Two weeks...

That's how long they waited for Red to return. Two long weeks. Anti-TD was still nowhere to be found and from the looks of it the actual TD wasn''t showing up anytime soon either. Sonata may not have shown it much, but inside she felt heartbroken with every minute Red was gone. It was only completely obvious with her sisters and, of course, Pinkie Pie. Pinkie tried her best to comfort Sonata and her sisters... well they weren't entirely sue what to do, as they still really didn't like the hedgehog that much. As such, whenever the Siren wasn't searching for Anti-TD, she would look out to the sea at night towards a shiny star just on the horizon, as if by staring at it long enough she could bring Red back to her.

Day fourteen arrived, and there was still no sign of either of the two, hence the reason Sonata had returned to the sea. This time, however, she had decided to stay near to the hidden cove Red had shown her, though not necessarily enter it. She looked out at the star she had grown fond of once more as she worried for her lover's safety.

"Please come back soon Red," She sighed. "I am feeling really lonely here."

"Ah, how touching," a dark voice said behind her and she whirled around to see Anti-TD standing there with an evil grin. "But then last words usually are."

Sonata was shocked to see him there, and her gem started to glow.

"So, you finally decided to show up again?"

"Mhm! And with much more power!" he replied. "Sadly, this is goodbye. For real. Tas!"

At the last word, a magical set of chains and ropes tied Sonata to the ground and effectively immobilized her, much to Anti-TD's amusement. She struggled to set herself free, but in vain.

"So, what next?" she taunted, trying to buy some time. "You... trying to kill me again?"

"Is it that obvious?" Anti-TD chuckled. "I'm afraid that it has to be this way. You know, I always did admire you. You could've been my right hand... woman. But no! You decided to throw it away. So, sorry to say this, but it's time we said goodbye to Sonata Dusk Dazzling... forever."

He charged up some magic in his hands and started to prepare for what she knew would be a final blow. But right when he was ready to attack, they both heard a loud voice.

"NOOOO!"

An explosion of magic erupted between them and once more Anti-TD was thrown backwards as a familiar form rushed over to her. Well, familiar save in one detail; he now looked like he was from a black-and-white show, and she could feel power emitting from his form. Nevertheless, it was clear who it was.

Red? Sonata thought as she looked towards the figure, but now the figure wasn't looking much like Red at all. Is that really Red?

In answer, the figure said something completely like Red.

"Whoo! What a rush! I haven't tried this in forever... Thanks Happy Pill!" he remarked. He then looked back to Sonata and made a small motion with his hands, that caused the magical bindings to disappear.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, then added, "This is quite the new look for me, isn't it?"

"Yes," she nodded. "But this one also suits you."

"Thanks. It's not a form I use often... but I couldn't let him hurt you," Red replied. He looked nervously at Sonata. "Listen... I know it's obvious by now and I probably don't need to say it in words, but I'll say it anyways. I- I- I love you Sonata!"

"Thanks," She replied with a smile. "I guess I needed to hear this."

"Enough!" Anti-TD suddenly shouted and looked to Red with anger in his eyes. A surge of power built up around him and he looked to Red with a murderous glare. "Any last words, hedgehog?"

Red gave him a smile. "You know, I've got four words for you: you can't touch this."

As he spoke, Red activated a walk radio on his side and the appropriate song started to play, which I don't believe the name is needed. Anti-TD raised an eyebrow.

"You're kidding, right?" he asked. Red just smirked and approached in a dance-like fashion. Anti-TD tried to attack with a few blasts of fire, but the hedgehog's dancing around prevented any such damage from being dealt. Red laughed aloud.

"Someone didn't take those dance lessons last week!" he quipped.

"Shut up and stand still!" Anti-TD shouted in vain as he tried ans failed to hit Red once more.

"Go Red!" Sonata shouted. Red gave Sonata a small nod as he continued to dodge in and out of Anti-TD's attacks, until finally the evil entity decided to try a different tactic. Emphasis on try. For he had turned to set his sights on Sonata, only to give Red the opening he needed, which resulted in a beat down for the evil human. Much like last time, he was unable to fight Red, who sped past him several times while landing a blow each time, or simply beating the tar out of him. Eventually, Anti-TD decided he had had enough and once again tried his banishing spell.

It did not have the desired results, unfortunately for him. For when the portal did appear, Red simply snapped his fingers and it disappeared.

"WHAT?!" Anti-TD screeched. "NO!"

"Oh, yes!" Red smirked. "You messed with the wrong pincushion. Tas!"

Magic chains and the like appeared on the evil human and he found himself unable to move. Red took the time then to power down a bit, his form changing from a negative color scheme to his red color. By now, Sonata's sisters had arrived and gathered near Red, looking towards the now chained evil human.

"Well done Pin-cushion!" Aria shouted. "Now, how about beating the pulp out of this good for nothing brat!"

Red looked to him with some thought, then shook his head.

"There's no prison in Equestria that could keep him locked up forever, and I believe I've already beaten him enough," he said. "No... I know just where to lock him up." They heard a hum from his body and he looked over to them with a small chuckle. "Uh... in case you forgot about this form, then just don't freak out."

His form then was temporarily engulfed in a red glow as he transformed into his Infinite form, the glow of the Phantom Ruby clearly seen on his chest as he glared down at the chained human. Anti-TD looked to him with a scoffing smirk.

"You think I'm scared of you?" he taunted. "I'm merely the pawn in a much bigger game of chess. My purpose is done, and I don't fear what death you may bring upon me."

"Whatever you have to do!" Adagio remarked. "Please for the sake of harmony, do this quickly," She added, giving their former employer a look of hatred. "I can't stand him anymore!"

Red's glare got a more sinister look to it, then a small black orb appeared in his hand and he summoned it forwards, making it look like a kind of black hole. Anti-TD's eyes suddenly lit up with fear.

"No... that's-" he started.

"The Void," Infinite nodded. "I've spent many years conjuring this up with the Ruby's power. And I believe it's perfect for the likes of you, as there is no escape for you there." A red orb appeared in his hand and he made it float into the black portal. "Goodbye, Anti-TD. Don't come back."

As soon as the red orb entered the black portal, it started a gravitational pull on Anti-TD, who struggled violently but to no avail. Right before he was pulled in, he shouted, "This isn't over! When my own employer comes, you'll all be sorry!"

He then closed his eyes as the portal dragged him in completely and then it closed behind him. Red/Infinite sighed and looked to the ground in a somewhat somber mood.

"It is done," he managed.

"I am glad to hear that," Sonata said as she came closer to him. "Aren't you feeling glad that he lost after all?"

Red sighed. "I don't know. I've killed, imprisoned, and even banished so many people throughout my life, but for once I don't feel satisfied." He looked thoughtful. "And what he said about being part of a bigger game..."

"I see..." Sonata said and made a thoughtful expression for a moment, before giggling. "At least for now, everything is fine, right?"

Red looked to her while his form was still up, mask and all, then his glare softened into a smile.

"Yes... I guess it is..."

He powered down back into his normal form, and gave her a small smile.

"So what now?" Aria asked. Red sighed and once again his smile fell.

"My work here is done," he replied. "I can't stay in this world forever; Mobius is my true home, and I can't leave it forever. My friends will need me o be there." He looked to Sonata. "But I don't want to leave you either in the process..."

"I don't want you to leave either," Sonata said taking his hand in her fin. "I wish there was a way..."

In her eyes, Red noticed a hopeful, yet saddened look.

"Sonata," she heard the voice of Adagio as she came closer to her. "I really don't wish to say this but..."

"What is it Adagio?" Sonata asked. Adagio sighed as she looked towards Aria who just shrugged in confusion.

"Alright, we'll let you..." she paused once again.

"We'll let you go... with Red," Aria finished. "If that's what makes you feel happy."

"Wait... you're serious..." Red was stunned and a huge smile was in his eyes. "You're actually serious?"

"Are you...?" Sonata stammered. "I mean-"

Adagio raised her fin to stop her.

"I know, and I understand Sonata," she said. "But we'll never force you to leave the one you love this much."

Red was speechless for a moment, then he cried for joy and rushed over to Adagio and unexpectedly gave her a big hug. He then realized what he had done and blushed with embarrassment.

"Sorry... I tend to be very emotional about these things," he stated. At this Sonata grabbed her sisters in a big hug too.

"I... don't know what to say... thank you!" she sobbed. "I never knew you cared for me that much..."

Adagio returned the hug reluctantly as the expression on her face changed to a sad one.

"It's alright Sonata..."

"Now, please let us go," Aria seemed to sob as well. "Before we change our minds..."

Sonata clenched them once more before releasing them from the hug with a sad smile on her face. Red also released them, then gave them a smile.

"You know, you may deny it, but on the whole you two are still good in my book," he said to the two Sirens. "As ironic as it sounds, I'll miss you guys."

They didn't replied at this and looked at each other.

"Red, we can visit my sisters when I want, right?" Sonata asked.

"Of course!" Red answered. "I wouldn't want you three to be apart forever. Now that'd be cruel, right author?"

Yes... and stop it!

"No."

Okay.

"Thanks," Sonata said to Red. "That's all I needed to know... I am ready."

"But the question is, do they have that portal fixed by now?" Red asked no one in particular. As he did, a portal suddenly appeared nearby and on the other side he could see a workshop of some kind where a two-tailed fox was stepping back from what appeared to be some machine he had created.

"That answers my question," he remarked with a shrug.

"Goodbye sister," Adagio said and passed a smirk to Red.

"Take care of our sister, you hear me?" She knew that he was hearing her thoughts.

"With my life and to the end of time," he answered telepathically. He then held his hand out to Sonata.

"Care to join me, my dear?" he spoke with a playful smile. Sonata nodded with a smile and then looked towards her sisters.

"Goodbye sisters."

Then together, they walked (or in Sonata's case, floated) through the portal and it shut behind them.

"Oh come on!" Pinkie's voice squealed from behind the two Sirens who had been left. "I just got here!"


Stay tuned; there may be an epilogue!