as find the peace my very essence craves for with exuberance.”

   As they slowly withdrew from their hug, Knuckles wiped the tears from his eyes, and said, “Please…I wish you’d let me come with you…though I know that is impossible…for the Master Emerald can not be left unguarded.  Just, promise me you won’t be gone long Hidama…please.”

   Hidama smiled at Knuckles, then glanced over his shoulder towards the horizon, where he knew the Brokenstar Twins had almost reached Angel Island; the time had come for him to journey once more.  He looked back to Knuckles, and hugged him tightly, a warm breeze blowing around them as they embraced each other.  Finally, as they stood up together, a strand of Hidama’s hair was brushed over the surface of the Master Emerald by the wind, and caused the inner glow within it to reverberate intensely over the surface of the gem.  Knuckles looked at this, his eyes widened, in awe of how merely the touch of a strand of Hidama’s hair was enough to activate the power within the Master Emerald.

   Knuckles shuffled his feet, waiting for a response from Hidama; he looked up, and saw his brother framed against the midmorning sun, as he looked out across the horizon, his hair blowing softly in the wind, and his cape whipping around his back and legs slowly.  An aura of sadness hung over the two for perhaps a moment or so, until Hidama spoke, saying, “I promise you, dear brother.  I could never leave you and that wonderful family of yours for any prolonged period.”

   Turning to Knuckles, Hidama placed his hands on his brother’s shoulders, and said, “You can count on me Knuckles; I’ll come back soon, and Aranelion and Elianaron shall keep me in good company.  We have been friends since before all this trouble started after all.  I just…need to figure a few things out for myself, and find the same peace you have captured for your own heart.  You’ll be alright without me for a little while.”

   Hidama turned to go down the steps, but Knuckles reached out and stopped him by placing his hands on Hidama’s shoulders.  He said, “It’s not that Hidama.”  Hidama listened to his brother, and it sounded like he had started to cry.  “It’s just that…the last time you promised me you’d come back…you never came.”

   By now, Hidama knew his brother was crying, and turned around to see the tears streaming in abundance from his violet eyes.  Hidama saw another, darker, vision of his youth, the one Knuckles had just described, and he remembered seeing his baby brother cry that horrible night.  Awakening from his thoughts, opening his eyes, and looking at his brother, again, crying as he did that night, Hidama’s heart sank, as he knew his brother’s words were true, and eerily similar to the same situation they experienced that night.

   Hidama hugged his brother tightly once more, and whispered, “Oh Knuckles, you never forgot that night, as I knew you wouldn’t, or could even begin to.  But…listen to me, you need no longer weep, for this time, the circumstances that are carrying me away are not beyond my control.  I can promise to you for certain this time, I shall return to you and Angel Island before too much time has passed.  I’m serious Knuckles; I won’t ever leave you like that again, you just continue to live and enjoy this wonderful life you have made for yourself, and…and allow me to take the steps necessary to find that kind of joy for my own heart, so that we can enjoy our peace and happiness together.”

   Knuckles withdrew from the safe embrace of his brother, much like they did that last evening they were together. The only difference was, this time he was sure of his brother’s safety; he wasn’t going to disappear like he did last time, perhaps never to return.  This time Hidama was going to return, and he knew that, allowing him to dispel the remainder of his tears, and crack a smile.

   The two brother’s looked at each other, both able to smile, for they knew everything was going to be alright.  Hidama shook his head and whispered, “Though the Master Emerald may respond so intensely to my presence, know this Knuckles; you have become quite the skilled guardian, at a young age, younger than any guardian has ever been, and skilled beyond many of our ancestors.  I think now…it is you, and not I, who has become the true guardian.”

   There was a bit of silence, and while the two continued to smile, Hidama would not let his brother speak.  Raising a finger to Knuckles’ lips, he continued, “Ah, don’t listen to me, though what I say is true, it’s hardly meant to be a statement of ill content.”  He laughed softly, looking over his shoulder once more as the sun climbed to the noonday zenith, and the Brokenstar Twins almost arrived to Angel Island.  He sighed deeply, for he knew the time had come for no more words, and for the brothers to part ways once more, if only for a little while.

   He looked back to Knuckles, and said, “No more tears, you understand?”  Knuckles nodded, maintaining his now weakened smile.  Hidama’s smile was much stronger and confident, he replied, “I love you Knuckles; I promise you, I won’t be leaving you again, not like last time.  You stay strong for me, yourself, and your family.  I’ll be back before you know it.”

   Knuckles again nodded slowly, smiling stronger.  He whispered, “I—I love you too Hidama…you’d better run…and catch up with Aranelion and Elianaron.  I’ll be seeing you…and do be careful okay?”

   Hidama had started down the stairs, but once more looked at his brother’s face. He knew his brother had not encountered such heavy emotions in the years he was gone; infact he knew that his brother cared for him so deeply, that he affected Knuckles in a way no one, not even Amy or Mikomi, could ever do.  He smiled at Knuckles, waving goodbye the way their father used to when he went off to guard the Master Emerald, striking a soft spot in them both.  Yet with these smiles, this was their way of saying their final goodbyes; it was time for them to be separated once more, if only for a little while.

   Making his way to the edge of Angel Island, Hidama saw the Brokenstar Twins had finally made their way on to the island, and had begun to look for Hidama.  Calling out to them, Hidama laughed and said, “Hey!  I didn’t know you two remembered how to get up here!  Were you looking for me?”

   Aranelion and Elianaron looked into the woods, only to see Hidama coming towards them.  The twins ran up to their old friend, and the three were locked in a group hug.  Aranelion, who had healed up completely, backed out of the hug and said, “Well, Hidama, you must remember after the attack we came here to retrieve our father’s body.  Had we known Knuckles was still alive you know we would have looked after him.”

   Hidama looked at the two of them, and said, “The past is over now, and I choose to dwell on it no longer.”  Walking to the edge of Angel Island with the twins following him, he said, “You guys…it’s time we travel together and fight side by side, just as we always aspired to.  I find that there is a gnawing sense of unrest in my heart, and I am unable to be happy or at peace, even with so much joy around me.  I want to journey with you both, do some soul searching…I want to fight off this longing misery, so my soul may finally achieve the same rest that my brother’s has.  Let’s travel together, what do you say?”

   Elianaron’s and Aranelion’s eyes lit up.  Elianaron unsheathed Tempest, and said, “Awesome!  At last Hidama!  We shall finally be a team!  Aranelion and I travel everywhere fighting for justice, and at last the three of us shall journey and fight together!  A team united by friendship and a just and single cause; the pursuit of the love for adventure, and finding true happiness.”

   Hidama laughed, and said, “Gee, I know I’m searching for true peace and happiness.  What is it you two seek with such fervor?”

   The twins looked at Hidama, and as Aranelion unsheathed Akrenar, he said, “We search for acceptance.  Hidama, my brother and I have been many places, fought many battles, done many a good deed and looked out for the safety for others, and yet, because of our appearance, our mixed blood, blood of our father and mother whom we love with an intense passion, we find rejection, mostly among our mother’s people.  And so over the years we’ve been many places and found acceptance from many, and slowly the villagers of Valordian are apologizing to us.  Now, more than anything, we travel for the love of adventure, just as Elianaron said.”

   Hidama turned to look at them, shook his head, and said, “Well, you have my love, friendship and acceptance.”  Nodding towards the mainland below, he said, “Let’s journey together my friends, and as I search for true peace, a means to quell this lasting misery in my heart, together we’ll fight for the good of others, as well as ourselves, and perhaps my friends, just perchance you’ll find the greatest adventure of your lives.”

   The hybrid twins looked at their friend, and smiles spread across their faces.  Stepping up to Hidama, forming a small circle, Elianaron said, “Then, off we go, a team, ready for adventure.  But…what shall our team be called?”

   Hidama looked thoughtful, and Aranelion too bent his head in pondering, only to look up a moment later and said, “I say we call ourselves, in homage to Hidama, The Guardian Souls.”

   Elianaron looked at his brother and said, “Hey yeah!  I like the ring it has to it…besides, our fathers were a team like that…Hidama’s father was the guardian, and our father was his captain.  The three of us were meant to be a team like that all along, so yes!  Whaddya say Hidama?  Don’t you think that name suits us?”

   Hidama laughed, saying, “Gee, in reverence to me?  Heh, well, I’ll say this; I do love the sound of the name, and given the afore mentioned circumstances, it does indeed suit us very well.”  Holding his hand in the center of the circle, he said, “To the Guardian Souls.”

   Aranelion held Akrenar in the air, placing his other free hand in the circle, followed by Elianaron who sheathed Tempest.  “To the Guardian Souls!” they cried.  The group of friends were finally reunited once more, and leaving Angel Island, they were ready to set off on an adventure, all three of them searching for something, that through their friendship, they were sure they were going to find.

   Knuckles stood alone by the Master Emerald, his heart pained by the departure of his brother.  He whispered, “Why do I feel…so…alone?  Oh Hidama, I know you’ll be alright…just please, do promise me you’ll be alright.  I—I don’t know what I’d do if I were to lose you like that again.”

   He knew in his heart everything would be alright, and as he looked out over the vast expanse of the horizon, he could make out the figures of the members of the Guardian Souls, running with all speed over the horizon.  He knew his brother was among them, leading the Brokenstar Twins into the distance.  He smiled, for he knew that when Hidama did return, that he would finally be truly happy, just like he was, and all would be well.

   “Do take care Hidama, for I don’t know what I’d do without you.  I want you to find true peace, so that like me, you can see how wonderful the gift of life truly is.  I want you to know you are not bound to your existence merely for the good of the Master Emerald.  You and I are alive because we are survivors…we have fought for our lives, our freedom, our hopes and our dreams, and like me, all you really need to do is find what your life is for.  I found friends, and especially Amy…all you need, is to find, well, not your reason for being, but the things in life that all this time you have fought to stay alive in order to realize and enjoy.  You’ve fought for more than just me, Hidama; go and find peace, and something your heart can love, beyond what it already does,” Knuckles whispered, his prayer for his brother seeming to be carried on the wind, and he knew, that his brother was going to be alright, no matter how hard or long the fight for happiness was.  Someday, they would be reunited, and this time, they would both have found the thing in life that does more than give them a reason to live, but made living the most wonderful and comforting experience that it always was meant to be.

Description
"The Unending Journey of the Heart"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 4: The Guardian Souls

   By the time morning came, Hidama awoke to the smell of breakfast being prepared.  It was only a little bit after sunrise, and as Hidama began to stir from his sleep, he realized Mikomi was no longer beside him.  He yawned deeply, stretching a bit before sitting up, rubbing his eyes slowly.

   “Hey there sleepy head…why did you sleep on the couch?  Hee hee, you must have been awfully tired…I’ve never seen you sleep so soundly…like a rock perhaps,” Amy said.  She walked out of the small kitchen and sat on an ottoman near the couch.  Hidama looked at her as his eyes tried to adjust to the light.  As his eyes focused, he saw Amy smiling at him.  She continued, “Anyway, thank you for looking after Mikomi last night…Knuckles and I weren’t aware the door had closed completely and that he couldn’t get in.”  She paused, and said, “Mikomi really loves you Hidama; it is just so sweet.”

   Hidama could only manage a weak smile, knowing that later that afternoon, he would be gone again for a long while.  He replied, “Oh…don’t worry about it Amy…it’s just, I had a rough night.  And really, it’s never a problem…I love Mikomi, and it’s hardly any trouble comforting him in the night.”

   Amy smiled, though she could still sense that something was bothering him.  She hugged Hidama tightly, then stood up and said, “Well, I’m making pancakes and scrambled eggs…so if you’re hungry, you’d better hurry up before Knuckles gets back.”

   As she walked back in the kitchen, Hidama sighed, realizing he might have to leave sooner than he anticipated.  He started to fold up the blanket he slept with, but paused, closing his eyes and breathing deeply.  He had another vision, and could see the Brokenstar Twins were moving faster than he thought.  Already, as they ran, Angel Island was in clear view on the horizon…they would get there within the next few hours, and then, Hidama simply had to leave.

   He was suddenly awakened from his vision, when Little Mikomi crawled up to his uncle and started tugging on his leg.  Giggling happily, he said, “Unca Hidama!  You’re awake, you’re awake at last!  Time for breakfast right Unca Hidama?”

   The half startled echidna shook his head fast for a moment or two, awakening completely from his thoughts, only to be greeted by the bright smile of his sweet, energetic nephew, still clutching his blue baby blanket from the night before.  Again, Hidama brushed away his worries, smiled warmly, and picked Mikomi up, hugging him gently and holding him close.  He said, “Hey there buddy; I guess I did sleep oh…let’s see, fifteen minutes after dawn maybe?  Shame on me for over-sleeping.”

   Mikomi laughed at Hidama’s sarcasm, which he seemed to understand completely and fully despite his young age…perhaps the teasing tone of his voice, or the wide grin on his face clued Mikomi in to the joke.  Whatever the reason he laughed excitedly, grasping Hidama’s chest fur and nuzzling him in the best form of a hug he could muster.  Hidama laughed again, and kissed Mikomi on his head, continuing, “Ah well, you were right about one thing…it’s time for breakfast, and considering your mother was wonderful enough to prepare it…I think we’d best go and enjoy it eh?”

   Mikomi’s smile was the only response Hidama needed.  Mikomi spoke very little at times, and could be silent for a lot longer than he was talkative.  He was never at a loss for cooing and giggling, but when it came to talking with the few words he knew, he opened up the most for Hidama it seemed; why that was, was still left for speculation.

   So, Hidama took Mikomi to the kitchen, where Amy fed him, while Hidama managed to eat a pancake or two and a mouthful or so of scrambled eggs.  As he swallowed some of his orange juice, his eyes were drawn to the window, as they had been throughout the entire meal.  He could see Knuckles standing by the Master Emerald, guarding it as he had for the past ten years.  The thought that was racing through Hidama’s mind at this point, was how Knuckles was more of the “true guardian” than he was.

   Despite the fact that Hidama was the firstborn of the two brothers, and thus preordained to become the guardian, Knuckles had stepped up to the Guardianship at a very young age, mastering control over the massive gem at the age of seven, the youngest guardian in the history of the echidna clan.  Knuckles indeed had special strength of his own, as it was difficult for even a guardian in training to control its awesome power until he reached the age of manhood, age seventeen in the echidna culture, and here Knuckles, who was just reaching the age of manhood, where he could in theory have become the guardian, had already mastered control over the Master Emerald and guarded it for ten years.

   These facts humbled Hidama; even though he immediately had the skills necessary to wield the awesome strength of the Master Emerald, it was in part because of his age.  Being older than Knuckles, the Master Emerald recognized him as the true guardian, whether or not his skills were better than Knuckles’; his power over the gem had nothing to do with it, it was simply his age that won over the control of the Master Emerald, turning the fight against Knuckles, resulting in his devastating loss.

   This got Hidama thinking about whether or not he deserved to still be a guardian.  A large part of Hidama’s powers were not related to the Master Emerald whatsoever, but his own, special powers that only he could wield; his visions were just a small sampling of this power, with the most impressive use of this awesome strength seen when he called Knuckles’ soul back from the after life.  Yes, from seeing visions across time and space, to the incredible skill of bringing a soul back from the dead, Hidama certainly had incalculable power, as well as physical strength and prowess in battle.

   What good, then, does his control over the Master Emerald do him anymore?  The only reason the Master Emerald reacted to him in an improved manner over Knuckles’ control was because he was the older of the two brothers.  Between the two of them, it was Knuckles who had the better skills, best control, and knew how to wield the Master Emerald’s awesome power the best.  Hidama simply won out because, again, his age did the work for him.

   He thought back to that night on the battle field, when Shadow fell, and was close to death.  Hidama could remember picking up Shadow’s chaos emerald, which had lost its inner glow and gone almost “dead” like Shadow had.  He remembered how the chaos emerald practically sprung back to life under his touch.  It seemed that his “power” over the Master Emerald even gave him unlimited control over the chaos emeralds, only his touch being necessary to reap precious power from even a next to lifeless chaos emerald.

   That was it then; it was only his touch that brought the emeralds to life, activated their awesome power, and gave Hidama control over them.  He had no real power over them, at least not like Knuckles did over the Master Emerald, or Shadow and Sonic had over the chaos emeralds.  Hidama knew his true strength no longer rested with the Master Emerald or the Guardianship; he had escaped this fate the night he was carried away from Angel Island on the wings of the mutant army.  His brother Knuckles, was now the True Guardian.  Hidama would always be able to control it, and having the blood of the Guardian in his veins, would forever be able to share the guardianship with his brother; however, his presence was no longer entirely necessary in order to protect it, for Knuckles, he now knew, could do this well enough on his own.

   Hidama was woken from his pondering thoughts by Amy, who took his plate in order to wash it.  She laughed and said, “Did you get enough to eat Hidama?  I’m sorry, you just looked like you were finished the way you were meditating like that.”

   The echidna laughed, and said, “Oh don’t worry about it Amy, I had plenty to eat thank you, and it was certainly delicious.  No, actually, there’s just…something I need to talk to Knuckles about…that’s all.”

   Amy stopped washing dishes for a moment, and turned to look at Hidama; she dried her hands with a hand towel, and looked at Hidama’s face.  He seemed, yet again, to be lost in thought, holding his half-finished glass of orange juice in the air, hesitating for a moment before drinking it to give his attention to his thoughts.  She had recognized his unrest for some time now, as she had mentioned a few months before, and the way he looked now, Amy caught the idea that perhaps now Hidama knew what he needed to do, and was about to carry it out.

   She smiled and shook her head; she went to sit down beside Hidama, and taking his empty glass from him, sitting it on the table she said, “You might want to go say what you need to to Knuckles, then you can get on your way and shake this misery loose from your heart once and for all.”

   Hidama’s eyes widened as he looked at Amy; it was as if she had read his thoughts, and not just his thoughts, but his heart as well.  He blinked a few times, then said, “Amy…how could you…?  No, I know what it is,” he shook his head, “You have the unique ability to what is in a person’s heart…and I’m sure you have felt the unrest in mine.”  He paused, seeing Amy nod in response.  He continued, “I just can’t ignore it anymore Amy; I can’t let this misery gnaw at my heart any longer.  I have to leave…not forever no…I’ll never leave my brother like that again.  I just…need to take a little while to figure things out for myself…then, when I return, I can be at peace, and finally live happily as Knuckles can; I won’t have my sadness hold me back anymore.”

   Amy took Hidama’s hand in her own and said, “You do that Hidama; after twelve years of suffering in that prison it’s about time you too found your own peace.  I’ve been with Knuckles for many years…and I’ve seen how much happier he’s become, how much he’s changed for the better over the years, and while it was a slow process, his quality of life has improved immensely now that he’s found happiness.  Whatever it takes Hidama, I know Knuckles wants nothing more than for you to find this same peace, especially after he took so long to achieve it for himself, and sees how much better of a life it has allowed him to attain and live.”

   After a few moments, Hidama looked up from his hand as Amy held it, his eyes half glassy with tears.  He smiled, patting Amy’s hand gently and said, “Thank you Amy; I think that really…that’s the last true push I needed.  I know what I have to do now…so I guess I better go talk to Knuckles…before, well, Aranelion and Elianaron get here.  It’s time for the three of us to fight together at last.”

   He stood up, dispelling the tears in his eyes before they could begin to trickle down his cheeks.  He looked to the doorway, where his cape hung on a hook nearby.  As he walked towards the door and put on his cape, he looked to Amy and said, “Be sure to kiss Mikomi goodbye for me…and do make sure he knows I’ll be back soon.  I don’t intend to stay gone for too long…make sure he knows that, and that I love him.”

   Amy embraced Hidama and said, “I’ll do that Hidama, though, I know he’s gonna miss you; all of us are, but, like you said you’ll be back soon…so we’ll be waiting for you.  Just, make sure and take care of yourself okay?”

   Hidama nodded slowly, returning Amy’s embrace; he had come to love her like a sister, especially for all she had done for Knuckles in the years of his absence.  He was really going to miss her, and especially his sweet nephew Mikomi.  Yet as he withdrew from their hug, he looked to the Master Emerald’s altar once more, and realized more than anything, it was going to be his dear brother that he missed the most.

   He sighed deeply, then adjusted his cape so it fit better on his shoulders.  Opening the door and stepping out on the porch, he sat down on the swing, pulling his boots, now dried out after the storm, and collected his thoughts.  He shut his eyes again, breathing deeply, and allowing his mind again to show him his friends, Aranelion and Elianaron.  They were now within a forty-five minute run of Angel Island…Hidama had little time left to say, at least a temporary farewell, to his dear brother Knuckles.

   After he got his boots on, he stood up, and walked off the porch, looking at the cottage and shaking his head, sighing once more, before starting his walk towards the altar.  Before he could get far however, Amy ran outside and up to him again, saying, “Remember Hidama, you can always come home if you need anything.  You hang in there, and I do hope, that however you come by it, that you find the relief and peace that you seek.”

   Hidama paused for a moment, then hugged Amy tightly and whispered, “I will Amy…and thank you so much, for all you’ve done for me…and my brother.”  They withdrew from their hug, and Hidama said a final goodbye with a simple reassuring smile, then turned to make his way to the top of the Master Emerald’s altar.

   His pace was slow; as he got to the bottom of the steps, he looked again at the grounds of the echidna village, closing his eyes and breathing deeply, whispering, “I know your spirits go with me now, mother and father.  You guided Knuckles to peace, and now, I know you will not leave me in my time of need.”  Finishing his words with a simple prayer uttered in the echidna tongue, Hidama took a deep breath, and resumed his walk, going up the stairs slowly, and pretty soon, he was at the top.

   There was silence for a moment; when Knuckles looked up and saw his brother, any words he was prepared to say remained hushed.  He studied the look on Hidama’s face; he was smiling, and looked in good spirits, but…there was something more to this smile.  It was more like a brave face, one that Hidama put on to hide his sadness and regret.  Knuckles wasn’t sure what it was, but something had his brother upset, to the point where he was doing his best to hide the bad news he had come to deliver.  Knuckles stood up erect, looking into his brother’s sapphire eyes, where despite Hidama’s brave smile, he could see the bitter sadness that lay deep in his heart, and was the subject of what he had come to talk with him about.

   “Hey…Hidama.  You look like something’s got you upset…what is it?” Knuckles asked, extending his hand to his brother, inviting him up the final step to the top of the altar so they could talk.

   Hidama paused for a moment, reaching out his hand to take the hand of his brother, but then, he froze.  His eyes focused completely on his brother, as did his thoughts.  Hidama’s powers ran wild at this point; he was trapped in the microcosm of his thoughts for what seemed like ages to him, but only a worried moment or two for Knuckles.  Again, his inner eye showed him how worthy of a Guardian his brother had become, almost to the point where Hidama had no business being the guardian.

   Knuckles put his hand on his brother’s shoulder and shook him gently, trying to get him to move or speak.  “Hidama?  Hey Hidama!  What’s wrong?  Talk to me, please.”

   His brother’s words ripped him free from his wandering thoughts; shaking his head slowly, he brought a hand up to his forehead, holding it and cringing tightly, as he felt a sharp pain pulsating in the boundary between his skull and his brain; he was that sensitive to know this.  He growled softly, and whispered, “That’s enough for interruptions and delays…I can’t remained choked up beyond words forever…I don’t care how far my inner eye may care to roam…”

   Knuckles wasn’t sure what Hidama was talking about, but was worried for his brother, seeing that he was in obvious pain.  He took Hidama by the hand and arm, gently pulling him next to the Master Emerald to sit down.  He said, “Come on Hidama…sit down so you can relax; then you can tell me what it is you need to tell me.”

   As Knuckles pulled Hidama over to the Master Emerald, helping him sit down, Hidama opened his eyes, studying his brother’s face.  Looking into Knuckles’ violet eyes, Hidama could see they were free of any worry or pain, save the concern he had for his brother at this moment.  Hidama could even feel this carefree ambiance resonating from the depths of his brother’s heart, filling his essence and soul with peace.

   Hidama longed to feel this peace, and as Knuckles sat down beside him, he knew now was the time to take up the second half of his journey for peace.  He managed an honest smile, took Knuckles’ hands in his own and said, “Dear brother…I’m alright, it’s just…I fear I have to leave you once more.”  He paused, seeing a look of confusion and disbelief come to his brother’s eyes.  He patted Knuckles’ hand and said, “It’s not that I don’t have unlimited forms of happiness here on Angel Island…not just my precious nephew, and a family after so many years, but being here with you at last and knowing you’re alright and happy.  What it is…is the unrest in my heart is unable to be quelled by this alone.”

   His eyes appeared glassy as he listened to his brother’s words; Knuckles shook his head in disbelief, murmuring the words, “Hidama…no…you can’t.  I—I need you.”

   Hidama looked at Knuckles, hugging him tightly and saying, “Oh but Knuckles…I do.  You have nothing to worry about…you’re more of a Guardian than I shall ever be…once more, the core of our enemies has been defeated, so you should have very little to fear.”  As Knuckles slowly hugged him back, a few tears rolling from his eyes, Hidama continued, “The Brokenstar Twins are almost here…and, and I plan to leave with them, so we can journey together for a little while.  I plan to do some soul searching, as well as find the peace my very essence craves for with exuberance.”

   As they slowly withdrew from their hug, Knuckles wiped the tears from his eyes, and said, “Please…I wish you’d let me come with you…though I know that is impossible…for the Master Emerald can not be left unguarded.  Just, promise me you won’t be gone long Hidama…please.”

   Hidama smiled at Knuckles, then glanced over his shoulder towards the horizon, where he knew the Brokenstar Twins had almost reached Angel Island; the time had come for him to journey once more.  He looked back to Knuckles, and hugged him tightly, a warm breeze blowing around them as they embraced each other.  Finally, as they stood up together, a strand of Hidama’s hair was brushed over the surface of the Master Emerald by the wind, and caused the inner glow within it to reverberate intensely over the surface of the gem.  Knuckles looked at this, his eyes widened, in awe of how merely the touch of a strand of Hidama’s hair was enough to activate the power within the Master Emerald.

   Knuckles shuffled his feet, waiting for a response from Hidama; he looked up, and saw his brother framed against the midmorning sun, as he looked out across the horizon, his hair blowing softly in the wind, and his cape whipping around his back and legs slowly.  An aura of sadness hung over the two for perhaps a moment or so, until Hidama spoke, saying, “I promise you, dear brother.  I could never leave you and that wonderful family of yours for any prolonged period.”

   Turning to Knuckles, Hidama placed his hands on his brother’s shoulders, and said, “You can count on me Knuckles; I’ll come back soon, and Aranelion and Elianaron shall keep me in good company.  We have been friends since before all this trouble started after all.  I just…need to figure a few things out for myself, and find the same peace you have captured for your own heart.  You’ll be alright without me for a little while.”

   Hidama turned to go down the steps, but Knuckles reached out and stopped him by placing his hands on Hidama’s shoulders.  He said, “It’s not that Hidama.”  Hidama listened to his brother, and it sounded like he had started to cry.  “It’s just that…the last time you promised me you’d come back…you never came.”

   By now, Hidama knew his brother was crying, and turned around to see the tears streaming in abundance from his violet eyes.  Hidama saw another, darker, vision of his youth, the one Knuckles had just described, and he remembered seeing his baby brother cry that horrible night.  Awakening from his thoughts, opening his eyes, and looking at his brother, again, crying as he did that night, Hidama’s heart sank, as he knew his brother’s words were true, and eerily similar to the same situation they experienced that night.

   Hidama hugged his brother tightly once more, and whispered, “Oh Knuckles, you never forgot that night, as I knew you wouldn’t, or could even begin to.  But…listen to me, you need no longer weep, for this time, the circumstances that are carrying me away are not beyond my control.  I can promise to you for certain this time, I shall return to you and Angel Island before too much time has passed.  I’m serious Knuckles; I won’t ever leave you like that again, you just continue to live and enjoy this wonderful life you have made for yourself, and…and allow me to take the steps necessary to find that kind of joy for my own heart, so that we can enjoy our peace and happiness together.”

   Knuckles withdrew from the safe embrace of his brother, much like they did that last evening they were together. The only difference was, this time he was sure of his brother’s safety; he wasn’t going to disappear like he did last time, perhaps never to return.  This time Hidama was going to return, and he knew that, allowing him to dispel the remainder of his tears, and crack a smile.

   The two brother’s looked at each other, both able to smile, for they knew everything was going to be alright.  Hidama shook his head and whispered, “Though the Master Emerald may respond so intensely to my presence, know this Knuckles; you have become quite the skilled guardian, at a young age, younger than any guardian has ever been, and skilled beyond many of our ancestors.  I think now…it is you, and not I, who has become the true guardian.”

   There was a bit of silence, and while the two continued to smile, Hidama would not let his brother speak.  Raising a finger to Knuckles’ lips, he continued, “Ah, don’t listen to me, though what I say is true, it’s hardly meant to be a statement of ill content.”  He laughed softly, looking over his shoulder once more as the sun climbed to the noonday zenith, and the Brokenstar Twins almost arrived to Angel Island.  He sighed deeply, for he knew the time had come for no more words, and for the brothers to part ways once more, if only for a little while.

   He looked back to Knuckles, and said, “No more tears, you understand?”  Knuckles nodded, maintaining his now weakened smile.  Hidama’s smile was much stronger and confident, he replied, “I love you Knuckles; I promise you, I won’t be leaving you again, not like last time.  You stay strong for me, yourself, and your family.  I’ll be back before you know it.”

   Knuckles again nodded slowly, smiling stronger.  He whispered, “I—I love you too Hidama…you’d better run…and catch up with Aranelion and Elianaron.  I’ll be seeing you…and do be careful okay?”

   Hidama had started down the stairs, but once more looked at his brother’s face. He knew his brother had not encountered such heavy emotions in the years he was gone; infact he knew that his brother cared for him so deeply, that he affected Knuckles in a way no one, not even Amy or Mikomi, could ever do.  He smiled at Knuckles, waving goodbye the way their father used to when he went off to guard the Master Emerald, striking a soft spot in them both.  Yet with these smiles, this was their way of saying their final goodbyes; it was time for them to be separated once more, if only for a little while.

   Making his way to the edge of Angel Island, Hidama saw the Brokenstar Twins had finally made their way on to the island, and had begun to look for Hidama.  Calling out to them, Hidama laughed and said, “Hey!  I didn’t know you two remembered how to get up here!  Were you looking for me?”

   Aranelion and Elianaron looked into the woods, only to see Hidama coming towards them.  The twins ran up to their old friend, and the three were locked in a group hug.  Aranelion, who had healed up completely, backed out of the hug and said, “Well, Hidama, you must remember after the attack we came here to retrieve our father’s body.  Had we known Knuckles was still alive you know we would have looked after him.”

   Hidama looked at the two of them, and said, “The past is over now, and I choose to dwell on it no longer.”  Walking to the edge of Angel Island with the twins following him, he said, “You guys…it’s time we travel together and fight side by side, just as we always aspired to.  I find that there is a gnawing sense of unrest in my heart, and I am unable to be happy or at peace, even with so much joy around me.  I want to journey with you both, do some soul searching…I want to fight off this longing misery, so my soul may finally achieve the same rest that my brother’s has.  Let’s travel together, what do you say?”

   Elianaron’s and Aranelion’s eyes lit up.  Elianaron unsheathed Tempest, and said, “Awesome!  At last Hidama!  We shall finally be a team!  Aranelion and I travel everywhere fighting for justice, and at last the three of us shall journey and fight together!  A team united by friendship and a just and single cause; the pursuit of the love for adventure, and finding true happiness.”

   Hidama laughed, and said, “Gee, I know I’m searching for true peace and happiness.  What is it you two seek with such fervor?”

   The twins looked at Hidama, and as Aranelion unsheathed Akrenar, he said, “We search for acceptance.  Hidama, my brother and I have been many places, fought many battles, done many a good deed and looked out for the safety for others, and yet, because of our appearance, our mixed blood, blood of our father and mother whom we love with an intense passion, we find rejection, mostly among our mother’s people.  And so over the years we’ve been many places and found acceptance from many, and slowly the villagers of Valordian are apologizing to us.  Now, more than anything, we travel for the love of adventure, just as Elianaron said.”

   Hidama turned to look at them, shook his head, and said, “Well, you have my love, friendship and acceptance.”  Nodding towards the mainland below, he said, “Let’s journey together my friends, and as I search for true peace, a means to quell this lasting misery in my heart, together we’ll fight for the good of others, as well as ourselves, and perhaps my friends, just perchance you’ll find the greatest adventure of your lives.”

   The hybrid twins looked at their friend, and smiles spread across their faces.  Stepping up to Hidama, forming a small circle, Elianaron said, “Then, off we go, a team, ready for adventure.  But…what shall our team be called?”

   Hidama looked thoughtful, and Aranelion too bent his head in pondering, only to look up a moment later and said, “I say we call ourselves, in homage to Hidama, The Guardian Souls.”

   Elianaron looked at his brother and said, “Hey yeah!  I like the ring it has to it…besides, our fathers were a team like that…Hidama’s father was the guardian, and our father was his captain.  The three of us were meant to be a team like that all along, so yes!  Whaddya say Hidama?  Don’t you think that name suits us?”

   Hidama laughed, saying, “Gee, in reverence to me?  Heh, well, I’ll say this; I do love the sound of the name, and given the afore mentioned circumstances, it does indeed suit us very well.”  Holding his hand in the center of the circle, he said, “To the Guardian Souls.”

   Aranelion held Akrenar in the air, placing his other free hand in the circle, followed by Elianaron who sheathed Tempest.  “To the Guardian Souls!” they cried.  The group of friends were finally reunited once more, and leaving Angel Island, they were ready to set off on an adventure, all three of them searching for something, that through their friendship, they were sure they were going to find.

   Knuckles stood alone by the Master Emerald, his heart pained by the departure of his brother.  He whispered, “Why do I feel…so…alone?  Oh Hidama, I know you’ll be alright…just please, do promise me you’ll be alright.  I—I don’t know what I’d do if I were to lose you like that again.”

   He knew in his heart everything would be alright, and as he looked out over the vast expanse of the horizon, he could make out the figures of the members of the Guardian Souls, running with all speed over the horizon.  He knew his brother was among them, leading the Brokenstar Twins into the distance.  He smiled, for he knew that when Hidama did return, that he would finally be truly happy, just like he was, and all would be well.

   “Do take care Hidama, for I don’t know what I’d do without you.  I want you to find true peace, so that like me, you can see how wonderful the gift of life truly is.  I want you to know you are not bound to your existence merely for the good of the Master Emerald.  You and I are alive because we are survivors…we have fought for our lives, our freedom, our hopes and our dreams, and like me, all you really need to do is find what your life is for.  I found friends, and especially Amy…all you need, is to find, well, not your reason for being, but the things in life that all this time you have fought to stay alive in order to realize and enjoy.  You’ve fought for more than just me, Hidama; go and find peace, and something your heart can love, beyond what it already does,” Knuckles whispered, his prayer for his brother seeming to be carried on the wind, and he knew, that his brother was going to be alright, no matter how hard or long the fight for happiness was.  Someday, they would be reunited, and this time, they would both have found the thing in life that does more than give them a reason to live, but made living the most wonderful and comforting experience that it always was meant to be.