Author's Notes: No real editing. Just some tweaks here and there. Please feel to point out any mistakes. Constructive Critisism is the pathway to a great Story.

Disclaimer: Sorry for being repetative but... Sonic and co. doesn't belong to me! They belong to the dudes and dudettes at SEGA.

Unlikely Bonds (Chapter 3)
- Second Chances and Secrets -
by Cattz Salzarrotta

As the night ended and the sun rose in the distance a glimmer of light shined down on a little white bat's face. Though she wished to continue her slumber the morning sun drove her from the dream world and back to reality. She greeted the morning with a big yawn showing off her sharp fangs as they glinted in the morning glow. But as she rose and rubbed the sand out of her eyes, she noticed something different about her surroundings. This isn't Knothole...

Where am I? She felt a little worried... She thought that they would have arrived at Knothole by morning. As she looked on her worry amplified further when she noticed Sonic was no longer by her side. She jumped off the car and winced in pain. Her leg hasn't completely healed yet... but she was too worried to bother with the pain right now. She started to survey her surroundings for the blue hedgehog. As she listened in more intently with her large ears. After scanning the area she heard a faint sound from the distance beyond the trees...

She ran towards the source of the sound and listened to it more closely. It sounded like... whistling... or at least she thought it was. She slowed down her pace and started to tip-toe towards it... she wasn't sure who it was yet, so she didn't want her presence known. She went closer and closer and eventually situating herself in a bush as she reached a point where the sound was loud enough to be heard properly. She peered out a little and saw a majestic river. It was quite vast for a river though. More like a lake.

The water sparkled from the morning sun creating star like lights from their reflection. And then she heard the whistling again... she tried to find the source of the sound and looked on at the river. And as she did she eventually saw who it was that was whistling... in the distance, bathing was the blue hedgehog... the whistling wasn't just an ordinary whistle as Rouge found out when she listened more carefully. It had a tone to it...

So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters

Sonic was singing... and the song was something Rouge hasn't heard in a long time. She heard this song on the radio once; the song had an odd air about it... especially since the band that sang it was famous for playing heavy metal. It was something different, but that's why she kinda likes it. Hearing Sonic sing the song though... kinda made her feel like singing along as well...

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know

As she sang along in a whisper. She found herself enjoying the song. She didn't know why, but singing along with Sonic made her feel sorta... happy...

So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know

Sonic continued his bath as he ran his hands across his quills. He looked at the sky as he continued to sing. He knew this song for a long time but he never really paid much attention to it before. It was strange... why did he feel like singing it now? Then a blurry image of something white popped in his head. He shook his head a little as he dismissed the image and just continued to enjoy the song...

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters

The words swirled and twirled like a whirlpool in Rouge's head... she started to really get into the song as she rocked back and forth to Sonic's singing... She never realized how enchanting his voice was... she wondered... what if it was Sonic who she fell in love with instead of that red echidna...

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know

So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
No nothing else matters

As the song finished a satisfied smile went across her face... she enjoyed singing that song with Sonic. Even though Sonic didn't know. Maybe we'll get a chance to sing again for real she thought. Not wanting Sonic to see her out of the car she drew a deep breath and forced herself to turn towards the direction of where the car was. Though she didn't notice at first. She realized that she made it all the way here without feeling any pain from her leg. Funny... she thought as she smiled. But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard footsteps making their way towards her. Sonic's heading this way! Could he have heard me? Rouge said to herself in a little bit of a panic.

Afraid that Sonic might catch her snooping on him. She tried to make her way back to the car. But her leg was giving her trouble. "Damn... leg..." she said in a whisper. She decided to just limp back but at her slow pace Sonic would most probably catch up to her easy.

"You look so funny down there Rouge..." she heard someone say behind her. She sighed... and turned around to look at Sonic.

"You know... it's impolite to interrupt a guy when he's bathing. Quite rude." Sonic said as he reached out to help Rouge up.

"Sorry... but you should have told me that we parked here... then we wouldn't be in this predicament." Rouge said accepting the hedgehog's hand and he pulled her up.

"That's no excuse Rouge... I know! Why don't you make it up to me by joining me in the river?" Sonic suggested with a smile and Rouge returned the smile.
"No thanks. A bath sounds nice and all... but I'll wait till we get to Knothole." Rouge said and Sonic snapped his fingers in a 'garsh darn it' manner and continued to smile.

"Well you can't blame a guy for trying." Sonic said and they made they're way back to the car.

*---*

After Sonic dried himself off. He helped Rouge into the car. After making sure she was secure. Sonic started the engine and went on their way. Along the way they stopped at a gas station and made their way to it's diner to have a bit of breakfast. Having went through all the commotion from yesterday Sonic was left quite famished. As they made their way inside though people were giving them odd stares and glares. Everyone in the diner was more or less looking in disbelief. Well most of them anyway... there was this couple in the corner giving them a wink and a thumb's up. They probably thought they were a couple too. But everyone else was just shocked to see Sonic the hedgehog carrying in his arms Rouge the bat! It left the two slightly glued in place as they too stared at the people in the diner.

A grey mouse looking guy sitting near the counter wearing a brown overcoat and a hat with a piece of paper with the words 'press' on it was the most shocked of them all. His eyes were practically bulging out and looked like it could pop out if he continued any further. But the state of shock wasn't going to distract him for long. He quickly pulled out a notepad and a pen as he walked towards the two who were still looking dumbfounded by everyone's rather disturbing stares. "Excuse me, Mr. Sonic. Mind if ask you a few questions about your friend here." the reporter said in an eager but squeaky voice.

Sonic and Rouge snapped out of their trance and looked at the reporter. "Well?" the reporter said. Sonic rolled his eyes, he didn't have time for people making assumptions about his new found friend... he waved away the reporter and walked towards the counter. Reporters aren't easily gestured away. They were like gums on shoes. You just can't get rid of them all at once. The reporter followed the two to the counter with an excited expression on his face as he gripped his notepad tightly, I can't believe this! the hero of Mobius, Sonic the hedgehog going out with the mysterious jewel thief, Rouge the bat! What a scoop! I can't let this opportunity slip away! He said to himself anxiously.

He sat beside the two as he watched them take their menus. Much to Sonic and Rouge's displeasure. Sonic didn't like this guy hanging around him. He was more than just a little nuisance, he was down right annoying! He keeps asking questions. And though neither Sonic nor Rouge ever answered any of them he kept going on and on. It was a little more than the heroes could take. "Come on Mr. Sonic. Can't you tell me how you two met?" Sonic was ready to punch the guy. He couldn't even pick out an order yet! But as he was about to raise his fist to do so, the reporter blurted out "Do you love her Mr. Sonic?" this made Sonic hesitate a bit...

Love... her? The man's words made Sonic's mind go blank and enter into deep thought. "May I take that as a yes? You're like red all over Mr. Sonic…" the reporter said twirling his finger around Sonic's face which was lit up a bright crimson.

"I-I-I-" Sonic was getting a little embarrassed and he couldn't speak straight. This idea of him in love with Rouge... it really shocked him... he then remembered what happened last night... No, it was just the lack of sleep! We're just... friends... Sonic thought.

As Sonic completely lost the ability to speak, Rouge placed her hand on his shoulder and faced the reporter. "You know, you should really leave us alone. He may be a hero, but I'm not... so I suggest you go now before you find yourself under my shoe. Or worse" Rouge said as she looked menacingly at the reporter. The reporter went into a panic and ran out the door.

With the reporter gone, Sonic went into a more relieved state of mind and gave a big sigh to release his pent up worry "*Whew...* Thanks Rouge..." Sonic said scratching the back of his head. He was still kinda blushing.

"No problem." Rouge replied as she went back to her menu.

"So what'll you two have?" asked the hefty man in the counter. He must be the cook Sonic thought.

"I'll have two chili dog please, and since it's breakfast. Take it easy on the chili. And some milk please." Sonic said in his regular tone of voice.

"Okay, and you miss?" the cook asked writing down Sonic's order.

"I'll have some flap jacks and coffee. And make it black." Rouge said as she placed her menu down.

"Okay, just wait a while, I'll be back with your orders." The cook said as he made his way to the back. And as soon as the cook left, the smell of flap jacks and chili permeated the air. The two sat there as they waited for their orders. Rouge picked up a newspaper on the seat beside her and started to browse the articles. Sonic was tapping his finger on the counter as he waited for his order.

"Sure is taking long... hey, do you-." he said but stopped at the last part as he looked over to Rouge. His eyes met with the newspaper's front page... and his jaw dropped as he saw a picture of Metal City completely destroyed and the words 'Unknown Terrorist Group Attacks Metal City and Abducts several people' in bold letters. This is bad...

As Rouge browsed through the paper she glanced over to Sonic. She noticed that he looked kinda bothered again. "What's the matter Sonic?" she asked sounding concerned. Sonic looked up to her and turned the newspaper to the front. She was kinda wondering what it was that was worrying him, but as she saw the article, it too made her jaw drop. She looked at the article with great shock "This is the same thing that happened to Station Square..." she said as she read the article clearly.

"Yeah... and things are only going to get worse..." Sonic said as he took on a more serious face.

"What do you mean?" Rouge asked. Although she was at Station Square when the incident happened, she didn't know WHY it happened. She was pretty much in the dark about the situation as far as she's concerned.

"Well it's like this..." Sonic began...

Sonic explained to Rouge everything that happened yesterday. Including his short term alliance with Eggman. Even after hearing the whole story she was very calm about the situation. She was worried but calm. But what really relieved her is realizing how lucky she was that she wasn't abducted by the suit guys.

"This is bad... what are we going to do about this?" Rouge asked the blue hedgehog.

"Well, first we need to get to Knothole; we'll figure things out from there. And second, we need to get tin man up and running again. He'll be of great help." Sonic said to the white bat. She agreed to the plan and folded the paper up. Their order arrived and they ate it as quickly as they can and paid the cook. Sonic carried Rouge back to the car, filled up the tank and went on they're way. They needed to get to Knothole as quickly as they can.

*---*

As they drove off towards Knothole, Sonic saw Mobotropolis in the distance... Sure has been a while... wonder how Sally's doing... Sonic thought as he stared off. He blinked a couple of times before he returned his focus to the road. Sonic turned the radio on and placed it on a random station.

He thought that maybe some music will ease his mind. ^Hey, this is JS, bringing you some of the best rock n' roll songs of the yester-years. Songs that many of you, old or young, love. Next up we have a nice rock song that has a somewhat relaxing tune to it, good for those who need to just lay back and chill...^ the radio dj said as he played the song and a familiar strum of a guitar echoed through Sonic and Rouge's ears... ^...So close no matter how far...Couldn't be much more from the heart...^ Sonic and Rouge went wide-eyed... the song that played was the song that they sang earlier...

As the song played Rouge looked over to Sonic and he looked back at her at the corner of his eye. They smiled at each other as the words 'nothing else matters' played.

Strange... why this song? And why now? Rouge asked herself as she looked away... Looks like I got my wish... Rouge thought. Thinking this opportunity may not present itself again. She forced herself to sing along.

Sonic's grip on the wheel loosened as he heard Rouge's voice... it wasn't anything he ever heard before... and he's heard Mina's concerts! But this... this was different... Rouge's voice added something to the song...

reluctant at first, Sonic slowed the car down so he could focus more on singing along with Rouge.

As they're voices melded with together with the song... they both lost sight of the world... like... like they entered a realm all they're own. And all that mattered was hearing other's voice. They looked at one another as the song's words flowed through they're lips like a gentle breeze along a running river... But as the song entered the guitar solo, the river became an ocean and the breeze became a storm as they closed they're eyes and let the deep and intense feelings of the song take over them... As they did, a feeling that they once had, and lost, came rushing back... A feeling that only those destined to be together felt... it was incredible... they wished this moment could never end... but with all good things, it had to end... and they found themselves basking in the afterglow of a song that touched they're souls...

Sonic slowly opened his eyes and met with Rouge's. They shared a smile as they both stayed in silence letting the moment sink into them. As the moment dissipated, and they went back to reality, Sonic went back to driving. He never even noticed that the car wasn't moving the whole time they were singing. As Rouge returned her focus back towards the meadow beside her, a funny thought passed her mind.

"Never thought we'd share a song together like that..." Rouge said in a low voice.

"Yeah...." Sonic said with a smile and then an idea came to him. "Hey, why not consider this our song. Whenever this song plays or whenever we sing it, it will remind us of each other." Sonic said joyfully.

"I'd like that." Rouge said as she smiled. She nudged slightly on her seat and drew closer to Sonic.

*---*

It wasn't long till they neared the exit towards the Great Forest. "Shouldn't be long now..." Sonic said as he sped up.

After entering the forest Sonic drove into the place where he and the other Freedom Fighters used to park their vehicles. Sonic carried Rouge into his old hut and placed her on the bed and then raced back outside and carried the robot and brought him inside as well. He then placed the robot on his chair in the corner and then walked across the room to where Rouge was.

"Okay, let's begin. We're going to need some info on what we're up against." Sonic said as he sat beside Rouge.

"That's a start. But where are we going to get that kind of info?" Rouge asked.

"Don't worry. Mobotropolis isn't far from here. We'll just ask Sally for help." Sonic said as he ran his hand over the quills on his head. "We'll get started on that tomorrow." Sonic said finishing up his sentence.

Rouge was a little confused... why ask Sally tomorrow? Why not now? "But why tomorrow?" Rouge asked.

"Well... in case the suit guys attack us while in Mobotropolis. I want him coming along with us." Sonic said pointing his thumb towards the robot.

Rouge understood what Sonic was telling her. Since she's injured she won't be able to fight and thus giving Sonic a lot of worry in combat. But Sonic could always just go by himself... "Why not go there by yourself? It would be much faster if you did." Rouge reassuring Sonic.

Sonic placed his hand on Rouge's hand as he looked at her blue eyes. She was a little bit surprised by the contact, but that didn't stop her from looking back at Sonic's eyes...

"I don't want to take the risk of the suit guys taking you away. I don't want to leave you're side..." Sonic said to her. She felt her heart skip. Did he really mean that? She thought. Sonic didn't know why he said that just now... he felt compelled to protect her... though he felt this about all his friends, he felt that she was more... special... he couldn't quite explain it, but the thought of Rouge being taken away by the suit guys filled him with fear...

The two more or less stared at each other for more than five minutes; they didn't know what to say to the other. Sonic's words made the two hesitate about what to say next. But as they stared at the other's eyes they started to draw out strong feelings from each other and they didn't know why... this whole incident left them all too confused about how they felt about one another... they barely talked to one another in the past.

They both have very different life-styles. Sonic was a hero and Rouge was a thief, Sonic works for the Freedom Fighters and Rouge works for the Government. But though they were at different sides, they both had the same principle... they were both free spirited and did whatever they wanted to do... but even with that, they knew that they didn't have much in common. But somewhere deep down, they both felt very infatuated about one another... It was strange... they never really saw each other this way before...

The feelings were getting stronger and without them noticing they started to move closer to each other and were almost against the other's lips. But as they did they felt something rush inside them... it was like they're bodies were moving by themselves and without really thinking about it they curled they're lips and drew even closer to one another.

This was probably the most awkward moment they ever had to face. But it didn't matter... because the feelings were mutual. So they let themselves go. They wanted to know the point of contact. Each wanting to know if this was what they thought it was... but as fate would have it, a strange revving sound started emitting from behind them. They were startled by the sounds and they both backed away from each other blushing. The revving sounds continued and they both looked at where it was coming from... it was coming from the robot...

They stared at the robot as it's eyes, which were screens, started showing this red line across it. And just like those machines in hospitals that measure the beats that hearts make a spike went across the screen followed by a beeping sound. Then the screen went fuzzy and two red eyes formed from the red line. The robot slowly rose and Sonic instinctively got off the bed and stood his ground. The robot was apparently rebooting.

As Sonic looked on at the robot an odd feeling went into his thoughts... he felt like the robot had no intention of harming them. It was perhaps because of the link they shared. When Robotnik built this robot he wanted it to be able to know how he, Sonic, thought and felt. So Robotnik built in him a program which enabled the robot to link to Sonic. But even with Sonic's mentality and emotions, he still had his own programming to be a mindless slave and eliminate Sonic, so the robot's personality was almost a mirror of Sonic's. But Sonic didn't feel it in him anymore... since they were linked, Sonic could also feel what the robot felt. To a certain extent.

*---*

The robot just stood there seemingly motionless. Then a distorted sound came from the robot. Sort of like when the cable goes out and the TV makes that funny 'kzzt' sound. It caught Sonic and Rouge slightly by surprise.

"....Voice box operational. Beginning to start up program 'Metal Sonic'..." the robot said in a monotonous way.

Then as Metal Sonic said those words, Sonic heard that voice in his head again. 'Tell it to abort file H.S.H...' Sonic didn't know why, but he felt like he just needed to agree with that voice again. "Abort file H.S.H." Sonic said to Metal Sonic.

"Acknowledging command. Do you wish to completely erase program?" Metal asked.

Sonic didn't know that much about how computers work. But he knew that you shouldn't just delete stuff without knowing what it is first. "What does file H.S.H. stand for? And what does it contain or do?" Sonic asked as he approached Metal.

"File H.S.H. stands for 'Hate Sonic the Hedgehog' and it contains all of previous commands given by user Eggman." Metal said.

Sonic thought of this as a great opportunity. If he could get rid of that program... then Metal will no longer carry any hatred for him. And who knows, if Metal really was linked to him, then he'd be more then willing to aid him and Rouge on they're battle against the suit guys. "Proceed deleting file H.S.H." Sonic said as he placed his hands around his waist and smiled.

"Acknowledged. Proceeding to delete file H.S.H............. Process complete... proceeding to start up program 'Metal Sonic'..." Metal said, and no sooner than that, his eyes blinked twice as two pupils appeared on the red irises.

Metal Sonic stared around the room and then made his way towards Sonic. He looked at Sonic in the eye and Sonic returned the look, both barely even flinching; the malice between them no longer permeated as it used to... this was an opportunity to start a possible friendship.

*---*

The hatred they had for one another was legendary to say the least... countless times they faced, Sonic winning each bout, and Metal just kept coming back. They were rivals in every sense of the way. And the arua of they're stare down could be felt so thickly that even the Flickies outside went silent. But they're silent stance had to break eventually. So Metal opted to speak first.

"Sonic..." Metal said.

"Metal..." Sonic said and then the silence continued.

What a way to start a conversation... Rouge thought as she rolled her eyes.

"Wait, Let me say first that I'm sorry... for what happened between us in the past..." Metal said raising his hand to Sonic. Though he didn't show it, the tone in his voice had made it feel like he really meant it. And Sonic could feel it.

"No problem dude. What happened in the past was no biggie." Sonic said with a smile as he extended his hand to Metal.

Metal searched his memory banks for what Sonic was doing. After searching the meaning of Sonic's actions, the word 'Friendship' appeared, this made the robot's formerly cold red eyes light up and extended his hand to meet Sonic's. "Thank you... Sonic..."

There was much to talk about and so many memories to remember. Though all were bad they were still memories. But this wasn't the time. Rouge had to remind the two about what was supposed to be done. "This isn't the time to reminisce. We have more important matters to attend to." Rouge said returning the seriousness of the situation.

The two nodded at each other in agreement with her statement. Sonic then briefed Metal about what's happening and what him and Rouge are going to do next.

"I see, then allow me to join you. I must pay you back for saving me and for all the things that I've done." Metal said.

"We'd be more then happy to have you join us. Right Rouge?" Sonic said in a joyful tone as he turned to face Rouge.

"Of course. But first, could you tell us why you were at Station Square yesterday." Rouge asked they're new ally.

Metal didn't remember much after being rebooted. But he was willing to share what he could still remember. "As you all know, after my defeat as Metal Overlord, I was taken by Omega and Shadow and was being held in an unknown lab facility. I don't know where this lab was but I believe it belonged to Omega or something." Metal explained along with hand gestures and mannerisms that looked similar to what Sonic does.

"After my escape, I made my way to my secret forest lair. Where I plotted my next scheme. It took me a while to think of something due to the fact that most of my circuitry and equipment were still damaged." Metal paused for a second as a spark flew off his shoulder. Sonic responded by rushing over to Metal but Metal waved his hand in protest. "Don't worry, I'll fix it later. Anyway, after some time and finally plotting my new scheme I rushed over to Station Square to face Sonic. But a mysterious group of men in suits halted my advance and attempted to capture me. I fought the men but they overwhelmed me and I eventually shut downed. While shut downed my back-up computer kicked in and started to send a message to the closest unit capable of rescuing me."

Sonic then nodded as he realized now why he heard that voice in his head. It was Metal's back-up computer. "But why did your computer send it to me instead of Eggman's computer?" Sonic asked the robo hedgehog.

"I guess since we're linked. My back-up computer regarded you as the closest unit capable of rescuing me." Metal said. Sonic nodded. I guess we're closer to one another than I thought... Sonic said to himself.

"Well, does that answer your question Rouge?" Sonic said looking towards the white bat.

"I suppose." Rouge said in her usual tone of voice smiling at the two.

"With no further questions, let's all get ready to leave. We'll be heading for Mobotropolis in a few minutes." Sonic said as he walked over to his closet and pulled out his old back pack.

Sonic went back to the car and placed all the necessary things they needed. The med-kit he got from Eggman, a thermos from Rouge's glove compartment, and afterwards he went over to the lake to pick up some Power Rings. Metal was tinkering with his system and fixed up whatever damage was left ignored when he rebooted himself. Rouge just sat at the corner of the bed and looked over some of Sonic's old photos in the side table drawer next to the bed.
They were all old photos of him, the Freedom Fighters, his family, and his friends. She sulked a little wishing she had that many friends... But looking over the photos more. She saw one frame turned upside down. Wanting to know what Sonic was trying to hide, she picked it up. It was an old photo of Sonic and Sally kissing after the Endgame incident...

Rouge remembered that Sonic and Sally used to go out with one another. But she never really knew what came after that... Metal saw Rouge staring at the photo and walked up to see as well. "You know... it's kinda sad they broke up..." Metal said over her shoulder.

Rouge was surprised by Metal's sudden presence and kinda jumped a little. She was paying so much attention to the photo that she didn't even notice him approach her... wait... what did he say? Broke up? Rouge let Metal's words swirl in her head then stared back at the photo. "They broke up... why?" Rouge asked not even looking away from the photo.

"After Sonic's return from his mission against the Xorda. Sally was given charge of leading Mobotropolis and asked Sonic to stay by her side. But Sonic was opposed to risking his life in combat missions as a soldier and rather live the life of a hero. That resulted in them breaking up." Metal said.

This new found information about Sonic made her feel sorry for the blue hero. She was no stranger to broken hearts... she recalled the moments when she and Knuckles almost had a relationship. But Knuckles ended up falling in love with Julie-Su. Rouge never really intended to fall for Knuckles. She was just after the Master Emerald. But they're constant meetings and fake flirting ended up becoming a sort of relationship... and she eventually grew fond of the red echidna... but Knuckles made it clear to her that he and Julie-Su were soul mates and that they're suppossed 'relationship' was nothing more than a minor nuisance to him. It left Rouge's heart broken... especially since Knuckles said it to her so bluntly... she sighed a little as she placed the photo back to where it belonged.

Sonic sat there as he waited for the next Power Ring. He knew it takes a long time for Power Rings to come out from the lake and he could have just went to Uncle Chuck's place and grab some. But he didn't want to leave Rouge and Metal alone. They still weren't fit for combat yet. Metal had some of his weapons broken or out of ammo and Rouge was badly injured. It was up to him to make sure they're safe.

Sonic pulled out the thermos from his back pack cause he was getting thirsty from waiting. But as his luck would have it the thermos was empty. "Just my luck..." Sonic said. "Better fill this up first." Sonic then rushed towards the hut where Rosie used to cook breakfast for them to see if the water system still worked.

The kitchen hut looked just like everything else in Knothole. It was perfectly intact. Sonic remembered that Sally was left in charge of restoring Knothole when it was destroyed during the Endgame incident. As he remembered that incident his heart ached a little... Sonic sighed and closed his eyes as he tried to forget his feelings for Sally and fill up the thermos with water. He thought back to the day when he and Sally broke up... he bit his lip as he regretted that day.

If only he hadn't chosen his freedom over her... they would still be together... but there's no sense in thinking about it now... No one should ever be forced to do anything they didn't want to. And Sonic was never the soldier type. So it was apparent that it just wasn't meant to be... just then a vision of Rouge passed his thoughts and Sonic snapped open his eyes. Rouge... why did I think of her that way last night? And why do I think of her more often then usual? And when we almost kissed... I felt like I wanted it to happen... his heart started to pound harder and he placed his hand over it... could it be?

Metal snapped his head backwards... he just felt something from Sonic. He stared out the window trying to scan where he was. Rouge looked up to Metal and saw him acting strange. "What's wrong?" Rouge asked the blue robot.

"I felt Sonic's heart race just now." Metal said continuing his search.

"Why?" Rouge asked confused as to why Sonic's heart raced.

"I don't know... but he's thinking about you." Metal said to the confused bat.

He was thinking about me? Rouge didn't know what to say... Sonic was thinking about her and his heart raced... after scanning Sonic's location Metal looked over to Rouge. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have told you that." Metal said. That was Sonic's personal thoughts. And those thoughts, along with his own, should be left between him and Sonic. "Is something the matter Rouge?" He asked with concern as he looked at Rouge who was staring blankly on the floor.

Rouge raised her head and looked out the window. Why would he be thinking about me? Rouge thought. And then she remembered when they almost kissed earlier... that image passed by her thoughts and her heart started beating faster... She placed her hand over it and closed her eyes trying to calm herself down.

*---*

After filling up the thermos Sonic made his way back to the lake to wait for the Power Ring. Meanwhile Rouge attempted to stand; she wanted to check on the hedgehog. "Metal, can you give me a hand?" she asked.

"Sure." Metal said as he picked up the still injured bat.

"I want to go see what Sonic's up to." Rouge explained and they went off to find Sonic. Not long after they left the hut, they made their way to the lake.
Sonic sat there on the edge of the lake still waiting for his ring. His ears perked up as he heard footsteps coming his way. He turned around to see Metal and Rouge walking up to him. "Hey guys. Why are you here?" Sonic asked the two.

Metal made his way beside him and placed Rouge between them. "Rouge just wanted to know what you were up to." he said then Rouge nudged her elbow at him. "Why'd you do that for?" the robo hedgehog said rubbing his metallic arm. But his response was only met with another elbow.

Sonic tilted his head slightly as he gave Rouge a questioning look. Rouge waved her hand rapidly at Sonic. "Don't mind him. Let's just get going." she said trying to change the subject. Sonic just shrugged it off and continued his gaze at the lake.

"We can't go yet. I'm still waiting for a Power Ring to come." Sonic said.

Rouge looked at the lake with her eyebrow raised. "You mean to say that Power Rings can come out of this lake?" Rouge said pointing a finger at the lake.
"Yup. Just give it a few more minutes." Sonic replied.

After a long wait, the time came, and the lake lit up with bright light and a strong wind blew in. Then the ring floated up from the water shinning incredibly as it lit the lake with it's golden glow. It almost looked heavenly... like a halo of an angel. Power Rings don't usually glow like that... but she didn't bother asking Sonic about it and just looked on. Just then Sonic grabbed Rouge's hand and helped her up.

"What are you doing?" Rouge asked.

"I want you to experience something special." Sonic said as he gestured Rouge towards the ring. Sonic held Rouge's hand out to reach for the ring.
"What's so special about this ring?" she said as she hesitated her reach to which Sonic smiled to comfort her.

"You'll see..." he said reassuring her that there was nothing to fear.

Rouge didn't know what Sonic had in mind but she knew he wouldn't place her in any situation that would hurt her... They're friends after all.

The moment her hand clasped on the ring, she felt a surge of energy run through her body. It was a completely alien feeling to her... it was like electricity was running through her entire body. But as the energy faded a warm feeling replaced it... the strange power that ran through her body made her feel rejuvenated. But the feeling faded as quickly as the surge of energy and the ring's glow disappeared.

After receiving the ring she placed it in Sonic's back pack and then closed the bag. Sonic then turned to face Rouge with a smile.

"Well?" Sonic asked.

"It felt... different." Rouge said simply.

"It looks like the ring healed your wounds slightly. That's good." Sonic said nodding his head.

Rouge looked herself over and noticed that her wounds didn't hurt so much anymore. Though the cuts were still there, that's the least of her worries. At least she can walk again. "Thanks Sonic." Rouge said rubbing her wrist.

"You're welcome Rouge." Sonic said with a proud look on his face.

As she watched Sonic praise himself. Another question popped into her head. "Aside from healing me a little. Why did you want me to experience that?" Rouge asked. Sonic blinked a couple of times as if to say the answer was obvious.

"I just felt like sharing something special with you." Sonic said ending with a smirk. Rouge went slightly wide eyed and then lowered her head. "What's the matter?" Sonic asked the white bat. Did I say something wrong? he thought.

She responded by looking up to him with a smile across her face. "Nothing..." She said and Sonic went wide eyed. Okay... weird... Sonic thought.

Metal stood up from where he was and stretched his arms. "Well, I guess we'd better be going then." He said as if to break the moment.

Sonic and Rouge shook their heads and then turned to him and nodded. After that, they all left the lake. "I guess this means that we're heading to Mobotropolis to meet with the princess." Metal said as they walked along.

"Not yet. Since I can walk and stand on my own again. I think I should go take a bath. You guys don't mind waiting for me a little longer?" Rouge asked the two hedgehogs so suddenly.

"We don't mind, Right Metal?" Sonic said as he looked at Metal and Metal rolled his eyes.

"Fine. We'll wait for you at the car." Metal said. After arriving at the car Rouge made her way to it and picked up some spare clothes, which was the same clothes she always wears, and then made her way to the bath house.

As Rouge left to take her bath. Sonic and Metal Sonic started to entertain themselves with a game of rock-paper-scissors as they waited for Rouge. Each hand they threw in though keeps ending in a draw.

"So Sonic... I can feel that you're starting to like Rouge." Metal said out of the blue.

Sonic didn't answer quite as soon as he usually does and remained silent for a while. "We're friends; we're supposed to like each other." Sonic said trying not to expose what he really felt. He knew deep inside that there was more to it than that... but he wasn't quite sure yet...

"Although I can feel what you feel Sonic, it's only to a certain extent. I don't want you to end up hurting yourself." Metal said in an comforting tone.

"Don't worry about it Metal..." Sonic said waving his other hand as they continued to play, and still ending in a draw.

Metal nodded as he said to himself that Sonic needed to deal with this himself. "One more thing though..." Metal interrupting Sonic's thoughts. "It's about this game we're playing..."

Sonic raised an eyebrow at him, what's wrong with rock-paper-scissors? "What about it?" Sonic asked Metal.

"Well... you do know that since we're linked to each other this game will always end in a draw, right?" Metal asked his organic twin.

Sonic smiled after getting what his metallic buddy was trying to say. "I know..." Sonic said as they both laughed and continued to play. Meanwhile in the bath house. Rouge was thinking about how she felt about the blue hero. She was reminding herself that they were just friends... and that these 'feelings' she felt was just puppy love...

To be Continued...