Hello!

Well, this has been quite a trip. I didn't realize, over 5 years ago, that I would be here now. Not only in life, but also in this story. I have a hard time with investing into and finishing things, in general, and to see this... well, it's special to me. I hope that this has been something you have enjoyed, and I really am interested if you would like to see something else in the future.

I can't see myself doing another Sonic fanfic though, and I'll be working on finishing my other stories in the meantime.

I'd like to thank those who have followed both myself and this story. Thank you especailly to HazeHero, Kevin, NoOneExpectsDarkBrotherhood, Tails0244, WingedCat5, Wynnicks, demonblaze857, skiethemuse, slycooper972, ultragreenyellow56, AnonWhoLikeToRead and wolfking51000

Seeing your enjoyment has made it a whole lot easier to continue on with this story, especially with the mess it's become XD

Sincerely,

Gatekeeper

Chapter 23: Of Beginnings, Endings, and Chance Encounters

3 Months Later, Metropolis Eastern Park, 2:00 PM

Eggman sat in front of a bronze statue, his slim frame covered in a dark grey suit and jacket.

"It won't be too long now till Clank is recovered fully, he's already itching to get back to the car shop." He said, addressing the statue. He had a small smile on his face, content to ramble on. "I don't think he realizes how much he'll have to compete with Adeline, since she's started staying here in Metropolis more often. I'm sure Clink will keep them both in line, somehow."

He sighed. "...I can't believe it's already been about 3 months since the trial. I also can't believe that Clank was able to rescue my data files, or anything for that matter. I might still be held at the Royal Laboratory working on the portal to the Secret Zone."

He laughed, and rubbed his neck, before hearing the clink of metal against his cheek. He looked over to see the Tele-Cuff blink back at him, and grimaced.

"Well... I might still be a captive, anyway. Did I tell you they pushed back the trial again? I'm not surprised but... I'd rather they make a decision. I've done all that I could, for now and with the tools they'll allow me, anyway. But between this and death? Well, I'm just glad Vanilla was able to speak up."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Couldn't have imagined her doing that though, it was very brave of her."

He sighed again, and leaned forward while rubbing his face with his hands. "...I still miss you Snivley. Everyday I still wonder, what might have been different had I never decided to betray King Acorn. I think it will haunt me to the end of my days."

He sat in silence for awhile, absorbed in his thoughts.

A cough erupted from behind him. "Is this seat taken?"

Eggman spun around and almost fell over from the sudden movement. Standing behind him was a ragged looking individual, a red-colored rabbit with a re-stitched green backpack and a easy going smile on a dusty looking face.

Eggman felt like he had seen the individual beforehand, but couldn't quite place it. "No, not at all!" he said quickly, recovering his wits. He moved over and waved a hand to the stranger. "Please, take a seat. Some company would be nice right now."

A crooked grin overtook the strangers face as he moved to the front of the bench. "I'd be happy to oblige." he said as he sunk onto the smooth metal seat. He let out a groan of satisfaction and started rummaging through the bag.

Eggman looked over in curiosity. "You've seem to have walked far, are you from out of town?"

The stranger gave a small, sad smile and looked over at Eggman. "You could say that." he said softly. "I'm from here originally, but I've been out of town for... well, a long time."

Gears started to turn in Eggman's head, and his curiosity got the better of him. "How long, may I ask? And what brings you back?"

"Well..." the rabbit said, still rummaging through the bag. "If you believe me, I was out of town before this statue here was put up. What brings me back?" His hands stilled and a smile overcame his face. From the bag, he gently pulled out a long wooden box and cradled it gently. He smiled warmly at the box before continuing. "To finally give this box to someone very dear to me, if they'll have me."

"If?" Eggman asked. "Sounds like a great deal of effort to spend on an 'if'."

"It most definitely is." agreed the stranger. "But it's just about right for what I put her through." he remarked as he opened the box slightly, allowing a glimpse of packaging.

"Oh?" Eggman queried. "So was it worth being gone for a decade or more? Sounds like a long time for someone to wait."

The rabbit frowned. "I... I don't think so, no. But... well, things happened and I can only hope."

Eggman grew concerned. "Hope for what?"

The rabbit grew more tense. "That... that she'll remember me... that she'll still want me... I, I've missed her so much but what...what if..."

Eggman could see the rabbit start to panic and shake. He reached out a hand and steadied the poor fellow.

"Breathe man! Breathe! Focus on the here and now." He kept his hand there until the stranger visibly calmed down.

With a deep breathe, the stranger straightened again. "Thank you, I needed that. I'm... really nervous about all this. I don't know what I'll do if things have changed between us."

Eggman gave a smile and patted the rabbits back. "I'm sure it'll work out well. If I may, just what do you have to give this girl of yours?"

The strangers eyes lit up and a grin almost split his face again. "A masterpiece, that's what! Here, let me show you. Since you've been so kind I figure it's the least I can do."

The rabbit laid the box almost reverently between the two of them and slid out the cover, revealing a multitude of wrappings. With a gentle touch the wrapping started coming undone as the rabbit started talking again.

"I've been saving this for a long, long time. It was a promise I made with her, my wife that is. I took the last batch of wine I had made, I'm a vintner by trade you see, and saved a bottle to take with me. I've been aging it in this oak box and I'd present it to her when I see her again. At least... well, we'll see how it goes, right?"

Eggman's eyes opened as the last of the wrapping was peeled away, revealing a glass wine bottle filled with an almost translucent pink beverage.

And pieces started to click together.

Eggman looked over the figure, who began packing away the bottle and sliding it back into the bag. "That... wouldn't happen to have been peach wine, would it?" He asked, anticipation filling him

The rabbit looked a little stunned but quickly recovered with a grin. "Indeed! You've got a keen eye!"

They stayed in silence for a little as the rabbit fixed back his bag. Eggman studied him some more before asking another question. "So, do you happen to have a plan to find your wife?"

The rabbit fidgeted for a while before responding. "Well, best I got is to see if she hasn't left our old home. But... well, with so much changing I wouldn't be surprised if she had moved. I could try finding a phone record, but I wouldn't know if our old number would even still work. It's not much but... well, I'll think of it as a grand adventure till I see her again."

Eggman was doing his best not to let his anticipation get the best of him, but it was rather difficult. He reflected briefly on what the rabbit had said, before responding.

"I've found that, while adventures seem more exciting, I've found a great deal of success more by the chance encounters of daily life." he said with a smile.

Eggman stuck out a hand. "My name's Ivo, by the way."

The rabbit took it and shook it hard. "Where are my manners! Name's Riesling the Rabbit, pleased to meet you."

Eggman's face split into a grin so wide it seemed to separate his mustache in two.

"Good to meet you Riesling. If you don't mind I could give you a ride. It would be my pleasure."

Riesling was taken back, before relaxing with a smile. "Normally, I'd decline but I just walked for 6 hours. I'd be glad for a ride. I'll give you the address if you have a map."

Eggman clapped him on the shoulder and chuckled a bit, rising from the bench while beckoning for Riesling to follow. "I don't need the address Mr. Riesling, and I think you'll find the world here is a lot smaller than it was when you left."