understand, i've been running back, and forth with ideas, and school doesn't help. enjoy!

"Chapter Ten;
Truth"

- Knuckles' POV

I woke up, groggily, trying to catch up with the times. Memory flashed back at the beating my so called dad gave me. When I remembered this, I tried to get up, but after a couple of cracks in my shoulders, it was hard no to scream.

I realized that he did some heavy damage, this time. I got up, trying as hard as I could to balance myself. Pain shot though all of my body as I tried to get up, still bearing over the heavy weights that had formed.

I couldn't help, but to think of how things were going to happen if I went to school, but anywhere is better than here. When I was finally up, my body was numb with pain.

When I was at school, Sonic came up to me, looking a little concerned. I realized that I was limping, not too much, but enough for everyone to know. "Hey Knux," Sonic said. "Are you okay?" I turned to him and forced out a smile.

"I'll be okay. You got nothing to worry about." I lied. Sonic heaved out a sigh.

"Well, let's go Knux, before we're late for class!" I couldn't run and I knew it, but I tried to run as fast as I could.

-Third POV

As everyone practiced their abilities, Ms. Thought kept an eye on Knuckles. She knew something was wrong with him, but his thoughts couldn't get anything straight.

Midnight was also focusing on Knuckles' mood. She could tell that there was a terrible trouble that was embedding him for his time after school. She knew due to the fact he'd do worse during Power Practice.

Silver, and Shadow were also aware of a struggle. Silver could see Knuckles weaken physically, and could see straight through his act of strength, when he only saw exhaustion. Shadow knew the signs of not only physical but mental stress, and Knuckles was stuck enduring it. He saw this only Wednesday up until that day, especially with him limping around. Something was wrong, and he knew it.

At the end of class, Ms. Thought came up to him. "Knuckles? Is everything alright at home?" She questioned as he picked up his backpack, and put it over his shoulder; the rushing pain barely durable at the moment.

"Yeah, everything's fine." He lied.

Ms. Thought raised an eyebrow. "Then how come you're not doing as well, today?"

Knuckles knew he couldn't lie anymore. It was evident. The treatment he was put through made things complicated for him to hold up, and his act was slowly being seen through. He sighed, knowing his own defeat, and looked up at Ms. Thought. "My... My dad beats me... And I think he's going to beat me again when I come home." He responded, lowering his head in fear, and shame.

She stared down at him, shocked. "Why does he do this?" She asked him.

He shrugged. "I guess it's because he likes having a sense of power. He yelled at me for helping Rouge in physics, and I think it's his way of saying never again." He answered, shamefully.

It wasn't a shock that Knuckles kept this a secret; she did know a lot, especially concerning the fact of Knuckles' soon to be step-father, mother, and brother. "Have you tried to fight back?" She asked. She knew the boy to be a rebel, and at least expected some form of fight to keep this from ending.

Knuckles shook his head. "No, and even if I did, he'd probably beat me worse! Just, please don't tell anyone about this." He pleaded. Before Miss Thought could say any more, he left.

She sighed. "Knuckles, you can't ignore this forever. Sooner or later, even you won't be able to handle it!" She thought.

Knuckles was on his way out, and ready to continue lugging his books home with his sore body, ready for another beating. "Hey, Knux!" Sonic called. The red haired boy looked at his fast friend. "Wanna come over, today? We're all cramming together so we can pass our first test in Power Practice." Sonic claimed, walking up to his rebellious comrade.

Knuckles needed some relief from the stress at home. He wouldn't do well forever, and he knew it, but also knew he'd get it worse later. "Sure!" He answered. "Anything to get away from him!" He thought.

- Silver's POV

Tails seemed a bit frightened after Knuckles had answered Sonic. I looked down at him. "What's up?" I asked. I received seven confused stares. "I know that look, Tails! You know something, don't you?" I questioned him.

The orange head lowered his head, and nodded. "Well, what is it?" Rouge asked.

Tails was uncomfortable under the pressure, I knew it, but we had to find out one way or another. "It's Knuckles." He admitted, looking towards the red head. "I don't know why, but for some reason, he's afraid of someone. Whoever he is, Knuckles is using this to get away from him." Tails concluded.

I'll admit it, I saw that coming, somehow, and judging by the looks Shadow, and Midnight had on their faces, so did they. "Can you look at who he wants to get away from?" Shadow asked him. Good question! If Tails could tell us, then we'd be able to help Knuckles.

The boy concentrated hard to see Knuckles' memories, his eyes glowing in that shade of orange, when he levetated Shadow. He closed his eyes, and reopened them, revealing his blue irises. "It's real blurry! His minds trying to repress the memories, and keep him happy. I could try dragging the memories out, but I don't really think that it would help Knuckles mentally." He replied.

That wasn't good! If he was repressing his memories, then it was really traumatizing. Whatever was happening with Knuckles, it wasn't good.

sry for the long wait! hope you've enjoyed it...