I'd like to take a moment to thank you for reading all the way through this story. It means a lot to me. I should have the improved version ready to be posted sometime within the near future so stay tuned.

And with that, here is the finale.

Chapter 25: How it all Ended

Over the next few days, everyone spent time alone. Except for Nack, who was kept working under the watchful eye of Knuckles. Sonic and Eggman were both presumed dead. It was a victory that came with a great price. A funeral was going to be held, but it would be too sad for everyone to bear. Needless to say, things wouldn't be the same. Nack finished the workshop and Knuckles let him go. He was too upset from Sonic's death. "Ok Nack, you're done. Now get out of here" said Knuckles. "That's it?" asked Nack "You're not going to hit me or anything?" "No" replied Knuckles "You've done your time. Just leave the master emerald alone and I'll leave you alone." "Whoopee!" cheered Nack as he skipped off. (Yes, he skipped.) Nothing more was said or done until that night.

Tails was lying in his bed. He was tossing and turning like crazy, for he was having a nightmare. He was dreaming that Sonic was fighting Eggman and he was losing. "No! Sonic!" shouted Tails in his sleep. He woke up in a panic, sweating and panting. "Sonic" Tails said to himself "I miss you." He got up and went out to his front doorstep "I can't sleep" he thought "I need some fresh air." He sat down and looked up at the bright night sky, thinking of how much he missed Sonic. Tails saw a shooting star, flying across the sparkly sky. He closed his eyes and made a wish. "I wish Sonic was alive" he thought to himself. The shooting star continued to fly across the dark sky when suddenly; it stopped in its tracks. The star began plummeting straight down towards the workshop! It moved to the side and stopped right in front of Tails! He was shocked to see the star he wished upon before his very eyes. The glow of the star faded until a figure was visible. It appeared to be a white porcupine until it changed from white to blue.

"Sonic!" cried Tails "Your ok!" Tails gave Sonic a hug "I thought you were dead!" Tails released his hold on Sonic. "It's alright" said Sonic softly "I'm alive and well." But Sonic wasn't well. He fell down on one knee, exhausted from his battle. "Are you alright?" asked Tails worriedly. "Yeah" replied Sonic "I'm just a little tired. How about we continue this reunion tomorrow?" "Sure thing" answered Tails. Tails grabbed Sonic's arm and put it around his shoulders. He helped Sonic into the workshop and into a spare bed. Sonic's head hit the pillow and he instantly fell asleep. Tails hopped into his own bed and fell fast asleep. He was so happy that Sonic was alive. The next day, Tails gathered everyone in front of the workshop to reveal a surprise to them. "Alright, Tails" said Knuckles impatiently "What's this surprise?" "Believe me, it's worth your time" replied Tails "Come on out!" Tails gave the cue and Sonic emerged from the workshop with a grin on his face. Surprise was cast upon everyone's faces especially Amy's. "Oh Sonic!" she cried "I'm so happy to see you!" She hugged Sonic and didn't want to let go. Everyone else gathered around Sonic and had one thing they all wanted to know. "Sonic" asked Amy "How did you survive that huge blast?"

"Well" Sonic began (a flashback appears). Sonic was in the big wave just moments before it exploded. He was trying desperately to break out when seven small green waves entered the black wave. It was the remaining master emerald shards in wave form! They fused together into one big green wave and covered Sonic. The wave turned white from the energy was giving off. With this wave surrounding him, Sonic was able to escape the black wave before it exploded. Over the next few days, Sonic searched and searched, trying to find the Mystic Ruins or Station Square, any place where he and his friends lived. He continued his search until that night when he found Tails's workshop. (The flashback ends.) "…and that's what happened" finished Sonic. Everyone was now feeling better knowing that Sonic was alive so they went on with their usual routines.

That night, at Amy's apartment, a knock was heard at her door. Amy answered it and was surprised to see Sonic. "What are you doing here?" she asked puzzled. "I told you that when this whole thing was over, I would take you on a date to Twinkle Park" replied Sonic "Besides, it's the least I can do after making you worry so much." (Check back in the story for when Sonic mentions the date. I forgot where it is.) "Oh, yeah!" said Amy happily "I remember! Just a minute." She ran into the bathroom and stood in front of her mirror. She grabbed a hairbrush and gave her hair a few quick combs. She was so excited! She returned to the door "I'm ready!" she said excitedly. Sonic and Amy went to Twinkle Park and got in for free. They went as a couple and couples get in free. They rode the Ferris wheel and Sonic got sick because he just ate a chili dog with extra cheese and jalapeños. They played one of those games where you throw a baseball and try to knock over some jars. Sonic easily won and handed Amy a stuffed chao doll triumphantly. "It's so precious!" she cried.

They had a wonderful time and soon were back at the door of Amy's apartment. "Well, Amy" Sonic started "I had a great time." "Me too" Amy replied. They both looked into each other's eyes, wondering what to do next. After a moment, Sonic gave Amy a kiss on the cheek and ran off. Amy placed her hand on her cheek and walked into her apartment happily. (Could this lead to true love? Maybe.) Alls well that ends well. Eggman was defeated, the master emerald was restored, and the evil chaos emeralds were gone forever.

THE END