Me: Hello bros.

Pikachu: Hi.

Snivy: Ello

Tails: Hey.

Me: It's time for the next Chapter, so sit back and enjoy.

Pikachu: She owns nothing but the plot.

XXX

Chapter 11

"Knuckles, you DARE show your face here again after the disgrace you brought on the clan?!" an older echidna scolded.

Knuckles held his head high

"Yes father. as you can see, i and my young friend have recovered the relics that were scattered."

The other one laughed.

"You chump."

"Hey! Don't laugh at my friend!" Tails told them. "We worked hard on finding them!"

"Fool! There was no quest! No promise of returning honor. The relics were just a ruse by the Elder to get yoiu out of the clan's hair you WORTHLESS Idiotic RODENT!"

Knuckles' father smacked his son to the ground, where he stayed. He was shocked...crushed, and betrayed. The red echidnas all laughed at him and the older echidna kneeled down and spat.

"While we thank you for bringing the relics back, it still stands that you are never to return. Fronm this point forward you will be known as Knuckles the Low, Knuckles the four-spiked one, who FAILED to be a TRUE ECHIDNA! He was also very gullibal and an IDIOT TO BOOT!"

Knuckles did not cry. He was too proud for that and besides, it would only add to his disgrace. The older one kicked him and the others picked both him and Tails up and threw them out of the temple.

"Now get out of my sight, Knuckles the Low. Go back to the dirt and dig. Dig your grave for all we care!"

They went back into the temple, and Knuckles scowled and turned away. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed and he picked up Tails and began digging furiously.

Tails felt bad for Knuckles. He really did.

"Knuckles, where we going..?"

"I am taking you back to where you belong Kid." He said. "Just because they broke their word doesnt mean I will."

"But, Knuckles, I can't leave you knowing that you have no place to stay... Wait! You can stay with me in my city."

"Heheh thanks kid. But I have a feeling my father aint telling me somethin'. After I drop you off, I'll go back and speak to the elder."

"But I wanna help you.."

Knuckles stopped digging. He hung his head.

"Sometimes, kid, I wish that your magic could heal deeper wounds."

he continued to dig in silence before asking,

"Fox City should be to the north of here right?"

"Yeah, but Knuckles?"

"Yes?"

"I don't wanna leave you. I wanna help you. You're my friend..."

"Look kid I...AAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh hhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Knuckles fell into a pit, and no other sound was heard after the thud at the bottom.