I thought I should just bring this to a complete finish.

Disclaimer: All Sonic characters belong to Sega. All OC's belong to me.


Well, After That…

Sonic, Shadow, and Silver descended from up above, achievement clear on their bright faces. The entire gang cheered with happiness as they saw they heard the final scream of Solaris fade only leaving a bright light wandering in the night sky up above. Before anyone had the chance to congratulate their three heroes on a job well done, the light began to brighten much to their surprise. All except for the three super hedgehogs, everyone hid their faces behind their arms, trying their hardest not to be blinded from the piercing light. Soon enough, the entire scene was covered in bright warm light, blanketing everything, and everyone.

...

Elise found herself, floating among the dark spaces that glittered with blue sparkles. Her eye lashes fluttered open as she examined her body, unscathed. There was a light blue aura surrounding her very being, and for some odd reason, she felt….safe, relaxed, happy even. The young princess looked to see if anyone else had ended up here, and found Sonic behind her. His face was also at peace yet he wore a pondering expression as he viewed his surroundings.

For the time being, the princess of Soleanna did not take an interest to her new environment. Instead, her mind wandered on to Solaris. "Did you kill it?" she childishly asked the young hedgehog. Sonic looked at her with an expression she could not place, and shook his head.

"No," he replied. He then turned to face a light that radiated warmth and peace, a ghost of a smile on his muzzle. Elise turned to see what he was looking at. "That's Solaris' true form."

The light appeared to brighten before it once again took over their surroundings.

XXXX

"Just one kiss can either make you or destroy you."

"Mephiles," a sweet voice sung through the air.

An ebony hedgehog with gray-blue streaks on his arms, legs and head quills looked up from his book. Mephiles was indeed a handsome, youthful, hedgehog with well-built features and a strong stance. He was level-headed and strongly aware of his responsibilities regarding the ones he loved. Well, that was to be expected of a god. A smile immediately etched onto his striking features as a girl ran towards him with glee. Her sapphire orbs glowed brightly with excitement as they met the cool emeralds that always seemed to send shivers down her spine.

"Yes, Iblis?"

Iblis, a red hedgehog with bright blue eyes, and fiery quills that ended just above her hind, was the definition of a goddess. Mephiles' eyes brightened at the young hedgehog he had the honor to call his wife. He stood up and placed his hands on her small waist. She was very curvy, her breasts were full and her hips were a mile wide. Her cheeks were lively with color and only reddened as Mephiles stared into her eyes, making her melt. She was active one. She was always cheery and her energetic and optimistic behavior caused many to take a liking to her. But ultimately, Mephiles had fallen quite hard for her, as she did him.

The innocent ones always fell for the silent ones.

No matter that, Iblis had found herself lost within those glowing green irises. The world would fade from her mind and she would usually forget whatever she had to say. Mephiles' charming smile, she swore, was just like the ones in those books Noelle always read to her. They always made her insides melt into a puddle while her cheeks would rise to unbearable temperatures. In addition to that, he would hold her so tenderly, as if he was afraid he would break her. And when he really felt comfortable or just in the mood, she would basically have to pry him off her if she wanted to go anywhere, but she found that having Mephiles around made things much easier anyway.

Most of the time.

As Iblis' head began to tilt to the side in adoration, she hadn't caught the affectionate sigh escape her mouth. Mephiles quirked a brow in amusement, a devious smirk crawling on his muzzle, before bringing his hand underneath her chin. He tilted her head upright and kissed her lips tenderly causing Iblis' head to spin. He chuckled as her eyes were still closed and her lips were stretched in a dazed smile.

"Iblis," he called her name.

"Hmm?" she hummed pleasantly.

"There was something you needed to tell me?" he chuckled.

Iblis blinked blankly before realization set in her eyes. "Oh yeah!" she smiled sheepishly, a heavy blush on her cheeks. The red demigoddess took hold of Mephiles' hand and started to skip down the hallway. "Noelle showed me this wonderful instrument that plays the most wonderful music I've ever heard. It's magical," she breathed happily, "You press a white key and it makes such a heavenly sound."

"Isn't that just a piano?" Mephiles questioned, puzzled as to why she was so fascinated with the instrument. But he understood as soon as he asked the question. She hadn't been exposed to this world as long as he had. The young hedgehog was still learning despite her ability to mature in just a snap of her fingers.

"Is that what it's called!?" she cheerily laughed, "They're so spectacular Mephiles!" She sweetly smiled, walking backwards.

Mephiles just shook his head, keeping his gaze on her flawless face he loved so much.

XXXX

It was late and the corridors of the laboratory were empty and dark. The sky was dark and the moon was hidden behind the clouds. The only source of light was from the stars up above. In a large room, there only sat a piano. It was smaller than usual. It was as if it was built for a certain size, and it was. On top of the piano that was a black glossy color sat Iblis. She wore her usual night gown that was just baby blue with white lace under her breast and around the waist. It fit perfectly brining out her chest and tiny waist and then hung down to her knees. Her quills were tied up into a pony tail as a smile gently laid across her tan muzzle. She closed her eyes pleasantly as the music from the piano touched her ears. Iblis began to hum along to the soft melody and swayed gently to it.

Mephiles watched his beloved enjoy the soft tune he learned to play. His fingers danced across the keys, seemingly magic. He then also closed his eyes, letting his own ears hear Iblis' harmonic hums. This was there moment of peace and love. Once in awhile, not too often, Iblis would plead for her husband to play something for her. At first, Mephiles was hesitant to do so, as he did not want disturb the scientists in the lab in fear of a punishment, but he soon relented. He could never say no to her. So, just in case, he charmed the room, allowing him to make the room sound proof. Sure it tired him out, which he kept from her, but it was all for her.

Iblis giggled with glee as Mephiles played her favorite part. She hugged herself before falling back and lying down. The beautiful hedgehog sighed in content. She crossed her hands over her heart before turning her head to gaze at Mephiles who continued to indulge in the sounds of the piano. Her eyes softened lovingly as he concentrated. Iblis continued to stare at him, dazed.

"Don't you know it is impolite to stare, my love?" Mephiles teased, opening an eye. He smirked handsomely.

Iblis' cheeks flushed. She giggled, but continued to stare despite her new knowledge. "Please forgive me for I cannot resist." She propped herself on her elbow, leaning closer to him. "You are just so beautiful," she whispered. It was then she captured his chin in her dainty fingers and pulled him closer. Their lips grazed each other, testing the waters before diving right in. Iblis kissed him gently. Mephiles closed his eyes as he still continued to play. The kiss began to deepen when Iblis pushed forward, taking control. Mephiles smiled against her lips. They parted and Iblis bit her bottom lip. She smiled deviously.

The dark hedgehog's brow raised in amusement. "Why do you smile as if you've been told a secret?" he whispered against her lips.

The red demigoddess sat up. She hung her legs over the side of the piano. Iblis played with one of her head quills bashfully. A deep red tint came over her cheeks and she was thankful that it was so dark. She noticed that Mephiles had gotten up but the melody continued to play. She smiled a bit, knowing the piano had been enchanted. The demigod traveled over to his wife, leaning against the piano. Iblis spread her legs so he had room to stand in front of her. He placed his hands right above her tail bone, his fingers stroking her tail. The crimson female wrapped her arms around his neck.

"There's something I want to tell you, but it's rather…impetuous," she quietly said as her hands roamed his head quills. One hand ran down his chest and she played with the soft feather–like strands of his chest hair. Her sea-blue orbs looked down to the floor as her cheeks heated up even more. Oh how was she supposed to tell him when she felt so embarrassed?

Mephiles cocked a brow. He noted that Iblis seemed bothered. She was also beginning to feel hot. Her face was drowned in red that he was sure if she blushed any harder, her face would blend into her quills. The dark hedgehog noticed also that her legs began to tighten against his waist. Was there something wrong with her physically? He began to worry. His brows furrowed in wonder as he brought a hand to her cheek and made her face him.

"Tell me," he whispered with an encouraging smile.

"Mephiles, make love to me."

His eyes widened drastically. Now that was unexpected, but it definitely explained her current state. Mephiles blinked. He tried with all his might to hold back the blush that threatened to make its way on his pale face. He peered into his lover's eyes. There, he could see a large fear of rejection. He ran his rubbed his thumbs over her heated cheeks.

"What pushed you to ask, love?" he kissed her forehead.

Iblis hugged him, burying her burning face in his neck. "I-I read in a book that true love is established when lovers are intimate with each other," she said, embarrassed.

When he chuckled, she hugged him tighter knowing that he was laughing at her. Tears began to prick her eyes from the humiliation. "Iblis, two people can have true love without physical intimacy." She released him from her hug and blinked questioningly. Mephiles kissed her eyes, ridding them of their tears. "True love isn't based on the amount of physical contact one has with another. True love is when two people cannot get the other off of their mind. It is when they can stare at each other for hours on end without ever getting bored. It is when lovers can say 'I love you' without having to say it. It is when your heart starts to beat rapidly just thinking of your loved one. And I hope you know what we have is true love, beautiful."

Mephiles ended his speech with a heart stopping kiss. He passionately dipped his head, and hugged his lover close to his body. They kissed hungrily, exploring each other's mouths. When Iblis pushed away, he saw she had much more tears in her eyes. She grabbed his shoulders and gazed into his eyes, a whirlpool of emotions in her crystal orbs.

"I know I haven't been alive for as long as you have, and that some of my questions and thoughts are childish, but I want you to know that I am thankful for your ability to be patient with me," she started.

"Iblis, you know I do not mind your questions and-"

She pushed a finger to his lips. Iblis smiled, teary-eyed. "I've seen days where you look frustrated by my annoying inquiries, it's alright. I would be too. But that's not my point. My point is that throughout all the confusion I had, you stayed true to me. You never told me lie and you spoke to me so gently. The instant I awoke I was faced with harsh chemicals and injections, but the moment I laid eyes on you, I fell in love. You were the first person that did not look at me like some project, and for that I am forever in your debt. You made me feel accepted. You held me like I was fine china." Tears fell from her eyes. "And-and you chose someone like me to love even though I'm angered easily and I tend to let my heart cloud my judgment. And I thank you for that," she sobbed, "I've fallen so hard for you and I just want to be the best for you. I refuse to-"

"Be quiet and let me make love to you," Mephiles growled against her quivering lips.

Iblis sputtered a watery laugh before Mephiles kissed her deeply and avidly. Their passionate kiss was one like no other. Each time they kissed, their love grew three times larger. No one would love the other as much as they did. It was simply impossible.

Mephiles pecked her jaw line before he feverishly kissed her neck. Iblis moaned lowly as she dug her hands into his head quills. "M-Mephiles…" Said hedgehog put a hand on her back and laid her gently on her back. He climbed on top of her, caressing her body, making sure he didn't let her feel a second without bliss. By the very end of the night, he would make sure her entire body racked with pleasure and ecstasy.

XXXX

Oh she was so upset!

More upset than she had ever been in her entire life!

Iblis stormed her way past the door that held the tears of a weeping girl that had traveled her way to her fiery heart. When she got her hands on that no good, cold-hearted, idiotic, bastard, she would make sure he never wished to be created!

Crystalline blue eyes lit with fury as the fiery goddess' body began to glow with heat. She had a nasty scowl plastered on that beautiful face of hers. It didn't take her long to travel to the room she shared with her husband. With her powerful strength, Iblis slammed the door open, appearing to shake the foundation of the facility. There, she found Mephiles, in a chair, reading that stupid, God forsaken, book he always read. And what ticked her off even more was the fact he hadn't taken the time to acknowledge her presence when she was sure the heat radiating her body was burning the entire room.

She stomped her way over to him, standing an inch away from him. Iblis placed her fists on her hips as she towered over him, glowering. "Mephiles!" she firmly bellowed, anger dripping from her voice.

"If you are here to reprimand me with your bothersome speeches, you might as well leave already. It is not like I would listen," Mephiles commented with a bored tune and expression. His eyes never left his book.

Iblis' eyes widened as she gaped at the hedgehog she called her husband. Her sapphire orbs darkened considerably as she clenched her teeth. "How dare you!" she shouted, fists at her sides, "You had no reason to act the way you did back there!"

Mephiles merely scoffed, only fueling Iblis' anger. "Someone needed to tell her sooner or later. I just decided to be the bigger person."

"You crushed her heart Mephiles!" she exclaimed. "Noelle is a very intelligent girl. She could very well outdo any of the scientists in this facility, as we both know. It was not in your place to act so harshly."

The dark hedgehog rolled his eyes and shook his head. As always, Iblis was making a mountain out of a molehill. He absolutely hated when she did this, but he had found that just letting her fume was always a better choice. Mephiles simply kept quiet, despite wanting to say something to stop her brutal glares. When Iblis asked, "Mephiles, are you listening to me!?" he turned to the next page.

That about set her off.

Iblis snatched the book from his grip earning a nasty scowl from Mephiles. "What the hell do you think you're doing!?" he inquired aggressively. Just before he could get the book back, she incinerated it right in front of his eyes. The book was reduced to nothing but ashes in her hands before she flicked the remains off, all the while, glaring at him. The ebon hedgehog could really care less about the book, but just because she had done something so brash, set his emerald eyes aflame.

"Iblis, you are taking this petty little thing to heart. Was that necessary?"

She bared her teeth, snarling, "You seem to take more of an interest in that damn book more than you do the feelings of others!"

Mephiles huffed angrily, finding his patience was running low. "If what you're looking for is an apology out of me, you are wasting your breath. Noelle's dream of taking over this laboratory was merely pathetic and you and I both know it! She is a mixed child. No one knows what to do with her and in this age, she is lucky humans around here haven't forced her to clean the facility. It was time for someone to tell her the truth before she did something stupid."

For a moment, Iblis stared at this hedgehog with an incredulous expression. Her eyes then narrowed dangerously as she pointed an accusing finger at him. "Even if that were the truth, screaming in her face and being so brutal wasn't something you needed to do."

"She was wearing my patience thin with her childish thoughts," he scoffed as he got up and looked down on her. Mephiles was more than a full head taller than her, but that served no purpose in intimidating the small girl. Iblis could intimidate anyone, despite her small size, whenever she wanted to. Mephiles sometimes found himself stepping back from her fury but, at times like these, the two stood head to head, glaring the other down.

"Why do you even take this so personally? You're acting as she came from your own womb?" he said with a nonchalant attitude.

"I would expect you to be even more compassionate towards her seeing as she was the one who was willing to die for someone as cold-hearted as you," she pointed out, "Or has your ego blown to such large measurements that you can't see past your egoistical ass."

"That's enough Iblis," Mephiles growled, his brows furrowing in anger.

Iblis kept her stance, unfazed by her husband's growls. She had finally touched a sore spot it had seemed, and she wasn't about to back away until she was sure he felt guilty for reducing the sweet girl to tears.

"She's just a child Mephiles. Noelle doesn't know the cruel ways of this world, and I intend to keep it that way for as long possible and by your harsh words, she's questioning her own intelligence." Iblis expected so much more from the one she loved. She had seen so much understanding and wisdom in those glittering emeralds she had fallen in love with, but was saddened to see that he had also been tainted along with all the other humans in this building. "You are just like all the scientists here. Everything to you is about logic and probability," she said lowly.

Infuriated, Mephiles shouted, "I said, that's enough!" He grabbed her wrist, holding it away from his face. "I will not stand here and be degraded by my own wife. Don't you ever compare me to those sorry excuses for living beings ever again," he snarled ferociously.

Iblis snatched her hand away from his hold. Still, undeterred, she shook her head, her cheeks heating up with frustration. "Oh, there's no use getting through your thick head! What possessed me to think you were so compassionate and affectionate? You're so insensitive!"

Mephiles snorted, crossing his arms, raising a tantalizing brow. "You seem to have a different opinion when you're on your back," he scowled.

At this, Iblis gaped, offended. Her cheeks flared with a cherry tint. It was silent before she cried out with fury, flames surrounding her body. She glared venomously at the inconsiderate hedgehog before her. She pushed on his chest, yelling, "You good for nothing, ruthless, cold-hearted, fucking bastard!" Iblis stormed out of the room, tears in her eyes. Her heart stung with agonizing pain from the previous comment.

Mephiles scowled at the wall, refusing to look at his flaming wife. He pouted for a moment knowing what he said was harsh, but after her comments about him, he felt she deserved it.

But he really hated it when they fought.

The dark hedgehog ran a hand over his face while he groaned. As much as he would like to ignore all this and drink tea, he knew if something didn't happen, he would soon find himself having scorch marks on his body. In addition, he couldn't ignore the weight of guilt twisting in the depths of his stomach. Sighing heavily, he followed after Iblis, knowing just where she went.

.

"He's such a jerk!" Iblis cried out, tears burning her eyes.

There she was, in the room with Noelle, pacing about, fuming. Noelle, a young teen who had very light, chestnut sprinkled, skin sat on her bed, her legs dangling on the edge. Her hair was dark, a raven color, with light hazelnut eyes. With red cheeks and nose, her teary eyes looked to the ground. The young girl, as intellectual she may be, still had the feelings of someone her age. Everything and anything could get to her, so in an attempt to keep herself from getting hurt, she secluded herself to her two hedgehog friends. Or rather….parents, one could say. They looked after as if she were their own child, so as anyone could imagine, anything they said, she took it to heart. So when Mephiles had bad-mouthed her dreams, the one thing that inspired her to keep to her studies, well…

It kind of hurt.

Taking her teaching from her furry fellow, she stuck up for what she believed. What she hoped would come true one day. But ultimately, he had responded in a negative way, ending the conversation by shouting that she would never be able to become head of this facility and that her silly little dreams were as stupid as every other human in this world. And after he had left, Noelle had crumbled to tears. She couldn't bring herself to be angry towards him. How could she bring herself to hate someone so dear to heart? Never could the mixed child turn her head away from someone she worked so hard on, almost giving her life permanently for him. No matter how hard she tried, not a single angry tear had slipped from her large eyes. She did not want hate, she wanted acceptance, encouragement, anything positive from someone who had impacted her life so much.

Sniffing, Noelle rubbed her cherry tinted nose. Her eyes gazed over to the crimson female who had definitely become something of a mother figure towards her despite her lack of knowledge about the world. But that was something Noelle did not need. Iblis seemed to know everything there was about the heart. Anything the girl did not know about her feelings that would pain her heart, and burn her chest, she would make a b-line to the demigoddess. Although Iblis proved to show she acted before thinking, she did not mind that. She kind of admired how she would act on what she thought was morally right. It seemed as if her emotions would sometimes blind her, taking control of her body. Her heart seemed to be the main thing she operated on. Her energy source, if you'd call it that.

And Noelle really loved that about her.

The human girl furrowed her brows in sadness as she watched the ruby hedgehog fume, a dangerous aura surrounding her petite body. "Iblis," she called out timidly, "please don't be too upset. You'll burn the place down," she joked trying to calm the raging woman.

Iblis' eyes burned with uncontained fury as she glared at the ground. She mumbled something unintelligent before grabbing her head in frustration. "Urgh! I'm not going to calm down. I swear he doesn't have a heart! How could he say that to you!? That stupid hedgehog, he is," she grumbled.

"It's quite alright," Noelle said trying to smile, "I don't m-mind. I know he didn't mean any harm."

This made the red demigoddess stop in her tracks. She let her hands fall as she stared incredulously at the young girl. Iblis shook her head in disbelief. "How could you say that, Noelle? Were we in the same room?" She traveled over to her. Noelle looked away, face flushed. She couldn't face the crimson female. "Honey, he told you your hopes and dreams were….were useless and stupid. You can't tell me that you weren't hurt when you were just crying seconds ago."

Iblis stepped even closer. She took the human girl's hand in her warm ones. Gazing deeply in Noelle's hazelnut orbs, she found insecurity. So much of it that she cringed inwardly. Iblis knew from the day she was awakened, Mephiles had changed her life. Noelle followed him around, making sure he felt comfortable. Her eyes would glitter in amazement if he explained something to her. Even when he simply thanked her, anyone could see the total adoration in the girl's eyes. Noelle loved him to the point where she dismissed her own life. For that, Iblis loved the girl. She was dedicated to someone who had recently started bad-mouthing any error she did. Although she could not understand why she had let him step all over her. No matter how important one seemed, they were all the same.

The female hedgehog softly smiled. "Noelle, darling, I know you love him so much. Believe me when I say you have the most loyalty I have ever seen in my short life. And I love the way you adore and appreciate someone that has done so much good in your life. But you have to understand that, even with all that love, you have to have limits. I love Mephiles, you know that, but I will not allow him to step all over you without any remorse, and neither should you." She gently placed a hand on the girl's cheek feeling vibrations from her quivering lips. "Your dreams are just as important as anything else. They're what give us hope in dark times. They're our inspiration to keep going on. They are something we can hold in our hearts and smile about, no matter if they fail or not. So, don't let him discourage you in anyway, alright?" Noelle nodded, a watery laughing escaping her throat. She threw her arms around Iblis' neck, embracing her.

"Thank you, Iblis. I love you so much."

"I love you too," she said, returning the embrace.

Suddenly, right after they separated from the hug, the door swung open as a dark hedgehog walked in calmly. "Iblis….Noelle," he acknowledged.

Noelle stood up, calling out his name in surprise. Iblis simply glared at him, crossing her arms.

Mephiles ignored the fiery glare, knowing full and well his wife expected an apology, but not to her. To the girl that timidly stood next to her. The ebon hedgehog took the time to look at her tear stained cheeks and red nose. Her usual bright face had darkened considerably leaving a bad taste in the demigod's mouth. He sighed. He knows what he has to do.

Walking up to the young teen, basically the reason why he was alive, he stared at her directly in the eyes. "I'm sorry," he said. His serious gaze made the dark haired girl want to wither away, but she held her ground. For the first time, in a very long time, her eyes furrowed in….in anger.

In real anger!

"I'm sorry?" she repeated, voice rising, catching Mephiles completely off guard. His ear twitched as he heard snickering from the back. He clenched his teeth in annoyance. What had the young demigoddess said about him this time?

"Is that all you can say?" Noelle continued.

Mephiles hummed in confusion, crossing his arms defensively. "How else am I supposed to apologize?"

She stepped forward, hands balled into fists. "It really hurt when you completely degraded my dreams."

He sighed. "Noelle I know I-"

"No you don't!" she cut off. Everyone in the room, including herself went wide eyed from the sudden outburst. She shook her head, narrowing her eyes. "No you don't," she said, voice brittle, "All I ask of you is for your acceptance. I want you to believe in me. I want you to just say, 'I'm proud of you' or 'never give up' or anything really! I really don't care what, but please, I'm begging you, just acknowledge th-that I have feelings too."

She fell to her knees, finding that her trembling legs could no longer hold her up. Noelle buried her face in her hands, holding back sobs. How could she let her anger get the better of her!? Now he would never forgive her, she was sure of it. She didn't mean to explode, it was just bottling up in her for so long that she could no longer staple it down. And the sad thing was, it felt really good.

Noelle suddenly found herself trapped in an embrace. She widened here eyes. "M-Mephiles?"

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I was blind enough to let you hurt. Noelle, I made a promise to you that I wouldn't allow anything to hurt you, even myself, and I broke that promise. Can you forgive me? Can you find it in your heart to excuse my arrogant behavior and forgive me?"

"Mephi-"

"Please," he pleaded, hugging her tighter.

The teen looked at Iblis to see her smile delicately with tears in her eyes. She then smiled herself, returning the embrace she was so tightly trapped in. With a nod, Noelle said, "I forgave you a long time ago." She could hear him sigh with relief as if a hundred boulders had been lifted from his shoulders. She giggled, as she began to stand. Once she was on her feet, the girl wiped her tears, smiling brightly at her furry companion. Mephiles' lips tugged upwards, giving her a small smile she simple adored.

Iblis watched as their bond was repaired. She nodded her head, humming in satisfaction. She began to walk away, leaving them alone, before her arm was grabbed, spinning her around. The red hedgehog gasped in surprise when she found her muzzle a centimeter away from her lover's. Mephiles, with half-lidded eyes, smirked as he saw her cheeks flush heavily.

"And could you ever forgive me, my love?" he charmingly asked. Before she could answer, Iblis' eyes popped as her lips were taken in a heart-stopping kiss. She finally closed her eyes and let herself be swooned by his charming appeal. When they separated, Mephiles chuckled as he observed her tomato colored cheeks. Noelle giggled shyly, cheeks flushed from observing the romantic situation. When Iblis' sapphire orbs pleaded with her to do something, before she fell for the spell he seemed to slowly spill over her, the young teen only winked sweetly.

Mephiles, hand on her lower back, pushed her closer to him. Iblis sighed.

"Fuck you and your amiable charisma."

XXXX

The bright light grew smaller, reducing into a wisp like flame. It settled on a candle stick, flickering its light.

On one side of the candle stick that was held on a tall stand were the two gods Mephiles and Iblis. The red one out of the pair walked forward, amazement in her eyes.

"Is that…us?" she whispered, as if frightened she would blow the flame out.

"Yes," a kind voice said.

The couple turned their heads to see Elise and Sonic walk up to the flame. The four in the room looked at one another, pleasant smiles on all their faces. "I remember now. This is Solaris, the god of time and our sun's, true form." The princess stared at the flame, remembering the time where her father told her of the hope that this flame could bring to her and her people. This flame, as she was told, could bring back her mother, but alas, it didn't. Instead, after being toyed with, it brought pain and destruction among her people, something she could not risk a second time.

Princess Elise turned to the two hedgehogs who ultimately were Solaris. She suddenly bowed to them causing the two hedgehogs to blink in question. Before they could speak, she said, "After being told you helped to purify the corrupt version of Solaris, I must tell you, I am forever grateful for your assistance. Your bravery has saved my people."

Iblis smiled sheepishly while Mephiles nodded his head in acknowledgment. "But I must say," he started, "If it weren't for those three hedgehogs you've befriended, time itself would've been destroyed, so most of the credit should be towards them." He nodded his head at Sonic who blushed, chuckling bashfully. "Aww, you guys are makin' me blush."

Elise giggled.

It soon began to quiet down. The black space they stood within was so silent, Sonic felt as if the silence was screaming in his ears, driving him insane. He found relief as Elise walked towards the candle and picked it from its place. She held it delicately, gazing at its flickering flame. A saddened expression ran over her pale face.

"I have to blow this out, don't I?" she said lowly.

The three hedgehogs looked up at her solemnly and nodded.

The young human's lips pursed into a fine line She sighed miserably, attracting the full attention of the hedgehogs. "If I blow this flame out," she looked at Mephiles and Iblis, "then you two would have never existed. You two would've never met each other, and fallen in love! Don't you realize that!" she exclaimed, her eyes watery.

The two looked at the other. Iblis stared up at Mephiles, worry set in her eyes. The dark male only stared back, reassurance in his green orbs. They both closed their eyes, smiling comfortably once they opened them.

"That's quite alright," Iblis giggled. She linked her hands with her lover's, leaning her back on his fury chest. "Even if it is true that once that flame is put out, our existence would be wiped from this timeline, we are grateful for all our hardships and past experiences with one another. It was a pleasure learning from our mistakes and meeting everyone." Iblis turned to look up at Mephiles who wore a loving smile on his muzzle. "And even if we cease to exist, and forget our love for each other, I'm so happy I was blessed to meet someone like you," she said happily. They gave an affectionate nuzzle before Iblis focused her attention on the shocked two. "But we wouldn't want something like what just happened to happen again. We simply cannot risk that. So Elise, it would do us the greatest pleasure if you blow out that flame."

The young girl stood there amazed. These two hedgehogs who had gone through hell, only to end up erased from this timeline, was just maddening! Elise couldn't understand why they didn't do anything in their power to stop her. Their love was something legendary. It was one of a kind, and here they stood, smiling at her, encouraging her to end that. That was simply absurd! She couldn't do that Elise turned to Sonic, tears threatening to fall. She hoped for someone to say otherwise. Anything other than telling her to blow out this flame.

"B-but, Sonic, if I blow this flame out, none of this would've ever happened. We would've never met!" she sniffed, "I-I…to tell you the truth…I don't care about what happens to the world!" she cried out, tears streaking down her cheeks.

She was going to lose the memory of meeting someone that had treated her like a normal girl. Elise couldn't bear to part ways with Sonic. Not after she had fallen for him. Not like this! Her head hung down as she wept.

Iblis gasped silently as she saw the young princess cry silently. Her heart broke more with each tear that fell down the girl's pale face. Her sapphire orbs met her lover's green ones as she hugged his waist, her ears lying flat on her head. "Oh Mephiles," she whispered forlornly for his ears. Mephiles kissed her forehead and wrapped his arms around her comfortingly as feeling of helplessness filled his chest.

"Elise," Sonic chirped.

All eyes flickered over to the azure hero. A bright smile revealed those pearly white teeth on his handsome face. His emerald eyes held warmth and hoped, immediately brightened the atmosphere in the room.

"Just smile," he ended.

Mephiles and Iblis sighed with relief as they saw Elise smile despite her tears. A true smile that held hope. They looked at each other deeply. Mephiles pecked his lover's lips.

"I love you," he spoke softly.

"I love you too," she whispered back, as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

Elise looked at the couple. They nodded at her giving her the signal that they were ready. Her chocolate eyes flickered to Sonic as he nodded. Taking a deep breath, Elise closed her eyes and softly blew out the flame, a last tear rolling down her cheek.

And everything faded into darkness.

-Finito-


Thank You R&R

God Bless You