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"The Unending Journey of the Heart"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 8: Love, Peace, and Lives Forgotten

   After that morning, Hidama slowly eased into his new life, practically abandoning any remaining ties he had to the old.  His new identity, homeless, with no family or friends suited him just fine, for Camillia, and Delilah especially, were more than accepting of him.  It got to the point where he was almost completely ignorant of the past he had so easily forsaken…this was because, he no longer was in any sort of pain.

   The first few days he stayed with Camillia and Delilah quickly turned into a span of several weeks.  Even with the start of his second day with them, he was free from the malevolent nightmares that had followed him ever since he left Feldmort’s prisons.  His mind’s eye was at rest and under his control once more, and he no longer was haunted by frightful images and fallacies that caused him so much pain.  He no longer had thoughts of death, and it seemed he was finally free from this unrest in his heart; the thing was, was this only so because he had abandoned his past and much of what he held dear, or was the love and acceptance he found in Delilah and Camillia simply healing his wounded heart?

   Whatever the reason, Hidama was finally at ease, able to enjoy and love life the way Knuckles and even Shadow were able to for so long.  He met a large majority of Camillia’s and Delilah’s friends, and immediately found acceptance and friendship in the whole lot of them.  While he and Camillia were fast friends, Hidama spent the majority of his time with Delilah.  They’d go shopping together, play video games, and even go out on the town; as long as they were together, anything was up for enjoyment.  Delilah would show Hidama her artwork, and Hidama continued to teach her the old echidna language.  Everything was perfect, and slowly, it became more and more apparent the deep love the two had for one another.

   As for the Brokenstar Twins, they had indeed set out to look for their friend, but only after an extended stay in Sandysun City.  Inclement weather further delayed the clean up and repair efforts, and only after four stormy days had passed, were the hybrid twins and the denizens of the city able to complete the recovery efforts.

   So a week passed, and finally, Main Street was clear of debris, and the repair efforts began.  The twins did their best to get the efforts started, and quickly fixed the corner buildings that had burned down, and replaced all of the snapped lampposts.  Finally, after spending over a week in Sandysun City, Antonio came Aranelion as he helped mount one of the last street lights.

   “Hey there, hybrid twin.  Didn’t you and your brother mention a friend you needed to pursue?  Don’t you think maybe you’ve overshot your leave to find him?” he asked.

   Aranelion looked up, wiping his forehead clear of sweat and retying his headband.  Finally, he crossed his arms, his face distraught, and said, “Gee, I suppose you’re right Antonio.  I mean, Ell and I had every intention to leave a week ago, but the rain got in the way and held everything up, making us stay longer.  I guess at the time it wasn’t weighing heavily on our minds at how much time was passing.  Poor Hidama…who knows where he could be by now?”

   He held his head, feeling a headache coming on, and cringed, knowing full well that he and Elianaron had stayed far longer than they should have.  Hidama was already unstable enough, and for all Aranelion knew, he could be lying dead somewhere.  “Heh, Knuckles will have both our necks should that happen…and I don’t mean it in kidding either.  Poor Hidama, this is all our fault, and now he’s suffering for it,” he thought.

   “Aranelion?  Hey there, are you alright?” Antonio asked.

   He opened his eyes, and at the same time Elianaron walked up, wondering what was being spoken.  “What’s going on?” he asked innocently.

   His brother looked at him, cringing heavily, not just because of his headache, but the thought of Knuckles pounding them both for contributing to killing his brother.  “Nothing Ell, nothing,” he said sharply.  Elianaron glanced at him, noticing his brother’s annoyed and angered disposition.  Not knowing what bothered him, he took a step or two back, but before he could leave, Aranelion grabbed him by the arm and said, “Gee Antonio, could you excuse us for a moment?”

   Antonio had a worried look on his face, concerned for the hybrid twins he loved so much, but nodded, and without a word, went on to help with the mounting of the final lamppost.  Aranelion dragged his brother into an alley growling low with annoyance.

   Elianaron was still unaware of what upset his brother so, and trying to resist being dragged he said, “Slow down bro, you didn’t even tell me what’s going on!  You’re about to pull my arm off, and I’m no starfish, it won’t grow back!”

   Slamming his brother up against a wall, Aranelion growled and said, “Don’t you get it you chucklehead?  This is no time for games!  Hidama has been lost out in who knows where for over a week and it’s all our faults!”  By this time he was shouting, and Elianaron cringed, rubbing the back of his head after being slammed into the wall.  Aranelion sighed, loosening his grip on his brother’s arms and letting him loose from the wall.  He said, “I’m sorry Ell, it’s just…you and I both know how unstable Hidama was.  We both know he’d never hit you like that…and he most likely did out of confusion or even fear of whatever these haunting visions were showing him.  Now because I yelled at him he’s all alone out there…and I know he’s strong enough to protect himself, but…he’s also more than capable of causing himself harm…or even death.”

   Aranelion hung his head in shame, closing his eyes and cringing as he remembered how badly he yelled at and treated Hidama that night.  While he was doing this out of love for his twin brother, who at times was his only friend in the world, he realized now he had shunned and wounded another, perhaps to a point that could never be healed or amended.  It wasn’t Elianaron’s fault…it was his fault, and he would never live it down if something happened to Hidama.

   After not speaking for a moment or so, Elianaron placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder and said, “Well, gee Air, we aren’t doing any good wallowing in misery over this.  Hidama is our friend…and we all had a disagreement; nothing about that night was meant out of hate.  Poor Hidama is just suffering so much it affected him more than it should have.  I’m sure he’s doing alright and soon we’ll find him.  What we have to do now is go and look for him.”

   Glancing back at his brother, Aranelion looked at the bandage wrapped around Elianaron’s forearm, and again, could only imagine what Hidama in his depressive state perceived the hands of his friends to be as they tried to help him stand.  However, he knew his brother was right, and the longer they waited, the longer they knew it would take to track him down.

   He looked up and out to Main Street, then back to his brother, and said, “You’re right Ell, I just…can’t forget how badly I yelled at him…besides you he’s the only real friend I have in the world.  To make things worse we both knew he’s had a hard time recently.  We need to find him so we can apologize and set things right.  We’ve stayed here in Sandysun City too long.”

   The twins exchanged glances, followed by smiles, embracing each other before walking back to Main Street, ready to tell Antonio what they had to do.  They found him standing with Mrs. Caranelli, over-seeing the new stoplights being hung.  Antonio turned to the twins as they approached and said, “Ah Brokenstar Twins!  Have you decided on what you need to do?”

   Mrs. Caranelli, who stood with two knapsacks at her side, turned to Aranelion and Elianaron and said, “Why, of course they have Antonio.  They need to go after their friend, and after all they’ve done for our town, I think it’s about time they go about their way until they blow into town next.”  Smiling, she handed a knapsack to each of them and continued, “You’ve been such a great help to us all, sweeties, so there’s some provisions for your trip.  Should last you well beyond the nearest town.  I like to know you two are eating well when we aren’t together.”

   Elianaron grinned and said, “Aww Mrs. Caranelli, thank you.  Next to our mother you’re the best cook we know, and have the pleasure to be spoiled by your culinary masterpieces.  We sure do appreciate the provisions, and besides, we’re always glad to give you all a hand around here.  I can assure you we’ll be back soon.”

   The elderly woman smiled warmly at the twins, kneeling down and hugging them both tightly.  “I know,” she said, “But until then, take good care of yourselves, and each other my sweethearts. You don’t let anything get you down you hear?”

   “You got it Mrs. Caranelli.  Thank you so much, for everything,” Aranelion replied as he returned the hug.  She stood up, kissing both twins once on the top of their heads, coming to love them like her own grandchildren.  The twins fitted the knapsacks on their backs, before looking down Main Street.  “Well, the nearest town is Starshine Town…and that’s to the west of here.  We better get going then, we have a lot of ground to cover,” Aranelion said.

   Antonio laughed and said, “Aye, you sure do Brokenstar Twins.  You’ve done so much in your stay here; Main Street is already back to looking its best, and better than before.  I knew we could always count on you two; you’re both wonderful souls.  We’ll be seeing you soon I hope!”

   The twins started their walk to the outskirts of town, but stopped to look back at Antonio.  Elianaron grinned and replied, “You bet Antonio!  We’ll be back soon!  You all take care until then okay?”  Antonio shouted back in agreement, and waved goodbye with Mrs. Caranelli.  As the twins left town, they said goodbye to some of the citizens, finally arriving at the city limit with a vast expanse of rocky and grassy terrain between them and Starshine Town.

   Before they could get very far, Elianaron stopped and said, “Gee, Air, do you think Hidama would still be in Starshine Town, if he ever went there at all?  That’s got to be the biggest city on this side of the Grey Mountains…I doubt it’s a place he’d stick around for very long.  The biggest city he’s been to so far has to at least be Station Square…there’s no way he’d still be in Starshine Town you think?”

   Aranelion froze; the outcome of their search for Hidama rested entirely on his decision.  Should they go on through Starshine Town to look for Hidama, or detour around Starshine Town, which would cut off a good three days of travel to the next town, Cliffdale Heights?  Considering his brother’s words, Aranelion too could not see Hidama doing anything more than wandering through the town, then moving on his way.  Cliffdale Heights was a nice, relaxing, quiet lakeside village, and both twins could see Hidama stopping there and finding hospitality rather than remaining in Starshine Town.

   Awakening from his thoughts, Aranelion looked southward; the trail would not only bypass Starshine Town, but would be a shorter route to Cliffdale Heights, which lay further south from Starshine Town by several days.  Knowing Hidama would not likely linger in the big city, with Cliffdale Heights being much more welcoming, this route was now the most logical choice.

   “Mmm, that makes sense to me Elianaron, and knowing Hidama, he probably high-tailed it out of Starshine Town as soon as he got there, if he even walked through it at all.  One look at the skyline and he might have gone around it as well.  We know lots of the people in Cliffdale Heights, and knowing their kindness, they most likely have taken Hidama in and looked after him while he waits for us.  Let’s move,” Aranelion said.

   The twins set off on the southern trail to Cliffdale Heights.  Tragically, while they had the right idea, they didn’t realize they had ruled out the one location that Hidama was actually in, and would remain, no matter how many other places they searched.  With Hidama becoming more and more comfortable with his new life, he thought less and less of his old one, thinking little of the Brokenstar Twins, or the life he abandoned, putting Angel Island out of his mind it seemed for good.

   With the Brokenstar Twins searching everywhere except Starshine City for their friend, it seemed if they were ever going to find the guardian prince, then it was going to take quite a long time.  Meanwhile, after several weeks had passed, Hidama was extremely comfortable with his new lifestyle.  He was no longer plagued by misery, thoughts of death, or a prolonged unrest in his heart.  His time with Camillia, and Delilah especially, had worked wonders for his wounded spirit.  Finally he was beginning to heal; he was happy, living the peaceful, wonderful life he was robbed of thirteen years before as an innocent child.

   As the weeks went by, and the Brokenstar Twins went from town to town in search of their friends, Hidama was building a new life for himself, the pain in his heart, all the scars on his soul, and terror in his dreams and memories melting away.  He spent most of his time with Delilah; she introduced him to her friends, and instantly he found friendship with them.  Hidama and Delilah did everything together; they were always seen walking side by side, talking and laughing, always smiling, and sometimes strolling hand in hand, side by side.

   Indeed, Hidama was certainly smitten with Delilah from the beginning, but as the days turned into weeks, then into months, he began to fall in love with her.  Everything about her made him smile, his heart race, and overflow all of his senses with happiness.  Hidama wasn’t sure if she would return these feelings, so he kept them quiet, their friendship growing ever stronger; yet at night, when he’d teach her more of the echidna language, sitting on the balcony under the stars, he found himself wanting nothing more than to hold her in his arms tightly, and whisper that he loved her.

   While it was unknown to him, Delilah too was falling for Hidama.  She and Camillia had both met their fair share of bachelors, and Camillia went as far as to say Hidama was beyond a one in a million find.  “It discourages you to think that there aren’t going to be any more echidnas; I wish more guys like Hidama were out there, so sweet, kind, funny, and lovable.  I’m jealous of whoever ends up with him for a husband,” Camilla had said once.  It was at another party, one she invited Hidama and Delilah to.  Hidama was the life of the party, and Delilah over heard her friend’s words, knowing all too well how right she was.

   About two weeks had passed since that party, and Camillia’s words were never far from Delilah’s thoughts.  She and Hidama had certainly grown closer over the weeks.  He would sit and watch her paint pictures, even giving her advice from time to time.  Whenever she could convince him to sing for her, she could tell the words came from his heart.  Everywhere they went, they caught the attention of those around them; at first people were bewildered by Hidama, who now told the story that he had lost all of his family when the echidnas attacked, and after escaping his persecutors wandered alone for the past five years.  He did not expose his lineage, fearful that if word got out that he was a Guardian, then the Master Emerald would again be in danger, despite the fact that both it and Angel Island were far from his thoughts as of late.

   The thing was, everything about Hidama made Delilah’s heart overflow with happiness.  She was still working on that sketch of him she had started that first night, and often times she found herself working on it late at night as he slept, sneaking into his bedroom in the early morning hours as not to give away what she was doing.  She now intended to surprise him with the picture, and now, it had taken a special place in her heart, just as Hidama had done.

   Now all that remained was the fact that neither of them were ready to admit these deep feelings to each other; Hidama didn’t want to ruin their strong and loving friendship, while Delilah was too shy, so much that she wouldn’t even try and work on her picture of him while he was awake.  But Hidama watched her; he watched how she’d look at him, her brown eyes sparkling with warmth and joy.  While he remembered only so many memories from his childhood, he recognized that gaze…for it was the same look of love in his mother’s eyes as she’d stare at the Master Emerald’s altar where his father stood from the window of their hut.  It was the look of admiration and love, and Hidama could sense it.

   Hidama loved Delilah; he wasn’t thinking about his past, nor the pain, nor why he had run from Angel Island at all.  He was living the kind of life his brother lived, free to laugh, free to love, and free from pain or persecution.  Now that he found the peace he craved for so long, life was now a pleasure and not a burden to bear alone.  Now, after spending almost two months with her, teaching her every bit of the echidna language he could remember, the night came when he found himself teaching her the last lesson.

   It was a stormy night, and Camillia had already gone to bed.  Over the thunder, the clock on the mantle chimed twelve times at midnight, interrupting Hidama and Delilah, who were busy laughing over something Delilah said.  Hidama, catching his breath, stood with his hands on his knees and said, “Oh me…Delilah, just be sure, that when addressing an elder that you do pronounce your greetings properly.  You’d get some odd looks had you said that to one of the village elders…and probably a few punishing words in return.”

   Delilah sat back up after clutching a pillow as she laughed.  Her hat and sunglasses fell to the floor; she glanced at Hidama, smiling and nodding in reply.  It was quiet, and Delilah looked at the clock, as the last chime was followed by a flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder.  She yawned deeply, looking down to the faux fireplace and said, “Gee Hidama, I didn’t realize how late it was.  Maybe we should call it a night.”

   She then laid down on the couch to reach for her sunglasses and hat, but instead met Hidama’s hand which picked up the items for her.  She looked up at Hidama, and their eyes met.  Hidama was grinning at her, then glanced to his side for a moment, looking back, his grin softened to a loving, warm smile, his eyes shining from within.  Delilah blushed slightly as she remain locked in his gaze.  Chuckling softly, Hidama sat her sunglasses and hat on the table, and then sat down beside her on the couch, pulling her gently into his arms and hugging her tightly.

   Delilah eased into his embrace, holding on to one of his arms and looking up at him.  Hidama looked to her, still smiling and said, “Oh…I don’t know…I like storms don’t you?  Let’s stay up a bit longer.”  The echidna leaned his head back, closing his eyes for a moment.  Delilah suddenly went shy, cuddling a bit closer to him, enjoying the warmth and softness of his crimson fur.  After a moment or so, Hidama looked up and back at Delilah, and said, “Well…I’ve taught you all the echidna language that I can remember…you’ve done quite well taking it all in.”

   Resting her head on Hidama’s chest, Delilah didn’t reply to him right away.  As she tried to work out a response, she became transfixed on his heart beating in his chest.  Closing her eyes, and resting her remaining hand on the white tuft of fur on his chest, Delilah inhaled and exhaled slowly, sighing happily, nodding slightly as her response to his words.

   The echidna paused for a moment, shutting his eyes and breathing deeply.  Both of them were silent for a few moments, until a crash of thunder blared and the power blinked off throughout the entire apartment and through half the city.  Delilah cried out, latching onto Hidama and crying, “Ahh!  The power’s out!”

   Hidama sat up fast, putting a comforting arm securely around Delilah.  He whispered, “Shh, Delilah, there’s no reason to scream…or be afraid.  Let’s just get those flash lights out of the kitchen okay?  I have pretty decent night vision…I think I can make my way unscathed.”  He stood up to leave, but Delilah latched onto Hidama’s arm, holding him back.

   “Let me come with you please!  I’m…I’m not afraid of the dark or anything it’s just…I feel safer with you by my side,” she said.  Had it been light enough, Hidama would have seen her blush heavily.

   He chuckled softly and said, “Sure, I understand.  Come on.”  Taking her hand, the two made their way to the kitchen.  They found three flashlights in one of the kitchen drawers, and turning them on, they expelled the darkness away with two beams of light, and they could see again.

   Delilah sighed in relief, then said, “Gee, I wanted to finish that picture I was doing tonight…can’t very well do it with just a flashlight.”

   Having started a walk to the den, Hidama paused, turning around and said, “What picture?  I didn’t know you were working on one.  What’s it of?”

   She paused, knowing she had blown her cover and her secret.  She had saved this portrait of Hidama for the late hours of the night, when Delilah would sketch a little bit more as he slept, following this ritual night after night, with some breaks in between.  It was almost finished too, for she only had to finish his eyes, which were hard to do from memory, as she couldn’t do them as he slept.  Maybe now she better tell him what she was doing so she could finish the picture by sketching and coloring his sapphire blue eyes.

   The hedgehog smiled and turned into her bedroom, leaving Hidama’s question unanswered.  He shrugged his shoulders, stepping back into the kitchen and sitting on a barstool, drinking a glass of water to quench his thirst.  With his back turned to Delilah’s room, she emerged, looking at the picture once, twice more, and taking a deep breath.  She wasn’t sure what Hidama would think of the picture, but he had asked, and she needed his eyes to complete the picture.

   A beam of light flashed over Hidama’s shoulder, reflecting in a warm glow off the marble countertops.  The echidna glanced back at her, raising his arm to shield his eyes as the flashlight temporarily blinded him.  Sitting down beside Hidama, she said, “Oops, I’m sorry sweetie.  Didn’t mean to shine that light in your eyes.”

   Hidama blinked a couple times, getting his vision back, he smiled and said, “Aww gee Delilah, it’s okay…I’m quite, …quite alright.”  The echidna paused, realizing she had called him “sweetie” for the first time; he liked it, and he smiled warmly, looking in her eyes and saying, “Anyway, what’s this special picture you’ve been working so hard on?  I’m curious…”

   Delilah blushed again, smiling sweetly.  She didn’t want to show it to him uncompleted, but, she figured she could tell him what it was a picture of, so then he would pose for her so she could finish it.  She giggled softly and said, “Gee Hidama, it’s not finished yet…well, it almost is…and I kinda need your help on it.”  She paused, noticing Hidama’s eyes were fixed upon her face.  She loved that; Hidama always looked right at her when she was talking, and she knew he was listening no matter what she was saying or how long she went on without pausing.  Her heart pulsed fast, and swallowing a couple times, she took a deep breath, looking at the picture, then back at Hidama, who she knew was waiting for a reply.

   “Anyway…I’m doing a portrait of…well, you Hidama.  I started a sketch that first night…and I’ve, well, I’ve only worked on it while you slept.  I guess I wanted to surprise you…problem is I can’t do your eyes while you’re sleeping.  They’re the only part I have to finish,” she explained.

   The echidna was silent after she spoke, thinking over her words; his face went slightly red, not out of embarrassment, but rather, out of flattery.  He rubbed the back of his head, smiling and replied, “Wow…really?  A picture of me eh?  Heh, that’s a surprise…I’m honored and well, flattered actually to tell you the truth.”  He paused, lowering his hand and taking his flashlight in his hand, studying it carefully.  “You’re gonna need better light than this aren’t you?” he asked.

   She sighed a quiet sigh of relief and happiness at Hidama’s reaction.  She smiled, shaking her head slowly and said, “I actually used low light a lot of the time so I wouldn’t wake you…this is only a little bit different than before, though I admit all the light coming from two flashlights does present a problem.”

   After this, Hidama and Delilah arranged the flashlights so they illuminated Hidama’s face so she could put the finishing touches on his eyes, and then finish the portrait.  As the lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, and the rain poured, the two sat in silence for a few moments; as Delilah sketched in his eyes, Hidama watched her, trying to see into the depths of her soul.  There was so much love between them, he could feel it; already his time with Delilah had done so much good for him, and now, he couldn’t bear the thought of a point in his life where he was without her; he loved her so.

   “Hey…Delilah…there’s, well, something I’ve been meaning to tell you for awhile now,” he started.  He paused, exhaling the remaining air he had slowly and softly.  He grinned, blinking a few times as he shook his head, and said, “It’s kinda important.”

   Upon hearing this, Delilah looked up at him.  She stared at him for a moment, smiling, but hesitantly, pondering what he said.  She slowly looked back to the picture, finishing inking the last lines, before sitting her ink pen on the counter beside her.  As she picked up a blue oil pastel and two shades of blue colored pencils off the counter, she glanced at Hidama again, seeing he was watching her, smiling, but waiting for some kind of response.

   She blushed slightly, and replied, “Sure Hidama…what is it?”  Her voice was soft and quiet, and was slightly hesitant, out of shyness.  She went on with coloring the rest of the picture, still glancing at his sapphire blue eyes, illuminated by the soft glow of the flashlights.

   This same glow was enough to illuminate Delilah’s cheeks, which Hidama could see blush red as she continued to color.  The echidna paused, studying her face for a few moments.  What he was really doing, was pondering reading her thoughts, which was certainly no challenge for him; what the problem was, was that he felt he had no business reading her mind, as his powers were really meant for saving lives, and fighting for justice, and he loved her enough to respect the secrets of her thoughts and her heart.  Even so, he didn’t need to read her mind to know she loved him, and he absolutely returned her affection.

   That was it; he had delayed speaking the desires of his heart long enough.  He laughed softly, shaking his head and whispering, “It’s nothing really…but, after all the time we’ve spent together I’ve…well, I feel we’ve grown quite close and, the truth is, I can’t help but be attracted to you Delilah.  You’re the greatest thing that has happened to me for awhile now and,” he looked straight at her, saying, “I love you.”

   Delilah stopped coloring; she raised the blue oil pastel from the paper slightly, just as she slowly raised her eyes to look at Hidama.  He was smiling at her, and it was as if his smile continued to speak of his love for her, as did the soft sparkle in his eyes, a sparkle that was always there, coming from the warmth and happiness in his heart.  She found herself unable to speak, and a slight tremble came to her hands and feet as her heart began to race from Hidama’s words.  She was smiling, but her lower lip began to quiver as she tried to speak, tears forming in her eyes, and her throat tightening up on her as a fluttery feeling came to her stomach.

   He watched her, continuing to smile, for he could understand what she was feeling right now.  Grabbing a tissue, he stood up, laughing softly, and wiping the first tears that welled up in her brown eyes.  He whispered, “Aww, everything’s okay; you don’t have to cry you know.”

   She looked up at him as he placed his hand under her chin, cradling it as they became locked in each other’s gaze.  She sniffed a few times, smiling and giggling softly.  She looked down at the picture, and quickly colored in the last part, finishing the picture at last.  The echidna watched her, and sat back down, pulling his stool up beside hers, unable to see the picture as it wasn’t illuminated at that angle.

   “It’s finished…,” she whispered softly, sniffing a couple times.  It was silent for a moment or so, as thunder rumbled, softer than before, and the harsh flashes of lightning were reduced to a flicker, the rain now falling softly and pelting the windows.  She placed the blue oil pastel on the counter, grabbing one of the blue colored pencils to put one final detail in each eye, signing her name afterwards.  Unsure of how to reply to Hidama, she said, “I’m glad that it’s finally done…now you’re immortalized forever…I’ll never forget your face…how sweet and wonderful you are…”

   As she went on about how wonderful Hidama was, he continued to smile at her, leaning in and kissing her on her cheek gently.  He withdrew a bit, and Delilah looked at him, holding her breath, gazing at him with wonder and love in her eyes.  He laughed softly and said, “I’m sure it looks wonderful…mind if I see it now?”

   Still slightly stunned from Hidama’s kiss, in awe of how warm and wonderful it made her feel inside, she smiled and nodded, bringing the picture into the light where he could see it.  She replied, “I hope you like it…I spent three or four hours a night on it.  I started it the first night you were here so I’d never forget what you looked like…now I never want you to go…but if you are gone someday, I’ll always have this picture…and my memories.”

   The echidna looked at the picture, his eyes widening when he saw it.  He looked at her, seeing Delilah turned away, and was blushing heavily.  He could tell when she spoke of him ever leaving that it put her on the verge of tears.  Of course, now the thought of ever leaving her was painful on him too, as he wanted nothing more than to be with her forever, now almost completely forsaking his past.  He loved Delilah, and wanted her to be part of his life forever, no matter where it took him.

   But before he could speak, Delilah lowered her eyes, but looked halfway back to Hidama and said, her voice reduced to a shaky whisper, “I…I love you Hidama.”

   Hidama was struck with a sudden shyness upon hearing her words.  He knew she returned at least a small part of his love for her to him, but something about finally hearing her speak her love for him made his heart race.  He closed his eyes, inhaling quickly and sighing long and sweetly, an extended sigh of relief.  At last, he felt a degree of comfort, love…and peace that he had never felt before, save as a child alone perhaps, on a different level of course.  It was true; these last few weeks with her had healed his sick, wounded, and lonely heart, and brought life back to his broken spirit, and now, he had finally found the true peace he had sought for so long…he felt such a high level of happiness and relief it was incomprehensible.

   Yet he could still sense that she was shaken by this, in a good way of course, but he could tell that having him speak his love for her had done something for her heart as well.  He opened his eyes, looking at her, and could see she had left the picture entirely in his hands, turned from him, and was now hugging her knees, perched on the stool, her head resting on her knees.

   He sat the picture on the counter, stood up, and placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering, “Hai H’Nai loo Se’tal, Delilah.”  She looked up, letting her legs dangle freely again, before turning to look at Hidama, tears rolling down her cheeks.  She remembered clearly what those words meant, for on more than one occasion, she had spoken them to him in her heart and her dreams.  Gazing at her with love in his gentle eyes, he brushed her bangs out of her own eyes, drying her tears with one of his fingers.

   After a moment or two, Hidama closed his eyes, and leaned in once more to kiss her, only this time, his lips met her own; and though awe-struck for a moment, Delilah closed her eyes and kissed back in return, the two sweethearts locked in a passionate and loving kiss, secure in knowing they were soul mates, destined to be together forever, able to love and comfort each other.

   Slowly pulling out of their kiss, Hidama yawned a bit, rubbing his eyes quickly and saying, “Gee, maybe we should turn in for the night…you think?  It’s probably close to one in the morning by now.”

   Delilah stood up, not replying to him, but instead hugging him tightly, resting her head on his chest.  Hidama hugged her back, resting his head on her own.  She pulled back from Hidama almost unwillingly, taking her flashlight, and saying, “I am tired, but…you think you could walk me back to me room before you go to bed?”

   The echidna grinned, knowing full well she was more than capable of making it to her bedroom, and most likely, like him, didn’t want this moment to end.  He responded by picking her up with great ease, and carrying her off to her bedroom.  She laughed as he walked her back, and said, “Well goodness Hidama, I didn’t mean for you to tire yourself out by carrying me.”

   Sitting her down on her bed gently, he took her flashlight and walked back to the door, stopping and turning before saying, “What do you mean, ‘tire yourself out’?  That was no challenge for me…you’re quite light, and I’m quite strong…nothing’s a bother for me Delilah if you wish it.”  He turned to leave, but paused once more, and said, “Goodnight Delilah…sleep well…I love you,” before finally making his way to bed.  As he walked back to his room, he glanced at the picture once more, picking it up and taking it to his bedroom.

   The echidna went back to his room, curling up in bed, and turned off the flashlight.  As he closed his eyes to sleep, he smiled, realizing again how good it felt now that this true peace was realized.  He didn’t have a care in the world, as long as he had Delilah to love him, his heart was not only healed, but complete.  He glanced once more at the picture, smiling warmly; what was so special about the picture, was Delilah had added hedgehog ears, giving him the look of a hybrid, just like Mikomi.  As he drifted off to sleep, for the first time, Angel Island did not cross his mind, and neither did Knuckles and Mikomi, or the lives that went on without him.

   Morning had already come to Angel Island; it was early dawn, and the storm that was battering Starshine Town had drenched the floating island the evening before.  Knuckles found himself standing beside the Master Emerald, which in the weeks after Hidama left began to react better and stronger to Knuckles’ touch.  Maybe it was recognizing him as the true guardian after all.  Hidama certainly had…but did this mean he was never going to return?

   “Hidama…where are you?  You…you said you’d be back…don’t break that promise to me.  Why won’t you come back Hidama?  I…I waited too long and suffered too much to get you back in my life…don’t disappear from me again…I can’t go through that again Hidama.  I don’t care what you say…you’re my brother…and I need you,” Knuckles whispered that morning, praying softly as the sun rose.

   The echidna lowered his eyes in sadness; Hidama had been gone too long in his mind, and Knuckles wanted him back…and he wasn’t the only one.  Amy, wrapped up in her pink bathrobe, climbed the stairs of the altar.  Knuckles noticed this but relatively ignored her, sighing heavily as he sat down, hanging his legs over the edge of the altar and holding his head in sadness.

   She sat down beside him, and kissed him on the cheek.  Resting her head on his shoulder, he sighed and said, “Oh Amy…where is he?  He could be hurt again…I don’t think he meant to stay gone this long.  I know he has no trouble protecting himself…he has that kind of power…I just wish he’d come back.”

   Amy hugged him, looking into his eyes.  “I know part of what bothers you…it’s because Mikomi misses him so much.  His absence has hit both of you hard…it hurts me too, but you and Mikomi have had your lives turned upside down over this.”

   Knuckles sighed, nodding and saying, “That’s what’s bad about it; the first few days Mikomi would watch the door for him; outside he’d watched the horizon…now…I don’t know…he hardly smiles and laughs like he used to.  He used to talk so much, now he’ll barely speak more than two words at a time.  He loves us I know, but Hidama did so much for him.  Mikomi misses him terribly…and so do I, but what can I do?  I can’t leave to go find him…”

   Standing up, Knuckles gazed sadly at the horizon, his amethyst eyes plagued with worry.  Amy stood up beside him and said, “What can any of us do Knuckles?  Hidama said he’d come back, and he will.  He loves you, and we just have to trust that promise.  I’m sure once he figures out what he needs to do, he’ll come back to us.”

   The two looked at each other; Knuckles smiled weakly, comforted by Amy’s words, and the two kissed each other.  She smiled and said, “Come on; come eat something.  You’ve been out here almost all night.”

   Knuckles laughed, and followed her down the stairs of the altar, pausing once more, looking at the horizon, and whispering, “Oh Hidama, I love you…please…you stay gone as long as you need to, and work things out for yourself, but come back soon so we can be together again.  Twelve years and now this…I just want you to be here again.”

   The two brothers were so far apart, and while this separation didn’t affect Hidama in a negative fashion, Knuckles was suffering from it, as was Mikomi, the sudden loss of his uncle a big blow to him.  Hidama had found love, as well as true peace for his broken spirit, but now, it seemed that soon he would have to find some way to bring the happiness he had found in his new life, to the life he used to live before, and almost seemed to abandon.  With the Brokenstar Twins searching desperately for him, maybe Hidama would have no choice but return to his past, but find a way to bring his new life with him, so all souls would be at peace.

Description
"The Unending Journey of the Heart"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 8: Love, Peace, and Lives Forgotten

   After that morning, Hidama slowly eased into his new life, practically abandoning any remaining ties he had to the old.  His new identity, homeless, with no family or friends suited him just fine, for Camillia, and Delilah especially, were more than accepting of him.  It got to the point where he was almost completely ignorant of the past he had so easily forsaken…this was because, he no longer was in any sort of pain.

   The first few days he stayed with Camillia and Delilah quickly turned into a span of several weeks.  Even with the start of his second day with them, he was free from the malevolent nightmares that had followed him ever since he left Feldmort’s prisons.  His mind’s eye was at rest and under his control once more, and he no longer was haunted by frightful images and fallacies that caused him so much pain.  He no longer had thoughts of death, and it seemed he was finally free from this unrest in his heart; the thing was, was this only so because he had abandoned his past and much of what he held dear, or was the love and acceptance he found in Delilah and Camillia simply healing his wounded heart?

   Whatever the reason, Hidama was finally at ease, able to enjoy and love life the way Knuckles and even Shadow were able to for so long.  He met a large majority of Camillia’s and Delilah’s friends, and immediately found acceptance and friendship in the whole lot of them.  While he and Camillia were fast friends, Hidama spent the majority of his time with Delilah.  They’d go shopping together, play video games, and even go out on the town; as long as they were together, anything was up for enjoyment.  Delilah would show Hidama her artwork, and Hidama continued to teach her the old echidna language.  Everything was perfect, and slowly, it became more and more apparent the deep love the two had for one another.

   As for the Brokenstar Twins, they had indeed set out to look for their friend, but only after an extended stay in Sandysun City.  Inclement weather further delayed the clean up and repair efforts, and only after four stormy days had passed, were the hybrid twins and the denizens of the city able to complete the recovery efforts.

   So a week passed, and finally, Main Street was clear of debris, and the repair efforts began.  The twins did their best to get the efforts started, and quickly fixed the corner buildings that had burned down, and replaced all of the snapped lampposts.  Finally, after spending over a week in Sandysun City, Antonio came Aranelion as he helped mount one of the last street lights.

   “Hey there, hybrid twin.  Didn’t you and your brother mention a friend you needed to pursue?  Don’t you think maybe you’ve overshot your leave to find him?” he asked.

   Aranelion looked up, wiping his forehead clear of sweat and retying his headband.  Finally, he crossed his arms, his face distraught, and said, “Gee, I suppose you’re right Antonio.  I mean, Ell and I had every intention to leave a week ago, but the rain got in the way and held everything up, making us stay longer.  I guess at the time it wasn’t weighing heavily on our minds at how much time was passing.  Poor Hidama…who knows where he could be by now?”

   He held his head, feeling a headache coming on, and cringed, knowing full well that he and Elianaron had stayed far longer than they should have.  Hidama was already unstable enough, and for all Aranelion knew, he could be lying dead somewhere.  “Heh, Knuckles will have both our necks should that happen…and I don’t mean it in kidding either.  Poor Hidama, this is all our fault, and now he’s suffering for it,” he thought.

   “Aranelion?  Hey there, are you alright?” Antonio asked.

   He opened his eyes, and at the same time Elianaron walked up, wondering what was being spoken.  “What’s going on?” he asked innocently.

   His brother looked at him, cringing heavily, not just because of his headache, but the thought of Knuckles pounding them both for contributing to killing his brother.  “Nothing Ell, nothing,” he said sharply.  Elianaron glanced at him, noticing his brother’s annoyed and angered disposition.  Not knowing what bothered him, he took a step or two back, but before he could leave, Aranelion grabbed him by the arm and said, “Gee Antonio, could you excuse us for a moment?”

   Antonio had a worried look on his face, concerned for the hybrid twins he loved so much, but nodded, and without a word, went on to help with the mounting of the final lamppost.  Aranelion dragged his brother into an alley growling low with annoyance.

   Elianaron was still unaware of what upset his brother so, and trying to resist being dragged he said, “Slow down bro, you didn’t even tell me what’s going on!  You’re about to pull my arm off, and I’m no starfish, it won’t grow back!”

   Slamming his brother up against a wall, Aranelion growled and said, “Don’t you get it you chucklehead?  This is no time for games!  Hidama has been lost out in who knows where for over a week and it’s all our faults!”  By this time he was shouting, and Elianaron cringed, rubbing the back of his head after being slammed into the wall.  Aranelion sighed, loosening his grip on his brother’s arms and letting him loose from the wall.  He said, “I’m sorry Ell, it’s just…you and I both know how unstable Hidama was.  We both know he’d never hit you like that…and he most likely did out of confusion or even fear of whatever these haunting visions were showing him.  Now because I yelled at him he’s all alone out there…and I know he’s strong enough to protect himself, but…he’s also more than capable of causing himself harm…or even death.”

   Aranelion hung his head in shame, closing his eyes and cringing as he remembered how badly he yelled at and treated Hidama that night.  While he was doing this out of love for his twin brother, who at times was his only friend in the world, he realized now he had shunned and wounded another, perhaps to a point that could never be healed or amended.  It wasn’t Elianaron’s fault…it was his fault, and he would never live it down if something happened to Hidama.

   After not speaking for a moment or so, Elianaron placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder and said, “Well, gee Air, we aren’t doing any good wallowing in misery over this.  Hidama is our friend…and we all had a disagreement; nothing about that night was meant out of hate.  Poor Hidama is just suffering so much it affected him more than it should have.  I’m sure he’s doing alright and soon we’ll find him.  What we have to do now is go and look for him.”

   Glancing back at his brother, Aranelion looked at the bandage wrapped around Elianaron’s forearm, and again, could only imagine what Hidama in his depressive state perceived the hands of his friends to be as they tried to help him stand.  However, he knew his brother was right, and the longer they waited, the longer they knew it would take to track him down.

   He looked up and out to Main Street, then back to his brother, and said, “You’re right Ell, I just…can’t forget how badly I yelled at him…besides you he’s the only real friend I have in the world.  To make things worse we both knew he’s had a hard time recently.  We need to find him so we can apologize and set things right.  We’ve stayed here in Sandysun City too long.”

   The twins exchanged glances, followed by smiles, embracing each other before walking back to Main Street, ready to tell Antonio what they had to do.  They found him standing with Mrs. Caranelli, over-seeing the new stoplights being hung.  Antonio turned to the twins as they approached and said, “Ah Brokenstar Twins!  Have you decided on what you need to do?”

   Mrs. Caranelli, who stood with two knapsacks at her side, turned to Aranelion and Elianaron and said, “Why, of course they have Antonio.  They need to go after their friend, and after all they’ve done for our town, I think it’s about time they go about their way until they blow into town next.”  Smiling, she handed a knapsack to each of them and continued, “You’ve been such a great help to us all, sweeties, so there’s some provisions for your trip.  Should last you well beyond the nearest town.  I like to know you two are eating well when we aren’t together.”

   Elianaron grinned and said, “Aww Mrs. Caranelli, thank you.  Next to our mother you’re the best cook we know, and have the pleasure to be spoiled by your culinary masterpieces.  We sure do appreciate the provisions, and besides, we’re always glad to give you all a hand around here.  I can assure you we’ll be back soon.”

   The elderly woman smiled warmly at the twins, kneeling down and hugging them both tightly.  “I know,” she said, “But until then, take good care of yourselves, and each other my sweethearts. You don’t let anything get you down you hear?”

   “You got it Mrs. Caranelli.  Thank you so much, for everything,” Aranelion replied as he returned the hug.  She stood up, kissing both twins once on the top of their heads, coming to love them like her own grandchildren.  The twins fitted the knapsacks on their backs, before looking down Main Street.  “Well, the nearest town is Starshine Town…and that’s to the west of here.  We better get going then, we have a lot of ground to cover,” Aranelion said.

   Antonio laughed and said, “Aye, you sure do Brokenstar Twins.  You’ve done so much in your stay here; Main Street is already back to looking its best, and better than before.  I knew we could always count on you two; you’re both wonderful souls.  We’ll be seeing you soon I hope!”

   The twins started their walk to the outskirts of town, but stopped to look back at Antonio.  Elianaron grinned and replied, “You bet Antonio!  We’ll be back soon!  You all take care until then okay?”  Antonio shouted back in agreement, and waved goodbye with Mrs. Caranelli.  As the twins left town, they said goodbye to some of the citizens, finally arriving at the city limit with a vast expanse of rocky and grassy terrain between them and Starshine Town.

   Before they could get very far, Elianaron stopped and said, “Gee, Air, do you think Hidama would still be in Starshine Town, if he ever went there at all?  That’s got to be the biggest city on this side of the Grey Mountains…I doubt it’s a place he’d stick around for very long.  The biggest city he’s been to so far has to at least be Station Square…there’s no way he’d still be in Starshine Town you think?”

   Aranelion froze; the outcome of their search for Hidama rested entirely on his decision.  Should they go on through Starshine Town to look for Hidama, or detour around Starshine Town, which would cut off a good three days of travel to the next town, Cliffdale Heights?  Considering his brother’s words, Aranelion too could not see Hidama doing anything more than wandering through the town, then moving on his way.  Cliffdale Heights was a nice, relaxing, quiet lakeside village, and both twins could see Hidama stopping there and finding hospitality rather than remaining in Starshine Town.

   Awakening from his thoughts, Aranelion looked southward; the trail would not only bypass Starshine Town, but would be a shorter route to Cliffdale Heights, which lay further south from Starshine Town by several days.  Knowing Hidama would not likely linger in the big city, with Cliffdale Heights being much more welcoming, this route was now the most logical choice.

   “Mmm, that makes sense to me Elianaron, and knowing Hidama, he probably high-tailed it out of Starshine Town as soon as he got there, if he even walked through it at all.  One look at the skyline and he might have gone around it as well.  We know lots of the people in Cliffdale Heights, and knowing their kindness, they most likely have taken Hidama in and looked after him while he waits for us.  Let’s move,” Aranelion said.

   The twins set off on the southern trail to Cliffdale Heights.  Tragically, while they had the right idea, they didn’t realize they had ruled out the one location that Hidama was actually in, and would remain, no matter how many other places they searched.  With Hidama becoming more and more comfortable with his new life, he thought less and less of his old one, thinking little of the Brokenstar Twins, or the life he abandoned, putting Angel Island out of his mind it seemed for good.

   With the Brokenstar Twins searching everywhere except Starshine City for their friend, it seemed if they were ever going to find the guardian prince, then it was going to take quite a long time.  Meanwhile, after several weeks had passed, Hidama was extremely comfortable with his new lifestyle.  He was no longer plagued by misery, thoughts of death, or a prolonged unrest in his heart.  His time with Camillia, and Delilah especially, had worked wonders for his wounded spirit.  Finally he was beginning to heal; he was happy, living the peaceful, wonderful life he was robbed of thirteen years before as an innocent child.

   As the weeks went by, and the Brokenstar Twins went from town to town in search of their friends, Hidama was building a new life for himself, the pain in his heart, all the scars on his soul, and terror in his dreams and memories melting away.  He spent most of his time with Delilah; she introduced him to her friends, and instantly he found friendship with them.  Hidama and Delilah did everything together; they were always seen walking side by side, talking and laughing, always smiling, and sometimes strolling hand in hand, side by side.

   Indeed, Hidama was certainly smitten with Delilah from the beginning, but as the days turned into weeks, then into months, he began to fall in love with her.  Everything about her made him smile, his heart race, and overflow all of his senses with happiness.  Hidama wasn’t sure if she would return these feelings, so he kept them quiet, their friendship growing ever stronger; yet at night, when he’d teach her more of the echidna language, sitting on the balcony under the stars, he found himself wanting nothing more than to hold her in his arms tightly, and whisper that he loved her.

   While it was unknown to him, Delilah too was falling for Hidama.  She and Camillia had both met their fair share of bachelors, and Camillia went as far as to say Hidama was beyond a one in a million find.  “It discourages you to think that there aren’t going to be any more echidnas; I wish more guys like Hidama were out there, so sweet, kind, funny, and lovable.  I’m jealous of whoever ends up with him for a husband,” Camilla had said once.  It was at another party, one she invited Hidama and Delilah to.  Hidama was the life of the party, and Delilah over heard her friend’s words, knowing all too well how right she was.

   About two weeks had passed since that party, and Camillia’s words were never far from Delilah’s thoughts.  She and Hidama had certainly grown closer over the weeks.  He would sit and watch her paint pictures, even giving her advice from time to time.  Whenever she could convince him to sing for her, she could tell the words came from his heart.  Everywhere they went, they caught the attention of those around them; at first people were bewildered by Hidama, who now told the story that he had lost all of his family when the echidnas attacked, and after escaping his persecutors wandered alone for the past five years.  He did not expose his lineage, fearful that if word got out that he was a Guardian, then the Master Emerald would again be in danger, despite the fact that both it and Angel Island were far from his thoughts as of late.

   The thing was, everything about Hidama made Delilah’s heart overflow with happiness.  She was still working on that sketch of him she had started that first night, and often times she found herself working on it late at night as he slept, sneaking into his bedroom in the early morning hours as not to give away what she was doing.  She now intended to surprise him with the picture, and now, it had taken a special place in her heart, just as Hidama had done.

   Now all that remained was the fact that neither of them were ready to admit these deep feelings to each other; Hidama didn’t want to ruin their strong and loving friendship, while Delilah was too shy, so much that she wouldn’t even try and work on her picture of him while he was awake.  But Hidama watched her; he watched how she’d look at him, her brown eyes sparkling with warmth and joy.  While he remembered only so many memories from his childhood, he recognized that gaze…for it was the same look of love in his mother’s eyes as she’d stare at the Master Emerald’s altar where his father stood from the window of their hut.  It was the look of admiration and love, and Hidama could sense it.

   Hidama loved Delilah; he wasn’t thinking about his past, nor the pain, nor why he had run from Angel Island at all.  He was living the kind of life his brother lived, free to laugh, free to love, and free from pain or persecution.  Now that he found the peace he craved for so long, life was now a pleasure and not a burden to bear alone.  Now, after spending almost two months with her, teaching her every bit of the echidna language he could remember, the night came when he found himself teaching her the last lesson.

   It was a stormy night, and Camillia had already gone to bed.  Over the thunder, the clock on the mantle chimed twelve times at midnight, interrupting Hidama and Delilah, who were busy laughing over something Delilah said.  Hidama, catching his breath, stood with his hands on his knees and said, “Oh me…Delilah, just be sure, that when addressing an elder that you do pronounce your greetings properly.  You’d get some odd looks had you said that to one of the village elders…and probably a few punishing words in return.”

   Delilah sat back up after clutching a pillow as she laughed.  Her hat and sunglasses fell to the floor; she glanced at Hidama, smiling and nodding in reply.  It was quiet, and Delilah looked at the clock, as the last chime was followed by a flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder.  She yawned deeply, looking down to the faux fireplace and said, “Gee Hidama, I didn’t realize how late it was.  Maybe we should call it a night.”

   She then laid down on the couch to reach for her sunglasses and hat, but instead met Hidama’s hand which picked up the items for her.  She looked up at Hidama, and their eyes met.  Hidama was grinning at her, then glanced to his side for a moment, looking back, his grin softened to a loving, warm smile, his eyes shining from within.  Delilah blushed slightly as she remain locked in his gaze.  Chuckling softly, Hidama sat her sunglasses and hat on the table, and then sat down beside her on the couch, pulling her gently into his arms and hugging her tightly.

   Delilah eased into his embrace, holding on to one of his arms and looking up at him.  Hidama looked to her, still smiling and said, “Oh…I don’t know…I like storms don’t you?  Let’s stay up a bit longer.”  The echidna leaned his head back, closing his eyes for a moment.  Delilah suddenly went shy, cuddling a bit closer to him, enjoying the warmth and softness of his crimson fur.  After a moment or so, Hidama looked up and back at Delilah, and said, “Well…I’ve taught you all the echidna language that I can remember…you’ve done quite well taking it all in.”

   Resting her head on Hidama’s chest, Delilah didn’t reply to him right away.  As she tried to work out a response, she became transfixed on his heart beating in his chest.  Closing her eyes, and resting her remaining hand on the white tuft of fur on his chest, Delilah inhaled and exhaled slowly, sighing happily, nodding slightly as her response to his words.

   The echidna paused for a moment, shutting his eyes and breathing deeply.  Both of them were silent for a few moments, until a crash of thunder blared and the power blinked off throughout the entire apartment and through half the city.  Delilah cried out, latching onto Hidama and crying, “Ahh!  The power’s out!”

   Hidama sat up fast, putting a comforting arm securely around Delilah.  He whispered, “Shh, Delilah, there’s no reason to scream…or be afraid.  Let’s just get those flash lights out of the kitchen okay?  I have pretty decent night vision…I think I can make my way unscathed.”  He stood up to leave, but Delilah latched onto Hidama’s arm, holding him back.

   “Let me come with you please!  I’m…I’m not afraid of the dark or anything it’s just…I feel safer with you by my side,” she said.  Had it been light enough, Hidama would have seen her blush heavily.

   He chuckled softly and said, “Sure, I understand.  Come on.”  Taking her hand, the two made their way to the kitchen.  They found three flashlights in one of the kitchen drawers, and turning them on, they expelled the darkness away with two beams of light, and they could see again.

   Delilah sighed in relief, then said, “Gee, I wanted to finish that picture I was doing tonight…can’t very well do it with just a flashlight.”

   Having started a walk to the den, Hidama paused, turning around and said, “What picture?  I didn’t know you were working on one.  What’s it of?”

   She paused, knowing she had blown her cover and her secret.  She had saved this portrait of Hidama for the late hours of the night, when Delilah would sketch a little bit more as he slept, following this ritual night after night, with some breaks in between.  It was almost finished too, for she only had to finish his eyes, which were hard to do from memory, as she couldn’t do them as he slept.  Maybe now she better tell him what she was doing so she could finish the picture by sketching and coloring his sapphire blue eyes.

   The hedgehog smiled and turned into her bedroom, leaving Hidama’s question unanswered.  He shrugged his shoulders, stepping back into the kitchen and sitting on a barstool, drinking a glass of water to quench his thirst.  With his back turned to Delilah’s room, she emerged, looking at the picture once, twice more, and taking a deep breath.  She wasn’t sure what Hidama would think of the picture, but he had asked, and she needed his eyes to complete the picture.

   A beam of light flashed over Hidama’s shoulder, reflecting in a warm glow off the marble countertops.  The echidna glanced back at her, raising his arm to shield his eyes as the flashlight temporarily blinded him.  Sitting down beside Hidama, she said, “Oops, I’m sorry sweetie.  Didn’t mean to shine that light in your eyes.”

   Hidama blinked a couple times, getting his vision back, he smiled and said, “Aww gee Delilah, it’s okay…I’m quite, …quite alright.”  The echidna paused, realizing she had called him “sweetie” for the first time; he liked it, and he smiled warmly, looking in her eyes and saying, “Anyway, what’s this special picture you’ve been working so hard on?  I’m curious…”

   Delilah blushed again, smiling sweetly.  She didn’t want to show it to him uncompleted, but, she figured she could tell him what it was a picture of, so then he would pose for her so she could finish it.  She giggled softly and said, “Gee Hidama, it’s not finished yet…well, it almost is…and I kinda need your help on it.”  She paused, noticing Hidama’s eyes were fixed upon her face.  She loved that; Hidama always looked right at her when she was talking, and she knew he was listening no matter what she was saying or how long she went on without pausing.  Her heart pulsed fast, and swallowing a couple times, she took a deep breath, looking at the picture, then back at Hidama, who she knew was waiting for a reply.

   “Anyway…I’m doing a portrait of…well, you Hidama.  I started a sketch that first night…and I’ve, well, I’ve only worked on it while you slept.  I guess I wanted to surprise you…problem is I can’t do your eyes while you’re sleeping.  They’re the only part I have to finish,” she explained.

   The echidna was silent after she spoke, thinking over her words; his face went slightly red, not out of embarrassment, but rather, out of flattery.  He rubbed the back of his head, smiling and replied, “Wow…really?  A picture of me eh?  Heh, that’s a surprise…I’m honored and well, flattered actually to tell you the truth.”  He paused, lowering his hand and taking his flashlight in his hand, studying it carefully.  “You’re gonna need better light than this aren’t you?” he asked.

   She sighed a quiet sigh of relief and happiness at Hidama’s reaction.  She smiled, shaking her head slowly and said, “I actually used low light a lot of the time so I wouldn’t wake you…this is only a little bit different than before, though I admit all the light coming from two flashlights does present a problem.”

   After this, Hidama and Delilah arranged the flashlights so they illuminated Hidama’s face so she could put the finishing touches on his eyes, and then finish the portrait.  As the lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, and the rain poured, the two sat in silence for a few moments; as Delilah sketched in his eyes, Hidama watched her, trying to see into the depths of her soul.  There was so much love between them, he could feel it; already his time with Delilah had done so much good for him, and now, he couldn’t bear the thought of a point in his life where he was without her; he loved her so.

   “Hey…Delilah…there’s, well, something I’ve been meaning to tell you for awhile now,” he started.  He paused, exhaling the remaining air he had slowly and softly.  He grinned, blinking a few times as he shook his head, and said, “It’s kinda important.”

   Upon hearing this, Delilah looked up at him.  She stared at him for a moment, smiling, but hesitantly, pondering what he said.  She slowly looked back to the picture, finishing inking the last lines, before sitting her ink pen on the counter beside her.  As she picked up a blue oil pastel and two shades of blue colored pencils off the counter, she glanced at Hidama again, seeing he was watching her, smiling, but waiting for some kind of response.

   She blushed slightly, and replied, “Sure Hidama…what is it?”  Her voice was soft and quiet, and was slightly hesitant, out of shyness.  She went on with coloring the rest of the picture, still glancing at his sapphire blue eyes, illuminated by the soft glow of the flashlights.

   This same glow was enough to illuminate Delilah’s cheeks, which Hidama could see blush red as she continued to color.  The echidna paused, studying her face for a few moments.  What he was really doing, was pondering reading her thoughts, which was certainly no challenge for him; what the problem was, was that he felt he had no business reading her mind, as his powers were really meant for saving lives, and fighting for justice, and he loved her enough to respect the secrets of her thoughts and her heart.  Even so, he didn’t need to read her mind to know she loved him, and he absolutely returned her affection.

   That was it; he had delayed speaking the desires of his heart long enough.  He laughed softly, shaking his head and whispering, “It’s nothing really…but, after all the time we’ve spent together I’ve…well, I feel we’ve grown quite close and, the truth is, I can’t help but be attracted to you Delilah.  You’re the greatest thing that has happened to me for awhile now and,” he looked straight at her, saying, “I love you.”

   Delilah stopped coloring; she raised the blue oil pastel from the paper slightly, just as she slowly raised her eyes to look at Hidama.  He was smiling at her, and it was as if his smile continued to speak of his love for her, as did the soft sparkle in his eyes, a sparkle that was always there, coming from the warmth and happiness in his heart.  She found herself unable to speak, and a slight tremble came to her hands and feet as her heart began to race from Hidama’s words.  She was smiling, but her lower lip began to quiver as she tried to speak, tears forming in her eyes, and her throat tightening up on her as a fluttery feeling came to her stomach.

   He watched her, continuing to smile, for he could understand what she was feeling right now.  Grabbing a tissue, he stood up, laughing softly, and wiping the first tears that welled up in her brown eyes.  He whispered, “Aww, everything’s okay; you don’t have to cry you know.”

   She looked up at him as he placed his hand under her chin, cradling it as they became locked in each other’s gaze.  She sniffed a few times, smiling and giggling softly.  She looked down at the picture, and quickly colored in the last part, finishing the picture at last.  The echidna watched her, and sat back down, pulling his stool up beside hers, unable to see the picture as it wasn’t illuminated at that angle.

   “It’s finished…,” she whispered softly, sniffing a couple times.  It was silent for a moment or so, as thunder rumbled, softer than before, and the harsh flashes of lightning were reduced to a flicker, the rain now falling softly and pelting the windows.  She placed the blue oil pastel on the counter, grabbing one of the blue colored pencils to put one final detail in each eye, signing her name afterwards.  Unsure of how to reply to Hidama, she said, “I’m glad that it’s finally done…now you’re immortalized forever…I’ll never forget your face…how sweet and wonderful you are…”

   As she went on about how wonderful Hidama was, he continued to smile at her, leaning in and kissing her on her cheek gently.  He withdrew a bit, and Delilah looked at him, holding her breath, gazing at him with wonder and love in her eyes.  He laughed softly and said, “I’m sure it looks wonderful…mind if I see it now?”

   Still slightly stunned from Hidama’s kiss, in awe of how warm and wonderful it made her feel inside, she smiled and nodded, bringing the picture into the light where he could see it.  She replied, “I hope you like it…I spent three or four hours a night on it.  I started it the first night you were here so I’d never forget what you looked like…now I never want you to go…but if you are gone someday, I’ll always have this picture…and my memories.”

   The echidna looked at the picture, his eyes widening when he saw it.  He looked at her, seeing Delilah turned away, and was blushing heavily.  He could tell when she spoke of him ever leaving that it put her on the verge of tears.  Of course, now the thought of ever leaving her was painful on him too, as he wanted nothing more than to be with her forever, now almost completely forsaking his past.  He loved Delilah, and wanted her to be part of his life forever, no matter where it took him.

   But before he could speak, Delilah lowered her eyes, but looked halfway back to Hidama and said, her voice reduced to a shaky whisper, “I…I love you Hidama.”

   Hidama was struck with a sudden shyness upon hearing her words.  He knew she returned at least a small part of his love for her to him, but something about finally hearing her speak her love for him made his heart race.  He closed his eyes, inhaling quickly and sighing long and sweetly, an extended sigh of relief.  At last, he felt a degree of comfort, love…and peace that he had never felt before, save as a child alone perhaps, on a different level of course.  It was true; these last few weeks with her had healed his sick, wounded, and lonely heart, and brought life back to his broken spirit, and now, he had finally found the true peace he had sought for so long…he felt such a high level of happiness and relief it was incomprehensible.

   Yet he could still sense that she was shaken by this, in a good way of course, but he could tell that having him speak his love for her had done something for her heart as well.  He opened his eyes, looking at her, and could see she had left the picture entirely in his hands, turned from him, and was now hugging her knees, perched on the stool, her head resting on her knees.

   He sat the picture on the counter, stood up, and placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering, “Hai H’Nai loo Se’tal, Delilah.”  She looked up, letting her legs dangle freely again, before turning to look at Hidama, tears rolling down her cheeks.  She remembered clearly what those words meant, for on more than one occasion, she had spoken them to him in her heart and her dreams.  Gazing at her with love in his gentle eyes, he brushed her bangs out of her own eyes, drying her tears with one of his fingers.

   After a moment or two, Hidama closed his eyes, and leaned in once more to kiss her, only this time, his lips met her own; and though awe-struck for a moment, Delilah closed her eyes and kissed back in return, the two sweethearts locked in a passionate and loving kiss, secure in knowing they were soul mates, destined to be together forever, able to love and comfort each other.

   Slowly pulling out of their kiss, Hidama yawned a bit, rubbing his eyes quickly and saying, “Gee, maybe we should turn in for the night…you think?  It’s probably close to one in the morning by now.”

   Delilah stood up, not replying to him, but instead hugging him tightly, resting her head on his chest.  Hidama hugged her back, resting his head on her own.  She pulled back from Hidama almost unwillingly, taking her flashlight, and saying, “I am tired, but…you think you could walk me back to me room before you go to bed?”

   The echidna grinned, knowing full well she was more than capable of making it to her bedroom, and most likely, like him, didn’t want this moment to end.  He responded by picking her up with great ease, and carrying her off to her bedroom.  She laughed as he walked her back, and said, “Well goodness Hidama, I didn’t mean for you to tire yourself out by carrying me.”

   Sitting her down on her bed gently, he took her flashlight and walked back to the door, stopping and turning before saying, “What do you mean, ‘tire yourself out’?  That was no challenge for me…you’re quite light, and I’m quite strong…nothing’s a bother for me Delilah if you wish it.”  He turned to leave, but paused once more, and said, “Goodnight Delilah…sleep well…I love you,” before finally making his way to bed.  As he walked back to his room, he glanced at the picture once more, picking it up and taking it to his bedroom.

   The echidna went back to his room, curling up in bed, and turned off the flashlight.  As he closed his eyes to sleep, he smiled, realizing again how good it felt now that this true peace was realized.  He didn’t have a care in the world, as long as he had Delilah to love him, his heart was not only healed, but complete.  He glanced once more at the picture, smiling warmly; what was so special about the picture, was Delilah had added hedgehog ears, giving him the look of a hybrid, just like Mikomi.  As he drifted off to sleep, for the first time, Angel Island did not cross his mind, and neither did Knuckles and Mikomi, or the lives that went on without him.

   Morning had already come to Angel Island; it was early dawn, and the storm that was battering Starshine Town had drenched the floating island the evening before.  Knuckles found himself standing beside the Master Emerald, which in the weeks after Hidama left began to react better and stronger to Knuckles’ touch.  Maybe it was recognizing him as the true guardian after all.  Hidama certainly had…but did this mean he was never going to return?

   “Hidama…where are you?  You…you said you’d be back…don’t break that promise to me.  Why won’t you come back Hidama?  I…I waited too long and suffered too much to get you back in my life…don’t disappear from me again…I can’t go through that again Hidama.  I don’t care what you say…you’re my brother…and I need you,” Knuckles whispered that morning, praying softly as the sun rose.

   The echidna lowered his eyes in sadness; Hidama had been gone too long in his mind, and Knuckles wanted him back…and he wasn’t the only one.  Amy, wrapped up in her pink bathrobe, climbed the stairs of the altar.  Knuckles noticed this but relatively ignored her, sighing heavily as he sat down, hanging his legs over the edge of the altar and holding his head in sadness.

   She sat down beside him, and kissed him on the cheek.  Resting her head on his shoulder, he sighed and said, “Oh Amy…where is he?  He could be hurt again…I don’t think he meant to stay gone this long.  I know he has no trouble protecting himself…he has that kind of power…I just wish he’d come back.”

   Amy hugged him, looking into his eyes.  “I know part of what bothers you…it’s because Mikomi misses him so much.  His absence has hit both of you hard…it hurts me too, but you and Mikomi have had your lives turned upside down over this.”

   Knuckles sighed, nodding and saying, “That’s what’s bad about it; the first few days Mikomi would watch the door for him; outside he’d watched the horizon…now…I don’t know…he hardly smiles and laughs like he used to.  He used to talk so much, now he’ll barely speak more than two words at a time.  He loves us I know, but Hidama did so much for him.  Mikomi misses him terribly…and so do I, but what can I do?  I can’t leave to go find him…”

   Standing up, Knuckles gazed sadly at the horizon, his amethyst eyes plagued with worry.  Amy stood up beside him and said, “What can any of us do Knuckles?  Hidama said he’d come back, and he will.  He loves you, and we just have to trust that promise.  I’m sure once he figures out what he needs to do, he’ll come back to us.”

   The two looked at each other; Knuckles smiled weakly, comforted by Amy’s words, and the two kissed each other.  She smiled and said, “Come on; come eat something.  You’ve been out here almost all night.”

   Knuckles laughed, and followed her down the stairs of the altar, pausing once more, looking at the horizon, and whispering, “Oh Hidama, I love you…please…you stay gone as long as you need to, and work things out for yourself, but come back soon so we can be together again.  Twelve years and now this…I just want you to be here again.”

   The two brothers were so far apart, and while this separation didn’t affect Hidama in a negative fashion, Knuckles was suffering from it, as was Mikomi, the sudden loss of his uncle a big blow to him.  Hidama had found love, as well as true peace for his broken spirit, but now, it seemed that soon he would have to find some way to bring the happiness he had found in his new life, to the life he used to live before, and almost seemed to abandon.  With the Brokenstar Twins searching desperately for him, maybe Hidama would have no choice but return to his past, but find a way to bring his new life with him, so all souls would be at peace.