Chapter 9: Miracles Happen

Knuckles carried Silver back to the Village as quickly as he could. Once there, he got Espio and led the chameleon to our room, where Silver took my bed it being the easiest to get to.

Silver's eyes where squeezed shut. He was sweating and shivering. He clutched his covers and his teeth while his breathing was still raspy and shallow.

Espio quickly got what herbs he would need and worked on Silver. I hovered over Espio, not wanting to leave Silver yet and wanting to know was used to help him.

"Em," Knuckles called from downstairs. He came up and offered a somewhat comforting smile. "He'll be alright, he's in good hands."

I shiver slightly, still shocked that this happened, but I fallow Knuckles. I sat on his couch and hugged my knees, memories of Silver going through my mind; one was when we were escaping Eggman's base after saving my parents. We were such a team when we fought back those robots. I also remembered taking that bullet for Silver. My hand moved to the scar as tears began to fall.

Knuckles sat down beside me and offered a mug of tea. I look at Knuckles, almost hesitant to take it. "Shadow told me you like tea." Knuckles said.

I sigh and take the mug. The tea was clearly made from fresh mint leaves from the crisp, fresh smell. I take a drink, but then just stare at the tea. "We promised we would look after each other," I told Knuckles. "Why couldn't…. I should have…"

"Em," Knuckles said. "Silver will be fine, you'll see."

I bite my lower lip and put my mug down. "Mephilis got the Dark Emerald." I said, trying to sound calm. "He'll be harder to defeat now."

"Not impossible though," Knuckles said. "While I was waiting for you and Silver, I found a carving on the wall of one of the tunnels. I'll have to show both you and Silver when he's well."

Knuckles confidence that Silver would get better lifted my spirits a little, but it pained me that I couldn't protect him this time. I lift my wrist and look at my mark. "How long do we have until Mephilis pulls himself together?"

"Until the summer solstice." Knuckles said. "The chaos energy is always strongest that night for some reason."

A soft nock came at the door. Knuckles got up and opened it to see Sonic, Sally, Bunny, Antoine, Shadow and Rouge. Everyone else stayed in Knothole to hold down the fort.

"We got your message," Sonic said. "How is he?"

"We'll know as soon as Espio comes down." Knuckles said, inviting everyone in.

I get up and greet them, but Sonic can see I was breaking apart inside. He came forward and offered a comforting smile. I smile back but it fades quickly. I couldn't smile, not with what Mephilis had done to Silver.

Rouge came forward and gave me her famous Vega smile. "Don't you worry, honey, Silver will be back to his old self in no time." She said. "You can count on that,"

That brings a smile back for a moment. Suddenly, I heard Espio coming down. He seemed spent from working so hard. He looked at us with an expressionless face. "I did the best I could." He said finally. "He has to do the rest on his own."

"What's wrong with him?" Sally asked.

"Hard to say," Espio said. "I at least got him stable so he could fight what Mephilis did to him. We'll know soon enough."

I hug my arms, my skin feeling cool under my palms. "Can I see him?"

Espio nodded and stepped away from the stairs leading to the extra room. I go up and look at Silver as he lay in my bed. He was still sweating slightly and his face had twisted itself into a scowl. He still clutched the blankets, but his breathing had deepened. I walk over and take his hand. Silver flinched but remained in his coma-like state.

I brush his forelock back, which was slightly damp from him sweating. "Oh, Silver," I said. "How could I let this happen to you?"

I remember the night when Sonic and Shadow first rescued Silver and me from Eggman. I had placed his head in my lap and it seemed to help him sleep. So, I lift his had and crawl up beside him so his head lay in my lap like it did before. I continue to brush away at his forelock with my fingers, but I soon lean my head against his. His body still shivered, but it wasn't as bad as in the Chamber.

"Oh, God." I whispered, not daring to speak any louder. "Please heal Silver, don't let that monster claim his life, please! He's my friend."

I continue to pray for a moment until I finally lost my voice and had to stop for a moment. I sit back up again and look out the window. The sun was setting. I shiver from fear of what lay in the darkness. That's when I remember my green emerald. Knuckles had told me that it had healing properties. I pull it out of m pocket and place it in Silver's hand with my hand on top. Then for no reason at all, I started singing an old lullaby that I liked and that reminded me of Silver.

"Have you been lost, seeking shelter?
From those who hurt you, wounds at
their hands, scars that won't heal?

There is a place, warm in snowfall.
Flowers that grow at your feet, warmth
in your heart, I am there with you.

Best be at peace, don't be afraid. Nothing
will harm you in here, I'm by your side,
I'll protect you now.

A tree in the snow, you can sleep here in
my arms. If you wander far I'll wait right
here for you. I'll stand by your side, keep
you warm when you're alone. There's food
on my boughs here at your home."

I pause for a moment. I was always shy to sing in front of people, thinking my voice wasn't much to listen to. I look down at Silver, his face had softened and he seemed to be finally resting. I smile and continue; I really did like this lullaby.

"Long have you searched, for sanctuary.
Into the nightmares and pain, doubt never
ends, memories so cruel.

Scars still remain, there's no healing. There's
no one you truly trust, you feel alone, and
afraid you cannot rest.

On lonely nights, when you called and no one
was there. Be not afraid, here I am with you.
Forever your place, no matter what happened
to you. Here you are safe, now and forever."

I listen to Silver's breathing. It had slowed and he seemed to be breathing easier now, but he still shivered slightly. I lean against the wall, still holding Silver's hand with the emerald.

"Sleep well, Silver." I whisper, as the emerald gently used my strength to heal Silver. I drop off to sleep, not knowing that Shadow was just beyond the door, listening.

Shadow stepped down from the stairs and went into the living room with everyone else. Rouge had gone fore a flight and to see if she could dig up some dirt on Mephilis, and Bunny and Antoine needed to get home to watch Cream while her mother was away. So all who were left was Sonic, Sally and Knuckles. They looked at Shadow and Sonic stood.

"I think now is a good time to pray," Sonic said, his voice even and serious. "Would you like to join us Shadow?"

Shadow blinked. He had accepted Christ into his life, but he usually kept that to himself. Eventually, Shadow nodded and came into the living room. Everyone knelt and Sonic started.

"Lord." He prayed. "We're in desperate need of your help. Our enemy had hurt Silver and we're not sure if he will make it. Please keep your hand on him through the night. And be with Emily also. She and Silver have become very close, please be with her and comfort her. In fact we all need some comfort tonight. Thanks you Lord for bringing her here and keeping us safe."

Sally listened to Sonic pray. Sonic had talked to her about Jesus often, but everything he had told sounded impossible. Shadow listened, silently praying in his heart that Silver would be alright and both Emily and Silver would pull through.

Knuckles took a breath and he also prayed. "Lord, I may not know you well, but I know you brought Emily here to defeat Mephilis. Please heal Silver and comfort Emily. They both need you. Amen."

"Amen," Shadow, Sonic and Sally said in unison.

They stood and wished Knuckles good night. Sonic however offered to hang out. "I'd like to stay and wait for Silver to wake up." He said.

"Not a problem, Sonic." Knuckles replied. "You can take the couch."


Silver lay in nothing but inky blackness; all he could see was himself. He hadn't given up, he was only pondering how to get out, but he felt to weak to do anything. He had been stripped of his ability, so he was forced to wander. His body didn't feel right; like every one of his organs were working overtime. He was cold and he continued to shiver, he also felt wave after wave of heat on his face, almost like he was facing Iblis again. His limbs felt weak and heavy, and his eyes burned

"Silver..."

Silver's ears peaked at the voice. It sounded familiar, but he couldn't figure out where it was coming from. He then felt a hand on his. "Silver…" It was a females' voice that was for sure.

"Em?" Silver called weakly, hoping who was calling him would answer.

The voice sadly didn't answer, but Silver could sense an air of sadness. He then felt something brush against his forehead. It was cool and fresh, and relieved his burning body. He soon felt his head being lifted and being set down on something while a hand continued to stroke his forelock. He heard mumbling at first that was strained by tears for a moment. Then he heard something he didn't expect. A song. That made it clear, it was Emily. She only sang when she was sure that no one was listening or sure that her voice was drowned out.

"Em," Silver said, trying to force his mouth to move and form the name.

She was singing a lullaby, which relaxed Silver. He soon felt something in his hand. He was able to move his thumb slightly as he felt the smooth surface of a chaos emerald. "Are you crazy?" Silver asked. "Are you really trying Chaos Heal?"

Emily didn't seem to hear him as she continued to sing the lullaby and Silver felt the green emeralds energy slowly wash over his tortured body. Silver relaxed into the feeling to allow the healing to work, hoping Emily wasn't getting hurt by it.

He suddenly realized everything was silent again. "Em?" Silver asked. Nothing. "EM!" He said as loud as his voice allowed him. Again no answer. Not a sound.

Silver was saddened, feeling very alone in this dark prison. Soon a light shined. Dimly at first until it brightened. Silver forced his burning eyes open to see a tall man in bare feet and robes. Silver squinted to see if it who he thought it was, but he couldn't tell.

"Silver." The man said, so gently that Silver couldn't help but feel safe. "I still have work for you. It is not yet time for you to come home."

"Is Emily alright?" Silver asked, his voice still weak.

"She is sleeping," The Man answered. "The emerald had taken a lot out of her. I'm here to finish the healing."

Silver watched as the man knelt next to Silver and placed a hand on the hedgehogs' shoulder. Silver breathed in through his teeth and closed his eyes as he felt almost a burning fly through his body, but it didn't hurt. The burning seemed to burn away the pain and suffering that Mephilis had placed on Silver. Slowly, strength returned to Silver's arms and legs and his eyes stopped burning.

The Man took his hand away from Silver and picked him up. "Mephilis may be a step ahead, Silver." The man said as Silver began to fall asleep. "But remember that nothing is out of My hands. I'll be watching over you, always. Just trust me."

"I promise…" Silver sighed, enjoying the feeling of the Man's touch.

"You must still rest when you awake," The Man said as he looked down at Silver, whose eyes were drooping after fighting for life. "But you can talk to Emily and tell her everything is under control."

Silver's eyes finally shut and he fell asleep. A deep, restful sleep where no nightmares would bother him. Silver felt the Man carry him for a moment more, before Silver surrendered to his weariness.


Silver woke to the feeling of warmth on his face. He opened his eyes to see that the sun was shining. The sight was refreshing to what happened last night. 'Em's right,' He thought. 'No matter how dark the night is, the next morning is always bright.'

Silver slowly took a breath and looked around. He was in his room, as if he never went down to the Chamber. 'Was that all a dream?' He thought as he continued to look around, realizing he was not in his own bed, but in Emily's. 'Why am I down here? Did I sleepwalk or something?'

Silver then realized he was holding something. He looked down to see he was holding the green chaos emerald with a bare hand on top of his. 'That was no dream,' Silver realized as he looked to see Emily's face. She was sleeping horizontal to him and his head lay on her stomach. Her skin was cool from not having a blanket last night and she had small dark circles around his eyes.

Silver forced his free hand to gently lay on top of hers. She stirred slightly and sighed. She was exhausted. Silver squeezed her hand slightly, and watched as she slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes were glassy from left over tears and lack of sleep, and just stared at him at first.

"Hey," Silver whispered.

I blink my eyes, not sure if I was dreaming or not. As my eyesight cleared, there was no mistake that Silver was awake and looking right at me. "Silver?" I ask, sleep still fogging my mind.

"You bet it is," Silver answered at a whisper. "You alright?"

"Am I alright?" I asked, almost shocked at the question. "Silver, look Mephilis did to you. I should be asking if you're alright."

Silver smiled slightly. "I'll be fine, thanks to you and Jesus."

Silver then explained what happened while he was out. About feeling and hearing me to a man with a white light coming and healing him. I listen quietly, just glad to hear Silver talking again.

"The last thing I remember Him saying was 'I'll be watching over you, always. Just trust me' and 'tell her everything is under control'."

I couldn't help it. I reach over and embrace Silver. "Thank you Papa," I pray out loud. "Thank you."

Silver put his hands on my arms in a returning embrace, seeing he was laying down and still couldn't move that well.

Soon, the trapdoor opened to reveal Sonic. He had heard talking up here and thought to investigate. His face beamed to see Silver was awake. "Hey," He said coming in. "How are you feeling, Silv?"

"Tired," Silver replied. "But happy to be awake. How long was I out?"

"Two days," I reply. "We were starting to get worried about you last night. I just thank God you're alright."

"Amen to that," Sonic replied. "I'll get Knuckles and Espio up here to check you over, but it looks like you're making a turn for the better. Em, how about you start breakfast this morning. I'm sure Silver is starved after all that sleeping."

I nod and get up. As I walk back down stairs, I look over at Silver. "What are you in the mood for?"

Silver thought about it for a moment then smiled. "Is there any oatmeal?"

"I'll see what we've got." I answer. "And oatmeal dose sound good this morning."