A/N: Hey guys, sorry it has been so long but I've just been swamped with work and other commitments... and also I've started bingewatching once upon a time and am already onto season 3 (NO SPOILERS) so that's why this has been so late. Also last month was not only this account's one year anniversary but also my first story Dreams Come True so I released a double back-to-back chapter for that sequel as a celebration BUT, today marks the one year anniversary of Sonic High! And for this series as well I'm going to be releasing a double chapter update. This one today to mark one year and another chapter tomorrow so the three week wait was sorta worth it... right? Right?! Anyway, please enjoy the chapter and thanks for sticking with me for one year!

Chapter 25

Decisions

Scourge sat on his bed, his head resting on his arms as he stretched them behind him. He sighed, kicking off his sheets due to the rising heat as the day progressed and the sun grew higher in the sky.

"You're still looking shit as ever," Scourge remarked as Jet pushed open the door and strode into the room, his face looking as pale as a ghost.

"Yeah whatever," Jet responded in a defeated manor as he breathed out slowly.

"You're no fun when you've already given up," Scourge grunted, missing the times when he would tear down Jet's spirit the more the hawk fought with him.

"Yeah… whatever," Jet repeated in the same tone before picking up his backpack off the ground and exited from the room without another sound.

"Chaos this place has gotten so boring," Scourge grunted, sighing loudly to himself as he sat up. "And I haven't gotten any action since Rouge. Guess it's time to go get Fi back. She's surely past her temper tantrum by now."

Scourge rose, slipping on his shoes and grabbing his bag before he stepped out of the room, not even bothering to lock the door. He strolled casually down the stairs and over to the girl's wing of the dormitory. He craned his head around, scanning the faces of his fellow students, noticing that a lot of familiar faces seemed less content than normal. Scourge hadn't really given it much thought before now but he realized that in the week that had passed since Parent's day everybody seemed quieter. Like there were clouds that had descended over the school and their gloomy atmosphere had effected the students, despite it being hot and sunny.

Scourge lapped up the newfound aura as he made his way back up towards Fiona's room and pushed open the door without knocking first, like he so often did. He knew Fiona's roommates never put up a fuss, especially the pink hedgehog that Scourge new was scared to death of him. He smirked as he entered but as soon as he took a step inside, he froze. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight he had in front of him. The sight of Fiona, snuggling up to some weird, naked guy next to her.

"What the fuck is this?" Scourge cursed as he felt his blood boil in his veins. Fiona and Void's eyes quickly snapped open as they sat up, startled by the sudden intrusion.

"What are you doing here, Scourge?" Fiona asked angrily, covering her bare breasts with her arm.

"I came to get you back but now you're fucking this freak?"

"Wait, this is Scourge? As in the Scourge?" Void asked, piecing the puzzle together in his mind as he finally had the complete picture. He recalled back to the time he first met Fiona after hearing the commotion of her and Scourge's final confrontation back at the jail.

"Yeah, I'm the Scourge. And now you're going to be the dead man," Scourge growled, snarling as he showed some of his razor-sharp teeth. Void clenched the sheets, getting ready for a fight when Fiona placed a hand over his shoulder.

"I'll handle this. Could you give us a minute?" Fiona asked as sweetly as she could.

"Yeah, okay. I've got some stuff I need to take care of. I've been in one place too long already. I'll be back in a couple days," Void remarked before he quickly threw on his clothes, grabbed his duffel bag from its hiding place underneath the vixen's bed and rushed out of the room without even a second glance at the hedgehog that disgusted him.

"Great, now you made him leave," Fiona snarled angrily.

"Why were you fucking that loser?"

"What's it to you. If I remember, you broke up with me, so I can screw whoever I want and there is nothing you can do about it," Fiona retorted bitterly.

"Fi, c'mon. Come back to me."

"That's never gonna happen," she crossed her arms, making up her mind.

"You know what? Fine," he threw up his hands angrily. "You wanna play it that way? Let's play it that way."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see," Scourge smirked before he wrenched open the door and slammed it as hard as he could behind him, rousing the remaining girls in the nearby rooms out of their lazy slumbers. Scourge disregarded all the confused and judgmental glances of girls sticking their heads out of their rooms to catch the commotion and stormed down the hallway, disappearing down the stairwell.

…

I slowly opened my eyes, yawning quietly as I sat up. I scanned my surroundings, surprised by seeing the calm waters of Emerald Lake just in front of me. Surprised to feel the dew morning dew of the blades of grass underfoot or feel the brisk morning air billow through my jumper. I grabbed my hoodie and zipped it up tighter to prevent the prevailing winds from chilling me further.

That's when I heard his voice. The soft snoring of somebody next to me. I swiveled my head to look down upon the shorter body or Ray, sleeping next to me on the little blanket we rolled out. That's when I remembered why I was here. I remember Ray started feeling worse and asking if we could come out here to camp one night. It was quite hot and we didn't have a tent so we just brought some blankets.

I smiled, watching his sleeping figure as I lay a hand on his fragile head, stoking it soothingly as I thought back to what he told me the night before.

"Hey Mighty, can I tell you something?" Ray asked as we lay on our backs, side by side looking up at the majestic twinkling stars that bathed us in their serene light.

"You know you can tell me anything, buddy. I'm always here for you, remember," I replied as I turned my head to face him. He mirrored my movements so we were looking at each other, face to face.

"Well, you know that I haven't really been in the best mindset lately," he began.

"Ray, I know that better than anybody. But I'm trying to help. We can get through this, together."

"Yeah, I know, that's not what I wanted to say," he continued. "It's just that… I'm sad. Like, a lot but whenever I'm with you, it's like I'm a different person. I'm actually happy. You're really the only reason I haven't tried to do… it… again," he admitted. I just lay there, staring at him, unable to really comprehend what he was saying. It was a lot to take in. Like a giant weight was placed onto my shoulders. Well, it was heavier than that, because an entire life was placed on my shoulders. I didn't know what to say. What are you supposed to say when somebody drops a massive bombshell on you like that?

"Don't worry, I'll always be right here. I'm never leaving you," I smiled as I draped my arms around him and brought him in for a hug. We just lay there in an embrace for a bit. I don't know what he was thinking about, but I was too exhausted, both mentally and physically, to say anything else.

"Night," I piped up finally, retreating with my arms and rolling over so that my back faced him. I couldn't see his reaction or his facial expression but I knew it probably wasn't the best response after hearing what he said but I just needed some sleep.

"O-Okay, night," he replied sheepishly.

I continued to run my hand over his head, smiling as I watched him sleep. I knew now that things were changing, and not for the better. However, I had to stay strong. Not just for me anymore, but for the both of us. He needed me.

Mighty sight as his phone beeped again. He hated himself for how he was treating Clove recently, but he didn't know what else to do. He was swamped with schoolwork, most free time he managed to have he spent with Ray, noticing that it was working since he seemed happier recently and the rest of it he spent chilling with Tikal. The one person in his crazy world that understood him. A third party he could vent to and the one person that seemed to take all his stress away. However, these actions were taking their toll on a certain pronghorn that began to feel more and more unappreciated.

Clove: How about tonight?

Mighty: Sorry, I can't tonight. I have a Chemistry prac I need to redo because I missed the lab yesterday since I was sick

Clove: I'm acing Chem atm, maybe I could help you?

Mighty: The professor said I couldn't bring any guests into the lab

Clove: No, it's okay. I get it

Mighty: I'm really sorry. I'm free Friday night if you want to have dinner?

Clove: That's like almost a week away!

Mighty: I know, I know…

Clove: Okay, sure. Let's do it. I just miss you so much

Mighty: I know, me too

Clove: I love you

Mighty: You too Clove.

Mighty sighed, letting the phone slip from his hands. He cursed himself. He hated making Clove so sad but he didn't know what else to do. That's when he felt his phone vibrate.

Ray: We still on for tonight?

Mighty: We only just got back from the lake

Ray: I know but I just thought we could hang out

Mighty: I'm kinda busy tonight

Ray: Oh… okay it's cool. Well can we go back and chill at the lake on Friday again? It was really fun and It's just really nice spending time alone with you. Please?

Mighty: Okay

Mighty growled, pinching himself.

'Why would you say yes?' his mind yelled. He ran his hands through his hair, small strands falling out from the increased stress. He just needed somebody to talk to. Somebody to help him. He picked up his phone and quickly shot out another text.

Mighty: You free to talk?

Tikal: Yeah, sure.

Mighty: Emerald Café, 5 mins?

Tikal: Yep. I'll be there

Mighty: Thanks so much.

Mighty tossed his phone back in his pocket, jumped off the bed and fumbled around as quick as he could, trying to stuff his feet into his shoes that were one size too small.

"You alright?" Sonic asked from the other bed, taking his head out of the glare of his phone.

"Yeah I'm good. Thanks," Mighty replied before grabbing his bag and rushing out of the room.

…

Mephiles lounged around on the old, hidden bench behind the dormitories where he first met Shadow, thinking back on that first fateful memory. He was surprised that it had been a week since his fight with Shadow and hadn't been either contacted by him or taken away by G.U.N agents.

'Shadow must have lied…' he thought, a yearning want filled his body. The building sensation begged his body to go over and approach Shadow and work things out but his heart still hurt. He still couldn't get over Shadow's reaction when he found out about Mephiles' father. He thought he knew Shadow. Apparently not.

"I was told I'd be able to find you here," a voice spoke up from behind Mephiles, rousing him from his position. He sat up, glancing around until he finally laid eyes with her. The pink hedgehog in front of him wore a simple pink top paired with navy blue jeans and determination alight in her eyes.

"Sonia, right? What can I do for you?" He asked, standing up to greet her.

"Hey… we need to talk." Her dour attitude immediately changed the atmosphere surrounding them, indicating something serious.

"Uh, yeah, sure thing," Mephiles replied, gesturing for her to sit down. He sat next to her, head facing hers as he spoke again. "What do you need to talk to me about? If this is about Shadow, I'm not int-"

"It's about us," Sonia cut him off mid-sentence. He gave her a perplexed look, not quite understanding what she was talking about. "About what we did," she continued, alluding to their encounter a few months ago at Elias' big party.

"Encounter…?" he asked, still not fully comprehending her words.

"At Elias' party," he just shrugged his shoulders. Sonia groaned before sighing. "You really can't remember, can you? Well at least that means you didn't use me while drunk."

"Wait… what do you mean by use you?" Mephiles asked, panic rising in his voice as curiosity was replaced with a feeling of dread. "Stop being cryptic and tell me what happened.

"Mephiles… we both got very drunk and one of my friends saw us walking off into one of the private rooms together and-"

"Let me stop you right there," Mephiles interjected. It was now his turn to stop her and explain himself to her. "I don't know what you think. I can't remember much after getting rejected by Shadow but if what you say is true and we did have sex, you need to know, as cruel as this sounds, it meant nothing. Sonia, I'm gay so if you're coming here to ask for a relationship or-"

"No, it's not that," she assured him.

"Then why do you need to tell me about it?" he asked obliviously, still not being able to connect the dots that Sonia laid out for him. What she said next made him freeze. He became short of breath, not being able to fill his lungs enough as he wheezed. A ringing sounded through his ears, causing all other sounds to drown out and make him feel like he had developed tinnitus. His heart began to race and all he could do was stare at her as she repeated herself again.

"Mephiles… I'm pregnant!"

…

Mighty sighed loudly as he blew away the billowing steam from his cup of emerald coffee, taking a sip of the hot liquid after dispelling the heat. Tikal sat opposite him, listening to his frustrations as he vented his feelings to her. Mighty knew he promised Ray that he would never tell anybody, but seeing as Tikal figured it out on her own, he felt more at peace with his actions because of it.

"And I miss Clove heaps but whenever I'm with her I can't help but worry about Ray. It's like he's always in my mind and it's not fair on Clove for me to be so distant," Mighty lamented aloud.

"So, to be less distant you are just not seeing her at all?" Tikal questioned, trying to get a grasp on the story that she had already heard countless times from the stressed armadillo.

"Well when you put it that way…"

"Look Mighty, maybe you should just talk to Clove and let her know what is happening," Tikal offered her advice.

"But I promised Ray that I wouldn't tell anyone. Not even Clove. He made it quite clear," Mighty protested.

"Okay, but you have to understand why she is feeling unappreciated. Look, just make time for her and force yourself to forget about Ray for those times you are with her or else your relationship with her will dwindle and die."

"I'm trying but it's hard because Ray is never not going to be in my head. And I know I shouldn't make time for you as well when I already can't find enough time but I just need to vent because when I get like this it's unfair for me to be even more distant to Clove on the rare occasions we are together," Mighty groaned, the weight of his heavy heart causing him pain.

"Don't worry, I'm always here if you need a chat," Tikal smiled.

"I know, Tikal. Sometimes I think you're the only person keeping me sane at the moment," Mighty replied as he leant over the table and held her in a tight embrace. Tikal hugged back, more than happy to help him out.

However, over on a separate table, watching the two teenagers hug for a long period of time was an envious darkling. He felt his blood boil from jealousy as Mighty and Tikal remained in a hug.

'This is the third time this week I've seen them hugging. She wouldn't be cheating on me… would she?' Eclipse asked himself silently, unable to take his gaze away from his girlfriend and one of his best friends.

"Mighty… I think I might have a solution but… you're not going to like it," Tikal said finally after taking a moment's pause to mull things over inside of her head, breaking the hug.

"Anything. I'm up for anything to help me out without hurting them both more than I already have," Mighty begged.

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Mighty, you're going to have to make a hard decision, but I think it's the only thing that will eventually help both of them and also save yourself because you are getting worse for wear each day."

"What do you mean?"

"You are going to either have to stop helping Ray out as much and let him deal with his problems without you or break up with Clove. The choice is yours…"

…

Scourge grumbled to himself as he stormed through the hallways, descended the steps and emerged into the general lounging area. He needed to get rid of some of this anger and quickly. He could feel it coursing through his veins, the thought of that guy's smug face as he lay next to Fiona.

Scourge eyed the few people sitting and talking in groups on the couch, each one frozen from his abrupt and distracting entrance. That's when he saw just the person he needed to find. Storm clenched his fists and strode up to one of the couches, grabbing a boy's shirt and hauling him up off the couch.

"You need to come with me," he growled, hate in his eyes and small droplets of spittle flung out of his mouth and stained the petrified boy's face.

"Why do you need me?" Tails asked, trying his hardest not to look directly into Scourge's eyes.

"You're a big nerd with computers and stuff, right?"

"I mean I'm good with computers but I wouldn't call myself a-"

"Whatever," Scourge growled as he sat Tails down, interrupting his sentence. "I need you to do some digging for me on somebody."

"And why would I help you?"

"Because if you don't, I'll make you my personal designated punching bag for whenever I need to relieve stress for the entire next term," Scourge smirked, fire dancing in his eyes, almost daring Tails to refuse.

"O-okay, sure," Tails stuttered. "Wh-who do you need me to research?"

"I need you to find everything you can on Void. Start by looking at Central Penitentiary prison records."

…

"So, it's been a week. Your time on that project is ticking down," Mina mentioned casually as she played with her hair while sitting on the vacant seat at one of the tables in the empty café. The sun had already set and everybody had already gone to the cafeteria for dinner. All but Breezie, who was tasked to do final checkup and lockup for the café and Mina who decided to stick around and keep her friend company in her duties.

"You know this would take a lot less time if you stopped gossiping and actually helped me," Breezie grunted as she tallied up the last of the money in the register and made a note of the total.

"Yeah… but it would be a lot less fun," Mina replied before a devious smile crossed her lips. "So, you talked to him about the project yet?"

"Mina, c'mon you know I can't do that to him," Breezie sighed as she grabbed the keys and locked the register for the night.

"And why's that? Because you don't want to spend time with him, which he totally wants, or maybe because you want to fail, which you totally don't want or… or… Oh. My. Chaos," Mina stopped, trying to contain her laughter.

"What? Or what?"

"You don't wanna do it because you're afraid that spending all that time alone with him might make you start liking him!"

"No! What? That's not it at all. As if. Him and I are just best friends and that's all," Breezie argued.

"Sure, you keep telling yourself that. Everything between you two have been different since you finally saw the truth. Have you guys even seen each other since then?" Mina pried further.

"Well… I've just been busy and-"

"So, no?" Mina asked, receiving only a saddening nod from her friend. "So why not ask him to do the project for you. You get an easy A and he gets to spend time with you like he wants. It's a win, win if you ask me."

"Well nobody asked you!" Breezie snapped, slamming her hand down on the table.

"Oh… Mina… I'm so sorry I didn't mean to snap at you like that," Breezie immediately apologized after realizing her sudden outburst. Mina wiped the smile off her face, but didn't move.

"You know what? Maybe next time, when you have some issues you can go to somebody else for advice 'cuz I'm done being the one you run to for help just to get abused," Mina replied bitterly before exiting the café. Breezie slumped down on a desk, groaning aloud as she slapped her forehead with her palm.

"I could've handled that better," she lamented aloud. "But… maybe Mina is right…" Breezie mulled it over in her head. She felt bad about using the knowledge of Spike liking her to her advantage to get him to do her work but she feared getting kicked out more. She didn't want to purposely give off mixed signals to him but she needed this done, and she needed it done quickly while also being able to continue her job at the café.

'Fine then,' she decided. 'It's time to speak to Spike!'

…

Shadow glanced over the pristine, still lake with no ripples other than the small breaks in the smooth surface caused by the easterly winds. He zipped up his black leather jacket tighter, shielding himself from the winds as he bent over and picked up a pebble and chucked it across the lake. It skipped along the surface, not sinking until a few hops.

"Not bad, but I bet I could do better," a voice spoke up from behind Shadow. His instincts kicked in as he quickly turned, shooting out his arm and grabbing the forearm of the person behind him, twisting it behind the intruder's back.

"Ouch, dude what the fuck?" Knuckles cried out in anguish, trying to wrench his arm free from Shadow's grasp. He immediately stepped back, apologizing profusely for his actions.

"Sorry… sometimes my training just takes over… maybe don't sneak up on me when I'm out on my own next time," Shadow replied dully, hiding his embarrassment from the frustrated echidna.

"Whatever," Knuckles snorted, crossing his arms over his chest.

"What are you doing out here anyway?"

"Well, I kinda wanted to see you," Knuckles admitted. Shadow raised a curious eyebrow.

"You want to see me?" He asked, skepticism lacing his voice.

"You're like a spy for that secret organization thing, right?"

"Yeah," Shadow replied with a weary tone.

"So, you can get access to like super government computers to find things normal people can, right?"

"I guess so…"

"So, can you do me a huge favour?"

"Just spit it out," Shadow sighed, fed up with Knuckles' dodging the crux of the matter.

"Can you help me find out who my brother is?" Knuckles blurted it out, taking Shadow completely by surprise. He didn't know what to say, how to respond.

"You have a brother?" Shadow repeated, not believing the words. "Since when? You were always an only child. Always."

"Yeah well… about that…" Knuckles began, explaining his conversation with his father the week prior and how he had become aware of the night his father cheated on his mother and apparently help conceive another child who is now attending the same campus.

"Let me get this straight. You have a half-brother who you've never met and only just learnt about and apparently he is attending this school, also probably either in this year or the one below us," Shadow repeated aloud, trying to make sure he had all the facts.

"Pretty much."

"Well… that's very convenient," Shadow chuckled, earning a scowl from Knuckles.

"Are you going to help me or not?" He asked again, more forcefully this time.

"Sure, why not. I know what it's like to lose a sibling. I'll be able to take a look over the break and I'll get back to you when we come back next term. Cool?"

"Cool," Knuckles nodded. "Oh, and Shadow…" Knuckles called out as he turned to walk away, giving the hedgehog the solitude that he loved. "Thanks. This means a lot."

"Don't go getting used to it," Shadow responded and turned his head back to the lake, letting a small smile cross his lips as he did.

…

"Are you sure that's what you saw?" Clove asked, trying to stay the responsible one and not get carried away like her other roommates were.

"Yeah, I saw her get some money from her parents," Blaze nodded in response, sitting on the bottom bed next to Clove.

"Well that's crap because that girl has been using me for money saying her parents have been cut off and that she has been getting robbed and shit like that," Amy piped up from the bed opposite them, clearly getting worked up over the affair.

"I know, she did the same to me," Clove breathed, just trying to understand what was going on.

"So we're all agreed then?" Blaze asked.

"When she walks in we get her to tell us what is really going on," Amy yelled, narrowing her eyes.

"Yes, but in a nice way," Clove added. "We think she might be taking advantage of us but what if she is in some serious trouble? We can't rule out all the possibilities until we get her side of the story."

"Fine. When she walks in that door we-" Amy continued until she was cut off but the sound of a set of jingly keys being inserted into the stubborn lock. The sound of a lock clicking filled the air before the door creaked open and Cosmo stepped daintily inside.

"Oh, hey girls. What are you all doing here? I didn't miss out on another gossip sesh, did I?" She asked obliviously.

"Cosmo, come sit down," Clove began in a controlled manor, not letting any anger escape her mouth and sully her words.

"O-Okay," Cosmo replied, slightly cautious as she dropped her bags and sat down on the bed next to Amy, who skidded a few centimeters away from her. Cosmo frowned, the movement not lost on her. "So, what's this all about. Is this like an intervention or something?" She laughed, trying to lighten the mood with a joke but suddenly her heart sank in her stomach when she noticed Clove and Blaze give tentative glances at each other.

"Well…" Clove said.

"Are you kidding me? What for? You know I don't drink or smoke or-" Cosmo complained.

"It's about you stealing money from us and lying to us about your parents and the robbing and all that shit," Amy exploded, interrupting her as she couldn't keep it in any longer.

"What do you mean? I told you that I had my things stolen and that my mum had cut me off," Cosmo shot back defensively.

"Cosmo… we know that isn't true," Blaze finally spoke. She was never one for confrontation but knew this behaviour from her friend couldn't continue any longer. "I saw you and your mother on Parent's day. She handed you some money and hugged you. This lie needs to stop."

"If anything is happening then let us help you," Clove added.

"Yeah, and we can all be friends again as long as you stop thinking we are suckers," Amy concluded. Cosmo looked between the three girls, who exchanged hopeful glances before she stood up.

"Are you fucking kidding!" Cosmo bellowed. Blaze frowned, hoping beyond hope that this wouldn't be the reaction.

"No, we are not," Amy stood up to challenge the seedrian, having been swindled out of the most money by Cosmo. Clove frowned too, scared that this would have been the outcome.

"I never lied. My mum did cut me off and my stuff did get stolen," she stared daggers at Amy, their faces barely apart.

"Well then why did Blaze see your mother give you money?"

"She must have lied!"

"Why?"

"I don't know why!"

"Cosmo… I did see you and you-" Blaze tried to explain calmly but was interrupted again by the seedrian.

"No, save it Blaze. I don't need to hear it. I don't need this. I thought we were friends, I thought friends helped each other out but I guess not. I'm outta here," Cosmo growled before storming out of the room, grabbing her bag off the ground before leaving.

The room grew silent after the loud slam of the door as Amy sat back down, gathering her lost composure and shooting an apologetic glance at the two girls opposite her.

"Well… that could have gone better," Clove concluded facetiously as silence descended the room.

…

Sonic and Sally sat out on top of a picnic blanket, lying on their backs and staring up at the many shimmering constellations that dotted the night sky.

"And if you follow along from that one and go up a bit, you can see Orion's belt," Sonic explained as he raised his arm up and traced the sky to aid Sally.

"Wow, since when do you know so much about stars and constellations and stuff?" Sally asked, surprised to learn more about her long time friend.

"Ever wondered why I was so late to the dance last semester?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah but I remember you telling me why before," Sally replied.

"True, but I left out a crucial part. Normally I go for a jog to clear my head or to think things over but that's not entirely true. You see, halfway through I like to take a break and just lie back and stare up at the sky."

"Why?"

"Well it helps put my problems into perspective," Sonic began. "Think about it. I have these stupid dating problems and then I look up and see these tiny dots in the sky. Each one of them, no more than about ten thousand that we can see, is basically an incandescent body millions of miles away that was an exploding ball of gas. Most of them much, much bigger than our sun. It just shows how small our sun is compared to the universe, and our sun is still so much bigger than our planet, which is so much bigger than us. It really dwarfs my problems and puts my mind at ease when I think about it," Sonic concluded.

"Wow… I always knew you were such a dork," Sally giggled.

"Hey…"

"No, it's really cool that you are so passionate about this. Chicks dig that, y'know," Sally winked. "What's that one?" Sonic followed her arm upwards until he spotted what she was referring too.

"I think that's Spica, one of the brightest stars that we can see."

"Did you say Sonia?" Sally asked, bewildered that his sister had a star named after her.

"No, Spica," Sonic chuckled until a dreary mood was cast on him.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Sally asked. "Is this still about her being pregnant? Look I'm sure everything is going to turn out fine," Sally assured him.

"That all depends on Mephiles," Sonic sighed. "Manic and I tried to go give him a piece of our mind, y'know, to make sure that he will support Sonia and be serious about this baby but she made us promise her that we wouldn't do anything until she first broke the news to her."

"She should be the one to tell him this. As much as you might be pissed off with him, he has a right to hear it from her. This will be almost as hard for him as it will be for her, assuming he agrees to help her raise it," Sally tried to defend the absent hedgehog.

"Yeah but you don't understand how hard it is to sleep in the same room as him. Every time I look at him I just think at how he ruined my sister's life, the same one who only just came into my life. It's been a week and still Sonia hasn't told him."

"Well, how about you do something to keep your mind off it?" Sally suggested.

"Like what, Sal? It seems nothing helps me right now. I just feel so bad for her."

"What about Amy?" Sonic sat up, his body rigid as he looked at her. "Oh don't act like that. You think I don't see the way you too look at each other and act when I see you two hanging out."

"You know about that."

"Sonic… if you like her then you should ask her out," Sally encouraged him.

"But she is your ex… and also my ex I guess… wouldn't it just cause a rift between us. I don't want to lose you again," Sonic sighed, deep in thought.

"Sonic… look at me," Sally urged, placing a soft hand on his cheek and spinning his head so that his shimmering emerald eyes stared deep into hers. "I know things have been a bit complicated between us recently and that's my fault but you are my best friend. Always have been and always will be. We only grew apart because of things out of our control but now that we are back together, I won't let anything tear us apart again. If you like her, go ask her out and be happy, for the both of us," Sally smiled.

"You really are the best, aren't you," Sonic returned the smile as he pulled her in for a long, tight hug.

"And you really are a dork, aren't you," Sally laughed, punching his arm lightly.

"But I'm your dork."

"My dork who should go be with Amy now."

"But what about our stargazing?"

"The stars will be here another night, and so will I. Now go be a man for once," Sally laughed. Sonic gave her one last hug, thanking her over and over as he jumped up and bounded away at the speeds he was known for.

'You're doing the right thing Sally…' she thought to herself as she stared up at the sky, taking Sonic's advice and trying to make her problems seem insignificant as a stray tear began to roll down her cheek. 'If they are happy, you will be too…'

…

"It's been far too long," Julie-Su smiled to her companion as she cut into her steak, the bustling sounds of the cafeteria drowning out most of what she said.

"Yeah, it has. I feel like we haven't hung out at all since that time we ran into each other. Not like last semester when we saw each other three times a week," Spike laughed, trying hard to not let the conversation with Julie have any awkward pauses.

"I miss my little Chem buddy," Julie laughed as she stuck another forkful of food down her gullet, her appetite taking control of her actions as her stomach gurgled, begging for more food.

"Somebody is hungry," Spike chuckled, noticing that she had almost finished her whole meal before he was even half way through. "Normally I'm the fast eater in the group.

"Oh my Chaos, I didn't even realize," Julie gasped, a shade of crimson flushing her cheeks as her embarrassment took over. "I haven't eaten all day and I guess I'm just really hungry.

"No, it's cool. I don't mind at all. It's nice not to finish first for once," Spike let out another laugh, just relieved that he was finally spending some time with Julie again after what had felt like forever. "So, where's Knuckles. I was half expecting you to show up with him."

"Really? You didn't invite him to so why would I bring him?"

"You clearly don't know Mighty and Clove very well. Although to be honest I think something might be going on between those two," Spike lowered his voice slightly as he glanced around the room, scanning the faces to make sure his close friends couldn't hear him.

"Well I'm not like them, you should know that. And besides, Knuckles is off sorting out his own things. He's been a bit weird lately, ever since his dad came and told him… well never mind that, what do you mean Mighty and Clove? Is there trouble in paradise?" Julie smirked, not normally one for gossip but when it was about the, as their friends often referred to the two as, the power couple, she couldn't resist.

"Yeah, apparently Clove was complaining about it to Tikal who told Eclipse who told Silver who told Blaze who told Amy who told who told Sonic who told Sonia who told Manic who told Mina who told Breezie who told me," Spike spewed out his words, listing the names off his finger.

"Spike, all you needed to say was Love complained and it got around. I know how gossip works," she stifled a laugh. "But that's kinda concerning. I always bet on those two to last until university."

"Yeah, but sometimes the people who think they love somebody just turn out to be wrong and actually like other people instead," Spike lamented as his eyes trained on a certain girl who had just walked into the cafeteria. His eyes followed her over to the end of the line when Julie snapped her fingers, bringing him back into reality.

"You alright there, Spike? You left me for a second. Is this about Breezie again?" Julie sighed as she followed his gaze over until she spotted the girl in question receiving her food.

"Yeah," he sighed. "I still love her but all she ever sees me as is her best friend. I'm like a brother to her," he frowned.

"I'm sure you'll get her eventually."

"You really think?" Julie nodded. "Well she did ask me to help her do this big project with her today. We are meeting in a couple days to get started. Think about it. Just me and her, alone for hours upon hours."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Julie rose an eyebrow skeptically as she glanced back at the hedgehog. "She could just be using you because you have a high grade or something."

"C'mon Julie, Breezie isn't like that. Besides, she doesn't even know that I love her."

"Really? No girl is that clueless."

"Well apparently she is," Spike sighed again for what felt like the third time in the same number of minutes.

"Well, just don't let her take advantage of you, okay? I don't want anything bad to happen to my little Spikey," Julie giggled as she ruffled her hand through his hair.

"Yeah, yeah, okay mother," he smirked back playfully before the two returned to their meals, changing the topic of conversation entirely.

…

Silver walked over and grabbed the metal chain that sat on the left side of the window and began to pull it downwards, watching as the blinds fell from their roll above to window to cover it.

"What are you doing? I thought we all agreed that we liked the natural light to wake us up?" Eclipse complained as he pulled off his top and removed his trousers, standing in the middle of the room with only his boxers on.

"Yeah but none of us have to be anywhere tomorrow morning so I thought that maybe we could enjoy a sleep in for once," Silver shot back.

"I don't care what we do but can you guys please be quiet. I'm so tired," Espio moaned from the top bunk, grabbing his pillow and flinging it over his head to block out the noise.

"Maybe we should keep it down a bit," Eclipse whispered.

"Yeah whatever, like he deserves anything from me," Silver glared back at the motionless chameleon who was trying his hardest to get some shut eye.

"I really think you are holding onto this grudge for far too long. It's been three months, maybe you should give the guy a break. He made a mistake but he's paid for it in spades," Eclipse spoke softly, keeping his voice down as he dived under the covers, wrapping himself up in their comfortable warmth.

"Yeah but Blaze hasn't forgiven him either, so why should I?" Silver replied as he too removed his tracksuit pants and vermillion shirt before slipping on his more comfortable, black space-themed shirt.

"Because he's your roommate," Eclipse offered as he watched Silver hop into his own bed and pull up his covers.

"Yeah but still…" Silver grumbled.

"But…" Eclipse began, glancing up to make sure Espio was asleep and only continued once he heard the purple chameleon's rhythmic breathing. "Speaking of Blaze, how is the whole you and her going?"

"I wish I had a good answer," Silver let out a long, drawn out sigh as the feelings of guilt and love flooded him.

"Is this still about Breezie," Eclipse rolled his eyes, honestly a little fed up with having the same conversation week after week but indulged his stressed friend.

"I just… I don't know. I love Blaze, I have for a long time before she asked me out and ever since she returned we have had a lot of fun together but… something doesn't feel right. Ever since Breezie came back into my life something has felt off with me and Blaze," he lamented.

"Well, let me solve this for you once and for all," Eclipse decided, sitting up to rest his back against the wall.

"How to you plan to do that when I don't even know myself?"

"Well, who is the last person you talk to when you go to bed?"

"You," Silver smirked.

"Okay I don't need these snide remarks. I mean like text."

"Blaze."

"And who is the last person you think of before you drift off to sleep?"

"…"

"Silver, I need you to say it out loud for this exercise to work. Have a little faith in me and just trust me. I promise I won't tell anybody."

"Okay, okay… Breezie," Silver admitted.

"Good. Now, when you wake up, apart from me, who is the first person you talk to?"

"Blaze."

"Now who is the first person you go see?"

"Well, technically that's an unfair question because I always go and get my morning coffee at the café and Breezie works there," Silver complained.

"True, but when I first met you, you weren't a coffee drinker. You've only become one recently. Why's that?" Silver said nothing, remaining silent until Eclipse pressed further.

"Fine, I admit it. I only started going to the café because Breezie works there and I want to see her more but she has been avoiding me ever since I chose Blaze. Are you happy now?" Silver exploded.

"Yes, because don't you see? You answered Blaze all the time, but in reality, Breezie was what your heart was trying to tell you." Silver froze, only just realizing the truth.

"But I still love Blaze. With all my heart," Silver complained, not wanting to believe what his own subconscious was telling him.

"But you've fallen in love with Breezie all over again, haven't you?"

"…yes, yes I did. I don't know what to do. I don't think I can find it in my heart to leave Blaze."

"But you can't be with Breezie unless you do. Maybe you and Blaze were just meant to be best friends while you and Breezie were meant to be more?"

"I… I… I…" Silver mumbled, trying to break through the fog surrounding his mind to think clearly when the answer suddenly flew out of his heart, emanating from his throat before he even realized what he was saying. "I love Breezie."

"Well, there you go."

"So, I should ask her out and go back to being best friends with Blaze… shouldn't I?"

"That's your choice buddy, only you can make that," Eclipse yawned as he lay back down, pleased with himself for helping his friend finally get to the same conclusion that Eclipse had made weeks ago.

"Blaze is going to be so mad when I tell her," Silver sighed.

"Well it'll all be okay. Well… I guess Spike is your one problem."

"What do you mean Spike?" Silver cocked his head, confused. "Sure, he loves Breezie but she only sees him as a best friend so he will be no competition.

"Spike knows that you had sex with Breezie while still dating Blaze."

"Well… I guess I just have to make sure that Spike never finds out after I ask Breezie out…"

…

Sonic didn't stop until he reached the dorm. He felt the cool, evening breeze whip through his quills but didn't care. He didn't want to miss his opportunity, ore more importantly, didn't want to let the calculating part of his mind try to convince him that this was a bad idea.

He rushed up the stairs, not bothering to weight for the elevator taking two steps at a time until he emerged on her floor. He acted slightly more cautious, noting that it was past the time where boys were allowed in the girl's part of the dormitory but he knew he couldn't wait until morning. He knew he would have talked himself out of it by then. He tiptoed down the hall until he came to the familiar door and wracked his knuckles against it.

"What do you want?" A tired, yawning violet feline answered the door, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Whoever it is can you tell them to come back later. It is way passed curfew and I need to get up really early tomorrow," an annoyed pronghorn sounded from her bed.

"Sorry Clove," Sonic called from the door. Amy suddenly froze in her bed, sitting up in a flash as she looked towards the door, wondering if it was just her mind playing tricks on her or if she really did hear his voice.

"Oh, Sonic, what are you doing here?" Blaze asked. Before Sonic had time to open her mouth, Amy was already at the door, shoving Blaze out of the way.

"Don't worry, I got this. You guys go back to sleep I'll make sure we're quiet," Amy called back to her roommates, as she slipped out into the hall, still in her pajamas and closed the door with her foot.

"She could have done that nicer," Blaze complained angrily as she trotted back to bed.

"Why don't you take your own advice next time you try to accuse me of something," Cosmo piped up from her bed, still having not forgiven them for their accusations earlier, however true they might have been.

"Guys come on, I'm so tired can we do this later," Clove whined. Cosmo and Blaze both grunted before letting themselves fall back asleep. Meanwhile, Sonic and Amy began to chat quietly out in the hallway.

"So why are you here?" Amy began curiously.

"I just needed to ask you something?" Sonic replied, slightly flustered as he tried to catch his breath from sprinting all the way over to her dorm.

"You know you can ask or tell me anything, Sonic," Amy assured him, smiling up at her with her glistening eyes. Sonic felt his chest go tight and his knees grow slightly weaker, surprised that she still had that effect on him at all after all this time.

"I-I-I was just wondering if… y'know, since we have gotten so close recently and you've shown that you have become such a different person. You have changed for the better and Sally told me what you said to her and after the whole Tails incident thing… maybe, sorta, kinda, possibly… you might like to go-"

"Yes," Amy interrupted him eagerly as she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she closed her eyes and closed the gap between the two. Sonic's eyes flew open, surprised by the sudden response but gradually let himself give in to the passionate kiss as he pushed back against her, letting his hands fall on her hips. After a few moments, the two finally pulled apart.

"So, does this mean we are official… again?" Sonic asked sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Only if you want us to be."

"Yes. Yes, I do," Sonic replied confidently.

"Then we are official," Amy cheered as once again she closed the gap between them and crashed her lips against his relishing in every moment.

…

Under the cover of darkness, Tails had snuck into Gold's office after she had left for the evening and logged onto her computer. After what felt like hours of digging, he finally discovered something. The true reason Void was in jail.

"No way! This can't be true…"

A/N: Amy and Sonic are official! It finally happened. After breaking up back in chapter 1 of story 1, over 30 chapters ago, they are back together. But will it last this time or will Fiona and her vengeance plan rear her ugly head? Also, what did Tails find out about Void? Why did he go to jail and did he really escap ejust to be with Fiona or does he have a secret agenda? Find out soon...

Poor idiotic Mighty, pushing away your girlfriend to help your bestfriend who you are also starting to push away to avoid insanity? If only the one person you are finding sollace in doesn't have a boyfriend who is growing increasingly jealous. With tensions rising and an ultimatum laid out in front of him, will Mighty make a choice or will things explode in his and all those around him's faces.

Cosmo, Cosmo, Cosmo... what are you hiding? Is this secret worth losing all your friends over? And now that the truth is finally out there about Sonia and her baby, what will Mephiles do?

Silver has finally accepted that he does still love Breezie. A lot. But can he leave Blaze, and will Spike throw a spanner in the works thanks to his secret knoledge of Silver's mishap back at Elias' party? And speaking of Spike and Breezie, it looks like Breezie is going through with her plan. Will this finally be the thing to break her friendship with Spike or will something else happen?

And finally, Shadow had agreed to help Knuckles find his long lost sibling. But who could it be? Keep those theories coming and if you liked the story, please leave a review. Or let me know if you've been here from the start, it's always nice to hear from you. And until tomorrow, have a great day :)

Next time on SH:EL

Now that Sonia has talked to Mephiles, it's time for Manic and Sonic to act

Razor delivers some horrible news to Tikal

Ray offers help to a desperate Espio

Shadow and Mephiles finally have their first confrontation since the breakup

...And after managing to avoid him since right after the party, Cream has a fated run-in with Jet

All this and so much more, next time on Chapter 26: Setting Things Right