Knuckles and other characters are trademarks of SEGA,
DIC or Archie Comics.
Strife & Mayu-Gi are characters owned by me. The
characters I don't mention are mine, and well they
didn't play as big a part.
"Yume wa Doko e Itta? (Where Have Dreams Gone?)
(Opening theme of Tenchi in Tokyo)
Lyrics by Natsuko Karedo
Composed by Kyoko Matsumiya
Arranged by Masami Kishimura
Performed by Linda Yamamoto
(Pioneer LDC)
My Japanese tutor and I did the translation to the
song. If you like the MP3 and are an AIM user I can
send it through there. You could also try bear share
to DL it as
well.
Characters:
Knuckles
Julie-Su
Lara-Le
Archimedes
Espio
Vector
Ray
Mighty
Charmy
Kommisar
Kragok
Remington
Wynmacher
Dimitri
Brotherhood of Guardians
Strife
Mayu-Gi
No Need For Spring!
******************************************************************************
The moon was full and shinned brightly over the
island. It gave off such a romantic glow, that it made
every couple felt the essence of love. Even a certain
echidna couple had fallen victim to the moon's
romantic curse. Knuckles and Julie-Su lay down
together on the new soft spring grass and looked at
the stars above them.
Each one enjoying the company the other gave while
they were also enjoying the spring evening. Knuckles
turned his head and sighed upon Julie-Su's beauty. He
couldn't believe that two months ago she would have
been out of his life forever. Everything about
Julie-Su turned him on. Her beauty, smile, smarts, and
attitude were all a turn on that the young echidna
found appealing. She was strong just like him, a
perfect woman, and his dream woman.
Though many would denounce the idea of someone from a
status of noble birth marrying or even dating someone
of such low status. Oddly enough Julie-Su was not of
such low status, as others in the populace would
believe. She was a distant cousin of the guardian.
They both descend from the same family tree, though
her ancestor chose power over the safety for others,
they were still family, descended from a highly
respected great-grandmother, Kayla-La. It would seem
that the populace had forgotten that part of the
guardians genealogy, or they probably denied that the
guardians themselves had any link to their enemies. If
that was the case, then it could be understandable of
how the people felt. They felt as if their current
guardian was turning his back on them and would press
upon them the evils that they have been taught to
fear. For who would want a guardian married to the
enemy, or even producing an offspring with them.
*****************************************************************************
Inside Echidnaopolis, every member of high society
meet in an elegant ballroom decorated with roses and
carnations. Mosaics telling the story of Cinderella,
and Snow White covered the walls of the room. The room
itself glowed with light from the crystal chandelier
hanging from above. All echidnas that was present in
that room had a great deal of influence on politics.
Some were old money and some were new money that
attended the party. The only thing that would make
them equal would be their prim and proper views of
society and the way it should be governed. All of the
echidnas in that room believed that "their" young
guardian should marry someone of his class, someone
who would be better welcomed by society...by them. " I
can't believe he would associate himself with that
girl.
Why my daughter Katri-na, has many gentlemen callers.
Just the other day Brombones was with her shopping. I
wouldn't mind him marrying my daughter, but I would
prefer the guardian himself to pay a call to her. It
would be nice to have him in the family. He would keep
Brombones and that disgusting low class teacher
Ichabob in check", said snooty Lady Demeter-Re, whose
elder daughter Persepho-Ne fell for a low class
gravedigger named Hades, she was still furious with
her daughter for that. " Well if you ask me, it could
a phase. All teenagers have a phase they grow out of
eventually. The boy will come to his senses soon
enough. You'll see." piped old man Strife. You see
when old man Strife talked everyone listened. His
family had owned the same company for countless
generations and was the wealthiest person in all of
Echidnaopolis. It was rumored that he bought votes for
one of his friends, but that was never proven. "What
we can do in the mean time is try to get the guardian
to come to our next party. There we will have him
dance with our daughters. By then he would have
forgotten about that brazen hussy."
Every member in the room seemed to be in a trance at
the thought of having the guardian grace his presence
upon them. Maybe it was the way old Strife had said
it, may be not. Either way they knew the guardian
would come, because they knew that all guardians would
eventually have to meet society. They had always known
the guardians to be highly refined and cultured
echidnas. Though they were taught to be those things,
Knuckles would rather be himself and not something he
is not.
To the elite status it meant everything and having a
guardian in the family was something that everyone had
dreamed about, as well as the elevation of status and
power. With that thought in mind they toasted.
******************************************************************
It was late when Knuckles had walked Julie-Su back to
her apartment. Tired the young guardian decided to
spend the night as his mother and stepfather's
apartment. Knuckles plopped onto the soft sofa in the
living room. He gave a big yawn a fell asleep. A big
smile curled around his beak as he began dreaming
about
Julie-Su.
The next morning Knuckles awoke with a dreamy look in
his face. With a stretch, he got up from the sofa and
walked into the kitchen. Wynn was in the shower while
his mother had already awakened and was in the middle
of making breakfast. Knuckles came up from behind her
and gave her a big hug. "Morning Mom," said cheerful
Knuckles. Lara-Le turned around and gave her son a
peck on his head and then turned around to cut up some
fruit for breakfast." So, how was your "date""?",
chuckled Lara-Le. Knuckles looked at wondering how she
knew that he was with Julie-Su last night. "You were
talking in your sleep and it sounded like it was fun."
Knuckles blushed after what his mother had
said."Oh.um.Er... yeah it was a fun dream", said a
bashful Knuckles. Knuckles walked towards the kitchen
table. He noticed that the mail had come in and on top
of the stack of new mail was an envelope addressed to
him. Knuckles picked it up and examine it closely. He
took one of his sharp knuckles and began to slice a
side of the envelope. He then took his two of his
fingers and began to pull something out of it. Lara-Le
had just sat down with her son after placing breakfast
on the table."Whats that you got there"" asked his
mother while she sat down at the table. Knuckles
looked dumbfound at the card, while handing it to his
mother. "Looks like you've been invited to a ball
tonight at the Winstaff Hotel", smiled Lara-Le as she
took a sip of tea." I'm not going," began Knuckles.
"The people at those parties are a bunch of snobs.
They judge people without getting to know them, its
short notice and.. and.....""And they don't like
Julie-Su", concluded Lara-Le. Knuckles look into his
mother's eyes as if saying "yeah." "Knuckles, you know
by now that not everyone treats the other the same
way. Take the way some of the populace are treating
the Dingoes as well as Julie-Su. In life you have to
take things one at a time, though we may look
different we are still the same inside", pointed out
Lara-Le " I guess I should go then. What could go
wrong, and maybe dad and the guys have some advice
they're willing to share", sighed Knuckles as he began
eating breakfast.
****************************************************************************
After breakfast, Julie-Su headed out of her apartment
towards Echidna Towers, where she knew Knuckles would
eventually be. After what happened between
Zagat and herself, she was glad to be back in
Echidnaopolis and with the echidna she loved. Though
she was only told of the events from Knuckles, she
couldn't believe it. As she walked towards Echidna
Towers, she heard a song coming from the radios inside
the local electronic store and decided to stop and
listen to it.
By myself, I don't understand any of it! Somebody
explain it me!
And then once again, that person I loved so much,
Went somewhere far away! Without anyone even noticing
Where has the dream gone since then?
I'm sure it must have been in this place for a very
long time
Even though the love was like an all-consuming flame,
The feelings I had at that time bring them back again!
The times with you were so nice, dreams were
overflowing
Painful and hurtful, a different tomorrow is here
Just shouting, doesn't change anything in the world at
large,
After tomorrow, everyday tedium will surely continue
More importantly ... even though "love" couldn't be
said,
Why does that love, even now, still warm my heart?
An endless dream that I want to try to get back,
A dream that I believed was something that would
someday come true
Everyone has enduring strength,
I want to remember that again!
Where has the dream gone since then?
I'm sure it must have been in this place for a very
long time
Even though the love was like an all-consuming flame,
The feelings I had at that time bring them back again!
It was as if the song was talking about Julie-Su,
almost asking her to stop and listen. To Julie-Su it
was flattering. Julie-Su began on her way again, as
she began chuckle at the thought of the song. As she
got closer to Echidna Towers she saw Knuckles sitting
on a bench in deep thought. She came up from behind
him and gave him a hug. Still hugging Knuckles, she
looked at him with her loving eyes and kissed him on
his cheek. Knuckles instantly broke from his deep
thought and looked at her as she began to sit down
next to him. Sighing Knuckles looked at Julie-Su, he
wanted to say something but he didn't know where to
start." Knuckles what's the matter? Why are you
looking at me like that?", questioned a concerned
Julie-Su. Knuckles handed Julie-Su the card and she
looked at it." So, you've been invited to a Debutante
Ball.", chuckled Julie-Su," what so funny?", asked
Knuckles as he took back the invite. "Just the thought
of you even going." said Julie-Su as she try to
control her outburst." Why do you find that funny?
These people have invited me to go their party and all
you can do is laugh at my own expense. You know I have
no choice in some matter!" implied Knuckles as he got
up off the bench. Julie-Su got off the bench slowly.
Clearly anyone could tell she was furious at Knuckles
for both yelling at her and not thinking that she
didn't understand. With a movement of her hand,
Julie-Su left a side of his face with a red mark." How
dare you accuse me of not knowing anything about you
at all! I'm probably the only person beside your
family who knows you better than anyone! I don't care
if you dance with all those girls! From the look of it
I'd say you don't even want me around cause I'd get
you more disliked by the populace!" shouted a very
angry
Julie-Su. With that said she ran off in the opposite
direction with a tears streaming from her eyes.
Knuckles tried to go after her, but he knew he would
make things even worse and decided to take care of it
later. Knuckles sighed a heavy sigh as he walk east
towards the mall where he knew the Chaotix always
would be. He felt bad about what he said to Julie-Su.
She was right to slap him. She knew about what he was
going through, better then anyone else he knew.
Sometimes Knuckles would forget about the power of the
soul touch, and how he could feel her feelings and
emotions and how she could feel his." Sometimes I
wonder if the soul touch is testing", muttered
Knuckles to him self as he kicked an empty soda can
down the street. Sighing again Knuckles looked up and
noticed that he had finally made it to the mall and
began to walk inside. His mind was wandering around.
Part of his mind was thinking about Julie-Su, while
the other was thinking about the ball. Sneaking up
behind him was Vector. Tip toeing behind Knuckles,
Vector seemed to get a jump on the young echidna,
before Knuckles reflexes kicked in and threw the
crocodile into the fountain. Mighty who was on the
other side of the fountain, heard a loud splashing
sound before he got soak by the water. He turned
around to see what happened and stood on top of the
fountain's walkway. He saw Knuckles trying to fish
Vector out of the fountain." Hey I just had a bath
today!" shouted Mighty from across the fountain,
before slipped into the fountain himself. Knuckles
looked up and saw Mighty fall in, distracted enough
Vector playfully pulled Knuckles into the fountain.
Knuckles began to laugh at the sight of three very
soaked critters in the fountain, which cause a chain
reaction among them.
From a far Julie-Su saw the three in the
fountain, all soaked and trying to get out. She looked
at Knuckles drying himself biting her lower lip as she
notice how hot he looked with wet fur. She wanted to
go to him and talk about the fight, but she knew that
it wasn't the right time to talk to him yet and a part
of herself was telling her that it was his fault and
not hers. It was as if Knuckles was speaking to her
heart and saying he was sorry. Julie-Su shook her head
and began walking in another direction. The three from
the fountain walked over towards the food court where
Espio and Ray were already seated with everyone's
order. Knuckles looked at the food in front of him.
The colors of the food on his plate reminded him of
her. He looked at the color and with his fork began to
play with his food. He was still lost in thought, not
even hearing what his friends had said; he got up and
walked away from them. Espio got up and ran up to
Knuckles, "Whoa there lover boy we know what's wrong",
said Espio as he placed a hand on Knuckles' shoulder.
Knuckles looked up "You do?" Espio nodded his head.
"Julie-Su was talking with all of us
Earlier and she mentioned about what had happened
between the both of you. I can't say what you do was
right, but what I can say is that she was pretty
hurt", said
Espio. " I know it was my fault, but I have a lot of
thins on my mind and I guess I shouldn't have taken it
out on her. She was trying to cheer me up after"
******************************************************************************
Still feeling hurt Julie-Su walked around town trying
not to think about Knuckles. It was so much easier
when she was in the Legion and not thinking about ever
finding true love. All she was concerned about at the
time was doing her duty, being faithful, and the best
soldier she could be. Love was never on her mind,
never an issue, until she meet Knuckles. When she had
her first confutation with him, she could as if
something hidden was there. At the time she didn't
know what it was and neither did he, but with time the
feelings were nurtured and blossomed. She didn't want
to throw that away. The sun began to set as Julie-Su
walked back to her apartment. On her way back she
bumped into Remington, who was finishing up his
patrol. Remington saw a sign of sadness on her face;
he placed a hand on her shoulder" Penny for your
thoughts, Julie-Su?" hinted Remington. Julie-Su looked
at him and smiled "Just thinking about what if I never
had met Knuckles. What if I was still following
Kommisar and Kragok's orders? Following the ideals
left by Dimitri." began Julie-Su. " I just don't know
how to act with "your kind". To me it would be easier
to be a soldier, following orders, then to follow my
heart. If Knuckles only knew how hard it was for me to
show my feelings, to even share them. I guess I'm not
truly the right person for him", sighed Julie-Su as
she lowered her head to her chest. Remington took his
hand and began to raise her head with it till
Julie-Su was looking directly at his "The guardian
cares for you more than anything else in this world.
I've never seen him act that way with anyone before,
nor has any one of his friends. You're his world, his
everything. I just can't bear to see you two fighting
or not together. You two have so much in common",
noted Remington. Julie-Su looked at Remington. She
knew he was right and she hoped everything would be
fine." But how long will it last", frowned Julie-Su as
she walked away and into her apartment.
************************************************************************
With the sun setting in the horizon and the
islanders getting on with their lives, Knuckles was in
Haven getting fitted into a tuxedo. Sabre had just
placed the finishing touches onto Knuckles' tuxedo
before Locke and Spectre had walked in the room with
Archimedes on his shoulder. The three members of the
Brotherhood looked at their young guardian and were
pleased at how refined and regal he looked. Not in
their wildest dreams could they've thought that
Knuckles could pull this off. Knuckles was still
wondering about Julie-Su and the party when he lost
his train of thought." Knuckles, my lad", said Spectre
as he looked over Knuckles once more." These people
may rub you the wrong way, but please try to act on
your best behavior." Locke eyed his son as he picked
up a red rose and placed it into lapel." Have fun and
be yourself", said Locke. Knuckles smiled and hugged
his father. Archimedes jumped onto Knuckles shoulder
"And now if you excuse us, I must say this boy has a
party to go to and we wouldn't want him to be late",
with that Knuckles and Archimedes disappeared into a
pouf of smoke.
******************************************************************************
Julie-Su sat down on her big soft sofa wearing nothing
but a blue bathrobe. The room was dark but it glowed
from the light of the moon. Her locks were dripping
wet from the shower she had just taken. She looked out
her sliding glass door to where she had placed her new
potted plants. Her mind was still on Knuckles and
nothing else. She picked up a picture of Knuckles and
herself off of the table next to her, trying to hold
back her tears." Why do you have to be difficult, huh?
I thought I could handle you, but I guess I was wrong.
He never acted like that towards me. He never yelled
at me in that manner at all." sighed Julie-Su as she
took her ring finger and drew Knuckles outline with it
on photo before her tears fells onto it. Julie-Su
placed the picture faced down as she buried her face
in her hands.
She loved him more than anything else in the world.
Julie-Su feared that she might never know the love
that she had with him ever again. Any of the male
populous of
Echidnaopolis would reject her, because of her past.
She already had people spitting at her, blaming her
for things, and just plan hurting her feelings.
******************************************************************************
Inside of the Winstaff Ball Room, all of high society
meet with their daughters. The room looked the same as
the night before but with one big difference...the
guardian would soon arrive. In the middle of the room
a great big puff of smoke appeared in front of
Echidnaopolis elite. All in the room were amazed at
the sight of smoke, thinking it sort of rude for
someone to do such a tacky thing. The smoke cleared
and out stepped Knuckles, looking very handsome and
somehow gentle. All the young girls in the room look
at Knuckles as if he was a tasty piece of Godiva
chocolate. Knuckles looked at the crowd of people in
front of him and then he looked at Archimedes as if
saying "thanks a lot" Out of the crowd appeared Strife
and his extending hand. "Good evening guardian, glad
you could make it", said Strife as he shook his hand
and patting him on the back. Strife walked Knuckles
over to a buffet table where they would talk some
more." It is such an honor that you could came and
hang out with "us" ", said old man Strife as he tried
to act like a youngster again. ""Uh...yeah it is",
said Knuckles as he looked around the room staring at
he pictures on the wall, " I hope..." began Strife as
he was cut off by his granddaughter Mayu-Gi and a
bunch of her friends. "You shouldn't have him all to
yourself grandfather", cooed Mayu-Gi as she took
Knuckles' right arm. Knuckles looked at her and was
speechless. She looked like Julie-Su except for her
eyes, which were hazel. Knuckles closed his eyes and
shook his head. * I can't be going crazy. Do I miss
her that much*, thought Knuckles to himself. Mayu-Gi
smiled as he saw Knuckles shake his head and began
pulling him to the dance floor.
Hours had past by and Knuckles had danced with
every girl in the room. It didn't feel right to be
there with these people. All through the night he
heard them talking about what they thought was best
for him and that, which made him uncomfortable.
Money, politics, Dingoes, and the Dark Legion were all
a hot topic among the older members in the room. Among
the girls were topics like clothes, money, boys and
Julie-Su. This made Knuckles frown when he heard them
talking about her in such a hurtful way. What hurt him
the most was when he danced with the girls and how
they ask him hurtful questions about Julie-Su. All
through the night he couldn't take his eyes off of
Mayu-Gi, that he danced with her for most of the
night. He was never asked by her to dance with him,
but the other way around. Maybe it was because how he
felt about Julie-Su and the way he wanted to make up
with her.
It was close to midnight when Mayu-Gi brought Knuckles
out on to the balcony. The view was amazing from where
they were. It seemed endless from where they stood.
Knuckles looked at Mayu-Gi in what was left of the
moonlight's glow. He placed his hands on her face and
kissed her passionately, but felt nothing. He didn't
get the feeling he got from kissing Julie-Su, which he
got from Mayu-Gi. Whenever he kissed Julie-Su he felt
full of life, full of happiness, the happiness that he
always wanted. Knuckles took his hands off her face.
Upon taking them off he noticed he left purple
handprints on Mayu-Gi's face. Knuckles looked at his
hands, "What the?", said a confused Knuckles. Mayu-Gi
looked him all teary eyed and placed her hands on her
head taking off her wig. Then she took out a tissue
from out of her glove, wiping off the face paint. "I'm
sorry that I did this, but grandfather made me do
this. He wanted a way to make you forget about that
girl. He thought it best if I looked like her."
confessed Mayu-Gi. Knuckles couldn't believe what he
was hearing. "Please don't leave me", pleaded Mayu-Gi.
Knuckles looked at her "You played with my feelings
and thought that by dressing up as her could change my
mind. I admit that it almost worked, but it didn't. I
still love her more than ever now."
With saying that Knuckles jump off from the balcony
and caught a rather strong breeze that carried him far
away from the ball room.
Still feeling bad, Knuckles glided towards
Julie-Su's apartment. He didn't know what to say or if
she was still awake. Instead of buzzing her on the
intercom,
Knuckles picked up some pebbles and threw it against
the glass of the sliding door. Julie-Su, still laying
on the sofa awoke to the sound of something hitting
glass.
She noticed something or someone was throwing pebbles
at her glass door. Julie-Su got up and walked over to
the door so she could yell at the person who was doing
it. She began to open the sliding door and walked out
onto her terrace. Knuckles stood there watching her
coming out of her apartment. Julie-Su saw Knuckles
standing below, she stood there almost about to smile
when she noticed lipstick on Knuckles' lips. Feeling
crushed and betrayed Julie-Su picked up a watering can
next to her potted plants and threw the remaining cold
water at Knuckles and walked away. Knuckles
dumbfounded and drenched stared at his love returning
back inside of her apartment. He began whipping his
face dry when upon his cuff he noticed pink lipstick,
the same that Mayu-Gi was wearing when he kissed her.
DIC or Archie Comics.
Strife & Mayu-Gi are characters owned by me. The
characters I don't mention are mine, and well they
didn't play as big a part.
"Yume wa Doko e Itta? (Where Have Dreams Gone?)
(Opening theme of Tenchi in Tokyo)
Lyrics by Natsuko Karedo
Composed by Kyoko Matsumiya
Arranged by Masami Kishimura
Performed by Linda Yamamoto
(Pioneer LDC)
My Japanese tutor and I did the translation to the
song. If you like the MP3 and are an AIM user I can
send it through there. You could also try bear share
to DL it as
well.
Characters:
Knuckles
Julie-Su
Lara-Le
Archimedes
Espio
Vector
Ray
Mighty
Charmy
Kommisar
Kragok
Remington
Wynmacher
Dimitri
Brotherhood of Guardians
Strife
Mayu-Gi
No Need For Spring!
******************************************************************************
The moon was full and shinned brightly over the
island. It gave off such a romantic glow, that it made
every couple felt the essence of love. Even a certain
echidna couple had fallen victim to the moon's
romantic curse. Knuckles and Julie-Su lay down
together on the new soft spring grass and looked at
the stars above them.
Each one enjoying the company the other gave while
they were also enjoying the spring evening. Knuckles
turned his head and sighed upon Julie-Su's beauty. He
couldn't believe that two months ago she would have
been out of his life forever. Everything about
Julie-Su turned him on. Her beauty, smile, smarts, and
attitude were all a turn on that the young echidna
found appealing. She was strong just like him, a
perfect woman, and his dream woman.
Though many would denounce the idea of someone from a
status of noble birth marrying or even dating someone
of such low status. Oddly enough Julie-Su was not of
such low status, as others in the populace would
believe. She was a distant cousin of the guardian.
They both descend from the same family tree, though
her ancestor chose power over the safety for others,
they were still family, descended from a highly
respected great-grandmother, Kayla-La. It would seem
that the populace had forgotten that part of the
guardians genealogy, or they probably denied that the
guardians themselves had any link to their enemies. If
that was the case, then it could be understandable of
how the people felt. They felt as if their current
guardian was turning his back on them and would press
upon them the evils that they have been taught to
fear. For who would want a guardian married to the
enemy, or even producing an offspring with them.
*****************************************************************************
Inside Echidnaopolis, every member of high society
meet in an elegant ballroom decorated with roses and
carnations. Mosaics telling the story of Cinderella,
and Snow White covered the walls of the room. The room
itself glowed with light from the crystal chandelier
hanging from above. All echidnas that was present in
that room had a great deal of influence on politics.
Some were old money and some were new money that
attended the party. The only thing that would make
them equal would be their prim and proper views of
society and the way it should be governed. All of the
echidnas in that room believed that "their" young
guardian should marry someone of his class, someone
who would be better welcomed by society...by them. " I
can't believe he would associate himself with that
girl.
Why my daughter Katri-na, has many gentlemen callers.
Just the other day Brombones was with her shopping. I
wouldn't mind him marrying my daughter, but I would
prefer the guardian himself to pay a call to her. It
would be nice to have him in the family. He would keep
Brombones and that disgusting low class teacher
Ichabob in check", said snooty Lady Demeter-Re, whose
elder daughter Persepho-Ne fell for a low class
gravedigger named Hades, she was still furious with
her daughter for that. " Well if you ask me, it could
a phase. All teenagers have a phase they grow out of
eventually. The boy will come to his senses soon
enough. You'll see." piped old man Strife. You see
when old man Strife talked everyone listened. His
family had owned the same company for countless
generations and was the wealthiest person in all of
Echidnaopolis. It was rumored that he bought votes for
one of his friends, but that was never proven. "What
we can do in the mean time is try to get the guardian
to come to our next party. There we will have him
dance with our daughters. By then he would have
forgotten about that brazen hussy."
Every member in the room seemed to be in a trance at
the thought of having the guardian grace his presence
upon them. Maybe it was the way old Strife had said
it, may be not. Either way they knew the guardian
would come, because they knew that all guardians would
eventually have to meet society. They had always known
the guardians to be highly refined and cultured
echidnas. Though they were taught to be those things,
Knuckles would rather be himself and not something he
is not.
To the elite status it meant everything and having a
guardian in the family was something that everyone had
dreamed about, as well as the elevation of status and
power. With that thought in mind they toasted.
******************************************************************
It was late when Knuckles had walked Julie-Su back to
her apartment. Tired the young guardian decided to
spend the night as his mother and stepfather's
apartment. Knuckles plopped onto the soft sofa in the
living room. He gave a big yawn a fell asleep. A big
smile curled around his beak as he began dreaming
about
Julie-Su.
The next morning Knuckles awoke with a dreamy look in
his face. With a stretch, he got up from the sofa and
walked into the kitchen. Wynn was in the shower while
his mother had already awakened and was in the middle
of making breakfast. Knuckles came up from behind her
and gave her a big hug. "Morning Mom," said cheerful
Knuckles. Lara-Le turned around and gave her son a
peck on his head and then turned around to cut up some
fruit for breakfast." So, how was your "date""?",
chuckled Lara-Le. Knuckles looked at wondering how she
knew that he was with Julie-Su last night. "You were
talking in your sleep and it sounded like it was fun."
Knuckles blushed after what his mother had
said."Oh.um.Er... yeah it was a fun dream", said a
bashful Knuckles. Knuckles walked towards the kitchen
table. He noticed that the mail had come in and on top
of the stack of new mail was an envelope addressed to
him. Knuckles picked it up and examine it closely. He
took one of his sharp knuckles and began to slice a
side of the envelope. He then took his two of his
fingers and began to pull something out of it. Lara-Le
had just sat down with her son after placing breakfast
on the table."Whats that you got there"" asked his
mother while she sat down at the table. Knuckles
looked dumbfound at the card, while handing it to his
mother. "Looks like you've been invited to a ball
tonight at the Winstaff Hotel", smiled Lara-Le as she
took a sip of tea." I'm not going," began Knuckles.
"The people at those parties are a bunch of snobs.
They judge people without getting to know them, its
short notice and.. and.....""And they don't like
Julie-Su", concluded Lara-Le. Knuckles look into his
mother's eyes as if saying "yeah." "Knuckles, you know
by now that not everyone treats the other the same
way. Take the way some of the populace are treating
the Dingoes as well as Julie-Su. In life you have to
take things one at a time, though we may look
different we are still the same inside", pointed out
Lara-Le " I guess I should go then. What could go
wrong, and maybe dad and the guys have some advice
they're willing to share", sighed Knuckles as he began
eating breakfast.
****************************************************************************
After breakfast, Julie-Su headed out of her apartment
towards Echidna Towers, where she knew Knuckles would
eventually be. After what happened between
Zagat and herself, she was glad to be back in
Echidnaopolis and with the echidna she loved. Though
she was only told of the events from Knuckles, she
couldn't believe it. As she walked towards Echidna
Towers, she heard a song coming from the radios inside
the local electronic store and decided to stop and
listen to it.
By myself, I don't understand any of it! Somebody
explain it me!
And then once again, that person I loved so much,
Went somewhere far away! Without anyone even noticing
Where has the dream gone since then?
I'm sure it must have been in this place for a very
long time
Even though the love was like an all-consuming flame,
The feelings I had at that time bring them back again!
The times with you were so nice, dreams were
overflowing
Painful and hurtful, a different tomorrow is here
Just shouting, doesn't change anything in the world at
large,
After tomorrow, everyday tedium will surely continue
More importantly ... even though "love" couldn't be
said,
Why does that love, even now, still warm my heart?
An endless dream that I want to try to get back,
A dream that I believed was something that would
someday come true
Everyone has enduring strength,
I want to remember that again!
Where has the dream gone since then?
I'm sure it must have been in this place for a very
long time
Even though the love was like an all-consuming flame,
The feelings I had at that time bring them back again!
It was as if the song was talking about Julie-Su,
almost asking her to stop and listen. To Julie-Su it
was flattering. Julie-Su began on her way again, as
she began chuckle at the thought of the song. As she
got closer to Echidna Towers she saw Knuckles sitting
on a bench in deep thought. She came up from behind
him and gave him a hug. Still hugging Knuckles, she
looked at him with her loving eyes and kissed him on
his cheek. Knuckles instantly broke from his deep
thought and looked at her as she began to sit down
next to him. Sighing Knuckles looked at Julie-Su, he
wanted to say something but he didn't know where to
start." Knuckles what's the matter? Why are you
looking at me like that?", questioned a concerned
Julie-Su. Knuckles handed Julie-Su the card and she
looked at it." So, you've been invited to a Debutante
Ball.", chuckled Julie-Su," what so funny?", asked
Knuckles as he took back the invite. "Just the thought
of you even going." said Julie-Su as she try to
control her outburst." Why do you find that funny?
These people have invited me to go their party and all
you can do is laugh at my own expense. You know I have
no choice in some matter!" implied Knuckles as he got
up off the bench. Julie-Su got off the bench slowly.
Clearly anyone could tell she was furious at Knuckles
for both yelling at her and not thinking that she
didn't understand. With a movement of her hand,
Julie-Su left a side of his face with a red mark." How
dare you accuse me of not knowing anything about you
at all! I'm probably the only person beside your
family who knows you better than anyone! I don't care
if you dance with all those girls! From the look of it
I'd say you don't even want me around cause I'd get
you more disliked by the populace!" shouted a very
angry
Julie-Su. With that said she ran off in the opposite
direction with a tears streaming from her eyes.
Knuckles tried to go after her, but he knew he would
make things even worse and decided to take care of it
later. Knuckles sighed a heavy sigh as he walk east
towards the mall where he knew the Chaotix always
would be. He felt bad about what he said to Julie-Su.
She was right to slap him. She knew about what he was
going through, better then anyone else he knew.
Sometimes Knuckles would forget about the power of the
soul touch, and how he could feel her feelings and
emotions and how she could feel his." Sometimes I
wonder if the soul touch is testing", muttered
Knuckles to him self as he kicked an empty soda can
down the street. Sighing again Knuckles looked up and
noticed that he had finally made it to the mall and
began to walk inside. His mind was wandering around.
Part of his mind was thinking about Julie-Su, while
the other was thinking about the ball. Sneaking up
behind him was Vector. Tip toeing behind Knuckles,
Vector seemed to get a jump on the young echidna,
before Knuckles reflexes kicked in and threw the
crocodile into the fountain. Mighty who was on the
other side of the fountain, heard a loud splashing
sound before he got soak by the water. He turned
around to see what happened and stood on top of the
fountain's walkway. He saw Knuckles trying to fish
Vector out of the fountain." Hey I just had a bath
today!" shouted Mighty from across the fountain,
before slipped into the fountain himself. Knuckles
looked up and saw Mighty fall in, distracted enough
Vector playfully pulled Knuckles into the fountain.
Knuckles began to laugh at the sight of three very
soaked critters in the fountain, which cause a chain
reaction among them.
From a far Julie-Su saw the three in the
fountain, all soaked and trying to get out. She looked
at Knuckles drying himself biting her lower lip as she
notice how hot he looked with wet fur. She wanted to
go to him and talk about the fight, but she knew that
it wasn't the right time to talk to him yet and a part
of herself was telling her that it was his fault and
not hers. It was as if Knuckles was speaking to her
heart and saying he was sorry. Julie-Su shook her head
and began walking in another direction. The three from
the fountain walked over towards the food court where
Espio and Ray were already seated with everyone's
order. Knuckles looked at the food in front of him.
The colors of the food on his plate reminded him of
her. He looked at the color and with his fork began to
play with his food. He was still lost in thought, not
even hearing what his friends had said; he got up and
walked away from them. Espio got up and ran up to
Knuckles, "Whoa there lover boy we know what's wrong",
said Espio as he placed a hand on Knuckles' shoulder.
Knuckles looked up "You do?" Espio nodded his head.
"Julie-Su was talking with all of us
Earlier and she mentioned about what had happened
between the both of you. I can't say what you do was
right, but what I can say is that she was pretty
hurt", said
Espio. " I know it was my fault, but I have a lot of
thins on my mind and I guess I shouldn't have taken it
out on her. She was trying to cheer me up after"
******************************************************************************
Still feeling hurt Julie-Su walked around town trying
not to think about Knuckles. It was so much easier
when she was in the Legion and not thinking about ever
finding true love. All she was concerned about at the
time was doing her duty, being faithful, and the best
soldier she could be. Love was never on her mind,
never an issue, until she meet Knuckles. When she had
her first confutation with him, she could as if
something hidden was there. At the time she didn't
know what it was and neither did he, but with time the
feelings were nurtured and blossomed. She didn't want
to throw that away. The sun began to set as Julie-Su
walked back to her apartment. On her way back she
bumped into Remington, who was finishing up his
patrol. Remington saw a sign of sadness on her face;
he placed a hand on her shoulder" Penny for your
thoughts, Julie-Su?" hinted Remington. Julie-Su looked
at him and smiled "Just thinking about what if I never
had met Knuckles. What if I was still following
Kommisar and Kragok's orders? Following the ideals
left by Dimitri." began Julie-Su. " I just don't know
how to act with "your kind". To me it would be easier
to be a soldier, following orders, then to follow my
heart. If Knuckles only knew how hard it was for me to
show my feelings, to even share them. I guess I'm not
truly the right person for him", sighed Julie-Su as
she lowered her head to her chest. Remington took his
hand and began to raise her head with it till
Julie-Su was looking directly at his "The guardian
cares for you more than anything else in this world.
I've never seen him act that way with anyone before,
nor has any one of his friends. You're his world, his
everything. I just can't bear to see you two fighting
or not together. You two have so much in common",
noted Remington. Julie-Su looked at Remington. She
knew he was right and she hoped everything would be
fine." But how long will it last", frowned Julie-Su as
she walked away and into her apartment.
************************************************************************
With the sun setting in the horizon and the
islanders getting on with their lives, Knuckles was in
Haven getting fitted into a tuxedo. Sabre had just
placed the finishing touches onto Knuckles' tuxedo
before Locke and Spectre had walked in the room with
Archimedes on his shoulder. The three members of the
Brotherhood looked at their young guardian and were
pleased at how refined and regal he looked. Not in
their wildest dreams could they've thought that
Knuckles could pull this off. Knuckles was still
wondering about Julie-Su and the party when he lost
his train of thought." Knuckles, my lad", said Spectre
as he looked over Knuckles once more." These people
may rub you the wrong way, but please try to act on
your best behavior." Locke eyed his son as he picked
up a red rose and placed it into lapel." Have fun and
be yourself", said Locke. Knuckles smiled and hugged
his father. Archimedes jumped onto Knuckles shoulder
"And now if you excuse us, I must say this boy has a
party to go to and we wouldn't want him to be late",
with that Knuckles and Archimedes disappeared into a
pouf of smoke.
******************************************************************************
Julie-Su sat down on her big soft sofa wearing nothing
but a blue bathrobe. The room was dark but it glowed
from the light of the moon. Her locks were dripping
wet from the shower she had just taken. She looked out
her sliding glass door to where she had placed her new
potted plants. Her mind was still on Knuckles and
nothing else. She picked up a picture of Knuckles and
herself off of the table next to her, trying to hold
back her tears." Why do you have to be difficult, huh?
I thought I could handle you, but I guess I was wrong.
He never acted like that towards me. He never yelled
at me in that manner at all." sighed Julie-Su as she
took her ring finger and drew Knuckles outline with it
on photo before her tears fells onto it. Julie-Su
placed the picture faced down as she buried her face
in her hands.
She loved him more than anything else in the world.
Julie-Su feared that she might never know the love
that she had with him ever again. Any of the male
populous of
Echidnaopolis would reject her, because of her past.
She already had people spitting at her, blaming her
for things, and just plan hurting her feelings.
******************************************************************************
Inside of the Winstaff Ball Room, all of high society
meet with their daughters. The room looked the same as
the night before but with one big difference...the
guardian would soon arrive. In the middle of the room
a great big puff of smoke appeared in front of
Echidnaopolis elite. All in the room were amazed at
the sight of smoke, thinking it sort of rude for
someone to do such a tacky thing. The smoke cleared
and out stepped Knuckles, looking very handsome and
somehow gentle. All the young girls in the room look
at Knuckles as if he was a tasty piece of Godiva
chocolate. Knuckles looked at the crowd of people in
front of him and then he looked at Archimedes as if
saying "thanks a lot" Out of the crowd appeared Strife
and his extending hand. "Good evening guardian, glad
you could make it", said Strife as he shook his hand
and patting him on the back. Strife walked Knuckles
over to a buffet table where they would talk some
more." It is such an honor that you could came and
hang out with "us" ", said old man Strife as he tried
to act like a youngster again. ""Uh...yeah it is",
said Knuckles as he looked around the room staring at
he pictures on the wall, " I hope..." began Strife as
he was cut off by his granddaughter Mayu-Gi and a
bunch of her friends. "You shouldn't have him all to
yourself grandfather", cooed Mayu-Gi as she took
Knuckles' right arm. Knuckles looked at her and was
speechless. She looked like Julie-Su except for her
eyes, which were hazel. Knuckles closed his eyes and
shook his head. * I can't be going crazy. Do I miss
her that much*, thought Knuckles to himself. Mayu-Gi
smiled as he saw Knuckles shake his head and began
pulling him to the dance floor.
Hours had past by and Knuckles had danced with
every girl in the room. It didn't feel right to be
there with these people. All through the night he
heard them talking about what they thought was best
for him and that, which made him uncomfortable.
Money, politics, Dingoes, and the Dark Legion were all
a hot topic among the older members in the room. Among
the girls were topics like clothes, money, boys and
Julie-Su. This made Knuckles frown when he heard them
talking about her in such a hurtful way. What hurt him
the most was when he danced with the girls and how
they ask him hurtful questions about Julie-Su. All
through the night he couldn't take his eyes off of
Mayu-Gi, that he danced with her for most of the
night. He was never asked by her to dance with him,
but the other way around. Maybe it was because how he
felt about Julie-Su and the way he wanted to make up
with her.
It was close to midnight when Mayu-Gi brought Knuckles
out on to the balcony. The view was amazing from where
they were. It seemed endless from where they stood.
Knuckles looked at Mayu-Gi in what was left of the
moonlight's glow. He placed his hands on her face and
kissed her passionately, but felt nothing. He didn't
get the feeling he got from kissing Julie-Su, which he
got from Mayu-Gi. Whenever he kissed Julie-Su he felt
full of life, full of happiness, the happiness that he
always wanted. Knuckles took his hands off her face.
Upon taking them off he noticed he left purple
handprints on Mayu-Gi's face. Knuckles looked at his
hands, "What the?", said a confused Knuckles. Mayu-Gi
looked him all teary eyed and placed her hands on her
head taking off her wig. Then she took out a tissue
from out of her glove, wiping off the face paint. "I'm
sorry that I did this, but grandfather made me do
this. He wanted a way to make you forget about that
girl. He thought it best if I looked like her."
confessed Mayu-Gi. Knuckles couldn't believe what he
was hearing. "Please don't leave me", pleaded Mayu-Gi.
Knuckles looked at her "You played with my feelings
and thought that by dressing up as her could change my
mind. I admit that it almost worked, but it didn't. I
still love her more than ever now."
With saying that Knuckles jump off from the balcony
and caught a rather strong breeze that carried him far
away from the ball room.
Still feeling bad, Knuckles glided towards
Julie-Su's apartment. He didn't know what to say or if
she was still awake. Instead of buzzing her on the
intercom,
Knuckles picked up some pebbles and threw it against
the glass of the sliding door. Julie-Su, still laying
on the sofa awoke to the sound of something hitting
glass.
She noticed something or someone was throwing pebbles
at her glass door. Julie-Su got up and walked over to
the door so she could yell at the person who was doing
it. She began to open the sliding door and walked out
onto her terrace. Knuckles stood there watching her
coming out of her apartment. Julie-Su saw Knuckles
standing below, she stood there almost about to smile
when she noticed lipstick on Knuckles' lips. Feeling
crushed and betrayed Julie-Su picked up a watering can
next to her potted plants and threw the remaining cold
water at Knuckles and walked away. Knuckles
dumbfounded and drenched stared at his love returning
back inside of her apartment. He began whipping his
face dry when upon his cuff he noticed pink lipstick,
the same that Mayu-Gi was wearing when he kissed her.