Knuckles ran straight to the Master Emerald shrine. Everything was intact, just as Knuckles predicted.
I knew she wouldn't sell it. He marched over to his home and knocked on the front door. No answer. Then, a discovered a note attached to the door's welcome mat:
"To whom it may concern, I have fled to the comfort of my friends."
-Rouge
So, Rouge and Amethyst took off, eh? No problem, I'll just go get them… As Knuckles train of thought trailed off, a sight caught his eyes. Blood was everywhere, and it was old. Some futile attempts at washing it off appeared to have been made, but besides that, it appeared untouched.
Knuckles walked over and set a hand to the red crust. It felt odd, touching blood that you caused to splatter. Maybe everyone was right? Maybe he had Anger Management issues. Does this mean… that he was wrong?
"It's hard to deal with the truth…" A voice called from behind. Knuckles spun around, in shock at which he saw. There, in front of his own eyes, stood Tikal. Her ancient garb was bloodied and her soft eyes glared at Knuckles.
"How dare you… showing your face around here…" Tikal said sternly. Her behavior was odd, much unlike Tikal.
Knuckles bowed his head, "Forgive me…"
Tikal's eyes softened, "I shall forgive thee under but one circumstance."
"And that is?"
"To make amends with those you have injured and wrongly done in the past."
Knuckles winced at this request, but nodded. He then took off in a glide towards Station Square.
"Have a nice rest?" Cream asked cheerfully. She'd been released from the hospital now and only had to take a medication now, and that's only for one more week.
Rouge nodded and continued with her breakfast. Chocolate chip pancakes were Cream's specialty. After being taught to cook from Amy, she was a chef, but only did she practice simple and child friendly meals. This suited Amethyst, but Rouge was slightly sick of it.
Amethyst sat in her chair, arranging the chips on her pancake to make a happy face. After this was done she frowned, "Mommy… I gave the pancake a life.. I can't eat him anymore…"
Rouge looked at her daughter and then pulled out a camera, "I'll take a picture of him to remember by, okay? Besides, he wants to be eaten."
"Really?"
"Yes sweetie, it's his dream."
"Oh! Okay! One picture then I'll let him finish his dream!"
Cream couldn't help but wonder where Rouge got such good motherly intuition. Was it natural? Who knew?
After the photo was taken, Amethyst waved good-bye to Mr. Pancake as she devoured it. Her speed at eating cased Rouge and Cream to eyes her questionably.
Amethyst answered plainly, "I wanted to do it as quick and painless as possible!" She smiled.
Both started to laugh and Amethyst looked on, emitting a giggle herself.
Just then, a knock sounded off the door. Cream jumped over to answer, "Hello ther---" She froze, then let out a shriek as she leaped away.
Rouge ran over to see what it was about when she too, screamed and dove away. The only brave one was Amethyst, who ran up to the door and hugged the one outside it, "Daddy!"
Knuckles managed a smile as he looked down at his daughter, the one whom he had abused so viciously. Despite that, she still obviously loved him, offering him a big, Saturday morning hug.
Rouge dove towards the door and pulled Amethyst back, "Sweetie… go into the other room…"
"But---"
"Now!"
Amethyst ran into the back room, followed by Cream.
Rouge and Knuckles stared hard at each other, but then Rouge stopped. She had expected a glare, an insult, or anything except what she saw. What she saw, she'd NEVER seen in Knuckles' face before: tears.
"Knuckles? Are you crying?" Rouge asked suddenly.
Just then, Knuckles fell to his knees, bawling like a baby, "Oh Rouge! I'm such a terrible man! The things I've put you and our poor innocent daughter were unacceptable! I have nothing more to live for without you! Please! I'm a sick bastard! And I need help!"
Rouge was in shock, "Well… I could of told you all that…" She bent down and set her hand on his head and pulled him up, her face now stern, "Come on! Is this little baby really the Knuckles I fell in love with? You make me sick!"
Knuckles stood back up, "Rouge… please… Words cannot express my apologizes… Hell, I'd sell the Master Emerald if I could make it up to you!"
Rouge blinked, "Really?"
"Well… no… but I would do something drastic!"
Rouge thought a moment, then smiled, "Aw… come here you big lug!" She wrapped her arms around him, "Now, all you need is a good psychiatrist!"
They both stood in silence, as Rouge now thanked the heaven that once again she can hold onto her beloved.
The End
Very Small
Very Short
Very Sweet
In Dedication
To The Fact
That The Evil Fox Broadcasting Network
Cancelled the Sonic X season final
%&$&$!
Wishes are Eternal